Shining a light on Common Nighthawk conservation

The ground-nesting Common Nighthawk is one of North America’s most widely distributed bird species and yet it remains one of the least understood, thanks in part to its nocturnal habits.

Range map:https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Nighthawk/maps-range

Unfortunately, the Common Nighthawk is also declining across much of its range, with many causes potentially available for the decline of this long-distance migrant. We’ll discuss how emerging research from across the annual cycle, including the Canadian Nightjar Survey community science program, provides first steps towards the conservation of this enigmatic species.

Our presenter, Dr. Elly Knight, is a postdoctoral fellow with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. Elly has been studying Common Nighthawks across the continent for over a decade, including for her PhD and as former Program Manager of the Canadian Nightjar Survey.

This presentation will be aired via Zoom Video Conferencing. On the Monday preceding the event, Nature Vancouver members will receive the Zoom link in the weekly e-News. To join the talk on Thursday, click on that link after 7:15 pm. The talk will begin at 7:30 pm. Non-members are welcome and should Email denis@naturevancouver.ca well in advance to register for the link.