Birdsong apps are designed to identify birds. Vocals are recorded and stored so that you can listen to various birdsongs and compare them to those of the birds you photograph. However, birdsong apps must be used with caution as they can disturb the birds in the wild.
How can birdsong apps help you?
Besides the aforementioned storage of vocal recordings, some birdsong apps - such as Vogelstimmen ID in Germany or ChirpOMatic and Warblr in the UK - have a built-in determining function. Birders record the vocals and the application automatically assigns the correct species to it. This app is very helpful, especially for beginners who have difficulties in recognizing the species they are photographing. At home, and thanks to the recorded birdsongs, one can also practice in assigning a species to the right song. A good way to get ready for the next photo trip!
Why can birdsong apps be dangerous?
Many apps pretend that birds can be attracted when a vocal recording is played. However, in Germany, the Federal Nature Conservation Act forbids this specific use of birdsong apps. The reason? Playing a birdsong can make a bird believe that there’s a rival in the area. Birds, especially those with distinctive territories, may not see these “peers” as a friend but as an enemy and a danger. During important phases like breeding and rearing of young, disturbances caused by birdsongs app can create great harm. Birds no longer feel safe in their area and will seek for a new one. If they are repeatedly disrupted, it could even be that they abandon their eggs.
Enjoy birdsong apps but use them with caution!
Of course, you do not have to banish birdsongs apps! If you use them properly, they can be a great help in determining a bird’s species. While taking pictures of birds, try to record their song as well. Once home, you can compare the recorded song to those recorded in the app and then determine the species you took a picture of.
As well as Eschenbach binoculars, birdsong apps are great accessories for every bird and nature photographer!
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