Members of The Naturalists’ Club of Broome County agree to the following
rules of conduct while birding:
- We agree to safeguard the welfare of birds and other wildlife:
- Observe and photograph birds so as not to disturb them significantly.
- Avoid chasing, repeatedly flushing, excessive use of squeakers, “pishing” and recordings, especially during nesting season.
- Keep an appropriate distance from nesting birds to avoid disturbance and exposure to predators.
- Birds, nests, or eggs will not be handled except for recognized research.
- Sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to proper conservation authority.
- We agree to not harm the environment:
- Stay on existing trails to avoid damaging fragile habitat.
- Leave all habitat as it was found or better
- We agree to respect the rights of others:
- Observe No “Trespassing” signs; ask permission to enter private lands.
- Observe all laws and regulations governing roads and public areas.
- Behave in a courteous manner that will generate goodwill for the birding community.
- We will, when on organized walks or field trips, follow these guidelines:
- Minimize unnecessary talk and noise to avoid disturbing birds so that they can be seen by all participants.
- Follow the leaders’ pace to allow special sightings to be shared by the entire group.
- The presence of pet dogs is discouraged, no matter how well-behaved the animal.