Most moth populations seem to be in decline. Some scientists believe that may be the result of agricultural pesticides, but Ward said that is merely speculation at this time.

“People don’t really monitor moth populations, so we don’t have a great deal of data on them,” he said. “There are some species that people anecdotally notice, you just don’t see them anymore.”

Whippoorwills essentially fly about the forest with their mouths open, eating moths and other insects.

“On nights with full moons they fly around a little bit more, so they are probably seeing the moths,” Ward said. “They have huge mouths.”

The other issue is forest management. Whippoorwills thrive in open forest. The presence of invasive species such as honeysuckle, buckthorn and autumn olive are making many forested areas unsuitable for this nocturnal bird.

“What we suggest is for people that own a back 40 of some forest, do some management, do some burns and open it up,” Ward said. “If people could do that, it would probably help out.”