Where are the Nightjars?

Whip-poor-wills and other members of the "nightjar" family have been in serious decline for several decades.  Now, a volunteer-supported research effort is being coordinated by the Center for Conservation Biology to try to develop a nationwide survey that will provide baseline information on nightjar populations. 

Volunteers are needed in 38 states (including Michigan) to spend a couple of hours doing a once-a-year survey along pre-determined routes.  The 9-mile-long routes have 10 stopping points, where volunteers will stop and listen for the calls of the birds.  In Michigan, the survey period is June 19 - July 4.  If you would like to adopt one of these survey routes, check out this website for more information:  http://www.ccb-wm.org/nightjars.htm

Photo: Common Nighthawk. Image from Wikimedia Commons.