Had a similar experience with a woodcock back in the early 70's.
Just back from overseas and had bought a Beretta O/U 12 ga. and
had been doing some, not much, skeet and trap with it. Got invited
to join some friends for a walking hunt for birds, squirrels, rabbits etc.
It one of those mixed cross-over seasons. Well, just along the brush
line UP pops a woodcock and he took off directly away from me,
shouldered the 12 ga. ... 3 count and boom ... poof!
nothing but feathers came fluttering down poor wee feller was vaporized. To bad
I was tying then.
hank