round the field showed no such activity among these insects and on a number of occasions
the gulls too could clearly be seen catching crickets. They remained for about half an
hour before moving on and shortly afterwards all activity by both predators and prey
ceased. In total, this performance lasted for around an hour and a half on either side of
midday.
Research on the Internet might reveal whether this behaviour has been recorded
previously, although the long winged form of Roesel's Bush Cricket being so infrequent,
at least in Essex, it is unlikely to happen very often. In southern Europe and, more
particularly, the tropics, it is probably commonplace though. Both falcons and gulls -
like many predators -are opportunists and it was interesting to observe how quickly they
exploited such a brief period of largesse but considerable numbers of crickets must have
been on the wing that day to make it worth their while.
References
Gardener, T. (2004) Orthoptera and allied insects of Essex. Essex Naturalist (New series)
22: 62.
Wake, A. (1997) Grasshoppers & Crickets of Essex. Colchester NHS.
Army of rats
David Bloomfield Hortons, Mascalls Lane, South Weald, Brentwood C14 5LJ
Some years ago I was told the following story by George French, who with his brother
Bob, were farmers and hauliers at White Horse Farm, Brook Street. I assume the events
happened about 50 years ago during a hot dry summer which allowed no time off for
rest from work, which, as now, can be seven day weeks of long hours.
Bob was driving home after dark, obviously not asleep, but not fully awake either. He
was approaching the bridge in Weeley Bush Lane from the church. This stretch of road
is now closed. He became aware he was driving through water, which dawned upon him
was not likely, but the light from his headlights was reflected from the water back at
him. Suddenly wide awake, he realised it was not water, but a mass of hundreds and
hundreds of rats, all running towards him. The reflected light was not from any water,
but from the rats' eyes. He realised this was an army of rats on the move, something he
had heard about, but never expected to see. He was most thankful to be in a vehicle, and
put his foot down hard and sped away, thankfully safe.
I too have heard about this phenomenon, but only from foreign parts and this is the only
example I have heard of in this country.
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 54, September 2007 9