Use Caution When Posting Bird Sightings Over Social Media

It’s important to think about a bird’s well-being before sharing bird
sightings over social media because of the dangers it can bring
wildlife.

And as people who love birds, that’s not our intention.

Consider Your Audience

We get excited when we get that “great” photo of the pair of Bald
Eagles in their nest, the Osprey plunging into the water catching a fish
or the rarity that happens to cross our path.

Or other critters we come across such as red fox, deer, and moose.

Beautiful red fox we spotted during a bird walk in Connecticut
But we forget that our posts go beyond the need to shine in the
spotlight and those people who appreciate birds and nature as much as we
do.

There is a dark, nefarious side to geotagging locations in our posts.

Fair Chase

Bird enthusiasts appreciate knowing the location so they can venture
out and see the bird in its natural habitat for their enjoyment.

But this same information is being misused by hunters.

Some hunters are using rare bird sightings and killing them for trophies.

This behavior goes against the “fair chase” ethics hunters are taught in state-required hunter education courses.

But hunters are not the only culprits harming wildlife.

Overzealous Photographers and Birders

It pains me to say this because I’ll do just about anything to get a beautiful photo of a bird.

But I know the limits and won’t infringe on the well-being of the bird.

Or harm nature, period.

Overzealous photographers and birders also misuse sightings posted over social media to seek out rare and popular species.

This includes any type of owl, breeding Bald Eagles or just about any rarity.

By getting too close, stressing out and harassing the bird, we are causing harm to our feathered friends.

Read more about how to strike a balance to share your bird sightings without putting birds and nature in harm's way at https://intobirds.com/use-caut...