Coming in to land

A white fronted tern  - haven't seen them for ages, they were around today on the jetty. Unfortunately a woman from Environment Canterbury charged down the jetty to do a water sample, scaring all the birds. After being there just long enough for them to settle she came charging back! While I understand the water must be tested, and support that, there were at least 3 other options she could have taken which wouldn't have involved disturbing birds that have had so much disturbance they've almost disappeared. Wait or do another job until the tide is lower - or check before coming to ensure it's not high tide. Walk down the boat ramp and test from there, or out toward the rocks from the beach where there are no birds. Obviously Environment Canterbury don't consider birds to be part of the environment that needs protecting.. Not a good look!