THE WOODCOCK. 



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. 



It is at twilight that you may 

 see him. He then comes out in 

 search of food. 



Isn't he an odd-looking bird? 

 His bill is made long so that he 

 can bore into the soft ground 

 for earthworms. 



You notice his color is much 

 like the Ruffed Grouse in June 

 " BIRDS." 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. 



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. 



AVhat 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 earth- 

 worms by simply turning over 

 the dead leaves. 



If there should be, near by, a 

 field that has been newly 

 plowed, they will gather in 

 numbers, at twilight, and search 

 for worms. 



The AYoodcock has short 

 wings for his size. He seems 

 to be able to fly very fast. You 

 can imagine how he looks while 

 flying — his long bill out in front 

 and his legs hanging down. 



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