ID birdsong

[colin leys]

Over the last few days I have heard a bird call in the Annex area of Toronto that I have never heard before: high up in the trees, sounding like a very loud chime, or as if someone was blowing across the top of a large bottle, repeated at intervals of a few seconds, up to 6 or ten times, and with a slightly electronic edge to it.  Usually early morning or late afternoon. I would appreciate suggestions of what it could be.

[birddog]

Like blowing across a bottle makes me think of a mournng dove.

[Julia]

Check out www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/

The "electronic" comment makes me think nighthawk - I used to think it was the charge running down the streetcar wires at night (don't ask me how I got this idea - clearly the rules of physics don't apply to me).  :wink:  But don't count out a starling, those dudes can make practically any noise at all  - we used to have one that imitated our cat in the backyard, driving our dog bonkers.

Julia

[Dr. John]

Speaking of night hawks, there must be a few around the front entrance of U of T on College St. My wife and I have heard them call several times in the evening around there.

-John

[Andreas Jonsson]

Yes, I quite often hear them in that region. In fact, I get the impression Nighthawks are quite common downtown. Around dusk this time of year I hear (sometimes see) them regularly.

Just sit down after supper at your favourite patio, have a drink and wait :-)

Good birding,

Andreas

[Voyageur]

Yes we saw one over Grace Church on the Hill last night at the same time as a goodly number of Chimney swifts. They must have all been close to home since it was late evening.