nighthawks are back

Every year in the warm weather I hear the marvelous sound of nighthawks flying around at night, catching insects. I almost never see them, but they have a very distinctive sound. Taking a picture of them is entirely impossible with my equipment and talent, but it is reassuring that they are back for another summer.

Susan in Minneapolis

Fascinating. Can you describe the sound, Susan?

You can hear it from the bird's mouth at:
http://www.birdnote.org/birdnote.cfm?id=198

and at:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Nighthawk.html#sound

It is a repetitive call described as a nasal "peent." As a child, I didn't know it was a bird sound, because it is quite different than most birds.

Susan

Wow, SMK - the first link is from Seattle Audobon so I'm guessing we must have them as well (I grew up in Seattle, live a bit northwest of it now). I need to start paying better attention in the evening!

Thanks for that info.

Thanks, Resin - I will definitely do that!

Thanks for the link. Looks like we don't get them here at all. That's what I love about Dave's - you get to hear about everything.