The Nighthawk's Evening: A Field Biologist's Story

The common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor, has long fascinated birders, scientists, farmers and anyone who has awoken to its raspy calls on a hot city night. The Nighthawk’s Evening charts field biologist Gretchen Newberry’s journey across North America to study these birds, from the islands of British Columbia to rooftops in South Dakota, Oregon sagebrush, California hills, and Wisconsin forests. Newberry focuses on the bird itself—its complex conservation status and cultural significance—and the larger, often hidden world of nocturnal animals. Along the way, she also gives readers insight into the daily life of a scientist, especially one who works primarily at night. The Nighthawk’s Evening uses one scientist and one species to explore the challenges, disappointments, and successes of scientific research and conservation efforts.