[Chas]

I have been passionate and interested in wildlife for as long as I can remember........about 52 years, I am 57. I do not claim to be an expert in anything but after a lifetime of taking note you do learn quite a lot. I have to say that I always try to avoid the twitching experience where there is usually a crowd which to me is totally alien to the quiet wildlife experience. I really can not abide what used to be called the green wellie brigade so I normally keep well away.
Late last year I did "crack" and with some trepidation made a visit to Bowling Green Marsh hide in Topsham Devon as there had been reports of a few birds that I quite fancied having a look at. When I had been there for 10 minutes or so I engaged in conversation about the various birds in front of the hide, the couple there with me were interested but knew nothing about ID so I was trying to help. After a while we were joined by a another couple armed with the Green Wellies and all the gear who prompty said "Would you shut up talking, I am trying to watch the birds" I was horified and promptly left followed by the couple, So what is the protocol was he in the right, was I wrong to speak, or was he the pretentious ignorant xxxxxxx that I think he was. Incidentally there was absolutely no disturbance to the birds who were very relaxed and restful as you would expect. Oh, and I havn't been back since!!!!