At the observatory the Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) is a passage migrant and winter visitor, autumn passage is more marked with continental migrants inflating the numbers. There is a good breeding population to be found in the Norfolk Brecks, where on evenings in spring and summer, observers can easily see and hear Woodcock as they fly overhead calling. This behaviour is known as 'Roding'.

3 birds were caught and ringed at the observatory in 2002, bringing the overall total to 23 since ringing began at the observatory in 1962.