Buff-collared Nightjar (Caprimulgus ridgwayi), Confluence of California Gulch and Warsaw Canyon, Santa Cruz County

These Buff-collared Nightjars were found by Rich Hoyer on 31 March 2015 and photographed by Charles Melton on 30 May 2015

Up to five have been reported from this location this year and multiple individuals have been reported from several traditional spots across southeast Arizona this year.

This species is a rare and irregular visitor to desert canyons close to the border, especially in areas with thornscrub. May be more regular than records suggest, however it does appear to be irregular in numbers and this year above-average numbers have been reported than typical in recent years.

Medium sized nightjar (note long rictal bristles) with complete, clean, bold buffy collar. The white tail tips in the closer individual and buffy tail tips on the back bird indicate a male and female respectively.

30 May 0015, photo by Charles Melton

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