Distraction Display

There are some birds that if their young are threatened they perform an elaborate distraction display, in order to persuade the predator to follow them. The Nightjar’s display is one of the most spectacular but because of the Nightjar’s illusive nature it is seldom seen.
Last month, after more than fifty years of trying, I was lucky enough to spend time at the nest of a Nightjar. As I approached she would rise and alight on a fallen pine tree, spread her wings and tail feathers and call to entice me away from her two young. It was an amazing performance with more photos in this weeks gallery. The camouflage of Nightjars is legendary and this will be seen next week. more photos www.facebook.com/gordonyateswildlife