The Chicago Nighthawk Project
It wouldn’t be summer in Chicago without the sound of Common Nighthawks in the evening. From stadiums, to parks, to backyards, nighthawks have been devouring insects over Chicagoland for generations. But the “common” part of their name may soon become a misnomer.
An adult Common Nighthawk with young, photo Marion Miller
Common Nighthawks are one of the fastest declining bird species in North America. There are some strong theories as to why, but there is much we still don’t know.
In 2021, the Bird Conservation Network (a local bird conservation alliance of which COS is a founding member) released their 2021 breeding bird analysis. One of the biggest gaps present in that report was data on nighthawks. With no clear data or trends for our region and alarms being sounded nationally, the call to action is clear.
The Chicago Nighthawk Project is a volunteer monitoring program designed to track, study, and conserve the Common Nighthawk. COS has developed a monitoring protocol, adapted from similar survey methods for monitoring nightjars, to best capture data on nighthawks and help answer important questions about what nighthawks need to survive and thrive in the metropolitan area. This is the first step of a long-term project to make Chicago a haven for these special creatures.
Volunteers commit to monitoring 4 points after sunset on three separate nights between the dates of June 8 and June 28. No prior experience or knowledge is required to participate. For more information about the protocol and expectations, download the updated monitoring protocol below.
Sign-ups to volunteer for the 2025 season are now open! Please download and review the monitoring protocol at the button below and, when you’re ready to get started, email us at nighthawk@chicagobirder.org
You don’t have to be a monitor to still help. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for your neighborhood nighthawks during the summer. If you do encounter one, submit your sighting to ebird and help us ensure there’s a future for nighthawks in Chicago!
Interested in becoming a nighthawk monitor or have questions? Contact the project team via the button below on the left. If you want to contribute financially to support the project, please use the donation button below on the right.
