02/07/2015 Nightjar Update.

Thursday 2 July 2015
Ashdown Forest
Nightjar Update



Since my first sighting on 12th May, I have made over 20 visits to the forest, seeing Nightjars on every occasion.  Most times, but not all, I have also seen Woodcock in the preceding 30 minutes.

Hindleap

This has always been my favourite location but this year I believe we are one pair down on usual and this has changed the situation somewhat. 

• With a bigger territory for the sole pair it has become more difficult to predict their whereabouts. 

• Earlier in the season they were to be found down the hill on the west side of the path. 

• Latterly they have been found at the top of the hill in the usual tree and surrounding area.

• I have also noticed that they are churring later than expected, currently by 20 to 30 minutes.  This makes it more difficult to view them in good light.  2 nights ago for example it was 22.10 before the birds appeared and started churring - 50 minutes after sunset.

• Woodcock numbers have remained healthy with as many as 10 sightings at peak times although they are currently down to 1 or 2 at the end of the season. 

Airstrip

The stand-out location for Nightjars this year has to be the Old Airstrip with up to 4 pairs of Nightjars thought to be present.  Some of the views have been truly wonderful. 

Woodcock numbers here have, however, been low and in 4 visits I have only seen 1- and that was today.

• A saunter down the Airstrip from Long car park, just after sunset,  could not fail to produce a sighting of a Nightjar.

• The Airstrip seems to act as a line of symmetry for the Nightjars with an equal chance of seeing birds on either side of the track.

• The birds here also appear at "normal times", which together with the open aspect of the land guarantees the best lighting conditions.

Other sites

I have also had regular sightings of Nightjars on my patch at Churlwood.  I also visited Mill Brook East where we saw at least 2 Nightjars.

Nightjars are clearly flourishing on the Ashdown Forest!