OP, right now the cardinals are out singing a lot -- they don't have the range of a mockingbird (which can mock anything), but since you specifically mentioned three tones, I thought that could be it.

Cardinals have a few distinctive calls and are common in the DC region. They sometimes start with a call that's three tones (almost sounds like "burrito! burrito!" to me!) Then, they do "cheer cheer cheer cheer" (descending notes). And a "whoit whoit whoit whoit" call that's very cool and almost outer-spacey sounding! They mix these up and really put on a nice show in the spring, and I think, are one of the most beautiful singers in the bird world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9LNexIoCW0&feature=related

The video has "cheer cheer cheer" at about 2:00 and not super-clear recording of a female singing "burrito burrito burrito" at 1:45.

There's also: http://www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=3 Which has a great clear "cheer cheer" part, and the cardinal's "alarm/alert" call (a little metallic "chip! chip!").

I meant Capitol Hill East....

OP here- I live in the East Capitol Hill neighborhood.

check out www.whatbird.com

Like the others have said, it could be a mockingbird. I also think it could be a cardinal--here's a link that seems very accurate to me.

http://www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=3

Sounds like a mockingbird.

Anonymous wrote:This is a really fun web site.

http://www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=4

As they mention in the description, mockingbird song is not always pretty -- they can imitate ugly noises, too. However, I've heard them sing beautiful tunes for the longest time. We seem to get them at dawn. I'm not a bird expert, but it seems most other birds sing the same tunes over and over.

I swear when we lived in Adams Morgan the mockingbirds would do car alarms sometimes.

Wish I could help but I would only blast birds out of trees with shotguns and then roast and eat them. I like to watch them, before shooting and eating them with a berry glaze. So sorry.

This is a really fun web site.

http://www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=4

As they mention in the description, mockingbird song is not always pretty -- they can imitate ugly noises, too. However, I've heard them sing beautiful tunes for the longest time. We seem to get them at dawn. I'm not a bird expert, but it seems most other birds sing the same tunes over and over.

Where are you located OP?

Where do you live, exactly? It matters.

Cornell U. has a good clearinghouse for bird calls. Assuming you live in the mid-Atlantic, I'd start with the mockingbird like PP suggests.

Hard to tell from the description, but it the tune changes, it could be mockingbird. They "mock" (imitate) other birds' tunes, and they sing beautifully.

Unfortunately I can't help you, but I too am interested in birds. One night last summer I was relaxing on the couch reading. The windows were open and all was quiet. It was quite late (around 10 pm). All of the sudden I heard the most enchanting birdsong. It wasn't annoying or squawkish at all. It was totally melodious and lasted a long time, with the "tune" changing every couple of minutes. It was totally fascinating! I've always wondered what kind of bird sings like that and no one seems to be able to help me.

I looked at Amazon for bird guides and they seem to have quite a few reputable ones. Good luck!

I can't. Sorry.

hello,

I have become quite obsessed with a bird that whistles/sings the most enchanting tunes on my street!! I hear it every day but can't see it. It will start with a melodious three tone tune and go on for more. I know this is not very helpful, nor descriptive but I thought it could be enough for a bird specialist to identify which bird I am talking about. Also, I am interesting in learning about birds in general. Can anyone recommend a good website or a book? I just checked the website for the Audubon society and will start there.

Thanks!