Birdwatcher’s Code of Ethics


by Henry Smith

Building and decorating a bird house is something that parents and kids can do together. It is relatively cheap and can provide hours of entertainment even after the project is completed.

The first thing you need to do when identifying birds is to learn how to recognise a certain group of birds like warblers, flycatchers, hawks, owls and wrens. These all share certain similarities. As you get better at this you will be able to distinguish a certain species from the group as a whole.

Here is a feature that is often overlooked: bird-proof door locks. You should get a cage that your bird can't escape from. Just think about what would happen if your bird escaped & was free the entire day while you're out!

The #1 thing to watch for is a cage that is sturdy, but can be broken down in a matter of 2 minutes or less, without the need for any tools. All of the top brand name bird cages have this feature.

You may find that perhaps only a few species actually inhabit that particular area. With a little preparation, you will be able to more readily identify bird species from each other. Keep a list of successfully viewed species – we’ll call this tip number two and a half. To draw more birds during bird watching, consider using a fountain bird bath.

Birdwatcher’s Code of Ethics: Play by the Rules If You Don’t Want to Get Netted by Authorities

We’re assuming that you’re not a professional birdwatcher handling group tours and profiting from this very interesting activity because if so, you should already know the birdwatcher’s code of ethics by heart. Most probably, you’re a newbie at birdwatching. If so, there are a number of things you have to know about your newfound passion in order to avoid committing any unforgivable sin.

RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF LANDOWNERS

Always obtain permission first before bird watching on any privately owned property. You can do so either by letter or in person. If the landowner has certain stipulations when it comes to birdwatching activities, make sure that these stipulations are met; otherwise you risk a public confrontation with the authorities.

Use your common sense to guide you when bird watching on private property: don’t litter, don’t make any noise or cause damage to other people’s property.

KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN

Always refrain from littering any site where you’re birdwatching. Also, even if the place is already unclean, there’s no need for you to make the problem worse by leaving your trash behind.

ALWAYS ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: AM I DOING ANYTHING THAT HAS A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE BIRDS?

And here's why; when you decide to squeeze a cage into a specific place in your house this almost always takes away from the well-being of your bird! If you desire the look of antiques without the price tag, reproductions are also available. Replica antique bird cages often maintain the look and style of the original, but at a fraction of the cost.

Most families immediately think that they can choose between getting a cat or a dog simply because those are the most popular pets to have. Before you run out and purchase the perfect kitten or puppy, consider choosing a bird to be your family pet instead.

Basically, that's all you have to do in making hummingbird feeders. It depends on you how many hummingbird feeders you want to make, but if you want to enjoy watching more than just one hummingbird, you can make a number of these feeders and tie them into a mobile and place them in your backyard.

To draw more birds during bird watching, consider using a fountain bird bath. Additionally, binoculars with built-in digital cameras enable you to identify birds once you get home. These benefits will definitely enhance your bird watching. A great pair of binoculars will turn a mediocre experience into a great one. You can count on it! If the answer is yes, stop whatever it is you’re doing immediately. In exchange for the pleasure you gain from observing these creatures, you owe it to them to respect their rights as living creatures as well.

THINK OF BIRDS AS FAMOUS STARS

The mere act of taking pictures can be harmful to birds if you’re doing so at too close a range and disrupting them from their normal routines. Think of them as public figures like celebrities, models and socialites. Since asking for their permission is obviously impossible, it is however, possible for you to respect their “privacy” and take pictures of them from afar.

WHERE YOU PARK YOUR CAR MATTERS

Many birdwatchers neglect to exercise proper consideration when it comes to where they park their cars. This is important as well! Parking your cars in front of gates or other forms of entrance and exit and in obstructive parts of streets and roads while you become incommunicado in the woods is one surefire way of bringing down the wrath of people on you.

ALWAYS HAVE YOUR CELLPHONE OR PAGER WITH YOU

That way, individuals - especially when they’re park officials, landowners, etc. – that have a pressing need to talk to you won’t have to go to the trouble of searching for your whereabouts. Of course, make sure that your mobile phone or pager is in silent and vibrating mode.

That’s it. Have fun but play it safe when bird watching!

Have you thought about the toxin levels of minerals like Zinc & Lead in the cage you are considering? This should be your #1 priority when looking for a bird cage.

There is no such thing as a perfectly manufactured cage, but there is a huge difference between the quality levels. Respectable companies will include decent warranties against defects and they'll also insure your cage against possible damages when shipping it to you. When buying online, however, be sure to weigh in the shipping costs to determine if you are truly saving over buying local.

We may have the best intentions to let our bird spend most of his time out of the cage. But there will still be times when he needs to be in his cage.

Think of it: if you were a bird, where would you want to splash about? Would you choose a muddy, stinky puddle or a clean, fresh bird bath? The choice is not just obvious to humans, but birds have a distinct preference. Once you have decided to lend a helping hand to your local birds, make the trek to find a bath that fits into your style and design of your yard.

About the Author

How do bird watchers strive to entice birds to their yards? Find out at http://www.bird-watch.info

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