Interesting Third Hand Common Poorwill Report - Arapahoe

[Jared Del Rosso]

Through the Nextdoor app, I learned that a Common Poorwill appeared to be enjoying some sun (or a warm engine), out in the open in a suburban parking lot, on the hood of a dark colored car at the Streets of Southglenn mall in Centennial (Arapahoe County, University & Arapahoe cross streets). A photo of the bird, which eventually flew away (and, so, perhaps wasn't either ill or injured), was shared. The photo was taken from inside the car, which means the driver was able to approach and enter her car before the bird flew off. 

Fall poorwill can be weirdly tolerant of people? I remember one at Cheesman, sleeping next to a beer bottle, that hardly seemed to notice photographers, passerby, and dogs for days. 

- Jared

[Michael T]

Common Poorwill and Common Nighthawks are currently migrating south and will go into a reduced metabolic state called torpor during cooler/colder temperature while waiting for conditions to improve. As a wildlife rehabilitator I receive many calls about distressed "baby owls" during the fall about these very interesting creatures. Unless there is an obvious sign of injury, these cases are just poorwills/nighthawks just waiting for things to warm up.

For more info:https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Poorwill/overview

Michael Tincher

Fort Collins