[nysbirds-l] Knee jerk reaction to 2 guys that just didn't get it

[Gregory Fisher]

All,

  I am a photographer and am very respectful of wildlife and the birding ethic 
rules.  In no way do I want to bring harm or stress any wildlife including 
snowy owls.  The opportunity to be able to see these magnificant birds this 
winter is an awesome one.  The birding list have been an awesome resource in 
order to see not only snowy owls but other species as well.  Just because there 
were 2 bad apples some people who think they are above everyone else trashes 
photographers in general.  Then we have frequent birders say they are no longer 
going to post specific locations, which in my mind means people will have to 
look harder and possibly flush out bird looking instead of understand where 
they are and staying a good distance away to observe.  Then we have others that 
say they will no longer post at all.  If this is the case why not just band 
this whole concept of the birding list and we can all go back to the stone age. 
 I understand the problem with a select few but come on people grow up and 
handle the situation responsibly.

Greg

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Re: [nysbirds-l] Knee jerk reaction to 2 guys that just didn't get it

[Gregory Fisher]

Hats off to Cindy, very well said.  Also to others on here that have pointed out that it is not just photographers but birders too that exhibit inappropriate behavior.  To say lets just not post on here any species worthwhile, to me is just undermining what this is suppose to be about.  This is suppose to be a community of interested people in birding.  You have to subscribe to get these emails.  Therefore who gets these emails is known.  If a member of this community is going to abuse the privilege of this knowledge, then simply document the occurrence to leaders or organizer of this list.  If found to be valid and the behavior is repeated, simply kicked them off the list.  Don't punish everyone because of the arrogant inconsiderate ones.  There are ways this can be handled to minimize those that don't get it.  If you observe someone behaving inappropriate communicate with them considerately.  If you just stand by and watch it and just complain, then your as big a part of the problem.  Some people are just ignorant.  Once you explain the birding ethics, many people then get it.  For those that don't, report them appropriately and it becomes their loss going forward. I personally don't have days and days of time to go out and find some of these species on my own.  Do I go out and look on my own several times a year yes.  But I will drive several hours with hope of the opportunity to see something unique and / or rare that I have learned on this list, yes too.  That does not make me lazy or a bad person.  There are no guarantees.  The bird might not be there when I get there or just simply may be out of reach or in hiding that day.  Oh well, that is part of the adventure.  Just my opinion.Greg-Original Message-
From: Cindy 
Sent: Feb 6, 2012 9:14 AM
To: NYS Birds 
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Knee jerk reaction to 2 guys that just didn't get it

To echo Janet's post and in response to Stella's - I too have seen photographers being insensitive to snowy owls, on other ocassions. I remember one time there was a fantastic photo op for one particular owl at Jones Beach a few years ago I even took one of my kids out of school so he could see this beautiful bird. (there were actually TWO owls at the beach that day! We saw both of them!). The first, "poster bird" was sitting on a dune, with at least a half dozen photographers snapping away at a distance of about 15 feet. Maybe not even that. Unbelievable but true. The second bird was more skittish and was sitting by itself, closer to the beach. However, as my son and I were watching it, a jogger running along the beach passed it too closely (not seeing the bird) and the owl flushed, flying overhead
 and away. You just can't win!I disagree, however, that owls should not be mentioned on these birding listservs. I would think that's just the beginning of a slippery slopefirst owls are kept secret, then perhaps a first-of-state nesting, or other rare bird who's to say an inconsiderate photographer, or birder (yes, those exist as well, I had the experience of one in my own back yard!), will get close enough to ANY noteworthy bird to shoo it off and ruin the experience for everyone else (not to mention stressing the bird!)?Keeping sightings limited to "word of mouth" severely restricts who sees what, turning birding (or the viewing of certain species) into a private club of sorts - with only the elite "inner circle" allowed to participate. I for one don't go birding regularly in winter, preferring to just go out for rarities, and am not in
 anyone's cell phone contact list. I usually don't like birding in a crowd. I know a few "key" people but nobody really well. Word of mouth wouldn't work for me and wouldn't work for many other respectable, but more casual birders who might come from out of the area just to see an owl, or any other noteworthy bird. There's no way to completely eliminate the problem. There will be clueless joggers, dogs and their owners, and kids flushing the birds in addition to the photographers and selfish birders who show up. You can't put a fence around these birds. I believe that by posting photos or names (or even license plates) of the perpetrators, they will eventually learn that it's not worth their while to do what they're doing. Or they won't care and the occasional bird may suffer an uncomfortable moment or two. I still think that's better than a whole lot of decent, good folks losing out on something really
 special. have a great day!Cindy Wodinsky  
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Re: [nysbirds-l] ethics, photographers, knee-jerks, op-eds

[Gregory Fisher]

Well said Fred and Peter.  -Original Message-
From: Fred Baumgarten 
Sent: Feb 6, 2012 12:38 PM
To: NYSBirds-L@cornell.edu
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] ethics, photographers, knee-jerks, op-eds

I like Peter's posting and would like to add a few thoughts.  Maybe I'm missing something, but the question that doesn't seem to be fully addressed is: What do we do about it?
 
Keeping sightings off the listserves is one solution, but one that a lot of people, myself included, have difficulty with.  As others have pointed out, it fosters an attitude of elitism and exclusivity that many have tried to overcome in the birding community.

 
Moreover, I'm not convinced it would make that big a difference.  There is an implication here that those who get sightings off a listserve are somehow inherently less respectful birders.  I'm not buying that.  Just because I read about an owl online rather than go trekking to Jones Beach, say, to look for one myself isn't going to change the way I go about looking at the bird.  (That is to say, hopefully with respect.)

 
You could argue that posting increases the numbers, and thereby increases the chances of malfeasance.  Maybe.  But I'm not convinced other channels wouldn't have the same effect.  If a Snowy Owl showed up at Breezy Point, word would travel, listserve or not.  And to the person who suggested posting the general area, not the specific dune, that just seems pointless to me.  Having to search far and wide makes one more respectful than zeroing in on the spot?

 
There's also an ancillary benefit to the postings, in my opinion.  I like to know!  99% of the time I don't get out to look for the bird myself, but it excites me to know what's going on in the world of birding and rarities.

 
I'm intrigued by the photographer/birder who says he gets within 15 feet (or yards, I can't remember which) of the owl, and that's enough to keep the bird from flushing.  How does he decide what the "correct" distance is?  Is he still walking through fragile dunes to get to his mythical line?  While I have no bias against photographers vs. birders, might we admit that to get a good shot, a professional or amateur photographer has to approach a bird considerably closer than a birder to get a "satisfactory" shot/look?  So we are back to the question of what do we do?  The problem is not going to go away on its own.

 
Another source of confusion: What are we trying to protect?  The habitat, the bird, or every birder's right at having a fair chance of seeing the bird?  Or all three?  The conditions for each may be very different.  If the dunes at Breezy Point are closed off to protect the habitat, then the solution is to enforce those boundaries absolutely, and maybe we need to find out how we can enhance enforcement.

 
I suggest, as have others, that ultimately the answer lies in educating ourselves and others in proper birding ethics and etiquette.  We need to think creatively and without blaming about how to do this.  Maybe birders out to see a Snowy Owl can bring a sign with them that explains the proper viewing distance and behavior.  Maybe we need to somehow designate "captains" to regulate viewing, and at least provide powerful viewing equipment for visitors to share.  Maybe we need to have designated times when photographers can go closer for shots.  

 
I don't know.  But we need to keep working for solutions, together, constructively.
 
--Fred--
 
Fred Baumgarten
Sharon, CT/Westchester, NY
And Points In-between
fredbee.ea...@gmail.com
 
On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 12:17 PM, Peter Priolo  wrote:


List Members: 

I am a recent subscriber of this list-serve.  Having read some but not all of the comments and opinions on the encroachment of birds for whatever the motive, I have decided to share some points. From my relative outside perspective, I see this issue to be one of great controversy and I feel a sort of unrest among a community of people who may actually all be on the same side.  I want to try to make a point that the state of the birds and our shared environment will be better stewarded to if we are to unite in our efforts. I mean to say we are attacking ourselves, pointing the finger in the mirror.



Motivated by a recent statement made by the president of the ABA, I think that those of us who are personally capable of doing so, should educate others while birding in the field.  The intention of the comment was to turn non-birders on to birding, but this can apply to those who are already introduced to birds but maybe not aware of their ethical birding offenses.  Some offenders may be well aware of their offenses I understand.  But I think the state of the birds will be more sustainable in the long run if we spread the special yearning, love, investment, wonder, research, and compassion for these taxon to more and more people in the world.  It will hurt birds if birders assault each other.  Birders are a minority to begin with, we need to grow o

RE: [nysbirds-l] Knee jerk reaction to 2 guys that just didn't get it

[Gregory Fisher]

Thanks Dave.  Yes I did not realize that and Jody filled me in too.  Maybe that is where our problem lies.  Should that be protected to only those who subscribe?  Seems like that could go a long way to having more consistent civil birding community.-Original Message-
From: David Klauber 
Sent: Feb 6, 2012 1:10 PM
To: gregoryfis...@sprintmail.com
Subject: RE: [nysbirds-l] Knee jerk reaction to 2 guys that just didn't get it





Greg I sort of agree with your post, however to just to 1 of your points: Unfortunately kicking someone off the list, while still a good idea, doesn't limit the access to information on the list. Birdingonthe.net is accessible to anyone, for example. I personally received 2 offensive e mails about my white mouse post by people who are not on the list. So, yeah, it should be done, but it doesn't really stop anyone Dave Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:48:53 -0500From: gregoryfis...@sprintmail.comTo: catbird...@yahoo.com; nysbirds-l@cornell.eduSubject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Knee jerk reaction to 2 guys that just didn't get it

Hats off to Cindy, very well said.  Also to others on here that have pointed out that it is not just photographers but birders too that exhibit inappropriate behavior.  To say lets just not post on here any species worthwhile, to me is just undermining what this is suppose to be about.  This is suppose to be a community of interested people in birding.  You have to subscribe to get these emails.  Therefore who gets these emails is known.  If a member of this community is going to abuse the privilege of this knowledge, then simply document the occurrence to leaders or organizer of this list.  If found to be valid and the behavior is repeated, simply kicked them off the list.  Don't punish everyone because of the arrogant inconsiderate ones.  There are ways this can be handled to minimize those that don't get it.  If you observe someone behaving inappropriate communicate with them considerately.  If you just stand by and watch it and just complain, then your as big a part of the problem.  Some people are just ignorant.  Once you explain the birding ethics, many people then get it.  For those that don't, report them appropriately and it becomes their loss going forward. I personally don't have days and days of time to go out and find some of these species on my own.  Do I go out and look on my own several times a year yes.  But I will drive several hours with hope of the opportunity to see something unique and / or rare that I have learned on this list, yes too.  That does not make me lazy or a bad person.  There are no guarantees.  The bird might not be there when I get there or just simply may be out of reach or in hiding that day.  Oh well, that is part of the adventure.  Just my opinion.Greg-Original Message-
From: Cindy 
Sent: Feb 6, 2012 9:14 AM
To: NYS Birds 
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Knee jerk reaction to 2 guys that just didn't get it

To echo Janet's post and in response to Stella's - I too have seen photographers being insensitive to snowy owls, on other ocassions. I remember one time there was a fantastic photo op for one particular owl at Jones Beach a few years ago I even took one of my kids out of school so he could see this beautiful bird. (there were actually TWO owls at the beach that day! We saw both of them!). The first, "poster bird" was sitting on a dune, with at least a half dozen photographers snapping away at a distance of about 15 feet. Maybe not even that. Unbelievable but true. The second bird was more skittish and was sitting by itself, closer to the beach. However, as my son and I were watching it, a jogger running along the beach passed it too closely (not seeing the bird) and the owl flushed, flying overhead
 and away. You just can't win!I disagree, however, that owls should not be mentioned on these birding listservs. I would think that's just the beginning of a slippery slopefirst owls are kept secret, then perhaps a first-of-state nesting, or other rare bird who's to say an inconsiderate photographer, or birder (yes, those exist as well, I had the experience of one in my own back yard!), will get close enough to ANY noteworthy bird to shoo it off and ruin the experience for everyone else (not to mention stressing the bird!)?Keeping sightings limited to "word of mouth" severely restricts who sees what, turning birding (or the viewing of certain species) into a private club of sorts - with only the elite "inner circle" allowed to participate. I for one don't go birding regularly in winter, preferring to just go out for rarities, and am not in
 anyone's cell phone contact list. I usually don't like birding in a crowd. I know a few "key" people but nobody really well. Word of mouth wouldn't work for me and wouldn't work for many other respectable, but more casual birders who might come from out of the area just to see an owl, or any other noteworthy bird. There's no way to completely eliminate the problem. There will be

Re: [nysbirds-l] bird disturbance and 'photographers'

[Gregory Fisher]

Hey Adam,  I agree with all you said.  To hear someone complain vehemently that was onsite and did not take the initiative to approach the offenders and then not to even back you up and have the nerve of criticizing all photographers when they themselves are out there photographing the birds is really bold and inappropriate.  I wished I had been there yesterday as I would have loved to see the Snowy Owl and would have supported you completely.  Maybe if there was more than one person speaking up it would have made these folks realize that what they were doing was wrong and a difference could have been made.  We all can be part of the solution or part of the problem.  Its easy to bully one person that is trying to deliver the message.  Its a lot harder if a group of people jointly communicate considerately.    What you have written here makes complete sense to me.  By the way when I do photograph birds I use a big long lens to stay a good distance away and even like to be under cover next to a bush if it is not bothering other wildlife.  Thanks for being a voice of reason with actual experience of what happened yesterday.  I believe it says alot.  For those of you out there that think you are better than us all, do us all a favor, just stay to yourself and keep your big mouths shut.  You folks are part of the problem not the solution.Greg-Original Message-
From: Adam Welz 
Sent: Feb 6, 2012 2:18 PM
To: "NYSbirds-L@cornell.edu" 
Subject: [nysbirds-l] bird disturbance and 'photographers'

Hi Phil & others

Your email brings up a number of points that merit discussion. I think 
that birds have far more serious problems than 'photographers', and I 
think your proposed approach of making bird details 'secret', and the 
approach followed by you and Rob Jett of photographing people and posting their 
details on the net can be harmfully counterproductive.

Here's why I think this:

1) With the net being what it is, there's nothing to stop anyone posting
 any details of any bird to any audience they choose. Cutting off one 
source of information will not stop information getting out.

2) North American birds are generally in decline not because of 
photographers, but because of habitat destruction, collisions with 
buildings, feral cats, poisons etc. -- in roughly that order. Addressing
 these issues means having political power, i.e. birds need people to be
 actively working for their interests in the broader political realm.

3) That's not to say that clueless or selfish photographers and birders 
don't sometimes do things that aren't in birds' interest.

4) The way to address the problems mentioned in 3 and 4 above is 
engagement -- get the word out about birds to the public at large, and 
sensitize photographers and birders to the needs of birds. "If a bird 
looks stressed and flies away from you, you're probably bothering it, 
and you should retreat", etc. These listservs are one way of engaging 
people, another great way is taking people out to see birds in a 
responsible way, and one can also engage photographers who are behaving 
inappropriately while they are doing it. We need more people to be out 
enjoying birds so that birds have a louder voice in the public arena. 
You can show people any number of photographs and tell them any number 
of facts about birds, but actually seeing and enjoying real live wild 
birds is far more powerful.

At the moment we have an awful, confrontational situation between 
certain members of the birding community who think of themselves as 
gatekeepers of information/sites/knowledge, and other birders and the 
public at large: I have stopped counting the number of people that have 
expressed their dismay to me at Rob Jett's aggressive approach of 
trashing strangers' reputations on the internet -- without even talking to
 them on site -- because it creates a feeling that birders are more like
 surveillance police than nature-lovers. Rob has done a lot of birding around NY and it's sad that he's alienated so many people with his attitude. Some people don't know that 
they're walking in a place they're not supposed to, and simply talking 
with them sorts a problem out. (Others are jerks and present somewhat 
more difficult challenges. I'm not proposing saying or doing nothing and maybe, ultimately, repeat offenders could benefit from some attention from law enforcement.)

Phil, you should also know that more and more people think of you as a 
hypocrite, trash-talking 'photographers' while yourself walking around 
with a massive lens. Surely the point is not that people are 'photographers' or 'photographer-birders' or whatever, but that they behave reasonably sensitively to birds? I've never really talked to you, and I don't know 
you, and I have no idea of your character, but I do know that when I 
approached the gentleman who you wrote about in your email, the one 
walking through the dunes after the Snowy Owl, you stood on by just a 
few yards away, saying nothing, whi

Re: [nysbirds-l] Knee jerk reaction to 2 guys that just didn't get it

[Gregory Fisher]

Hey Dan,

  I am fine with that as long as you at least try to educate the individuals 
exhibiting the poor behavior.  Some people are just ignorant and just need a 
little guidance.  Yesterday's example by Adam is a prime example.  You approach 
them, try to considerately educate them.  When they resist and blow you off 
then communicate to others.  Everyone deserves a fair shake.

Greg

-Original Message-
>From: Dan 
>Sent: Feb 6, 2012 3:35 PM
>To: Gregory Fisher 
>Cc: "" , NY BIRDS Cornell 
>
>Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Knee jerk reaction to 2 guys that just didn't get it
>
>Let's all take photos of photographers that misbehave. Be SURE to post them to 
>the appropriate listserve. If you see that photographer enter their vehicle, 
>try to photograph the make and model and the license plate number too :)
>
>Good birding!
>
>Dan Furbish
>peterbilt.bir...@yahoo.com


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Re: [nysbirds-l] ADMIN: OWLS and Ethical Birding

[Gregory Fisher]

You might as well just ban posting owls all together.  Then again why not abolish this whole list post.  If people can't behave properly what's the sense of having a community to share?  Posting about a sparrow sighting would not get attention.   Why?  because they are everywhere.  Personally, if someone does not behave properly ban them from the site and list.  This otherwise gets stupid in my opinion.Greg-Original Message-
From: "Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes" 
Sent: Jan 17, 2013 1:51 PM
To: NYSBIRDS-L 
Subject: [nysbirds-l] ADMIN: OWLS and Ethical Birding














This is a re-send of a message that I distributed to the NYSbirds-L eList on 4 December 2012. Please re-read this message and be **very** cautions when posting any owl sighting!


Thank you and good birding!


Sincerely,
Chris T-H


Listowner, NYSbirds-L
Ithaca, NY




Original message

I am sending out this message as a reminder about ethical birding, especially as it pertains to owls during this winter season.


Although the content of this message is on owls, this message may apply to almost any unusual species.
 
In the past, birders have witnessed other birders and bird photographers acting in a way that does not conform to the American Bird Association’s (ABA) Principles of Birding Ethics (ZZZlink: http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html).
 
Several of these behaviors have included, but not been limited to:

 

·
Getting too close to a resting owl or causing a disruption that forces an owl to flush from its resting location – this causes wasted expenditure of much-needed energy

·
Using powerful flash photography – this may disrupt the normal activity of an owl (sleeping, foraging, etc.)

·
Releasing unnatural food resources (cage mice) into the environment – this may cause an owl to associate humans with an unnatural food source which may also contain unknown
 chemicals or antibiotics

·
Loud talking, pishing or squeaking to attract the attention of an owl – this may further disrupt the normal activity of an owl
 
The discovery of owls or other rare birds may cause larger-than-normal numbers of people to gather near a rare or unusual bird. This may lead to undue stress to an already stressed bird.





*


In an effort to help minimize the negative impacts that we, as birders, may have upon recently discovered owls, please refrain from
 openly disclosing the exact location of any owl on the NYSbirds-L eList. Please keep any postings that mention owl sightings, as general as possible.


*





As Listowner of the NYSbirds-L eList, I have little control over how people behave around these birds; however, I do have control over who is subscribed to this eList.
 
If, while observing an unusual or rare bird, anyone witnesses birder behavior which severely contradicts the ABA Principles of Birding Ethics, please document this unethical behavior and
 find out the name of the individual or individuals in question. If it is clear and blatant harassment of a bird, please document this. Report this unethical or illegal behavior to me and report this to the appropriate Office representing your region at the
 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (ZZZlink: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html). If this person is a subscriber of the NYSbirds-L eList, their subscription status will be brought into
 question by me.
 
Please note, I cannot prevent someone who has documented unethical birding behavior from posting that information to YouTube or any public forums outside of NYSbirds-L. If this is documented
 and publicized, your reputation may be at stake. Bear in mind that it is *not* okay to openly lambast specific violators on the NYSbirds-L eList. Please read the NYSbirds-L eList rules at this link: http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES
 
*It is in your own best interest to read, understand, and follow the Principles of Birding Ethics!*
 
Thank you and do not hesitate to contact me off List with your questions or concerns.
 
Sincerely,
Chris T-H







--

Chris Tessaglia-Hymes

Listowner, NYSbirds-L

Ithaca, New York

c...@cornell.edu

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Re: [nysbirds-l] Why did you yell at him? Bird must have left becuase of yell

[Gregory Fisher]

Can't agree with Annie more.  I have never seen specs as how many feet away is the line.  What might be too close for one is not for another.  For those out there that are really bent out of shape get together and define what the standard should be.  Is it 75 feet, 100 feet, 150 feet?  Does it vary by species as hawks will flush if you so much as stop a car 200 feet away from them along a road or into a driveway where you are going.  Then one you have an agreed upon standard get on a web-site and market it so the rest of the people have access to it.  Most people want to do the right thing. There are exceptions.Greg-Original Message-
From: John Cancalosi 
Sent: Dec 2, 2013 1:03 PM
To: "McIntyre, Annie (LI)" 
Cc: NYSBIRDS-L 
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Why did you yell at him? Bird must have left becuase of yell

As a lowly photographer ,(not the one in question), I am grateful for yet another reminder that I, and those like me, are inextricably wallowing in a Stygian morass of moral terpitude, while those of a higher calling look down in righteuos judgement upon our nefarious activities, with both of their feet firmly planted on the immutable, lofty pinnacles of moral high ground.    
On Mon, Dec 2, 2013 at 8:43 AM, McIntyre, Annie (LI)  wrote:
Folks let’s not do this AGAIN. Photogs vs birders… we’ve all seen offenders on both sides. It’s a pleasure reading this list to hear about the birds that are around, but not so much the squabbles. Better done in private conversation. 
 Good birding!
Annie McIntyre 
From: bounce-111084078-10774...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-111084078-10774...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Lake, Thomas R
Sent: Sunday, December 01, 2013 9:38 AMTo: Meena Madhav Haribal; NYSBIRDS-LSubject: RE:[nysbirds-l] Why did you yell at him? Bird must have left becuase of yell
  
 "If the photographer was approaching very cautiously and did not make the owl scared of him then he has not done anything wrong except he has approached closer."
 Buy better optics! Getting closer is NEVER the answer.
 Tom Lake
From: bounce-111084023-26920...@list.cornell.edu [bounce-111084023-26920...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Meena Madhav Haribal [m...@cornell.edu]
Sent: Sunday, December 01, 2013 8:49 AMTo: NYSBIRDS-LSubject: [nysbirds-l] Why did you yell at him? Bird must have left becuase of yellHello all, 
Bob Adamo wrote this and I have highlighted his reactions! 
Subject: 1 Snowy, + 1 terrible photographer = 1 stressed bird + 1 call to the cops ! From: robert adamo 
 Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 22:42:29 -0500 X-Message-Number: 13  " I stopped, got out of my car, and yelled to
 him to stop, that what he was doing was against the law. He heard me and dismissed me. I then took his license plate #, and called the police. I
 called out to him again, he listened to all I said, and proceeded to move closer to the bird, after telling me "there are no signs saying I can't ".
 While I was still on the phone, the snowy took off, heading west. The police said they were responding, and armed with the plate # and description of the idiot's SUV, they might catch up to him !
  
 I felt I must say something here. If the photographer was approaching very cautiously and did not make the owl scared of him then he has not done anything wrong except he has approached closer. Sometimes animals can tolerate non-scary humans and permit them to go close enough. So it is better to observe photographers behavior and the animal's reaction before being officious and call police. All you know the bird must have got disturbed by your (Bob Adamo's) yelling at him and all the following activities as probably the owl perceived it as two encounters approaching him/her. 
 I have observed birders, including those who call themselves as experts  do all sort of things, for example, chasing a tired migratory bird till they have had satisfied look. Oh! They seem to have right because they are birders and not photographers. So birders have right to do whatever they feel is right even though the birds may be stressed for example by continuously playing playbacks (Oh boy! how many of those I have seen). I have had amazing experiences when I have approached the birds or animals very cautiously and slowly in a non-threatening way. They even have kind of responded to me in a positive way.  So by being closer if you are not threatening the subjects of your interest then there is nothing wrong as long as you know when and where to stop. 
 The knee-jerk reaction of being closer equals threatening birds is a wrong notion. So be careful of your own reactions.  And also have patience to observe the behavior of the photographers before you decide to take any actions! So best thing is if someone is photographing a bird is to leave the location ASAP for the photographer to get a good photo as he has approached the bird before you have!
  
Meena PS: I am not a bird photographer, though occasionally I shoot bird