Nighthawk Watch at Longmeadow Flats

Twelve members gathered in hopes of witnessing a spectacular flight of Common Nighthawks in Longmeadow. Unfortunately, this unpredictable phenomenon was not to be. One nighthawk was spotted late in the outing, and those who persevered were rewarded with a view.

Participants did enjoy another impressive avian spectacle: a thousand blackbirds flying in large flocks, merging and separating before settling in the trees around the ponds.

Many Wood Ducks were observed, along with a half-dozen Double-crested Cormorants and the usual Mallards, Mute Swans, and Canada Geese. Two Great Blue Herons, a few Chimney Swifts, and a handful of songbirds rounded out the evening. The final species total was 15. Click below to view the complete species list.