336
THE ESSEX NATURALIST
been generously given a number of records from other observers
who included Messrs. E. F. Williams, M. Seear, G. Hull, R.
Knowles and D. Chapman; where their records are referred to in
the text they are indicated by the initials of the observer, other-
wise all records are my own. I would also like to acknowledge the
assistance of Dr. P. A. Jewell, and Mr. H. McSweeney in trapping
during 1959.
Common Shrew Sorex araneus L. Several were caught near
bramble clumps on both the sub-islands in 1958 and 1959.
Probably quite common and widespread in this type of
habitat.
Pigmy Shrew Sorex minutus L. One specimen was trapped on
the sea-wall by the houseboat, May 1958.
Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.) The island was over-run
with Rabbits until 1956-57 when almost the entire stock
died as a result of myxomatosis (E.F.W.). Either a few
survived, or some recolonised the area from the mainland,
as droppings were seen on three occasions in 1959, and
one Rabbit was seen in July 1959. As they have not been
seen since it is possible that they no longer survive on the
island.
Hare Lepus europaeus Pallas Occasional specimens were seen
in 1959 (A.C.W.) and in 1960 (R.K.). One seen on the
saltings near Landermere in 1959 may have been on its
way to the island from the mainland. It seems unlikely
that Hares are resident, but probable that they visit the
island from the mainland where they are very common.
Short-tailed Vole Microtus agrestris (L.) Probably the most
common resident; present on both sub-islands in the grassy
areas, and on occasions extremely abundant. Pellet
analysis shewed this to be the principal food item of both
the Short-eared Owl and the Kestrel.
Field Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus (L.) Trapping in 1958, 1959
(A.C.W.) and in 1960 (M.S. et al.) shewed that there is a
small population in both the overgrown hedges of the
island.
Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus (Erxleben) A considerable
population in the bushes near the landing stage was
destroyed in 1959. Some apparently survived and drop-
pings and holes in the sea wall near the boathouse can
still be seen (February 1961); abundant in eastern hedge-
row in April 1961.
Fox Vulpes vulpes (L.) A pair were resident up to and during
1958, but they were later shot (E.F.W.). One was seen in
April 1959, as were clear, fresh tracks in October of that
year.
Weasel Mustela nivalis L. Probably quite common although
not often seen. One in the hedge by the bungalow 1959
(E.F.W.), one dead in the barn 1960 (R.K.), and a live
specimen in the hedge by the heronry (R.K.).