While walking on my usual route but at tonight at dusk instead of the morning, I heard a call I couldn't place. it was kind of a higher pitched version of the Koel cooee type of sound and repeated many times. I couldn't see anything in the high gum tree at that moment but on my return I saw the silhouette of a white faced heron sitting where the call had come from. Is this possible that it was this bird? I can't find a call to listen to on here and I have no idea if they have anything other than the croaky call I have heard before.
How interesting! I've heard them make a weird "rolling" clacking sound but never a high-pitched sound. However, wikipedia says they make a high-pitched alarm sound, but the description didn't sound like yours.
I would be interested in an update if you discover what made the sound.
Andy.
Well that was the only bird around so I will see if I can dig up some calls on the net! He is one bird I know I could show you when you come up...always there on my walk but I just didn't know that he roosted in those trees.
We will see much better stuff though where we are going ..so looking forward to it ..... may the sunshine hold :')
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Hi birdie,
.
That sounds like a Bush Stone Curlew to me - they make a high pitched almost car-alarm kind of sound, and have a bit of a wading bird shape to them.
.
They're in the front of my mind, as I heard one calling on Sunday night, while at choir practice. Strangely, despite the name, these particular ones live in the shadows of the 'Gabba, not in the bush at all.
Cheers
Tim
Brisbane
The link is here:
http://birdsinbackyards.net/species/Burhinus-grallarius
.
It could also be a Beach Stone-Curlew (http://birdsinbackyards.net/species/Esacus-neglectus, depending how close to the beach you are.
Cheers
Tim
Brisbane
Hi Timmo, I don;t think that is the one as I have heard the Bush Stone curlew calls.
I did find one reference on the net to a description of an alarm call made by White Faced Herons that sounded like what I heard. But when I clicked on the reference it wasn't here. I have been trying to find it all night!!!! I think I will have to go back tomorrow just a little bit earlier and see if it is there again.
I'll keep you posted :)
Sunshine Coast Queensland
I happen to have my portable drive here with almost all Aussie bird calls, so will check WfH out. Let you know soon. :)