What animal makes a ratchet sound?
 

For the past few weeks, we are hearing an unidentified animal sound-off for hours each night. The sound is like one of those new-years-eve twirly ratchet noisemakers. It lasts for a second or two then repeats at random but least once a minute. Some that I've asked think it is a fishercat, but it sounds more like a frog to me. Definitely not bullfrog sounding though. Has anyone else heard it? Any guesses?

Just a guess on my part. When I realized the "bird" that was squawking all day and night was a chipmunk I was surprised....is this the sound???

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zcNzyKiZIKQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcNzyKiZIKQ&sns=em

How about these frog sounds
 

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kA5wgm8cW2U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Re: Woodcock?
 

Might be a woodcock. They fly at night and have a raspy call. My guess, however, is that it is probably frogs. Each has its own special serenade and can be heard all night long in wetlands and ponds. Enjoyed the frog sounds posted by Rusty.

It's nesting season...
 

If the sound is a loud "throaty-ratchet" sound and coming from a tree adjoining an open area, it could be a Common Raven. My guess is, they're calling out to other Ravens while scoping-out a nesting area of smaller birds.

ETA:

Oops... :o ...the Common Raven would be a daytime call.

The great American grease monkey. :D

Still a mystery
 

Great suggestions! The frog sounds in that clip weren't it, but here is another web site of frog sounds and maybe I'll find it there. I'm thinking the "Cascades Frog" is close. The woodcock and raven sounds are on the right path, but not it either. I'll try to capture the sound on my camera and post it.

Could it be a cicada?
 

This is their year.

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mah26og11ms?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...ail&FORM=VIRE1

Here's the sound
 

Excuse the wind sound, but you can hear the "frog?" twice in this short (11 seconds) clip, at about 4 and 7 seconds. I'm about 70% sure it is a frog at this point, but would like to nail-down the species.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NqtHuUuX64

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_NqtHuUuX64?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Darn! You beat me, I was going to use that line! LOL

How about a Tree Frog?
 

We had them every Sprimng in a small swamp down the street from us in Barrington.

<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8fWjKQaPc0c?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fWjKQaPc0c

Thanks Steve, that was my A stuff, tough crowd though.....

Retchety Red Squirrels
 

Red squirrels make a ratchet-like call very often. I would guess that wherever you are hearing the sound, you will also see some red squirrels in the area.

Ruffed Grouse
 

How about a Ruffed Grouse drumming?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfiI...yer_detailpage

I also think it is squirrels.

The sounds were reported to be at night. This summer I heard raccoon chatter in the night, it is a little weird.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZNpSra5icw

Eastern Screech Owls make a weird clacking or ratcheting sound as well..
I have had them in my back yard before and have heard the sound you describe.

I could only find this one video of it but maybe this is close?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4hiYqWEnZA#t=30

On this link scroll way down to the Eastern Screech owl sounds and hit the second play button..(Eastern Screech-Owl Screech Call and Chuckle Rattle)

http://www.squidoo.com/eastern-screech-owl#

Red squirrels
 

http://www.minutemanpest.com/pest-co...-wildlife.html

This link lists the red squirrel call as "ratchet-like."

It is odd though that you hear them at night. I hear them at night too, but it isn't an every day occurrence...unless they are seeing something that makes them nervous every night, like an owl, cat, or other creature they consider a threat.