Nightjar -again!

[Trev B]

I looked in on the male Nightjar this morning, it was the 6th June I first photographed it. It's roosted on this same spot now for over a month. It's totally unconcerned by my presence, although I do keep at least a ten yards distance.

1497 - Nightjar 1497060722 by Trev Bartlett MBE, on Flickr

[Bill53]

Great capture Trev.

[tigerburnie]

Superb their calls at night are really something else.

[antoeknee]

Excellent, never seen one in decent light.

[Colin W]

Nice photo Trev with great details.

[SpringfieldPhoto]

That's a rare sight! Well done!

[Trev B]

Many thanks for looking and comments.
Below is my observation of the bird over a few hours of an evening, which some may find of interest.

In view of this bird’s tolerance, I decided to do a bit of filming of it. Having dragged up all my filming paraphernalia on the ATV – camera, tripod, field recorder, parabolic reflector etc. I set up and settled down at 1800hrs. There was no activity whatsoever other than the odd blink until 2005hrs. When it stated ‘churring’ and fidgeting stretching one wing then the other for about ten minutes. It then settled down again. At 2040hrs it again started ‘churring’ fidgeting stretching wings and commenced to walk up and down the branch – Nightjars are certainly not designed for walking! Pausing every so often to stretch its wings. Again, settling down although facing the opposite direction along the branch. At 2120hrs it stretched both wings, flapping them vigorously and took off. I then called it a day.
I had set up two ‘Trail’ camera’s being anxious to see what time it arrived back the following morning, no way was I going to sit there all night being eaten alive by midges! The Trail camera’s footage was interesting in that at 22.20hrs the male together with the female returned to the branch. Leaving again at 22.40hrs. The male returned again alone at 0145hrs and leaving at 0236hrs. It finally returned at 0434hrs after which there was no more activity. The male was roosting as normal when I collected the Trail camera’s at 0615hrs.