| If you're not a professional bird watcher or | | | | their bad example. |
| tour guide then there are a few things that | | | | |
| you need to know before venturing out to | | | | Care for the Birds |
| start your new hobby. Believe it or not, you | | | | |
| can't just do what you like, where you like | | | | Never do anything which can have an adverse |
| and there is a strict code of ethics, even | | | | effect on the birds themselves. They didn't |
| for amateur bird watchers. | | | | ask for you to be watching them and they have |
| | | | the right to carry on their lives |
| Right to Roam | | | | undisturbed, so always check with yourself |
| | | | whether anything you're doing could be |
| In Britain nowadays, it would seem that the | | | | upsetting the birds. |
| rights of many landowners have been eroded | | | | |
| and that ramblers can go wherever they | | | | Photographing Birds |
| please. However, this isn't always the case | | | | |
| and it is, in any case, a common courtesy to | | | | Don't get too close to the birds when you're |
| seek the approval of the owner before you go | | | | photographing them, particularly if you're |
| trampling all over this property. If the | | | | using a flash as this could be very |
| landowner requests that you do not go through | | | | frightening for the birds and may interrupt |
| certain areas, then do observe his wishes and | | | | their normal routines. Use a camera with a |
| likewise if he asks that you keep to the edge | | | | zoom lens with a decent magnification and if |
| of fields, etc. then do so. If, while bird | | | | it's very large, you'll need a tripod too to |
| watching on private property, your target | | | | prevent camera shake. |
| bird moves off into forbidden territory, | | | | |
| you'll just have to let him go. Don't think | | | | Parking Your Car |
| that because you've seen a rare bird, the | | | | |
| landowners wishes can be ignored. | | | | When you go bird watching, remember that you |
| | | | may be gone for some time so be thoughtful |
| In addition, just treat the landowner's | | | | about where you park your vehicle. Never |
| property as you would wish your own to be | | | | block gates or paths or indeed, any form of |
| treated; don't drop litter, don't be noisy | | | | entrance. |
| and | | | | |
| | | | Your Mobile Phone |
| Use your common sense to guide you when bird | | | | |
| watching on private property: don't litter, | | | | It's essential to take your mobile with you, |
| don't make any noise and don't do any damage. | | | | in case of accidents or incidents while out |
| | | | bird watching. In addition, the owner of the |
| Care for the Environment | | | | land you're using may need to get hold of you |
| | | | but do make sure that the 'phone is set to |
| When you pack your rucksack to go out bird | | | | silent mode with the vibrate feature on. |
| watching, be sure to include a plastic bag or | | | | |
| two so that you can bring your rubbish home | | | | All the above just involve using a bit of |
| with you. Never, never drop litter out in | | | | common sense and consideration for others as |
| the countryside (or anywhere else for that | | | | well as for the birds, so remember this |
| matter) irrespective of whether others have | | | | ethical code and enjoy your bird watching. |
| done so before you; you don't have to follow | | | | |