06/13/2025
I recently mounted my first Woodcock. It was a really cool little bird to work on! They sure are thin skinned and hard to flesh, but I somehow got it done! I hope to do even better on the next one, but I’m very pleased with how it came out after hearing so many horror stories. I can see why they have that reputation. It was definitely a challenge! I’m honestly just glad I was able to make something of it! Phew! These are cool little birds that live in thick wet areas where they probe for Earthworms with their long beak. They have some interesting nicknames that describe either their appearance or behavior in some way. Here are some of them: bogsucker, timberdoodle, mudbat, brush snipe, labrador twister, and night partridge. If you’ve ever seen them in flight these names might make sense to you. They fly short, erratic, bat like flights through thickets, have a silly “dance” or mating display, and the fact that they hang out in soggy areas are all reasons they got some of those names. They’re a sort of awkward birds with their huge eyes, long beak, large odd shaped head and “meep” call. On top of all that, their mating display definitely adds a little silliness. Those eyes are the same size as some geese! Like a goose, they migrate, but are considered an upland bird. They make their flight South through PA, mainly in October and November. Many hunters target these classic little birds while hunting Grouse, as they’re often found in similar areas. I hope you enjoyed seeing and maybe learning something new about a bird we don’t see or hear a lot about.
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