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Woodcock Watch at the Ridges Sanctuary

Join a Ridges Sanctuary naturalist for a Woodcock Watch on April 24 at 7 pm to learn about the rotund little shorebird known as the American Woodcock and observe its distinctive courtship sky dance.

Camouflaged against the leaf litter, the brown-mottled American Woodcock walks along the forest floor, probing the soil with its long bill in search of earthworms. Unlike its coastal relatives, this little bird lives in young forests and shrubby fields. Its coloring and low-profile behavior make it hard to find – except in the springtime. At this time of year, these plump, short-legged birds return to the area for mating season. Males court the females by performing an elaborate circular flight display, returning to earth at the same spot where they began.

The Ridges’ naturalists have been out on the trails, and they report that life is beginning to stir in the ridges and swales of the Sanctuary.

Bring binoculars if you have them. This program is suitable for ages 7 and up, so bring the kids, too. Fees for the Woodcock Watch are $10/adult for Ridges members, $13/adult for the general public and $5 for children under 18. Meet at The Ridges cabins, 8288 County Q in Baileys Harbor. For more information or to register, visit RidgesSanctuary.org or call 920.839.2802.