Ethics in Bird and Wildlife Photography: Protecting Our Winter Visitors

Snowy owls are one of many species that visit coastal areas of the Northeast in winter and are

commonly targeted by wildlife photographers.

During our winter months in coastal New England, we are graced by the presence of many seasonal visitors seeking both resources and reprieve from the harsh winter weather of the northern climates they call home in the breeding seasons. These seasonal visitors provide the opportunity to view unique species uncommon in our region outside of the winter months. With this opportunity comes responsibility to ensure that the health, safety and wellbeing of wildlife are being respected when we have the honor of viewing them!

We are incredibly excited to be partnering with David Mazur of Seacoast Photography School for two wildlife photography workshops this Spring here at Center for Wildlife. As we gear up for these two workshops (both focused photographing wild birds) we decided to check in with David who provided these great pieces of advice on photographing snowy owls, one of our favorite seasonal visitors!

Ethically Capturing Snowy Owls Without Consequence: A Photographer’s Responsibility

As a photographer, the allure of capturing the fleeting beauty of wildlife is undeniable. The raw power of a snowy owl, perched silently against a backdrop of snow and ice, can feel like a moment frozen in time, an image that speaks volumes about nature’s resilience and fragility. However, this sense of awe must be tempered with responsibility. Ethical photography is about more than just getting the shot, it’s about honoring the creatures we photograph, ensuring that our passion does not cause harm, and understanding the deeper consequences of our actions.

One of the most pressing issues in the world of bird and wildlife photography is the growing trend of crowding around rare or vulnerable species, especially during their winter migrations. A perfect example of this is the snowy owl. In recent years, this majestic bird has become a seasonal icon for photographers and nature enthusiasts across the Northeast, especially during its occasional long travel southward in search of food.

Snowy owls, known for their striking white plumage and piercing yellow eyes, typically reside in the Arctic regions. However, when food becomes scarce, they venture further south to New England. These owls, while undeniably beautiful subjects for wildlife photography, are also highly vulnerable during this time. Their journey requires energy, and disturbances, whether from human presence or excessive noise, can lead to added stress and even disrupt their vital winter migration patterns.

This is where the ethics of bird and wildlife photography become critical. The increasing number of photographers who flock to capture snowy owls during their southern migration has created an unintended consequence of crowding. The allure of a snowy owl sighting is undeniable, but it’s essential to recognize that the wildlife around us is not a mere spectacle. They are not here for our entertainment, they are just passing through, navigating a delicate and often dangerous journey.

One of the most detrimental effects of crowding is the disturbance it causes. Snowy owls are solitary birds, and even brief interactions with humans can cause them to take flight unnecessarily, burning precious energy that they need to survive. And it’s not just the owls. Many migratory birds and other wildlife can be similarly impacted. Their migration patterns are already precarious due to climate change, habitat loss, and hunting pressures. When human activities disrupt their natural rhythm, we risk causing long-term harm, affecting not only the individual bird but entire populations that rely on safe migratory pathways.

So, what can photographers do to engage in ethical practices while still enjoying the beauty of wildlife photography?

1. Respect Distance: One of the simplest but most powerful solutions is to maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Snowy owls, for example, are already vulnerable by the time they reach southern regions. While a close-up photograph may be tempting, the best images often come from patience and observation, not intrusion. Use a telephoto lens to capture the bird’s majesty from afar, without encroaching on its space.  The Audubon Society recommends minimum distance of 25 yards and removing GPS data from your images/videos for rare or sensitive species like owls. 

2. Support Local Wildlife Organizations: Instead of viewing wildlife purely as subjects for photography, consider supporting conservation efforts in the areas where these animals live. Organizations like the Center for Wildlife in York, Maine, do incredible work rehabilitating animals and protecting the habitats of species like snowy owls. By donating to or volunteering with these groups, photographers can contribute to the preservation of the environments they love to capture.

3. Choose Alternative Locations: Photographers should also be aware of the sensitive spots where wildlife congregates. Often, the most photographed birds are the ones that have become habituated to human presence. Instead of flocking to these areas, consider exploring less-crowded spots where wildlife can still be found and appreciated. The reward is not only a more peaceful experience for both the photographer and the animals but also the opportunity to discover new places and new species to photograph.

4. Time Your Visit Carefully: Migratory birds like snowy owls are often present during specific times of the year. By timing your visits carefully, avoiding peak human activity periods, and visiting during less disruptive hours, you can minimize the impact on their routines.

At the end of the day, wildlife photography is an incredible privilege. It’s a privilege that comes with the responsibility of protecting the very subjects we seek to immortalize. By respecting the birds and animals we photograph, and by making small, conscious decisions to reduce our impact, we can help ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to grace our landscapes for generations to come. Photography should inspire awe, not just in the beauty of the moment, but in the way we responsibly interact with the natural world.

Let’s remember that nature, with all its quiet magnificence, doesn’t need us to intervene. It only needs us to step back and observe, allowing the wildlife to thrive in the way they’ve been doing for centuries. After all, the most powerful images come not from capturing fleeting moments, but from understanding and preserving them. 

Join us on April 12 and May 24th to learn more from David Mazur during two special Wildlife Photography Workshops at Center for Wildlife. Our April workshop will be an Introduction to Wild Bird Photography and our second course will be an Intermediate Skills course. During both workshops, David will guide program attendees through hands-on skill building lessons with the opportunity to photograph CFW ambassador animals.

To purchase tickets for our Wildlife Photography Workshops, see below!

To purchase tickets for April 12, CLICK HERE.

To purchase tickets for May 24, CLICK HERE.

For more information on all upcoming CFW events, head to thecenterforwildlife.org/events