I ended the day yesterday in Myrtle Grove hoping that there might be
some Woodcocks around.
While I was waiting for the show to start I heard a singing American
Tree Sparrow. While I was walking around to try to see the bird, which
stayed in the thick multiflora at about head height, I started hearing
the chips and songs of Fox Sparrows. Soon they seamed to be singing all
around me. By then it was starting to get dark but when I pished I had
at least a dozen Fox Sparrows come in to investigate, and there were
many more there. This is a good time to look for Fox Sparrows. There
were also lots of White-throated Sparrows and a few Chickadees, Titmice,
and Cardinals to fill in the mix.
Soon a few Woodcocks started their display. There was one calling from
a grassy trail near the lake that was separated from a dirt road by a
thin hedge. I was able to walk up the dirt road and get pretty close.
While I was enjoying his displays I heard something that would move in
the hedge when the Woodcock was in flight. I suspect it was a cat, fox
or other predator trying to get close enough to grab dinner. After a
few flights the Woodcock moved a little farther down the grassy trail so
I am hoping it stayed safe.
There were at least 3 Woodcocks displaying at various spots around the
meadow. I also saw two pairs of Mallards and heard a Wood Duck.
Thanks to George for a post on this site last year. It was a great
place to experience the Woodcock show and the sparrows were a bonus.
Tom Feild
GOES N-P Mission Systems Engineer
Code 599
NASA/GSFC
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
301.286.6686 |