Such is the popularity of birdwatching that the RSPB has produced a birdwatcher’s code to protect birds from those who are interested in them. Even experienced bird watchers might find it useful to pick up extra tips when they’re out with their binoculars and those who are new the pastime will certainly find it useful.Around 2.85 million adults aged over 15 in Britain go bird watching regularly or occasionally, according to the Target Group Index, produced by research group BMRB International 2004. The RSPB’s code puts the interests of birds first and respects other people, whether or not they are interested in birds, it says. It applies not just when you are at a nature reserve or bird sanctuary, says the charity, the world’s largest in this area, but whenever people are watching birds in the UK or abroad. The RSPB points out that it has been produced by the leading bird organisations, magazines and websites.“It will be most effective if we lead by example and sensitively challenge the minority of birdwatchers who behave inappropriately,” says the charity.Esssentiall, there are five things to remember, says the RSPB:• Avoid disturbing birds and their habitats – the birds’ interests should always come first• Be an ambassador for birdwatching• Know the law and the rules for visiting the countryside, and follow them• Send your sightings to the County Bird Recorder and the Birdtrack website (see link from this page)• Think about the interests of wildlife and local people before passing on news of a rare bird, especially during the breeding season.Millions of us love to be out with our bird watching binoculars but protecting the birds that we’re watching is obviously something that everyone can agree with.