This is interesting, and something we should take to heart. Please be mindful
of using recordings, even to assist yourself in identifying a song/call. I
know I need to turn it down when I use my phone to compare a recording to a
song I'm hearing. Which leads me to think, maybe a set of earbuds would be an
easy addition to a bird walk.
GOOD BIRDING, EVERYONE!! 🐤
________________________________
From: Dan Bieker <danbieker@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, May 9, 2018 2:21 PM
Subject: new VSO policy for audio lures
Dear VSO Affiliate,
The Virginia Society of Ornithology has long advised against the use of audio
lures to attract birds, but advancements in technology and the ever increasing
use of playback has prompted the VSO’s Board of Directors to adopt new
guidelines concerning the practice. While the use of audio lures can be a
valuable tool in avian research, its proliferation for recreational birding can
increase potential harm to birds, and disruption to birders. The VSO’s
Principles of Birding Ethics will be amended to state:
The VSO does not endorse the use of recordings or other artificial lures to
attract birds. Such methods may pose a strain on the energy birds invest in
survival, courtship and territorial defense, especially during the breeding
season, and can be a distraction to other birders in heavily birded areas.
When used with discretion by skilled practitioners recordings can be of benefit
in scientific research and educational settings, but should be avoided for
recreational birding and photography.
Skilled VSO field trip leaders will sometimes incorporate playback when the
educational value is deemed to outweigh potential negative impacts. The Board
of Directors have adopted the following protocols for the use of recordings,
and encourages all VSO affiliates to incorporate them:
Protocols For Birding Field Trips:
The VSO recognizes potential concern about the use of recordings (playback) for
attracting birds during VSO and local chapter field trips. Field trip leaders
who choose to use recordings will indicate from the outset that it will be used
in a responsible manner, and will adhere to the following guidelines:
Limited Use. If playback is used, it should be limited to 2-3 times over a
period of several minutes. If there is no response, playback will be
discontinued. Recordings will not be played continuously.
Careful Playback. Playback should only be used in a habitat where the bird is
believed to be. Volume will be played at a low level so as not to excessively
aggravate or overpower a bird.
Local Regulations. Field trips will comply with restrictions of the specific
area. Protected areas such as parks and wildlife refuges may prohibit playback
or restrict the volume.
Designated Playback. Only one trip leader or designee will be permitted to use
playback on field trips. Multiple playbacks at the same time will not be
allowed. Trip participants may visually reference birds on their devices, but
under no circumstance should they play recordings, even quietly to themselves.
Threatened and Endangered Birds. Playback will not be used to attract these
species, or any others deemed to be exceptionally rare or vulnerable.
Patience. Birds have excellent hearing and can hear playback from great
distances. Members of the group should remain quiet and patient while awaiting
a response, and understand that not every participant will necessarily get to
see the bird.
Dan Bieker
VSO Vice President
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