Event: Woodcock Watches

Event: Woodcock Watches

Saturday, March 16, 7:00 pm
Coordinator: Anne Straight
815-938-3263

Join us for any or all of these evening outings to watch and listen for American Woodcocks performing their amazing courtship display. Please note the earlier starting time on March 7 which occurs prior to the start of daylight saving time.

The woodcock’s “Sky Dance” itself is part ground-strutting and part zig-zagging flight, barely visible in the early evening sky. More fascinating perhaps are the sounds that go with it, the repetitious vocal “peent!” followed by the twittering and chirping sounds made when air rushes through primary flight feathers during the bird’s flight. On a quiet evening, it is pure audio magic.

In the past we have had 3-6 woodcocks performing their twilight display for about 3-4 weeks. When and if this begins is an educated guess, so be sure to call the listed leader to register in advance and to receive confirmation that the birds have returned and the weather is suitable.
The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Roads. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd.

Make time to experience this unique avian harbinger of spring. The joy will be all yours.

– Mary Blackmore