98 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS. 



on one of the stony uplands, and eventually escaped, 

 when a report was spread by an excited plough-boy, 

 that he had seen an ostrich running towards Whiffle's 

 farm.' This young bird was, no doubt, bred on the 

 downs near Wantage. 



The Thick-knee has been seen near Reading, and 

 Mr. W. Hewet says that the young ones are very 

 good eating, but the old birds are dry and tough. 



It has occurred near Aylesbury and Buckingham ; 

 and several specimens have been seen at Slapton ; 

 and Mr. Burgess tells me that its cry has been heard 

 in the vicinity of Chesham. 



Family — SCOLOPACID^. 



Common Sandpiper {Totamis hypolmcos). Pro- 

 vincial name. Summer Snipe. A regular summer 

 visitor. It may be observed on the banks of the 

 Thames early in April, and it remains by the river- 

 side during the summer, departing towards the close 

 of September. 



This pretty little wader is common by the sides of 

 ditches and large streams all through the summer. 

 It occurs near Wantage ; and Mr. H. Harpur Crewe 

 tells me that one or two pairs remain about the 

 reservoirs at Marsworth and Wilston all the year. 

 They are numerous by the banks of the Paddington 

 Company's canals in summer; and the Rev. Bryant 

 Burgess was good enough to write me word that he 



