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THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
The Common Gull, Larus canus canus L.
It is a winter visitor in varying numbers, which are subject
to weather conditions. It is usually much less numerous than
the Black-headed Gull, the maximum figure rarely reaching
fifty, but in the winter of 1933-4 there were signs of a marked
increase. It has been recorded in all months from December
to May, inclusive. The Common Gull participates in the roosting
movements to the King George Reservoir, when it is much
more numerous than is indicated by the preceding description
of its status. One ringed at Vroj Is., Sjaelland, in 1929, was
recovered at the Reservoirs on January 26th, 1930.
The Herring Gull, Larus argentatus argentatus Pont.
An irregular visitor, which has occurred in small numbers
in the months of January, February, March, May and August.
It forms part of the large gatherings which roost at the King
George Reservoir during the winter, when it becomes numerous.
The British Lesser Black-backed Gull, Larus fuscus
graellsii Brehm.
A rare visitor, which has been recorded as follows: two,
September 24th, 1921; one, February 10th, 1924; one, March
4th, 1933; one, September 30th, 1933.
The Kittiwake Gull, Rissa tridactyla tridactyla (L.).
It has been recorded on one occasion only. The present
writer had excellent views of one resting on the water and in
flight at the Low Maynard Reservoir on March 13th, 1926.
The Land-Rail, Crex crex (L.).
One was found dead in 1926. The note was heard in May
and June, 1927, and breeding may have occurred. One was
heard in June, 1931.
The Water-Rail, Rallus aquaticus aquaticus L.
It has been recorded on three occasions, as follows: one,
seen March 17th, 1928; one, found dead, October 21st, 1931;
two, seen on February 4th and one on February 25th, 1933.
The Moor-Hen, Gallinula chloropus chloropus (L.).
A common resident, which nests freely. At times it is
remarkably numerous.
The Coot, Fulica atra atra L.
It breeds annually in limited numbers. It becomes much