Woodcock Watch – Elkhorn Biodiversity Preserve 7 pm

Saturday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.

Coordinator: Mary Blackmore

815-938-3204 or 779-302-7281

Join us for any or all of these evening outings (March 14, March 20, March 26) to watch and listen for American Woodcocks performing their amazingcourtship displays. Most years we are treated to both flight and ground displays which are fantastic!

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 variety of 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 displays 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 that the weather is suitable.

Our Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity 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. We do some walking so be aware that the ground is uneven in some areas. Bring a flashlight.

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

yours.