Can anyone identify this sound?

[harrygunner]

Curious about a sound I heard this week in a forest at about 6AM each morning. It sounded like someone was unsuccessfully trying to start a motorcycle or a motor boat engine a distance away.

I was camping at least twenty miles deep in a National Forest in central Idaho and I was definitely alone. Certainly no sounds of motorcycles coming or going.

The deep pounding kept repeating, long past the time a human would have given up if in fact, it was a motorcycle or motor boat engine.

The whole sequence lasted five seconds, starting with three louder "BOOM BOOM BOOM", followed by a half dozen or so "boom boom ..." As I wrote, like a distant motorcycle failing to start.

After getting home, I searched for animals that make sounds like that. No go. I could hear a stream in the distance, but it didn't sound like a beaver slapping its tail.

Beside "Bigfoot", anyone know of a bird or mammal that makes a sound like that?

 

[Malamute]

First thought was grouse drumming.

I just tried finding youtubes of it, the ones I watched were pathetic, they had horrible or nonexistent sound. In real life the grouse drumming is very deep and hollow sounding, almost like someone is drumming on a hollow log. The sound carries a long ways also.

 

[Scrambler]

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruffed_Grouse/sounds

Scroll down for grouse drumming sounds.

 

[Malamute]

May just be poor computer speakers and my hearing problems. Those recordings were slightly better than the ones on youtube, but still didn't seem much like hearing them in the mountains. Thanks for finding them.

 

[harrygunner]

First thought was grouse drumming.

I just tried finding youtubes of it, the ones I watched were pathetic, they had horrible or nonexistent sound. In real life the grouse drumming is very deep and hollow sounding, almost like someone is drumming on a hollow log. The sound carries a long ways also.

That's it!

Nature is so cool. I used my "hi-fi" headphones to listen. In real life, they're much louder and deeper.

Thanks both you and 'Scrambler'

 

[Malamute]

I agree, nature is pretty awesome and amazing. First time I heard a fox screaming it set me on edge until I discovered what it was. I was somewhat amused to notice fox screams in the background in night time outdoor scenes of the program Foyles War.

 

[MutinousDoug]

Flicker? They make a drumming sound on anything handy to establish territory and/or hunt for bugs. They are a very big woodpecker that will hunt on the ground if that's where the food is.

 

[andrewdl007]

That reminds me of the first night I was in Kruger Park and from our tent we heard what sounded like someone sawing wood. We mentioned it to the safari guide the next morning and he said, "Oh, that was the leopard who comes through camp."

 

[buck460XVR]

Next time you're in the woods and hear a grouse drumming, pound your fist to your chest in the same rhythm. If you're close enough, he may come and check you out, thinking you are challenging him or his control over his territory. Grouse drum for the same reason Turkeys gobble and Cardinals sing, and may respond similarly when challenged by another male.

 

[harrygunner]

Interesting idea. Amazing what some male animals have to do to attract mates.

We just have to say "Hi." while looking cool and unaffected.

I'm heading out again in a week or so to a different National Forest. There's a post about hunting alone here. I was happy to see I'm not the only one who likes occasional solitude.

My family worries when I'm out in forests alone, but I have plenty of safety gear and avoid unnecessary risks.

But, having the only sounds being the wind through the trees, birds and streams is, IMO, good for the soul.

 

[buck460XVR]

Interesting idea. Amazing what some male animals have to do to attract mates.

.

One reason I enjoy Spring Turkey season so much. I am blessed with a good hunting spot that not only offers me several chances at Gobbling Toms every year, but the opportunity to hear Grouse drumming, Pheasants cackling and a multitude of songbirds all doing what they do to attract a mate. Many times during that mid-morning lull when Tom's are silent because they are busy with hens, I'll imitate Cardinals, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Orioles and other songbirds to pass the time. This includes the pounding on my chest. Like with hen turkey calls, the secret is more in the rhythm, than having the exact tone quality. Like crow calls and owl hoots, none of this scares Turkeys since it is part of the sound of the woods. Sometimes when I can't identify a call, I'll imitate it(as well as I can) in attempt to get the caller close enough to get a good look at it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But, either way, to me, it adds to the experience and the hunt.

 

[harrygunner]

Certainly adds to the connection with nature. I'll have to practice.