Dunne Pete - Pete Dunne on bird watching: beginners guide to finding, identifying and enjoying birds

Acknowledgments

W ere honesty to be served, the names of those found here would be as deserving as mine to appear on the cover of this book. As in the spirit of birding itself, Pete Dunne on Bird Watching was very much a community effort. Accordingly, and in this spirit, I extend to all who gave generously of their time and expertise my sincere thanks, and I ask, in the name of courtesy, that you offer them yours. They being...

Janet Crawford, Scott Edwards, Victor Emanuel, Don Freiday, Eldon Greij, Michael Hannisian, Paul Kerlinger, Daniel Klem, Paul Lehman, Judy Toups, Dick Walton, Peggy Wang, Karen Williams, and Sheri Williamson, for penning one (or more) sidebars on subjects that command their expertise;

Tom Barnes, Alicia Craig-Lich, Bucky Dennerlein, Lynn Hassler, Susan Lenard, Greg Oskay, Chuck Otte, Reese Partridge, Wayne Petersen, Carol Pollard, Patty Van Vlack, and Karen Williams, for offering readers their region-tailored selections for natural plantings, and to Pat Hayward, who orchestrated their efforts.

Scott Whittles contribution to this book cannot be overstated. His very excellent images and graphic array figure in the appeal and usefulness of this effort.

It should surprise no one who understands writers and writing that elements of this book have previously surfaced as articles or essays in assorted other publications. Many of the thoughts and words that were the basis for columns in Birdings Tools of the Trade and Building Birding Skills as well as Pete Dunnes Birding Tip of the Month (written for WildBird) are born again, here. Elements of columns from New Jersey Audubon magazine also figure in the text.

Special thanks and acknowledgment is extended to Swarovski Optik of North America, which allowed me to incorporate elements of a brochure first written for it, on choosing optics, in .

Thanks also to Jeff Gordon of the American Birding Association for permission to include the ABA Code of Ethics.

, much credit and thanks go to Scott Edwards, who offered primary insight, reflective review, and, most of all, his expertise.

ABA Code of Ethics

American Birding Association
Principles of Birding Ethics

1.Promote the welfare of birds and their environment.

1(a).Support the protection of important bird habitat.

1(b).To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise restraint and caution during observation, photography, sound recording, or filming.

Limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas or for attracting any species that is Threatened, Endangered, or of Special Concern, or is rare in your local area.

Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas, and important feeding sites. In such sensitive areas, if there is a need for extended observation, photography, filming, or recording, try to use a blind or hide, and take advantage of natural cover.

Use artificial light sparingly for filming or photography, especially for close-ups.

1(c).Before advertising the presence of a rare bird, evaluate the potential for disturbance to the bird, its surroundings, and other people in the area, and proceed only if access can be controlled, disturbance can be minimized, and permission has been obtained from private landowners. The sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to the proper conservation authorities.

1(d).Stay on roads, trails, and paths where they exist; otherwise keep habitat disturbance to a minimum.

2.Respect the law and the rights of others.

2(a).Do not enter private property without the owners explicit permission.

2(b).Follow all laws, rules, and regulations governing use of roads and public areas, both at home and abroad.

2(c).Practice common courtesy in contacts with other people. Your exemplary behavior will generate goodwill with birders and nonbirders alike.

3.Ensure that feeders, nest structures, and other artificial bird environments are safe.

3(a).Keep dispensers, water, and food clean and free of decay or disease. It is important to feed birds continually during harsh weather.

3(b).Maintain and clean nest structures regularly.

3(c).If you are attracting birds to an area, ensure the birds are not exposed to predation from cats or other domestic animals, or dangers posed by artificial hazards.

4.Group birding, whether organized or impromptu, requires special care.

Each individual in the group, in addition to the obligations spelled out in Items #1 and #2, has responsibilities as a Group Member.

4(a).Respect the interests, rights, and skills of fellow birders, as well as those of people participating in other legitimate outdoor activities. Freely share your knowledge and experience, except where code 1(c) applies. Be especially helpful to beginning birders.

4(b).If you witness unethical birding behavior, assess the situation and intervene if you think it prudent. When interceding, inform the person(s) of the inappropriate action and attempt, within reason, to have it stopped. If the behavior continues, document it and notify appropriate individuals or organizations.

Group Leader Responsibilities [amateur and professional trips and tours]

4(c).Be an exemplary ethical role model for the group. Teach through word and example.

4(d).Keep groups to a size that limits impact on the environment and does not interfere with others using the same area.

4(e).Ensure everyone in the group knows and practices this code.

4(f).Learn and inform the group of any special circumstances applicable to the areas being visited (e.g., no sound devices allowed).

4(g).Acknowledge that professional tour companies bear a special responsibility to place the welfare of birds and the benefits of public knowledge ahead of the companys commercial interests. Ideally, leaders should keep track of tour sightings, document unusual occurrences, and submit records to appropriate organizations.

Please follow this code. Distribute it and teach it to others.

Additional copies of the Code of Birding Ethics can be obtained from ABA. The ABA Code of Ethics may be reprinted, reproduced, and distributed without restriction. Please acknowledge the role of ABA in developing and promoting this code.

Bibliography

American Ornithologists Union Checklist of North American Birds. 7th ed. Lawrence, Kans.: Allen Press, 1998.

Bird Observer. A Birders Guide to Eastern Massachusetts. Colorado Springs, CO: American Birding Association, 1994.

Buff, Sheila. Birding for Beginners. New York: Lyons & Burford, 1993.

. The Birders Sourcebook. New York: Lyons & Burford, 1994.

Bull, John, and John Farrand. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, Eastern Region. New York: Chanticleer Press, 1977.

Chapman, Frank M. Birds of Eastern North America. New York: D. Appleton, 1895.

Chartier, Bonnie. A Birders Guide to Churchill. 3rd ed. Colorado Springs, CO: American Birding Association, 1994.

Choate, Ernest A. The Dictionary of American Bird Names. rev. ed. Boston: Harvard Common Press, 1985.

Clark, William S., and Brian K. Wheeler. Hawks of North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1987.

Coe, James. Eastern Birds. New York: Golden Press, 1994.

Connor, Jack. The Complete Birder. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1988.

Cronin, Edward W. Getting Started in Bird Watching. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1986.

Dunne, Pete, David Sibley, and Clay Sutton. Hawks in Flight. 2nd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012.

. Optics for Birding. Cranston, R.I.: Swarovski Optik, 1992.

Ehrlich, Paul R., David S. Dobkin, and Darryl Wheye.