UK and USA put their might behind elusive woodcock research

A rare opportunity to hear a fascinating talk on the ground-breaking research that is being carried out by UK as well as American researchers on the mysterious woodcock - one of our most elusive birds, is taking place on Tuesday 25^th March at the RAF Club in Piccadilly, London.

Some of the most advanced satellite tracking technology is being used to track these secretive birds as they make record-breaking journeys to their breeding grounds from the UK to locations as far away as central Siberia – a distance of more than 4,400 miles.

Dr Andrew Hoodless, from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), one of the world’s leading authorities on woodcock, together with Dr Al Stewart from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources America will be sharing the platform with renowned wildlife artist Owen Williams at the RAF Club to unravel the many myths surrounding this enigmatic wader bird.

British science is already helping to inform research being carried out by Dr Stewart in America, who is keen to learn about the cutting-edge satellite tracking being carried out in the UK for potential use in the USA.

Already, the satellite tracking research has revealed that despite their diminutive size, migrating woodcock are breaking records as they can fly for at least 18 to 24 hours non-stop, with flight speeds averaging about 19mph but sometimes reaching speeds of 58 mph, while travelling massive distances back to their breeding grounds. These are incredible feats for birds weighing just 346 gms or less. Already the GWCT’s dedicated woodcock website; (www.woodcockwatch.com) is attracting an enormous global audience, who are keen to experience the spills and thrills of these birds as they brave these , long and hazardous journeys in ‘real time’.

To attend this fascinating evening talk and auction, which aims to raise funds specifically for woodcock research, please contact: Tortie Hoare, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Telephone : 0207 637 3826 or email: thoare@gwct.org.uk. Tickets to attend are £30 to include a drinks reception.

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The woodcock Scolopax rusticola is a secretive, cryptic wader evolved for a life spent in woodland and fields. In Britain we have a resident breeding population consisting of about 78,000 males and a similar number of females. Woodcock are most obvious in spring and summer, when the males perform their distinctive ‘roding’ displays at dawn and dusk when males are searching for females. 

Woodcock depend on a diet of earthworms and other invertebrates, which are obtained with their long, sensitive bills. Their activity patterns through the year are determined by the trade-off between finding sufficient food and avoiding predation. Their cryptic plumage helps them remain inconspicuous during the daytime and their large eyes, placed high on the sides of the head give them near 360° vision for detecting potential dangers.

Migrants : In autumn and continuing through December and January, Britain and Ireland see a large influx of migrant woodcock escaping freezing weather in northern Europe. ‘Falls’ of woodcock are often most noticeable around the full moon in November, commonly referred to as the ‘Woodcock Moon’. As many as 700,000 to 1,200,000 migrant woodcock from Scandinavia, Finland, the Baltic States and Russia may spend the winter with us.

Research : Compared to many other birds, we still know little about the woodcock’s behaviour and ecology. Learning more is important because the species is potentially susceptible to altered conditions resulting from climate change and habitat destruction and is widely hunted across Europe. Research from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is starting to unravel some of the secrets of the overwintering woodcock population. To follow the birds progress or to sponsor a woodcock visit the Woodcock Watch website: www.woodcockwatch.com