March 2006 & May 2008 are the only times I've seen a Spotted Nightjar on our place on the south eastern side of the Mt Lofty Ranges.
I'm very confident that while preparing for bed last night I heard a partial call of a Spotted Nightjar. It managed to begin the ascending pitch part of its call before giving it a rest. I checked this morning the native tree & shrub-littered area from which the call came but there was no sign of the bird. Mind you, this species is wonderful at camouflage! Nevertheless it was great to hear this call & to be confident that the species is still frequenting (although not very frequently) our neck of the woods.
My research tells me this species is becoming increasingly rare, particularly in southern parts of its range, as a result of habitat loss due to land clearance & overgrazing of bushland. It is also predated by cats & foxes.
Wow woko, that is pretty cool. Hopefully more signs the hard work is paying off, at least at your place.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
It's looking good at the moment, Dale. Yesterday, I saw a young Common Bronzewing yesterday. Diamond Firetails seem to have taken up residence, at least for the time being. A Grey Currawong puts in an occasional appearance. And we're visited often by a Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater or two. I even saw a White-browed Babbler a couple of months ago. These are mostly species which are seen more regularly now. Quite exciting. I'm hoping that the flock of White-winged Choughs which I've seen a couple of times within a couple of kilometers of our place will turn up soon.
Wonderful news, Woko. Your efforts seem to be paying dividends and really making a difference.
Thanks, Sue. And this morning a young Black-eared Cuckoo! I haven't seen this species for many, many moons & had completely forgotten it's a summer visitor in the south of its range. That's my second sighting here in 34 years.
Your records will be a treasure in the future, Woko.