>Then, another photo-head with long lens camera walks
>over next to the video person. He then starts to walk down the side of
>the road towards the owl.

Speaking of stereotypes :) :)

Actually, folks who want to photograph this critter ought to be able
to do so from their car, I should imagine? I do this whenever
possible, much less chance of spooking the subject.

And, I think it's generally considered simple etiquette to not
jump in front of other viewers. Unfortunately, you see this
behavior with groups consisting solely of photographers, as
well. And, not just amateurs who don't know better. While
most full-time professional nature photographers, in my experience,
are nice people, friendly and outgoing and don't try to "pull
rank" and jump all over a situation to the detriment of other
other photographers or nature lovers, there are exceptions.

My favorite stereotype-smashing story in this regard involves
someone's personal experience with a very rude Galen Rowell
who, in essence, climbed all over an arch the person was
trying to photograph (Rowell got there after this person
was set up). Rowell's attitude was, in essence, "I don't
care if you were here first".

So - if you see this kind of behavior tell them what you
think.

This is one reason I like to photograph when there are few
(if any) people around. I don't have to worry about
interfering with their pleasure, and don't have to worry
about them interfering with my efforts to get high-quality
photographs.

- Don Baccus, Portland OR <donb at rational.com>
Nature photos, on-line guides, more at http://www.xxxpdx.com/~dhogaza