American Woodcock

Wow, I can't believe it has been six months since I posted here last.  That's a long time!  I imagine I will become a more regular poster come the end of February. 

In the meantime, please enjoy this hasty photo of a woodcock, a.k.a. timberdoodle, a.k.a. bog sucker, a.k.a. hookem pate...  While on foot patrol, I nearly stepped on this little fellow.  He gave me quite a start when he flushed right beside my boot.  He flew a short distance down the trail and then started his crazy little walk.  Woodcocks are funny birds and if you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend that you watch them.

They tend to hang out in moist areas like woods, swamps, and wet thickets.  They probe the soil with their long bills in search of earthworms and other yummies.  One cool thing about their bills is that they are somewhat flexible.  A woodcock can open the tip of its bill without opening it along its full length.  Pretty remarkable, if you think about it.