
the region. In Maine all sections of the State showed a decline except 
in Kennebec and washington Counties, where no appreciable change occur- 
red, Data from both Vermont and Connecticut indicated fewer birds 
throughout most sections. Of areas covered in Massachusetts the only 
increase was in Essex County. In New York, Chautauqua was the only 
county that did not show a decline. 
In the opinion of the writer, the current data do not indicate any 
occasion for alarm as to the status of woodcock at this time. For the 
3 years prior to 1955, breeding populations in the region have been quite 
constant at a reasonably high level. ‘Conditions for nesting this year, 
at least in Maine, have been ideal and good seasonal productivity may be 
expected. Nevertheless, because a probable loss in excess of 15 percent 
in breeding birds is indicated for the region, next year's census studies 
will take on added importance. It is to be hoped that further expansion 
in geographical coverage can be made, 
Census Organization 
Within the several states the 1955 census studies were organized by 
the following: 
Maine: by W. Re DeGarmo, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and 
Game, and by the writer. Special assistance in eastern Maine was given 
by John Dudley, Louis Beckett, and by personnel of the Moosehorn National 
Wildlife Refuge. 
New Hampshire: by Fred Scott, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 
Vermont: by Roger Seamans, Vermont Fish and Game Service, with Ralph 
Minns, U. 5. Fish and Wildlife Service, handling the Highgate and Swanton 
areas. 
Massachusetts: by William Sheldon, Massachusetts Cooperative Wild- 
life Research Unit, assisted by Russell Norris, U. S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, on the Newburyport area. 
Connecticut: by Ruth Billard, Connecticut Board of Fisheries and Game. 
New York: by Ralph Smith, New York Conservation Department. 
In conclusion, the writer would like to express his thanks to all the 
individual census takers listed in Table 1. The present coverage is the - 
best ever obtained and was possible only through the interest of so many 
people. Appreciation is also expressed for the promptness in. submit*+ing 
the data sheets. This cooperation greatly facilitated the coordinator's 
task in compiling the data. 
18 
