Natural History Wanderings

ScienceDaily reported on a study evaluating the consequences of playing recordings of bird calls. Using recordings to attract birds is a common practice of some birders. The study demonstrated that some species had a very active response to the recordings. This created concerns that the birds were expending energy or experiencing stress responding to non-existent intruders. Possibly negative consequences are birds may spend less time caring for nestlings, have higher levels of stress hormones or be subject to a romantic coup from other males while away from their mates.

Studies have not been done on how bird recording may impact reproductive success. Also all birds may not respond to bird recordings in way that results in negative consequences. Read more at ScienceDaily Birds on repeat: Do birdwatchers playbacks hurt fowl?.