Don't see it, but...

I am fascinated by the three or four flutelike notes I hear from high in the treetops. They are maybe a second or two apart, and the last one a little higher in pitch than the first few. Would love suggestions as to what bird might be making such lovely music. Ideas...? Thanx! Susan

Maybe Baltimore Oriole?

Resin

Just a wild guess, but maybe a Wood Thrush? I wouldn't expect to find them in treetops, but, it's worth a listen, anyway:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Thrush/id

Here's the Baltimore Oriole's page:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/baltimore_oriole/id

Resin and claypa, thanks for your input, but no luck. This call is only the three, sometimes four clear flutelike notes, no warbles. Heard it again this evening and stood still by the tall Maples waiting for it to repeat. No luck. Do you believe in phantoms...? S

Why not compare to Hermit Thrush?

It's not the secondary call of a robin is it? Here's a great site for checking calls. If it isn't a robin, I would start by listening to the Vireos (blue headed and red eyed), check out the veery and if no luck there, start listening to the migrants. this time of year, our flycatchers (listen to the Great Crested first then the smaller empids) are coming through and warblers should be just setting up territory (lots of different types of calls there).

http://naturebits.org/NoAmBirds/alphabetic.htm

What about a Titmouse or Chickadee? Many times they are heard from the treetops

Thank you all for your suggestions. I am still stumped, BUT, Resin, you may have hit the nail on the head. I saw a Baltimore Oriole in the back yard. Have not seen one for many years. My books indicate a busier tune, but am wondering if the few piped notes might be a prelude to their chatter. Put out a few orange sections as well as some melon. Will keep you informed.
jec6, will have to get help from my husband to open your site, it looks good, tho'.
crazy, we have Titmouses (mice?) and Chicadees all year, this sound is new.
Alta, I think the Hermit Thrush's call is more complicated...
Think I will contact the Parks department and see if they can shed some light on the situation. I'll let you know what turns up. Thanx again! S

I bet Baltimore Oriole...I always comment how I just love hearing their clear notes...when they are up in the tree.

Hi skeeler,
I recently discovered a great website of actual bird song recordings:

www.learnbirdsongs.com

The songs are long, some almost a minute long. Once you start the song it will play over and over until you click it off so you can close your eyes and just listen. Also, each song is accompanied by a wonderful photo of the bird. The site is designed to be free, but also to introduce you to books and recordings you can buy. There are about 34 free bird songs! They have different ways to access them, but I find the easiest is to just scroll down to the list of birds. Hope this helps you with your mystery song.

This message was edited Jun 3, 2009 10:22 PM

try Hooded Warbler took me years to figure it out since they are shy and stay in the woods. Now I live in the country and figured it out since it comes to the house