Spotlighting

[(Stuart Dashper)]

As there seems to be no scientific studies that have looked at the effects 
of spotlighting on nocturnal birds it may be worthwhile list members 
reporting their own experiences whilst spotlighting. This may give us some 
data onto which we can base our opinions.

Personally most of my spotlighting has been directed at mammals, however I 
have spotted a few birds. Most noticeably I had a Southern Boobook following 
me around one night. It seemed quite curious about the spotlight and would 
look straight into the beam, it was obvious that it adjusted its eyes very 
quickly to the amount of light on it. When it became bored by the light it 
would fly off, only to return a short time later. The only negative impact 
of spotlighting on birds I can recall is accidentally flushing a family of 
Blue wrens from a Grass-tree.

Cheers 
Stuart Dashper.