THE WOODCOCK. 
801 
The Woodcock selects, as its summer residence, woods 
of all kinds which are well furnished with undergrowth. 
No other bird, perhaps, is so addicted to trees as this 
one, and on that account it is rarely met with in treeless 
districts. Damp, low-lying woods, intermingled with 
alder-beds and swampy ground, form its favourite haunts. 
Exceptionally favourable localities possessing the afore¬ 
said requirements always hold Woodcocks, even when 
unpreserved. The bird lies hidden during the day-time, 
sleeping, or at any rate inactive, in the darkest and most 
retired part of the wood or in shady thickets, without 
troubling itself about the doings of man or beast; it is 
only at nightfall that it begins to move. The Woodcock 
walks slowly and in a crouching attitude, creeping rather 
than running, and when so engaged it looks a most easy¬ 
going bird—almost simple, I may say, in its aspect. Its 
flight is not very rapid, though the bird is excessively 
active and adroit, for it shows the most masterly dexterity 
in threading its way amongst the trees and branches 
without striking against them. When scared or sud¬ 
denly flushed it makes a peculiar rustling with its wings, 
a sound which is instantly recognised by the sportsman, 
announcing the presence of the bird, even though he 
may not see it. The Woodcock flies unwillingly to any 
great distance, and always seeks to hide itself, for it is 
more timorous and distrustful, perhaps, than any other 
creature. If in any way possible, it will, when in 
danger, squat on the ground without seeking any other 
cover, trusting for safety to the close resemblance of its 
plumage to the surrounding grass or dead leaves. The 
most experienced sportsmen assure us that one would be 
incapable of seeing a Woodcock squatting on the ground 
in a wood, though standing close to it, were its presence 
