Woodcock breeding season?

[hunter1hall]

I was wondering if it might be mating season for the woodcock. I have seen at least 12 different ones on my property immediately surrounding my house. I have also heard countless more in the surrounding area. It seems as though they just all of the sudden showed up. Anybody have any info on what and why this is happening?

[uplandchessies]

Birds are moving through heading north to their breeding grounds. Some birds will have broods in Kentucky, but it's a little to early.

[Valley Station]

Seems like I'm seeing and hearing more woodcock than normal moving North.
Hope thats an indication on brood stock numbers being in an upswing.
I see most of the local woodcock broods around mid to late April.

[hitch]

I saw more of the nasty little devils the last couple of weeks Grouse hunting then I ever care to see again. Numbers look good on them from what it has been in years past and if anyone has a young bird dog it would be a good time to take a walk in the woods even with the season out (no guns of course) to get some in the field training accomplished.

[trust me]

I... if anyone has a young bird dog it would be a good time to take a walk in the woods even with the season out (no guns of course) to get some in the field training accomplished.

I plan to do just that this weekend. I know a little hollow that holds some each summer and if they're back, we'll pay them a visit.

[CSS archer]

I found a nest with eggs one year in mid-March, they hatched the last week of March. They are definitely breeding now.

[dug1976]

I've got a 12 week old pointer pup that I would love to get some work on some wild birds. Any suggestions around the Richmond area. Thanks for the help.

[RutNBuck]

just curious what kinda/type sounds do woodcocks make?
i am sure i have heard them just didnt identify em
and like now to they stay near field edges or deep in the thickets?

[hunter1hall]

The birds around my place are in the thickett areas. Its grown up with small locust trees, blackberry briars and grasses. You can do a search on yahoo and find the sounds that they make. It is a very recognizable sound.

[smashdn]

sounds like a frog to me. then they kind of sound like a ducks wings whistling when they take ot the air in their little flight circle they make. Go out just as it is getting dark and you should hear some.

[Downeaster]

just curious what kinda/type sounds do woodcocks make?
i am sure i have heard them just didnt identify em
and like now to they stay near field edges or deep in the thickets?

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/spring2002/species/spring/Update051002.html

Scroll down the page to the Woodcock Skydance wav file. It has the peent call and display calls.

[Payton]

The skydance song I hear all the time.......in fact, I'll hear it and then start looking skyward to see if I can see the bird. The "peenting" sound I've heard before but never knew what it was. Interesting.