Join IL Young Birders to see the spectacular aerial displays of the American Woodcock at dusk. Air Station Prairie is a great location to see these displays. During mating season, male American Woodcocks, also sometimes called Timberdoodles, leave the ground and spiral higher and higher in the sky, sometimes hundreds of feet in the air, before dropping back to the ground in virtually the same spot they started from. Check out this page to learn more about their flight display.  Woodcocks also have a distinctive "peent" call that is fun to hear from all around as the sun is going down. Although difficult to see because of the low light, we will try to see a woodcock on the ground, too.

Meet on the deck of the interpretive center at 6:30pm on Saturday, March 23. There are a few spots in front of the preserve, as well as a parking lot across the street on Compass Road.

FIELD TRIP SIGN-UP FORM - Register Here

Parental / Guardian Field Trip Consent: By completing this form, I hereby give permission for the named young birder(s) to participate in the field trips of the Illinois Young Birders Club (ILYB), a project of the Illinois Ornithological Society (IOS). I assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event and transportation to, from, and during the event. I further release, absolve, indemnify, and hold harmless the Illinois Young Birders Club, the Illinois Ornithological Society, the directors and officers of ILYB and IOS, and all organizers, sponsors, leaders, chaperones, and supervisors of the event. In case of injury, I hereby waive all claims against the parties listed above. I likewise release from responsibility any person transporting my child to, from, and during the scheduled event.

Consent to Use of Photographs: There is a possibility that photos of the named young birder(s) may be taken on our field trips and other activities throughout the year. They may be published in our newsletter, on our website, or a similar publication. By completing this form. you are giving ILYB and IOS consent to publish such photographs. We will never distribute said photos to any third parties.