All are welcome to join Sheryl Johnson nightly between August 23 and September 12, 6:00-8:00 pm, weather permitting, to witness the Common Nighthawk migration at Haverford College.
The last weeks of summer are peak time for Common Nighthawks to migrate through our region. These graceful flyers are not hawks, but they hunt for insects in the sky, while swooping through the skies at dusk and dawn. During peak times, groups of nighthawks stream across the landscape, flashing bold white wingbars and long pointed wings.
Sheryl Johnson has been observing Common Nighthawks at Haverford College for more than 20 years, documenting declining numbers of this unique bird. From her vigil at the college observatory bleachers, she has recorded 90 species over the years, including Chimney Swifts, Green Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Broad-winged Hawk, Eastern Screech Owl, Bobolink, falcons, ducks, and more. Bats are noted nightly, too! Check-out the species list in the Haverford College Nighthawk Watch eBird hotspot.
We will sit in the bleachers near the college observatory and scan the skies for nighthawks. Enter the Haverford College campus from College Avenue; the observatory is on the right a short ways down from entrance, with parking available. Bugspray and binoculars are recommended.
Photo by Kristen Johnson.