Nocturnal call

[Adam Cheeseman]

Despite being a birdwatcher for the past 20-odd years I heard a call the other night when I was arriving home around 2am that has me baffled.

At first I thought it was a coot calling its two note call - the non-metallic one, but it kept repeating it every few seconds and didn't sound quite right. I live within 100 yards of a reservoir but the call seemed closer than that. As I walked to my house the bird flew off from near the reservoir and down the road, still calling and I didn't see it.

The only thing I could think of that might sound similar would be a Little Owl, but I've not heard them make that sort of noise before.

Any suggestions?

Cheers,

Adam

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Moorhen??

[romillyh]

Try this thread on Bird Forum:

Unknown night bird, Kent, England - BirdForum

That deals with the Moorhen's night activities. Coot night calls are covered by Rombout de Wijs on his page

Coot or Long-eared Owl?

Plenty of sound samples in both places that should help. I have Little Owl samples if that helps to wrap it up.

romillyh

[Adam Cheeseman]

Nailed it - Little Owl!