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.
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.
