Read our letter, published in The Times today and written by Andrew Hoodless, our Head of Wetlands Research:
Sir,
Woodcock can be disorientated by artificial lights in urban areas (letters, Jan 16, 17 & 18). We receive several reports each year of woodcock wandering in city centres. However, the timing of this one is unusual — woodcock are usually seen in cities during autumn migration, typically in November. This bird might be suggestive of a further influx of woodcock from the continent owing to the cold weather there. Our satellite tracking project (woodcockwatch.com) gives more information on the amazing migrations of these birds.
Dr Andrew Hoodless
Head of Wetlands Research
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust