Calling Birds

[safariranger]

Hi,

I am wondering if anybody could give me some information on equipment to call up birds. I do realise that this is a practice one should be ethical about, and ensure not to interfere with breeding patterns etc.

I have on several occasions used a voice recorder as well as a dictaphone, and have had great success seeing the more elusive species. The problem however has been having to fast forward or rewind to get to the right call.
A friend uses a digital dictaphone, which has 5 folders each containing 99 files, and with it being digital he is able to locate any call within seconds.

What are your thoughts on what is best to use, considering sound quality, sufficient memory space as well as practicality.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks:t:

[logos]

Minidisc for me, instant access to numbered tracks with an option to repeat tracks (only practical if there is no voice announcement).

If you have tapes or CD's of calls you can simply record these onto a minidiisc (they have great capacity) and carry that out into the field. A small set of speakers is also required for most systems (unlike with a dictaphone which normally has a built speaker of sufficient volume) but that is the only drawback.

Spud

[PhilW]

We used to call Swallows and Martins in to roost using a tape for ringing (banding) purposes. SimilarlyBearded Tits will respond to a tape lure.Water Rail respond to tape and this method is used on some reserves to ascertain territorial males. Ethics comes into it as obvioulsy continued disturbance during the breeding season will stress the birds.

[safariranger]

Thanks logos and PhilW. The minidisc is definitely an option, but I am a little put off by having to carry the speakers around. Suppose sometimes one has to make some sacrifices in life!