Philoletla minor. 1876. Maine (Lake Umbagog. June 5. To the hill above Abbott's this evening to hear the Woodcock sing. He began calling shortly after sunset, and a minute or two later ascended into the air when, for the first time, I saw him through the whole performance. Upon beginning his descent his descent his wings were beaten rapidly with intervals of sailing between; a little lower down he began darting in zig-zag lines with arrow-like speed tracing a course not unlike that pursued by a flash of lightening. A liquid gush of song accompanied each swoop. In this way he came down nearly to the ground then with set wings pitched headlong to the spot whence he had risen. The bursts of melody corresponded so closely with each swoop of the zig-zag descent that it really seemed as if the sound may have been produced by his wings. " 11. To the hill behind Abbot's this evening to hear the Woodcock. He ascended only once, and then but a little way, whistling faintly with his wings but not singing. 1879. June 12. Started three old birds along Peaslee's brook. " 2 Started an old bird in a thicket of spruces. " 22. Unusually abundant this season. I see them almost daily, especially in thickets of "savins"--as the young firs and spruces are termed here. 1880. May 16. Two singing in the Peaslee clearing this evening. " 17. Set B-4. Incubated four days--ground in side of low mound partially overshadowed by fir shrubs. Female sitting; she rose at least fifteen feet ahead, soaring directly to the top of the trees, whistling faintly, then disappearing. Male started about fifty yards from the spot. In second-growth wild cherry, poplar, yellow birch and alder by the lake shore. Vicinity of the nest very swampy and wet, and the mound upon which it was placed surrounded by pools of stagnant water.