Farmland nightjars

[vinnychameleon]

Hi guys. I heard what I am almost certain was a nightjar around my house in July. I live in a valley and have around 80-100 acres of open fields with a good population of insects and scattered woodland. I know Devon has a very good population of Nightjars and I live only a few miles from a site they are known to nest at. I was just wondering whether it was at all possible they could nest in the valley.
Cheers
VC.

[Gill Catton]

NIghtjars like to nest in low growing relatively unmanaged habitat next to woodland so woodlabnd glades, hethland next too woodland that kind of thing so if you have such habitat near you and a reserve with a known population nearby it's a possibility. Although this species is still a rare breeding species in this country I think there's been a small increase recently which increases your chances still further. However, nothing is impossible I had a nightjar stop by for a churr one night in my neighbours (large)garden presumably on his way to a far more suitable site!!

[John]

Hi Vinny

Gill is correct in what she says. Nightjars do seem to have a slight expansion at the moment and I know a few sites in Devon (Haldon Hill, Aylesbeare) that hold a good number between them. If they are in your vicinity, and the habitat is right for them, then there is every chance that what you heard was a Nightjar.

Having said that the Nightjar call is very distinctive and there is nothing else in Britain with a sound like it so there is no confusion species call wise.

BTW I saw a lone Nightjar 10,000 feet up on a bare mountain track in September in Turkey.

John

[aeshna5]

In early summer last year, I had this incredulous experience of a Nightjar that adopted a suburban road in Teddington,London for some weeks. The locals had wondered what the strange sound was that they were hearing each night- some strange insect?

There perching on rooftops + in the street Lime Trees was this Nightjar swooping over cars + amazingly flying low over the train as it pulled in the station, presumably to pick off insects in the slipstream. Seeing flying Stag Beetles was a bonus.

I've seen Nightjars many times, but never for as long or as well as this dysfunctional individual. It certainly became a celebrity as it churred + flew in that distinctive manner. I've seen Lesser Nighthawks in suburban setttings in US, but never a Nightjar!

After the tragic Bottle-nosed Whale in Thames it was probably the strangest wildlife sighting in London last year.

[vinnychameleon]

Thanks for the replies. Aeshna that Nightjar in the suburbs certainly was a strange sight. Oh and guys when do they return to the UK and whats the best way to spot them.
Cheers
VC.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by vinnychameleon

Thanks for the replies. Aeshna that Nightjar in the suburbs certainly was a strange sight. Oh and guys when do they return to the UK and whats the best way to spot them.
Cheers
VC.

They're quite late returning, usually mid-May. Go to suitable heathland/ recent clearfell site + listen for them. Local RSPB groups often have an evening meeting to a known local site in summer if you want more help. If you're lucky you might get roding Woodcock too. Just remember the insect repellent- in my experience there can be some nasty biting midges (good Nightjar grub!) at some sites.

[GuyF]

If you want to see nightjars then you could go to somewhere you know they live on a clear night. Set up somewhere where you have an unblocked view and then wait. First you will probably hear them churring but then you will see them flying around, they're much larger than bats so they're fairly distinctive. I heard somewhere that if you have and white tea towel or cloth in your hands and clap your hands together they will be attracted to it and come and have a look, however when I tried it they showed no interest so I'm not sure if it really works. They should probably start arriving in May, I saw them in June. It's quite an amazing experience watching them.
Guy

[John]

Originally Posted by vinnychameleon

Thanks for the replies. Aeshna that Nightjar in the suburbs certainly was a strange sight. Oh and guys when do they return to the UK and whats the best way to spot them.
Cheers
VC.

Hi Vinny

I gave you a couple of places in Devon in an earlier reply.

One of the best places is Bullers Hill, near the Haldon Hill raptor viewpoint. Here is a link to where that is.
Streetmap.co.uk- search results
Once they have arrived you need to get there about 45 minutes before it gets dark and then just listen for their calls. You have to hope that they show before it gets dark. You may have to go a few times or if you are lucky you will get them first time.

John

[Wild-Woman]

In the February copy of the RSPB's mag Birds, there is an article about The Lodge, Sandy describing how habitat for the nightjar is being restored there. I've seen the work going on and it makes sense. Eventually,the restored heath and heather should be just right for the nightjar's return.