The species is a summer visitor to the UK, arriving in May from wintering grounds 6,500 km away in subtropical Africa. Data gathered from BTO's BirdTrack app clearly show a reduction in nightjars reported on UK breeding grounds following severe weather events on the Continent during this year's migration period. The continuing wetter and cooler summer weather this year is likely to have impacted negatively on their breeding success once again. Cause for optimismWhile the UK breeding population of European Nightjar breeding population still has a long way to go to match its pre-decline levels, there is cause for optimism. However, there are concerns that the accompanying changes in weather could impact on migration patterns and breeding success.

Source: The Guardian July 25, 2024 01:34 UTC