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Thread: What is it?

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  1. #1

    Default What is it?

    Please forgive my attempt at description. There is a bird I have not heard before I moved here. It flies high and fast in large circles and figure of eights and makes a sound like a robotic sheep bleating down a long pipe. The sound also makes me think of the cartoon Roadrunner blowing a raspberry. Hope this makes sense. I have heard it in Reiss and Groats.

  2. #2
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    If it is mostly black and white whilst in flight and has squarish wing tips then I would say it is a lapwing. Can do some amazing aerobatics!

    See: http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/lapwing.asp
    Last edited by Ricco; 25-Apr-07 at 08:05. Reason: Addition of address
    "Step sideways, pause and study those around you. You will learn a great deal."

  3. #3

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    Quote Originally Posted by Ricco View Post
    If it is mostly black and white whilst in flight and has squarish wing tips then I would say it is a lapwing. Can do some amazing aerobatics!

    See: http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/lapwing.asp
    Thanks Ricco
    No I'm pretty sure that is not it. The song is completely different as I described and a single note lasting 1.5 - 2seconds. it flies high and no aerobatics I have seen. It has been too far to get markings or colour. I think I have only heard it early evening and twilight but could not swear to that.

  4. #4
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    By the noise you describe, Ricco, could it be a snipe, as discussed in an earlier thread? No idea what it's flight pattern is, I just know it makes a funny noise!
    Last edited by WeeBurd; 25-Apr-07 at 12:39. Reason: Added link
    WeeBurd.

  5. #5

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    Snipe it is. Thanks Weeburd. The daft thing is I had read that thread.

    The sound is here pm an url that Reghead posted.

    http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/bird...nipe/index.asp

    Definitely a robotic sheep in a drain pipe.

  6. #6
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    Now, that is definitely not a lapwing!
    "Step sideways, pause and study those around you. You will learn a great deal."

  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by stratman View Post
    Snipe it is. Thanks Weeburd. The daft thing is I had read that thread.

    The sound is here pm an url that Reghead posted.

    http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/bird...nipe/index.asp

    Definitely a robotic sheep in a drain pipe.
    The snipe is known by the slang name of the "goat" in many European languages because of the noise, which is produced by vibrating some of the tail feathers. I have watched them do it, and it seems to need a trajectory of about 30 degrees downwards. You see them making a bit of height, and then taking that sort of downward flight, and the noise is produced.
    They are nesting now, and I saw a most beutiful nest when collecting in some sheep - four eggs, with the pointed ends arranged into the middle of a perfect cup made of grass.

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