The Vankleek Hill and District Nature Society
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Birding Code of Ethics
Ontario Field Ornithologists -   Code  of Ethics

 As  the  number of  birders  increases, we  must  all, no matter what  our interest  in birds, make  every effort  to act  in a  positive  and responsible  way. We  must  also convey a responsible  image  to non-birders  who may be  affected by our activities.   As  more  and more  pressure  is  put  on our environment  it  is  essential  to do whatever we can to  protect  birds  and habitat.  Birders  should lead by example.  We  are  ambassadors  of birding and  environmental  stewardship. 

The  welfare  of the  birds  must come  first. 

Whatever  your  interest,  from  scientific  study  to  sound  recording  to  photography  to  listing, always  consider the  impact  of  your activity on the  bird. Respect  bird protection laws  and abide  by them  at  all  times. 

Protect habitat. 

Habitat  is  vital  for the  existence  of  birds  and we  must  ensure  that  our activities  cause minimum  damage  to our environment. Use  trails, pathways  and roadsides, whenever possible,  to avoid trampling vegetation.

 Keep  disturbance  to a minimum. 

Although some  birds  can tolerate  human activity, this  varies  from  species  to species  and from  season to season. Migrants  may be  tired and hungry and should not  be  kept  from resting or feeding. 
 

Do not  deliberately flush birds. 

Patience  is  often rewarded. 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. 

Rare  breeding birds. 

If  you discover  the  nest  of  a  rare  breeding bird, do not  feel  under any obligation to report your find to other birders. The  location  should be  divulged only to the  proper conservation authorities.  You may wish to file  a  report  of  the  nest  with  Bird Studies Canada’s  Project  NestWatch  http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/pnw/.  Avoid visiting known sites  of  rare  breeding birds  unless  they can be  viewed from  a  distance  without disturbance.

Rare  birds. 

Rare  migrants  or vagrants  are  the  species  most  sought  after by birders.   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  landowners.  Ask the  landowner for a  list  of  dos  and don'ts, for example, where  people  may stand to get  a  good view  and what  restrictions  there  may be  on time  of  day. Also ask which areas  are  off  limit.  If  you decide  to release  the  news, give  precise  directions  and instructions, if  possible  including  a  phone  number. Remember, most  non-birders  will  be surprised by the  number of  visitors  who wish to see  a  rare  bird. 

Respect the  rights  of  landowners. 

Be  aware  of  the  rules  about  access  to  Conservation Authorities, National  and Provincial Parks, and Regional  Authorities.  Do not  enter private  property without  the  owner's explicit  permission. Follow  all  laws, rules, and regulations  governing use  of  roads  and public  areas, both at  home  and abroad.  Practice  common courtesy in contacts  with other people. Your exemplary behavior will  generate  goodwill  with birders  and non-birders alike. 
Have  proper  consideration  for  other  birders. 
Try not  to disrupt  other birders’  activities  or scare  the  birds  they  may be  watching. Be polite  to other birders  and helpful  to beginners.  Many other people  enjoy the  outdoors;  do not  interfere  with their activities.  If  you see  people  obviously disturbing birds  or significantly  damaging  habitat,  explain  to  them  the  effect  of  their  actions  but  be  courteous, they may not  be  aware  of  the  effect  they are  having. Increase  our  knowledge  about birds. Consider keeping  notes  of  your sightings  and sending  them  to area  compilers.  In this area contact Christine Trudeau Brunet cristeentb5@gmail.com or 613-632-8356.    

Bird  responsibly  in  other  countries, provinces  or  regions. 

Find out  if  there  is  a  local  code  of  ethics  or any special  rules  that  should be  respected. 
Please  follow  this  code. Distribute  it  and teach it  to others. It  is  up to you to help promote respect  toward wildlife, wildlife  habitat, the  environment, and other people.  
Thank you.

Christine Trudeau Brunet cristeentb5@gmail.com 
Birding Coordinator, 613-632-8356
Vankleek Hill and District Nature Society 
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  • Home
  • About us
  • Calendar of Events
  • Study Circle
  • Fundraiser
  • Birder's Corner
    • Birding Code of Ethics
    • EEO Birding Forum
    • Bird Gallery
    • Bird Counts
    • Birding Study Circle
    • Feeding Tips >
      • Nectar and Suet Recipes
    • Birdhouse Plans
    • Injured or Banded Birds
  • Butterfly Pad
    • Monarch
    • Butterfly Identification
  • Youth Summit
    • Summit Testimonials
    • Youth Summit Application Form
  • Projects
    • Water Quality and Wells
    • Annual Fund Raising event
    • Members' photo gallery
  • Membership & Donations
  • Contact Us