Woodcock Walk at Parslow Road
Event Details
In collaboration with Otsego Land Trust
In honor of Parslow Road Conservation Area’s new extended trails, we have partnered with Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society to offer a Woodcock Walk!
REGISTER to attend at https://otsegolandtrust.org/events/woodcockwalk
On Thursday, April 13 from 6:45 to 7:45 PM, join Otsego Land Trust and Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for a Woodcock Walk at the Parslow Road Conservation Area. DOAS local environmental educators Charlie Scheim and Sandy Bright 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, and 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. 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, a headlamp or flashlight, and binoculars are recommended.
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.
Parslow Road Conservation Area is owned and protected by Otsego Land Trust for public enjoyment. The mission of Otsego Land Trust is to improve the quality of life throughout the Upper Susquehanna region by working with landowners and partners to protect and conserve our farmland, forests, and waterways in perpetuity.
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.
REGISTER to attend at https://otsegolandtrust.org/events/woodcockwalk
Image credit: American Woodcock Flickr Guizmo_68 2007
