The New Forest: its history and its scenery/Appendix 3
APPENDIX III.
LIST OF THE BIRDS OF THE NEW FOREST DISTRICT.
The best plan is, perhaps, to arrange the birds in groups, and to give a short analysis of each section, so that the reader may be able to see at a glance the more characteristic as well as rarer species. We will first of all take the Residents. In making out this list I have been principally guided—with of course certain exceptions—by the rule of admitting every bird whose nest has been found upon reliable evidence, as we may be sure that for one nest which is discovered a dozen or more remain undetected.
Peregrine Falcon. (Falco peregrinus, Gmel.) As this bird breeds so near, both in the Isle of Wight and along the Dorsetshire coast, it may be considered as a resident. From different lists before me, ranging over several years, it appears to have been shot and trapped in the Forest at all seasons.
Merlin. (Falco æsalon, Gmel.) See Chapter XXII., pp. 266, 267.
Kestrel. (Falco tinnunculus, Lin.) Numerous.
Sparrow Hawk. (Falco nisus, Lin.) More abundant than even the kestrel, especially in the southern part of the Forest.
Common Buzzard. (Falco buteo, Lin.) Breeds in nearly all the old woods, but is becoming scarce. See Chapter XXII., p. 265.
Marsh Harrier. (Circus aruginosus, Lin.) Rare.
Hen Harrier. (Circuscyaneus, Lin.) See Chapter XXII., p. 268. This bird has become much more numerous of late. No less than six or seven pairs were, I am sorry to say, trapped last year.
Long-Eared Owl. (Strix otus, Lin.) Not unfrequent. I have found it nesting round Mark Ash and Boldrewood. Mr. Rake tells me that Amberwood is also a favourite breeding station.
Barn Owl. (Strix flummea, Lin.) Not so common as might be expected.
Tawny Owl. (Strix aluco, Lin.) The most common of the three. Very often this bird may be seen during the day in the Forest mobbed by thrushes and blackbirds, and taking refuge in some of the large ivy-bushes.
Missel Thrush. (Turdus viscivorus, Lin.) Known throughout the Forest as the "Bull thrush."
Song Thrush. (Turdus musicus, Lin.)
Blackbird. (Turdus morula, Lin.)
Robin Redbreast. (Sylvia rubecula, Lath.)
Stonechat. (Sylvia rubicula, Lath.) Mr. Rake tells me that it breeds rather plentifully round Ogdens and Frogham, about two miles from Fordingbridge. I have also had the eggs brought me from Wootton.
Dartford Warbler. (Sylvia provincialis, Ks. and Bl.) Is sometimes very common in the Forest, and is generally to be seen in company with the whinchat. In some years, as in 1861, it is scarce. I have its nest, with two eggs, in my collection, taken by Mr. Farren, on Lyndhurst Heath, April 29th, 1862; but it is always difficult to find, as the bird frequents, in the breeding season, the thickest part of the high furze.
Goldencrested Regulus. (Regulus cristatus, Koch.) Not uncommon. Known throughout the Forest as "The thumb bird."
Great Titmouse. (Parus major, Lin.)
Blue Titmouse. (Parus cæruleus, Lin.)
Cole Titmouse. (Parus ater, Lin ) Far more common than the next.
Marsh Titmouse. (Parus palustris, Lin.)
Long-tailed Titmouse. (Parus caudatus, Lin.) Known throughout the Forest as the "Long-tailed caffin," or "cavin."
Pied Wagtail. (Motacilla Yarrellii, Gould.) Partially migratory.
Grey Wagtail. (Motacilla boarula, Lin.) After some hesitation, I have decided to put this bird among the residents. Yarrell (vol. i., 434) mentions it breeding near Fordingbridge, close to the upper boundary of the Forest.
Meadow Pipit. (Anthus pratensis, Bechst.) The "Butty lark," that is, companion bird, of the New Forest; so called because it is often seen pursuing the cuckoo, which the peasant takes to be a sign of attachment instead of anger.
Rock Pipit. (Anthus obscurus. Keys and Bl.) Inhabits the muddy shores of the south-eastern district.
Sky Lark. (Alauda arvensis, Lin.)
Wood Lark. (Alauda arborea, Lin.) Mr. Rake found its nest on Goreley racecourse, near Fordingbridge, on the 2nd of April, 1861, with three eggs.
Common Bunting. (Emberiza miliaria, Lin.)
Blackheaded Bunting. (Emberiza schœniclus, Lin.)
Yellow Hammer. (Emberiza citrinella, Lin.)
Cirl Bunting. (Emberiza cirlus, Lin.) I have had its eggs brought to me from the neighbourhood of Wootton; and Mr. Farren found a nest with three eggs in 1861, close to the village of Brockenhurst.
Chaffinch. (Fringilla cælebs, Lin.) The "Chink" of the New Forest.
House Sparrow. (Fringilla domestica, Lin.)
Greenfinch. (Fringilla chloris, Lin.)
Hawfinch. (Fringilla coccothraustes, Lin.) A few pair now and then certainly remain in the Forest to breed, though I have never been fortunate enough to obtain their eggs. Great quantities were killed at Burley in the spring of 1858.
Goldfinch. (Fringilla carduelis, Lin.)
Bullfinch. (Loxia pyrrhula, Lin.) Always to be seen very busy in November amongst the young buds just formed, in the cottage gardens near the Forest.
Starling. (Sturnus vulgaris, Lin.)
Raven. (Corvus corax, Lin.) Becoming very scarce. See Chapter XXII., pp. 269, 270.
Crow. (Corvus corone, Lin.)
Rook. (Corvus frugilegus, Lin.)
Jackdaw. (Corvus monedula, Lin.)
Jay. (Corvus glandaritis, Lin.)
Green Woodpecker. (Picus viridis, Lin.) "The yaffingale" and "woodnacker" of the Forest.
Spotted Woodpecker. (Picus major, Lin.) Both this and the next are known throughout the Forest as the "wood-pie."
Lesser-Spotted Woodpecker. (Picus minor, Lin.)
Creeper. (Certhia familiaris, Lin.) Builds in the holes of the old ash and thorn trees. See, however, Chapter XXII., p. 271.
Wren. (Troglodytes Europæus, Cuv.)
Nuthatch. (Sitta Europæa, Lin.)
Kingfisher. (Alcedo ispida, Lin.) Not very common, yet it may now and then be seen at Darrat's stream, near Lyndhurst, the brook in the Queen's Bower Wood, and the Osmanby Ford river, near Wootton.
Ringdove, (Columba palumbus, Lin.)
Stockdove. (Columba ænas, Lin.) Numerous, building in the holes of the old beech-trees.
Pheasant. (Phasianus Colchicus, Lin.)
Black Grouse. (Tetrao tetrix, Lin.) Feeds on the young shoots of heather and larch, seeds of grass, blackberries and acorns, and I have seen it repeatedly perching in the hawthorns for the sake of the berries. The "heath poult" of the Forest.
Partridge. (Perdix cinerea, Lath.)
Lapwing. (Vanellus cristatus, Meyer.)
Heron. (Ardea cinerea, Lath.) See Chapter XXII., pp. 273, 274. I have known a pair lay, in one instance, at Boldrewood, as late as June 23rd.
Common Redshank. (Totanus calidris, Lin.) This bird is certainly a resident throughout the year. I have repeatedly put it up during the autumn in some of the swamps near Stoney Cross, more especially in the evening, when it will hover round and round, just keeping overhead, not unlike a pewit. Several nests are yearly taken. Last year Mr. Farren found one near Burley, April 4th, with a single egg, and another, May 3rd, containing four, at Bishopsditch.
Woodcock. (Scolopax rusticola, Lin.) Breeds in great numbers in some seasons.
Common Snipe. (Scolopax gallinago, Lin.) The greatest numbers occur in December, though many remain to breed not only in the "bottoms" of the Forest, but the meadows of the Avon. Mr. Rake informs me that a Sabine's snipe (Scolopax Sabini, Vigors), which is now generally regarded as only a melanism of this species, was shot at Picket Post, Jan., 1859. Another was shot not far from the borders of the Forest, at Heron Court, 1836.
Water Rail. (Rallus aquaticus, Lin.) Most common in the winter. Some few, however, breed in the valley of the Osmanby Ford stream, where I have seen a pair or two in the summer time.
Coot. (Fulica atra, Lin.) A straggler generally every year remains to breed on the Avon.
Mute Swan. (Cygnus olor, Boie.) Large numbers belonging to Lord Normanton's swannery may be always seen on the Avon, near Fordingbridge and Ibbesley.
Wild Duck. (Anas boschas, Lin.) Breeds, like the teal, in most of the bottoms throughout the Forest, as also in the Avon. The fowlers round Exbury say that the wigeon, too, stays to nest; but I do not know of any authenticated case. Mr. Rake has also oberved the tufted duke as late in the year as May.
Teal. (Anas crecca, Lin.)
Little Grebe. (Podiceps minor, Lath.) Known in the Forest as the di-dapper. A few breed in the Boldre Water, and, perhaps, even in the Osmanby Ford stream. Mr. Rake tells me that it breeds plentifully in the Avon, between Fordingbridge and Downton.
Guillemot. (Uria troile, Lath.) Locally known as the "spratter."
Razorbill. (Alca tarda, Lin.)
Cormorant. (Carbo cormoranus, Meyer.) Locally known as the "Isle of Wight parson."
Shag. (Carbo cristatus, Tem.)
Herring Gull. (Larus argentatus, Brun.) It is to be seen at all seasons with the four birds above mentioned, breeding like them in the Freshwater Cliffs of the Isle of Wight. The shag and the cormorant were the commonest birds along the south-east coast of the Forest in Gilpin's time (vol. II. pp. 172, 302, third edition), but are now becoming rare; and Mr. More, in his excellent account of the birds of the Isle of Wight, doubts whether more than one or two pairs now annually breed in the Island.
Thus the Forest possesses in all seventy-two residents. The common buzzard, the merlin, the henharrier, the three owls, and as many woodpeckers, with the nuthatch and the stockdove, well indicate its woody and heathy character. Upon comparing this with Mr. More's list of the residents of the Isle of Wight, we find that the Forest possesses fourteen more than that Island. The principal additions consist, as might be expected, of the common buzzard, black-grouse, green and great and lesser spotted woodpeckers, common snipe, and woodcock, although by the way the last, to my knowledge, breeds in the Island, as also probably the little grebe.
The summer visitors are arranged by the date of the arrival of the main body, drawn partly from Mr. Rake's and my own observations. In a few cases, as a further criterion, I have given the dates of their nesting spread over the last four years.
Chiffchaff. (Sylvia rufa. Lath.) Arrives about the middle and end of March. Common.
Wheatear. (Sylvia ænanthe. Lath.) Follows very close after the chiffchaff; but the bird is scarce.
Sand-martin. (Hirundo riparia, Lath.) In 1862, Mr. Rake saw some specimens near Fordingbridge on March 15th, about a week earlier than usual.
Martin. (Hirundo urbica, Lin.) Arrives with the sandmartin about the end of March, though sometimes both are seen a little earlier.
Swallow. (Hirundo rustica, Lin.)
Wryneck. (Yunx torquilla, Lin.) Generally to be heard about the end of March and beginning of April. Known in the Forest as the "Little Eten bird;" and from its cry the "Weet bird." Mr. Rake both heard and saw one as late as Dec. 5, 1861.
Redstart. (Sylvia phœnicurus, Lath.) Beginning of April.
Thicknee. (Œdienæmus crepitans, Tem.) It is possible that some may remain to breed.
Nightingale. (Sylvia luscinia, Lath.) About the middle of May their nests are mostly found in the Forest.
Cuckoo. (Cuculus canorus, Lin.) May 26 and June 1 are the dates when I have found its eggs placed, in one case, at Baishley, in a hedge sparrow's, and in the other, on Beaulieu Common, in a titlark's nest.
Blackcap. (Sylvia atricapilla, Lath.) Arrives about the beginning and middle of April.
Rat's Wagtail. (Motacilla campestris, Pall.) Known in the New Forest as the "Barley bird," as it appears about the time barley is sown. Probably does not breed.
Grasshopper Warbler. (Sylvia locustella, Lath.) Breeds in the young plantations, but is by no means common.
Sedge Warbler. (Sylvia Phragmitis, Bechst.) Very scarce.
Willow Wren. (Sylvia trochilus, Lath.) Many are to be seen about the middle and end of April in the young enclosures, where I have frequently caught the bird on its nest.
Wood Wren. (Sylvia sibilatrix, Bechst.) Its nests and eggs are generally found about the same time as the willow wren's.
Whitethroat. (Sylvia cinerea, Lath.) Common.
Lesser Whitethroat. (Sylvia curruca, Lath.) Not abundant.
Whinchat. (Sylvia rubetra, Lath.) Known throughout the Forest as the "Furze Hacker."
Tree Pipit. (Anthus arboreus, Bechst.) Common.
Reed Wren. (Sylvia arundinacea, Lath.) The five foregoing species come much about the same time, namely, the end of April, but the reed wren is excessively scarce in the Forest, and I have only once or twice heard its note in the Beaulieu river. Mr. Hart assures me that it builds on the banks of the Avon, but its nest has yet to be found.
Landrail. (Gallinula crex, Lath.) About the end of April or beginning of May. A good many yearly build round Milton, and the south parts of the Forest, and even in the interior, as at Fritham and Alum Green.
Common Sandpiper. (Tetanus hypoleucos. Tem.) A pair now and then remain to breed at Whitten pond, near Burley, and also at Ocknell.
Turtle Dove. (Columba turtur, Lin.) Not uncommon. Makes a slight framework of heather for a nest, which it places in a furze bush or low holly. Is extremely shy, and easily forsakes its eggs.
Swift. (Cypselus apus, Illig.)
Nightjar. (Caprimulgus Europæus, Lin.) Known throughout the Forest as the "Night Hawk," "Night Crow," "Ground Hawk," from its habits, and manner of flying. I have received its eggs at all dates, from the middle of May to the end of July.
Spotted Flycatcher. (Muscicapa grisola, Lin.) Arrives about the same time as the three preceding, namely, the beginning of May.
Redbacked Shrike. (Lanius collurio, Lin.)
Hobby. (Falco subbuteo, Lath.) Generally breeds from the beginning to the end of June. Mr. Farren, however, in 1861, found a nest containing three eggs so early as May 28th. See Chapter XXII. p. 261.
Honey Buzzard. (Falco apivorus, Lin.) Never arrives before the end of May. See Chapter xxii. pp. 262-265.
Puffin. (Mormon fratercula. Tem.) Comes to the Barton cliffs from the Isle of Wight, where it breeds.
Here, as before, the list clearly indicates the nature of the country. The wheatear proclaims the down-like spaces on the tops of the hills, whilst the hobby and the honey-buzzard tell of the vast extent of woods. In the following division the winter birds speak, instead, of the morasses and bogs, and the river estuaries and mudbanks, which surround the Forest district.
Shorteared owl. (Strix brachyotus, Gmel.) Not uncommon. Mr. Cooper, the Forest Keeper to whom I have before referred, tells me that in winter and late in the autumn for twenty years past he has invariably met specimens in heathy and marshy spots at Harvestslade between Burley and Boldrewood. A specimen was killed in November, 1860, in Dibden Bottom, by L. H. Cumberbatch, Esq.
Fieldfare. (Turdus pilaris, Lin.) Large numbers frequent the Forest, where it is known as the "blacktail." It especially frequents the hawthorn, and seldom approaches the hollies till the berries of the former are all eaten.
Siskin. (Fingilla spinus, Lin.) Now and then taken by the birdcatchers.
Lesser Redpole. (Fingilla linaria, Lin.) I should not be surprised if this was discovered to breed in the Forest, as so many pair are seen late in the spring.
Crossbill. (Loxia curvirostra, Lin.) Not uncommon. In Dec., 1861, a large flock frequented the plantations round Burley. A few pair are sometimes to be seen in the summer, and Mr. Farren mentions a nest built in a fir-tree in a garden near Lyndhurst, June, 1858, but the birds were unfortunately not preserved, though their identity is beyond dispute.
Hooded Crow. (Corvus comix, Lin.) Not unfrequent.
Golden Plover. (Charadrius plucialis, Lin.)
Ringed Plover. (Charadrius hiaticula, Lin.) Known, with the dunlin, in the neighbourhood of Christchurch and Lymington, as the "oxbird."
Sanderling. (Calidris arenaria, Leach.) Not uncommon on the coast, especially in Christchurch harbour.
Bittern. (Ardea stellaris, Lin.) Not a year passes without several specimens being brought to the bird stuffers. Mr. Rake tells me that five were killed close to Fordingbridge in the winter of 1858.
Curlew. (Numenius arquata, Lin.)
Green Sandpiper. (Totanus ochropus, Tem.) Rather common between Lymington and Calshot Castle. Mr. Rake informs me that a pair were shot at Hale, on the borders of the New Forest, April, 1858; and Mr. Hart tells me that he has shot several in the summer in Stanpit Marsh. In June, 1862, I saw several pair near Leap, so that it probably breeds on the coast.
Jack Snipe. (Scolopax gallinula, Lin.) Mr. Cooper tells me that he has known this bird lie so close that he has walked up to it and caught it with his hat.
Knot. (Tringa Canutus, Lin.) Not uncommon during the spring at Christchurch Harbour. Mr. Tanner has a specimen in his collection, knocked down with a stick by a boy.
Dunlin. (Tringa variabilis, Meyer.) By no means uncommon. See Ringed Plover.
Grey-lag Goose. (Anser ferus, Steph.)
Bean Goose. (Anser segetum, Gmel.) A stray bird from the Solent sometimes finds its way to Whitten and Ocknell ponds.
Brent Goose. (Anser bernicla, Illig.) Locally known as the "Brangoose."
Hooper. (Cygnus musicus, Tem.)
Pintail Duck. (Anas acuta, Lin.)
Wigeon. (Anas Penelope, Lin.)
Common Scoter. (Anas nigra, Lin.)
Pochard. (Anas ferina, Lin.) Known along the coast as the "redhead" and "ker."
Scaup Duck. (Anas marila, Lin.)
Tufted Duck. (Anas Juligula, Lin.)
Red-breasted Merganser. (Mergus serrator, Lin.) Known to the fishermen at Christchurch as the "razorbill."
Great Crested Grebe. (Podiceps cristatus, Lath.) Appears every winter in Christchurch harbour, and may be seen just cresting the waves, as they break under the Barton Cliffs. Mr. Rake informs me that specimens were killed at Breamore, November, 1855, and again, Jan., 1856.
Great Northern Diver. (Colymbus glacialis, Lin.)
Red Throated Diver. (Colymbus septentrionalis, Lin.) Not so common as the last.
Gannet. (Sula Bassana, Boie.)
Blackheaded Gull. (Larus ridibundus, Lin.)
Kittiwake. (Larus tridactylus, Lin.)
Common Gull. (Larus canus, Lin.)
Lesser Blackbacked Gull. (Larus fuscus, Lin.) Used formerly to breed in the Freshwater Cliffs of the Isle of Wight.
Great Blackbacked Gull. (Larus marinus, Lin.)
The difficulty in the foregoing list has been to decide which species to insert or omit. Many which I have left out, others, perhaps, would have given, will be found placed amongst my last catalogue of stragglers. But before we take these, let me mention two birds of double passage which visit the Forest.
Ring-ousel. (Turtlus torquatus, Lin.) A few appear in the spring, but the greater body in the autumn, when they frequent the yews and mountain ashes, being especially fond of the sweet berries of the former. They will hide and skulk, much as a blackbird does, in the furze and brambles, and old thick hedges on the borders of the Forest. Mr. Rake sends me the following interesting note: "An intelligent working man, somewhat, too, of an ornithologist, told me that a few years since he took its nest with four or five eggs, near Ringwood, having a distinct view of the bird as she left the nest."
The Dotterel. (Charadrius morinellus, Lin.) Little flocks of them may be seen in the Forest in April, and again in the autumn; but they stay only for a few days.
These are the only two birds which I can satisfactorily class as being truly of double passage. The common sandpiper remains to breed, whilst the grey plover and the whimbrel are killed in the depth of winter. The common redshank, which is generally placed in this division, remains all the year, and the greenshank is seen in the summer, whilst the bar-tailed godwit appears too seldom to admit of being classified in this section. We will therefore go on to the next list, which includes all those birds that cannot be arranged in the foregoing divisions, with the rare stragglers which are driven here by accident, or only appear at uncertain intervals.
Golden Eagle. (Falco chrysaëlos, Lin.) The last seen was killed, according to Mr. Hart, about twenty years ago, at the mouth of Christchurch harbour.
Spotted Eagle. (Falco navius, Gmel.) A fine male specimen was shot, Dec. 28th, 1861, by a keeper of Lord Normanton's, in the plantations near Somerley. The bird had been noticed for some days previously hovering over the Forest. Mr. Rake, who saw it in the flesh, tells me that the wings measured six feet from tip to tip, and its weight was exactly eight pounds.
White-tailed Eagle. (Falco albicilla, Gmel.) See Chapter XXII., p. 260.
Osprey. (Falco haliæëtus, Lin.) Might almost be classed as a regular visitor in the autumn along the coast.
Goshawk. (Falco palumbarius, Lin.) Sometimes a stray bird is killed.
Kite. (Fulco milvus, Lin.) Very scarce. Mr. Farren, however, in April, 1861, was lucky enough to see a solitary bird; and another, as L. H. Cumberbatch, Esq., informs me, was trapped at New Park, about six years ago, in the winter.
Bough-legged Buzzard. (Falco lagopus, Brün.) Mr. Rake informs me that a specimen was trapped near Fordingbridge, in the summer of 1857. It is, however, more generally noticed later in the year.
Little Owl. (Strix passerina. Lath.) When Mr. Farren first mentioned this bird as breeding in the Forest, I was somewhat incredulous. Subsequent inquiries, however, have left no doubt on my mind that the bird is sometimes seen, though mistaken for a hawk. Mr. Farren, as far back as 1859, found two eggs in a bole of an oak, which seem to have been those of this bird; and in 1862 I received information of a hawk laying white eggs in a hollow tree, but which were unfortunately broken. I hope, however, some day to be able to give more satisfactory information on the subject.
Ash-coloured Harrier. (Falco cineraceus, Mont.) Mr. Hart has, during the last twenty years, received three or four specimens to stuff—one in the winter of 1861. Mr. Farren saw a male bird, April, 1861.
Great Grey Shrike. (Lanius excubitor, Lin.) A straggler is now and then killed by the Forest keepers.
Woodchat Shrike. (Lanius rufus, Briss.) As some pairs are sometimes to be seen in the summer, I should not be surprised to hear of its breeding, more especially as Mr. Bond has obtained its eggs in the Isle of Wight.
Pied Flycatcher. (Muscicapa atricapilla, Lin.) A specimen was shot by the late Mr. Toomer, Forest keeper, June, 1857; but I cannot learn whether male or female.
White's Thrush. (Turdus Whitei, Eyton.) Two specimens have been obtained; one in the actual Forest shot by a Forest keeper, and which passed into Mr. Bigge's collection; and the other, not far from its borders at Heron Court, by Lord Malmesbury, and which is figured in Yarrell, vol. i., p. 202. For the best account of this bird see Mr. Tomes' description in the Ibis, vol. i., number iv., p. 379, of a specimen killed in Warwickshire.
Golden Oriole. (Oriolus galbula, Lin.) A specimen was killed in the Forest by one of the keepers, some fifteen years ago.
Black Redstart. (Sylvia tithys, Scop.) I am almost inclined to put this, as Mr. Knox has done in his excellent Ornithological Rambles (page 193), and Mr. More in his list of the birds of the Isle of Wight, among the winter visitors, so many examples having occurred.
Great Sedge Warbler. (Sylvia turdoides, Meyer.) Mr. Farren, in June, 1858, found between Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, a nest, containing five eggs, which were supposed to be those of this bird, and were exhibited at a meeting of the Linnæan Society. They are now, I believe, in the collection of Mr. Seeley.
Firecrested Regulus. (Regulus ignicapillus, Nawm.) Sometimes seen in the winter, but rare.
Crested Titmouse. (Parus cristatus, Lin.) Mr. Hart has once only received a specimen, killed in Stanpit Marsh, near Christchurch. The bird has also been killed in the Isle of Wight.
Bearded Titmouse. (Parus biarmicus, Lin.) I once received the eggs of this bird, taken amongst the reeds of the Boldre stream,—the only instance, I believe, of its breeding so far south. The bird has also been seen near Christchurch, among the rushes close to the mouth of the harbour.
Bohemian Waxwing. (Bombycilla garrula, Flem.) Mr. Hart tells me that a specimen was shot about twelve years ago at Milton, on the south border of the Forest.
Grayheaded Wagtail. (Motacilla neglecta, Gould.) Very rare; but has, on Mr. Hart's authority, been killed.
Short-toed Lark. (Alauda brachydactyla, Leisl.) A specimen, caught not far from the Forest boundary, is now in the Rev. J. Bartlett's aviary. See The Zoologist, March, 1862, p. 7930.
Snow Bunting. (Emberiza nicalis, Lin.) A few are occasionally seen during hard winters.
Brambling. (Fringilla montifringilla, Lin.) Occurs like the former bird only during severe frosts. Mr. Rake informs me that a pair were killed near Fordingbridge, in February, 1853.
Tree Sparrow. (Fringilla montana, Lin.) Rare.
Mealy Redpole. (Fringilla borealis, Tem.) Sometimes caught by the birdcatchers.
Parrot Crossbill. (Loxia pityopsittacus, Bechst.) Mr. Rake informs me that one was killed at Breamore, Nov. 28th, 1855, out of a flock of a dozen, and that a few days afterwards several more were killed.
Rose-coloured Pastor. (Pastor roseus, Tem.) A fine male was shot some twenty years ago, by Mr. Hart's brother, at Purewell.
Chough. (Pyrrhocorax graculus, Tem.) Becoming every year more scarce. See Chapter XXII., pp. 274, 275.
Great Black Woodpecker. (Picus martius, Lin.) On its breeding habits in Sweden, see Mr. Simpson's account in the Ibis, vol. i., p. 264, which agrees about the bird not making a fresh hole, as described at pp. 272, 273.
Hoopoe. (Upupa epops, Lin.) See Chapter XXII, p. 274.
White-bellied Swift. (Cypselus alpinus, Tem.) Mr. Hart informs me that a specimen was killed about ten years ago over Christchurch harbour.
Rock Dove. (Columba livia, Briss.)
Red-legged Partridge. (Perdix rubra, Briss) Introduced many years ago by the late Mr. Baring, of Somerley; but very few, if any, are left.
Quail. (Perdix coturnix, Lath.) Sometimes to be seen amongst the covies of partridges in the fields adjoining the Forest.
Great Bustard. (Otis tarda, Lin._) The last bustard, as mentioned in Chapter II., p. 14, footnote, was seen about twenty five years ago by one of the Forest keepers, near Eyeworth Wood; but though on horseback, he could not overtake the bird, which ran across Butt's Plain, aiding itself by flapping its wings.
Little Bustard. (Otis tetrax, Lin.) A female was shot some years ago near Heron Court; and is in Lord Malmesbury's collection. See Eyton's Rarer British Birds, p. 99.
Kildeer Plover. (Charadrius vociferus, Lin.) This rare straggler, the only one ever known to have been seen in England, was shot, April, 1859, in a potato field close to Knapp Mill, near Christchurch, by a man of the name of Dowding, who was attracted to it by its peculiar flight, such as is described by Audubon, as also by its monotonous cry, from which its name is taken. The bird was brought in the flesh to Mr. Hart, and is now in the collection of J. Tanner, Esq. The vignette at p. 318 well shows its difference from the common ring dotterel.
Little Ringed Plover. (Charadrius minor, Meyer.) Very rare. Mr. Hart has only had one specimen, brought to him many years ago.
Grey Plover. (Vanellus melanogaster, Bechst.) Not uncommon during severe winters in the harbours along the coast.
Turnstone. (Strepsilas interpres, Ill.) Not uncommon. My friend, Mr. Tanner, has killed both male and female in summer plumage.
Oyster-catcher. (Hæmatopus ostralegus, Lin.) By no means uncommon.
Purple Heron. (Ardea purpurea, Lin.) One or two specimens have occasionally been shot.
Little Egret. (Ardea garzetta, Lin.) Mr. Rake informs me that one was said to have been shot some years ago at Hale, on the borders of the Forest. Yarrell mentions another (vol.ii., p. 554) killed, in 1822, on the Stour near Christchurch.
Squacco Heron. (Ardea ralloides, Scop.) A solitary specimen, shot a few years ago at Christchurch Harbour, is now in Lord Malmesbury's collection. See Eyton's Rarer British Birds, p. 100, where Dewhurst must probably be a misprint for Christchurch.
Little Bittern. (Ardea minuta, Lin.) Mr. Hart, to whom I am under so many obligations for notices of our stragglers, informs me that a fine male bird was shot, April, 26, 1862, on the borders of the Forest, at Heron Court, by one of Lord Malmesbury's keepers.
Night Heron. (Nycticorax ardeola, Tem.) Mr. Hart has occasionally received a specimen.
Glossy Ibis. (Ibis falcinellus, Tem.) Mr. Hart killed a young pair in a meadow near Christchurch Harbour in September, 1859.
Whimbrel. (Numenius phæopus, Lath.) Not so very uncommon during the late autumn and winter mouths along the harbours of the coast.
Spotted Redshank. (Totanus fuscus, Leisl.) On the authority of Mr. Hart, who has killed it in Christchurch Harbour.
Avocet. (Recurvirostra avocetta, Lin.) Mr. Rake informs me of a specimen shot at Exbury, Dec. 1858.
Blacktailed Godwit, (Limosa melanura, Leisl.) Mr. Hart received one in the spring of 1860, and a fine specimen was killed by one of the Forest keepers, some twenty years ago, on Ocknell pond. Hawker, who well knew the sea-coast of the New Forest, mentions large flocks of "grey godwits" off Keyhaven, May, 1842. but he does not distinguish between this and the next species.
Bartailed Godwit. (Limosa rufa, Briss.) Mr. Hart had two pair brought to him from the Mudeford Marsh, in the summer of 1861.
Ruff. (Machetes pugnax, Cuv.) A specimen is now and then killed.
Great Snipe. (Scolopax major, Gmel.) Generally one or two may be seen in the Forest every winter. Mr. Cooper, the Forest keeper, to whom I have previously referred, tells me that during the last twenty years he has shot some six or seven specimens, and has seen as many more killed.
Sabine's Snipe. (Scolopax Sabini, Vigors.) See Common Snipe (Scolopax gallinago), in the list of residents, p. 309.
Curlew Sandpiper. (Tringa subarquata. Tem.)
Little Stint. (Tringa minuta, Leisl.) Like the preceding, not so very unfrequent along the coast.
Purple Sandpiper. (Tringa maritima, Brün.) Occasionally seen in Christchurch Harbour.
Spotted Crake. (Gallinula porzana, Lath.) Has been seen both in winter and summer; and I should not be surprised to hear of its breeding.
Baillon's Crake. (Gallinula Baillonii, Tem.) A female was shot near Linwood, in the Forest, Nov., 1860.
Grey Phalarope. (Phalaropus platyrhyncus, Tem.) Mr. Rake informs me that several specimens were killed on the Avon in the severe winter of 1855-6, and again in 1860-1. Mr. Tanner has a pair in his collection, shot in the mouth of Christchurch Harbour in summer plumage.
Whitefronted Goose. (Anser albifrons, Bechst.)
Bernacle Goose. (Anser leucopsis, Bechst.) From Mr. Hart I learn that a pair were killed some years ago between Christchurch and Barton.
Ægyptian Goose. (Anser Ægyptiacus, Jenyns) From Mr. Rake I learn that a specimen was killed on the Avon, near Bicton Mill, February, 1855.
Bewick's Swan. (Cygnus minor, Keys and Bl.)
Shoveller. (Anas clypeata, Lin.) Mr. Rake, in his manuscript notes, which he so kindly put in my hands, mentions that this and the gadwall and Bewick's swan, were killed on the Avon during the hard winter of 1855.
Gadwall. (Anas strepera, Lin.)
Garganey. (Anas querquedula, Lin.)
Eider Duck. (Anas mollissima, Lin.)
Velvet Scoter. (Anas fusca, Lin.) Sometimes shot by the Mudeford fishermen, but always outside the bar of the harbour.
Long-tailed Duck. (Anas glacialis, Lin.)
Golden Eye. (Anas clangula, Lin.)
Smew. (Mergus albellus, Lin.) Seen, like the two previous, during hard winters on the Avon. Mr. Rake notes that one was killed at Breamore, Nov., 1855; and Mr. Hart writes that he once saw a person kill two at one shot in Christchurch Harbour.
Goosander. (Mergus merganser, Lin.) Rather rare. Mr. Rake, however, informs me that one male and two or three females were killed near Fordingbridge in the winter of 1855.
Red-necked Grebe. (Podiceps ruficollis, Lath.) Rather rare.
Sclavonian Gbeue. (Podiceps cornutus, Lath.) Very rare. Mr. Hart has never known an instance of one being killed, though he has received a specimen or two from the Dorsetshire coast.
Eared Grebe. (Podiceps auritus, Lath.) Rather rare, but occasionally killed by the Mudeford fishermen.
Black-throated Diver (Colymbus arcticus, Lin.) Occurs pretty plentifully during some winters along the coast.
Little Auk. (Uria alle, Tem.) Found sometimes along the coast after a heavy storm.
Caspian Tern. (Sterna Caspia, Pall.) On the authority of Mr. Hart one was shot, about ten years ago, in Christchurch Harbour.
Common Tern. (Sterna hirundo, Lin.) This, with the next, is sometimes, after a heavy gale, picked up in an exhausted state. I saw one which had been thus caught near Fordingbridge in September, 1861.
Artic Tern. (Sterna arctica, Flem.)
Lesser Tern. (Sterna minuta, Lin.) Seen during a hard winter.
Black Tern. (Sterna nigra, Briss.) A pair were, not long ago, shot by Mr. Charles Reeks, near the Old Bridge, Christchurch.
Little Gull. (Larus minutus, Pall.) Mr. Rake informs me that a pair of these rare birds were killed near Breamore, in November, 1855.
Glaucous Gull. (Larus glaucus, Brün.) A solitary specimen has, I believe, once been shot near Christchurch, by the Hon. Grantley Berkeley, in whose collection it is.
Common Skua. (Lestris catarractes, Ill.) Occasionally killed flying round Christchurch Head.
Fork-tailed Petrel. (Thalassidroma Leachii, Tem.) Mr. Rake informs me that a specimen was picked up dead, near Fordingbridge, November, 1859.
Stormy Petrel. (Thalassidroma pelagica, Vigors.) Frequently picked up dead, or exhausted, along the coast, after severe weather, with the wind blowing from the west.
Adopting Yarrell's census, an analysis of these lists gives to the Forest district 72 out of the 140 British residents, 31 out of our 63 summer visitors, 35 winter visitors, and of rarer birds and stragglers, 90; or altogether, including the two birds of double passage, 230 species out of the whole 354.
Since these lists were printed, Mr. Rake sends me word, concerning the reed wren, that in the winter of 1858, a nest, evidently built the preceding summer, and exactly resembling that bird's, was found in a thick bed of reeds on the bank of the Avon, near Fordingbridge, but he has never seen the birds or eggs from the neighbourhood.
With regard to the kildeer plover, I may add that several persons saw it in the flesh, and that Mr. Tanner received it soon after it was mounted. My only surprise is with Dr. Sclater (see the Ibis vol. iv., No. xv., p. 277), that a bird with so large a range of flight should not before this have been recorded as occurring in England.
The vignette is, with a slight alteration of position, taken from Mr. Tanner's specimen.
