Cornelis (K.C.) Fokker (2025) Wintering Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola in the Dutch southwestern marine clay region. LIMOSA 98 (1): 28-36.

The wintering population of Eurasian Woodcock increases in the Netherlands, but little is known about their secret night life during the non-breeding season. Between winter 2019/20 and winter 2023/24 regular night visits were made to an arable farmland area (Zegenpolder) and extensively managed grassland areas on the island of IJsselmonde in the southwestern marine clay region of the Netherlands to count and ring the birds. The number of Eurasian Woodcock on particular extensively managed grasslands turned out to be very high, with average densities up to 66 individuals per 100 ha. The majority of Eurasian Woodcocks caught were first winter birds, which arrived earlier to the wintering area than adults. 7.9% of the ringed Woodcocks were recaptured at the study site. Several individuals were retrapped in following winters, which proves wintering site fidelity. For the Zegenpolder a habitat selection analysis was conducted. Ploughed fields were avoided, whereas set-aside field edges and grassy edges were preferred. The preference for nature restoration habitats (ditch banks and excavated fields) increased over time, suggesting that these fields became suitable only after the soil fauna was restored.

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