90 THE BIRDS OF DORSET. 



Wareham, October 1 1 , 1 880 (Mr. Oliver Farrer), one 

 at Worgret Farm (Mr. H. Garland), and one near 

 Wool, October 12, 1885 (Mr. Eustace EadclyfFe). 



COMMON SNIPE. Gallinago coelestis (Frenzel). 



Yarrell, iii. p. 342; Dresser, vii. p. 641; Ibis List, p. 166; 

 Gallinago media, Harting, p. 51; Scolopax gallinago, ^ee- 

 holim, iii. p. 241 ; Paltenei/s List, p. 14. 



A winter visitant, many remaining on our moors 

 and heaths to breed. The " drumming " of the male 

 bird may be heard throughout the summer in the 

 breeding districts as it flies round at a good height, 

 every now and then descending obliquely with a 

 rapid vibration of wing and outspread tail-feathers. 

 There is much difference of opinion amongst orni- 

 thologists as to how the sound is produced. The 

 question has been fully discussed by Mr. Harting 

 in his " Essays on Sport and Natural History," 

 pp. 285-294. He considers the sound to be without 

 doubt produced by a vibration of the primary feathers 

 of the wings, a conclusion in which he is supported 

 by such good authorities as Sir William Jardine, 

 Mr. John Hancock, and the late Dr. Saxby. I once 

 saw a Common Snipe, after flying about for some 

 time in its usual way, perch upon the highest 

 branch of an ash tree, which, being destitute of 

 leaves, afforded me a good opportunity of observing 

 the bird with my binoculars. After disturbing it 

 from its lofty position, it resumed its usual habit by 

 pitching down on the adjoining moor. The so-called 



