Jerry,
   It is a common vocalization made by Acadian Flycatchers on the breeding grounds.
--
Bob Ringler
Eldersburg MD


---- Gerald & Laura Tarbell <> wrote: 
> Stephen and all, 
>     While this does accurately describe what we saw and heard the Acadian doing today, I think the question still remains - is it a "call" or the sound of wingbeats? Has it really been studied?
>     I am reminded that until fairly recently (20 yrs?) it was commonly thought that Ruffed Grouse made their drumming sound by beating their wings against their chest or something like that. Slowing down the film of it enabled researchers to understand that the sound is actually a "whipcrack" of the primaries against the air.
>     I think what we might have here is possibly another assumption that the bird is twittering through his beak. Watching it today I was left with the feeling it was more likely the sound of the wings. 
>     Let's hear from some others on it and if you prefer, carry this discussion on offline and I'll summarize the results later for the list. 
>     And also, I forgot to mention we also had a nice look at an Olive-sided Flycatcher out there today.
>     Jerry Tarbell
>     
>