The Bird Town PA State College committee organized last night's Woodcock Watch at Musser Gap. Joe Gyekis and Constanza Ehrenhaus from the S.C. Bird Club and Richard Novac from Fish and Wildlife Service led the effort as volunteers, with Anna Bohsali leading the organization of the event.
Attendance was stellar, with over 80 people showing up, and Joe organizing parking because there were so many cars that the lot was starting to feel small. Despite having to wait for over an hour for the Woodcock to start displaying, the general environment was relaxed and congenial, with small groups chatting while enjoying the sunset, sitting on lawn chairs of blankets; with children playing in the lawn, and spotting scopes popping up to see the lone Red-tailed Hawk who was enjoying the sun warmth. At one moment, a group of people, encouraged by Joe did a Woodcock Swag Walk, delighting everybody. There was a gentle cheerful mood.
When the stars of the show finally showed up, people were very excited. We got some good looks as the moon was casting enough light to see the Woodcock flying over us. After a few repetitions, some people headed over to the hill behind the parking lot hoping to get a closer look of the birds. Some adventurous souls, went later to have ice cream and go owling to Scotia.
A great shout out the Borough's communication team for the promotion. Thank you so much to all who showed up and enjoy the chilly sunset.
