WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
At dusk behind my house I’ve noticed this year for the first time that a woodcock has made my small orchard his courting ground for bringing in the ladies, or hens. Male woodcocks like to stake out small openings in forests where some low growth is present to perform their famous “sky dance.” This dance involves the characteristic “peent” sound followed by the sound of his wings as he flies straight up into the air and descends in a spiraling fashion. I got a glimpse of him at one point, but too dark so far to get a photo.
May the Forest Be with You,
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association