BWA

Thanks for the support!
多謝支持!

You may download the water mark from here:
你可以從以下連結下載「不登島」水印:
http://www.hkbws.org.hk/fileServ ... ding_logo_layer.psd

Reference about the watermark:
另外可參考這裡：
http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/view ... &extra=page%3D1

BWA

There have been a lot of debates since 10 years ago.  Please refer to the following thread:

http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/view ... &extra=page%3D1

To cut it short:
1. Terns will be disturbed when people land on tern islands during the breeding season

2. Photgraphers are a particular threat, especially because they have a lot of motivation to stay in the core area for hours

3. Fishermen also produce some disturbance, but they mostly stay at the waterline.  The birds will get used to their presence as long as they stay there and won't enter the core area. (You can readily appreciate the stress to the birds from their behaviour.  When people are inside the core area, they circle high above making all sorts of calls - very similar to the case when a Peregrine Falcon is around.  When fishermen are staying at the waterline, the birds generally ignore them, although they have to rest elsewhere on the island)

4. As bird lovers, we have to demonstrate our commitment to put the birds' welfare before good photos

5. For publicity, we need a simple clear-cut message, with no if's, but's or perhaps.  We aim for zero disturbance, so no landing even outside the "core area".

6. Fishermen do not show photos of birds, and they don't care

[ Last edited by BWA at 29/07/2013 13:05 ]

BWA

"I am surprised that you are able to be sure that the photographers were there for a long time when you just arrived the scene"

At least we didn't see their boat going out or returning on our way.  That would have been at least half an hour.  Do you expect they would take all the trouble to go there and just stay for 15 mins?


"also, how did you know that the photographers were causing the terns to fly high above and not land and not you and your group?"

The birds were already up in the air when they became visible from a distance from our boat. We thought the disturbance was due to a falcon but instead found a group of photographers well set up on the spot.


"Fishermen cause disturbance but the terns get use to their presence... Why?  Coz photographers stay very still at the same spot staying still and that fishermen wave their rod about every 10 minutes?"

Fishermen stay near the water where there are rarely any nests.  Those photographers set up their gear right among the nests.


"the stance which you are taking by saying that ONE GROUP of photographers enter the restricted area and therefore all photographers will do the same is simply insane."

We recorded at least 3 groups going up the island in the last 2 years.  I also received report that at least one group had done so this year.  I found in photo forums on the web discussing such visits or plans for such visit, before they limit access to members-only.  I want to be proven wrong, but please report it should you catch them red-handed.


"Please understand that what i want to suggest here is that not anyone with a long lens is 'a photographer' and therefore cannot be a bird lover and will disturb the terns."

Sure! I also carry a long lens.

[ Last edited by BWA at 29/07/2013 20:18 ]

BWA

Quote:

Original posted by wilsondring at 30/07/2013 15:46

is there not more we can do as a society to put pressure on the government?  might this be a more effective way prevent disturbance to the mating terns?

We have been monitoring bird numbers and disturbance over the years.  Reports of photographers' bad behaviour appeared in the news last year and have led to more active measures from AFCD.

For example: http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/view ... &extra=page%3D1

The Society is also working for AFCD to carry out surveys all over HK waters, and also help to educate the public.  We recommend to close the island during the breeding season, but this so far is not yet in their plan.

[ Last edited by BWA at 30/07/2013 22:01 ]

BWA

Quote:

Original posted by wilsondring at 1/08/2013 13:14
I am group admin and owner of a closed facebook group Hong Kong Birders, which consists of 300 bird photographers, link is in my sign below.

If there is anything which i can do to help protect the  ...

Thanks!

Please report any disturbance to terns at your outings.  It would be great if you would add the "No landing" logo on your photos.