Page:The New Forest - its history and its scenery.djvu/329



best plan is, perhaps, to arrange the birds in groups, and to give a short analysis of each section, so that the reader may be able to see at a glance the more characteristic as well as rarer species. We will first of all take the Residents. In making out this list I have been principally guided—with of course certain exceptions—by the rule of admitting every bird whose nest has been found upon reliable evidence, as we may be sure that for one nest which is discovered a dozen or more remain undetected.

. (Falco peregrinus, Gmel.) As this bird breeds so near, both in the Isle of Wight and along the Dorsetshire coast, it may be considered as a resident. From different lists before me, ranging over several years, it appears to have been shot and trapped in the Forest at all seasons.

. (Falco æsalon, Gmel.) See Chapter XXII., pp. 266, 267.

. (Falco tinnunculus, Lin.) Numerous.

. (Falco nisus, Lin.) More abundant than even the kestrel, especially in the southern part of the Forest.

. (Falco buteo, Lin.) Breeds in nearly all the old woods, but is becoming scarce. See Chapter XXII., p. 265.

. (Circus aruginosus, Lin.) Rare.

. (Circuscyaneus, Lin.) See Chapter XXII., p. 268. This bird has become much more numerous of late. No less than six or seven pairs were, I am sorry to say, trapped last year.

. (Strix otus, Lin.) Not unfrequent. I have found it nesting round Mark Ash and Boldrewood. Mr. Rake tells me that Amberwood is also a favourite breeding station.

. (Strix flummea, Lin.) Not so common as might be expected.

. (Strix aluco, Lin.) The most common of the three. Very often this bird may be seen during the day in the Forest mobbed by thrushes and blackbirds, and taking refuge in some of the large ivy-bushes.

. (Turdus viscivorus, Lin.) Known throughout the Forest as the "Bull thrush."

. (Turdus musicus, Lin.)

. (Turdus morula, Lin.)

. (Sylvia rubecula, Lath.)

. (Sylvia rubicula, Lath.) Mr. Rake tells me that it breeds rather plentifully round Ogdens and Frogham, about two miles from Fordingbridge. I have also had the eggs brought me from Wootton. 307