When you are trying to tell people where a bird is perched high in a tall tree, we all have use terms such as it is at 10 0’clock or is feeding near the third limb from the top of the tree.  While these directions sometimes help another birder find the bird through their binoculars, often the bird vanishes before they locate it.  With that in mind, some birding trip guides and everyday birders are using laser pointers to point out the exact locations of hard to see birds.  While these devices can indeed be helpful, should lasers be used for this purpose?

      The American Birding Association (ABA) states that these instruments should be used with caution.  Since lasers can be stressful to the birds and potentially harmful to birds and humans alike under no circumstances should lasers be aimed directly into the eyes of a bird or human. Instead, point the beam  at an object near the bird.

       If you choose to use a laser, use either a red or green low-power laser pointer rated in the -5mW range.  Using such a device lessens the chance of eye damage.

       In addition, refrain from using the device around birds that are nesting or easily agitated.

       It is also important to remember that under no circumstances should a laser pointer be aimed aircraft, or vehicles,

       Many birders feel the use of laser devices is unethical. As such, each of us has to decide if this potentially valuable bird tool is something they want to use.