Project partners

Woodcock survey resources

Woodcock breeding distribution map 2007-2011 — Woodcock breeding distribution change map 2007-2011.

Survey documentation

Please find below details of the survey instructions and recording forms which can be printed and taken into the field, so data can be subsequently entered on-line. You will also find other useful survey and supporting information.

Essential survey downloads:

Survey Instructions

Survey Instructions (PDF, 705.26 KB)
Table of Sunset Times

Table of Sunset Times (PDF, 225.49 KB)
Letter of Introduction

Letter of Introduction (PDF, 450.01 KB)
Habitat Recording Form

Habitat Recording Form (PDF, 791.50 KB)
Visit Recording Form

Visit Recording Form (PDF, 714.48 KB)

Additional survey downloads:

Tick and Lyme disease information

Tick and Lyme disease information (PDF, 462.19 KB)
Volunteer Health & Safety guidance
2003 Woodcock Survey paper

2003 Woodcock Survey paper (PDF, 278.53 KB)

Bird Atlas 2007-11 distribution change

The 2023 survey will be instrumental in helping to understand the ongoing changes in distribution that have been detected between the 1968-72 and 2008-11 Breeding Atlases (map opposite). Although there is good continuity of occupation in the core breeding areas (pale and dark pink squares) and some recent gains (orange triangles) there have been substantial losses (open and grey triangle).

Woodcock calls

It is essential to be familiar with the calls made by Woodcock before commencing your survey. The following examples cover all the main calls likely to be encountered.

'Whistle' calls'
Listen here
'Whistle' and 'grunt' calls
Listen here
Two males interacting
Listen here

Migration tracking results

GWCT have undertaken a fascinating Woodcock tracking project which has revealed some incredible journeys. A total of 59 individuals were tagged at sites throughout Britain since the 2011/12 winter and their migration tracks show the routes taken to reach their distant breeding sites. Breeding locations include Scandinavia and western Russia but one had travelled deep into central Russia. You can view maps of varied return journies for each years of the tracking work.