Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or just getting started, a crucial thing we need to be aware of is ethics when it comes to birdwatching, and the unspoken rules on how to properly treat birds around us, and how to make them feel safe while we observe them.
In this video, Neil gives a short but meaningful overview of important rules and ethics that come with being in a bird’s territory. In that way, you can enjoy birdwatching without causing any adverse effects to the birds or their habitat.
Do Not Cause Harm Or Stress To The Birds
This is probably the most important rule of bird ethics. More often than not, we humans do not intend to cause harm to birds. However, we must be aware of how we make the birds feel in certain situations and interactions, and make sure we do not cause harm or stress to the birds in any way.
Why Photographers Should Be Cautious Around Birds
If a bird is nesting or feeding, it’s best to keep your distance when taking photos, as you might distract the bird from its natural habitat. You can get an appropriate shot without distracting or intimidating the bird with your presence, or changing the course of its activity.
Playing Birdcalls
Bird calls may be an effective way to get birds to react or move so you can get the perfect shot. But there comes a point where you can distract the breeding of the birds, and disturb their natural cycles in the wild.
It’s Not Just Your Activity – It’s A Collective Effort
It’s not just your own actions you should be aware of, as sometimes birds get distressed by the combined activity of several humans over a short span of time. Before observing an area, look around for any other human activity in the area, and come up with the best plan of action. If there are already too many people, maybe it’s best to find a less crowded area to observe birds.
The Leading Birding Tours in Australia | Neil Hermes: Our Ornithologist
A scientist by background, and a keen Ornithologist. Neil has lived in Canberra for over 50 years and has decades of experience in the tourism industry. He has turned his talents to guiding guests around Canberra which he called home for most of his life.
