I suppose we could do with finding out the full story first too.
Caution should rightly be considered and employed in many areas (not just inner city ones!) but let's not have an unecessary knee-jerk reaction to something we don't actually know the full story behind. Such things have occurred on this forum before and occasionally (probably rightly) caused complaints from local residents or birders who cover such areas.
As John commented, yours was a very reasoned, sensible response. However, the point remains that most of us go out with binoculars worth hundreds; scopes often worth thousands; cameras worth hundreds; as well as ancilliary gear. Most of the time we encounter no incidents whatsoever but, every so often, there will be muggings & thefts. Although I have not read of the incident, to which I initially referred, on-line, I am quite happy to accept the source as legitimate as the guy who told me the story understands the countryside & bird life, despite the fact that he would baulk at being described as a 'birder'.
True, Ian, granted, you make a legitimate mod's point
But my sentiments still stand even to hear whispers of this happening, and also, things CONSIDERABLY worse reported (in the press and therefore deemed legitimate police incidents) around that neck of the woods I don't really bird there. Even if things were not to happen (we know that it's likely they have, if not in the past) but the general climate of dodgy types there, especially in weather
I suppose we could do with finding out the full story first too.
Caution should rightly be considered and employed in many areas (not just inner city ones!) but let's not have an unecessary knee-jerk reaction to something we don't actually know the full story behind. Such things have occurred on this forum before and occasionally (probably rightly) caused complaints from local residents or birders who cover such areas.
I've got to be honest, I don't do birdwatching around this local area for exactly this reason. Not to be a pessimist but I don't trust these places as far as I could throw them; had my fair share of scrotes (although there were no encounters of any sort, to see them is enough) and that area around the Irwell is particularly ridden. Sorry to the person involved - no doubt that the worked hard to try to afford this equiptment whereas the scum who nicked it probably haven't done a day's honest work in their lives!
I was told, this morning, of somebody who was recently taking photos of wildlife in Drinkwater Park (on the boundary of Prestwich & Salford) & had a load of expensive camera equipment taken off him by a couple of thugs.
Firstly, whilst I wouldn't want this to happen to anybody, I particularly hope that the individual who was 'taxed' is not a member of this forum.
Secondly, considering that many of the local patches in this county, are inner-city or near inner-city it is a timely reminder to try be aware of who might be watching you whilst you are watching birds.
weather