It's strange how something you never noticed for years suddenly becomes an
issue that you would like to resolve. Mine is the Acadian Flycatcher's
flutter call, or so it is labeled.
    I mentioned this a few weeks ago and Bob Ringler said he was sure it was
a vocalization. We have discussed it some since and so far he still hasn't
convinced me. The best evidence he could produce is Bent's reference to
Brewster (1882) who said
 "They had another note also which was much like the whistling of wings. I
afterwards satisfied myself that this sound was a vocal one."
    But he doesn't say how he satisfied himself. Gee, a little science would
help.
    I saw it again today in the Catoctins and to me it still looks like a
wing noise ala Mourning Dove, etc. The "song" starts when he flies and stops
when he lands. If he would just make some of it while he is perched with his
wings still I could become a believer.
    So, to help Bob out, I jumped on the internet today to see if I could
run some sort of a search of the Auk and Condor archives for an article that
might discuss it.  Unfortunately one apparently has to be a member of the
AOU or Cooper Union to get access. I'm not.
    Surely somebody has studied it by now. If they can figure out that a
woodcock's chirping as he descends on his display flight is made by his
wings, they could figure this one out.
    If anyone has access to Auk, Condor or Wilson Bulletin archives and can
search this enchanting topic, I would be grateful. Just give us a ref to any
pertinent articles via private email at  I will make
the effort to get a copy and "satisfy myself" that this is indeed a
vocalization. Until then I will remain a staunch member of the opposition
party who claim it to be wing racket.
    My honest view at this point is that it very likely has never been
studied. Except by Brewster back before science was invented. 1882, that's
well before Newton isn't it? Some kids would tell you it is.
    Jerry Tarbell, the skeptic
    Carroll County