By Sally Siko

Bird no. 260 for my yearly list was a Common Nighthawk.
As you can see here though, this is a Great horned Owl not a Nighthawk.
So why am I sharing this photo?
Here’s the story.
A few days ago, I had received a tip that there was a roosting spot for nighthawks at Carolina Beach State Park so I went out this weekend to see if I could lay eyes on one.
When I arrived to the site, I heard three Nighthawks calling in the trees, a good sign so I set off into the forest to find them.

As I was walking through the woods I noticed a flock of Brown headed Nuthatches were angrily fussing at something high up in a long leaf pine, right at the exact spot where the Nighthawks were reported.
Creeping quietly up to the tree, I peered up into the canopy and spied a sleepy / grumpy Great horned Owl gazing down at me.
The poor bird was just trying to take a nap but was bombarded constantly by angry nuthatches swooping in like gnats at a picnic.
Although I was thrilled to see this handsome owl it was clear that I’d not see a Nighthawk anywhere nearby this sleepy predator.
Sigh.
I ended up spending another hour walking a grid through the area (away from the owl) in search of the Nighthawks.
Although I heard the birds squeaky- buzz calling a few more times, their camouflage made it impossible to actually see one so I left without a photo.
Its ok, I’ll get a Nighthawk photo someday for sure, after all good things come to those who wait 🙂
Plus there’s no way I’d ever be unhappy with an owl encounter lol!

These formidable raptors are found across a wide range of habitats in the Americas, from the Arctic treeline in North America to the subtropical regions of South America.
Here in North Carolina they are a familiar sight to many folks living in suburban and rural areas, favoring open to medium-growth pine forests, or mixed forests, preferably in dry areas, leaving the wetlands to the Barred Owl instead.
They are a year round resident so be on the lookout for these large birds wherever you roam throughout the state.

Btw, I’ve got a ton of fun group birding trips in North Carolina, South Carolina, Maine and New Jersey open for booking from now through December.
Check out the calendar below and book your next birding adventure with me today!

Photos by @sally_siko of @bestlife_birding on my mighty 50 megapixel monster, the @can