Robin-sized, mottled gray, sitting on the dirt road 50 feet from the entry gate to Sagehen Creek Field Station at 9:30 PM. It flew straight up and fluttered down to the road again about 15 feet away. Its large eyes shone orange in my car headlights.
My best guess from the size, coler and markings: Common Poorwill, Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Comments & Identifications
Nice one Reenie!
We have seen these birds in this location for years, though they seem to be less common as traffic increases on the road with increased station use. Not sure what they are doing there--seems a strange place to hang out?
Definitely sounds like a poorwill, though apparently there are Nighthawks in the area too. Do you know how to tell the two apart when they're at rest? I don't think I've seen a Nighthawk in CA yet.
I have actually seen quite a few nighthawks - they swoop Glenshire pond at dusk and they have no sense of personal space - they've glided between me and my Berners, almost touching my cheek - talk about startling!
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