Canberra Ornithologists Group Ethical Birding Guidelines
(Adopted by Committee 18 April 2024, the complete document is available here)
Purpose
These guidelines outline the ways in which those interested in birds can interact
with birds ethically and in alignment with the objectives of the Canberra
Ornithologists Group (COG, also known as Canberra Birds). The guidelines sit
alongside the COG Code of Conduct, which outlines expectations for how members
interact with each other, with other birders and with the public. Together these two
documents address how a responsible bird organisation expects its members to act.
Guidelines
1. Minimise Disturbance
Bird welfare is of paramount importance. Disturbance to birds should be
minimised as far as reasonably possible.
- In many cases, standing still or walking quietly and observing birds through
binoculars or telescopes will not cause significant disturbance. However, if
bird behaviour changes or birds become alert or alarmed, take flight, retreat
into cover or cease feeding, the birder has approached too close. - Avoid standing in an exposed situation where you are very obvious to the
birds, avoid bright colours and strong perfumes, and do not deliberately flush
roosting birds. - The distance required between birders and birds will vary by species,
situation and season. - The presence of even well-behaved dogs can disturb birds, so in most
situations it is better to bird without a dog. - Large flocks of birds such as waders can congregate in one place that is rich
in resources, and in those circumstances the impact of any disturbance can
be magnified. Observe from a distance.
2. Nesting Birds
Take particular care not to disturb nesting birds. Nesting is a vulnerable part of
the life-cycle, and disturbance can cause nest desertion and failed breeding.
In addition, young birds are more likely to be sensitive to exposure or
disturbance, particularly during inclement weather.
- Do not watch nesting birds for an extended period, or repeatedly visit a
nesting location to check on progress, without precautions to avoid
disturbance. Your presence may alert currawongs or other predators to the
presence of a nest. - Great care should be used to avoid disturbance of nesting individuals of rare
or threatened species. - Precise locations of nesting birds should not be disseminated, and even
greater judgement is needed on whether to provide locations of nesting
individuals of rare or threatened species. - Some species, and raptors in particular, are especially sensitive to
disturbance during nesting.
3. Bird Photography
Particular aspects of bird photography can expose birds to disturbance, stress or
danger.
- Do not take photographs progressively closer to a bird until it takes flight,
retreats into cover or ceases feeding. Stay at a distance or in a less exposed
location. - Take care not to congregate in large groups to observe and photograph a
particular bird. - It is both illegal and unethical to interfere with a nest or its surrounding
environment in an attempt to achieve better views or lighting. - These guidelines apply particularly to rare and threatened species.
- A specific Birdlife Photography Code of Ethics has been prepared by the
Birdlife Australia Bird Photography Group.
4. Large groups and frequent visits
The impact of large groups or frequent visits to the same site can amplify
disturbance.
- Field trip leaders should ensure that activities of the group do not cause
cumulative stress on individual birds observed, and should encourage use of
good birding practices. - Ensure birding activities do not damage bird habitat, or create new tracks
through previously undisturbed or bird-rich areas.
5. Playing calls and spotlighting
Use of call-back techniques or spotlighting is particularly contentious, and is not
generally supported.
- These techniques have the capacity to cause significant disturbance,
particularly if used repeatedly, at excessive volume (for call-back), or for
extended periods at the same site. - These techniques should especially be avoided during nesting season.
6. Respect Local Laws
Ensure birding activities do not break local laws.
- Only enter private or leased land with the explicit permission of the land
owner or lease-holder. Some ACT rural roads are simply rights-of-way through
leased land, and some NSW Travelling Stock Reserves are subject to grazing
permits that prohibit public access. - Take care of the environment and bird habitats. Ensure you do not leave
rubbish behind, and consider removing rubbish left by others.