MUDDY CREEK TWP — People are invited to join the search for the wild timberdoodle from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Pavilion 7 at the McDanels Launch Area on the North Shore of Moraine State Park.

One of the most unusual birds found in Pennsylvania — the American woodcock — also known as the timberdoodle, night partridge, bigeye, bogsucker or mudsnipe, this chunky bird has big eyes, a very long bill and is very vocal.

Timberdoodle numbers have seen a dramatic decline due to loss of young forest habitat. Guest speaker Jeff Herrick, habitat management biologist with the Wildlife Management Institute, is spearheading the habitat work at Moraine.

After the presentation, there will be a short hike in search of woodcocks, perhaps to see the aerial acrobatics of their spring mating ritual, the “Timberdoodle Flutter.” Attendees should take binoculars, warm clothes, and field footwear.

Pre-registration is required. To register call the park office at 724-368-8811.