At this time of year, a light ‘pish’ near dense tangles in damp woods could encourage the sharp, “smacking” chip note of a Fox Sparrow.This particular sound is similar to the sound a person makes when they suck-n-release their tongue from the roof of their mouth (such as when one responds to disappointing news, etc). Fox Sparrows are very sensitive to even to softest of pishing sounds so it’s a great way to tally skulkers along a trail network. As always, judicious use of pishing is recommended in order to keep from stressing birds overly so 🙂

Audio clip of alarm call: http://www.xeno-canto.org/157764

Photo: Fox Sparrow. Maple Hill Park, Ottawa, Ontario. April 2016.