[CT Birds] Westbrook Woodcock

[W RUPP]

 From Maryanne & Dean Rupp:
  3/17 - Westbrook, Salt Meadow Unit, 7-7:30 PM -- 8+ AMERICAN WOODCOCK
   
  Our brief visit was longer and more eventful than anticipated.  We are happy with the improvements from last year with a the entrance drive open to an improved parking area.  When we arrived, there was 1 car in the lot and we met 2 novice birders who were just leaving and were disappointed at not having seen a woodcock.  We convinced them to stay a while and we all enjoyed the subsequent displays.  When leaving, we were surprised to see the gate was closed and we were stuck inside.  As we approached the gate, we were relieved to read the sign saying the gate was automatic and to approach it slowly and it would open.  We did as directed, but the gate did not open.  The other couple drove back to see if they could find a ranger to help out.  We tried several more times, and finally the gate did open for us, and after driving through, Maryanne walked back to the parking area to tell them the gate had opened for us.  When they tried to get the gate to open, it did not, even
 though we could hear the warning beeps suggesting the sensor was working but the gate was still not moving.  In desperation, the other fellow  pushed on the gate while the sensor was beeping and managed to get the gate to open.  The other couple did have an interesting sighting when they had gone back looking for help... when using their flashlight near the building at the parking area, they briefly saw a "tiny owl with orange eyes".