bill is also used to turn the fallen leaves when searching for 

 lurking insects. 



The perfect equipment of the Woodcock for obtaining its 

 food excites our admiration and wonder, but after all, this is 

 no more perfect than the equipment of any other bird. In 

 one it may be a lance-like tongue, in another, a vice-like grip 

 of claws or beak, and in a third, an eye fitted for nocturnal 

 vision. Just the right power has been given to every bird to 

 enable it to provide for its wants and fulfill its mission in the 

 world. 



The Woodcock comes from the Southern States early in 

 April and remains until September. At nesting time the male 

 often amuses himself at nightfall by rising in a spiral path like 

 the Lark high in the air and then suddenly plunging down in 

 a zigzag course to the earth. This feat may be performed over 

 and over again many times in an hour. At such times a 

 whistling sound resembling a faint warble is heard. The bird 

 has no song. 



BIRD NOTES 



69 



