28
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
Ringed Plover (Charadrius h. hiaticula L.). Identified during
all visits. A party of about a hundred was seen, 3/8/25, and
another containing several hundreds, in various stages of plumage,
18/9/26. Apart from these flocks no striking gatherings were
seen, and during some of the winter months the plover was
almost uncommon. This evidence suggests that there is a
passage movement about August and September.
Golden Plover (Charadrius apricarius L.). The call was
heard repeatedly from Ray Creek, 12/12/26. Probably a stray
bird on the mud. This only record shows how pronouncedly
absent the species was during my period of observation.
Grey Plover (Squatarola s. squatarola (L.)). Identified during
all visits except those in May-June, and August. Generally only
a few single birds seen, but a party of forty-five was seen on Ray
Creek, and a number on Colne Point, 18/10/25. From my obser-
vations in this area this species has a preference for the open
coast, as its favourite haunt was between Colne and Sandy Points.
Turnstone (Arenaria i. interpres (L.)). Colne Point, ten,
chiefly in breeding plumage, 3/8/25 ; two or three, 19/9/25 ;
about twenty, 18/10/25 ; five, 21/11/25 ; eight, 4/4/26. Ray
Creek, two, 18/9/26 ; one, 14/11/26.
Sanderling (Crocethia alba (Pall.)). Colne Point, party of
eight immature birds, 3/8/25.
Knot (Calidris c. canutus (L.)). Colne Point, one in breeding
plumage, 3/8/25. Ray Creek, party of about thirty, 17/10/26.
Dunlin (Calidris alpina (L.)). Identified during all visits
except that of May-June, 1926. On 10/4/25 it was still numerous,
and on 4/4/26 large flocks containing some hundreds, many in
breeding dress, were seen. On 3/8/25 only one was seen ; it was
in full breeding plumage. On 18/9/26 the birds were seen in
various stages of plumage, some still retaining the full breeding
dress, but the numbers did not approach winter status. By
17/10/25 and 18/10/26 the Dunlins were present in winter numbers,
but at no time were unusually large flocks seen such as I have
recorded from the Stour.
Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos L.). August 1-3,
1925, present in some numbers. One, near the Strood, 20/9/25.
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus L.). St Osyth Marsh,
single birds seen each day, r-3/8/25 ; one, 21/11/25 ; single
birds seen on two occasions, 18/9/26. Reeveshall Marsh, one,