
Besides these activities, birds on several occasions have been 
observed feeding on ‘these lighting fields. The 195 report gave a posi- 
tive record of eating ants. ‘Two birds were collected in 1955 after they 
had been in the field for 10 minutes. Stomach cmtents of these birds 
and others will be analyzed during the winter. Cursory examination of 
the stomach contents of several specimens indicates a surprising number 
of such items as the Diptera and Coleoptera larvae, centipedes and cater- 
pillars, It is suspected that during Fhe dry summer months many wood- 
cocks may not be as dependent on earthworms as many believe. Few mid- 
summer stomach analyses have ever been made, 
Molts.-=-In cooperation with Dr. L. &. Bartlett of the University 
Zoological Department, 21 woodcocks were collected in late summer primar- 
ily for an anatomical study to be conducted by an honors student in the 
Zoology Department. Dr, Bartlett has made careful notes on the molting 
pattern of all these birds. ‘Two males of known age (adults) were netted, 
and it was noticed that the first three primaries were in full molt, 
Juveniles were captured in various stages of molt, but the evidence te 
date suggests juveniles do not molt their primaries until the second 
year. Careful study of the wings of fall specimens may thus reveal a 
clue to determine age. 
Weights.--There is a great deal of overlap in the weights of juve- 
niles and adults. Seventeen adult females averaged 18.5 grams ranging 
from 159 to 212 prams. Fifteen juvenal females averaged 173.3 grams 
ranging from 151-191 grams. There were four adult females weighing more 
than 191 grams. ‘Twenty-six juvenal males averaged 140.8 grams ranging 
from 127 grams to 154 grams. The only adult male weighed was 135 grams. 
Parasites.--Two species of hippoboscid flies were identified from 
woodcocks taken in the vicinity of Amherst. A short joint paper by the 
investigator and Dr, F. R, Shaw of the University Department of Entomol- 
ogy, has been submitted for publication to the Journal of ~conomic 
Entomology describing these ectoparasites. 

Ke) 
