July 17, 2012

Two Chicks!

The second nighthawk chick hatched a day after the first one. 
Chick the Younger is now 3 days old.  Mama seems to hover over them most of the time.  We thought the chicks would quickly become mobile and hide in the junipers, but with their amazing camouflage, they are able to hide in plain sight.
In this video, Mama does her injured act to lure us away.  When we follow her, she hisses at us like a snake in an attempt to frighten us.  Admiring her protective instincts, we left her to do her thing and take good care of the babies.

23 comments:

  1. Both of these chicks are true fuzz balls. I hope you'll be able to check up on them and keep us posted.

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  2. Isn't this just amazing??? Just makes me so excited... Loved the video... Mama is really hissing at you!!!!!!

    Those babies are cute fuzzy ones.... How special
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  3. You two always find the most interesting things! The videos were excellent!

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  4. What a beautiful sight those two little fuzzy chicks....

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  5. That's really cool to see! Cute chicks.

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  6. Great camouflage. I am surprised Mom hasn't moved them.

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  7. "Fragilité"
    Best regards from France,

    Pierre

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  8. Lovely bundles of fur and great act by the mama night jar. Thanks for sharing these wonderful images.

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  9. ... remarkable work! Amazing way of life... Congrats!

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  10. The chicks are naturally well camouflaged and Mama certainly has a terrifying hiss.
    Thanks for the update.

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  11. Great photo of the chicks and amazing camouflage. Loved the video, thanks Janie and Steve.

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  12. lol "terrifying"

    She must do the double broken wing act because nightjars have weak feet.

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  13. Two chicks with an awesome Mama!!!

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  14. The babies look so vulnerable...but I'm sure Mama knows how to care for them.

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  15. very cool!!! i've seen just-hatched killdeer who also lay on the ground and you wonder how they survive, but they do. The nightshawks have been around here the last several weeks, I've just never been lucky enough to find a nest!
    - The Equestrian Vagabond

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  16. Fascinating . I'm just catching up as it took a while to replace a defunct computer and Mayo has been busy clearly up a few medical issues for me...

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  17. Great vid! Thanks for the follow up Nighthawk post--really cool birds.

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  18. Wow!
    I found your blog by accident, stay on longer.
    Crazy pictures birds.

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  19. Hope all's well and your absence is from too much summer fun!

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  20. Simply gorgeous to look at this. Thanks for sharing

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