Birding is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the country. Formerly known as “birdwatchers,” birders come from all walks of life, running the gamut of professions, age, and locales. There are as many varieties of birders as there are birds – and as many reasons we enjoy it.
Whether deep in the woods or standing at the kitchen window, stopping to watch birds strengthens our connection to the outdoors. Birds draw us in with their complex behaviors, beautiful plumage and captivating melodies. They can be observed day and night, alone or with a group, competitively or casually. Birding can be done while engaging in other activities like walking in the park, weeding the garden, or sipping your morning coffee. Birders also contribute mightily to the scientific world by reporting their observations through apps like Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird and Merlin Bird ID.
If you want to get a little more serious about your birding, try challenging yourself: learn to identify birds by their songs and calls, or improve your observation skills by identifying key characteristics of birds in flight.
Regardless of the form your birding takes, it’s important to consider this simple code of ethics that guarantees a positive impact on both birds and birders in this continually expanding pursuit.
The American Birding Association and National Audubon Society recommend the following guidelines:
Two people using binoculars in the woods
1. Respect and promote birds and their environments.
Support the conservation of birds and their habitats.
Avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger.
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Be particularly cautious around active nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display sites, and feeding sites.
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Limit the use of recordings and other audio methods of attracting birds in heavily birded areas, and for species that are threatened, endangered or not common to the area.
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Exercise caution and restraint when photographing, recording, or otherwise approaching birds.
Minimize habitat disturbance and human impact on the site/species.
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Consider the benefits of staying on trails, preserving snags, birding in small groups, and following leave no trace principles.
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Outdoor cat owners are encouraged to put a bell on the cat’s collar to protect birds from silent, stalking felines.
Two people photographing birds in an open field
2. Being a Positive and Ethical Role Model in Birding
Embrace the role of an ethical birder by embodying this code and setting a positive example for others.
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Always communicate and report sightings with honesty and integrity.
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Respect the interests, rights, and skill levels of fellow birders, as well as individuals engaging in other outdoor activities.
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Share your knowledge and experience generously, particularly with novice birders. Know that sharing your bird sightings publicly provides immensely valuable information to birders, ornithologists, and conservationists.
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Handle instances of perceived unethical birding behavior with sensitivity and respect; aim to resolve issues positively, considering diverse perspectives. Utilize these situations as opportunities to lead by example and to introduce more individuals to this code.
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In group birding scenarios, promote awareness of this Code of Ethics within the group to prevent unnecessary disruptions for others utilizing the same area.
Two people photographing birds on the edge of a waterway
3. Respect and promote the law and the rights of others.
It goes without saying that you should follow all laws, rules, and regulations governing activities at your birding location. In particular, you may not be familiar with regulations related to birds, such as disturbance of protected nesting areas or sensitive habitats, and the use of audio or food lures.
As a reminder, never enter private property without the landowner’s permission. Show goodwill and interact positively with people living in the area where you are birding; many may be interested in what you are seeing!
It is crucial to uphold these principles not only for the wellbeing of the birds but also for the sustainability of the environments in which they thrive. When birders adhere to ethical guidelines, we contribute to the conservation of bird species and their habitats, fostering future opportunities to enjoy this rewarding pursuit and promoting responsible and respectful behavior towards nature and wildlife. Embracing such principles enhances the birding experience and fosters a deeper appreciation for our place in the natural world.
For more information, contact the Environmental Services Department at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3800.