Observing nocturnal birds requires patience and the right tools, but can be a magical experience. Spotting these elusive creatures in their natural habitat under the cover of darkness is rewarding for any bird enthusiast. This guide covers everything you need to know to identify and observe nocturnal birds successfully.
Picking the Right Location
Choosing an optimal spot to observe nocturnal birds is key. Look for locations where they are known to nest, roost, and forage. Some ideal places include:
- Forest edges and clearings – Owls and nightjars often hunt along the borders between forests and open spaces.
- Wetlands – Herons, bitterns, and rails feed in marshy areas under the cover of night.
- Riverbanks – Kingfishers and sandpipers forage in shallow waters.
- Lakesides – Grebes, coots, and other waterfowl rest on lakes at night.
- Farmlands – Open fields attract nightjars, owls, and night herons.
- Woodlands – Forest-dwelling owls, nighthawks, and whip-poor-wills prefer wooded areas.
Select locations far from artificial lights to maximize darkness. Wildlife reserves, nature preserves, and state parks are excellent choices.
Choosing the Best Time
Timing is vital for a successful nocturnal birding session. The peak activity periods are:
- Dusk – About an hour after sunset is prime time to spot crepuscular birds emerging.
- Midnight – True nocturnal species are most active at the dead of night.
- Pre-dawn – Just before sunrise is another busy time as diurnal birds awake.
Moon phases also affect activity patterns. Birds are more active on moonlit nights versus new moon nights when it’s very dark.
The breeding season of April-July is ideal, as birds are territorial and vocal. Migration seasons are also productive times to observe traveling nocturnal species.
Using Proper Equipment
Having the right gear for low light conditions is essential:
- Flashlight – A red light flashlight disturbs wildlife less while letting you see in the dark.
- Binoculars – Choose a pair with good light gathering ability and image stabilization.
- Spotting scope – A night vision scope offers the best nocturnal viewing but is expensive. Regular scopes work too.
- Night vision monocular – Compact and easy to use for seeing in the dark.
- Field guides – Have nocturnal bird field guides handy for identification.
- Bird call audio – Use recordings of nocturnal bird calls to attract them.
- Patience – Observing these birds takes time. Dress warmly and come prepared to wait.
Identifying Nocturnal Bird Species
Familiarizing yourself with the most common nocturnal species’ plumage, size, behaviors, calls, and habitat is key to proper identification. Here are some tips:
Owls
- Eyeshine – Their eyes reflect light, glowing in the darkness.
- Silhouette – Look for heart-shaped faces and large heads.
- Ear tufts – Tufts indicate some species like great horned owls.
- Wing shape – Long and rounded wings enable silent flight.
- ** calls** – Each species has distinct hoots, hoob-hoohs, screeches.
Examples: Barn, screech, barred, great horned, and saw-whet owls.
Nightjars
- Long wings – Crescent-shaped wings and long tails.
- Coloration – Cryptic patterns of browns, greys and black.
- Habitat – Found along forest edges and open habitats.
- Flight – Bouyant and bat-like flight style.
- Calls – Buzzing, humming, clicking, or whistling sounds.
Examples: Whip-poor-wills, chuck-will’s-widow, and common nighthawks.
Herons and Bitterns
- Size and shape – Look for large, elongated bodies and long necks folded in flight.
- Coloration – Buff, brown, grey, or streaked plumage.
- Behaviors – Foraging in shallow waters. Roosting communally.
- Habitat – Marshes, beaches, wetlands.
- Calls – Croaks, squawks, hoots, and guttural sounds.
Examples: Black-crowned night herons, great blue herons, American bitterns.
Other Birds
- Grebes – Aquatic birds with pointed bills found on lakes, marshes, and coasts.
- Rails – Plump waterbirds with laterally flattened bodies living in wetlands.
- Woodcocks – Plump upland shorebirds with long beaks that probe for worms in forests and fields.
- Nighthawks – Medium-sized aerial birds with long tapered wings, found above open country.
- Whip-poor-wills – Nightjars with distinctive “whip-poor-will” songs, found in forests.
Tips for Nocturnal Birding Success
Follow these tips to maximize your chances of observing nocturnal species:
- Scan moonlit skies with binoculars for nighthawks, nightjars, and owls.
- Use bird call audio to lure species into view.
- Look for eyeshine reflecting from headlights, flashlights, and moonlight.
- Stop and listen frequently for nighttime vocalizations like the “too-wit too-woo” of a barred owl.
- Search shadowy areas in wetlands for heron and bittern silhouettes.
- Attract creatures to your location with bait such as dried mealworms or crickets.
- Remain quiet, patient, and still for long periods. Birds detect movement and will flee.
- Return to productive sites. Regularly revisiting locations improves your odds.
- Go with an experienced nocturnal birder when starting out to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Observing Nocturnal Birds
Many people new to nocturnal birding have similar questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Is it safe to go looking for nocturnal birds alone at night?
It’s best not to go completely alone on night trips to remote areas. Bring at least one companion if venturing to isolated spots for safety reasons.
Will using a white flashlight scare away and disturb the birds?
Yes, standard flashlights can startle and disrupt nocturnal birds. Use a red light flashlight instead as red light is less disruptive.
What’s the best way to attract owls?
Playing owl calls, especially mating calls, is effective for luring certain owl species as they are territorial. Just don’t overuse recordings as it may irritate resident birds.
Do I need expensive night vision equipment to observe nocturnal birds?
Basic tools like a red light flashlight work well. Items like night vision binoculars and scopes allow you to see clearer from farther, but aren’t essential for success.
Is there a difference between nocturnal and crepuscular birds?
Yes. Nocturnal birds are most active in the middle of the night. Crepuscular birds are most active during twilight hours at dawn and dusk but sleep at night.
How do I know if a good nocturnal birding location will have activity?
Do research on recent sightings using eBird and other birding websites. Locations with recent reports for multiple species are a good bet.
What time of year is best for finding the largest range of species?
Migration seasons like April-May and September-October when both resident and migrant nocturnal species are present. The breeding season is also productive.
Achieving Success Observing Elusive Nocturnal Birds
Patience and perseverance are key to your nocturnal birding success. Don’t get discouraged by long periods without activity. The right place, timing, weather, and technique will eventually pay off when you get to marvel at these fascinating and mysterious birds under the starry night sky.
Start nearby at local hotspots to learn. As your skills improve, consider visiting renowned nocturnal birding destinations such as Veracruz River of Raptors in Mexico, High Island in Texas, and Northern Saw-whet Owl banding sites during migration. Joining nocturnal birding tours led by experts is also great for boosting your abilities.
The elusive nature of nocturnal birds makes observing them exceptionally rewarding. By following these tips, acquiring the proper gear, studying your target species, and practicing diligently, your nocturnal birding skills will flourish. Soon you’ll be readily identifying night herons, nightjars, and owls by eyeshine, silhouette, and call alone.
The magical world of birds that awaken as others sleep awaits your exploration. So head out into the darkness and discover the wonder of birds under the night sky! Just be ready to lose some sleep in the process.