Uncommon visitor gets into a flap in cities
I’VE always loved the unnatural history of wildlife, and even after 40 years in the press I am still finding out new things.
For example, when researching a piece on the influx of Russian woodcocks in London, of all places, I came across a legend about Scandinavian goldcrests – tiny tit-like birds which also leave their homelands for the UK when the colder weather hits.
Because goldcrests and woodcocks are often seen arriving together along Britain’s East Coast, it was once believed that goldcrests hitched a ride on the backs of woodcocks to enable them to cross the North Sea. This led to goldcrests earning the nickname ‘the woodcock’s pilot’.
In recent weeks, the RSPB has been receiving numerous reports of woodcock – a bulky wading bird with a long bill – showing up in back gardens and even cities.
Surprised members of the public have also taken to social media to share pictures of birds appearing in urban areas, including central London.
Many birds appear dazed and confused, having collided with buildings and windows.
But as birds which usually live in woodland