[NatureNS] Mystery Birdsong ID? - Like an Operatic Bobwhite

Date: Thu, 05 Jul 2012 22:42:54 -0300
To: NatureNS <naturens@chebucto.ns.ca>
From: "P.L. Chalmers" <plchalmers@ns.sympatico.ca>
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	I recently ran my Breeding Bird Survey route in the Annapolis 
Valley.  At one of the early stops, I heard a song which I was unable 
to identify.  The first two notes were clear distinct whistles, the 
first a low note and the second rising, and each at the same pitch as 
the two notes of a Northern Bobwhite's song.  But their song is just 
two notes, whereas this song went on to a more complex musical 
ending.  I've listened to all the Bobwhite recordings on Dendroica, 
and there are no variations there with long, slow endings.  I can't 
think of any other bird which might have such a song, unless perhaps 
it was a mimic.  But there was no pattern of variations in phrases, 
like a N. Mockingbird or a Brown Thrasher, and I never heard a 
Catbird-like note.  There weren't even any Starlings around.

	I couldn't linger to try to find the bird at the time, but went back 
later in the day to listen.  But by then it was hot and windy, and 
nothing was singing.  If anyone else would like to try to find this 
mystery bird, I heard it while stopped in front of house 4733 on 
highway 221.  This is between Grafton and Welsford, i.e. between the 
Black Rock Road and the Harbourville Road (hwy 360).  The bird was 
apparently singing  from a thicket at least a hundred meters away, at 
the edge of a field south of the highway.  It was singing at about 
5:20 a.m. ...

	Cheers,

	Patricia L. Chalmers
	Halifax

	

	

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