Looking for Nightjars

[Suffolk-Chris]

I'm lucky enough to live near to an area of heathland where these birds are known to fly and it is one bird which I want to try to see or at least hear this year.

When is the best time of evening for these being active? Are they really flying just as the last vestiges of light are going or do they fly at dusk?

Need an idea in order to plan a trip out dragging not-very-birdy husband who I just know will just sit and keep looking at his watch every few minutes if we are sat in one place for any length of time......

Any other tips?

Thanks.

By the way, I seem to recall years ago Simon King (I think) trying to see nightjars and to attract them he was stomping along cleared forest droves waving a white hankie to mimic the males' display flights. Please don't ask me to do this as it would just confirm in my husband's eyes that I am barking mad and need a nice new coat with those long arms and secure straps.

[htcdude]

Originally Posted by Suffolk-Chris

When is the best time of evening for these being active? Are they really flying just as the last vestiges of light are going or do they fly at dusk?

I my experience yes!

I'm actually going this Wednesday to the same place I went last year, Chobham Common in Surrey.

It's not deal if it's too windy or raining, they much prefer a still warm night, and the appear just before the light goes out so it's usually silhouettes you get.

I'm not sure of places near you, are you far from the New Forest? This is an excellent place for them.

Nige

[job_rohns]

Hi,

I've done a few nightjar walks here in devon over the last couple of weeks, if you get up on the heath just after 9.30pm it won't be long until they're churring and flying around. With regard to attracting them, they usually come and investigate you regardless of whether you wave a hanky (I've heard a mobile phone screen works too). Generally if you're in a territory they'll fly around you.

And as htcdude said, try and make it a nice evening.

Alternatively you could go in the early hours of the morning....

[PeteIsntAPuffin]

A few years ago I had the absolute pleasure of meeting a Nightjar who was brought into the Wild Bird Hospital near my mate's house, after someone had found it injured on a path near some woodland

Absolutely beautiful bird - would LOVE to see one in the wild.

[Dorts]

Once seen, never forgotten, the Nightjar really is a most singular bird.
I was fortunate to have lived close to nesting birds for a number of years. They generally appear during the last vestiges of daylight, but do occasionally appear soon after sunset. When the hen bird is sitting he will fly from tree to tree over her, clapping his wings above his back as he goes. His flight at times is not unlike a piece of paper fluttering in a breeze. He perches on branches longways, I know of no other bird that does this. And his unique call is the most unusual of all, a constant churring note, only changing for a breath.

I'd say to anyone who has a chance of seeing and hearing this unique bird, take it, it is an experience not to be missed.
Dorts.

[beech]

I saw my first Nightjars in Sussex many years ago, once seen and heard never forgotten. Had a go this evening for some at a site that is now long abandoned but still appears suitable ......dipped ..... but hopefully one day

[Jonners]

As job_rohns suggests, if you go at about 9:30 on a decent evening you should get to see and hear them. I haven't been out to see them yet locally this year, but have done previously near West Stow and at Dunwich and it's a truly wonderful experience .

[John B (NTS)]

In the Forest of Dean they seem to start up earlier than I remember them from Thetford Forest. It tends to be a short show as having done their "just getting twilight" stuff they then shut-up until the wee small hours.

I agree that they will often come and inspect you whether you are waving hankies or not.

[Pete Collins]

I went to see them in Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk a few times - they always seemed to appear just as I was going to give up because it was too dark!

As Dorts and others say, it's an unforgettable wildlife experience.

[Suffolk-Chris]

Thanks for the info, Folks. Now just need a night with no rain and I'll be off out armed with my flask of tea.

I'll let you know if I have any success.