BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 12, 2022
This might be a good time to talk about birding ethics. The American Birding Association Code of Ethics advises birders on how to interact with each other: respecting people of all skill levels, sharing knowledge freely, reporting significant observations and guiding group behavior. The code admonishes against stressing birds or exposing them to danger, especially around nests, roosts, displays and feeding sites. Of course, these are the same places where it can be easiest to observe them. The code is straightforward about whether to approach rare, threatened or endangered birds, or use audio tricks to draw them in. One word: Don’t. How close is too close? The short answer is: If the bird is watching you, you’re too close. There’s no need to approach a bird too closely. That’s what the binoculars are for. ~ Bob Duchesne