Introduction 
Two major surveys are conducted to obtain information 
eoncerning population status of woodcock. The first is made 
each spring in States and Provinces where woodcock nest, its 
‘purpose being to obtain an index of breeding population size. 
The second is a wing collection survey ‘conducted each hunting 
season to obtain an index of reproductive success and to 
gather information concerning hunter activity in relation to 
shooting regulations. 
Singing Ground Survey 
In the spring, male woodcock have a characteristic call 
("peent") that is audible for about 0.2 mile. This call, 
Which is part of the breeding behavior of males, is given 
in the morning and evening and forms the basis for the Sing- 
ing Ground Survey. Counts of males "peenting™ on the same 
routes each year provide a means of measuring their relative 
abundance during the breeding season. 
Counts are made during the evening period of singing, 
Since limited studies have indicated that performance is 
more consistent at that time. Males begin to call about 
10 to 30 minutes after sunset, depending on weather condi- 
tions, and continue for about 35 minutes. Counts are begun 
wien singing begins and are terminated before it ceases. 
Length of routes varies with the amount of suitable 
woodcock habitat. Routes may be short (2-3 miles) in 
continuous breeding habitat, longer in areas of scattered 
breeding cover. They are established along roads, and 
cars are used for transportation. Fixed listening points 
(stops) are selected along the routes adjacent to suit- 
able woodcock habitat but are at least 0.4 mile apart. 
Counts of 2 minutes' duration are made at the same stop 
each year. The number of different birds heard calling 
per route is the index of abundance for each route. 
pala! 
