Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition

Presenters of the Yampa Valley Crane Festival

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Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition

Ethical Birding Guidelines

Be Mindful of the Birds

  • The interests and welfare of the birds ALWAYS come first.
  • Do not interrupt or interfere with their normal behavior, be it feeding, nesting, or roosting.
  • Keep your distance; don’t flush or make them fly.
  • Learn to recognize bird behavior so you notice signs of stress, then back off.
  • Keep your movements slow and steady, keep conversations minimal and voices soft, and mute cell phones.
  • If viewing from your car, stay inside as long as possible to increase your chances of seeing natural behavior.
  • Wear neutral-colored clothing (white is a danger signal to many birds, and bright colors may scare them off).
  • Only the leader of a bird walk can use pishing or recorded bird calls and it must be kept to a minimum, since it alters the birds’ normal behavior. In nesting season, these activities are forbidden.
  • Don’t handle birds, nests, or eggs.
  • Leave pets at home.
  • No flash photography.

Be Mindful of People and Safety

  • Observe private property boundaries and be mindful not to cross over private land fencing. Please don’t trespass.
  • Follow all laws, rules and regulations governing the use of roads and public spaces. Please do not travel on private lanes leading to homes.
  • Pull safely off the road when you stop; if there is no shoulder, don’t stop. Use caution when driving and exiting your vehicle.
  • Private cars may not follow our crane viewing shuttles.
  • Be prepared with proper footwear, hats, warm clothing, gloves, sunscreen, and water.
  • Stay with your group.
  • Practice common courtesy in your interactions with other people in your group and with non-birders and the general public, so as to be an ambassador for the birding community.
  • Share your knowledge, sightings, and enthusiasm with others.
  • When using a spotting scope, take a quick look and then step aside. Once everyone has had a chance to see, go back for a longer look.

Be Mindful of Your Own Personal Birding Experience

  • Be patient, bird quietly, and walk slowly.

Be Mindful of Nature

  • Support conservation and protection of important bird habitat.
  • Carpool whenever possible.
  • Don’t damage or disturb bird habitat.
  • Stay on roads, trails and paths.
  • Don’t litter.

We encourage all participants in CCCC activities to understand and observe the principles set forth in the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics.

Craniacs-observing-sandhill-cranes-near-Hayden-CO

Craniacs quietly observing sandhill cranes near Hayden, Colorado

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