Seeking the Dusk Sky Dancers: American Woodcocks

Get prepared for this exciting phenomenon with videos we will provide for you to view at home. Learn the natural history of this elusive bird, then meet at dusk at Eastman Nature Center in Maple Grove to scout the timberdoodle off-trail. Maneuver for position in the growing darkness, then sit and listen as the male swoops and twitters in a high aerial dance, and hope he lands nearby. This is an auditory treat, with a chance for sightings.

This program will be conducted almost entirely outdoors at sunset and into the dark evening. We will walk up to 1.5 miles on both paved and unpaved ground as we move around in low light. The best way to view the birds is from a seated position on the ground. Full participants will get up and down from the ground multiple times. It is possible to remain on trails for the entire program or stand at a distance during the evening for a different style experience. A good sense of hearing is pivotal to the encounter, as is sturdy, footwear and outer clothing appropriate for the weather and for sitting still outdoors for most of an hour.

Please reserve the rain date: Wednesday, April 30. Watch your email the week prior to the event for details and links to the class videos.

Call Eastman Nature Center at 763-694-7700 with specific questions.

Host or Publisher Land of Lakes Bird Alliance