This American Woodcock flushed from near my feet as I was walking through a bottomland hardwood forest near the Hyco River in Person County, NC. It flew about 50 yards through the woods and I was able to spot where it landed. Walking slowly closer, I was eventually able to pick out the well-camouflaged bird shape amongst the leaves. With their cryptic leaflike patterning, it's no wonder woodcocks are so difficult to see before you almost step on them!

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.