As we enter 1922, Viola records that she saw over 700-800 geese in the carse between Stirling and Gargunnock. In April, however, she encounters a new bird: the woodcock!
Woodcock are one our most elusive but distinctive birds. They can be extremely hard to spot due to their plumage providing excellent camouflage. You will probably see one fly off before you spot it on the ground!
Woodcocks have a distinctive rotund shape and have a very unique walk. Check out the video below to see how they move.
Woodcocks are also one of the few birds that can actually see behind them as well as in front! This is because their huge eyes sit really far back in their head. This means that their fields of vision overlap to the rear, meaning they can actually see behind them!
Transcript
Jan 5 1922. Carse between Stirling & Gargunnock 11.30 a.m.
Saw a field with 700 or 800 geese in it. There
have been a lot in the carse this year.
April 6 Gartinstarry. 7.00 pm
A woodcock flew over. Pair of brown owls in garden
also pair of bullfinches
