marsh man Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 This morning on my daily walk up the river I had a Woodcock fly past within a few yards from me and the dog , no doubt just here and looking for somewhere to have a rest . Well this afternoon I thought I will have a walk over the marsh to see if any of the marshes have got any water on them , as it turned out it was wishful thinking as they were as dry as a bone and I never got my boots wet , but what I saw made the trip worthwhile , walking past the marsh carr a Woodcock got up from the edge of the dyke and another one got up while walking back down the track back to my motor . All of them were free to go where they want as nowadays I only shoot the odd one if and when I want to eat one and that isn't very often . To see one this time of the year is about normal but to see three on the same day could mean it is already turning cold where they have just come from and are we in for some cold weather , only time will tell . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uilleachan Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 Weather changed with us on Sunday. Cold but bright day, plenty of ducks and geese spotted in the bay, a gaggle of Canadians in there too by the look of it, sat apart and distinguishable by their size, in comparison with the regular and numerous greylags, as they were backlit by the low sun and with me not having the bins thats the best I can do with ID, for now. Likely Canada's but could also be some type of swan. Saw a single fat red-wing sat on the wire on my way home and not a berry insight. Frost over Sunday night and quite cold all day yesterday. The rain's back in and it's milder this morning, however; that mini cold snap heralds the start of it for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bell Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 I flushed 2 yesterday out of some bramble at the top of my field, normally see one or 2 in a year not 2 in one day. Fingers crossed for a good fall of them this winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 The RSPB have been netting and recording the beak length of incoming woodcock for several years....i think their findings indicate that in general the beaks are getting shorter as the areas the woodcock live in are drying out ....thus ...they dont have to probe so deep for food.... at one time in Norfolk you could set your clock by the woodcock coming in on the first moon in september....that dont 'appen no more now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted November 1, 2017 Report Share Posted November 1, 2017 I would have thought that would have been the other way around, the drier it is the further down earthworms go. The RSPB have been netting and recording the beak length of incoming woodcock for several years....i think their findings indicate that in general the beaks are getting shorter as the areas the woodcock live in are drying out ....thus ...they dont have to probe so deep for food.... at one time in Norfolk you could set your clock by the woodcock coming in on the first moon in september....that dont 'appen no more now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.