Bryant Park is an oasis for migrating American Woodcock or Timberdoodle. Perhaps the wall of buildings causes the low flying birds to drop out of the sky at night. And Bryant Park has greenery to hide in and worms for them to feed on before they move on.
We were lucky this time to see one sitting under a bush with an audience of birders surrounding it. Many times when I’ve gone there during migration I haven’t found any Woodcocks.
I love their oscillating sowing machine walk. Timberdoodles are adorable.
I also love the name timberdoodle. Beautifully captured Sherry!
Thanks. 🐣
Yes, they sure are adorable. Great pictures of i!
Love the name timberdoodle. I’ve heard of woodcocks but never seen one.
Hope you get to see one someday.
Very nice captures.
Thank you Dan.
Beautiful details of this lovely bird!
Thanks Amy
You were lucky to get so close to one Sherry. I’ve only had a quick glimpse of one as it flies away!
I can count on the fingers on one hand how many times I’ve seen a Woodcock. Once decades years ago I went on a birding trip to Jamaica Bay to see them do their courting display at night. That was a treat. They are no longer found there.
Wonderful pictures! I have yet to be so successful with my attempts at getting a picture of the American Woodcock. What a delight!
Thanks. It was dead easy. In Bryant Park they are easy to photograph. I found this one by looking for other bird watchers.
Their cryptic coloration makes them hard to find in the wild. They are reported to be in Central Park, but I never find them.
Like Derrick, I was completely taken with the name ‘Timberdoodle.’ It’s as cute as that wonderful bird.
Thank you. I love the bird and the American colloquial word for it too.
Splendid shots. Timberdoodle is a wonderful name
Thanks Derrick. I love that word too.