Thanks Jeff and David for the input. I do seem to remember Nighthawks in
Eugene when I was there 2 summers ago and in other parts of the Willamette
Valley. I knew they weren't rare there, but didn't know the trend. It is
encouraging to know that the recent trend has been up. You still have good
insect populations there, good native plant communities that would support
good bug populations and diversity. They also have lots of open, wild lots
(not "vacant lots") still that may have a lot of alien plants, but are still
good bug habitat. They have good ground nesting habitat and many old
buildings that I expect still have gravel roofs. Has the crow population
changed there over the last few decades?

Stewart Wechsler
Ecological Consulting
West Seattle
206 932-7225
ecostewart at quidnunc.net

-Advice on the most site-appropriate native plants
and how to enhance habitat for the maximum diversity
of plants and animals
-Educational programs, nature walks and field trips
-Botanical Surveys



-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Gilligan
I have forwarded this to Tweeters because of the recent series of posts
reporting a decrease in the populations in western Washington.
------ Forwarded Message
From: DAVID IRONS
Subject: [obol] Eugene area Nighthawks ...I suspect they nest
on the summit of Spencer Butte (lots of bare open ground) and other
clearings. ... Again this area has lots of warehouses. Nighthawks often
nest on
flat gravel rooftops.

Nighthawks are not particularly rare around Eugene. ...
In general there has been a marked increase in the number nighthawks being
reported in the Willamette Valley the past few years. Hopefully, this trend
will continue.

Dave Irons
Eugene, OR

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