April came early this year - not according to our date on our calendar, but by our ice out standards it's two weeks early! The geese migrated by, the walleyes spawned early and the aspen buds are popping. Here at the resort, we finished the big chore of raking the remainder of the fall leaves and continue the tedious list of "Things to do" before the resort guests appear near MN Fishing Opener - May 15th.
After working a 6 straight days, we all took Sunday off to enjoy our early spring weather. Trying to figure out what to do (since we can't go walleye fishing) I skim the pages of Aldo Leopold's "A Sand County Almanac", while sitting outside in the spring sun sipping on some iced tea. I came across a section called "Sky Dance". It covers a small awkward bird, the woodcock. No matter how warm it is, this birds mating flight is determined by our solar table. The woodcock is found throughout the Minnesota forests. It is a ground-dwelling bird that uses its extremely long bill to probe for earthworms in wet woods and nearby low-lying areas. Its eyes, set on the sides of its head, give it 360 degree vision, a protection from predators.
Come early spring, woodcock can be seen performing their magical, musical, breeding display flights against the last light of sunset. They can be seen in meadows, forest clearings and open fields. This little bird will continue his dances well into May.
If you get a chance to see him dance, it will be a worthwhile phenomenon that you will want to see spring after spring. Grab your binoculars and hope to see you in the woods soon!
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