Do Not Photograph Bird Nests

Came across this petition against photographing bird nests. Found it educating, so thought to share: National Geographic Channel, please delete nest photo

Today (30th March 2016), the Facebook page of National Geographic Channel shared a picture of a bird nest containing four newly hatched birds.

Photographing bird nests is a big no-no in the community guidelines. This is because a nest is a delicate nascent stage in the bird family. We don't want to disturb the parents into getting stressed and abandoning the babies. Also, we don't want to point out the nest to other predators. Thirdly, using bright flashes into those baby eyes can blind them for life.

While we can be sure that the photographer at National Geographic captured this picture 'ethically', they have made an irresponsible choice by sharing this picture publicly. The comments section already shows many other enthusiasts sharing nest pictures in their innocent ignorance.  National Geographic are world leaders in wildlife content, and are in a position to create awareness about conservation. This act has undermined their position of responsibility.

https://www.change.org/p/admin-national-geographic-channel-facebook-page-national-geographic-channel-please-delete-nest-photo?recruiter=114057195&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_page&utm_term=mob-xs-share_petition-custom_msg&fb_ref=Default

A friend shared his views on this below:

• This is pretty much wrong. First, birds do NOT abandon nests with hatchlings just because we came near it.
• Second, predators are not going to locate nests depending on humans photographing them – birds do not possess an elaborate brain like we do, and cannot guess that because a photographer is pointing his lens towards a tree, there must be a nest there.
• Third, because a few photographers use flash cannot be a reason for protesting all bird photography. It would be like opposing all two vehicles because a few drivers ride rash.

I shared his points to the bird photographer friend from whom I had reached this petition. He replies below:

• Birds get much stressed if humans/ predators approach near the nest and that in itself is a strong enough reason for us to leave them alone.
• Birds have been known to abandon nest/ eggs due to too much human interference. So drawing a line somewhere makes sense to me.
• And we do not oppose Bird photography. We just draw a line at venturing too near and photographing nest building, eggs and hatchlings.
• Using Flash for all kind of wildlife photography is another No.

Another of his bird photographer friend says:

• I have my own experience, most of the birds abandon their nest and even chicks , in fact some birds throw their eggs if someone come close to them, so I am not agree with what he has said... I think there should be some line for photographers as petitioner has said.

Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal.