From SVBC member Helen LeVasseur.

Yesterday, as nightfall approached we heard the familiar call of our neighbor from the forest, the Gray-cowled Wood-rail.   This bird frequently calls while walking the perimeter of our cabin.  The call is very loud and although short-lived, less than 30 seconds, it has a cadence and frequency that denotes urgency.   This is evident and most dramatic at dawn, just before sunrise, as two voices echo beneath our windows, announcing the beginning of the day.  In effect, the Gray-cowled Wood-rail is our alarm clock.

I am very fond of these neighbors. Do any of you use the same alarm clock?