As much as I love the #birding community and I have been able to meet such a beautiful group of people while pursuing my passion, some hardcore birders can be the apex of horrible.

I ran into a group of birders where one person straight up told me I wasnt “dressed like a birder” and they were surprised I was birding?!? Apparently bird watchers cant wear leggings and Birkenstocks? Half an hour later their guide was really firm in saying I didnt see a bird that I saw and I had to offer to grab the photos for proof.

I’ve been doing this for a while and I got it a lot worse a decade ago when I started birding but people - PLEASE! If you love birding its important to be a good ambassador for our hobby. This type of behavior can turn people off for good, despite the fact that it can make people feel like shit.