A SIMPLIFIED BIRDWATCHERS CODE OF CONDUCT

• The welfare of birds must always come first.
• Do not damage habitat.
• Keep disturbance to a minimum.
• Never disturb birds at the nest.
• Keeps sites of rare breeding species confidential. If you feel protection is necessary, inform the SOS, we have close co-operation with the R.S.P.B. Regional Office.
• Do not harass rare migrants. Consider all the circumstances very carefully before making the sighting known. If necessary keep the sighting secret until the bird has moved on.
• Abide by the legal requirements of the Wildlife & Countryside Act and other legislation at all times.
• Respect the rights of landowners.
• Obey the Country Code.
• Respect the rights of other birdwatchers and other countryside users.
• Keep records of important sightings and make sure the SOS receives them through the County Bird Recorder
• When bird watching abroad behave as you would expect to behave in Britain.

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