What Bird?

[karenw]

I am having trouble trying to figure out what bird is making a particular kind of call. I hear the same call starting in the afternoon and all throughout the night and into the morning hours. It's the same bird call everytime. I can see them in the distance but my binoculars aren't the greatest. They seem to be a lighter color on the bottom and a darker color on the top and about the size of a blackbird. Trying to find an audio clip is a bit difficult if you don't know exactly what bird to look for. So, I'm guessing a nighthawk of some kind but unfortunately the recordings I have found on the nighthawks does not sound at all like what I've been hearing. The bird has a high pitched sound. Any ideas? Are there other birds other than the nighthawks/nightjars that can stay up day and night? I live in Chilliwack in farm country. Thanks for your help.

[Gord]

Hi and welcome Karenw!

I am excited that you have asked this question as I have the same one (I think). The only difference is that Ive only heard this call, assuming it is the same one, at night.

I have also assumed a nighthawk but to me does not sound like one that Ive ever heard either. Ive never seen what makes the sound Im wondering about. What you saw does sound possibly like a nighthawk though by your description.

I did capture a audio recording recently (they're at my house now and then) and have just been waiting for a chance to splice it together and share it. I look forward to hearing if you think it's the same thing too.

Maybe this evening I will be able to do this.

[Gord]

Last night I was able to get more recordings of the interesting call. I will make the file and get it up ASAP.

[karenw]

Thanks Gord....I can Hardly wait.

[Gord]

Made a audio file of what I recorded. I apologize for the barking dogs and wind sounds. I did edit my grumpy muttering about the neighbor's dog. hehe

As to what these guys are, I cant see them being other than Common Nighthawks. But to me what I think is nighthawk calls are a much more buzzy "Brrreeeeeet!" The recordings Ive listened to confirms this. But maybe they give different calls given their motivation?

I know it is not a Barn Owl. Their calls are much more eerie and harsh sounding. Also, they dont call frequently like these guys do.

I think also that what is making these calls are moving around and likely more than one bird. The calls come from different areas. Some close, then further away and sometimes a close one and then a reply a second later from further away. This suggests a bird that is nocturnal and not just some sleepy bird singing in its sleep from the trees.

Here's the video. You might have to diddle with the volume on the computer to hear it best.

[karenw]

Thanks for the audio clip. The calls sounded a little different but the pitch sounded right. I have heard at least two different calls from these birds. When the moon was full just a few nights ago, the calls were faster and more high pitched. There seemed to have been a few of them flying around...some close, some far away. They were very active. One night when I was coming home, I saw some sort of bird on the road that was just sitting there. When I got closer, it flew away in a clumsy way and appeared to be light grey color. I thought to myself...what the heck kind of bird is out this time of night? My guess too aimed towards a nighthawk. If and when I can, I'll make an audio clip to post.

[Wetlander]

Hey Karen + Gord,
I also have heard this sound around our place lately. I too discounted Barn Owl, like Gord says, not haunting or strangled enough. The sounds started a few days after seeing juvie Great-horned Owls. So I've been debating if it was the juvies or Nighthawks. Hope you guys can get confirmation.

Seems alot of the sites on the net give you one or two of the most standard calls, but not the weird and wonderful variations that birds get up to.

[Gord]

Karen, I agree on the two different calls. They do make a lower one and then are more clearer whistle. Not once do they make what I have heard Common Nighthawks make.

Also sounds like you did see one on the road. They like to roost on flat surfaces such at rooftops, roads, railings etc. The clumsy looking flight works too as they're sort of floppy (moth like?) when they fly.

Wetlander might be on to something with the variation of calls comment.

For the record, the other place I have heard this is at Island 22 at night. Sometimes the call is coming from over the water so it does suggest something in flight.

Maybe someone who sees these guys more frequently like when they're in the Interior in huge numbers. When I see them, it's just a few and they only go "Brreeeettt!" in a buzzy kind of way.

[karenw]

I got a book I got from the library and it states that in the southern regions of B.C., the birds are locally abundant in the fall. It's been about 3 weeks since I've first noticed the night calls...that sound's about right.