CBC etiquette?
On a listserv yesterday, a birder wrote about an upcoming Christmas Bird Count, including this bit: “Each party should have a screech owl tape for attracting birds. If you have one please bring it.”
Do you participate in the annual winter census, typically between mid-December and the first week of January? If so, is it standard operating procedure to lure birds with a tape during your count?
I've heard arguments for and against using screech-owl calls during counts and field trips. Your thoughts?
Do you participate in the annual winter census, typically between mid-December and the first week of January? If so, is it standard operating procedure to lure birds with a tape during your count?
I've heard arguments for and against using screech-owl calls during counts and field trips. Your thoughts?
posted by Amy at 8:21 AM
3 Comments:
I don't use tapes myself, nor have I seen any NJ count people suggesting the use of them. I've been on plenty of birding trips where the leader does use tapes, especially with the well-known tour companies.
Personally, I'm not 100% against the use of calls if used outside of nesting season. I don't use it myself because I know some people are against it.
I know a lot of great NJ Audubon leaders who do imitations of Screech Owls to try to lure in songbirds. Is an imitation any better/worse than a tape?
I am with Patrick. If it's not nesting season, what's the harm?
I guess some birders are so hard core that calls are considered cheating???
Thanks, all, for the feedback!
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