Hampshire Bird Club

HBC CODE OF BIRDING ETHICS AND CONDUCT

Adapted from the American Birding Association, with thanks to the Brookline Bird Club

The Hampshire Bird Club expects that members, field trip leaders, and participants at HBC events will follow this Code in the interest of respectful, enjoyable, and thoughtful birding for all. 

Respect and promote birds, their welfare, and their environment

• Avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger.  Be particularly cautious around active nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display sites and feeding sites.
• Limit the use of recordings and other audio methods of attracting birds, particularly in heavily birded areas, for species that are rare in the area, and for species that are threatened or endangered.
• Always exercise caution and restraint when photographing, recording, or otherwise approaching birds.
• Be mindful of your movements and minimize habitat disturbance.
• Support and promote the conservation of birds and their habitats.

Respect and promote the birding community by positive example.

• Be an exemplary ethical role model by following this Code and leading by example.
• Never enter private property without the landowner’s permission. 
• Be cognizant of the laws, rules, and regulations governing activities at your birding location.
• Be considerate of and interact positively with other people you may encounter when on field trips with the club. Be good ambassadors for birding and for HBC.
• Share bird observations, provided it does not put birds or their habitat at risk. 
• Report with honesty and integrity.

Respect fellow birders and others.

• Welcome fellow birders and other participants at HBC events with kindness and respect, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, level of birding knowledge or experience.
• Please know that HBC does not tolerate behavior that disrespects or threatens the rights and safety of others, whether through verbal, physical, or other inappropriate behaviors, including online interactions. 

Two HBC members have volunteered to respond to the concern of any person about behavior inconsistent with the HBC Code of Conduct. If you are aware of such behavior at a HBC-sponsored activity or event, please send a message to conduct@hampshirebirdclub.org. Your message will be acknowledged within 48 hours and held in confidence to the extent possible. HBC will make every effort to address your concerns promptly. Others will be brought into the discussion only with your express agreement except in cases where there appears to be clear evidence of an infraction of law.