Mindful Birding: A Guide to Ethical Birdwatching

​One of the best ways to connect with the natural world around us is by observing birds and other wildlife. Bird watching and other outdoor activities can end up doing more harm than good, if not conducted with care and consideration. As birders, we need to consider the potential negative impacts caused by human disturbance. Lahontan Audubon Society recommends always putting the welfare of the birds first and following the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics.
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Give birds plenty of space

• During nesting season, nesting birds might not flee when approached by humans. Getting too close to nesting, courting, resting or feeding birds can cause unnecessary stress, nest failure and potentially injury. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to view from afar. ​
• When approaching a bird, be aware of signs of stress. If they adopt an upright alarmed posture, nervous flapping or intense vocalizations, stop approaching and allow them to settle down before continuing.  
• Rare migrants or vagrants should be observed from a distance. They are exhausted and hungry from their long journey and should not be chased or harassed. 
• Never handle wild birds.

Tread lightly

• Use extra caution when driving in refuges and other wildlife areas to avoid unintentional bird collisions. Always stay on designated routes and only park on approved sites. ​
• When hiking, avoid going off trail and cutting switchbacks which tramples the habitat and vegetation. Follow the Leave No Trace Principles to minimize your impact on habitat.​

Obey local laws and restrictions

• Some areas are closed during nesting season. Research the area beforehand to determine if there are any closures or restrictions to birding routes. 
• Many areas have laws regarding minimum distances for proximity to wildlife. Learn these laws and rules before your birding trip.
• Pay attention to signs and bulletin boards for information on laws and restrictions. ​
• Migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which prohibits the take (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) of protected migratory bird species. ​​

Take extra caution around sensitive or endangered species

• Certain nesting birds are particularly sensitive to human disturbance and might abandon their nest if they are too stressed. Listen for alarm calls and frantic movements as a cue that you are too close to a bird’s nest. 
• Limit the use of recordings and playbacks during breeding season and in heavily used areas. They can cause disruptions to feeding and breeding activities and expose curious birds to predators. Never play recordings continuously at a high volume
• Do not share locations of sensitive birds or nests with others, especially during birding events (such as the bird-a thon).​
• Keep dogs on leash during nesting season. Especially in areas with ground nesting birds.​​

Be considerate of other people

• Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permission from the landowner before birding on private land.
• Do not point binoculars or scopes at other people or residences.
• Wear orange during hunting season. 
• Keep groups to a size that would not interfere with other people using the same area. 
• Never stop your car in travel lanes to view a bird. Safely pull completely onto the shoulder for long term viewing. ​
• If you witness unethical birding behavior causing unnecessary disturbance, try to resolve the issue in a positive and respectful manner. ​​

Ethical wildlife photography

• Do not approach a bird with the intention of making it fly. This disrupts their natural processes. The welfare of birds and other wildlife should always prioritize photography.  
• Refrain from using flash photography, especially on nocturnal birds. Nest abandonment can occur if there is too much human disturbance from hides, camera flashes, sounds and frequency of visits. 
• Never alter the surrounding habitat of a nest or the nest itself for a photo. This includes removing branches or other objects blocking your view and changing the position of the nest to get a better view.
• Do not use drones to photograph or film birds. Drones can cause collisions, additional stress,  scatter leks and even provoke attacks from nesting raptors.
• Never use live or dead lures (mice, snakes, fish, etc.) to photograph owls or other raptors.

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Want to read more about ethical birding?

​“Audubon’s Guide to Ethical Bird Photography and Videography” from National Audubon Society
“Do’s and Don’ts of Nest Photography” from National Audubon Society
“Why You Shouldn't Feed or Bait Owls” from National Audubon Society
“The Proper Use of Playback in Birding” by David Allen Sibley

Written by Olivia Sembach