THE BIRDS OF THE STOUR VALLEY (ESSEX ONLY). 139
every species identified ; the status of those not accompanied
by data may be taken to be normal.
Hooded Crow (Corvus c. cornix (L.) . Identified during all
months from November to March inclusive. Although eight was
the largest number seen together in one party the Hoodie is well
represented in the valley as a winter visitor, and on occasion
I find the species described in my note-book as being common.
So far as my observations on the birds of the Essex rivers have
proceeded, they indicate that this species becomes gradually
less uncommon as we proceed from south to north. I found
more on the Blackwater than on the Crouch and still more on
the Stour than on the Blackwater.
Carrion Crow (Corvus c. corone L.). This is apparently a
scarce species in the valley. A pair was identified repeatedly
in the vicinity of Wrabness, where the crows were probably
breeding, but this was the only place where the species was
observed.
Rook (Corvus f. frugilegus (L.)). Rookeries at Ramsey,
Lawford (20 to 30 nests), Mistley (small), Jupeshill Farm (10
to 15 nests in unusually small trees), Dedham (18 nests in small
trees, probably poplar). The rook was not seen in as great
gatherings as on the Crouch and Blackwater.
Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula spermologus (Vieill.)). Appeared
to be nesting in the tower of Dedham church. Status normal.
Magpie (Pica p. pica (L.)). Observed on most visits. One
pair, at least, has its headquarters near Jacques Hall, where there
are several nests, but more were seen in the Great Oakley district,
where a party of nine was seen on 20/9/24.
Goldfinch (Acanthis c. carduelis (L.)). Single birds seen,
Ragmarsh Farm in January, July and August, 1924, Jupeshill
Farm in April, 1924, and Wrabness in January, 1925. Three
were seen at Manningtree in August, 1924. It may be merely
coincidence and have no bearing on the distribution of the
species in the district but it will be noticed that all these records
were obtained along the course of the river. Although these
occurrences do not suggest commonness it would seem that
the Goldfinch is better represented in this valley than in that
of either the Crouch or Blackwater.
Tree-Sparrow (Passer m. montana (L.)). Two, Jupeshill
Farm, 12/4/24, a probable nesting site. A considerable party