It is essential that bird banders approach public engagement opportunities, such as bird banding displays or demonstrations, with strict ethical considerations and practical guidance to ensure the safety and welfare of both the birds and participants involved. Particularly in the age of social media, unethical (or perceived unethical) practices could easily create widespread misunderstandings about the safety of birds and the scientific integrity of responsible bird banding practices.
Ethical and Scientific Standards of Bird Banders, Trainees, Volunteers, or Visitors of Banding Activities
Banders should model and promote ethical and scientific standards to any trainees, volunteers, or visitors of banding activities through the NABC’s Banders’ Code of Ethics (summarized below). All personnel should adhere to the Code of Ethics when banding birds and be familiar with bird safety considerations as discussed in the NABC’s North American Banders’ Study Guide. As a reminder:
- Ensure the respect, safety, and welfare of birds and their populations, people, and the environment.
- Design or use appropriate studies, methods, and analyses to advance a valid scientific purpose.
- Be accountable and strive for high standards.
- Obtain all necessary permits and permissions; understand and adhere to the conditions, responsibilities, and limitations thereof.
Education and Research through Bird Banding
Perception of what is safe for birds may vary greatly by individuals attending a bird banding activity. Thus, it is critical that banders thoroughly emphasize to visitors the ethical considerations and safety guidelines in bird banding, the value of bird banding in scientific research and its link to conservation before engaging in any banding demonstration. Please be sure to follow the established protocols and safety guidelines when banding with the public. Guidance on these topics is available at: Mist-netting with the public - A guide for communicating science through bird banding.
Photography, Videography, and Social Media
Bird photography in the hand should be conducted strictly for documentation, research, or education purposes. Best practices to minimize stress to birds should be taken during any instance of photography/videography and portrayed in subsequent social media posts as part of banding activities. Guidance on these topics is available at: NABC’s Photographic Guidelines. As a reminder:
- Make bird safety and welfare your primary concern.
- Birds should be held by an experienced bander in a grip that is appropriate to the species and that considers bird and handler safety.
- Minimize transfers and bird handing time. Birds should be held no more than one minute for photographic purposes.
- Limit the number of people participating in banding demonstrations and keep voices at a quiet level.
- Review social media posts with a critical eye. Are you exhibiting ethical practices?
- If you discuss or share your banding projects on any public platform or social media, please indicate “All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s BBL (or the BBO in Canada).”
By adhering to these ethical considerations and practical guidance, sharing our bird banding activities will be meaningful and responsible experiences for all. Thank you for your efforts to maintain and promote safe and ethical bird banding practices.
