Birding Etiquette While On A Guided Birding Tour

When you're traveling, going on a guided birding tour is both fun and good exercise. However, if you don't go that often, then you should know there is a certain etiquette involved. When you bird with a group, you have to keep the preferences of other people in mind. Here are some things to know about the hidden etiquette of birding in groups.

Get There on Time

Depending on the location, you could be left out in the cold if you don't get there at or before the specified meeting time. Some locations are closed off to the public with a locked gate, so if you get there late, then you won't be able to catch up. Most birding tours start precisely at the specified time while others may give a 5 or 10 minute grace period. Call ahead and see what your group's policy is about late arrivals.

Listen to Your Guide

While it's not rude to talk to the other birders in your group, try to focus mostly on what your guide is saying. You may miss out on seeing something special otherwise. Guides give you important information about safety, as well. They know the area well, so they know the best places to see certain birds or to avoid trail and wildlife hazards.

Don't Go Ahead

While it may be OK for you to linger or even stay a few steps behind your guide, do not go ahead of the group. This is because you may stir up or scare away birds that others might also want to see. This is particularly important to teach your children, should you bring them along with you. Often, the slow pace of birding may cause some young children to get bored and restless and they may want to run ahead.

Ask Before Using Playback

Using bird sound playback on your electronic devices may be against the rules in the areas where you are birding. On top of that, many birders feel that using these calls is unethical. The same goes for pishing or making other verbal calls. Ask if it OK with the others before you engage in these activities. Even if it's allowed, use playback sparingly and limit it mostly to identification purposes and not to make the birds come closer to you.

When you go on a guided birding tour, you'll likely see a lot of birds that you may not have seen on your own. For the best experience, be mindful of your birding etiquette. When you are done with the tour, compare notes with the other birders and the guide and thank the leader. If you are interested in going on an guided birding tour while you are traveling, inquire about birding guides when you are organizing your trip.

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