60 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS. 



of Windsor Park known as Queen Anne's Drive almost 

 every year, and in damp ground by the side of the 

 river their eggs are annually taken. 



The name of Lapwing is derived from the slow 

 and heavy manner in which this bird flaps its 

 rounded wings. 



Family 



COMMON HERON (Ardea cinerea)* Local names, 

 Hern, Moll Heron, Molly Heron. A resident species, 

 but more common in the autumn months. 



The Heronry in Windsor Park is well worth a visit 

 from any naturalist who happens to be staying in 

 the neighbourhood. It is strictly preserved, no birds 

 being allowed to be shot, and no eggs permitted to 

 be taken. The Herons begin breeding early in March, 

 and eggs are often laid before the end of the month. 

 Young birds may be seen by the end of April. 



This bird frequents all small rivulets, and the 

 banks of the Chess, Kennett, Colne, and Thames, 

 where one may occasionally, when turning a bend in 

 the river, come upon a small party of them fishing. 

 Herons are shot every winter upon Dorney Common : 

 in 1866-67 as many as twenty were killed there in 

 the space of a week. There is another small Heronry 

 near Uxbridge ; and this species is found all the year 

 at the reservoirs near Drayton Beauchamp. It is 

 numerous at Cookham, and Mr. F. Collins, of Better- 



* Hernshaw was the old name for Heron. 



