Ornithologists seek help with a Regional Woodcock Survey.

North Pennines Moorland Group

Keen ornithologists including members of Durham Bird Club are currently looking for additional help with a Regional Woodcock Survey.

This group of amateur field ornithologists are hoping to capitalise on this years national interest in this cryptic species by undertaking a survey across County Durham & adjoining areas of the North Pennines.

The aim of the study is to establish an accurate picture of the presence of breeding Woodcock across our region - we hope to map the population at 1km level - this is no mean feat over such a large area, although the initial months study has shown a large number of registrations of displaying males seen in their "Roding" display flights at dusk.

Breeding bird specialists within the group have used Thermal equipment in their studies, by the end of April revealing 7 nests which have been carefully monitored - the nesting bird is notoriously difficult to find as it sits motionless, blending superbly with the ground cover.

The Woodcock is described as a "Woodland wader", however it is by no means restricted to that habitat type, woodland is not a prerequisite for our birds, the North Pennines appears to be a haven for the species where it will often nest out on the open moor or rushy pastures - a habitat more often associated with Snipe.

NB: This breeding presence outside of woodland is not well known outside our region and little studied - this is one area we are very keen to learn more about.

*We would love to hear from anyone watching Roding Woodcock across the North Pennines (not just Durham), There is no specific survey form - all we require is date, place ideally to 1km level & brief detail of the sighting & habitat.

Sightings can be emailed :- contactinfonebirds@gmail.com

or pinged through via our Public Facebook Group "Woodcock23".

We are using the Hashtag #DBCWoodcock23 to help promote this survey.