206 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
at the same place, December 28th, 1949. They were very wild and were only
observed in flight, when the distinguishing features were : A medium-sized
wader with a rounded head and short beak, flying with fast wing-beats and
uttering the distinctive disyllabic call. The flock settled on a grass field
about 400 yards away where further observation was not possible. (P.R.A.,
A.M.)
grey plover (Squatarola squatarola)
An annual winter visitor at East Mersea and Lee Wick, but never present
in large numbers. Ten at Dovercourt shingle-spit, September 20th, 1949.
The black "armpits" made identification sure, and the trisyllabic whistle,
which contrasts with the disyllabic note of the Golden Plover, was noted.
Eighty at Bradwell, May 11th, 1949. (M.J.A.)
oyster-catcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Fifty at Bradwell, March 26th, 1949. Forty at Tollesbury, April 9th,
1949. Two at Canvey Point, May 28th, 1949. Two at Hullbridge-on-
Crouch, June 25th, 1949. One hundred at Bradwell, May 11th, 1949.
(M.J.A.) c. seventy at Dovercourt shingle-spit, September 20th, 1949.
(P.R.A., A.M.)
black tern (Chlidonias niger)
Three at Bradwell with Little Terns on a shingle spit, August 6th, 1948.
They appeared smaller than the Common Tern. From their plumage there
was one adult (moulting) and two juveniles. The adult had the white
forehead and neck but still retained the black underparts except for the white
under-tail coverts. The other two had under-tail coverts white, extended to
cover the complete underparts. All were dark grey on wings and back.
They did not completely immerse in the characteristic way of the terns when
diving, but swooped up before touching the water.
c. fifty reported at Abberton, May 1948. (P.R.A., A.M.)
Two over River Crouch at North Fambridge, May 14th, 1949. (M.J.A.)
white-winged black tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)
One at Abberton, end of July 1949. When first seen it was in full
plumage. White tail and tail coverts and black on underside of wing noticed.
Short tail, little forked. Front upper half of wing white, shading off to grey.
Beak and legs not seen. The bird remained about seven days and was
moulting when last seen with white appearing on forehead. Record con-
firmed by Mr. B. W. Tucker. Mr. G. Pyman of the Essex Bird Watching
and Preservation Society had the unique experience of seeing this bird and
the Greater Yellowshank standing at the same pool, surely a European
record!
sandwich tern (Sterna sandvicensis)
A pair at Abberton Reservoir, August 1949. They were with Common
Terns and we were first made aware of their presence by their entirely different
note, which was a harsh chattering laugh. Their identity was further assured
by their larger size, black bills and legs which were distinctly visible as they
were flying around us. The wing action appeared to be far more leisurely
than that of the Common Tern. There is a suspicion of their having bred
in the locality as they were a pair and appeared agitated by our presence.
(P.R.A., A.M.) One at Hullbridge, June 25th, 1949. (M.J.A.)
common tern (Sterna hirundo) or arctic tern (Sterna macrura)
c. 100 at Canvey Point, April 22nd, 1949. (M.J.A.)
little tern (Sterna albifrons)
Definite proof of this species breeding at Abberton Reservoir, 1949.
The only English record of inland breeding. (A.M.) Three to four at
Canvey Point, April 22nd, 1949. (M.J.A.)