Photo: Marie Read

Registration has closed. This trip is full.

TIME

7:00 – 8:30 PM

LOCATION

Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve—town of West Danby, Tompkins County

DESCRIPTION

Evenings in the spring bring ample opportunity to witness the stunning breeding display of the American Woodcock. To attract the attention of a female, the male performs a series of upward spirals to reach a height of 200-350 feet in the air, producing a harmonious twittering sound as he goes. He zigzags down, chirping all the way, and then lands silently —hopefully, next to a female.

Join us at the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve for this special birding trip led by Nature Preserve Manager Jason Gorman in search of this spectacular bird. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight or headlamp, as it will be dark when we return to our cars.

Watch this American Woodcock video by Lang Elliott (musicofnature.com), in preparation for this event.

DIRECTIONS

The Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve is located in West Danby, about 8 miles away from Ithaca. Take Rt. 13 south from Ithaca, then take Rt. 34/96 south to West Danby. Most of the preserve is located on the east side of the highway, across from Sylvan Drive and the West Danby Fire Station. Ample parking is available about 1/2 mile south of Sylvan Drive, on the east side of the road. The entrance to the parking lot is at the top of a hill.

POLICIES

Except in the case of extreme weather, walks go rain or shine. Please check this web page for updates.

Please refrain from bringing dogs as they may impede the observation of wildlife.