Hi Everyone,

When we got home last night, we had a message from Pete Zerhusen, who had seen American Woodcock--8 of them!--within 1 to 3 feet of the edge of Holly Grove Rd in Worcester County.  He saw them at about 4 pm.  He remained within his car (with blinkers on), and the woodcock did not flush.  He watched them as they "froze" in response to his presence, and he continued watching as they resumed feeding over the next couple minutes.  Sounds like it was a very enjoyable close encounter!

Pete said that he saw the woodcock about one eighth of a mile south of US 50 on Holly Grove Rd. (MD/DE DeLorme C5 on p. 35).  When traveling E on US 50 toward Ocean City, Holly Grove Rd is the first right after passing the WalMart.  Pete advises that Holly Grove Rd--while only lightly traveled--does not have a shoulder and is bordered by soggy woodcock habitat.  Should anyone wish to seek a close encounter of their own, please be careful and be respectful of any other drivers that may happen by.

Have fun,

Ron Gutberlet
Salisbury, MD