What a great night for golden-crowned kinglets, stars, and woodcocks! Alex managed to get the woodcocks to land right at our feet – nearly every time!

To see the woodcock sky dance, find a field, and set yourself up around sunset. Wait for the peenting to locate the bird and then watch for the spiral ascent of a male woodcock.

Good watching spots:

– Harrington Beach. Park in the lot by the shelter and walk the campground road.

-April 19 at 6:30pm Mequon Nature Preserve Woodcock Wander. Registration Required

             Join local bird expert, Dan Panetti, on an evening stroll in search of the Woodcock — a secretive species most easily found when engaged in wild aerial courtship displays. Although the Woodcock technically is a “shorebird”,  they typically are found in woodlands, forest openings, and ephemeral ponds. The diverse habitats of the Mequon Nature Preserve make this an ideal location for observing Woodcocks. The outing will start around dusk at 6:30 PM with an informational talk about Woodcocks followed by a hike in and around the Preserve listening for the “peent” call of the male as he corkscrews from on high to the ground in his distinctive courtship display. (A rain date of April 21 is set in case the weather on April 19 is unsuitable for both people and Woodcocks!) This program has a capacity for 25 participants. Please register at the following link to be on the attendance list: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodcock-wander-through-mequon-nature-preserve-tickets-256340540457

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