Murphy Hektner, APSA
August 2026 - Common Nighthawk
About the Image(s)
Common Nighthawk does not build a nest, she lays her eggs right on the bare ground, in this case a gravel pit.
This picture is a good example of camouflage in nature. She is sitting on eggs and blends in so well with the gravel pit color that she is well hidden.
Pentax body with Tamron 300mm F2.8 lens on tripod (1/125 sec, f/11, ISO 400). lighting was open mid-day sun
4 comments posted
Hi Murphy,
Camouflage is a powerful tool!
It makes it very challenging for the photographer.
Nicely done.
ps: I had the same issue with a Locust on a gravel background.
Posted: 08/12/2026 01:33:58
Camouflage is a powerful tool!
It makes it very challenging for the photographer.
Nicely done.
ps: I had the same issue with a Locust on a gravel background.
Posted: 08/12/2026 01:33:58
Wow, she is so well hidden. I love this, this a bird I've never gotten a photo of. Posted: 08/12/2026 19:59:53
This image really shows the value of the native coloration for the bird, so much so that it's very difficult to make out your subject. But, perhaps that the whole intent here. Interesting. Posted: 08/16/2026 16:23:46
Hi Charlie: Camouflage in nature is a vital tool for hiding ones self from predators. Many female birds are muted in their plumage color so they are not visible when sitting on the nest; while many of the male birds have bright coloration in their plumage used to attract the female.
In the case of Nighthawk she is the same color of the gravel, so a good example of camouflage in nature. From 20 feet away I could barely make out the bird sitting on her eggs.
Posted: 08/16/2026 23:44:38
In the case of Nighthawk she is the same color of the gravel, so a good example of camouflage in nature. From 20 feet away I could barely make out the bird sitting on her eggs.
Posted: 08/16/2026 23:44:38