1. Use counts between April 15 and April 30 as index if only 3 
runs can be made. Counts between these dates have been relatively 
consistent each year. 
2. Cut the running time from 35 minutes to 30 minutes. Observa- 
tions in 1953 indicated that in varying topography and intermittent 
openings, the light may vary sufficiently so there may be a difference 
of minutes in the time birds begin their performances. In each census 
region, a sample of birds should be timed for length of performance be- 
fore establishing the running time for different census routes. 
3- Winds often increase during a run. Winds of 10 m.p.h. or more. 
made hearing difficult. It is recommended, therefore, that runs should 
not be made when winds are 10 m.p.h. or over, rather than 15 mp.h. or 
over. 
he Itis difficult to judge the effect of rain. On occasion it 
does not seem to affect the count. During this spring, constant cold 
rains in April virtually caused cessation of breeding activities in the 
evening. The lowest count on the Prescott run occurred April 26 in a 
dense fog when only one bird was heard. The recommended procedure is 
not to census during any kind of rain. 
Martha's Vineyard Island 
The writer found a very high breeding woodcock population in parts 
of Martha's Vineyard Island. Search of the literature indicates that the 
woodcock has always been recorded as a rare resident in this area of the 
state, 
Broods were observed in green briar swamps,often in the same cover 
where quail take refuge. Broods were also observed in or near sapling 
stands of black locust, tree of heaven and arrow wood. 
karly Sumer Habitat and Behavior 
Records of woodcock flushes during June and July reveal sub- 
stantially the same type of habitat as used in the breeding period. 
Observations indicate that dense shade wnder conifers are often favored 
diurnal resting covers in hot weather. Complete cover records of summer 
habitat will be described in a later report. 
Summer evening flights.--A very remarkable woodcock phenomenon was 
observed during July. in the summer of 1952, the writer discovered a 
section of road on Prescott Peninsula where at dusk several birds crossed 
from west to east every evening. It was suspected that more birds than 
actually observed took part in this movement. On July 8, 1953, the 
writer, with the help of three cooperators, stationed themselves at 
strategic places east of the road, Although one observer on the road 
counted only 12 birds, those east of the road counted a total of approx- 
imately 40 birds, The great majority flew northeast and disappeared at 
considerable height over the summit of another ridge. 
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