Nightjar. (Caprimulgus Europæus, Lin.) Known throughout the Forest as the “Night Hawk,” “Night Crow,” “Ground Hawk,” from its habits, and manner of flying. I have received its eggs at all dates, from the middle of May to the end of July.
Spotted Flycatcher. (Muscicapa grisola, Lin.) Arrives about the same time as the three preceding, namely, the beginning of May.
Redbacked Shrike. (Lanius collurio, Lin.)
Hobby. (Falco subbuteo, Lath.) Generally breeds from the beginning to the end of June. Mr. Farren, however, in 1861, found a nest containing three eggs so early as May 28th. See Chapter XXII. [p. 261].
Honey Buzzard. (Falco apivorus, Lin.) Never arrives before the end of May. See Chapter xxii. pp. [262]-265.
Puffin. (Mormon fratercula, Tem.) Comes to the Barton cliffs from the Isle of Wight, where it breeds.
Here, as before, the list clearly indicates the nature of the country. The wheatear proclaims the down-like spaces on the tops of the hills, whilst the hobby and the honey-buzzard tell of the vast extent of woods. In the following division the winter birds speak, instead, of the morasses and bogs, and the river estuaries and mudbanks, which surround the Forest district.
Shorteared Owl. (Strix brachyotus, Gmel.) Not uncommon. Mr. Cooper, the Forest Keeper to whom I have before referred, tells me that in winter and late in the autumn for twenty years past he has invariably met specimens in heathy and marshy spots at Harvestslade between Burley and Boldrewood. A specimen was killed in November, 1860, in Dibden Bottom, by L. H. Cumberbatch, Esq.
Fieldfare. (Turdus pilaris, Lin.) Large numbers frequent the Forest, where it is known as the “blacktail.” It especially frequents the hawthorn, and seldom approaches the hollies till the berries of the former are all eaten.
Siskin. (Fingilla spinus, Lin.) Now and then taken by the birdcatchers.