April 8th, 2016

Palauan Nightjar: Nightlife in Micronesia

​   In anticipation of an incoming group of international birders, the Paddling Palau team geared up for a practice session of nocturnal bird calling.  The team consisted of Biologist Ron Leidich, Megapode expert Paul Radley, Migratory bird guru Glenn Mckinlay, Sound Tech Jene Persinger, kayak naturalist Macstyl Sasao, & Ron's 11 year old son, Calvin.  The team drove to the end of the road in the sleepy hamlet of Ngesaol, in Koror Palau.  After meager successes on previous nights in other locations, expectations were understandably low.
   The banter and commotion ended abruptly when they heard the first knocking call of the elusive Palauan Nightjar.  Known locally as "Chebacheb," few natives have ever encountered this cryptic beast as they typically remain dormant until dusk.  The species has recently been awarded Endemic status and is now known as Caprimulgus phalaena.
  A rapid fly-over immediately grabbed the group's attention and sent them scrambling for cameras and recording equipment.  Paddling Palau office manager Jene Persinger swung into action and immediately began recording the bizarre calls produced by the nightjars on the wing and while perched.  Satisfied that she'd captured the essence of their vocalizations, she played back the calls over a loud speaker and was immediately rewarded with a response!
   The team sat on edge as the avian & electronic duet battled for center stage.  Though we'll never know what the birds were communicating, the results were obvious.  At least two Nightjars repetitively swooped over head, then landed for a few brief moments.  Calvin Idek Leidich was excited to be on leave from his six grade homework assignments and quickly flooded the jungle with his spotlight.  Spotting the reflection of Nightjar's eyes, he held the beam steady enough for his father to focus his camera on Nightjar's camouflaged flanks.
   Though everyone on the team has spent countless hours exploring, photographing, and observing nature in Palau, no one in the party had ever been so close to the elusive Nightjar.  Satisfied with their recordings, photographs, and existential experience, the team left the Nightjars to go about their bidding, hunting for insects on the wing and gracing the skies of Palau with their alluring calls.