


MASSACHUSETTS WOODCOCK STUDIES 
William G. Sheldon, Leader 
Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit 
University of Massachusetts 
Summary 
1. There were 203 captures of woodcocks in summer nets at two 
sites. There were 182 individual birds including five returns. There 
were 2] repeats. 
2. A relatively higher sample of male adults was captured. 
3. Repeats and returns suggested birds taking part in summer 
evening flights are definitely residents. 
. Evidence of four years sugzests the phenomenon of summer 
evening flights is dietary in nature and is not uncommon. 
5S. One return offered evidence that juvenals do not molt pri- 
maries the first year. 
6. The adult hen-chick ratio was 1:1.5 as compared to 1:2.) 
in 1955. It is suggested this may be a valid index to check accuracy 
of spring census techniques. . 
7. Age and sex composition of summer captures is presented. 
8. Possible application of findings to management of species is 
discussed. 
Techniques 
New Japanese mist nets were used this year. These were nylon 
nets with larger mesh and somewhat heavier threads than the warbler 
silk nets used a year ago. The specifications of the new nets are 
110 denier nylon net, 2-1/2" mesh, ) shelves. Of standard length and 
construction, they were much easier to erect. Proper tension was 
uniform, and in one netting area, a bank of nets covered an area of 
over 100 feet long and 1) feet deep. One pole was used between the 
ends of two adjoining sets of nets. 
These new nets were highly efficient. Approximately 90 per cent 
of the birds hitting them were captured. Most escapes occurred when 
a bird hit the edge of the net. There was practically no breakage, 
and it was not possible for a bird to fly through the net even if set 
tightly as occurred occasionally with the light nets. 
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