Last week we were out with our trainees and while setting up for Nightjars in our usual place, it transpired that they also knew a place on the same side of the common. Their place seemed very promising as they had seen Nightjar and Woodcock quite recently. They had also identified a narrow point between a stand of trees and some smaller trees next to it where Nightjars regularly passed close by, flying just above at head height. How could we not give it a try!
When we got there, we found that not only could we set along the path, but it was also the exact site where the group sometimes rings in the late autumn and winter, so well known to us.
We set two doubles and settled down to wait amongst the voracious midges. Several Nightjars were heard and seen. There was also a fly by Woodcock, but that was not attracted to our audio-lure.
We packed up at about 10.45pm having processed two male Nightjars. We were pleased with our captures, especially as the conditions were less favourable than our last session. Less sunshine, lower temperatures and much cloud - added to that, still no juveniles from our five captures thus far.
When we got there, we found that not only could we set along the path, but it was also the exact site where the group sometimes rings in the late autumn and winter, so well known to us.
We set two doubles and settled down to wait amongst the voracious midges. Several Nightjars were heard and seen. There was also a fly by Woodcock, but that was not attracted to our audio-lure.
We packed up at about 10.45pm having processed two male Nightjars. We were pleased with our captures, especially as the conditions were less favourable than our last session. Less sunshine, lower temperatures and much cloud - added to that, still no juveniles from our five captures thus far.
5M Nightjar (below)
4M Nightjar
Our only other capture was a Brown Long-eared Bat.
Total:2
Nightjar - 2