[Birdtalk] Whip-poor-will

[Dave Hanscom]

Good news: The bird was still there last night and singing up a storm.

Bad news: If you want to actually see the bird, you will likely have to 
climb up a very steep hillside and be very patient.  Good hiking boots are 
recommended, along with a good spotlight to see the bird, plus a headlamp 
to see where you're going without scaring the bird away.  It took me more 
than an hour to get close enough to actually see him, or even get a 
reflection from one of his bright eyes.  He likes to hike in the junipers, 
and will move if you get too close.

I actually camped out up there.  There are several camp sites and a good
toilet at the end of the road.  A side road goes up a few hundred yards
beyond the toilet, and he sometimes hangs out on the hillside along that.  
When I finally found him, he was up the hill west of the outhouse.

Best of luck.  And thanks to those who reported the bird!  What a great 
find!!  A lifer for me.

Dave Hanscom