American Woodcock Spring Ritual

With the first hints of spring, American Woodcocks return locally to breed, and the resulting courtship display is not to be missed! After a series of nasal "peent" calls, the male springs into the air and begins to spiral upward, often to nearly 300 feet. Then, he zigzags his way to the ground like a falling leaf, often landing at almost the exact point of takeoff. We'll observe this impressive display and discuss the many unique adaptations of this unlikely little shorebird.