During a 45-minute period this evening (August 25), I managed to see 
only 2 Common Nighthawks over our part of West Bethesda -- north of 
Bradley Boulevard and west of Suburban Hospital.  This poor showing 
was despite what appeared (to me, anyway) to be a perfect evening for 
bug swallowing.  One bird was seen just before 8:00 p.m., and one 
just after.  And just one small bat. (species?)

American Robins and Common Grackles moved over our house, west to 
east, in good numbers.  Probably 100+ of both species.  Chimney Swift 
numbers did not exceed 4 -- this is a lot fewer than I remember 20 
years ago at the same time of year.

I should have reported earlier (but didn't) that yesterday I went 
over to Montgomery Mall and the adjacent office buildings in West 
Bethesda, just north of Democracy Boulevard, to see if Nighthawks 
were feeding over there.  I saw none.  The lights over the various 
buildings were rather dim -- I suppose we should applaud the energy 
savings associated with that.  Not even the auto dealerships 
exhibited enough candlepower to pull in the bugs.  One positive 
development is that Five Guys hamburgers has a new location near the 
West Bethesda Post Office.  Let's be thankful for small gifts.

Looks like the best bet for Montgomery County and D.C. birders to see 
Nighthawks is to go over to the U.S. Air Force Memorial in nearby 
Arlington, VA, at or just after 9:00 p.m., as reported by Hughes 
Hollow birder Paul Woodward on the VA-Bird list-serv.  Paul has had 
good success there on recent nights.

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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