NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus
Scarce summer visitor
Most recent sightings:
2012 -
Locations and numbers were well down on last year, and it is likely birds summered at only two adjacent sites, where at least two were seen at both between 9th June and 11th July, and one was caught and ringed. Singles found elsewhere on 21st May and 4th June could have been transient. As in 2011, there was no indication of breeding.
2013 -
Deforestation of the sites at Stainburn Forest and Norwood Edge have provided new locations where at least three pairs have been watched late into the summer evenings. Although there was no evidence, it is reasonable to assume that breeding did take place at these locations. Another pair was identified during July at Rivock Plantation, where churring and display flights were witnessed.
2014 -
As in recent years, the areas where deforestation has taken place have provided excellent habitats for this species. The newly-cleared areas at Sandwith Moor, Norwood Edge, and Rivock Plantation have remained prime locations. At Sandwith Moor two pairs were active, with two birds seen in one location and a third was heard elsewhere. At Norwood Edge a male was heard in July and at the Rivock Plantation up to three birds were identified.
2015 -
The eight reports were from watchers who spent late evenings at Stainburn Forest and covered the period from 3rd June to 2nd July. The submitted information indicated that at least two, possibly three pairs were active. Males were heard churring and engaging in wing clapping, and females were seen hawking for insects, but there was no further information concerning breeding.
2016 -
Conditions at two sites in the Washburn - at Stainburn and Norwood Edge Plantations, where trees have been cleared and ground exposed - proved to be ideal for this species. At the first location between 30th May and 14th August, at least two pairs were regularly seen, and though breeding was not confirmed, the late sightings suggest that it may have taken place. At the second site, two birds were seen from the the middle of June until 8th August, with the same possible conclusions. On Barden Moor, a male was heard churring on 4th June and further down the valley at Bolton Abbey, on 21st August, a bird was seen resting on a garden wall in mid-afternoon.
2017
- Birds again established themselves at four places in the Washburn Valley, and up to four were seen at a new moorland site. At one of them, breeding was probable, but unproven.
2018
- Birds were again seen at three well-established sites in the Washburn Valley, and at a new one in Wharfedale. Up to five were seen on occasion, and it’s likely there were at least 13 birds in all. There was no direct evidence of successful breeding.