Does anyone have any experience (akin to the current discussion re LED
spotlights/headlamps) that they could share with me re digital
recorder/playback units suitable for use in the field to record a calling
bird and immediately play the call back in an attempt to call a
yet-to-be-identified bird into viewing range (typically needed when birding
in new countries where calls are not known/recognized)?*
A friend has recently seen a guide in South America use an Olympus stereo
digital voice recorder (designed for recording dictation and/or meetings)
with what appears to have been pretty good results.
A good recorder for use in birding would presumably combine most of the
following attributes:
. Lightweight and portable (suitable for in the pocket), but
sufficiently robust for field-use
. Sensitive (and preferably somewhat directional) microphone, able
to record bird calls with acceptable fidelity even at some distance
. Easy playback, with adequate volume (preferably using built-in
speaker/s, or alternatively plug-in lightweight powered speaker/s)
. Adequate battery life for field use - preferably using readily
available and relatively inexpensive batteries (either replaceable or
rechargeable)
. Software suitable for easy labeling and subsequent identification
of recordings for later playback
. Competitive pricing
I would be grateful for any contributions, either on or off-line (or by
phone).
(*I fully appreciate that there are birding ethics issues here, and that
some birders are uncomfortable with the use of playback in the field - I
would prefer not enter into that debate right now.)
Richard NOWOTNY
Port Melbourne, Victoria
M: 0438 224 456
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