The Nightjar is one of Derbyshire's rarest breeding birds and we are fortunate to have had a small population in the Matlock Forest area for many years, I have reports of a survey from 1974 when the population was estimated at 12 pairs but the report also refers to arrival dates of birds returning to breed in the 1950's. As they are almost entirely nocturnal seeing them at all is a challenge and their presence is often only given away by the distinctive churring calls which the males make on calm evenings shortly after sunset. Positive management of the coniferous forests to create suitable clearings by the Forestry Commission has helped to sustain the population locally although birds will also nest on the open moor.
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