The headwaters of Slippery Rock Creek meander through northern Butler County and an array of beaver dams, marshland and forest margins.

This watershed provides thousands with drinking water along its course to the big rivers. But humans aren't the only creatures that sustain life from the creek. Wildlife depends on it as well.

My wife and I were leaving a lunch that the Boyers Sportsmen's Association had provided for a Hunter Training Education Course. The class was well attended by more than 100 hungry future 12-year-old hunters and their parents.

We were wrapping up our part and were heading home when, to my delight, I spied a special wildlife-viewing treat. I pointed out to Renee a pair of brown, softball-sized creatures in a small, marshy clearing.

I asked her if she had any idea of what they might be, and, to my surprise, she was stumped.

I decided to throw out some names that I've heard locals call them in the past: bogsucker and timberdoodle, which then clued her in to the realization that she was seeing an American woodcock for the first time.

The American woodcock frequents wet areas, where it feeds primarily on earthworms. With its long, pointed bill, it can feel for worms as deep as three inches below ground level.

The woodcock is a fascinating bird with a funny look and a large set of eyes that help it see danger. The eyes are set high and far back on the skull, which allows it to see above and behind its head.

You are most likely to be introduced to a woodcock in the spring and fall migrations. In the spring, the male bird establishes a courting territory and begins to show off to attract a female woodcock.

The courting ritual begins with his famous flight song and display of rising some 300 feet into the air and circling and whirling like a drifting maple spinner back to earth. This ritual usually takes place near dusk in late spring.

The times that I have witnessed this event have always been during trout season in some bottomlands where the woods meet the brushy areas and end up in clearings. It is a rare treat to witness, and the bird watcher who gets to see this display won't soon forget it.

Another unusual wildlife sighting came when I had my boat, the Fish Hawk, out on Lake Arthur last week. The weather was warm and a cruise around the lake was in order.

While I was back in the Muddy Creek arm of the Upper 528 area, I couldn't help but to notice the abundant bird life on and near the water. It was during this time that a bird soaring overhead caught my attention. It was an osprey!

I pointed out the bird to my companions and noted that it was known as the "fish hawk."

I went on to say that the only thing that would be cooler would be to see it take a diving plunge for a fish.

Before my words settled on the calm waters of the lake, the osprey set his wings and began a sharp dive toward the water.

In mere seconds, the bird sliced into the water with a splash. A flapping of wings soon ensued, and the "fish hawk" came up with a wriggling fish in its talons.

We couldn't have asked for a better exhibition of flying, fishing and taking care of business than the osprey showed us.

Well, that's what nature gave me last week, and I think it was a nice gift.

Deer licenses

Don't forget that this is the weekend for the annual antlerless deer license mailing. By the time you read this article, your completed application and a check made out to the county treasurer should be at the post office.

Follow the directions on the yellow envelope carefully or you'll end up with a returned form and most likely miss out on your best chance for a license.