Five Things to Remember When Birding in Buckinghamshire
- Avoid disturbing birds and their habitats – the birds interests should always come first.
- Be an ambassador for birdwatching.
- Know the law and the rules for visiting the countryside, and follow them.
- Post your sightings on the Buckinghamshire County Bird Sightings database (Goingbirding).
- Think about the interests of wildlife and local people before passing on news of a rare bird, especially during the breeding season.
For more information, read the BTO Birdwatcher’s Code.
Photographing birds
Be aware that it is illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb Schedule 1 species at or near a nest without a licence.
For example, if you are photographing such species at or near a breeding location and you affect the behaviour or breeding success of the birds, then you are breaking the law. If there is any possibility of causing an effect on their behaviour, then you are advised to apply for a licence from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), Directorate of Forestry, Amenity and Lands.
A list of Schedule 1 species can be found at https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/birdatlas/methods/protected-species-britain