Page 12 - Talk of Tequesta - January '25

Page 12, The Talk Of Tequesta

norThern noTes

Nightjars, Nighthawks And Chuck Will’s Widows

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Nighthawks and Chuck may function as a “net,” helping to capture flying prey. and moths but can even
Will’s Widows are common Some evidence suggests that they may prevent particles catch small birds or bats
birds in South Florida, but from striking the eyes. There is also evidence that the on occasion. Their name
most people have never seen rictal bristles of some species may function tactilely, like is an onomatopoeia from
one. They are members of that of mammalian whiskers, to help detect prey. its song. As is often the
the Nightjar family and are Widows can be found in various habitats, most case with Nightjars, the
medium-sized nocturnal or commonly in open areas with some vegetation. Locally, Chuck-Will’s-widow was
crepuscular (active at dawn they live in and around upland preserves. Nighthawks named due to its song, which to many sounds like a phrase
and dusk) birds in the family usually spend their days hidden, sometimes in plain view, composed of the words “chuck,” “will’s,” and “widow”:
Caprimulgidae. Nightjars thanks to their cryptic gray, brown, and blackish plumage “Chuck Will’s Widow. Chuck-will’s-WID-ow. Chuck-
are found worldwide, and the birds’ squat, “neckless” shape. They often prove will’s-WID-ow.” The first syllable of the call is often hard
except Antarctica and challenging to spot even while roosting quietly on a tree for humans to hear. You can hear their distinctive call in
certain island groups such as the Seychelles. Nightjars branch or fence post. the evening or pre-dawn hours.
are primarily found in Europe, while Nighthawks and They usually lay their eggs directly on the ground rather As is the case with many
Chuck Will’s Widows are found more in the New World. than in a nest. They are incredibly good at camouflage, Nightjars worldwide,
Nightjars, Nighthawks and Chuck Will’s Widows belong and their coloring allows them to blend in remarkably Nighthawk and Chuck
to a family of birds with the folk name “goatsuckers.” well with the leaves and trees around them. Their Will’s Widow numbers
The family name, Caprimulgidae, literally means “milker soft plumage is colored to are declining. The factors
of goats” and is based on an ancient belief that the birds resemble bark or leaves, driving these declines
milked goats with their protecting them from their are elusive, but habitat
enormous mouths each primary predators: foxes destruction, declining
night. In reality, the birds’ and raccoons. As a defense, insect populations, and As a defense, these birds
attraction to livestock was these birds can hide in pesticide contamination can hide in leaves on the
likely due to the presence leaves on the ground, have all been suggested as ground, spread their wings
of insects. spread their wings and open their mouths to resemble potential culprits. and open their mouths to
They are unique birds cottonmouth snakes preparing to strike. Some species These fantastic but resemble cottonmouth snakes
with a distinctive look perch face lengthwise along a branch rather than across rarely seen birds are an preparing to strike.
characterized by long it as birds usually do to hide during the day, blending integral part of the Florida
wings, small feet, short seamlessly with tree bark. ecosystem. Now that the evenings are cool, enjoy a walk
legs, and very short bills. The Common Nighthawk’s erratic, acrobatic flight style by a preserve area in or around your neighborhood.
They have short bills but gives the bird its folk name “bullbat.” They fly alone or in Listen for the call of the “widow” or watch the looping
have enormous mouths groups in a looping pattern. This dusky hunter jerks and Nighthawks as they search for dinner.
when opened to allow them to catch insects at night. They weaves through the air on long, pointed wings, flashing NPDES tip: Storms occur all year round. Make sure
have bristles around their beaks called rictal bristles, distinctive white wing patches. your yards and trees are trimmed neatly to avoid flying
which are stiff hair-like feathers that arise around the base Chuck Will’s Widows are the largest of the Nightjars debris during a storm. Dispose of your trimmings and
of the beak. The function of rictal bristles is uncertain, and are primarily nocturnal. They have enormous mouths clippings properly—do not put them into storm drains
although several possibilities have been proposed. They that, when open, can catch flying insects like beetles or lakes!

Commissioner’s Update

Palm Beach County: Driving Innovation,

Safety, And Growth For A Brighter Future

By Mayor Maria G. Marino

It’s truly an honor to What makes Palm Beach County such a desirable healthcare professionals to prescribe time spent in nature to
become the mayor of a county destination for businesses and families? It’s the outstanding improve patients’ health and well-being.
that is a driving force for quality of life, with 110 parks, beaches, and recreational This past year, we completed two major restoration projects
economic growth, innovation areas that turn living here into a dream. These spaces are in our estuaries: Sawfish Island and Tarpon Cove. These
and quality of life. Palm Beach more than just amenities; they are vital investments in our initiatives created critical seagrass, oyster reef, and mangrove
County stands as a beacon of shared well-being. Programs like Park Rx, also known as Park
progress, built not by chance, Prescriptions, is part of a national initiative that encourages Commissioner’s Update on page 13
but through thoughtful
planning, consistent effort, “Service is our number one priority”
and unwavering commitment
to excellence. 561-743-0070
Palm Beach County
thrives on strategic investments that yield transformative
results. For every dollar invested in economic development, www.palmspoolservices.com
we see exponential returns—more businesses, more jobs,
and a stronger tax base. We’ve proven that we act local while
thinking global.
Public Safety is the foundation of any thriving community.
From emergency management during storms to initiatives by
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s
Office (PBSO), we are committed to ensuring residents feel
secure. A shining example is our whole blood program, one of
only 121 in the nation, which enables medically trained first
responders to perform life-saving blood transfusions in the
field. Through its safety education, the Drowning Prevention
Coalition reached nearly 24,000 people, and 2,200 kids ages
2 to 12 took free or reduced-cost swim lessons.
Investments in public safety provide tangible returns: stronger Expires 2/15/25.
communities, lower insurance premiums, and enhanced quality
of life. When people feel safe, businesses thrive, families grow, State Licensed & Insured CPC #
and communities flourish. That’s the kind of return on investment Serving Palm Beach County 1457468 • LPG#30099
we can all celebrate.