While the title sounds a bit like something from BBC Wildlife programming, it was what we were doing after our First Quarter Members’ Meeting February 7th, 2026, thanks to Certified Louisiana Master Naturalist and LMN-NE Board Secretary Suzanne Laird Dartez!
Her program included an excellent illustrated talk on the American Woodcock (Louisiana Sightings of Scolopax minor on iNaturalist), at which our newest LMN-NE Board Director-at-large, Nathan Green showed us an excellent video of one of several Woodcocks that he had encountered that morning, see his iNat observation!
Following her informative talk, we drove to the trail-head and followed her eager Brittany bird-dog Quill on a brisk and exhilarating walk during which our party saw 8 Woodcocks! There were vernal pools, so the salamanders will be happy, and we were glad of our boots.
Kimmie recorded a video clip of a pointed Woodcock starting, that captures the atmosphere of expectation and excitement very nicely! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FgmFvSb1t/
A big thank you to Suzanne for her excellent program, to Jim Kolinski for his excellent support and Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge for their essential provision of venue and awesome wildlife!
Louisiana Master Naturalists - Northeast 