Nightjar nocturne Years ago, I stood under a black-velvet Wyoming sky and a big silver moon, listening intently for the unmistakable sound of nightjars. A light wind stirred the leaves of a cottonwood tree. A chorus frog trilled briefly, and another responded. But otherwise, silence. And then, I heard it. A sweet, haunting
Thank you for another great read Sophie! Even as a child in Nebraska, I remember looking forward to hearing the nighthawks heralding summer with their deep-winged flights and peent calls. One of my most memorable nighthawk encounters was a few years back, camping at Toadstool Geological Park in Western Nebraska. The booming that night was particularly enthusiastic, as they swept earthbound and skyward above my camp site repeatedly. Magical! I felt as if I could reach out and touch them!
Such an incredibly fascinating family of birds! I used to hear whip-poor-wills in Vermont but haven’t heard one in forever. I remember my first encounter with Potoos in Central America…such cryptic coloration and amazing ability to camouflage themselves. Loved your article Soph!! Great writing as always and wonderful tips to help birds…and cool link to the nightjars.org website!
I don't remember ever hearing Whip-poor-wills in Vermont, and I didn't remember that they occurred so far north! I DO remember my first Potoo. Incredible! And I JUST learned that the International Ornithological Conference took them out of the nightjar order (Caprimulgiformes) in 2021 and reclassified them in a separate order (Nyctibiiformes), but their nocturnal habits and cryptic plumage remain! So glad you enjoyed the article and tips!
Thank you for another great read Sophie! Even as a child in Nebraska, I remember looking forward to hearing the nighthawks heralding summer with their deep-winged flights and peent calls. One of my most memorable nighthawk encounters was a few years back, camping at Toadstool Geological Park in Western Nebraska. The booming that night was particularly enthusiastic, as they swept earthbound and skyward above my camp site repeatedly. Magical! I felt as if I could reach out and touch them!
Love the sheriff story, too! Felt like being there with you.
Your manner of spelling out bird calls really helps me conjure them.
I'm glad! Spelling out their calls/songs has helped me learn and remember them over the years, too.
Such an incredibly fascinating family of birds! I used to hear whip-poor-wills in Vermont but haven’t heard one in forever. I remember my first encounter with Potoos in Central America…such cryptic coloration and amazing ability to camouflage themselves. Loved your article Soph!! Great writing as always and wonderful tips to help birds…and cool link to the nightjars.org website!
I don't remember ever hearing Whip-poor-wills in Vermont, and I didn't remember that they occurred so far north! I DO remember my first Potoo. Incredible! And I JUST learned that the International Ornithological Conference took them out of the nightjar order (Caprimulgiformes) in 2021 and reclassified them in a separate order (Nyctibiiformes), but their nocturnal habits and cryptic plumage remain! So glad you enjoyed the article and tips!