Red Backed Shrike

[Chas]

I took this photograph of an extremely rare bird, too rare to even divulge it's location but I thought this posting may open a sensible debate about the perception of us all as Bird photographers. This bird is holding territory and defending it against all comers, Kestrel, Crows and Magpies for example (all observed), not to mention another Red Backed Shrike which I personally saw it chase from it's territory. It is catching food voraciously including lizards and young fledgling willow warblers.(observed). Make of this what you will but the implications of this are very exciting and if you really care about birds as I do then the well being of the bird should be of paramount importance above all other considerations.
I spent a distressing hour with a retired Forestry commission conservation officer who described the dangers to the bird as mainly being from egg collectors and Bird Photographers. People at the opposite ends of the scale of acceptability but never the less equally as damaging to the bird, and other rare birds that they encounter. He described how he had personally seen "people with long lenses" wading into the midst of the bird's territory to get as close as possible to get "that" shot.
So I really think we all know what we should do and how we should behave and I beg and implore you that if you know of this bird and it's whereabouts then please, please stick to the path and just be as excited as I am, from a sensible distance. All the time the bird is up in view and defending it's territory from your presence it is not catching the prey that it requires. So as soon as it starts to scold you, turn and walk away because you are too close and will cause untold amounts of damage. From time to time, if you stay your distance it will come within good photographic range.It is a schedule 1 bird and perhaps everyone should check the law as heavy fines could be imposed. What I am saying about this bird probably applies to lots of others and the Conservation Officer's opinions seemed to suggest that a small minority of us have come to their interest of birds as photographers first and have little or no understanding of their subject other than the photogenic aspect. There does appear to be an obsession to get that crystal clear shot of every feather vein, and I must confess to falling into this trap myself. I really am not trying to upset anyone or be controversial, I just want the very best for this particular bird and others and there is a very thin dividing line between acceptability and damaging behaviour.
Finally it is quite worrying that the Conservation professional sees the advent of digital photography as a real threat to the successful breeding of UK's rarer birds.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Good advice chas. Only having an FZ7 (and not too much cropping avalible) Ive often had to fight the temptation to get that bit closer. When it comes to common adult birds I encounter in my normal haunts dont tend to show much concern, since in these places the birds are scared off every 10mins by dogs anyway but I will go towards the bird until they do that 'flinchy thing' when they think about flying and I'll freeze an not go any further. But when it comes to birds with young (or if I ever come across a rare bird- maybe one day!) I obviously take extra care.

[rlchew]

You make some good points there Chas on issues that should be of concern to us all.

I enjoy my wildlife photography as I am sure many WAB members do but there is one golden rule that all photographers should adhere to .... the welfare of the subject (common or rare) should always, without exception, come first.

I hope your Red-backed Shrike continues to thrive without disturbance.

Richard

[Chas]

Thanks Richard, I also hope it does but somehow I feel that the damage has already been done but fingers crossed. I think that the people on here are probably responsible and understand so I am preaching to the converted!
Just a bit more about the Shrike without giving too much away. Seeing it and watching them has probably been the highlight of my 50 + years as an observer of birds and wildlife. From the days when I read about Red Backed Shrike in my little Observers Book of Birds which I had as a 10th Birthday present I have always wanted to see one in the UK. When I watched it feeding and then chasing another male away from his territory, well it was really special and I cant wait for a positive outcome.

[JP]

Great spot and shot, I echo your thoughts buddy....

[big bill]

Great image Chas and I wish your Shrike every bit of good luck and may it live long and prosper without to much disturbance from the not so educated into the welfare of the wildlife