Ethical Birding Guidelines

Stikine River Birding Festival Ethical Birding Guidelines

Respect Birds

Notice bird behavior. If you see birds changing theirs, it may be because of yours.
Don’t use bird calls to bring birds in, as it can divert a bird from other important duties such as feeding its young.
Keep a reasonable distance and don’t intentionally flush birds. This can leave chicks hungry or enable predators to take eggs or young.
If you find an injured or “orphaned” bird, leave it alone. Birds may leave their young unattended, but human presence can delay them from returning. You can report injured raptors to the US Forest Service at 907-874-2323 or Wrangell Police Department at 907-874-3304.

Respect Your Fellow Birders & Neighbors

When birding in groups-try to be quiet so as not to disturb the birds or other people- your actions can affect the birding experience of others.
Respect private property and don’t enter without permission.
Learn about and follow regulations for public lands.
When bird watching from a road, pull as far over onto the shoulder as possible.

Respect and Preserve Wildlife Habitats

Stay on trails and roads where they exist and leave habitat as we find them.
Maintain natural conditions-don’t remove brush or move dead branches for a better view.
Leave natural areas cleaner than you find them-pack out what you pack in (plus what others may have left behind).
Support the protection of important bird habitat for the future wellbeing of birds and their environment.

These guidelines are adapted from Mindful Birding.

More information on ethical birding can be found at these sites: