American Woodcock (Scolopax minor)

Just the other day a concerned individual brought an American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) into the wildlife hospital. This stunning bird had collided with a window at LaGuardia Airport. One might question, why would such a bird be at the airport! The western part of the Island has many beautiful habitats for shorebirds, marsh-birds and their predators. Taking a trip out to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge will prove that while one is surrounded by planes and a bustling city, birds like the American Woodcock and several species of Sandpipers, Sparrows, and birds of prey, find suitable habitat in the marsh.

While the marsh lands and tributaries that surround Long Island provide ample food and habitat for many avian species, habitat fragmentation has lead to numerous challenges for these and many other creatures.