804 
BIRD-LIFE. 
and already capable of fluttering away with tolerable 
facility. 
Sometimes the observer may have the good fortune to 
catch a family of Woodcocks at feed. As twilight draws 
to a close old and young leave the thick underwood for 
the open. Both the parent birds turn over bunches of 
leaves, pieces of moss, bark, &c., with their beaks; or 
bore hole after hole in the soft soil, or even cow-dung, to 
obtain the small beetles and worms which form their 
exclusive food. The soft sensitive bill serves to enable 
them to find these tiny creatures. The young pick up 
what is laid before them by their parents, but soon them¬ 
selves learn the use of their highly-developed beak, which 
comprises feeler and lazy-tongs in one. 
Woodcock shooting is the gunner’s greatest delight; 
do not, however, ask me for information on that subject, 
but apply to old experienced sportsmen. Besides man, 
this bird is sought after by many other gourmands, our 
friend Reynard, for instance; martens, cats, hawks, 
Ravens, and such predatory vermin, also have a strong 
liking for so toothsome a morsel. 
Woodcocks may, when caught young, be kept in 
captivity, being fed on earth-worms, mixed with milk 
and wheaten bread; they become tame and confiding, 
learn to know their keeper and come to his call; but 
they are stupid companions, only affording amusement 
by their curious postures, and the pleasure gained by the 
observer being able to watch the actions of a bird so 
retiring and solitary in its habits. 
