Night Bird

[furtech]

While on a late walk this evening, we came across this bird sitting in the road. When we got close, it would flutter around, then land again in the road. Kept returning to this spot, though.

I managed to get this close-up pic of the bird on our return route.

Can anyone ID it? Roz? Tracy? I recognize it, but can't remember the name... "nightjar"?

Is that behavior normal?

Comments

[bladespark.livejournal.com]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Nighthawk :) Part of the nightjar family. The behavior could be for various reasons, but it probably has a nest near there, which it's trying to lead you away from, while not getting too far to keep an eye on it.

[auryanne.livejournal.com]

He looks very ANGRY.

[tcreynolds]

Maybe it is a POORWHILL! =D =D

[hbruton.livejournal.com]

Looks like a juvenile nighthawk*certainly a goat sucker of some sort). So cool. He's probably recently fledged and just getting used to flying. Not sure why he's sitting on the road, pretty dangerous place. Hope he survivies and thrives. Love those guys!

[martes.livejournal.com]

It is a poorwill.

You describe typical feeding behavior for them-- they'll sit on the ground and then flutter after a moth or beetle as they see them, then return to the same spot. I am very surprized you managed to get so close, though! That's an excellent photo.

[okojosan.livejournal.com]

Cute!

[karisu-sama.livejournal.com]

Great photo of cute bird, anyway!

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

I love those rich and detailed feathermarkings!

[ruggels.livejournal.com]

Good Photo!

[zillabean.livejournal.com]

Oh Lord it's adorable. I love those things.