Our persistence paid off. Here's the video of our discovery:
July 13, 2012
Nighthawk Down
On a ride in The Cedars about 10 days ago, we first saw this bird:
The nighthawk (about the size of a robin) flew up from the ground, but she didn't go very far.
A few days later, we saw her again. Steve scanned the area and found her "nest". The eggs are laid on bare rock and sand, but they're so well camouflaged that they're hard to find.
We returned daily, sometimes twice a day, hoping to see the hatchlings in the first 24 hours. After that, they are mobile and would probably hide in the junipers.
Our persistence paid off. Here's the video of our discovery:
And a close-up of the chick:
What a cute little fuzzball. His head is on the left. You can see his closed eye.
Our persistence paid off. Here's the video of our discovery:
Incredible and awesome. Thanks Janie and Steve for sharing these amazing pictures & video. Have a great week end.
ReplyDeleteWarm Regards Ram
Amazing camouflage and what a protective mother trying to draw attention away from her babes. Wonderful photos and video!!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing camouflage and what a protective mother trying to draw attention away from her babes. Wonderful photos and video!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is AWESOME, Janie--and Steve. I especially enjoyed the video... That Mama didn't like you all being too close to her new baby... So glad the chick hatched for you to see it... TOO CUTE... Makes me SO excited!!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Mama sure tried her best to keep you away from her baby. I'm glad you were able to see it. It sure is a fuzzy little thing.
ReplyDeleteAmazing discovery and video. The colors of the cute fuzzy chick are as good a camouflage as the egg.
ReplyDeleteHi Janie and Steve,
ReplyDeleteI'm here after a really long time, but things are still as beautiful and amazing here on your blog and in your lifestyle. As I said in the past, I'm jealous of you [in a good way]. Be blessed always, and keep seeing the real world most of the people are missing in their lives.
The bird, its eggs, the baby, all are so well camouflaged! Nature has always amazed me, and you too have, with your photos and video.
Best wishes for you.
- Bhavesh
"Impressive" that was the best way to describe her attempts to lure you away from her nest. Nature is wonderful isn't she?
ReplyDeleteThat is so amazing. I've never seen anything like it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a funny-looking baby, even for a baby bird! lol Nightjars are strange but lovely birds. I have seen a Whiporwill up close one time, resting on a fallen pine tree during the day. They have such big eyes.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how well they blend in with the rocks ... and how small they are. Good metric stick BTW.
ReplyDeleteSo cool! I'm so impressed that even the baby's fuzz is designed to blend in with the sand. How did you even see the nighthawk?
ReplyDeleteWonderful sighting! The parent does a great job getting your attention away from the young ones.
ReplyDeleteJust talking about you guys the other night, & I had to check in on you. This is awesome, we both enjoyed the viewing.
ReplyDeleteMy son just came off Mt. Rainier climb last week & is heading to Utah tomorrow.
Lucky duck.
Have a great weekend ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon
wow what an added bonus to your trip...thank you for sharing...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful video as also the pictures.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful surprise that was.
ReplyDeleteLoved the video, Steve. Wonderful post and pics, Janie.
Persistence and patience pay off. The mother tried her best to distract you. Your nighthawk looks a little like our nightjar, which also nests on the ground.
ReplyDeleteps: I've just discovered nighthawks and nightjars belong to the same family . . .
ReplyDeleteAmazing find and wonderful photos and video!
ReplyDeleteWow, incredibly good camo. And then it looks like the mother camo'd the baby with dirt after it was born. What an act to distract you. Nature is really wonderful and mysterious.
ReplyDeleteVery cool. Was surprised to see her nest on open ground. Here, they often nest on flat rocks above the river.
ReplyDeleteAstonishing! The baby is like a ball of lint. The Mama sure was trying to draw attention to herself and away from the chick. Great find!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness....how cool and sweet is that???
ReplyDeleteSo, why was she flopping around? To gather dust on her belly or to scare you away???
The fuzzball is so cute!
I am beyond impressed! What a thrill for you to have seen them in person, and what a treat for us to share in your good fortune Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. Now my goal next year is to find a nighthawk nest!
ReplyDelete- The Equestrian Vagabond
I have always had an interest in Marsh Peak. My mother and father were born and raised in Lapoint and Tridell respectively, straight south of the mountain. In fact, Marsh Peak has always been affectionately called Mt. Baldy by all those who live in the area. It has a commanding viewing from Roosevelt, Tridell, and Lapoint. I have wanted to hike up near the base of the mountain but there no trails or places to camp and it is treacherous on foot. The view, however is deceiving from the South. It makes one believe the mountain is as large as it may appear, meaning it is a very large dome type of a mountain. The area is quiet and remote and there is no place better to live or visit.
ReplyDelete