American woodcock ecology and management in the Northeast USA

The American woodcock, or Timberdoodle, is an upland shorebird that thrives in young forests of the Northeast, USA. During the last decade, much research and management has been conducted to better understand aspects of woodcock ecology and to help conserve declining woodcock populations. On Monday, September 12th 2022, Dr. Roger J. Masse will provide an overview of woodcock ecology and management to the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club starting at 6:30 p.m. Among other things, this virtual presentation will outline studies he has been involved with related to behavior and management of these peculiar birds. He will also discuss the benefit of woodcock habitat management for other young forest birds.

Dr. Masse currently works as an Associate Professor of Wildlife Management at SUNY Cobleskill. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology from University of Vermont (2007), a Master of Science degree in natural resources from Delaware State University (2009), and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in environmental science from University of Rhode Island (URI; 2014). During these years, a common theme of his education was applied, field-studies of birds. He conducted extensive studies related to American woodcock ecology while at URI and has maintained an interest in this species ever since. Dr. Masse routinely incorporates woodcock capture and banding activities into the courses he teaches at SUNY Cobleskill, and he works with interested undergraduates to conduct Independent Projects related to woodcock and other species.