Timberdoodle Sky Dance

Known as the American Woodcock ...  

having the wildest mating rituals-- 

the Sky Dance of the Timberdoodle during 

dusk or dawn, the male Woodcock soars in 

a tornado-like spiral to between 250 and 300 feet 

in the air... then he begins a descent like a 

falling leaf, slipping sideways... diving headlong and 

finally whirs his wings upon landing... 

He repeats a call of "pent" to any receptive female Woodcock.  

The Annual Spring Bird Migration with Song Birds returning to Michigan  

after a Winter down South... 

Reviews

[Robert Trakofler]

I have heard them, but never seen them dance:) I have spotted them once or twice and when I have I always laugh because they look rather disproportionate:/ I didn't know what they were called until I read your poem:) I always assumed they were some kind of odd tern! Leave it to you to help me make a new discovery:)

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Robert... I discovered the Timberdoodles in a Bird and Bloom magazine, and then I Googled more information. It is quite a performance to Seduce a Mate. Glad you enjoyed the Discovery. Hope you are safe and well. truly, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

What a lovely description of the woodcock's mating dance; flying so high, then diving sideways; surely you can call it a dance; I've never seen it, but would love to. And, of course the female is awaiting his call.
imagery is paramount to this well told tale Pat.
Yours truly
B.

[Neville]

........... tis simply amazing what one might see, just by keeping an eye on the sky isn't it ... not only enjoyed .. but an education too .. bless ya Pat and truly :)

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Neville... an amazing occasion to hear from you ... just when we thought there was nothing new under the Sun... the Birds give up a Secret or two. Wishing you the Best of everything. gently, Pat

[NotUsinganymore]

I enjoyed this poem about birds. It was ery interesting!

[Unspoken poet]

Wow, never heard of them, Wonderful,delightful read

[Cherrie]

I have listened to a conservationist (from the 1920s) describe them and like your words I am lulled by the unfolding vista.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Cherry... your review is a lullaby of honoring the innate feathery feelings that permeate the Sky with Michelangelo paintings of powerful orchestrated moments that can only be seen by a poet that feels the nocturnal instincts from Thoreau’s visions. A novice myself... lost for words... Thank you Cherrie.. Be blessed... gently, Pat

[emmajoy]

https://youtu.be/EV2-ZCpoLi4

Had to look for some videos, Pat., found the above but not flying .. will keep on searching however. What an incredible bird.. have heard of woodcocks but never seen them on the move. Must keep on looking and will. Thank you for such wonderful words and more. (Pat)

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Em... you are so Fun to share. Google provides
photos and perhaps a Video... but for certain there is quite a lot to read about the Timberdoodle. love and hugs, Pat

[emmajoy]

Hello, Pat.. Whilst it's quiet on the phoneline, been watching woodcock videos on YouTube . What beautiful looking creatures they are! But, quite hard to see clearly on videos, night dark and they fly up and away, around etc. too, of course. Fascinating however.
Hope you could see something via what I sent you. Must away. Thank you, they're such a discovery to me :)

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Em... on a clear day I will do some research as you encourage me to venture forth... I have so many unfinished chores... I do agree that their flight of fancy is worth the effort...
and I thank you for your kindness. tenderly, Pat

[emmajoy]

When something catches my interest re. plants, creatures and like.. 'need research and try to cram details into my befuddled brainbox! :)

[Patricia Wedel]

Hi Em... we do have mental photos in our Brain ... which is a Phenomenon for certain. Be Brave and safe. 💕 love and blessing, Petal x

[emmajoy]

So very true, Petal and - thank you. :)

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my goodness... i would never have known of the Timberdoodle .. what a great name! amazing flight courtship! thanks Pat! This is why all young men must learn to dance. :)))))))))))))))
E.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Gene... this was a Fun Poem... and Nature has many
ways of seduction to keep their feathers flying. Yes.. our young men do dance for the hand of their Sweetheart. truly, Pat

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Pat for sharing the amazing poetry. I love your nature poetry. Nature allowed us to see the mystery of the beauty of nature. A outstanding poem.
Coyote

[Patricia Wedel]

dear John... the Dance 💃 by the Sea is still the way to seduce a lover... and a bit of Nectar to set the Mood. Thanks for stopping by. gently, Pat

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed this poem dear Pat and you are welcome.

[Dave Brown]

I've neither seen an American Woodcock nor their mating display so I have missed out big time on both accounts
Watched an Attenborough thingy a while back and have to say it is extremely surprising just what some of these potential husbands go through for a bit of whoopy
Take care down there

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Dave... I appreciate your cheerful and humorous review. So much to know about our winged friends. What Birds a d Blooms Magazine does not mention...
I can discover on Google. They no longer let me use their Images of Birds on Google for my poems. Wish I knew another way of acquiring photos for my Poetry. truly, Pat

[Dave Brown]

unfortunately Pat, I am a computer dumbbell and need, rather than can assist with computing issues, however since you have had over a year longer than I to sort out any issues, I am surprised to hear of your surprising failure

[Patricia Wedel]

Hi Dave... since each of us has a different type of Computer it makes it more difficult to learn from others. Even the “Geeks” at Best Buy do not want to figure out such Issues. It is difficult to learn how to “Embed” a Video or even Embed a Photo on our WC poem site.. I am still Open to learning... but after all it is the Wirds of the Piem or Story that really matters. I do not Consider it my Failure. It is my Challenge. Thanks Dave for Lending me your Shoulder to cry upon. truly, Pat.