116 BIRDS OF MARLBOROUGH. 



Scolopax gallinula. Jack Snipe. 

 Occasionally met with in winter. 



Crex pratensis. Land Rail. 



Appears at Marlborongh about April 22nd. In 1858 

 one was disturbed several times in the Forest. 



Rallus aquations. Water Hail. 



Is found in small numbers in the winter. It does not 

 stay to breed here. 



Gallinula chloropus. Moorhen. 



Fulica atra. Common Coot. 

 Seen occasionally at Eamsbury in severe winters. 



Anas boschas. Wild Duck. 



May be frequently disturbed during winter in the water- 

 meadows, and some few remain to breed with us. A nest 

 of this bird was found in 1857 in th'e low brushwood in 

 Polton Copse, at least half a mile from any water ; it con- 

 tained nine eggs, several of which enclosed live birds. 



Anas crecca. Teal. 

 Is occasionally seen in the meadows in winter. 



Podiceps minor. Dabchick. 



Considerable numbers of this bird live all the year through 

 in the withy-bed opposite the Master's garden. They are 

 late breeders, their eggs being seldom found before the end 

 of May or beginning of June. 



Lams argentatus. Herring Gull. 

 Flocks of this bird may not unusually be seen flying a 

 this considerable distance from the sea. 



