Australian Owlet-Nightjar

I was delighted a few evenings ago to hear an Australian Owlet-nightjar calling in the garden. It’s really nice to observe that it is still around.

A few months ago we would hear this delightful nocturnal bird calling during the day. That’s right – during the day. It would come out of its hollow and sit in the sun for a half hour or so, calling occasionally.

Being a nocturnal bird I had not thought I’d ever get a chance to photograph this species, so it was a double delight – actually seeing the bird AND getting a reasonable photo.

To read more and see a photo click here or here.

 

2 Responses to “Australian Owlet-Nightjar”

  1. Chrissy says:

    a friend has recently asked me about a bird she has heard in the middle of the night….I can’t seem to find it, but the only information she can supply is that it sounds like a slow table tennis match… so i guess the call is like someone hitting a ping pong ball back & forth…..any thoughts??

  2. Trevor says:

    Hi there Chrissy.

    Your description certainly does not sound like an Owlet-nightjar, more like a frog. Can I suggest that you do a web search for Australian frog sounds? This could be a good place to start:
    http://www.frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/frog-calls.cfm

    The call of the Australian Owlet-nightjar can be heard on this web page:
    http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=61

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