HOW TO ENJOY BIRD NEST STUDY OR PHOTOGRAPHY IN CONSERVATIVE MANNER

     Now the monsoon season has begun in Indian Subcontinent and many birds are busy in their breeding activities. This season is always the feast for any wildlife photographer or birdwatcher to observe bird’s nesting or breeding behavior.  From last few years there has been a debate going on topic ‘whether the Nest photography is justified or not?’ Many experience naturalist and wildlife photographer has already declared the ban on publishing nest pictures/photos on many Social Media sites & Wildlife photo portals.  But still wildlife photographers published their bird nest photographs and debate continues again and again.

In today’s era the definition of photography has been changed drastically. With New advance SLR and Point & Shoot Cameras Wildlife photography is no more remains the niche segment. Every youngster somehow get attracted to this wildlife photography field & with course of time intentionally or unintentionally start exploiting wildlife while pursuing his/her interest.

This article doesn't justify or conclude the debate topic; rather it will explain you the right approach for enjoy nesting activities of the bird for the new birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

First remember this; birds are quite secretive about their nest location and their breeding activities. This is simply to avoid predator attentions and to provide the better environment for upbringing of young ones. Hence any disturbance in this process causes risk to their young ones.

So if you are interested in bird nest photography or study then please follow the simple guidelines below and I am sure you will experience the lifetime memories with birds.

1.       Research more about birds:  Before you step into the field please try to find more information about bird/s which you are going to photograph or observed.  You must be well aware about  following things

a.       Breeding season for bird/s

b.      Nesting type, preferred site (micro habitat), Location of nest i.e. on ground, in bush or on tree etc, breeding behavior and its breeding cycle. [ All this information you can gather via Internet. There are many research reports, videos and photographs available.]

2.       Understand limitations & Overcome them tactfully: Once you are well aware about bird/s then next step is understood the limitation associated with you goal. For e.g. there limitation like ‘distance between you and bird nest.’  For ground birds it will be easy approach but for birds that nests at tree top then it’s become quite difficult.  So to overcome them you need to develop ‘HIDE’ through which you can observe bird without even being notice. Never approach Nest directly.

Hide prepared using natural material

Artificial Hide

3.       Be a part of nesting activity not the disturbance: Many bird photographers and bird watcher always act like disturbance for the birds. Nowadays ‘Coffee & Sandwich’ concept on field is very much prevailing. Remember our every action is get noticed by birds and they react to it different ways. So try to avoid luxuries bird watching or photography and develop 2 simple qualities in yourself ‘Patience and adaption with natural environment’ also avoid flash while taking photographs of Birds especially with Owls, Night jars etc. Try to become part of nature and nesting activities you will surely notice many small things and this will take your experience to next level.

4.       Try to conserve not to exploit: Many times photographers or birdwatcher transferred the information about the nest to their friends so that their friends can also get the same experience. In my opinion this is not the wrong practice but when you convey such information please remember that you are transferring the guardianship or safeguard responsibility of that nest to your friend. Hence it has to be given to person who must be conservation rather than exploitation oriented. So convey information wisely.

Bird Conservation Plan Framework

These are 4 basic steps one need to follow while doing nest study or nest photography. As Newton 3^rd law says’ Every action has its equal reaction’ so make sure that your every action while bird nest study or photography is always with best intention to respect their privacy and natural process associated with it.