This week, the wildlife photography community has been abuzz with controversy surrounding a Long-eared Owl spot that, over the past few years, has become an increasingly popular hotspot. What began as a special opportunity to witness these elusive owls has spiralled into something that can no longer be ignored: overcrowding, territorial disputes, and a dangerous disregard for the very subjects we claim to admire.
Most disturbing of all, reports suggest that large groups of photographers have gotten too close to the young , risking the owlets’ safety and potentially disrupting the adult owls’ ability to bring in food. Among all the chatter – who said what, who did what – one voice remains conspicuously absent: that of the owls themselves.
It’s a sobering reminder that wildlife photography isn’t just about the perfect shot. It’s about respect, restraint, and responsibility. We must ask ourselves: are we bearing witness, or are we intruding? Are we telling the story of the animal, or are we centering ourselves?
When a location becomes well-known, the risks multiply. Photographers can unintentionally create a harmful pressure cooker, where the welfare of the animal is compromised for a few frames. Fights over space and access are not only shameful – they’re symptoms of a much deeper problem: a culture that too often prioritises ego over ethics.
Just because there’s a group already there doesn’t green light your involvement. The presence of others is not a justification – it can actually be a signal to walk away. Crowds rarely lead to ethical outcomes in wildlife settings.
Everyone is getting the samey shots. The same angle, the same pose, the same light. Ask yourself: is it really worth it? Is your contribution offering something new, or is it just adding pressure to an already sensitive situation?
More hard truths:
- Being quiet isn’t enough if your presence still causes stress.
- Being far enough for your lens doesn’t mean you’re invisible to wildlife.
- Ethical behavior means sometimes not taking the shot at all.
- We can love wildlife and still harm it – intention isn’t the same as impact.
- This is an easy photo. There’s no skill here, no fieldcraft – just a shortcut at nature’s expense.
- ‘Likes’ don’t equal legitimacy. Real wildlife photography is grounded in skill, ethics, and empathy.
At Wildly Ethical, we believe there’s another way. A way where curiosity meets care, where stories are told with deep respect, and where silence is sometimes the most respectful thing we can offer. It’s not about perfection – it’s about progress.
To those who visit such sites: take a step back. Use longer lenses. Travel in smaller groups. Leave no trace. Keep to paths. And above all, remember that these beings are not there for our entertainment. Their survival depends on our discretion.
Let’s refocus – on humility, on education, and on the shared responsibility we have to the wild lives we photograph. Because if we truly love wildlife, that love should guide our every action, both in front of and behind the lens.
So if you’re planning on visiting the spot (or any other hotspot) to get a photograph for your social media attention – ask yourself first: who is this really for, and at what cost?
Disclaimer: This article is intended to encourage responsible wildlife photography and reflection on ethical field behavior. It is not directed at any individual and does not reference any specific incident beyond publicly discussed patterns of behavior. Our aim is to center animal welfare and promote constructive dialogue within the photography community.
Leave a Reply