Are you interested in volunteering for the Canadian Nightjar Survey? (Common Nighthawk photo by Paul Konrad)

Help count nighthawks, whip-poor-wills, and poorwills by volunteering to conduct a roadside survey at dusk, just once per year between June 15 and July 15. Nightjars are a unique part of Canada’s avifauna and 3 species nest there: Common Nighthawks, Eastern Whip-poor-wills, and Common Poorwills. Partly due to their crepuscular and nocturnal behavior, these aerial insectivores have been little studied. In fact, there is insufficient data to determine population trends for Common Poorwills, and data available for Common Nighthawks and Eastern Whip-poor-wills indicate declines in these species’ populations, and both are now designated as Threatened in Canada.

The new Birds Canada nationwide project – the Canadian Nightjar Survey – is tailored to collect information about all 3 species and the data will provide insights into their distribution, abundance, habitat associations, and population trends, which are critical for conservation and management efforts. Participating volunteers enjoy a relaxed summer evening among the fireflies, looking and listening for these unique and special bird species.

To learn more about how you can participate in the Canadian Nightjar Survey, refer to Volunteers needed for the Canadian Nightjar Survey - Birds Canada | Oiseaux Canada