For forcing a rare migratory warbler out of a bush so that 50 of them could snap photographs of it, birdwatchers have received criticism.
The animal’s wellbeing should “always come first,” according to RSPB Scotland, after three individuals were seen around a bush where a young bird was being kept.
On the side of the road, some 50 individuals could be seen attempting to get images of the lanceolated warbler as it flew off.
We should never take for granted the opportunity of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. According to RSPB Scotland, such encounters “should be accepted on the terms of the species, not humans.”
Others were enraged by the occurrence, which is said to have occurred in the Shetland Islands.
Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands is one of the greatest locations to witness the seldom seen bird.
After seeing the footage, Jack Baddams, co-host of the nature podcast “How many geese?,” said that there were “no ethics at play.”
According to the podcaster, after creating noise to flush out the lanceolated warbler, the group was attempting to take a picture of it.
There are no ethics involved in chasing a little bird that is miles off track and preventing it from eating and sleeping, according to Mr. Baddams.
In the grass, where it was hiding, he said, “Some going into the grass, applauding and creating noise to flush it in front of the observing throng.” It was quite grim.
This is horrible behavior, and it doesn’t reflect anybody who appreciates nature and birding, said another social media critic. All of these folks need to be penalized for endangering animals.
Several others described the incident as “distressing,” adding that the warbler was “obviously afraid.”
James Shergold, a social media user, commented on the video and said that the farmer had asked for the bird to be relocated.
He explained: “At the landowner’s request, it was done to relocate the bird out of a field with hazardous cattle and away from the road onto a location that wouldn’t create concerns with either of the stated.”
It was dragged across the road by “maybe 30 meters,” he said.