144
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
This is the largest party I have observed on tidal water. Five
were observed in Hamford Water on 21/3/25, and two in the
river (Copperas Bay) on the following day. It will be noted
that these dates fall within the range of the spring migration
period.
Red-throated Diver (?) (Colymbus stellatus Pontopp.). I
observed a diver in Hamford Water on 21/3/25. This was almost
certainly a Red-throated but the view was too brief to permit
me to complete the identification.
Stock-Dove (Columba o. oenas L.). Small parties of two or
three birds seen in April, July, August and November 1924. The
old trees on the Lawford meadows are probably used for nesting
purposes.
Ringed Plover (Charadrius h. hiaticula L.). Identified on all
visits except July and November, 1924. The absence of the
species in the former month is probably explained by the fact
that I did not get out of the actual estuary, which is probably
not much frequented by this species during the nesting season,
as there are no suitable nesting sites. Very few were seen up
the river in August. At times the Plover was very numerous,
as in March 1924 and 1925, and Sept. 1924.
Golden Plover (Charadrius apricarius L.). Many with Lap-
wings at Bradfield, 10/2/24. One in full breeding plumage,
Hamford Water, 2/8/24, the only one seen on the mud. About
fifty near Ramsey Hall, 23/10/24. About fifty flying over
river, 15/2/25. About twenty flying over and a party con-
taining some hundreds, Hamford Water, 21/3/25.
Grey Plover (Squatarola s. squatarola (L.)). Appears to be
a not uncommon bird on the Stour. Identified in all months of
visits except July and November. Usually in small parties,
which, with one exception, never contained more than eight
birds. On 17/1/25 a party of from 30-40 was seen at Hamford
Water. On 20/9/24 some were seen in full breeding plumage,
at which stage the Grey Plover is an exceedingly handsome bird.
Turnstone (Arenaria i. interpres (L.)). Identified in Mill
Bay only as follows : Single birds seen on two occasions, 16/3/24 ;
one, 21/9/24 ; two, 21/3/25.
Dunlin (Calidris a. alpina (L.)). Identified on all visits. At
times, as in January, 1924, the abundance of this species was
a feature of the bird-life of the river. On watching countless
(To be concluded).