Adam Wood, November 2, 2006
With bird call broadcasting becoming easier and more affordable it has become very popular and can easily be abused. So in the future in order to be able to continue this practice the use of proper ethics will be paramount. I would like to remind everyone that this practice does cause stress to the birds and all posted rules should be followed in regards to bird call broadcasting and good judgment should be used. Below are the written rules concerning bird call broadcasting, as well as a few suggested rules of mine.
• The American Birding Association's Code of Birding Ethics states: “Limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas or for attracting any species that is Threatened, Endangered, or of Special Concern, or that is rare in your local area.”
• Bird call broadcasting is strictly prohibited in National Wildlife Refuges and State Parks. If birding in a nature sanctuary, wildlife management area or some other area that is not private property make sure to observe the posted rules regarding broadcasting bird calls in that sanctuary, wildlife management area, ect…When in doubt ask a person at the desk of the visitors center if there is one or if the birding area has a website consult it before going to find out that places rules regarding broadcasting of bird calls.
• When birding in a group or on a tour limit the bird call broadcasting to one participant or the guide in the case of bird tours. The tour guide or individual in the group that is going to broadcast the bird calls should make sure that everybody in the group is comfortable with the broadcasting of bird calls before proceeding. He or she should also check with people near by that may not be part of the tour or the group if they are okay with the broadcasting of bird calls. If one person on the tour, in the group or nearby that is not associated with the group or tour is not comfortable with the broadcasting of bird calls then bird calls should not be broadcast.
• When broadcasting bird calls during breeding season I would recommend only broadcasting the birds call one or two times and if it doesn’t respond just move on and leave it be. However, if it does respond make sure that everybody gets the look that they wanted and has taken photos because once the bird leaves do not rebroadcast to bring it back in again. This should be the general practice no matter what season but during the breeding season it should be paramount and not abused.
~ Adam Wood, OG Field Trip Coordinator, birdsondabrain@earthlink.net, 713-515-1692 |
