Timberdoodle time- Woodcock Walk

Have you heard the whirr? Join the Friends of Myles Standish State Forest at a Saturday evening campfire and then head over with us to observe the mating ritual flight of the Timberdoodle, the American Woodcock.

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At this time of year these plump "shorebirds", with the funky bill and eyes which seem not to look forward, arrive from the south. The males display for the females by performing an elaborate circular flight display and then plummet to earth while making bizarre whirring sounds and then return to earth at the same spot where it began!

We will begin with a gathering at a campfire at the amphitheater behind the headquarters building in Carver. Sunset is at 7:17 on April 8th.

No dogs tonight please. But kids old enough to stand quietly for a couple of minutes will love this! Three years ago, after it got dark, we were able to do some great stargazing on a crystal clear night.
Campfire Information Starting around 5:30 PM, we will light a campfire in the amphitheater behind the Headquarters. Owing to a change in DCR regulations, we are unable to provide food this year. (You may certainly bring your own food.)

Glenn d'Entremont, our bird guru, will offer a quick introduction to what we are hoping to see.

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At around 6:30 PM. we will drive over to the fields on Cutter Field Road where Glenn will lead us as we listen to and observe the flight display of the American Woodcock. (More info on the American Woodcock (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Woodcock/lifehistory), including photos and audio of their call are available online.) (photo courtesy of Frank Mand.)