Mindful Birding

Mindful Birding recognizes that bird watching connects participants with nature through an appreciation of the magnificence of birds.  With this recognition, the Klamath Bird Observatory promotes a birding ethic that encourages bird watchers to be mindful of wildlife, safety, and other people, as well as of their own birding experience.  With such consciousness, we believe that birders will carry a Mindful Birding ethic from the field into their everyday lives, becoming even stronger messengers for and supporters of bird and habitat conservation.

1. The birds’ welfare is the highest priority, so please:

• Bird quietly, walk slowly, drive cautiously
• Respect the birds’ territory, do not approach too closely
• Be extra cautious when in the vicinity of nests
• Refrain from using audio playback 
• Do not imitate Northern Pygmy-Owl calls
• Do not harass birds by flushing, shining spotlights, or pointing lasers
• Refrain from using flash when photographing birds  
     

2. 

   Preservation of and access to habitat is important, so please:

• Do not damage habitat (breaking branches, trampling vegetation)
• Stay on established paths and roads
• Respect private property; do not enter without express permission
• Follow the rules & regulations of public areas
• Avoid aiming optics at people, residences, and businesses

3. We’re all in this together, so please:

• Be courteous to others in your group; your actions affect their birding experience
• Remember that the group leader is responsible for the behavior of the group

4. As you bird, we encourage you to be mindful of your impacts on birds and other people, to be mindful of safety, and to be mindful of your own birding experience.

Thank you, and thank you for supporting bird conservation. The birds need it, and deserve it!