Seriously...I got this email from the wildlife organization that I volunteer for:

Volunteers,

We have an American Woodcock that was injured during fall migration that is ready to be released, but he/she missed the window during which we could release him/her in Illinois. Is anyone driving south for the holidays that could possibly release this bird in its wintering grounds? Attached is a range map. Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia or the Carolinas would be ideal. Remember, you’d have to sacrifice listening to the radio on the way down so as not to stress the bird!

Thanks for any help you can give to us and this bird.

Best,

Dawn

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...just a flyer that anybody might be passing through Chicago on their way to the South. Otherwise the little guy will end up staying up here till spring and probably totally blow his/her chance at successfully mating. Since youse guys is a rough, tough but sensitive lot, I figgered that you might be a good group to run this one past.

Best

AA