Nature Notes From Crater Lake
Volume 20, 1954
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.
|
