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!”
Pan-Roasted Woodcock and Wild Rice
Recipe and photos by Ryan Lisson_Zero To Hunt
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.
