I went to the prairie parcel of Pheasant Branch Conservancy after work this evening to listen for American Woodcock. About 15 minutes after sunset, I heard the first peent call coming from the dogwood patch south of the main trail. A few minutes later it was followed by a second bird, and then a third. One of them zipped past me heading for the taller grass of the main prairie. I positioned myself so I could observe their aerial courtship displays against the comparative brightness of the western sky. Eventually, a half-dozen timberdoodles, as they are colloquially called, were peenting or taking flights around the prairie. What a trip!
Here's a cool video by Lang Elliott showing an American Woodcock peenting:
Sunset images © 2016 Mike McDowell