BIRDS OF THE THAMES VALLEY (ESSEX ONLY). 159
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis (L.)). Identified during all
months of visits. In September, 1926, the species was still
numerous, but a marked decrease was noticed from October 24th.
I have not sufficient evidence to show when the summer status
was restored. On September 11, 1927, the species was unusually
numerous, clearly indicating a migratory movement. On
October 16th, there was still a number about, but on November
6th a decrease was noticed. No increase had taken place by the
end of February, 1928, when my observations came to a con-
clusion.
Rock Pipit (Anthus spinoletta petrosus (Mont.)). Identified
during all months from September to March. In 1926 the species
was first observed on September 12th, but in very limited numbers,
and it was not seen in force until October 24th, when it was more
numerous than the Meadow Pipit. A reduction appears to have
taken place in March, and I have no April records. During
1927 the bird was first identified on October 16th and an increase
was noted on November 6th. There were more Rock than
Meadow Pipits on November 27th. On February 19, 1928,
there seemed to be a reduction, but this may have been more
apparent than real ; the species was certainly in its haunts at
the end of this month. The Rock Pipit was generally found
on the hard mud of the rills and fleets, and it was only when the
birds were driven from their hiding by the rising tide that a cor-
rect estimate could be made of their numbers, which were
considerable.
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava rayi (Bp.)). Identified
from Dagenham seawards. On September 12, 1926, it was
still numerous on Canvey Island, but none was seen after this.
Several were seen on Corringham Marsh on May 1, 1927, in
which locality it was most numerous, and the species was last
seen on September 11, several being seen at East Tilbury.
Wheatear (Oenanthe. o. oenanthe (L.)). None was seen on
the spring migration. During the autumn migration the numbers
were very limited. In 1926 four were seen at East Tilbury on
August 22nd and three on Canvey Island on September 12th.
In 1927 the records were, remarkably similar, two or three being
seen on Canvey Island on August 21st, and two at Mucking on
September 11th.
Whinchat (Saxicola r. rubetra (L.)). Corringham Marsh,