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Oldraven wrote:
As a former principal observer at 2 hawkwatch sites (see profile) I'd like to offer up some impressions gained from the work.
Hundreds of folks visited both sites over the course of a season (~6 weeks). Several takeaways seemed almost universal:
1. As this post indicates, folks who expected great raptor photography were disappointed, with two exceptions: Our sites had a plastic GHO tied lashed to a nearby treetop which occassionally drew spectacular, repeated attacks from falcons & accips. Those photogs who were good, fast & lucky got some dynamite images. One site was also host to a banding operation: the banders lured in passing raptors with tethered pigeons. There too, incoming raptors occasionally afforded difficult but spectacular photo ops. If you're visiting a hawkwatch site you might inquire ahead whether such activities are present, and what photographic opportunities might be available.
2. There was also a predictable progression in the reaction of visitors to our ID of distant dots & specks, which sometimes includes the age & sex of a bird that many visitors can't even see: folks on their first few visits were vocal in their disbelief. "Magic, I guess." "Impossible." "Total bullshit," are the phrases I heard most often. But when a limited number of possible visualizations are repeated over & over--tens of thousands of time--pattern recognition becomes very acute. There is, for example, a tremendous amount of information contained in a single wing beat; and separating, say, distant sharpies from coops on just a stroke or two becomes routine.
Repeat visitors who become engrossed in the process and ask questions about what's happening find their ID skills rapidly improving, and their skepticism diminishing. I really enjoyed watching that process unfold.
3. Early & late in the season, and during unfavorable weather conditions, birds can be few and far between. Tedium reigns. Some folks expect birds on demand...a zoo-like experience. I never got used to the intensity of their disappointment and frustration. There is a rhythym to nature; it helps if one can find it. Conversely, there are periods of insanely great action, where being in the presence of so many raptors becomes intoxicating. Visitors fortunate enough to be on site in those moments often forged a deeper and lasting connection to nature, and that was gratifying to be around.
Just some passing thoughts on a topic that brings on some nostalgia......Show more →
Your observations are spot on....photographic opportunities may occur but shouldn't be expected. Novices should absolutely trust that the seasoned observers aren't confabulating their sightings...well most of the time. It is a bit disconcerting however when the 11 year old son of the principle observer sees and identifies everything...snotty kid ...and finally, when you leave, the principle observer thanks you for coming, invites you back and you feel like your presence has been appreciated....that actually was one of the nicest moments I've ever had bird watching.
Eric
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