Inspired by multiple sightings of Common Nighthawks by our birding 
friends just south of us in suburban Northern Virginia over the past 
few days, we went out onto the deck this evening as it was getting 
dark, to see what was to be seen.

 From 7:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. all we saw were a few Chimney Swifts, 
American Goldfinches, 2 Ruby-throated (we assume) Hummingbirds and a 
couple of bats (species?), followed by several hundred Common 
Grackles, moving east.

Just as we were about to give up, three Common Nighthawks moving east 
-- fast -- came right over our house in West Bethesda just after 8 p.m..

I've been watching in late summer now for almost 40 years, and seeing 
these gorgeous birds overhead is every much as big a thrill as it was 
in 1969.  Unfortunately, there are fewer individuals these days.

Mike and Joy Bowen
Bethesda, MD, just inside the Beltway

D.H. Michael Bowen
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda, MD  20817
Telephone: (301) 530-5764
e-mail:  dhmbowenATyahooDOTcom