Code of Conduct

Respect property, wildlife, and rules of the road

  • Mobile applications are available to show land ownership boundaries (LandGlide, OnX Maps, Regrid, BaseMap, GAIA GPS).

    Locate Be Bird Wise parking areas and public restrooms

    Skagit Wildlife Area (Jansen Access) Map it >

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    Fir Island Farm Reserve Map it >

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    Be aware that birding and hunting seasons overlap. Hunting occurs annually, mid-October through mid-February.

    Plan to manage your trash.

  • Nearly all the land in the Skagit and Samish Deltas is privately owned.

    • Park in designated areas.

    • Stay within designated public spaces and trails and avoid trespassing.

    • Hunters, check the regulations and hunt in legal areas.

  • People enjoy wildlife and nature in a variety of ways.

    • Respect the views of other recreationalists.

    • Hunters avoid flaunting harvested animals around other visitors.

    • Non-hunting visitors should avoid areas posted for hunting for everyone’s safety (RCW 77.15.210).

    • Some people, including hunters, may have secured permission to access and use private lands. Being on private property without the owner’s permission is illegal.

  • Farmers move equipment from field to field and take up a lot of room on the road.

    • Avoid parking on the side of the road as this impairs the ability to move farm equipment.

    • Please be patient and extremely careful if attempting to pass moving farm equipment.

  • Allow plenty of space when photographing or viewing birds or other wildlife.

    Please view the natural behaviors of wildlife without disturbing them by throwing objects, making noises, or forcing them to flee.

    Hunters should respect non­target species.

    Keep your dog leashed and within your control for its safety and so it does not harass wildlife and non-target species by barking or chasing.

  • Farmland is privately owned and the economic livelihood for local farmers.

    Walking and running out onto fields is just like walking unannounced into someone's back yard.

    Trespassing on farmland is dangerous to you and damaging to crops.

  • Help keep the Skagit clean.

    Pack out trash, shells & wads, and pet waste.

American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics