what bird?

[madboutcats]

the past few days ive been hearing a bird making very strange noises rather like a football rattle been shaken and im wondering what sort of bird it is, i was thinking woodpecker. can anyone help, thanks in advance.

[bobtheturkey]

i think the woodpeckers mating call sounds like that

[madboutcats]

bobtheturkey thank you, its the first time ive heard one in the area if thats the case and it is a woodpecker, area is dominated by mr and mrs woody and mates.

[madboutcats]

just been on rspb web site thanks to a link from yogasun and it is a woodpecker, i hope i spot him in the garden soon rather than just hearing him.

[bimbo123456]

Could it be a starling? They can mimic quite a few sounds.

[blimbyrne]

magpies make a call that sounds almost exactly like a football rattle

[madboutcats]

now youve got me thinking blimbyrne ive just been back on rspb web site and looked up magpie and listened to sound magpies make and it could be him and not woodpecker. id like it to be a woodpecker so heres hoping it pays my bird feeders a visit.

[KRUSTYMAN]

I'd be very surprised - judging by your description - if it was anything other than a Magpie.

[madboutcats]

i would loved it to have been a woodpecker but yes it does sound like its a magpie. next time im at my mums i will have to listen out for the mystery bird again. maybe it will even put in a show so i know for definate who he is.