bird call

[Rene Quenneville]

I have seen on a few thread, that some of you use a IPod to attract birds. I own a regular IPod, not a Touch or IPhone. Can I use it in the field? If yes:
1) what kind of device do I need to make the sound audible to the birds?
2) What is the best source of birdsong recording?

Thank you for your help

[Axel Hildebrandt]

As far as I know there are two systems available, BirdJam which requires the Stokes CDs and a software purchase. I use this on my iPhone which has speakers built in. You can check out their website to make sure your version of the iPod is supported. If it doesn't have internal speakers, you might need to get external ones: http://www.birdjam.com/

There is a new system called iBird Explorer. You can check this thread for more information: http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=27193

You probably know that you have to be careful with audio files to attract birds, it is not a good idea during nesting season or if overused.

[Mike Tracy]

I use the Stokes CDs. When you load them into Itunes make them their own play list so they don't get get mixed in with your music.

There are all sorts of devices to hook your ipod up to now. I actually found a little fold up one that stays in my truck. It cost only $10 at the local drug store.

[Sandra Nykerk]

It would be interesting to see a discussion regarding the ethics of using these devices in the field -- for instance, the use of any calling device (for any animal/bird) would be considered unethical and is illegal in our National Parks. When is it ok? When is it not ok? What criteria should go into the decision?

[Axel Hildebrandt]

It would be interesting to see a discussion regarding the ethics of using these devices in the field -- for instance, the use of any calling device (for any animal/bird) would be considered unethical and is illegal in our National Parks. When is it ok? When is it not ok? What criteria should go into the decision?

Sandra, where do you live? I'm not sure about the legality here but if people use it, I think as always they should have the well-being of birds in mind. I haven't used it to 'lure' them, only for ID purposes. If people try to attract birds with audio files, they should be sure that they are not nesting and maybe even leave or abandon the nest or cause too much stress in general. The same could be said about pishing, I guess.

[Sandra Nykerk]

Alex, I live in Gardiner, Montana, on the north border of Yellowstone National Park. In rereading my post, I want to emhasize that I didn't mean to say that the use of these devices is always unethical but that it would be considered so in the National Parks, and is illegal to use them there. Even pishing is illegal in YNP. But knowing that brought up an interesting question in my mind as to when it is ok, which is what I was wanting to address. Thanks for starting the discussion.

[Irvin Hankin]

Sandra, You may want to check the American Birding Assoc. site for the "Principles of Birding Ethics" at www.aba.org this is an excellent guideline for birders and photographers alike.