Rbird

As an old CW type, I always interpret in Morse.

For the last week, one nearby bird (most likely a California quail) has been saying R all day every day. Slight variations in tone, always the same .-. rhythm over and over. I suppose he’s calling CQ to the nearest available broad, or just announcing his presence.

His call wouldn’t work in ham circles, because R by itself just means Received. R became Roger in phoneticized voice communication, and 10/4 in cop talk.

Today he called several astoundingly long Rs. About one minute for each letter. No human singer could maintain a note that long. Does that mean he found his mate, or is it just a signal of defeat and weariness?

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About ten years ago the quail troop was hanging around my place, and I enjoyed watching them. Later they changed their favorite spot, but they’re still in the neighborhood.

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Later stupid thought: If a California Quail was sending out a CQ aimed at other California Quails, he would be sending CQ CQ.