Whether visitors are RSPB members or not doesn't come into it, everyone there has the same right.
It seems logical during the relatively brief period when there are kingfishers nesting that photographers are asked to use one hide and others use the other.
It just seems common sense to me.
The only problem is what others make it....
Tell me, if the birds are using only one of the two nesting banks, does that mean that photographers are excluded, I think not, what was the line in the song???? - Their may be trouble ahead - all members have a right to be their, the noise of camera shutters DOES NOT disturb the birds, if you think it does please prove it to me !!!!!!!! in many respects photographers give more back to the RSBP and others with their images, their, now I have said it, that will upset someone for sure.
If it's any consolation, many newer DSLRs have a quiet shutter mode which is much softer on the ears
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Find me on Flickr / All about your camera - The Getting off Auto Index
Well said Joe
The point was that shutters disturbed people taking videos, not pictures. Disturbing the birds wasn't mentioned.
In all the times I have been to Rye Meads which is many, trust me I could count on the fingers of one hand the people doing video, do you know what, I'll say it if no one else will, you all seem to be having a go at the photographer's, none of us have complained, I myself offered help with hide, grow up, share and share alike.
Indeed 'prash', you certainly can feel the love here! :-)
You may as well say "Can you also create a hide that is a children free zone, because all the noise they make is preventing me from filming the Kingfishers?" or "Can you create a hide where no conversation is allowed and people who cause vibrations are banned?". If videography is that important to you, why not invest in a directional Microphone that you can clip onto the ledge so that you don't get any noise from cameras and people within the hide. What you are asking for is a tad bit unreasonable. Unless I am mistaken, it's called the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) and not the RSPP or the RSPV (Royal Society for the Protection of Photographers or Videographers). RSPB is funded by its members, donations and other means (possibly including tax and overseas donations and bursaries). Let's not create a division between people and lets enjoy nature together.
I agree with the above 110%, at last a balanced viewpoint.....