Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 36 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 158 mm | 235 mm | 105 mm | 79 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 315 mm | 470 mm | 210 mm | 158 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 473 mm | 705 mm | 315 mm | 236 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 630 mm | 940 mm | 420 mm | 315 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 946 mm | 1,410 mm | 630 mm | 473 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,576 mm | 2,350 mm | 1,051 mm | 788 mm |
About the American Woodcock#
The American woodcock (Scolopax minor), sometimes colloquially referred to as the timberdoodle, is a small chunky shorebird species found primarily in the eastern half of North America. Woodcocks spend most of their time on the ground in brushy, young-forest habitats, where the birds' brown, black, and gray plumage provides excellent camouflage.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- The tide line at a rising tide pushes shorebirds toward you.
- Bright sand and surf fool meters — dial in exposure manually or with auto-ISO and compensation.
- Sightings peak in March and April, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
More Sandpipers and Allies#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph an American Woodcock?
At about 36 cm long, an american woodcock fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 315 mm, or at 20 m with 630 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an American Woodcock?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/4000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a American Woodcock?
Observations in North America peak in March and April. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources