Trip reports

OWN TRANSPORT TRIP TO BENTLEY WOOD - Friday evening 16th May 2008

Friday, 16 May 2008

17 members gathered in the company of warden David Lambert for the chance of seeing woodcock in their roding flight. Conditions were dry and calm with heavy overcast, which allowed us to not only see the birds well, but also hear the characteristic grunts and whistles clearly. Roding started at about 20.45, lasting some 30 minutes before the light faded. During this period at least 10 flypasts were observed, including one where a male "escorted" another out of his territory. The males' slow, deliberate wingbeats and leg dangling were also witnessed. Obviously at least one female was impressed as a male disappeared below canopy level after one particular pass. During our time in Bentley, song thrush, robin, willow warbler and blackcap were in song, whilst a hawfinch was seen in flight at dusk. It was agreed that this had been our best visit so far to this splendid local site.

Reported by Steve Oakes