Fledglings and Mother Nighthawks
by D Hackett
Title
Fledglings and Mother Nighthawks
Artist
D Hackett
Medium
Photograph - Digital
Description
Fledglings and Mother Nighthawk by D Hackett
A Nighthawk recently nested in the front of my friend's home. The chicks fledged and were gone the day after these images were taken. My friends were kind enough to allow me to photograph the mother and later her and her chicks. These images would not have been possible without them, so a special thank you to Bruce & Sharon.
Nighthawks are widespread and may hunt by day or night, catching flying insects in the air. Its bounding, erratic flight and angular wings make it unmistakable except in the southwest and in Florida, where two other types of nighthawks occur. Nighthawks nest on open ground and also on flat gravel roofs; their nasal cries and 'booming' display dives may be heard over many cities. No nest is built. The female will incubate the eggs during the day with the male roosting nearby. Incubating bird may shift position during the day so that the sun is always at her back. The eggs will hatch in about 21 days with. When the chicks hatch they are active and sparsely covered with down (dark gray above and creamy below), with eyes half or fully open. Both parents care for young, feeding them regurgitated insects. Age of young at first flight is about 21 days
A trio of well-camouflaged birds is nestled closely together amongst a bed of red rocks. Their plumage blends almost seamlessly with their environment, making them difficult to spot at first glance.
Uploaded
March 24th, 2024
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