As always, the beginning of December saw cold winds from the north blow over our Peninsula. Southern Italy was heavily affected by the disturbance and the strong winds caused extensive damage, especially on the Amalfi Coast. The bad weather obviously affected the migratory processes of the fauna headed south for wintering.
A pair of woodcocks, exhausted by the cold and the wind, was the protagonist of a very exciting meeting. On the steep bends overlooking the famous Amalfi stands the small, splendid Atrani, a panoramic Salerno town perched on one of the most panoramic points of the Amalfi Coast. The door of the ancient cathedral of Atrani was chosen by two woodcocks as a shelter and shelter after flying in the storm. A cold morning passes by, carrying out his work duties driving the truck, a young hunter, Gerardo, passionate about wild boar hunting. His eyes did not escape the attitude of the cats around the church, intent on hunting in the typical poses of predatory felines.
Intrigued by their attitude, Gerardo gets out of the truck and cautiously approaches the predators, discovering that their appetites are moved by the two helpless woodcocks and exhausted by the wind. Tired and unable to take flight, the first woodcock seeks shelter from cats by hiding under parked cars. Without thinking Gerardo takes her and brings her to safety in the truck. A little further on he comes across the other, much more tried and with his eyes half-closed, he lets himself be taken without even attempting to escape. "Who knows if the first woodcock did not stalk on purpose to attract the cats to itself and leave it to recover some strength?”Thinks romantically Gerardo.
The search for a wild animal collection center becomes useless. At the end of the shift the animals seem to have regained their strength, the wind has subsided and the fiery sunset over the sea promises clear weather. Gerardo has no more doubts. Take the woodcocks near a wood at the foot of the Lattari Mountains. The flapping of their wings is the greatest reward for the young man who has restored their freedom.