Folklore and culture Eurasian woodcock

eurasian woodcock stamp germany

in united kingdom, arrival of migrant woodcock in autumn said mean harvest, if stayed until spring. used thought eurasian woodcock flew moon during months when not seen , first full moon in november, when large numbers arrive on british coast, described woodcock moon .

reaney , wilson wrote english surname woodcock developed nickname bird, meaning fool, simpleton or dupe .

in william shakespeare s play love s labours lost, berowne describes himself , friends 4 woodcocks in dish , after discovering have fallen in love when have sworn not to. old folk name goldcrest woodcock pilot because of mistaken belief warblers rode in feathers of migrating woodcock. in hamlet, polonius refers hamlet s vows springes catch woodcocks .

the pin feather of eurasian woodcock (the covert feather of outermost primary) can used fine paintbrush miniatures, or delicate tool moving tiny objects (e.g. specks of dust). painting tool, feather has been described far ideal, holding little paint, resisting water , wearing down @ tip. eurasian woodcock has been subject of postage stamps several countries.