I can't say I know whether most birds can or can't hear ultrasonic frequencies. I was intrigued by Wayne's statement and am curious about references to which birds have been tested. One bird that I do know can hear ultrasonic frequencies are turkeys. Many turkey hunters use ultrasonic dog whistles to make Wild Turkeys "shock gobble" (Male turkeys gobble in response to just about any loud or startling noise during the spring courtship), in part because it is so effective and also in part because it is a quieter alternative to the owl and crow calls which are typically marketed for that usage. As a young boy growing up in Missouri, I was an avid turkey call collector (though never a hunter) and got one of these just because I was intrigued about the claims. I can say from first hand experience that it works. Every time that I've blown it and had a turkey in sight, the immediate response of the bird has always been to lift its head and look around if
it is feeding, or to gobble if it is strutting.

Bats too can definitely hear ultrasonic frequencies but how that might deter them or mess up their navigation and feeding behaviors I'm not sure...

Michael

Michael Dossett
Corvallis, Oregon
www.Mdossettphoto.com
phainopepla at yahoo.com




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