Tweeters,



No significant holiday bird sightings to report (sigh) but I'd like to
add to the topic of using an iPhone & electronic devices and/or
recordings, and thank members for their reports.



Three-years ago, I had only been familiar with using online resources
such as Cornell Lab & Enature dot com to investigate species I wanted to
learn more about that I had either seen in the field or wished to learn
more about before approaching a specific species that's found in certain
habitats or Important Birding Areas (IBA's).



In 2005, I was introduced to "pishing" by Auduboners. In 2007, I
witnessed the use of small electronic devices to call up birds. I was
surprised by such a practice. I wondered if the use was considered
"scientific." I wondered if it was legal, "fair," or ethical. I've since
read, heard lectures, & asked questions about the pros & cons of using
recordings in the field by seasoned birders, scientists,
conservationists, and yes - hunters. I have since learned that the use
of my iPhone applications such as iBird Explorer Pro & National
Geographic Hand Held Birds should be used in accordance with the Code of
Ethics, & adherence to International/National Wildlife
Reserves/Refuges/Sanctuaries governing laws. The American Birding
Association (ABA) Code of Ethics is very clear about the use of
recordings. Here is an excerpt from section one:



Code of Birding Ethics

1. Promote the welfare of birds and their environment.

1(a) Support the protection of important bird habitat.

1(b) To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise
restraint and caution during observation, photography, sound recording,
or filming.



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 is
rare in your local area;



Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas,
and important feeding sites. In such sensitive areas, if there is a need
for extended observation, photography, filming, or recording, try to use
a blind or hide, and take advantage of natural cover.



I do know in California several state & National parks forbid use of
electronic devices. It's a confusing law because they do allow use of
waterfowl call whistles, and elk bugles.



I think if the use of iPods, iPhone, MP3 players or any such electronic
devices with external speakers would be disturbing to vulnerable
populations of birds or mammals, then I'd error on the side of caution
and wouldn't use them. I have used my iPhone to call up a Sora and a
Sora answered back. I tried three times and that was enough. It never
showed itself. This took place at Montlake Fill. I don't know if I was
breaking the law. I didn't see any outwardly signs that I was disturbing
other mammals or bird species.



I use my iPhone bird calls sparingly, but frankly I would be better off
to take my study of species into the privacy of my car or home. I advise
friends to do what I do frequently & that's download county/area bird
checklists, then use the list to pre-identify species using Enature,
websites, my iPhone applications, or by checking out free CD's at the
public library. I recommend Enature dot com as the most thorough online
resource I have found to identify birds, mammals, trees, & flowers.



I cannot tell you how many times I thought I identified a bird simply by
using my Sibley's field manual, then after listening to a recording of a
songbird when I was in the privacy of my car I realized it was a
different song bird species entirely than the first. I have seen the
advantages & disadvantages of wildlife photography also. I witnessed an
actual Audubon member stomping down bushes & breaking branches in
nesting habitat just to get a photo - which I think is appalling
behavior. I am an amateur photographer & use photos of species or gather
video recordings of behaviors & sounds along with the photos for
identification purposes.



I wish to comment about is the practice of re-recording cassettes, and
CD's to use in the field. I understand we are all adults but I would not
advise the practice of pirating copyrighted materials. Remember re-use
of copyrighted materials, without first asking permission from the
issuer, may be a felony.



"Watch the birdie."

Jill Routh Rucker a.k.a. Luv2bird

Seattle, WA