[WAGGY48]

Last summer I stayed at the parador in Tortosa, near the Ebro Delta.
Each night I saw a bird flying around the old part of the building which initially looked like a Barn Owl. After several closer viewings I realised that the floodlighting was making the bird look white - but that the bird strongly resembled a Nightjar - the commoner version of which I have seen many in Britian. The bird was using an 'ariel' high on the roof of the building - from where it made regular 'forays' which lasted a few seconds before returning to the perch. It appeared to be hunting for insects etc.
Its general flight was definately that of a Nightjar - but its 'habitat' was totally wrong!
The views were had each night just after dusk - and within 20 minutes the bird had gone.
Could it possibly have been a Red Necked Nightjar?
Any ideas please?

[KCFoggin]

Hi Waggy and a warm welcome to you from the staff here at BirdForum.net.
I'm sure there will be someone, more familiar with the birds on your side of the pond, to answer your query.

[Jules Sykes]

Hi
I would say it almost certainly would have been a Red-necked Nightjar. They are not a rare species in that part of Spain (or any of the East Coast) but also European Nightjar breed in that area. Red necks do look paler than their European cousins and I have heard of them around urbanisations where they catch insects that are attracted to the light, so it is not that unusual. Must have been great to watch.

[salty]

hello, welcome to bird forum!

[WAGGY48]

Originally Posted by Jules Sykes

Hi
I would say it almost certainly would have been a Red-necked Nightjar. They are not a rare species in that part of Spain (or any of the East Coast) but also European Nightjar breed in that area. Red necks do look paler than their European cousins and I have heard of them around urbanisations where they catch insects that are attracted to the light, so it is not that unusual. Must have been great to watch.

Thanks for that. Made my day.

Always thought it was a Red Necked but none of my bird guides would confirm my sightings.