Lesser Nighthawks on the Grasslands
Arid scrublands. Desert washes. Dry grasslands. Perhaps these words don't conjure up images of idyllic natural beauty for most people, but for one very special bird, these marginalized habitats are prime. This bird is just one of several reasons why I love deserts and desert-like places, and this special bird, I think, has a special message for all of us. A few days ago, I encountered a pair of these incredible nocturnal birds not too long after sunrise on the grasslands, and was delighted to snap a few photos that capture this species' remarkable beauty. As residents of the arid Southwestern United States, Lesser Nighthawks are perfectly equipped to handle life in hot, dry climates. Nocturnal (active at night) and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) behavior is a classic example of how many species have been designed to handle the heat, as flying during the cooler, darker hours prevents them from overheating while hunting on...
