By JESSICA HARDING
Staff Writer
The Monmouth County Audubon Society (MCAS) is sponsoring an evening trip to search for the American Woodcock at Big Brook County Park on Sunday, March 11.
The MCAS’s mission is to study and enjoy nature and promote wildlife conservation, habitat protection and education.
The park is located on County Road 520 in Marlboro. The former 379-acre piece of land that established this park was used as farmland for psychiatric patients in the hospital across the street. The Monmouth Park System purchased this land in 1997 when the hospital was closed.
In 2010, the Park System purchased 36 more acres and brought the total to 415 acres. Big Brook County Park contains young wetlands, which foster forests and hickory trees. It is known for its rolling fields of grasses and perennials, which provide a home for wildlife, such as birds and butterflies.
The mission for this trip is spotting the American Woodcock bird. These birds are mostly found hidden in fields and on the ground where they search for earthworms. During the spring, they change because attracting mates becomes a top priority.
Males make a buzzy “peent” call noise to attract their mates. The males then soar 50 to 100 yards in the air as they descend and chirp. The high flying produces a twittering sound, which creates a truly unique display. It is for that very reason that the group is making an evening trip to experience it.
If you are interested in attending the field trip, it is free and open to both members and nonmembers of the Monmouth County Audubon Society. Participants should meet at 5:30 p.m. in the park parking lot, which is located off County Road 520.
Dress in weather-appropriate clothing and keep in mind that temperatures drop quickly toward the evening. It is recommended that binoculars are brought and a field guide, if possible.
Additional information can be found by visiting the organization’s website at monmouthaudubon.org or emailing info@monmouthaudubon.org.
