Unknown Bird Call - UK, West Midlands. (1 Viewer)

[danger_dave32]

Hello, was wondering if anyone can help me identify this bird call.


I'm not entirely certain is it a bird though, for the following reasons, but I'm trying to rule out the obvious.

I hear this same four note pattern, at random intervals 24 hours a day. The pitch doesn't change, the rhythm doesn't change, and as far as I can tell no other sound is made from this source. Sometimes I won't hear it for hours, then it will sound for a few, again at totally random intervals.

I'm thinking it might be an alarm ha, but the random interval pattern is leading me away from that. Also, it will sound through the night when all the other fellas are asleep.

Can anyone shed any light on this, heard it before maybe?

Hope the file is hearable, chirps around 8 second mark.



Thank you.

 

[RichieTwitchy]

I've edited your audio file and boosted the background to make it easier for other members to hear.

In the file you can hear movement from you and then the call of a Magpie in the distance and then I think it's your bird next, which seems to make 3 calls this time (sorry edited as I now hear 4), but you say that it's usually 4 calls (notes) so I would suggest Nuthatch

 

[danger_dave32]

Awesome, thank you very much.

 

[Torchepot]

If I'm understanding this right you're hearing this night and day? If so it pretty much rules out any likely species that I can think of. Sounds a bit like our CO alarm when it was on the blink.

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

There are a lot of background noises, like a distant barking dog (?). It should be possible to find the source of a few noises during the day. Then you have some sort of map and you can try to estimate the distance of your bird, if it's a bird. Besides it gives an idea about the habitat. And maybe, while searching, you hear the sound from a different position (cross-bearing).

A small owl comes to my mind. A few years ago, at a crowded observation point, I heard the metallic sound of a cow drinking machine (where they push to get water). It took me at least 15 minutes before I realized it was a small owl, I heard that sound in the south of Europe 35 years ago. No one else noticed it, so I kept silent, it was an Eurasian Pygmy Owl, an extremely rare guest in the Netherlands. However, few owls can be heard in the middle of the day.

 

[danger_dave32]

If I'm understanding this right you're hearing this night and day? If so it pretty much rules out any likely species that I can think of. Sounds a bit like our CO alarm when it was on the blink.

Yes, this is why it's so confusing, the sound is consistent with an warning alarm but the timing is so completely erratic.

The volume is incredibly consistent as well, like it doesn't move around.

There are a lot of background noises, like a distant barking dog (?). It should be possible to find the source of a few noises during the day. Then you have some sort of map and you can try to estimate the distance of your bird, if it's a bird. Besides it gives an idea about the habitat. And maybe, while searching, you hear the sound from a different position (cross-bearing).

A small owl comes to my mind. A few years ago, at a crowded observation point, I heard the metallic sound of a cow drinking machine (where they push to get water). It took me at least 15 minutes before I realized it was a small owl, I heard that sound in the south of Europe 35 years ago. No one else noticed it, so I kept silent, it was an Eurasian Pygmy Owl, an extremely rare guest in the Netherlands. However, few owls can be heard in the middle of the day.

My house backs onto a smallish wetland, so plenty of habitat. But beyond that is the roughest council estate in the area. I think after Christmas might rule out someone's idea of an exciting decoration.


Apologies for the "wild goose chase".

Thank you for your time everyone.

 

[SpinySoftware]

Do you have any more recordings of it?

 

[danger_dave32]

Yes, so I've just recorded this, just before midday today, some road noise in the background and the standard bird noises, but the unknown call is very distinctive.

 

[RichieTwitchy]

Great Tit is always a good one to throw in the mix unsure

 

[danger_dave32]

Ah could be as well, they make a similiar sound.

I'm new to this, is there possibly a device that could recreate a bird call to attract birds of that species?

 

[danger_dave32]

Don't worry about it friends, I've determined the sound is not of an organic nature, not sure what yet but it's not a bird.

Thanks anyway.

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

Second recording, call at 0.25: the start is different, not mechanic, or it's the call of another bird (machine)?

It might be some tropical rainforest bird in an aviary. Their sounds carry far.

 

[RichieTwitchy]

Ah could be as well, they make a similiar sound.

I'm new to this, is there possibly a device that could recreate a bird call to attract birds of that species?

This method can sit uneasy with birders: stressing the bird unnecessarily etc

Don't worry about it friends, I've determined the sound is not of an organic nature, not sure what yet but it's not a bird.

Thanks anyway.

We (well, me at least) need to know what it is so keep us updated in your quest to find out