The elusive nightjar, which was threatened with extinction only 40 years ago, has returned to North Yorkshire’s woodlands in record numbers.

The nocturnal bird, famed for its churring love call and aerobatic courtship dance, has made local Forestry Commission woods its key summer stronghold in northern Britain.

Pickering-based Mick Carroll, from the Forest Bird Study Group, has estimated there could be more than 500 nightjar pairs in the 56,000-acre public forest estate in North Yorkshire.

To celebrate the revival, forest chiefs are staging two nightjar walks allowing people to experience the bird's twilight serenade.

They take place in Dalby Forest tomorrow and in Cropton Forest the following evening. People need to book by phoning 01751 472771 in order to take part.

Mick Douch, chief wildlife ranger, said: “Nightjars are active at night and superbly well camouflaged so they are incredibly difficult to study. “But what isn’t in doubt is the bird’s magical quality, which makes a midsummer night in the forest so special.”

The walks cost £5 per person and set out at 9.30pm.

Rendezvous details will be given at the time of booking.