Thetford Goshawks? (2 Viewers)

[halcyonlisa]

http://www.rspb.org.uk/events/details.aspx?id=tcm:9-300093

I was thinking of taking my mum to this, and then I read this thread. We never ever want to disturb birds, but how can the RSPB be encouraging it & then I read on here we possibly shouldn't go?

I'm a little confused.

 

[Alastair Rae]

http://www.rspb.org.uk/events/details.aspx?id=tcm:9-300093

I was thinking of taking my mum to this, and then I read this thread. We never ever want to disturb birds, but how can the RSPB be encouraging it & then I read on here we possibly shouldn't go?

I'm a little confused.

The birds are seen high above the trees at quite a distance (probably secure over military land). There is no disturbance.

 

[PYRTLE]

Don't be put off

http://www.rspb.org.uk/events/details.aspx?id=tcm:9-300093

I was thinking of taking my mum to this, and then I read this thread. We never ever want to disturb birds, but how can the RSPB be encouraging it & then I read on here we possibly shouldn't go?

I'm a little confused.

Halcyonlisa,
Whilst I replied initially that site information on scarce breeding birds via the internet and forums such as BF should not be encouraged ( primarily as egg collectors trawl such sites and pose as birders in order to gain information for their vile habit), in the case you refer to I personally say to you that you should not be put off by going to this event. Mainly because you will be taken by a competent person to a suitable viewing point where any possible/likely disturbance should be almost eliminated. My concern (and perhaps that of others) is where directions are given out willy nilly and then persons go there time and time again. Yes, if one or two people go to a site and use good field craft then usually there are no problems....however multiply this by dozens or even hundreds of visits by "interested parties" then this is likely to cause issues and in known instances failure of the birds to successfully breed - surely not what was hoped for.
Some individuals are very happy to give out information, and probably feel they are not doing any harm by their actions, but they do not hang around to see the negative results in loss of nests, eggs or young by doing so. Mistakenly they think they're doing everyone a favour at the time!
I hope this doesn't sound in any way patronising and I genuinely hope you have a great day out. All the best.