MOUNT VERNON — Knox County Park District is sponsoring “Bogsuckers. A Rite of Spring,” an opportunity to observe the annual courtship flight of the American woodcock on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Honey Run Highlands Park. The park address is 10816 Millersburg Road, and is located south of Millwood near Caves Road.
Gary Moore, former Columbus Metro Park Chief Naturalist, will return to lead this popular event.
“Like most people, I was not even aware of these fascinating flights that occur each spring, but after viewing them it has become a spring tradition not to be missed,” Moore said. “To begin with, this bird is a real hoot just to look at with a three-inch beak, eyes near the top of its head and a squat camouflage appearance.”
“The sounds made by these pint-sized birds include buzzing sounds on the ground, twittering sounds during the flight that spirals up to 300 feet in the air and a melodious high chirp made by feathers only as it swoops in diving flight back to the ground,” said Moore. Participants should dress for the weather to enjoy this family friendly program which involves a short walk.
The Knox County Park District is dedicated to providing excellent recreational opportunities and access to greenspace for all Knox County citizens to enjoy. For more information, call 392-7275 or visit KnoxCountyParks.org.
Published on March 15, 2013