SPGDCM@CMSA.BERKELEY.EDU (06/02/88)
MSG:FROM: SPGDCM --UCBCMSA TO: NETWORK --NETWORK 06/01/88 19:26:47
To: NETWORK --NETWORK Network Address
From: Doug Mosher
Subject: trying to identify a new visitor
To: rec-birds@ucbvax
I am not trained in identifying birds, but I have a lot of curiosity
about a new visitor to my back yard.
I live in residential San Francisco, which has limited back yards with
some large trees.
In the last few weeks, we have a new visiting bird which seems very
unfamiliar. I cannot see it (having tried a number of times), but what
is distinctive is the nature of its singing.
Most birds I have ever heard seem to have a relatively recognizable,
repeating call. This one seems to change its call every 3-10 repetitions.
It sings very loudly; generally at sunrise or sunset, but also at other
times, for example, 11:30pm and 2:30 AM on occasion.
If I try to do a bad job of explaining the calls, it would be:
chirp-chirp-chirp-chirp-chirp (pause)
poo-wee poo-wee poo-wee poo-wee (pause)
squawk squawk squawk (pause)
I could go on, but what I am trying to illustrate is that the
very nature of the call keeps changing. Various sequences, tones,
and timbres are used. Each given call is repeated exactly and clearly
for a set of repetitions, then something else occurs for its set
of repetitions.
There are never words or clicks or other parrot-like variations, but
the variety is impressive. The sequence does not seem to repeat over
several minutes. One might imagine a group of birds, but it's just
one, since there is only one song at a time (or, it's a whole group
but they have all agreed to sing in turn, only once :-)
Does this ring any bells? I am most curious. I wondered for awhile
if someone's pet had escaped. But it has stayed in the neighborhood for
a couple weeks now, and sometimes sings from across the street.
( )
( Doug Mosher <SPGDCM@CMSA.Berkeley.edu> )
( 257 Evans, Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA, 415/642-5823 )
trying to identify a new visitorjim@hpfcdc.HP.COM (Jim Tear) (06/03/88)
It sounds like a mockingbird because (1) it sings many phrases, each repeated several times and (2) it sings at night. The range map shows you're in their range. They are not afraid of residential areas. You should be able to see it singing from the top of a TV antenna or a chimney. My second guess would be some kind of thrasher. They are 2nd cousins to the mockers. Jim Tear -- Hewlett-Packard -- Ft. Collins, CO
sandra@pyrtech (Sandra Macika) (06/10/88)
Several people have thought that the new visitor is a mockingbird. Have you been able to determine? Just curious-