About

Welcome To the blog!

Welcome to the Falmouth Birds blog, your friendly portal to all things avian in beautiful Falmouth, MA on Cape Cod! We’re thrilled to have you on board.

Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of updates, complete with captivating bird photos and delightful captions – all of which you’ve hopefully come to love in the pages of the Falmouth Enterprise. But we’re not stopping there! We’ll dive deeper, offering more extensive insights into our feathered friends, along with handy online resources for those who crave more birding knowledge.

This blog is your passport to enhancing your birding skills, whether you’re an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned expert. Join us as we explore, discover, and celebrate the wonderful array of local birds that grace the extended Falmouth area throughout all the seasons.

What makes this blog extra special? It’s built on your feedback, from readers of the Falmouth Enterprise and so many others, and in collaboration with our friends from The 300 Committee and Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries. We’ve designed it to be super user-friendly, making it a breeze to share your thoughts, questions, and feedback right here.

As you embark on your birding journey with us, may you forever be inspired by the boundless beauty and incredible grace of the winged wonders that call our beloved Falmouth home. Thanks for dropping by, and don’t be a stranger – we’re looking forward to your return!

Ethical Standards: Adhering to the highest ethical standards is crucial for bird and wildlife photographers. It safeguards animal welfare, minimizes disturbance, and supports conservation. Ethical practices promote safe and responsible field work, foster trust with conservation organizations, ensure legal compliance, and offer a much higher level of personal satisfaction. Moreover, ethical bird and wildlife photographers serve as ambassadors for the natural world, setting a high level example for others, ultimately contributing to both conservation and societal well-being.

Ethics Statement: I stress my unwavering dedication to conducting bird and nature photography and videography with the utmost ethical considerations. My principal aim is to use my photography as a tool for fostering bird and wildlife conservation. I prioritize eliminating any possible disruptions to birds and other wildlife by investing time in studying their behavior, natural environments, and any potential risks around disruption of any type.

I adopt a gentle, non-intrusive approach, often utilizing blinds, careful techniques to avoid causing any distress to birds and wildlife, and remaining safe distances from subjects. I’m committed to not engaging in activities such as feeding or using audio lures that might jeopardize the welfare of birds and wildlife. In addition, I uphold transparency in my post-processing and captions, with the purpose of not only raising awareness but also inspiring individuals about the world of birds and wildlife, all while maintaining a firm commitment to the highest ethical standards.

20 Essential Guidelines for Ethical Nature Photography

Here are 20 essential rules to consider for ethical wildlife photography:

1. Prioritize nature, birds, and wildlife over photography.
2. Aim for bird and wildlife conservation by capturing natural behavior.
3. Respect the birds and wildlife; avoid causing any harm or distress.
4. Avoid any disturbances to birds and wildlife and their habitat.
5. Research and understand the birds, wildlife, and their environment.
6. Treat all birds and wildlife equally, common or rare.
7. Follow local bird and wildlife rules and regulations.
8. Obtain permission to shoot in specific locations.
9. Be considerate of other professionals and researchers.
10. Respect fellow bird and wildlife photographers and their space.
11. Remember you are a guest in the natural habitat.
12. Don’t interfere with or manipulate birds or wildlife.
13. Avoid using bait, live or otherwise, to attract birds or wildlife.
14. Blend in with camouflage outfits to reduce disruption.
15. Leave no trace; preserve the habitat as you found it.
16. Consider bringing a guide when shooting images in unfamiliar places.
17. Approach birds and wildlife cautiously, without causing any distress.
18. Avoid taking selfies with any birds and wildlife, even at a distance.
19. Be extra cautious when photographing endangered, threatened, or “of special concern” species.
20. Never ever harm or kill animals for the sake of photography.

Following these rules ensures ethical wildlife photography that benefits birds, wildlife, and their native habitat!

Helpful Articles

Audubon’s Guide to Ethical Bird Photography

The Complicated Ethics of Wildlife Photography

How to Photograph Wildlife Ethically

Tips for Being a Responsible Bird Photographer in Social Media Age