I took a class of students to Buffalo Creek Nature Area last night on Route 24
at the Bedford/Campbell county line to observe courting woodcocks after being
rained out the last two Thursday, and we were rewarded with good views of a
cooperative male across the road, as well as hearing one or two others in the
area. Just after the male got started we heard 2-3 Whip-poor-wills calling
from the parking lot side of the road in the distance. We only heard them for
about five minutes, though, between about 8:15-8:20. A wild turkey also called
a few times before it got so dark. And a Barred Owl was another nice surprise
while we were starting to call up a screech owl at the parking lot. The Barred
Owl only called once, around 8:25-8:30, shortly after which we left. Its call
was from down towards the west away from the parking lot.
Gene Sattler
Lynchburg
