Betcha you never thought you’d see that headline on a local news story!
By “hokempake,” we are referring to one of the many names given to the American Woodcock, a migratory game bird which is highly popular with hunters and bird watchers. The bird will be on center stage on Saturday, March 7 during a Preservation Parks event for ages eight and up
According to the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife, “Woodcock are quail-sized, standing about eight inches tall and appear to bob when they walk. The bird has short, powerful wings which permit skillful flight in its diurnal thickets…The American woodcock’s range encompasses the eastern ½ of the United States, roughly from the Mississippi River eastward. Woodcock are migratory birds, breeding mostly in the northern two tiers of states and southern Canada and wintering in the south.”
The event will take place from 6:30 PM to 8 PM at Blues Creek Park, 9627 Fontanelle Road in Ostrander. There, you can go on a quest to view this secretive bird with its long-billed, short legged, and stubby little body. This time of the year is its mating season, and you should be able to witness its spectacular courtship ritual.
