Yet another strange sound ID

Alun

Yes, it's another one of those threads

So, there I was crouched under a gorse bush in a wooded area near a river, covered in camouflage netting waiting to be "rescued" by a number of trainee search dogs, and apart from a number of birds that came very close to me including a robin that actually perched on the end of my boot, I heard an odd noise that I assumed was a bird, since it seemed to be coming from above me, but I'm beginning to doubt that now.

The best way I can describe it would be a very quiet version of a rattlesnake rattle. It would go on for anywhere between 2 and 5 seconds at a time and then nothing for 10-15 seconds. I'd have liked to have got a recording, but couldn't get at my phone without revealing my presence, so never got a chance.

If it's not a bird, could it have been some sort of insect (beetle, cockhafer?) or cricket?

Rosahane

Maybe a Wren?

Alun

No, definitely not a wren.

stevensi

Probably a grasshopper warbler reeling. Have a listen to the following https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQiGRus4ETk

Alun

stevensi wrote: »

Probably a grasshopper warbler reeling. Have a listen to the following https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQiGRus4ETk

Spot on, thanks!!

Now that I've seen a photo, I'm pretty certain that was one of the birds I saw reasonably close up from behind my camouflage netting. According to the BWI website you rarely actually see one, just hear it, so I guess that makes me pretty lucky

BTW, if any birders here want to know the location (in Wicklow) PM me.

Kamili

wow thats pretty cool! I wish I could get camouflage netting and sit there with my camera out a hole in it! Amazing

Alun

Kamili wrote: »

wow thats pretty cool! I wish I could get camouflage netting and sit there with my camera out a hole in it! Amazing

Yeah, it's not something I do every day, but I volunteer as a "body" for SARDA (Search and Rescue Dogs Association) and this time we were doing some lowland work in woodland quite close to a track instead of being hidden behind boulders high up on the hills, so the camouflage netting was necessary.

The day before I was up on the slopes of Camaderry above the Lead Mines and was treated to a close up view of a peregrine falcon perched on a nearby rock. No camouflage netting this time, but as I have to stay relatively well hidden and quiet anyway, it didn't seem to notice me. I also often get approached by small mammals such as mice and shrews etc.

Kamili

Must be a great experience to get so close to wildlife