This is your chance to see and hear the strange and wacky twilight courtship dance, calling, and acrobatic flight of the secretive timberdoodles (AKA woodcocks).

It is one of the most remarkable signs of spring.

Nasal sounds in the grass, then a flappy shape zooms straight up, whistles across the sky and dives to the ground!

Before heading outside, wildlife educator Sarah Kern will share insight on what it’s like to be a worm-eating, wall-eyed daredevil bird with crazy dance moves. Then, at sunset, we’ll walk to one of the Word Barn Meadows , enjoy the gibbous moon, and wait for the action to start.

Feel free to bring a portable chair to use while we wait (woodcocks have used the Word Barn Meadows annually for their courtship, so the wait likely won’t be long, if at all). Dress for the weather as a portion of this program is outside; wear sturdy, waterproof shoes (it’s spring time in New Hampshire); bring binoculars if you have them, and a flashlight or headlamp for the walk out at dusk.

This is not a youth program, but super family friendly and children are most welcome (and will surely be fascinated, inspired, and learn lots). Children under 10 are free, but are required to register given capacity limitations.

ABOUT SARAH KERN

Sarah grew up on the east coast while traveling to visit family out west and learned to love the outdoors through camping, hiking and exploring. She has over 25 years of educator experience in a wide variety of settings both formal and informal. From public school classrooms to private, preschool to university, Sarah has found that connecting and learning with her community is what inspires her. 

She joined the Forest Society and became the Creek Farm Education Program Coordinator in 2021

Beyond the classroom, Sarah has also served at the Center for Wildlife (where she grew in education program by 70% in just 3 years), and the Forest Society as the Creek Farm Education Program Coordinator. You may also recognize her as one of the amazing experts and super-engaging presenters for our ongoing owl/raptor wildlife series in partnership with Tailwinds: Raptor Education and Conservation.

In short, Sarah excels at creating opportunities for the community to connect with and learn about the environment we live in and how our health is intertwined. 

Sarah lives in Strafford, New Hampshire with her two children and a menagerie of rescued animals and can be found skiing in the winter, kayaking in the summer and always looking up to see who is flying overhead.