Welcome to
Nightjar Surveyor Training!
A program of The Land Between
Start Learning!
How to use Training Modules
Training Modules are interactive presentations that allow you to complete activities and answer questions as you learn about your volunteer program!
There are several different ways you will be able to interact with this module. On any given page you will see all or some of the buttons below. Hover your mouse over each button to see what they do and how you can use them to navigate in this module.
When you are finished, click the NEXT button at the bottom right of the page.
Next
How to use Training Modules
Sometimes content or options will not appear until you have explored all the content on the page or completed the activity. For example, often the Button will not appear until you have completed an activity or clicked on all images that reveal content on a given page.
Next
You will see this image on the bottom of the screen throughout the module. This explorer will be your guide and helper as you work through the module. You can click on them for help if you get stuck, or for more information!
Next
How to use Training Modules
All clickable images will have one of these symbols on or next to them. Some images will also expand to show you they are clickable. If an image expands and/or pulses, you can click directly on it. If it does not expand and/or pulse, use the symbol to access the content.
Clickable Image Example:
If you have any issues, you can contact us! Send an email to volunteers@thelandbetween.ca or give us a call at (705) 457-1222
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to start learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Warning
There are dangers in these volunteer activities. Please participate at your own discretion.
Next
Considerations for Data Collection
Data on Species at Risk is sensitive and can't be shared without permission from The Land Between Charity.
This information is confidential and must remain private to protect vulnerable species.
By volunteering with The Land Between, you agree to help protect Ontario species and keep nightjar observations, and other information confidential.
I Understand and agree
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Nightjars Matter!
Addressing Critical Declines:
- Nightjars, along with other aerial insectivores, have faced alarming population declines—up to 75% globally.
- These declines are due to threats such as habitat destruction, pesticide use, and predation by domestic cats.
Supporting Ecosystems:
- Nightjars play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling insect populations.
- For example, a single nightjar can consume over 10,000 mosquitoes in one night, benefiting biodiversity and reducing pests.
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
Survey Period: June 15 – July 15 (once every year). Timing: Start 30 minutes before sunset, route takes ~2 hours. Route: 12 roadside stops per route. Observation: Listen for six minutes at each stop and record your findings.
- Expand scientific understanding of nightjar populations.
- Help develop effective conservation strategies.
- Contribute to the protection of Threatened species in Canada.
Next
Nightjar Program Objectives
- Learn About Nightjar Habitats: By collecting data from different locations, we can understand where nightjars live and what kind of places they need to survive.
- Track Nightjar Populations Over Time: The data will help us keep an eye on how many nightjars are around each year, so we can see if their numbers are going up or down.
- Map Where Nightjars Are Found: This information will help us know exactly where nightjars live and how many are in different areas.
- Help With Environmental Impact Studies: The data will give us a starting point to understand how changes to the environment, like new buildings or roads, might affect nightjars and their homes.
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9.Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Understanding Nightjars
Biology & Identification
Key Features
- Nocturnal birds that forage for flying insects at night.
- Recognized for their long, pointed wings and exceptional camouflage.
- Lay eggs directly on the ground—no nest!
Migration & Breeding: Highly migratory, some species traveling as far as Argentina in winter and returning to breed across Canada during summer. Monitoring Tip: Rarely seen due to cryptic behavior—learn their calls for effective identification during surveys.
Next
Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Biology
Range: Found across Canada, except Newfoundland and the far north.Migration: Appears late May to early June, one of the last migratory birds to arrive. Habitat: Open areas; grasslands, urban spaces, and rock barrens. Behavior: Males defend territories but forage/roost far from nests.
Next
Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Identification
Activity: Most active at dawn/dusk (more crepuscular than other nightjar speciesc); especially 30 min before sunset to 90 min after.Flight Behaviour: Forages during flight, like swallows & swifts. Distinguishing Feature (in Flight): Bright white wing bars. Common nighthawks make TWO different sounds:
- “Peent” or “beerb” call in flight.
- Mechanical wing-boom, made by wind rushing through the the male’s down-curved wing tips at the bottom of a steep vertical dive.
Next
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Antrostomus vociferus
Biology
Range: Found from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia, with a majority of the population in Ontario and Quebec.Migration: Arrives in Canada in early to mid-May. Habitat: Mix of open and wooded areas, using open spaces for foraging and wooded areas for nesting and perching. Conservation Status: Threatened due to significant population declines.
Next
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Antrostomus vociferus
Identification
Activity: Most vocal on clear nights in June when the moon is at least half full.
- Beginning about 30 minutes after sunset and usually lasts for 90 minutes!
Visual Traits: White ring around the base of the neck and white spots on outer tail feathers. Sounds: Repeats its characteristic “whip-poor-will” call up to 100 times without stopping.
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Tools for Identification
Resources
To practice your nightjar and nocturnal bird species identification, we recommend the following resources:
- Citizen Science: Report observations on iNaturalist, specifically on “The Biodiversity of The Land Between Ecotone” page.
Interactive Websites:
- Dendroica for learning bird sounds and photos.
- Xeno-canto for extensive bird sound recordings.
- Macaulay Library for wildlife sound and video collections.
Apps:
- iBird (available in Pro, Canada, Ultimate, and Plus editions).
- Audubon Birds of North America (free).
- Sibley eGuide to Birds.
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Planning your Survey
Route Details
Routes will be assigned as close to your location as possible to minimize travel. You will recieve map showing all stops unless you are surveying a new route. Routes consist of approx. 12 stops spaced at least 1.6 km apart. Surveys should begin 30 minutes after sunset and be completed within two hours.
Survey Overview
Nightjar surveys are conducted in pairs from a vehicle along designated routes. Surveys take place within one week of June's full moon, focusing on listening for bird calls in the evening. Volunteers must familiarize themselves with safety measures and understand survey protocols before participating.
Next
Conducting your Survey
Important Guidelines
At each stop
- Do not use whistles, audio calls, or other methods to coax birds.
- Do not use flashlights to search for bird eye reflections.
Refer to the Nightjar Detections section of this module for detailed observation recording instructions.
- Upon arrival, remain silent for one minute before starting.
- Conduct a six-minute count of all nightjars seen or heard.
- Record observations immediately to avoid forgetting details.
- Stay consistent in your listening technique to accurately capture nearby and distant calls.
Next
Date & Time Requirements
Timing
Date
Begin surveys 30 minutes after sunset, when nightjars are most active. Only one route can be surveyed per night due to these timing requirements. Use the official sunset time for your location; Sunrise/Sunset Tool.
- Surveys must occur between June 15 and July 15, once per year.
- Schedule your survey within one week of the full moon.
- Avoid surveying during poor weather conditions:
- Wind: Beaufort scale level 3 or greater (explained later).
- Rain: Any precipitation is unsuitable.
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Equipment Checklist
Essential:
- Vehicle
- Protocol and blank datasheets
- Route map and stop locations
- Flashlight (headlamp preferred)
- Watch or device with a timer
- Several pencils/pens
Next
Equipment Checklist
Recommended:
- Assistant/driver
- GPS and/or road map
- Thermometer
- Spare batteries
- Insect repellant
- Reflective safety clothing - Strongly recommended
- Long pants and closed-toed shoes
Next
Safety Guidelines
For more detailed outdoor safety information, refer to the “Safety Tips for General Outdoor Hazards” document included in your volunteer package Additionally, you can access The Land Between’s safety training and quizzes
HERE
HERE
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Data Collection Tips
General Instructions
Distance & Direction
Survey Information
- Use a new line on the datasheet for each new bird detected.
- Do not record data if no nightjars or owls were heard at a stop.
- If individual birds cannot be distinguished, make a note of this in the “comments” section.
- Route Details
- Personal Information
- Record the distance and direction of detections:
- Estimate distance as:
- Near (< 100 m)
- Far (> 100 m)
- Use cardinal directions (North, East, South, West) or describe direction relative to the road and your vehicle.
Stop Conditions
- Survey Start Time
- Wind
- Cloud Cover
- Moon Visibility
- Noise Level
Next
Data Collection Tips
Indicate the highest ranked detection type for each 1-min interval.
Getting Coordinates
For new routes or amendments
- Record coordinates at each stop in decimal degrees to six digits
- Use a GPS or app to obtain coordinates
- Ensure coordinate accuracy as stops will be revisited in future surveys.
- Use a handeld GPS
- Use Google Maps
- Use a GPS smartphone app
- Locate coordinates after the survey using Google Earth
- Manual marking on a paper map
- Wing-boom (W): Territorial (Common Nighthawks only).
- Call (C): Bird call detected.
- Visual (V): Bird seen without a call.
- Not detected (N): No detection.
Next
Sample Data
Stop 3
Stop 2
Stop 1
An Eastern Whip-poor-will was heard calling less than 100 m to the south (front right). A Common Nighthawk was detected calling and performing several wing-booms per minute for the entire 6 minutes, several hundred meters to the northeast (back left)
No birds were detected during the survey, so no data was recorded.
A Common Nighthawk was heard calling during the first 2 minutes and performing wing-booms in minute 3. A second Nighthawk was heard calling during the 3rd and 4th minutes, a new row on the data sheet.
Stop 4
A Nighthawk flew overhead in minute 2, and a Whip-poor-will began calling in minute 6.
Next
Data Submission
For Existing WildResearch Routes:
- Log in to the WildResearch Nightjar Atlas: Use assigned username and password to access your account.
- Enter your survey data:
- Navigate to the “Enter My Survey Data” section.
- Input your Survey Info (e.g., date, time, weather).
- Click on Stop 1 to enter:
- Stop Conditions data (e.g., noise level, habitat type).
- Nightjar observations for Stop 1.
- Repeat for all stops: Continue steps 2 and 3 for every subsequent stop on your route.
- Submit your data: Review all entered data and finalize submission.
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Almost done!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Don't forget to hit the submit button at the bottom of the form!
Next
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
References
Audubon. (2019, September 19). North America Has Lost More Than 1 in 4 Birds in Last 50 Years, New Study Says. Retrieved from https://www.audubon.org/news/north-america-has-lost-more-1-4-birds-last-50-years-new-study-says Bird, D. N. (2010). Birds of Canada. Dorling Kindersley, Toppan, China. CBC News. (2013, March 6). Killer cats threaten songbirds, small mammals. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/killer-cats-threaten-songbirds-small-mammals-1.1393193 CBC News. (2015, July 3). Cats the No. 1 killer of birds in Canada. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/cats-the-no-1-killer-of-birds-in-canada-1.3130437 CBC News. (2019, September 19). Bird population has dropped by 3 billion in North America since 1970: study. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/bird-population-decline-1.5288454 Canadian Nightjar Survey Protocol. (2020). Nightjar survey data sheets. The Land Between. Retrieved from https://www.thelandbetween.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Nightjar-Survey-data-sheets.pdf North American Bird Conservation Initiative Canada. (2019). State of Canada’s Birds 2019. Retrieved from http://nabci.net/resources/state-of-canadas-birds-2019/
Click the next button to finish the module!
Next
Tips for Nightjar Identification Eastern Whip-poor-will: Known for its repetitive “Whip-poor-will” call at dusk. Common Nighthawk: Recognized by its vocal “peent” and wing-boom sounds, often heard at dusk. These birds are more often heard than seen due to their nocturnal habits and excellent camouflage.
For questions or support, contact The Land Between Charity.Email: citizensciencetlb@gmail.com Phone: (705) 457-1222 Together, we can help protect these incredible birds and their habitats!
Other Species of Interest While surveying, you may encounter other species of conservation interest. Consider learning to identify these birds:
- Owls: Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Long-eared Owl, Great-horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, and Snowy Owl.
- Yellow Rail
- American Woodcock
- Chimney Swift
For New Routes: Some routes may not have been surveyed before, requiring volunteers to choose stops.
- Use provided maps (with satellite imagery) to select stops and record their locations.
- Ensure stops are 1.6 km apart using your car’s odometer, a mapping app, or GPS.
- Safety First: Choose stops with safe parking areas and avoid locations with excessive noise (e.g., running water, barking dogs).
- It is acceptable to increase the distance between stops if necessary to avoid counting the same birds twice.
- Better to increase the distance between stops than decrease the distance.
- Stops can be on different roads if necessary to find safe parking.
We recommend driving your route during the day to get familiar with the stops.
Need Help or Clarification?If you have any questions about the survey protocols, data submission process, or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact us! Phone: (705) 457-1222 Email: CitizenScienceTLB@gmail.com Thank you for your invaluable contributions to nightjar conservation research!
There are multiple methods to obtain coordinates for new stop locations:
- Take waypoints at each of your survey stops using a GPS device.
- If you have cell service at your survey route, you can drop a "pin" at each stop location in Google Maps and record the latitude and longitude.
- If it is not feasible to obtain coordinates during the survey, you can mark stops on a printed map while surveying and use your vehicle’s odometer to measure the distance between stops. Afterward, plot the stops in Google Earth to obtain precise coordinates.
- If none of the above options are available, you can mark the locations on a physical map as accurately as possible during the survey. Submit this map with your datasheet, and our team will assist in determining the coordinates.
Ensuring accurate stop location data allows for consistent monitoring and improves the quality of survey data collected over time.
We recommened using a smartphone GPS app, check your phone's app store for a free one! Smartphones can be converted into handheld GPS devices with the following apps:
- Free GPS for iPhone (Free): https://apps.apple.com/app/free-gps/id335392176
- GPS Test for Android (Free): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chartcross.gpstest&hl=en
- GPS Maps Location Finder for BlackBerry (Free): https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/36703897/?lang=en&countrycode=CA\
ROUTE DETAILS
- Fill in the route name, date, start time, and end time of the survey.
- Describe the general location and condition of the route, including road condition and any safety concerns.
- Record the temperature at the beginning and end of your survey.
PERSONAL INFO
- Submit your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address for our records.
For questions or support, contact The Land Between Charity.Email: citizensciencetlb@gmail.com Phone: (705) 457-1222 Together, we can help protect these incredible birds and their habitats!
*All charts are available in protocol*
Completed Data Sheet
This is an example of a clickable image.
For New Routes (Assigned by The Land Between Charity):If your route is new or if you are unable to submit data via the WildResearch Nightjar Atlas, you can send your completed forms and maps using one of the following methods:
- In-person submission:
- Drop off the hard copies of your completed forms and route map at our office: 6712 Gelert Rd, Haliburton, ON
- Located in the portable outside the Haliburton Fish Hatchery.
- By email:
- Scan or take clear photographs of your datasheets and map.
- Email them to CitizenScienceTLB@gmail.com.
- By mail:
- Send your documents to: The Land Between Charity
Box 1368, Haliburton, ON, K0M 1S0
Preventing Insect Bites
- Wear appropriate clothing such as long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes to minimize exposure.
- Light-coloured clothes and insect repellent can help reduce attraction and provide added protection.
- If you're particularly sensitive, consider using a protective bug net or jacket for extra defense.
This section of the datasheet should only be filled out if your route has never been surveyed before or if you wish to recommend a stop location amendment.
-
New Routes / Amendments:
Record stop coordinates for new routes or amended stops.
Use latitude and longitude in decimal degrees to six digits (e.g., 49.884128 N, 119.496301 W).
- Obtaining Coordinates:
Use a GPS device, smartphone GPS apps, or Google Maps to record coordinates.
Mark stops on a map and use your car’s odometer to track distances if GPS is unavailable.
- Submission of Coordinates:
Ensure the stops can be revisited in subsequent surveys by accurately recording and submitting the coordinates.
Nightjar Surveyors Training
The Land Between
Created on November 24, 2024
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Smart Presentation
View
Practical Presentation
View
Essential Presentation
View
Akihabara Presentation
View
Flow Presentation
View
Dynamic Visual Presentation
View
Pastel Color Presentation
Explore all templates
Transcript
Welcome to
Nightjar Surveyor Training!
A program of The Land Between
Start Learning!
How to use Training Modules
Training Modules are interactive presentations that allow you to complete activities and answer questions as you learn about your volunteer program!
There are several different ways you will be able to interact with this module. On any given page you will see all or some of the buttons below. Hover your mouse over each button to see what they do and how you can use them to navigate in this module.
When you are finished, click the NEXT button at the bottom right of the page.
Next
How to use Training Modules
Sometimes content or options will not appear until you have explored all the content on the page or completed the activity. For example, often the Button will not appear until you have completed an activity or clicked on all images that reveal content on a given page.
Next
You will see this image on the bottom of the screen throughout the module. This explorer will be your guide and helper as you work through the module. You can click on them for help if you get stuck, or for more information!
Next
How to use Training Modules
All clickable images will have one of these symbols on or next to them. Some images will also expand to show you they are clickable. If an image expands and/or pulses, you can click directly on it. If it does not expand and/or pulse, use the symbol to access the content.
Clickable Image Example:
If you have any issues, you can contact us! Send an email to volunteers@thelandbetween.ca or give us a call at (705) 457-1222
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to start learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Warning
There are dangers in these volunteer activities. Please participate at your own discretion.
Next
Considerations for Data Collection
Data on Species at Risk is sensitive and can't be shared without permission from The Land Between Charity.
This information is confidential and must remain private to protect vulnerable species.
By volunteering with The Land Between, you agree to help protect Ontario species and keep nightjar observations, and other information confidential.
I Understand and agree
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Nightjars Matter!
Addressing Critical Declines:
- Nightjars, along with other aerial insectivores, have faced alarming population declines—up to 75% globally.
- These declines are due to threats such as habitat destruction, pesticide use, and predation by domestic cats.
Supporting Ecosystems:Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
Survey Period: June 15 – July 15 (once every year). Timing: Start 30 minutes before sunset, route takes ~2 hours. Route: 12 roadside stops per route. Observation: Listen for six minutes at each stop and record your findings.
Next
Nightjar Program Objectives
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9.Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Understanding Nightjars
Biology & Identification
Key Features
Migration & Breeding: Highly migratory, some species traveling as far as Argentina in winter and returning to breed across Canada during summer. Monitoring Tip: Rarely seen due to cryptic behavior—learn their calls for effective identification during surveys.
Next
Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Biology
Range: Found across Canada, except Newfoundland and the far north.Migration: Appears late May to early June, one of the last migratory birds to arrive. Habitat: Open areas; grasslands, urban spaces, and rock barrens. Behavior: Males defend territories but forage/roost far from nests.
Next
Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Identification
Activity: Most active at dawn/dusk (more crepuscular than other nightjar speciesc); especially 30 min before sunset to 90 min after.Flight Behaviour: Forages during flight, like swallows & swifts. Distinguishing Feature (in Flight): Bright white wing bars. Common nighthawks make TWO different sounds:
Next
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Antrostomus vociferus
Biology
Range: Found from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia, with a majority of the population in Ontario and Quebec.Migration: Arrives in Canada in early to mid-May. Habitat: Mix of open and wooded areas, using open spaces for foraging and wooded areas for nesting and perching. Conservation Status: Threatened due to significant population declines.
Next
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Antrostomus vociferus
Identification
Activity: Most vocal on clear nights in June when the moon is at least half full.
- Beginning about 30 minutes after sunset and usually lasts for 90 minutes!
Visual Traits: White ring around the base of the neck and white spots on outer tail feathers. Sounds: Repeats its characteristic “whip-poor-will” call up to 100 times without stopping.Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Tools for Identification
Resources
To practice your nightjar and nocturnal bird species identification, we recommend the following resources:
Interactive Websites:
- Dendroica for learning bird sounds and photos.
- Xeno-canto for extensive bird sound recordings.
- Macaulay Library for wildlife sound and video collections.
Apps:Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Planning your Survey
Route Details
Routes will be assigned as close to your location as possible to minimize travel. You will recieve map showing all stops unless you are surveying a new route. Routes consist of approx. 12 stops spaced at least 1.6 km apart. Surveys should begin 30 minutes after sunset and be completed within two hours.
Survey Overview
Nightjar surveys are conducted in pairs from a vehicle along designated routes. Surveys take place within one week of June's full moon, focusing on listening for bird calls in the evening. Volunteers must familiarize themselves with safety measures and understand survey protocols before participating.
Next
Conducting your Survey
Important Guidelines
At each stop
- Do not use whistles, audio calls, or other methods to coax birds.
- Do not use flashlights to search for bird eye reflections.
Refer to the Nightjar Detections section of this module for detailed observation recording instructions.Next
Date & Time Requirements
Timing
Date
Begin surveys 30 minutes after sunset, when nightjars are most active. Only one route can be surveyed per night due to these timing requirements. Use the official sunset time for your location; Sunrise/Sunset Tool.
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Equipment Checklist
Essential:
Next
Equipment Checklist
Recommended:
Next
Safety Guidelines
For more detailed outdoor safety information, refer to the “Safety Tips for General Outdoor Hazards” document included in your volunteer package Additionally, you can access The Land Between’s safety training and quizzes
HERE
HERE
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Click the next button to keep learning!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Data Collection Tips
General Instructions
Distance & Direction
Survey Information
Stop Conditions
Next
Data Collection Tips
Indicate the highest ranked detection type for each 1-min interval.
Getting Coordinates
For new routes or amendments
Next
Sample Data
Stop 3
Stop 2
Stop 1
An Eastern Whip-poor-will was heard calling less than 100 m to the south (front right). A Common Nighthawk was detected calling and performing several wing-booms per minute for the entire 6 minutes, several hundred meters to the northeast (back left)
No birds were detected during the survey, so no data was recorded.
A Common Nighthawk was heard calling during the first 2 minutes and performing wing-booms in minute 3. A second Nighthawk was heard calling during the 3rd and 4th minutes, a new row on the data sheet.
Stop 4
A Nighthawk flew overhead in minute 2, and a Whip-poor-will began calling in minute 6.
Next
Data Submission
For Existing WildResearch Routes:
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
Almost done!
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
Don't forget to hit the submit button at the bottom of the form!
Next
Next
Module Menu
1. Welcome to Nightjar Surveyors!
6. Tools for Identification
2. Why Nightjars Matter
7. Test your Knowledge!
3. Becoming a Nightjar Surveyor
8. Planning your Survey
4. Test your Knoweldge!
9. Equipment Checklist
10. Submitting your Data
5. Understanding Nightjars
11. Module Completion
Next
References
Audubon. (2019, September 19). North America Has Lost More Than 1 in 4 Birds in Last 50 Years, New Study Says. Retrieved from https://www.audubon.org/news/north-america-has-lost-more-1-4-birds-last-50-years-new-study-says Bird, D. N. (2010). Birds of Canada. Dorling Kindersley, Toppan, China. CBC News. (2013, March 6). Killer cats threaten songbirds, small mammals. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/killer-cats-threaten-songbirds-small-mammals-1.1393193 CBC News. (2015, July 3). Cats the No. 1 killer of birds in Canada. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/cats-the-no-1-killer-of-birds-in-canada-1.3130437 CBC News. (2019, September 19). Bird population has dropped by 3 billion in North America since 1970: study. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/bird-population-decline-1.5288454 Canadian Nightjar Survey Protocol. (2020). Nightjar survey data sheets. The Land Between. Retrieved from https://www.thelandbetween.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Nightjar-Survey-data-sheets.pdf North American Bird Conservation Initiative Canada. (2019). State of Canada’s Birds 2019. Retrieved from http://nabci.net/resources/state-of-canadas-birds-2019/
Click the next button to finish the module!
Next
Tips for Nightjar Identification Eastern Whip-poor-will: Known for its repetitive “Whip-poor-will” call at dusk. Common Nighthawk: Recognized by its vocal “peent” and wing-boom sounds, often heard at dusk. These birds are more often heard than seen due to their nocturnal habits and excellent camouflage.
For questions or support, contact The Land Between Charity.Email: citizensciencetlb@gmail.com Phone: (705) 457-1222 Together, we can help protect these incredible birds and their habitats!
Other Species of Interest While surveying, you may encounter other species of conservation interest. Consider learning to identify these birds:
For New Routes: Some routes may not have been surveyed before, requiring volunteers to choose stops.
- Use provided maps (with satellite imagery) to select stops and record their locations.
- Ensure stops are 1.6 km apart using your car’s odometer, a mapping app, or GPS.
- Safety First: Choose stops with safe parking areas and avoid locations with excessive noise (e.g., running water, barking dogs).
- It is acceptable to increase the distance between stops if necessary to avoid counting the same birds twice.
- Better to increase the distance between stops than decrease the distance.
- Stops can be on different roads if necessary to find safe parking.
We recommend driving your route during the day to get familiar with the stops.Need Help or Clarification?If you have any questions about the survey protocols, data submission process, or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact us! Phone: (705) 457-1222 Email: CitizenScienceTLB@gmail.com Thank you for your invaluable contributions to nightjar conservation research!
There are multiple methods to obtain coordinates for new stop locations:
- If none of the above options are available, you can mark the locations on a physical map as accurately as possible during the survey. Submit this map with your datasheet, and our team will assist in determining the coordinates.
Ensuring accurate stop location data allows for consistent monitoring and improves the quality of survey data collected over time.We recommened using a smartphone GPS app, check your phone's app store for a free one! Smartphones can be converted into handheld GPS devices with the following apps:
ROUTE DETAILS
- Fill in the route name, date, start time, and end time of the survey.
- Describe the general location and condition of the route, including road condition and any safety concerns.
- Record the temperature at the beginning and end of your survey.
PERSONAL INFOFor questions or support, contact The Land Between Charity.Email: citizensciencetlb@gmail.com Phone: (705) 457-1222 Together, we can help protect these incredible birds and their habitats!
*All charts are available in protocol*
Completed Data Sheet
This is an example of a clickable image.
For New Routes (Assigned by The Land Between Charity):If your route is new or if you are unable to submit data via the WildResearch Nightjar Atlas, you can send your completed forms and maps using one of the following methods:
- In-person submission:
- Drop off the hard copies of your completed forms and route map at our office: 6712 Gelert Rd, Haliburton, ON
- Located in the portable outside the Haliburton Fish Hatchery.
- By email:
- Scan or take clear photographs of your datasheets and map.
- Email them to CitizenScienceTLB@gmail.com.
- By mail:
- Send your documents to: The Land Between Charity
Box 1368, Haliburton, ON, K0M 1S0Preventing Insect Bites
This section of the datasheet should only be filled out if your route has never been surveyed before or if you wish to recommend a stop location amendment.