Wryneck. (Yunx torquilla, Lin.) Generally to be heard about the end of March and beginning of April. Known in the Forest as the “Little Eten bird;” and from its cry the “Weet bird”. Mr. Ruke both heard and saw one as late as Dec. 5, 1861.
Redstart. (Sylvia phœnicurus, Lath.) Beginning of April.
Thicknee. (Œdicnæmus crepitans, Tem.) It is possible that some may remain to breed.
Nightingale. (Sylvia luscinia, Lath.) About the middle of May their nests are mostly found in the Forest.
Cuckoo. (Cuculus canorus, Lin.) May 26 and June 1 are the dates when I have found its eggs placed, in one case, at Baishley, in a hedge sparrow’s, and, in the other, on Beaulieu Common, in a titlark’s nest.
Blackcap. (Sylvia atricapilla, Lath.) Arrives about the beginning and middle of April.
Ray’s Wagtail. (Motacilla campestris, Pall.) Known in the New Forest as the “Barley bird,” as it appears about the time barley is sown. Probably does not breed.
Grasshopper Warbler. (Sylvia locustella, Lath.) Breeds in the young plantations, but is by no means common.
Sedge Warbler. (Sylvia Phragmitis, Bechst.) Very scarce.
Willow Wren. (Sylvia trochilus, Lath.) Many are to be seen about the middle and end of April in the young enclosures, where I have frequently caught the bird on its nest.