Date: 10/8/26 4:38 am From: Patrice Domeischel <fourharborsheron...> Subject: [nysbirds-l] 2026 Results - Four Harbors Audubon Society - Stone Bridge Common Nighthawk Watch
October 6 concluded our 10th year tallying migrating Common Nighthawks at the Stone Bridge Common Nighthawk Watch in Setauket.
Over the 41-day period, August 27 - October 6, from 5:30 p.m. to dusk, we counted 1,564 birds, and logged 4173 hours at the bridge for a 0.38 birds-per-minute total. This year's count surpassed each of our last 3 years, but fell far short of our high in 2019 of 2757.
Totals over the last ten years were:
2017: 2046
2018: 2018 (a coincidence)
2019: 2757
2020: 2245
2021: 1819
2022: 1625
2023: 1022
2024: 669
2025: 912
2026: 1564
In addition, to catch early migrators, we conducted a Supplemental Count from August 14 - 26. This count is separate, and will not be included in our regular watch totals. The Supplemental count total over the 13-day period was 234. Hours logged were 1880 for 0.12 birds per minute.
Highlights included low-flying birds feeding at dusk, including one we named Tail-less. This nighthawk’s tail appeared to be torn off, likely a raptor attack. Tail-less delighted us every evening from September 7 through the 17th. This is the first time we have been able to document a nighthawk remaining in the area, and returning to feed on subsequent evenings, before migrating on.
We would like to thank everyone who assisted at the Bridge this year, counters and observers alike. Their spotting and counting skills were greatly appreciated! And many thanks to Frank Melville Memorial Park for use of your stone bridge.
Hope you will all join us next year!
Patrice Domeischel and John Turner
Stone Bridge Common Nighthawk Watch
Four Harbors Audubon Society
