THE DANCE FO THE TIMBER DOODLE

I was walking along a wooded patch of the Whitewater River last February soaking up the awesome sunset that was painted before me. Deep purples and maroons were bleeding into golden yellows and oranges as sent forth by the sun. A few fluffy clouds hung in the sky effortlessly, contrasting the sky around them with rich pinks and purples. A gentle breeze was blowing, but with the recent warm snap I was quite comfortable. I watched as navy blue crept into the picture, signaling night's approach. As I began to loose track of my worries, I heard an unmistakable "PEENT". My mind quickly dusted off the cobwebs to identify that noise. At once, I knew that I was in for an evening treat rivaling that of the sunset. Yes, the timber doodle was about to dance!

What is a timber doodle, you might ask. Well if you are not hill folk, like me, or privy to such colorful language then you might know them as woodcocks. I prefer timber doodle, especially this time of year when they are dancing. Doodling just seems to be so accurate for describing what they are doing as they dance.

As February drifts on, the ground begins to thaw. That is all that a timber doodle needs to begin migration. So long as the ground is soft enough to probe with its long bill it will have no trouble feeding. The longer days heat the ground and fuel the desire to migrate north from the Gulf coast into our neck of the woods. During and after migration to Missouri they find a suitable spot to breed. Male timber doodles find open fields near wooded river bottoms and begin a dance that says "Mine mine mine mine mine."

Taking possession of a breeding and feeding area is pretty important. If these little woodland sprites can successfully stake off an area by dancing, they are more likely to attract a mate.

The timber doodle I was hearing began his dance like they all do, with a loud "PEENT". It sounds a lot like someone holding their nose and saying "PEENT". Try it (when no one is listening) and you will make a close match. After several minutes of "peenting" the woodcock did the most amazing part of his dance. He launched off the ground and began to spiral up into the air. While ascending, the wing tips made a whistling sound that brought to my mind the sound pioneers must have associated with an action considered doodling. After reaching a height of 300 feet or more the timber doodle held that elevation by circling and poured out a song of loud chirps for just a few seconds.

He then took a steep dive and swooped up a bit then took another dive and swooped again.

Each time the swoops took him closer to the ground. This whole process reminded me of a leaf falling from a great height. Finally, he took his last swoop and landed just about where I saw him launch from. Again he began to call out "peent".

While on the ground it is next to impossible to see what a timber doodle is doing. Even though it is getting dark and that makes it hard for us to see the woodcock will hear and most likely see you and flee. However, there is a method of getting closer for investigation. Timber doodles will launch into the air for their aerial display several times in an evening. While in the air you can creep up nearer to the site from where you think he is calling. Every time he launches you creep closer. So long as you remain absolutely quiet you can get within sight distance and see a scene few are privilege to . . . the dance of the timber doodles.

The air dance is spectacular and not to be missed but the rarity is viewing the ground display. The little woodcock begins to pace in a stiff-legged manner. This ground dance involves fanning the wings forward and the telltale "peent". Someone fortunate enough to witness this part of the dance should retreat in the same way they approached, filled with the wonder of the event.

As darkness began to devour the colors of the evening I decided to head home. The dance of the timber doodle reminded me that spring had begun to creep back. A wonderful evening turned into a spectacular evening through the gift of a woodland bird.

The dance of the timber doodle is something that you can see in many places throughout the region. Public land such as Old Plantation Access, Maintz Conservation area, Trail of Tears State Park, Lake Girardeau and Apple Creek Conservation Area are great spots in Cape Girardeau County. Many private landowners live in an area harboring timber doodles. Being outside in the evening and alert are the main ingredients. As February and March move along try to make time to witness the first dance of spring . . . the dance of the timber doodle.

A.J. Hendershott is an education consultant with the Missouri Department of Conservation.