Researchers get a hoot out of owls using cellphones

by Sean Cooper posted Aug 24th 2007 at 2:16AM

We've see cells used to trick hapless critters in the past, but this device goes a step further by actually gathering data and transmitting it back to the mother ship. The box is placed in a tree and by calling the cell an owl hoot or whistle is played through the speakers, if an owl is nearby it will reply. The reply is then transmitted back to the research group to aid in counting the owls in the area. We're thinking this device would be a "hoot" for all manner of pranks on friends and the resulting replies would make comical ringtones themselves.

[Via textually.org]

Tags: cellphones, owl, research

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JP @ Aug 24th 2007 3:05AM

Owls getting a hoot out of cellphones? Oh Engadget, you're so funny.

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