The declining American woodcock and the migratory game bird's vanishing habitat will be showcased at a public program March 31, at Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County.

The American Woodcock Festival will feature speakers representing the Ruffed Grouse Society, State College Bird Club, Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A tour of woodcock habitat and observation of the popular game bird's courtship flights will highlight the second annual event.

"DCNR is proud to showcase this partnership with the Ruffed Grouse Society and others to aid not just woodcock but ruffed grouse and many rare and declining songbirds that nest at Bald Eagle State Park," said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. "The park is one of the most intensive woodcock, songbird and native habitat restoration projects in the state."

Festival sponsors include the Ruffed Grouse Society, DCNR's Bureau of State Parks, and Pennsylvania State University's Recreation, Park and Tourism Management Department.

Based at the park's Environmental Learning Classroom, the festival will also feature displays and discussion of park habitat management, an invasive plant and shrub walk, bird walks, children's crafts, and a walk to observe the woodcock's mating display.

Drawn to moist soils rich in earthworms -- the birds' staple food -- breeding woodcock are found in large numbers on Bald Eagle's 5, 900 acres near Howard.

Birding enthusiasts describe the woodcock's aerial courtship display as one of the most fascinating spectacles in nature. Biologists will attempt to capture a woodcock with mist nets during its courtship display so festival participants can get a close look.

DCNR's partners in the park's habitat management efforts have included the Ruffed Grouse Society, Game Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, International Paper, California University, PA Parks and Forests Foundation, and the Pennsylvania State University.

For more information, call Bald Eagle State Park Environmental Education Specialist Spring Reilly at 814-625-9369, or Ruffed Grouse Society Biologist Mark Banker at 814-867-7946.

3/16/2007