Hi, I was at Fowlmere this evening hoping to see some activity at the barn owl nest box. They were peeking out but no more than that, and after a while I decided I needed to leave to walk round the trail and back to the car before it got completely dark. On the path back towards the car park, I heard something making a lot of noise. It sounded almost pig-like and was quite loud. I couldn't work out at all what it might be and hope someone might be able to tell me. Could it have been frogs or toads? A warthog?! Hippopotamus?! It would be great to know!
Thanks, Amanda
Hi Alan, thanks for the quick response. I've had a listen and can see what you mean about the water rail sounding a bit like a squealing pig. The noise I heard though was much deeper than that - more like the contented grunts that pigs make. Or possibly a bit like someone revving an old engine. It was definitely a living thing making the noise though!
Suspect I've posted in the wrong forum - apologies to the moderators!
Amanda
Hedgehog? they are really noisy
Cin J
Hedgehogs are noisy little beggars that often catch people out.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Oh yes, possibly! Thanks to you both :o)
I would say Water Rail. I was watching one at Minsmere two weeks ago washing and preening. It was groaning like a pig searching for truffles!!
I'm a regular visitor to Fowlmere, and know for a fact that in late October, you hear a lot of grunting from deer. It will certainly be this. The Water Rail suggestion is good for the squealing pig comparison, but the low grunting is definitely deer.
I should add that I've seen the stags doing the grunting.
Thanks Rich and mrm. Yes, deer makes sense. Lucky you to have seen them too. Thanks for replying.