March 29, 2014 first Woodcock.
After enduring a long cold hanger-on winter the twittering rise of 3 woodcocks was a pleasant surprise for Vic and I. This might be our earliest Wisconsin woodcock sighting. I must admit before Vic the turkey dog entered my life there may have been woodcock about in March which I simply walked by. Vic doesn’t miss much making him a special joy to hike around with.
Don L. Johnson writes in Summer’s Song Just Ask The Birds
“Men may believe that spring emerges from the earth, from bursting buds and flowing sap. Birds know the season is cupped in the sky.”
The birds are returning in earnest pushing back the silence of winter.
Woodcock have been residing in Wisconsin in much larger numbers. Perhaps they are becoming summer residents and raising their young. From mid September thru the end of November of 2013 woodcock were flushing out of every piece of cover from cornfield edges, brushy rows and swampy thickets. The woodcock’s future is looking bright in Wisconsin.
Woodcock hunting should continue to be good.
