Help Save the American Woodcock

by Dan Dessecker, Ruffed Grouse Society

Every fall, upland bird hunters across the eastern U.S. and Canada thrive on the whistle of the woodcock’s wings as it flushes, almost from underfoot. Outdoor enthusiasts eagerly await the migratory woodcock’s return each spring in anticipation of its sky-dance courtship ritual.

Unfortunately, the flush and dance of the woodcock are less and less common as populations continue a long-term downward slide. Woodcock breed primarily in very young forests or abandoned farm fields with small trees and shrubs. These habitats are rapidly being lost as forests mature and fields revert to forests or are converted to housing developments and strip malls.

These changes are affecting far more than just woodcock. Indeed, nearly half of the songbirds that thrive in the same young forests preferred by woodcock in North America are experiencing similar long-term population declines. Birds such as the eastern towhee, brown thrasher, and the seriously imperiled golden-winged warbler, like the woodcock, are becoming homeless. The ruffed grouse, which Aldo Leopold called “king of game birds,” is also losing ground in many regions as a result of the loss of its preferred habitat; thick, young forest.

One reason these important habitats are becoming scarce is a general lack of understanding of the value they hold for wildlife. There is a common misconception that mature forests and big trees are inherently more important to wildlife than young forests and little trees. In reality, very young forests, very old forests, and all ages in between are important components of a diverse and healthy forest landscape. Forest habitat of all ages are necessary to conserve the entire spectrum of forest wildlife.

Today, young forest habitats are created almost solely through a timber harvest or some other form of active forest management. Wildfires, which used to regularly renew aging forests by burning old growth and making room for new growth, are not allowed to run their natural course because of potential harm to homeowners and property.

Today, because 75% of the forests in the range of the woodcock are controlled by private landowners, active forest management on these private lands is essential to secure the future for woodcock and other wildlife of young forests. Fortunately, timber harvests can not only provide much-needed habitat diversity, but can also generate significant income for the property owner.

The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is the one wildlife conservation organization that is dedicated solely to the well being of woodcock, ruffed grouse and the many other species that inhabit young forests. RGS champions land management policies and programs at the local, state, and federal levels that promote the use of active forest management to establish young forests and enhance overall forest health. In addition, RGS is tireless in its efforts to better inform private forest landowners of the benefit to both their pocketbooks and wildlife from carefully implemented timber harvests.

RGS reaches out to private landowners in numerous ways. Wildlife biologists employed by RGS across the country author articles in newspapers and sporting publications to help promote better understanding of the role forest management plays in the conservation of forest wildlife. These dedicated professionals conduct seminars and workshops that target private landowners. These workshops often include field tours designed to demonstrate sound, science-based habitat management geared toward wildlife of young forests. In addition, RGS biologists can provide on-site consultations, for a nominal fee where appropriate, to landowners with tracts that have significant potential for habitat development. Although costly to RGS, there is no better way to help landowners understand the true potential their lands hold for wildlife than to take a walk in their woods.

So how can you help the Ruffed Grouse Society improve the forest for wildlife? If you own forest land and are interested in managing your land to enhance wildlife habitat, and generate revenue from the sustainable harvest of timber, contact RGS to take advantage of their expert advice. If you don’t own land, but are still passionate about the conservation of forest wildlife, consider joining RGS as a member or providing a tax-deductable contribution. Add your voice to that of RGS, and together help secure the future for imperiled forest wildlife.

Call 1-888-564-6747 or visit www.ruffedgrousesociety.org