Hi Folks!

I have to post something that has bothered me for a very long time.  There is 
a notion that American Woodocks display while in migration.  I have yet to 
find the source of information that shows this is true.  If anyone can help, 
please  do.

One idea is that males display randomly, wherever there is a suitable habitat 
to show-off, hope for the best and then continue migrating. Another idea is 
that the males display to females that have already chosen a nesting area and 
the males move on...presumably north.    Finally, there is the idea that males 
display for a suitable period and remain in the area.  The final answer will 
have a significant impact on methods used for determining the breeding range.

I have gone to places where American Woodcock display in the "off-season" 
and, with patience, usually find them.   I will have to dig up the citation, but 
one source stated that nests typically occur within 300 feet of the display 
area.  This makes some sense because nesting and display should be in the same 
area; however, it does not prove anything about males displaying while in 
migration.   The fact that the start, peak and end of display timing is later as 
one moves north is a  feature common to most migrating species. 

Are there any studies, such as banding or radio-tagging, that shed light on 
this question?  

Good Birding!

Jim

Jim Stasz
North Beach MD