Tonight the woodcock began displaying while it was still light enough to record video. Typically, woodcock will begin displaying about 15 minutes after sunset. Tonight's sunset took place at 7:15 and the video began at 7:40. At this point the woodcock had been active for several minutes. At least here in New Jersey, woodcock are … Continue reading Watch the Woodcock!
Category: Site Visit
I Thought I Saw a Woodcock!
I did! I did! On Thursday, I headed over to Liberty State Park. My mission was to shoot some footage, for a project to launch later this month. I was armed with my cell phone, binoculars, and a mug of tea. (What else does a field biologist really need?) What I really wanted was iconic … Continue reading I Thought I Saw a Woodcock!
From Woodcock to Worms
The official window to survey for woodcock displays ended earlier this month. As I have time between finals, grading, and preparing for my qualifying exam, I've been entering data. So far it looks promising (?).... But I'm curious to begin exploring the possible explanations for why we found woodcock in some locations and not in … Continue reading From Woodcock to Worms
Bayonne Scrublands
In most places, Bayonne is probably known for being associated with the Bayonne Bridge, a very built up section of Riverfront in northern NJ, a terminal for cruise ships. At least that's what I know of Bayonne. That, and in the birding community, Bayonne has a cool golf course that Snowy Owls like to visit … Continue reading Bayonne Scrublands
Orchestra at Oros
Playing catch up with the entries. Here's an entry from a few weeks back: Oros Wildlife Preserve Tonight (March 26), if you close your eyes it sounds as though you're at the shore. Gulls soaring overhead keep calling and you can almost imagine you can hear the waves crashing, but instead of waves just blackbirds and geese … Continue reading Orchestra at Oros
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 … Continue reading Much Ado about Mammals
All Work, No Woodcock
So I gave away the punch line. Last night three teams were out from Woodcock Watch NJ and we all struck out. There were no displaying woodcock to be had at Plainsboro Preserve, Lenape Park in Union County, or Laurel Hill in Se caucus. Despite the beautiful full moon and the warm weather, none of … Continue reading All Work, No Woodcock
Hopeful at Halifax Rd.
Halifax Rd. is a Bergen Co. birding top hot spot. I've long intended to check it out, but never had the opportunity until tonight. Barb and I were vetting various sites this afternoon and decided to wrap up at Halifax Rd. A quick look at ebird on a dying phone looked promising. Woodcock had been … Continue reading Hopeful at Halifax Rd.
Shooting down to Schiff
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 … Continue reading Shooting down to Schiff
The Problem with Good Weather
After a successful first night, I was eager to keep going. Towards late afternoon after doing some unrelated bird work with Tara and Bruce, we realized we had just enough time to swing by a local site to listen for woodcock. Bruce had observed them there earlier in the week. So now with the season … Continue reading The Problem with Good Weather
Woodcock Watch NJ 