Looking for Goatsuckers! Nightjars on Thursley Common.

Myself and my friend Eugene went to explore Thursley Common's heathland habitat one evening in search of the mysterious, cryptic and rather eerie European Nightar. Also known as a Goatsucker or 'Corpse Bird' this much maligned species comes out at night, churring, wing clapping and flying around much like a large moth or butterfly.
We searched high and low to find a roosting specimen, and had a truly amazing close encounter!

[@malcolmshaw9369]

Great video guys! I've known Thursley Common since childhood in the 1970s when the warden Ray Fry showed me a pair (!!!) of Red-backed Shrikes, as well as Curlew, Snipe, Woodlark, Redstart, Tree Pipit et al. Like you, I've had brilliant views of the Nightjars too. A very special place which your video evokes beautifully!

[@Vaniter]

Unfortunately it had a wildfire but I think the wildlife recovered

[@christianmalford1363]

Nice video guys. Just one point being that "Colin the Cuckoo" is and never has been radio-tagged. He's now back for his 8th year and is identified by a small spot in his right eye confirming that it is the same bird!

[@andygraham2433]

The woodlark is a Tree Pipit singing