המועדפים של jprbelli

As I was driving south past Paicines Reservoir, I saw two nighthawks fly over the road -- except that I thought nighthawks were not recorded in San Benito County. So I went back and listened for their calls, but heard only Black-necked Stilt, Killdeer, and Mallard. Fortunately there was just enough light left for me to take some grainy photos. I later checked eBird and learned that Lesser Nighthawks were being seen here regularly.

The second photo is brightened to show the red or red/black malar stripe better. This bird was farther south when we first heard it. Then it called and flew upstream. We later found it near the junction of the Bench Trail with the dirt road.

My first blunt-nosed, quite a unique little beast. This one was poking its head up above the grass when we spotted it. Many thanks to @tiwane for the planning, and, of course, @robberfly for the company and unbridled enthusiasm.