Using Audio for Photographing Birds: The Basics.

One of the best kept secrets in bird photography is the use of audio to lure subjects closer and onto attractive perches. I've toyed with this method for about two years and the results have been much better than expected. Some of my recent postings using this technique has created some interest from various members; here are the basics as well as my take on the ethics of using audio to attract our avian friends.



I use a 20 foot wire to connect an mp3 player to external speakers. Folks using longer lenses would likely wish to use 40 foot wire. I use small inexpensive "clamshell" speakers that are light and easy to carry. With the 20 foot wire I can set the speakers near a selected perch (or group of perches) and be able to change species' songs or stop the current song from my mp3 player while staying hidden in a blind. I keep the volume on the speakers at high, and only use the mp3 player's volume controls to set the volume from my position as you may need to raise the volume higher if the birds are far away or if there are other noises from high winds or from heavy vehicular traffic. After a bird approaches, I can turn the volume down to a more "natural" level without leaving the blind.

I can usually tell very quickly if a bird will cooperate. A subject that will come close is usually looking relaxed and more "curious" than distressed in it's behavior. It will gradually come closer, turning its head trying to figure out where the "song" comes from. It may fly from tree to tree but in relaxed and calculated manner, and usually comes closer each time it flies until it is right next to the speakers. Some will bee-line straight toward the speakers immediately and then leave after a few seconds while others will provide minutes of excellent opportunities. Some may change behaviour and become distressed...If and when a bird becomes distressed (see the symptoms of distressed below), it is time to stop. With birds that refuse to come near the speakers or are distressed from the get go, it is best to turn off the speakers and try another species or another location.

Distress signs include, but are not limited to: a fluttering wings or low drooping of the wings when perched (usually too far for photos); having the bill agape even when the bird is not singing; the bird continuously and nervously flying back and forth from tree to; the distress call is being used instead of regular (territorial) song. These are worst case scenarios and are usually immediately visible as soon as the audio is turned on...a bird that is stressed will usually not come close, and even if it does you will only be making photographs of obviously stressed birds. Pay close attention to each bird’s behavior; if in doubt, do not continue.

Not all individuals from the same species behave the same way toward audio. You may encounter one individual that responds well to tape in one area and then try it on another of the same species elsewhere and get an obviously distressed individual. Try the audio and judge each bird’s reaction...you will find out very soon whether or not you have a cooperative subject.

You may get lucky just staying out in the open and close to a perch, but the success rate goes up dramatically when audio is used in conjunction with a blind, especially when you are using shorter lenses. I like the light "pop-up" type blinds. Some birds won't approach adequately without the use of a blind, but will readily come in when you are concealed in one. In either case the success rate is often quite low, but when the jackpot hits, it hits like no other opportunity can!

Very well written and great advice....One more thing to add, when small birds are on the nest or feeding their young....stop using calls for a few weeks...taking them away from their duties as parents can leave young at risk....
I know lots of people who use calls, once the birds start nesting, they stop using audio...
Paul

Hi, just my opinion and not trying to start an argument, but I believe using audio stops a bird from doing what it should be doing e.g. looking for food, defending its territory against real birds, looking after its young, finding a mate etc etc I just think it should not be used JUST to get a photo.

After logging hundreds upon hundreds of hours in the field with Daniel I can assure you that the birds and there well being are his prime concern. No shot will or has ever been worth stressing the subject. Tomorrow will always be another day. Great advice here Dan and an excellent learning tool.

Nice discussion of a "backroom" subject.
We all(at least a large number) do it and I have been doing it for several years. I advoid heavily birded areas and limit the use otherwise.
I am glad "we" are discussing this.
Results do vary as stated in the discussion.
Chas.

Tell Dickinson said:

Hi, just my opinion and not trying to start an argument, but I believe using audio stops a bird from doing what it should be doing e.g. looking for food, defending its territory against real birds, looking after its young, finding a mate etc etc I just think it should not be used JUST to get a photo.

Click to expand...

Hey Tell, What do you think of bilologists using calls for breeding bird censuses?

Also, there are those who would argue that playing a tape only serves to sharpen a bird's territorial defenses. And do understand that it is recommended that folks do not use auido with the same bird day after day.

Arthur Morris said:

Hey Tell, What do you think of bilologists using calls for breeding bird censuses

Click to expand...

Hi Art, I tried to cover other things that may be acceptable by saying...

Quote
"I just think it should not be used JUST to get a photo"
Unquote

...to my mind there can be a small number of justifiable exceptions to the above and yours may be one example where I believe it may be acceptable.

So I am really directing my comment where using a call/audio is for the benefit of the person (eg Photographer) and NOT for the benefit of the subject

I think its good to bring issues like this out for discussion

Tell

Hi Tell,

re:

I tried to cover other things that may be acceptable by saying...

Quote
"I just think it should not be used JUST to get a photo"
Unquote

...to my mind there can be a small number of justifiable exceptions to the above and yours may be one example where I believe it may be acceptable.

Are you saying that it is OK for biologists to use tapes (but not for photographers to use tapes)?

So I am really directing my comment where using a call/audio is for the benefit of the person (eg Photographer) and NOT for the benefit of the subject

I would think that whomever is using the tape is not using it for the benefit of the individual bird. But I do believe that audio can be used without stressing the bird and/or without having a negative effect on either the bird or its breeding efforts.

I think its good to bring issues like this out for discussion

On that we agree 100%. Europeans tend to be much more conservative with these types of issues and many birders here consider the use of tapes to be a criminal activity.

From where I sit, we need to consider the bigger picture (and I have made these two points before):

#1: We are and have been for decades trashing the planet, destroying the habitat, and polluting the land and the water.
#2: When folks see good images of various types of wildlife they are more likely to get involved in environmental issues.

Hi Art,

"Are you saying that it is OK for biologists to use tapes (but not for photographers to use tapes)?"

I believe using audio stops a bird from doing what it should be doing like looking for food, defending its territory against real birds, looking after its young, finding a mate etc etc and if this is JUST for the sake of a photograph then I believe it is wrong. If there are other valid reasons (and that could possibly include photography) which benefits the species then it 'may' be acceptable to use audio to attract the bird/animal in my opinion, however I do not believe that using audio JUST to take a photograph of a species that has been photographed millions of times before would normally come into this category. In a similar way I also think that capturing and ringing birds MUST stress them but in this case the information we gain that helps the whole species hopefully outweighs this and is therefore acceptable or perhaps even essential.

"But I do believe that audio can be used without stressing the bird and/or without having a negative effect on either the bird or its breeding efforts."

I think we will have to 'agree to disagree' on that one Art but I am sure that the vast majority of people that use audio honestly believe with what you said also and would stop using it if they thought otherwise.

#1: We are and have been for decades trashing the planet, destroying the habitat, and polluting the land and the water.
#2: When folks see good images of varous types of wildlife they are more likely to get involved in envoronmental issues.

We are in complete agreement of both of your points there Art and I think your #2 is essential and without it the world would be in even more trouble than it already is.

Tell

Some good points and concerns have been raised, thank you all. One thing to remember is that bird photography has taken a tremendous leap in popularity in recent years. With that comes more and more people using such techniques as using audio (it may be a "best kept secret" but it is rising in its use and more widespread than it seems). Most people have no malicious intent and do use audio in good faith, but many of these also probably unwillingly abuse, or push the ethics enveloppe and stress out birds without realizing it. If we can point out some concerns through discussions such as these then we can certainly prevent some people from abusing such techniques.

Using audio is not going away any time soon (if ever), therefore educating photographers about the proper use of such tools, and pointing out stress signals to avoid causing them from our beloved subjects can only be a good thing towards nature. Audio is certainly not for everyone, but for most of us who do choose to employ it openly we do so the most ethical way possible (I understand everyones' ethics vary)...and hopefully educate others along the way.

Bravo, bravo!

Daniel,
the practice has now become widespread not only for photographers but bird observers as well. the problem is not with education but the practice itself. Stress on a particular bird is not the problem. Alteration of the species behaviour is. There are now a number of examples of particularly secretive species where this technique has been over-used to the point where the species will no longer respond to its call.
There is as yet no evidence as to its effect on population numbers but then it will be difficult to collect the evidence!

Hi Ray,

I am glad to see that this thread woke you up!

the practice has now become widespread not only for photographers but bird observers as well. the problem is not with education but the practice itself.

I disagree there.

Stress on a particular bird is not the problem. Alteration of the species behaviour is. There are now a number of examples of particularly secretive species where this technique has been over-used to the point where the species will no longer respond to its call.

Are you referring to locally rare or out of range birds and pairs of birds, or to populations of specific species in general? (I strongly suspect the former.)

Either way, please share an example or two with us and let us know where we can find the documentation.

There is as yet no evidence as to its effect on population numbers but then it will be difficult to collect the evidence!

We do agree on that.

Iphone ap also

There is an iphone ap for birding that claims to be able to attract them as well with songs. It is called iBird.

I dont have it, and therefore, havent tried it, but find it interesting that I never heard of this before and now see it twice in a week.

George

Hey George, It is a good product and is cheap, cheap. The guy got all the photographers to donate their images, quite a few decent ones in fact, and has sold a zillion of them by undercutting all of the other products, the ones that paid photographers fairly. Shame on all of those who gave this guy their images for nothing. Hats off to the guy for being smart enough to get good, free images and make boatloads of money.

I think that discussing this subject is a fabulous idea, but at the end of the day people will do whatever they want in nature and to some unscrupulous characters obtaining an image at any cost is unfortunately the norm. Those people will be far less likely to inhabit discussions on the topic such as this, or any photographic topic for that matter, as they just want to be better than all others around them. These people will sadly also happily suck every bit of useful info for their needs from any sources without giving anything back.

I began using calls about a year ago, and though sparingly, I found that yes, they are a good thing in a way. I do unfortunately (perhaps?) have a real sense of caring for these birds and even more so now as I am a licensed wildlife carer and found that in the past six or so months, I use calls less and less - though didn't entirely cut their use out. I 100% agree that certain times the calls should not be used such as in breeding season or times when distress is identified in the bird(s). It is more challenging sans audio for sure, but the efforts are as satisfactory if not better.

On that iBird thing, if I read right. I cannot believe that someone has the audacity to obtain free images to make a profit. that is disgusting. I wouldn't take my hat off to that tosser Artie, but give him a stern uppercut! Scumbag as far as I am concerned and those that were stupid enough to donate images, well..... I rest my case Sir.

Best regards folks.

Art,
I think the issue as with all ecological / evolutionary issues is that they take time. If we wait until all the evidence is in, its probably too late. Pollution, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, habitat destruction, are issues that if we take a snapshot are irrelevant but take a time lapse and its a different story.
Similarly here and probably with greater difficulty, as I pointed out, not only because the very practice may make evidence difficult to obtain but also its an area that doesnt readily attract finance for research.
So lets look at it logically. The importance of bird song to reproduction and social interaction is inescapable.
The next question then is, are we interfering with that process when we use recorded song?
We wouldn't use it if it was ineffective! "Bird Song Biological themes and variations" by Catchpole and Slater outlines many areas of research that suggest that we may be interfering with the learning and production of song. You ask if it is populations / individuals etc. Fledglings in learning their song appear to reject similar calls that have no effect - maybe we are influencing the population in an unwanted direction to the point where mating may be interfered with?
My point is the "maybe" . Global warming has its sceptics even with the preponderance of evidence. Do we have to wait for a calamity to unfold before we are convinced, - or should we look at the balance of probability based upon the logic of the situation.
You ask for an example. Thomas & Thomas "Birds of Australia" p73 (Frogmouth Publications 1996, ISBN 0 9528065 0 9) refers to the Rufous Scrub-Bird at a popular rainforest retreat, O'Reilly's in Queensland and notes that thousands of people all over the world try for this bird but it is no longer co-operative.
Anecdotal evidence is likely to be the only evidence for many years.

Hi Ray,

re:

I think the issue as with all ecological / evolutionary issues is that they take time. If we wait until all the evidence is in, its probably too late.

You originally wrote,

"Stress on a particular bird is not the problem. Alteration of the species behaviour is. There are now a number of examples of particularly secretive species where this technique has been over-used to the point where the species will no longer respond to its call."

I wrote, "Are you referring to locally rare or out of range birds and pairs of birds, or to populations of specific species in general? (I strongly suspect the former.) Either way, please share an example or two with us and let us know where we can find the documentation.

Aside from mentioning one situation in Australia, one with only anecdotal evidence that may have nothing to do with cause and effect, you did not answer my questions and failed to back up your original statement. I need to take issue when folks make statements of fact to support an argument when in fact the statements of fact are simply their opinions.

Again, here is what you wrote: "Alteration of the species behaviour is. There are now a number of examples of particularly secretive species where this technique has been over-used to the point where the species will no longer respond to its call."

Yet you offer only one weak example and have no documentation.


Pollution, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, habitat destruction, are issues that if we take a snapshot are irrelevant but take a time lapse and its a different story.

I agree 100% but please do not equate the playing of tapes with the issues above.

Similarly here and probably with greater difficulty, as I pointed out, not only because the very practice may make evidence difficult to obtain but also its an area that doesnt readily attract finance for research.
So lets look at it logically. The importance of bird song to reproduction and social interaction is inescapable.
The next question then is, are we interfering with that process when we use recorded song?

In your opinion, yes. In my opinion, no.

We wouldn't use it if it was (sic: were) ineffective! "Bird Song Biological themes and variations" by Catchpole and Slater outlines many areas of research that suggest that we

Who is we and in what manner are "we" interfering???

may be interfering with the learning and production of song. You ask if it is populations / individuals etc. Fledglings in learning their song appear to reject similar calls that have no effect - maybe we are influencing the population in an unwanted direction to the point where mating may be interfered with?

And maybe not.

My point is the "maybe" . Global warming has its sceptics even with the preponderance of evidence. Do we have to wait for a calamity to unfold before we are convinced, - or should we look at the balance of probability based upon the logic of the situation.

Again, your comparing the playing of recorded songs of birds, a practice that might affect 1/10th of 1 percent of a given species, with major global environmental issues is hard to understand.

You ask for an example. Thomas & Thomas "Birds of Australia" p73 (Frogmouth Publications 1996, ISBN 0 9528065 0 9) refers to the Rufous Scrub-Bird at a popular rainforest retreat, O'Reilly's in Queensland and notes that thousands of people all over the world try for this bird but it is no longer co-operative.

As I suspected, your comments referred to a locally rare and desirable (for birders) species. And maybe the bird hasjust gotten wise to the tape....

I am afraid that we will need to agree to disagree on the use of tapes. And IAC, it would seem much better to teach folks to use recordings judiciously so as to minimize any potential disturbance than to have lots of folks running around playing tapes recklessly. We are working here to educate the photographers. Who is gonna educate the birders??? I subscribe to all the birding magazines and have never seen the issue addressed (other than in advertisements for the recordings).

Respectfully.

On a note un-related to my comments above, in my very imited experience the great majority of birds ignore the tape, a small percentage will respond, and an even smaller percentage will be visibly upset. When a bird comes in to investigate and the tape is turned off, the bird may stay close and sing repeatedly. After a bird comes in once or twice, they will usually but not always ignore repeated playing of the song.

My limited experience

First time I used a bird call to attract clapper rails I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. However, I found that it is possible to attract two birds from different territories, and once they see each other where the actual call came from is moot. I essentially brought two male clapper rails together, and a vicious fight ensued. The fight continued from an open area to vegetation that blocked my view, and I don't know if there was serious consequences. Nonetheless, along with the possibility of young not being protected from predation while the bird is investigation a phantom rival, the fact is that even clapper rails and other so called secretive birds can be photographed without audio. The important information is what area they inhabit, and this can be discovered not only visually but simply by listening to their calls.
One other thing. Individual birds I photograph, herons, egrets, rails, and others tend to remain in relatively confined areas, and even if a bird call was effective, which it largely isn't, it isn't necessary. Since I am aware of many birds "homes", I will never compromise their safety, actually for selfish reasons; I want them to be there the next time I come to capture their images.

I don't use bird calls, and in discussion with novice photographers, I do not volunteer the possibility.
regards~BILL