new to area, but was woken by a strange birdsong

[k and c]

Opened my windows in the bedroom last night-lovely air- but was woken
this morning (5:45 AM) by what sounded like a bike bell (those of you
over 50 might remember how that sounds), but no bicyclists and it kept
on for about half an hour, apparently around my yard. I'm very new to
birding and the area- any idea what bird could have been making this
sound?

[Sue Burnham]

Publically willling to offer up Red Wing Black Birds as likely
suspects, but I would never discount Grey Catbirds. or a wood thrush.

I seem to have a surfeit of Grey Catbirds ATM and waking up to their
mimicry is always disconcerting. I really have to focus on where the
sound comes from and whether or not I believe it is one bird, one location.

Catbirds are not the only mimic birds passing through, there are
Northern Mockingbirds and Brown Thrashers., both of whom are adept at
repeating what they hear.

When I know I have Gray Catbirds and other mimids in residence by visual
ID, I should know I need to retreat from sound bites.

Case in point.. Yesterday I was convinced that I had something brand new
never heard before and it was in the overgrown hydrangea. I peered
through windows, I grabbed binoculars, I needed TO KNOW what was
calling so close to the house. Another **&$%%& Grey Catbird. Big
Whoop. Fooled me once again. Learning how to learn is not easy.

Sue

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[Bill Sheehan]

I would guess Sue is correct.  Red-wings do have a bike bell call.

Another possibility might be Blue Jay,  They too, can do a two syllable call that can sound a bit like a bike bell at times.   

To me it sounds reminiscent of the opening couplets of Aerosmith's  "Dude Looks Like a Lady"....  YouTube it if you don't know the tune!

Cheers

B

--
Bill Sheehan
Woodland, Aroostook Co., Maine
http://northernmainebirds.blogspot.com/