Cambridge, Mass.
1906.
Dec. 1
  Cloudy & chilly but not frosty. Our city lawns are
still nearly as green as they were two months ago. There is
no snow and the ground is not frozen to-day.
  The Woodcock caught in our clothes yard yesterday
is not only alive but apparently in good health and
spirits to-day. It is true that he has spent most of
the forenoon standing (not crawling) in a corner of his box
but his large, liquid eyes are wide open at all times and
full of expression. The box is on the floor of my study
within four feet of my desk. At this distance I can
move in my chair or even walk around the box
without disturbing the bird but if I approach him much
closer he shows some alarm and quickly scuttles to the
further side of his prison. Whether or no he has eaten
any of the earth worms I have no present means of
obtaining. He has beaten the surface of the ground rather
hard by walking over it and it shows no signs of "borings".
This is one of the bird's
characteristic attitudes
Dec 2
  The Woodcock must have been eating some of the
worms for he is as "lively as a grig" to-day, walking
rapidly about his prison and trying hard to get out. When
closely approached he squats and then springs
suddenly upward using his wings for the first time and so
vigorously that he strikes the burlap cover of the box (it
is about 15 inches above the ground) with much force. I
have heard no sound from him as yet even when he
(?) his wings.