I was wondering if tonight's total eclipse of the moon, scheduled to begin 
shortly before sunset, will have any affect on woodcocks? As long as there are 
no clouds, it should be quite a sight.

Official moonrise is set for 5:58 p.m. Saturday for the Baltimore-Washington 
area. The first phase of the eclipse is expected to occur around 5:44 p.m.  By 
6:20 p.m., the eclipse will have entered its total phase. The end phase will be 
completed at 6:57 p.m. 

Jay Sheppard is leading this Howard County Bird Club field trip today to search 
for owls and woodcocks in the Patuxent River State Park: 

WOODCOCK AND OWL SEARCH March 3, Saturday 1:30 PM (for owls) and 5:30 
PM ( for woodcock)
Meet at the horse trailer parking lot on Annapolis Rock Road about half way 
between Hipsley Mill and MD. 94. We will stay until darkness descends (~5:30) 
if the weather is reasonably conducive for owls flying and woodcock 
displaying. Email Jay Sheppard () for more information. Late 
comers are welcomed to come just at dusk.

I'll be there and am hoping to witness firsthand the affect (if any).

Marcy Stutzman
Russett, MD