Nightjars

No pictures to decorate this post with I am afraid, but it was great to confirm the presence of Nightjar on patch last night.

We have had birds with us on the cleared areas of Morganhayes/Bovey Down from 2013 up until 2023 (a bit more information in my blog post HERE), but I couldn't find any in 2024.  Even in 2023 many of the areas previously suitable looked far too overgrown, which is what I think finally saw them off the following year.  Saying that though, the very cold spring may also have had an impact. 

Last night there were two separate churring males, both within Morganhayes, one at the west end and one at the east end.  The bird at the west end was in the clearest area remaining - which makes me wonder whether there was a bird or birds out here last year, maybe they just didn't show on the nights I went looking.

Whatever the case may be - it is really good to have them with us again/still.  Hopefully they will be doing well with all the recent sunny days and still nights.