A Rite Of Spring—

Observe The Woodcock’s Mating Dance

South Britain — A rare opportunity to witness one of the most fascinating displays of courtship in the bird kingdom is available to the public on four consecutive Sundays — March 13 and 20,at 6 pm, and April 3 and 10,at 7 pm — at The Audubon Center at Bent of the River.

The American woodcock, also known as the “timberdoodle,” performs a spectacular aerial mating dance, which is seldom seen. The center’s scrubland habitat, however, attracts woodcocks, so the population is plentiful and the chances of observing this rarely seen activity are high.

The male woodcock lures his mate by flying to his singing grounds at sunset, and then making a short, high-pitched insectlike single note call (a loud, buzzy “bzeep” or “peent”) repeatedly for about five minutes. He then flies in a low circle about 200 feet in diameter and begins to climb higher and higher, the diameter of the circle decreasing as he spirals up to a height of 200 to 300 feet in the air.

His rapid wing beats create a musical sound as he climbs and at the apex of his flight he sings a variable series of liquid notes, then plummets down to earth twittering as he descends. After alighting at his initial takeoff point, he repeats his dramatic display.

The entire courtship dance may last from 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the duration of twilight, but may continue throughout the night during periods of bright moonlight. On the off chance that the woodcocks do not make an appearance at the center, walking through the beautiful Audubon property at dusk is also a time to enjoy the sounds and movements of the other fascinating creatures that have chosen Audubon as their home.

Program fees are $3 for Audubon members and $5 for nonmembers. Call 203-264-5098, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, for more information.