
Snipe wintering ground studies.-~Investigations of Wilson's snipe 
have Scnbered largely on the Gulf coast because that is probably the 
region where the largest number of these birds winter within the United 
States. Chandler Robbins (see report beyond) continued his studies of 
methods of determining wintering abundance with the cooperation of 
several State Game Departments, Federal Game Management Agents and 
private observers. What had been thought at first to be indications 
of large increases of Wilson's snipe this year was, on more critical 
analysis, found to be a false impression. This is a good example af 
how total figures can be distorted by an exceptional count at one 
locality, and indicates the importance of noting the total number of 
areas or counts which show increases or decreases as well as the 
average size of these counts. 
of the various states taking part in snipe investigations, Louisiana 
appeared to be most active, not only in participating in the winter in- 
ventory studies but in banding these birds with the use of mist nets. 
Up to the end of 1953 the number of Wilson's snipe banded throughout the 
Continent, at all times of the year, totaled only 1213 and the number of 
recoveries and returns only 35. Obviously we have a long way to go 
before we can even get a rough idea of the migratory pattern of this 
species. 
habitat on breeding grounds in western Canada was made by Chandler 
Robbins, and Leslie Tuck added further to our knowledge of the times 
and duration of winnowing behavior of this species in Newfoundland. 
These investigations are reported on in two papers appearing beyond. 
Information of both of these sorts will be essential if we are ever in 
a position to attempt to obtain an annual index of abundance of snipe 
on their breeding grounds. Tuck's observations seemed to indicate 
that post sunset counts included a large percent of the total birds 
present for a longer period than predawn counts, particularly if more 
than 3 birds are present. 
Snipe breeding ground studies.--Appraisal of snipe abundance and 
Rail investigations.--Allen Smith, investigating sora populations 
(see paper beyond) further demonstrated the importance of knowing 
amount of habitat in appraising over-all populations, particularly when 
areas of suitable habitat are discontinuous and frequently separated by 
considerable areas of unsuitable terrain which is ignored in the count- 
ing effort. At the same time his data indicated that it is possible 
to have big changes in populations from year to year even in areas of 
habitat apparently suitable to this species. 
The results of an important life history study of the sora and 
Virginia rails conducted at the University of Minnesota were published 
during the year: (Pospichal, L. B. and Marshall, W. H. "A Field Study © 
of the Sora Rail and Virginia Rail in Central Minnesota." The Flicker, 
vol. 26(1):2=32, 195h). OO 
