Woodcocks at Mary Cummings Park in Burlington last night

[Paul Ippolito]

Fellow MBC members,

Last night we had a wonderful walk at Mary Cummings Park in Burlington with 23 people joining the trip. Temperatures were in the high 60’s.  We met at 6:45 PM and by 7:00 we heard our first peent calls. The Woodcocks did NOT disappoint. We were lucky enough to have at least 4 separate individuals visible on the ground and I estimate 15 – 20 woodcocks, calling and / or flying overhead.  The peents and flyovers continued as we made our way out of the fields around 7:30 PM.

 

If you have not a chance to experience an American Woodcock display it feels magical because it happens at dusk in early spring, when the male’s quirky “peent” call breaks the quiet and he suddenly spirals high into the darkening sky with musical wing sounds. The hidden, well-camouflaged bird then zigzags silently back down to the ground, creating a brief twilight performance that feels mysterious. 

 

As a reminder we are planning for a Woodcock walk next week, Tuesday March 17.

 

Hope to see some of you there.

 

-        Paul Ippolito, Woburn  

 

Tuesday, March 17

Woodcocks at Mary Cummings Park

Paul Ippolito 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM

Join us at sunset as we listen and look for the mating sky dance of the American Woodcock. Activity should begin around 7:00 p.m. and last for about an hour - flashlight recommended; please no dogs. Meet at the Trustees Picnic Area near the Airplane Field (NOT the Soccer Field) use 25 Blanchard Road to find this parking lot via GPS. 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM Paul Ippolito paulipp...@gmail.com

 

If you are interested in leading a trip, please reach out to Diana Fruguglietti or myself, the club would be so lucky to have you lead.

Please continue to post your observations.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Paul Ippolito
Woburn