Lacking respect?
Do I detect that social media - in particular the twin evil axis of Facebook and Twitter - are turning even the most competent and level headed of naturalists into greedy consumers and show-offs? There has been for a while, and continues to be, a mania for posting 'selfies' with the target species. An orchid photo isn't complete without a gurning botanist's face inches away from the plant, or a rare hawk-moth hanging off of the entomologist's nose. Or even worse, the positioning of a line of moths on a wall (recently Bordered Straws or any hawk-moths you care to mention) to underline just what a good night's haul it has been, (Strictly Moth Dancing?) To me this smacks of turning our wildlife into a performing circus and lacks a certain amount of respect for it. I am also concerned that in certain elevated quarters the rush to obtain, consume and tick is becoming reminiscent of a seabird feeding frenzy - all panic and no savouring of what is on offer. Am I just b...