Terrific Timberdoodles

Have you ever gone on a “snipe hunt”?  Here is your chance!

Join us at Marsh Creek State Park for a family-friendly field trip to learn about and look for the American Woodcock, also known as the Timberdoodle.  This fascinating little shorebird actually lives in young forests and shrubby fields, but it is rarely seen except at dawn and dusk in early spring when the males show off for females by giving loud, nasal peent calls and performing dazzling aerial displays, known as “sky dances”.  We will present a short program discussing some of the amazing habits and traits of this species, after which we will settle in to (hopefully) hear and see male woodcocks call and display in the dusk twilight on their nearby courting grounds.

As with all VFAS programs, children under 18 are always welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.  (Please keep in mind that when trying to observe the woodcocks during their displays we will need to be still and quiet.)  Bring a flashlight, binoculars, and dress for the weather, and remember that the temperatures will be dropping as night falls.  This program will last approximately 1 hour; very little walking will be involved.

Masks are not required for this outdoor program, although VFAS encourages all participants to be fully vaccinated and asymptomatic to attend.

Location: Main boat launch parking lot on the west side of Marsh Creek State Park.  DO NOT GO TO THE EAST SIDE DAY USE AREA