Cold-weather refugees
Severe conditions on the Continent in February saw bumper numbers of Eurasian Woodcock at some east coast sites.
Woodcock influx: mid-February 2021
SPELLS of freezing conditions in February had birders excitedly awaiting cold-weather movements but, while it was a bit of a letdown generally, there was an impressive arrival of Eurasian Woodcock along the east coast. Indeed, this was the only species to arrive from the Continent en masse, with birds fleeing the impending harsh weather and crossing the North Sea in search of milder climes.
Ahead of the big chill in Britain – which saw temperatures plummet well below zero in the Low Countries, and even further in the Baltics – an incredible 193 were counted at Flamborough Head, East Yorks, on 5th. At least 40 were at Filey, East Yorks, on the same day while, that evening, one observer counted 56 at Easington, East Yorks, via the use of a thermal imager. On 12th and 13th Flamborough again scored notable counts, with 103 and 81 tallied up on respectively. The following day, in Norfolk, no fewer than 150 were at Cley Marshes. ■