Honestly didn't think I'd be posting again today.  The park was birdy again this morning, but most of the activity was the resident Chipping Sparrows and Am. Goldfinches.  No new passerine migrants, and 2 Hermit Thrushes and 2 Blue-headed Vireos were the highlight.  But then on my way out I scanned an odd soft looking lump on a tree branch. . .

Perched Common Nighthawk!  I just got a scope last week and hadn't really used it yet, so I ran home and grabbed it.  Beautiful, and not a bad inaugural bird!  

First time I've ever had a good look at a perched goatsucker (wonder what the spam filters will do with that).  Overall length, size, long curved flight feather extension and color marked it as a nighthawk, not a whip or chuck (not to mention location).  Assuming Sibley's illustrations are based on true dimorphism, I'd say it was a male--the mid-wing bar was strong and happened to be clearly visible, the neck band was visible for a time when it extended its head and appeared whitish, and the undertail coverts were white with only slight dark spotting.  Plus it's early--perhaps male nighthawks migrate first like so many other species?

Jason Waanders
NW DC
jwaandersATstarpower.net