American Woodcocks migrate north during late Spring.  They arrive in our parks where there are plentiful worms that are near the surface of the thawed land.  Their long beaks are able to capture the worms in the soil.

In the Spring Woodcocks perform their mating dance called sky dance of the Timberdoodle.  If our group is fortunate, we will see the sky dance performance.  The males have a distinctive one-note peent call that sounds buzzy and nasal.  The male flies high into the air (up to 300 ft) and circles around repetitively.  The rushing air over the males’ wings causes a whistle as the wind passes over.  Eventually the male zigzagging downward lands back in the same spot again. This mating repeats the courtship dance hoping to attract a female 

Meeting Place:

We will meet in the Parking lot of Grey Cloud SNA, Cottage Grove, MN

Accessibility description:

Parking is on the edge of the viewing area.  Participants can sit or stand along the edge of the parking area to view and listen to the woodcocks or walk less than 50 feet along a narrow unpaved path.  Viewing from your car is also an option.  Please bring your own chair if needed or be prepared to sit on the ground. Be prepared to sit still and quite for the duration of the event.

Housekeeping:

Please dress for winter or rainy weather. 

There are no bathrooms nearby.

Registration:

Registration for this free event is required.  Group limit 10 participants.

Image Credit: Vincent Iadevaia/Audubon Photography Awards