Brian Harris land manager for the Town of Wayland is going to be at Heard Farm on Saturday, August 27th, 2016 and Saturday, September 10, 2016 in the late afternoon and available for questions or information regarding the birds he has observed in particular the Common Nighthawk.
Common Nighthawk populations declined by almost 2 percent per year between 1966 and 2010, amounting to a cumulative decline of 59 percent, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Hard numbers are difficult to come by because the Common Nighthawk’s cryptic colors and nearly nocturnal habits make them difficult to count during standardized surveys. Partners in Flight estimates the global breeding population at 16 million, with 88 percent breeding in the U.S., 5 percent in Canada, and 4 percent in Mexico.
Common Nighthawks are most active from half an hour before sunset until an hour after sunset, and again starting an hour before sunrise. Usually solitary they form large flocks during migration. These migrating flocks are most conspicuous in early evening.
Last year during the August 27 survey 77 nighthawks were recorded many of which passed closely overhead. In total 49 species were observed with other highlights including two bald eagles, an American bittern, and six species of shorebirds.
Meet Saturday between 5:00 and 5:15pm in the Heard Farm Conservation Land parking lot located at the end of Heard Rd. There is an easy half mile walk to overlook where nighthawk walk takes place
Rain Date: Sunday August 28th and Sunday September 11th
