I have written up my blog for a month or so, therefore I apologise for writing this negative post regarding the Eastern Rufous Bush Chat at Stiffkey in Norfolk.
I have never been, am not, and will never be a twitcher, I really don't get it. So called twitching has often brought real birders into negative light, and when people say to me "Oh, you are a twitcher are you?", I immediately correct them and tell them I am a birder.
Twitching has brought birding into negative light in recent years, most recently, I refer to the Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler at Holkham a couple of years ago when some twitchers committed criminal damage on the Holkham Estate, and one idiot twitcher even suggested an organised flush for a bird which is a skulker by behaviour (see you tube). Where was the bird's welfare on that occasion?
In 1999, I found a Pied Billed Grebe on my patch, I kept this find to a few trusted friends, however, news broke following my find and mob rule ensued. This particular bird was at a previous Norfolk site before relocating to my patch, because it had been harassed by irresponsible twitchers.
With the arrival of the Eastern Rufous Bush Chat at Stiffkey, it was inevitable that twitchers would arrive en-masse. Evidence in newspapers, and even reports in another blog through written and photographic evidence, clearly showed a lack of respect for other road users and a failure to observe the current government guidelines relating to Covid-19 restrictions, also, and quite rightly, there was Police involvement too relating to the concerns above. One twitcher type even reported the presence of dogs at this site which disturbed the bird, how many dog-walkers look upon these twitchers with disdain on what is likely to be their regular dog-walk route. How many birds are displaced by twitcher types as they trudge their way through habitats putting up other birds as they selfishly go their way? The North Norfolk Coast is not the sole domain of birders and twitcher types, it is for all to enjoy.
I pride myself on not being a twitcher, I am a birder who likes to educate people on birds, their behaviour and movements. I am also very proud to say that I like to think I am a well respected birder on my Breckland patch and I get immense pleasure from sharing my knowledge with people who are keen to learn.
