Strange animal noise in the woods.

[demicav]

I was wondering if anyone could help with this. Today we were exploring in some woods and we heard a very strange animal noise. It sounded a bit like a door that needed some grease putting on the hinges. It occured regularly, sometimes every couple of minutes, sometimes five or ten minutes apart. Despite being very close to whatever was making the sound we didn't see a thing, it was very well camouflaged. This wasn't anywhere near the Deer I saw yesterday by the side of the road. That was a tiny area near a busy junction. This today was amongst thick woodland. At the time I thought it could have been a young animal calling for the parents but I'm sure I would have spotted something. It's left me feeling very puzzled.

[ChrisJB]

Young long-eared owl cries are sometimes described as a 'creaking gate', an apt description from my experience. It could be those. Have a listen to some of the bird sounds, (especially owls) on the R.S.P.B website.

Regards, Chris

[demicav]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

Young long-eared owl cries are sometimes described as a 'creaking gate', an apt description from my experience. It could be those. Have a listen to some of the bird sounds, (especially owls) on the R.S.P.B website.

Regards, Chris

I think you're correct. I went to the RSPB site but unfortunately I could only find the sound that the adult makes. So I googled Long eared Owl and it came up with some interesting info. Also I found a link to you tube which had some young ones calling on a little video. It was really similar so I'm going with that. How silly of me to look around on the ground and not look up at the trees. This was at Haigh country park by the way in Wigan, some beautiful scenery about there. Thanks once again.

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by demicav

I think you're correct. I went to the RSPB site but unfortunately I could only find the sound that the adult makes. So I googled Long eared Owl and it came up with some interesting info. Also I found a link to you tube which had some young ones calling on a little video. It was really similar so I'm going with that. How silly of me to look around on the ground and not look up at the trees. This was at Haigh country park by the way in Wigan, some beautiful scenery about there. Thanks once again.

No probs Demi. I once went to a wedding reception at Haigh Hall and it looked a really good area to explore. I believe they get lesser spotted woodpeckers there too. Let me know if you see any!

Regards, Chris