Nightjar Evening on the lizard

Join us at Croft Pascoe on the Lizard for an evening trip to see and hear the mystical European Nightjar. Whilst we wait for these amazing birds to begin their crepuscular activities we will explore the nearby woods and pool in search of other species like Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Siskin and possibly Dartford Warbler. On previous trips we have also encountered Barn Owl, Marsh Harrier and Hobby.

We will depart our Hayle HQ (plenty of free parking) at 1900hrs to arrive at Croft Pascoe before 8pm. We aim to be back at Hayle before 2230hrs.

Hopefully it will be a warm summers evening, but it can get colder as it gets dark, so bring warm suitable clothing. A flask/cold drink and snacks are advisable. Pick ups can be arranged for the Camborne or Helston area.

In bygone times the Nightjar was known as the ‘Goatsucker’ as people believed they came out at night to feed on the blood of livestock, in particular Goats! This myth couldn’t be further from the truth of course.

This crepuscular species is active at dusk and dawn, from late spring to late summer in woodland clearings near to bracken and heathland habitat. It catches moths on the wing, acrobatically flying round with its huge mouth open. 

The males’ churring song  is the best way to locate one and usually this is a silhouetted view on a branch. When they stop singing they are generally in flight and the males ‘wing clap’ to attract the females and calling a metallic ‘guick, guick‘.  At dusk the male’s white wing and tail patches can be clearly seen as they fly buoyantly around you.

Our Nightjar evenings will offer you an amazing experience. We have previously had up to 6 males displaying around us and they often come in very close. It’s a very exciting moment when we hear our first churring birds!