Nighthawk Crypsis Fail

If you're a Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), you've evolved some amazing cryptic plumage that allows you to seamlessly evaporate into the twigs and leaves during the brightest daylight hours. So where do you crash for the day?

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) not quite hiding.

On a fully exposed branch of a willow tree hanging over a clearing, of course! We spotted this guy at the Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge on a trip guided by Michael Retter of Tropical Birding. Cedar Point NWR is usually closed to visitation, but we got in on a special tour as part of the Biggest Week in American Birding.