The Starling that Yodeled

[cameratrapcodger]

THis January we tried a new camera (a VooPeak TC22) at a ravens' nest located at an abandoned house. The video quality (4K) and wide angle (120 degrees) field of view were pluses, but the set was a disappointment because the European Starlings whitewashed the little solar panel on top of the camera. The raptors that perched on the camera eventually tipped it down and changed its field of view. The camera was out of commission when the ravens started to nest in the spring.

But the sound quality of the clips was quite good, and we were surprised to hear one of more starlings imitating coyote calls.

You can hear them yodel and learn a bit more about the location in this short video.

[pastorjim08]

I never realized that a starling made that sound. Nice capture

[cameratrapcodger]

We recorded them imitating California quail, ravens, killdeer, and red-tailed hawks. They also said "Bye, bye" and went "beep beep", just like roadrunner. I have no idea where they heard that.

[westcocanuck2]

That's amazing, I had no idea that starling did that, well done.