Social Media - The Risk of Disturbance to Rare-Breeding Birds

In this age of high interest in Birds and Birding, the social aspect can be a pleasurable part of the scene, in respect to informing your fellow birders of your sightings and experiences.

One of the most ever more popular ways of doing this is through various Social Media outlets, including Twitter. Generally, this is favourably received and reciprocated. However, there are times when restraint should be shown, in regard to rare and locally rare Birds, especially during the breeding season.

With all good intentions meant, the news put out, could be visible & available to the ‘wrong hands’, be it an egg collector, bird persecutor, irresponsible photographer or…. an irresponsible twitcher! A careless tweet or other social media post could lead to undesirable attention or disturbance to breeding birds, a nesting area or site!

The West Midland Bird Club supports and encourages sensible use of Social Media by users, regarding the rare and locally rare birds that could be encountered in the Club’s region. Being a responsible Birder includes having a duty to protect the very birds we have pleasure in watching. Below is a list which includes ‘Schedule 1 Birds’ (Species fully protected by law and it’s a criminal offence to disturb during the breeding season) plus, other species of particular interest.

Be very cautious when considering Tweeting out, etc, sightings of these species during the breeding season, in fact, the best policy is, ‘íf in doubt -don’t put it out’.

What Steps can you take to Protect Breeding or Suspected of Breeding, Rare and locally Sensitive Species?

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• Consider that the breeding season runs from the beginning of March to late July.

• Singing birds on territory, in suitable habitats, displaying birds, birds seen in pairs etc should all be considered as potentially breeding

• Familiarize yourself with the lists of birds below.

• Try and curb the need to socially put out sightings of sensitive species, even if the site information is vague.

• If unsure, seek the advice of a more experienced birder friend.

• Don’t consider some sites as ‘save’ e.g.Managed Nature Reserves, to socially

• Report out rare birds, that might be breeding.

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Schedule 1 Species

Schedule 1 species are protected by law and it is a criminal offence to disturb these birds during their breeding season.

Below is a list of Schedule 1 species, and a few additional species that due to their rarity should be treated the same as Schedule 1 birds.