The Woodcock Network

First 2010/11 Winter Report

The migrant woodcock are now back from their breeding grounds. Fair Isle Bird Observatory reported their first woodcock on Sept 28th with a steady passage throughout October. Further south at Spurn Observatory woodcock arrived later with their first seen on Oct 9th. Bardsey Island Observatory reported their first of the winter on Oct 19th. Here in West Wales there have been a few reports of sightings but with the recent full moon there are now a few turning up on my ringing site.

Sean Morris on Rum caught and ringed the first of the season on Oct 7th, it is unclear whether this was a Scottish resident or an early migrant. My first woodcock was on Oct 26th and was a re-trap of EW93322 which I ringed on the very same spot on Jan 15th 2010.

The Network now has 7 recoveries form abroad, 6 from Russia and 1 from Denmark.

There are concerns amongst woodcock experts about the breeding success in Russia this year, with a severe drought and forest fires it is feared that some broods may have failed. Adult/juv ratios of ringed birds this winter will give us a clearer idea as the season progresses.

15-Nov-2010

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