Trip reports

Nightjars on The Lizard

RSPB

Friday, 1 July 2011

Although only seven days apart, being on the 8th and 15th of June, the contrast between the two evenings in terms of temperature was more like three months. The meeting on the 8th felt like March, it was so cold. Needless to say the nightjars were un-enthusiastic and some singing, or 'jarring' as its called was the best we could do, with just a couple of fleeting glimpses of the birds. Who could blame them. Unfortunately that's what the weather can do to something planned four months in advance.
However the next week, the 15th, was much warmer and with very little breeze. Bingo! A fine display by 2 or possibly 3 males and it was thought, jarring by a fourth. For some it was their first encounter with nightjars and it was a delighted bunch who returned to the cars, their way lit by glowworms, at 11.00 pm