Participants in MVBC activities should act in ways that do not endanger the welfare of birds and that do not harm the natural environment and wildlife.
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Avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger. Be particularly cautious around active nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display sites, and feeding sites.
Limit the use of recordings and other audio methods of attracting birds, particularly in heavily birded areas, for species that are rare in the area, and for species that are threatened or endangered. Do not use recordings in National Wildlife Refuges.
Always exercise caution and restraint when photographing, recording, or otherwise approaching birds. Keep an appropriate distance from birds and nests.
Stay on trails and minimize habitat disturbance.
Participants in MVBC activities should act in ways that promote a positive image of bird watching and our club.
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Always report sightings with honesty and integrity.
Share bird observations, as long as such reporting does not put birds or habitat at risk.
Never enter private property without the landowner’s permission. Respect the interests of and interact positively with people living in the area where you are birding.
Be respectful and follow any posted guidelines when birding in cemeteries.
Respect rules and protocol of public lands.
Use courtesy in the use of cell phones and refrain from loud conversation which might disrupt the birding experience of others or may be an annoyance for other visitors or neighbors.
Participants in MVBC activities should act in ways that are respectful and considerate of other people.
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Respect fellow birders regardless of skill level.
Acknowledge an individual’s pronouns and reject any racist, sexist, ableist, classist, homophobic, sizeist or xenophobic behaviors.
Be considerate of people participating in other outdoor activities.
Respect and welcome other birders regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation
Birding should be fun and help build a better future for birds, for birders, and for all people.
Birds and birding opportunities are shared resources that are open and accessible to all.
Birders should always give back more than they take.