Birdwatching Ethics
Birdwatching connects us with nature but our presence can also affect the very birds we love. This guide shares simple ways to birdwatch responsibly to help protect birds and their habitats.
Introduction
Ethical birdwatching is about putting birds first. It means keeping a respectful distance, avoiding stress or disturbance, and doing your bit to support conservation. Whether you're out with your binoculars or snapping photos for social media, there are choices you can make that keep birds safe.
1. Keep 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.
2. Skip the playback and spotlights
It can be tempting to play recordings using birdwatching apps (called playback) or a bright spotlight torch to get a better look. But these tools can cause stress or confuse birds.
Avoid using playback, especially during breeding season
Don’t use bright white spotlights at night
Steer clear of drones, which can cause panic and disturbance
Ethical birdwatching is about observing birds on their terms, not luring them in.
3. Be careful with your camera
Photography is a wonderful way to capture bird moments but not if it puts birds at risk.
Don’t take photos of nests (most Facebook groups won’t let you post it anyway)
Avoid flushing birds for ‘action shots’
Skip the flash - natural light is safer and more beautiful
Let birds approach you, not the other way around
Some of the best bird encounters don’t even make it onto the memory card (and that’s okay).
4. Feed and water responsibly (or not at all)
BirdLife Australia encourages creating bird-friendly gardens rather than feeding wildlife. But 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.
5. Share your sightings with care
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 kept wild.
6. Respect the rights of others
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.
Podcast episodes
Weekend Birder podcast is here to help you be an ethical birdwatcher:
21 Ethical Birding - with Golo