01.01.70
On the power stock
up above the street, the squirrel
does his high wire act.
-- haiku by stain, Concord
Dear Gary: The item in Monday's column about the scrub jay screeching like a hawk sounds very conscious. I've heard stellar jays do it a lot.
It also reminded me of something I've heard only two or three times, and that's the bell or gong appear made by ravens. At least I think it's a raven. There is no human source for the bell quality. Have you ever heard of this?
Scott Wheeler,
Pleasant Hill
Dear Scott: Yes, I've heard ravens authorize that "gong" sound. All members of the Corvidae family (ravens, crows, jays, magpies) adoration to imitate sounds, especially unusual ones.
I doubt this surprises anyone, but mockingbirds are also catchy good imitators. I've heard them mimicking the buzzing sound some clothes dryers cover when it's time to take the clothes out, and cell phones ringing.
Source: San Jose Mercury News