19 people dressed warmly with binoculars smiling at the camera, standing on grass near sidewalk, dark sky and leafless trees behind them. — Edward Warden, COS president, and the people on his 150th bird walk for COS. *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Marian Byrnes Park, March 28, 2026.*

words by Joann Umeki

“Peent” or “meent”? The question of what to listen for marked the beginning of Edward Warden’s American Woodcock Walk on the evening of March 28 at Marian R. Byrnes Park in the Jeffrey Manor neighborhood.

Whatever the interpretation of the American Woodcock call, Edward was hopeful that the group would soon be able to witness its dramatic courtship display. In search of a mate, during twilight, the male woodcock will call in multiple directions, and then shoot high into the air in a spiral. On its descent, a high-pitched whistling sound is made by air rapidly passing through its wing feathers. Woodcocks had been reported at the park on the previous day, so fingers were crossed that they would still be present.

Round nearly full moon against the night sky. — *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Marian Byrnes Park, March 28, 2026.*

The group of 19 began birding in the parking lot, spotting a Red-tailed Hawk, Red-winged Blackbirds, Ring-billed Gulls, and American Robins. As we walked north toward the marsh boardwalk, the paved path was lit by a beautiful pink-purple twilight and a near full moon brightening the cloudy sky—a good thing for woodcock viewing. The movement of low-flying robins in the woods teased the group. After reaching the marsh, a Great Blue Heron flew east as a Swamp Sparrow hid in the reeds.

Back on the path, a “peent” was soon heard, but only a domestic cat was spied as all eyes scanned for woodcocks in the dim light. The sound was close, but the bird was well hidden.

American Woodcock. Photo by Walter Marcisz, Big Marsh, June 15, 2018.

Finally, a flutter, and then the woodcock flew over the trees and further up the path. Success! The listen-and-look search continued, with faint “peents” turning heads and stopping us in our tracks several times. However, only twice more did the faint sound of chirps and whistling feathers lead to glimpses of the fast-moving silhouettes.

When twilight turned into night, the group turned back to the start. Another set of “peents” were heard, making for a total of four woodcocks. Along the way, Killdeer were also observed, bringing the total to 9 species for the night.

Twilight, with dark ground at the bottom, dozens of leafless trees in front of pink and gold sky, with blue-tinted stripes of clouds above. — *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Marian Byrnes Park, March 28, 2026.*

This Woodcock Walk marked a milestone as the 150th COS walk led by Edward over the past five years. He stated that he had not been keeping an active count, but when asked how many walks he had led, he decided to tally them up.

His leadership as COS President, and the appreciation and conservation of birds have been invaluable to the Chicago birding community. Thank you, Edward!

Field Trip Recap: Woodcock Walk at Marian Byrnes Park