Sorry if this is a silly question, but I rather ask and be sure!
I've got several nests on my property (Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and Robins) that are ready to hatch. I want to get some nice shots but where the nests are will require at least fill flash. Is there any issue with flash disturbing or harming the new hatchlings?
I am aways amazed how tolerant birds are to flash, and that they are much more likely to react to the sound of a shutter release, or a sudden movement on my part. However IMO disrupting nestlings is unethical, and use of a flash would fit in the category. There may be unforseen and unintended consequences. Although it seems unlikely that a sudden flash of light startles a hatchling to jumping out of the nest (pretty much fatal), it still seems to me that use of a good telephoto lens and appropriate ISO reduces to zero any chances of harm. regards~Bill
I don't know if it does physical harm but like Bill I wouldn't use flash for nestlings. If you have birds like crows in your neighborhood and they see you close to a robin nest they might come after you leave and that would be the end of that story.
Hi Mark, I would personally leave nest photography alone as it is possible to to do quite a bit of harm as Axel has said. Some forums ban nest pictures even though they know the photographer took all the necessary precautions to make sure the little ones were completely safe, as I am sure you also would. The problem being that there is a possibility that someone else will look at the pictures and think they are 'cute' and have ago themselves without realising how dangerous this can be.
Flash - Safe for Newly Hatched Birds?
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