Nan's Mystery Bird identified by expert

courtesy of www.palemale.com
[Be sure to click on photo for enlargement]

Nan Holmes, a regular correspondent of this page, alerted me to this photo on www.palemale.com on October 28 and asked:

Is the flying bird a nighthawk?

I sent the photo to two Central Park experts. asking Nan's question. Here is an answer from Lloyd Spitalnik:


YES.

According to the much-consulted New York City Bird Report site http://www.NYCbirdreport.com

here's the scoop on this bird: [It seems a bit late on Oct 28!]

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)

Likely to be seen in Central Park each year, but not likely to be seen on any particular dates.

First seen this year on Thursday, May 17, 2007
First seen this half-year (Jul 1 - Dec 31) on Monday, Aug 27, 2007
Most recently seen on Sunday, Sep 23, 2007

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