148 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



flocks of Teal. There is no doubt this handsome little duck 

 nests in the neighbourhood much more frequently than formerly, 

 and it was a gratifying sight, with the aid of glasses, to see 

 young Shovelers amongst the fowl upon the water, confirming 

 the fact of their regular nesting here. 



A bird seen on the water, and afterwards numbered with the 

 comparatively few that were killed, was a fine specimen of the 

 Great Crested Grebe, a species by no means common in this 

 immediate locality, but as it nests in another part of the county, 

 and this is the third season I have known of specimens here> 

 may we hope it is extending its range, and will become a 

 "native"'? At one time a considerable increase in the number 

 of Coot was observable, especially when the water was at its 

 highest, and migrant parties were heard at night coming in over 

 the fields from the north-east. The number and different species 

 of Gulls to be seen was also remarkable, especially when the 

 water receded from its highest level. The appearance of the 

 little Black-headed Gull was to be expected, as it has established 

 a small colony in the Valley, whilst the Kittiwakes and Common 

 Gulls are frequent visitors in winter, but the larger species, 

 Herring aud Lesser Black-back, are not so frequent. Of the 

 former, it was seen in almost all stages of plumage, from the 

 speckled to the adult ; but the Black-backed caused the most 

 comment, as some of them were in fine plumage, their parti- 

 coloured backs and neck being very conspicuous, whether at rest 

 or on the wing. A specimen picked up dead in a ploughed field 

 was sent me, its plumage perfect and spotless, giving no indica- 

 tion whatever of how it met its death. And, if inference is to be 

 drawn from the large flocks of Lapwing which seemed to increase 

 as the water drew back to its usual channels, the lovers of 

 Plover's eggs need not anticipate a speedy shortage of that 

 delicacy ; and, strange to say, the appearance of the " Peewits " 

 was almost sure to be followed closely by one or more Peregrine 

 Falcons. On one occasion two or three birds, one of which was 

 said to be very large and very dark, as well as swift and de- 

 structive were seen, but all evaded the gun. 



The most interesting item I know of was the sight of an 

 Osprey taking fish on several occasions from the large lake-like 

 piece of water to the west of Ringwood. From time to time it 



