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Subject:

Signs of Spring: Woodcocks- Patuxent River Park

From:

Jeff Shenot

Reply-To:

Jeff Shenot

Date:

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:39:47 -0500

What a great show this weekend!

The woodcocks were out yesterday evening from 6:08-21, but not very fired 
up.  Only a little flight, so to speak, and not much calling.  But with today's 
weather the evening set-up was grande.  Temps in the mid 70s with a late 
afternoon shower (45 min. and a bit heavy at times), and then a fast clearing 
front pushed the clouds out by 5:45.  Despite the front, it was strangely calm 
at the critical time to be looking for woodcocks.  Sound quality was excellent 
and tonight they went nuts!   And so did the Spring Peepers - the swamp 
must be rocking!

Starting at 6:10, they began with some flying around preceeding the calling.  
Then, as soon as one began calling (peent) a couple others chimed in.  I had 
two buzz past me within about ten feet, and then one landed nearby (~35 
feet) and began calling.  For those who have not witnessed this, you sort of 
need a big imagination to really appreciate the spectacle.  It is very close to 
dark, and that is when they are most active, so you hear more than you see, 
but you can still see there silhouette well when they are close.

Cheers-
Jeff