WOODCOCKS

American woodcocks began their courtship displays this month.  Yes.  Let that statement soak in.  Funny huh?  Really though, there is a bird (Scolopax minor) called the woodcock (a.k.a timberdoodle).  This is the time of year that the males perform a dazzling (if not humorous) display.  The male selects a open area near brushy cover.  He will sound a series of “peents” that announces his upcoming display for the ladies.  He then flies upward about 100 yards before zigzagging/spiraling back to earth while making a twittering sound.  If you get an invitation to go watch for woodcocks 1) don’t embarrass yourself with inappropriate comments 2) grab your binoculars and prepare to be entertained!

Check out this humorous video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeBevezTpx0 and/or check out this home video of the woodcocks "air dance" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta1fxy0MR2c