Woodcock Return to NW Lower Michigan

They're back, even two days sooner than last year! At 8:15 pm this evening I heard the most beautiful singing of male woodcock arriving in NW Lower Michigan. I saw and heard a few males as they flew over our ridge singing to those that had already arrived on the aspen knoll on our property where the first males perennially make their arrival. No peenting calls yet, just soft, short whistle-like chorps and cheeps. My heart jumps with joy—-the woodcock have arrived!!!