Perhaps a young Green Heron? They are out of the nest and I heard something similar last night on a long walk. They have not got it down to the one emphatic "screech" yet!
Holly Peirson Columbus, Anoka Co. -----Original Message----- From: mou-net-bounces at moumn.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Pastor Al Schirmacher Sent: Friday, August 01, 2008 10:31 AM To: mou-net at moumn.org; mnbird at lists.mnbird.net; Wisconsin Birding Network; BIRDCHAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU Subject: [mou] RFI - Call Help Had a call (song) this morning that I have not heard before (16 years of birding in the Midwest), will attempt to describe. I was walking in the coniferous section of Blue Hill Trail, Sherburne NWR (near Princeton, MN) when a rolling song started about 100 yards to the east (much louder than the Chipping Sparrows and Red-breasted Nuthatches around me). The song continued as the bird (apparently) flew overhead, stopped twice in the woods (again, apparently at the top of the 40+ foot coniferous trees), then proceeded west. The song/call was loud (say, Hairy Woodpecker loud) - rolling - stayed on the same pitch for 3-5 seconds, then would go up or down a half step, calling again on a consistent pitch for another 3-5 seconds. On most occasions (perhaps five minutes of listening), it would do a two pitch call, then cease - although on one occasion I counted four changes up or down (during flight). The song was never slurred. The space between notes was similar to a slower Swamp Sparrow's song, but the notes themselves were similar to - of all things - a Red Squirrel. I received an impression of a medium-sized to larger bird, but never had a visual - and anyone who has listened to a Ruby-crowned Kinglet or Carolina Wren knows how deceptive loudness of calls versus size comparisons can be. Any input (or questions) would be appreciated. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. Mailing list membership available on-line at http://moumn.org/subscribe.html. ----- To unsubscribe send a blank email to mou-net-request at moumn.org with a subject of unsubscribe.
