March reports of nighthawks in Ohio seem to be a yearly phenomenon. They usually coincide with the arrival of woodcocks. As far as I know, there are *no* verifiable specimens or photographs of nighthawks here at this time; all reports are of calls thought to have been those of nighthawks. There is an interesting conversation ongoing at http://cincinnatibirds.com/message/showthread.php?Thread=2331 among the Cincinnati birding community about such a report recently; it's thoughtful and well worth reading. There are only a few Ohio species with odd records verified by ear alone---one example is the nighthawk's close relative the chuck-will's-widow via its very characteristic vocalizations (there are 36 records at Point Pelee in Ontario at expected times!)---but more substantial evidence is required for very odd seasonal occurrences of other species. Here in Franklin County, we have acceptable single records of common nighthawks on the very early dates of April 16, 18, and 19, and one as late as 11/20. It is possible that climate moderation may enable these birds to show up a few days earlier, but based on accepted records March is just out of the picture. Freakishly early records based on vocalization alone can't be accepted unless calls are recorded and examined. I am sure reports of nighthawks will be appearing on eBird (and even on Ohio-birds) soon, but I am equally sure that Ohio eBird editor Vic Fazio is continuing his careful monitoring of such reports; I'm sure it's a regular duty here in March. Rewriting Ohio's record of nighthawks will require more than just thinking they've been heard. Nevertheless, I expect to hear several reports again this year, and they are welcome. If you find a dead nighthawk this month, however, pop it in the freezer with written data and let someone know. Bill Whan Columbus ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]