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Note: Session titles beginning with an asterisk (*) have student presenters.
AUTHORS: Terri J. Maness, Louisiana Tech University; Joshua M. Johnson, Louisiana Tech University, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: Researchers have used playback as an effective survey tool, but amateur use is controversial because of potential negative effects on birds. Despite limited peer-reviewed research, conservation organizations worldwide have limited or banned the use of playback. Some birders use pishing (vocal imitation of avian alarm calls) as an alternative to playback. We investigated the effects of simulated birder playback and pishing on the behavior of wintering birds in Northern Louisiana. Four experimental treatments were performed at each of six experimental sites: baseline (no birder), control (birder present - no sound), pishing (birder pished five times), and playback (birder played three pre-recorded bird songs). Total activity of birds was not affected by order of presentation, location, or treatment. However, foraging activity significantly declined both during and after experimental exposure to pishing. Playback reduced foraging activity during the exposure period only. Our results suggest that playback use may have negligible effects on wintering birds. Pishing induced a prolonged change in bird activity, which suggests that resource managers should consider limiting this activity at sites during the winter, particularly if birds of conservation concern are known to be present.
Tuesday October 31, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm EDT
Carroll Ford