Snipe (was - Bleating cry of bird at dusk - identity?)

Maidhci

For many years I have been hearing the bleating sound / cry of a bird at dusk, it is usually heard at this time of the year and into the summer months. I have tried to establish the identity of this bird and was told that is was most likely the nightjar but I have listened to sound clips of the nightjar on YouTube and there is no resemblance whatsoever to the cry that I hear - can anyone please help.

thebishop

It could be a Jack snipe.

Tiercel Dave

It's a Sky Goat!
http://hannibalsanimals.blogspot.ie/2010/04/sky-goat.html
Regards, Dave

Woodville56

What type of habitat is this sound coming from ? If marshy or farmland or near water probably snipe drumming, if over woodland could be woodcock , best bet is snipe as other responses indicate

Maidhci

Thanks Dave, it is most definitely the Common Snipe or Sky Goat. I had not heard the Common Snipe referred to as the Sky Goat before. The sound is commonly referred to here as 'Mea Ghabhair' translated as baa of the goat. They seem to be quite plentiful in the Connemara area and I have always wanted to get the correct name etc. Many thanks for your suggestions.

swifts need our help!

It should sounded like if you do a high pitched hum and vibrate it