First, it is important to point out that the use of playback is prohibited in many parks and refuges. It is also illegal to disturb any endangered or threatened species (and playback can be interpreted as disturbance). Any potential negative impacts of playback are more likely to occur in areas with a lot of birding pressure, so avoiding playback entirely in those places is a good idea. Where and how to use it in other situations is up the individual birder.
The American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics states that birders should “limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas or attracting any species that is Threatened, Endangered, of Special Concern, or is rare in your local area.”
First, it is important to point out that the use of playback is prohibited in many parks and refuges. It is also illegal to disturb any endangered or threatened species (and playback can be interpreted as disturbance). Any potential negative impacts of playback are more likely to occur in areas with a lot of birding pressure, so avoiding playback entirely in those places is a good idea. Where and how to use it in other situations is up the individual birder.
The American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics states that birders should “limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas or attracting any species that is Threatened, Endangered, of Special Concern, or is rare in your local area.”