Woodcock Walk
Event Details
Join Inge Knudson, volunteer trail steward for Newbury Field, for a special guided walk to witness a unique aerial spectacle! During this time of year, the American woodcock performs its mesmerizing courtship display in open fields. Join us as we explore the area in search of this unique display.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
6:10 PM
Newbury Field
Free. Membership event. (Renew or join here!)
Click here to register. Registration is limited to adults only and is capped at 10 participants, with spots filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register only if you are certain you can attend. All others will be placed on a waitlist. If there is enough demand, we will make efforts to organize additional outings.
This event will only occur in fair weather. No pets, please. Also note that there are no restroom facilities on site.
Parking: Parking directions and meeting location will be shared with registrants.
Required Gear:
- Headlamp and/or flashlight
- Binoculars
- Sturdy, closed-toed shoes (muddy spots may exist but no snow or ice remains)
- Warm, weather-appropriate layers (hats, mittens, warm coat, etc.)
- Blanket to sit on (optional)
What to Expect: We will walk approximately 1 mile round trip on mostly flat terrain, with some bog bridges and a hill. The event will begin with an introduction, followed by a walk into Newbury Field. Once on site, we’ll remain quiet to listen and watch for signs of the birds. This may take a little while(!), so we recommend bringing warm layers and a blanket to sit on.
The birds typically begin their display about 10 minutes after sunset and can be difficult to spot. The “sky dance” may last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, though it may extend longer. We will expect to depart around 8:00pm. It will be dark when we walk back, so each participant must have a headlamp or flashlight for safety.
About the American Woodcock
The American woodcock (Scolopax minor), also known as a timberdoodle and bogsucker, is a plump, short-legged bird with a long straight bill. Found in forest edges, young forests, and overgrown fields with moist soil, their mottled brown and gray feathers provide excellent camouflage. These forest-dwelling sandpipers use their long, flexible bill to probe the ground for earthworms and other invertebrates. While foraging, they perform a “boogie walk,” shifting their weight to create vibrations that help locate food.
During mating season from March into May, male woodcocks attract females and defend their territory with a very unique display. They make nasal “peent” calls on the ground, then spiral upward in flight, producing a twittering sound. At around 200-300 feet, they hover briefly before descending in a zigzag pattern, accompanied by chirps or wing beat sounds. The male then lands quietly, hoping to attract a female. They have large eyes set far back on their head that help them watch for predators while feeding.
More information about the American woodcock is available at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website.
