Thanks, Mia, for the tips. I was pretty certain that I heard at least five individuals, since they were all quite a distance apart. So, the males start up before it's totally dark? I suppose it would be nearly impossible to locate one during the day?
I also want to find Poorwills (or whatever species we have on my property) during the daytime. These might be easier for me, since they are right along our private gravel road and we have them every year.
Anyway, I'll see what I can do with the woodcocks and let everyone know.
Hi Bryan,
I have "helped" several photographers get excellent photos of American Woodcocks in the past. I did this by "staking out" one location until I found a male that was staying on one display site for several days in a row. You have to go every day in order to determine this. Once I have one pinned down, I would contact the photographer to let them know. The best shot is always the first one as it only gets darker from there. The woodcocks at my location (on someone else's private property) are not being cooperative this year. I have heard only 1-2 males per night and have only seen them fly by, no landing/displaying in view. However, the above mentioned strategy does work though it is far easier if someone else is already doing the scouting.
Best Wishes!
Mia Revels
Tahlequah, OK
This bird-newbie has a question about finding woodcocks. Two nights ago, I drove around the Lexington WMA and stopped at several spots to listen for them. Well, to my amazement, I heard several, both the peents and the twittering of the wings when in flight. At each 'site' the bird was in a field, but the dried grass was pretty thick and tall. As I understand, the birds I heard were the males and they have their spots where they call in the females, but where do the males go during the daytime? Do they stay hidden in the fields or do they head into the woods to rest? Of course, my goal is to get photos, but I don't want to go tromping through a field because if I spotted one, I don't think I could get any photos due to the tall grass. However, if they head into the woods to rest during the day, I might have a better chance to find them (hopefully) sitting on the leaf-litter. At most of the 'sites' there were woods nearby that I could explore. Thoughts?
--
Mia Revels, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Northeastern State University
611 Grand Ave.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
(918) 444-3824
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