First Woodcock sighting this spring!

[SXS OHIO]

I was on a pay hunt for pheasants this past Sunday in central Ohio not far from were doc Parker lives in Canton Ohio. We had a solid point on the side of the walking path, I walked up and could not see a pheasant anyplace but the dog said it was on the end of her nose! I was puzzled to say the least....this 9 year old Gordon does not lie! Maybe its out in front of her???...very little cover for 10 yards or so, aint no bird here, just bare tree's and leaf litter? I bent over to duck under a limb, took one step and that little bird about knocked me over! What the heck was that....then I saw it as it fluttered off and set back down. They said it was a mild winter, the ground is thawed out and the bird should have lots to eat for now till it freezes up again. Hope the little feller makes it till April and spring really arrives. It was good to see it though, made me happy. SXS Ohio