A recent study found that people feel more relaxed and generous after viewing nature scenes. We're not sure if listening to birdcalls on a cell phone has a similar calming effect, but it probably doesn't hurt--especially if the purchase of the birdcall helps a conservation organization. Ringtone providers Wildtones and Conservation Calling offer a variety of animal sounds, ranging from howler monkeys to hungry lions, and both companies donate a portion of their proceeds to environmental nonprofits. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park sells ringtones created from recordings of the zoo's inhabitants, and a portion of the profits benefits these animals. Choice Accessories donates proceeds from certain ringtones to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, but readers should be aware that this site also sells hunting equipment. So now that you know where to find distinctive sounds for your phone, it's time for the fun part: matching up the folks in your contact list with representative chirps, croaks, and roars.
--Della Watson
