Red-crested Pochards (Netta rufina)
Lagunas de Lo Monte 7 December 2025
I’ve often mentioned my disappointment at the lack of maintenance in the park and the decline of many bird species that used to be seen here. Still, as it’s very close to my home, I continue to make quick visits to monitor any sightings.
My video/slideshow was recorded on my most recent visit. It’s always a pleasure to see the beautiful Red-crested Pochards, which I believe are only passing through. They were around 250 metres away, tucked into a corner, so I used the call from my Collins app to see if they might come out where I could see them from my hide. To my surprise, they swam all the way to the front of my hide!
I know some people feel strongly that using recorded calls is wrong. Personally, I use them very sparingly and with great discretion—never during the breeding season and never when there are many other species around that could be disturbed. Still, I’m always open to feedback, so feel free to share your thoughts on whether you think I’m doing anything wrong.
Guidelines for Using Playback (if used at all)
• Using recorded bird songs to attract birds is controversial.
• Playback can bring birds into view, but it may also stress them, especially during the breeding season.
• Birds may waste energy responding to what they think is a rival, ignore their young, or become habituated to fake calls.
• It’s particularly harmful for rare or sensitive species and in areas with lots of visitors.
Ethical Use
• Keep playback very brief and infrequent.
• Avoid it entirely in the nesting season.
• Stop immediately if a bird shows stress or agitation.
• Don’t use playback in busy birding locations.
• Whenever possible, rely on non-disturbing methods such as patience, blinds, and knowledge of bird behaviour.
Bottom line: Playback isn’t inherently unethical, but careless use can harm birds—so most experts recommend using it rarely, responsibly, and thoughtfully.
Red-crested Pochards (Netta rufina)
Lagunas de Lo Monte 7 December 2025
I’ve often mentioned my disappointment at the lack of maintenance in the park and the decline of many bird species that used to be seen here. Still, as it’s very close to my home, I continue to make quick visits to monitor any sightings.
My video/slideshow was recorded on my most recent visit. It’s always a pleasure to see the beautiful Red-crested Pochards, which I believe are only passing through. They were around 250 metres away, tucked into a corner, so I used the call from my Collins app to see if they might come out where I could see them from my hide. To my surprise, they swam all the way to the front of my hide!
I know some people feel strongly that using recorded calls is wrong. Personally, I use them very sparingly and with great discretion—never during the breeding season and never when there are many other species around that could be disturbed. Still, I’m always open to feedback, so feel free to share your thoughts on whether you think I’m doing anything wrong.
Guidelines for Using Playback (if used at all)
• Using recorded bird songs to attract birds is controversial.
• Playback can bring birds into view, but it may also stress them, especially during the breeding season.
• Birds may waste energy responding to what they think is a rival, ignore their young, or become habituated to fake calls.
• It’s particularly harmful for rare or sensitive species and in areas with lots of visitors.
Ethical Use
• Keep playback very brief and infrequent.
• Avoid it entirely in the nesting season.
• Stop immediately if a bird shows stress or agitation.
• Don’t use playback in busy birding locations.
• Whenever possible, rely on non-disturbing methods such as patience, blinds, and knowledge of bird behaviour.
Bottom line: Playback isn’t inherently unethical, but careless use can harm birds—so most experts recommend using it rarely, responsibly, and thoughtfully.