Woodcocks arrive just after April snow storm

Woodcocks are an endearing species, squat and plump with a 21/2-inch-long bill. They poke it into the moist earth, typically to grab an earthworm with the pliable tip of the bill. Woodcocks arrived several weeks ago en masse statewide. In the aftermath of the big April snow, their food was hard to come by. Many people took interest in how woodcocks were faring.

Bob Duchesne was leading an Audubon field trip at the Sunkhaze National Wildlife Refuge in Milford and said, “American woodcocks were sighted several times and were extraordinarily easy to view because they were standing on snow banks and could not conceal themselves. Great looks for all!”

Rosemary Giebfried of Bangor reported, “We were happy to be able to observe a woodcock feeding outside our dining room window after it spent the morning resting. We were especially fascinated to watch it dance up and down as it searched for worms. After a while, it turned toward the back porch and started puffing up its feathers, then ran under the porch.”

Ed Grew of Orono said, “I went into a snow-free patch and flushed two woodcocks, but a third lingered, affording fine views whenever it emerged from behind the base of a bush. It bobbed as it walked a foot or so one way, then back, and eventually flew.”

Jerry Longcore of Orono spotted and heard a male woodcock as he performed his courtship songs and flight before the big April snow. He didn’t see or hear it for a week afterward, but temperatures were low and Jerry said, “Woodcocks don’t do their courtship when it’s that cold.”

John Mahoney of Clifton saw a woodcock fly in and land on a woods road. Next, it walked slowly along one of the ruts, stopping at each spot where the snow had melted, presumably (or hopefully) to find food.

I saw a woodcock in Hampden and another in Orono. In both places, the woodcock was resting on the edge of an alder swamp where the snow had melted. Presumably (or hopefully) they were able to find worms and insect larvae in the cold, wet soil.

Those who would like to see and hear the woodcock’s courtship songs and flights are welcome to join an Audubon event led by Jerry Longcore, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist and author of research papers about woodcock.

Meet Jerry at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21, as it becomes dark. He will be in Orono. From I-95 take exit 193; turn north on Stillwater Avenue; take the first traffic light onto Godfrey Road. Meet at the Microdyne Call Center on your left, across from the Black Bear Inn.

The event is open to the public, no sign-up necessary and it is free. But, keep in mind that the male woodcock doesn’t do his courtship in a heavy rain.

For information on Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden, call 989-2591.