Date:         Sun, 22 Jul 2001 14:14:16 -0400
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Bob Hartman <hartm21@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: S. Frederick Cty, 7/21
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Bonnie Ott wrote:
>
> >
> > The Fish Crow (uh-uh, uh-uh) was a surprise - we've never
> > seen one that far west.  Is it unusual?
> >
> Young American crows can sound suspiciously like fish
> crows. A few years ago I watched a crow alternate between a classic
> "American" crow call and perfect "fish" crow call. In early spring so
> it was unlikely the bird was a juvenile. That sure burst my bubble!
>
> Bonnie Ott
> Ellicott city,Howard County
> bonnie1163@home.com
>
Thanks, Bonnie - I agree that young American Crows can
sound a lot like Fish Crows, at least with regard to pitch
and nasal quality.  However, I came right home and played
the Fish Crow call on Birds of NA - I am convinced it was
identical, with the same rhythm and tonal pattern.  Neither
BNA nor any of the audio CD's I have (NG, Stokes E&W,
Peterson E&W) contain a call for the A. Crow like what we
heard.

If young American Crows really do a call identical to the
Fish Crows, how do I know whether I've really seen a
Fish Crow?  Maybe my life list isn't as long as I thought!
When do the young A. Crows starting talking like adults?

        Bob Hartman

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