What might this strange noise might be?

[lustforlife]

I woke up around 20 minutes ago due to hearing a noise outside (sleeping with the window open). The only way I can describe it is like the sound of around 5 people clapping. The rhythm and timing etc would change. I woke up my DP and he could hear it too so I know I wasn't dreaming. He's now gone back to sleep and I'm laying here confused and awake I thought it may be something to do with birds? As there are lots around here and they are particularly noise from around 4am onwards

Could be a flock of birds passing by but it’s still dark and rainy here so no bird activity here. Maybe they were disturbed.
Could also be ghosts clapping for the NHS, mourning it’s imminent demise.

@Finfintytint it did kind of sound like birds' wings flapping, but it went on for at least 40 minutes and didn't get any quieter/louder. It's just started pouring it down now so I can't hear it anymore. Must be the ghostly NHS clappers after all then

A woodpecker maybe?

Geese or swans

That’s weird as I had the same last week! Haven’t heard it since. Also assumed a bird in the end.

Some kind of solstice ritual staying awake all night to welcome the dawn.

I have a feeling it was dripping water! Although it sounded very loud... the solstice ritual suggestion kind of creeps me out!

Geese!! Their wings make a strange noise.