Nighthawks + hummingbird behavior - Arapahoe

[Jared Del Rosso]

Yesterday, in my western Centennial yard, a loose group of 25 or more Common Nighthawks flew by. (I counted 27.) They seemed to be going somewhere -- either migrating southward or heading somewhere to feed -- as the flight was direct, except for two straggling birds who occasionally fluttered and cut their flight path. 

This was at roughly 7:20 PM. About 25 minutes later, a single Common Nighthawk flew over.

A good number for the fall, but not the most I've encountered around western Centennial and Greenwood Village.

Between the two sightings, I saw a hummingbird -- ID unknown, as the sighting was brief and I didn't have binoculars -- chase a Greater Anglewing as it flew from one Honeylocust to another. 

Neither here nor there, but, in flight, Greater Anglewings remind me of Virginia Rails in flight -- shortish, awkward bursts from one hidden location to another, with squat builds and the wings held outward. Not that I've seen many a rain fly, though...

- Jared Del Rosso

Centennial, CO