I wonder if it helps or hinders to get more birds to visit by playing bird call recordings.
What I mean is that how do we know if the recording of a bird call isn't part of their "rack off,this is my turf" call.
playing recordings to encourage birds to visit
Thu, 14/04/2011 - 23:31
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playing recordings to encourage birds to visit
Birds have many calls, even within one species. The calls have different meanings and it is difficult to ascertain at first what is what, especially for a total novice. I think planting suitable native vegetation - if you can - will be far more beneficial to the birds' welfare than constantly (I assume constantly) playing calls to try and lure them in. :)
It may work for a temporary lure i.e. if you want to take a photograph of a particular bird. It worked for me with the Channel-billed Cuckoo but it learnt to ignore it pretty quickly.
You'll learn what is the right call through experience and constant observation/listening but as Akos said, it's not worth the effort for just attracting birds to your garden.
Taz
It also disrupts the birds normal, natural activities and can be considered "unethical".
There is a page in Pizzey and Knight's latest updated field guide about bird recordings attracting birds. Something about playing female calls softly attracting rufous scrub-bird beautifully as apparently they are extremely shy and rare. You should check it out, it's in the eighth edition but is only a page.
But yes if the process is exercised without much thought and care it can be a traumatic experience for the birds and would be considered 'unethical' as Amateur stated above.
Taz