See what I can do. Then he's up again to repeat the spectacular display. A female woodcock could not but be impressed. Spring is the only time that woodcocks become that obvious. After flight displays cease in about four to six weeks, the birds return to their secretive, nocturnal way of life on the forest floor.
Woodcocks are well-camouflaged for life among fallen twigs and strewn leaves.
Their predominantly brown back color is broken up with gray and black markings, which give the chunky, short-tailed birds the appearance of dried leaves. Three wide black bands break up the solid buff on the back of a squarish head. The buffy chest is unmarked. When resting during the day, woodcocks blend in so well with their surroundings that they are very difficult to find and are seldom seen unless flushed. Good camouflage is necessary because woodcocks nest on the ground.