164
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
up the creeks and well away from the river. Pairing was
observed on February 19, 1928.
Greenshank (Fringa nebularia (Gunn.)). Mucking Flats,
three, 22/8/26 ; Holehaven Creek, heard several times, 12/9/26 ;
Bowers Marsh, one, 24/10/26.
Common Curlew (Numenius a. arquata (L.)). Identified
during all months of visits, generally in limited numbers. Ob-
served as far up the river as East Tilbury. The increased winter
strength was reached about the middle of October.
Whimbrel (Numenius p. phaeopus (L.)). Mucking Flats, the
call was heard frequently, 22/8/26 ; Holehaven, one, 12/9/26 ;
Shelford Creek, two, 15/5/27 ; Mucking Flats, heard repeatedly,
24/7/27.
Common Snipe (Capella g. gallinago (L.)). Identified during
all months of visits, except April, August and September, on
Fobbing, Stanford-le-Hope, Bowers and Corringham Marshes;
but commonly only on the last two, and particularly so on
Corringham Marsh, where the bird was especially numerous
during January and February, 1928, about fifty being seen on
the 26th of the latter month.
Black Tern (Chlidonias n. niger (L.)). Several scon with
many other Terns near East Tilbury, on September 11, 1927.
Common Tern (Sterna h. hirundo L.). East Tilbury, party
of thirty, chiefly immature, 22/8/26. On this date Terns,
probably of this species, were observed persistently making their
way up the river. Canvey Island, a number of immature Terns
probably of this form, were seen, 12/9/26. Shellhaven Point,
twelve, 28/8/27. East Tilbury, the river was alive with Terns ;
one flock which settled on the saltings contained about fifty
birds, which were mostly immature; some of the birds were
certainly Common Terns, 11/9/27. Two immature Terns,
species unknown, were seen at this locality, 2/10/27.
Arctic Tern (Sterna macrura Naumann). Holehaven Creek,
one, 21/8/27. This, a mature bird, was fully identified. In a
perfect light the bird settled on the mud of the creek and gave
plenty of time for close observation with the telescope, the
crimson-coloured bill being plainly seen.
Little Tern (Sterna a. albifrons Pall.) Shellhaven Point,
one, 21/8/27.
Black-headed Gull (Larus r. ridibundus L.). This, the most