[CFrance]

In the evening, I take my dogs for a stroll around Biscayne Villas behind our house. There is a bird who flies all around, about 100 feet up, cheeping--a single cheep, over and over, is his "song." Then the bird swoops down to about 15 feet, and its wings make a very loud vibration sound, after which back up he goes to start the whole routine again. The bird is dark colored and about the size of a bluejay.

Does anyone know what kind of bird this is and what it's doing?

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by CFrance

In the evening, I take my dogs for a stroll around Biscayne Villas behind our house. There is a bird who flies all around, about 100 feet up, cheeping--a single cheep, over and over, is his "song." Then the bird swoops down to about 15 feet, and its wings make a very loud vibration sound, after which back up he goes to start the whole routine again. The bird is dark colored and about the size of a bluejay.

Does anyone know what kind of bird this is and what it's doing?

It may be a Loggerhead Shrike (look for one on the internet). It's about the right size, greyish with black wing tips and white underbelly. They are not the nicest of birds, the common name for them is Butcher Bird, which probably says it all. The bird probably has a nest close to where you walk and is basically warning you off. We had one in an oak tree next door to us, the crows stole the eggs and they never came back. My book describes their song as a grating shak shak.

Whatever it is, I think it is warning you and the dog off their nesting area.

[kfierle]

Originally Posted by CFrance

In the evening, I take my dogs for a stroll around Biscayne Villas behind our house. There is a bird who flies all around, about 100 feet up, cheeping--a single cheep, over and over, is his "song." Then the bird swoops down to about 15 feet, and its wings make a very loud vibration sound, after which back up he goes to start the whole routine again. The bird is dark colored and about the size of a bluejay.

Does anyone know what kind of bird this is and what it's doing?

Sounds like a nighthawk to me. Check it out here

[CFrance]

Thanks, everyone who PM'd and posted. I watched a You Tube of a nighthawk, and the distinctive wing vibration sound was exactly what I'm hearing.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Thanks, everyone who PM'd and posted. I watched a You Tube of a nighthawk, and the distinctive wing vibration sound was exactly what I'm hearing.

CF - I think it's cool that we have neighbors throughout TV with such diverse knowledge and expertise. I love learning so many things about unfamiliar subjects. Glad you asked that question!

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by dbussone

CF - I think it's cool that we have neighbors throughout TV with such diverse knowledge and expertise. I love learning so many things about unfamiliar subjects. Glad you asked that question!

Yes, we learn a lot here!

One person told me they nest in stones, and so they like CYV areas. Then I read that they are so good at hiding their nests, you could walk right by and not notice one.