I noticed something out of the ordinary in our backyard yesterday. I grabbed my binoculars, and to my surprise, there was a woodcock looking for worms in my suburban backyard! The photo is terrible, I know.
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This is the second woodcock report I’ve heard lately.
Boy, I bet that was tempting! We jumped a couple woodcock’s down at Kenny’s last fall. They’re small, but they sure are tasty! 
We jumped a couple woodcock’s down at Kenny’s last fall.
I think the only time I’ve ever seen woodcock is there. Between the turkeys that strolled through and the woodcock, Ripley had an exciting day in suburbia.
I’ve only seen them up north, never would think to see them down here. Cool birds though, if you see any at dusk this time of year watch for their mating display.
My bird dog put one up on Saturday on the edge of our yard. I’m sure it regrets migrating north this early!
I flushed my 2nd Woodcock this spring on Sunday while trout fishing. The 1st bird was on March 24th. They’ve been using the banks that are free from snow. Been also seeing quite a few wood ducks.
So….you eat worms for a living and you decide it’s a good time to head for Minnesota. Hence the term “bird brain” 
S.R.
So….you eat worms for a living and you decide it’s a good time to head for Minnesota. Hence the term “bird brain”
S.R.
LOL. This was on a south-facing hill, so he was in a good spot. The hill is normally covered in robins doing the same thing. It was kind of fun to watch him work. They move around oddly. Then, I had to go out to get a picture, and my bird dog took notice.
He hung around the yard for a good hour, though.
So….you eat worms for a living and you decide it’s a good time to head for Minnesota. Hence the term “bird brain”
S.R.
It’s probably because of global worming!
He was back this afternoon.
I’ve flushed many at my hunting property east of hinckley and there are a bunch near my house in the mendota heights area. Cool birds but I’ve never shot one
They must be on the move because I saw more today than I’ve seen my entire life combined. And I bagged my first one! Not a whole lotta meat on them. I’ve heard they’re not great, but I’ll judge for myself.
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Awesome, a bit livery in taste. Saw quite a few early in the season none lately. Getting 1-3 grouse every trip out. Been eating good. Let us know what you think of the table fare from the woodcock…
I think the key to woodcock is to not overcook them. Medium rare is good. Well done not so good.
I wish I liked eating them but any hint of liver is no bueno for me. That and I like 5 shells in my gun when hunting but I would plug if liked eating them.
PS-perhaps a side dish of spruce grouse and maybe throw in a coot?
Did the hound retrieve it?
Mine will but very reluctantly
Did the hound retrieve it?
He did, but he didn’t see it fall. He was on another bird when this one kicked up.
Well, I cooked it up–made sure not to overcook it. Yuck! That’ll be the last one I shoot. The dog wouldn’t even eat it.
Well they eat worms so….bacon wrap roasted grouse is the best. Start shooting them!
Yeah, I mean to try for some grouse every fall, but I haven’t gotten around to it. Normally, we stick to pheasants.
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