A while ago I discovered an Eastern kingbird nest at the end of
Carncross Road in the North Montezuma Complex. Just above eye level
and only 15' from shore. Three chicks being actively fed. I returned
this morning to try and record the Kingbird "dawn song" which
apparently is only given for a short period of time in the pre-dawn
hours.
I actually drove up yesterday evening and parked at the end of the
road. After chasing a couple of Orioles and an American Bittern until
dark, I climbed into the car, put bug-proof fabric over the open
windows, and settled down to sleep. That was around 10 pm. Immediately
I heard "bzzzzzz - bzzzzzz". So I turned on my headlamp and chased the
mosquitoes around the car. Lay down again. "Bzzzzz- bzzzzz". Squished
a few more. Lay down again. "Bzzzzz" and so on - until finally, around
11:30, all was quiet and I was able to fall asleep.
The alarm went off at 4 am and immediately I heard the dawn voices of
Swamp Sparrow and Common Yellowthroat. Then fly-over Tree Swallows and
the distant croak of a Great Blue Heron. I was standing outside with
my recording gear, long-sleeved shirt, latex gloves, head net, waiting
for the Kingbirds. And waiting. . . . . More Bittern, and Orioles,
and Catbird and Robin and Alder Flycatcher, all vocalizing to some
extent.
Finally, at 5:02, the pair of Kingbirds came flying in to perch near
the nest, giving a couple of "k'tee" and "kzeet" calls. It was light
by then but not yet sun-up. They began to hawk insects and feed the
three nestlings. For the next hour they came and went, giving various
calls when they met at the nest. Unfortunately, no "dawn song". I
guess it was just too late in the season. Or there were no other pairs
in the vicinity hence no need to advertise territory.
I did manage to get some good examples of the basic Kingbird calls.
And it WAS a beautiful morning: quiet, except for a few trains, a
light mist on the marsh, and another hugh orange ball of sun peeking
up over Howland Island.
Bob McGuire
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