Buff-collared Nightjar (Caprimulgus ridgwayi), California Gulch, Santa Cruz County

These Buff-collared Nightjars were first found by Laurens Halsey and Howard Waterman on 18 April 2016 and photographed by Laurens Halsey on 19 June 2016

Likely returning at this particular location where they were discovered during spring 2015 and continued into fall. This season (2016) up to seven individuals have been detected in a single evening and the last photo shows a pair copulating.

This species is a rare and irregular visitor to desert canyons close to the border, especially in areas with thornscrub, where it may be more regular than records suggest, however it does appear to be irregular in numbers from year to year and is currently still on the review list.

Medium sized nightjar (note long rictal bristles) with complete, clean, bold buffy collar. The white tail tip individuals are male and the buffy tail tips female. 

19 June 2016, photo by Laurens Halsey

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