The Sky Dance: Woodcocks on the Wing​

Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!

Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 8-16
Time: 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Parking Area #6 (Click HERE for Google Maps)
Fee: $20
Registration Required
Limited to 40 participants (split into two groups)
NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED

The American Woodcock is a widespread, common, yet difficult-to-see species in the region. At night, however, they begin to display and make themselves known. This field trip is designed to witness every stage of this display. Birds will begin by vocalizing from the ground before taking off into an aerial display that lasts about a minute at a time. American Woodcocks will carry this on many times throughout the evening, and the hope is that the group gets to experience this several times.

This trip meets in a paved parking lot at Maumee Bay State Park. The group then travels down the two-lane asphalt state park road (or along the grassy side of the road if there is any traffic) for approximately 750 feet before arriving at the location. This road is used by vehicles but is not busy, and the speed limit is 15 mph. The group will stay on the flat, mown grassy side of the road for the duration of the Woodcocks’ display. Bring your own camp chair if you would like to sit rather than stand for the next 30-60 minutes!