Had to do a little research on this one.
Birding Dad has three times now hear this bird call.
Happens only after dusk or before sunrise, close to the house and repeats every 5 or 10 seconds.
Twice now he has approached the "sound" and once caught a glimpse of the bird which at first he thought looked like a small rabbit on the ground (remember please it was after dusk). When he got close (almost too close) he flushed the bird which flew with a whistling bristle of wings, off to the lower yard and pond area.
This morning he was out there again, and having a little time we did the research ... American Woodcock! A first for our property that we know of.

They are seldom seen, as they are nocturnal, very camoflaged and close to the ground.

Posted by sunybank at March 11, 2008 12:46 PM