Tweeters,
I'll be brief on this issue, but since many Tweeters subscribers are also WOS members, want to comment from the perspective of the WOS board. This is a delicate issue and many viewpoints abound. In general the ABA code of ethics sum up things well and I think many of the scientific points raised by Wayne can apply. WOS had been in discussion on this very issue as WOS serves both listers and conversationists and the WOS board does not believe that the two camps must be mutually exclusive. I believe future WOS Newsletters will expand on this issue as we continue to work it out. Recently members of the WOS board (myself, Dan Stephens and Jack Stephens) met with USFS and USFWS reps on this subject. As Wayne stated, limited use of an Ipod (or any other recording playback device-I don't work for Apple.... :) ) does not in general cause large scale harm to a bird lives. However, stress to birds can increase during the breeding season when using playback and there are rules that govern calling listed species such as Spotted Owl without permits. So, I think you'll find that WOS will come out with some form of policy advocating to its members that recommend use of an Ipod in the spirit of the ABA code of ethics which asks birders to use playback in limited doses, especially in heavily birded area, during the nesting season or any other areas you believe would cause undue harm to the bird. Undue harm is difficult to define and many people will have their own opinions. As responses have indicated its a touchy subject and often clouded with personal beliefs on how different people view birding (some are passive observers while others are very active pursuers and many are in-between).

Just wanted to give some heads up that the WOS board has been trying to tackle this subject and has been brainstorming items which might even include a discussion on birding ethics at some future members meeting.

Scott Downes
downess at charter.net
Yakima WA