80 EPPING FOREST
Woodcock. These birds are not unfrequent visitors to the
Forest in the winter months, but the absence of springs
and the hardness of the soil are unfavourable to them,
and they are never numerous where cattle have access.
They do not, therefore, generally remain long, but
instances have been known of their staying through the
summer and breeding.
Snipe. Often common by the Roding in Winter, and not
unfrequent by Forest ponds. I saw a pair on the bare
ground near Monk Wood, March 1897.
Jacksnipe. "I put up one by the Roding near Red Bridge,
and, hiding myself, watched him return to the same
WATERHEN.
spot after a long flight, a well-known peculiarity of
the bird.''—A. L. I saw one on Piercing Hill in 1885.
Bittern. A specimen was killed a few years ago by the
stream adjoining Wanstead Park.
Kittiwake Gull. An occasional visitor in stormy weather.
Common Sandpiper. Occasionally seen in spring and
autumn by Leytonstone Pond, the waters in Wanstead
Park, and by the Roding. I saw one last year by Bald-
wins Hill Pond.
Green Sandpiper. Occasional visitor in spring and autumn.
One was shot in Mr. Barclay's grounds, Knotts Green.
Two others shot near Epping are preserved in the
British Museum.
Curlew. Seen several times and killed at Copped Hall.
Curlew Sandpiper. A specimen procured by the late Mr,
Doubleday of Epping was presented by him to the
British Museum.