Woodcock Walk – Friday, April 17, 2026

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Pavilion #7 McDanel’s Launch Area (North Shore) - Moraine

Come join park staff and Pittsburgh Chapter President of the Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Society, Luke Onorato in pursuit of one of the most unusual birds found in Pennsylvania.  The woodcock, also known as the timberdoodle, night partridge, big-eye, bogsucker and mudsnipe.  This bird has seen a dramatic decline due to loss of Young Forest Habitat over the past many decades.  Pennsylvania is currently at a 50-year-low for Young Forest Habitat.  Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has teamed up with Wildlife Management Institute, Ruffed Grouse Society and National Wildlife Turkey Federation to create Young Forest Habitat at several locations throughout Moraine State Park.  Participants will learn the importance of Young Forest Habitats for not only woodcock, but all walks of wildlife.  After the presentation participants be led on a hike in search of woodcock to see them perform their spring mating ritual by performing aerial acrobatics known as the “Sky Dance”.