Woodcock survey resources
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, 445.19 KB)Visit Recording Form
Visit Recording Form (PDF, 476.23 KB)Habitat Recording Form
Habitat Recording Form (PDF, 494.21 KB)Table of Sunset Times
Table of Sunset Times (PDF, 225.49 KB)Letter of Introduction
Letter of Introduction (PDF, 200.43 KB)
Additional survey downloads:
Tick and Lyme disease information
Tick and Lyme disease information (PDF, 462.19 KB)2003 Woodcock Survey paper
2003 Woodcock Survey paper (PDF, 278.53 KB)
Bird Atlas 2007-11 distribution change
The 2013 survey will be instrumental in helping to understand the 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 12 individuals were tagged at sites throughout Britain during 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. Now you can view their return journies as they arrive back at their wintering sites.
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