The other night heading home on a back road I was stopped in my travels as a Whippoorwill sat in the middle of my lane. I have always loved the sound of their calls and perfect camouflaged pattern. I was excited to be able to watch one out of their natural element so clearly for a few minutes. Unsure why he was so still in such an open and unsafe place, I stole the opportunity and waited with him for a moment before he flew into the field.

Sounds of a whippoorwill song on a warm spring or summer night is so comforting and peaceful to me. I felt blessed and lucky to see one so candidly. I hope you get the chance too one day, if you haven’t already.

A few facts about the Eastern Whippoorwill Click for more info, you wont be disappointed.

Conservation status: Numbers appear to have decreased over much of the east in recent decades

Habitat: Leafy woodlands. Breeds in rich moist woodlands

Feeding behavior: Forages at night, especially at dusk and dawn and on moonlit nights.

Diet: Insects. Feeds on night-flying insects

Nesting: Nesting activity may be timed so that adults are feeding young primarily on nights when moon is more than half full, when moonlight makes foraging easier for them. Male sings at night to defend territory and to attract a mate

Eggs: Two whitish, marked with brown and gray. Incubation is by both parents, 19-21 days