This evening?s generally calm conditions and mild temperatures pushed me out
to look for Common Poorwills at a reliable spot along Saddle Mountain. I
got to Lower Crab Creek Road around 8:30 and listened to the meadowlarks and
kingbirds finish their evening serenades. Parked along the road above
Corfu, I heard the first poorwill calling at 8:52 which was a half hour
after sunset. Driving east to the Adams County line I stopped at a few good
looking sites to listen. Four quick stops included at least six birds
calling, and three more flushed off the road while driving. At the county
line I could see eye shine ahead from two birds, and eventually I saw three
in a half mile driving to the pine trees lining Kielien?s driveway.
Temperatures ranged from 63F at Corfu to 56F on Gillis Road.



Using a combination of headlights and a spotlight I drove up to the first
bird for photos. I sensed the spotlight was a bit too bright as the bird
turned away from me and slowly wattled away at a rate of about a
quarter-half inch per pair of wobbles. A bit comical to watch. It
eventually reached the edge of the road about seven feet from me.
Twenty-four photos later I finally moved on as it remained on the road.



Last year I couldn?t buy a poorwill in Adams County. Tonight there were
three. With six individuals seen just on this stretch, and knowing that
I?ve had better luck west of Corfu with birds calling, there is a high
probability of not only hearing poorwills along this route but seeing them
as well. Three-four miles each side of Corfu has produced in the past. I
suggest being on site by ? hour after sunset as they sometimes quit calling
within 20 minutes.



Randy Hill

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