Birding Do's and Don'ts Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Do
Wear comfortable clothing
- shoes or boots made for walking on trails, through puddles and mud. No platforms or high heels
- Dress appropriately for the weather, and in layers.
- Bring bug spray in season.
Avoid bright or noisy outerwear. Avoid bright reds, whites, yellows. If possible dress in drabber colors.
Nylon windbreakers make a substantial amount of noise (really!). Pay attention to your surroundings.
Even when conversing with others, scan for movement.
Train your ears. Even if you don't know local bird songs, sounds are usually the first clue to the presence of a bird. Track down those elusive "chips" and keep alert for the sound of something "different." Know the birds of your area. Spend time with a field guide or a state or local checklist, so you know what birds to expect before you see them. Know your local habitats and which birds to expect in each habitat. Move slowly and smoothly. You will see a lot more by staying inconspicuous but attentive than by charging through the woods (and so will anyone with you).

Don't
Converse in loud tones or shout. With a group of 15 people, all disturbances are magnified.Remmber two is crowd for birding. so if you are arranging group trip please make group of people not more than two and distribute your self so you can enjoy birding.
 
Never, never, never
 
Talk loudly, play music or games in a birding area. You are disturbing the birdlife or wildlife around you. You have come to enjoy nature not just have a picnic!
 
Go too close to the birds and cause disturb them.
 
Many leading publications do not accept photographs of nests. So while you take photographs ensure that you do not disturb the birds just to get a photograph.
 
Litter the place with your rubbish.
 
If possible visit a known birding area when the general public is not likely to be there. You will have more peace while viewing birds.
 
If you are going in a group, strictly ensure that all group members especially non birders follow the code of conduct.
 
If you feel that visitors to an area are not respecting the above rules, bring it to the notice of the authorities and post it here and on the e-groups.
 
 

Birding Code of Ethics

  • The welfare of the birds must come first. Whatever your interest, from casual birding, to listing to scientific study, always consider the impact of your activity on the birds. Here are some guidelines:
  • Keep disturbance to a minimum. Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.
  • Rare birds: Rare migrants or vagrants are the species highly sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of "dos" and "don'ts". For example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.
  • Rare breeding birds: If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.
  • Respect the rights of public and private landowners. Respect posted signs in conservation areas and do not trespass on private property without prior permission from the landowner. Leave gates as you find them and do not damage fences.
Last Updated ( Monday, 09 April 2007 )