Nighthawk Cow Creek, Death Valley National Park, California, USA (1 Viewer)

[SHolt]

I just found these images from the first camera I used working in Death Valley NP (Cow Creek). The images were taken 06 May 2007 between 19:26 and 19:33 pm PDT. I am having a tough time remembering if this is a lesser or a common nighthawk; both occur and have been observed in the area. I remember seeing the birds, knowing I had never seen anything like them before, grabbing the binoculars and camera and running outside trying to figure out what they were. There were at least 5 birds. Most of the images were from the lawn area but I had to move into the road for the final shots as the birds were flying in big circles to the Northeast.

Any assistance is appreciated.

 

[fugl]

Lesser, on the basis of the shape and positioning of the wing bar.

 

[RJP]

I agree - Lesser. Good bird.

 

[SHolt]

Thanks! I was hoping that would be the answer. It is nice to remember that I saw them alive and outside of the fire reservoir (swimming pool). I find it hard to ID them without glasses, binoculars, or a camera. However, they would often fly very close as they skimmed the water. Bats, swallows, nighthawks, and roadrunners were common visitors when we were cooling off.