Remaining motionless and quiet may allow some birds to land within a few feet of the observer. Flashlights seem not to disturb some males as they continue their spotlight performance. These are examples of 10 separate calls that woodcocks are known to make. The purpose of all this is to attract a female. Her arrival may not be noticed as she flies silently to the singing ground.
Population densities vary from one area to another.
Birds may be few, common or entirely absent from what seems good habitat. This variance may even occur daily in the same area during the spring migration. Calm nights above freezing are most likely to induce initiation of the display.