Birdwatching Etiquette & Awareness of Those Around Us.

Sunset Over Attenborough | Canon EOS 700D | f8 | 1/640" exposure | 18mm

I returned to Attenborough Nature Reserve last night (after experiencing the incredible starling murmuration on Saturday https://steemit.com/birdwatching/@bucketofsteem/starling-murmuration-attenborough-nature-reserve) to do some more birdwatching/photography.

Starling Murmuration | Canon EOS700D | f3.5 | 1/1,000" exposure | 18mm

The evening was pleasant enough, but something happened that got me thinking.

Whilst waiting for the murmuration to begin we were stood with a number of other birdwatchers. All of us were keeping relatively quiet, which is, generally speaking, the done thing when birdwatching/wildlife spotting.

Egyptian Goose | Canon EOS 700D | f4 | 1/100" exposure | 80mm

As the evening progressed many more people arrived, possibly having heard about the impressive murmuration on social media. My initial thoughts were positive; that people wanted to come out and witness one of natures spectacles rather than remain indoors and watch TV. This optimism was soon dashed when the newcomers proceeded to talk loudly and inconsiderately.

Now, I don't want this to seem entirely as a rant because it is entirely possible that people would be uncertain of birdwatching etiquette if it is their first time. Surely though, if you were to find yourself in a new environment, where everyone else is being quiet, you would be able pick up on these and change your behaviour accordingly?

Friendly Robin | Canon EOS 700D | f5.6 | 1/100" exposure | 300mm

Fortunately, another member of the group had a brief word with them. This was well recieved by the chatty individuals and they soon quietened down.

Have you ever found yourself in a new situation, where you weren't quite sure about the rules?
Would you have adapted your actions based on what the rest of the group were doing, or would you have required (or indeed welcomed) an intervention from someone more experienced?

Eagerly Waiting | Canon EOS 700D | f5.6 | 1/160" exposure | 80mm

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