Here is a bird that is not often seen in the daytime. During the day he
stays in the deep woods or among the tall marsh grasses.
It is at twilight that you may see him. He then comes out in search of
food.
Isn't he an odd-looking bird? His bill is made long so that he can bore
into the soft ground for earthworms.
You notice his color is much like the Ruffed Grouse in June "BIRDS."
This seems to be the color of a great many birds whose home is among the
grasses and dried leaves. Maybe you can see a reason for this.
Those who have watched the Woodcock carefully, say that he can move the
tip end of the upper part of his bill. This acts like a finger in
helping him to draw his food from the ground.
What a sight it must be to see a number of these queer looking birds at
work getting their food. If they happen to be in a swampy place, they
often find earthworms by simply turning over the dead leaves.
If there should be, near by, a field that has been newly plowed, they
will gather in numbers, at twilight, and search for worms.
The Woodcock has short wings for his size. He seems to be able to fly
very fast. You can imagine how he looks while flying--his long bill out
in front and his legs hanging down.