Ethical Birding Policy Guidelines for ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR WHEN BIRDWATCHING Always promote the welfare of birds and their environments. Respect the law and the rights of others — ensure that you are legally permitted to enter any land that you do not own. The welfare and conservation of birds and their habitats are paramount. When watching and photographing birds, do so from a distance that does not disturb them. Limit the use of play-back calls, and never use them in heavily birded areas. Take special care during the birds’ breeding season and do not disturb breeding birds or their nests. Birding in groups, whether organised or impromptu, requires special care to avoid disturbing birds. Birds SA members must lead by example by practising ethical behaviour when birding individually or on field trips and campouts