Guidelines for Ethical, Safe, & Informed Birding
Put the Birds First—You’re Just an Observer
- The welfare of birds must come first.  Bird-watchers / photographers should have no impact on birds. Respect birds’ territories…keep a reasonable distance
- Do not flush birds or try to make them fly
- Using recorded calls to attract birds stops them from important activities like feeding. Playback to attract a species during its breeding season is especially harmful
- Just use your eyes and binoculars/spotting scopes. Laser pointers, flashlights and spotlights are stressful to birds, as is flash photography
- Sit or crouch so that you appear smaller, and keep movements slow and steady
- Only handle birds, nests, and eggs for recognized, sanctioned research purposes
- Keep dogs on a leash, unless in off-leash areas. Clean up dog waste and keep dogs from chasing birds
Be Safe and Respect Private and Public Property
- It’s unsafe to stop your vehicle in a traffic lane. Always pull completely onto the road shoulder to view birds smf if there’s no shoulder, move on
- Wear appropriate clothes, including footwear, and remember sun protection gear such as sunscreen and sunglasses. Wear visible, bright clothing if birding during hunting season
- Stay hydrated on long birding hikes
- Tell others of your plans in case you fail to return. Carry a cell phone if possible, but turn off its ringer
- Respect private property; Ask permission before entering private property
- Follow rules and regulations of public areas, including leash rules for dogs. Stay on marked trails and be aware of restricted areas
- Practice common courtesy when interacting with others. Avoid behavior that may distract other birders. Hold conversations in low tones
Enjoy Your Birding Experience: Have Fun and Support Conservation
- Be patient—take the time to observe
- Learn about birds through publications, websites, and local and national societies, and educate others
- Support the protection of bird habitat
- Observe in the natural habitat. Don’t move dead branches, brush or tree limbs to see birds more clearly
- Use trails to avoid tramping vegetation
- Leave nothing behind but footprints. Dispose of litter and waste properly
The above guidelines are based on those published by  and are also summarized from the publications and organizations noted on that site on the dates shown, specifically: American Birding Association, accessed 2014; Birding ethics article on about.com by Melissa Mayntz, accessed 2014 and updated December 2015; BirdLife Australia, accessed 2014; British Bird Lovers, accessed 2014; Florida Birding Trail, accessed 2014; Lake Region Audubon Society, accessed 2014; Malaysian Nature Society Bird Conservation Council, accessed 2014; Mangalajodi Eco Tourism, accessed 2014; Mecklenburg Audubon, accessed 2014; Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, accessed 2014; Mountain Bird Festival, accessed 2014 and updated December 2015; Ontario Field Ornithologists, accessed 2014; Portland Audubon, accessed 2014; Sibley’s Birding Basics, accessed 2014; Yosemite National Park, accessed 2014.
More information about birds and ethical birding practices can be found using the links below:
