Landscaping for Woodcocks

American Woodcock

Every spring we anxiously wait for the American Woodcock PEENT calls. When we hear it we know that they’re starting their spectacular spring dancing- and we know spring is finally really here.

We hardly ever see them, but we hear them at dusk when we’re finishing our chores or taking Bear for a walk. 

They are perfectly camouflaged against the leaf litter. They are a brown-mottled in color and have unique long bills they use to poke along the soil for earthworms. 

American Woodcock

Every springtime at dawn or dusk we listen for and watch the males do their incredible aerial dances!! We listen for the loud and insistent PEENT calls and watch the males circle high up into the sky and then fall dramatically down like a fallen leaf. 

How can you attract these amazing birds to your property? 

American woodcocks thrive where young forests meet open ground. By planting native shrubs, maintaining moist soil areas, and allowing sections of your property to grow naturally, you can create feeding and nesting habitat for this beautiful migratory bird.

Redoisier Dogwood

-Plant native shrubs and dense understory shrubs like Buttonbush, Gray Dogwood, Red Osier Dogwood, and Pussy Willow

-Leave leaf litter for insects and worms

-Maintain brushy edges and transition zones

-Avoid large lawns and excessive mowing

-Keep some areas wild and undisturbed- and avoid perfectly tidy landscaping

Buttonbush

-Remove Invasive shrubs (burning bush, barberry, honeysuckle)

-Some open ground is necessary so they can perform their dances

-Plant native sedges, ferns, mosses and skunk cabbage in wet areas

Work with nature and start by making small changes!

Pussywillow