I have noticed that there is a medium to large bird which I think is nesting in a loquat tree in my neighbours backyard. I heard what I think is the chick first as it makes this harsh screech-type noise which is silenced when the parent comes back, I believe.
I observed the bird last night around 10.30 pm but I am unable to make out if it is a Bookbook Owl (I really don't think so) or a Tawny Frogmouth or, perhaps, somethink completely different. I first thought the noise I was hearing was an animal running across the carport roof, but after last light I can confirm that it is its wings flapping as it leaves and returns to the tree.
I can't seem to find anything that remotely sounds like this chick on the web.
Sorry to be so vague but I have been unable to sight either chick or parent properly.
Many thanks for any help you can offer.
Hi there, well if it was in my garden I would suggest it was a fruit bat, as it is the screeching and the wing flapping that makes so much noise at night. But I don't know if you have them where you are.
Have you actually seen it as a bird?
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Hi
Thanks for your reply. I thought it may have been a fruit bat myself but I was under the impression that they lived in colonies. We do have some down around the Botanic Gardens in Melbourne itself and along the Yarra River. Do they go off on their own? If they do, I wish it would return to its group if it is a fruit bat:-)
Hi owls,
We have seen fruit bats very regularly in the northern suburbs, particularly at this time of year. They come out of Studley Park at dusk and love the fruit trees such as figs and loquats. However they return to their colonies which where I would expect them to breed, rather than in your neighbour's tree.
Having said all that, we have also seen owls (barn and possibly powerful or barking) and tawny frogmouths within the Thornbury area. However these tend to be quiet when flying, whereas bats are very noisy flyers!