Fourteen of us  went to Laurel Hill to look for American Woodcocks and Common Ravens last evening — with great success.

The guided walk, sponsored by the N.J. Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society, found the ravens at their nest at 5 and the woodcocks in the weeds/bushes about 6:05 p.m. — located in the underbrush before the first parking lot on the left.

Although we did not see the woodcocks, we sure did hear them — peenting on the ground and then chirping as the males did their courtship dances.  We estimated at least five woodcock — and heard at least 10 courtship displays.

We also had at least 28 Black-crowned Night Herons leaving their rost.

A beautiful early spring evening, and a walk definitely out of the ordinary.

Thanks to all who participated.

Laurel Hill Park, Hudson, US-NJ
Feb 23, 2012 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.3 mile(s)
Comments:     This was a Bergen Audubon/NJ Meadowlands Commission Woodcock walk…
12 species

Canada Goose  X
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Great Cormorant  X
Great Blue Heron  X
Black-crowned Night-Heron  X
American Woodcock  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Mourning Dove  X
Common Raven  X
Northern Mockingbird  X
Song Sparrow  X