282 



THE BIRDS OF KENT 



various times, aud the subjoined particulars of its occur- 

 rences confirm that during the Franco-German War 

 many were observed in the county. 



In the Zoologist, 18G8, Lord Clifton writes : "We have 

 had several rare birds at Cobham this summer. Daring 

 the beginning of August a Buzzard, of the common 

 species, I think, was several times observed. I saw it 

 myself quite near me one afternoon, and it was observed 

 near the same spot on the evening of that day, and on 

 the next day. Each observer described it as a very big 

 Hawk of owlish appearance and brown colour." Mr. A. 

 Skinner says : ''A specimen of the Common Buzzard was 

 shot at Boughton, near Faversham, about December 28, 

 1868." In the Zoologist, 1871, Mr. C. Gordon, of Dover, 

 writes : " Eight Common Buzzards have been captured 

 during the present month (Kovember) on the adjoining 

 estates of Godmersham and Chilham Castle, near Canter- 

 bury. It is my opinion that a migration of these birds 

 has taken place." 



Lord Clifton, of Cobham, states: "In the month of 

 November (1870) we w^ere visited by a large flight of 

 Buzzards, several of which are still frequenting the 

 extensive woods about here. Two specimens were 

 trapped on the adjoining estate, belonging to the Kev. J. 

 Formby, whose keeper supposed them to be Kites. Two 

 fine specimens have also been caught in our woods in 

 vermin traps. I have examined the birds myself, and 

 believe them to be immature birds. They are un- 

 doubtedly the Common Buzzard, and measure 49 inches 

 across the wings. The rest of the flight are constantly 

 seen about the woods, and there must be at least seven, 

 if not nine, for on one beat five have constantly been 

 observed together and separately, and on another beat 



