This Program has been Cancelled.

On Tuesday, April 7 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, join Otsego Land Trust and Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for a Woodcock Walk at the Parslow Road Conservation Area.  DOAS Member and local environmental educator Chris DeCesare, joined by DOAS Member and Otsego Land Trust Board Member, Joe Homburger, will lead a walk to observe the spring mating ritual of the woodcock.    The woodcock usually spends its time hidden on the forest floor probing for earthworms in moist soil, but on spring evenings males perform a dance in scrub fields to attract potential mates. This wonderful display occurs in three parts: the strut, the launch skyward, and the spiral back to earth accompanied by buzzy calls and twittering wing sounds. The walk will begin at 7:00 PM in the parking lot with a short introduction to the woodcock and its habits. Then, participants will walk on the trail discussing the varied habitats on the property as they make their way to the best spot to observe the woodcocks. Waterproof footwear and headlamp or flashlight are recommended. For additional details, contact Chris DeCesare at 607-244-5496 or chris.decesare444@gmail.com.

American Woodcock spend most of their time hidden in fields and on the forest floor, where they probe for earthworms. But on spring nights, males perform very conspicuous displays, giving a buzzy “peent” call, then launching into the air. Their erratic display flight includes a distinctive, twittering flight sound and ends with a steep dive back to the ground. The wet thickets, shrubby swamps, and open fields at Parslow Road Conservation Area are ideal habitats for these interesting birds that have unfortunately seen a population decline over the years.

The hike will begin at 7:00 pm with a walk on the trail listening and looking for the birds that inhabit this protected property. The sun is expected to set around 7:30 pm at which time the group will position itself in the best location to view and count the Woodcocks. The hike will be on the trail, but it may be wet, so please dress appropriately. A headlamp or flashlight and binoculars are recommended.

Parslow Road Conservation Area is owned and protected by Otsego Land Trust for public enjoyment.  Otsego Land Trust’s (OLT) mission is to conserve the natural heritage of woodlands, farmlands and waters that sustain rural communities, promote public health, support wildlife diversity, and inspire the human spirit. Parslow Road Conservation Area is part of OLT’s “The Blueway,” a series of OLT owned and protected lands that are open for public access and offer outdoor recreations, including hiking, fishing, paddling, and birding. Please visit OtsegoLandTrust.org to learn more about Parslow Road and Otsego Land Trust’s other protected properties.  

The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, envisions a healthy world where people and wildlife thrive and natural resources are protected. The mission of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research and advocacy.

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