Woodcock
are a widespread breeder in Øygarden; they are also common
migrants in both spring and autumn. Many attempt to overwinter in the
area and are often seen during periods of hard weather. This species is
incredibly difficult to photograph under normal circumstances.
The bird pictured below had got itself stuck in a wire fence - thus
presenting a rare photographic opportunity.
Picture
taken at
Herdlevær,
Øygarden, 10 February 2009
Woodcock at Nautnes, January 2019
Photograph taken from my car just as I turned into the driveway to my
house
Woodcock, Nautnes, Øygarden, January 2019
Woodcock at Sture, March 2018
Cold snaps bring Woodcock to the coast (often from much further afield)
and also concentrate them on any unfrozen areas. This bird was found by
following tracks in the snow. I managed to take this photo without
flushing the bird.
Woodcock
are one of the hardest hit species in periods of cold weather. The
winter of 2009-2010 eradicated the entire overwintering population in
Norway. Finds like this were common:
Woodcock are not
uncommonly seen offshore during their crossings of the North Sea - they
are quite a typical November migrant. They often come in at high speed
as they evade the attentions of marauding gulls.
Woodcock rode at dusk and dawn and often the light is not too great for
photography. A camping trip in Engerdal, Hedmark in June 2018 presented
a decent opportunity but I mostly just sat there and enjoyed it....
Roding Woodcock,
Blakkstøtlandet, Engerdal,
June 2018
