RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION, responsible tourism

Ideas for Responsible Seabird Watching

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Seabird sightings

APPROACHING BIRDS FROM BOATS

Sometimes we find spectacular concentrations of seabirds at sea; groups of birds feeding at the surface, diving or simply resting and bathing. Many of these birds have travelled hundreds or thousands of kilometres, often to feed their young.
  • Be aware of birds on the water, reduce speed and/or alter course to avoid collision.
  • Avoid these concentrations. Boats must stay 100 metres away and small craft or Zodiac boats 30 metres away.
  • Certain birds such as penguins may be disturbed by boat operations near their landing sites or near their colonies.
  • Approach or move away from the landing site or colony slowly to minimize any disturbance.
  • Avoid boat maneuvers in waters where birds enter, exit, bathe or feed near colonies.
  • Staff should evaluate the best anchoring point. Preferably as far away from the birds as possible, this point is particularly important if birds are molting near the shore.
  • There may be occasions where penguins accidentally climb into the Zodiacs, in which case the occupants must remain silent and wait for the penguin to find its way out. Normally it is not necessary to help them.
  • Under no circumstances should you feed the birds.


APPROACHING BIRDS ON LAND


If parents are prevented from returning to their nests, eggs and chicks are exposed to predation by gulls and skuas. In addition, parents will lose valuable energy avoiding human obstacles on the way to their nests.

  • He walks slowly and encourages visitors to simply sit quietly and observe the animals.
  • Avoid blocking animal passages in colonies and at entry and exit points to the water.
  • Be careful in clumpy grass areas where birds may be nesting and where there may be trails hidden by foliage.
  • If swallows begin to swoop, they may be protecting young birds and nests. Move away in the direction of approach. Keep in mind that the eggs and chicks are well camouflaged.
Recommended approach distance
  • In general, stay 5-10 meters (15-30 feet) away from seabird nesting areas.
  • For albatrosses, stay about 10 metres (3 feet) away from the nesting area and 25 metres (75 feet) from animals that are manoeuvring.
  • When walking at or above the level of larger birds nesting, maintain a distance of 20 to 25 metres if possible.

     

Source and image: IAATO
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