February 2025 brought me a brand new fun and educational experience. One of my Master Naturalist friends, Suzaanne Laird, gave our chapter a presentation on Woodcocks, then took us out to find some with the help of Quill, the Wonder Dog.

Suzanne leads hunts, but hunting season was over. We were strictly out to experience a well-trained bird dog and to get a glimpse of a Woodcock. The day was a huge success on both accounts. Quill pointed a half dozen birds for us, but try as I might, I never saw one on the ground. On one occasion, I was the first person to find Quill on point, but study the ground in front of him as I might, I did not see the bird until Suzanne got to the scene and flushed it. Timberdoodles camouflage well and know to hold still!

Watching Quill work was fascinating. Getting a photo of him in action was a challenge. I do have several of him on point, but I was way more interested in showing him on the move. And move he did! He’d range out in front, then just when I’d have no idea where he was, he’d come streaking in from an unexpected angle, race past us, and back out in front. On one such pass, I managed to keep the camera on him and get the shot.

#YearInReview