Hayseed shot a video to test his camera settings. He luckily captured good audio of bird interaction. While he tried to visually locate the culprits, he recorded a verbal conflict between two species common to Mississippi during the winter months. His video is the last one in this article. I first want to present a video from FrontYardVideo’s youtube account. Here is that 1:42 video for comparison.
The video shows a Blue Jay sounding the alarm because the Hawk is hunting over a back yard feeder. The Hawk also gives a call during the hunt. These are the sounds I am focusing on in this diary. The other birds, though interesting, are not the focus of this article, but good reference material.
The next 2 minute video is located on MyBackyardBirding’s youtube account. The Blue Jay featured imitates the call of a Red-shouldered Hawk. I am presenting this as a comparison to the first video, where both species are observed. Blue Jays are known to imitate other birds and use those calls as a form of alarm. This is a great example of a Jay’s ability to mimic.
Finally, Hayseed’s video. You’ll hear a Hawk and one Jay interact in the first 19 seconds. From 20 to 26 seconds, multiple Jays begin to harass the Hawk. At the 26th second the Hawk responses. The Hawk and Jays continue to verbalize for the remainder of the video. Hayseed and I wondered if the Blue Jays were mimicking a Hawk, as we both had heard Jays mimic before. I now think this video represents a struggle between the two species. What are your thoughts?
I started this article with one opinion and developed another about Hayseed’s video after my research. On any given day, there may be just a moment to make a similar judgement, without the benefit of a camera, it’s hit or miss. Every advantage to identify birds is needed. Sometimes, just listening and wondering is good. Perk your ears, the skies are full of sound.
As promised, here is my bug of the day.
Halyomorpha halys, (a Capricorn for those that care), is commonly known as the Brown Marmorated Stink bug. He loves long days in the sunshine, is from a large family and can be found everywhere. Though prone to don colors in more somber tones, Halys is frequently seen sporting bright spring shades during summer months. If you are alone today, this friend may be just around the corner and waiting to enter your life. Be careful that you don’t startle him because he responds to abuse in a most unpleasant manner. Happy Valentine’s Day.
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Thank you for stopping by and sharing a moment with me. I hope to visit with you soon.