Photo from Howard Muscott
When the sun begins to go down, the mating pair of Long Eared Owls begin the awakening process. So which is which? Generally, male LEOS are smaller and lighter in color than females. Given that the LEO on top looks smaller, it’s likely the male right? But it’s darker so maybe that’s the female? I’m so happily confused. Coastal New England, USA. February 20, 2024.
It’s understandable to get overwhelmed when you spot a hard-to-find animal, but as always there’s a right and wrong way to react.
Take the Snowy Owl sighting in Orange County, CA.
I also found this good article detailing the opposite, people being disrespectful and interfering with both the animal directly, and by harassing animal rescue people.
Now apps like eBird used to find particular species limit sharing of particular animals.
The good news is that many conservation and animal resource sites still encourage us to go see these animals, as on a whole, it is still a benefit.
American Birding Association Code of Ethics, click for PDF
1(a) Support the protection of important bird habitat.
1(b) To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise restraint and caution during observation, photography, sound recording, or filming. Limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas or for attracting any species that is Threatened, Endangered, or of Special Concern, or is rare in your local area.
Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas, and important feeding sites. In such sensitive areas, if there is a need for extended observation, photography, filming, or recording, try to use a blind or hide, and take advantage of natural cover.
Use artificial light sparingly for filming or photography, especially for close-ups.
1© Before advertising the presence of a rare bird, evaluate the potential for disturbance to the bird, its surroundings, and other people in the area, and proceed only if access can be controlled, disturbance can be minimized, and permission has been obtained from private landowners. The sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to the proper conservation authorities.
1(d) Stay on roads, trails, and paths where they exist; otherwise keep habitat disturbance to a minimum.
2(a) Do not enter private property without the owner’s explicit permission.
2(b) Follow all laws, rules, and regulations governing use of roads and public areas, both at home and abroad.
2© Practice common courtesy in contacts with other people. Your exemplary behavior will generate goodwill with birders and non-birders alike.
3(a) Keep dispensers, water, and food clean and free of decay or disease. It is important to feed birds continually during harsh weather.
3(b) Maintain and clean nest structures regularly.
3© If you are attracting birds to an area, ensure the birds are not exposed to predation from cats and other domestic animals, or dangers posed by artificial hazards.
4(a) Respect the interests, rights, and skills of fellow birders, as well as those of people participating in other legitimate outdoor activities. Freely share your knowledge and experience, except where code 1© applies. Be especially helpful to beginning birders.
4(b) If you witness unethical birding behavior, assess the situation and intervene if you think it prudent. When interceding, inform the person(s) of the inappropriate action and attempt, within reason, to have it stopped. If the behavior continues, document it and notify appropriate individuals or organizations.
Group Leader Responsibilities [amateur and professional trips and tours]
4© Be an exemplary ethical role model for the group. Teach through word and example.
4(d) Keep groups to a size that limits impact on the environment and does not interfere with others using the same area.
4(e) Ensure everyone in the group knows of and practices this code.
4(f) Learn and inform the group of any special circumstances applicable to the areas being visited (e.g. no sound devices allowed).
4(g) Acknowledge that professional tour companies bear a special responsibility to place the welfare of birds and the benefits of public knowledge ahead of the company’s commercial interests. Ideally, leaders should keep track of tour sightings, document unusual occurrences, and submit records to appropriate organizations.
Please follow this code. Distribute it and teach it to others.
Very interesting.
Yeah, i don’t think people intend to do harm, in the contrary. The (inexperienced) photographer for example, might be so excited, to be in the process of taking that long desired photo of a beloved wood warbler, that this could obscure everything else in their mind.
2© is generally good practice.
People sticking to the Golden Rule would make many aspects of life much better! Go 2©! 😆