160
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
one, 18/7/26 ; Stanford-le-Hope Marsh, male, 1/5/27 ; Mucking,
male, 24/7/27. On August 21,1927 it was surprisingly numerous
on Canvey Island, and a week later the bird was still numerous
on the opposite side of the creek at Shellhaven, and two were
also seen on Corringham Marsh. The presence of these birds
can only be explained by migration. Mucking Marsh, two,
11/9/27.
British Stonechat (Saxicola torquata hibernans (Hart.)). Fob-
bing Horse, one, 21/11/26 ; Stanford-le Hope, one, and Thames
Haven, one, 26/12/26 ; Wennington, male, 30/1/27 ; between
Stanford-le-Hope and Pitsea, it was, for this species, specially
numerous along the sea-wall, 6/11/27. Stanford-le-Hope Marsh,
female, 11/12/27 ; Shellhaven, two, and Fobbing, one, 19/2/27.
All these dates refer to the winter, which is unquestionably
significant, but how to interpret them is very difficult. It would
seem that during the winter there are migratory movements,
but to what extent it is difficult to say. The birds seen on
November 7, 1927 were undoubtedly migrating, perhaps leaving
the country.
Redstart (Phoenicurus p. phoenicurus (L.)). A female was
seen just outside Stanford-le-Hope on 11/9/27. This, the only
record, is of interest, as the bird must have been migrating, being
well away from any of the known breeding haunts.
Swallow (Hirundo r. rustica L.). Was found fairly numerously
in all localities until September 12, 1926, and a single bird was
seen on October 24th. During 1927 the species became more
numerous towards the end of August than in the earlier months.
A remarkable emigration was noticed on September 9, for during
five hours spent on the river bank between Tilbury and Mucking,
Swallows were steadily streaming down the river, and many
hundreds must have passed. On October 2nd a few were seen,
but the numbers had very much decreased, and there were no
signs of migration. A single bird was seen on Canvey Island
on October 9th.
Martin (Delichon u. urbica (L.)). A few were seen on all
visits from July to September 12, 1926, when only one was seen.
During 1927 the species was observed in small numbers from
May 1, when only one was seen. There was a noticeable increase
about the end of August. A few were noticed emigrating with
Swallows on September 11th, and a number was seen in Benfleet
on October 9th.