Exploring the hidden lives of Woodcock, Snipe and Jack Snipe after dark
​
Most people associate Woodcock, Snipe and Jack Snipe with wet meadows and marshes, yet much of their feeding activity takes place under the cover of darkness. During the day these birds remain remarkably well concealed, making it difficult to understand how they use the landscape.
​
Our Nocturnal Wader Survey was established to investigate where these species feed after dark and to better understand the importance of different habitats within and around the New Forest.
The Research Question
Although the New Forest is recognised as being nationally important for breeding and wintering birds, relatively little is known about how nocturnal waders use its open habitats after sunset.
​
This project set out to answer a simple but important question:
​
How important are the New Forest's heaths and lawns as nocturnal feeding areas compared with the surrounding land used for grazing, equine livery and stabling?
​
Understanding where these birds choose to feed helps us identify the habitats that are most important for their conservation.
​
How We Carried Out the Survey
Surveys were undertaken after dark using standardised methods across a range of habitats both within the New Forest and on surrounding farmland.
​
Each survey recorded the presence of Woodcock, Common Snipe and Jack Snipe, together with habitat characteristics and environmental conditions. By comparing different land uses, we aimed to build a clearer picture of habitat preference and feeding behaviour.
Jack Snipe
Working in the field
What We Found
Our surveys confirmed that the New Forest supports important nocturnal feeding areas for all three target species.
By comparing habitats within the Forest with surrounding grazed land and equine pasture, the project is improving our understanding of how different landscapes contribute to the needs of these birds and helping identify the habitats that may be most valuable during the winter months.
​
The findings also provide an important baseline for future monitoring as land management and environmental conditions continue to change.
​
Why This Matters
Conservation depends upon understanding how species use the landscape throughout the whole day—not just when they are easy to observe.
​
By identifying important nocturnal feeding habitats, this project helps improve our understanding of the ecological requirements of Woodcock, Common Snipe and Jack Snipe and provides valuable information that can support future habitat management and conservation planning.
Read More
A full report describing the survey methods, results and conclusions is available to download below.
​