Birders vs photographers

While out birding, I have noticed that people like to pigeon hole the other birders as to what type of category they fall into when it comes to birds.  There are the Birdwatchers, who just pay attention to the birds as they walk, without really caring about what was seen that day.  Just enjoying the view.  Then there are the birders, who pay much closer attention to what they see and make sure to keep track of it .  They will travel to go see the birds as opposed to letting the birds come to them.  Then there is the Ornithologist who is into species names and sits and studies the birds even more intently.  Followed by the Naturalist who looks at the big picture in terms of plant and animal life as well as ecology and the sort.

 And then there are the photographers, who are held in some level of disdain. It's funny how birders get really excited when they see the great pictures that these people produce.  They just don't want to be around when the pictures are being taken.  Photographers are renowned for getting in the way of those who want to see the birds.  I guess that can be true, depending on how serious of a photographer we are talking about.  If they are setting up with multiple flashes and setting up a perch and baiting it, that could really be true. 

Obviously,  I use a camera to bird.  I also use a pair of binoculars.  I use my camera as a new birder to help me Id the birds when I have the time to really look at my birds, I use it to remember what I have seen at a later date, and I use them to enjoy the beauty of these birds when I can't look at them in person.  I beleve that a camera is necessary for new birders, so that they can hone their skills IDing birds. I spend countless hours looking at the birds that I have seen which makes it easier to ID them later. The key is to not be selfish and remember that there are others who want to watch the birds without having to worry about getting in the way of them, or having them in your way.  I have had people make comments about the camera, but usually they relax when they see that I will not interfere with their birding experience.

1:32 PM - April 6, 2009 - post comment

Birdwatchers and Birders

My distinction between the two is very different from yours. Almost the opposite, in fact. To me, birdwatchers are people who are interested in all birds and who pay careful attention to their behavior. Birders, on the other hand, are often/usually more concerned with seeing new/different birds. They focus mainly on IDing species rather than on observing bird behavior.

jeffmoh - 7:21 AM - April 8, 2009

Re comments

Thank you for your comments about my photo "Kingfisher" I didn't know where to reply to you except here. I would be interest to know what type of camera you use and the lens also.

Please write to me at : ragaikaras@yahoo.ca

Anonymous - 5:25 PM - April 11, 2009

Photographing birds....

I like to give you photograhers lot's of room, because yes, I love the pics you guys take. Right now, I'm just enjoying the atmosphere of it all, and the birds of course too! I'm the naturalist of the group you might say, soaking it all up.

Doug - 9:10 PM - April 12, 2009