Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, August 26, 27, 28, 29, COUNTING COMMON NIGHTHAWKS (Albany County; evenings)

Coordinators: Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner scottjstoner@aol.com

Note: We will be watching over four consecutive nights this year to expand coverage during the peak migration season.

The Common Nighthawk is perhaps best referred to as the "Uncommon Nighthawk" as this dusk- and dawn-feeding aerial insectivore sadly is in decline. Although it breedsthroughout much of North America, it is no longer observed during the summer in many urban and suburban areas. A long-distance migrant, Common Nighthawks travel in large flocks, on one of the longest migration routes of any North American bird. Most travel over land through Mexico and Central America to reach their wintering grounds in southern South America. Although numbers on individual nights are unpredictable, the bulk of southbound migration occurs from mid-August until early September. Once again, HMBCwill be viewing and counting any nighthawks that pass overhead.

Meet at the parking lot at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, located at 195 New Karner Rd. (Rt. 155) in Albany. Bring a chair and binoculars. We will begin each night at 6:00 p.m. and count until at least 7:30 PM.