Much Ado about Mammals

On March 23, I returned to Schiff Nature Preserve. This time I surveyed the Franklin Parker Trail leading to the South Conservation Area.  Along with me was a recent undergraduate recruit.

We found a clearing that was much closer to water (promising) and hid ourselves in a central brushy area.  We gave it a good hour after the sun set.  We probably had deer rustling in the brush near the water, a number of dogs barking, two very determined, unidentified mammals rooting about in the brush across the way, several bats swooping overhead and a mouse nearly ran over his foot.  But no woodcock.  The joys of fieldwork!