However, since the first stop may not have a performing bird 
each evening a certain amount of discretion rust be used. The ex- 
perienced census taker will know approximately what time his birds 
Will start performing on a given evening. Thus suggested procedure 
in case no bird is singing at the first stop, would be to wait 5 
minutes after the latest expected time of song, then drive on to the 
second stop. Because of this, as well as other unpredictable points, 
it is almost essential that a census taker receive instruction from 
someone experienced with woodcock ground calls and flight songs be- 
fore starting out “on his own." At the end of 2 minutes proceed as 
rapidly as possible to the next stop and listen there for 2 minutes, 
again counting all birds heard. Repeat this procedure over the 
entire route. If timing is correct (except on very short routes) 
the evening calling period should be practically over after the last 
2 minutes of listening is completed. The period during which wodcock 
perform on their singing grounds varies from about 20 minutes to about 
4S minutes in different parts of the country, averaging about 35 
minutes. In determining the length of your route you should base it 
on the minimum time of woodcock calling in your area rather than a 
longer time. If there is any doubt on this point select the average 
figure of 35 minutes. | 
At least 3 census counts, if it is possible to get that many © 
over exactly the same routes and with the same stops, should be made 
during the breeding season of woodcock, but after migration is over. 
The approximate census period for your locality will be given you by 
the coordinator who compiles the over-all data for your region. Exact 
timing can only be determined by experience in your particular area, 
Counts should not be made during the period of 3 days before a full 
moon and tw days afterwards (6 days in all), as it has been found 
the birds are very inconsistent in performing then. They should not 
be made in heavy rain or snow or when the temperature is below ap- 
proximately 25° or when a strong wind is blowing (above 15 miles per 
hour). Each census area should be 2 miles or more in length. It is 
suggested that existing areas less than that should be discontinued. 
Records should include: Date, weather (points indicated on the 
form including sky conditions and precipitation if any, temperature, 
wind, moon's phase), length of route, intervals between each stop, 
birds heard at each stop--combining. both sides of the road (record Q 
if no birds are heard), time of starting, and time of finishing. All 
data should be recorded on the forms furnished you. Please describe 
each area by definite local geographical boundaries, (example: Black 
Hill Road, running 2.) miles south from the road leading to Broow's 
gravel pit). This exact description is needed in case of a change in 
observers in subsequent years. In case stop No. 1 (the start of the 
area) does not have a convenient geographical marker it may then be 
described as being a given number of tenths of a mile from such 
marker. 
