While birding remains a rather pedestrian pursuit when ranked on a scale of esoteric pastimes and therefore draws an assembly, but not an unruly hormone-fuelled mob as with disorganized sport, it is popular enough to enfranchise the competitive demon in many of us. Not you of course, because you are too well-informed and easy-going to let your emotions alone pilot your behavior. If that is not a fair assessment then we can bring it up at the next meeting but I assure you that I won’t be there. Anyway, the gladiatorial nature of some birders, but mostly the same prevailing temperament of certain bird photographers that require noteworthy results to buttress their envious standing in the shutterbug community, real or imagined, can anticipate a display of bad actions catalyzed by poor judgment. The competitive drive of an observational birder is more likely directed toward the weight of his/her life-list than the length of their photographic prowess. Maybe some of these competitive types should smoke more weed and chill, except their bodies will hate them for that … another bad decision. Whereas birders might consider a Big Year, some Big Shots expect every outing to be a Big Day. When a nature photographer’s identity is wrapped-up in their hobby they are very likely to take things too far. The practice of not posting certain sightings when those sightings involve rare or endangered species is only protocol because of the few rowdy participants and once again it comes down to the common denominator. If all birders demonstrated impeccable behavior as expected from the likes of a professional then reporting all bird sightings would be more catholic. Oh, look … over there … farther to the right … you see it? It’s another knuckleheaded bird photographer. OMG, he looks like me! Could be worse. She could look like me.
