Earlier today, I was in the wooded area at school with my class. We're
getting some practice making nature observations in the field. One of those
fourth grade science skills which also makes a good excuse to go outside.

Not to far away on the edge of the woods (a clearing due to a new
subdivision going in) I heard the familiar "whit" of a Swainson's Thrush. It
was repeating it fairly regularly. I couldn't resist and started whitting
back. We got into a pretty good exchange and it came closer and closer.
Finally I spotted it as it darted across the trail nearby. My students
(well, some anyway) were interested in this whole exchange. We watched it
for a while as it tried to figure out where the other thrush was (or so I
think, anyway).

I'm wondering if this deception on my part caused any undue stress to the
bird. I know pishing can do this, but am unsure if imitating a call has the
same effect. Isn't the idea that pishing mimics a distress call? "Whit"
isn't a distress call is it?

Michael B. Brown "You don't have to apologise for
13406 125th Av. Ct. E. not knowing the names of the birds
Puyallup, WA 98374 and the stones." -Frank Moorhouse
H-206-841-4281
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borealis at borealis.seanet.com