Schiff Natural Lands, is located down in Morris County, one of the further edges of the study region. Schiff was the first study site to call back and say they were interested in being a participant in Woodcock Watch, NJ. So I was thrilled when I had a chance to head down there and check out the potential for woodcock.
They had a couple possible sites. I chose to first try the Great Meadow, an egg shaped clearing just up the hill from their center. It was a lovely evening. The moon was just past a quarter full.
As I walked up, signs of spring were evident: eastern phoebe hopped from branch to branch ahead of me, in the field an eastern bluebird trilled.
It was a beautiful night with the wind gently from the south, but there were no woodcock to be had. Perhaps it was also a very good migration night. Next time!
Woodcock Watch NJ 