Woodcock And Nightjars.

[Lutra Lutra 611]

Has any readers an interest or knowledge regarding Woodcock and Nightjars? Also has anyone with alot of knowledge ever been witness to the Woodcock carrying their young?

Regards. Lutra Lutra.

[HPR 1,161]

Now that would be a photo

[The one 8,594]

Aye that would be a great pic read about it but never saw it

[perthshire keeper 1,239]

ime sure their was a falconry video i seen once and a wood cock got up with a chick and it was quite clear to see on film....not sure what the video was thou

[Squirrel_Basher 17,102]

Not seen a nightjar for years now .Used to see one on occasion clapped by a wall where i walk the dogs.They would sniff it but it never moved.Have lamped them on occasion too but instead of flight they push into grass flat as a pancake .Wish i took a pic but story of my life really ,missed some cracking opportunities .Would be good to see a cock carrying chick as it its been debated for years.

Nightingales however are round us ,not to be confused with a robin singing under a street lamp though ,a much purer note and longer song .Never seen one though intentionally.ill try and get a recording if i can as its very pure .

[Lutra Lutra 611]

Foxy, I was somewhat interested in your experiences regarding the Nightjars in your part of the country. I have travelled extensively throughout the country but unfortunately not too familiar with Wiltshire. However, I do know there is some beautiful countryside in your part of the British Isles. My involvement with Nightjars has been considerable over many years since childhood days in the wooded areas we live close to. Just since last week I have located 4 singing males on different pieces of clear-Fell . Do you have a lot of clear-Fell near you Foxy, or is there much heathland in your area? I have located many nests over the years with my studies with a friend regarding the bird-ringing. Also many nests do get predated upon by foxes. Regarding the Woodcocks. My brother who is a fanatical birder did flush a female Woodcock many years ago which could be seen to be carrying at least one youngster. The bird in question carried the chick between both legs. I have never been so lucky, but have seen a female flushed by one of my terriers; and the female started to feign injury,'a distraction towards danger'. I have spoke to a lot of keepers in Cornwall which is a stronghold for Woodcock that have never witnessed such a spectacle. I will keep readers informed about the Nightjar situation. Regards. Lutra Lutra. D.R.M.

 

P.S. Nightingales! How lucky.

[levigsp 938]

During a lifetime of watching birds and hunting I have found just over one hundred Woodcock nests, in Dorset, Hampshire, Suffolk, Derbyshire and Caithness and nearly all found with the use of a good dog.

I have only ever found three Nightjars nests all in north Derbyshire, but Ive seen plenty of Jars in Suffolk

I would say all the woodcocks I have flushed off eggs have simply headed for the hills, but flushed off chicks they often feign injury, the others either flush for the hills or RARELY carry a chick away.#

However on flushing off chicks if you move a safe distance away and observe, you should see the bird flying backwards and forwards twixt where you found said chicks and a new safe area, once the flyinghas ceased if you check you will see the chicks have been moved and if observed correctly you will see them carried.

I would also like to point out that in my observations, certain local populations carry whilst other don't.

[Squirrel_Basher 17,102]

Like i state lutra ,i havnt seen a jar for years .We have no clearfell or heathland here just meadow and woodland with chalk downland .The jars were possibly passage birds as no nests ever found .