In a wooded area of the Parkland I heard this unusual what can be best described as a medium/high pitched 'Trilling' sound like a mobile phone (Cell phone) call. It lasted about 2 seconds each time and continued to be repeated as I approached it. Then I observed a Jay fly off through the branches. It was closely followed by a second Jay. I have never heard this sound before and would never have believed it was a sound of a Jay, but I followed and the second Jay pitched again and continued making this noise. I took a few shots of it amongst the branches and then it flew off.
I can only assume that due to the fact that its the breeding season coming along now that its some kind of mating call.
How very odd, I've heard them make a very passable imitation of a Buzzard but never anything like a mobile phone. However you sent me off on a trawl through the internet and I came across this site:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.xeno-canto.org/species/Garrulus-glandarius
and part way down page 2 there's a recording by someone calling themselves Sonnenburg that sounds something like a mobile phone, but it's worth listening to many of these recordings as, amongst all the usual Jay-screams, are many remarkable and unexpected sounds.
Thanks for that John.
DeleteGreat photos from a chance encounter Roy.
ReplyDeleteThanks John.
DeleteSome gentle cajoling and flattery goes a long way!...[;o)
ReplyDeleteThere speaks the voice of an expert.{:))
DeleteNärhet on pitäneet myös täällä omituisia ääniä. Jos ei näkisi närheä, voisi ihmetellä mikä pitää ääntä. Hyvää sunnuntai päivän jatkoa.
ReplyDeleteKiitos Anne
DeleteHere is a link that you might find interesting, apparently they can mimic even talk.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cam.ac.uk/research/features/jays-the-birds-that-can-talk-like-humans
Thanks for the info Lyn.
DeleteInteresting behaviour Roy and I too have never heard the call that you describe. However Jays do have good mimicry skills I believe. The following website has a wealth of recorded calls and songs which might be useful (http://www.xeno-canto.org/species/Garrulus-glandarius).
ReplyDeleteOutstanding photos by the way, Jays have to be one of the most striking of British birds :-)
Thanks David, I will check that out.
DeleteFab pictures of this beautiful bird. It souns as though they are as good mijmics as starlings.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison.
DeleteThey do have an interesting color pattern. Nice images.
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve. Yes, one of our colourful species.
DeleteHey Roy... Our Blue Jays make some very odd noises that I hear occasionally. Very good shots through the branches. By the way..I not sure what cell phone ring you have but it would be very strange if it sounded like the ring my cell phone is set at LOL.
ReplyDeleteGrace
Thanks GG.
DeleteMy mobile sounds a bit like a Frog.{:))
Beautiful photos, Roy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda.
DeleteYou are lucky Roy, what a splendid bird !!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nathalie.
DeleteBeautiful pictures of the jay. Today, we can only say jay lol ... the little piece of blue feathers I find always great to see.
ReplyDeleteThey're beautiful birds. We had two jays in our backyard one evening. I was quite surprised because they're usually very shy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gunilla.
Delete