Our first woodcock was heard yesterday morning in Chagrin Falls, OH (20
miles east of Cleveland).  I went out last evening to listen for it and
maybe get some flight pictures but the rain was a problem.  The single bird
let out about 6 or 7 peent's then stopped calling!  I stood in the rain for
another 10 minutes as it increased but no luck.  I will try again this
evening.

When I was in college in New York (College of Environmental Science and
Forestry at Syracuse) we caught and banded woodcock north of Syracuse.  We
would arrive in a known area before they started to call then wait and
listen.  When one would call awhile and then fly up to begin its flight
dance, we would hurry toward its launch point.  Two or three
'dash-and-waits' later would put us very near the bird when it landed and
afford us a good look.  The next afternoon we would erect our mist and
capture birds for banding.  When we were done the nets left the area with
us.

I have done this same 'dash-and-wait' routine (minus the mist nets) with Boy
Scouts over the years and they love the activity!  They think they are
'approaching the enemy camp' with each dash.  Sometimes they are even quiet
enough to see the bird land!

Spring has sprung!!

Matt Valencic

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