Wantage, Oxfordshire 26/09/22

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News broke shortly before midday of a Common Nighthawk in a garden at Wantage so I was on the road by 12:30. Arriving just before 3 p.m. I soon found the cul-de-sac where the bird was present. It was sitting on a garden fence and being watched by about 150 other birders.

The bird seemed unconcerned by people 30 feet away, and sat tight when even red kites passed overhead, just glancing upwards to keep an eye on them. It occasionally changed position wobbling its body as it did so. Other birders were arriving all the time and by 3:30 I left them to it.

The nighthawk apparently flew off high to the south at 7 p.m. so doubtful it will return to this area.

Common Nighthawk 

Keeping an eye on a Red Kite







The bird was just behind the red Audi.


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