If it’s unethical to do any of these things, that is partly a word issue. These questions have been addressed before. There is no right single answer. I believe
the usual idea is that we should allow nature to take its course. Sometimes we see messages that maybe are unaware that things die and suggest we should do anything to rescue a bird that may well be on the way out anyway. The typical answer is there is a general
thought that if the bird or fauna needs rescue, due to some danger that has been caused by human activity, like for example being tangled in string or rubbish, and noting that a large proportion of the cases that are found are caused by human activity. Then
there is an ethical case for rescue, if there is good chance that the animal can be rescued. This is different from the question of practicality. In either case of your question, the animal does not care whether it is ethical or not. The internet has huge
numbers of small films of animals being rescued by people and often putting nonsense claims of the animals expressing appreciation. Sometimes they are “happy” to be freed but many of these stories are clearly contrived.
Philip
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of ben milbourne via Canberrabirds
Sent: Friday, 5 January, 2024 6:10 PM
To:
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Birding philosophy
I pose the following query: if its unethical to disturb birds when seeking to (example) observe them or grab a photo, is it also unethical to rescue them, as this too could be argued as interrupting (eg its life cycle, a food source for
other species, etc).
Yes, there will be many meaningful reasons to help. And many will simply state that it depends on the situation. But if so, are we applying this across the board or only if it aligns with our own preferences and understanding.
So, ask ... where do we draw the line of what is ethical birding and unethical disruption? On what grounds is the line to be defined? How might we approach resolving it? And for whose benefit are we motivated?
As I said, this is a philosophical query. But nonetheless one which, when posed, may offer insight into our own awareness and decision-making. Both as individual birders and as a community.
Hope to bump into you out in the great outdoors
