Not sure if this is the right forum, but here goes ...
An acquaintance told me about an area where a Chuck Will's Widow is being heard at dusk consistently.
This would be a lifer for me, if I get luck enough to see it. Photographing it would be a major boon.
From what I have heard, these birds are hard to flush out and camouflage pretty well; and are thus not commonly seen.
Since this is on private land, I want to make the most of my one trip there and would like to go as prepared as I can.
Any tips on attracting this bird for a photograph or even a sighting would be much appreciated.
Judging by the time of the year, it is most likely nesting and I want to avoid any undue distress to the bird.
So if you think I should stay away from the site, please let me know.
Sounds to me that your somewhere in La (lower alabama). Chuck wills widow is a local nickname for a night hawk,bullbat, or mesquitohawk. All local names for the same bird. Getting a pic of one will be hard because they are most active at the last light as they feed on small fling insects. Sometimes in daylight you can catch one resting on a fence post or limb, then they are fairly visible and you can get a shot. Good luck
Actually a Chuck Will's Widow is a different species than a nighthawk/bullbat.
As for photographing the Chuck, I can't really help. To see it I would try taking a hand held spotlight ($9.99 at Home Depot) and track it down by it's call. It will call repeatedly at dusk and you should be able to find it. Let me know how it turns out.
Chuck Will's Widow - request for information
Reply With Quote
