THE BIRDS OF THE BLACKWATER VALLEY. 267
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus L.). Occasional
birds seen in Jan., April, Sept., Oct. and Dec. Unusually
numerous at the beginning of August, 1923.
Common Gull (Larus c. canus L.). Identified in Jan.,
Feb., March, April, Aug., Sept., Oct. and Nov. and at times
very numerous. A number feeding on the fields at Dengie
19/3/22.
Coot (Fulica a. atra L.). Lawling Creek, 22/1/22 a flock
of 500. This is a reliable figure as the birds were filing along
the edge of the. creek in a thin line, rendering a count easy.
The occurrence of Coots on the tidal water is unusual. I have
only one other such record from this district; probably this flock
was migrating. A small party off Osea Island, 5/3/22. Ramsey
Island, 15 and 17/4/22, young birds 13/8/22. Old Hall Marshes,
14 and 16/10/22 many.
Other species identified :—Carrion Crow (nest), Jackdaw,
Jay, Starling, Greenfinch, Linnet, Bull finch, Chaffinch, House
Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Pied
Wagtail, Tree-creeper, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Whitethroat,
Fieldfare, Mistle-Thrush, Song Thrush, Redwing, Black-
bird, Redbreast, Hedge Sparrow, Wren, Green Woodpecker,
Kestrel (nest), Mallard, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Lapwing,
Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Red-legged Partridge
and Partridge.
History of the Ancient Parish Church of St. Andrew, Horn-
church, by Chas. T. Perfect. 1923. Benham and Company
Limited, Colchester.
This little book, which is published at ninepence and the
entire proceeds from the sale of which will be devoted to the
restoration of the parish church, is full of good matter. The
author's earlier works on Hornchurch are well known, and he
is an authority on his subject. We cordially recommend the
present modest volume, both because of its intrinsic worth
and on account of the worthy purpose which inspires its
publication.—Ed.