Expert: David Stringer - 9/4/2006

Question
Hi David,
We think maybe a hawk but whatever it was left as soon as our evenings turned cold. The catbird had the second closest sound to our mystery bird.

thanks for the info.

Sue
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Followup To

Question -
We live in Michigan and are experiencing an unusual (sounds like a bird) call which begins at dusk calling back and forth approx. thirty seconds apart. Sounds like a cat (somewhat) with a whistle like sound but after listening to catbird calls on a computer website it does not sound like a catbird. It only occurs at nightime and is loud enough to keep one awake. We cannot see anything in our trees which puzzles us. It is hard to explain sound. Any ideas? We thought owl but definitely not any owl we have ever heard. This is first summer and seems to be more than just our area. Others are experiencing miles away.

Answer -
Hi Sue,

I'm afraid I'm at a loss here.  My very first thought was a gray catbird...until I finished reading your question.  The other two Michigan species in that family are the Northern Mockingbird and Brown Thrasher.  Both of these birds imitate birds more than a cat sound, but it is possible they may have picked up a cat-like sound.  I haven't heard any similar calls here in Western Canada, but perhaps one of the local birding organizations may be of assistance.  Check out these links for more information.
http://www.michiganbirds.org/checklist/
http://www.virtualbirder.com/vbirder/realbirds/rbas/MI.html

Good luck.  Sorry I can't be of more help.
David

Answer
Good to hear that you will be having a better sleep now.  If it occurs next year maybe you can record the call and a birder may be able to i.d. it more specifically for you.  I'm not discounting a hawk as I haven't heard the call, but keep in mind hawks are visual hunters and therefore are only active during the day.  

David