Some Enchanted Evening

This past Wednesday, my Mom and I continued our annual event of Woodcocking. At a local park American Woodcocks can be seen doing their mating display at dusk. This consists of the male making its insect-like call in all directions. He then flies into the air after several minutes of his serenade and lands in the field again to repeat the process.

After a hurried gathering of binoculars, our trusty Peterson field guide, and a flashlight, we jumped into the car and were off. This is my favorite kind of bird trip. Spontaneous, impulsive, last minute. We pulled up to the park and it was still too light out for Woodcocks. This was fortunate because it gave us the chance to see the first Hermit Thrush of the year. It was becoming dark but, we were able to ID the little beauty by its rusty tail and subtle spots, just visible in the dimming light. Immediately after the Thrush, we heard the buzzing call of a Woodcock. We walked quickly, following the noise until we saw it. He was sitting on the outskirts of the field, up against the safety of bushes and saplings. We shined the flashlight in his direction and he was strangely undisturbed. The Woodcock bounced his funny little dance, turning quickly at 90 degree angles to make sure every being in the area head his pronouncement. After several minutes he flew directly up into the air and changed his tune to his musical flight call. We watched his routine for about half an hour until we lost track of him and his music.

"Some enchanted evening, when you find your true love,
When you hear her call you across a crowded room,
Then fly to her side and make her your own...."