And here’s why.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This is the presumed female immature Red-tailed Hawk with an injured left leg whose progress I’ve been documenting on my blog for weeks now. Here she’s in the process of landing on a kestrel box that she often uses as a hunting perch. Notice that the impact of her landing is absorbed by her good right leg as she holds her injured left leg back.
When this photo was taken on December 8 she couldn’t put any weight, none at all, on her injured leg but in the weeks that followed she seemed to make significant progress. She gradually began to put more and more weight on her left leg and she continued to catch voles on a regular basis, despite her handicap.
It’s been my stated intention to follow her progress to conclusion as best I can, whether it be eventual healing of her leg or something more ominous. Blog followers have asked me to report on her progress and up to this point I’ve been doing so. But this is likely to be my last report because I’ve drastically reduced my number of visits to Farmington Bay WMA. I can’t bear to watch what I’m seeing out there.
As the winter wears on and it gets colder raptor numbers at the refuge increase and the birds tend to become more approachable.. Those conditions of course are a huge magnet for bird photographers so their numbers at the refuge increase proportionately. Most veteran bird photographers with a basic understanding of field ethics and wildlife harassment laws allow the raptors the respect and the distance they deserve and need to make their living in progressively harsh winter conditions.
I wish I could say the same about some of the apparent rookies.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM @ 360mm
This is part of what I witnessed at Farmington earlier this week. The immature and inexperienced Red-tailed Hawk at upper left (not the injured hawk) was trying to use the edge of Goose Egg Island as a hunting perch as it scanned the grasslands and marsh out of frame to the left for prey. But the photographer at lower right (obviously I’ve disguised him) was on foot and within about 15′ of the bird as he pointed his big telephoto lens almost into the face of the hawk. In this photo the closeness of the photographer to the bird wasn’t exaggerated by the effects of super-long focal lengths because I was using my ‘baby lens’ at only 360mm (usually I shoot at an effective 1120mm). He’s as close as he looks like he is.
There was absolutely no need for the photographer to be this close with that big lens, not that perceived ‘need’ would ever justify such behavior – big lens or not. Notice that the hawk’s attention is on the photographer and not on the field where it should be scanning for prey.
Almost immediately after this photo was taken another photographer came in and joined the first one and both were about this close to the bird. When a third photographer drove up to join the other two I couldn’t take it any longer so I left the area and headed for home.
I’m not refuge law enforcement and I’m certainly not the ‘bird police’ but I can’t stand to see this kind of thing so I haven’t visited Farmington since the incident and it’s my intention to visit the refuge far less often until things settle down out there. If they ever do before spring.
So it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to report back again on the progress of the injured red-tail.
Ron
Notes:
- Yes, the incident was reported.
- I’m not trying to portray the photographers involved as villains. It’s very possible that they’re just unaware of basic field ethics and got caught up in the understandable excitement of a wild raptor allowing such a close approach.
- I stewed and stewed about publishing this post. I’m no fan of controversy, especially when I’m directly involved, so at first I decided against it. But it’s been niggling at me for days so eventually I changed my mind. If we don’t stick up for birds, who will? They can’t.
.UNTIL a month or so ago we lived in Maricopa county, AZ and going to the salt river to shoot mustangs was so special, however too many photographers swarmed out there and a few very shelfish ones crowded in front of those who hung back. They will do anything to “get that picture” even if its bad manners and it caused me to go home with humans interacting with the horses. When we moved, I wasn’t sad. How many horse photos does one person need to have?
Late to the party, Ron, but thank you for posting and reporting. Humanity saddens me at times. I found a Snowy Owl late in the afternoon on New Years Day, and I struggled with making my finding public. I decided to post it on a statewide birding forum, and I was delighted that nobody got out of their cars to get closer to the owl. I sat in my car and watched it for a couple hours until dark, happy to share the experience with friends, all of whom used their vehicles as a blind. A nice way to start a new year.
Maybe have flyers handy that calls them out? Might affect one or two. It’s really sad to see this. Sadder that it will affect your joy at Farmington. 🙁
Good thing I wasn’t there. I probably would have yelled at them. Not that it would do any good. Sad for the wild life.
And this is why we can’t have nice things. 🤬🤬🤬
That’s one way of putting it.
Thanks, Ron. I hope you realized I was referring to “Three Stooges Photography” and not to your lovely, ethical, always above board self. 🙂
I really hope our Red Tail friend heals enough to have a successful life. ❤️
No worries, Marty. I knew what you were and weren’t referring to.
I understand. I am sure you remember my rant about the starving barn owls and the photographers chasing one relentlessly until it died. It shook me to the core so much I questioned my own part in photographing wildlife and I stopped for three months. It was 8 months before I would go to Farmington Bay to even walk my beloved wetlands.
Yes, I do remember April.
Thank you for reporting the incident. There are a thoughtless few that ruin it for everyone. Although I would hate to see you avoid Farmington Bay. You could have just laid on your horn. That would certainly have gotten the photographers attention.
Gail, I won’t avoid Farmington completely. If I don’t check on it occasionally I’ll never know when things have “settled down”.
I’m afraid I might have been inclined to throw a carefully placed rock to catch the a*hole’s attention, thus spoiling his photo and (I hope) his day. I’m very sad about these kinds of mindless activities by mindless people that you and your readers have reported here over the years. Anyone with all that fancy gear has NO excuse for such flagrant abuse of wildlife-watching/photography ethics.
And I’m still going to hope you’ll see our beautiful (currently injured) hawk in the spring, mostly recovered and clearly surviving her earlier misfortune. And the a*holes! 😡
Chris, If I do find that injured bird in the spring the problem would be recognizing it if its leg has healed.
I did think of that as I was writing my wishful comment, then thought, perhaps Ms. Red-tail will have a slightly noticeable (to you who would be looking for it) “limp” or other telltale sign of that left leg so you’d know it’s her! 😎
Hiss and spit. Loud hiss and spit. And both of mine are venomous.
Thank you for reporting it.
Thanks, EC.
Might the WMA be requested to put up some signs indicating that winter is harsh for birds, so please keep a distance of [X] feet from them?
Mary, they’re aware of the situation. I don’t know what they’ll do, if anything.
Thank goodness not all humans are selfish a** holes. Need proof? Just read the comments from your blog followers.
We have a few mountain trails in Phoenix that are closed to dogs. Every hike on these trails I see people with their dogs and I approach them and explain why the trail is closed to dogs. It’s not safe for the dogs and people. The most common answer? “Thx – I know for next time.” And these irresponsible idiots continue on their way. I don’t hike those trails any longer.
Thank you Ron for bringing a smile and good conversation to our breakfast table each morning. Thank you to my fellow blog followers who add great insight and appreciation to the conversation. Very grateful.
Your support is much appreciated, Kathleen.
Here in New England where people (Photographers and Not) go crazy over Snowy Owls, experienced photographers will call out people who venture too close. Two years ago a woman with a cell phone approached a snowy within about 15-20 feet and was escorted to her car by officials. and told to leave. .
On another note, Don’t let other photographer’s behavior keep you from your passion. It will only eat on you. You, your camera and your cell phone can be the eyes of the Rangers when they are not there on the spot. You can help protect these birds with your observations and reporting of incidents such as you have shown here !!!
Thanks for the support, Gary. What you describe is the reason I eventually decided to actually publish this post. Although I very nearly didn’t, which is why I was late posting this morning.
Have I mentioned I HATE the vast majority of humans? Have I also mentioned that I celebrate and highly respect you and your ethics? THANK YOU for all you are!!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed yesterday’s potpourri! Feel free to repost that magpie photo whenever you want. It’s glorious! All the rest were glorious, too. I LOVE you work, which should also NOT come as a surprise!
As for the vast majority of humans, overall we’re not a very intelligent species, are we? I don’t suffer fools gladly–a character flaw, but there it is.
Thanks, Laura. I agree, far too many humans are missing something basic.
We have the same problem where I frequently photograph. This year, it’s with photographers swarming (there is NO other descriptive to adequately depict their behaviour) a Snowy Owl. Most of the experienced bird photogs have no qualms whatever about approaching and educating the offender. Some are receptive and accepting of our efforts and some care only about “getting the shot” and the “likes” on Instagram, FB or wherever no matter the cost to the bird/wildlife. Long ago, I stopped sharing/posting my bird pics to my FB page or to any of the groups to which I belong. Now, I email pics to a very small group of trusted photog friends.
Mike, I get the impression that Snowy Owls somehow cause a disconnect in the common sense of many bird photographers. Assuming they have any.
Can’t imagine why any photographer with that kind of equipment would need to get up close to a common Red-tailed Hawk. I use a non-DSLR camera and take all my photos on foot, but would never even think of getting that close to a raptor of any kind. I can head out in the morning and find three or four Red-tailed Hawks withing 20 minutes or so. Glad you showed this kind of behavior. Really like Thomas Demma’s post. Here the Forest Service closes off all the hiking trails that go anywhere near an eagle’s nest, but I would guess there are still those who try to sneak up close to them.
I can’t imagine why either, Everett. Inexperience and excitement at finding a wild raptor that allows such a close approach?
Regarding the photographer; Few things irritate me more than what you witnessed. And I’m only speaking for myself here – I’d have challenged these people. I’ve done it in the past and I’ll do it again.
Just two day’s ago I watched a fool pull up to a Bald Eagle nest I was shooting and drop a drone on the ground. I was out of my truck like I was shot from a canon. I calmly explained why this was a bad idea and what the ramifications were for disturbing an active nest. He apologized and left. His woman was a bit less receptive “They don’t mind.”
Twenty minutes later? There was a drone hovering high above the nest being operated from a remote location. That was enough for me. That 800 5.6 also serves as a surveillance tool. You can capture license plates, drones and all kinds of things the DNR might be interested in. 🙂
Thomas, I despise drones.
I have photos of the photographer’s face and license plate if needed. Personally I hope lessons are learned and behaviors changed without it coming to that.
Oh do NOT even get me started on drones!
Thanks for the update on the Red-tailed Hawk.
All I can say is you should have colored the jerk a darker brown to reflect the you-know-what that he is.
A creative option I didn’t think of…
Good for you reporting the incident….. REALLY burns my ass when there is no consideration for the subject of a photographer as a sentient being trying to survive…..😖
Thanks, Judy.