At least Nighthawks have crypsis on their side.
Awhile back, Pacific Rim Conservation posted this story about the disturbing death of albatrosses. I would like to think that this could never happen again, but sadly, I have seen vandalism of rooftop nighthawk nest sites. Now that we are nearing July 4th, I feel it’s important to explain that it is damaging to throw fireworks at rooftop nighthawk nests. Sometimes people harass wildlife because they are bored and think they can get away with it. I want to share the wonder of bird nests, and events like these induce me to keep these nests cryptic. But, instead I keep writing about nighthawks. They deserve it.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how how children interact with nature, free of the scientific method, with no concern about anthropomorphism, just pure exploration. Observational studies sometimes get a bad rap, but for most of us, that’s how we started. Darwin’s children certainly understood this perspective.
Here in the Midwest we often hear the term “flyover states” to describe our region. Perhaps some folks find our region not worth a visit, but for many birds who are migrating, a stop here may be crucial.
See here on Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s web site in real time how crucial.
Now that I’ve eschewed birding lists in my previous post, I’d like to publish this excellent chart for those who’d like to improve their ID skills. Sparrows are particularly vexing, and surely this chart must help. Perhaps a handy chart for small shorebirds is next?