Bruce suggested that the "murmurous, musical" sound of a large flock of animals
flying may be that of flying-foxes. I am more inclined to think it must have
been a flock of birds, as I have never heard flying-foxes vocalising while
commuting, and I have observed flying flying-foxes on numerous occasions. I
have heard mysterious calls at night as flocks of birds fly over,and although I
know my bird calls fairly well, have sometimes not had a clue as to the species
involved.
I have also identified Banded Lapwings flying over my house at night, by call.
I live northeast of Melbourne, and the nearest I am aware of Banded Lapwings is
at the Werribee Sewerage Farm, some 45 km southwest of Melbourne, as the lapwing
flies. I think there is a lot of nocturnal commuting by birds, especially
waders and waterbirds, but identification can sometimes be a challenge.
Cheers
Ian
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