So why do most of us have a somewhat visceral reaction against playback (at least the overuse of this technique)? Probably because it is a technique that results in the birds changing their behavior and which could, in some situations such as prolonged overuse by many people at a site, result in harm. I agree - if it is to be used it should be sparing and not at heavily birded sites. However we birders tend to ignore the other disruptive technique - spishing. What is the difference between the two methods? Don't they both result in the same behavior modification? Yet, I'd hazard a guess, most birders "spish " when trying to lure birds out of thick cover and not think anything of it. What is the difference, if there is one?

Hector Galbraith
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