Sze

黑面琵鷺生態展示館在facebook的相片：
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.209298359092730.52891.143503465672220

tomatofamily

By looking at these three photos, I would guess that the photographer was really closed to the nest.  If so, the act of
that sure had negative effect to the bird, which was against the code of the HKBWS.  The photographer might not be the member of the HKBWS.  Then, if so, it should not be linked to the HKBWS forum.  Am I right?

[ Last edited by tomatofamily at 8/06/2011 16:57 ]

Sze

tomatofamily抱歉的！遲了回覆你。
tomatofamily, sorry for my late reply.

以上的連結是一個台灣的保育機構在facebook上的一些記錄照片的分享，內文主要是分享一些東方鴴的的鳥巢及鳥蛋的資料，並描述親鳥遇上外敵時如何保護鳥蛋及幼鳥。因我見資料頗有趣味性，大家亦未必有機會知道此方面的資料，所以張貼在此跟大家分享一下。
The above link was from the Facebook page of a conservation group in Taiwan.
It shows some record photos and sharing about the nest and eggs of the Kentish Plover, as well as the story on how the parents protect their eggs and juveniles against predators.
As I found such information rather interesting and others may not have the chance to come across this kind of information, I posted it here for sharing.

由於大部分的研究工作都不方便太多人隨行參觀，所以有時研究人員在工作時看見一些特別的觀察記錄時，都會在不太影響鳥兒的情況下作少量相片記錄，然後在事後跟市民分享，從而令鳥兒受到最少影響的情況下，讓市民有機會了解多一些較少接觸的資料，這是做教育推廣時頗常用的方法，但當中各有利弊，我希望在此作一些個人的分享，希望讓你多了解一下，我張貼此連結的原因。
As most of the research work cannot take on many observers, researchers sometimes take a few record photos when they found some interesting or special cases, provided that the birds would not be too much affected.
They would then share the story with the public when the birds had left, so as to minimize the impact on the birds, and yet, at the same time, let the public know more about some interesting facts of birds which otherwise they won’t have the chance to come across.
This is quite a common method people use in educating the public.
I would like to share with you the pros and cons of this method, hoping that you’d understand more about the reason why I posted this link.

為了有效保護需要保護的雀鳥或野生動植物時，研究或保育機構很多時都要進行不少的研究及觀察工作，從而了解實際情況，然後再去制定相關的保育工作方案。研究及觀察工作或多或少對「被研究目標」（如：雀鳥）有一定程度的傷害及影響，但這些研究所得的資料及數據卻同時亦是日後保育工作的重要理據。
In order to protect the birds or wildlife that need protection, research or conservation groups usually have to conduct research or observation, so as to understand more about the actual situation before they can formulate the appropriate conservation plan.
To some extent, the target (e.g. birds) would be harmed or affected during the course of research and observation.
However, the information and data gathered from such research can form important justification for conservation work.

Sze

由於研究對「被研究目標」同時有好及壞的影響，所以我們不能完全停止研究及觀察工作，但我們必須在好及壞的影響之間取得平衡，令我們得到所需資料的同時亦要將對「被研究目標」的影響降至最低。在如何降低／減少對「被研究目標」的影響，大約可在幾方面著手，以下我嘗試以鳥類研究作例子討論：
As there are good and bad impacts on our target, we cannot possibly stop all the research and observation work.
Yet, we must strike a balance between the two, so that we can get the information we need while minimizing our impact on the target.
As for how to reduce / minimize the impact on the target, a few approaches can be taken, and I try to use bird research as an example to illustrate my points:

1.
研究及觀察工作的需要性：對鳥類保育沒有幫助的研究及觀察工作應盡量避免。
The need to research and observation: Those research and observation that do not facilitate bird conservation should be avoided as far as possible.
2.
限制參與的工作人員人數：由於參與人數越多，則越有機會令雀鳥感到不安，並對鳥兒造成越大壓力，所以需視乎工作性質及情況限制工作人員的人數。
Restrict the number of participants: As the chance of making the birds feel irritated increases with the increase in researchers or observers, to reduce the pressure on the birds, the number of participants should be as few as possible, taking into consideration the nature and actual situation of the work.
3.
參與工作的人員素質：由於研究工作或多或少對鳥兒有一定的影響性，所以研究工作大都只由一些富有經驗的團體機構的職員或義工負責執行。而這些工作人員通常事前都需接受適當的訓練，或由富有經驗的人員帶領。對於一些有機會對鳥兒造成較大傷害的工作（如：鳥類環誌），更只容許有多年經驗的專業人員，並有考核及牌照制度以評核及確認工作人員的專業資格。
Quality of the participants: As these researches may impact on the birds, most of the research would be conducted by the experienced staffs or volunteers of the experienced organizations.
These participants usually receive the appropriate training beforehand, and follow the lead of some experienced researchers.
For those research that may inflict more harm on birds (e.g. ringing), only those with years of experience would be allowed.
They also need to obtain professional qualification by going through accreditation and licensing system.
4.
限制進行研究工作的地點：研究工作盡量會安排在到訪人數受限制或人流較少的地方進行。
Restriction on the research site: The research work would be arranged in sites with restricted access or lower visitor flow.
5.
限制研究工作進行的次數及時數：由於數據越多，研究結果的準確度亦會越高，但對鳥兒的的傷害亦相對增加，所以通常對鳥兒傷害越大的研究，進行的次數及時數亦會越少。
Restriction on the frequency and duration of the research: The more data you get, the more accurate the research result will be.
And yet, the harm inflicted on birds may increase correspondingly.
So, the frequency and duration of those researches that would inflict more harm on birds will be minimized.
6.
盡量尋求其他可行而傷害性較低的研究方法：例如在鳥類環誌的研究工作中，研究人員會根據鳥兒的類別及研究所需，而選擇使用傷害性較大的衛星追蹤及無線電追蹤，或只套上傷害性較低的腳環／腳旗。
Look for less intrusive alternatives: For instance, in bird ringing, researchers will base on the target species and research need to choose to ring the bird with the more intrusive satellite and radio tracker, or just put on a less intrusive ring or flag on the bird’s leg.

以上是以我所知的，在研究範疇上的考慮因素，如有任何錯漏，還望各位前輩幫忙提出指正。
These are some of the factors being considered in conducting research.
Would those experienced researchers, please let me know if there is anything that I’ve missed out.

Sze

鳥類研究的數據結果以往可能是只限研究人員才會關心及留意的事項，但近年的情況卻有了變化。由於環境發展及破壞越來越多，所以有需要更多愛鳥或愛環境的市民參與各項保育工作，如：撰寫意見信或參與普查工作等，故此，將鳥類研究的數據結果公開有助於市民了解各鳥類及其棲息地的保育情況及變化，讓市民可向相關機構發出更有力的要求保育的聲音。
In the past, the bird research results may only matter to researchers.
However, in recent years, this has changed.
As our environment is now under more and more pressure, we need to call for the participation of those who love birds and the environment to help, e.g. to write comments to the authorities or to participate in territory-wide monitoring programs.
Therefore, to publicize the research results would help to enhance the understanding of the public on different kinds of birds, their habitats and the related conservation issues.
The public would then voice out for birds and the environment, and hence forming a stronger force in conservation.

此外，要喚起多些市民愛鳥及愛環境是鳥類保育工作中重要的一環，因為只有多些人愛護牠們，一起為牠們爭取福利，牠們的生活及生存狀況才有望改善過來。要喚起公眾關注的方法其實不外乎是加強推廣及教育宣傳的工作。原本鳥兒美麗的外表及有趣的動作，要令人歡喜牠們並不困難，可是這些優點亦同時是為牠們帶來被人傷害的禍根，而這亦造成我們在做保育推廣時存在兩難的局面。此外，近年在郊野遊玩的人多了，市民在郊野遇上野生雀鳥及動物的機會亦會增多。看見從未遇過的動物，除了會令市民感到好奇及興奮外，市民無心傷害到這些野生動物的機會亦隨之增加。所以在我們需要在做保育推廣及減少對鳥兒傷害之間取一個平衡。
Besides, to increase awareness and affection of the public towards birds is important in bird conservation.
It’s because the birds’ well-being can only be improved if more people care about them and fight for their interest altogether.
Increase public awareness can mainly be done through promotion and education.
Given the beauty and loveliness of birds, it’s not difficult to make people love them.
However, their beauty may also put them in danger, and this gives rise to the dilemma in bird conservation.
Besides, more and more people are going to the countryside nowadays.
There are more chance for the public to come into contact with wild birds and other wildlife.
While people may be amazed and curious to see creatures they had never met, there is also a higher chance for them to unknowingly harm the wildlife.
Therefore, we need to strike a balance between promoting the knowledge and minimizing the harm on birds.

就似鳥巢及鳥蛋的問題為例，如果我們永遠都不告訴大家什麼是鳥巢，鳥巢是什麼樣子，鳥蛋是什麼樣子，若有天有市民在戶外意外地遇上鳥巢及鳥蛋時，我們又怎能期望一個普通市民會知曉那個是鳥巢，那些鳥蛋？遇上時應該怎樣做才可將對牠們的影響減至最低？如果此時只是說市民不對，那絕對有可能只換來市民一句：「你沒有說我又怎會知道應該怎樣做呢？你現在來怪責我是否太不合理呢？」因為以上的理念，所以有「鳥兒安樂窩」這一個子討論區的出現。
Take bird nest and bird eggs as an example.
If we never tell the public about what is a bird nest, how does the nest and eggs look like, how can we expect the general public to know what that is if they come across a nest with eggs in the countryside, not to mention how to treat it properly to minimize their impact.
If we blame them for any wrong deeds, they would probably say, “You have never talked about this.
How could I know how to deal with it?
It is very unreasonable of you to blame me about this now.”
That’s why we came up with the idea of setting up the “Home Sweet Home” sub-forum.

但跟市民分享鳥巢的知識又是否相等於鼓勵大家一窩蜂的去搶拍鳥巢呢？我們當然不希望這樣，但人的慾念很可怕，所以風險是存在的。故此，在「鳥兒安樂窩」中有一個簡介的帖子，提及此子討論區的理念及由指定義工負責進行的，希望可因而將影響減低的同時，亦令市民有機會學習相關的知識。此外，我們亦希望透過分享一些鳥兒在繁殖時所遇上的逆境，而引起市民對鳥兒的憐愛。
However, by sharing knowledge on bird nest, are we encouraging people to flock to take photos of the nest?
Of course this is not what we want to see.
However there is such a risk as human greed can be horrifying.
Therefore, we have an introductory post at “Home Sweet Home” describing our rationale behind this sub-forum, and telling the public that the research here are done by experienced volunteers, hoping that we can minimize the impact on birds while educating the public.
Besides, we also share with the public the difficulties birds encounter in reproduction, hoping that people will treasure them more.

Sze

相若的原因，部份研究資料的公開，其目的一是希望增加市民對鳥兒的了解；二是希望藉此為一些需要大量觀察人員協助的研究項目吸引多些公眾參與，令研究項目可以獲得更多資料及數據。例如：報告帶有環誌的雀鳥／罕見雀鳥的觀察記錄、報告家鴉巢的位置及其他各項觀察報告。但公開這些資料又是否就等於鼓勵大家一窩蜂的隨意自行進行各項鳥類研究呢？這當然絕對不是我們所想。
Because of similar reasons, the main purpose of publicizing some of the research results was to enhance the understanding of the public.
At the same time, we want to recruit volunteers from the public to participate in projects that need a lot of manpower, so that we can obtain more information and data.
For example, to report on sightings of ringed birds or rare species, report on the locations of House Crow, other observations, etc.
But to publicize such information, are we encouraging people to flock to conduct their own bird research without careful planning?
This is of course not we want to see.

雖然部分鳥類研究工作是需要多些人手協助，而且小部分簡單的匯報工作是大部分沒有經驗的公眾人士也可參與，但這也不代表任何研究工作均可隨意由任何未經訓練的公眾人士參與，因很多研究及調查工作存在對鳥兒造成傷害的風險，故此需要工作人員受過不同程度的訓練，並學習相關的調查技巧才可參與。鳥會中有部分較需要人手，而且工作性質較簡單（主要是一些數算的工作）的研究小組亦會定期舉辦工作坊及簡介會，藉此招募有意參與研究工作的會員及市民，並提供研究工作的簡介及相關的基本訓練，以確保參與人士擁有一定的相關知識，而在執行研究工作時亦會盡量減少對鳥兒的影響及傷害。
Although more manpower is needed in some bird research, and inexperienced members of the public can help in simple tasks like reporting sightings, this does not mean that all research work can be done by any untrained members of the public.
It’s because there are risks of harming the birds in many of the researches.
Therefore, only those with a certain extent of training, knowledge and skills can participate.
In HKBWS, there are certain research groups that need a lot of manpower to carry out simple observation work (e.g. counting).
Workshops and briefings are held to recruit volunteers to help out.
Trainings are provided to the participants to ensure that they have obtained the knowledge needed, so as to minimize their impact and harm on birds while they do their observation.

以上是我少少的個人分享，如有任何錯漏的地方，還望各位前輩幫忙多加指正，感激萬分！
The above is some of my personal comments.
Would the experienced researchers please feel free to supplement with more information or correct any of the points.
Thanks for a million!

最後感謝我的好朋友幫忙將我的回應翻譯成英文版本。
Thousand Thanks to my dearest friend translate my reply into English for me.

tomatofamily

Hi, Sze.

Although I do not know you personally, your devotion to birds and wildlife is well known to lot of people, at least to me, as I know you also host of HKWildLife.  I would not double your good intention.  If enhancing public interest of birds is one of the missions to HKBWS, then I would suggest from other members of HKBWS less criticizing those who might have some acts of disturbance of birds while taking photos.  We all know the true that since the growth of birds photography and people having more and better photography gears, many many birds images, including rare type, interesting type have been provided by enthusiastic photographers to this forum as well as other sites and places.  Such actually enhances public interest to birds as well as wildlife.  So, it is win-win subsequently.  I really doubt that those involve in wildlife photography are bad hearted.

BTW, I really do understand what you are talking about the researches.

Best regards.

Eric

Sze

Hi Eric,

Thank you very much for your appreciation and understanding for my work on bird.

However, It is true that some photography are not bad hearted but their greed for satisfying photos are very horrifying. So teach public not to do that and how to protect the birds which are the missions to HKBWS too.

[ Last edited by Sze at 14/06/2011 23:42 ]