[jack2964]

Hi,
I am a relatively new bird watcher/photographer and during my forays into the forests I've come across fellow birders using recorded bird calls and a variety of bird food including worms to tempt their targets. Makeshift perches are also put in place so that the birds would perch cleanly for these photographers.
Being quite new myself, I am unsure about the ethics of this (if any).
Would like to hear your views. Thanks in advance.

[KCFoggin]

I don't see a problem EXCEPT during the breeding/fledgling season. Then I don't believe they should be used at all.

[DunnoKev]

Originally Posted by KCFoggin

I don't see a problem EXCEPT during the breeding/fledgling season. Then I don't believe they should be used at all.

And from the similar thread going on at the moment a slightly different view.. http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.ph...9&postcount=25

whilst the UK 'official' view is within http://www.bto.org/notices/birdwatchers_code/bwc.pdf although plenty ignore it..

There's also a question about how much call should be used:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=31961

'Worms'- already some speculative evidence that overprovision of mealworms for pictures of rarities can cause real problems, so if a known stake-out site, not too good for the bird but if at your own feeding station set-up shouldn't be a problem.

[jack2964]

Originally Posted by KCFoggin

I don't see a problem EXCEPT during the breeding/fledgling season. Then I don't believe they should be used at all.

Yes, that is a good point.

Originally Posted by DunnoKev

And from the similar thread going on at the moment a slightly different view.. http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.ph...9&postcount=25

whilst the UK 'official' view is within http://www.bto.org/notices/birdwatchers_code/bwc.pdf although plenty ignore it..

There's also a question about how much call should be used:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=31961

'Worms'- already some speculative evidence that overprovision of mealworms for pictures of rarities can cause real problems, so if a known stake-out site, not too good for the bird but if at your own feeding station set-up shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks for the informative links. I suppose let commonsense prevail.

[willito]

Thanks again, dunnoKev, for the interesting links. I haven't read before that thread about tape luring.

As for jack2964's question, I would suggest just to always keep in mind birds welfare. No law, ethics or authority can tell you what your own honest criteria can. If you're luring for instance to the extreme of bothering just because you want a good picture, I'm pretty sure you'll hear a voice inside telling you something.

[jack2964]

As for jack2964's question, I would suggest just to always keep in mind birds welfare. No law, ethics or authority can tell you what your own honest criteria can. If you're luring for instance to the extreme of bothering just because you want a good picture, I'm pretty sure you'll hear a voice inside telling you something.[/quote]

Very well said Willito! Thank you.