Usually at about this time of year, I tarry on our rear deck after 
dinner, risking the exposure of body parts to the mosquitoes and 
other insect pests, in order to scan the skies for Common Nighthawks.

This evening, Sunday, August 23, a group of about 30 Common 
Nighthawks came rushing past over our house, heading SW - NE, about 
7:45 p.m. They were a tight knit group and I originally, and 
erroneously, thought that they were crows.

I continued to watch for another 30 minutes, at which point it was 
really quite dark, but did  not spy a single other Nighthawk.  I did 
see about half a dozen Chimney Swifts and at least 50 American 
Robins.  And a few bats (sp.?)

I am very fond of Nighthawks and regret their reduction in numbers 
since we first moved to Bethesda about 40 years ago.

Mike Bowen
West Bethesda, MD



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

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