This American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) did its best to convince me it was an injured bird. It squawked, fluttered it wings and flew about a foot and a half off the ground -- all the while checking to make sure I was following along. The reason for the show? The bird was attempting to protect its young, a robust little fellow feeding nearby. Such a good mom!


One interesting little factoid about woodcocks, the tips of their bills are flexible. Comes in handy when they are probing in the forest floor searching for their favorite food - earthworms.