Bovey Heathfield, 1st July 2025

A larger than expected group of 25 people gathered at Bovey Heathfield reserve for the annual Nightjar walk starting at 9 pm, led by Jacqui and Claire. There were at least 5 new people in the group, and quite a few people were hoping to see Nightjars for the first time.

By the entrance to the reserve, Mark pointed out a Greenfinch sitting up on a tree. We slowly made our way along the main path looking out for birds in the twilight of a rising crescent moon. Richard W then spotted an unusual large green caterpillar in the middle of the path which everyone had a good look at before he moved it to the safety of the heath. It was identified as the caterpillar of the Emperor Moth. We slowly meandered through the reserve, seeing Stonechats, a Tree Pipit and hearing Dartford Warbler and Yellowhammer on the way. The group split into two sections, some staying at a spot overlooking the pond area, while the rest walked on towards the top of the reserve. As we were approaching the top, we heard a couple of Nightjars churring their distinctive, low frequency calls as they were preparing to take flight. We then waited patiently and quietly for dusk to gather and for the Nightjars to appear.

Anticipation mounted until the first sighting was made, which was followed by a couple of other birds seen flying low. As the area became darker, those of us at the top of the reserve clearly saw a couple of birds flying close by, silhouetted against the sky. Meanwhile, the other half of the group also had good sightings of a couple of birds flying overhead. At around 10.20 pm we decided to make our way slowly back down the path, where we all met up again. There, we had a close look at a Glow-worm that had been spotted by Chris and Claire. Some of us were fortunate enough to have a couple more sightings of Nightjars flying overhead on the way back. Another Glow-worm was seen near the end of the walk, which was a lovely bonus for a special evening’s birding.

Claire Savaryn

10 species identified (H – heard only)

Nightjar, Herring Gull, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Dartford Warbler (H), Stonechat, House Sparrow, Tree Pipit, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer (H).