Aviary Circuit

Promote the welfare of birds and their environment

a) Supporting the protection of important bird habitat;

b) Avoiding stressing birds or exposing them to danger, behaving with caution and care during observation, photography, sound recording, or filming;

c) Limiting the use of recordings and other methods for attracting birds, and never using such methods in heavily birded areas, or for attracting any rare species Threatened, Endangered, or of Special Concern in your local area;

d) Mind your distance 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 using a blind or hide taking advantage of the natural cover;

e) Use artificial light sparingly for filming or photography, especially for close-ups.

Rare Sighting, Avaluate the level or disturbance

Before advertising the presence of a rare bird, evaluate the potential for disturbance of the bird, its surroundings, and for other people in the area, and proceed only if the total area can be controlled, and disturbance minimized, and, if it is the case, permit can be granted from private land-owners. The sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to the proper conservation authorities.

Respect the interests, rights, and skills of fellow birders

a) Respect the law, and the rights of others;

b) Follow all laws, rules, and regulations governing use of roads and public areas, both at home and abroad;

c) Practice common courtesy in contacts with other people. Your exemplary behavior will generate goodwill with birders and non-birders alike.

Artificial Ambient

Ensure that feeders, nest structures, and other artificial bird environments are safe:

a) Keep dispensers, water, and food clean, and free of decay or disease. It is important to feed birds continually during harsh weather;

b) Maintain and clean nest structures regularly;

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.

Birdwatching in Groups

Group birding, whether organized or not, requires special care. Each individual in the group, in addition to the obligations mentioned or described in this code, has responsibilities as a group member:

a) Respect the interests, rights, and skills of fellow birders, as well as people participating in other legitimate outdoor activities;

b) Freely share your knowledge and experience, except where code 1(c) applies. Be especially helpful to unexperienced birders;

c) 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 reason in order to stop it. If the behavior continues, have it documented, and notify appropriate individuals or organizations.