Stop! Is that a Pygmy Owl? No, it is someone playing their iPod AGAIN! iPods, iPhones, mp3 players of all kinds can be a wonderful tool for birders and they can also be a terrible hazard for birds and birders alike.
Any device that plays bird songs and calls is a tremendous tool for birders, if they are used appropriately. They can and should be used to learn the vast array of bird songs, calls and flight notes that are essential for bird identification. Their lightweight portability allows them to be used in the car, at home, at work (ok, maybe the boss would frown on this application) and while walking to do errands. But their use in the field must be considered carefully.
The majority of birds use songs to denote their territory and attract mates. The use of a playback recording device during the spring disrupts the male from his territory creating a situation where he is expending much-needed energy to respond to an unseen intruder with boundless power that he cannot compete against. Calling a bird out using an electronic device also exposes him to predation unnecessarily. In a word, it is extremely unethical to disturb a bird on its breeding grounds for the selfish pleasure of getting a better look, capturing a photograph, or for the power one feels by controlling birds’ actions.
Since the advent of such lightweight, easy-to-use devices such as iPods, we have all been tempted at one point in time to use them to elicit a response from a bird. I learned my lessons early on. As a long time birder and a new iPod owner, I was excited and intrigued to try it in the field. I knew better, but common sense was a very slow second to greed as I was leading a small birding trip in a heavily forested tract of land. Nearby the trail a Winter Wren was singing his beautiful long clear song. No one with me had ever seen a Winter Wren or could see this particular bird hidden in the deep undergrowth. Despite the fact that it was spring at the height of nesting season, I pulled out my iPod and played the Winter Wren’s song. For about 3 seconds, before the wren pummeled straight out of the underbrush right at my head. He was oblivious to any danger, predation, or people. Suddenly, he was only intent on attacking and driving away the “intruder” in his territory. Shock and the realization of my actions translated into a quick shut down of the recording and an apology and explanation to my group. Not sure I could fathom a way to apologize to the Winter Wren who’s upset chattering followed us down the trail.
Since then I have used recordings with great care to aid myself, the groups I am leading, and to minimize any adverse impact on birds. Often their best use in the field is to play them quietly for myself or a group gathered around so we know exactly what song to listen for. A quiet reminder of the tremendous music around us is a fantastic teaching tool. Blasting a Pygmy Owl recording at full volume, however, frightens birds away, blinds the ear to the surrounding music, and detracts from a natural experience. The choice is ours.
We should all honor, protect, and respect the many birds that have provided us with hours, weeks, and years of birdwatching pleasure. Limiting the use of recordings for teaching and learning will ensure allow this mutually beneficial relationship to continue. And by following the American Birding Association’s Birding Code of Ethics we can continue to do just that for many years to come.
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