I've told you about the Woodcock before, and now the sylvan sandpiper is back. Our first Spring migrant, usually you only see one when you all but step on it, causing it to flush explosively from underfoot. In this case, snow cover and frozen ground drove one into the stream behind Balcony Bridge, where the mud was still soft enough for it to come up with a tasty slug.

They're hard to see, but I guarantee you, there's one in the middle of this photo...



Maybe we can get a better look by enlarging it…




It's rare to get this close a look; more often one is forced to ask oneself, "where would I be,
if I were a Woodcock...?"

If I were a Woodcock
I would bob and I would quiver
I would probe into the litter
I would find myself a worm or two
I'd do anything a Woodcock would do




If I were a Woodcock
I would peent and I would shudder
With a whistle in a flutter
I would spiral up into the air
To impress a Wood-coquette most fair




If I were a Woodcock
Though obscurely I would huddle
My departure won't be subtle
Watch your step there; give me room
I'd do anything a Woodcock - fah-VOOM!

(twitter-whitter-witter)


Well, I don't know where the Woodcock went, but I do know that Spring will be here before too long.
Honest.
In the meantime, enjoy the snow. And the rain. And the cold…



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