Concord, Massachusetts.
1891.
Oct. 22
(No 3)
Carlisle. - covers where we found the Quail yesterday.
On the present occasion we started only two birds,
one Grouse and a Woodcock. The former rose wild
and went off unshot at. The latter did not
give either of us a shot on the first rise but
at the second I had a long snap shot just
as it topped a tall oak. The bird seemed to
turn over in the air and I supposed I had
killed it but the dogs could find nothing so
we went on. After I had gone about 100 yds.
Don suddenly came to a stand and feeling
sure that he had the bird I called Melvin
who took a position in an opening while I
went around into the thicket and crawled
on hands and knees into some young pines directly
towards the statuesque dog. At length the
Woodcock sprang but he fluttered off close over 
the ground giving us no chance. We again
followed him when one of the dogs started 
him and he came directly towards me flying 
very feebly and slowly. As he passed I caught
him in my hand. He had the extreme tip
of one wing broken, doubtless by my first
shot.
  I have not seen a single Colaptes this week.
Jays are also much scarcer than usual and
since Monday I have seen no Hawks.
Chickadees, also, are much less numerous than
usual. I heard two Hairy Woodpeckers to-day
and saw one D[?]. Grouse are very scarce
and shy. It is said that all the young were 
killed by ticks.
[margin]Colaptes absent[/margin]
[margin]Woodcock shooting[/margin]
[margin]Scarcity of Ruffed Grouse[/margin]