Dartford warbler

[JONNY74]

I wanted to put a subject out to the forum that has caused quite a debate in some quarters. Some people maybe aware a Dartford warbler has turned up in North Wales this week, a singing male that everybody is hoping finds a female and breeds. Judging by how far it is away from its usual breeding sites it's unlikely but you never know.
But a "should I go and see the bird or should I not" debate seems to be raging at the moment. Some people seem to think because it's a scarce breeding uk species everyone should stay away. Others say as long as we stick to our birding morals and codes of giving the bird space whats the problem. But as we all know some people find it hard to put the bird first in order to get a tick or that magic photo.
I personally went to see the bird yesterday in freezing cold fog and waited in the same spot for over an hour before it appeared and sang quite happily oblivious of the watching people. All I can say is everybody at the site while as was there behaved quietly and impeccably and I didn't see an issue. But I can see both sides of the argument, but as long as we all behave as we should I personally don't see an issue. Just wanted to hear your views on the matter.

[Twitcheruth]

Glad you got to see it Jonny,I've seen the pics.....it's a stunner!
I've also read the various opinions on whether to visit the area or not......personally I won't be going despite it being less than an hour away......but as long as everyone is behaving themselves I don't have a problem with it.......the bird has to come first tho.

I've been on a few twitches where I've been ashamed to be called a birder so do try and avoid the big twitches!!! and if I found something like this myself I would keep quiet!

[Merlin]

Sorry Ruth but if everyone kept quiet when they saw something rare we'd never see anything. But as you say as long as everyone is behaving themselves there shouldn't be a problem. The trouble can come from photographers as its such a small bird even a large lens can't get a decent shot sometimes and its then that they try to get too close.
There are records of Dartfords in South Wales so this could be a natural expansion of their range the big IF is whether it finds a mate, personally I doubt it.

[JONNY74]

Good point Ruth. I know what you mean about people stepping over the line. But it is a shame that because of some people others are willing to miss out on such a stunning bird. Because let's face it for us northerners it's not every day we get Dartford warbler on our doorstep.
I also forgot to mention as well as the warbler there is a Great grey shrike up there which I missed out on. And I got some nice views of Black grouse so it's worth a visit warbler or no warbler.

[Twitcheruth]

Originally Posted by Merlin

Sorry Ruth but if everyone kept quiet when they saw something rare we'd never see anything. But as you say as long as everyone is behaving themselves there shouldn't be a problem. The trouble can come from photographers as its such a small bird even a large lens can't get a decent shot sometimes and its then that they try to get too close.
There are records of Dartfords in South Wales so this could be a natural expansion of their range the big IF is whether it finds a mate, personally I doubt it.

Originally Posted by JONNY74

Good point Ruth. I know what you mean about people stepping over the line. But it is a shame that because of some people others are willing to miss out on such a stunning bird. Because let's face it for us northerners it's not every day we get Dartford warbler on our doorstep.
I also forgot to mention as well as the warbler there is a Great grey shrike up there which I missed out on. And I got some nice views of Black grouse so it's worth a visit warbler or no warbler.

Just my opinion Merlin.......I thik the majority of birders are fine but some would do absolutely anything for a tick/photo.

Yes I knew of the Shrike too Jonny thanks,glad that you saw a Black Grouse also....a nice little bonus for you!

[astafjevs]

It's down to the individual, I think. If you know you're going to go and behave yourself properly, why shouldn't you go? If when you're there you recognise you might be having an adverse effect on the bird, then leave.

I'm yet to see a dartford warbler but it is my number one target bird for Spring! Fortunately I regularly go down to the south coast to see family so I will hopefully not have to resort to twitching one, I'll just have to spend some time in the right areas!

[Twitcheruth]

Good luck Stuart....I hope you get to see one!

[Merlin]

Originally Posted by Merlin

Sorry Ruth but if everyone kept quiet when they saw something rare we'd never see anything. But as you say as long as everyone is behaving themselves there shouldn't be a problem. The trouble can come from photographers as its such a small bird even a large lens can't get a decent shot sometimes and its then that they try to get too close. There are records of Dartfords in South Wales so this could be a natural expansion of their range the big IF is whether it finds a mate, personally I doubt it.

Which has already happened, just read a report on Manchester Birding and someone "with a big lens" chased it up the hill apparently.

[Twitcheruth]

Originally Posted by Merlin

Which has already happened, just read a report on Manchester Birding and someone "with a big lens" chased it up the hill apparently.

I'm not at all surprised......some twitchers have lenses bigger than their brains!

[PeterB]

The whole point of having a big lens is you don't have to get too close. (well, that's my excuse anyway).