Following up on my earlier post this morning (check it out [here]), I’m excited to share the birds I encountered during my visit at Black Mesa State Park. Among them were a few new additions to my birdwatching list: the Scaled Quail, Canyon Towhee, and Lark Buntings. It’s always a thrill to spot and photograph birds I’ve never seen before!
New Bird Sightings
Scaled Quail: This bird caught my eye with its distinctive scaly pattern and its preference for the dry, open terrain of the park. Scaled Quails are known for their ground-dwelling habits, often found running rather than flying.
Canyon Towhee: A subtle beauty, the Canyon Towhee is more often heard than seen. Its earthy tones blend well with the landscape, making it a challenge to spot, but a rewarding one nonetheless.
Lark Buntings: These birds are striking in their contrasting black and white plumage. The males, especially, stand out against the rugged backdrop of Black Mesa. Watching them perch and flit about was a real highlight of the day.
Capturing the Elusive Common And Lesser Nighthawk
One of the most exciting moments came later in the day. I had mentioned in my earlier post that I thought a storm was rolling in, but it turned out to be a false alarm. While sitting behind my camper photographing an Eurasian Collared-Dove, I noticed a large flock of Common and Lesser Nighthawks swooping and diving over a nearby creek, catching insects in the twilight.
Trying to photograph these agile birds in flight was an incredible challenge. They moved so quickly and erratically, but after many attempts, I managed to capture a few shots that I’m really happy with.
Interesting Facts About the Common Nighthawk
For those of you interested in learning more about this fascinating bird, here are some intriguing facts:
Flight and Sounds: The Common Nighthawk is famous for its erratic, acrobatic flight patterns. Most active during the twilight hours, it’s often seen looping through the sky as it hunts for insects. The bird’s distinct “peent” call and the booming sound produced during its courtship dives are unmistakable.
Diet: As an aerial insectivore, the Common Nighthawk feeds on flying insects like mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and grasshoppers. It often hunts near artificial light sources, such as streetlamps, where insects gather.
Habitat and Distribution: The Common Nighthawk is a versatile bird, found across North America, including the panhandle of Oklahoma. It thrives in diverse habitats—forests, grasslands, cities, and prairies—all offering plenty of open space to hunt.
Migration: This bird is also known for its incredible migration journey, traveling from its breeding grounds in North America to wintering areas in South America, including Brazil and Argentina. It’s one of the longest migrations of any North American bird, a testament to its endurance.
Note: My friend and fellow photographer, Mia McPherson, informed me that my photos were of a Lesser and Common Nighthawk.
The Common and Lesser Nighthawks are similar but have distinct differences. The Lesser Nighthawk is smaller, with a slightly less deeply forked tail and more buffy coloration. It has a white wing patch closer to the wingtips, whereas the Common Nighthawk’s patch is closer to the wing bend. The Lesser Nighthawk typically flies lower and is quieter, lacking the sharp calls and ‘booming’ displays of the Common Nighthawk. Additionally, the Lesser Nighthawk is more common in arid, low-elevation areas.
A Couple More Highlights
In addition to the Nighthawk, I also photographed a Roadrunner, Killdeer and a Great Blue Heron during my time at the park.
Wrapping Up the Day
Overall, it was a rewarding day of birdwatching and photography at Black Mesa State Park. From new species to the challenge of capturing the Common Nighthawk in flight, each moment added to the excitement of this ongoing adventure. I’m looking forward to what tomorrow brings and sharing more of the unique wildlife and experiences from this incredible place.