What’s That Raucous Noise?

“Screeching birds identified”

Residents of Mallard Cove, Islandia and Cypress Cove have been hearing loud, screeching noises for the past 2-3 weeks.  I’m happy to report that the source of the screeching has been identified! Those sounds, occurring throughout the days, but especially at night, are from 3 or 4 raucous Limpkins in the area.  The Limpkin has a unique call that sounds like kwr-r-ee-ous, kurr-r-ee-ous, kr-ous, kr-ous.  They walk with a limping gait (hence its name) and when in flight, they appear to be dragging one leg as if it's broken.

As shown in the attached picture, a pair appears to be building a nest in a pine tree above the waterway in my backyard.
(Submitted by Ed Kufeldt)