Before too long, some hopeful soul will announce hearing the year's
first nighthawk, and helpful readers will offer reminders that Ohio's
first calling American woodcock of the year is, by hallowed tradition,
often taken for Ohio's first nighthawk.
        Actually, Ohio's first recognized nighthawk was found near Columbus on
April 16 of 1899, and now sleeps in the OSU Museum as specimen #882.
        Woodcocks occasionally winter in Ohio, and should not be a big surprise
as migrants here in mid-February of a warm year. Because they do not
rely on flying insects, and winter not far south of here, they can
respond quickly to warm conditions, migrating by night. Nighthawks have
many more miles to cover on the way from South America, and survive on
tradition rather than happenstance, mostly migrating by daylight.
        I doubt this warning will discourage the usual February nighthawk
reports, but what the heck...
Bill Whan
Columbus

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