Editor:
With regards to you report on in the Nov. 11 Optimist “aggressive Photographers disturbing Delta wildlife.”
I am a photographer and a 40-year resident of Ladner. I have taken pictures and walked the dikes throughout those years.
During COVID and the lockdown of many facilities including Reifel Bird Sanctuary there has been a huge increase in people enjoying the dikes inclusive of dog walkers, hunters and photographers. This has led to congested parking and an increase in popularity as people have been exposed to the natural beauty that is at our doorstep.
I have also been taking pictures on 72nd as well, including the surrounding dike.
The complaints are coming from local people who are unable to find their favorite parking spot, as well as having racist overtones as there is a high percentage of photographers that are not of European lineage.
The ladders that were mentioned are maximum 5’step ladders, used to give some people a better vantage point to take their pictures. If ladders had been used to cross over the ditch you would see the grass trampled down. It’s not! Do your research before reporting.
With regards to being aggressive and disturbing the wildlife, the Barn Owls in question regularly catch their meals without any disturbance from the photographers, who are quiet, respectful and a minimum of 20 yards away. That’s why photographers have telescopic lenses.
Brunswick Point is another issue, which has been hit hard with a lot of traffic by all of the above which has lessened to some degree as venues start to re-open.
In future please start taking a look at all the issues instead of painting everyone with the same brush.
I believe the Sandor Gyarmati the Optimist and the City owes everyone an apology that has been negatively affected by this article.
Robert McLean
