Geology topics
Publications and source records attributed to L.E. Gregg.
Of 32 woodcock nests studied in northern Wisconsin, 29 were in forest stands dominated by aspen, and 3 were in northern hardwoods. Well-drained, upland nest sites near the brushy edges of poorly stocked poletimber stands were apparently preferred. More than 30 woody plant species were found at the 32 nest sites. Hazel was the most important shrub species noted.
Clearcut areas in northern Wisconsin aspen (Populus spp., mostly P. tremuloides) forests were highly attractive to woodcock (Philohela minor) for feeding and night-roosting, and made excellent sites for woodcock trapping and banding. Woodcock use of clearcuts was extended for several years by annually removing vegetation from trails with a bulldozer. A continued high demand for aspen pulpwood may be important in maintaining woodcock nurnbers in the Great Lakes states.