The record early Common Nighthawk was recorded on 4/22/2004 and there is a good reason for this. They are insectivores and it just isn’t warm enough to have any stable population of insects flying yet. Most nighthawks are still hanging out in South America and I don’t expect to see them until May. Speculation on what you saw is only that, but maybe consider a small group of Franklin’s Gulls? They are small prairie gulls and tend to winter only as far south as necessary. Some have been seen recently in the Omaha area.
Ann Johnson
Norwalk
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> On Behalf Of Michael May
Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2025 8:26 PM
To: Iowa Bird List <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] nighthawk question
Hello Seasoned Birders,
When do nighthawks appear in western Iowa/Siouxland?
I was in Omaha (Papillion) this weekend. At sunset Saturday, I looked up to see what appeared to be the unmistakeable T-shape (IUD to me - too long in the medical field) of 13 nighthawks floating northward on the northerly wind. No diving, looping, or flapping erratically as they do. They were high enough that I could not identify white bars on the wings.
Audubon/All About Birds/other reputable sites indicate that they migrate about a month later than now. I tried to think what other birds would have a nighthawk silhouette - raptors, maybe vultures, but these didn't seem to resemble vultures...🤔
Any wisdom (or humor) would be appreciated, and gratitude in advance.
