Song & Call IDs

[Wetlander]

Thanks for the info on the Red-eyed Vireo, Gord. I've been trying to start to add sound to vision in my observations. I've found in the past that I would have to relearn a few basic calls & songs each year. I remember Marion & I spending 10 mins. try to see a mystery bird making a wild sound... only to find a Towhee. That was early this year!!!! I actually find the mimics like Starlings faily easy to tell, but others???

I resolved to listen to my Neville & Colson CD, and I've also been using What Bird for the sound recordings. Problem is they give you one option. As Janne Perrin said to me, variation in appearance is like this (holds her hands six inches apart) and vocalizations are like this (holds her hands a foot apart).

Can anyone suggest a good website or resource that gives a range of songs and calls?

[Gord]

I havnt really found anything specific. Like bird guides, I use several to help out with ID. Like Janne accurately said, songs and calls can vary among birds and certainly among populations. I have the Roger Tory Peterson Western Bird Songs and Stoke's Field Guide to Bird Songs and use both when practicing or trying to figure out a call.

I know what you mean relearning calls and songs. This is especially true for birds who we really only see for a few months each year (warblers, vireos etc) but even the common guys can make some odd sounds or only sing for a short period. Not long ago I went after a funny sounding but fairly quiet and soft "sheerr" call to find it was an American Robin. I cant say Ive heard/noticed them to do that before. Sibley's Field Guide even mentions that call! hehe.

One never stops learning.