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Posted by Trey Mitchell on 20:10:10 09/23/06
In Reply to: Re: Northern Wheatear behavior/viewing situation posted by Jeff Weber
I agree with Jeff. My observation is the N. Wheatear has become less bothered by people as time has passed. On the day the bird was first seen any car door closing, car driving by or other human activity seemed to cause the bird to head for the trees.
The next time I saw the bird it approached me and didn't seem nearly as bothered by cars and people it was busy munching on the tasty insects in the freshly mowed lawn.
If the bird moves on or it becomes harder to find at the same location, I believe it will be due to the ability for it to locate food and an over grown lawn.
As far as people bothering the bird and affecting its normal behavior, the bird is already in a location it doesn't belong and experiencing habitat it is unfamiliar with or at least that it doesn t belong in.
I say, use good judgment not to disturb the bird and be courteous to other birds who are trying for a look. On the first day watching the bird I personally avoided close approach so to not scare it off. After several dozen people had already seen the bird and when no one else was around I did approach it slowly paying close attention to its reaction. If it seemed at all bothered I stopped. Often it would approach me from then on.
I hope everyone that has opportunity will take the time to go see this incredible out of place bird.
Shoot
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