A clear view of a Woodcock’s spectacular speckled tan, grey, and black camouflage against the uniform grey of pavement. Photo by Rita Flores Wiskowski.

We are excited to host our third annual Woodcock walk in Madison! Join us as we search for these cool little birds as they "peent" and do their quirky and elaborate courtship fights that are called "sky dances."

We will meet Saturday evening in the big parking lot next to the restrooms and head into the open grassy area to the east of the lot.

What to Expect

While trails are wide and level, depending on the weather, they could be wet or icy, so plan accordingly.

Birdability Accessibility Assessment

Parking is in gravel lots with no lined/marked spaces, but are very large. There are accessible parking signs present.

Bathrooms: We did not have a tape measure to measure the exact dimensions or height of the sink, but the women's restroom includes a very spacious handicap stall. There are no mirrors or hand dryers in the restroom, just two toilet stalls (one handicap), a sink, and a roll of paper towels on a chain by the door.

Trails: The majority of the trails here are flat and well-maintained (grass, crushed limestone, or metal boardwalk), though there is an optional loop that goes over a large hill that would not be accessible for a mobility device as the slope is too steep. In the winter, trails are snow-covered, icy, or snow-packed and we believe only the parking lot is plowed.

Thank you to the community members who contribute Birdability site reviews to make our local natural spaces more accessible!

Species List

• Canada Goose 2

• Mallard 6

• Mourning Dove 3

• Sandhill Crane 2

• American Woodcock 6

• Red-bellied Woodpecker 1

• Pileated Woodpecker 1

• Eastern Bluebird 2

• American Robin 2

• Red-winged Blackbird X

• Rusty Blackbird 5

• Common Grackle X

• Song Sparrow 1