pitiful, wailing, like a child!

Hi Everyone,

I've just come back from N Stradbroke Island, off the Brisbane Coast and while I was there I heard strange, pitiful, wailing calls during the night. A bit like a child shrieking! It sounded like a very distressed bird, but it went on so long I decided the bird was ok and just keeping me awake!

Does any one have any ideas what it could have been?

Many thanks

Rob