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American Woodcock (Scolopax minor)
Above and below: American Woodcock near Cranesville Swamp in Garrett Co., Maryland (5/13/2006). The disappointing part about this shot is that it was taken seconds too late to capture its adorable fledged young!
Below: Photographed at Half Moon State Park, Vermont (fall 2003; scanned from film).
Comments: This cryptically colored upland shorebird is difficult to spot under the best of circumstances. It is typically crepuscular (active at twilight) and nocturnal, spending much of its time searching for earthworms with its long, highly sensitive bill. When probing for worms, it often stomps its feet to cause worms below to move. During the day, it is practically invisible on the forest floor.
Early spring is the best time of year to see this interesting bird in action. On the breeding grounds, the displaying male puts on quite a spectacular show. He will fly to a height of approaching 300 feet in the air, circle, then plummet to the ground, twittering all the way. It drives the ladies crazy. Call from the ground is a nasal sounding "peeant."