Balancing the desire to get close up shots, which can be hard due to current equipment restraints, and trying not to harm your subject is an ethical debate. Each photographer has to answer these questions for themselves. In the case of these snowy owls, I'm sure that I could have moved closer to get a tighter shot, but at what cost? I realize that sometimes as a photographer you have to put aside your own desire for the benefit of others. To me that stretches to the wildlife I photograph, so I keep my distance. I would rather be able to come back in 3-5 years when I have better gear and get that tight shot, than stress out my subject and cause them harm today. It comes back to my creed in wildlife photography, show the beauty and value of wildlife, while working to protect them for future generations to enjoy.
I agree. There is also the matter (in this particular location) of damage to the marsh itself if one were to go out there off trail. I do think that while headshots and closeups are nice, a shot of an animal in the context of the overall environment is often a better photograph.
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