so, any conclusions??

Don't know how I missed this --- The late Barker the Elder would behave this way if she needed my attention to something. (Once it was nestling birds getting restless in the wall.) There is something going on that she needs your "help" with. You may not hear it but she does. It could be carpenter ants or termites even. Also - rats can come up via toilets. (personal experience) And coyotes live in urban settings! Trickster is very adaptable.

Yes, I want to know what has happened, too!