RESPECT NATURE
When walking in nature it is important to respect it and take into consideration the well-being of its inhabitants. This means that there are a number of guidelines that you should follow when it comes to birds.
- If birds give warning calls or keep flying over your head – sometimes even diving towards your head – it means that you are close to the bird’s nest. Do not try to find the nest or the young. As long as you are close to the birds, the parents are stressed and they have less time to search for food or keep their eggs warm. So leave the area immediately or observe the birds from a safe distance.
- If you see chicks away from any apparent nests and with no adult birds around, leave the chicks alone. It is normal for chicks to leave the nest and walk around. Do not touch the chicks, but leave the area, so the parents can provide food, etc. An exception to this rule is puffin chicks that have tried to fly towards the ocean but have landed in streams or other places. If possible, you can try to help these birds reach the ocean.
- Do not litter.
- Never sail closer than 200 metres from sea cliffs during the seabirds’ breeding season (1 May to 1 September).
You will see signs like the one above at various sites across the islands. Hikers ought to be considerate of the environment, keeping a safe distance to birds and keeping their voice down.