Trip Reports - 2007/2008
Nightjar Evening (4th July 2008)
It was a beautiful evening, still and clear. Such nights may be fine for Nightjars but the trouble with typical Nightjar territory is that it can be muggy – and such conditions only encourage the midges.
This time we were going to Knitsley Fell near Hamsterley Forest instead of the usual visit to Slaley, renowned for its midges. This had the advantage of being nearer and in County Durham but of course as a new site we could not be sure whether we would find Nightjars or not.
Before we left the University site a Long-tailed Tit did appear. En route a Heron took off just as we were crossing the Weir on the A68. Close to the parking area a Mistle Thrush was seen on the road. A Lapwing was also seen.
We had all assembled before 9 o'clock and first went to a nearby pond to see what may be there. Only a Tufted Duck in fact. As we walked back towards the cars, a Meadow Pipit flew over.
We then started to walk down a track towards the selected site, about a mile away, past a farm where Linnets and Swallows were flying around. Yellowhammer was also present. A hare ran across the fields.
As we walked on Grey Partridge flew over some trees and a Song Thrush was seen. Greylag Geese were heard and then some Black-headed Gulls, about 50, appeared. A Pheasant called.
A slight detour as we got on the wrong side of an unclimbable wall. The error corrected, we got onto the track that lead to our proposed destination. It was still light and clear but dusk was setting in.
The site was a cleared piece of previously wooded moorland surrounded by mature trees. It rose from the track before falling towards trees in the distance. Boggy and midgy, but nothing like as bad as Slaley. Some pipistrelle bats were flying around. Tawny Owls could be heard. A Woodcock was heard and seen by some but only briefly. A Buzzard flew over as darkness loomed.
But otherwise silent. No churring of any Nightjar. Were we going to be unlucky this time? Was Knitsley not going to be a success?
And then, as everyone was about to give up, there it was. A churring - but obviously on the wrong side of the rising ground. We moved back to see if we could get a better view, but the ridge stayed obstinately blocking a distance view. Then more churring was heard, quieter but behind us and from a different angle in front of us.
And then one appeared; a large bird so must have been a male, first in a tree then following the tree line on the far side of the ridge. A second was also seen here. Yes, a little distant but a very good view nonetheless.
Then a bird flew up almost directly on front of us. It had not been seen before and showed no white so must have been a female, probably leaving a nest. It was soon chased by a male; yet another new bird, its white wing and tail spots showing in flight.
Some silence but more churring was also heard. The light had almost gone now. We decided to leave, continuing on the track to make it a circular walk back to the cars. As we past through the trees, a roding Woodcock flew directly overhead.
With Magpie and Robin also seen, a total of 22 species was seen. But with Nightjar among them, and, at that, good views of this wonderful bird, the night was a success.
Richard Cowen
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