Spring Woodcock Walk in Gladwin County 

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 04/07/2022 12:00 PM EDT

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A woodcock sits in leaves on the forest floor with trees in the background.

Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Ruffed Grouse Society, and MI Birds (a program of Audubon Great Lakes) on a guided hike to observe one of Michigan’s early spring spectacles, the American woodcock courtship dance. 

The Woodcock Walk will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Lame Duck Foot Access Area Grouse Enhanced Management Site in Gladwin County. Attendees should meet at a parking lot on the corner of Bowmanville Road and Lame Duck Truck Trail. 

The dramatic dance of the American woodcock courtship display is one of the most unique wildlife viewing opportunities in Michigan each spring. Just after dusk on the edge of a grassy area, listen for the “peent” sound of the timberdoodle – as the woodcock is also known  – followed by a spiraling aerial performance.  

All ages are welcome. Attendees must bring their own binoculars and headlamp or flashlight. Rubber boots or waterproof footwear is recommended, as ground conditions may be muddy.  

Please RSVP by April 15. For more information and to RSVP, call 989-426-9205, ext. 2267630.

If there is inclement weather the day of the event, it will be rescheduled for Thursday, April 28.  

We look forward to sharing in this spring tradition with you!