Smithsonian Institution Sibraries
Alexander Wetmore
194 6 Sixth Secretary 1 953
Ve
Peep lR DS OF BERKSHIRE AND
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.
‘
5 ‘fF A } y | : i on Ms Re
:
THE LONG-EARED OWL.
Strix. otus.
3, \ ro S
THE
BPRDS OF BERKSHIRE
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE: ,
@ CONTRIBUTION, TO THE Nan URAL HISTORY OF THE: TWO COONTIES.
BY.
ALEXANDER W. M’ CLARK KENNEDY, “AN ETON BOY,”
MEMBER OF THE HIGH WYCOMBE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Eton : INGALTON AND DRAKE.
London : SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND COMPANY. 1868.
LONDON: RK. CLAY, SON, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS, BREAD STREET HILL.
£0 (THE, READER,
** Like as the little lark from off its nest, Beside the mossy hill, awakes in glee, To seek the morning’s throne, a merry guest ; So do I seek thy shrine, if that may be, To win by new attempts another smile from thee.” CLARE,
ak pipeibemd?
Care a
M eth pet. waa ait bth dps |
Hits ea 1
2 a ia ae) Be <4 vA wm a
ae Aa
ean ii vu he :
Ak. His Ropal Highness PMN Ch, 1B ORO Ew
THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY
Dedicated,
BY HIS HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT SERVANT, ALEXANDER W. M. CLARK KENNEDY, IN REMEMBRANCE OF MANY HAPPY HOURS SPENT WITH HIM AT
WINDSOR CASTLE.
yee ae Pa
: : . as s e 7 Zz. 7 : : ‘ao Hitt Qe en) IO” x
ey eRe iss keen $41 tis ay tl |
F 7 . ih 3 oP A Y . . Ae AJ A } * > s ; b F QS ' ’ » er ‘ y “ : ‘ j ay -.
eal gl RR Sat a ae ee
‘Mav this magnificent study’ (of Ornithology), ‘second to none but Theology, daily gain more favour in the eyes of the public; and be the time not far distant when observers shall arise capable of giving greater accuracy and precision to our knowledge of British Birds. While the world en- dures, be it a thousand” years. or a million * of centuries, the works of God will never be fully com- prehended by man; and thus there is delightful occupation in view for all time.’* These are’ the words of a true Ornithologist, and they seem to point out to us that too much can never be written of the wonderful works of God. Be the writer discoursing on birds, animals, fishes, insects, or any of the numberless works of Nature, he will still have much to learn, many new facts to note down,
* Professor Macgillivray.
x PREFACE.
many fresh habits to observe; and, lastly, will have an endless source of enjoyment in studying and inquiring into the life-histories of a most interesting portion of the creation.
A complete Natural History of British Birds can scarcely be written by one man unassisted; but by the inquiries of several into the ornithology of particular districts the task may eventually be accomplished, and, at the same time, more perfectly executed. Surely if one naturalist would undertake the Birds of this county, another of that, and so on, materials for forming a Com- plete Ornithology of Great Britain would be forth- coming, and ample details would thus be placed in the hands of some competent person—a_ future Yarrell—for compiling the work, which would indeed be a boon to all naturalists, }
An ardent wish to see the ornithology of each British county represented has prompted me to place these rough notes in the hands of the public, and it has been my endeavour, as far as_ possible, to follow in the footsteps of the able authors of
‘Ornithological Rambles in Sussex, the ‘ Birds of
PREFACE. x1
Middlesex,’ and the ‘ Birds of Norfolk.’ I now am pleased to be able to add to the list the ‘Birds of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. I trust that, ere long, we shall be presented with accounts of the Avi-fauna of many other counties, and that our labour, by being thus divided, will be found more perfectly executed.
Although I have closely adhered to the nomencla- ture of Yarrell in the following pages, I have availed myself of a method similar to that proposed by the editor of the Zoologist, Mr. Edward Newman, in an appendix to the ‘Letters of Rusticus on Natural History, and one which, I think, if more generally adopted by Ornithologists, would do much towards helping a stranger to form a general idea of the Birds of a particular district.
I have accordingly classed my birds under five heads :—
~ Residents. Summer Visitors. Winter Visitors. Spring and Autumn Visitors, being the species
xi PREFACE.
which pay us literally ‘a flying visit’ during the time of the periodical migrations. And lastly,
Rare and Accidental Visitors, which occur only at uncertain intervals.
The two counties whose Avi-fauna I have under- taken to chronicle can boast of no less than 225 species, a number by no means insignificant for an inland county. Doubtless many more rare birds have been obtained of which I have not received notices, but in a future edition I shall hope to add to my list, and shall accordingly be obliged for any notes of the occurrence of rare stragglers in either county which may here have escaped notice.
The following is a summary of the Birds of the
two counties according to the arrangement I have
adopted :— eesuictia es See eee mae Summer Wisiters 6 fies, Fst eae Se RAE SIRE At |G, ve) a: ee ake, ee ee Spring and Autumn Visitors . . . . . . 16 Rare and Accidental Visitors . . . . . . 80
Fotal Namber.. 9. oe a as
———_
It now only remains for me to return thanks to
the many kind friends who have given me their
PREFACE. xi
help and advice in this my first literary essay; and I will venture to say that in a similar undertaking few have met with more encouragement than has been bestowed on me during the progress of this little work.
To my friend Mr. R. B. Sharpe, of Cookham, I am much indebted for many interesting notes; and to the Rev. Charles Wolley, of Eton, the Rev. H. Harpur Crewe, of Drayton Beauchamp, and Mr. James Britten, of High Wycombe, I am under similar obligations. Mr. J. E. Harting, of Kingsbury, has been most kind in his endeavours to make my work as complete as possible, and I owe him a debt of gratitude for a personal super- vision of the following pages as they were passing through the press. The Rev. Bryant Burgess, of Latimer, has forwarded many ornithological notes from the neighbourhood of Chesham; and the Rev. E. D. Stone, of Eton College, has, during the pro- gress of this work, furnished many useful hints. The Rev. F. O. Morris was good enough to write me word that I might make any extracts from his
‘British Birds;’ and Mr. Gould has kindly informed
X1V PREFACE.
me of several rare captures, and allowed me to take notes from his finely coloured ‘Birds of Great Britain. To Professor Newton, of Cambridge, I am indebted for much kindly advice and useful information ; and Mr. Dalziel Mackenzie, of Henley- on-Thames, also deserves my thanks for a series of notes on some of the rarer birds which have been taken near Fawley, Medmenham, and other places in his immediate neighbourhood. I have received much information from local birdstuffers, but have given credence only to such reports as seemed thoroughly trustworthy.
Lastly, I thank my subscribers for their support, and trust that while they criticise the following pages, they will extend that indulgence which is
naturally looked for by an author of sixteen.
ALEXANDER W. M. CLARK KENNEDY.
ETON COLLEGE, BUCKS, March, 1868.
iB es ig ial sigh lls f
———_— hy
PAGE PERE S Oat yl Gogh ag ak ee ante SUMMER VISITORS ‘ . 69 aR MAP EMO WOES ETI ORS 3) c0t OS. apt ay’ les shah Stes Pan cape ae MOD Buk Mote eg ee SEvinc AND AUTUMN VISITORS 6 oa. <))cc'e (ew ce) wipes a BG Hamman iy ACCIDEN TAT, VESIFORS (i. 7.. «8 eo ie sya te oy eae SES TELE M0 ie DRA ICIS RRP DLP OU au hater DIMER ORE BRA See VF
ASHE CD) DoS) MASS GITA 118) 08 CST en a URRY OL Pi ef
} a } fy, A ba. ‘ ve
et TRU 7 ‘
fis ; ¢ ER ear © an ans Mitty! Xiyi! or. oun neasiete ky $ my tiie Rot aie i & ne if Laie oe fia
iA
+ ee a ob de oa te
@ As}
4? wie
foe pik DS OF BERKSHIRE ANE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.
RESIDENTS.
ORDER I.—RAPTORES.
Family—FALconiD&.
KESTREL (Falco Tinnunculus). Local names, Wind- hover, Hover Hawk. A common species, particularly “in the neighbourhood of Eton, Surley, and Windsor. Any one, while taking a stroll in summer, may see one or more of these hawks hovering over the fields in search of its usual food, grasshoppers and mice. I once observed five hunting in the same field. This bird breeds abundantly in both counties, as proved by the number of eggs which are taken in the season, and of these I have seen several curious varieties.
Mr. Sharpe tells me that it is a common bird at Cookham, and that it breeds annually in Cliefden Woods, where he has seen six at one time sailing
B
2 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
~
overhead. For two successive years a pair of Kestrels bred in some tall fir-trees at Formosa, and birds of this species have been frequently observed in the grounds of Mr. Burrows at Cookham. Some time since, a male Kestrel was shot in the act of grasping a slowworm, which it held so tightly, that when it arrived at Cookham from Reading its feet still re- tained their hold, notwithstanding that the victim was alive!
In his account of ‘The Birds of Cookham and the Neighbourhood, Mr. Sharpe states that this hawk feeds chiefly on small birds: I think mice constitute its principal food, although it has occasionally been seen to carry off live sparrows, redpoles, siskins, and gold-finches ; and as a proof of its voracity, a London bird-fancier once exhibited a young Kestrel which had been killed and partly devoured by others of its own species.
‘TI remember well, says.Mr. Sharpe, ‘having crept close up to a flock of sparrows, I was about to fire from behind the hedge, when I saw a brown thing jumping about on the ground in the midst of them. I thought at first it was a stoat, but I soon saw it was a Kestrel, and I stood watching it. What surprised me most was, that the sparrows did not fly, but were dodging about like mice on all sides of the hawk, apparently aware that if once on the wing, the hawk would soon overtake them, whereas on the sround their smaller size and superior agility enabled
FALCONIDZ. 3
them to elude his grasp. The Kestrel, however, con- quered, for I heard a squeak, and then the whirr of the flock as it took flight, and immediately after the hawk flew over my head with a sparrow in its claw, I had never thought of firing till he was out of reach, but I followed the direction he took, and he finally darted out from under a ploughshare, where I found the sparrow with his head eaten off.’
SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter Nisus). This also is a common species, but not so numerous as the Kestrel. Many of these hawks are shot annually as vermin, and almost every house one enters with any stuffed birds in it, is certain to contain this hawk among the rest. It breeds abundantly, and so many nests are taken every season, that it is surprising that it con- trives to ‘increase and multiply’ as it does. I have seen many tame Sparrowhawks in Eton and Windsor, and they appear to thrive well in confinement.
By nature the Sparrowhawk is exceedingly bold and impetuous, and many instances are recorded in which one of these birds has been known to fly against a window in pursuit of its prey, killing itself by the force of the shock. The food of this hawk comprises small birds of all descriptions, phea- sants, partridges, and grouse, the denizens of the poultry-yard occasionally suffering from its depre- dations; mice are sometimes, though rarely, found in its crop.
he males separate from the females early in winter.
4 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
MARSH HARRIER (Circus @ruginosus). Resident throughout the year, but nowhere numerous. It is distributed sparingly in both counties, and is doubt- less often confounded with the Hen Harrier. It was formerly more common than it now is; and when there was a greater extent of uncultivated heaths and moorland wastes the Marsh Harrier might frequently have been observed sailing in mid- air in search of prey. A few are still to be seen at various seasons in the neighbourhood of Chesham ; and it remains all the year in some favoured locali- ties, which are now, alas! ‘few and far between,’ in the two counties.
The Rev. Bryant Burgess, of Latimer, near Ches- ham, wrote me word of an immature Marsh Harrier, which was killed some years ago at Risborough.
HEN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus). Local names, Ringtail, Buzzard, Moor Buzzard. Resident, but not numerous. A good specimen of this Harrier was preserved by Mr. Hasell, of Bexley Street, Windsor, who told me that it was trapped by one of the royal keepers in Windsor Forest in the year 1855. Another bird of this species—a female—was shot in Windsor Forest in either 1859 or 1860, but the exact date has not been recorded. A fine male was shot by a carpenter named Skelton, of Eton, in the year 1857. It was resting upon an elm-tree when he shot it, near the mathematical schools of Eton College. I saw the bird in the possession of Mr. Ferryman, of
STRIGIDA, 5
Datchet, who had preserved it. He informed me that it was the only bird of this species he ever saw in either of the two counties.
I have been told by Mrs. Hussey, of Brenthurst, Sussex, that some twenty years ago this Harrier used to be a common bird in Buckinghamshire, but it is to be regretted that this species, along with many of our nobler birds of prey, has now almost entirely disappeared from districts where it used formerly to be abundant. This is probably owing to the great increase in the number of gamekeepers, who, of course, kill every hawk they can ‘get a sight on,’ even the harmless Nightjar being occasionally included as a hawk in the ‘museums’ of such worthies. The Hen Harrier has occurred at Chesham and near Cookham, and it has been observed flying over Langley Park at such a low altitude as to enable the beholder to ascertain the species.
Famtly—STRIGIDA.
LONG-EARED OWL (Otus vulgaris\. Local names, Long-ears, Brown Owl, Horned Owl, This is a - tolerably common species in most parts of the two counties. Although a nocturnal feeder, I have on several occasions put up a Long-eared Owl by day, and have even observed one of these birds flying along the hedge-rows in broad daylight.
Owls of this species are numerous in Windsor
6 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
Forest, where they are often taken or shot as vermin! Vermin, indeed! I will undertake to say that for every rabbit or leveret they take, they destroy twice aS many rats, mice, and moles; and this might be proved if each specimen were examined when shot. They are common in Ditton Park, the seat of His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, and are to be found in Burnham Beeches, where their nests and eggs have been taken. They breed also in Langley Park, in Windsor Forest, near Winkfield, at Fulmer, and in many other wooded localities.
Mr. Ferryman, of Datchet, states that specimens of this bird are sometimes brought to him from that neighbourhood. The last which came under my notice was a large male bird, in fine plumage, which was killed by a keeper in Stoke Park, about the 20th of September, 1867. The following extract is from a letter from Mr. A. Collins, of the 57th Regiment, dated Manchester, 22nd November, 1867 :—
‘From my earliest recollection there have always been some five or six couple of Horned Owls in a small fir plantation on my father’s property, Better- ton, near Wantage. Probably the retired situation of this wcod—in a hollow of the Downs—had much to do with the owls’ making it their head-quarters, their wisdom being proverbial. My ambition, when I was a schoolboy, was to have one of these as a pet, but as the young birds were always fully fledged and strong on the wing by the time I got home for
STRIGIDE. >
the holidays, the difficulty was to catch one alive. However a deus ex machind arose in the shape of our old gamekeeper’s son. This worthy, Charles ‘by name, loaded his gun with split peas, which he informed me would stun the bird only, and while it was in that state it would fall an easy prey.
‘T thought this rather improbable, but set off with him to the plantation. After a long and hot search, for it was a broiling day in June, we espied an owl perched high up in a fir-tree and gazing down at us with its big yellow eyes. Bang! and down it came, with blood streaming from its head, and apparently as dead as any door-nail. My coadjutor, however, promptly enveloped it in his velveteen coat, and in a few minutes it was hissing and scratching to an alarming extent. We found afterwards that only one pea had struck it, just above the ear. I consigned it to a hen-coop, and for a long time despaired of taming it, but a. low diet worked wonders, and eventually it became so tame that it would ride about on my wrist or head I put up two or three perches in an old ivy-covered tree on the lawn, where it would sit very con- tentedly ; at night, for greater safety, it was con- signed to an old dog-kennel.
‘Alas! my owl was but mortal, and I found him one cold winter’s morning a frozen corpse. I had my old favourite’s head preserved, and it now hangs over a formidable array of pipes. Sometimes when
8 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
I look at it—like Wordsworth’s thrush in Cheapside— it recalls to me the hot still summer day when we effected its capture, and I almost try to sniff the delicious, fir-scented Downs’ air; but as these bar- racks are environed by a large gasometer, a brick- field, and a tan-yard, the ideal soon merges into a very disagreeable reality.’
The Rev. H. H. Crewe tells me that the Rev. D. Jenks, of Little Gaddesden, has a tame bird of this species, taken from the nest in Ashridge Park, where this owl breeds every year.
WHITE OWL (Strix flammea). Local names, Screech Owl, White Owl, Cherubim, Barn Owl, Church Owl. This pretty owl is a very common «species, and breeds abundantly in the two counties. Several pairs frequent the churches in the vicinity of Windsor, and many old barns possess their pair of ‘cherubims..’ The species is common in Windsor Great Park and Winkfield, in Berkshire, while in Buckinghamshire it is numerous at Ditton Park, near Eton Wick, Chesham, Cookham, Drayton Beauchamp, at Stoke Park, Burnham Beeches, and many other localities. A nest was taken from a tree in Burnham Beeches, in the spring of 1865, with as many as nine eggs. |
A pair of these White Owls built in a cavity near the top of the celebrated Herne’s Oak, in Windsor Park, the year before it was blown down.
Mr. Atkins, of Eton, once had a tame bird of this
STRIGID A. 9
species, which had been caught when young; it would hop upon his shoulder, sit upon the table while the family were at breakfast, eat from his hand, and had become quite domesticated.
The White Owl is a great benefactor to man, and shame on him who ruthlessly destroys one of these creatures. It is well known that they do infinitely more good than harm, as their prey consists of common mice, shrews, young rats, insects, and occa- sionally small birds—never aspiring to game, as is supposed. In the spring of 1866, an owl laid two eggs upon some loose hay in a dilapidated old shed, which used to stand by the side of the river Thames near Eton. The old bird was surprised one even- ing sitting upon her eggs, and permitted herself to be quietly captured by a boy. In this case there were no signs of a nest—the two eggs were merely laid upon the top of the hay.
Mr. A. Collins, to whom I have before referred, told me that a pair of these owls always nested in the hollow fork of an old elm-tree stretching over an arbour at Betterton, Wantage. One spring, on paying them a visit, he found some impudent jack- daws had driven them into the inmost recesses of the branch, and deposited their own eggs in the poor owls’ original nest. He immediately smashed the _jackdaws’ eggs, as a warning, and after that, the birds of wisdom were unmolested, and continued to occupy their old quarters.
fe) THE BIRDS .OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
TAWNY OWL (Syrnium aluco). Local name, brown Owl. A numerous species in the wooded districts. The Duke of Buccleuch’s gamekeeper states. that there are many of these birds in the Ditton woods, where they breed sparingly : of course, like all other members of this unlucky family of birds, they are shot down as vermin. That they do occasionally carry off a leveret or a rabbit I do not deny, but it appears to me that they do much more good than harm. .
Tawny Owls are often shot in Windsor Forest, where they breed. If this bird were not so. nocturnal in its habits, there is little doubt but that many more would be destroyed. Its loud melancholy hoot is likely to awaken a vague, uncomfortable feeling in the hearer, if he be not accustomed to such sounds ; and should he be walking through a churchyard, or some ancient ruin at the time, the note of this
‘Ominous and fearful owl of death’ *
cannot fail to be associated with the idea of dark deeds and ghosts.
Some ornithologists have noted that it is the habit of this species, and of the Barn Owl, to feed on fish: I have never known this to be the case, but Mr. Waterton? states that some years ago, on a fine evening in the month of
* Shakespeare’s Henry VI. Part I. Act iv. Scene 2. + ‘Essays on Natural History,’ p. 13.
STRIGID A. 1
July, long before it was dark, as he was standing on the middle of the bridge at Walton Hall, Yorkshire, and timing the owl by his watch as she brought mice into her nest, all on a sudden she dropped perpendicularly into the water. Thinking she had fallen down in an epilepsy, his first thought was to go and fetch the boat; but before he had got to the end of the bridge, he saw the owl rise out of the water with a fish in her claws, and take it to the nest.
12 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS
ORDER I].—INSESSORES. Tribe—DENTIROSTRES. Family—MERULID&.
MISSEL THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus). Local names, Mistletoe Thrush, Stormcock. This large Thrush is exceedingly common in both counties, and is one of our earliest breeders. Except in the nesting- season, it is a very wild bird, but at that period it shakes off all fear, and approaches the habitations of man. I have found newly built nests of this bird as early as the end of March, and eggs are frequently taken early in April.
It usually builds its nest high in a tree, frequently in a hollow formed by the junction of two or more branches; I have, however, found a nest in a low hedge about three feet from the ground, in the park near Ditton House. Though not so often observed at other seasons of the year, in spring it may be frequently seen. On the approach of an intruder it will usually set up a loud screeching, and has been known to attack a cat which had ventured too near its nest.
One of the bird’s local names, ‘Stormcock,’ has
MERULIDE. 13
been given it from its habit of singing loudly during stormy weather. The eggs vary much in size and colouring : I possess two with a green ground and no spots; another with an almost pure white ground, and I have seen several perfectly round. Where the nest is built in damp situations, I have always found that the eggs are lighter in ground-colour and markings, and in this I am confirmed by the observations of Mr. Harvie Brown, of Dunipace House, Falkirk.
SONG THRUSH (Yurdus musicus), Local names, Throstle, Mavis. This lovely songster is happily numerous in this district; it is an early builder, for I have known of nests and eggs having been taken in March, and I have found eggs by the Ist of April. I have at different times collected many varieties of the Thrush’s egg; two are perfectly round, and several pure blue without any speck or mark, while others have their markings rather red than black. I have always found the pale varieties near water, or in damp localities: in 1867 I found a nest in a tree which was flooded by water at its roots; and there were several eggs in it which were quite blue. I once found near Windsor a nest containing eggs, without any mud for a lining, but with merely some dry grass roughly twisted round the inside,
A friend of mine a few years since took a Thrush’s nest with four young ones, and shortly afterwards got
14 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
a second nest, also containing young birds : they were all put in the same cage, and one of the older ones belonging to the first brood fed the younger ones every morning and evening regularly. I found a nest of this species on a wooden bench some years ago: they will often build in ivy, jessamine, and other climbing plants; indeed there are few places which they will not in turn select. If the weather be mild they will sing in February, and I once heard a Thrush in full song on a bright day in January.
BLACKBIRD (Lurdus Merula).
“The ouzel-cock, so black of hue, With orange-tawny bill” *
is universally distributed in England, and Berkshire and Buckinghamshire are alike favoured with the presence of this noted songster. It is, indeed, one of our commonest birds, and a most useful friend to the farmer and gardener. Often have I hidden. behind a hedge, and watched a cunning old fellow take up a snail in his bill, the next moment dash it with his whole strength against a stone, and picking up the body of the unfortunate householder thus rudely ejected from his habitation, fly off in high spirits to give his young this savoury meal.
I have seen, at various times, many eggs of this bird nearly blue; but none perfectly so. As has been observed in the case of the Thrush, these light-coloured
* Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, iii. 1.
MERULIDEA. 15
eggs are, in almost every instance, found in trees or shrubs growing in damp situations.
A good many pied varieties of the Blackbird have occurred at different times, and Mr. Howard, of Burnham, told me that his father once shot a white Blackbird near Burnham. This bird had a perfectly white head and throat, white wings, and several white feathers interspersed on the back and rump: the tail feathers were white and brownish-black.
Mr. G. S. Blane informed me that during the summer of 1866 several Blackbirds were seen in the grounds of Wingfield Park, near Windsor, with white feathers in their wings, grey heads, and black and white tails. These were believed to be young birds, and were probably of the same brood: they were very tame, approaching close to the house to be fed.
I sent the following account of a pied variety to the Zoologist for March 1867 :—
‘I saw a curious variety of the common Blackbird, yesterday, at a bird-stuffer’s shop in Eton. It was shot, I am informed, at Wingfield Park, which is not far from Windsor, a few days ago (about the 29th of January). On its head it had the feathers on the - crown of a pure white colour, the white being con- tinued in little streaks and spots on the left cheek, but not on the right. One of the feathers of the right wing was pure white, and the one next’ to that was half white, all the others being black. Under the lower mandible of the bill it had some white marks,
16 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
and the whole of the breast of the bird was of a light yellow colour, more like the breast of a Song Thrush. The bill was light brown. This specimen was a female, probably a last year’s bird. I saw it in the flesh; it was of the usual size of the Blackbird, and in tolerably good condition, irides yellow, and eyes of the usual colour.’
This was probably one of the pied brood which frequented Wingfield Park during 1866.
Another pied Blackbird was seen some years since near Ditton Park; and Mr. Drye, a bird-stuffer, of Eton, informed me that about ten years ago he had several nearly white birds of this species. An egg of this bird, hardly larger than that of a house sparrow, was found in a nest with other eggs of the usual size and colour. I have in several instances found this bird’s nest built on the ground, and I discovered one in 1863, in Hertfordshire, which was entirely composed of dry leaves, with a few hairs as a lining.
In 1860, a pied Blackbird was killed near the cavalry barracks at Spital. In 1862, several black and white birds of this species were observed in Ashridge Park, the seat of Earl Brownlow. A male and female of this species, almost pure white in plumage, had been observed frequenting a particular spot in Windsor Forest for the greater part of 1866. One of these was shot by a rat-catcher in December, 1866, and was taken to Mr. Hasell, at Windsor, who ascertained it to be a young male,
SYLVIADA. 17
Another, a pied female, was killed about the same time ; this bird had been known in Windsor Park to have preserved the same variety of plumage for the three years, 1864, 1865, and 1866.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe has told me of a variety of the Blackbird, which was shot at Cookham in 1864. It was above the ordinary size, and had a ring of white feathers completely encircling its neck. At the base of the bill it had some more white feathers, which con- trasted prettily with the jet black plumage. In January, 1868, a pied Blackbird was taken near Clewer.
Family—SYLVIADA.
HEDGE ACCENTOR (Accentor modularis). Local names, Hedge Sparrow, Hedge Warbler, Dunnock. The plain, unobtrusive little Hedge Sparrow is ex- ceedingly common, and breeds abundantly. I once found a nest in a hole in a tree, but the most usual site is in a thick hedge: often it builds in ivy- covered trees and walls, generally near the ground. The eggs never vary in colour, but are always pure bright blue. A few years ago I discovered a nest -which was snugly placed on the seat of an arbour; and I have heard of another instance in which the parents fed their young in the presence of spectators, when the nest was placed in a similar position.
A pair of Hedge Sparrows, in whose nest a Cuckoo had laid an egg, as if to show that their neat little
C
18 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
nest was not intended to hold a stranger, forthwith summarily ejected it. Instances in which the Hedge Sparrow has turned out the young Cuckoo, after being hatched, have been often recorded, but I had never previously heard of its throwing out the egg. I once discovered a nest in an old basket, and have been told that a pair built a short time ago in the roof of an out-house. Occasionally a haystack is chosen as a site.
REDBREAST (£rythaca rubecula). The pretty little Robin sings all the year, and is universally beloved —so much so, indeed, that it is thought to be ‘bad luck’ to kill one of these inoffensive songsters. I have known a country boy to be greatly concerned when he had «‘ shied’ a stone at a bird, and by accident killed a Robin, and I believe there are few who could take pleasure in seeing a Robin fall dead to the ground.
The eccentricity displayed by this bird in choosing out-of-the-way places to build in, has been remarked by many writers. Its attachment to the neighbour- hood of man’s dwelling is singular, and as if to claim our protection it frequently nests close to our houses. In winter the Robins will come daily to pick up the crumbs outside the windows, and occasionally one is bold enough to enter the room and carry off what- ever he can find in the way of food. They are not often so tame as this, except in the severest winters, when their hunger is great, the snow deep upon the cround, and food scarce.
SYLVIADE. 19
With regard to the Red-breast building in odd nooks and corners, the following cases have come under my notice. When at Brighton, in April 1867, I was told by Mr. Pratt, of Ship Street, that he knew of a pair of Robins then building their nest in an old Wellington boot, which had been thrown aside by the owner. They had not quite finished the nest when I left Brighton, and I never heard whether they laid any eggs. At Mr. Swaysland’s shop on the New Pier, at Brighton, I saw the nest of a Robin, which had been built in a cracked earthenware jar.
During the summer of 1866, a person told me that he had found a young Cuckoo in a Robin’s nest, in an ivy-covered oak at Charlton, in Kent ; when the young monster was about a week old it threw from the nest the poor little Robins, who were killed by their fall to the ground, and the usurper appropriated the whole nest to himself. Such instances, however, have occurred and have been recorded before. I found a nest several years since built in a watering-can, which had been accidentally left in the garden; and about nine years ago, in Surrey, I observed one which was placed between some pieces of matting and a bundle of sticks against a brick wall. Ihave frequently found the nest in a faggot stack, which is no uncommon site, and have known cases in which a flower-pot has been chosen. I once discovered a nest under an old garden roller; and I have lately been informed that a pair of Robins built their nest in a tattered hat, which
C2
20 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
was stuck up in a garden near Woolwich, and though the hat used to swing about in the wind the parent birds did not appear to mind it. A similar instance has come to my knowledge where a nest was built in the coat of a ‘scare-crow.’ In the summer of 1862, while walking along a shady lane near Berkhamp- stead, I saw a Redbreast fly out of a hole in the bank. On looking for and finding the nest, what was my surprise to discover in it four pure white eggs, which had a lovely pink hue before being blown, but which they have since lost. White varieties are pro- bably not often met with, but Mr. T. E. Gunn, of Nor- wich, has informed me that they are not uncommon in Norfolk. The nest in question was built in a low bank over a small stream of water, and this is an instance in which the theory of Mr. Harvie Brown may hold good, namely, that all eggs are lighter in colour when laid in a damp situation. This observation has been confirmed by an acquaintance who found a nest with white eggs in a damp ditch near Eton Wick in 1864.
One cold November night in 1856, a Robin entered a house in Slough and remained until the following spring, when it left, and was never seen again. This bird was exceedingly tame; it roosted upon the top of a bedstead, ate up the crumbs on the table, flew upon the tenant’s shoulder, and in fact was as tame as a bird could be.
The food varies considerably : Méyer gives a long
SVLVIADA, 21
catalogue, such as earth-worms, beetles, insects, elder- berries, blackberries, earwigs, &c.; but he omits the snail, which I have seen Robins eat with apparent relish, after having broken the shell.
Méyer says that he had a caged Redbreast which used to sing beautifully, which is somewhat unusual : I have seen several caged Redbreasts, none of which ever sang, but were mute and melancholy. I once found a nest with eggs early in the month of March. Mr. Sharpe states that as early as the 7th of January, 1866, a Robin was sitting on five eggs on Mr. Peto’s farm, near Cookham.
STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola). The Stonechat is a resident species, but a great addition to its num- bers takes place in April, and a similar decrease in August and September: a few only remain with us all the year. It frequents commons and waste lands, and builds its nest on the ground under some slight cover, as a tuft of grass or asmall bush. I found a nest in a furze-bush on a common, in 1862, which was quite four feet from the ground, but this is unusual.
It breeds in the neighbourhood of Eton and Wind- sor, and the eggs are by no means rare. I have ~ noticed very few Stonechats in the colder months but they are occasionally observed in December on Dorney Common: I saw a pair there in January, 1866.
Towards the latter end of March and beginning of April flocks of these birds arrive with Whinchats,
22 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
but many pass onwards and do not remain here to breed. I have occasionally found the nest in the long - grass which grows on the banks of the South Western Railway near Datchet. Varieties of this species occur every now and then, which have more or less white intermingled with their plumage.
This bird is observed at Cookham, as Mr. Sharpe writes me word; it is also thinly distributed around Wantage, and a correspondent from Aylesbury re- marks that it is not uncommon in that neighbourhood.
DARTFORD WARBLER (Melizophilus Dartfordiensis), A very local species. It is resident throughout the year with us, but is nowhere numerous.
The only locality* in the two counties in which this species is at all numerous is a common in the vicinity of Sunninghill, where it is found breeding every summer, and from whence a person in the neighbourhood obtains specimens at all times of the year with which to supply the London bird- stuffers. The Dartford Warbler is a bird which is very liable to be overlooked, and I have no doubt but that it occurs on many furze-clad wastes and open commons in both counties, but Sunninghill is the only place where I have hitherto been enabled to authenticate its appearance. Colonel Montagu states of this species that young males begin to sing with
* Since writing the above, I heard of a pair of Dartford Warblers which were shot in the summer of 1866, near Frogmore, where the nest and eggs were at the same time taken.
PARIDEAE. 23
the appearance of their first mature feathers, and continue singing all the month of October, some- times with scarcely any intermission, for several hours together.
GOLDEN CRESTED REGULUS (Regulus cristatus). Local names, Golden Crested Wren, Gold Crest, Kiuglet. Generally distributed throughout both counties. This pretty little warbler frequents large woods and fir plantations, and has a pleasing gentle song. A few remain to breed, but the greater number are winter visitors, at which season of the year many arrive in small parties of five or six from the north, apparently unable to endure severe weather.
The nest of this bird is one of the most beautiful of allnests. Itis generally found suspended gracefully to the end of a fir-branch, supported by three or more of the over-hanging twigs, and composed of moss, wool, fibres, and lichens, hair or feathers being used for a lining. The egg is the smallest laid by any British bird, but varies in size as well as in shade of colour.
Framtly—PARIDA.
GREAT TIT (Parus major). Local names, Great Titmouse, Ox-eye, Tom-tit, Black-cap. One of our com- monest residents, inhabiting hedge-rows, gardens, woods, and lanes. This handsome little bird may at one time be seen ascending an old decayed tree by the road-side with the agility of the creeper in search
24 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
of its insect food, at another grasping a branch with its long hooked claws, and swinging to and fro in mid-air. It is a hardy and courageous bird, and many a peck have I received from its little bill when holding one of them captive in my hand.
BLUE TIT (Parus ceruleus). Local names, Blue Titmouse, Blue-cap, Tom-tit. An extremely common species, impudent, bold, and pugnacious. The nest of the Blue Tit is not an easy one to discover, secreted as it generally is in the hole of a tree or crumbled wall ; and if you should happen to find the old bird sitting on her eggs, beware how you introduce your fingers, for she will ruffle up her feathers, hiss in an alarmed manner, and will peck lustily at your hand, which, she knows well enough, is inserted to take herself or her eggs.
As an instance of this bird’s quarrelsome and hos- tile disposition, the following scene, which was wit- nessed by the Rev. Charles Wolley, of Eton College, may be quoted :—One day, in 1860, while taking a walk by Ditton Park, he saw a Blue Tit fly out from a hedge, and attack an unfortunate Hedge Sparrow which was crossing the road. Like a hawk, the Tit flew at the enemy, and succeeded in striking several feathers from the latter’s back.
COLE TIT (Parus ater.) This species, although not so numerous as the Greater, Blue, or Long-tailed Tits, is nevertheless widely dispersed in both coun- ties. It is a lively bird, and seems to be always in
PARIDE. 25
motion, looking for its food high and low, hither and thither, now scrambling up some old oak, now uttering its harsh note from a birch-tree, and anon flying off again to a distant fir, never tiring, ever happy.
ihe nest issofteny placed: in: the-hole of, a: jtree at no great height from the ground, or is sometimes secreted among the decayed roots of an old pollard ; but I once found a nest of the Cole Tit in a hay- stack at Little Gaddesden, near Berkhampstead in Hertfordshire. This is not an usual site.
MARSH TIT (Parus palustris). Local names, Llack-cap, Tom-tit. Thinly distributed. This Tit, as appears from its name, is more addicted to low, damp, and uncultivated grounds than any of its con- geners. It may be observed frequenting the reedy ditches and banks of the river around Eton and Windsor, and Mr. Wolley has seen it in his garden at Eton. |
‘The Marsh Tit is immediately distinguished from the Cole Tit by having no white patch on the nape of the neck, nor any white spots on either row of the wing-coverts.’*
LONG-TAILED TIT (Parus caudatus). Local names, | Ragamuffin, Long-tailed Tom-tit, Bottle-tit, and Bum- barrel, This bird is very common, and, like all its congeners, is extremely restless, flitting from branch to branch, from tree to tree. The nest is indeed a beautiful structure, and an irresistible prize to the
* Yarrell, vol. i. pp. 374, 375.
26 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
juvenile bird’s-nester. Ten ora dozen eggs appear to be the usual complement, but I have known as many as fifteen to be laid.
Family—MOTACILLID.
PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla Yarrellit). Local name, Dishwasher. Very common, remaining with us all the year. Small flocks congregate in cold weather, but many individuals disappear in winter, when I have no doubt they move to a warmer climate, as they do not re- appear until spring returns. They are, nevertheless, hardy and pugnacious birds; I have seen them fighting when snow covered the ground. The partiality which this bird seems to evince for building in fagot stacks is remarkable, and in May 1860, a nest was taken under the roof of the Formosa boat-house, at Cookham.
GREY WAGTAIL (Motacilla boarula). A winter visitor to most of the southern counties of England, and a summer one to the more northern. I have seen specimens killed near Windsor, Eton, Surley, Datchet, and other places. It is often observed on the banks of the Thames in winter, but a few have been procured in summer. They are rarely seen in larger numbers than pairs. I was rather surprised to be informed by the Rev. Bryant Burgess, of Latimer, Chesham, that this wagtail annually makes its nest and rears its young on the banks of the little Buck- inghamshire river the Chess, where it seems to be
ANTHIDE. 27
a summer visitor. On this account I have included it in the list of residents.
Family—ANTHID&.
MEADOW PIPIT (Axthus pratensis). Local names, T7it-lark, Pipit-lark. One of the commonest of our resident birds, in winter congregating in small flocks and frequenting for the most part the banks of the rivers and the sides of small pools of water. I have found several nests of this bird in the long grass which grows by the side of the railway of the London and South Western Company, between Datchet and Windsor.
Upon one occasion, in the summer of 1867, I came unexpectedly upon a Meadow Pipit’s nest, containing five eggs, which I appropriated, together with the nest itself. Upon revisiting the spot (which I had marked carefully) about a fortnight afterwards, I was surprised to see another nest and five more eggs in exactly the same position as the former, and I have no doubt that it was built by the same pair of industrious little birds. This time I left the eggs - undisturbed, and no doubt they were duly hatched.
Tribe—CONIROSTRES. Lamily—ALAUDID.
SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis). One of the most numerous of our residents, being dispersed every- where throughout both counties. This bird begins
28 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
to sing early in the year; I have heard a Skylark giving forth its joyous song high above my head before the end of January.
The nest of the Skylark is very carefully con- cealed. After the young are hatched great flocks congregate, and late in October I have observed immense numbers flying over my head. These birds are annually caught in large quantities by London bird-catchers, who come to our extensive commons for that purpose. Many, too, are shot and trapped, being esteemed for the delicate flavour of their flesh. What cruelty it seems to keep these birds in close stuffy cages all the year, when they ought to be soaring high in the sky singing their Maker’s praise!
Mr. William Harding, of Eton, killed a pure white Skylark at Eton Wick, between the years 1807 and 1817: he was unable to tell me the exact date. On the 7th of January, 1868, a pure white Skylark was shot by Mr. Richard Dover, near Prince’s Risborough. Mr. Goodall, of the 59th Regiment, killed another white bird of this species within seven miles of Ris- borough, in 1865. This is recorded by Mr. W. Goodall, in the Field of January 18, 1868. This curious variety is now in his possession. During the month of June 1867, I saw eight or nine young Sky- larks in a cage, at Eton: some of these were about a fortnight older than the others, and one of the elder birds appeared to feed his smaller brothers and sisters
EMBERIZIDE. 29
every day ; but the most curious thing was that he fed them according to a regular routine, always beginning with the same bird and ending with another.
Woop-LARK (Alauda arborea). This species is a resident, and is found in very small numbers in both counties, but chiefly in the neighbourhood of large woods and rich cultivated ground. Fulmer is one of its favourite resorts.
The principal distinguishing points between this bird and the Skylark are as follows: the former has a shorter tail, and is smaller in its general size, and possesses a very conspicuous streak of light brown over each eye and ear-coverts.
Family—EMBERIZID&.
COMMON BUNTING (Emberiza miliaria). Provincial, Corn Bunting. A common resident, and very gene- rally dispersed. It congregates in large numbers late in the autumn, and is gregarious until the return of spring, when pairing takes place, and the process of oviposition is gone through. This species frequents stubbles and corn-fields (whence its name), and may in early summer be observed delivering its rude ‘song from a thick hedge, usually perched upon the topmost spray.
BLACKHEADED BUNTING (Emberiza schaniculus). Local names, Reed Bunting, Black-cap, Reed Sparrow. Numerous along the sides of marshy ditches and streams; and it is a common bird on the banks of
30 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
the Colne, the Kennet, the Chess, and the Thames. It breeds annually with us; the nest is hidden among long grass or rushes at the river side, and the female lays five or six eggs of a light purple brown colour, streaked and marked with dark brown and black. So curious are these markings that occasionally letters, X, C, A, and others, are found more or less distinctly stamped upon the shell.*
YELLOW BUNTING (Lmberiza citrinella). Provin- cial, Yellow Ammer, Yellow Hammer. By far the most numerous of the Buntings, and one of our commonest residents, frequenting every hedge, field, road-side, orchard, or garden in the two counties. The Yellow Hammer is indeed a pretty bird, and his bright plumage enlivens many a country walk in early spring, when he will pour forth his song—which by the way is not very sweet—from the topmost twig in the yet leafless hedge.
This bird is not an early breeder : the nest is almost invariably placed upon the ground, often on a sloping bank exposed to the sun’s rays, and is well concealed. I have found this Bunting nesting within a yard of the rails of the South Western Railway, near Windsor, ona sloping, grassy bank, where Blackheaded Buntings and Meadow Pipits delight to build, apparently un- disturbed by the noise and shaking of the continually passing trains. Some birds do not even leave their nest when a train passes within two or three yards of
* This remark applies equally to the eggs of the Yellow Bunting.
FRINGILLIDE. 31
them, in all probability having learnt by experience that the trains will not harm them if they remain still.
Family—FRINGILLIDA.
CHAFFINCH (Fringilla celebs). Besides its usual name, this bird is locally termed Sfiznk, or Pink. Extremely numerous, and resident with us throughout the year. I have never noticed the separation of the male and female birds in cold weather, in these counties, although I have often looked carefully at flocks, but have generally found them to be com- posed pretty equally of both sexes: many ornitholo- gists have pointed out that the sexes separate from each other in the winter months,
Many years ago, Mr. Howard, of Burnham, was out shooting small birds on the estate of the Duke of Sutherland, at Cleveland, when he saw in a hedge a Blue Titmouse and a curious-looking white bird. He shot them both, and on walking up to the spot, he found that together with the Tit he had killed an albino of the Chaffinch. Mr.. Howard had it pre- served, and I had the pleasure of seeing it at his _ house.
This bird has, according to my humble experience, a great partiality for building in laurels. The nest is generally placed high up, but I have on more than one occasion found it almost on the ground. The eggs vary much; I have some nearly white, and several pure blue, of which one was taken from a
32 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
laurel which overhung a stream of water at Fritten- den, in Kent: this was in May 1862. Do the materials of which the nest is composed tend to make the eggs of a light colour, or can the colour be affected by the situation of the nest, as for example, damp from the proximity of water? I am inclined to favour the latter view. |
TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus). A resident species, but nowhere numerous, and very local. Many suppose that every sparrow which builds in a tree is the Tree Sparrow, but this is not so, as the House Sparrow often resorts to trees for the purpose of nidification. The Tree Sparrow has been shot and seen near Eton, and in Windsor Forest, where a few are supposed to breed. It has also been noticed at Wantage, and Mr. Sharpe writes me word that it has occurred at Cookham and Formosa.
It usually builds its nest in decayed holes in trees, but it occasionally selects other situations. Mr. James Dalton, of Worcester College, Oxford, told Mr. Morris that he had taken the nest of this bird from a Sand Martin’s hole, near the town of Buck- ingham. Specimens have been killed near Datchet, Slough, Newbury, and other places: finally, in sum- ming up, I may observe that although local, it is not rare. The nest and eggs have been occasionally taken in both counties. The following table will be of use in distinguishing this species from the common House Sparrow :—
FRINGILLIDA., 33
MOUNTAIN, OR TREE SPARROW. HOUSE, OR COMMON SPARROW. flead.—Chestnut or chocolate- flead, —Bluish grey ; cheeks and
coloured ; a triangular patch of _ sides of the neck grey-white.
black on the cheek.
4ill,—Rather more slender, Lill,—Thicker, but of the same colour as the Tree Sparrow. General size. —-Smaller ; the General size.—Rather larger.
female bird is smaller than the male, measuring about 52 inches in length, while the measurement of the male is 58 inches. Legs, toes, and claws.—Pale Legs, toes, and claws.—A deeper brown. brown.
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus). The com- monest of all birds, and the most independent, seeming as ‘jolly’ when the snow lays thick upon the ground, as on a bright summer’s morning. A London Sparrow cannot aspire to the same bright colours which adorn the country bird, for the smoke of the metropolis soon turns the brown feathers black, and the white, grey. And after all Ido not think a country Spar- row is so very ugly, though he is despised and per- secuted by all, and shot unrelentingly by those abominable Sparrow Clubs.
The House Sparrow is very subject to variations in plumage, albinoes or pied varieties being the most usual. In the autumn of 1865, a white specimen was killed near Clewer, and was taken for preservation to Mr. Hall, of Windsor; and in December, 1867, another white one was often observed feeding with the common species in Clewer village. A white sparrow was shot at Colnbrook, in 1866, and was
D
34 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
preserved by Mr. Ferryman, of Datchet, who told me of a fourth, which had a purely white head and several wing feathers of the same colour: this last was killed near Datchet a few years ago, but I was unable to ascertain the date. An Eton taxidermist, named Drye, has informed me that he has had several yellow, or straw-coloured sparrows brought to him to stuff, which have been taken near Eton and Windsor. His son, Henry Drye, shot a pied House Sparrow in a little garden at Eton, bordering on the Thames, in 1860.
On the 21st of November, 1867, a House Sparrow was taken to Fisher, one of the Eton bird-stuffers, with a pure white head; it had, however, no other white feathers about it. This bird was shot near Windsor, and belongs to the Rev. M. Steele, who resides in the neighbourhood.
It is said to be the custom with tailors, when they catch an unlucky sparrow, to tie a piece of red cloth round its head and to let it fly, when it is immediately chased and put to death by the other birds.
GREENFINCH (Cocothraustes chloris). A common resident throughout the year, frequenting orchards, gardens, and hedges, where it does the farmer and gardener good service by eating up many noxious insects which infest the trees. It is numerous in every part of the two counties, and is rather a late breeder. I have found quite a colony of these birds nesting in the same hedge, and having some eight
FRINGILLIDE. 35
or ten nests close together. The eggs are gene- rally six in number: Yarrell says, ‘from four to six. The Greenfinch, or Green Grosbeak, as it is often called, from the immense size of the bill, is an easily tamed bird, and is in consequence often kept in confinement.
Upon the 7th of December, 1867, I was shown, in an Eton bird-stuffer’s shop, a white, or more pro- perly speaking, yellowish white bird of this species which had just been shot near Surley Hall by a gentleman who had brought it as a curiosity to be stuffed.
HAWFINCH (Cocothraustes vulgaris). Wocal name, Grosbeak. This bird has greatly increased in numbers of late, residing with us all the year, and breeding abundantly in Windsor Forest. The Hawfinch in some seasons is numerous at Latimer, near Chesham, and the Rev. Bryant Burgess says that he has found the nest and eggs there. Young Hawfinches are ex- ceedingly destructive amongst the peas in gardens ; one was caught in a garden at Old Windsor, some years ago, by getting its feet entangled in the tendrils of some peas and being unable to extricate them.
The Rev. H. Harpur Crewe, of Drayton Beau- champ, tells me that he sees a few pairs almost every year in the park at Hartwell House, near Aylesbury, where they breed.
An albino specimen of this bird was taken in the
Dp 2
36 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
latter end of 1864, in the park at Windsor, and was preserved by Mr. Hasell, of Bexley Street. Mr. R. B. Sharpe writes me word that this bird is met with near Cookham in October, sometimes plentifully. A few breed in that neighbourhood every spring, and Mr. Sharpe has seen several young birds which were shot at Formosa.
The Hawfinch is often seen in Stoke and Langley Parks, occasionally in the woods near Newbury and High Wycombe. Yarrell says that it had been known in his time to breed in the neighbourhood of Windsor ; and Mr. Wolley told me that it used to be numerous near Eton when he was a boy. It has a partiality for nesting in whitethorns. Its food consists of the common pea, the seeds of the horn- beam, hawthorn, yew, and other trees, and its strong bill is admirably adapted for breaking the hard shell which many of these possess. Mr. Morris was in- formed that Hawfinches are common in Stowe Park. It isa common resident at Bradfield, near Reading ; and Mr. Frank Collins states that he has met with this bird at Betterton, near Wantage, where one was caught in a gooseberry-net in the autumn of 1867. It occurs also at Cliefden, and Woburn.
GOLDFINCH (Carduelis elegans). Generally dis- tributed throughout the two counties, where it re- mains all the year. This pretty bird has greatly de- creased in numbers during the last ten years, partly from the rapacity of bird-catchers, and in a great
FRINGILLIDA. 97
measure from the non-abundance of thistles on which it loves to feed, and which are not so plentiful as heretofore. Nevertheless, one may occasionally see the bright-plumaged Goldfinch singing merrily from a spray in a tall hedge in the spring. A few remain to breed, but the species is more numerous in spring and autumn, at which seasons it appears to augment its numbers.
CoMMON LINNET (Linota cannabina). A com- mon species, residing with us all the year. This bird has many local names, most of which are de- rived from its various plumages, as Rose Linnet, Grey Linnet, Brown Linnet, Lintie, and Red-breasted Linnet. The ,Linnet builds in low bushes, often selecting the furze-bush, but I have known a nest to be placed at the unusual height of six feet from the eround.
BULLFINCH (Pyrrhula vulgaris). This pretty species is resident all the year, but is not nearly so numerous as was the case a few years ago. I do not mean to say that it is by any means a rare bird, but many localities where it used to be very common, now know it no more. I have often seen Bullfinches in the osier-beds which border the Thames, and their nests, eggs, and young are every- where indiscriminately taken. Many are annually captured by the London bird-catchers, and _ this, doubtless, has greatly diminished their numbers.
This bird is occasionally subject to variety. A
38 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
remarkable specimen was shot at Colnbrook in 1865. It was fawn-coloured, with a little brown upon the head. I saw it at Mr. Ferryman’s house in Datchet. In 1860, a man named Skinner killed a white Bullfinch near White Waltham, and took it to Windsor, where it was preserved.
Family—STURNIDA.
COMMON STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris). Local names, Stare, Starling. A very plentiful species, and resident all the year. It is an interesting sight to see a large flock of these birds performing their remarkable evolutions in early spring, and to witness the wonderful precision with which they turn, and twist, and wheel, first in this direction, then in that, now towering so as to resemble a spiral column, now lowering themselves, and again looking like a black sheet. These amusing and complicated manceuvres may be witnessed by anyone who will take a stroll through Queen Anne’s Drive, in Windsor Park, to- wards the end of February, or early in March.
This species is not unfrequently subject to variety. A Starling with seven white tail feathers was killed near Eton, in 1865, and is now in the collection of Mr. Drye. Another variety of this bird, a male of a pure cream colour, was shot in a field near Spital, by David Hall, towards the latter end of October 1864.
CORVIDA.% © 39
Mr. W. R. Tate has recorded in the Naturalist for 1866, that an albino Starling is in the possession of a carpenter named Craig, at Enfield, which was shot at Slough.
Family—CorRVID-.
RAVEN (Corvus corax). Though common many years ago, this fine bird is very sparingly dispersed in the counties at the present time.
A few pairs have bred in Windsor Park from time immemorial. They generally select the loftiest trees as a site for their nests. The Rev. C. Wolley informed me that some of these birds bred in the Royal Heronry twenty years ago, and a few still continue to do so. I am not aware of any other loca- lity in either county where they have nested of late years, but stray birds are occasionally seen and killed in various places.
CARRION CROW (Corvus corone). Common in all parts of the two counties where wood abounds, but rare elsewhere. This species keeps in pairs the whole year, and its great powers of vision enable it to dis- _ cover a carcase from an immense height. Phe Carrion Crow certainly does not belie its name; nothing comes amiss to it ; pheasant’s and partridge’s eggs, young rab- bits, leverets, dead sheep, snails and grubs, pigeons and mussels, grain, and stinking fish, are all esteemed as the greatest delicacies by this sable robber.
The topmost boughs of some tall hedgerow tree are
40 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
generally chosen as a fitting site for its nest, which is _composed of wool, down, hair, and suchlike materials, supported on a rough platform of twigs and sticks. Macgillivray states that if the male bird be killed, the female soon procures a new mate.
ROOK (Corvus frugilegus). This well-known and much-abused bird is numerous everywhere, there being a great number of Rookeries in the two coun- ties, one of the oldest and most interesting of which is in the Eton playing-fields. The first Rook’s nest was observed here in the spring of 1838, and after that year the number of nests visibly and steadily increased. Some few years aferwards, as Mr. Wolley informed me, nearly all the trees in the ‘fields’ were occupied by black denizens ; but several pairs of birds deserted certain old trees which they had before nested in, and which were blown down before the close of the year. What wonderful instinct was it that led these birds to seek more secure abodes ?
White and pied varieties are occasionally met with. A. pied Rook was often observed in the Home Park, Windsor, in the summer of 1845, and was eventually shot by Mr. James Barfield, at Horton, near Datchet. Worms, grubs, caterpillars, chafers, and other noxious nsects, constitute their chief food.
JACKDAW (Corvus monedula). This active and sociable species is very common; and the Round Tower, and many of the belfries and ruined arches of Windsor Castle afford to these noisy Daws excellent
CORVIDE.” 4I
building accommodation. They generally select chimneys, or holes in trees, for a site; and in some parts of Scotland a popular superstition exists, that if a pair of these birds build their nest in a chimney of the house belonging to an heir, the same spring that the latter comes into possession of that house and his property, no ill-luck can ever befall him.
In the month of May 1842, a Jackdaw built a nest in the south-east turret of the Eton College bell- tower: this nest took seventeen days to construct, and was between nine and ten feet in height, being composed of an immense accumulation of twigs and sticks which the industrious birds had collected. The base was firmly supported on one of the stone steps, and curved up the spiral stairs to the height of nearly ten feet, until an exit was obtained by means of a window, and here it was that the top of the structure rested. Unfortunately, no eggs were ever laid in this curious nest, and it was deserted, which was pro- bably owing to the continuous visits of too many eager strangers.
The Rev. C. Wolley told me that a pair of Missel
Thrushes, which nested in his garden at Eton one | spring, used to attack and drive away some over- curious Jackdaws, who doubtless had an eye to the contents of the former’s nest. A tame Jackdaw, be- longing to Mr. Ernest Griffin, of the Eagle Tavern, Slough, built a large nest between two beer-barrels, which were placed on a shelf over the bar of the
42 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS,
public-house, in the summer of 1864; it laid several eggs, but was unable to hatch them. This bird would wander for many miles in the neighbourhood; and being soon well known, was never shot, and always returned safely. It cared only for its master, and used to fly fiercely at any stranger who came in | for a glass of beer. It had one very disagreeable trick: having searched for and found several worms and spiders, it would fly on to Mr. Griffin’s shoulder and endeavour to force them down his throat—sup- posing, probably, that he would like them as much as itself,
A short time ago I examined a pied Jackdaw, which is now in Mr. Hasell’s collection, and which was killed by Mr. Cole, Her Majesty’s head keeper, in Windsor Park, in 1857.
MAGPIE (Pica caudata). The handsome and cun- ning Magpie is but thinly dispersed throughout the two counties, and is not so common as was formerly the case, owing probably to the increase of game- keepers, who, one and all, seem imbued with a deadly hatred to this bird,
The Magpie is resident throughout the year, and generally remains in pairs, though after the young are hatched ten or more are sometimes seen toge- ther. Young birds can be made to talk, and are amusing but very mischievous pets.
JAY (Garrulus glandarius), This handsome bird is common in wooded districts of both counties, in
PICIDA. 43
which it resides the whole of the year. All game- keepers I have ever known destroy the Jay whenever it crosses their path, as these birds are supposed to eat eggs and young pheasants. Except with game preservers, the Jay is an universal pet, and can be taught to talk and imitate sounds, such as the mewing of a cat or the barking of a dog.
Mr. G. W. Edgington, surgeon, of Binfield, Berk- shire, sent Mr. Yarrell a communication to the effect that he had, at the time of writing, a male Jay which became an excellent mimic before it was twelve months old. The calling of the fowls to their food, and the noises made by the latter, were given in perfection, and this interesting bird was able to mimic the barking of the house-dog exactly.
Tribe—SCANSORES. family—PICIDA.
GREEN WOODPECKER (Ficus viridis). Local names, Yaffe, Yaffil, Hew-Hole, Pick-a-tree, and Woodpie. Our commonest Woodpecker. It is one of our handsomest birds, and does an immense deal of good by feeding upon ants and their eggs, and various insects.
-I have occasionally observed these birds in Ditton Park, and it is a common species in Windsor Forest, near Cookham, in Langley Park, at Cliefden, and near Wantage; further north it is not so numerous. The Rev. H. Harpur Crewe, an excellent ornitho-
44 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
logist, who has favoured me with many notes, wrote me word that he has only once seen it at Drayton Beauchamp.
This bird’s tongue is remarkably suited to its mode of living, and on this subject the reader would do well to consult vol. il. pp. 138, 139, of Mr. Yarrell’s admirable work on British Birds.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER (P2cus major). Local names, Black and White or Striped Wood- pecker, Pick-a-tree. Not a very numerous species, and chiefly inhabiting parks, forests, and woods, seldom being observed in open and exposed situa- tions. It is fairly common in Ditton and Windsor Parks, and I have seen a pair sitting on a row of posts near some ornamental water in the first-men- tioned park, close to each other, and making their peculiar sound. A gentleman mentioned in the Zoologist, a few years back, that he had observed one of these birds frequenting his little garden, in the heart of the town of Reading, for several Sundays running. In Cookham, Taplow, Hedsor, and Clief- den woods, a few may still be seen; also in the Eton College playing-fields it occurs rarely. Burnham Beeches is a favourite resort, and in the vicinity of Chesham it is sometimes observed.
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Picus minor). Local names, Lesser-barred Woodpecker, Little Spotted Woodpecker, Black-and-white Woodpecker, and Pick-a- tree. Resident throughout the year, and fairly
PICIDE. nae
numerous, although it cannot be called common. I have seen the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the Eton College playing-fields, in Windsor Park, and in Ditton Park. Mr. Wolley informs me that he still occasionally sees one in the ‘ playing-fields,’ but that it does not appear to be so numerous there as was formerly the case.
This species is found in the neighbourhood of Reading, Newbury, Maidenhead, and Hungerford. Almost every year examples are obtained at Eton Wick, and occasionally at Winkfield. Several were taken at Dorney, near Brill, some years ago, one of which is now in the collection of the Rev. Bryant Burges, at Latimer. Upon the 24th of January, 1867, a specimen with an extremely brilliant red head was shot at Langley, near Stokes; and in 1865 and 1866 others occurred in the neighbourhood of Windsor. Lord Clifton, writing in the Zoologzst for April 1867, records that—‘ About four Sundays ago I observed a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on an elm close to my window (at Eton), but the sparrows soon drove it away. On October 22, 1867, an adult male of this species was shot at Stoke Park, Bucks; it was being preserved by Mr. Ferryman, of Datchet, where I saw it, and I remarked that the feathers about the breast and vent were very dirty and worn. Mr. R. B. Sharpe tells me that the breast-feathers of Wood- peckers received from abroad are usually much worn by constant friction, and that these feathers, which
46 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
after a new moult are white, soon become very much discoloured. He has some Woodpeckers from Malacca, whose breasts and tails are completely clogged with the gum from the trees which they frequented.
In a letter dated November 26, 1867, the same gentleman says, that owing to the mildness of the early part of November of that year, a pair of little Spotted Woodpeckers began to build in an old poplar on Mrs. De Vitré’s grounds at Formosa, Cookham. Mr. Briggs, the head gardener, had fired at a haw- finch unsuccessfully, and was reloading his gun when he heard a tapping above his head, and looking up, he perceived a little Woodpecker hammering at a dead branch with all its might. So intent was the bird on his labours, that the report of the gun had not frightened him, and he worked hard all that day. This was on the 11th, and on the 13th the hole was visibly progressing. There was just room for the bird to get inside the tree on this day, and the pair worked hard at the interior. Mr. Briggs watched them for some time, and every now and then a little head appeared at the opening and dropped a piece of bark out, and then disappeared, presently re- appearing with another piece. So the work went on, till upon the 2oth the hole was apparently quite finished, but the cold weather which then set in prevented them from continuing their operations.
Mr. Gould* has some interesting notes upon the
* ¢Birds of Great Britain.’
PICIDE. 47
occurrence of this species in both counties, which he kindly gave me permission to copy :—
‘In Richmond and Windsor Parks, the woods of Taplow and Cliefden and the fine elms of the ‘ play- ing-fields’ at Eton, it is tolerably numerous.
‘To render credit where credit is due, I must first acknowledge my obligations to Mr. Briggs, gardener to Mr. De Vitré, of Formosa, near Cookham in Berk- shire, for the assistance he has rendered me in the acquisition of the knowledge I desired. During the last few years several pairs have bred in this beau- tiful spot, their holes being always made in the up- right stems of the broken boughs of the loftiest poplars, at such a height as to be almost inacces- sible to any one but a sailor, or an Australian ‘black fellow.’
‘Aware of my anxiety to become acquainted with every detail connected with the present species, Briggs, at considerable risk both to body and limbs, has mounted several of these mast-like stems, sawn them off, and lowered them to the ground without either the least injury to the eggs or young birds. About the end of April, 1861, a pair commenced excavating in one of these lofty poplars alluded to, at which they laboured assiduously for two or three weeks, bringing the chips one by one to the opening and throwing. them out in quick succession; after the work appeared to be completed, a certain time was allowed to elapse for the deposition of the eggs,
48 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
when the dead branch was sawn off a few inches below where the bottom of the excavation was sup- posed to be. A hole perfectly round and an inch and a half in diameter had been made about six inches from the extremity of the branch, the upper part of which had been blown off by the wind, and was continued downwards for about a foot, gradually increasing in diameter to the bottom, where it termi- nated in a round cavity about the size of a break- fast cup. Unfortunately, sufficient time had not been allowed for the deposition of the full comple- ment of eggs, three only having been laid on a few chips of wood almost as fine as sawdust.
‘In the year following the same pair of birds drilled a circular hole through the flinty bark of the same branch, and excavated down the stem to a simi- lar depth. On sawing off the branch on the toth of June, four young birds nearly ready to fly were found in the cavity. They were very active, fre- quently ascending to the entrance of the hole and uttering a loud querulous cry. These young birds were sent to the Zoological Society, but did not survive many days. In the spring of 1863, the same pair made a hole in another of the Formosa poplars at the height of fifty-five feet, and deposited four eggs. These delicate finely-coloured eggs were very beautiful, and measured three-quarters of an inch in length by half an inch in breadth,
CERTHIADA, 49
Family—CERTHIAD&.
COMMON CREEPER (Certhia familiaris). Resident throughout the year, and generally dispersed over both counties. This little bird is numerous in the Eton College playing-fields, and often on a quiet Sunday morning in spring have I watched one running nimbly up an old tree, so brown in colour as to be hardly distinguishable from the bark itself—now climbing this way, now that, first on this side, then on the opposite, and then off with its pretty jerky flight to search for its insect food on the next tree, always commencing the ascent close to the ground. The Creeper is an early breeder. The nest of this bird is not an easy one to find, built as it is in holes and crevices of trees. The pretty little white eggs, spotted and freckled with brown, principally at the larger end, are laid in a snug nest composed of twigs, wool, feathers, hair, dry leaves, and other soft materials.
WREN (Troglodytes Europeus). Local name, Finney Wren. The little unobtrusive Wren is abundant everywhere, and is a universal favourite, from the confidence which it reposes in man. It exhibits the same fearlessness as its congener the Redbreast, but is more retiring in its habits, loving to hop unseen among the brushwood, from whence it will fly sud- denly out to take’a short flight, again to disappear in the hedgerow further on.
E
50 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BVCKS.
‘The Robin and the Wren are God’s cock and hen, says an old rhyme;* and they are certainly more protected by mankind than most small birds. The Wren builds early, and the nest is large for the size of the bird. I have often noticed the simi- larity of colour between the nest and the surround- ing trees or ground. For instance, one which was entirely composed of dry leaves was placed imme- diately above a large heap of the same hue: another, placed against a moss-covered stump of a tree, was composed of green materials. When built in a fagot- stack it is often brown, to match the colour of the wood.
Varieties of this species are not frequent. In the winter of 1863-64, a pied wren, almost pure white, was shot near Winkfield,and came into the possession of Mr. Hasell, of Windsor.
NUTHATCH (Sztta Europea). Local name, WVut- jobber. Remains throughout the year; but, though generally dispersed in both counties, it is not very common. I have often observed these birds on the old elms in the Eton playing-fields, as they ran mouse-like up the stem without making any noise.
The nest of this species is not easy to discover, being generally built in a hole in a tree, and when the hole is too large, the little bird plasters it up with
* Another version is as follows :—
‘The Robin Redbreast and the Wren Are God Almighty’s cock and hen.’
CERTHIADE. st
mud until he makes it of the requisite size. Dead leaves, moss, and suchlike substances, are the usual materials with which the nest is lined; but some- times very different articles are employed for that purpose. One of these bird’s nests was taken about ten years ago by an officer of one of the regiments stationed at Windsor, who discovered it carefully hidden in the hole of an old tree in a wood near Eton: this nest was entirely composed of bits of Turkey carpet which the birds had collected from a place not far off where the process of carpet-beating used daily to go on.
One of these birds was caught in a net-trap placed on the ground ina small garden at Eton, in November 1867. This specimen was given to me, and I kept it alive in a cage for three weeks, feeding it wholly upon nuts; and the dexterity with which it would crack the hard kernels with a single blow of its strong and formidable bill, was quite surprising. It would fly round and round its prison with great rapidity, and was very active during the night, when its tapping might often be heard; and the person who took care _of it for me told me that its tapping occasionally bore a wonderful resemblance to a knock at the door—so much so, indeed, as to deceive him more than once. :
In Black Park, near Langley, a curious variety of this bird was shot in 1862, and was taken to Mr. Ferryman, of Datchet, where I had an opportunity of
E 2
52 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
examining it. The crown of the head was white, as were several feathers of both wings, and some of the back, breast, and tail feathers: the lower parts of the breast and back feathers were slate colour, and the whole appearance of this specimen was very peculiar.
Tribe—FISSIROSTRES. Hamily—HALCYONID.
KINGFISHER (Aledo ispida). In my opinion, the species now before us is by far the handsomest of all our indigenous birds. I love to see one of these brightly-coloured Kingfishers dart by with quickly- beating wing, and drop perpendicularly into the placid water, to reappear immediately with a strug- gling minnow. The victim is soon quieted by a sharp tap against its captor’s perch, to which the latter invariably returns, and is then swallowed head fore- most. While waiting for its finny prey, the King- fisher sometimes hovers over the water after the manner of the Kestrel. A few pairs annually breed along the banks of the Thames, Colne, Chess, and Kennett, as well as in holes in the banks of small streams, and larger pieces of water.
A pair of Kingfishers have, for several successive years, built in the same hole of an old deserted sand- pit in the middle of Ditton Woods. In this pit there is very little water, and during a dry season it is per- fectly devoid of the least damp; yet here this pair annually breed : but unfortunately the nest has been
HALCYONIDE. 53
occasionally robbed by some ardent collector, and it is to be feared the birds will eventually desert this locality for some more peaceful abode.
I have always observed that a perceptible decrease in their numbers takes place during the winter months, when a migration most probably ensues, and they again return to their old haunts in spring.
Mr. Frank Collins tells me that one day, in the beginning of November 1867, while taking a stroll along the banks of a little stream near Wantage, he saw a remarkably fine Kingfisher lying dead upon the surface of the water. He fished it out, and was sur- prised to find that the bird had been choked by a fish which it had partly gorged.
The Kingfisher does not often approach the dwell- ings of man, but the Rev. E. Hale informed me that he has seen this bird in his garden in Eton; and at page 267 of the fourth volume of Loudon’s ‘ Magazine of Natural History,’ Mr. James G. Tatem observes that the Kingfisher has been seen frequently flying up and down a small stream which is not 150 yards from the main street of Wycombe.
54 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
ORDER III—RASORES. Family—COLUMBID/&.
RING Dove (Columba palumbus). Local name, Wood Pigeon, Cushat. A common resident, generally distributed. No doubt everyone is acquainted with this bird under the name of Wood Pigeon; it is distinguishable from the Stock Dove by its larger size, and conspicuous white collar.
In winter these Pigeons congregate in immense flocks, and at that time of the year may be seen feeding upon the beech-mast, of which they are parti- cularly fond. Their food varies considerably; holly- berries, acorns, beech-mast, wortle-berries, clover, ivy- berries, charlock-seed, hips and haws, rowans, turnip- tops, peas, beans, dock-seeds, and various sorts of grain, constitute in turns their ‘bill of fare.’
Mr. Hasell, while out for a walk some few years ago, saw a weasel attack and fasten on a Wood Pigeon, which rose up in the air to an immense height. Both fell down in about a minute, and he saw the weasel run off apparently unhurt, but the bird was quite dead, although warm.
COLUMBIDA:. 55
STOCK DOVE (Columba enas). Local name, Wood Pigeon. A resident species, though not so common as the Ring Dove, with which it associates, and is often confounded. Yarrell states that it was termed @nas from the vinous claret colour which is visible upon the neck; the name of Stock Dove was bestowed upon it, not because it was supposed to be the origin of our domestic stock, but on account of its partiality for nesting in the decayed stocks of trees, particu- larly those which have been cut down and become rough and bushy at the top, commonly called pollards.
This bird breeds in many suitable localities in both counties, and is to be seen in flocks towards the end of November and through the winter months, when it frequents the same open ground, and subsists on the same food, as its congener the Wood Pigeon. The nests are sometimes found in Windsor Park, built in decayed stems of old trees.
The Revs tH... Crewe informed: me, that: large flocks of this species visit the neighbourhood of Drayton Beauchamp every winter to feed upon the beechmast, to which they seem very partial. I have seen great numbers in Ashridge Park, where I have on several occasions taken the nest: one of these was placed in a small plantation near the Park, not far from the ground in an ivy-covered thorn-tree— a very unusual site.
56 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
Family—PHASIANIDA,
COMMON PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus). The most numerous of our game birds, and a common resident. Pied varieties often occur, and I have seen several pure white birds in Windsor Forest.
A hen Pheasant was shot, as Mr. Wolley told me, from the top of a house in Eton by Mr. John Brad- shaw, about the year 1837. The bird was sitting quietly on a chimney when first observed, and re- mained there for some time before it was killed. The variety called the Bohemian Pheasant is sometimes shot in Windsor Park.
The chief food of the Pheasant is grain and various seeds; insects and leaves are also sought for, and Selby says they eat with great avidity the root of the bulbous crowfoot (Ranunculus bulbosus). Pheasants are very fond of acorns also, with which their crops are often distended in autumn.
Family —TETRAONIDA,
BLACK GROUSE (Zetrao tetrix). In 1815, Mr. H. M. Thornton, of Chobham, brought two black cocks and three grey hens from Holland which were turned out on Hurtwood Heath, between Dorking and Guild- ford, in Surrey, and some of the descendants of these birds strayed as far as Finchhampstead, in Berkshire.
TETRAONIDA. 57
They have bred near Windsor, in different seasons, but are rare near that town. Some were turned down, a few years ago, in Her Majesty’s preserves at Windsor, but many have immigrated and are now located on Ascot Heath, Woking Common, Bagshot Heath, and other suitable localities. In October 1867, a good many brace of these birds were shot in various parts of Berkshire, and in The Field of Mectoner (5) 1867, it isi remarked: that they bred freely during the summer of that year, but the great eagerness of sportsmen to bag them has wonderfully thinned out the broods.
The last which came under my notice was one of which the Rev. Bryant Burgess wrote me word, a fine male, which was killed on Hyde Heath, near Chesham, in the spring of..1852. This bird: ism the collection of Captain Fuller.
COMMON PARTRIDGE (Perdix cinerea). A well- known bird, and those who have not seen it in its wild state can at all events testify to the delicate flavour of its flesh. It is common throughout the two counties, although Berkshire and Buckinghamshire cannot be deemed such good Partridge counties as many others.
Selby says that this bird varies much in size, according to the situation and the variety of food.
RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (Perdix rubra). Although a resident species, the Red-leg, or ‘ Frenchman’ as it is sometimes named, is not abundant. A few pairs
58 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
breed near Virginia Water and Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Park.
In the reign of King Charles II. several pairs of these Partridges were turned out in the park, near Windsor, to obtain a stock; and Mr. Yarrell states he had heard of the occurrence of this bird in Berk- shire since that time, for all the descendants of the old stock are supposed to have perished long ago. My friend Mr. Sharpe told me of one of these birds which was shot, some years ago, in the neighbourhood of Cockmarsh, by Mr. Henry Hobbs. The Red-legged Partridge has occurred near Chesham, Reading, Cookham, and in various other localities which need not here be mentioned.
CHARADRIID 4. 59
ORDER IV.—GRALLATORES. Family—CHARADRIID.
PEEWIT (Vanellus cristatus). Although a resident throughout the year, the Lapwing, or Green Plover, as it is provincially called, greatly augments its numbers in spring and late in the autumn. During November it is common, and between the end of October and the beginning of March immense numbers pass over Windsor in a southerly direction. In severe winters, as that of 1866-67, these Plovers sometimes allow themselves to be captured by the hand, for the cold appears to paralyse them and weaken their powers of flight. They are exceedingly useful in a garden, where they do good by demolishing worms, slugs, and other insects. The young birds are able to run as soon as they leave the nest, and they run very fast too, frequently lowering their heads to the ground as they go.
Peewits make their nests (if a slight depression in the soil, lined with a few reeds and bents, can be called a nest) in swampy places and fallow lands in various parts of both counties; some few breed in that portion
60 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
of Windsor Park known as Queen Anne’s Drive almost every year, and in damp ground by the side of the river their eggs are annually taken.
The name of Lapwing is derived from the slow and heavy manner in which this bird flaps its rounded wings.
Family—ARDEIDZ.
COMMON HERON (Ardea cinerea).* Local names, flern, Moll Heron, Molly Heron. A resident species, but more common in the autumn months.
The Heronry in Windsor Park is well worth a visit from any naturalist who happens to be staying in the neighbourhood. It is strictly preserved, no birds being allowed to be shot, and no eggs permitted to be taken. The Herons begin breeding early in March, and eggs are often laid before the end of the month. Young birds may be seen by the end of April.
This bird frequents all small rivulets, and the banks of the Chess, Kennett, Colne, and Thames, where one may occasionally, when turning a bend in the river, come upon a small party of them fishing. Herons are shot every winter upon Dorney Common: in 1866-67 as many as twenty were killed there in the space of a week. There is another small Heronry near Uxbridge ; and this species is found all the year at the reservoirs near Drayton Beauchamp. It is numerous at Cookham, and Mr. F, Collins, of Better-
* Hernshaw was the old name for Heron.
RALLIO A, 61
ton, told me that Herons are not uncommon in the vicinity of Wantage. Mr. Morris states that a Heronry exists at Coley Park; another is near Reading. The Rev. Bryant Burgess has seen as many as ten Herons fishing together in the water at Shardeloes, near Chesham.
Family—RALLID&.
WATER RAIL (Radllus aquaticus). Not very plen- tiful, but specimens have been killed at all times of the year in both counties. This bird is very retiring in its habits, affecting reedy and secluded banks of rivers, wet ditches, fens, and swampy grounds. It resides with us, in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, during the whole year.
It has been obtained near Newbury, Hungerford, Reading, Cookham, Maidenhead, Chesham, Drayton Beauchamp, Aylesbury, and many other localities.
A few are every year killed on the river near Windsor, and it often occurs at Datchet and Surley Hall, and, in a word, may be found along both banks of the Thames, Colne, Chess, and Kennett. The nest of this bird is a hard one to find, artfully concealed as it is, generally in willow-beds or among thick water plants. A nest has on more than one occasion been taken near Eton, but it is seldom discovered in either county.
A curious variety was shot in Berkshire, and re- corded in Loudon’s Magazine of Natural History, by
62 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
‘A. B,,” who, writing on February 16, 1832, says :— ‘Recently a specimen of the Water Rail (Radlus aguaticus) was received from Berkshire, every feather of which was of a pure white. The rich coral colour of the beak formed a singular and beautiful contrast to the delicate hue of the plumage. The specimen was sent for preservation to Mr. Leadbeater, to whom I am indebted for the information.’ ‘
Mr. Morris records having-seen the Water Rail near East Garston. .
MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus). Local name, Water-hen. A common species, frequenting the banks of streams and rivers, ornamental waters, and large ponds.
The Moorhen is very nimble on land, and I have often detected it by the white under-tail feathers bobbing up and down as it walked along at some distance, without which distinction it would appear like a rook or jackdaw at the distance of several hundred yards.
This bird often perches and roosts in trees; I once found a nest in Ditton Park, placed in a tree, three or four feet above the surface of the water.
Family—LOBIPEDID&.
COMMON CooT (Fulica atra). Local name, Bald Coot. A common bird on most ponds and lakes in both counties, but it is not so numerous as the
LOBIPEDIDE&. 63
Moorhen. The Coot resides with us all the year, breeding in retired nooks and corners, where it is not likely to be disturbed. This species breeds every season among the long reeds and water-plants which grow by the side of the ornamental water in Ditton Park; along the banks of the Thames it is occasion- ally observed, but being such an exceedingly wary bird it conceals itself upon the least alarm, and so is seldom seen. That well-known sportsman Colonel Hawker observes—‘ If a gentleman wishes to have plenty of wild-fowl on his pond, let him preserve the Coots, and keep no tame Swans. The reason that all wild-fowl seek the company of Coots, is because these birds are such good sentries to give the alarm by day, when the fowl! generally sleep.’ The Coot is a capital diver, and flies well: and has even been observed to climb trees with expertness.
64 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
ORDER V.—NATATORES. Family—ANATIDE.
MUTE SWAN (Cygnus olor). A royal bird is the Swan—and so it has been considered for many years. The Kings of England used to have Swan- herds (Magister deductus cygnorum), to take care that no harm should happen to the Thames Swans, and even a Mute Swan cannot be shot in these days without incurring a heavy penalty.
Eton College has long had the privilege of keeping Swans upon the river Thames. Yarrell says the College ‘Swan-mark’ (the mark stamped or cut on their bills) represents the armed point and the feathered head of an arrow, and the following repre- sentation is taken from a design cut on the door of one of the inner rooms of the College.
All along the river the Swans may be seen disporting themselves with their young cygnets, which
COLVMBIDE. 65
the parent bird often carries upon her back. I have many a time laid by the river-side and watched an old Swan lower herself in the water to enable five or six young ones to climb upon her back, and settle themselves comfortably among her warm feathers.
In the summer of 1867 a pair of these birds built their nest upon the low river bank nearly opposite the Windsor locks, and had laid half-a-dozen eggs, when the Thames began to rise rapidly. The Swans, probably fearing that their nest would be destroyed, soon collected together a quantity of small boughs and sticks, and were seen by a man standing on the opposite shore to place these upon the nest but under the eggs, raising the latter several inches. The river eventually subsided, and thus by their wonderful instinct these birds saved their nest from destruction, and reared their young in safety.
Family—COLYMBIDA.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus). This curious-looking bird has occasionally occurred in both counties, and as it has been observed during the whole year on some of the large re- servoirs near Drayton Beauchamp, in Bucks, I feel justified in including it in my list of ‘Residents.’
Mr. Morris records that in the year 1808, one was taken near Hungerford, in the month of February ;
F
66 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
and many years ago several were shot on the Thames not far from Windsor. Mr. Wolley informed me that in 1862 he saw a large bird, which he fancies must have been a Great Crested Grebe, swimming on the river near Eton. I am glad to be enabled to record an instance of this Grebe’s breeding in Bucking- hamshire. A nest was found in May 1867, which contained three eggs, upon one of the large reser- voirs in the vicinity of Drayton Beauchamp, for the knowledge of which I am indebted to the Rev. H. Harpur Crewe, who has favoured me with many ornithological notes. In a letter bearing date the 18th of December, 1867, the Rev. Charles Wolley observes: ‘I have been staying near Tring, and have seen Mr. Crewe. We were at the large reservoirs together, and saw one of the Crested Grebes swim- ming about. Another was shot there in the autumn. From the evidence of the water-keeper, Mr. Street, which there is not the slightest cause to doubt, there were three nests about the reservoirs last spring, all of which were hatched out. Both young and old birds are still about.’
The Rev. Harpur Crewe wrote me word of one of these birds which he noticed on the reservoir at Mars- worth, in Buckinghamshire, during the month of May 1864.
The nest and eggs of one of the pairs that bred in the spring of 1867 at that piece of water, were taken by Miss Williams, of Tring Park. The Rev.
COLVMBIDE. 67
Bryant Burgess wrote me word of a fine Crested Grebe which was shot a few years ago at Risborough. LITTLE GREBE (Podiceps minor). Local names, Dabchick, Dobchick, Blackchin. This droll little bird, the last on my list of ‘ Residents,’ is common on our ponds, streams, and lakes, and on the river ‘Thames. It is a capital diver, and I have often witnessed its amusing antics from behind an old elm on the river banks in the playing-fields at Eton. ‘There is in the parish of Stanford Dingley, Berks, a large and beautiful spring of water, clear as crystal, the source of one of the tributaries of the Thames. I was once bending over the bank of this spring, with a friend, watching the water some five or six feet down, as it issued from a pipe-like ori- fice and stirred the sand around like the bubbling of a cauldron, when there suddenly passed between us and the subject we were examining, a form so strange that we were at first doubtful to what class of animals we should refer it. In reality, it was a Dabchick, which, alarmed probably by the noise of our conversation, was making for a place of safety: as it passed within two or three feet of our faces, we could distinctly see that it propelled itself by its wings ; but it appeared not to have observed us, for it kept on in a direct course for the head of the spring. We searched long in the hope of discover- ing it again, but failed; and as there were no weeds among which it could possibly hide above water, 2
68 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
and we could examine the bottom of the spring almost as thoroughly as if it contained air only, we could but conclude that our apparition had taken refuge in a hole under the bank.’*
These little birds are sometimes taken alive in fishing nets; I have seen several that have been so captured in small streams near Windsor. Those who are unacquainted with these small divers in the wild state, would do well to visit the Zoological Gardens in the Regent’s Park, where there are always several of this species continually diving for minnows and other small fry which are placed alive for them in their pool.
In Mr. F. R. Buckland’s interesting and popu- lar work, ‘The Curiosities of Natural History,’ it is stated that Mr. Quekett, while fishing one day at Great Marlow, saw one of the birds in question floun- dering about as if something was wrong with it. Having secured it, the verdict returned after a post- mortem examination, was, ‘Deceased met his death by being choked by a miller’s-thumb in his throat.’
* ‘British Birds in their Haunts,’ by the Rev. C. A. Johns, pp. 534, 535:
‘ On ebery bough the birdis herd J sing With boice of angell iw ther barmonie, That busied them ther birdis forthe to brpng.’ CHAUCER.
SUMMER VISITORS.
ORDER “fk A PCPOR ES:
Framily—F ALCONIDA,
HoBBy (falco subbuteo). This miniature Peregrine is a regular summer visitor, but never occurs in great numbers. It reaches us about the middle of April and leaves again for warmer climes in October. Whenever one of these birds are seen it is certain to be pursued and, if possible, killed by some ardent gamekeeper; or should it, perchance, be fortunate enough to escape his clutches, some collector will use his best means to procure it for a specimen.
A pair of these Falcons built their: nest..in a wood not far from Datchet in the summer of 1861. Although the old birds escaped molestation, four young ones were shot, at Thorney, almost as soon as they had learnt to fly. I saw two of these at Hatchet,\ inthe, collection. of ;.Mr.. Ferryman,,.to whom they had been presented. ,
7a THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe told me of a fine male of this species which gvas killed at Cliefden in 1860, and which is now in the collection of Mrs. De Vitré, at Formosa; and he has occasionally observed one sailing over the woods in the neighbourhood of Cookham. The same gentleman records the fol- lowing striking instance of this bird’s courage, which came under the notice of Mr. Briggs, the head gardener at Formosa :—
This accurate observer of the habits of the feathered tribe had discovered a nest of this species in a planta- tion at Billing Bare, which is some ten miles from Cookham. He was merely waiting till the young Falcons were fully fledged before he took them. One day he climbed up to the nest, and was forthwith saluted with loud outcries from the young birds. The male Hobby, on hearing the screams of the nestlings, sailed over the woods to the spot, and calmly contemplated the scene of action from a considerable altitude. Having completed his survey, as Mr. Briggs was beginning to descend with his captives, the bird shot down from above with great velocity, his strong wings cleaving the air with a loud noise, and dashed within a foot of the intruder’s head ; being carried up by the impetus of his descent, he remounted into the air as swiftly as he had stooped, and only paused a second before recom- mencing the attack. This was renewed in quick succession as Mr. Briggs descended, and he was in
FALCONIDE. 71
no ordinary fear lest the hawk should dash at his face. He, however, reached Zerra firma without mishap, and wishing to obtain the old bird, carried the young into a neighbouring field, where he made them recommence their pitiful cries in order to entice the parent to the place. This plan was perfectly successful, and at the second swoop the fatal charge stretched the devoted bird ‘lifeless on the sward.’ His first descent was so sudden and unexpected that Mr. Briggs had no time to fire, although he stood ready with his gun, but the second swoop was the last the poor Hobby ever made.
Hobbies are occasionally observed soaring above the trees in Langley Park. Late in the spring of 1866, a beautiful male of this species was killed in the woods near Virginia Water, and was brought to Windsor to be preserved. This hawk has also occurred near Chesham. It was a far commoner species thirty years ago, and used to be found in some numbers in all parts of the two counties.
72 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
ORDER II.—INSESSORES. Tribe—DENTIROSTRES. Family—LANIADA.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius collurio). Local names, butcher Bird, Red Shrike. This is a regular summer visitant, arriving generally in some num- bers about the last week of April, or if it be a backward spring, it does not reach us until the be- ginning of May. It is numerous over every part of Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire, and breeds abun- dantly. Many nests are taken by boys in the woods and hedges round Eton Wick, Surley, Slough, Datchet, and other localities. The nest of this spe- cies is large for the size of the bird, and is roughly constructed ; I have seen numbers of this bird’s nests; they were all rudely built, and had gene- rally a few small bents, hairs, and sometimes some wool, for the lining.
There is an old woman named Lipscombe who has for many years sold eggs, taken in the neighbour- hood of Eton and Windsor, to the Eton boys; this woman receives about ten eggs of the Red-backed Shrike, on an average, perdiem. A friend of mine has
LANIADZ.. 73
informed me that he discovered some years ago the remains of a Stonechat impaled upon a thorn-tree by a Shrike of this species. This gentleman is cer- tain that the bird had been ‘butchered’ by Lanzus collurto and not by L. ercudbitor, as he shot one of the Red-backs, which was disporting upon the tree, and, upon dissection, it proved to have been eating part of the Stonechat. Mr. Hewitson says: ‘Seeing a Red-backed Shrike busy in a hedge, I found, upon approaching it,a small bird, upon which it had been operating, firmly fixed upon a blunt thorn; its head was torn off and its body entirely plucked’ It is’ said by some ornithologists that Lanzus collurio does not ‘spike’ his prey; but the above facts prove the contrary, though perhaps this is not its usual habit.
To enumerate all the localities in which this bird has been obtained would be unnecessary, since it is a common bird in both counties during the summer months.
It usually leaves this neighbourhocd in the middle of September, but I have seen it as late as October. A friend lately told me that he believed the last of our migratory birds to leave this country were: the Red-backed Shrike, the Cuckoo, and the Wry- neck: he has observed all these birds as late as the middle of October.
Mr. Gould has taken this bird’s nest near West Drayton, in 1858.
74 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
Family—MUSCICAPID.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (JZuscicapa grisola). Local name, Leam bird. A regular summer visitor to this country; it usually reaches Berkshire and Bucking- hamshire about the 15th of May, but sometimes a little later, according to the season. It is numerous in Buckinghamshire, and breeds abundantly, but as the nest is not an easy one to find, no doubt many escape detection.
I have known instances of its building against walls, in low shrubs, and in flower-pots; occasionally the cavity between the branches of a large tree is chosen as a site. I once found a nest in Buckinghamshire between three branches of a large tree; there were several eggs, and the nest was quite damp, and if the eggs had ever been hatched I expect that the young would have met an untimely death by drowning, from the accumulation of rain-water in the cavity; such instances have occurred. I knew of an instance in which the birds built several times over the door of a dwelling-house, after their nest had been once destroyed.
It is amusing to watch this little bird ‘hawking’ for its prey, which consist mainly of flies, blue-bottles, gnats, small butterflies, and moths. Qne day, in June 1867, while hiding behind a fine old oak-tree in the Eton fields, I witnessed a curious sight :—A large brown butterfly was flying quickly backwards and for-
SV LALA: 7s
wards by the river-side, when a Spotted Flycatcher made a sudden dash at it from a branch above my head ; it missed its victim, which was too large for its little mouth to catch easily : the bird continued dashing at the butterfly, missing it, and turning round sharply to renew the attack. Each time the bird missed its intended victim I could hear the bill snap with a sharp ‘crack, although some twenty yards distant. The bird at last gave up the pursuit, and returned to its former perch on the oak-tree, no doubt con- siderably disappointed.
Its little chirping note is rather pleasing to the ear, but it can scarcely be called a songster. It leaves us at the latter end of September.
Famtily—SVLVIADZ.
REDSTART (Phenicura ruticilla). Local names, Red-tail, Fire-tail. This bright-coloured little bird arrives here about the middle of April. I have rarely observed it earlier. It is not one of our commonest birds, yet I cannot call it rare. I have seen many in Burnham Beeches, which woods they frequent in the greatest numbers in May and June. They are occasionally observed in Ditton Park and in Windsor Forest. I have known but few instances of their nesting so far south as this; but Mrs. Lipscombe, the Eton vendor of bird’s-eggs, tells me that she generally has a nest every year. This old lady gets most of the eggs of this vicinity, as
76 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
her husband drives round the neighbouring villages two or three times a week during the season, and he collects about three hundred eggs on each journey, exclusive of Thrush’s and Blackbird’s.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe has informed me that the Redstart occurs in the woods around Cookham. It has also been observed in small numbers near Wantage, as I am informed by Mr. R. H. Collins, and is occa- sionally seen in the neighbourhood of Abingdon.
WHINCHAT (Saricola rubetra). No Whinchats remain with us through the winter; the species is migratory, and is first observed in small numbers towards the close of April. It is but sparingly dis- tributed over these counties, and is not so numerous as the Stonechat; but it breeds annually on Dorney Common, and in many other parts of the counties.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe tells me that it is seen near Cookham ; it is not rare in the vicinity of Wantage, and is observed in the northern parts of Bucking- hamshire: it occurs sparingly near Maidenhead, and is seen in summer at Chesham in small numbers.
WHEATEAR (Sazricola Cinanthe). Local names, White-tail, White-rump, or Fallow-chat. He who takes a stroll in the meadows in April, may observe a little bird with a white tail spring suddenly up from a stone on which it was sitting, and fly on before him for thirty or forty yards, when it will rest on a gate or on the ground until again ap- proached; it will again rise and accompany him
SVLVIADA. rg
still further, flying perhaps in this way for a mile or more. This is the Wheatear, one of the earliest of our summer visitors, generally arriving here about the end of March or beginning of April. In 1866 they were first seen on the 20th of March, on which day a bird in poor condition was knocked down by a boy with a stone in a field known as the “Brocas,’ near Eton.
Wheatears are extremely numerous here in summer, and a few nests are taken on the commons every year: the district is not wild enough for many to breed; they like dreary wastes and hill sides or moors.
They generally leave us at the latter end of August, although many stay on until the middle of September. They assemble in vast flocks on the southern coasts at the time of their autumnal migra- tion ; and it is generally supposed that they travel by night. In many counties they are taken by means of a horse-hair noose, which is placed in a hole between two clods of earth. Into this hole the unsuspecting bird will fly if any danger is at hand, . probably thinking, like the ostrich, that if he cannot see anyone, nobody can see him. This plan is much practised by shepherds on the downs, who sell them for about a penny apiece. For the Wheatear is considered to be as great a delicacy as the Lark.
The eggs are usually pale-blue, but I have taken a nest with pure white eggs, in Sussex.
78 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (Salicaria Jlocustella). This shy little warbler is a regular summer visitor, but cannot be called common. It is very retiring in its habits, living among the thickest undergrowth of the woods, but is probably local rather than rare.
A few nests are taken almost every summer in this neighbourhood ; although I have never found one in either county myself. It is a difficult nest to find, being secreted among the tangled grass and thick herbage which usually surround furze and other small bushes. The eggs of this species are white, closely freckled with pink or reddish-brown, and scarcely ever vary.
It occurs at Wantage, Chesham, High Wycombe, and Drayton Beauchamp; and in the neighbourhood of Cookham it is not uncommon in June and July. Its note is not unlike the ‘chirping’ of the Grass- hopper, from which circumstance it has derived its name.
SEDGE WARBLER (Salicaria phragmites). Local name, faz-tail Warbler. In early summer, the osier-beds on the banks of the Thames, from Staines _to Wallingford, resound with the joyful notes of this little visitor, which arrives punctually between the 1oth and 20th of April, to enliven our rivers and lakes with its variable song. I say variable, because it has often been noticed that this species is a regular ‘mocking bird’-——imitating. the note of the Yellow Wagtail, the Skylark, and the ‘twit-
SVYLVIADZ. 79
twit’ of the Swallow in rapid succession: it has been known also to imitate the note of the Starling and the Missel Thrush, as well as the call of the Wryneck. It has been argued that these so-called zmitations of the notes of other birds is a part of the usual song of the Sedge Warbler, and not an imitation at all: and this opinion is probably the correct one.
The Sedge Warbler leaves us in the middle of September: I have occasionally seen a few which linger on until the end of the month, and Mr. Yarrell, at page 290 of the first volume of his ‘History of British Birds,’ relates, that ‘on one occasion a single specimen was observed near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, in winter,’ but gives no date. The Sedge Warbler breeds in tolerable numbers along the banks of the Thames and Colne, and in the reeds and flags which surround many ornamental pieces of water and small streams in different parts of the two counties. The nest is usually placed near the ground, often between the branches of a young osier or willow; sometimes it is built upon the bank, and at others, in the reeds in the middle of a pond or lake. The eggs are generally five or six in number, but in the spring of 1867, I found a nest containing the un- usual number of nine.
Beetles,. and various small water insects, con- stitute the principal food of the Sedge Warbler.
80 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
In June, 1867, I discovered a nest of this species in a low laurel in Windsor Home Park, with two pure white eggs, one with a few brown blotches at the end, otherwise white, and a fourth of the usual type. In 1865 I saw a similar variety of the Sedge Warbler’s egg, which was found near Windsor, and identified. Mr. Crewe says that this bird is very common in his parish of Drayton Beauchamp, near Tring, where it breeds abundantly on the shores of the reservoirs.
REED WARBLER (Salicaria arundinacea). An ex- ceedingly common bird, arriving in this district in the month of April, and leaving us towards the end of September.
It is numerous along the banks of the Thames, Colne, Chess, and Kennet, as well as by the sides of large ponds, and among the reed-beds on the banks of the reservoirs near Drayton Beauchamp. Its pleasing song, too, may be heard from the osiers which are so common by the sides of the sluggish streams and rivulets throughout the district.
This Warbler appears to have first been made known as British by the Rev. John Lightfoot, who, in a com- munication to Sir Joseph Banks, which was read before the Royal Society, and printed in their Trans- actions for the year 1785, described this bird from specimens which he had discovered frequenting the reeds on the banks of the little river Colne from Iver to Harefield Moor, a distance of some five miles.
SVYLVIADA, 81
Thus Buckinghamshire can claim the discoverer of two British birds, the Reed Warbler and the Lesser Whitethroat.
Of late years I have remarked the partiality which this species evinces for nesting high up in lilac-trees, and generally at some distance from water. I have had some correspondence with Mr. J. E. Harting on this subject, for he has remarked the same thing ;* but on comparing notes, and examining a good series of eggs, he and Mr. Blyth have come to the con- clusion that the species thus found nesting in shrubs at a distance from water, is nevertheless identical with S. arundinacea. It is remarkable that this diver- gence from the usual habits of the species should have been unnoticed by all previous writers, but since the peculiarity was pointed out by Mr. Harting, his ob- servations have been confirmed by other naturalists.
NIGHTINGALE (Philomela luscinia). This, our finest songster, is a regular summer visitor, reaching us about the 25th of April. Males arrive a few days before the females, and directly the former come, many bird-catchers are on the gwz vive to capture _ them, as it is said a male bird will not survive long if taken after the females have arrived and his song has gained him a mate.
The nest is, in most cases, built upon a bank, but in May 1867 I discovered one constructed of oak- leaves, hair, and wool, placed about two feet from
* Vide ‘The Birds of Middlesex,’ pp. 45-47. G
82 ITHE BIRDS OF BERKS AND-.BUCKS.
the ground in a laurel. I took out, on successive days, four eggs, one by one, and each morning the hen laid a new egg, thus proving she will not easily desert her nest.
BLACKCAP (Curruca atricapilla). This charming Warbler, second only to the Nightingale, is a regular summer visitor, reaching this country in April and leaving in September, although a few in some years remain until October. This bird is not so common as many of the other Warblers in either county, although generally dispersed.
The eggs of the Blackcap are subject to much variety, some resemblng those of the Garden Warbler, others those of the Tree Pipit. The nest is generally placed in a low bush or hedge, about three feet from the ground. The male bird occasionally relieves the female during the process of incubation ; I have more than once seen a male on the nest, in which position the bird has occasionally been heard to sing. The Blackcap is partial to wooded and enclosed districts, rarely being observed on commons or tracts of waste and open land.
GARDEN WARBLER (Curruca hortensis). +» Gene- rally dispersed, but by no means so numerous as either the Blackcap or Common and Lesser White- throats.
It reaches these counties towards the end of April, quitting them» again in September. As its name implies, it frequents gardens, and is of very retiring
SYLVIADE. 83
habits, although its pleasant note may often be heard in a thick wood or among straggling bushes. Insects, berries, peas, and fruit of various kinds constitute its principal food.
COMMON WHITETHROAT (Curruca cinerea). Ar- rives towards the end of April, from which month until September it is one of the commonest of our Warblers. It frequents hedges and woods; and nettles, brambles, and other low-growing weeds which cover many of our country lanes are much sought by it. Male birds usually reach this country before the females, as is the case with the Nightingale, the Blackcap, and several other of our summer visitors. Its provincial name, JVeétle-creeper, is no doubt de- rived from its partiality to localities in which that plant abounds.
LESSER WHITETHROAT (Curruca sylviella). A common summer visitor, but not so numerous as the last-named. This pretty Warbler was first discovered near Bulstrode, in Buckinghamshire, where it was procured by the Rev. Mr. Lightfoot, who sent speci- mens of the bird, then new to Britain, to Dr. Latham, and this gentleman figured and described it at page 185 of his ‘General Synopsis.’
The lesser Whitethroat reaches the neighbourhood of Eton and Windsor about*the end of April, after which time its pleasing song and pretty form may be heard and seen in the tall hedges in which it delights to build. It usually places its nest five or
ne
84 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
six feet from the ground, and I have found the nest in a lilac-bush, which is rather a frequent site. This bird leaves us about the third week in September.
Woop WARBLER (Sylvia sylvicola). Local names, Wood Wren, Yellow Wren. A regular summer im- migrant, but never appearing in such numbers as the two following species. It arrives during the last week in April or early in May. The chief food of this little bird consists of insects and their larve. The nest is a difficult one to find, as it is generally artfully concealed under a tuft of grass, or among thick and tangled undergrowth in.awood. The hen lays five or six prettily marked eggs, white in ground colour, specked and blotched all over with deep reddish brown and ash colour; often the eggs are so much darkened by these markings that it is not easy to distinguish the ground colouring.
The Wood Warbler leaves us in September.
WILLOW WARBLER (Sylvia trochilus). Local name, Yellow Wren. Arrives about the second week in April, but occasionally before this’ date, its gentle pleasing note may be heard.
In the month of June, 1867, I found a nest con- taining eggs in one of the lower branches of a holly- tree in Windsor Home Park, which is an unusual position, for this bird* generally builds upon the sround.
A pair of Willow Warblers built their nest, early in the spring of 1866, among some long grass in front
MOTACTLLIDE., 85
of a park-keeper’s house on the banks of the Thames. The female, while sitting on her eggs, never shewed the least fear when the keeper’s children looked in at her, or even put their hands close to the nest; nor did their boisterous laughter and noisy voices alarm the bird at all, though they were accustomed to trample about in the grass within a yard of the nest at all times of the day.
CHIFF CHAFF (Sylvia hippolais). This small War- bler is the first of the summer visitors to reach us, with the exception of the Wheatear. Its sprightly form may be seen, and its pleasing song heard in the yet leafless hedges, before March is over; small numbers usually arrive about the 20th of that month.
The nest is generally placed on the ground, but in the summer of 1867 I found one built three or four feet from the ground, among the ivy which grows in clusters over the Albert Bridge, in Windsor Home Park. This species leaves early in October.
Family—MOTACILLID&.
Ray’s WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava). Provincial names, Yellow Wagtatl, Yellow Dish-washer. The Yellow Wagtail was first discovered by John Ray, and Mr. Yarrell named it after him in order to dis- tinguish it from the four species of Yellow Wagtails which are indigenous to Europe.
It reaches us early in April, and departs in Sep-
86 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
tember. A few pairs annually breed by the side of ponds and small streams, but the nest is a hard one to find, being generally well concealed among rushes and long grass.
Family—ANTHID.
TREE PIPIT (Anthus arboreus). A common sum- mer visitor, arriving about the beginning of April, and leaving in September. This species is not nearly so numerous as its congener the Meadow Pipit, and, unlike the latter bird, does not remain in Britain all the year.
Early in spring one may hear his cheerful song, the bird itself sitting upon the extremity of the branch of some large tree. The nest is placed on the ground, generally artfully concealed under a patch of grass or a low bush; I have sometimes almost set my foot upon the nest before the old bird attempted to stir.
This Pipit, as well as the other species, is locally known as the 77¢-lark.
Tribe—SCANSORES. Family—PICIDA.
WRYNECK (Yunx torquilla). This third division of the /zsessores comprises the Scansores, or climbers, a tribe of birds remarkable, as the name implies, for their powers of ascending trees, having their toes arranged in pairs, two before and two behind.
CUCULIDE. 87
The bird now before us is a common summer visitor, arriving in April, about the same time as the Cuckoo, whence it has gained one of its provincial names, Cuckoo's Mate. Another local name is Pea- bird, which was probably given it from the fact that about the time of its arrival young peas are springing.
In 1865, a pair of these birds built their nest in a hole in an apple-tree in an orchard near Burnham. The female was one day captured by a boy while sitting on her eggs, and was brought by him to Eton, and sold to a gentleman who set it at liberty. The boy who had caught it observed the bird on the apple- tree the next morning, and as he had marked it, it could not have been mistaken. What curious instinct had enabled this bird to find its way back again, after having been carried in the boy’s pocket a dis- tance of seven miles?
Family—CucuLib&.
COMMON CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus). Every one is acquainted with the Cuckoo, if not by sight, by its well-known note. ‘Have you heard the Cuckoo yet?’ is as much a household expression as ‘When did you see the first swallow?’ It arrives in April: and the mean date of its advent appears to be the roth of that month.
I have observed as many as five of these birds on the wing together in Windsor Park, in June and July, when they appear to be more gregarious than at other
88 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
times. The Cuckoo generally leaves us in the early part of September, though I once saw three in Ditton Park as late as the 20th of November. For informa- tion on certain peculiarities in the life-history of this remarkable bird, I must refer my readers to a capital paper by the Rev. A. C. Smith, in the Zoologist.*
Tribe—FISSIROSTRES. Famztly—HIRUNDINIDA.
SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica). Perhaps no bird is more anxiously looked for in spring by dwellers in the country than that harbinger of summer, the Swallow.
It arrives in this country about the 12th of April, but in some seasons a few stragglers may be observed earlier. In 1867, upon the Ist of April, a pair of these birds were seen hawking about that part of the Thames which flows through the Eton College playing-fields ; and some have arrived in the neigh- bourhood before the end of March. The following is an extract from a letter from my cousin Mr. John Kennedy, dated 21st August, 1867, written at Rosetta, near Launceston, Tasmania:—‘We are now in the beginning of spring, and as a sign thereof the Swal- lows are again appearing: they have been seen in
town three or four days. I had the pleasure of see-
ing my first Swallow in Tasmania yesterday (August
* Vide Zoologist for 1868, pp. 1105-1118.
HIRUNDINID 2. 89
20), for they had only then found their way out here.
The Swallow leaves us about the roth of October, though a few stay on until the 2oth of the month, and the bird has occasionally been seen even in November. The Rev. C. Wolley tells me that he observed a single specimen as late as the 16th of mit month, in 1866; and in 1867, -one: of Her Majesty’s park-keepers informed me that he saw several Martins and Swallows at the beginning of November skimming over the river near the Albert Bridge, Windsor.
A Swallow built her nest in a belfry a few sum- mers ago, and was always observed to sit perfectly still upon her eggs when the bell rang, although the nest was only a foot distant from the bell, which was a loud-sounding one. Mr. Gould says in his ‘Birds of Great Britain:’ ‘I find by my note-book that some Swallows were sitting on their eggs under the little romantic bridge at Formosa, near Cookham, Berkshire, as late as the 8th of August.’ This, how- ever, does not seem to me very late, and my friend Mr. Wolley informed me that he had seen young Swallows not fledged on the 28th of September— seven weeks later.
A pure white specimen of this bird was for several days observed flying about Ditton Park by Mr. Paice in August 1863, and was eventually shot between Langley and Uxbridge.
go THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
Lord Clifton, writing from Eton to the Zoolo- gist for 1867, states that one day in August of that year a Swallow was seen to be caught by the head in the interstices of one of the gilded weathercocks which surmount the top of a house at Eton College. Sympathising crowds of Swallows flocked to see it, and in a short time two more were captured in the Same manner.
An unusually late stay for the Swallow* is recorded in Loudon’s ‘Magazine of Natural History, where it is stated that Mr. F. G. Tatem, observed two Swallows at High Wycombe on the 22nd November.
MARTIN (f/zrundo urbica). This abundant species usually arrives in small companies of from five to ten or twelve, towards the end of the first or the beginning of the second week in April. Martins like Swallows have been always regarded as harbingers of spring, and their arrival is eagerly looked for by all. In the year 1867 they arrived earlier than usual. Mr. Ingram, Her Majesty’s gardener at Windsor, observed several House Martins during the last week in March.
SAND-MARTIN (Hirundo riparia). A summer visitor, arriving during the first week in April in little bands, larger flocks following in a few days. It is common everywhere during the summer months, and large numbers may be seen along the banks of the Thames, where a few remain to breed. About
* For a capital account of the habits of this bird, wade pp. 324-327 of Mr. Henry Stevenson’s ‘ Birds of Norfolk,’ vol. i. i
HIRUNDINID. gl
seven years ago many annually had their nests in an old sand-pit near Salthill, but they have now for- saken this locality.
The Sand-martin, which is the smallest of the Hzrun- dines, is not so numerous as the Swallow or common Martin in the neighbourhood of Windsor. A few stragglers have been observed as early as the end of March, and they leave us in August. In 1856 an immense quantity of these birds were seen in the Eton College playing-fields.
In August 1867, an albino specimen of the Sand- martin was shot on the river near Marlow, by Mr. F, Wheeler.
COMMON SWIFT (Cypselus apus). This long- winged, strong-flying bird is a regular visitor to the two counties in summer, generally arriving at a locality on the banks of the Thames known to Etonians as ‘Lower Hope,’ about the 3rd of May; though in some seasons a few Swifts are observed before the end of April. This species leaves England for Africa towards the end of August, very few being seen here in September.
The Swift is numerous in the vicinity of Windsor itself, but has sadly decreased in numbers in many places throughout the two counties where it used to be common. A few pairs remain to breed every year, usually choosing an old and lofty church-tower or barn as a site for their nests. The local name for this bird is Screech or Shrtek Martin. The skeleton
g2 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
of a Swift, with two eggs and remains of the nest, were taken a few years since from one of the Eton College Chapel bell-towers, where the old bird had probably been entombed while sitting on her eggs many years previously. These remains are now de- posited in the school library.
Mr. W. Dalziel Mackenzie informs me that he observed a Swift at Fawley, in Buckinghamshire, during a sharp frost on the 22d of December, 1860.
Family—CAPRIMULGIDA.
NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus Europeus). The Nightjar is the only nocturnal bird among the summer visitors to Great Britain. It reaches us about the second week in May, and departs at the beginning of Sep- tember. It is partially distributed throughout both counties, but is nowhere a numerous species; one of the most favoured localities is Gerrard’s Cross, near Beaconsfield, where these birds may be often heard on a still summer’s night.
The female deposits two beautifully marked eggs, marbled grey or brown, in a slight depression in the ground, which serves as a nest. Many of these eggs are annually taken from the woods near Beacons- field, and brought to Eton, where they are sold for a trifling sum.
The Nightjar is locally named Night Hawk, Screech Hawk, and Goatsucker, the latter name being
CAPRIMULGID. 93
given it from its supposed heinous crime of sucking the udders of goats and cows, whereas the true cause of its presence near the cattle may reasonably be attributed to its eagerness to capture the insects which they disturb. Mr. R. B. Sharpe states that a Nightjar was killed near Cookham Dean, as early as the 3rd of March, 1867. Mr. Mackenzie tells me that the Nightjar is very rare in his neighbourhood, but that he shot one at Fawley, on the 18th of July, 1863.
94 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
ORDER III.—RASORES. Famtly—CoOLUMBID.
TURTLE DOVE (Columba turtur). A regular sum-— mer visitor from Africa, arriving here about the be- ginning of May, and leaving us again in September. A. few pairs breed every year in Windsor Forest ; near Wantage ‘the species is annually observed, as well as in Ditton Woods, and in Langley and Stoke Parks. The Rev. F. O. Morris states, on the authority of Mr. Dalton, of Worcester College, Oxford, that the Turtle Dove breeds in Bagley Wood, in Berk- shire.
I took a nest, five or six years ago, in Ashridge Park, which is partly in Buckinghamshire and partly in Hertfordshire; these birds were not uncommon there. It has been procured near Chesham, and Mr. Sharpe includes it in his list of the birds of Cook- ham. It is fairly numerous in the beautiful woods at Cliefden, and in some of the plantations around Reading its soft cooing may be heard. The Rev. Charles Wolley told me of a Turtle Dove’s nest which was built in a tree in the Eton playing-fields,
COLUMBIDE. 95
in 1865. Specimens are shot every year near Maiden- head, Aylesbury, Taplow, and Newbury; in fact, there is, in all probability, no locality in either county in which it has not been obtained. Nine were shot by a man near Eton in a couple of hours one day, A man named Drye shot nineteen during one summer in Windsor Park, and persecuted as it is, it is surprising that this poor bird is not far less com- mon. The Turtle Dove is a lovely bird, and ought surely to be protected; it has ever been regarded as the emblem of peace, fidelity, and love; thus that old lover of nature, Shakespeare, says,—
‘Modest as the Dove.’ Taming of the Shrew, Act iii. Scene 2.
‘The Dove and very blessed spirit of peace.’ Henry LY) Part 1. Act iv..Scene 1:
‘ As true as steel, as plantage to the moon, As sun to-day, as Turtle to her mate.’ Trotlus and Cressida, Act ill. Scene 2.
‘So Turtles pair That never mean to part.’ Winter's Tale, Act iv. Scene 3.
There is a paragraph in the Rev. Leonard Jenyn’s ‘Manual of British Vertebrate, which I cannot ex- plain :—‘The spotted-necked variety,* first noticed
* Since writing the above I received a letter on this subject from my friend Mr. J. E. Harting, of Kingsbury, who says, ‘ Donovan, in his work on British Birds, has figured a species of Turtle, under the name of Columba albonotata, plate 149. Latham, in his “ History of Birds,” has referred to it as a variety of the Common Turtle.
96 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
by Dr. Latham, appears only to have occurred in Buckinghamshire.’ To what variety can Dr. Latham have alluded ?
The specimen from which the plate was drawn was said to have been shot in Buckinghamshire. This is probably the bird to which you refer.”
CHARADRIUDAE 97
ORDER IV.—GRALLATORES. Framily—CHARADRIID&.
GREAT PLOVER (Gdicnemus crepitans). The Stone Curlew, Thick-knee, or Norfolk Plover, is a summer visitant to Britain. Formerly it was nume- rous on the downs and hills of Berkshire, and even at the present time it cannot be called a rare bird in either county.
Specimens have been procured in Langley Park at various times, and young birds have been sold in Eton. I received a notice of one that was killed near Newbury. The species used to be very numerous on the chalk. downs in the neighbourhood of Ivinghoe and Drayton Beauchamp, Bucks; and my friend the Rev. Harpur Crewe sent mea note to the effect that it may still be often heard whistling over head on a still summer’s night near the latter place.
Mr. A. Collins, of the 57th Regiment, in a letter to me dated November 22, 1867, says :—‘ We also had a Stone Curlew (@. crepitans) for some time in the walled-garden at Betterton, near Wantage. It was chopped by our bailiff’s spaniel, when half fledged
H
98 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS,
on one of the stony uplands, and eventually escaped, when a report was spread by an excited plough-boy, that he had seen an ostrich running towards Whiffle’s farm. This young bird was, no doubt, bred on the downs near Wantage.
The Thick-knee has been seen near Reading, and Mr. W. Hewet says that the young ones are very good eating, but the old birds are dry and tough.
It has occurred near Aylesbury and Buckingham ; and several specimens have been seen at Slapton ; and Mr. Burgess tells me that its cry has been heard in the vicinity of Chesham.
Family—SCOLOPACID.
COMMON SANDPIPER (TZotanus hypoleucos). Pro- vincial name, Summer Snipe. A regular summer visitor. It may be observed on the banks of the Thames early in April, and it remains by the river- side during the summer, departing towards the close of September.
This pretty little wader is common by the sides of ditches and large streams all through the summer. It occurs near Wantage ; and Mr. H. Harpur Crewe tells me that one or two pairs remain about the reservoits at Marsworth and Wilston all the year. They are numerous by the banks of the Paddington Company’s canals in summer; and the Rev. Bryant Burgess was good enough to write me word that he
RALLIDA. 99
has repeatedly observed a pair of these Sandpipers in the summer months near Chesham and at Slapton, from both of which places he has a specimen in his collection. It frequents the Chess, the Colne, and the Kennet, and breeds near all these rivers, but the nest is a hard one to find.
Family—RALLID®.
LANDRAIL (Crex pratensts). Local name, Corn Crake. Reaches these counties about the middle of April, after which month it is a very numerous species,
Mr. Lillywhite, jun., of Eton Wick, told me that a Landrail allowed herself to be taken up in his hand without offering any resistance, on the 24th of Sep- tember, 1867. This species leaves us towards the end of August, but a few are sometimes killed in September by gentlemen out partridge shooting.
It rarely remains with us through the winter; but on Christmas Day, 1865, one of these birds, in very poor condition, was picked up in a field on the banks of the Thames, near Eton.
SPOTTED CRAKE (Crex porzana). This is by no means a common bird, and of local habits, but a great number escape notice by hiding themselves in dense reeds and overgrown ditches.
A pair were shot between Eton and Surley about three years since, and were preserved in Windsor.
iH 2
100 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
Another, now in the collection of Mr. Ferryman, at Datchet, was found dead one day in the spring of 1864 under the electric telegraph wires near the Slough station, against which it must have flown with great violence, its neck being gashed across. One was taken near Newbury a few years ago; this Crake has also occurred at Datchet. It has been shot at Maidenhead, and in the neighbourhood of High Wycombe. The species has been frequently killed on the banks of the Thames, where it is no doubt far more common than is usually supposed, as, by reason of its retiring habits, it is rarely seen in the daytime.
It usually arrives here in the beginning of April or towards the end of March, leaving us again in- October. Water insects, seeds, and worms form this bird’s chief food. The following extract from a letter from Mr. W. H. Power to Mr. J. E. Harting, is extracted from the latter gentleman’s work upon the ‘Birds of Middlesex :’—
‘I shot one of these birds,’ says Mr. Power, ‘at West Drayton, as it was crossing the river Colne, which here divides the counties of Middlesex and Buckinghamshire. My dog started it from an osier- bed full of tall reeds, and I killed it under the im- pression that it was a young Moor-hen. This was on the 2d of August, 1860.’
Mr. Harting justly claims this bird, and so do I; for it was shot on the borders of the two counties.
RALLIDA. 1of
A male of this species was shot by a man named Bunce, as late as October 1867, near Monkey Island;
and Mr. Shergold killed another there in September 1864.
‘ Ob, welcome Spring! ob, foelcome bernal flofers ! Ob, foelcomer thaw all, the merry bird Ghose farbling music—earnest of bright honrs— ds the first hymn to Spring by foandering poet heard,
CALDER CAMPBELL.
WINTER VISITORS.
ORDER I—RAPTORES. Framily—F ALCONID.
MERLIN (Falco salon). The Merlin is not a common hawk here, although individuals have been observed and taken at various times, and generally in the winter months, in different parts of the two counties.
I find by a reference to my note-book, that upon the 21st March, 1867, I saw a fine male Merlin which had been trapped by one of the keepers in Windsor Great Park a day or two previously. This bird, which I saw in the flesh, was in excellent condition. Mr. Fisher, of High Street, Eton, had procured it for the purpose of preserving.
Another fine specimen was shot in Berkshire in the early part of the year 1867: it was an adult male in full plumage, and was taken by the’ person who shot it to Mr. Hasell, of Windsor, by whom it was preserved.
FALCONIDE. 103
Mr. R. B. Sharpe informed me that the Merlin has occasionally been observed in the neighbourhood of Cookham ; and he has received the eggs from Woburn a village about two miles to the north-east of Cook- ham. At Billing Bare, which is some ten miles from Cookham, Mr. Briggs has noticed that it was not uncommon, and he was once witness to a remarkable instance of this bird’s audacity. He was standing near a thick bush on the Billing Bare estate, when a Chaf- finch dashed into the thicket, closely pursued by a male Merlin. Nothing daunted by his presence, the hawk as quickly followed, and, dragging the unfor- tunate Chaffinch out, was carrying it off, when a well-aimed shot from Mr. Briggs put an end to his career. In this case the Chaffinch was quite dead, perhaps killed by the shot; but Mr. Briggs stated that in many instances when he had seen hawks flying with a bird in their talons, and had fired at them—though far out of shot—in order to make them drop their prey, he had seen the birds fly away unhurt when released by the hawk.
Mr. Frank Collins, of Wantage, informed me of the occurrence of a Merlin near Wantage, in the month of October 1867; his brother shot it, and had it preserved. A bird-stuffer in Windsor told me that he had had several specimens from various parts of the county of Berkshire; and Mr. Hasell informed me that a fine male was brought to him in the summer of 1867, which had been shot by a person at White Waltham.
104 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
The Rev. F. O. Morris, in his work on British Birds, states that he shot a beautiful female Merlin, many years ago, while walking along the side of a brook in Berkshire. Its plumage was very similar to the stones on which it fell—a novel interpretation of one of its local names, Stone Falcon.
Family—STRIGID&.
SHORT-EARED OWL (Otus brachyotos). This bird, although not numerous in either of the two counties, is still far from uncommon in winter. I have seen them in the woods near Ditton Park; they are pro- cured occasionally in Windsor Forest, and many other localities. It is locally named the Woodcock Owl. Mr. Ferryman, of Datchet, informed me that many were brought to him in 1860 and 1861, but few since. Specimens have been killed at Chesham, and in the neighbourhood of Drayton Beauchamp. This bird arrives towards the énd of October, and may then often be seen in stubbles. It visits England about the same time as the Woodcock, whence its name:
Mr. R. B. Sharpe states that it is rare in the neighbourhood of Cookham, but Mr. Darby killed a specimen of this Owl, some years since, near Cockmarsh, which was stuffed by Mr. J. Ford, of Cookham.
MERULID. 105
ORDER II.—INSESSORES. Tribe—DENTIROSTRES. Family—MERULIDA.
FIELDFARE (Zurdus pilaris). Local names, Felt, Feltfare. This is a regular winter visitant to this country. It usually arrives in Berkshire and Buck- inghamshire during the first week of November; in some seasons it visits us in small flocks during October. Upon the morning of the 25th of Sep- tember, 1867, while standing in Mr. Fenwick Hele’s garden at Aldeburgh, in Suffolk, I was greatly sur- prised, on looking up accidentally, to perceive a small flock of Fieldfares flying towards the south-east ; several persons saw them besides myself, and I am fully persuaded as to their identity. Several friends informed me that they saw birds of this species in various parts of England during the last week of September 1867. This very early migration from the north is sazd to be a certain sign of an unusually severe winter.
In 1866, I saw the first Fieldfare at the end of October; and in 1867, I was informed that some were seen in Buckinghamshire in September. This
106 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
was probably correct, as they were observed in other counties about the same date.
They generally leave us towards the end of March.
REDWING (ZYurdus tliacus). Local name, Red Thrush. This bird arrives here from the north in the middle of October; it generally makes its appearance about the 20th of that month, but I have occasionally known them to arrive earlier.
They are often to be seen in the neighbourhood of Windsor, feeding in flocks on the moist ground bordering on the Thames, and I have observed large numbers of this species in a part of Windsor Great Patk known as ‘Queen Anne’s drive,’ as late as the beginning of April. They leave us for the most part at the end of February, or early in March.:
Tribe—CONIROSTRES. Hamily—-FRINGILLIDA.
BRAMBLING (Fringilla montifringilla). Locally called Bramble-finch or Mountain-finch. A regular winter visitor, appearing in far larger numbers in some years than in others. The first flocks usually arrive towards the end of November, occasionally being observed in October, and leaving us again at the close of winter. The Rev. H. H. Crewe states that this bird appears in vast flocks during the late autumn, winter, and early spring months in the neighbourhood of Drayton Beauchamp, Buckingham- shire, for the purpose of feeding on the beech-mast.
FRINGILLIDE. 107
In very severe weather it feeds and associates with Sparrows, Chaffinches, and other birds in the farm- yards. Large numbers visit Windsor Forest every winter, and a great many are shot for specimens. I have seen birds of this species which had been shot near Eton, at Chalvey, Eton Wick, Surley, and Datchet. Numbers visit Burnham Beeches annually, and there they find an ample feast of their favourite food, In mild winters they are not so numerous, but I never knew a season in which some did not occur. I have seen them in the beginning of April, although the greater part leave us in March.
A great number are taken by bird-catchers every season. The birds are observed near Newbury, at Chesham, Hungerford, Maidenhead, and Reading, and I might give a long list of places at which I have received notices of their occurrence. Mr. Gould, in his ‘Birds of Great Britain, observes that ‘tens of thousands of Bramblings may now (25th March, 1865) be seen at Stoke, Cliefden, and Dropmore, in Buck- inghamshire ; and he states that they may be found at Reading any spring, when they throw off their shyness. Mr. F. Collins sends me word that they are seen at Betterton, near Wantage, every year. The following is an extract from a note from my friend Mr. J. E. Harting, the author of the ‘Birds of Middlesex :’—
‘With reference to the occurrence of the Brambling (F. montifringilla) in Stoke Park, Bucks, this letter
108 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
from Mr. A. G. Atkins of Farnham Court, Slough, appeared in the Zzmes of the 23rd of March, 1865. “Some of your readers may be interested by the mention of a fact which in this neighbourhood, at least, is without parallel in the memory of the oldest inhabitant. A large flock of Bramble-finches have taken up their residence in Stoke Park. Their numbers may be estimated when I state that the flight, which was seen starting from their roosting-place one morn- ing, continued streaming on without interruption for thirty-five minutes. The person who noted this killed forty-five at one shot. I may mention that before they came to their new quarters, thousands of Starlings congregated there nightly, but since this invasion of northerners the ancient inhabitants have been dis- possessed ; but they have not forgotten their former homes, and now that returning spring has warned our new friends to seek more quiet quarters before pairing and building time comes upon them, the Starlings are again making their appearance in great numbers.”’
The Brambling is found at Pangbourne and Abing- don, and Mr. R. B. Sharpe informed me that in winter these birds frequent the woods at Dropmore and Cliefden, where they roost, but as soon as it is light they fly off in flocks to Quarry Wood, near Marlow, where they find plenty of beech-mast.
Bramblings are taken at High Wycombe annually, as well as near Uxbridge and Aylesbury. A remark- able fact connected with this bird occurred at Eton
FRINGILLIDE. 109
some time ago. I give the extract verbatim, from my note-book :—
‘Upon the evening of the 1oth of March, 1867, at a little past eight o’clock, a bird flew into a room in this house, at Eton, through the open window: I found that it was a Brambling. It is a curious thing for one of these little birds to fly straight into a room at night, and I am inclined to think that it had been caged before, as it made no effort to escape, although there were no signs upon its plumage to justify the supposition that it had been kept in confinement. It is now in a cage, and apparently in excellent health.’
Bramblings often resort in winter to Langley Park, near Slough, and they have been observed at Beacons- field and Fulmer, and on the Chiltern Hills.
SISKIN (Carduclis spinus). Arrives here towards the end of November from the north, and remains with us throughout the winter months, taking its leave as spring returns.
During severe winters it is more plentiful than in mild ones, and in some seasons it comes in immense flocks, while in others very few are to be seen. Many are taken by professional birdcatchers in the vicinity of Eton and Windsor every season. It is a tame- able and very active bird, forming an attractive addi- tion to an aviary. It is sometimes seen in flocks, consorting with linnets and other small birds. Mr. Sharpe writes me word that this species is not
110 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
uncommon near Cookham during the winter ; and it has been seen near Reading, Surley, Maidenhead, and Wantage. The Rev. B. Burgess tells me that it occurs at Chesham and Slapton; and Mr. H. H. Crewe states of this species that Baldwin, a_bird- catcher who lives near Drayton Beauchamp, not unfrequently captures the Siskin in his clap-nets, during the winter months, in that neighbourhood.
In the winter of 1857 a great number of Siskins were captured in Windsor Great Park, and the species were likewise numerous in the hard winter of 1866-7. Mr. Wolley saw five of these birds near Surley lock, for several days in the month of February 1867. In Mr. Gould’s work on the ‘Birds of Great Britain,’ he observes that he has often known large troops of Siskins to frequent Taplow and Cliefden woods. In the parks at Langley and Stoke it is not uncom- mon in cold weather.
The food of the Siskin consists chiefly of various seeds, and it is an interesting sight to see a flock flying from tree to tree and passing from branch to branch, eagerly searching the alder, birch, larch, and other trees, for the hidden food. It very rarely breeds in this country, but the nest has been taken in Aberdeenshire, near New Abbey in Galloway, and in some other parts of Scotland. |
LESSER REDPOLE (Linota lJinaria). Provincially called the Common Redpole. A winter visitor. It is never very common, but small flocks begin to
FRINGILLIDA. III
frequent the banks of some of our smaller streams and rivulets about the end of November. These flocks leave again for their northern breeding stations in March. Though instances have been recorded of this species nesting in southern counties, I have never been able to meet with an authenticated nest in either Berkshire or Buckinghamshire.
This bird may be distinguished from the Mealy Redpole by having its tail feathers not nearly so long or so deeply forked as that bird: it is also smaller in size.
MOUNTAIN LINNET (Linota montium). Like the last-named species, this is also a winter visitor, but not so abundant. Itis more frequently found on hill- sides and moors, and is on this account less common in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. Its food consists almost wholly of seeds. This bird is distinguished from the common Linnet, and both the Redpoles, by its yellow bill, by the greater length of its tail, which is also more forked, and by possessing a reddish throat, without any red on the breast or head which is characteristic of the other species. _
COMMON CROSSBILL (Lorza curvirostra). This remarkable-looking bird is a winter visitor, but never appears in any great numbers, although in some seasons it is more common than in others. As it is not a regular visitor, it may be interesting to enume- rate here the dates and localities of its occurrence which have come under my notice.
112 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
Mr. Sharpe tells me that a few are seen in the neighbourhood of Cookham nearly every winter, but it is not common there at any time. About the year 1847, several birds of this species were shot in the grounds of Drayton Lodge, and were placed in the collection of Mr. S. W. Jenney, for a notice of which I am indebted to the Rev. H. Crewe. It has been observed in the plantations at Fulmer, and is reported to have been seen in Burnham Beeches. Five were shot late in the autumn of 1857 near Virginia Water, and were taken for preservation to Mr. Hasell, of Windsor, who told me that a single bird of the same species was brought to him from . the same locality in the winter of 1866. A male Crossbill flew into a room in a house near Reading a few years ago, and a female bird of this species was seen sitting in a tall hedge in the road between Eton and Datchet, by Mr. J. Clayton, of Eton, early in the morning of the 30th of November, 1867. Mr. James Williams shot a pair near Aldbury a short time ago, and it has been taken at Risborough.
Family—COoRVID&.
HOODED CROW (Corvus cornix). Locally termed Royston Crow. May be observed along the banks of the Thames every winter. This crow is exceed- ingly wary, as those who have attempted to get a shot will doubtless have discovered. A few, however,
| THE HOODED CROW,”
Coreus vor
/*
2 ORE OS BN Me aa SPE eo bo ea Ae cry, wer Lae mY, i as age * +, % ve bal ; . a : ohh x att so j aon Pat ae pete Rais Ea es ve 4 bas b , A ‘ bier rt J va / % he atari a oe ¢ . >A i iia Tike ‘ween OF RERRSAND 3 tne + iy oT “fi eis cee hat a few are coetih Brace, Wen ef % ceobehuans | Peter ly< ery ““winte ar page eRe a ary Rime, /\ beuit if a sgeened: ies of Aha ty iter os oh ran . Rann at Ny. Bi w Jerincyjifet 00 bith ; ny aed te ie aay Hy Crewe, It hag «” = : coy, ihe eB -stgalthien Mm Falher, rr: me : | ie ta). Daigiaan pare, se ? | ee Mets 1857 neat ~ nig ¥ - nf ot preservation | to Mir. Viudse:, whie told etie: that a Sh ' bird Jot se en rric pec € wae tT soup te his nN. he same locality: in the -winter of 7866" Acmm Crossbi flew into a room in a house near Readis z: ; few ‘yéars avo, ahd a Wemale: bird ofthis speci 4, @as-seen sifting ina tall hedge ta the road .betw Pal / . FF ie , “ fa wh “= oe ; ; tehet, ib y. Vine! i, i YCON, 2) Eton, a3 ¢ | ; att th © ‘Novewbers 307% ¥ \ s Vis yaar er Addbar, a: a c Ne = ety as LA ynaepae. aA *
Hota viwes ¥0ri 7 * ROSSER as Oo CORR Be
of the Thkauetees alee Heeter’ Fi ingly wary) mir Tee wie teapot (witless: shot will doubtless ebaanih inet? ek ty
: ¥ pay Shin
a ¥ é a eels oe
eM Me Co) | Sa ee pt ee a Veu
THE HOODED CROW.
Corvus cornix.
CORVIDE. 113
are generally killed during the winter season in the neighbourhood of Windsor, Cookham, and Maiden-- head.
At the large reservoirs near Drayton Beauchamp, this species is common in winter. It is also found during frosty weather in the neighbourhood of Ches- ham. Besides being wary, the Royston Crow possesses a great amount of cunning, as the following anecdote will show. .
A friend was driving home one evening, when he observed one of these Crows feeding on a dead sheep by the roadside: he shot it, picked it up, and placed it carefully in the bottom of the carriage—apparently quite dead. He had not proceeded far when on hearing a noise behind him, he looked round and was surprised to see the bird sitting on the back- rail of the vehicle; on stretching out his hand to recapture it, to his amazement the Crow flew away. He watched it for some distance, and as it flew strongly and well, it appeared evident that the bird had been only shamming.
114 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
ORDER IV.—GRALLATORES.
Family—CHARADRIID.
GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis). A re- gular winter visitor to our open marshy grounds and the banks of the Thames. Flocks generally arrive in November, at which time two or three hundred may be occasionally observed feeding on the fallow lands near Datchet and Slough; and great flocks continue flying over Eton at intervals throughout the winter, until March.
In cold weather the Golden Plover may be found throughout the two counties, and the Rev. H. Crewe told me that it is particularly common about the low meadows in the vicinity of Drayton Beauchamp in winter ; and it is not rare at Chesham, Cookham, and Risborough.
Family—SCOLOPACIDA.
Woopcock (Scolopax rusticola). There is no good Woodcock shooting to be had in either county, although this bird is a regular winter visitor, arriving towards the end of October in small detachments.
SCOLOPACIDE. 115
The Woodcock: is an early breeder, but does not often remain to breed in this country. However, the nest has been occasionally taken here. Mr. Royce found a nest of this bird, in 1857 or 1858, with eggs, in Winkfield Park. The eggs have been taken near Beaconsfield, and I procured a good example from a wood near Burnham in the spring of 1867, A few pairs have been known to breed for several successive years near Stoke ; and this bird has nested in New- woods, Burnham, for several seasons. The Rev. H. Burney, of Woburn, wrote Mr. James Britten word that the Woodcock breeds in the woods at Brickhill, near Woburn, nearly every year. This bird leaves us, as a rule, about the end of February.
Mr. Dalziel Mackenzie tells me that he saw eight Woodcocks on the 13th of December, 1859, near Fawley, and one of these birds he saw perch on a large oak, where it remained until disturbed.
COMMON SNIPE (Scolopax gallinago). This well- known bird is a winter visitant, and in hard weather a good many couple are shot along the banks of the Thames and other rivers, and it may generally be obtained wherever there is any marshy ground. The nest of the Snipe is a very slight structure, and is placed on the ground, well concealed in long grass, generally in the vicinity of water. A nest has been several times discovered on East Burnham Common, where eggs of the Woodcock have also been taken. Snipe’s eggs have been procured from open
PZ
116 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
commons in the vicinity of Reading and on the southern borders of Berkshire. In the severe winter of 1866-67, during the hard frosts which then prevailed, Snipe were so tame as to sit on cottage door-steps, and when disturbed did not fly far.
They are sometimes killed by flying against tele- graph wires, and in a similar way I have known Land- rails, Redwings, Blackcocks, and Larks to meet their death. On the 7th of December, 1867, I was shewn a Snipe which had been killed in this way, near Windsor, one wing being cut clean off, and a deep gash on the head.
The following is from a letter from Mr. Mackenzie :— ‘I saw a Snipe shot out of a flock of Larks at sixty- three yards on the hills near Fawley, on the Ist of November, 1862. I saw a Snipe on the 2oth of July, © 1862, which is unusually early, or late, unless it was breeding.’
JACK SNIPE (Scolopax gallinula). A beautiful and well-known species, but not so numerous as the last- named, although, like it, a regular winter visitor. So far as I am aware, no authenticated instance of its breeding in Great Britain has ever been recorded.
It reaches us in October, and remains until February. In the neighbourhood of Chesham it is rare, but Mr. Bryant Burgess told me of one which was shot near there, at Missenden, in the month of February, 1842, and of another which was killed near Slapton in December, 1848.
ANATIDE. ¥t7
ORDER V.—NATATORES.
Famtly—ANATIDA,
BEAN GOOSE (Auser segetum). All the geese which have occurred in these two counties were observed in winter, and I am enabled to include in my catalogue no less than eight species; viz. the Grey-lag Goose, the Bean Goose, the White-fronted Goose, the Ber- nicle Goose, the Brent Goose, the Egyptian Goose, the Spur-winged, and Canada Goose, a list of which any inland county may well be proud.
The Bean Goose not unfrequently occurs in hard weather on the Thames, and is one of the commonest of the wild geese which have been observed here. Small flocks are occasionally seen in winter flying high in air in the shape of the letter < placed hori- zontally, and I believe that in the majority of cases a near inspection would have proved these to be Bean Geese. Several of this species were seen and killed in the vicinity of Windsor and Surley in the hard season of 1866-67 ; indeed, almost every winter a few are shot in this neighbourhood. It is not rare in cold weather, on the canal at Slapton, and has also occurred at Chesham and other places.
118 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
BRENT GOOSE (Auzser torquatus). This, the smallest of the British geese, has been shot in many localities in the two counties, but it will perhaps not be uninterest- ing if I enumerate the instances of late years of its occurrence. In 1865, a person named Bunce shot a pair of these geese near Datchet ; and it has been obtained on many other occasions in the vicinity of Windsor and Eton. One was killed on the Thames near Eton during the hard winter of 1866-67. Mr. Sharpe told me of one which was shot in the winter of 1866, on the river near Cookham. In severe weather small flocks visit the large reservoirs in the neighbourhood of Drayton Beauchamp, as the Rev. H. Harpur Crewe was good enough to write me word. Two were killed at Surley by an Eton waterman in January, 1867, and many more were seen at the same time.
Colonel Hawker observes : ‘To kill Brent Geese by day, get out of sight in a small punt, at low water, and keep as near as possible to the edge of the sea; you will then hear them coming like a pack of hounds in full cry, and they will repeatedly pass within fair shot, provided you are well concealed, and the weather is windy enough to make them fly low. Before you fire at them spring suddenly up, and these awkward birds will be in such a fright as to hover together, and present a mark like a barn door.’ *
HOOPER (Cygnus ferus). The Hooper, Wild, or Whistling Swan, is a winter visitor to this country
* “Instructions to Young Sportsmen.’
ANATIDE. 119
and the harder the weather the more numerous is the species. This bird is more common in the northern parts of our island than in the southern counties ; nevertheless a few specimens are procured every now and then, even in localities at some distance from the sea.
I received the following letter from ‘a Windsor lad of 1831 :—‘I remember about twenty-five years back a Mr. Hughes, connected with the Royal household, and well known in Windsor as ‘old Buffy Hughes,’ shooting in the neighbourhood of Clewer Point, Windsor, a couple of Hoopers or Wild Swans; and I well remember that one was converted into soup, and most of the people who partook of it were very much disturbed in their internal economy.’
In the winter of 1835, a man named Kitson shot a Hooper near Eton, which was taken home by him and cooked for supper. Another was killed by Mr. G. S. Lillywhite, of Eton Wick, about the year 1837, ona piece of ground known as Aldridge’s Copse. Some were procured, twenty years since, in the neighbour- hood of Burnham, by Mr. Howard of that village. In the winter of 1862, a couple of Hoopers were killed at Wraysbury, and stuffed by Mr. Hasell, of Windsor. Another specimen was shot on the river in the winter of 1865-66. Others have been brought at various times to the Eton and Windsor birdstuffers, but the dates of their occurrence have been forgotten.
I am told by Mr. D. Mackenzie, that seven were
120 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
seen for some days in some meadows near Fawley and Greenlands, Bucks, during December, 1860, and January, 1861. Two were afterwards shot at Med- menham.
One was killed on the Thames, on a cold day in 1861, not far from Windsor; and the Rev. F. Morris states on the authority of Mr. Wilmot that a flock of five appeared in January, 1855, between the village of Cookham and Maidenhead, of which two were shot. A few occasionally rest for a time on the river in winter before continuing their journey, but this is not often the case. This Swan has been procured near Chesham, and at Surley, where several have been shot in severe seasons by the Thames watermen. It has also occurred at Cookham.
In the winter of 1838, a couple of Hoopers were shot by a bargeman named Plumbridge, just above Surley Hall; and I am indebted to the Rev. Bryant — Burgess for the notice of one which was killed on the water at Latimer a few years ago, and which is now in the collection of Lord Chesham.
On the 2Ist of February, 1864, five Wild Swans were seen at Fawley, and with them were two Mute Swans, which they had probably enticed away from some private water. The two latter were killed, but the Hoopers flew westward over the Chiltern Hills.
The Rev. H. H. Crewe states that the Hooper occasionally visits the reservoirs at Wilstone and Marsworth in severe winters.
ANATIDE. {21
Many do not know the Wild Swan from the Mute or tame species, but the chief distinction is the bill, which in the domestic bird has the base brownish- black and the extremity yellow, and in the Wild Swan vice vers, the base being yellow and extremity black.
SHOVELER (Anas clypeata). This handsome bird has occurred in various parts of the two counties, where it is a winter visitor, although not a common one.
In 1855 a male was killed by Mr. Newman, on the river Thames at Datchet. Another male Shoveler was shot by Mr. Howard, of Burnham, in the winter of 1862-63, at Hay mill-pond in Burnham parish; he had it stuffed, and I examined it at his house. . In 1867 an adult female of this species was procured near Wraysbury towards the end of September—an early date for this bird to come so far south. I am informed by the Rev. H. Harpur Crewe that small flocks of the Shoveler visit the reservoirs at Wilstone, Marsworth, and Weston Turville, during inclement seasons, but it is never a common bird there.
GADWALL (Axas strepera). The Gadwall, or Grey Duck, is an uncommon bird, and is only introduced here as a winter visitant on the authority of the Rev. H. Harpur Crewe, of Drayton Beauchamp, who wrote me word that this species has occasionally been killed on the reservoirs at Marsworth and Wilstone.
‘Montagu says that this bird is supposed to breed in Sweden and Russia, and probably in Siberia, being found in those countries in spring. The Gadwall is
122 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS,
an excellent diver, and like most long-winged ducks is a bird of powerful flight. It feeds chiefly during the night, and has a loud note, not unlike the noise made by the Mallard.
PINTAIL (Azas acuta). Although this duck is a common winter visitor on our shores, it is not so often met with inland. The following instances of its occur- rence in these counties have come under my notice.
A male Pintail, in first-rate plumage, is in the col- lection of Mr. Ferryman, at Datchet ; it was shot on a sheet of ice in Stoke Park, by a man named Gregory, in the winter of 1863. The female bird which was in company with it contrived to escape.
The Rev. H. H. Crewe states that this species visits the reservoirs at Marsworth, Wilstone, and Weston Turville, every winter in considerable numbers.
Colonel Montagu states that the note of this bird is very soft and inward ; the courting note is always accompanied by a jerk of the head, and its other note bears a striking resemblance to the cry of a young kitten. The flight of the Pintail is very rapid.
WILD Duck (Azas boschas). Although a few pairs of the Wild Duck remain in these counties to breed every summer, for the most part this species is only a winter visitor, and in inclement seasons immense flocks pass over, occasionally dropping down on the rivers and secluded ponds to rest, until driven away by the persecutions of sportsmen. White varieties have occasionally been procured, and I have met with
ANATIDA. 123
pied specimens which have been killed in the neigh- bourhood. A purely albino drake of this species was shot on the ornamental water in Stoke Park a few winters ago by Mr. Newman, of Datchet ; and a pied Wild Duck is in the possession of Mr. Howard, of Burnham, which was killed in that vicinity.
The common Wild Duck has been known to breed in confinement with the Egyptian Goose, the Pintail and Muscovy Ducks, and the Shelldrake.*
GARGANEY (Aznas querquedula), Not a common species, but my friend the Rev, H. H. Crewe, of Drayton Beauchamp, has enabled me to place it on my list of winter visitants to these counties.
The Garganey has been several times obtained on the reservoirs at Marsworth and Wilstone in cold weather, but I believe it has never been known to frequent these sheets of water during the summer months,
TEAL (Anas crecca). This handsome little duck is a regular winter visitor, and is often shot on the reser- voirs, streams, and rivers of both counties. The Teal does not often remain to nest in England, but I am happy to be enabled to give more than one authen- ticated instance of its breeding in Buckinghamshire. In the summer of 1861 two nests of this species were discovered among some moss and rank herbage
* A capital account of the system of working the decoys, as prac- tised formerly (and now to a certain extent) in Lincolnshire, Essex, &c. is given by Yarrell in his ‘ British Birds,’ vol. iii. pp. 265—268.
124 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
growing by the side of a pond near Burnham: it is probable that the birds had bred there previously. The Rev. H. H. Crewe, from whom I have received so many interesting ornithological notes, informed me that he had taken the nest of this bird by the banks of the Wilstone and Marsworth reservoirs, where this species breeds in limited numbers almost every season. This statement is confirmed by the Rev. James Williams, of Tring Park, who has also taken the eggs at Wilstone.
WIGEON (Azas penelope). This species appears in limited numbers every winter on the Thames, Colne, Chess, and the Kennett. Wigeons have been shot at various times near Windsor, Eton, Cookham, Datchet, Maidenhead, Surley Hall, and other places, and have occasionally been killed on the water at Latimer, near Chesham. The Rev. H. Harpur Crewe states that immense flocks appear during winter on the large reservoirs at Weston Turville, Marsworth, and Wilstone, and I have received notices of the occurrence of this bird in many other localities. The late Mr. Waterton observed that contrary to the usual habit of ducks the Wigeon feeds by day, and its food consists chiefly of grass. ‘The Wigeon,’ says that accurate observer, ‘is a much more familiar bird than either the Pochard or the Teal. While these congre- gate on the water, beyond the reach of man, the Wigeon appears to have divested itself of the timidity observable in all other species of wild-fowl, and ap-
ANATID&. 125
proaches very near to our habitations. A consider- able time elapsed before I was enabled to account satisfactorily for the Wigeon’s remaining here during the night; a circumstance directly at variance with habits of its congeners, which, to a bird, pass the night away from the place where they have been staying during the day. But, upon paying a much closer attention to it than I had formerly been accustomed to do, I observed that it differed from them all, both in the nature of its food, and in the time of procuring it. The Mallard, the Pochard, and the Teal, obtain nearly the whole of their nourishment during the night. On the contrary, the Wigeon procures its food in the day time, and that food is grass.’
My friend Captain Henry Elwes, of the Scots Fusileer Guards, tells me that a pair of Wigeons were observed frequenting the reed and osier beds on the banks of the Thames, between Windsor and Datchet, as late as the month of May, 1860. They were supposed to have a nest there, but it was never discovered.
COMMON SCOTER (Ozdemia nigra). Like the last- named, a winter visitor, but of more rare occurrence. The flesh of this bird has a very fishy taste, and is but little esteemed for the table. Mr. Yarrell gives an interesting account, which I shall quote, of the manner in which these birds are taken on the salt- lakes near Martignes, at the mouth of the Rhone. He says: ‘These numerous salt-lakes are frequented in winter by large flocks of aquatic birds. With the
126 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
first appearance of frost the Scoters and other ducks arrive in small flocks, and a destructive sort of dattue takes place, in which all who can are induced to par- ticipate with great eagerness. About Christmas, when the Scoters have made their appearance, printed bills are posted at Marseilles, Aix, and all the principal places in the vicinity, stating the intended order of attack upon the birds, and the day and hour at which it is to take place. The mayors of two or three of the principal places make the necessary arrangements ; on the eve of the day fixed upon all the shooters are divided into parties, and each has a boat, a pilot, and a commander appointed.
‘The assemblage is large, filling the inns and the lodgings to be had at private houses. In the morning, at the sound of a drum, the embarkation takes place on the lake named for the first attempt. The boats filled with sportsmen form an extended circle around the flocks of birds at one part of the lake; the boats then draw in, diminishing the circle by degrees till the crews are within gunshot of the intended victims.
‘At a well-known and preconcerted signal, a par- tial discharge takes place at the unfortunate birds while swimming on the surface of the water. Many are killed on the spot ; those which escape this first fire attempt to save themselves by flight, when a second discharge assails them in the air; many more fall, and with broken wings and loud cries are picked up by the shooters, who divide the spoil, not without
ANATIDA. 127
many altercations, and return to land. After a short respite, the birds having again collected together on that or some other neighbouring lake, a second advance takes place in the same manner, and the day is passed in making a succession of attacks, each followed by a retreat for a time to allow the birds to reassemble.”*
The Scoter has been observed on the reservoirs near Tring and Drayton Beauchamp; and in the winter of 1862, a specimen of this bird was shot while flying over a piece of ornamental water at Datchet, and was taken for preservation to one of the Eton birdstuffers. Another was procured near Cook- ham, in Berkshire, in the winter of 1865, by a man named Godden, who is employed as a ferryman below Cookham bridge, and passed into the possession of Mr. Charles Venables, by whom it was unfor- tunately not preserved: this bird was a male, in full plumage. Mr. R. B. Sharpe wrote me word of another good example of this species, which was shot on Mr. Palmer’s estate, near Reading, in the month of July, 1867, an unusual date for the appear- ance of this bird inland. It was sent to Mr. Briggs, at Cookham, in order to be stuffed, but by the time it reached him it was so much decomposed as to render its preservation hopeless.
POCHARD (fuligula ferina). The Rev. ‘H. H. Crewe states that this duck is a common winter
* Yarrell’s ‘ British Birds,’ vol. iii., pp. 319, 320.
128 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
visitor to the reservoirs near Drayton Beauchamp, but it is rare on our rivers, although a few have at various times been obtained during severe winters. In a letter bearing date the 6th February, 1868, my friend Mr. R. B. Sharpe observed that he had a fine male of this species in his collection, which was killed some years ago at Cookham. The Rev. Bryant Burgess informed me of another Pochard, also a male, in his possession, which was shot at Ivinghoe Aston in February, 1847. Several birds of this species were obtained near Windsor in the inclement winter of 1858, and others have been met with in that neighbourhood more recently. The last Pochard which came under my notice was a male bird, now in the collection of Mr. Sharpe, which was shot on the river at Cookham on the 13th of January, 1868. The Rev. H. H. Crewe states that the Pochard has, on two occasions, been known to breed on the water near Drayton Beauchamp. A nest containing eggs was’ taken in June, 1850, at the Marsworth reservoir by a gamekeeper of the Rev. James Williams, of Tring Park: and a few years later, a pair of Pochards nested on the banks of the same piece of water. For- tunately, these birds were allowed to hatch out their eggs insecurity. The Rev. J. Williams, to whom I have just referred, has taken Pochard’s eggs at the Wilstone reservoir, where he believes that this species, in common with the Teal, breeds in limited numbers every year.
ANATIDEZ.. 129
ScauP Duck (Fuligula marila). An uncommon winter visitor here, although often enough procured during hard weather on the sea-coast, and at the mouths of rivers. It is a very expert diver, and its food consists of aquatic plants, insects, and mussels. From the nature of its food its flesh is naturally coarse and tough, and hence it is held in no estima- tien, forthe table’, On, the 26th:.of January, 1855, the Rev. B. Burgess observed a female Scaup Duck swimming about in company with Coots and Dab- chicks on the water in the park at Latimer, near Chesham, which was not frozen; and a few days afterwards Mr. Elliott, of Chesham Bois Mill, sent him a Scaup which he had just shot on the stream. ‘he Kev. Hy. Crewe states that it. is an occasional winter visitant to the Wilstone reservoir; and I have no doubt but that specimens have been killed on the Thames at various times.
TUFTED Duck (Fuligula cristata). The Tufted Duck, or Tufted Pochard, is a common winter visi- tant at the Marsworth and Wilstone reservoirs, but it does not so often occur on our rivers. The Rev. B. Burgess informed me that Mr. Elliott, of Ches- ham Bois, sent him a Tufted Duck one day in February 1855, which had been shot on a stream of water in the neighbourhood. Mr. Burgess states that he has repeatedly observed these ducks on the water at Latimer. Mr. Hasell, of Windsor, received some Tufted Ducks for preservation which were shot
K
130 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
in Berkshire in the winter of 1858-59, and he told me of others which were obtained on the river near Windsor in 1864and 1865. Mrs. De Vitré’s collection of stuffed birds at Formosa contains a fine male Tufted Duck, which was shot by Mr. J. Ford during severe weather some few winters ago.
Mr. Dalziel Mackenzie, of Henley, has informed me that he has known of several ducks of this species which have been killed on the Thames in severe — winters.
GOLDEN-EVE (fuligula clangula). A winter visi- tant, but never appearing in any great numbers. It is a handsome species, and an expert diver. Owing to the nature of its food, the flesh is not very palata- ble, and the Golden-eye therefore, is held in little estimation for the table.
The Rev. H. Harpur Crewe informs me that it is a regular visitor, in winter, to the reservoirs near Drayton Beauchamp, appearing in larger numbers according to the severity of the season. About the year 1854, three of these birds were shot out of a little flock by Mr. S. Hall, of Windsor, on the Thames at Boveney Lock. Mr. Hasell told me that he had a pair of Golden-eyes about ten years ago which were shot at Wraysbury. I have seen several preserved birds which had been killed near Eton, Datchet, Surley, and Windsor. My friend, Mr. R. B. Sharpe, told me that the Golden-eye is often found in the neighbourhood of Cookham during severe
ANA TIDE. 131
weather and when floods are prevalent. Mrs. De Vitré’s collection at Formosa contains a fine male of this species which was procured in the immediate neighbourhood, and Mr. Briggs once saw a flock of five of these ducks swimming about some flooded meadows near Cockmarsh.
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (Mergus serrator). A winter visitor, though not common. The Rev. H. Harpur Crewe informs me that small parties of four or five are observed upon the reservoir at Wilstone almost every year. Occasionally individuals are shot on the Thames.
A pair of Red-breasted Mergansers are recorded as having been killed near Reading, so long ago as 1785. A female of this species was shot at Wrays- bury in the winter of 1854, and was stuffed by Mr. Hasell of Windsor. I am indebted to Mr. R. B. Sharp for the notice of a female Red-breasted Merganser, which was killed during a frost a few years since in the neighbourhood of Cookham, and is now in the collection of Mrs. De Vitre.
GOOSANDER (Mergus Merganser). Local names, Saw-billed Diver and Dun-Diver. An uncommon winter visitant. Of late years the following parti- culars of the occurrence of this species have come under my notice.
In 1847 a carpenter killed a fine male on the Thames, near Monkey Island: this bird is now in the collection of Mr. Harding. An adult male was
K 2
132 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
obtained at Wraysbury in the winter of 1856: this specimen was preserved by Mr. Hasell, of Windsor. A female, in excellent plumage, was procured on the river near Datchet, in the winter of 1860. Many years ago several were taken near Windsor, and brought to the Windsor taxidermists for preservation. A female was shot by Mr. G. Lillywhite, of Eton Wick, at Boveney Locks, in January, 1864, while endeavouring to elude the attack of some Swans. A man named Godden, who has charge of the lock at Cookham, has a Goosander which he shot in that neighbourhood in the winter of 1866. One was seen on the Thames, near Eton, by a working man, late in the afternoon of the 31st of October, 1867.
Scarcely a winter elapses in which a few Goosanders are not shot on the Thames; and in hard weather this species is often found on the reservoirs near Drayton Beauchamp.
Family—COLYMBID&.
SCLAVONIAN GREBE (Podiceps cornutus). Also called the Horned and Dusky Grebe, the latter name being probably given to it from the sombre colour of the immature plumage.
In the winter of 1858 a Sclavonian Grebe was shot in the neighbourhood of Windsor, and was taken for preservation to Mr. Hasell of that town, who in- formed me that he had had several which had been taken at various times in Berkshire, but none of these
COLYMBIDA. 133
were in the summer dress. Another specimen, in very fair plumage, was killed on 17th January, 1861, on a quiet pool known as Charley Tull’s pool just below the Windsor weir on the Thames. This bird was shot by Mr. H. Taylor, and is now in the possession of Mr. Harding, of Eton. A birdstuffer at Windsor, by name Hall, was driving by the Victoria Bridge, on the Thames, in the early part of 1858, and observed a Sclavonian Grebe on the wing; wishing to obtain it for his collection, and not knowing at the time what bird it was, he went home and returned in about half an hour with his gun. He then saw the bird swim- ming about in the middle of the river, and was about to shoot it, when his brother, who had accompanied him, advised him to send in his retriever to endeavour to catch it, or make it rise, and thus get a better shot. The dog accordingly went in and swam up to the Grebe, which, curiously enough, did not attempt to escape by flying or diving, but allowed itself to be caught and brought to land. It was then found to be a fine male Sclavonian Grebe. It is still, I believe, in Mr. Hall’s possession.
With respect to the present species, Mr. Sharpe writes to me as follows :—
‘My friend Charles Venables, Esq. bought a nice specimen of the Sclavonian Grebe, which had been shot in the winter of 1865. It was procured by a man named Godden, close to Cookham Bridge, and is still in the possession of Mr, Venables.’
134 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
On the oth of December, 1867, a Grebe of this species was killed upon the Thames at Datchet, and passed into Mr. Ferryman’s hands for preservation. About the same time I heard of another specimen of this bird which was shot on the Thames, close to Eton.
RED-THROATED DIVER (Colymbus septentrionalis). Local name, Sz/ver Grebe. This is the commonest of the three species of Divers, and some are killed on the river nearly every winter, especially if the weather happens to be severe. A male bird of this species, in good plumage, was killed by Mr. S. Hall, of Windsor, on the water opposite Clewer Mill: this was in the depth of a severe winter, about fifteen years ago. A young one was shot on the Thames, close to the village of Datchet, in the winter of 1863-64, and was stuffed by Mr. Ferryman. Several examples have occurred near Maidenhead and Surley ; others have been shot on the river at Windsor, always in winter. Individuals have been taken at Reading and Hungerford; and a single bird of this species was procured near Burnham some years since.
A Red-throated Diver is preserved in the fine col- lection at Formosa, near Cookham, which was shot in the immediate neighbourhood by Mr. Briggs, a few winters ago.
An immature bird was shot opposite Tull’s Lock, Windsor, by a man named Joel, in 1864; it was described to me as a ‘Silver Grebe,’ but on inspection
LARIDA, 135
turned out to be a Red-throated Diver. Old birds of this species are seldom met with ; in the majority of cases the birds obtained have been immature. An Eton birdstuffer, named Drye, informed me that he generally received a few of these Divers every year from the vicinity of Eton, Surley, and Datchet.
Famtly—LARID&.
HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus). This Gull, which is numerous on many parts of our coast, occasionally strays inland during severe weather, and may then be found upon the river. Mr. Morris states, on the authority of Mr. Thomas Wilmot, that a Herring Gull was captured between Maidenhead and Windsor, on or about the 25th of January, 1855. In the hard winter of 1866-67 several were observed flying over the flooded fields between Surley and Eton: and this species has occurred at other times, but I am ignorant of the dates.
‘The cherished fields put ow their Winter robe Of purest White. The fowls of heaben, Camed by the cruel season, crovd around The Winnowing store, and claim the little boon Gbhich Providence assigns them.’ THOMSON.
SPRING AND AUTUMN VISITORS. Maladie? 9 Shas ORDER II.—INSESSORES. Tvibe—DENTIROSTRES. ‘Family—MERULID&.
RING OUSEL (7urdus torquatus). A passing visitor in spring and autumn, but never appearing in any numbers, and generally considered a rare bird in these counties.
A female of this species was shot at Risborough in the spring of 1840, and is now in the collection of the Rev. B. Burgess ; who informed me that he saw a male in his garden, at Latimer, near Chesham, on the oth of September, 1862. A pair of Ring Ousels were observed during the same autumn at Dundridge, and in the neighbourhood of Wendover.
In 1865, a fine male Ring Ousel was killed on the Bath Road, Burnham, by the gamekeeper of Mr. G. Howard. Several of the Eton birdstuffers state that specimens of this bird have passed through their hands at various times, but they are unable to specify any dates. Mr. George Lillywhite shot a
MERULIDA. 7
Ring Ousel a few years ago at Eton Wick; and I have lately examined two stuffed specimens which were procured near Windsor about twenty years ago. A male Ring Ousel was procured at Cookham Dean, near Cookham, early in the spring of 1867, as I was informed by my friend Mr. R. B. Sharpe; who added that Mr. Brown, of Cookham Dean, had an- other specimen in his possession, which was shot a few years since in the neighbourhood of Stoke.
The Rev. H. Crewe states that a few Ring Ousels are observed every year during the vernal and autum- nal migrations, in the neighbourhood of Drayton Beauchamp:
The Rev. F. O. Morris says that he has seen one or two Ring Ousels in the parish of East Garstone, near Lambourne, in Berkshire. One of these was killed by the late Rev. Henry Boys,
eat Sf ve ye
138 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
ORDER II].—RASORES, Famtly—TETRAONID.
COMMON QUAIL (Coturnix vulgaris). A visitor in spring and autumn, arriving in May and leaving this country again in the autumn. Though not common, a few are shot every autumn in both coun- ties: a number of Quails were turned out by some gentlemen residing in the neighbourhood of Windsor, and this fact may account for the statement that the Quail is more common here than in many other localities.
The majority of the Quails which are obtained in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire are shot either in May or September, few, except semi-domesticated birds, being seen or procured in the intervening months. On the 6th of September, 1842, the Rev. B. Burgess put up a Quail in a wheat stubble near Bled- low, but did not kill it, and was unable to flush it a second time. A female of this species, in the same gentleman’s collection, was shot near Eddlesborough on the 1st of September, 1846. Three or four Quails were killed in the parish of Wargrave, during the
TETRAONIDA. 139
autumns of 1861 and 1862. On the 2d of September, 1867, a single Quail was shot by Mr. J. T. Brown, of Eton, while out partridge-shooting on Skippit’s farm, near the New Lodge, Windsor. Others have been procured near Eton in the autumn, and occa- sionally the species has occurred at Cookham, East Ilsley, Wallingford, Newbury, Reading, Langley Park, and Chesham. Mr. Morris states, on the authority of Mr. Hewet, that this bird is common in some parts of Berkshire, while in others it is hardly ever seen. Mr. D. Mackenzie shot one and flushed three Quails near Fawley, Bucks, on the 5th of October, 1867. The nest has been taken on the moors about the Harbridge flats, on the borders of Berkshire and Surrey. A nest was cut out of a hay- field near Bolney Harpenden, in the spring of 1866.
The Rev. H. Harpur Crewe informed me that a few Quails are killed near Drayton Beauchamp al- most every September. The Formosa collection contains a Quail, which was shot by Mr. Briggs, on some chalky ground near Cockmarsh, where these birds were not uncommon a few years ago.
140 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
ORDER IV.—GRALLATORES. Family—CHARADRIID&,
DOTTEREL (Charadrius morinellus). At the end of April and beginning of May, small flocks or ‘trips’ of Dotterel begin to frequent many of the hills and chalky uplands of the two counties.
Mr. Gould states that they are usually found be- tween April 15 and May 15, 0n the Chilton ranges of hills in Berkshire. In the spring of 1857, a few of these birds were shot in a field near Burnham. They are rarely seen in the vicinity of Eton and Windsor ; but a man named Hall has occasionally killed one or two in May, and specimens have been obtained near Datchet, and at Boveney Locks. One of the Eton birdstuffers has had Dotterel brought to him at different times, and Mr. Hasell, of Windsor, has procured a few in the month of April. Dotterel have been shot in the neighbourhood of Maiden- head and Surley. The species has occurred in Berkshire according to Yarrell, and Mr. Sharpe has known instances of its appearance near Cookham. The Dotterel has been procured in the neighbour- hood of Aylesbury and Drayton Beauchamp.
CHARADRUDE. 141
The Rev. H. Harpur Crewe has an adult male of this species, which was killed by a keeper of Earl Brownlow’s, on the 14th of August, 1862, in a corn- field near Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire. The female bird was shot at the same time, but it dropped in a dell among some rushes, and was for a time lost. Some children subsequently found it, and took it home to their mother, who cooked it for dinner.
A Dotterel was shot near Reading some time since; and another was procured near Beaconsfield.
In 1856 and 1858, several birds of this species were killed by Mr. Henry Taylor, on the banks of the river near Windsor.
Mr. Frank Collins has frequently observed these birds at Betterton, Wantage: he says they are exceed- ingly silly birds, and that many are shot there. As to its foolish qualities, Drayton, in his ‘ Polyolbion,’ quoted by Yarrell, says :—
‘The Dotterel, which we think a very dainty dish,
Whose taking makes such sport, as no man more can wish ; For as you creep, or cower, or lie, or stoop, or go,
So, marking you with care, the apish bird doth do ;
And acting everything, doth never mark the net,
Till he be in the snare which men for him have set.’
I am informed by my friend Mr. R. B. Sharpe that a ‘trip’ of Dotterel was seen some years since on Cockmarsh Common, near Cookham.
RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula). The Ringed Dotterel, or Stone-runner, is a regular visitor
to the banks of the Thames and the large reservoirs
142 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
during the vernal and autumnal migrations : it usually arrives at the end of April or early in May. George Hall, of Eton, has often shot this bird near Windsor, and it is not unfrequently brought to the Eton and Windsor birdstuffers for preservation. It has been observed near Wantage and in the vicinity of Reading, and I believe on the Chiltern Hills. Specimens have been obtained near Aylesbury, and in open fields near the large reservoirs at Drayton Beauchamp. It has been observed also at Datchet and near Maidenhead.
One was killed by Mr. H. Daly, about the year 1848, in a field called the ‘Brocas,’ on the banks of the river near Eton.
I am indebted to Mr. Sharpe for a notice of a Ringed Plover which was shot by Mr. J. Ford, of Cook- ham, on Cockmarsh Common about five years ago.
Famtly—SCOLOPACIDA,
COMMON CURLEW (NMumenius arquata). Provin- cial, Whaup. Visits the banks of the Thames and the large sheets of water near Drayton Beauchamp while on its annual migration in the spring and autumn; and occasionally a few are observed in the winter months. This bird has been shot near Chesham, Cookham, Maidenhead, Surley, Windsor, and Datchet, and from other localities along the river I have received notices of its occurrence. Mr. Howard has occasionally shot Curlews near Woburn, and on the Chiltern Hills.
FE OL OT AC INE: 143
While walking late in autumn in the neighbourhood of Slough and Chalvey, I have listened with pleasure to the wild and plaintive note of the Curlew, which may usually be heard before the bird which utters it is seen; and I have occasionally seen a Curlew flying high in the air, over Windsor Park.
WHIMBREL (NMumentius pheopus).* Not socommon a species as the last-mentioned, but occasionally a specimen is killed on the river in spring and autumn, at which season, as is the case with most of the Grval/- latores, a regular migration takes place.
The Whimbrel has been met with near Cookham -and Surley ; and the Rev. Harpur Crewe sent me the following note on the occurrence of this species near Drayton Beauchamp :—‘ A few specimens of the Whimbrel are seen almost every winter on the banks of the reservoirs here; that is to say, the Marsworth reservoir, belonging to the Paddington Canal Com- pany; the Weston Turville sheet of water ; and the canals at Halton and Wilstone.
GREEN SANDPIPER (Totanus ochropus). The Green Sandpiper is not a common bird, but is occasionally seen during the period of the vernal and autumnal migration. Mr. Gouldf says that he is indebted to the Duke of Argyle for the opportunity of examining
* In some counties the local name for this bird is the 77¢tere/, trom its note which Yarrell renders by the words ‘tetty, tetty, tetty, tet,’ which are quickly repeated.
+ ‘Birds of Great Britain.’
144 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
avery fine specimen of the Green Sandpiper, which was shot by His Grace in the spring of 1859, at Chenies, in Buckinghamshire ; which, he adds, ‘ does not seem a suitable locality for such a bird. The plumage of this bird was remarkably beautiful; the white of the lower parts, and the upper and under tail-coverts, were of a spotless purity. A second was shot on Dorney Common, near Eton, by Mr. S. Hall, . of Windsor, in the autumn of 1863: this was a male, but Mr. Hall saw another bird, probably the female, at the same time. Mr. D. Mackenzie informs me that he very frequently observed a pair of these birds near Fawley, in December, 1864. He shot one on the 24th of December, and the other on the 11th of February, 1865. Early in the winter of 1865, two of these Sandpipers were seen on the same common by Mr. Ferry, of Eton, who shot one of them, and has preserved it in his collection.
My friend Mr. R. B. Sharpe informed me that a fine male of this species, now in the collection of Mrs. De Vitré, was shot in the winter of 1865, while flying along the Thames, near Cookham. In the spring of 1867, another example was killed on the banks of the Thames near Surley: I examined this bird, and the man to whom it belonged gravely informed me that it was a Godwit! The Rev. H. Crewe wrote me word that the Green Sandpiper is observed to frequent the reservoirs and canals near Drayton Beauchamp in small parties every winter.
SCOLOPACIDE. 145
And a bird of this species, in the collection of the Rev. B. Burgess, was shot many years ago in the neighbourhood of Risborough.
When flushed at a brookside, the Green Sandpiper utters a shrill note, and generally follows the windings of the stream, flying at no» great height above the | surface of the water. It may always be recognised on the wing by its white upper tail-coverts, the spot- lessness of which contrasts strongly with the dark greenish colour of the back and wings.
GREENSHANK (Zofanus glottis) An uncommon species, although occasionally obtained during the spring and autumn months, when, like many others of the Zozanide, it performs its usual migration.
It is sometimes, though rarely, observed on the banks of the Thames; and I have heard of some specimens which were obtained near Windsor, and preserved by one of our local birdstuffers. The Rev. B. Burgess, of Latimer, near Chesham, has a Green- shank in his collection which was shot in his neigh- bourhood many years ago. Yarrell states that Mr. Jesse forwarded him a note of one of these birds which was killed on Ascot Heath, not far from the house of Mr. Davis, the well-known hunter of Her Majesty’s stag-hounds.
DUNLIN (T7ringa variabilis). During the spring and autumn the Dunlin is a passing visitant to the banks of the Thames; where, however, it is never very common. It is locally called the Summer Snipe,
L
146 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
-a name which is also bestowed upon the Common Sandpiper. The Rev. H. H. Crewe states that small flocks of Dunlins frequent the Wilstone and Mars- worth reservoirs every year during the early spring, and a few are again observed in the autumn. The Windsor bird-stuffers occasionally receive specimens for preservation which have been obtained in the neighbourhood. The Rev. George Jeans records in the Naturalist that he has shot the Dunlin near Windsor and at various places along the banks of the Thames.
LARIDA. 147
ORDER V.—NATATORES.
Family—LARID&.
COMMON TERN (Szerna hirundo). There is perhaps scarcely a more graceful bird on the wing than the Tern, or Sea Swallow as it is called; and it is a pleasing sight to watch a party of these birds on a calm day hovering over the receding waves, and anon darting down to secure their slippery prey for their young further up on the beach.
This species, like the Arctic, Black, and Lesser Terns, is a passing visitor in spring and autumn, though individuals are occasionally seen during the winter months. A common Tern was killed by Mr. Hall, of Windsor, in the month of November, 1865, as it was skimming over the Thames near Boveney Locks. Specimens have been obtained at Amersham ; and Mr. Burgess informs me that it has been met with near Slapton. In the autumn of the year 1848, Mr. H. Daly killed one of these birds ina field near Eton, called the ‘Brocas.’ Another was shot by Mr. Howard, in 1851, at a place called Lake- end, not far from Burnham. This Tern is occasionally
EZ
148 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS.
observed flying over the reservoirs at Drayton Beau- champ at the time of its migration. Several others have come under my notice which have been procured in this neighbourhood in autumn, but the exact dates of their occurrence could not be ascertained. An immature Common Tern, in the collection of Mr. Sharpe, was shot a few years since at Cookham. Another, in the possession of Mr. Mills of Bisham, was killed near that