7 replies to this topic

[fawnwings]

Hello,
I've joined today because there is this bird in my backyard that sounds like an alarm going off and I need help identifying him so I can get rid of him (if that's even possible).

The only thing I could record was his call, because he wouldn't let me get close enough to take a good picture (though he is in the video, it's really hard to see him since he blends in with the background and/or moves away quickly).



His call is throughout the whole day, morning to evening, and sometimes a little into the night time too, non-stop... always non-stop. It's the same frequency as in the video. Even as I tried throwing dirt balls at him, he didn't pause in his "talking", and just flew around to different spots in the yard. And if I did manage to chase him off into a distant yard, he always comes back within ten minutes. There seems to be no cause for his chirping, since it never stops (and never seems to change much in pitch either, even when I'm nearby or my cat is).

I don't know much about birds (or how to describe them properly), but he is mostly light-ish brown (somewhat creamy?), almost as big as a pigeon or a dove (a tad smaller, I guess), and hops around when on the ground (instead of "walking" like a crow would).

I recorded this video about twenty minutes ago, so around 7:20 PM. I live in Santa Clara, California.

Any help would be very appreciated, and if you also know how to deter this bird from being around... that would be even better! XD

Amanda

[JimBob]

It sounds like a White-crowned Sparrow.

[Pat B.]

I don't understand the problem. It sounds like a happy little sound to me. I doubt that anyone here will want to help you "get rid of it."

[fisherman1313]

It's a California Towhee. He is calling becuse it is mating season and he is either trying to attract a mate or just letting the other towhees in the area know that your yard is now "his" yard. Towhees are protected by the Migratory Bird Act and any form of harassment, even throwing "dirt balls" at them, is a federal offense, so about the only way you'll be able to "get rid" of him is to remove any potential nest sites (trees and bushes) and food sources (bird feeders and seeding grasses and weeds) from your neighborhood. And just so you know, any active nest (from the beginning of nest construction to the day the chicks leave the nest) is also protected, so knocking one down, if you should find it, is also a federal offense.

[renitiadb]

California Towhees are wonderful birds! They are sweet and curious and not at all shy! I think you should welcome this wonderful treasure that Mother Nature has decided to share with you =)

And, if I am not mistaken, according to the Migratory Bird Act, you can't do any construction, lanscaping, etc. within 300 feet of an active nest. If it's really THAT awful and you really can't handle a little bird song, I suggest hiring a biologist to come out and survey your property and let you know your options. Until then, just enjoy! It's better than the $50,000 fine.

[bluebirdlover]

I hope you do not harm any native bird just because you find it annoying. Looks like you might need to do a little lawn work. The more "wild" and natural a place looks, the more birds and other creatures you will be attracting. Don't take it out on this poor guy.

[fisherman1313]

Or you could just move.

[dakid2169]

Perhaps he is sounding the alarm because he is annoyed that you and your cat moved into his neighborhood...