Quail. (Perdix coturnix, Lath.) Sometimes to be seen amongst the covies of partridges in the fields adjoining the Forest.
Great Bustard. (Otis tarda, Lin.) The last bustard, as mentioned in Chapter II., [p. 14], foot-note, was seen about twenty-five years ago by one of the Forest keepers, near Eyeworth Wood; but though on horseback, he could not overtake the bird, which ran across Butt’s Plain, aiding itself by flapping its wings.
Little Bustard. (Otis tetrax, Lin.) A female was shot some years ago near Heron Court; and is in Lord Malmesbury’s collection. See Eyton’s Rarer British Birds, p. 99.
Kildeer Plover. (Charadrius vociferus, Lin.) This rare straggler, the only one ever known to have been seen in England, was shot, April, 1859, in a potato field close to Knapp Mill, near Christchurch, by a man of the name of Dowding, who was attracted to it by its peculiar flight, such as is described by Audubon, as also by its monotonous cry, from which its name is taken. The bird was brought in the flesh to Mr. Hart, and is now in the collection of J. Tanner, Esq. The vignette at [p. 318] well shows its difference from the common ring dotterel.
Little Ringed Plover. (Charadrius minor, Meyer.) Very rare. Mr. Hart has only had one specimen, brought to him many years ago.
Grey Plover. (Vanellus melanogaster, Bechst.) Not uncommon during severe winters in the harbours along the coast.
Turnstone. (Strepsilas interpres, Ill.) Not uncommon. My friend, Mr. Tanner, has killed both male and female in summer plumage.
Oyster-catcher. (Hæmatopus ostralegus, Lin.) By no means uncommon.
Purple Heron. (Ardea purpurea, Lin.) One or two specimens have occasionally been shot.
Little Egret. (Ardea garzetta, Lin.) Mr. Rake informs me that one was said to have been shot some years ago at Hale, on the borders of the Forest. Yarrell mentions another (vol. ii., p. 554) killed, in 1822, on the Stour near Christchurch.