Mysterious UK Bird call - Help Requested (2 Viewers)

[SandwellVern]

Hi guys - I am new to the forum, hailing from the UK. Been actively interesting in birds for around 30 odd years, however this mysterious bird call - encountered in the Sandwell Valley, West Midlands, UK - has me totally clueless. It comes from an area of thick woodland near an enclosed farm, which I can't get close enough to get a visual unfortunately, but it always seems to come from the same tree. I also find it really weird that I have never heard this call before ever, anywhere else?
Any help most appreciated! (It's the melodic warbly sound at the start of the audio).
View attachment bird.mp4

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits. Sorry I can’t help.

 

[Stonefaction]

Could it possibly be a Jay (or similar) mimicking an emergency services siren?

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,
welcome to birdforum from me, too.
I agree with Stonefaction, that one of the good mimetic species might well be the right answer.
So its either a Jay or an exotic cagebird. Maybe its possible to ask the peoples at the farm, if they are missing a bird?

 

[Butty]

Welcome to BF.

(It's the melodic warbly sound at the start of the audio)

I'm lost - can't hear such a sound. What time-range is it in exactly?
You mean we are to ignore the long clear whistles and 'chook chook' sounds that are the most prominent elements of the recording?

 

[delia todd]

Hi SandwellVern and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[delia todd]

I don't know if you've found it, but there's a thread dedicated to birding in Sandwell Valley, maybe one of the contributors there might be able to shed some light on it for you.

Sandwell Valley

 

[SandwellVern]

Welcome to BF.

I'm lost - can't hear such a sound. What time-range is it in exactly?
You mean we are to ignore the long clear whistles and 'chook chook' sounds that are the most prominent elements of the recording?

Hi - apologies, should have been more specific. You can hear it from 3 seconds and 13 seconds of the recording. Kind of like a high pitched flutey call? Yes - please ignore the "chook chook" sounds.

 

[SandwellVern]

Hello,
welcome to birdforum from me, too.
I agree with Stonefaction, that one of the good mimetic species might well be the right answer.
So its either a Jay or an exotic cagebird. Maybe its possible to ask the peoples at the farm, if they are missing a bird?

Could it possibly be a Jay (or similar) mimicking an emergency services siren?

Thanks for the replies and welcomes! You know, I did notice a couple of Jays in the area, which piqued my interest. Have heard of their mimicking skills, so may explore this possibility further. Much appreciated.

 

[SandwellVern]

I don't know if you've found it, but there's a thread dedicated to birding in Sandwell Valley, maybe one of the contributors there might be able to shed some light on it for you.

Sandwell Valley

Hi - thanks for this. I will pop over now.

 

[Butty]

There are whistling sounds also between 21 sec and 37 sec which seem sure to have the same origin as the opening long clear whistles. Like Alex, I thought of something in a cage. I don't hear anything suggestive of mimicry.

 

[SandwellVern]

There are whistling sounds also between 21 sec and 37 sec which seem sure to have the same origin as the opening long clear whistles. Like Alex, I thought of something in a cage. I don't hear anything suggestive of mimicry.

Thanks Butty. Some other folk I played this call too suggested that as well. I did ask staff at the farm and I was looked at like I may have needed an ambulance . Might pay them another visit to see if there are any exotics on site.

 

[Stonefaction]

There are whistling sounds also between 21 sec and 37 sec which seem sure to have the same origin as the opening long clear whistles. Like Alex, I thought of something in a cage. I don't hear anything suggestive of mimicry.

Not a Jay, but the start of this Blackbird clip does sound (to me) a lot like the call on the recording - which sounds like an emergency vehicle siren, hence the suggestion of mimicry.

EDIT : Another one -

 

[SandwellVern]

Not a Jay, but the start of this Blackbird clip does sound (to me) a lot like the call on the recording - which sounds like an emergency vehicle siren, hence the suggestion of mimicry.

EDIT : Another one -

That's totally blown my mind. Have to admit, there are elements of the call which sound similar.

Not a Jay, but the start of this Blackbird clip does sound (to me) a lot like the call on the recording - which sounds like an emergency vehicle siren, hence the suggestion of mimicry.

EDIT : Another one -

Wow - that has opened my eyes somewhat... 😐

 

[SandwellVern]

Thanks for all the responses folks. Happily say I have gone from being slightly concerned with no clue - to having some avenues to explore.

 

[foresttwitcher]

Not a sound I have heard but I am in the Blackbird camp. They can make some very unusual calls - one local bird to me does a very good Curlew impression phrase at the start of some of its songs.

 

[SandwellVern]

< one local bird to me does a very good Curlew impression phrase at the start of some of its songs. >