Why can't we just shoot them?

[Ira Runyan]

I guess it's a good thing that guns are not allowed in the Viera Wetlands.

Now, everybody knows how hard it is to get a Least Bittern in the open to photograph. Well, yesterday I saw one deep into the cattail reeds, so I set up and waited for 30 minutes for it to come out into the open. Eventually it did come out and after a short while became accustomed to my presents and began poseing for me capturing grass shrimp and minnows.

The next thing I know, a vehicle drives up behind me and the driver had a pair of those binoculars capable of spotting a tick on a deer at 100 yards away. So, what does that guy do..... Jumps out of his vehicle, yelling to someone in another car "It's a Least Bittern" while running down the bank towards the bird.

Needless to say, the Least Bittern was not having anything to do with that, and he quickly departed never to be seen again.

So, just why can't we shoot those clowns?

At any rate, here are some of the shots I got befor the bird was chased off..........

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[SARtech]

I would have shouted back "HEY! It's a loud-mouthed-a-hole!"

At least you got some wonderful shots anyway.

[Frog]

I'm with SARtech. A very photogenic bird and glad you got some shots before the a-hole showed up.

[almo]

I think someone might have gotten bashed over the head with a 300mm f/4L IS that day, if it had been me.

I am glad you were able to get some stellar shots before that d*@k ruined your fun.

[CaraRose]

I think someone might have gotten bashed over the head with a 300mm f/4L IS that day, if it had been me.

I am glad you were able to get some stellar shots before that d*@k ruined your fun.

Come on now, no need to ruin the 300mm f/4L... it's an expensive lens. There is far less expensive equipment to beat the morons with

Great shots, Ira! Sorry the idiot had to chase the bird away.

[OldClicker]

As long as you are at a spot that you can drive to, anybody else can also. At least you captured some nice shots before they arrived. - TF

[Iguanamom]

there was a post similar to this one on dgrin a few weeks ago...it's a some-kind-of-bird Sheila!! awful jerks. I love bitterns and am glad you took these and shared. Wonderfully shy little hunters they are.

[Loupey]

It is a public place and so if you had 30 uninterrupted minutes, I'd consider that pretty fortunate.

In my parts, trails and banks are constantly crawling with people. Most people are pretty understanding and patient with photographers. I find that if I look intently in the opposite direction when people approach, they can't see my actual subject and walk away quickly. It works almost every time since timid subjects will often freeze and wait if it believes that no one has spotted it.

[paulnj]

The reason you can't shoot birders, is because I carry when birding

But I hate the people you are speaking of, they are weekend warriors and not serious about nature really.