
woodcocks sought such prey during periods of drought when angle- 
worms were less available. Evidence of these summer studies in- 
dicate that in early July when the birds are most active, drought 
conditions do not exist. In one instance, two young males caught 
in a grouse trap. bordering an extensive wet alder swamp were netted 
amile and a half away 10 days later. During this year there were 
extensive alder swamps in excellent condition for birds to feed in 
during most of July. Furthermore, the birds are most active in 
visiting the fields on humid or rainy days when presumably more 
earthworms would be available elsewhere. 
The principal conclusion to be drawn from this discussion is 
that invertebrates other than earthworms comprise a substantial 
part of the woodcock's summer diet. Such food is only available 
during summer Since the first frosts cause the death or hiberna- 
tion of many of these organisms. Results of an analysis of a 
number of stomachs collected in summer will be reported on later. 
Evidence that this phenomenon is not unusual is being gathered 
from other sources. Single observations by two cooperators in 
different sections of the state report evening flights including 
watching birds light in fields. An older snortsman who hunted 
woodcocks in the days when the season opened in July, described 
shooting birds in quantity at dusk as they were lighting in an open, 
dry hillside. Evidence that woodcocks behave similarly during 
summer throughout their breeding range is awaited with interest. 
One ecological requirement characterizing these summer feeding 
fields anvears to be small, clear patches of ground or grass well 
flattened such as a trail. Long, rank grass is not attractive. 
Analysis of termeratures, humidity and precipitation showed no 
nositive correlation between weather conditions and number of birds 
observed. Ina broad sense, the average number of birds seen with 
a daily mean temp2rature above 70°F was higher than with a mean 
below 70°. There was also a higher average of birds seen on eve- 
nings with a relative humidity exceeding 70. 
There may well be some correlation between ground insect 
activity and bird activity. Days with abrupt changes of tempera- 
ture such as occurs with a series of thunder showers seemed to 
stimulate bird activity. The same type of weather often causes 
insect hatches. More detailed study of this is required before any 
definite conclusions can be made. 
Resident status.--Lack of repeats in other years posed the 
logical question as to whether these evening flights represented 
mass movements of birds from one region to another - a sort of local 
migratory behavior. Evidence during the quarter indicates these birds 
definitely comprise a resident population. In Prescott Peninsula, 
46 
