Birding rite of spring: Watching leks for the enchanting dance of woodcocks
Skip the snipe hunts and be amazed at the mysterious mating rituals of a remarkable gamebird, the timberdoodle … “Peent!”
Most people tend to think of a woodcock as an appetizer – they’re not very big birds, after all. But when you prepare the breasts and legs, two woodcock make a hearty meal. The breast meat is very dark, while the legs are light and delicate. It might look off-putting to some, but leaving the feet and legs attached provides a convenient handle to grip while cooking and eating. If you had the patience to pluck the whole bird, this method of preparation would also work great.
Chasing timberdoodles offers a great way to save face in the ruffed grouse woods.
The timberdoodle migration is underway, so target this fleeting upland opportunity while they’re moving through north country.
Michigan’s grouse season runs Sept. 15 to Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 to Jan. 1. Woodcock, a migratory bird, have an abbreviated season, Sept. 23 to Nov. 6.
Skip the snipe hunts and be amazed at the mysterious mating rituals of a remarkable gamebird, the timberdoodle … “Peent!”