158
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
always observed during winter. I am in the position to give a
striking illustration of the difference between the two sides of the
river. On November 27, 1927 a party of friends, working on the
Kent side, saw seven or eight Hoodies, whilst I, working almost
opposite on the Essex side, saw none.
Carrion Crow (Corvus c. corone L.). Identified during all
months of visits, several being usually seen. The species is
commoner here than on any of the other estuaries.
Rook (Coypus j. frugilegus L.). Rookeries, one, containing
about 50 nests between Corringham and Fobbing ; one, scattered,
to N.E. of Pitsea ; one each at Benfleet, East Tilbury, Upminister,
Stanford-le-Hope, Purfleet, and Leigh (15 nests).
Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula spermologus Vieill.). Although
the status of this species calls for no particular mention, the
indirect influence of the chalk at Purfleet must be noticed as the
artificial cliffs of the quarries there are always frequented by
Jackdaws.
Magpie (Pica p. pica L.). Fobbing, four together and several
single birds, 21/11/26 ; two, 17/7/27 ; two, 5/2/28 ; Broad Hope,
one, 6/11/27 ; Langdon Hills, one, 1/5/27. The limited number
of records obtained over a period of twenty months suggests that
the species is by no means common.
Starling (Sturnus v. vulgaris L.). Two remarkable albinistic
specimens were observed, on both occasions in the midst of large
flocks. One seen on Hadleigh Marsh, 27/2/27, was completely
white, with the exception of the wings and tail. Another
equally remarkable bird was seen near Thames Haven, 5/2/28,
the whole of the plumage being light cinnamon, with the
exception of the head, which was the usual colour. The status
of the species was normal.
British Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis britannica (Hart.)).
Bowers Marsh, party of eight, 24/10/26; Leigh Marsh, one,
27/2/27 ; Fobbing Marsh, one, 26/2/28.
Tree Sparrow (Passer m. montanus (L.)). Canvey Island,
one, 9/10/27. A flock of 150 mixed finches, on the rubbish dump
on Bowers Marsh, 27/11/27, was mainly composed of this species.
Corn Bunting (Emberiza c. calandra L.). Pitsea, two, 24/10/26,
Canvey Island, one, 10/4/27 ; two between Shoeburyness and
Great Wakering, and a number on Fowlness, 15/5/27 ; Golden
Cross, two, 22/5/27.