THE AMERICAN WOODCOCK 133 



beak of this bird is really a probe and a pair of forceps com- 

 bined, for probing in soft earth or mud after earthworms, and 

 dragging them out when found. In order to feed, the Wood- 

 cock has no option but to frequent the moist banks of wooded 

 streams, or wet grounds in the shelter of bushes or timber, 

 where it can work unobserved. During the day it lies low to 

 escape observation, and does the most of its feeding at night. 

 It is seldom found in open ground, and Woodcock-shooting is 

 much like shooting quail among brush — quick and difficult. 



This bird ranges throughout the United States from the 

 Atlantic coast to the edge of the Great Plains. In the course 

 of much hunting in central Iowa I never but once shot a 

 specimen of this species. In the eastern states it is only 

 the most skilful local hunters who can go out and find a 

 Woodcock. Unless it is given a ten-year close season, and 

 quickly, its extinction is certain. 



As a highly esteemed game bird, Wilson's Snipe, or the 

 Jack Snipe,-^ is a close second to the woodcock. Like the 

 latter, it has a long, straight bill with a sensitive tip, with 

 which to probe down in the mud or soft earth of pond margins 

 or spring holes, to the home of the angle-worm. Unlike the 

 woodcock, however, this Snipe is a very well-formed bird, 

 and it feeds more in the open, which renders its pursuit more 

 fruitful of results. On the wing it is awkward and angular- 

 looking. It flies in a very angular course, but so rapidly it 

 is a difficult mark to hit. When it rises, it utters a shrill 

 cry, half scream and half squawk, and in windy weather it 

 often flies quite high. 



' Gal-li-na'go del-i-ca'ta. Length, about 11 inches. 



