The strange bird in the woods

Just had a phone call off Gladstone woodsman Frank Mills of Hawarden. He solved the problem of the strange bird we see on our travels in 10 seconds. It's a Woodcock.



This bird is being ringed for research. If its caught again the bird authorities will know a little more about its movements.

The distinctive courtship flight of the male Woodcock is called "roding" and is usually performed in the twilight just before dawn and at dusk. The bird flies circles with a flickering flight 3-30m above the canopy with it's bill held pointed downward and accompanies this with several croaking sounds ending with a sharp squeak. The sounds can be heard up to 300m away.

Elegantly beats 2 bottles of wine and an invite back for a coffee.

Links Woodcock,
Bogbumper
The Western Isles