Philo heta minor. Lake Umbagog, Maine. 1896 Philohela minor May 16 Nest near Ballside Found by W. B. 3 P. M. 2 eggs no bird at nest but one flushed about 30 yards off under dense thrones. At 7.30 & began jumping on hill top, fewly 300 yards from nest. Sang persistently for next half hour or more going up once every 1 to 2 minutes (trilled) fine song. Song flights 50 to 55 seconds, ascent 30 seconds, rolling tumbling & to 60 seconds, Song before in local vicinity 10 to 12 seconds May 17 Nest evidently deserted (perfectly before we first found it) Photographed it took the two eggs which found fresh. bird near it to-day but & flushed 50 yds off. Nest on dry birch flat limb 10 yds from Ballside field 4 10 yds. from alder thicket. At one of its whistling fin (8 ft. high) The crown lateral, dropping branches bending down around it concealing it on 3 inches. May 16 & singing on hill this am. 300 yds off " 17 " " " " 19 " " " " 20 " " " Lake Umbagog, Maine. Philo heta minor 1888 Utility of wing whistling With most birds, at least, vocal notes doubtless serve chiefly as calls to inform stragglers of the whereabouts of their companions. The Woodcock has no vocal note when flying does not then, the whistling of the wings take the place of a vocal call. It is given equally by both sexes at all seasons save during the month when the birds keep very quiet. 75