Posted by David LaPuma on September 24, 2003 at 12:50:16:
This post is to remind and inform the local birding community that the use of recordings (playback) to lure birds is illegal in Everglades National Park.
Because I never knew the actual law, I asked Elsa Alvear to research it for me, and this was her reply:
The reference is the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Specifically, it is 36 CFR Ch. 1 (7-1-02 Edition), Section 2.2. Wildlife Protection: "(a) The following is prohibited: ... (2) The feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding or other activities."
Elsa spoke with the Chief Ranger about this. The interpretation of this regulation is that playing back a recording causes birds to change their behavior, which disturbs the bird from whatever activity it was doing at the time, and is therefore considered an intentional disturbance. Note that the regulation is not limited to protect nesting or breeding wildlife - it is "other activities" which includes foraging, loafing, etc. The Chief Ranger stressed that playbacks are not allowed in the park.
Please do not jeopardize the good relationship that exists between Everglades NP rangers and the birding community.
thanks
David