This woodcock was frequenting an area of damp salix scrub between the car park and the RSPB reserve at Titchwell. It could take some searching for it as it was sometimes out of view and at other times inactive. When inactive, its cryptic plumage rendered it incredibly difficult to pick out. However when walking around and feeding in low, damp patches of silt it was much easier to see.

I see lots of woodcock during the autumn and winter months but seldom do I have a chance to draw one. The combination of suitable habitat next to a path, with a regular flow of people, is probably the reason for this bird being so tolerant.

At one stage an immature moorhen approached it and it reacted by performing an impressive threat display.