196 THE BOOK OF MIGRATORY BIRDS 



and now probably they are less select in their diet, feeding 

 on any living animal matter that may fall in their way. . 



In March they change their quarters again, preparatory 

 to quitting the country ; hence it often happens that con- 

 siderable numbers are seen at this season in places where 

 none had been observed during the previous winter. They 

 now have a call-note, though before they had been quite 

 mute; it is said by some to resemble the syllables, "pitt- 

 pitt-coor," by others to be very like the croak of a frog. 



It is pleasing to be able to corroborate the testimony of 

 many sporting estate owners and gamekeepers that the 

 habits of the woodcock have gradually been undergoing a 

 change to their advantage during the last decade or two. 

 In short, "Scohpax rusticola" can no longer be described 

 as an autumnal immigrant only, but as an acclimatised 

 species likely to become a valuable asset of many English 

 and Scottish estates where properly cared for. 



In northern, eastern, and central districts it shows each 

 season a greater inclination to linger into the spring; but, 

 unfortunately for the sporting western counties, the rule 

 seems to be more relaxed that the mass of immigrants pass 

 on thitherward. I view as a matter of correction the 

 opinion nowadays so frequently heard that there must be 

 some change in climatic conditions to account for the 

 growing attachment of these wanderers to our country. I, 

 for one, am persuaded that the climate has nowise changed 

 of late, but that woodcock are simply returning to their old 

 home because of the encouragement given by estate- 

 owners, gamekeepers and protectionists under a more 

 merciful regime. There can hardly be any doubt that, 

 with the help of the general press, more and more good 

 work is being done to make their sojourn comfortable, 

 hence the reason of so many broods reared on British soil. 



Wise sportsmen have learnt that the "pound of flesh" 

 is but a premature and a false gain. Moreover, high 

 authority recognises as important that no woodcock should 

 be shot after January has turned, since the birds commence 

 pairing in February, and any persecution during the 



