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.
Woodcock in a stream in Central Park
Against snow
The Wilson’s Snipe
