Common Nighthawk resting on a red gate – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I saw and photographed my first of the year Common Nighthawk yesterday in northern Utah after I found it resting on a red gate about mid-morning. Common Nighthawks rest during the day and feed on flying insects during dusk and dawn and they can be found in most of North America during their breeding season.
I wish I had found this one earlier in the morning when the light was softer and when the sun hadn’t been quite so high. I see this species on the wing far more than I see them resting so I felt I had to take photos of it even though the light wasn’t the best.
Common Nighthawk adult – Nikon D500, f10, 1/400, ISO 250, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was able to take a few images of the Common Nighthawk with a better light angle and a bit closer than I was in the first photo, close enough that the bird nearly filled the frame. I wish the nighthawk had opened its eyes but it never opened them much more than is shown in this photo.
Common Nighthawk on a red gate in Box Elder County – Nikon D810, f11, 1/500, ISO 320, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 50mm, natural light
I wanted to include a wide angle photo that showed the nighthawk resting on the red gate from the same location where I took the photo above. Having a long lens allows me to take frame filling images of birds without having to be right up on the bird and without disturbing them.
After taking a few more images of the resting Common Nighthawk it was time to head back home. Life is good.
Mia
Big treat this morning! So rare to find one in daylight hours resting. Even in your assessment of less than ideal light, loving feather detail. We’re on a nighthawk migratory route and enjoy watching for them in September. Nighthawks declining precipitously in parts of New England.
Very nice, especially the detail in the second image. I first saw these in Manti, Utah, in the late evening when the temple lights were on, which attracted many insects. From our motel they looked like bats but as i got closer I noticed long, pointed wings with a white patch on each wing that allowed me to identify them as Nighthawks – very exciting to watch. For sounds: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9qpsyjmda5Q
Such an incredibly beautiful bird. I suspect that plumage makes for GREAT camoflague on the ground.
Who are these other McPhersons? If they’re relatives, I hope they know how lucky they are!!!
Hi Patty, Both Diane McPherson and Bob McPherson found me on Facebook, I guess by searching last names but I don’t believe we are related and if we are it is from many, many generations ago.
I’ve never seen a Nighthawk perched in anything before…have only seen them darting around on the wing or hunkered down on the ground, so well blended in with the stones and pebbles, I almost stepped on them…Even perched, they look like rocks…wonderful detail I’d never get to see otherwise…love it!
Another wonderful portrait of a bird in its habitat!
So Knowledgeable and so Amazing are you..
Beautiful photos, Mia. First of those I have seen.
I have never seen a Common Nighthawk. So different looking. Great photos…..love the scenery.