Timberdoodle

[cabz]

I flushed one this afternoon while riding my horse.  West of Erin.

Also saw a Bluebird on the way home.

Good birding!!!!

Cabz

[Shortsighted]

I was just thinking of Am. Woodcock this morning, thinking it's about the time
they appear from their winter retreat in Tiberdoodletown. I think I even know
where I might flush one (any other more satisfying encounter is virtually impossible)
but unfortunately I'm not free to explore the spot, even though it isn't far from
here. Mind you, to be successful at finding/flushing one I would likely need to visit
the spot over and over again. Seeing one on a single foray is slim, at best. Last
year I flushed one at this spot, but only once. Flushed a couple in the wet woods
even though I drifted through the flooded area as slowly and quietly as I could,
stopping ever few strides (gently slicing through the water in rubber boots) in
order to scan the vicinity. To be any quieter I would need to be a ghost. The stringent
prerequisite for that is something I prefer yo defer for a few years.

[Axeman]

timber doodle another name for woodcock's?

That's on my list of never seen and want to see.....

[Shortsighted]

Yes, a trivial name for an unusual bird.

[cabz]

Discovered that name for the Woodcock at Mackinac Island in the visitor centre there.  Always loved the name.  About 3? years ago, in mid December on a very cold day, one flew past me, again I was on my horse.  Thought it would not survive, thinking the time of year etc.  This happened about 1/2 km. from where I saw the one yesterday.  Have also heard them in the area a few times.  Good Timberdoodle country!!!!  Saw a flock of five last year at Rondeau at the bottom of the campground in the undergrowth.

[Shortsighted]

A platoon of Timberdoodles and a 37 year-old horse. Wow!
I lead such a sheltered life. I saw a horse once. It was starring
at a Timberdoodle and shaking its head. I don't know whether
the gesture was a negatory, or just a shake of disbelief. I believe
that's about the time I woke up.
My dream notwithstanding, your stories are good stuff.
Keep it up ... please,

[Axeman]

lol no that was a question mark...not a 7....3?

But is a flock really called a platoon?

[Shortsighted]

In this bird's military the ground troops are a platoon.
Those timberdoodles can't fly well enough to be squadron material
so they remain in the cold, damp, miserable trenches. The ones
occupying the more pleasant adjacent meadow area are probably
officers.

Actually, a group of woodcock tends to be loose and disorderly
and are called flights. That's a fact, but I don't have to like it.
I say, get some discipline in those chaps!