From time to time, we hear sounds that sound like they are made by human devices.  For example, several years ago a mockingbird learned to imitate the ring call of my flip phone. When you hear such noises, it seems impossible that birds can make them.

       For example, I recently received a text from a friend that asked what bird makes the sound of a squeaky fan belt.  My first impression was it might have been uttered by a mockingbird.  When I told her this, she wrote back and said she did not think so.

       This prompted me to do a little research on the odd sounds made by blue jays.  To make a long story short, I discovered that blue jays often make sounds that mimic a variety of devices such as rusty pump handles, and gates, as well as squeaky fan belts.  I am now convinced that the sound my friend heard was probably vocalized by a blue jay.

       Whenever we hear unusual sounds such as these, we can never be sure what makes them unless we actually see the bird calling. Since she never saw the bird, it may have actually been produced by a vehicle with a squeaky fan belt.    

       My friend told me she is going to try to get to the bottom of this mystery.  I cannot wait to hear what she learns. In the meantime, I know it is a sound she will never forget.