I have to say concerning photographers that it is usually the ones who are not birders, that stress the birds. They don't have the patience to sit and wait.
When I have seen the stalking behavior of these people, I find they know nothing about birds. If someone is a birder, naturalist, conservationist FIRST, it is a much different story. Time and again, I have told others the birds are exhausted, but it has little affect.
Regular hikers and dog owners are a huge issue for these birds. Last week at Damon Point, there were huskies running loose with owners. When I got out to where the owls were the footprints were all over the place. I would love a leash law where the land opens up. As I was walking back to my car from spending time with my only subject, I did encounter a couple with binos and a large mixed breed dog. They asked where the birds were. Okay, I have to confess, I LIED.

Vicki Biltz
Bonney Lake WA
vickibiltz at gmail.com.