BIRDS OF THE COLNE VALLEY IN 1925 AND I926. 21
of buildings known as Wivenhoe. From this little town to the
sea commercialism has not laid a heavy hand on the amenities of
the river. The estuary may be viewed to best advantage by
tramping down the west bank from Wivenhoe seawards. This
view is not without its picturesque aspect for the prospect is
bounded by the well-wooded slopes which rise from the east
bank, and a land-locked appearance is completed by the trees
of Mersea, which protrudes across the mouth of the river. It is
true that the railway follows closely the east bank from Bright-
lingsea to Wivenhoe and that the ambitious townspeople of
the former have created a long promenade, but these features
do not seriously interfere with such a view as described. The
only jarring note on the west bank is the ballast quay, close
to Wivenhoe. Considered Ornithologically, the area would not
rank high if the course of the river only were taken into account.
This disadvantage is fully compensated for by the creeks, such
as Geeton, Ray and St. Osyth Creeks and Pyefleet Channel, and
the wide stretches of attractive marsh in their vicinity. Whilst
not forgetting that the remarkable Old Hall marshes were
included in my observations on the Blackwater the Colne area is
probably the most important in the county as a breeding centre.
At no time did I see such a wealth of bird-life as was recorded
from the Blackwater or the Stour (especially the latter), but
in spite of that fact the Colne is an exceedingly interesting
valley. Let us consider the physical features as they affect bird-
life. The shortness and lack of width of the river is of some
interest in this connection ; then we have the mud of the river and
creeks, and thirdly, the shingly nature of the coast from Sandy
Point seawards. Other aspects might be raised, but for the present
purpose it will be sufficient to consider these three associations.
The shortness and narrowness of the river are probably reasons
for winter bird-life not being more abundant, as the water could
easily be commanded by guns from both sides. Beyond the
confines of the river there is no protection for the winter birds.
Usually one finds that the severer the weather the greater the
number of birds, but in the Colne area it was otherwise. Visiting
the estuary after some severe weather I expected to find an
increased bird-population, but to my surprise I found the number
of birds much reduced. Probably the district is so exposed that
the birds are driven off in hard weather. The other two factors,