Every year at about this time, the end of August, I sit out on our 
back deck (part of which recently, and unfortunately, collapsed) and 
look at dusk into the western sky for signs of Common Nighthawks -- 
just about my favorite bird.

Tonight, a meager four passed over between 7:55 and 8:05 p.m.; they 
were going in different directions and all were motoring along.

Peak late Summer count of this species over our back yard in West 
Bethesda was 100 (possibly more) on August 31, 1998.  We had 36 (next 
best tally) on September 3, 2002.  Last year, our best count was 31 
on August 29, 2009.

Hope y'all are getting to see lots of Nighthawks.  A great bird.

Michael 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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