The Center for Conservation Biology constructed the Nightjar Survey Network in 2007 to begin the process of collecting data on the population distribution and population trends of Nightjars across broad regions of the United States. The Network was initially introduced into the southeast and is being expanded in 2008 to provide coverage throughout the contiguous United States. The Nightjar Survey Network relies on volunteer participation by conservation-minded citizens, biologists, and other like-minded groups to adopt and conduct survey routes. Nightjar Surveys are easy to perform and will not take more than two hours to complete. Volunteers conduct roadside counts at night, during specific time windows when the moon is less than 50% illuminated, by driving and stopping at 10 points along a predetermined 9-mile route. At each point, the observer counts all Nightjars seen or heard by species during a 6-minute period. No artificial broadcasts of the species' calls are used. Please visit the United States Nightjar Survey Web Site for more details including location of routes, instructions, and results.

Volunteer participation is important to provide information on Texas nightjars and the broader region. Please consider adopting a route. I have also posted a 2-page flyer on the website that can be downloaded and printed for distribution at bird-club meetings, wildlife product retailers, and other places.

—  Mike Wilson, Center for Conservation Biology