Blackwater Nightjars 17th July

A success with several Nightjars seen!!
The weather was mild and sunny. Highlights were Nightjars, Red Deer and a Fox.

After watching a Song Thrush in the car park we set off. Along the woodland rides we saw Heather, Cross-leaved Heath and Bell Heather and we saw Marsh Thistle and Spear Thistle. It was great to see the difference between these similar species. At the open heath area we saw a Fallow Deer in the distance and a Fox closer, which watched us for a while before disappearing. We then spotted a group of Red Deer through the bushes to our right and while we watched them a group of Ponies came hurtling round and over the stream, chasing each other as they went. It was great to see the Ponies actually doing something!! As we walked across the open area we saw Self Heal and Bog Pimpernel and then heard the first Nightjar of the evening. It called and some of us saw it fly into the trees where it sang for a while. Over the next 15 minutes or so we saw a couple more flying over and calling and some singing a bit. We also had a good view of 8 Red Deer feeding in the open. On the way back we heard a Tawny Owl hooting. We stopped at an area where Nightjars often perch to sing. We immediately saw 2 Nightjar fly over us and around the edge of the woods. As it got darker we were treated to several more views, including some very close as they flew around feeding and calling. One also kept singing in the near distance. It was great to get such good views.
Simon Curson.