Angry birds get distressed by Iphone and Android mating calls

BIRDWATCHERS IN THE UK might face prosecution if they use smartphone apps that mimic bird songs to draw out wildlife.

Persistent offenders could be prosecuted under a law that makes it illegal to disturb wildlife, according to a report. Nature reserve staff in Nottingham have claimed that birds, such as Cetti's and Grasshopper Warblers, were being disturbed by bird noises produced by smartphone apps.

The problem is that birds will show themselves if they are distressed, which is the aim of the smartphone sporting birdwatchers. But this prevents them from sitting on their eggs and puts them on the defensive for non-existent threats.

A quick search of the Iphone and Android markets shows that there are a number of apps mimicking bird songs, but they are generally advertised as tools to identify and recognise rather than call out birds.

Photographers armed with the latest technology seem to have figured out that this is an effective way to draw out attractive birds for that important photograph though, which again they can take with top-of-the-range mobile phones, though they're most likely using cameras.

But punishments can be severe for disturbing a nest in the breeding season, with thousands of pounds in fines and jail time possible for repeated breaches of the Countryside and Wildlife Act of 1981. µ