American Woodcocks are easiest to find at dusk in early spring, when the male performs a marvelous display flight, or “sky dance.” We will attempt to locate a few woodcocks at Kennebunkport Conservation Trust again this year. It can be difficult to see them in dim light, so we will listen for the distinctive, buzzy peent call given by the male. The Emmons Preserve has been very reliable for woodcock sightings in past years, making it an ideal location for our outing. We will make our best attempt to spot a displaying woodcock, as it is an experience not to be missed!

Prior to looking for woodcocks, we will gather at the beautiful Kennebunkport Conservation Trust headquarters building (we’re grateful for their continued hospitality!) for a pizza dinner and a special drawing/sketching workshop led by Rebekah Lowell, award-winning author/illustrator and avid birder. If you already have a nature journal and drawing supplies, please bring them along. Don’t worry if you don’t have supplies - we’ll provide everything needed for the workshop.

If you are planning to attend this field trip, please RSVP to the email invitation to help us get a headcount for the pizza. We will provide a vegetarian option. If anyone needs gluten free crust, please note that in your RSVP. (The pizza dinner will be covered by MYBC.)

After enjoying some pizza and developing our nature observation skills through drawing, we’ll head out into the evening to look for woodcocks.

LOGISTICS: Dress in layers and wear comfortable, WATERPROOF shoes. We may be trekking through some wet, muddy fields, so rubber boots or waterproof hiking boots are best. Also bring the following: hat & gloves, warm coat, filled water bottle, binoculars, and a backpack in which you’ll keep your stuff. If you do not have binoculars, MYBC can provide you with a pair. 

MEET UP and PICK UP: Meet us at 5:00 pm at the Kennebunkport Land Trust headquarters at 57 Gravelly Brook Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046. Pick up will be at the same location around 8:00 pm.