WC #354 - Lesser Nighthawk

Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis)

Place: Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date: July 12, 2005
Equipment: Nikon D70, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC14E (1.4x), tripod, SB-800 flash
Exposure: ISO 200, 1/60th @ f/16, Aperture priority matrix metered @ -.7, fill flash
Full frame

I was alerted to a nesting bird along a trail in a local park and was lucky enough to find it in the same spot the following day – a difficult task because these are among the most cryptic plumaged birds around and sit quietly and motionless.

Once I found it, I was able to sit about 10 feet away for the next hour while we both enjoyed the 90+ degrees of direct Arizona sun (and I also enjoyed the cactus spines I was sitting on). The nighthawk was completely indifferent to my presence, occasionally making minor adjustments as the two chicks beneath shifted about. When the sun got too hot the adult stood up and walked about 12 inches to find shade under a shrub, leaving the two chicks exposed. The chicks didn't take long to follow the adult and climb back under the protective feathers. It was one of the most satisfying hours I've spent in spite of the sun, heat, and cactus spines!

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.