225 



As to climbers (who suffer less from gun danger than other families), we have 

 the Greater and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in most of our woods, and even that 

 rarity, the Great Black Woodpecker, has been, with a good degree of certainty, 

 observed on three occasions. Then Picus Viridis, thougli scarce in the north, is 

 abundant here. The skilful Nuthatch is common, and the note of the shy Wryneck 

 often heard ; while the tiny Creeper, with its mouse-like movements, may be found 

 upon the tree-trunks of almost any orchard or copse. 



Order 3. — Rasores or scratchers come next, headed by the Dove family. There 

 is reason to believe that their numbers will multiply with the advance of cultiva- 

 tion, grain and cereals forming their staple food. The Ring-dove is very abun- 

 dant ; the Stock-dove common ; while the gentle Turtle-dove is far from rare. 

 I do not think the Rock-dove can be made out to be more than an occasional 

 visitant. 



The Pheasant and Partridge hold their own well, even when beyond the pre- 

 cincts of strictly preserved lands. The Red-legged Partridge is on the increase in 

 Gloucestershire, and instances have been more frequent of late of its presence in 

 this county. It would seem the Lapwing is even more abundant than formerly. 

 Flocks of several hundreds are to be met with in the early autumn within a mile of 

 Ross. They may generally be observed on the left of the Gloucester road, hover- 

 ing over the Rudhall valley, and also in other di.*tricts. The increase is remark- 

 able, because the only pieces of common land, Ailmarsh and Coughton Marsh, have 

 been drained and cultivated. Truly useful birds they are, the Lapwings, and very 

 good for the table also. 



With Grallatores (or waders) we are not over-stocked. The great majority of 

 this fourth order are shore birds. Those we possess are less plentiful than formerly, 

 owing to the multiplication of sportsmen, the drainage of land, and the general 

 encroachment of civilization. These forces are destined to advance at the expense 

 of the extinction of some species. 



The Common Heron is still among us, thanks to preservation in some quarters. 

 The Sandpiper, or Summer Snipe, is perhaps more plentiful than formerly. Con- 

 cerning this species there is a curious circumstance to note. Visiting us in April 

 (its arrival being somewhat ruled by the height of the river), it remains throughout 

 May — then disappears. The bird may be looked for in vain until about the middle 

 of July, when they turn up again with reinforcements. It is clear they retired to 

 breed, but where to is the question. Is it to the coast northwards, or to some 

 secluded parts of the Wye ? The latter supposition is extremely doubtful ; the 

 former not satisfactory.* The returning ones remain with us in small flocks until 

 late in the autumn. 



In winter we get the Dunlin, seeming to occur more frequently than formerly, 

 though by no means common. 



* More recent observation and inrormation proves their spring visit is merely a passing one, 

 en route for secluded breeding-places in the upper reaches of the Wye, and possibly its tributary 

 rivulets. Mr. George Home, of Hereford, informs us that the Summer Snipe most certainly is 

 abundant up the Wye, that he has taken an egg from a nest at Glasbury, and that he saw several 

 of these birds there so recently as May, 1889.— Ed. 



16 



