my first one this year

epops · #1 (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 06:32 PM

i had a wander round my local patch today and managed to get to a small bit of private woodland im aloud to wander about in and i just hopped over the ditch to gain acsess and low and behold right in front of me crouched a woodcock the 1st one this year it sat in full view for about 30 secs then decided enough was enough a of it went pure magic and made my day.

demicav · #2 (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 06:47 PM

That's great, I've never seen one myself.

galanthus · #3 (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 07:03 PM

first one this year

I've only eva seen one in 12 years of birdwatching

Ollie · #4 (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 10:30 PM

You did well, the only view I've had of a Woodcock is it's rear end as it's flown away.
Roger

Scarlet Pimpernel · #5 (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 10:33 PM

I love going out and dawn and dusk to watch there rear ends!

C C · #6 (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epops

i had a wander round my local patch today and managed to get to a small bit of private woodland im aloud to wander about in and i just hopped over the ditch to gain acsess and low and behold right in front of me crouched a woodcock the 1st one this year it sat in full view for about 30 secs then decided enough was enough a of it went pure magic and made my day.

I have never seen one in position. Only time i spot them, is when they flare up in front of you, scaring you half to death

Come to think of it, i hav'nt seen one this year yet.

aeshna5 · #7 (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C C

I have never seen one in position. Only time i spot them, is when they flare up in front of you, scaring you half to death

Come to think of it, i hav'nt seen one this year yet.

If you ever go to Titchwell in the winter there's often one or two along the wooded path up to the visitor centre. The last couple of years I've managed to see one here.

Mind you with their excellent cryptic plumage even when they are just a couple of metres from you they can be incredibly difficult to see. Worth the perseverence as they are incredible birds to see close up.

epops · #8 (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 09:31 AM

hmm just goes to show what i take for granted we usually see a few about on this paticular piece of land and although it is keepered and managed for shooting the wood cock are never shot it there was even one pair nested a few years ago although i did,nt see them myself my mate who is now the keeper can remember seeing them when his dad was keeper