Birds, Vol. II, No 1, July 1897

<h2>THE WOODCOCK.</h2> <p>Here is a bird that is not often seen in the daytime. During the day he stays in the deep woods or among the tall marsh grasses.</p> <p>It is at twilight that you may see him. He then comes out in search of food.</p> <p>Isn&#8217;t he an odd-looking bird? His bill is made long so that he can bore into the soft ground for earthworms.</p> <p>You notice his color is much like the Ruffed Grouse in June &ldquo;BIRDS.&rdquo; This seems to be the color of a great many birds whose home is among the grasses and dried leaves. Maybe you can see a reason for this.</p> <p>Those who have watched the Woodcock carefully, say that he can move the tip end of the upper part of his bill. This acts like a finger in helping him to draw his food from the ground.</p> <p>What a sight it must be to see a number of these queer looking birds at work getting their food. If they happen to be in a swampy place, they often find earthworms by simply turning over the dead leaves.</p> <p>If there should be, near by, a field that has been newly plowed, they will gather in numbers, at twilight, and search for worms.</p> <p>The Woodcock has short wings for his size. He seems to be able to fly very fast. You can imagine how he looks while flying&mdash;his long bill out in front and his legs hanging down.</p> <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</SPAN></span></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />