LAST UPDATED: MAY 2026
CODE OF CONDUCT
In addition to reviewing the guidelines below, we urge all attendees and participants to review the ABA Birding Code of Ethics. Anyone behaving in a way contrary to these standards during Festival events may be asked to leave. (LINK)
1.Overview
The Boston Birding Festival (“BBF” or the “Festival”) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants. This Code of Conduct applies to attendees, staff, trip leaders, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, contractors, security personnel, and third-party service providers, across all Festival and program-related spaces, including:
- Physical venues (indoor and outdoor)
- Digital platforms and virtual programming
- Festival-related transportation (vans, buses, boats, etc.)
All participants are encouraged to also review and abide by the ABA Birding Code of Ethics.
2. EXPECTATIONS
Participants are expected to:
- Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and consideration.
- Assume good intent where appropriate while remaining attentive to impact and behavior.
- Follow guidance from BBF staff, volunteers, or designated safety personnel.
- Uphold the Festival’s commitment to environmental and wildlife stewardship, including respecting birds, animals, and their habitats.
Staff, presenters, and volunteers may receive training on these expectations and are responsible for modeling this behavior.
3. Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviors are never permitted and may result in immediate corrective action, up to and including removal from the Festival, without refund, and/or exclusion from future participation, and notification of law enforcement if necessary:
Personal Conduct
- Repeated unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention
- Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (online or in person) targeting staff, volunteers, trip leaders, exhibitors, presenters, attendees, or participants
- Bullying or harassment based on age, ability, appearance, health status, citizenship, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity
- Stalking, threats, hate speech, or physical threats
- Political harassment or proselytizing
- Repeated disruption of Festival programming
- Theft, vandalism, or other criminal behavior
Environmental & Wildlife Protection
- Harming, harassing, or disturbing birds or other wildlife
- Deliberately damaging habitats, nests, or natural features
- Interfering with field observation or wildlife viewing in a disruptive or unsafe manner
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Other behaviors that compromise safety, inclusion, or environmental protection may also result in action.
4. Reporting & Response
If you witness or experience prohibited conduct, notify a BBF staff member or volunteer immediately.
BBF staff are authorized to investigate, intervene, and remove individuals as necessary to maintain safety and compliance with this Code, at their discretion.
Conflicts are not always intentional; however, behavior that causes harm may result in removal, even if unintentional.
BBF prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports or participates in a good-faith report of a violation of this Code.
5. Philosophy & Approach
BBF encourages providing feedback and guidance where appropriate but does not require or expect participants to provide corrective feedback.
BBF discourages shaming, public confrontation, or harassment in response to concerns and encourages reporting through designated channels.
All participants are expected to act with courtesy, kindness, and a spirit of learning, prioritizing a positive experience for the group and the well-being of the environment.
6. Enforcement
BBF staff have authority to immediately escort individuals engaging in prohibited conduct from Festival premises. Offsite incidents that violate the law may be referred to local law enforcement.
The Festival reserves the right to deny future participation in any of its programming to individuals who violate this Code. BBF may review enforcement actions after any event at its discretion.
7. OVERSIGHT
The Board of Trustees reviews this policy periodically and ensures its enforcement aligns with BBF’s mission, governance standards, and legal obligations.
7. OVERSIGHT
The Board of Trustees reviews this policy periodically and ensures its enforcement aligns with BBF’s mission, governance standards, and legal obligations.
- By participating in the Boston Birding Festival programs and events, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.
Some Additional Thoughts
We believe that most people are open to course correction when offered feedback, guidance, and grace, but we do not expect anyone to offer feedback or grace. We reject bullying in the guise of calling out or shaming.
We ask that anyone seeking to participate at any level in Festival events and programs be kind, cordial, and considerate and also to be generous of spirit by assuming the best, not the worst, of others. Let us all welcome opportunities to listen and to learn.