Every photographer loves to photograph birds. They are interesting. They are beautiful. But they are also fragile. We need to take care of our little feathered friends if we want to have them to photograph in the years to come.
I was recently chatting with a biologist in Southern Alberta where a very sad event happened with an irresponsible “person with a camera” and a nesting area. He asked me to post the following information. It is always good to use common sense while out in nature.
North American Nature Photograph Association – Principles of Ethical Field Practices
North American Nature Photograph Association (NANPA) believes that following these practices promotes the well-being of the location, subject and photographer. Every place, plant and animal, whether above or below the water, is unique, and cumulative impacts occur over time. Therefore one must always exercise good individual judgment. It is NANPA’s belief that these principles will encourage all who participate in the enjoyment of nature to do so in a way that promotes good stewardship of the resource.
Environmental: Knowledge of Subject and Place
Learn patterns of animal behavior – know when not to interfere with animal’s life cycles
Understand which wildlife species are most sensitive to disturbance and when they are most sensitive to disturbance (i.e. nesting season)*
Respect the routine needs of animals – remember that others will attempt to photograph them, too
Use appropriate lenses to photograph wild animals – if an animal shows stress, move back and use a longer lens
Acquaint yourself with the fragility of the ecosystem – stay on trails that are intended to lessen impact
Social: Knowledge of Rules and Laws
When appropriate inform managers or other authorities of your presence and purpose – help minimize cumulative impacts and maintain safety
Learn the rules and laws of the location – if minimum distances exist for approaching wildlife, follow them
Understand the provisions of the Alberta Wildlife Act, and federal Migratory Bird Convention Act and Species At Risk Act related to the protection of wildlife and their habitats, including nests, dens and hibernaculum
Understand the setback and timing criteria for activities in the vicinity of key habitats of sensitive wildlife species in the prairie and parkland region of Alberta (http://srd.alberta.ca/FishWildlife/WildlifeLandUseGuidelines/documents/WildlifeLandUse-SpeciesHabitatGrasslandParkland-Apr28-2011.pdf
)
Understand the status of wildlife in Alberta as outlined by the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee (http://srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/SpeciesAtRisk/LegalDesignationOfSpeciesAtRisk/EndangeredSpeciesConservationCommittee/Default.aspx) , the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct5/index_e.cfm and in the General Status of Alberta Wild Species
http://srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/speciesatrisk/GeneralStatusOfAlbertaWildSpecies/Default.aspx, the
Alberta Wildlife Act and the federal Species At Risk Act.
In the absence of management authority, use good judgment – treat the wildlife, plants and places as if you were their guest
Prepare yourself and your equipment for unexpected events – avoid exposing yourself and others to preventable mishaps
Individual: Expertise and Responsibilities
Treat others courteously – ask before joining others already shooting in an area
Tactfully inform others if you observe them engaging in inappropriate or harmful behavior–many people unknowingly endanger themselves and animals
Report inappropriate behavior to proper authorities – don’t argue with those who don’t care, report them.
Violations of the Alberta Wildlife Act, Migratory Bird Convention Act or Species At Risk Act should be reported immediately to:
Report A Poacher (1-800-642-3800)
Be a good role model, both as a photographer and a citizen – educate others by your actions; enhance their understanding
Adopted February 3, 1996 by NANPA Board of Directors
*Bolded sections added to make the principles more applicable to Alberta and Canada
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