I generally consider birdwatching to be a calm and relaxing hobby watching the birds while waiting for the next one to arrive and spending a lot of time in the presence of fascinating and beautiful hummingbirds. However, a recent post on Reddit Birding Top Day reminded me of all the things I have learned in the field. When birds feel threatened, or when their space is being invaded, they can be intimidating. Reddit user /u/ThreeOpposumsInACoat posted a really nice image of a Canadian Goose and commented, “Most of the time I think these birds are funny, but after taking this, I had a huge change of perspective.” The photographer felt the need to ‘skedaddle’ when the goose signaled that it was time for her to end the photo shoot.
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Respecting Wildlife Boundaries
The user post titled “I feel so judged” perfectly captures that look geese give when they’re being protective. It’s a great reminder that whether in our backyards or out in the fields, we must remember that birds are wild animals. The fact that we may see them as funny subjects for our photographs, they may see us as a danger. When a bird looks like it is about to defend its nest, the best thing to do, as this birdwatcher did, is leave them be and walk away. Trying your luck up close really is not better than the photo you might get and the distance you leave.
