Monday, July 30, 2012

Nighthawk Draught

This summer has been a hot one and in northern Illinois we are feeling it pretty strong in terms of drought. Our corn crop looks pretty pathetic but I still hold out hope that most of it will pull through.

Another drought I've experienced first hand this year is that of Common Nighthawks.

As in, I haven't seen a single one yet!

Last year during many summer evenings when I was at a baseball game or just walking around downtown Sycamore, I would often hear the tell-tale sound from the fascinating nighthawk.

"Peent!"

Not this year.

I wonder what the deal is. Has the drought effected their food supply? It has been less buggy by my account but I've seen plenty of other insectivores.

Am I not out enough in the evenings and have just missed them? Likely.

Common Nighthawk

Common Nighthawk - taken in 2007

Despite the lack of Common Nighthawks I did have the pleasure of hearing a Whip-poor-will while on a backpacking/camping trip with my nephew, marking bird #173 for the year.

Not too bad of a number considering I've been birding casually at best (although a winter trip to Florida helped!).

Some more information on the Common Nighthawk from Cornell's "All About Birds".

3 comments:

  1. If you are ever near Purdue University, swing on by and you are sure to hear and see them everywhere!

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  2. I have yet to see a Common Nighthawk. I'm curious if others have had fewer sightings. I hope you spot one sometime this summer. Fingers crossed!

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  3. I have seen very few Common Nighthawks this year compared to last. Not seeing them has made me wonder where they are.

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