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April 19 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition

Woodcock Wander

Join local bird expert Dan Panetti, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited – Mequon, on a Woodcock Wander around the Mequon Nature Preserve. Spring is a great time to view these otherwise secretive birds which are related to other shorebird species such as the Wilson’s snipe. While this species is considered a shorebird, their name ‘woodcock’, or ‘timberdoodle’, implies that they are most frequent in young deciduous woodlands in and around forest openings and ephemeral ponds. MNP’s diverse habitats make this preserve the perfect place to witness their unusual behavior. In spring, woodcocks can be heard and seen partaking in their breeding rituals which includes arial courtship displays by the male. You often hear the bird before seeing this camouflaged species. Listening for their call, or “peent”, is the most effective way to locate the birds in the springtime.

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Woodcock Wander

Join local bird expert Dan Panetti, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited – Mequon, on a Woodcock Wander around the Mequon Nature Preserve. Spring is a great time to view these otherwise secretive birds which are related to other shorebird species such as the Wilson’s snipe. While this species is considered a shorebird, their name ‘woodcock’, or ‘timberdoodle’, implies that they are most frequent in young deciduous woodlands in and around forest openings and ephemeral ponds. MNP’s diverse habitats make this preserve the perfect place to witness their unusual behavior. In spring, woodcocks can be heard and seen partaking in their breeding rituals which includes arial courtship displays by the male. You often hear the bird before seeing this camouflaged species. Listening for their call, or “peent”, is the most effective way to locate the birds in the springtime.


The event will include a short talk about woodcock ecology and life history by Dan Panetti, followed by a hike through MNP at dusk in search of this interesting species partaking in their courtship behavior. We will convene on Tuesday, April 19th at 6:30 PM (rain date of April 21st) at the MNP Education Center located at 8200 W. County Line Rd. Mequon.


This program is being presented by the Mequon Nature Preserve and is co-sponsored by the Ozaukee-Washington Birding Coalition, a consortium of environmental organizations consisting of the Mequon Nature Preserve, the Friends of the Cedarburg Bog, the Riveredge Nature Center, the Lac Lawrann Conservancy, and the Cutright Bird Club.

Please register at the link below as there are only 25 spots available.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodcock-wander-through-mequon-nature-preserve-tickets-256340540457

April 19, 2022 @ 6:30 pm 8:30 pm

8200 W. County Line Road
Mequon, WI 53097 United States
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