The Common Nighthawk is a summer resident on most of the North American continent, and can be found throughout Alberta. Being nocturnal it is usually observed in flight at dusk.
It arrives in our province in late May and leaves for Mexico and Central South America by the end of August.
It is attracted to open areas, especially near water, where it can find the wide varietry of insects it feeds on. Insects drawn to urban lighting can also attract it. It feeds on the wing, swooping and diving and changing direction as it scoops up flying insects.
Nesting is done directly on the ground, on sand, rock, gravel or leaf litter, perhaps close to boulders or shrubs. The female broods the eggs for 19 to 20 days with some assistance by the male. The young are fed by both parents and leave the nest at 30 days.
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BRENT JOHNER
for serving as the society's PAST PRESIDENT this year
GARY HAERLE
for serving 9 consecutive years on the society's Board