This study is the result of observing the weather conditions on the 40 sites where 109 Bécargos have been breeding since 2012, plus the behavior of English Bécargos.

Arrivals at breeding sites.

They took place from April 18 to May 5, with a slight delay at a few sites in Russia.

May.

At most of the breeding sites, temperatures were warmer than normal, with mostly cloudy skies, little precipitation resulting in relatively low humidity. Little wind.

Conditions appear to be good for Croule *, nesting and brooding.

Small flat the humidity a little low.

* In Russia, the number of males observed at the croule on the usual sites is decreasing (Bécasse Oncfs network).

Month of June.

June is the crucial period for young people. The peak of the outbreaks must have occurred between June 01 and June 15.

Russia. On the majority of sites good climatic conditions with a tendency to a lack of humidity. A little cool on the Urals. In the Komi Republic, conditions did not become correct until around the 20th. Eastern Russia, as usual from the last decade.

Scandinavian countries.

These are the best conditions observed since 2012, with even a lack of humidity, especially in Norway at the end of the month.

Baltic countries.

For Estonia and Latvia the weather remained favorable throughout the month.

Central Europe.

In Belarus, the lack of humidity seems more marked, even though it was cooler at the end of the month.

In Poland good conditions with there also a slight lack of humidity, as in Ukraine and Germany.

Conclusion.

The crucial period that June represents went well for Woodcock especially for hatching, including in Russia (around 70% of reproduction). Temperatures above average, little wind and thunderstorms, no dangerous and violent phenomena. Only the general tendency of a lack of humidity can disrupt the rearing of the young for lack of preys, especially if it were to last.

As a result, let's not be too optimistic, there are July and August to confirm. Especially since observing the weather conditions during breeding is relatively easy  ; interpreting the reactions that Woodcock may have had in the face of weather conditions is more complicated to analyze.

Above all, let's not forget  ; For a migratory population to be important, it is first of all necessary that the breeding population is stable *, then that the breeding conditions are good.

* For the European Woodcock Breeder, I confirm my point of view  ; we must be worried.

Particular case.

During the breeding season, English Bécargos can do the "  show  "

This is the case this year.

Phynodderee * female fitted in 2017 on the Isle of Man, went to breed in Russia (Udorsky district Komi Republic).

This year she arrived in Latvia (Skankaine) around April 11th. Surprise she stays there until around May 27th, so much so that I thought she would not be faithful to her breeding site  ; I was wrong.

On June 13 it broadcasts in Russia (Lodeynopolsky) after having traveled 600 kms.

On 06/18 it still continues east-northeast and arrives at Plesetsky district (Oblast Arkhangelsk) after a flight of 400 kms  ;

On 06/23 she made a small jump of 30 kms, then a new 20 kms on 06/28 and is in (Shenkursky district oblast Arkhangelsk) about 300 km from her 2017 breeding site.

Will she reach it  ? Case to be continued ... As of 06/30 it has not budged.

In any case, his atypical behavior is interesting  ; not sure that she will nestle, the timing is tight.

JUNE 2018

* From the English Woodcock Watch project.                                                                                                  Philippe Vignac

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