• THE WOODCOCK. 159 



an occasional Cock at all periods of the cold weather in these 

 States, Early in the spring, Woodcocks abandon their winter 

 quarters in the South, and betake themselves to the Northern 

 States for the purpose of incubation ; some few, however, it is 

 not unlikely, remain in the higher elevations and marshy soli- 

 tudes of the South the whole summer through, and there 

 accomplish those promptings of nature that impel so many 

 of their brethren to seek the cool alder swamps of the far 

 North. 



FORMATION OF THE HEAD. 



The formation of the head is somewhat remarkable, and is a 

 striking peculiarity of the Woodcock. It is large and trian- 

 gular. Its large prominent black eyes, set far back in the 

 temples, a considerable distance from the bill, give it rather a 

 strange but bold and expressive appearance ; and there are few 

 pictures more pleasing to the eye of a Sportsman than the sight 

 of a startled Woodcock, just on the point of springing, or rather 

 when in the attitude of fear, arising from the stealthy approach 

 of the Shooter. Notwithstanding Woodcocks possess such 

 beautiful large eyes, their vision in full day is very incomplete ; 

 in fact, they are incapable of supporting a glaring light, and 

 consequently see much better in the twilight than at any other 

 time.* 



Woodcocks are essentially night Birds, and remain concealed 

 during a greater portion of the day, in secluded thickets, or hid 

 away in the rank tussocks of the marshes, and only feed freely 

 in the open grounds at early dawn, or towards sunset. This 

 will be seen more particularly when we come to speak of the 

 habits of these Birds along the ridges of the Southern rivers. 

 When favored by moonlight, Woodcocks wander about in 

 search of food during the whole night, and at such times, like 



* Our friend, M. T. W. Chandler, Esq., informs us that he knew of two in- 

 stances in which Woodcocks flew in bright day against a brick dwelling, and were* 

 killed. 



These two facts are of themselves sufficient to prove the imperfect vision of 

 this Bird in the daytime, or they certainly would not have made such a mistake 

 in their course. 



