CAMDEN — Mid-Coast Audubon will be hosting Logan Parker, ecologist with the Maine Natural History Observatory, Thursday, April 17, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the Camden Public Library.

Parker will discuss the natural history of Maine’s nightjars (Eastern Whip-poor-will and Common Nighthawk), the threats they face, and how you can take part in monitoring efforts.

Nightjars are medium-sized, cryptically colored birds of the family Caprimulgidae, or “goatsuckers.” Nightjars are generally either nocturnal (active at night) or crepuscular (active at twilight). While most are difficult to observe directly, these birds can be readily detected and identified by sound. Suspected declines in Maine evidenced by extensive anecdotal observations led to both the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Common Nighthawk being listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in 2016. 

The Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project, https://www.mainenightjar.com, is a multifaceted research effort working to support nightjar research in Maine and beyond. This project consists of both citizen science monitoring and intensive research efforts focused on nesting and movement ecology.   

Mid-Coast Audubon is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving and promoting awareness and appreciation of the natural world in mid-coast Maine. Through engaging programs and initiatives, Mid-Coast Audubon fosters a community passionate about preserving the region's biodiversity.

The Camden Public Library serves as a hub for learning, exploration, and community engagement, offering a diverse range of resources, programs, and events to inspire and enrich the lives of individuals in Camden and beyond.