140
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
below Lawford, 12/7/24. Single birds Wrabness, 18/1/25,
Ragmarsh Farm, 15/2/25.
Corn-Bunting (Emberiza c. calandra (L.) ). I have only two
records of this Bunting along the river, Lawford 12/7/24 and
Jacques Bay 21/12/24. However, the species has a good repre-
sentation towards the coast between Dovercourt and Great
Oakley.
Meadow-Pipit (Anthus pratensis (L.)). Rock-Pipit (Anthus
spinoletta petrosus (Mont.)). Both Pipits were identified during
the winter months but investigation is required to determine
the status of each species.
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava rayi (Bp.)). Single birds,
Hamford Water, 20/4 and 2/8/24, Parkeston, 13/7/24. One at
Mistley and several at Bradfield, 24/8/24 ; these birds were pro-
bably starting to migrate. The absence of this species from
the river is not surprising, as, apart from a stretch above Man-
ningtree, the ground is not suitable, but at Hamford Water, where
this Wagtail was only identified twice and at the same spot,
the nature of the ground is very suitable and some other factor
must be found to explain the scarcity of the bird.
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus c. collybita (Vieill.)). Heard between
Manningtree and Bradfield. 2/4/23 and Mistley Place, 22/9/24. I
quote these records of what is generally a common Essex bird
because Mr. W. B. Nichols considers it a decreasing and scarce
species in the district.
Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus s. strepera (Vieill.)). Above
Manningtree, 21/4/24.
Wheatear (Oenanthe o. oenanthe (L.)). Only records, two
seen at Hamford Water on 20 and 21/9/24. None identified
along the course of the river.
Whinchat (Pratincola r. rubetra (L.)). One near old decoy,
Great Oakley, 20/4/24.
Stonechat (Saxicola torquata rubicola (L.)). A local species,
Parkeston, 1/4/23. Old decoy, Great Oakley, 20/4/20 and 21/9
and 20/12/24 and 17/1/25, Roydon Hall, 22/11/24.
Swallow (Hirundo r. rustica (L.)). From 19-21 April, 1924,
when I covered the length of the river from Dedham round to
Great Oakley, I estimated that there were about a dozen pairs
present. During visits 2 and 24 August, 1924, I was surprised
by the great numbers of Swallows which were present, and