I came across a similar tableau a few weeks ago, a couple on a rug in among the banksias near Crake Alley. I thought I should say something to break the silence while they pulled a few clothes over themselves, so I said: “” It will be small comfort to you to know that of all the places in the ACT you have chosen the favourite location for persons seeking the elusive Spotted Crake”, thus at one stroke being friendly, starting a conversation, and establishing my credentials as a non-voyeur (of the darker kind).
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Friday, 16 March 2012 10:26 PM
To: 'canberra birds'
Subject: [canberrabirds] Jerra Wetlands Parkcare Group
Yes indeed curious. If some people don't like walking into a darkened hide, the easy answer is don't go in them. Then again there is the story told by a former COG President of finding a copulating pair of humans using one of these darkened hides as an interesting venue.
-----Original Message-----From: Ian Fraser [ Sent: Friday, 16 March 2012 9:03 PM
Cc: canberra birds Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Jerra Wetlands Parkcare Group
I think that's an extraordinary propostion. The only 'open' hide I can think of is Abattoir Swamp at Julatten, notorious for its lack of birds and a joke locally. With respect I think that birders who are nervous of hides need not use them; should we move them away from the water for those who fear water?
Perhaps a direct approach needs to made to the generally sensible Board responsible. Chris?
Ian
On 16/03/2012 19:59, BirdlineACT wrote:
I was talking to the new ranger Michael earlier this week. One concern I have is that he is talking about taking the screening panels out of the hides, because some people don't like walking into a darkened hide. These panels play a very important role in ensuring birds aren't scared by the movement of people who have been silhouetted against the light from the back entrance. I would have assumed that was more important.
Alastair
BIRDLINE ACT
Please report all interesting sightings of birds in the ACT to
