Birds rely heavily on their sense of hearing to find food, avoid predators, navigate, communicate, and attract mates. Using sound to attract birds can be an effective strategy for bird watchers, photographers, researchers, and even gardeners looking to invite more birds to their space. There are a few key considerations when using sound to bring in birds.
What types of sounds attract birds?
Certain sounds are instinctively recognized by birds and can be used to grab their attention. Here are some of the most effective sounds for attracting birds:
- Bird calls and songs – Recordings of birdsong, especially territorial calls, mating songs, and flock contact calls will interest other birds of the same species.
- Predator sounds – Sounds indicating danger, including hawk and owl calls, can attract curious birds though they may keep their distance.
- White noise – The gentle background noise of running water or rustling leaves signals a safe place to stop.
- Food source sounds – Bells that sound like seed husks hitting the ground, crickets chirping, and other feeding cues can draw hungry birds in.
- Percussion – A woodpecker’s tapping, slow drumming, or other beckoning sounds often arouse curiosity.
It’s best to use recordings of high quality and accuracy to maximize results. Avoid loud, jarring sounds as these will startle birds away.
What tools can you use to attract birds with sound?
Specialized devices are available to reproduce bird-attracting sounds:
- Audubon BirdTone Pro. This weatherproof device hooks up to an outdoor speaker to play preset bird calls or customized audio. It has remote operating capabilities, volume control, and scheduling options.
- Bird-X Yard Gard. This ultrasonic unit broadcasts distress cries, predator calls, and other deterrent sounds to scare away undesirables like pigeons and grackles while attracting songbirds.
- Logitech Bluetooth speaker. Turn any portable wireless speaker into a bird sound system by syncing with a smartphone loaded with bird call apps.
- Victor Electronic Rat Trap. Use the external sound port on this device to connect and play downloaded MP3 files.
For a more DIY option, hide a portable speaker in bushes while connected to a smartphone or MP3 player loaded with bird call audio tracks. Make sure to seal electronics against moisture.
Where should you place sound devices for maximum bird attraction?
Strategic placement of sound equipment can make a big difference in how many birds are drawn in. Consider these tips on positioning:
- Point directional speakers towards dense trees, shrubs, and other cover birds favor.
- Elevate speakers above the ground to project sound farther.
- Use multiple speakers arranged around a large area to increase coverage.
- Place speakers near bird feeders and houses to associate sound with reward.
- Move speakers occasionally to prevent birds from becoming habituated.
Also focus sound near safe, appealing bird habitats with water sources, perches, and nesting sites to encourage visiting birds to linger.
What are the best times of day and year to use bird sounds?
When and how often to use auditory bird lures will affect results. Consider these tips on timing:
- Dawn and dusk are when birds are most active and responsive to sound cues for territory defense and courtship.
- During spring and fall migration, use calls mimicking flocks and food to catch attention.
- In winter, focus on food source sounds and percussion to help birds locate feeders.
- Avoid overuse by only broadcasting sounds 30 minutes per day max, switching on and off periodically.
Monitor activity at different times to see when target species are most responsive. Limit sound use during nesting periods to prevent disturbing breeding birds.
How do you choose the right bird sounds to attract target species?
Tailoring your sound palette to specific species you want to attract is key. Follow these tips when selecting bird sounds:
- Research regional bird calls so migrators passing through will recognize local dialects.
- Use calls of uncommon species during migration to pique interest from birders.
- Mimic calls of threatened species during breeding season to bolster populations.
- To reduce competition, play sounds of larger, dominant birds to deter bullies.
- Alternate between sounds regularly to attract more variety over time.
Be careful about overusing recordings of endangered birds or drawing in predators. Consider hiring a birding expert to advise your sound selections for specific goals.
What safety precautions should you take when using bird sound devices?
While audio can boost bird abundance, inappropriate use can disrupt natural behaviors. Keep these precautions in mind:
- Avoid excessively loud volumes that could damage birds’ sensitive hearing.
- Prevent sounds from playing overnight when it can affect sleep patterns.
- Don’t overuse recordings to the point where birds become overwhelmed.
- Selectively use predator calls as they can instill excessive fear in birds.
- Position speakers to avoid sound bleeding onto neighboring properties or protected areas.
Look into legal restrictions on deploying deterrents or attractants in public spaces or for particular endangered species. Focus on creating a safe, peaceful bird sanctuary.
Can you use bird sounds to identify unknown bird calls?
In addition to attracting birds, sound tools can aid identification. Try these tips:
- Use libraries of bird sounds to compare unknown calls you hear.
- Broadly broadcast sample calls to elicit a response from shy birds.
- Catch hard-to-spot nighttime callers like owls and nightjars with cues.
- Provoke chatter from flocks passing high overhead by mimicking their calls.
- Draw in elusive species like rails and bitterns with targeted calls.
Pay close attention to timing, dialect, tone, and behavior when comparing responses to pin down difficult IDs. Reach out to audio experts for help sorting through extensive sound libraries.
Conclusion
Employing sound can be an excellent hands-off technique for enriching habitats with diverse birdlife. Consider your target species, equipment options, placement, timing, safety precautions, and laws when incorporating sound into your bird attraction strategy. With some thoughtful preparation and experimentation, you can utilize sound to enjoy lively avian activity through sight, song, and more.