30
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
(see Plate 2). Thirty to forty, mature and immature, were
seen at Colne Point and also some in Pyfleet Channel, 1-3/8/25.
None identified, 19/9/25.
Little Tern (Sterna a. albifrons Pall.). It is in this area that
the colony of this species, described by me in the Essex
Naturalist, vol. xix., p. 238, will be found. August 1-3, 1925,
some fishing in Pyefleet Channel, a few over Ray Creek and a
good number over the breeding ground. None seen during next
visit, 19/9/25, The colony was visited on 7/6/26, and one or two
following days. It will suffice to say that a number of nests was
found and a series of photographic records obtained (see Plate 2).
Black-headed Gull (Larus r. ridibundus L.). It will suffice
for the scope of this paper to say that in this area there are two
important gulleries. Birds of the year were present at the
beginning of August. Some with brown heads were seen on
Feb. 20, and by April 2 (except occasional birds) all were in full
breeding plumage. Always the most numerous gull, but the
winter gatherings never reached the striking dimensions of those
on the Stour or even those of the Blackwater.
Common Gull (Larus c. canus L.). Identified during all
visits. Generally common, but nearly always less so than the
Black-headed Gull, but much more numerous than the other
gulls. No remarkable gatherings were seen, the largest, contain-
ing some hundreds, being seen on Mersea, 21/2/26. The few
seen during the May-June visit were mostly immature.
Herring Gull (Larus a. argentatus Pont.). Identified during
all visits except January, 1926. At times common, but numbers
never approached those of the Common Gull. The few seen
during the May-June visit were chiefly immature.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus L.). A few, 1-3/8/25.
One, Colne Point, 18/10/25. Two or three, 18-19/9/26. It will
be seen that these dates fall within the period of the autumnal
migration.
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus L.). Identified
during all visits except those of April, 1925, and February, 1926.
This gull was at no time numerous, no increase being noticed
during the autumnal migration. Usually single birds were
seen and not many of these, twelve seen during 17-18 October,
1925, being the largest number observed.
Guillemot (Uria aalge (Pont.)). Two dead birds were found