Best Setup for Bird Song Callback

[Dave Brown]

Hi All,

I intend on dabbling with using bird songs to attract birds for photography this summer. I'm wondering what the best set up for this is. I'm considering a ipod,with small speakers attached. My question what ipods, bird apps and speakers are people using? Are you just getting mp3's off the web and not using apps. I don't need the information and photos that come with the bird apps.

A common set up seems to include an ipod touch or iphone with ibird or a similar program. I have an ipod nano,as a far as I know this is not compatible with ibird explorer. I could just get an ipod touch,but I'd rather not if I don't have to.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave Brown

[Dave Hassell]

Hello Dave,

I use a FoxPro Scorpion, http://www.gofoxpro.com/products/dig...roduct_x1a.php

I download bird calls from various birdsong CD's to my PC and then edit out any introduction voices and unwanted noises etc. using Audacity. I then upload the edited calls to the Scorpion. It can hold 200 calls and they are very easily changed. Audacity is a free download available from http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

The advantage with the Scorpion is that it has a wireless remote control and a built in speaker, it is rugged and the batteries are rechargeable.

Dave.

[vufndr]

I use a ipod touch with an amplified speaker and the ibirdpro app along with stokes/birdjam and a few other calls. The ibirdpro is a great setup to get started with but since you have a nano I would go with either free calls off the internet or stokes/birdjam calls.

I have both the radio shack amplified speaker and the popular RCA fsp200 speakers. The amplified speaker works much better than the non amplified version as the nonamp speaker volume is quite low. I'd recommend getting amplified speakers.

I would also get a 25 or 50ft 3.5mm stereo patch cord off ebay for under $10 which allows you to setup the speaker close to your perch away from your position.

That Foxpro setup looks really nice especially for large animal calls ie elk/moose and distress calls when shooting from a blind. I've had my eye on one of those for a few years now!

Here's a few links for the products that I use:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062620
http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-spe...?tag=mncol;lst
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...E:L:OU:US:1123

[Myer Bornstein]

Dave
Great question I am looking into a set up also and await more answers

[Robert Amoruso]

This is a good bet for you.

https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=275

[Mike Tracy]

The best one for the money I have come across is courtesy of Marina Scarr. None of the several "clam shell" units I have are remotely close to its quality and amplification. I Paired it with a cheapo $30 mp3 player so I wont fret when I lose or step on the player.

http://www.casscreek.com/store/p/55-...e-Speaker.aspx

[Gerard Satherley]

Like Mike I also have the Cass Creek Extra Loud Big Horn Speaker. Highly recommend, it outputs plenty of volume and is a robust designed. I had tried at least three other speakers that failed to deliver sufficient volume. One minor downside is they weigh approx 1 kg.

[Cal Walters]

I have had surprisingly good success with just my iPhone 3GS. Generally I know the bird is within 30 or so feet and I am trying to coax them closer. But have had luck with Northern Flickers over 100 feet away. I am also using iBird Explorer Plus and Birds Eye Apps. Combined they have a good range and Birds Eye has both calls and songs and longer loops. I've been pondering a speaker set myself, but as I have pulled them in with just the phone speakers I've held off buying a set.