[TN-Bird] Woodcock distraction display

This morning while making my usual rounds, I was surprised to see a  
Woodcock flutter up about 10 or 15 m from me as I passed near the  
ancient apple tree in our orchard.  The bird rose weakly, and only  
got a few meters in the air before dropping pathetically to the  
ground at the edge of a blackberry clump.  It sat their, half  
concealed, and flopping a bit as though injured.  I let it be and  
stepped very carefully until I was clear of the area to avoid  
trodding on any eggs or newly-hatched chicks that might be lurking in  
the tall grass and weeds.  This was a first for me.  I knew the  
Woodcock must be nesting on the farm somewhere as their aerial  
displays are a regular treat in late winter.  But I didn't expect a  
nest to be so close to the house, in an area that gets human and  
canine traffic every day!

Bill Pulliam
Hohenwald, Lewis County TN
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