Woodcock. (Scolopax rusticola, Lin.) Breeds in great numbers in some seasons.
Common Snipe. (Scolopax gallinago, Lin.) The greatest numbers occur in December, though many remain to breed not only in the “bottoms” of the Forest, but the meadows of the Avon. Mr. Rake informs me that a Sabine’s snipe (Scolopax Sabini, Vigors), which is now generally regarded as only a melanism of this species, was shot at Picket Post, Jan., 1859. Another was shot not far from the borders of the Forest, at Heron Court, 1836.
Water Rail. (Rallus aquaticus, Lin.) Most common in the winter. Some few, however, breed in the valley of the Osmanby Ford stream, where I have seen a pair or two in the summer time.
Coot. (Fulica atra, Lin.) A straggler generally every year remains to breed on the Avon.
Mute Swan. (Cygnus olor, Boie.) Large numbers belonging to Lord Normanton’s swannery may be always seen on the Avon, near Fordingbridge and Ibbesley.
Wild Duck. (Anas boschas, Lin.) Breeds, like the teal, in most of the bottoms throughout the Forest, as also in the Avon. The fowlers round Exbury say that the wigeon, too, stays to nest; but I do not know of any authenticated case. Mr. Rake has observed the tufted duck as late in the year as May.
Teal. (Anas crecca, Lin.)
Little Grebe. (Podiceps minor, Lath.) Known in the Forest as the di-dapper. A few breed in the Boldre Water, and, perhaps, even in the Osmanby Ford stream. Mr. Rake tells me that it breeds plentifully in the Avon, between Fordingbridge and Downton.
Guillemot. (Uria troile, Lath.) Locally known as the “spratter.”
Razorbill. (Alca torda, Lin.)