"Skydancers": Meet the American Woodcock

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Please sign up by emailing [lori@greatmarshinstitute.org](mailto:lori@greatmarshinstitute.org).

Witnessing the elaborate courtship ritual of the male American Woodcock is one of the most memorable natural experiences of late winter in southeastern Pennsylvania. But this remarkable bird offers far more than its famous “skydance.” Join us to explore more deeply into the story of this unusual upland shorebird—its behaviors, extraordinary adaptations, conservation needs, and its many nicknames.

Our program begins indoors with a 15–20 minute presentation covering the woodcock’s unique physical traits, life cycle, behavior, and more. Afterward we’ll head outside to settle in and (hopefully) hear and see displaying males in the dusk twilight on their nearby courting grounds. While sightings can never be guaranteed, the only way to witness this spectacle is to be there when it happens.

Please dress more warmly than you expect to need, as we’ll be sitting still and temperatures drop as night falls. You’re welcome to bring a lawn chair or something comfortable to sit on during the outdoor portion of the program. A flashlight can also be helpful for safely returning to your car once the program concludes. Children are welcome but please keep in mind that when trying to observe the woodcocks during their displays we will need to be still and very quiet.

This event is presented jointly by Valley Forge Audubon Society and the Great Marsh Institute. Space is limited and advance registration is required: please sign up by emailing [lori@greatmarshinstitute.org.](mailto:lori@greatmarshinsititue)

NOTE: This program is free, but donations (via cash, Paypal, or Venmo) are gratefully accepted to support the work of the Great Marsh Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to scientific studies and educational opportunities (such as this one) centered at the Great Marsh.

Photo credit: Brad Imhoff