They're Back! Woodcocks are Singing at Fairview Farm

Photo:  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The American Woodcock is a forest-dwelling shorebird that lives in much of the eastern United States.  It migrates to warmer climates for the winter and typically begins arriving back in our region as the temperatures start to rise in late February or early March.  The mixed habitats of forest and meadow at URWA's Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve attract a significant number of American Woodcocks each year, and in just the last week we've seen and heard them as we leave our office at the end of each work day.

This bird has a fascinating courting ritual that takes place on warm mornings and evenings in the late winter each year. The male woodcock begins his “peenting call” at sunup and sundown. To attract a female, he first struts in circles on the ground and then takes flight, circling and whistling 100 feet high. The whistling turns into a high pitched twittering, ceasing suddenly as the lovesick bird flutters to the ground, only to begin the dance again. The woodcock is so caught up in his romantic ritual that the observer can get close to this otherwise evasive bird!

The sights and sounds of the woodcocks are truely enchanting, and we'll host a special "Woodcock Watch" program at Fairview Farm this weekend to help bird enthusiasts become more familiar with them.  On Sunday, March 6th, we invite you to join us from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Fairview Farm (2121 Larger Cross Road in Bedminster) for a chance to see and hear them.  There is no cost to attend this program, but we ask that you call (908) 234-1852, ext. 16 to register.

Of course, we can’t guarantee a sighting, but the sunset at Fairview Farm alone is worth the visit and if the “Singing Field” is quiet you can listen to the sounds of the evening! Sunset will occur at 5:51 p.m. so everyone should plan to arrive no later than 5:30 to park your vehicle and walk to one of the fields while there is still light in the evening sky.

For more information, please contact Susan Brookman at 908-234-1852, ext. 20 or email sbrookman@urwa.org.