[mou] RFI - Call Help

[Holly Peirson]

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:mou-net-bounces at moumn.org] 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 



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