Minding our P's and Q's
Birding might be a benign endeavor but it sometimes strays from innocence -- literally. In many cases, when birders do something that irritates or inconveniences non-birders, the birders are often oblivious. In the interest of keeping the peace (and keeping birders welcome wherever they go) New Jersey Audubon Society has drafted a set of rules that birders should adopt as their own.
The Ten Commandments of Birding
- Private property means just that. Your benign intent is not a passport to trespass.
- Being quiet is simple courtesy. In residential areas, before 9 a.m., keep voices low, vehicle noises to a minimum.
- Never, never, never stop your vehicle in a traffic lane to view birds. Always pull completely onto the shoulder to conduct short-term or long-term viewing. No shoulder? Don't stop.
- Be careful not to point optics toward people or houses.
- Be courteous and deferential to people engaged in other wildlife-related pursuits.
- Park your car only in approved sites. Park tight so that other people have space, too.
- Express gratitude to individuals, institutions, and businesses that go out of their way to accommodate your interests or needs.
- Patronize businesses that are supporters of NJAS. Let them know support travels both ways.
- Wear binoculars everywhere. It is the best way to bring the importance of ecotourism home.
- Share your excitement with non-birders. Let them know how important open space is to you and to wildlife.
|
