How Affiliate Links Work
Some pages on OwlRatings contain affiliate links. If you follow one of these links and make an eligible purchase, OwlRatings may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Why OwlRatings Uses Affiliate Links
OwlRatings publishes research-based guides about birding, backyard birds, wildlife-friendly habitat and relevant observation gear.
Affiliate commissions can help support the costs involved in researching, maintaining and improving the website.
Using an affiliate link does not increase the price you pay because of the OwlRatings referral.
Editorial Independence Comes First
The availability of an affiliate program does not determine whether OwlRatings recommends a product or how a product is evaluated.
A product does not earn a positive recommendation merely because OwlRatings can receive a commission from it.
Important limitations, compatibility issues and relevant trade-offs should be explained even when a product has an affiliate link.
Product specifications, authoritative guidance, market comparisons and other evidence are evaluated separately from commission potential.
OwlRatings does not claim to have personally tested or used a product unless that testing actually occurred.
Amazon Associates
OwlRatings participates in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows qualifying websites to earn commissions by linking to eligible products on Amazon.
Purchases made through eligible Amazon links may result in OwlRatings receiving a commission.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon does not determine OwlRatings editorial conclusions, and the presence of an Amazon link does not mean that Amazon sponsors or endorses OwlRatings.
Other Affiliate Relationships
OwlRatings may also use affiliate links from other retailers, merchants or affiliate networks when they are relevant to the content.
If a purchase or other qualifying action through one of those links may generate compensation for OwlRatings, the commercial relationship is disclosed where appropriate.
We do not assume that a retailer or affiliate network endorses OwlRatings, and participation in an affiliate program does not determine our editorial conclusions.
Disclosures on Individual Pages
This page explains OwlRatings’ general approach to affiliate relationships, but it is not intended to replace disclosures on individual pages that contain paid or affiliate links.
When a page contains affiliate links, OwlRatings aims to place a clear disclosure where readers can see it before or near the relevant commercial links.
How Commercial Content Is Researched
OwlRatings may publish product guides, comparisons and individual product reviews where they are useful to readers.
- Exact products and relevant variants should be identified before recommendation.
- Manufacturer claims should be distinguished from independent evidence.
- Important specifications and compatibility information should be verified where possible.
- Relevant drawbacks and alternatives should be included when they affect the buying decision.
- Research-based reviews should not be presented as hands-on reviews.
- Affiliate commission potential should not determine the editorial conclusion.
Prices & Availability
Product prices, availability, specifications and retailer listings can change after an OwlRatings article is published.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, readers should verify the current price, availability and product variant directly with the retailer before purchasing.
Questions About Our Affiliate Relationships?
Contact OwlRatings at [email protected] .
