How Close is TOO Close?

                This question always comes up for birders and photographers, alike. We all have been in that situation when we have flushed a bird, whether accidentally or purposely. There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a closer view, but when does that become an issue? The American Birding Association (ABA) wants people to enjoy birding but always stresses to consider a bird’s safety and welfare. We will briefly examine the ABA’s Code of Ethics¹ but focus on the first principle today.

                The beginning of the Code of Ethics lists “promote the welfare of birds and the environment” as their first principle. Four subsets of this principle explain a different consideration for birders and the list is as follows:

• Support the protection of important bird habitat.

• To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise restraint and caution during observation, photography, sound recording, and filming.

• Before the presence of a rare bird, evaluate the potential for disturbance to the bird, its surroundings, and other in the area, and proceed only if access can be controlled, disturbance can be minimized, and permission has been obtained from private land-owners. The sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to the proper conservation authorities.

• Stay on roads, trails, and paths where they exist; otherwise keep habitat disturbance to a minimum. 

While the first subset principle relates to supporting habitat conservation from birders and non-birders alike, the latter three specifically apply to those out birding on their own. Placing unnecessary stress on birds can alter their behaviors during breeding or migrating. Both require enormous caloric intakes, and the resulting physical stress from these activities determines a bird’s fate, depending on the amount of available resources, competition, and predation. When we step in and cause birds to react unnaturally through actively chasing down and/or repeatedly flushing or passively baiting and/or playing audio feedback, then these raise an issue.

Above all else, the sighting of rarities will fuel this issue’s complexity.  A rarity may be a bird from outside of its normal range or deemed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Depending on the rarity of the species, dozens to hundreds of birders may show up at a time, and a bird may provide poor to excellent views. For example, I was fortunate to view the same snowy owl twice at the Shelbyville Municipal Airport back in January. There was always a temptation to gain an even closer look, but is it worth the risk? Constant stress from people interrupts their resting and hunting opportunities and increases exposure to infection, especially from the fungal disease aspergillosis. Additionally, snowy owls choose open areas such as undisturbed beaches, sand dunes, rocky jetties, and airports, which may have restricted access to the public. For all of the allure a snowy owl generates, approaching one at close range may be both an unethical and unlawful choice.

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Recently, there have been several Facebook page discussions about sightings of long-eared owls at Prophetstown State Park. More than a few have been able to see one to three owls at a time, but there are those who question if photographers (or a private drone operator) were too close. At least one of the owls has changed roosting spots, prompting debate of whether or not to continue seeing them. Considering roosting long-eared owls are vulnerable to human disturbance, should we even report sensitive species? If that’s not possible, are there ways to minimize disturbance to those species on public property? What are your thoughts on this issue?

                Your birding experiences may be different from someone else’s as you may have a chance to have a close observation. There are methods to minimize disturbance while remaining relatively close, but I will save that for another time. Additionally, always remember to use common sense and ask for a landowner’s permission if a rarity is on their property. Trespassing is a serious issue not taken lightly. Lastly, if you see someone not following the ABA’s guidelines, then don’t be disrespectful or condescending but educate them. Help others gain an appreciation for what’s out there.

¹http://www.aba.org/about/abaethics.pdf