NATURE lovers are being invited to a twilight rendezvous with the elusive nightjar.

The Forestry Commission is staging two spectacular treks to see and hear the nocturnal bird at Cropton Forest June 12 and Dalby Forest, near Pickering, the following evening.

Famed for its amorous aerobatic displays, the creature has made a comeback on the North York Moors, where clear felled forest sites provide an ideal alternative to its traditional heathland habitat.

Wildlife officer Brian Walker said: "It’s heart-warming to witness the revival in nightjar fortunes. It really is an iconic bird with a beautiful and distinctive churring call that seems to fill the air on balmy midsummer evenings."

He added: "We keep tabs on the bird by ringing as many as we can, but they are quite tough to catch.

"Because of that we play a tape recording of a male singing which stirs up nearby nightjars who promptly fly into our harmless net. But we’ve found that was once duped in this way the bird never falls for the same trick a second time. They are quick learners."

The Cropton walk meets at Mauley Cross, north of Stape, at 9.30pm, and the Dalby trek meets at same time at Dalby Forest Visitor Centre. Booking is required on 01751-472771.

The cost is £5 per person. Wear warm clothing and suitable footwear. The event is not suitable for dogs.