Birdwatching Ethics
Put the welfare of birds first using these simple ways to birdwatch responsibly.
What is ethical birding?
Ethical birdwatching involves caring for birds, people and the other living things around you. Whether you're out with your binoculars or snapping photos, there are choices you can make that keep birds and people safe.
Keeping your distance
Some birds will come close on their own. But many are shy, sensitive or nesting nearby.
Avoid approaching feeding, roosting or nesting birds
Stick to formed tracks and trails
Use binoculars or a camera zoom to enjoy a closer view without needing to move in
A good rule of thumb: if a bird changes its behaviour because of you, take a step back.
Playback
Playback is when you play the recording of a bird’s call loudly enough so that it can be heard.
Turn your recordings right down (or listen before you get out of the car) to avoid communicating with local birds in a way that may not be helpful to them.
Spotlighting
Spotlighting is when you use a bright spotlight torch to look at a bird at night-time. Consider using infrared binoculars or thermal imaging instead.
Photography
Photography is a wonderful way to capture bird moments. You can care for birds by:
Avoiding photos of nests (most Facebook groups won’t let you post it anyway)
Avoiding flushing birds for ‘action shots’
Skipping the flash
Letting birds approach you, not the other way around
Feeding birds
BirdLife Australia’s Ethical Birding Guidelines encourages creating bird-friendly gardens rather than feeding wildlife. If you do offer food or water:
Use species-appropriate food (do your research)
Keep feeding stations clean to minimise disease
Avoid attracting pests or predators
Feeding Australian native birds must always be done in accordance with local or state government regulations.
Sharing your sightings
Your bird sightings are valuable for science and conservation.
Submit records through eBird or Birdata to support national bird monitoring
Use privacy settings for sensitive species or private locations
Report threats like habitat destruction to relevant authorities
Not every bird needs to be posted on social media, especially the endangered ones. Some moments are best remembered in the wild.
Caring for people
Birdwatching is about caring for other humans too:
Be mindful of where you’re pointing your binoculars or camera
Only enter private property if you have the permission of the owner
Only enter the spaces of First Peoples with explicit permission
Follow local rules and signage
Birdwatching is about care - for nature, wildlife and community.
