[CT Birds] American Woodcock

[Phil Asprelli]

From: Phil Asprelli
  3/4 - 9:45am - New Haven, East Rock Pk
  Having a little time to kill before keeping a 10 o'clock appointment I decided to do a short walk through E. Rock Pk. As I was approaching the short 12' wooden foot bridge, a very handsome male Woodcock came up our of the right side of the path, 10' in front of me "bobbing and rocking" and "strutting his stuff." I just watched and was amazed by his display! After about 45 seconds he took flight to higher elevations, possibly the 
  "Archery Field" at the top of the park .... Another harbinger of spring?