“The Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) typically gives a nasal 'peent' in flight, but during the breeding season the males will make this unearthly 'booming' noise (@ 12s in the recording). The sound is entirely mechanical, made by flexing the wings in a steep dive and forcing air through the wing feathers. This display is mostly done to impress females, but sometimes also to intimidate intruders (me in this case).” – Jacob Saucier, Division of Birds #SummerRoadTrip #Playlist | Smithsonian Nat

Remember our lesser nighthawk patient we shared a few weeks back? We’re thrilled to report they’ve been released back home! After 64 days in care, this tiny bird made an incredible transformation — arriving at just 4 grams and leaving at a healthy 52 grams. The bird was released just before sunset, as lesser nighthawks naturally rest on the ground during the day and take to the skies at night and forage for insects. Once released, their camouflage was so effective that it was nearly impossible t