A Group of Woodcocks (aka Timberdoodle) is called a Fall. New York City just experienced a massive fallout of a huge Fall of Woodcocks after the snow storm. The last couple of days were great days for birders. I saw more Woodcock yesterday in Central Park than I have ever seen in my entire life, 11 of perhaps hundreds. I also saw a Wilson’s Snipe. It isn’t so good for the Woodcocks. The poor Woodcocks were not expecting a snow storm to get in the way of their migration: Many have died hitting buildings; hawks and falcons are dining on them; and cold is also a problem. They have been seen huddled together, probably to stay warm. Normally I rarely see any because they are so well camouflaged. They sure stand out against the snow. In Central Park they are hanging out by streams looking for food. I hope they survive and continue north to breed soon.
If you find an injured Woodcock put it in a paper bag and get it to a bird rehabilitator, like the Wild Bird Fund in NYC. See what to do with an injured bird. Their beaks are delicate and they need to be in something soft like a bag. More about Woodcocks at Cornell.
An Early Bird Gets Caught in the Snowstorm, New York Times March 17, 2017
Also see American Woodcock Event in Central Park March 15 – 17, 2017 by Anders Peltomaa. I created and maintain the Linnaean Society of NY’s website.
What lovely little birds! Thank you for being their advocate!
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You are welcome. Thanks for dropping by.
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Oh the poor things.
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Hope the ones that made it have lots of babies.
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These images are spectacular
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Thanks. I have seen better ones taken that day.
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I loved the information and stories, and these are beautiful birds. They lead tough little lives…
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Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
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oh wow what stunning pictures but so sad to hear about the impact of the snowstorm on them. Hope those that survived are doing ok now.
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Thank yoi. I hope they are OK too.
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These poor things. I do worry for them. And more cold on the way. (Sigh) winter seems to just hang on this year.
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I heard that batch has moved on except for a couple of stragglers. My husband an I worry too 🙂
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Let’s hope they find some melted spots along their way north.
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I had never heard of the woodcock until the local conservation society organized a field trip. The field trip was cancelled due to winter storm Stella but I had fun researching this odd looking bird.
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Glad you like it. My husband, Marc, loves Woodcocks. One of the sounds they make is called a peent.
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Thanks for another collective noun to my collection. Good pics, too
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Quite welcome. Groups of birds have lots of unusual collective nouns. Here’s some more: http://www.palomaraudubon.org/collective.html Some you know already.
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Thanks, Sherry. As Mordred I once set an advanced cryptic crossword called ‘An Assembly’. Where the answer led to a single creature the collective name had to be entered, and vice versa. Solvers weren’t told that.They had to work it out. 🙂
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Poor little chaps! Your photos are lovely. I thought the weather front was supposed to be heading our way but I’m hoping not. 🙂
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Thank you. Spring is comming soon.
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Super cute species! I hope things get better for them!
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I do too. My husband and I love them. They have a tough time getting through Manhatten. They fly low.
Sherry Felix http://www.sherryfelix.com<http://www.sherryfelix.com>
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The snow needs to melt do they don’t starve.
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I’ve been wondering how you were doing with the snow storm this week, Sherry. I see you’ve done fine, but I’m sorry to hear about the woodcock fallout. But what an amazing thing to see so many woodcocks all at once. Ordinarily I see one every few years. I’m sure it created quite a birder stir…but I know we all hope they are on their natural way soon. Thanks for sharing this unusual activity.
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There are lots of posts on social media about the woodcocks.
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Beautiful photos :-). The woodcock looks quite fluffed up against the cold with its gorgeous feathers. Sad that they are having a tough spring this year. Hopefully the coming months will be gentler.
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Thanks. There are lots out ther better than mine of these birds. Let’s hope some live to have babies.
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Wonderful photos. Particularly tough time for the birds in winter.
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It’s supposed to be spring. The snow storm came late
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How amazing to be so close to such beautiful birds. But so sad that many of them will not make it to their next port of call
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Yes, it is bitter sweet.
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