It was a good evening for American Woodcock under warm, calm  conditions at 
Southwest Area Park in Baltimore Highlands. Between 7:35 and 8:00  PM there 
were 4-5 peenting birds and frequent flight displays. This was all in  the 
traditional lek area along south part of the loop trail, across the foot  
bridge from the boat ramp. I was able to glimpse two birds on the ground 
before  they sprang into flight, and watched what appeared to be a low-level 
chase  between two birds. Several times I could hear a low, duck-like rattling 
call as  a bird would fly low from one spot to another, not part of the 
courtship  flight. A couple of bats were also visible in the last bit of light.
 
On the return walk along the road from the boat launch I heard at least  
more three calling birds in the north field and the twittering of several  
display flights. The action ended rather suddenly at 8:10. Spring Peepers were  
deafening in the standing water along the main park road near the exit.
 
Joel Martin
Catonsville, MD