7
If there is an Essex bird, it must be the Brent
Goose. In 1970, 50% of the world population
wintered in Essex. Now, after several
successful breeding seasons the figure is
20%. However, the Zostera beds between
Foulness and Canvey support 50% of the British
papulation until the end of November, when many
disperse to other sites. Of the other
wildfowl, the Ruddy Duck has successfully
colonised. It first bred in 1981 and can be
seen all year at both major reservoirs.
The Grey and Red-legged Partridges also show
mixed fortunes in recent years. The Red-
legged is better adapted to changing farming
practices — its chicks are less insect-
ivorous than Grey Partridges and it has been
released in large numbers. In contrast, the
Grey is now scarce and has declined since the
1940s, a victim of the use of insecticides and
the destruction of hedgerows which has also
reduced the numbers of Yellowhammers and Corn
Buntings.
Exotic birds such as Bee-eater, Hoopoe and
Black-winged Stilt would surely have been shot
100 years ago so the recent increase must be
genuine as is the success of the Avocet. This
bird probably bred in Essex in the 18th century
(it was recorded on Northey Island in 1700) yet
there was only one record of eight shot in the
19th century. Since 1975 it has bred annually
with 19 pairs in 1986. The Essex records have
coincided with the R.S.P.B.-influenced
successes in Suffolk and 61 were wintering in
Hamford Water in December 1987.
The waders also have their successes and