WOODCOCK. 
SCOL OP AX R USTICULA. 
Fjiom personal observation I am enabled to state that so far back as 1850 Woodcocks nested plentifully in the 
east of Sussex ; in my birds’-nestmg days they were frequently met with during spring in the neighbourhood 
of Catsfield and Ashhurnham. Though the eggs, as a rule, were respected, several clutches came into my 
possession owing to the nests having been placed in coverts or shaws *, in which the undergrowth was then being 
cut down in Uie regular course for hop-poles. In consequence of the continued interruption, the birds were 
invariably driven from the spot on the approach of the woodmen ; four clutches of eggs, I well remember, 
were detected in one covert as the ground was gradually cleared. 
From north to south Woodcocks commence to breed at an early date ; I have noticed youno- birds 
full-fledged, both in Sussex and Perthshire, by the end of May. In some localities it is probable "’that a 
second brood is reared: the eggs figured in the Plate were taken, wlieii fresli, on the 9th of June, 1869, 
in the east of lloss-shire, and the following year a female was seen sitting on the 12th of August near 
Dingwall. ^ Many writers have spoken of the nest of the lYoodcock ; I liave, liowever, failed to detect, in 
any single instance, more than a slight depression among the dead leaves on wdiich the eggs were laid. 
It IS doubtless a mistaken idea that only of late years have lYoodcocks nested in Great Britain in any 
numbers : the larger area devoted to plantation has doubtless induced them to extend their range durin«- 
summer ; but from all I have been able to learn, wliile discussing the subject with keepers and foresters in 
various parts of tbe country, the birds were simply overlooked— it was supposed they left the country, and 
there was no disputing the general opinion. In many parts of England AVoodcocks were regularly shot at 
flight-time during the evening twilight in early spring; wherever this senseless destruction was permitted 
it IS probable the breeding-stock was much reduced. 
The first or second week in October is considered to be the usual date for the earlier flights of Cocks to 
make tlieir appearance along our north-eastern coasts; in the more southern counties it is, as a rule 
some weeks later before any number are met with. The question as to what becomes of the home-bred 
Inrds appears to have puzzled sportsmen in many parts of the country; early in September I have remarked, 
m several localities, that not a single Cock could be flushed in the coverts where numerous broods had 
been reared during the summer months. Though nearly a month in advance of the usual time of arrival 
here was undoubted evidence in 1809 that a flight had reached the shores of Ross and Cromarty durim. the’ 
third vveek in September, several being noticed shortly after daybreak in the vicinity of the coast, apparently 
fatigued by a protracted flight. 
IVhile convm-sing with the crews of the light-ships off the east coast with reference to the number of 
00 cocks striking tbe lights, I learned that the quantities falling on board the vessels varied considerably, 
ot a single bird, however, was obtained during the winter of 1872 and tlie following spring at any of 
* A long narrow jilantation i.s ii.snally known in Ka.tt Snssc.x by this name. 
