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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

Established in 1968 – A Chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970

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Policy on Birding Ethics

peregrine_signAt its April 16, 2013 meeting, the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Board of Directors officially adopted the American Birding Association‘s Principles of Birding Ethics as DOAS policy. There are four main areas addressed in this document:

  • The welfare of birds and their environment
  • Respecting the law and the rights of others
  • Ensuring that feeders and nest structures are safe
  • Group birding

Please read the details of this document using the link above.

We ask all members to carefully read the section that asks you to “limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds”. We agree completely with this concern. We also approve of the limited use of recordings for educational and scientific reasons. We will continue to carefully use such methods for field trips and organized surveys. We are aware that the playing of calls and songs stresses birds. We also feel that educational and scientific benefits justify these methods when we use them responsibly. If you have any questions about whether the use of recordings is appropriate, please email us.

Participants attending DOAS activities will be expected to comply with this Code of Ethics. In addition, no participants at DOAS events shall play sound recordings without first seeking and receiving the permission of the event leader.

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Why Birds Matter...

Birds are important because of the role they play in the natural world as pollinators and seed disbursers, assisting with the balance of nature by eating insects. They also clean up things that would go unattended otherwise. Birds are important TO ME because of the kinship that I feel with another living species, and the joy that they bring to me year around. Encountering spring migrants feels brand new every time! I feel responsibility for their well-being and take care not to disturb their nesting with unnecessary sounds, disturbance or habitat destruction. I respect the incredible work they do to bring about future generations.
Becky Gretton
Becky GrettonDOAS Co-President
Birds have always been an early warning system for our environment–the “canary in the coal mine.” It was the decline in bird species high on the food chain that tipped us off to the dangers of DDT and other chemicals. More recently, high altitude and high latitude birds are demonstrating the first definitive effects of global change. If science had been more advanced in the 1800s, the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon could have served as a warning about habitat destruction. This not just about protecting the birds–although that is a worthy goal–but all of these threats will ultimately reach the human race.
Andy Mason
Andy MasonDOAS Co-President
In addition to being indicators for environmental health, birds matter because they allow people all over the world to enjoy and appreciate nature. Caring about birds often leads to caring about their habitats and creates a stewardship ethic to protect our natural resources. Birds connect communities.
Susan O'Handley
Susan O'HandleyDOAS Co-President
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We envision a healthy world where people and wildlife thrive and natural resources are protected.
The mission of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature
 to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
 

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 397-3815
info@doas.us

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