Australian Owlet-Nightjar
I was delighted a few evenings ago to hear an Australian Owlet-nightjar calling in the garden. It’s really nice to observe that it is still around.
A few months ago we would hear this delightful nocturnal bird calling during the day. That’s right – during the day. It would come out of its hollow and sit in the sun for a half hour or so, calling occasionally.
Being a nocturnal bird I had not thought I’d ever get a chance to photograph this species, so it was a double delight – actually seeing the bird AND getting a reasonable photo.
To read more and see a photo click here or here.
a friend has recently asked me about a bird she has heard in the middle of the night….I can’t seem to find it, but the only information she can supply is that it sounds like a slow table tennis match… so i guess the call is like someone hitting a ping pong ball back & forth…..any thoughts??
Hi there Chrissy.
Your description certainly does not sound like an Owlet-nightjar, more like a frog. Can I suggest that you do a web search for Australian frog sounds? This could be a good place to start:
http://www.frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/frog-calls.cfm
The call of the Australian Owlet-nightjar can be heard on this web page:
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=61