Birding Ettiquette (101)

Do not endanger the welfare of birds and other wildlife

 -  Observe and photograph birds without disturbing them from their routine.

-  Avoid chasing or repeatedly flushing birds. If you startle them, they may waste
  energysearching for a new "safe" area .

-  Limit use of recordings and similar methods of attracting birds.

-  Keep an appropriate distance from nests and nesting colonies. Do not "save" baby birds.  
   Mama bird is usually watching from a safe distance.

-  Do not handle birds or eggs.

Do not harm the environment

-  Stay on existing roads, trails, and pathways whenever possible to avoid disturbing fragile  
   habitats.

-  Walk carefully to avoid snapping twigs or trampling wildflowers. The snapping noise may
   disturb the birds, and the wildflowers may be a food source for them.

-  Leave all habitat as you found it.

Respect the rights of others

-  Observe all laws, rules, and regulations.

-  Observe "No Trespassing" signs and other posted rules on properties.

-  Ask permission to enter any private property. Limit requests for permission or information to
   reasonable times of day.

-  Leave gates and fences as you found them.

-  Behave in a manner that will enhance the image of the birding community to others.