Lesser Nighthawk ©Zane Pickus
Nighthawks are a family of cryptically colored, primarily nocturnal bird species that are a favorite of many birders. Cache Creek is the summer home of the Lesser Nighthawk, which winters in Central and South America before returning to California’s Central Valley to breed. Lesser Nighthawks primarily feed on insects under the cover of darkness, but in the spring they routinely engage in dusk courtship rituals. Capay Open Space Park is the perfect place to observe nighthawks as they chase each other in acrobatic flights and sing their eerie trilled songs.
You can learn more about Lesser Nighthawks and listen to their song here:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser_Nighthawk/overview
Join Zane Pickus and Frank Fabbro in a dusk birding trip to Capay Open Space Park. While this trip will be focused on the nighthawks, there should be plenty of other birds to see. California Thrashers, though inconspicuous, nest here. Western Meadowlarks, California Quail, and a variety of swallows will be abundant. Given the date, we could encounter a neotropical migrant or two!
We’ll meet at 6:00pm at the Marketplace Shopping Center (near Big 5 Sporting Goods, 1301 W. Covell, just east of Hwy 113). We will plan to bird until dark, and should return to Davis between 8:30pm and 9:00pm. Bring binoculars, cameras, snacks, and water. The trip will include a short walk along the gravel creekbed. High winds or a significant rainstorm will cancel the trip.
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Carpooling is strongly encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.
Contact Zane for more details.
zanep987@gmail.com