Many of us can help Nighthawks rest and get away from it all

 

Common Nighthawk

 

Common Nighthawks

Fairly common birds here are some members of the Nightjar family; Chuck-Will’s-Widow and the Nighthawk.  They aren’t related in any way to hawks, and rarely fly at night, preferring to fly around catching insects at dusk and dawn. The reason for the name is a mystery.

During mid-day they nest (and rest) on flat surfaces, in the sun. Which is where human help comes in handy. Common Nighthawks love flat roofs! So if you have a flat roof, and create an area (8+ sq. ft.) of brownish gravel, you stand a very good chance of attracting some. Especially in cooler weather;  they like the sunshine and relative undisturbed peace of a long rest on a flat roof.

 

Getting good Mileage       Most Canada geese migrate to wherever they can find food (but not all - the ones around here often have enough food available so they can stay all year). They can fly up to 600 miles a day, at 1000 to 4000 feet. They travel at a steady 30 to 35 miles per hour.  (by the way they’re named “Canada Geese”, not “Canadian”.)

 

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.