Date: 6/11/26 8:50 pm From: Andrew N via groups.io <floodshark...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Common Nighthawk pair on CA Riding and Hiking Trail, from Pedro Fages Monument
Howdy!
I took a post-work hike on a whim down the California Riding and Hiking Trail that starts at Pedro Fages Monument out by Lake Cuyamaca: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QByhFJfXsJVCkY6t9 This is a nice wildflower trail (When it isn't hot and crispy) that links up with the PCT and Mason Valley Truck Trail, which was my destination. Anyway, as dusk started to settle in, I started my return trip from the Truck Trail down the PCT side, and cut through an open area back to the Riding and Hiking Trail here: 33.0057776, -116.5378105 and flushed a nighthawk off the ground that immediately took off into the distance. Luckily, it returned rather quickly, and had a friend with it. Then they started calling and doing display flights and I realized they were a pair of Common Nighthawks and immediately took recordings to send to Paul, to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.
The flush happened right around 6:15 and the return and flight displays happened around 6:20. They did this for a good 10 minutes, swooping all around, coming down to eye level a couple times and eventually they flew somewhere that I could no longer see them, but I could still hear the vocalizations.
It's hard to tell on the map but the California Riding and Hiking Trail is well maintained and easy going, and it's 30 min or so to the coords depending on your hiking speed. The first stretch is grasslandy with lots of tall grass along the edges. I didn't find any ticks but just something to keep in mind.
My understanding is that a group is forming for first light tomorrow, and I imagine there will be a group there tomorrow evening as well to try and refind these birds.
I just got home (long drive back to Otay Mesa) but my checklist with photos and audio will be up soon. My camera is in the shop so I was out there with my little one and macro lens shooting plants and bugs, so we'll see how the photos came out...but I guess this was meant to be. I'm stealing your serendipity, Dave.
Andrew Newmark
San Diego, CA
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