Why Nesting Season Demands a Different Approach

There is a moment on every coastal shoot when you see the shot: a gull perched on a cliff edge, a tern hovering with a sand eel, a puffin with a beak full of fish. The temptation to creep closer is real. But during the nesting season, that step forward can cost a bird its brood. A flushed adult leaves eggs exposed to cold and predators. A frightened chick may tumble from a ledge. As photographers, we love these birds. That love must translate into restraint. The best coastal wildlife images are made with fieldcraft, not force.

Know the Law and the Species You're Photographing

In the UK, all wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a nesting bird. Some species, such as little terns and roseate terns, are listed on Schedule 1, which gives them extra protection – disturbing them can lead to a criminal record. But don't assume that because herring gulls are common, they are fair game. Herring gulls are actually red-listed as a species of conservation concern in the UK. They are protected just like any other wild bird.

Practical steps:

• Check for local signs and seasonal closures before you set up your tripod.
• Keep to marked paths and never cross a rope or fence into a colony.
• If you are unsure whether an area is a nesting site, assume it is and stay well back.

Reading Bird Behaviour: The First Skill of Ethical Photography

Before you even lift your camera, learn to read the signs. A bird that is alert to you will often stop what it is doing. Gulls may head-bob, flick their wings, or let out a sharp alarm call. Terns will take to the air and circle, diving towards intruders. If you see any of these behaviours, you are already too close. Back away slowly and calmly. Never push for one more frame. A good rule of thumb: if the bird is looking at you more than it is looking at its nest or its chicks, you have crossed a line. Use natural cover – rocks, bushes, a bank – to break up your outline. A hide, even a simple bag hide, is far better than a bold approach.

Fieldcraft and Equipment for Close Encounters Without Disturbance

You do not need to be near a bird to get a powerful image. A 300mm lens on a crop sensor, or a 500mm prime, will let you fill the frame from a respectful distance. A tripod or monopod keeps you steady and reduces sudden movements. Remote shutter releases are excellent for nesting colonies – set up, retreat, and wait. Never bait birds with food to draw them closer. This habituates them to humans, changes their behaviour, and can lead to dependency or aggression. Drones are a particular problem: they cause panic in colonies and are illegal to fly near some protected sites. Avoid flash, especially at dawn or dusk when birds are most sensitive. Wear dull colours, move slowly, and keep your group small. If you are with others, agree on a distance and stick to it.

Special Care with Seagulls: Urban Nesters and Cliff Colonies

Seagulls – more accurately, gulls – present particular challenges. Herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls increasingly nest on rooftops and chimneys in coastal towns. They are fiercely protective parents. A chick on a pavement may look abandoned, but its parents are almost certainly nearby, ready to dive-bomb anyone who gets too close. Do not photograph chicks at close range. Keep dogs on leads. Never feed gulls to get flight shots; it encourages them to mob people and can lead to them being culled. For cliff-nesting species like kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills, stay on the cliff top path and never lean over the edge. Use a hide set back from the colony. If adults start leaving their ledges in waves, you are the cause. Retreat immediately.

When Things Go Wrong: What to Do If You've Disturbed a Bird

Mistakes happen. If you realise you have flushed a bird, move away quietly and quickly. Do not chase it to try to 'make amends'. If you find a grounded chick or a bird that seems injured, do not pick it up unless it is in immediate danger from a road or a predator. Instead, note the location and contact a local wildlife rescue or the relevant authority. They will advise you. Finally, share what you know. If you see another photographer getting too close, a polite word – 'I think the birds are nesting just there' – often works better than confrontation. Lead by example. A great image should never cost a bird its safety. With patience, a long lens and a bit of local knowledge, you can capture the coast's seabirds without ever being the reason they fail to raise their young.