Protect wildlife while winter birdwatching

A picture showing a female and male cardinal pair sitting in winter, snow-covered trees.
Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are popular and brilliantly coloured birds to view in winter in southern Ontario.
Photo by Hongkun Wang / Getty Images

Birdwatching is popular among Canadians in winter as an opportunity to get outdoors and look for our favourite feathered friends. Doing so without impacting the birds or wildlife can be easy – if you follow these tips:

1 Never feed or bait birds or wildlife. Putting out food or a bait for birds can change their behaviour and have an unseen ecosystem impact. For example, dropped seed or even the leftover bits can attract rodents and other small mammals, who in turn may attract larger mammals or birds of prey. This can also create potential hazards for people visiting the area with pets or children, who may be approached by birds or animals expecting handouts.

2 Stick to the trails. Staying on a trail not only preserves vital habitat for birds and wildlife, but it keeps you safe and lessens the risk of surprising an animal or stepping into an unmarked trap.

3 Use binoculars, spotting scopes, or long lenses. The best way to observe birds or wildlife is from afar – if you’re able, investing in any technology that gets your subject magnified without being closer is ideal.

A picture of a person dressed in winter outdoor gear, leaning against a railing in a constructed marsh, using binoculars.
Using binoculars or a long camera lens can help you stay on marked paths but still get up close to your subject while birding.
Photo by Wirestock / Getty Images

4 Join a birdwatching group. Get to know the best, safest places to look for birds and enjoy the company of like-minded people. It’s a great opportunity to learn more while making new friends!

5 Put the birds first. The excitement of an amazing photo or close encounter can be overwhelming – so it’s important to remember to put the birds’ needs first, and that often, you’re hanging out in their backyards. If your presence or movement is causing any distress to the birds, back away and look for another location.

Birdwatching is a wonderful activity that connects people with nature and helps establish the need for conservation – even in urban areas. Did we miss any tips? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn pages!

Help Make A Difference

Join The Fur-Bearers today and help us protect fur-bearing animals in the wild and confinement. To become a monthly donor (for as little as $10/month – the cost of two lattes) please click here and help us save lives today. Your donation is tax-deductible.

Tags

Latest Posts

Defender Radio

00.00
Listen To The Latest
  • Listen To The Latest

Pin It on Pinterest

Scroll to Top