Bird Watching Guidlines 2016

STEP 1

Email request to conduct bird-watching activity to the Ecology Center (EC) at [email protected] or fax it to +6347.252 4157.

Walk-in birder may request by filling out the request to conduct bird watching activity form.

To download the form, visit http://www.mysubicbay.com.ph/about-us/departments/ecology-center and check out Application for Research Permit under Links.

Request will only be entertained from Monday to Friday (8:00am - 5:00pm). It must be sent at least a day before the proposed schedule of birding activity.

How to apply for a bird-watching permit

STEP 2The Ecology Center will issue the permit to the birder/s prior to the activity.

The permit may only be issued to the requesting party in person.

STEP 3Upon issuance of the permit, the SBMA Ecology Center will orient first-time birdwatchers on the proper conduct of bird-watching and remind them to comply with the rules and regulations inside the Subic Forest Reserve.

Frequent birders will also be reminded about ethical birding guidelines.

How to apply for a bird-watching permit

DESIGNATED BIRD-WATCHING SITES Roads leading to Nabasan Beach

Triboa Mangrove Park

Botanical Garden

Apaliin Trail

Naval Magazine Area

Pamulaklakin

Upper Cubi: Crown Peak Area

Zambales Highway Upper Cubi going to Naval Hospital

Subic Bay areas allowed for bird-watching

ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF BIRD HABITATS DO NOT litter or leave any waste in protected and non-protected areas.

AVOID making new trails but instead follow existing ones.

DO NOT collect wildlife.

DO NOT cook anything anywhere.

COMPLY with all SBMA rules and regulations.

Bird-watching Etiquette and Guidelines

DO NOT STRESS THE BIRDS Keep distance from the birds to avoid disturbing their feeding and

nesting areas, causing them stress and fear, and driving them towards areas where they may be exposed to predators.

Observe caution in the use of recordings and other methods during observation, photography, sound recording, or filming to avoid distractions. Keep away from nests, colonies, roosts, feeding sites, and other sensitive areas.

Use a blind or hide and take natural cover whenever possible. Zoom camera lenses, binoculars, and spotting scopes can also be an alternative option.


DO NOT STRESS THE BIRDS Using call playback is prohibited to avoid distressing some species and

disrupting feeding and/or breeding activity.

Feeding of birds is prohibited, as it may also disrupt their feeding and/or breeding activity.

“Flushing”, or an act that drives the birds into an open area by frightening or forcing them to fly, is prohibited. Not only does this startles the bird and causes it to fly off but it is also distracting and can use up the bird’s vital energy required for its important physiological activities.

Use of spotlights at night is prohibited, as it disturbs sleeping and resting birds and interferes with the natural biological processes of species. It can also cause birds to abandon their nest or the young to fall. To reduce the discomfort on birds, only red filters and/or lower intensity lights (white or yellow) are allowed.


DO NOT STRESS THE BIRDS Observe precaution in the conduct of photography by observing the

following:

Photographer should not “garden” the area by removing branches and other objects that block the view, as this may expose the birds to predators.

It is absolutely prohibited to modify the nest or its approaches in order to achieve a preferred view.

Avoid lingering around the birds’ nest and core territories for long periods as this may disrupt their natural movement.

Use minimal artificial lighting.


NO BIRD HANDLING Birds must never be touched unless extremely necessary such as when

the bird is injured in which case, gloves should be worn to limit the risk of bacterial or viral contamination.

Details of sightings of rare species or species of conservation significance must only be disclosed to the SBMA Ecology Center and relevant authorities for documentation purposes and to avoid any sudden increase in bird enthusiasts whose presence might disturb the birds.


REPORT SIGHTINGS Sightings, photos, films, and other important information should be

reported / submitted to the SBMA Ecology Center to contribute to its ornithological database.

Soft copies may be sent to [email protected]. Copyright to such photographs shall remain with the photographer. Proper citation will be observed if submitted photos are used for publication or print

The database will serve as basis for formulating guidelines and improving bird awareness and management of this important wildlife.


BE A BIRD AMBASSADOR Impart your knowledge and experience in the conduct of birding activity

in an environmentally ethical way.

Participate in activities that have a positive effect on bird habitats and bird conservation strategies.

Encourage others to record observations that may contribute to a better understanding of bird habitats, locations, and other important ecological data.

Support local communities by hiring indigenous people as tour guides as an incentive for them to conserve the habitat.


YOUR CONCERN FOR THE BIRDS OF SUBIC BAY WILL BE HIGHLY APPRECIATED.

Please inform our Ecology Center or call our HELP Hotlines if you notice any undesirable or suspicious activity in any bird-watching site.

SBMA ECOLOGY CENTER

Address : Regulatory BuildingLabitan Street corner Rizal HighwayCentral Business District, Subic Bay Freeport

Tel. No. : (+6347) 252.4155 / 252.4435 / 252.4059 / 252.4656

Fax. No. : (+6347) 252.4157

Email : [email protected]

THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO PROTECT BIRDS AND THEIR HABITATS.

www.mysubicbay.com.ph

Bird Watching Guidlines 2016

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Transcript of Bird Watching Guidlines 2016