THE BIRDS OF THE STOUR VALLEY (ESSEX ONLY). 145
numbers stream past me, I have wondered where they all came
from. On such occasions the numbers could only be estimated
in thousands, to do justice to the great gatherings of this species.
On 13/7/24 very few were seen, and they appeared to be in full
breeding plumage. On 2/8/24 the Dunlin was strikingly
numerous at Hamford Water. They were still in breeding
plumage and uttering their remarkable breeding note. This is
the only occasion on which I have heard this call out of the
breeding haunts. Everything suggested that this was a migra-
tory rush, and my visit of 22/9/24 confirmed this idea, as the
numbers were much less. Some, still in breeding dress, were
seen up the river on 24/8/24.
Knot (Erolia c. canutus (L.)). A party was seen up the river
(Copperas Bay), 23/11/24. This was the only occasion on which
the species was identified with certainty, but at least on one other
occasion there were probably some present.
Greenshank (Tringa nebularia (Gunn.)). Several were seen
at Hamford Water, 2/8/24, and judging by the notes there must
have been a goodly number present. Single birds were observed
up the river on 4/8 and 22/9/24, and the species was identified
there on 24/8/24.
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus L.). Two, Hamford
Water 2/8/24.
Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos L.). Only record
one at Wrabness, 24/8/24.
Curlew (Numenius a. arquata (L.)). Plentiful. Identified
on all visits.
Whimbrel (Numenius p. phaeopus (L.)). Up the river,
13/7/24. Very numerous at Hamford Water on 2/8/24. None
identified on 21/9/24.
Snipe (Capella g. gallinago (L.)). Two, Hamford Water,
20/4/24.
Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus (Brunn.)). One flushed
from the long grass near Wrabness Sluice, 1/4/23, and one on the
Lawford marsh, 21/4/24.
Oystercatcher (Haematopus o. ostralegus L.). Identified in
Mill Bay only as follows : Two, 16/3/24 ; one, 20/9/24 ; two,
17/1/25 ; and four, 21/3/25.
Common Tern (Sterna h. hirundo L.). One, Hamford Water,
20/9/24.
K