Nightjars
An iconic species of Cannock Chase these birds arrive in the spring from Sub-Saharan Africa to breed and raise their young in the cool summers of Northern Europe.
It is an incredible journey of over 4,000 miles for a bird that weighs only 70g (about the weight of an egg).
Nightjars will nest in hollows scraped on the ground amongst the heather and recently cut areas of forest. They are masters of camouflage, you will not see them until they fly up from their nests.
They are insectivores and hunt at dusk for moths along the tracks and trails of the heathland and forest.
Stills from the Sustainability Matters video show a nightjar on it’s nest and then a dog unintentionally walking straight through the nest. The bird then flies up, birds often will not return to a damaged nest. (view the full video here)
The best way to protect these precious birds is to keep to the main, wide paths and leave space for nature to flourish.
Each year several guided nightjar walks are run at dusk by the County Council Ranger Service – Find out more from Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, Marquis Drive.
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