Is Playback To Attract Birds Bad?

I visited a local nature preserve the other day It had nice habitat with a stream surrounded by thickets, steep hillsides with mature trees, and then it led down to this swamp. The thing I liked it about it most was that no one was there. It was just me and the birds.

I don't get a lot of warbler photos. They are tough to keep up with using my point and shoot. This is a Black-throated Green Warbler which are usually high up in the trees. 

I got lucky when this one came down to a puddle to take a bath. I also decided to stop trying to chase new species to add to my list and instead, visit places that appeal to me using my own instincts. I wanted to slow down and stay in one place for a while instead of rushing to get through the trail. 

One way that birders get better pictures of birds is to playback the song of a bird to attract them. Some birds respond more than others with this technique. There is controversy over doing this because it is thought that it can disrupt birds, especially during nesting season. It could move them off of their territory or agitate them causing them to waste energy on chasing down an imaginary rival. There hasn't been enough conclusive research yet to see exactly what effect it really has. Some are completely opposed to it and others are 100% for it. I believe that many birders/photographers secretly call birds but don't want to be seen by others while doing it. For years I never did it. I was opposed to it. Now, I do it occasionally and only for a minute or two before moving on.

Put Down That Phone Down And Watch Those Birds!

The Merlin bird sound identification is a great app that can identify birds by sound using your phone but like most good things it does have its downside. I now see birders walking around looking at their phone screen while birds are flying all around them! I've been guilty of it myself at times this year and have come to realize it's not a good good habit.

 It also picks up bird that you may never see or hear yourself. That drives me crazy when it happens because you know you might be missing out on some great birds! It is fairly accurate but does misidentify some birds songs too.

This morning I decided to put that phone away and just use my ears and eyes while I was out in the middle of Meshomasic forest. It turned out to be a good decision because if I wasn't paying close attention I might not have noticed the Barred Owl hunting in the woods.

I also had my hands free to snap a picture of my first American Redstart of the year. Technology is great but once in a while you just have to give it a break and get back to basics. It is a decision that comes with rewards!