VERKADE H (2013) Winter concentrations of Woodcock Scolopax rusticola along the coast of Zuid-Holland in 2009-2013. LIMOSA 86 (4): 222-228.

During five recent winters (2008-2013), remarkable concentrations of Woodcock were observed in the coastal village of Noordwijk, Zuid-Holland. These five cold winters followed after a decade of mild winters. Woodcocks were counted weekly along a fixed route in a rather open area between the coastal and inland parts of the village. At the end of cold spells with snow and ice, up to 200 Woodcocks were counted during daytime, and during the night more than 60 foraging birds were observed in the same area. The question is raised whether these concentrations are extraordinary winter influxes of birds originating from Northeastern Europe, or a sign of a more regular wintering in Dutch coastal regions due to the moderate climate along the North Sea. Historical reports of Woodcocks wintering in the Netherlands are rather scarce. Until the late 20th century they were reported only in rather small numbers and no winter-influxes were described. Since then, more substantial winter numbers have been reported in the coastal province of Zeeland and highest concentrations were observed along the Dutch coast. It seems that Woodcocks have extended their wintering grounds towards the North(east), and that the cold winters of 2008-2013 forced the birds to move in large numbers towards milder areas along the coast.

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