Barn swallows - what constitutes an unethical approach to nesting birds?

While camping in Sunshine Valley, near Hope, BC, I noticed a pair of barn swallows hawking insects.  They frequently returned to the same spot under the eaves of a small outbuilding.  As suspected, there was a mud nest present that may have held eggs as I saw no evidence of a hungry brood.  

My presence seemed to cause them some level of discomfort as they approached the nest but would not go into it.  Instead, they spent time hovering near the area and flying back and forth but still keeping their distance. I backed up slowly until my position afforded them enough comfort so they could return to the nest to continue incubating the eggs.

I brought my camera and long lens with me.  I photographed their flight using continuous 3d focusing and my release mode set to high speed.  I was there only a few minutes as I didn't want to disturb them too much.  You can see the nest and doting parent in the photo below.


When looking for birds to photograph, especially during breeding season, there is the risk of disturbing the nest.  Occasional forays into sensitive areas are likely when striving to capture such images.  The key, in my opinion, is to do it infrequently, spend very little time there, give the birds a comfortable distance, and keep the location to yourself.  Disregarding any of these guidelines may result in the birds abandoning the nest.  Ethical behaviour in bird photography is important as the creatures are under enough stress without crazed photographers adding to it.

It was a remarkable encounter.  My presence disrupted their nesting only briefly and I did not return for more images.  Was it wrong to photograph them in the first place?  I don't think so, as our encounter did not seem to affect them negatively.  They have to put up with people in the area all the time doing groundskeeping and maintenance, so I added nothing to what they were already familiar with.  What do you think?

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com

 

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