This is a belated report from Roy Van Vleck of 5 Common Nighthawks 
observed in flight over downtown Hanover between 8-:30 pm on June 14, in 
the vicinity of the Nugget Theater.  They were apparently foraging and 
vocalizing.  As many know, this species has all but disappeared as a 
breeder from NH and VT over the past decade-plus, for reasons that 
aren't entirely clear but may have to do with loss of suitable rooftop 
substrate (switch from gravel to membranes and other materials) on many 
urban buildings.  The 2003-2007 Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas failed to 
confirm breeding by nighthawks anywhere in the state and had only two 
instances of probable breeding (7 confirmations and 8 probables in the 
first Atlas 25 years earlier).  Hanover had nesting nighthawks for many 
years, but I don't believe the species has been present in the past 
15-20 years (does anyone know the last year of confirmed, or even 
suspected, breeding?)

While the June 14 birds might have been late migrants headed to northern 
breeding grounds in Canada, Roy's exciting report bears follow-up.  
Spencer and Doug Hardy and I listened and watched from 9-9:10 pm on 
Friday night, but encountered no nighthawks.  Anyone is urged to pay 
careful attention when in this area anytime during the hour or so after 
sunset in the weeks ahead.  Two or three summers ago, rooftop nest 
patches were installed on several downtown roofs, as well as (I believe) 
on Baker Library, in the hope that nighthawks might reoccupy the area 
and attempt nesting again.

For anyone not familiar with the "peenting" and "booming" sounds 
breeding nighthawks make, check out Cornell's All About Birds site 
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Nighthawk/sounds.

Please report any observations to Lou-Anne Conroy at 
<[log in to unmask]>, and let the rest of us know on this listserve.

Thanks,
Chris

-- 
Chris Rimmer
Vermont Center for Ecostudies
P.O. Box 420
Norwich, VT 05055
802-649-1431 ext. 1
http://www.vtecostudies.org

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