There were about 15 to 20 Common Nighthawks swirling around and feeding in
the lights over the two tower buildings at Tysons Corner, Fairfax County
tonight. This is the first night I have seen any sizable number of birds
there this season. There were also copious insects (being eaten by the
nighthawks) and a few bats in the lights as well. I observed on several
occasions bats actually chasing nighthawks. I have seen this behavior
before and do not know whether it is aggression by the bats,or, perhaps,
they simply echo locate the nighthawks and give chase thinking they are
insects. Anyone know for sure? It is worth noting that the lights seem
not to come on until 9 p.m. these days, and no lights no birds. There
should be nighthawks there most nights for the next two or three weeks at
least.
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.
