The American Birding Association has announced their 2013 bird of the year – the Common Nighthawk. The incredibly clever folks at the ABA, and nighthawk impersonator Robert Mortensen, have put together a very inventive video to make the official announcement.
The 2012 State of Canada’s Birds report noted that aerial insectivores – birds that catch insects in flight – are declining more steeply than any other group of birds. Common Nighthawk numbers are dropping drastically each year throughout their entire range.
I just can’t shake the feeling that I’ll think of this photo every time I see a nighthawk now…
I think that every time I see a Common Nighthawk in the future I will think of Robert, the video and this image!
It’s those darn white wing bars and the forked tail. Not likely to ever forget those now!
Ha ha! If I can stick your mind like a catchy-tune, mission accomplished! I’m glad that many of my Canadian friends will also be able to enjoy the bird of the year again this year…though I understand that they are quite rare for our friends in Alaska.