BIRDS OF THE THAMES VALLEY (ESSEX ONLY). 163
not frequent to much extent the creeks, which probably accounts
for the absence of the bird from my lists.
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) (L.)). Identified during all
months of visits, in fact, with one exception, October 2, 1927,
on all visits. During the nesting months the species was seen
in some numbers on the various marshes, as Corringham Marsh,
Fowlness and Canvey Islands, and continued to be numerous
until the end of August, up to which time no large flocks had
been seen. From the end of August the bird was much less
frequently observed, but early in October a marked increase in
the numbers was obvious, and these numbers were more or less
maintained until the end of March, after which no large parties
were seen. It would seem that many of our native birds take
their departure early in October. The winter increase from
October to March is no doubt due to overseas arrivals.
Dunlin (Calidris alpina L.) Observed during February,
March, August, September, October and November. Large
flocks were occasionally seen, as one of a hundred in Holehaven
Creek, 19/2/28, but the species was probably less numerous
than on any of the other estuaries. Dunlin were never identified
far from the main course of the river.
Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos L.). Fobbing Marsh,
one, 18/7/26. About twenty were seen between Tilbury and
Mucking, 22/8/26. Benfleet Creek, heard repeatedly, 12/9/26 ;
East Tilbury, one, 24/7/27 ; Canvey Island, single birds seen
on two or three occasions, 21/8/27 ; Shellhaven, one, 28/8/27 ;
Tilbury to Mucking, six, 11/9/27. As will be noticed, all the
dates refer to the autumn migration.
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus L.). Fobbing Marsh, one,
18/7/26. Single birds were seen on several occasions near the
rubbish dump between East and West Tilbury and three on
Mucking Marsh, 22/8/26. Canvey Island, single birds seen on
several occasions, 21/8/27 ; Shellhaven, two, 28/8/27 ; Mucking
Marsh, one, 2/10/27 ; Stanford-le-Hope, one, 6/11/27.
Common Redshank (Tringa t. totanus (L.)). Identified
during all months of visits, and although generally common,
never approaching the numbers seen on the other estuaries,
and occasionally somewhat scarce. The full winter strength
was reached about the middle of October. This species persisted