Photography
In order to ensure monitors are focused on the safety of the Piping Plovers, we ask that photos be taken only to document behavior or concerns. For casual photography or for pleasure, we ask that monitors take photos before or after their shift.
Monitors are welcome to arrive earlier or stay later to photograph the plovers or view and photograph other birds.
The monitors are asked to observe the behavior of the Piping Plovers in relationship to bystanders and photographers. If you observe a plover leaving the chicks and piping in response to people congregating near the fence to watch or take photos, and especially if the human presence inhibits chick feeding, please explain to the people that disruptions to the chick feeding lowers their chances of survival, and gently ask the people to back off to a position where the plover is no longer upset and chicks return to feeding. Please do not engage in confrontation.
If you or the public take photographs and would like to tag Nellie and Nish on social media, please use the hashtag #NellieandNish or #MaumeeBayPipingPlovers on Facebook or Instagram, and please tag Black Swamp Bird Observatory (#BSBO).
Monitors are welcome to arrive earlier or stay later to photograph the plovers or view and photograph other birds.
The monitors are asked to observe the behavior of the Piping Plovers in relationship to bystanders and photographers. If you observe a plover leaving the chicks and piping in response to people congregating near the fence to watch or take photos, and especially if the human presence inhibits chick feeding, please explain to the people that disruptions to the chick feeding lowers their chances of survival, and gently ask the people to back off to a position where the plover is no longer upset and chicks return to feeding. Please do not engage in confrontation.
If you or the public take photographs and would like to tag Nellie and Nish on social media, please use the hashtag #NellieandNish or #MaumeeBayPipingPlovers on Facebook or Instagram, and please tag Black Swamp Bird Observatory (#BSBO).