As part of my study of Common Nighthawk migration over the past
several years I have been checking a nocturnal feeding area at Tyson's
Corner, Fairfax Co.,VA. Here lights shine skyward over a couple of
buildings which attracts insects and nighthawks. I check the area
regularly
and some of my results are summarized below: the year, high count for the
year and the last date I found them. Looking at this data it seems that we
are past the time for the highest count of the year for 2008. So far this
year my high count has been 35 on August 27. Last night (9-03) I had 20
birds. Even though we may be past the peak there should be decent number
there for the next week or so.
Year High Date Last Seen
2000 150 8-21 10-04
2001 60-70 8-23 10-05
2002 93 8-30 10-13
2003 50-60 8-25 10-13
2004* 45 9-09 10-04
2005 60 8-22 9-27
2006 70 8-21&27 10-18
2007 45-50 8-29 10-03
* Lights were out during construction and I didn't realize until September
that they were feeding over nearby buildings.
Paul Woodward
Fairfax City, VA
grackling@xxxxxxx
