142
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
on the landward side. As it did not come into view again I
concluded that it had settled and proceeded to work the ex-
tensive marsh. Without success I had almost retraced my
steps to the wall when the Harrier rose at some distance to my
right and still against the light. However, it then flew in a wide
semi-circle, altering its position in relation to the light, which
by this time had improved, and I was able to see a silvery-grey
mantle and black primaries. During this flight, periods of
flying alternated with periods of gliding, reminding me of the
flight of the Marsh Harrier. I followed the bird to where it had
settled again and obtained still better views of the plumage,
when it renewed its flight. So far as I can trace only one other
occurrence of the Hen Harrier has been recorded since the publica-
tion of The Birds of Essex in 1890, but since my note was pub-
lished in British Birds (vol. 18, pp. 242-3), Mr. J. H. Owen has
recorded another occurrence.
Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter n. nisus (L.)). One was observed
on 20 and 21/9/24 at the old decoy at Great Oakley.
Grey Heron (Ardea c. cinerea L.). Identified in all months
of visits. Usually a number of single birds seen.
Brent Goose (Branta b. bernicla (L.)). The entrance to Ham-
ford Water would seem to be a regular winter haunt of this goose
as the following records, obtained there, show : 14, 22/11/24 ;
.30-40, 20/12/24; 50 (over), 17/1/25; 40, 14/2/25; 22, 21/3/25. I
have only two records from the river 10, 1/4/23 and 7, 22/3/25.
Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna L.)). Identified in all months cf
visits. This handsome bird is a feature of the river, always
being present, at times for this species, in large numbers, as the
following records will show. 26 (all immature), 4/8/24 ; 40, 14/2/25 ;
90, 22/10/24 ; and 120, 10/2/24. The outbreaks of sandy cliffs
along the river provide suitable nesting sites for this species.
Teal (Anas c. crecca L.). A party of about a dozen at
Hamford Water, 20/9/24, and two, 21/3/25.
Wigeon (Anas penelope L.). This is unquestionably the most
abundant winter bird of the Stour, even the wonderful gatherings
of Coots being eclipsed. This duck was observed on all visits
from November to March inclusive, in numbers varying from
hundreds to thousands. The stretch of water from Wrabness
Sluice to the mouth of the river was the favoured haunt of the
Wigeon, where they might be seen stretched out in long thin