Ahh, Spring...

It is pretty wet out there in the woods right now, but I went out anyway. Spring is a great time to be in the woods, especially before the bugs all come out in force. While out this morning I found four woodcock peeps, nearly fledged, along with their mother. Here is one of the chicks:



These birds are almost invisible on the forest floor, and several times I have found myself nearly stepping on them before I see them. Their survival strategy is so dependent on that excellent camouflage that they will completely freeze when approached. They won't move a muscle, literally not even blinking. A photographer's dream model! :)