Photo: Bruno P, allaboutbirds.org
In early July Laura Pope discovered a Common Nighthawk incubating two eggs in a ground nest along the Beaufort View Path. Nighthawks are regular breeders on Denman but they are in decline and are listed as Threatened in Canada under the Species At Risk Act. Signs were posted requesting that people avoid the area.
On July 29 Laura revisited the site and found an adult Nighthawk tending two young estimated to be about a week old. On August 12 the nest site was abandoned, and a search of the area located neither adults or young. By that date, the nestlings would have been capable of flight, so they may well have fledged successfully. Accordingly the restrictions on use of the area have been lifted.
Thanks to Central Park users for respecting the signs and giving the Nighthawk family a chance to complete this vulnerable phase. Thanks also to Laura Pope for monitoring the nest.
For the rest of August foraging and migrating flocks of Nighthawks should be visible in the evening over open areas on Denman. The benches along the Beaufort View Path north of Long Log Path are excellent observation posts.
