Waiting for the woodcocks to appear.
Photo by Susan Schuler
Twelve people enjoyed seeing and hearing a lone male American Woodcock on the March 3 walk led by Emily Southgate at the Institute Farm near Aldie. Everyone got the hear the distinct “peenting” call as this male searched for love to no avail. The woodcock did entertain our spectators by flying up and down very close by and almost hit one of the participants in the head.
Each year Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy schedules one or two walks to see the woodcocks during their unique courtship ritual in late winter. Around twilight, the males fly high into the air before spiraling back to the ground while making a variety of chirps.