Flight of the Timberdoodle

Join the Jennings staff to observe the unusual courtship ritual of the American Woodcock, also known as the Timberdoodle.  This program will take begin indoors with a presentation about these awkward looking shorebirds that have taken to the woodlands.  Then a short walk to the prairie will allow time to listen to and observe the male Woodcock’s specific calls and flight patterns that attract females.

Deeply camouflaged, this unique game bird usually goes unnoticed.  But on early spring evenings the woodcock’s impressive courtship rituals can be observed in open brushy areas and young forests.  These rituals begin with a progression of “Peeeent” calls by the males, concluding with the males taking flight, circling up to 300 feet into the air and haphazardly falling back to earth in a zigzag pattern.  This courtship dance can last until dawn especially during a full moon. 

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:  888-PA-PARKS (voice), 717-558-2710 (local or international voice), 711 (AT&T Relay Services).  With at least three days notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.