Would this, then, include 'whistling ' the birds in in any fashion? I've
used an Audobon thing I was given as a present. When twisted it emits
squeaking sounds that resemble a wren caught in a moustrap. It really gets
Scrub-wrens excited, but they lose interest pretty fast. I have also had
(female especially) Red-backed Wrens 'sing' back defiantly. I don't use it
to excess - usually just to call the birds in a bit to confirm specific ID.
Other species seem to just ignore it no matter how artistic I try to
be!! Am I doing any harm - I don't think so, but given the prior comments
maybe I am???
> Colin
-----Original Message-----
From: Vicki Powys
Sent: Thursday, 21 November 2002 3:06 PM
To: birding-aus
Subject: Use of tapes
on 21/11/02 1:27 PM, Bill Jolly at wrote:
> Following on from David Geering and Vicki Powys comments, I'd like to
> encourage some discussion on this topic.
>
> It isn't something I know much about. I've got all the BOC tapes, and I
find
> them a useful aid for cross-checking calls I've heard, or for preparing
for
> a trip into unfamiliar territory. But I've got mixed feelings about the
idea
> of using tapes or mp3s in attempt to get a better view of a bird, or a
call
> in response.....
> It occurs to me that if we can't be definitive, it might be better not to
do
> it at all....
All of your comments are valid Bill, especially your last remark. The BOCA
tapes are great for learning the calls, and to use for reference in the
field, but NOT to use for playback.
> One hears of locations where tapes are often used to attract
> forest species to show themselves. Is this a good or a bad thing?
It is an appalling intrusion, in my humble opinion.
Birds respond to playback because they are defending their territories.
Some birds may vacate their territory altogether, others might waste time in
checking out the newcomer and for example, their nest might be depradated in
the meantime. Playback of the calls of predatory or more aggressive birds
may cause distress to other bird species. There are undoubtedly occasions,
especially outside the breeding season, when playback may be less intrusive
to a species, but we simply can't predict what effect playback may have on
our target species. There is no general rule, each species may respond
differently to playback.
For people who record bird song, it is well known that a recording made of a
bird singing in response to playback is an unnatural recording. If you
spend a lot of time watching bird behaviour, you will soon see that birds
have a difficult time of it, constantly watching for predators, rivals etc.
Consider it a privilege to be able to quietly observe birds and please don't
meddle with their lives by "playing God" with playback.
Vicki Powys
Capertee Valley NSW
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