FIELD TRIP POLICIES

COVID-19 Guidelines

To protect the health and safety of our members and the broader community, OBA adheres to all federal, state and local guidance regarding Covid-19. Masks are optional during all outdoor activities; please respect those who choose to wear one!  Please note that this policy is subject to change in response to the evolving nature of the pandemic and CDC guidelines.

Waiver

By agreeing to this waiver, I am releasing the Oregon Birding Association (OBA) from any and all liability in the event I am injured or killed while participating in any field trip sponsored by OBA. I wish to participate in one or more field trips sponsored by OBA. I am aware that field trips sponsored by OBA may involve certain dangers, including but not limited to, the hazards of traveling and walking in undeveloped and natural areas, transportation by private vehicle, injury or illness in remote places without medical aid, and unforeseen events caused by forces of nature. In consideration for permitting me to participate in field trips sponsored by OBA, I, for my family, my estate, and myself, hereby waive any right of recovery and claims of liability against OBA, its board members and volunteers, including claims for bodily injury, including death, personal injury and/or damage to property, and release OBA, its board members and volunteers, from such claims and any claims made by others for personal injury or property damage allegedly caused by me. Further, I will hold OBA harmless from any loss or damages resulting from the foregoing waiver and release. This Release and Indemnity Agreement is a contract, not a mere recital, and it shall remain in effect for all field trips sponsored by OBA. This Release and Indemnity Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of Oregon state, and that if any portion is held invalid, the balance shall continue in full legal force and effect. I also give my permission to be photographed or filmed and have my image used by OBA without royalty or compensation.

Minors

Minors (persons under the age of 18) attending an OBA field trip must be accompanied on the field trip by their parent, or by another adult designated in writing by their parent.

Automobile Transportation

OBA does not provide automobile transportation for field trips. Carpooling on field trips is optional.  If field trip participants choose to carpool, they must make their own private arrangements among themselves. We do not endorse carpooling with anyone from outside your Covid bubble.

Birding Ethics

OBA requires field trip participants to follow the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics, developed and promoted by the ABA.

Tipping Trip Leaders

OBA trip leaders are volunteers and are not paid for their time or expenses. Tipping your trip leader is at your discretion. If you choose to tip, generally $10-$15 per day is appropriate.

OBA VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

The Oregon Birding Association (OBA) is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming experience for all birders. OBA believes that birding is for everyone, and works to serve the Oregon birding community and promote the enjoyment, knowledge, and conservation of birds through education, science, and shared birding experiences. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form.

This Code of Conduct applies to all OBA-sanctioned spaces, including, but not limited to, our online communications, in-person field trips and Annual Meeting.

Participants and volunteer leaders are responsible for knowing and abiding by these rules. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Discriminatory actions or offensive comments related to race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of identity.
  • Deliberate misgendering (referring to a person using the wrong pronouns) or use of “dead” or rejected names (referring to someone by a name they no longer use).
  • Physical contact without consent or after a request to stop.
  • Threat or incitement of violence towards any individual.
  • Deliberate intimidation.
  • Stalking or following.
  • Harassing photography or recording, including logging online activity for harassment purposes.
  • Unwelcome sexual attention.
  • Continued one-on-one communication after requests to cease.
  • Deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity (e.g., sexual orientation) without their consent.
  • Publication or sharing of private communication.

OBA volunteers are expected to show respect for all flora, fauna, and habitats encountered, according to the ABA birding code of ethics.

Reporting

If you experience harassment or discrimination in an OBA space, notice that someone else is experiencing harassment or discrimination, or have any other concerns, please contact the OBA Board via board@oregonbirding.org.

Consequences

Participants asked to stop any inappropriate behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in inappropriate behavior, OBA may take any action they deem appropriate, including warnings or expulsion from all OBA spaces and events.