Date: 05/02/1999

Number: 1

I heard a high-pitched sound--almost like cedar waxwings--but louder. I went to investigate and discovered it was coming from ROBINS. 3-4 were stationed in various parts of the yard, and all were making the same sound. A moment later, a sharp-shinned hawk went screaming by, flying only about 10 feet high. The robins continued their high-pitched call for about a minute longer.

The first time I thought this must be very rare. But after the 2nd time I heard and saw the same thing (including the hawk), I've listened more carefully. At least 4 times yesterday I heard the robins, though didn't see the hawk.

I wonder: do they do this when they see the hawk (I certainly didn't until the last second), or do they hear neighboring robins' warning (when those robins see the hawk, but my robins can't)?

Wayzata, MN

Latitude: 45 Longitude: -93.5

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