The Center for Conservation Biology constructed the Nightjar Survey Network 
in 2007 to begin the process of collecting data on the population 
distribution and population trends of Nightjars across broad regions of the 
United States.  The Network was initially introduced into the southeast and 
is being expanded in 2008 to provide coverage throughout the contiguous 
United States.



The Nightjar Survey Network relies on volunteer participation by 
conservation-minded citizens, biologists, and other like-minded groups to 
adopt and conduct survey routes.  Nightjar Surveys are easy to perform and 
will not take more than two hours to complete.  Volunteers conduct roadside 
counts at night, during specific time windows when the moon is > 50 % 
illuminated, by driving and stopping at 10 points along a predetermined 
9-mile route.  At each point, the observer counts all Nightjars seen or 
heard by species during a 6-minute period.  No artificial broadcasts of the 
species' calls are used.  Please visit the United States Nightjar Survey 
Website for more details including location of routes, instructions, and 
results; www.ccb-wm.org/nightjars.htm



Volunteer participation is important to provide information on nightjars in 
Maryland and the broader region.  Please consider adopting a route.



I have also posted a 2-page flyer on the website that can be downloaded and 
printed for distribution at bird-club meetings, wildlife product retailers, 
and other places.  Any assistance in advertising this project is greatly 
appreciated.



There were a small number of routes ran last year as coordinated by Gwen 
Brewer of the Maryland DNR.  If you ran a route last year an wish to 
continue this year  (we would love to have you) please contact us.



Mike Wilson

Center for Conservation Biology

College of William and Mary

Williamsburg, VA 23187

e-mail: 

http://www.ccb-wm.org/nightjars.htm