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From: edm@verdix.com (Ed Matthews)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Smoke Alarm Bird
Message-ID: <1991Apr24.153148.5474@verdix.com>
Date: 24 Apr 91 15:31:48 GMT
References: <1991Apr24.013112.23290@mailer.cc.fsu.edu>
Distribution: na
Organization: Verdix Corp.
Lines: 28

In article <1991Apr24.013112.23290@mailer.cc.fsu.edu> svihla@evax6.eng.fsu.edu writes:
>
> I was leaving work about three in the morning last week when I flushed
>a bird in a tree next to the sidewalk.  It took off emitting a high pitched
>squeaking that sounded about like my smoke alarm does when it goes off.
>I thought at first it might have been a bat, but subsequent
>nocturnal encounters proved that it was indeed a bird.  I usually see them
>around sunset - they hop along the ground in a field next to the
>building, emitting single high pitched notes frequently.  They seem to
>have a gray or dark cap with a thin white circle at the base.  The face is
>white, the bill is dark, then it gets complicated. The throat is barred -white,
> then black, then white, then black.  The markings are striking. The 
>belly is a creamy white, the wings are grey or some other darker color.
>They spend a lot of time on the ground and I've seen them several times
>hopping around the lighted building after midnight.  They're about the size 
>of a large sparrow, I guess.  I don't think they're house sparrows although
>it's possible.  Any other candidates?

From the location (ground), screaming voice, and two black bars, I'd guess
you're seeing killdeers, a common and noisy plover (sandpiper like bird). 
Check a field guide to confirm.


-- 

Ed Matthews                                                edm@verdix.com
Verdix Corporation Headquarters                            (703) 378-7600
Chantilly, Virginia