The Elusive Nightjar: A Thrilling Encounter in the Wild
A country diary entry captures the experience of waiting for and finally spotting a nightjar, a crepuscular ground-nesting migrant that has prospered in recent years due to the clearance of conifers.
The setting sun casts a warm glow over the hills opposite, but as the light fades, the world is drained of colour and sound, leaving only a monochrome landscape. Despite the challenges of spotting them, nightjars have been thriving in this area, thanks to the clearance of conifers, which has created a mix of old Scots pine and open space perfectly suited to their needs.
## The Unseen Bird
Nightjars are often heard before they are seen, and their vocalisation is a key part of their appeal. The sound they make is called "churring," a continuous, unfurling throat song that is both soothing and haunting. It's a sound that feels subterranean, yet flows weightlessly like mist. As the bird moves, its song shifts key, but its location remains elusive, making it all the more maddening to try and pinpoint.
## The Thrill of Spotting a Nightjar
When a nightjar is finally spotted, the thrill is intense. The bird's silhouette is striking, with an extraordinary length of tail and body, and slender wings that yaw in slow motion as it hangs or weaves through the trees. The male's outermost flight and tail feathers have intense white terminal spots, which shine like luminous dots in the darkness. It's a truly magical sight, and one that leaves a lasting impression.
## A Moment of Connection with Nature
As the night air vibrates with the impact of a pair of nightjars bringing their wings together high overhead, it's a moment of pure magic. The sound is like a loud, clear clap, and it's a reminder of the elemental power and exquisite control that these birds possess. In that moment, it's clear that nightjars are a precious and ancient part of our natural world, and one that we should strive to protect and preserve.
| Feature | Nightjar | | --- | --- | | Habitat | Mix of old Scots pine and open space | | Vocalisation | Churring (continuous, unfurling throat song) | | Call | Monosyllabic "gwic" call | | Feathers | Male's outermost flight and tail feathers have intense white terminal spots |
