Ethical field conduct is not just a set of guidelines; it is a fundamental responsibility that directly impacts bird conservation, habitat preservation, and the future of sustainable ecotourism. In delicate ecosystems across Southeast Asia, excessive disturbance, whether from reckless playback, intrusive photography, or off-trail trampling, can cause severe nest abandonment, elevated stress levels, and habitat degradation for critically endangered species.
By prioritizing animal welfare over individual sightings or photographs, ethical birding ensures that wildlife populations remain resilient in their natural habitats. For Wildtour, embedding strict ethical standards protects fragile ecosystems, respects local conservation laws, and fosters a respectful, high-quality experience for birders and local communities alike.
Adapted from the American Birding Association (ABA) Code of Birding Ethics, our Ethical Birding and Field Code is tailored to the field conditions of Vietnam, reflecting our commitment to bird welfare, habitat protection, and responsible ecotourism.
Wildtour follows a bird-first approach: the welfare of birds and their habitats always takes priority over a sighting or photograph. We ask every guest to minimise disturbance, respect protected-area rules and private property, avoid nests, and follow guide instructions on playback, hides and photography.
Wildtour Ethical Birding and Field Code
Audio playback and artificial lures are used sparingly with strict restraint. They are prohibited in heavily birded areas, during sensitive breeding periods, or for any species classified as Threatened, Endangered, or localized rare.
Observations and photography near feeding areas or sensitive habitats must utilize designated blinds or natural cover. We minimize flash and artificial lights to avoid causing distress.
We maintain a respectful distance from nests, roosts, and display grounds. Specific locations of nesting rare species are withheld to prevent disturbance and shared strictly with appropriate conservation authorities.
Groups are kept small to limit physical impact on ecosystems, keep noise low, and avoid interfering with other field naturalists or local communities. Guests must remain on established trails at all times.
Wildtour guides hold absolute authority to modify, restrict, or immediately halt any birding or photography activity if it compromises animal welfare, breaches conservation ethics, or violates local regulations.
Please Follow this Code and Distribute and Teach it to Others
The American Birding Association's Code of Birding Ethics may be freely reproduced for distribution/dissemination. Please acknowledge the role of ABA in developing and promoting this code with a link to the ABA website using the URL http://www.aba.org. Thank you.
Our ethical birding and field code was inspired by the Code of Birding Ethics of the American Birding Association (http://www.aba.org).
Tell us your travel dates, target birds, group size and preferred pace. Wildtour will help design a realistic and rewarding itinerary.