OWBC: Woodcock Wander at Mequon Nature Preserve

April 17 @ 6:30 pm – TBD

Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition Woodcock Wander at Mequon Nature Preserve

Join Dan Panetti, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Mequon, on an evening stroll in search of the American Woodcock – a secretive species most easily found when engaged in wild aerial courtship displays. Although the Woodcocks are technically “shorebirds,” they typically are found in woodlands, forest openings, and ephemeral ponds. The diverse habitats of the Mequon Nature Preserve make this an ideal location for observing them. The outing will start around dusk at 7:00 p.m. with an informational talk followed by a hike in and around the preserve listening for the “peent” call of the male as he corkscrews from on high to the ground in his distinctive courtship display. (Rain date of April 18 in case previous day is unsuitable for people and woodcock!)

Meet at Mequon Nature Preserve (address below).

Ages 18+ | Free to attend

Pre-registration required by April 17 at 12:00 (noon).

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April 17 @ 6:30 pm 8:30 pm

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

Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition

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.

See below for more details

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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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