38
of mudflats and marshland being noted. Among
them was the Redshank, whose call for me,
wherever I am, conjures up a vision of the
vast, flat emptiness of the Essex marshes.
Terns and Shelduck were also present, with Reed
and Sedge Warblers in the reedy sections of the
dyke. Hares seemed to be everywhere and very
observable. I also saw a stoat hunting on the
sea wall, rushing across a path in front of
me. Lapwings were noted in some of the
fields. One was seen flying at a crow, I
assume to protect its young. Whilst looking
at some of the bumble bees visiting a big patch
of Vetch on the side of a dyke (near the Marsh
House outfall) I was surprised to see a male
Harrier, lazily quartering a pea-field in
search of prey. I think it was a Marsh
Harrier, judging from its size. Its wing
colours looked like this:—