Two birds which sing at night (particularly in moonlight) are Willy
Wagtails and Reed Warblers - not that I would suggest the latter as
Geoff's mystery bird.
Anthea Fleming
On 26/09/2017 6:30 AM, martin cachard wrote:
> hi Geoff,
>
> I would think you are hearing the dawn call of a Pied Butcherbird, or if not,
> I'd be guessing Willie Wagtail...
>
> cheers,
>
>
> martin cachard,
>
> solar whisper daintree river,
>
> & trinity beach, cairns
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Birding-Aus <> on behalf of Geoff
> Ryan <>
> Sent: Monday, 25 September 2017 4:55 PM
> To:
> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Night warblers
>
> I seek assistance to identify the 'night warblers'.
>
> We have just returned from a 13 week trip during which we drove across to
> Perth and back. During this trip I heard a bird repeat warbling exactly a
> few phrases of song at most camps. The song is different at every location
> but is always repeated exactly with, occasionally, an additional repeat of
> the last few lines, often in a softer tone. I know I have heard these
> warbles ever since I had an interest in bird calls but, perhaps because I
> don't sleep as soundly nowadays, I am now more aware of these warbles.
> Initially I thought these were the calls of Magpies kept awake by the
> caravan park security lights but I also heard them, just as frequently,
> when camped in the bush on black nights. These warbles may be heard anytime
> during the night but are most frequent about an hour before first light. I
> have heard them every morning since we got back home at Yamba, NSW. The
> night warbles are never heard during the day and cease just before first
> light when other bird calls start. I was out wandering around at 0430 this
> morning with a torch but couldn't locate the warbler.
>
> Intitially I was convinced the warbles were made by Magpies but they never
> include the louder Magpie notes, then I was convinced they were made by
> Pied Butcherbirds. However, this morning, as soon as warbles stopped a Grey
> Butcherbird started to call. I think it has to be one of these species as
> they are the only species with distributions that cover all those parts of
> Australia in which I heard the night warbles. I didn't hear them whilst we
> were camped at Washpool NP.
>
> I have listened to the BOCA tapes but the warbles are not included in the
> recorded repertoire of these 3 species.
>
> I know there is a simple explanation and would appreciate your thoughts.
>
> Geoff Ryan
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