THE BIRDS OF RAINHAM. 63 



BAR-TAILED GODWIT. 

 Limosa lapponica (Linn.). 



A common autumn migrant, more numerous on 

 the mud flats and the banks of the Medway some 

 seasons than others. I have never known them to 

 be seen on the spring passage in their red plumage, 

 probably they take a direct course along the coast 

 rather than coming inland. 



WOODCOCK. 

 Scolopax rusticula, Linn. 



This inestimable bird, a general favourite with 

 every sportsman, is not very numerous as a species 

 with us, our woods lying upon the chalk seem to be 

 too dry for their requirements ; still we are never 

 without a few, and the most I have heard of being 

 shot in a day is a brace. Some scattered single birds 

 are all we can boast of. In the spring of the year it 

 may be a few others are seen on passage, flying over 

 the woods on the eve of their departure for the far 

 north. 



GREAT SNIPE. 

 Gallinago major (Gmel.). 



Has not to my knowledge been met with, but I 

 cannot help thinking that it must have occurred. 



