Nature Notes From Crater Lake - Volume 20, 1954

Crater Lake Institute online library - www.craterlakeinstitute.com

 

 
Nighthawk Family at Lost Creek
Photos by Ralph Welles & Florence Welles

 

1. Lodgepole pine area where the "nest" was found.

2. The adult would sit on the eggs until approached within three or four feet.

3. Then it would flap away, hissing and moaning, to lead them from the nest.

4. Finally, it would fly to a limb, sitting lengthwise, well-camouflaged.

5. Apparently, no preparation is made for the "nest". Nighthawks often lay eggs on roofs of city buildings.

6. Eleven days later, July 30th, only egg shells occupied the original site.

7. A few feet away, the parent bird hovered her small brood.

8. Two tiny balls of fluff.

9. This time, the grotesque efforts to lure the intruders away extended even into the trees.

10. Four days later the babies had grown but were still unafraid. If a hand was placed on the ground near them they would climb into it.

11. August 7th. Pin feathers were beginning to show.

12. August 21st; Three and one-half weeks old. Other young bird was fully fledged and gone.