The recording below is of a male Nightjar on Hartland Moor last night. On heathland all over Dorset Nightjar are becoming really active as they start to defend their territories and try to attract a mate. This bird was one of 8 vigorously flying about calling and churring. At the end of the recording you’ll hear the strange bubbling sound and numerous wing claps that the bird makes as it leaves its churring post, a sound seldom heard unless close to the bird. The sonagram shows the moment the Nightjar stops churring and starts wing clapping, with the sharp spike in the graph depicting each wing clap.

A busy day across the harbour today, and with this mornings rain clearing quickly it allowed for some…
Find out moreThis morning, a neck-collared dark-bellied Brent Goose was found on Baiter Park, and although efforts were made to…
Find out more© 2025 Birds of Poole Harbour Registered Charity No. 1152615