Seeing birds by accident (1 Viewer)

[Retrodaz]

So I went birding yesterday on the look out for the Goosander (which I ended up seeing). As I was leaving a couple pointed out a Ruddy Duck, which I've not seen before. Despite directions, I couldn't see it for the life of me. It wasn't until I started processing my photos today, that I discovered I took a photo by accident (it's a heavy crop, but it's obvious what it is). While part of me wants to include it for my blog, my heart's telling me this shouldn't be included.

 

[Farnboro John]

So I went to look for the Goosander (which I ended up seeing). As I was leaving a couple pointed out a Ruddy Duck, which I've not seen before. Despite directions, I couldn't see it for the life of me. It wasn't until I started processing my photos today, that I discovered I took a photo by accident (it's a heavy crop, but it's obvious what it is). While part of me wants to include it for my blog, my heart's telling me this shouldn't be included.
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Locals may not want you to publicise it either, in case it gets sniped!

John

 

[Retrodaz]

Sniped? You mean shot?
Updated my post. Didn't realise how rare it was.

 

[davercox]

They weren't all that rare until the great cull started. Now they are rare indeed (and not publicised, as FJ suggests).

 

[Retrodaz]

Apologies, I've only got back into birding this past year and have seen no rules anywhere saying when you can mention a bird or it's location. There's certainly nothing about this on the rspb website. Also the ducks are mentioned on the official blog of the location in question, further adding to the confusion.

 

[davercox]

I may have misled you there, Retrodaz. There is no rule suppressing Ruddy Ducks: on the contrary, it's policy to exterminate them so in theory they should be "reported to the authorities" (who are these authorities anyway ?).
Many birders oppose this policy and so keep schtum. You did nothing wrong and I didn't mean to suggest you did.