Nightjars in the New Forest

Saturday 12 July

Burton Common at 9pm with the Nightjars to approach from the extreme left

Collecting friend Richard Osman at 7.10 pm we arrived in the designated car park at Burton Common, just north of Christchurch but still in Hampshire, an hour later. Still clear blue skies and the a low, bright sun as our group of seven HOS members led by Bob Groves made our way along the dark track to the open common.  Woodpigeons noted on the way along with Chiffchaff then a stop to follow the Siskin before it finally departed for good. So onto the open common near the trig point where w scanned the area in search of n early Nightjar or even a passing Woodcock. We thought we had one, then a second but all agreed was not to be; it was a large bat, possibly a Noctule bat. Whilst we waited a lone Herring Gull flew over.

Time for a clockwise walk round the main track during which we noted the scores of roosting Carrion Crows on the distant wires then the first of a number of Linnets.  A Stonechat presented itself on the heather off to our left and as we were almost back to the trig point, passing by a row of trees on our left, first a Robin then a Blackbird crossed the track in front of us.

Almost dark at 9.30 and the Nightjars churring 

By 9.30 pm and the sun set but still some light, the churring away to our left above the trees of the Nightjars.  Another fifteen minutes and the light now just about completely gone and the first Nightjar was suddenly passing low in front of us and within ten metres.  Soon a second and a third, all giving good, close sightings; task accomplished!  Fifteen minutes watching these large birds the, making our way back to our cars a slight diversion to check on a favoured Tawny Owl resting tree but nothing to be seen - other than at least another three close Nightjar sightings!

Dark and fast, the first Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus

A great evening in good company and the blurred photos give some idea of both the lack of light and the speed and jerky flight of these lovely birds.

Just  blur as you try to focus!!!

Birds seen:

Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Nightjar, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Carrion Crow, Siskin, Linnet.

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