American Woodcocks at Jerry Smith Park

Join us as we meet just before sunset in search of American Woodcocks! These birds generally display near the parking lot and along the trails of the prairie near the parking lot. The temperature tends to fall rapidly at dark; please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight as a short walk along the trail is possible. Meet at the Jerry Smith Trailhead Parking lot at the top of the ridge for a short 15-minute presentation about the aerial displays and courtship behavior of these birds. Feel free to arrive at 6:00 PM if you have already heard the presentation.

Directions: From Holmes Rd, turn EAST at 139th St and travel approximately a mile to the 2nd drive on the LEFT; the first drive goes to a private residence. The park sign can’t be seen coming from this direction. From I-49, take the Main St. exit and turn WEST. Drive through downtown Grandview and across the railroad tracks to the first street on your LEFT. This is 2nd St. Turn LEFT and travel approximately 2 miles to the park entrance; the sign can be seen coming from this direction. The road does wind around and change names until it becomes 139th St.

Your leader for this trip is Sherry Leonardo (816/718-5888 or home172@aol.com). If weather is possibly a concern, check back here for an update.