i.d bird call

jetgirl · #1 (**permalink**) 04-10-2009, 11:01 PM

Evening all,

I just heard the strangest bird call. At first I thought I was hearing foxes yelping.

Across from my window I could just made out the dark shapes of 2 birds sitting closely on the peak of a triangular roof. Possibly the size of a crow or pigeon.

The call was like low wooo wooo and then a chatter. Almost like a small monkey chattering very quickly. Then repeated several times, woo woo then a quick burst of chatter.

Does anybody have any idea what kind of bird this is? It is almost 11pm!!

davidbr · #2 (**permalink**) 04-10-2009, 11:06 PM

Sounds like a pair of Tawny Owls - they're quite active and horny at this time of year

jetgirl · #3 (**permalink**) 04-10-2009, 11:28 PM

I search on youtube for tawny owl sounds... it could be but it seems a bit monotonous!

Could sparrow hawks be a possibility? I saw one the other day in my garden, very rare as it was the 2nd time in my 22 years of life

solus · #4 (**permalink**) 04-10-2009, 11:49 PM

Magpies? The chattering bit is typical Magpie...

jetgirl · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 01:05 AM

I am pretty certain not magpies... they are more of a cackle.

The RSPB: Sparrowhawk

Maybe I heard a mixture of tawny owl and sparrowhawks. Sigh! Anyway it was very interesting

Thanks for your replies.

stevensi · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 10:35 AM

Could it have been Green Woodpeckers? Although the fact you saw them on a roof would probably rules it out...

wildherbalian85 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 12:02 PM

Jay's???

appledore · #8 (**permalink**) 20-10-2009, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetgirl

Evening all,

I just heard the strangest bird call. At first I thought I was hearing foxes yelping.

Across from my window I could just made out the dark shapes of 2 birds sitting closely on the peak of a triangular roof. Possibly the size of a crow or pigeon.

The call was like low wooo wooo and then a chatter. Almost like a small monkey chattering very quickly. Then repeated several times, woo woo then a quick burst of chatter.

Does anybody have any idea what kind of bird this is? It is almost 11pm!!

I think I have heard this. I live near Romney Marsh in Kent. Apart from last year when it was absent, each year around this time (Oct) this bird/animal (I have never seen it) returns to the woodland opposite my house and only calls at night. Everyone I ask has no idea what it is. It is VERY loud.

I would describe it more of a 'co co co co co..' starting slow and low and increasing in speed and volume, followed by the mad 'chatter' you describe - a bit like a screaming deranged chimpanzee.

Not like any fox I've heard. Very different to a fox. It's a definate, regular call. Definately up in the trees. Sometimes I can hear the calls returned in the distance.

Heard it again for the first time last night, although not as full on as in previous years.

Can't find any library audio that sounds remotely like it and I've yet to manage to record it (as it's usually in the middle of the night and wakes me up).

Any ideas?