2630 Fanta Reed Rd.
Tape play back can be effective for detecting secretive wetland birds.
However, in a broader study focusing on breeding passerines, I wanted to determine if playing the tape affected detectability of wetland passerines, and if tape play back could increase detectability of the secretive species although the survey design was not optimal for them. Therefore, both survey types were conducted consecutively during a single visit at each point. Survey order did not affect comparisons between the 2 methods for either distance. If all wetland birds are the target for study or monitoring, an unlimited detection distance is desired, and only a single visit to survey sites is possible, both methods should be used.