The mysterious woodcock
Nidderdale Moorland Group
The Woodcock has long been associated with mystery.
A bird which is superbly adapted to its woodland environment, and with cryptic plumage and crepuscular feeding habits, it is a bird many people will never have heard of or even seen. But today it is another of our species which is been politicised by certain individuals and charity organisations to drive their own agendas against us.
Until the late 1820s Woodcock were a rare breeding species in Britain and it was once thought that during their absence every year from this country that they spent their time on the moon. This was a common belief not unlike that of the Swallow who was thought to spend winter in the mud at the bottom of ponds, before ringing recoveries showed that birds migrated at different times of the year.
The breeding population of Woodcock increased steadily and spread throughout the UK from the 1820s till by the mid 1930s breeding had occurred throughout the UK and Ireland.
One reason for this increase and spread is thought to be the rise in woodlands planted and managed by estates for pheasants. As a ground nesting bird, Woodcock also benefitted from predator control.
Today the Woodcock is classed as of least concern by the IUCN as globally numbers are large and relatively stable with a large range, and there are no serious threats to the species.
Howeve in the UK the Woodcock is on the Red List of BOCC as the resident breeding population and range has shrunk. However, every year between December and March this population is increased by the arrival of the bulk of the northern European population which spend winter in the comparatively milder climates of the UK, Ireland and other southern European countries.
The UK is estimated to have between 800,000 and 1,500,000 Woodcock wintering here every year.
So, while it is true to say our resident breeding population is showing signs of decline, what is not being mentioned by these individuals and charity organisations is the full story of the Woodcock as a breeding bird in this country and the true picture of the global population, estimated at 11.5 million birds, which is stable in both size and range and more importantly, classified as of 'Least Concern' by the IUCN.