The Dance of the Woodcock

Spring is here! Join us to watch American Woodcocks performing their amazing courtship flights. The male woodcocks will make several preent calls and then launch themselves into the sky. While they are flying up, you can hear the wind whistling through their outer primary feathers. They descend in a zigzag pattern while making a chirping sound and land back where they started.

These amazing birds are often heard at Silver Creek Conservation Area, Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, The Hollows Conservation Area, Boloria Meadows Nature Preserve, Yonder Prairie Nature Preserve, Winding Creek Conservation Area and Hennen Conservation Area.

Be sure to dress warm with sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting muddy and bring a flashlight! The walks at Boloria Meadows and Yonder Prairie may involve some hiking on mowed trails after dark. None of the trails at Yonder Prairie or Boloria Meadows are challenging, but the trails may be muddy or icy depending on the weather.

Please RSVP to [email protected] as soon as possible to reserve your spot on an upcoming walk.