Vocal ID - San Diego, California (1 Viewer)

[la_ravachol]

I heard this by the Bird & Butterfly Garden in Tijuana River Valley yesterday. I'm stumped by it, which is unsurprising given my limited experience of American species. But what surprises me is Merlin and BirdNET are also stumped (the recording seems clean and clear enough). The recording is short but captures the complete sound that was repeated up to 10 times with maybe five second gaps. Does anybody know what it is? The tone sounds kinda right for meadowlark, but can't find any examples of this exact sound, which is quite distinctive.

 

[tom baxter]

It is a tough one, but I think you may be on the right track with Icterids. It sounds sort of like a Baltimore Oriole, or possibly a Meadowlark like you suggested. I wondered about Oak Titmouse as well, but interestingly those have never been reported on ebird at that location.

edit: It wouldn't surprise me if it is a Great-tailed Grackle, sticking with the idea of Icterids. They make a huge variety of calls.

 

[la_ravachol]

Is mockingbird a possibility?