lonestranger Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 Stalking birds just doesn't work for me. If I try to be stealthy and sneak closer to a bird, they seem to sense that they're being stalked and jump into alert mode and fly off at the slightest of movement. I have better luck making my presence known in a non threatening manner and slowly work myself closer to the bird while trying to be obvious that my interest is elsewhere. I will bend over and dig in the grass/dirt for a bit and then look around nervously, while avoiding eye contact, and then move to a new patch of grass/dirt to dig in. I'm not sure if my theory stands up to scrutiny, but I think that acting like a gatherer makes me look less like a hunter and therefore less likely to spook wildlife. If I come in like a hunter, the wildlife acts accordingly and hides. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 58 minutes ago, Kevin said: Yes. Did you take a picture to show it wasn't there? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 20 minutes ago, Charlie Spencer said: Did you take a picture to show it wasn't there? Sorry, I didn't read which post you quoted, I thought you were asking if I was going to the mailbox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clip Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 On 7/13/2021 at 1:38 PM, Charlie Spencer said: The mailbox? This is a what not a who. Just saying. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clip Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 On 7/13/2021 at 2:49 PM, lonestranger said: Stalking birds just doesn't work for me. If I try to be stealthy and sneak closer to a bird, they seem to sense that they're being stalked and jump into alert mode and fly off at the slightest of movement. I have better luck making my presence known in a non threatening manner and slowly work myself closer to the bird while trying to be obvious that my interest is elsewhere. I will bend over and dig in the grass/dirt for a bit and then look around nervously, while avoiding eye contact, and then move to a new patch of grass/dirt to dig in. I'm not sure if my theory stands up to scrutiny, but I think that acting like a gatherer makes me look less like a hunter and therefore less likely to spook wildlife. If I come in like a hunter, the wildlife acts accordingly and hides. Excellent! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clip Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 One more thought on getting the functional shot vs. only caring about the artistic shot. As I get older I have come to realize how important the memories that even my bad shots hold are to me! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 On 7/13/2021 at 1:49 PM, lonestranger said: Stalking birds just doesn't work for me. If I try to be stealthy and sneak closer to a bird, they seem to sense that they're being stalked and jump into alert mode and fly off at the slightest of movement. I have better luck making my presence known in a non threatening manner and slowly work myself closer to the bird while trying to be obvious that my interest is elsewhere. I will bend over and dig in the grass/dirt for a bit and then look around nervously, while avoiding eye contact, and then move to a new patch of grass/dirt to dig in. I'm not sure if my theory stands up to scrutiny, but I think that acting like a gatherer makes me look less like a hunter and therefore less likely to spook wildlife. If I come in like a hunter, the wildlife acts accordingly and hides. I'd like too see that! I definitely agree with your theory.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonestranger Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 25 minutes ago, Kevin said: I'd like too see that! I definitely agree with your theory.... I'm sure I look goofy being stooped over or crawling on my knees while I am grabbing a handful of dirt and inspecting it for hidden treasures. I hope that I might peak the curiosity of the nearby wildlife without going to the extent that the stoat/ermine/short-tailed weasel does when it tries to get closer to it's target. If I start rolling on the ground and start flopping around, it won't be to attract the attention of anything but the paramedics. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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