ML453742761
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Media notes
Really strange observation that I'm now kicking myself over. I recorded a bird giving "chip" calls apparently from the ground, deep in some ferns. I assumed it was a warbler, but I was intrigued by the fact that a) it was on the ground, b) the chips were highly variable in pitch, and b) it NEVER moved. I did some screech-owl and Carolina Wren playback, and the bird continued to chip but didn't budge from its spot. I elected not to go in after it and flush it, since I figured I'd already stressed it enough with the playback. And then, when I got back to my office, it suddenly hit me what was going on. The bird was most likely a downed Chimney Swift and didn't move because it literally couldn't. That would also explain the changes in pitch and the odd curved shape to its calls (which isn't typical of any warblers that I know of). The poor bird is probably going to die now. That's what I get for trying to be respectful of its space, I guess :-(
Observation details
Heard some classic CHSW twittering overhead, but also had a really strange observation that I'm now kicking myself over. I recorded a bird giving "chip" calls apparently from the ground, deep in some ferns. I assumed it was a warbler, but I was intrigued by the fact that a) it was on the ground, b) the chips were highly variable in pitch, and b) it NEVER moved. I did some screech-owl and Carolina Wren playback, and the bird continued to chip but didn't budge from its spot. I elected not to go in after it and flush it, since I figured I'd already stressed it enough with the playback. And then, when I got back to my office, it suddenly hit me what was going on. The bird was most likely a downed Chimney Swift and didn't move because it literally couldn't. That would also explain the changes in pitch and the odd curved shape to its calls (which isn't typical of any warblers that I know of). The poor bird is probably going to die now. That's what I get for trying to be respectful of its space, I guess. Anyway, the bird is on the east side of the trail, just north of where the trail intersects the road at 27.9206, -81.9644... if anyone sees this soon and wants to go rescue it. All he probably needs is a toss in the air!
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