Ethical Questions for the Outdoor Naturalist – Speaker: Doug Hitchcox

Birding, and other wildlife observing, provides an
intimate connection to nature that makes us better
stewards of the environment and even provides us with
wellness and mental health benefits, but through our
pursuits, are we doing more harm than good?
In this program, Maine Audubon’s Staff Naturalist, Doug
Hitchcox, will talk about many of the ethical issues that
we confront as bird watchers, and dispel some of the
myths that exist in our relationship with nature. Topics
will range from: bird feeding, does it actually help birds?
Why are bird friendly yards reportedly more deadly for
birds? Should you join the “chase” to go see a rare bird being reported? Why do cats need to be kept indoors? When should you let nature take its course or when should you intervene? Many of these questions may raise ethical or social dilemmas, but Doug will provide the science-based answers that put the birds, and other wildlife, first.

Note: Following UMF guidelines, Masks are required. Given the Delta Variant surge please check back closer to the time to be sure that UMF has not restricted our use of Thomas Auditorium. At this time, the auditorium is available for our use, and the talk is planned as an in-person event. It will be recorded and available on our website for those unable to attend in-person.