The Maine Birding Trail supports the
ABA CODE OF BIRDING ETHICS
For more, go to
American Birding Association
1. Promote the welfare
of birds and their environment.
1(a) Support the
protection of important bird habitat.
1(b) To avoid stressing
birds or exposing them to danger, exercise restraint and caution during
observation, photography, sound recording, or filming.
Limit the use of
recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in
heavily birded areas, or for attracting any species that is Threatened,
Endangered, or of Special Concern, or is rare in your local area;
Keep well back from nests
and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas, and important feeding sites. In
such sensitive areas, if there is a need for extended observation, photography,
filming, or recording, try to use a blind or hide, and take advantage of natural
cover.
Use artificial light
sparingly for filming or photography, especially for close-ups.
1(c) Before advertising the presence of a rare bird, evaluate the potential for
disturbance to the bird, its surroundings, and other people in the area, and
proceed only if access can be controlled, disturbance minimized, and permission
has been obtained from private land-owners. The sites of rare nesting birds
should be divulged only to the proper conservation authorities.
1(d) Stay on roads,
trails, and paths where they exist; otherwise keep habitat disturbance to a
minimum.
2. Respect the law,
and the rights of others.
2(a) Do not enter private
property without the owner's explicit permission.
2(b) Follow all laws,
rules, and regulations governing use of roads and public areas, both at home and
abroad.
2(c) Practise common
courtesy in contacts with other people. Your exemplary behavior will generate
goodwill with birders and non-birders alike.
3. Ensure that
feeders, nest structures, and other artificial bird environments are safe.
3(a) Keep dispensers,
water, and food clean, and free of decay or disease. It is important to feed
birds continually during harsh weather.
3(b) Maintain and clean
nest structures regularly.
3(c) If you are attracting
birds to an area, ensure the birds are not exposed to predation from cats and
other domestic animals, or dangers posed by artificial hazards.
4. Group birding,
whether organized or impromptu, requires special care.
Each individual in the
group, in addition to the obligations spelled out in Items #1 and #2, has
responsibilities as a Group Member.
4(a) Respect the
interests, rights, and skills of fellow birders, as well as people participating
in other legitimate outdoor activities. Freely share your knowledge and
experience, except where code 1(c) applies. Be especially helpful to beginning
birders.
4(b) If you witness
unethical birding behavior, assess the situation, and intervene if you think it
prudent. When interceding, inform the person(s) of the inappropriate action, and
attempt, within reason, to have it stopped. If the behavior continues, document
it, and notify appropriate individuals or organizations.
Group Leader
Responsibilities [amateur and professional trips and tours].
4(c) Be an exemplary ethical role model for the group. Teach through word and
example.
4(d) Keep groups to a size that limits impact on the environment, and does not
interfere with others using the same area.
4(e) Ensure everyone in the group knows of and practices this code.
4(f) Learn and inform the group of any special circumstances applicable to the
areas being visited (e.g. no tape recorders allowed).
4(g) Acknowledge that professional tour companies bear a special responsibility
to place the welfare of birds and the benefits of public knowledge ahead of the
company's commercial interests. Ideally, leaders should keep track of tour
sightings, document unusual occurrences, and submit records to appropriate
organizations.
Last updated:
02/24/2008 |
