I know of no actual study of using a laser to direct participants in a group to the location of a desired bird. Many guides do this with no apparent distress to the birds. In my experience, for what it's worth, green lasers are easier to see. They are obviously not used to "scare birds in to flight" (nor is their use comparable clearing airport approaches). Here are two of many opinions (including reducing stress on the birds):

http://blog.aba.org/2013/01/the-top-10-birding-taboos.html

http://www.ilbirds.com/index.php?topic=49674.0

Also, Portland Audubon leader instructions disapprove of using lasers.


Jerry Broadus
Puyallup, WA
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