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ESSEX FIELD CLUB SPECIAL MEMOIRS.—VOL. II.

gl | THE
"BIRDS oF ESSEX:

QW Contribution

TO THE

PtURKAL HISTORY OF THE

BY

MILLER CHRISTY,

WITH 162 WOODCUT ILLUSTRATIONS, TWO PLANS, AND
A FRONTISPIECE.

Ebefmsford:
DOM UIN De DURRANT & CO lj, oo, HIGH STREET.

Buckhurst Hire:

THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.

Zondon:
SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT, & CO,, Ltp.

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189go.

“‘ Men that undertake only one district are much more likely to advance natural knowledge
than those that grasp at more than they can possibly be acquainted with. Every kingdom,
every province, should have its own monographer.’—GILBERT WHITE.

“The utility of provincial histories of all kinds is now generally acknowledged to be great, as
these are certainly the materials from which a general structure, either of civil, military, or
natural history, is to be raised. In no branch of history is this more apparent than in that
of Nature.”—Rgv. GEORGE Low.

“Tt may be doubted whether the study of animals of particular tracts of country has not
contributed, more than any other means, to the advancement of zoological knowledge, especially
as regards those important branches of it—the geographical distribution of animals, and the
influence of climate, of soil, andof other local circumstances, in determining the range of species
the changes of varieties, and the extent and periods of migration.”—Pror. THomAs BELL.

: CON TENDS.

INTRODUCTION ; : : : : : 3 :

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF THE PRINCIPAL Essex ORNI-

THOLOGISTS
Notices of THE Curer Essex Brrp COLLECTIONS
MIGRATION TaBLes BY Hy. DOUBLEDAY AND THE ReEv. R.

SHEPPARD . : : : : : : 5 ;
Or HAWKS AND HAWKING IN ESSEX IN THE OLDEN TIME.
WiLtp Fow.L DeEcoys AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX . :
A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS OF ESSEX

ADDENDA

XP PEN DICE S:.

KE ish) OF SUBSCRIBERS |. : : 2 : s 4

B.—CHRONOLOGICAL List OF WORKS QUOTED

INDEX

PAGE

297

MAYMAN, CHRISLY AND LILLY, LTD.,

PRINTERS,
HAITON WORKS, 113, FARRINGDON ROAD,
AND 20, 22, ST. BRIDE ST., E.C.

PREP e

HE publication of this work is an attempt to meet what
has, I believe, been a long-felt want, similar works
having met with acceptance in most other counties.

Students of Nature have ever been fully alive to the
importance of works describing the Fauna of Counties or
other local areas. From such works, the larger general
histories of particular countries and regions are built up.
Ornithologists, especially, have been very active in publishing
local works of this kind. There are now very few of the
larger and more important English counties in which some
attempt has not been made by a local observer to describe in
the form of a book the species of birds which have been
observed from time to time to frequent his own particular
district. _Stevenson’s Bzrds of Norfolk, Mitchell’s Bzrds of
Lancashire, Clarke and Roebuck’s Vertebrata of Yorkshire,
Babington’s Birds of Suffolk, Harting’s Birds of Middlesex,
Macpherson and Duckworth’s Birds of Cumberland, Smith’s
Birds of Somersetshire,and Mansell-Pleydell’s Birds of Dor-
setshire, area few good instances of the kind of work referred
to, while there are many more, equally worthy of mention,
and others are known to be in preparation, Hitherto, how-
ever, the birds of Essex have not found a chronicler. It is
to supply this omission that I have laboured.

My present work, for which I have been collecting in-
formation and materials for over fifteen years, will, I trust,
interest all lovers of Nature, and, in particular, all bird-
students, not only within our own county but also through-
out Great Britain.

vi PREFACE.

By arrangement, the work forms one of the Sfeczal
Memoirs of the Essex Field Club, that body having made
a grant towards the expenses of printing.

I have endeavoured to make my book as complete as
possible by adding to it, among other matters, some remarks
on the chief Physical Features of the County of Essex, brief
biographical notices of the principal Essex Ornithologists,
descriptions of the most important collections of birds within
the County, an account of Decoys and Decoying in Essex,
and a Chronological List of published works, &c., referred
to and quoted from.

No one can be more fully aware than I am myself of
the incompleteness of my book. A complete work of the
kind is, indeed, impossible. Fresh observations are continu-
ally being made and many records of old ones, which have
escaped my notice, will doubtless be discovered. The chief
use of such a work as mine is to collect all the information
available up toa certain date, and, by showing the incom-
pleteness of our local knowledge, to stimulate others to fill
the gaps and extend general observation on the habits and
distribution of birds. Thus my work will fail in its object if
it does not quickly show its own incompleteness.

I have introduced the illustrations because I believe that
they will largely add to the popularity of my book. Though
not so good or so uniform a series as might have been wished,
I believe they will be found useful by many of my readers
who are not skilled ornithologists. In some, a resem-
blance may be traced to the well-known cuts in Yarrell’s
standard British Birds. These originally appeared, many
years ago, in a now-almost-forgotten work which at the time
of its publication figured in the law courts, the publishers
being condemned to pay damages for infringement of copy-
right. I now use the cuts with the concurrence of Messrs.
Gurney and Jackson, the present owners of the copyright in
Yarrell’s work. Some others will be seen to be merely reduced

PREFACE. ate

reproductions of some of the best wood-cuts in Bewick’s
famous series. For the following exquisite little engravings,
I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. E. N. Buxton, in whose
work on Epping Forest they first appeared :—Great Tit (p. 93),
Long-tailed Tit (p. 92), Hawfinch (p. 114), Jay (p. 132), Green
Woodpecker (p. 148), Heron (2 cuts, pp. 180 and 183), Ring
Dove (p. 214), Pewits (p. 237) and Sparrowhawk (p. 169).
Req the cut of the Little Ringed Plover (p. 236), 1 am in
debted to Mr. Harting. A few have been specially drawn
and engraved by Mr. G. E. Lodge, and these I think will not
be severely criticised.

I have to acknowledge my great indebtedness to many
friends who have most obligingly supplied me with much
useful and valuable information. Among these may be men-
tioned Messrs. G. P. Hope, of Upminster Hall; F. Kerry, of
Harwich ; Dr. Henry Laver, F.L.S, of Colchester; and Mr.
Walter R. Sackett, of Orsett. Each of these has supplied me
with a valuable list of the birds frequenting his particular dis-
trict, of which I have made extensive use, as will be seen in
the following pages. I am also under great obligations for
information to many other friends, including the Rev. J. C.
Atkinson, LL.D., Mrs. Bree, Major Ed. Taylor, Miss C. Fell
Smith, the Rev. H. A. Macpherson, the late Rev. Dr. Babing-
fon, the Rev. M).©..H. Bird; Messrs.' G.H.. Baxter, 'G. W:
Brewis, Joseph Clarke, F.S.A.. Walter Crouch, Stanley
Edwards, Jonathan Grubb, J. H. Gurney, jun., F.L.S., &c., J.
F. Hills, Robert Page, James Round, M.P., Champion B.
Russell, Charles Smoothy, F. Spalding, Hy. Stephenson, Jas.
F. [. Wiseman, and many others. More especially am I
indebted to Mr. E. A. Fitch, of Maldon, President of the
Essex Field Club (who has rendered me constant and very
valuable assistance whilst passing the sheets through the
press), to Mr. Wm. Cole (to whom I am indebted for the
notice of the late Mr. English), to Mr. W. H. Dalton (who
has kindly assisted me with the index), to Mr. A. P. Wire

Vili PREFACE.

(who has carried out most of the publication arrangements
on behalf of the Club), and to Mr. J. E. Harting (who,
beside other help, has kindly supplied the chapter on “ Hawks
and Hawking in Essex”). I have also to thank many of
the professional naturalists throughout the county, especially
Mr. Travis of Saffron Walden, Mr. Crick of Chelmsford, Mr.
Ambrose of Colchester, his successor in business, Mr. John
Pettitt, the late: Mr, Scruby of Ongar, and MrvStacey son
Dunmow. In short, there is scarcely any one in the county,
having any pretensions to a knowledge of birds, who has not
rendered me cordial assistance.

I have also to thank those subscribers (whose names, fol-
lowing a somewhat antiquated custom, I have printed at the
end of the book) who by kindly ordering copies in advance
have relieved me of much of the loss which usually attends
the publication of works of this class.

The system of references I have used so copiously through
the work will, I believe, be found convenient. The numbers
enclosed within parentheses refer to the works named in
Appendix B, and to the volume (where more than one) and
page of the particular work referred to. Where the F7e/d,
the Essex County Chronicle, or other newspaper is referred to
without the year being given, it is to be understood that the
year of the occurrence in question is implied.

The word “ here,” must be understood to mean the district
around my home at Chignal St. James, Chelmsford.

I shall always be pleased to hear of the occurrence of rare
birds, or of anything notable connected with bird-life, in the
county, and until the issue of a second edition (if such be
called for) it is my intention to record such occurrences in
the pages of the Essex Naturalzst.

MILLER CHRIS i®,
CHIGNAL ST. JAMES,
CHELMSFORD,
March, 1890.

THE

MDS Or Boas EX.

INTRODUCTION.

(a.) THE PHysICAL FEATURES OF ESSEX.

SSEX is a maritime county on the East coast of England.
In shape it is, roughly speaking, square, though its eastern
coast has been rendered very irregular by the action of the sea.
Its area is 1,533 square miles, or 987,032 statute acres. In point of
size, it stands tenth among the English counties, being rather smaller
than Kent and rather larger than Suffolk, between which two counties
it is also geographically situated. On the S., Essex is bounded by
Kent, from which it is separated by the River Thames; on the
E., by the North Sea or German Ocean ; on the N., partly by Suffolk,
from which it is separated by the River Stour, and partly by
Cambridgeshire, from which (as Norden says) it ‘‘hath no riuer to
deuyde it ;” and on the W., both by Herts and Middlesex, from which
it is separated by the Rivers Stort and Lea. If, therefore, separation
by rivers makes a peninsula, Essex is one. Its greatest length
(Stratford to Harwich) is 72 miles ; but, roughly speaking, the county
measures about 46 miles from E. to W., and 42 from N. to S.*

The chief physical features of the county have been briefly and
well summed up by a recent writer as follows :—“ Essex is a fertile
plain, undulating considerably towards the centre and north-west,
richly wooded towards the south-west, and sloping away to low
humid marshes on the east ‘and south-east, where it is bordered by
the sea and the estuary of the Thames, and relieved by rich pasturage
on the banks of its principal rivers which mainly have their course
from N.W. to N.E. and S.E.”

* The above remarks are taken from my Handbook for Essex (pp. 3 and 4), recently
published by Messrs. Edmund Durrant & Co., of Chelmsford.

B

2 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

The physical features of every county and district have such a
direct and powerful bearing upon the kinds of birds frequenting them
that some detailed attempt to describe those features should be an
essential part of all avi-faunas.

In More’s Dastribution of Birds in Great Britain during the
LVesting-season (33), Essex is made to form part of Province III
(Thames), in which it constitutes the eastern half of Sub-province 8,
comprising Essex, Herts, and Middlesex.

As an ornithological hunting-ground, Essex has been especially
favoured by Nature in several different ways. The fact of its being
situated upon the sea-coast is, in the first place, a very great ad-
vantage from the ornithological, as from so many other, points of
view ; but the additional facts that it is situated on the East coast of
England, in close proximity to the continent, and in the direct line
of the constant stream of migration which is ever flowing backwards
and forwards across the North Sea, and that its coast-line is
specialiy suited to attract all kinds of shore-loving birds, _ still
further show how highly the county has been favoured in these matters.
The advantage of its maritime situation which, under other circum-
stances, might have been largely lost, is thus greatly intensified by
two other concurrent and auxiliary advantages.

In all probability the ornithological riches of Essex are in no
respect inferior to those of the neighbouring county of Norfolk,
which, for wealth of bird-life, has, by common consent, been allowed
to take a place at the head of all the other English counties. It is
very likely that, had the birds of Essex been as attentively studied
as have those of Norfolk, we should have been able to show as long
and as interesting a list as the ornithologists of that county.

The progress of ornithological study in Norfolk affords an ex-
cellent proof of the value of these local bird-lists, as a means of
encouraging the study of birds. ‘The first list of the birds of Norfolk
was written by Sir Thomas Browne, of Norwich, about 1650. Since
then at least ten other lists of Norfolk birds have appeared, as
each writer in turn wished to add his observations to those of his
last predecessor, until now it may be truly said that (perhaps excepting
Yorkshire) Norfolk has produced more county lists and more
working ornithologists, who have between them added more to our
knowledge of British ornithology as a whole, than any other three
English counties combined. If only our illustrious Ray had made
some attempt to produce a list of local birds, similar to that of his
contemporary, Sir Thomas Browne, there is no saying how many
practical Essex ornithologists it might indirectly have brought out,

INTRODUCTION. 3

or to what a pitch of ornithological eminence the county might by
this time have been raised.

Essex has been favoured, too, in its great extent and in the
variety presented by its surface, which in different spots presents
several widely different kinds of country. It entirely lacks those
mountainous tracts, wide open moors, and rocky precipitous cliffs,
which afford some of the most interesting birds met with in many
other counties ; but still, taken,as a whole, Essex probably presents
as great a variety of surface as any other English county, except,
perhaps, Yorkshire. These varied districts next deserve a few words
of special mention. ‘They may be roughly classed as :—

(1) THE CHALKY UPLANDS,

(2) THE Lowtanps,

(3) THE Forests AND WOODLANDS,
(4) THE MARSHES AND SALTINGS,
(5) THE OPEN SEA.

(1.) The Chalky Uplands. ‘This, though a well-defined area,
with striking natural features, is of small extent, being confined to the
district around and to the N., N.W., and W. of Saffron Walden, in
the extreme north-western corner of the county, abutting upon
Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, in which counties this kind of
country covers a considerable area. Around Heydon, the appearance
of the country a good deal resembles that of the South Downs,
though much less undulating, and nearly all enclosed and under
cultivation of some sort. Still, the boldly-undulating, well-rounded
hills, separated by more or less deep valleys, so characteristic of all
chalk-districts, are unmistakably there. Here, naturally, we meet
with birds of the open downs. The Stone Plover, which nests no-
where else in the county, breeds in some numbers, while the Dotterel
halts awhile, on its spring and autumn migrations. ‘The hills, though
for the most part bare, are in places covered with woods, chiefly
plantations.

(2.) The Lowlands. This extensive region, though varying
a good deal in its chief characteristics and appearance in different
spots, may be said to form at least seven-tenths of the entire county.
It occupies the whole of the centre, extending almost unbroken
from the chalky uplands in the extreme north-west to the marshes
and saltings on the coast. Broadly speaking, it is a region of stiff
clay, mainly the London Clay, but overlaid by the Chalky Boulder
Clays in places, and the whole may be said to be (and to have been

B 2

4 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

for centuries) under a high state of cultivation, and not more
thickly populated than purely agricultural regions usually are. A
comparatively small proportion is under grass, the larger area being
arable land, chiefly used in the production of cereals. Through-
out the area there is an abundance of old hedgerows, wide over-
grown ditches, quiet lanes, and small copses and woods, which
afford a home for innumerable small warblers and finches, to say
nothing of larger species. Inland sheets of water are conspicu-
ously lacking throughout the county, there being none, I believe,
of any consequence, except the artificial, ornamental lakes in private
grounds, of which the principal are probably those in Wanstead,
Gosfield and Debden Parks.

(3.) Forests and Woodlands. These, although they do not
cover a very large aggregate area, are tolerably extensive in certain
places, especially where the higher grounds and hill-tops are capped
with the Bagshot Gravel, rendering them of little value for agri-
cultural purposes, as in Epping Forest, around Brentwood and
Thorndon, in the Writtle High Woods, on Danbury Hill, Tiptree
Heath, and elsewhere. In these districts the more purely woodland
species especially abound. Hawks, except the Sparrow-hawk, the
Kestrel, and rarely the Hobby, are now exterminated, also the Raven,
so far as the inland parts of our county are concerned ; but the
Carrion Crow is not uncommon in places, and the Jay abounds. In
Epping Forest, the Hawfinch is perhaps commoner than anywhere
else in England. Strictly speaking, this region cannot be separated
from the last, of which it forms a part.

(4.) Marshes and Saltings. This region is naturally con-
fined to the coast. Though of considerable extent, when con-
trasted with similar districts in other counties, it is small when
compared with the area of the whole county. ‘‘ Marshes,” in
Essex, are tracts of land which have at some past time been re-
claimed from the sea, and are now protected against its inroads by an
artificial sea-wall. They are chiefly under grass, being of considerable
value as grazing lands, and are not particularly moist, though low-
lying. They are intersected with numerous wide ditches known as
“fleets,” and interspersed with reedy pools of open water. ‘“Salt-
ings” are those pieces of land which have not been enclosed from
the sea, yet are not, strictly speaking, sea-shore, inasmuch as they are
completely uncovered at low-tide. Their surface, indeed, though
lying entirely outside the sea-wall, is seldom even covered with
water, except for a short time twice a day during high tide, and

INTRODUCTION. 5

supports a considerable flora of saline-loving plants; but the ‘“salt-
ings” are everywhere intersected by innumerable dykes or ditches,
which are filled by every tide, and which slowly empty again as the
tide falls, leaving a wide expanse of soft mud. Our Essex marshes
and saltings are chiefly found around the mouths and estuaries of
our larger rivers. ‘They are most extensive at the mouths of the
Crouch, Blackwater and Colne. Here, during August and Sep-
,tember, and again in May, when the thousands of wading birds
which breed further to the north are on migration, the marshes, saltings
and the extensive mud-flats outside them, literally swarm with many
different species, as the receding tide leaves uncovered their favourite
feeding-grounds. Here also many rare waders have from time to
time been met with.

‘ (5.) The Open Sea round our coast can perhaps not strictly be
claimed as part of Essex, but to all intents and purposes it is so.
During the summer-time, our seas are singularly devoid of bird-life,
inasmuch as we have none of those rocky and precipitous eminences
which form the breeding-places of those birds which chiefly frequent
the open sea, such as gulls, guillemots, razorbills, cormorarits,
gannets, &c.; but, from autumn to early spring, these birds are
usually to be found in greater or less numbers, while ducks, wild
geese, and sometimes wild swans, often appear in great numbers,
especially during severe weather.

(o.) Previous Essex Birp-Lists.

The number of local lists of birds relating to Essex which have
already appeared is remarkably small, considering the large number
of notes and scattered observations which may be met with in general
works on Natural History. ‘Those which deserve special mention are
Edward Doubleday’s Zzst of Epping Birds (15), W. D. King’s List
of Sudbury Birds (20), and Mr. George Day’s articles on Zhe Birds
of Essex (41). Almost all other items of information that have been
published are more of the nature of “notes” than systematic lists.

(c.) LIGHT-HOUSES AND LIGHT VESSELS.

A large amount of work still remains to be done in recording
the movements of the birds appearing at the various light-ships
and lighthouses along our coast. From the position occupied by
our coast-line, right in the main stream of migration, very valuable
results might be expected from a systematic record of occurrences.

6 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

This work has been partially done by the British Association
Migration Committee. Our principal lights are the following :—
Cork, L.V., 5 miles off mouth of Harwich River.

Landguard Point, L.H., entrance to Harwich River.

Galloper, L.V., 40 miles S.E. of Orfordness ; 2 white, horizontal, fixed.

Kentish Knock, L.V., 33 miles N.E. North Foreland ; white, revolving each minute.
Swin Middle, L.V., off Thames ; white, revolving every minute.

Tongue, L.V., off Thames ; 2 lights, fixed; higher white, lower red.

Nore, L.V., entrance to Thames ; white, revolving 30 seconds.

(d.) NUMBER OF SPECIES MET WITH IN ESSEX.

Although it is certain that further observation will bring to light
other Essex birds, not recorded in the following pages, it will be
found that the list contains no less than 272 species, a number which
has, I believe, been exceeded in very few other counties, namely,
in Norfolk, Yorkshire, Suffolk, and perhaps one or two others. It
would have been easy to increase this total by the addition of at least
a score of other species, which have been admitted by some writers,
such as the Purple Martin, Great Black Woodpecker, Black Swan,
Canada Goose, Virginian Colin and Spotted Sandpiper (which have
no claim whatever to a place on the British list), the Great Reed
Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Red Grouse, Macqueen’s Bustard, Rock
Dove and American Wigeon (which have been recorded in Essex, |
either under doubtful circumstances or on insufficient evidence), the
Black-bellied Dipper, Parrot Crossbill, and Intermediate Ringed
Dotterel (which I regard as sub-species or geographical races merely).
All these, however, I have unhesitatingly rejected.

(e.) BritIsH SPECIES FIRST MET WITH IN ESSEX.

The following British Birds, five in number, are notable as having
first been met with in Essex :—

Alpine Accentor Adriatic Gull
Blue-headed Wagtail Scopoli’s Sooty Tern.
Pheasant

(f.) NOMENCLATURE.

The system of nomenclature and classification I have adopted
is that employed in the “Ibis” List of British Birds, compiled by
a Committee of the British Ornithologists’ Union, and published in
1883. This list should, in my opinion, be now regarded as the
standard and only duly authorised one ; for, although not altogether
free from objectionable points, it is the joint work of several of our
best working ornithologists, by whom it was most carefully and
deliberately compiled, and it has been officially adopted by the

INTRODUCTION. 7

Union. It is obviously, therefore, of greater weight than any list
compiled by a single person only. I am of opinion that the present
unsettled and unsatisfactory state of scientific nomenclature has been
long enough a disgrace to men of science. It is in reality quite im-
material by what name a species is known, so long as it is by
common consent known by that name. But the height of absurdity
has been reached, and the utility of any nomenclature at all has
'been almost destroyed, when it is necessary, after mentioning a
particular name, to add by whom it was (and often by whom it was
not) bestowed !

(g.) SCOPE AND AIMS OF THE WorRK.

In compiling the present volume, I have endeavoured to carry
out my own ideas as to what the scope and nature of such a work
should be. In my opinion, such works should be essentially, and in
the first place, Zoca7 works. General information as to the habits
and natural history of the species described, though not actually out
of place, if space permits its insertion, is, nevertheless, by no means a
prime requisite. A county or other local ornithology should, according
to my ideas, deal primarily with the distribution and the frequency
or otherwise of the species found within the area treated of, and
of their habits and migrations within that area. More general
information should, I consider, be reserved for more comprehensive
and general works, treating of the entire natural history of the
species. Hence, I have inserted in these pages, very little upon the
general habits of birds,

NoTE.—Mr. Joseph Clarke is of opinion that many birds are scarcer now
than formerly. He writes me as follows: “A goldfinch is now never seen here,
though many years ago there were several nests upon the trees in my garden at
The Roos. This may be owing in some measure to better farming, which
eradicates the thistles, the seeds of which constitute their chief food. The
bullfinch has also disappeared, and the mischievous sparrows now take its place.
We have but few swallows, and scarcely a martin, whilst the nightingale has quite
deserted us, as also the glow-worm, which may be appropriately associated with
it. Yearsagoa hundred of the latter might be picked up during a walk between
here and Saffron Walden, a distance of two miles. The lapwing, too, which used
to be plentiful on our hills, is not now to be seen, and many other species now
absent might be mentioned.”

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES

OF THE

PRINCIPAL ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISIS:

BDY, Sir Robert, third baronet, of Albins, in Stapleford
Abbots, Essex, seems to have been interested in birds, and
to have been a patron of Eleazar Albin, to whom he sent a
number of specimens from time to time. Albin accordingly dedi-
cated to him the first and second volumes of his Vatural History
of Birds (3.—1731-38). According to Morant, he was “a man of
deep knowledge in antiquity and natural history, a great connois-
seur in medals, of which he had a fine collection, and, what is more
valuable, a true patriot and a person of unshaken integrity and
remarkable humanity.”

ATKINSON, Rev. J. C., was born in 1814 at Goldhanger, of
which place his father, the Rev. John Atkinson (¢.v.), was curate.
He is an excellent ornithologist, as might have been expected
from the fact that both his father and grandfather were fond of
the study. The days of his boyhood were spent in the district
around Goldhanger, Great Wigborough, Little Wigborough, Peldon,
Tollesbury, Mersea, &c., and he thus had unrivalled facllities for
becoming intimately acquainted with the birds frequenting that
part of the Essex coast, opportunities of which he made excellent
use. He also resided in, or by means of visits became familiar with,
Bardfield, Finchingfield, Gosfield, Colchester, Maldon, and other
parts of Essex. Many notes of his on the ornithology of our coast
may be found in the early volumes of the Zoo/ogist. In short, the
first twenty-four years of Mr. Atkinson’s life, allowing for university
residence, were spent in Essex. He afterwards resided in Suffolk,
Herefordshire, and Berkshire. In or about 1846, he became Vicar
of Danby, near Grosmont, Yorkshire, where he still resides. He has

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. 9

written and edited many books, including a Glossary of the Cleveland
Dialect, and a History of Cleveland. WHehas also written Zhe Watlks,
Talks, Travels, and Exploits of Two Schoolboys (1859), and other
popular works on Natural History, including the Vests and Eggs of
British Birds (36), a charming little book, which has gone through
several editions, and is still one of the most popular works on
ornithology in the English language ; few, if any, books have in
their day done more to popularise that science. A threepenny edition
of it appeared in 1885. It contains numerous reminiscences of his
early days, spent among the birds on the Essex saltings. The town
of Elmdon, described in ]Valks and Tadks (pp. 1--18), possesses con-
siderable local interest for Essex people, although it has no connec-
tion with the Essex village of that name. In writing the book, Mr.
Atkinson says in a letter to me: “I drew largely on my recollections
of Kelvedon and of my school life and exploits there, and some of
the scenery and places described, such as Docwra’s Mill, Watery
Lane, and the Stream, certainly had a Kelvedon origin, as also had
the twelve daily coaches up to London, the flocks of geese along the
roads, the school ghost, the coaches full, inside and out, a little
before Christmas, with game, turkeys, &c., and many other scenes
and incidents all through the book ; but the moorland, and all that
pertains thereto—water-ouzels, trout-fishing, golden plover’s nests,
and the like—have no connection whatever with Kelvedon.”
Chapter xix., too, contains a graphic account of a walk on the
Essex Marshes, and of a day’s wild-fowl shooting on the Main, round
the Wigboroughs and Mersea.

In 1887 Mr. Atkinson received the honorary degree of D.C.L.
from the University of Durham, “in recognition of his services
in many branches of literature.” He has filled several important
local offices, and is now engaged upon a volume of his Lecol/ec-
tions.

ATKINSON, Rev. John (1786 ?-1870 ?), was a son of
the Rev. Christopher Atkinson, fellow and tutor of Trinity Hall,
Cambridge, who was an excellent ornithologist. Some water colour
paintings of British Birds, done by him, and now in the possession
of the Rev. J. C. Atkinson, are described by the latter as being, he
imagines, “quite unequalled for beauty, delicacy of finish, and life-
likeness.” He married a sister of Sir John Leycester, afterwards
Lord de Tabley. The Rev. John Atkinson became curate of Gold-
hanger about 1810, and was afterwards curate of Great Wigborough,
Little Wigborough, Peldon, and elsewhere in Essex. He was, in the

10 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

words of his son, the Rev. J. C. Atkinson, “a good, practical
ornithologist, a keen observer, though without any scientific know-
ledge, and very much interested in anything connected with sport or
birds.” Not a few notes contributed by him, are to be found in the
early numbers of the Zoologist.

BAXTER, G. H., of Hutton Park, Brentwood, takes much
interest in birds, and has an interesting collection (p. 34), the
principal specimens in which are mentioned hereafter.

BREE, Charles Robert, M.D. (1811--1886), was the
eldest son of the late Mr. John Bree, of Keswick, Cumberland,
by Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. John Bearcroft, and was born at
Ambleside, on the 4th of February, 1811. He spent his early life
mostly in the Lake Country. He was educated for the medical
profession in York, during which time he lived in the Minster Yard,
and was present at the fire of the Cathedral in 1829. From York
he went to London, and was a pupil at the University College in
1829-30. At the end of his second year, he joined a party of
fellow-students and entered into the Polish service, where he
remained till Warsaw was taken by the Russians in 1831. After
spending a few months in Berlin, he returned to England, and
commenced to follow his profession as a general practitioner at
Bildeston, in Suffolk. In 1834, he removed to the neighbouring
town of Stowmarket, where he remained until 1858, in which year
he gave up practice and went to Edinburgh, where he studied for
one year, and then became M.D. of its University. He married, in
1845, Frances Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Sir Augustus
Henniker, Bart., who survives him. In the autumn of 1859, he was
elected physician to the Essex and Colchester Hospital, and con-
tinued for twenty-two years senior physician to that institution.
During this period, he published—1st, Zhe History of the Birds of
Europe, not observed in the British Isles (Groombridge & Co.), which
remained for more than ten years the only English general work of
reference on the subject, and of which a second edition, containing
important additions, published by Bell and Sons, in five vols., has
been called for; 2nd. Species not Transmutable, nor the Result of
Secondary Causes ; 3rd, Popular Illustrations of the Lower Forms of
Life, which was reprinted from the Field ; 4th, An Exposition of the
Fallacies in the Hypothesis of Mr. Darwin (Longmans, Green & Co.)
Dr. Bree was a contributor from time to time to the /ze/d and the
Zoologist, as well as also part editor, with the Rev. Mr. Morris, of the

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. II

Naturalist. He was for many years a Fellow of the Linnean and
Zoological Societies, and was a J.P. for Essex and Suffolk.

Whilst at Colchester Dr. Bree made a large number of friends, by
whom he was very highly esteemed. He always took the greatest
interest in the town and its institutions, and delivered many able
lectures at the Literary Institute. Early in life—when the Reform
Bill of 1832 was passed—Dr. Bree was a Whig, but a few years
later, he changed his views, and up to the time of his death he
was a staunch Conservative, and a knight of the Primrose League.
He left Colchester in 1881, and afterwards resided at Long
Melford, where he died on Sunday, the 17th of October, 1886,
aged 75. Dr. Bree was seized with paralysis in June, 1881, and
deprived of the entire use of his right side, and he then resigned
his connection with the hospital. He bore his long illness with the
greatest patience and resignation. His remains were interred in
the Colchester Cemetery, having been brought from Long Melford
for that purpose. The bulk of his collection of skins is now in the
possession of Mr. W. H. Harwood, of Colchester, who purchased
it from his representatives shortly after his death. Although con-
sisting mainly of foreign and other specimens, a large number are
from Essex, including several of great interest (See p. 34).

CLARKE, Joseph, F.S.A., of The Roos, Saffron
Walden, is our veteran Essex naturalist and archeologist, and has
supplied much valuable information for use in this work. ‘To his
efforts we are largely, if not chiefly, indebted for the magnificent
collection of birds in the Walden Museum, a large number of the
specimens in which were either acquired through his efforts or
collected by him personally in his younger days at Yarmouth and
elsewhere. A considerable number of specimens of the commoner
inland birds were presented by him to the British Museum Col-
lection before 1836. Besides supplying many valuable verbal
and written communications as to his reminiscences of Essex
birds, he has kindly allowed me to make many very interesting
extracts from a book of memoranda (24) in which he entered
miscellaneous observations and notes of rare birds occurring round
Saffron Walden between the years 1820 and 1845, or thereabouts.

DALE, Samuel (1659 ?—1739) is, perhaps, chiefly known
as the neighbour, disciple, and literary executor of Ray ; but Professor
Boulger (Journal of Botany, xxi, 193 and 225), claims for him
as a botanist much original talent and a high pitch of accuracy in

12 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

detail. He was son of North Dale, of St. Mary, Whitechapel, silk-
thrower. He was apprenticed for eight years to an apothecary, and in
1686, commenced practising at Braintree as a physician. His chief
work, Pharmacologia, the first important systematic work on the
subject, appeared in 1693, a supplement following in 1705. His
second great work, Zhe History and Antiquities of Harwich and
Dovercourt, written by Silas Taylor, but furnished with an appendix
by Dale which exceeds the main work in bulk, was published
in 1730. Dale died on June 6, 1739, and was buried in the
Dissenters’ burial-ground at Bocking. His herbarium, bequeathed
to the Apothecaries’ Company, is now in the British Museum, and
the neat and elaborate tickets to plants obtained from numerous
correspondents bear witness to his botanical worth. JI am not aware
that he made any observations on the birds of this county, except
those given in his Astory of Harwich, many of which are not clear
as to whether they are general or local.

DANIEL, Rev. W. B. (about 1753 ?—1833), author of
Rural Sports, was educated at Christ’s College, Cambridge, taking
the degree of B.A. in 1787 and that of M.A. in1790. He does not
appear to have been ever beneficed, although he took orders. He
seems to have indulged in sporting tastes to a degree which shocked
even his tolerant age. A writer in the Gentleman’s Magazine (1802,
Ixxii, 621) says, with regard to his unwillingness to own his title as a
clergyman, “perhaps there is propriety in such renunciation, for
where is the consistency between a fisher of men and a hunter of
beasts.” He died, at the reputed age of eighty, in Garden Row,
within the Rules of the King’s Bench, where he had resided for
twenty years. Rural Sports, which appeared in 1801, was the
delight of sportsmen at the beginning of this century, and has been,
says a writer in the Quarterly Review, “the basis of many a later
book on field sports.” It contains a fair number of references to
sport and natural history in Essex, due, it may be imagined, to the
probable fact of his having resided at Great Waltham, of which
parish, it is said, he was once rector.

DIX, Thomas (1830—1873 ?), was born at Dickleburgh,
Norfolk, but in early life his parents removed to Essex, and he after-
wards became the tenant of Stanford Rivers Hall, near Romford, which
ne farmed for many years. Whilst residing there, he became intimate
with Henry Doubleday ; but I have not been able to ascertain that
he has left any observations of interest, although he is known to have

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. 13

been a very good observer and a skilled taxidermist. In later life
he returned to Norfolk, where he died. The late Mr. Henry
Stevenson has published a brief, but enthusiastic, obituary notice of

him (34. 3775):

DOUBLEDAY, Edward (1811—-1849), was the younger
and only brother of Henry Doubleday (¢.v.), and was born at
Epping. Like his brother Henry, he seems early to have taken up
the study of Natural History, for in 1832, when only just of age, he
published a paper on “‘Stygia” in the Alagazine of Natural History,
and in the following year, in conjunction with his friend, Edward
Newman, he contributed an account of an ‘“ Entomological Ex-
cursion in North Wales” to the Lxtomological Magazine. In 1835
he visited the United States, where he remained two years, returning
with large and valuable entomological collections, which were pre-
sented to the British and other Museums. He laboured hard to
obtain the appointment of naturalist to the ill-fated Niger Expedition,
but was, fortunately, unsuccessful. He afterwards accepted a post at
the British Museum, where he had charge of the Entomological
Collections, which he brought to a state of great perfection. This
appointment he held until his death, which took place at his house in
Harrington Square, on December 14, 1849, at which time he was
secretary to the Entomological Society. His contributions to science
were almost wholly entomological. Of the 29 papers enumerated as
by him in the Royal Society’s Catalogue of Scientific Papers, all, with
one exception, have entomological titles, though one, on the
“Entomology of the Epping District” (15), treats also of its
ornithology.

DOUBLEDAY, Henry* (1808—1875), was born on
July 1, 1808 (not 1809, as has been stated) at Epping, where his
father, Benjamin Doubleday, one of the principal tradesmen in the
town, had long carried on a general grocery, hardware, and provision
business. He was elder and only brother to Edward Doubleday
(g.v.). Both the brothers in after life became distinguished as natural-
ists, though their tastes in this direction do not seem to have been
inherited from their parents. Their keen interest in natural science
was probably aroused by their surroundings during boyhood, the
ancient forests of Epping and Hainault being then in close proximity
to the little town.

* The following information is partly copied from a biographical notice which I contributed to
the Jiperial Dictionary of National Biography.

14 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

From first to last, Henry Doubleday led an exceedingly quiet and
retired life. Before 1848, when his father died and the entire manage-
ment of the business at Epping devolved upon him, he made many
collecting expeditions, which were, however, chiefly confined to the
Eastern Counties. After that time, he became treasurer, both to the
Local Turnpike Trust and to the Epping Poor Law Union, and both
duty and inclination kept him constantly at home. Between 1846
and 1873, he only twice slept away from his own house. A brief
visit to Paris in 1843 was the only occasion on which he ever left
England. A “Note on the Habits of the Hawfinch” in Jardine’s
Magazine of Zoology in 1837 (i, p. 448) was probably his first
published contribution to science. His first entomological note
appeared in 1841 (Zxtomologist, i., p. 102). It described his suc-
cess in capturing moths at Sallow-blossom, then an entirely novel
proceeding. In 1842 (Entomologist, i., 407 and Zoologist, i. p. 201)
he introduced the now very familiar plan of ‘“‘sugaring” for moths.
The credit of having introduced “‘sugaring” to the notice of ento-
mologists was claimed (43. ii, 32) by the late Mr. J. L. English,
who for many years acted as Doubleday’s assistant ; but there is,
to say the least, good reason to think that it rightly belongs to
Doubleday (50. ii. 69). During the whole of his life he frequently
contributed observations on the habits of mammals, birds, and insects
to the scientific magazines of the day. The Ztomologist and the
Zoologist, both conducted by his intimate friend, the late Edward
Newman, received most of these notes, but others are to be found
in the Proceedings of the Entomological Soctety of London, of which
he was an original (1833) and life-long member. Many notes, too,
supplied by him were made use of by Yarrell in his standard History
of British Birds (1837—1843).

Through the kindness of the Rev. H. A. Macpherson, of Carlisle,
I have been favoured with the opportunity of perusing at leisure no
less than one hundred and one most interesting letters (10) upon
natural history subjects written by Henry Doubleday to Dr. Heysham,
of Carlisle, between August 30, 1831, and February 9, 1846,
after which the correspondence seems to have dropped. These
letters, which are the property of Mr. J. G. Mounsey, naturally throw
considerable light upon his private opinions and upon the passing
events of his life at this period. The correspondence seems to have
been arranged by Edward Doubleday when, for some reason, he had
paid a visit to Heysham at Carlisle. The first few letters are written
in strict Quaker phraseology, “thee” and “thou” being always used
in place of ‘“‘you,” but this peculiarity soon afterwards disappears

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. 15

The first letter of the series, written in a rather irregular, though
legible, handwriting, is here given as a fair sample of those which
follow :—

“ EPPING, 8th mo., 30th, 1831.
“ My DEAR SIR,

“Tn the first place I must return thee my sincere thanks for the polite
attention paid to my brother during his short stop at Carlisle, and also for thy
kind offer to assist me in my ornithological pursuits.

“For the last three years I have devoted nearly all my leisure time to ornitho-
logy and entomology, and considering that my time is often closely occupied with
other affairs, I have made considerable progress, particularly in birds, as thee
will see by the annexed ilist of those I possess,* nearly all of which I have pre-
served myself. I have added the arrival of the summer birds at Epping [see p,
38], as I thought it would be interesting to thee to compare it with their ar-
rival in your neighbourhood, as you have most of them in the north. In the
account of them [2.e., the summer birds of passage at Carlisle] published in the
Philosophical Magazine [vol. viii., 1830, p. 444] (which has greatly pleased me) I
do not see the Chiff-Chaff mentioned. Do you not have it? It is very common
here. x » * I find more difficulty in procuring the Hawks than anything else, as
the forest-keepers have almost exterminated them here and we see nothing but a
solitary Kestrel and Sparrow-hawk—and even these but rarely. x x» x» The Water
Ouzel, Dotterel, and, indeed, any others not in the list, I should be very glad of ;
and as I have been thus free in stating my wants, I hope thee will be equally free
in stating thine, as nothing would give me greater pleasure than supplying thee
with either birds or insects. At present I do not know what to offer, but if a male
Garganey would be of any use to thee it is quite at thy service. I procured and
stuffed it about three months since and it is in very fine plumage.

“T have succeeded well in my attempts to keep the summer warblers alive in
confinement and have now four beautiful male Nightingales, three Blackcaps, two
Greater Pettychaps, one Common Whitethroat and one Lesser Whitethroat. They
have now just done moulting and are coming into song. They are in beautiful
plumage and in the most perfect health, and will sing all through the winter if kept
sufficiently warm. x * *

“T do not think Selby’s arrangements of the birds good; nor do I think he
has genera enough. In many instances I prefer the genera as given in Dr, Flem-
ing’s work, though some of his are not natural. Genera, to be good, ought to be
distinguishable at first sight, and artificial ones are good for nothing. « x x Iam
a strong advocate for the foundation of genera, founded on the consideration of
every habit and character, instead of having a heterogeneous mass lumped together
with a generic name,

‘The change of plumage in birds is another subject in which I feel a great in-
terest, « « * [After some remarks upon this and other subjects, containing allu-
sions to Mr. Yarrell which show that he was then in correspondence with him,
the letter closes. ]

“Believe me to be,

“ Very respectfully thine
y resp y )
“ HENRY DOUBLEDAY,”

* One hundred and fifty-three species.

16 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

From this letter, written when Doubleday was only twenty-three
years of age, we may gather that he had taken up the study of
natural history some three years earlier, namely, in 1829, when
only about twenty ; that he had worked with such energy that he had
actually no less than 153 species of stuffed birds in his collection ;
and that he was already in correspondence with Yarrell. In the
following January, he speaks of “ my friend Hewitson,” and about
the same time he mentions Newman.

On November 2nd, 1831, he writes :—

‘““T have paid considerable attention to the eggs and nests of birds, and have
the eggs of most of those which breed in this neighbourhood, * » x

“In a neighbourhood like this, covered for miles with forest, the summer
warblers are likely to be numerous, and the Nightingale comes over in great num-
bers, but are much thinned by the London birdcatchers. The three Willow-
Wrens, the two Whitethroats, the Blackcap and Pettychaps are very com-
mon. x x « “With regard to the arrival of the birds, I am very particular,
never trusting to any one who has not a thorough knowledge of the bird.”

On January 19th, 1832, he says :—
“My Nightingales and Blackcaps now sing most delightfully all day long and
the Greater Pettychaps also sings occasionally.”

On February 13th, 1836, he again says :—

“ My Nightingales are now singing delightfully.”

In February, 1832, he gives expression to this dictum :—

“ Every person has clearly a right to his own opinion and I think that noth-
ing does more injury to science than one person assuming a kind of dictatorship
and expecting everybody to bow to his decision.”

On June 17th, 1833, he writes :—
“‘T possess about 216 skins of British birds.”

Not long after, when Heysham had evidently paid him a well
deserved compliment upon his skill as a taxidermist, he writes.
(August 3rd, 1834) :—

“‘T am sure you praise my efforts at setting up birds far too highly. x x * [
have done the best I could, but it often happens that business interrupts me when
I am about a bird and I have to leave it for an hour or two. x * » You must
recollect I am perfectly self-taught.”

- The spring of 1836 seems to have been unusually cold and late.
On July 14th, Doubleday writes :—

“T think on the whole the summer birds are very thin this year. Some
species, I am sure, have not appeared in half their usual numbers here, particu-
larly the Whinchat, Nightingale and Common Whitethroat.”

The following paragraph occurs in a letter dated January 24th,
1837 :—

N

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. v7

* During a visit I have recently been paying to my friend Wm. Yarrell, we had
a thorough look through the London collections of birds and insects. There are a
few points respecting some of our British birds that we are very anxious to clear
up, especially as Mr. Yarrell is about to commence a work on ‘ British Birds’ to
correspond with his ‘ Fishes.’ ”

The points were the distinctness of the common Pied Wagtail and
the continental White Wagtail and the number of species of Ptar-
migan.

This series of letters, many extracts from which will be found in
the following pages, also contains numerous interesting allusions to
and observations upon the current scientific topics of the day. It
is, however, to be regretted that rare birds are frequently referred
to without any reference to localities. This is unfortunate, but
until the last few years many even of the best ornithologists seem
to have paid very little attention to the localities whence came their
specimens.

Doubleday’s brief visit to Paris in 1843, proved to him an event of
great consequence. It led him to undertake the chief work of his
life. Whilst there, he observed that the system of nomenclature in
use among Continental entomologists was wholly different from that
employed by those in this country. His attention had, it seems, in
the previous year, been directed to the subject of nomenclature, as a
“ List of the British Noctuze” by him appears in the “xtomologtst
(i. p. 377) in 1842. On his return, therefore, he set himself diligently
to work to compare the two, with a view of ultimately producing uni-
formity. The execution of this task necessitated a vast amount of
patient study and research, and it was not finally completed until
some thirty years later. The earliest result of his labour was the pub-
lication of the first edition of his Syxonomic List of British Lepidoptera,
which appeared at intervals between 1847 and 1850. A second, and
much more complete edition, was brought out in 1859. This, with
supplements which appeared in 1865 and 1873 respectively, brought
up the number of recognised British species to nearly 2,100. The
completion of this list, commonly known as ‘ Doubleday’s List,” almost
marks an epoch in British Entomology. Though little more than a
label-list it has proved of the greatest possible service. In 1836,
Doubleday had attempted to render a somewhat similar service to
British ornithologists, by publishing A Momenclature of British Birds
(Wesley and Davis), which quickly ran through several editions.*

* In the Jwperial Dictionary of National Biography this is erroneously ascribed to
Edward Doubleday. It was somewhat severely reviewed in the Naturalist (Neville Wood's ;
1837; il., p. 60).

(©

18 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

As a writer, however, he was not prolific, and he never published
any other separate works. His correspondence with brother entomo-
logists, both at home and abroad, was very extensive, and his liberality
in supplying them with specimens and information was almost
unbounded. His collections both of birds and insects were, in their
day, almost unrivalled. During his later life, ornithology, to which
he had formerly given much attention, was largely neglected in favour
of entomology. He was an excellent shot, and was very skilful
as a stuffer. A considerable number of birds from Epping Forest
were presented by him to the British Museum. To him we are
indebted for first detecting in England the Little Ringed Plover,
(.Zgtalitis curonica), as well as the Blue-headed Wagtail (AZotactlla
Hava ).

In 1866, he sustained a heavy pecuniary loss. For a time he
struggled on, but a crisis came in 1870. The thought of being in
debt, and of having to part with his collections, so troubled him
that for three months early in 1871 he had to be placed in “The
Retreat” at York, where the balance of his mind, upset by his anxie-
ties, was soon restored. Through the kindness of friends, his books
and his collections of lepidoptera were preserved to him, and he was
enabled to end his days in the old home, where he busied himself, as
before, with his garden and his favourite pursuits. His ornithological
collections were sold by auction, by Mr. George Hine, at the Cock
Hotel, Epping, directly opposite his house, on August 23rd, 1871,
when 173 lots, comprising 540 specimens in 288 cases, realized £275-
Among the birds disposed of were the first British Blue-headed
Wagtail, the White-winged and Parrot Crossbills shot at Epping, two
Forked-tailed Petrels from Epping and a Bittern from Coopersale, as
mentioned hereafter. Among the chief purchasers were Messrs.
Ashmead, F. Bond, W. Borrer, David Christy, J. H. Gurney, jun.,
J. E. Harting, Arthur Lister, A. H. Smee and Septimus Warner.

Henry Doubleday was never married; for nearly thirty years a
distant cousin, Ann Main by name, directed his household affairs.
He was throughout life a member of the Society of Friends. Among
scientific men at large, he cannot hold a high place; but as a
lepidopterist simply, he was, in the words of his friend, Edward New-
man, “without exception the foremost this country has produced.”
To this it may be added that, as a naturalist, he was probably, with
the exception of the illustrious Ray, the most eminent this county
has ever produced. One of his latest scientific articles consisted of
some observations on “The Eggs of the Cuckoo” (34. 3472), pub-
lished in 1873: his last appeared in the Zoo/ogist for May, 1875

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. 19

(34. 4429), the month before his death, and consisted of some
lengthy and valuable “Critical Notices” on Mr. Hancock’s Catalogue
of the Birds of Northumberland and Durham. His diary, containing
his observations on birds, insects, &c., is stated (Zztomologist, x.,
p- 53) to be still in existence; but I have not been able to ascertain
its present whereabouts.

He died on June 29, 1875, aged sixty-seven years all but two
days. Iwas present at his funeral, which took place in the small,
secluded burial-ground adjoining the Friends’ Meeting-house at
Epping. His almost unrivalled entomological collections, which,
during his lifetime, had attracted many a well-known entomologist to
the quiet town of Epping, were deposited after his death, in
February, 1876, on loan by his executors in the Bethnal Green
branch of the South Kensington Museum, where they have ever
since been preserved intact and known as the ‘‘ Doubleday Col-
Jections.” In 1877, a catalogue of them (South Kensington Museum
Science Handbooks) was published by the Lords of the Committee of
Council on Education. It is to be regretted that the scientific
value of the collections is lessened by the absence of any indication
of localities attached to the specimens—a fault of nearly all old
collections. Obituary notices of Doubleday appeared in the £x-
tomologist (x. p. 53—with photograph), the Zztomologists’ Monthly
Magazine (xii. p. 69), the Proceedings of the Entomological Society
(1875, p. xxxi.) and the Fze/d (July 17, 1875).

ENGLISH, James Lake (1820-—1888), ‘was principally
known as a practical field-student of cryptogamic botany, and as a
lepidopterist ; but his knowledge of birds and skill as a taxidermist
entitle him to a place among Essex ornithologists. His father had
been a soldier in the Dragoon Guards, who settled in Epping as a
gardener, and in that quiet country-town English was born on August
21st, 1820, in the cottage in which he lived nearly all his life. He
received some education at Palmer’s School at Epping, but did not
shine as a scholar, his talents being of a mechanical and observational
character. He aided his father until the latter’s death in 1835, and
then being thrown upon his own resources he collected insects for the
boys in the Friends’ School at Epping. His skill attracted the notice
of Henry Doubleday, who engaged English as an assistant and col-
lector, in which he was highly successful, and great numbers of
Doubleday’s specimens were the result of English’s acuteness and per-
severance. He was also well skilled in the culture of plants and his
mechanical genius was undoubtedly great. He constructed a lathe

(ae

20 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

with which he turned out excellent work in wood and metal, and he
made a compound microscope, using it constantly in his botanical
observations for many years. After Doubleday’s death he maintained
himself by working as a general mechanic and taxidermist, and any
tool required was at once contrived and made by him. His skill as
a preserver of birds and animals soon brought in much business ; he
greatly improved many processes, and hundreds of English’s specimens
are now to be found in country-houses in Essex and elsewhere.
About 1865 his attention was attracted to the study of Fungi, and so
skilful did he become in collecting them, that he always took the first
prizes at the ‘Fungus Shows’ of the Royal Horticultural Society.
He made a vast number of experiments in quest of a method of pre
serving these plants, and in 1882 published a Manual for the Pre-
servation of the Larger Fungi. For specimens so preserved he re-
ceived a Diploma of Honour at the National Fisheries Exhibition in
1881. His powers of observation were most remarkable, and in spite
of want of books and erudition in his subjects, he acquired an extra-
ordinarily good knowledge of the larger fungi, and was full of facts,
gained in the fields and woods, of their habitats, peculiarities, &c.—
information not to be found in books. — Latterly he turned his atten-
tion to Mosses, and in 1885 commenced the publication of ‘ Fasciculi
of Epping Forest Mosses,’ of which five parts appeared. He was an
original member of the Essex Field Club, and while his health lasted
was constant as an attendant and exhibitor at the meetings, and as a
‘Conductor’ at the Annual Fungus Forays. It is much to be
regretted that English left so few records of his observations. Until
the establishment of the Field Club we are not aware of any publica-
tions by him. In the journals of the club, besides short notes, are
printed: —‘Two Notes on the Preservation of Plants with their
natural colours and forms’ (43. i. 71.); ‘The First Night’s “ Sugar-
ing” in England: a Reminiscence of Epping Forest in 1843’ (43. i.
32); ‘Entomological Notes from an old Pocket-book’ (50. i. 109) ;
and he largely assisted Dr. Cooke in compiling the ‘ Preliminary List
of the Hymenomycetal Fungi of Epping Forest’ (43. ii. 181), which
was published in their joint names. He also contributed the lists,
&c., of lepidoptera, fungi and mosses to Mr. E. N. Buxton’s Epping
Forest (1884). English was a man of great truthfulness and honesty
of mind, pleasant and communicative, of immense industry and per-
severance. Under favourable conditions of education and environ-
ment he would have doubtless attained a high position as a naturalist.
He died on January 12th, 1588, in the cottage in which he first saw
light, retaining his interest in and love for natural objects until the

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. 21

very last, and was buried in the churchyard of Epping Old Church.
His cabinet of lepidoptera was purchased by Mr. T. J. Mann, and is
now at Hyde Hall, Sawbridgeworth. The Essex Field Club owns
specimens of his skill in preserving flowering plants and fungi, and a
list of Epping Forest Mosses left in MS. will shortly be published
in the Lssex Naturalist.” *

Pitcr. Kdaward Arthur, F.L.S.,”.F.E.s.,° &c., of
Brick House, Maldon, was born at Chelsea. His father, the late
Edward Fitch, of Bayswater, was born at Sible Hedingham, and
his mother (zée Matilda Pannell) at Stoke-by-Clare, in Suffolk, close
on the Essex border. Mr. Fitch was educated at Great Ealing
School, and at King’s College School, London, leaving the latter
establishment in July, 1871. He was then third out of over 700
scholars, and the last speech-day he attended he took five prizes, and
might have held a scholarship. In 1870 he passed the Senior
Oxford Local (A. A. degree) with honours. He has resided in
Essex since 1871, and in his present home since 1874. He
married Fannie, sixth daughter of the late Mr. W. J. Belcham, of
Rayleigh, at one time the largest farmer in Essex. On the 16th of
June, 1887, his eighth child, a boy, was born, and Mr. Fitch then
being mayor of Maldon, the child was named Thomas Maldon.
The burgesses of the borough noted the event by presenting to
their mayor a silver cradle. Mr. Fitch is now deputy-mayor of
Maldon, a town councillor, vice-chairman of the Maldon Union,
chairman of the Assessment Committee, president of the Essex
Field Club, a fellow of the Linnean and Entomological Societies,
(of which latter society he was secretary from 1881 to 1886) and of
several local natural history and archeological societies. He is
a churchwarden of St. Mary’s, Maldon. He farms over 2,000
acres of land in Maldon, Hazeleigh, Purleigh, and Woodham
Mortimer ; and last year was elected without a poll as County
Councillor for the Heybridge Division. He has rendered exceed-
ingly valuable assistance during the preparation of this work.

GIBSON, Jabez (1794—1838), of Saffron Walden, though
not eminent as a working ornithologist, deserves mention as having
been the chief of those who were instrumental in organizing the
noble Museum at Saffron Walden. He contributed very liberally
towards the expenses of its establishment and maintenance. In an
account of the Museum which appeared in the LZssex Literary

* For the foregoing notice of English, I am indebted to the kindness of Mr, William Cole.

27 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Journal (19. 3.—June, 1838), it is stated that it was erected for the
purpose through the liberality of Lord Braybrooke, “assisted, amongst
others, by the late Jabez Gibson, Esq., the fruit of whose zeal is still
visible in many a valuable specimen. The huge elephant in the
centre, whose bulky form strikes the attention on first entering, was
presented by him in 1837, and on almost every table we find some
traces of his busy hand.” Jabez Gibson was born on December
11, 1794, and died on February 23, 1838. In an obituary notice
which appeared in Wood’s Waturalist (vol. iii., p. 283) we read
that :—

“Tn connection with this [Walden Natural History] Society, by the exertions
of five or six individuals, a museum has been formed that would do credit to any
town in the kingdom. By the industry of the curators and the liberality of
Mr. Gibson, some of the rarest objects in zoology have been placed there, and the

collection, especially of British birds and British and Foreign insects, is very
excellent.”

GRUBB, Jonathan, of Sudbury, was born at Clonmel,
Ireland, on the 12th of January, 1808. He was educated at a
private school at Rochester, connected with the Society of Friends,
of which body he has been throughout life a prominent member.
In early life he carried on the business of corn-miller at Lexden,
near Colchester, but in 1842 he retired to Sudbury, where he still
resides. He has long been very widely known as a Temperance
advocate. Almost from boyhood he has taken a very warm interest
in natural history, especially ornithology, and several contributions
from him are to be found in Loudon’s Magazine of Natural History.
In 1876, he contributed an interesting paper on the ‘‘ Birds of My
Premises” (39) to the /riends’ Quarterly Examiner, from which I
have made many extracts.

HILL, Rev. Walter Henry, was curate of Southminster
from January, 1832 to 1839, under Dr. A. J. Scott, the vicar, who
was Lord Nelson’s chaplain, and whose life has been published.
As to who or what he was, I have been able to obtain very little
information, but he was evidently a good naturalist, and he con-
tributed a list of birds observed by him round Southminster to
Loudon’s Aagazine (12. vi. 452). Dr. Scott, who died July 24th,
1840, was succeeded by the Rev. G. C. Berkeley, brother of the late
eminent fungologist, who is, I believe, at present, the oldest beneficed
clergyman in the county. He writes to Mr. Fitch as follows :—

“Mr, Hill has been dead at least thirty years. He was drowned in some
trout stream when on a fishing expedition in either North or South Wales. It was

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. 23

supposed he had a fit, as he was found on his face in shallow water. I believe he
left a son and daughter, but I know nothing further about him—not even where
he lived.”

HOPE, G. P., of Upminster Hall, is an ardent sportsman,
and takes great interest in birds, of which he has a considerable
and interesting collection, consisting chiefly of Essex specimens
(pp. 36 and 50. ii. 135). He has given much assistance during the
preparation of this work.

HOY, J. D. (1797-1839), was born in 1797, and resided at
Stoke Priory, Stoke-by-Nayland, on the Stour. He was a first-rate
shot, a skilled bird-stuffer, and an ardent naturalist. In some
remarks upon his life and his collection of birds by Dr. Bree (29.
Sep. 28th—Dec. 14th, 1867), it is stated that ‘asa working naturalist
he was almost unequalled in his day in this country.” Dr. Bree
writes :—

“The Suffolk and Norfolk Coasts were the principal fields of his labours, and
in the latter part of his life he used to make annual visits to Holland and Germany:
It was during one of these visits, whilst living almost in the swamps and marshes
of the country, that he laid the foundation of the malady which, at the early
age of forty-two, terminated his life on the 15th of October, 1839.”

His premature death prevented him from completing either his
notes for publication or his collections. He never published any-
thing except some short communications in the natural history pub-
lications of the day, though numerous items of information supplied by
him are to be found in the pages of Yarrell and Hewitson. His ex-
tensive collection of birds (p. 35) is now in the possession of his nephew,
Mr. J. F. Lescher, of Boyles Court, Brentwood, and is contained in
267 cases. ‘The specimens comprise many of considerable interest,
and the collection as a whole was very fully described by Dr. Bree.
Canon Babington states (46. 10) that a few specimens still remain
at Stoke in possession of Mr. Hoy’s brother. He adds :—

“Mrs. Lescher has a copy of a MS. catalogue made by Mr. Seaman, of
Ipswich, about 1840, but the localities named are very few. Most of the specimens,
however, were obtained near Stoke.”

KERRY, F., of Harwich, is a very good ornithologist, and
has devoted much attention to the birds of his district. He fur-
nished the late Canon Babington with much useful information for
his Birds of Suffolk (46.5), and has also rendered very valuable
aid during the compilation of the present work.

KING, William Doubleday, (1801-1870), was born at

24 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Sudbury in 1801. His early education was limited, and he was
by trade a draper, but his tastes and pursuits were of a useful
and refined character. The elevation of the working classes con-
stituted the chief aim of his life, and was the work to which he
devoted most of his leisure time, though he also took a great interest
in the welfare of the Mechanics’ Institute, the British Schools, the
Hospital, the Museum, and other public institutions belonging to his
native town, where the whole of his life was spent. For many years;
too, he took a very warm interest in the study of natural history,
especially ornithology, and to these pursuits much of his attention
was directed. He was a very clever bird-stuffer, and was thus able
to form a large and valuable collection of British birds, which, at his
death, became the property of his nephew, Mr. John Grubb, of
Birmingham, and is now preserved in one of the rooms of the
Library adjoining the Friends’ Meeting-house in that town. It
comprises about 250 specimens, preserved in separate cases, and
is still in excellent condition. It is much to be regretted that,
as the collection was made before the days of modern precise
ornithology, the locality, date, and sex have in no case been affixed
to the specimens, and the value of the collection is thereby greatly
lessened. Still, there is no doubt that the great majority of the
specimens were obtained in the immediate vicinity cf Sudbury
—indeed, with the help of his Zest of Sudbury Birds it is not
difficult to arrive with fair certainty at an idea of the particulars
of some few of the specimens, as will be seen hereafter.

This list (20), which is now very scarce, originally appeared in
fulcher’s Sudbury Magazine for the year 1838 (p. 126), and was after-
wards reprinted separately in the shape of a three-page quarto tract,
in double columns. It is simply signed ‘‘ K,” and enumerates 130
species, some of which were observed, but not obtained. ‘The only
separate copy I know of was in the possession of the late Canon
Babington, to whom I was indebted for the loan of it and the know-
ledge of the work in which it originally appeared—knowledge which
that gentleman himself does not appear to have possessed when
he published his Bzrds of Suffolk (46. 6). Many extracts from the
list appear in the following pages. Some of these, of course, relate
to occurrences in Suffolk, but as Sudbury is only separated from
Essex by a narrow stream it seemed absurd to exclude these.

Another publication of his was a paper Ox the Study of Natural
ffistory, read at the Sudbury Mechanics’ Institute, on March 16th,
1849, and afterwards published by J. Wright, of Sudbury, price 4d.
It is aclosely-printed octavo pamphlet of twenty-eight pages. ‘There

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. 25

is no copy in the British Museum. Several extracts from it appear
in the following pages. W. D. King also assisted in establishing the
Sudbury Museum, and took a lively interest in it until the date of its
dispersion in 1872. He was throughout life a member of the Society
of Friends. He was brother-in-law to Mr. Jonathan Grubb (p. 22)
and first cousin to Edward and Henry Doubleday, of Epping (p. 13),
all ardent Essex naturalists. He died at Sudbury on the rsth of
November, 1870, aged sixty-nine years.

LAVER, Henry, M.R.C.S., L.S.A., F.L.S., F.S.A., &c.,
of Colchester, was born at Paglesham, and was educated at Had-
leigh, Essex, and St. Thomas’ Hospital. He came to Colchester
to practise in 1857, and is now senior surgeon to the Essex and
Colchester Hospital. In November, 1885-86, he filled the office of
Mayor of Colchester. He is the author of the AZammatls of Essex
(43. ii. 157) and of a paper on the Land and Fresh-Water Shells
of the Colchester District (43. ii. 88), and has kindly given much
valuable help during the preparation of this work.

LEGGE, Capt. W. Vincent, R.A., is an excellent or-
nithologist. He is the author of a Aizstory of the Birds of Ceylon
(Lond. 4to, 1237 pp.),a magnificent work with coloured plates. He
is a Fellow of the Linnean and Zoological Societies, a member of
the British Ornithologists’ Union and other scientific bodies. In
1865 and 1866 he was stationed at Shoebury, where he made many
observations on birds, which are described in three most interesting
papers contributed by him to the Zoologist, entitled ‘‘ Notes on the
Nesting of Birds in the Flat Lands of Essex” (23. 9836), “‘ Ornitho-
logical Notes from South-east Essex” (34. 89), and ‘ Odlogical Notes
from South-east Essex ” (34. 599).

LISTER, Arthur, J.P., F.L.S., &c., of Leytonstone, takes
a considerable interest in Natural History, and has aided to some
extent in connection with this work.

MACLEAN, Allan, M.D. (1796-1869), of Colchester, ‘“ was
born at Sudbury, where his father, Sir Lachlan Maclean, was in
practice as a physician. At an early age he was sent to the Gram-
mar School at Bury St. Edmunds, passing from thence to Cambridge,
where he took the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He began prac-
tice in Colchester, where he resided for half a century, and he held
the appointment of physician to the Essex and Colchester Hospital

26 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

for many years, with satisfaction both to patients and governors of
the institution. He died on September 5, 1869, having retired
from practice for several years. In many respects he was a most
remarkable man. His knowledge of Natural History was very
extensive, and if it could be said that he excelled in any branch
especially, his life-long habit of observation and fondness for birds
would have placed him in the first rank of ornithologists, had he
made public the vast store of facts he had accumulated, but unfor-
tunately he never published anything. This may have been due
to his retiring disposition, but one thing he did in perfection: his
stuffed birds were marvellously painstaking and truthful copies of
nature. He was brimful of facts, but these had always to be drawn
out of him by persistent questioning. He was by far the best natu-
ralist it was ever my lot to meet. Dr. Bell made public in the
Zoologist, 1 think, some of his observations on the hybernation of
caterpillars, especially on that of the White Admiral Butterfly. He
was also very successful in his treatment of birds in captivity, and
appeared to have no difficulty in keeping healthily in confinement
some of the most troublesome of the warblers ; his knowledge of
their habits and his patience enabling him to succeed where others
failed.

* Although he never published anything, he was always pleased to
assist anyone requiring help, and many a young naturalist had to
thank him for having first led him into correct habits of observation.
He was an excellent botanist and an enthusiastic horticulturist and
florist. His experiments in the propagation of fruits and vegetables
were of great public importance, inasmuch as he raised varieties of peas,
which have enabled us to have Marrow-fat peas over a month sooner
than it was possible before he began his experiments. The same
may be said of the varieties of rhubarb he raised. The very earliest
and best kind grown, his Early Red, is still unsurpassed for flavour
and early fitness for the table. As a florist also, he was most success-
ful. Lovers of the pelargonium have to thank him for many valuable
varieties, he having raised the first white one known. In short, there
was nothing he touched which he did not excel in, and it was a
matter of general regret amongst his friends that he could not be
induced to put to paper anything out of his great accumulation of
facts and observations.” *

He was evidently an adept at netting birds, and in his letters to
Heysham (16) more than once speaks of his “spider nets.” In one,
heisays:-—

* For the foregoing notice of Dr. Maclean, I am indebted to the kindness of Dr. Laver.

re

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. 27

“The extraordinary success I have had with my spider nets will afford ycu
much amusement. I have taken all the Warblers except the Wood Wren, the
Grasshopper Warbler, and the Dartford Warbler ; also Kingfishers, Rock Larks,
and an endless number of other birds, and I have not the least doubt but I
could take any birds except those which are constantly at the tops of high trees.”

The net seems to have been made of the finest knitting silk, with
a mesh small enough to take the Warblers. This size seems to have
been strong enough to take Blackbirds, though the Doctor evidently
had a larger net for the purpose, for he mentions having accidentally
taken three Sparrow-hawks when after Blackbirds. Mr. Hoy and
Mr. Savill have, he says, each taken one. He also enters at
considerable length upon his method of bird-stuffing and says:
“‘T stuff my birds upon plans which I have myself invented.” An
obituary notice of Dr. MacLean appeared in the Lztomologist (vol.

iv; Ps 357):

PARSONS, Christopher,* the only child of Chris-
topher and Lucy Parsons, of The Lawn, Southchurch, was born
in 1807. He was brought up to farming, and in 1835 he took
Bowater’s Farm, East Tilbury, but removed in 1842 to North
Shoebury Hall Farm, where he resided until within a few years of
his death. He then again removed to The Lawn, Southchurch,
where he died in 1883. He must very early have become interested
in Natural History and sport, for his Game-book commences in 1822,
when he was only 15. In the following year, when he was at school
at Poplar House Academy, kept by a Mr. Stock, he was in corre-
spondence about works on Natural History with one Robert Castle, a
naturalist, as shown by a letter which still exists. His interest in
science was deep and to some advantage, for he afterwards became
extremely proficient as an ornithologist, botanist, entomologist, and
meteorologist. In 1828 he spent some months in London learning
to stuff birds, &c., after which he remained at home, assisting in the
work of the farm and “following his bent.” His home-life about
this time seems to have been varied by sporting trips and by visits to
France, Scotland, the Fen-district and the North of England, as well

* Christopher Parsons, the subject of this notice, was at least the sixth and the last member of
his family who bore that name. His father, Christopher, who died in 1869, was son of a
Christopher Parsons, who died April 21, 1805, aged 67, and who was the son of another
Christopher Parsons, who died in 1787, aged 88, and who was the grandson of yet another
Christopher Parsons, who died on March 22, 1713. He was overseer of Southchurch in 1682, and
churchwarden in 1689. There was a Christopher Parsons, junior, who held Samuels in 1690, and
Palgraves in: 694. His last signature was at Southchurch in 1700. The Parsons family long
resided at Thorp Hall, Southchurch, and the Shore House, Shoebury. For the following
information I am indebted to Mr, E. A. Fitch.

28 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

as by frequent visits to London, and return visits from Mr. Curtis and
other well-known London naturalists of the day. When in town, he
seems frequently to have called on Sowerby, Yarrell, Gould, and
other leading naturalists. Many interesting letters belonging to this
period still exist in the possession of Mr. S. W. Squier, J.P., of
Horndon-on-the-Hill, who acted as his widow’s executor, and to
whom I am indebted for much of the information here given.
These show that he was in correspondence with the following,
amongst others :—John Curtis (182742). Edward Blunt (1825—26),
Messrs. J. and J. F. Ward (1828—34), T. C. Heysham, of Carlisle
(1838—39), Thomas Pain, of Great Yarmouth (1839—40), and
G. S. Gibson, of Saffron Walden (1851—65) with reference to the
Lora of Essex. In 1839 he was elected a Fellow of the Linnean
Society. His first published notes on Natural History seem to have
appeared in 1833 in the Mie/d Naturalist, a short-lived magazine
edited by James Rennie. The first was a brief article “On the
Black-headed Gull” (13. i. 533), to which the editor added, ‘“ Other
communications from our intelligent correspondent will be accept-
able.” He afterwards contributed to the same publication articles
on the “ Migration of the Tree Sparrow” (13. ii. 153), ‘‘ The Method
of forming a Rookery ” (13. ii. 153), “The Dunlin” (13. ii. 154), and
“Hints on collecting Water Birds” (13. ii. 197). The latter espe-
cially shows him to have been a thoroughly practical, working
ornithologist, and especially familiar with shore birds. In 1844 he
contributed some remarks on the nude space around the Rook’s bill
to the Zoologist (23. 937). Beyond these notes he seems to have
published little or nothing.

In 1827 Mr. Parsons and his father, who thoroughly shared the
son’s tastes, killed the following (8) at New England on May 11,
and sent them to “Mr. Ward” on the following day:—1 Ring
Dottrell (? breeding), 2 Pewit Gulls, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common
Tern, 1 Large Grey Gull, 1 Whimbrel, and 1 Grey Owl. On Jan. 21;
1829, Mr. Parsons and his father had ‘‘a famous day’s sport” on New
England, killing 2 Golden Eyes, 6 Brent Geese, 4 Wigeon, 1 Pochard,
&c. (8). From a ticked MS. list of British birds, in his handwriting,
and dated 1833, it appears that he then possessed specimens of 166
species, and of the eggs of 93 species; but some of these he had
evidently not obtained at or near Southchurch. In all that
he did he was exceedingly painstaking and methodic. In 1840,
whilst residing at East ‘Tilbury, he married Miss Anne Jane Silver-
sides, but, after her death, he was again married, in 1850, whilst he
was living at North Shoebury, to Miss Mary Benton, sister of

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. 29

Mr. Philip Benton, the historian of the Rochford Hundred, who
survived him a short while. After his second marriage he seems, un-
fortunately, to have given up his Natural History work. Had he not
done so, there can be no doubt he would have become one of the
best working naturalists of his day. He is described as being of an
exceedingly retiring nature. In or about 1840 it appears that he
contemplated undertaking a History of British Birds, or at least of
some classes of them-——perhaps the Waders—on a pretentious scale,
as there are among his MSS. papers now preserved at the Southend
Institute, which seem intended to form the beginning of such a
work (21), though the only species completed are the Cream-coloured
Courser, the Stone Curlew, the Ringed Plover, the Kentish Plover,
the Little Ringed Plover, the Dotterel, the Golden Plover, the Grey
Plover, and the Lapwing-—nine in all. These are very elaborately
described, the generic characters, synonymy, plumages, habits, &c.,
&c., being treated at great length, though, it must be confessed,
without much originality, the whole appearing to be little more than
a compilation. The paper of the MS. is water-marked 1840. It
is clear from remarks inserted that he was then friendly with
Heysham.

Another series of papers, preserved in a separate portfolio, appears
to be connected with the foregoing. ‘They seem to be the rough
notes from which revised Natural Histories of other wading birds
were to have been prepared for his contemplated work, and they are
pieced together, erased, and interlined in both red and black ink, to
an extraordinary extent. Evidently Mr. Parsons was a very laboured,
though careful, writer. The birds treated of are the Turnstone,
Oyster Catcher, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Curlew, Whimbrel,
Sanderling, Dunlin, Ruff, Knot, Green Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit,
and Wood Sandpiper. Each species is enclosed in a piece of news-
paper, having outside the name of the species and a date—apparently
that on which the drawing up of the remarks was completed. These
dates range from February 16, 1843, to February 26, 1845. -With
the remarks on each species is a paper of Parsons’ own observations,
chiefly relating to the dates of arrival and departure on the coast, and
evidently entered as each observation was made. On the back is a
table of the length, breadth, and weight of all the specimens of each
species he had shot, evidently also entered at the time.

He died on September 23, 1882, aged 75 years. On the 2oth of
the following March his household furniture, plate, books, and other
effects were sold by auction by Mr. T. W. Offin at The Lawn by
order of his executors. Fifty-two lots, comprising 203 birds, stuffed

O THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

iP)

and set up, 4 cases of birds, 8 cases of insects, 8 boxes of eggs, some
stuffed mammals, spiders, &c., and 210 bird skins, sold for £39.
Many of the lots were purchased by relatives, and presented to
the Southend Institute. This now contains his herbarium, con-
sisting of two large portfolios of plants and one of grasses, all well
preserved and carefully labelled; two volumes of meteorological
observations, extending from 1834 to May, 1869, and containing
daily entries relating to the wind, thermometer, rainfall, barometer,
&c., &c., from January, 1841, to the date named ; the MS. already
alluded to; and a fine collection of stuffed birds and skins, pre-
sented by his executor. He has also left an interesting journal
of his natural history observations, which is now in the posses-
sion of his brother-in-law, Mr. Philip Benton, of Great Wakering,
for whom he prepared a flora of Rochford Hundred, which will
probably be printed at the end of his (story of Rochford Hundred.
(35). Part of his collection of butterflies and beetles is now in the
possession of Mr. Philip Benton, but the greater portion is with his
other specimens at the Southend Institute. Numerous references to
his birds, now at Southend, will be found scattered throughout this
work.

RUSSELL, Col. Champion (1820-1887), of Stubbers, North
Ockendon, was eldest son of the late Champion E. Branfill, of
Upminster Hall, but assumed the name of Russell on succeeding to
the estates of the late Joseph Russell. He married in 1855, Emily
Augusta, eldest daughter of the late Rev. C. Way. On March 3rd,
1852, he qualified as a Justice of the Peace for the county, and
among the county committees of which he was a member at the time
of his death were the Highways and Bridges, the Constabulary, and
the South Essex Licensing Committees. He was also a D.L. for
Essex, and was High Sheriff in 1858. Colonel Russell was for many
years connected with the Militia and Volunteer forces. He joined
the West Essex Militia, now the Fourth Battalion Essex Regiment,
asacaptain in 1852. He was promoted to the rank of major in
1855, to hon. lieutenant-colonel in 1880, and retired frorn the service
in March, 1882, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. From 1860 to
1873 he was also captain of the Romford company of Rifle Volunteers.
He showed the vigour of his character at Cambridge by winning
the Wingfield Sculls, becoming amateur champion sculler of the
Thames in 1846. He was, however, above all things, a keen
observer of nature, an enthusiastic wild-fowl sportsman, and a
strong friend of fishermen gunners. Few faces were better known

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. 31

on the Blackwater, where for many years he kept his yacht. He
had one of the biggest punt guns used in the district, with a
special arrangement of his own for loading, and was recognised by
common consent as one of the best punt-gunners on the coast. ‘To
the poor homeless vagabonds, he was generous almost to a fault ; but
he was kind, just, and generous to all, and he has left his stainless
and honourable life as an example to his children and to all who knew
him. Colonel Russell’s letters to the Zimes, Field, Essex Chronicle
and other papers, in reference to wild-fowl and to the real character of
the Sparrow, as compared with that of the Martin, will be well remem-
bered. He also wrote, ‘“‘ Notes on Common Birds in my Garden,”
in the /ie/d (29. June and Aug., 1878.). He took a prominent part
in getting the close-time for wild-fowl altered, and was chairman of
the committee on this subject appointed by the Court of Quarter Ses-
sion. He advocated a close-time for all animals that required
protection. At Quarter Sessions, where at one time he attended
pretty regularly, he was very popular, and was always listened to with
respect on the subjects he had made his own, especially that of a
close-time for wild-fowl.

The following notice appeared in the £ssex Maturalist (50. 1.
140) :—

“Colonel Russell was a very good chemist, and was most inventive and neat-
fingered, always ready with contrivances for effecting any purpose in hand. In
1859, he patented an invention for the improvement of marine engines, chiefly
with a view to the economy of fuel ; and among other scientific work he studied
photography with considerable success, being awarded a gold medal at the Paris
Exhibition, and a bronze one at Dublin, for his discovery of the tannin process in
dry plate photography.* The open-air study of nature, as a sportsman and wild-
fowler, was his greatest delight, and aroused all the enthusiasm of his character ;
his knowledge of birds, their habits and feeding-grounds, was most extensive and
accurate, far more so than his written notes ever expressed.

“The company of congenial listeners called forth from the stores of Colonel
Russell’s memory a remarkable flow of capitally-expressed narrative and anecdote,
and he has been known to talk continuously for four hours without in the least
repeating himself! A well-known Essex wild-fowler once said, ‘He was a mar-
vellous man ; I believe he remembered distinctly every shot he had ever fired, and
they were thousands.’ Even in the study, his ruling passion was manifest, his
favourite literature being books of travel and sport. He collected birds in America
and South Africa. The Kafirs had a great respect for ‘the Whitebeard’s’ skill
as a shot, and it is related that he astonished them once by patiently skinning a
Black Eagle that had become so ‘high’ that even they were repulsed. He was
a great advocate for protecting birds and animals, and gave important evidence
before the Wild Bird Commission, taking a prominent part in the alteration of the
close-time, and was the chairman of the committee on this subject appointed by

*On Noy. 24, 1888, Professor Meldola, F.R.S., read before the Essex Field Club a paper on
Col. Russell’s contributions to photography, which were of considerable importance.

32 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

the Court of Quarter Sessions. The House-Sparrows found in him a persevering
and relentless foe, his argument being that the Martins and Swallows about our
village and homesteads were being rapidly exterminated by this dominant and
ubiquitous species. He boasted that at Stubbers he had, by killing off the
Sparrows, increased the number of Martins’ nests from two to nigh one hundred
and fifty [44. iii. xx.]. x * » He was a frequent contributor to the Natural History
and public journals on this question, and was one of the writers, in conjunction
with Mr. Gurney and Dr. Elliott Coues, of a volume on the Sparrow-question,
which appeared in 1886. He constantly advocated the claims of his feathered
friends for outdoor-assistance in hard winters, and in his garden could be seen con-
trivances in aid of tiny housekeepings, and nets full of scraps of fat and biscuits,
&c., temptingly displayed and fitting for the season or the whims and fancies of
his little pensioners. The place was indeed a veritable paradise for all that dwell
in nests or have the ‘ gift of song.’

“Col. Russell was one of the keenest sportsmen of his time, and few faces
were better known, or will be more missed, in the Blackwater estuary and
on the ‘Main.’ It is now forty-five years since he first came regularly to
the river, punting and wild-fowling, and it is stated that from that time
to the present he only lost one season, when in America. His first yacht was the
‘ Greyhound, (sixteen tons), built for him at Heybridge Basin, which he sailed
for fifteen years. Next came the ‘Sheldrake’ (twenty tons), built at Harvey’s,
at Wivenhoe, which he used for thirty-two years (he had this and the ‘Greyhound ’
together for about two years). Next the ‘Champion’ (twenty-eight tons) built
at Mr. J. Howard’s, Maldon, launched in September, 1886, without a name, but
speedily christened by the Maldon Hythe duck-hunters, the ‘ Black Goose,’ and
the name still survives. She isa first-class boat, and Col. Russell took great in-
terest in her while building, superintending much of the work himself. The year
previous (1885) he had built at Mr. Howard’s yard a light punt, he and his
skipper working at it themselves during the whole summer, nothing to be touched
except when he was present. He was equally careful with his lifeboat built in
1884. Both boats were designed by himself, and were very successful ; the punt
is an especially interesting craft. The Colonel was always much interested in ship-
building, and was constantly inventing varnishes, and glues, and other appliances
for his favourite work. So skilful and much at home was he in the yard, that
strangers have taken him for one of the regular workmen.

“He was a remarkably good shot at wild-fowl, shaving one of the biggest guns
used in the district, and was known to the Maldon gunners as a most fair-dealing
shooter ; however small the gun or bad the chance of one shooting with him, the
‘kill’ was always equally divided by the Colonel, always to his own disadvantage.
He was most patient and persevering in his pursuit of the Black Goose, and as
Gabriel Clark (who was with him all the forty-five years, and who still lives at Mal-
don) tells, it was wonderful how many hours he would wait and work for them, and
whenever he did get near the birds it was ‘all up’ with them: their doom was
certain. His knowledge of the Blackwater Estuary and the Main outside was far
and allowedly superior to that of any of the natives, and he was an authority
to the Marsh-bailiffs and oyster dredgermen on many points of river lore.

Col. Russell’s health failed in the beginning of 1887. In February,
he went for a trip on his yacht to Holland, but the change did not
benefit him. When he returned early in March he was seriously ill,

NOTICES OF ESSEX ORNITHOLOGISTS. Ba

and he was never able to leave his roomagain. He died at Stubbers,
on May 16th, in his sixty-seventh year.

It is exceedingly to be regretted that he seems to have left abso-
lutely no notes or papers whatever of ornithological interest. I have
been kindly permitted to examine such of his papers as seemed likely
to yield matters of interest, but they appear to contain nothing
beyond the first rough drafts of the papers which he contributed at
various times to the Ave/d and other publications. We can only feel
deep regret that a man of such wide experience and one who had un-
doubtedly met with many rare and interesting Essex birds from time
to time, should have left so few permanent records of his obser-
vations. His son, Mr. Champion B. Russell, informs me that Col.
Russell never systematically collected, though he was a very fair
amateur stuffer, and occasionally set up specimens to illustrate some
particularly remarkable stage of plumage or other interesting fact,
while he also occasionally had rare birds stuffed.

ste PPARD, Rev. Revett: ( ?-1830 ?), of Wrabness,
seems to have been a good ornithologist, conchologist and ento-
mologist, but the information I have been able to collect about him
is extremely meagre. He was for some time at the beginning of
this century rector of Wrabness, where he made many observations.
He was joint-author with the Rev. Wm. Whitear of the ‘‘ Catalogue
of Norfolk and Suffolk Birds” (9.—TZvrans. Linn. Soc. xv. p. 1), and
also author ofa List of the Land and Fresh-water Shells of the Locality
(Joc. cit). Some letters, written by one of his sons (17), and contain-
ing, amongst other things, a list of his father’s observations on the
arrival of the summer migrants at Wrabness, similar to that given in
his paper above cited, have been lent me by the Rev. H. A. Mac-
pherson, who, in a letter dated March 22nd, 1888, says: ‘‘ Mrs.
Sheppard, the relict of the Rev. R. Sheppard, states that, for two or
three years before her husband’s death, he was prevented by ill-health

from carrying on his observations.” He apparently died early in
1830.

SMOOTHY, Charles, of Old Riffhams, Danbury, is a
good naturalist and an excellent taxidermist, as shown by his fine
collection of British Birds (most of them, however, not being Essex
specimens), at present deposited in the Chelmsford Museum. He
has assisted with many notes of his observations, including a list
of the birds observed round his house.

SPALDING, Frederick, of Colchester, where he is curator
of the Museum, is a good observer, and has supplied useful informa-
D

34 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

tion. His father, Mr. T. M. Spalding, of Broome, near Bungay,
contributed the List of Suffolk Birds to Suckling’s History of Suffolk
(pp. xxiv.—xxxix. )

WALFORD, Cornelius (1803-1883), of Witham, came
of a good Essex family, but sustained losses in early life, and being
very fond of the study of Natural History, he took to preserving
animals as a means of livelihood. He was evidently a good natu-
ralist, but he seems to have published almost nothing, and the per-
sonal information relating to him now obtainable is very limited. His
father, when a lad, had removed from Essex to East London in
connection with the then flourishing, but now extinct, Essex baize
trade, and the son, who had no liking for a commercial life, spent
much of his time in his early days in the forests of Epping and
Hainault. Some twenty years before his death, in 1883, at the age of
eighty, he returned to London, where he continued to carry on his
trade as a naturalist. The £ssex Literary Journal, in 1839 (19. 27)
speaks of Mr. C. Walford, of Witham, “ whose collection of birds
and insects is well worthy the inspection of those who feel interested
in the study of those beautiful departments of nature’s handiwork.”

NOTICES, OF THE: CHIEF’ ESSEX
BrenD, COLLECTIONS.

The Audley End Collection (Lord Braybrooke’s) is very fine
for a private collection, both British and foreign species being well
represented. All the specimens are stuffed, most of them being
admirably done, and all are equally well cased. The majority of the
cases, which are large and contain many birds each, occupy the sides
of one of the rooms in the mansion, but a few are ranged down
the sides of the Long Gallery. The specimens they contain are in an
excellent state of preservation. Most were collected about forty
years ago by the late Lord Braybrooke, but others have been more
recently added. Each specimen bears a number referring to the
catalogue, which is in manuscript, but there are comparatively few
instances in which the locality and date are given, and still fewer in
which those data show the specimens to have been obtained in Essex.

The Baxter Collection, the property of Mr. G. H. Baxter, of
Hutton, is comparatively small, but is admirably preserved and is of
interest as it consists mainly of specimens shot by Mr. Baxter him-
self inthe county. It is especially strong in sea- and water-birds, and
is preserved in cases which occupy the walls of the billiard-room.

The Bree Collection. A considerable portion of the orni-
thological collections of the late Dr. C. R. Bree of Colchester (see p. 10)
is, fortunately, still preserved. ‘The unmounted skins, &c., are in the
possession of Mr. W. H. Harwood of that place, who purchased them
from Dr. Bree’s representatives shortly after his death. ‘The series,
which is in good preservation and well taken care of, consists of sev-
eral hundred skins, an interesting collection of birds’ nests (among
which are that of the Swallow taken at Walton in December, 1866,
and a reputed Fieldfare’s taken at Alresford) ; also a considerable
series of the sterna and furcula of birds, among which are the bones
of the Egyptian Vulture shot at Peldon. The great majority of
the skins, many of which are foreign, have no special connection with
Essex, but are of great interest as being undoubtedly the type speci-
mens used by Dr. Bree when compiling his “story of the Birds of
Europe. Among others there is a large number of valuable skins
collected in Sweden and Lapland by the late Mr. Wheelwright. The

D2

36 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

skins which are of special interest in connection with the county,
comprise, among others, the three Parrot Crossbills shot at Lexden in
1862, a Scaup and many other ducks shot in the neighbourhood of
Colchester, as mentioned hereafter under the various species. Among
the bones are those of the Peldon Vulture, Essex specimens of the
White-fronted and Pink-footed Geese, &c. &c. Mr. Harwood
informs me that a great number of Dr. Bree’s stuffed specimens were
sold shortly before his death, when he also disposed of his very fine
collection of eggs, which realised no less than #200. Mrs. Bree
herself, however, still retains a considerable number of Dr. Bree’s
specimens, including some from Essex, at her house at Colchester.
They are well preserved and well cased. Among them are four
Sand Grouse shot in the county in 1863. Other of Dr. Bree’s
specimens are in the possession of Mr. Elwes of East Hill, Col-
chester ; Mr. H. Cameron of Woodchurch, Ashford, Kent; the Rev.
_E. Bree of Moulton, Spalding ; and Captain Henniker.

The Colchester Museum Collection is not of great preten-
sions, and is not very extensive, either as regards the number of speci-
mens or the number of species represented. It is accommodated ina
small though not unsuitable room in the Borough Museum in the
Castle, where it is under the efficient care of Mr. F. Spalding, and it
is mainly, if not wholly, the property of the Colchester Natural His-
tory Society. A majority of the specimens are very well stuffed and
separately cased, and these are in good condition, though of consi-
derable age, but the rest are in a bad state. The former are, in all
probability, the work of the late Dr. Maclean, as they were formerly
in his possession. The most valuable specimen in the collection is
the Nutcracker from Horkesley, but there are several other interest-
ing specimens which were probably shot in the neighbourhood. As,
however, the cases bear no inscriptions beside the bare names of the
species, it is difficult to be certain of their history. In the Harsnett
Library, which is also preserved in the Castle, is a small collection
of birds, shot in the neighbourhood, belonging to Mr. J. Round, M.P.

The Hope Collection, the property of Mr. G. P. Hope, of
Upminster Hall, near Romford, is of considerable extent and con-
tains many interesting specimens, as will be found noticed in the fol-
lowing pages. A large proportion of the birds are of Mr. Hope’s own
shooting and stuffing, and were mostly obtained in Essex and Suffolk.

The Hoy Collection, now the property of Mr. J. F. Lescher,
of Boyle’s Court, Brentwood, is still preserved at that place, and is
without question the most valuable in the county, though there

i

NOTICES OF CHIEF ESSEX BIRD COLLECTIONS. ar

are but few specimens in it that can with certainty be set down as
having been obtained in Essex. It was very fully described by Dr.
Bree in the Me/d in 1867. Further information may be found
under the notice of Hoy (p. 23).

The King Collection, though not now preserved within the
county, is of local interest, having been collected round Sudbury by
the late Mr. W. D. King, under the foregoing notice of whom (p. 23)
further information about it will be found. It is now the property of
his nephew, Mr. John Grubb, of Birmingham.

The Saffron Walden Museum Collection, which is by far
the finest in the county, so far as number of specimens goes, is in an
admirable state of preservation and in good hands. It has been
systematically overhauled and re-arranged within the last few years,
and a.considerable number of specimens, purchased at the sale of the
late Mr. Henry Stevenson, of Norwich, were added to it in 1888.
The collection dates from the year 1832, when the museum was
founded. Among those who laboured most strenuously to get
together this fine series of British birds were Messrs. Joseph Clarke,
Jabez Gibson, Stephen Salmon, and Henry Doubleday. The first-
named especially contributed many specimens, which were chiefly
shot in Norfolk. At the present time the collection of British birdsalone
comprises some I100 specimens representing about 310 species
(almost all of which are stuffed), of which perhaps one-quarter were
obtained within the county, though there are few strikingly rare
specimens from Essex. The birds are not separately cased, but are
admirably displayed in wall-cases ranged around, or upright cases
extending across, the great hall. As regards the museum in which
this magnificent collection is preserved together with many other
valuable collections, it is certainly not too much to say that it is un-
questionably in all respects the best and most complete which any
town of equal size in the United Kingdom can boast. It was opened
on May 12th, 1835. The abridged Catalogue, published in 1845,
contains the names of 305 British and 231 foreign birds, as being con-
tained in the Museum and most worthy ofattention. This Catalogue,
which is illustrated, is exceedingly well printed, and is admirably got
up for the period when it appeared—indeed, it is said to have
been the best of its kind in existence at that day.*

* It may be interesting to mention that the fine specimen of the African Elephant now in
the Museum was the first ever brought to this country. It was stuffed and mounted by Mr,
Joseph Clarke, who has often told me how he ‘‘ built’ it, as he expressed it. He and his assist-
ants worked two whole days and a night continuously upon it, constantly pouring cans of
water over it to prevent the skin from becoming hard before it was properly stretched over its

38 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

In the year 1838 there appeared in the Zssex Literary Journal
(19.3) an account of a visit to the museum, together with the report
of a lecture on geology, three hours long, by Professor Sedgwick on
the occasion of the re-opening for a new session. An admirable
history and description of the museum also appeared in Lz/e-Lore
for November, 1888. The Rev. C. G. Green states (Zecollec-
tions of Sport and Natural History, p.5) that his earliest reminis-
cences of Natural History are associated with this Museum.*

The Salter Collection, the property of Dr. J. H. Salter, ot
D’Arcy House, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, is, I believe, of interest, contain-
ing many specimens (especially of the Falconidae) shot by Dr. Salter
himself on the adjoining marshes ; but I have not yet seen it.

Tne Smoothy Collection, the property of Mr. Charles
Smoothy, of Danbury, is at present deposited in the Chelmsford
Museum, but, though a good series, it does not contain many Essex
specimens of special interest.

The Sudbury Museum Collection was dispersed by sale
in 1872, some of the specimens being purchased for the Walden
Museum, the rest being lost sight of. Of the museum, Mr. T. B.
Hall of Coggeshall gave in 1843 a brief account (23.341) in the
Zoologist, from which it appears that it had been opened in the be-
ginning of the previous year, a building having been erected on pur-
pose for it in Friar’s Street. At that time it contained 310 specimens
of British birds (nearly 170 species) and the eggs of 160 species,
beside numerous other collections, including the following specimens :
an Otter (near Sudbury), a black Hare (Henny), pair of Curlews
(Sudbury), pair of Arctic Terns (Friar’s Meadow, Sudbury), &c. &c.
Canon Babington says (46.7): ‘“ The collections of all sorts are now
dispersed. ‘The sale catalogue (June 4th, 1872), of which I possess
a copy, enumerates their contents, but not in a very satisfactory man-
ner.” Elsewhere (46.6) he says that the localities of the specimens
of birds were not recorded and adds “‘after many inquiries, I have
only been able to make out that, though a great part of them were
obtained about Sudbury, the stations of a very few only of the speci-
mens are known, some of which [presumably the birds] are now in
my possession.”

wooden framework. The stuffing ot so large an animal was, in those days, a great accomplish-
ment. The elephant was exhibited in the Great Exhibition of 1851, where it excited consider-
able interest, and was caricatured by Leech in the pages of Puch.

* It may here be stated that the Museum is very deeply indebted to the late Mr. George Stacey
Gibson, who, shortly before his death in 1883, devoted a large amount both of time and of money
to its reorganisation.

TABLES OF OBSERVATIONS

ARRIVAL OF THE SUMMER MIGRANTS

AT EPPING (1828-1845),

BY HENRY DOUBLEDAY.

AND AT WRABNESS (1818—1830),

BY THE REV. REVETT SHEPPARD.

The two following tables seem to be worth reprinting, though the
greater part of the information contained therein has already been
published—Doubleday’s observations in the Zoo/og7s¢, and Sheppard’s
in the Transactions of the Linnean Society. In both cases, however,
I have, curiously enough, come across copies of the original MS.
records, both containing additional information, which I have inserted.
Doubleday’s observations are given in his letters to Heysham (10)

and Sheppard’s in his son’s letters to the same gentleman (17).

40 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

ARRIVAL OF THE SUMMER MIGRANTS AT EPPING, AS OBSERVED BY HENRY
DOUBLEDAY, 1828-1845.*

SPECIES. | 1828. 1829. 1830. 1831. 1832. 1833. 1834 1835. 1836.
Swallow . 5 3 | eNO | Apr. 11 | Mar. 30 oe a Apr. 8 | Apr. xz | Apr. 7 | -Apr. 8 | Apr. 13
Martin ° 5 - eT. 523 EAD is) 07 en) 55, 10 a2g tl) Bynes 33 ZOU ehsomeed
Swift. . . .|May6|Mays| ,, 29| May 2 | May s0|{ Nee e. | May 9 May 13
INGE enue ne] os jy 6h May 4/l) ok, 8* { : ~ Meee y May8| 4,15 | 5, 19
Red-backed Shrike . _— 8 3 3 || Ape aol mens {Mey x as 2 pee) » 9
Spotted Flycatcher .|Mayzo| ,, 12 | Apr. 30} May4 | Apr. 30 { i 7% ‘4 Se fp aP3s Bee o%
Wheatear . S : = Apr. 7 | ee! | Mar. 30* | Mar.29| Apr. 5 | Mar. 28 Mocca } |Mar- 16e
Whinchat . : 5 = May 2 », 15| Apr. 22 | Apr. 22 3 23 |Apr. 19)|| Apr. 26 coe!
Redstart . : . | Apr. 15 | Apr. 4] » 5 ‘ elk Ao ie at ee 7D 7 | Abr ee
Sedge Warbler . A May 8 ah LA 39 2I | 4 16| Petal oy oko » 19 | May 4
Nightingale ; . | Apr.14| Apr.17] Apr.9 | 4, 9 x 15 | i | ey HS) yy 22 ADEs ey
Garden Warbler - — May6 | May8| May1x { “4 ay eet of » 30| Mayo | May 12
Wood Wren 5 . | Apr.29} ,, 10 | Apr. r9| Apr. 23 | 9 24 i{ Bink 26" A a ‘ o
Common Whitethroat 25) | Apr 081/94, 18 ay we yy 20] tApr.-23 » 19] Apr. 15 | Apr. 18
Lesser Whitethroat . | 9 27 550 LOH ass 25s 5 uO Sat ey | ee aor He eee pear, yy Se
Willow Wren. : SMEOMIE Gee etal || as a3 2 >} Pel ane! ser ey, 333) | sraeS
Chiffchaff . 5 . | Mar. 31] Mar.28| Mar.25; Mar.27]| ,, 2 » 2 | Mar. 1 > 2 lars
Yellow Wagtail . ae Apr 2a Atpr.)a)|(Aipr era sco > 22 “Apr. 19 ‘a 9° | Apr. 10
Tree Pipit . : . 5) = -- Age ais Ero 3318 we | Ay at ro) | ft
Wryneck . . | Apr. 14 | Apr. 12 | Mar. 30 | Wie. oe sped nS a eS)
Cuckoo 3 5 : 507 », £6} Apr. 19) Apr.2r | ,, 20 Poy he ay = Li 35 2 5 4
Blackcap . : : shat | FP Gye GC) |) Eee Toy || 55 awl 35 se yu » 9 sy =15
Turtle Dove * 5 _— — — May =n ee! y ee ae = 3° bo eo » §623
Sand Martin. . | Mar. 27* | Mar 29| Mar. 28*| ,, 8 | Apr.18 | ,, 19
Grasshopper Warbler. | May 1 | Apr. 26 > 22] May7 | May3

* The following series of observations (probably the most complete of its kind ever compiled by
one observer), upon the arrivals of twenty-five of our commonest summer migrants at Epping, for
eighteen consecutive years, is taken from Henry Doubleday’s Letters to Heysham (10) and from his
published tables in the Zoodogist (23.12, 222, 651 and 1066). The years 1828-30 are wholly from the Letters.
The years 1831-36, 1839-40, 1841 (partly) and 1844 appear in both the Letters and the Zoologist; while
the years 1837-38, 1841 (chiefly), 1842-43 and 1845 are from the Zoologist alone. When two different dates are
given for the same year, the one marked with an asterisk is the published one. I am quite unable to account
for so many differences between the two sources of information.

a ‘‘ These arrived as usual all at once.” fg

b ‘Arrived in great plenty on the oth of April. I saw more than a dozen males in sight at the
same time.”

c ‘* Young birds flew on the roth of May.”

d ‘ Fewer have visited us this summer than in any preceding year that I can remember.”

e ‘‘ Earlier than I ever before met with one.”

TABLES OF OBSERVATIONS ON MIGRANTS.

AI
ARRIVAL OF THE SUMMER MIGRANTS AT EPpPINc—Continued.

SPECIES. 1837*. | 1838*. 1839. 1840. 1841. 1842* | 1843* 1844. 1845*
Swallow . |Apr. 22*|Apr. 14*| Apr. 16 | Apr. r2{ ees 19| Apr. 4 | Apr. 2 | Apr. ail
Martin Pasa || erred op at 7 23{ ANS Per May Za | = wes
Swift . . | May 2* | May 6* Lame s | May 4{ May At May 1 | a) Waa 30| May 12
Nightjar enzo” ||| 55) OF tae } » 8 | May 2* Pet Men Ak Mcp eel _—
Red-backed Shrike eee ia 4 228 2a ei 2s Bese en Apraz4|) 55. 2 — May 11
Spotted Flycatcher ty LEeN sep heh rene _ } tay 7{ May a Mayes 2 ae ore 28
Wheatear Apr. 2*| Apr. 5*| Mar. 12 | Apr. 17 Apr. 26 | Apr. 4 | Mar.21/ Apr. 11 tape oe
Whinchat 99 28 3 25° | Apr..22 <5 7{ ? 56 “| oy GO Apres x70 55 15 | oy 2
Redstart. oh 2S IP py ate ls) UC) at ay) », 8 |Mar. 25¢ Mar. 31. eS
Sedge Warbler . May 2*|May19*| ,, 27 oa " aoe oP », 20| Apr. 18 ge 8
Nightingale Apr25*|Apr. 23") 5,20 7 x7{ IDES al 22i ast 27 (ep E-ns | i) 2k
Garden Warbler. Mavi ail Mantes * 3 22 | May r{ Apr. a7* \ sy BEN py SEB _ May 11
Wood Wren »> 5*| May 4* fa - sec ae sae a » 24| 5, 16|Apr. ro] Apr. 23
Common Whitethroat Apr. 27* Apr. 23* SEES { i ns ae ot fe) tll oe 82h op Beh og SS)
Lesser Whitethroat | » 27% | 4, 22% { ‘ oe } Pe a i Bi) yy) 22h os 22) |) sy emilee
Willow Wren EZOn kOe 77 xO 1 TO) Ea ay », 12|Mar.28b) ,, 3] ,, 6
Chiffchaff’ » 4* |May 29*| Mar. 27 ne {en ae Mar16| ,, 18 |Margr/) 55. 2
Yellow Wagtail . | 3, 19* |Apr. 13*) Apr. 20 A 8 f BND eB | Apr. 15| Apr. 16| Apr. 21] ,, 20
Tree Pipit . I pp BEE ee eee eee a f{ FA legend Fy el ey OB 1 TO) 4) 20-
Wryneck 5) 20%) 5,009" i) 20 ae ate) { fraser. zy Marsorhli 5 simaci ln esse | ,
Cuckoo 3, 20" | 4, 23" 3 20 _ 20 pres |) Apr. 20] ,, 16) — et
Blackcap 3 2" | 2s Ls As ro |APE 25° | Mar 2g isa) L7|eApis) 25a, eeS
Turtle Dove | May 7*| ,, 20* { es ae: {May 4 eee Apr. 26| ,, 23| 5, 24|Mayrze2
Sand Martin Apr. 27%), wae { Bee is nae Spr) "} op Sl gy 8 — | Apr. 9
Grasshopper Warbler . —* —* Apr. 21 May r{ poe ee) — = ee

a ‘‘ Remarkably late.”

b ‘‘ Earlier than I had ever before known them.”

“Early and in great numbers.
no more until the 16th.”

d

“Two only ;

”

42

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TIGATY “ATY Ad GHAWASHO SV ‘,GOOHUNOTHSIAN GNV SSANAVYA, LV SLINVAOIJ YAWWAS AHL JO TVAINAY

OF HAWKS AND HAWKING IN ESSEX
PNG Pie “OLDEN “FIME*

By J. E. HARTING, F.L.S., F.Z.S. (Member of the British Ornithologists’ Union).

ANY lands in Essex, as in other parts of England, were held

of old by the serjeanty of keeping hawks or finding hounds

for the king, when he should come that way upon a hunting tour,
or for the use of the lord of the manor, as the case might be.

At.Tey Magna, the tenants of the manor were formerly bound
to maintain a number of hawks for the lord’s use till they were a
year old, a service which was afterwards commuted into an annual
payment of thirty shillings, which in 1782 was paid to, and received
by, Thomas Astle, Esq.

At Saling, in Edward the First’s time, Ralph Picot held land by
the serjeanty of keeping a Sparhawk (.Sferverium) for the king, and
mewing it at his own proper cost.

At Ardeley, Baldwin Tillot held certain land in the town bya
similar tenure, fer sexjant. servandi nisum.

At Hallingbury, Walter de Hauville held land by the serjeanty
of falconry, which he had of the grant of King Richard I.

In 1304, Cicely, the widow of Humfrey de Hastings, held the
manor of White Roding by the service of keeping two lanner falcons
for heron-hawking, and a greyhound trained to make a heron rise,
from Michaelmas to the Purification, for the king’s use (Morant’s
Lssex, vol. ii. p. 469).

At White Withings, Thomas de Longville and Beatrice, his wife
(daughter and heir of Philip de Hastings), kept two of the king’s
lanners for the same period of the year, that is, from September to
February (Blount’s Ancient Tenures, ath Ed., 1815, p. 277).

When James I, who was a great sportsman, journeyed from
London to hunt and hawk at Newmarket, he used to go by way of
Waltham Cross and Royston, and the Exchequer accounts show the
great expenses which were incurred in these journeys. In 1624, for

* These remarks are extracted, by permission, from an interesting paper by Mr. Harting

read before a meeting of the Essex Field Club, held by invitation of Mr. Philip Colley, at
Writtle Park, Chelmsford, on May 11th, 1889, and since printed in the Essex Naturalist (50. iii. )

44 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

example, the king went to Newmarket against the advice of his
physicians to see some hawks flown.

A French falconer had arrived in London with a present of
hawks, horses, and setting-dogs from Louis XIII. Chamberlain,
writing to Sir D. Carleton on January 17th, from London says :—“‘ He
made a splendid entry with his train by torchlight, and will stay till
he has instructed some of our people in this kind of falconry, though -
he costs his Majesty £25 to £30 a day.” Accordingly we find
entries of the following payments :—

‘“‘Expensis of the diet of Mons. Bonavons, a falconer “at Royston and New-
market, in the months of Jan. and Feb. viz., at Waltham Cross, £34 17s. 8d. ;
Royston, £41 7s. 7d.; Newmarket [where a prolonged stay was made] £215
11s, 6d. Then on the return journey, Royston, £43 10s. 2d. Waltham Cross
£49 8s. od.; and London £354 11s. od., thirty-five days in the said months

amounting altogether to the sum of £739 7s. 4d.” (Exchequer L.T.R. Wardrobe
Accounts, Cofferer. Ser. iii, box E. Rot. 45, P.R.O.)

It is to be regretted that no record has been found of the nature
of the instruction imparted by the French falconer in return for all
this outlay.

It is not surprising that Essex was a favourite hunting-ground
with many of our kings and queens, seeing the great extent of woods
which once covered the greater portion of the county, and long har-
boured plenty of deer* and the open heaths and marshes which
afforded excellent and varied sport for the falconer.

One such place was the common at Stock, which even in Morant’s
day (1768) was “pretty large, and almost joined with Gallows
Common on the north, and Ramsden on the south-west.” It was
here, in 1665, that the Lord Petre of that day, who kept hawks at
Thorndon, lost a valuable falcon, for the recovery of which a reward
was offered in Zhe /Vewes of November gth, 1665. The advertise-
ment ran as follows :—

“Lost on the 28th October last, betwixt Stock and Billerica, in Essex, a white
Goshawk,} having upon its varvels { the name of the Right Hon. William Lord
Petre. Whoever shall deliver the said hawk safe into the house of the said Lord

Petre, at Thorndon, in Essex, or to Mr. Andrews, at the “* White Horse” in Drury
Lane, shall beside his charges defraied, have 4os. for a rewarde.”

{t is not unlikely that this hawk had been flown at a Kite, for at
that date Kites were not uncommon on the open heaths, wastes, and

* See Fisher, Tze Forest of Essex, chapter iv; and J. E. Harting on the ‘‘ Deer of Epping
Forest,” Zssex Naturalist, vol. i. pp. 46--62.

+ By this term was meant a Jerfalcon. See Sir A. Weldon’s Court and Character of King
J antes, p. 104.

{The small flat rings, generally of silver, attached to the hawk’s jesses, and having the
owner’ name engraved thereon.

HAWKS AND HAWKING IN ESSEX. 45

warrens on which they got their living, and showed excellent sport
when flown at with a cast of falcons; sometimes, as Sir Anthony
Weldon relates, mounting to such a height, that both hawk and
quarry disappeared from view. King James lost a valuable hawk in
this way once, while kite-hawking at Royston.

It would be interesting to know whether any record has been pre-
served of the sport obtained with the hawks at Thorndon, and up to
what date they were maintained there. Having the honour to know
the present (as well as the late) Lord Petre, I ventured to inquire for
information on this subject, but without success, although his lordship
is under the impression that some account of hawking at Thorndon
was published in one of the earlier volumes of the Gentleman’s
Magazine. A recent search, however, through several volumes has
not brought it to light.

It may be worth mention here that a notable book on hawking
has been written and published by an Essex man. It is entitled,
An Approved Treatise of Hawks and Hawking, 1619, by Edmund
Bert, gentleman, who resided at Collier Row, near Romford, and
was very successful in training the Goshawk. In his prefatory
remarks to the friendly reader he says :—“‘ In truth I have not kept
any hawke above three yeares, but I have put them off for much
money, besides many thanks and much love. I had for a Goshawk

and a Tarsell a hundred marks, both solde to one man within sixteen
months,”

a

SAQA
.

ey

VIEW OF A DECOY-POND AND ENTRANCE TO PIPE,

WILD-FOWL DECOYS AND WILD-
FOWLING IN ESSEX.

N the days when decoys for taking Wild-fowl were in common use,

those of Essex were of great importance. Next to Lincolnshire,
indeed, Essex may fairly claim to have been the foremost county
in England, so far as the number of its*decoys is concerned.

There are several early references to these decoys. Thus, the
Rev. T. Cox in his Magna Britannia (1720) says of Essex (vol. i.
p. 722), “ By the sea-side there are divers decoys, which bring in
great profit to the owners in the winter season.”

Daniel Defoe, too, in his Zour Through the Whole Island of
Great Britain (1724) says (vol. i. p. 11) :—

“Here is Osey or Osyth Island, commonly called Qosy Island, so well known
by our London Men of Pleasure, for the infinite Number of Wild-Fowl, that is to
say, Duck, Mallard, Teal, and Widgeon, of which there are such vast flights, that
they tell us the island, namely the Creek, seems covered with them at certain
times of the year, and they go from Zondon on Purpose for the pleasure of Shoot-
ing ; and, indeed, often come Home very well loaden with Game. But it must be
remembered, too, that those Gentlemen who are such lovers of the Sport, and go
so far for it, often return with an Z’ssex Ague on their Backs, which they find a
heavier Load than the Fowls they have shot.”

Morant also says (vol. i. p. xxv.) :—‘‘ At Goldhangre, Kirby, and
other parts along the coast are many decoys, which yield plenty of
Wild-fowl of all kinds.”

It appears from Daniel’s Aural Sports (6. ii. 482) that in 1800
“the several proprietors and occupiers of decoys, on and in the
neighbourhood of the river Blackwater” formed an association for
the purpose of prosecuting all such gunners and puntmen “as shall
hereafter by fowling, or in any other manner, disturb the wild fowl in
or near such decoys, or hinder or prevent their resort thereto.” An
advertisement, dated “Maldon, September 11th, 1800,” and signed
by ‘“‘Wm. Lawrence, Solicitor to the Association,” was inserted in
the papers, offering a reward of five guineas for information leading
to a conviction.

Considering the nature of our Essex coast, it is nothing more
than might have been expected that both decoys and _ wild-fowl

48 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

should have formerly abounded. On this subject Mr. Harting
writes (50. ii. 159) :—

““We have only to look at the map of Europe to see how favourably the
county of Essex is situated to afford refuge to the vast flocks of wild-fowl which
migrating southward at the approach of winter, come to us from Scandinavia and
countries further north, as well as from the opposite shores of Holland.

“Looking more particularly at a map of the county, we cannot fail to be
struck at the number of important rivers (no less than six) which empty them-
selves into the sea along its coast, forming wide estuaries and tidal harbours,
some of them studded with islands and bordered in some places for many miles
with extensive marshes and mud-flats, which afford attractive feeding ground to
many species of Wild Duck, as well as to large flocks of Brent Geese. « * *

“Viewing the country in its present condition, intersected by railways, with
thousands of acres of marsh-land reclaimed, drained, and cultivated, we can
form but a faint notion of what a paradise for wild-fowl the Essex coast
must have been before an increased population and extended civilisation
narrowed the limits of their domain. It is difficult to realise the state of things
which existed before the introduction of shot-guns in the 16th century, when
wild-fowl were killed with the cross-bow, with trained hawks, or with such kinds
of snares and nets as the ingenuity of man at that period could devise ; and we

have no better proof of their former abundance than the number of decoys which
once existed for their capture.”

Daniel says (6. ii. 478) that, by dropping down with the tide in
his punt, a man has been known to bring home

“from four score to a hundred wild-fowl of various kinds in one night’s excursion,
and this will not seem an exaggerated account when the multitudes which in
hard, frosty weather, with the wind at East or North-east, haunt the Blackwater
River, are known. The numbers that are seen in their day flights, and the
noises of the various kinds of a night are almost beyond belief. To the compiler,
prepared as he was to behold. amazing quantities, they exhibited far beyond
what he was led to expect; and to others who have seen their throngs, the
astonishment has been perhaps still greater. A punt-shooter of the name of
Bowles has been known to clear upwards of a hundred pounds in a season by his
gun. The wild-fowl were sold to the higglers, &c., at two shillings a couple,
one with the other. Allowing his expenses to be only thirty pounds, here were
2600 birds brought home—an immense destruction when the whole period allotted
to it does not much exceed five months. Forty-two Wigeons have been killed at a
single shot in the daytime, and the difficulty of approaching the great flocks of
fowl in the light is tenfold. A man, in whose punt the compiler was, got eighteen
Wigeons at one shot, and many that were crippled escaped. If in the day or at
night the punters get a shot at the fowl at feed upon the ooze, they tie on their
‘ plashes ’ [which are] similar to the mud-pattens used in Hampshire, and collect
the spoil. « « * In the day, shooting upon the river below Goldhanger in Essex,
at half-ebb, very extensive oozes are dry, where grows a long grass upon which
the wild-fowl feed. The nicety required is so to place the punt in some of the
creeks which intersect these oozes as to intercept the birds, either in coming to
their feed when the tide recedes, or when it makes so as to cover the feeding
ground, and drive them from the spot. Itis then the shooter has full employment

an hour and a half or two hours, after which the fowl either get settled upon

DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 49

their feed beyond the reach of interruption, or if driven from it by the tide, they
hasten to the various decoy-ponds upon that river to repose themselves.”

Daniel also says (6. ii. 471) :—

“A decoy in some seasons is astonishingly lucrative. In 1795, the Tilling-
ham Decoy in Essex, at that time in the occupation of Mr. Mascall, netted,
after every expense, upwards of eight hundred pounds, and the only birds
taken were Duck and Mallard. In 1799, ten thousand head of Wigeon, Teal,
and Wild Ducks were caught in a decoy by the Rey. Bate Dudley in Essex.”

Writing in 1802, he says (6. il. 475) :—

“At the pond of Mr, Buxton, at Goldhanger in Essex, as many Pochards
have been taken at one drop as filled a waggon, so as to require four stout
horses to carry them away; and the lower birds in the pens have been known
to be killed and pressed entirely flat, from the numbers of their companions
heaped up above them.”

In more recent times, the Rev. J. C. Atkinson writes (36. 143) :—

“Within my own recollection many decoys on the Essex coast were wrought
constantly and successfully, which for many years now have been dismantled
and unused. I well remember, when I was a iad of ten or twelve, being at a
house in Tolleshunt D’Arcy, on a farm belonging to which was an active decoy,
and seeing the birds which had been taken in the course of one morning. , The
numbers were so great that many of the undermost ducks, where the great accu-
mulation had taken place at the end of the ‘pipe,’ had died of pressure and
suffocation, and some even were sensibly flattened by the superincumbent weight
of their fellows.”

Mr. Thos. Kemble, of Runwell Hall, speaking of Bradwell in
his Sporting Reminiscences of an Old Squire, says :—

“T am now going to relate what possibly sportsmen who go down there at the
present day for wild-fowl shooting will not believe. Ihave seen the sky darkened
with Wild-geese covering a space of half a mile by a quarter of a mile, as
thick as manure spread upon the ground, and making a noise which I could only
compare with fifty packs of hounds in full cry. I have also seen seven acres at
low water covered with Wigeon, Curlew and Ducks, making such a noise that I
could not hear my brother talking to me a few yards off. Colonel Russell was off
the coast in his yacht. He told me that he had sent off from Maldon to London
upwards of two tons of Geese.”

A recent writer on this subject in a popular paper says :—

“The Essex coast has always been considered one of the best wild-fowling
grounds in the country, and that bit between Dovercourt and Clacton-on-Sea,
and such places as the backwaters of the Wash, with Landermere, Pewit Island,
and Horsey Island in the neighbourhood, often afford capital sport. Of course,
like other places within easy distance of large cities, the birds are not so plentiful
as they used to be, but for those who are strong and have the nerve to brave the
cold and difficulties which half-frozen ditches and a continual pelting of storms
of hail and snow present, much good wild-fowling may still be had. Years ago
wild-fowling was principally practised by the hardy race who employ their time in
fishing during the summer, but in the winter pursue the feathered tribes for the
support of themselves and families, and from their exertions the markets were
partly supplied, However, the quest is now followed by amateurs asa recreatiou,

E

50 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

and probably nowhere has wild-fowling been brought to greater perfection than
on the oozes, creeks, and flats along this coast, where they have some of the best
gunning-punts to be met with in the kingdom.”

On this subject Folkard says (Zhe Wéildfowler, 3rd Ed.,
p. 125):—

“The gunning-punts of the eastern coast are of considerable reputation, par-
ticularly those in the neighbourhood of Maldon, in Essex, the form of which is
much in favour with those who resort to the pursuit of punting in winter as a
means of subsistence. The form of the Maldon gunning-punt is very similar to
that of a coffin: simply flat-bottomed, with nearly upright sides, formed of two
broad strakes. The usual length is 163 to 17 feet, and the breadth 2 feet 8
inches to 2 feet Io inches. They are very handy for “setting ” to birds, because
of the narrowness of their form, enabling the punter to use his arms freely, and
(by means of the paddles) with considerable effect ; but they are easily up<et
and require very great care on the part of the occupant in all his movements.
They have strong gunwales and a cross-piece, and are the least costly of any
gunning-punt that can be built. When intended for an extra large gun, they are
built in proportion—longer and wider as may be required In loading the gun
Gif a muzzle-loader) whilst afloat in one of these punts, it is usual to row ashore
or lash the punt alongside a larger vessel.”

Several accounts of extraordinary “bags” of wild-fowl will be
found in the following pages, chiefly in the notices of the Brent
Goose.

With reference to the Essex Decoys, Sir R. Payne Gallwey says
(49. 10) :—

“Tt is pretty certain that decoys for catching ducks were first used in Lincoln-
shire and Essex, and that the neighbouring counties of Northampton, Cambridge,
Norfolk, Suffolk, and Yorkshire, followed suit.” * * x

“ Though Lincolnshire had great returns, other counties did wonderfully well,
particularly Essex, with its immense estuaries and their feeding-grounds to attract
the fowl.”

“The Essex decoys were individually famous ones, and rivalled in number
those of Lincolnshire and Norfolk.”

It appears from the list given (49. 59) that, in respect of the
number of decoys, Lincolnshire stands first with thirty-nine, but that
Essex comes next with thirty-two, no other county having more
than seven, except Yorkshire (14), Suffolk (12), and Somerset (12).
Essex, therefore, formerly had twice as many decoys as any other
county, except Lincolnshire. .

Speaking of Essex Decoys, Sir Ralph says (49. 75) that, as might
be expected, they
“were chiefly placed near the banks of the great estuary of the River Black-
water. This sheet of water is some dozen miles in length and two miles in
width, with its shores and outside its mouth flanked for miles with fine feeding-
grounds, in the shape of beds of ooze, to attract and support wild-fowl. Round
the estuary of the Blackwater, at least fourteen or more flourishing decoys
existed. To the north of the Blackwater, the Hamford Water estuary, with its
multitudinous creeks, small islands, and channels, had, as might be expected,
attendant decoys. St further north, on the border of the county, and dividing

DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 51

it from Suffolk, is the estuary of the Stour, with also some decoys on its banks—
a sheet of water but one-third less in size than that of the Blackwater. In the
southern part of Essex, between the Blackwater and the mouth of the Thames, the
estuary of the River Crouch, with its many arms and backwaters, afforded protec-
tion and food to the wild-fowl « *« *. The fowl taken in the Essex decoys were
‘—and, indeed, are—chiefly Wigeon, as they are lured to their capture from the
sea-coast, whereon these birds always predominate among the duck tribe. For
this reason, there are no decoys in Essex distant from the sea, as is the case in
several of our other Eastern counties, wherein large meres and fens existed * * *
and in which Duck, Mallard, and Teal were abundant, and therefore usually taken
in the decoys,”

Sir Ralph quotes acase, known as “ Carrington zv. Taylor, 11 East
571. 2 Camp. 258,” in which, in 1810, a wild-fowl shooter was sum-
moned by the owner of the decoy at Beaumont-cum: Moze for shoot-
ing ducks on a creek near the decoy, although he did not come
within 200 yards of it. The Court held that the decoy was protected
by law, and the verdict was for the plaintiffi*

For general information as to the construction and mode of
working a decoy, the reader must refer to Mr. E. C. Walcott’s Guide
to the Coasts. of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk (p. 68), to Pennant’s
British Zoology (vol. ii, p. 595), to Sir Ralph Payne Gallwey’s enter-
taining Look of Duck Doys (49) and to Mr. Harting’s paper on
* Wild-Fowl Decoys in Essex” in the 2ssex Vaturalist for 1888
(50. ii. 159). Such information scarcely falls within the scope of a
local work like the present; but apology is hardly necessary for
reprinting from the pages of the /ie/d (29. Feb. 15, 1868) the
following interesting article, which gives a detailed and graphic
description of one of our chief Essex decoys—that at Marsh House,
Tillingham, described hereafter—as well as of the mode of working
it and decoys in general._ ‘The accompanying cuts, too, will give
the uninitiated.-a very good idea of the general appearance of a
decoy.

Decoy Ponps.—The following particulars * * * are derived more especially
from a well-known pond near Tillingham, on the coast of Essex, which the
writer has lately, through the kindness of the owners, had the good fortune of
visiting, and where he witnessed during several days, at the most favourable time
of the year, the operations of catching carried on with great success. To those
gentlemen, and to their skilful and obliging decoyman—one of that Skelton family
mentioned in almost every treatise or description that has been written on decoys,

and who have been hereditary decoymen from father to son, in Lincolnshire,
Norfolk, and Essex, for many generations past—he has to tender his best thanks

* Daniel (6. Suppt. 431) also cites a case in which a decoy-owner sued a gunner for shooting
within 100 yards of his decoy, and thus frightening the birds, and he won the day.

+ Mr, Fitch has ascertained that this article, which is simply signed ‘‘P.” was written by Mr.
Jacob L. Pattisson, private secretary to the Rt. Hon. W. Hi Smith. Some of his statements
were attacked in the following numbers of the /%e/d (pp. 183, 235, and 245) by Admiral Hickley
writing under the xov-de-plume of ‘‘ Decoy Duck,” but he was able successfully to hold his own

E 2

52 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

le SS
eee

a

DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 53

for many interesting particulars of the habits of the wild-fowl, and for their per-
mission te visit so freely the pond itself; a permission the more valued from the
fact that decoys are usually jealously guarded, and strictly closed to all visitors.
The reasons for this will be apparent in the following description ; but it may be
mentioned that so seldom in former days was anyone but the owner and decoy-
man—often one and the same person—allowed to see a pond in working order,
that several of the accounts that have been published in the works of eminent
naturalists, and still quoted at the present day, are absurdly incorrect: one of
them, for instance, stating that the birds are taken at night, the very time when
the pond is empty, or when it would be impossible to take them, if in; and
another that the dog drives the birds up the net from dehind, the whole secret of
the success in using a dog being that he should always be ahead of the birds.
As exceptions to these, however, should be mentioned the very minute and accu-
rate account of decoys given by Mr. Folkard in his entertaining book, the Wild
fowler, and that of the Rey. Richard Lubbock in his Fauna of Norfolk. * * *

Decoy ponds formerly were of great size, those in Norfolk being as much as
a hundred acres in extent, the largest nearly a thousand ; but experience proved
that, though many thousand birds would come to them, fewer were caught than
in those of smaller size, and that actually the most successful of all were not more
than two acres in extent. The pond at Tillingham covers about an acre anda
quarter. . It stands in the marshes, about half a mile from the sea-wall, on the
other side of which, at low water, is-a vast expanse of mud extending nearly two
miles, and where in severe weather thousands and tens of thousands of Wild
Geese, Duck, Widgeon, &c., will congregate, while still more numerous flocks
of Plover, Dunlins (Oxbirds), Curlew, &c., skim up and down among them. It
is surrounded by large beds of tall-growing rushes and plantations of willow and
other trees, which serve at the same time to shelter the wild-fowl, and to hide from
them the approach of human beings and other things likely to alarm them.
Standing also as they do in a clump on the otherwise bare marshes, the trees are
visible a long distance out at sea, and act as a mark to attract and guide the birds
tothe pond. Wild-fowl are easily alarmed by noise, and a decoy must be away
from high roads and houses, or fields where horses are likely to be ploughing. In
the precincts of the pond itself silence is necessary, and conversation must hardly
be carried on, even ina whisper. Shooting within a considerable radius is, of course,
strictly prohibited; and several actions at law are recorded where damages
have been recovered from punters and others who have caused the birds to “rise”
(the technical name for taking flight in alarm) from decoys, by firing off guns
in their neighbourhood. In wild-fowl, again, the sense of smell is strongly
developed, and they easily scent and take alarm at anyone approaching on the
windward side. It is said that some coastguardsmen, cooking a mutton chop in
the wind several hundred yards away, once caused the birds to rise from this
pond ; and extra precautions have to be taken in the kitchen of the nearest tarm-
house, though quite a quarter of a mile distant, when the wind blows from it to
the pond. The sight of the birds is also remarkably quick, and the decoyman
not only must keep himself hid, but must take care that his shadow even does
not fall across the water. The necessity for taking these precautions is the
excuse for the usual rule of ‘‘no admittance to visitors,” the effluvia from an
engineer’s oily jacket, or a ‘“‘swell’s” sealskin coat, being enough to alarm
the birds in some moods ; and when once frightened out of a pond, they are
shy about returning to it again.

The water in the pond is supplied from a brook running near, and is
kept fresh and clear, and at a consistent level, the depth being from three to
four feet in the centre, but gradually lessening towards the sides. Several
landing-places on the banks, and in the mouths of the pipes, are neatly turfed, and
on these the fowl delight to sit and bask—banking, as it is called—the Widgeon also
being especially fond of eating the short grass. The pond itself is in the form of a
star-fish, with six (sometimes more or less) arms or ditches extending from it
in semicircular shape to different points of the compass. These arms—techni-
cally called pipes—are about 70 yards in length by 8 in breadth where they
leave the pond, gradually narrowing to half a yard at the other extremity. Over
their whole length, and inclosing on both sides a small strip of the bank, is

54 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

stretched a tarred net upon wooden hoops, closely fastened down to the ground,
except for a small distance on one side of the pipe, near the pond, which is left
open for the evolutions of the dog, to be mentioned presently. At the pond end
the net is about 12 feet from the water, but the hoops gradually taper away to a
height of only half a yard. At the small end is fixed a circular tunnel net, about
t2ft. by 2ft., which can be easily detached and closed, and in which, eventually,
the ill-fated birds are secured; the whole effect of the pipe resembling at ‘a
little distance the tail of a huge serpent, whose body is hid in the rushes and
trees around the pond. From the mouth of each pipe is fixed, along the outer
side, a series of screens to hide the decoyman and his operations from the birds
in the pond. These screens, twelve or fourteen in number, are made of reeds in
fixed wooden frames. Each screen is about 12ft. long by 63ft. high, and they
are arranged to overlap one another like the folds of a perpendicular Venetian
blind, with spaces between each at which the decoyman may show himself to
the birds in the pipe when the time comes to drive them into the tunnel net.
These openings are closed towards the ground by a smaller screen of 2ft. in
height, for the purpose of hiding the decoyman’s dog, and over which he is
taught to jump in and out ata given sign, By means of these screens, and the
reeds which grow thickly round the pond in the intermediate spaces between the
pipes, the decoyman is able to approach the water from any quarter unseen,
Small wooden wedges are purpvsely left in the screens, and by moving these
from right to left a sufficient peep-hole is made to enable him to watch the move-
ments of the birds, and to command from different points a complete view of
the whole pond.

Most interesting and instructive is the view from this peep-hole when the
pond is fairly full of birds, not only to the anxious decoyman or the inquiring
naturalist, but the least curious visitor can hardly fail to be struck by the sight
ofa thousand or fifteen hundred birds, many of them of surpassing beauty of
plumage, dotted over the surface of the water, swimming, sleeping, playing, and
feeding, unconscious of danger, and in their most natural manner, within a few
feet of him. Many of them will be asleep on the water with their heads tucked
under their wings, and on a stormy day he may see them, while in this position,
blown about, and turned round and round, by each gust of wind. On another
and sunnier day he may watch a hen Widgeon receiving with perfect equanimity
the attentions of five or six cock birds who swim about her, bowing and showing
off, each striving in the most unmistakable manner tu eclipse his rivals and prove
himself the most eligible par? of the flock ; and when the lady indicates by some
sign her preference for one particular suitor, he may observe the favoured indi-
vidual proudly take his place at her side, driving away the others as if by
right, and jealously swimming round to interpose himself if one of them ap-
proaches on the other side to whisper a parting compliment in her ear. He will
notice on one side rows of birds asleep or basking on the banks, and on another
the Widgeon eagerly cropping the short grass. He will hardly tire of gazing on
the beauty of the Mallard, and he will laugh‘over the pert little Teal and the pug-
nacious Tuke, or at the Dunbird diving for its food, which the impudent Widgeon
close by seizes from its bill, and makes off with the momentits head appears above
water again. He will notice the golden crests of the cock Widgeon as they glance
backwards and forwards in the sun, and he will marvel at the wonderful arrange-
ment of nature by which their light and downy plumage is rendered impervious to
the water they are floating in for hours ata time. The longer he looks the more
will he find to admire, till at last he almost envies the decoyman his
solitary life, with such beauties of nature constantly to study and wonder at.

Wild Duck, Widgeon, and Teal are the chief frequenters of decoys, but the
pond is seldom full without a few couple of Pintail or Dunbirds being in it, while
occasionally a pair of the rarer Gadwall or Tufted Duck are seen among the other
birds. Tukes also collect in it and take possession of the landings, and a few Coot
are regular inhabitants. The latter are very watchful birds, andthe wild-fowl,
which sleep a great part of the day, are supposed to feel more confidence in a pond
where they are present, The Duck and Mallard begin to congregate in the pond
soon after midsummer ; but these are the birds bred in the neighbourhood. The
earliest foreign fowl to arrive are the Teal, which come in the first week in Sep-

cy

DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 55

tember. Widgeon make their appearance at the end of September ; but it is not
till severe weather setsin that the wild-fowl arrive in any numbers. The decoy
season is fram October to Ma ch, when most of these birds take their departure
for the north again. Wild Duck were formerly abundant in Essex, but are
becoming scarcer and scarcer every year, as the marshes get more and more
drained, and a higher system of cultivation is brought into use on the adjacent
farms. Widgeon apparently are as plentiful as ever, finding a favourite and
abundant food on the Maplin and other sands off this coast.

Duck and their congeners invariably spend the night away from where they
have passed the day. The Wild Duck and Teal feed at night, but the Widgeon
chiefly during the day, though also at night. The birds that come to the decoy
pond arrive about daybreak, and, if not frightened, or disturbed by an approach-
ing storm, remain there quietly till sunset, when, rising in parties in quick suc-
cession, they all leave the pond, and fly out to sea, or to marshes and ditches further
inland. Those that go to the mud on the seashore will often return to the pond
during the night when disturbed by the rising tide, but remain only till the ebb
uncovers the mud again. The tide in the daytime does not affect the birds, few
wild-fowl either entering or leaving the pond during daylight. But the pond
is found generally to be fullest, and the birds more settled, when high water occurs
between six and eigh: o’clock. With certain winds larger numbers may be ex-
pected than at other times; but the quantity in the pond one day is no criterion
of what may be there the next. A large increase, or the contrary, usually denotes
that a change of weather is about to take place. After the first severe weather
has brought the wild-fowl off the coast, the decoyman wishes for but little frost,
on account of the difficulty in keeping his pond open. When the water does
get frozen, he uses his best endeavours, with the assistance of several labourers,
to keep some of the pipes clear of ice during the night—the only time when
such an operation is possible, or when any repairs to the pipe can be performed.
Very often in this manner large catches are made at the beginning of a frost, the
wild-fowl being glad to find an open space of water when other places are
frozen up, and their food not procurable ; but when a hard frost has regularly set
in, little can be done in the decoy, the birds knowing that, in addition to other
dangers, foxes can get at them on the ice—an advantage which Reynard always is
ready to make the most of.

The first birds that arrive in the pond, attracted by seeing the tame ones swim-
ming in it as they fly overhead, are generally young and hungry and could be
easily caught, feeding up the pipe with avidity ; but these are usually spared to
take back to their companions the news of such good quarters, and to tempt others
to return with them next day. The “lead,” as it is called, gra jually increases
in this way, till at last several hundred birds have found their way to the pond.
Occasionally as many as 2,000 wild-fowl of different kinds are seen at onetime in
the pond ; but the number usually varies trom 100 to 1,000, of which by far the
greater proportion are Widgeon. The most favourable weather for catching is a
dull cloudy day, with a moderate wind blowing, the decoyman then being able to
work without casting a shadow, aid the noise of the waving rushes preventing his
footsteps from being heard. In making his captures his only assistants are his
dog and tie tame ducks.

His dog, denominated “the piper, ’ is a small sandy-red terrier, of no particular
breed, with a mind equally indifferent to game and to vermin. He has to be
carefully trained in the summer-time to goin and out of the pipes, jumping over
the small screen, at the opening which his master indicates by throwing a small
piece of bread or cheese to the spot, and running along the bank, coming out
again at the next opening higher up the pipe. He has to learn silence on all oc-
casions, and must not even bark at the approach of a stranger; and, above all, he
must never attempt to seize, or in fact to notice, the wild-fowl. The decoy ducks
also have to undergo atraining. Of the common small tame breed, resembling in
colour the Wild Duck, they are taken in the summer to the pond and taught to
come at the whistle of their master, whom they do not see, to the opening of the
pipe, where he is waiting to reward them with food, They are fed regularly, and
always at the mouths of the different pipes, so that they may not be over hungry
at any time, and show too great eagerness to answer the whistle ; neither are they

56 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

allowed to gorge, so as to be indifferent to food when offered. Answering the
signal with achorus of quacks, they learn to swim steadily through the other fowl],
guessing by the ear which pipe they are to come to; and, lastly, they are familiar-
ised with the sight of the decoyman, so as to take no alarm when he shows him-
self suddenly between the screens.

All wild-fowl in tuking flight from the water rise head to wind—partly, it is
supposed, because of the mass of down and light feathers with which they are
covered being so easily ruffled, if the wind catches them the reverse way ; and
partly from instinct that they thus may more readily scent and detect approach-
ing danger. Whatever the cause, the rule is so invariable, that the decoyman can
make no captures except in those pipes from which the wind blows into the pond ;
and hence the reason of having pipes extending in different directions to suit
every wind. But having to approach the birds from the windward obliges him
to hold before his mouth a piece of lighted turf to keep them from scenting him,
Armed with this turf, accompanied by his dog, and with a basket of food (refuse
corn and grass-seeds) upon his arm he cautiously approaches the proper pipe,
and first satisfying himself that no birds are accidentally already in the pipe, he
makes his way to the end nearest the pond. Then whistling to his tame ducks,
he throws two or three handfuls of food over the screen so that it falls into the
mouth of the pipe, and is partly drifted by the wind into the open water. His
tame ducks hearing the call, swim into the pipe, and begin eagerly to devour the
food. The wild-fowl about the mouth of the pipe tasting a few grains that have
been blown within their reach, and seeing the tame birds securely feeding, are
tempted also to join them under the net ; the decoyman, watching every move-
ment through the peep-holes, goes back a screen or two, and throws another
handful of food into the pipe higher up, and the birds, gradually gaining confi-
dence, follow after it. It is not necessary that they should advance far up the
pipe, as once under the net their fate is sealed ; but the decoyman waits till the
party feeding are detached from the main flock in the pond whose curiosity does
not appear to be aroused, and then running briskly back to the screen nearest the
pond, but where he is still hid from the birds in the open water, suddenly shows
himself behind those in the pipe, and waving his hat frightens them into flight.
Misled by the bend, which seems to promise an escape, they fly headlong up the
pipe, some of them striking the top of the net in their course and falling back
into the water, but immediately rising again, till all scramble and flutter into the
tunnel-net, where the decoyman who has been following them with gestures—
he dare not make a noise—detaches the net and secures the whole flock. At one
time, after the birds had been enticed into the pipe a net used to be let fall, in
the manner of a portcullis, to cut off their retreat ; but experience soon proved
that no bird but a very old stager, who by his frequent visits had learnt the
secrets of the pond, would break the custom of rising head to wind—ze., in the
direction of the tunnel net—and that it required nothing but the presence of the
decoyman to frighten them into the fatal trap, The tame birds do not rise, but
taking no notice either of the decoyman or the sudden disappearance of their
companions, swim leisurely back to the remainder in the pond. The captured
birds are too frightened to make a noise, and the other wild-fowl seeing none
return, conclude that they have left the pond in a natural manner, and swim and
play about as before. The whole operation, from the time the decoyman signals
his tame ducks till he gives the detaching twist to the tunnel net, hardly occu-
pies three minutes, Finally, he takes the birds out of the net, and ina skilful
and expeditious manner puts them to death by dislocating the neck.

Hitherto the dog has taken no share in the proceedings, but has sat
quietly watching his master, understanding every movement, and well satisfied
to wait till his services are required. The decoyman, replacing the tunnel net,
now returns to the pipe, and, knowing that he has caught all the birds who
for the present are likely to be tempted by food. gives a signal to his dog,
throwing at the same time a small piece of bread or cheese at the foot of the
opening between the screens nearest the pond. The dog picks it up in his
mouth, and jumping over the screen, suddenly displays himself to the astonished
wild-fowl, who give a flutter of surprise, but are not sufficiently alarmed to attempt
to flyaway. While they are speculating what intruder has had the boldness to

“ddld-AODIG V AO ANA

DECOYS AND WI/ILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 57

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58 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX,

invade their retreat, he disappears at the next opening, but in another
second is seen a few yards higher up the pipe. Prompted by curiosity, and
taking courage from numbers, they advance towards the dog, exactly in the
same manner as a flock of sheep will do in a field when disturbed by the same
visitor ; but again he has vanished, and they stop, wondering. He appears
again still a little higher up the pipe, and they follow more confidently, perhaps
believing that they are driving him away; but at last he vanishes altogether,
and while they are looking for bis reappearance they are startled by the figure of
the decoyman between them and the pond, waving his hat as in the previous
case. Completely frightened, they follow their instincts, fly up the pipe, and are
all soon secured in the tunnel net. Should the dog by any accident mistake the
screen at which he has to show, and appear behind the birds in the pipe, they
will at once become alarmed, and swim back into the pond.

The number of birds caught at each attempt varies according to the numbers
in the pond and the state of the birds themselves, the younger birds being, of
course, the most easily enticed into the pipe. In favourable seasons from one to
two hundred are sometimes caught in a day, while on other days few are taken
at all. The number in each drive is usually between ten and fifty, but occasion-
ally considerably exceeds the latter number. After making catches in a pipe by
both feeding and the dog, the decoyman has to leave the remainder alone till a
later period in the day, when the birds having altered their position in the pond
some are again near the mouth of the pipe. There is usually only one pipe at
which they can be caught by feeding, but the dog may often be successful at
another, perhaps two others, if the wind lies between them. On some days the
birds are much more sluggish than at others, and will hardly take any notice
of either the dog or food. At such times the decoyman will send his dog sud-
denly into the midst of those “ banking,” and they scramble frightened into the
pond ; but before they have recovered their senses the dog has disappeared, and
they only see him again presently in the mouth of the pipe. The numbers taken
by means of the dog are mure than those by feeding, but it is a curious fact that
the hen birds are the most ready to follow the dog, and the males to be caught
by the food—so much so, that the birdsin one catch are nearly all of the same sex.

Wild Duck, Widgeon, and Teal rise when alarmed, but there is one variety of
the Duck-tribe—the Pochard or Dunbird—which is by habit a diver, and in a
pond of this description escapes the fate of the others by swimming back under
water from the pipe into the open. In places where their numbers render it
worth while, a particular arrangement of the pond is made, and they are taken
by an ingenious net, which is suddenly placed in their line of flight as they leave
the pond at dusk. The net, which is very large, is stretched between two poles,
laid horizontally near the side of the ponds, but fixed on pivots, and so weighted
that by severing a rope the decoyman can cause them to spring up suddenly into
the perpendicular. This he does the moment the birds rise to leave the pond
(there being several nets to suit the different winds, as in the case of the pipes),
and the flock, striking the net, fall into baskets or pens placed underneath, from
which they are unable to rise before the decoyman has time to secure them.
Great numbers have been caught in this manner. but the plan is only adopted
for Dunbirds ; and at ponds where other kinds of wildfowl are more numerous
there is a difficulty in using the nets without frightening away more than are
caught. The best known pond of this description is in the island of Mersea, at
the mouth of the Blackwater.

Day by day the spoil of the pond is sent up to Leadenhall Market. The
prices, of course, vary much during the season, and depend upon the severity of
the weather, as in a hard winter vast quantities of wild-fowl are sent from abroad.

The following information regarding Essex Decoys, past and
present, is mainly condensed from Sir R. P. Gallwey’s remarks
(49. 76--92), but Iam also greatly indebted to Mr. E. A. Fitch, who
has been indefatigable in hunting up scraps of half-forgotten informa-
tion relating to our ancient decoys.

“THe Birps oF Essex.” PL. I.

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THE GRANGE DECOY POND.

From the 25 inch Ordnance Survey Map.

Hayman, christy & Lilly. Lee Lith, London

DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 59

The Essex decoys still in use are now only three in number.
They are:—-The Marsh House Decoy, Tillingham; the Grange Decoy,
Tillingham ; and the Old Hall Decoy, Tollesbury (only occasionally
used), each of which will be fully noticed hereafter.

The positions of all our Essex Decoys are clearly shown on the
accompanying map, together with the numbers assigned to them
in the following list.

It does not appear that there are any decoys about Canvey Island
or along the Thames banks. Commencing with the most southerly
Essex decoy and proceeding northwards along our coast-line, we
meet with the following :—

(1.) South Hall Decoy is in Paglesham parish, about half a
mile from South Hall, and a mile S.W. from Paglesham, on the north
bank of the Roach river, an arm of the Crouch. It is one acre in
extent, and has the remains of six pipes. It has been disused for
Ioo years, but there is some chance of its being re-worked by its
present tenant, Mr. James Wiseman.

Those decoys on the south side of the Blackwater estuary (ten
in number) are as follows :

(2.) The Grange Decoy is in Tillingham Marsh, two miles
S.E. from Tillingham, and three-quarters of a mile from the coast.
The pool is rather more thanan acre in extent, and has six pipes.
The average yearly take is from 1,500 to 2,000 fowl, chiefly Wigeon,
although more than once over 10,000 birds have been taken in a
year, even recently. In some years, the Wigeon almost entirely
desert this pool for the one next mentioned, and wice versa. ‘The
present tenant, Mr. Chas. Page, of Dengie Hall, is cousin to Mr.
Robert Page, of Down Hall, Bradwell, tenant of No. 3.

(3.) The Marsh House Decoy, Tillingham, is the property
of the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul’s, and is in the occupation of
Mr. Robert Page. The pool is rather more than an acre in extent,
and has six pipes. A precise description of its construction and
methods of working it has already been given above (pp. 51-58) ; while
ground-plans of both this and the last-named decoy, taken from the
25-inch ordnance survey maps, are given herewith. Many Wigeon
are often taken here, though in some years they are scarce. Pochards
used to be taken, but they caused trouble by diving back when in
the pipe, and Mr. Page took steps to destroy them. From 1859--60
to 1864--65, the average yearly catch was about 3,500; since then it
has been about 2,500 a year; but of late years it has fallen to about

60 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX,

2,000, and the decoy does not now do more than cover expenses.
About 1822, a Mr. Hudson, the then-tenant, cleared over £400 in
one year, which would represent at least 10,000 fowl taken. In
1795, however, according to Daniel (p. 49) this pond cleared
#800, after paying all expenses. It is also to this decoy that he
refers (6. ili. 266) where he says “that in 1799, 10,000 head of
Wigeon, Teal, and Wild Duck were caught in a decoy by the Rev.
Bate Dudley, in Essex.” The decoy (says Sir R. P. Gallwey)
is one of the oldest in Essex, having doubtless been constructed
when the land on which it stands was reclaimed from the sea, about
200 years ago. Mr. Fitch, however, writes :—

“This Decoy was made quite at the end of last century. In Arthur Young’s
Agricultural Survey of Essex (vol. ii, pp. 129-130) we read :—‘ The great exertion
that was made at Tillingham by the Rev. H. B. Dudley ten years ago, I heard on
every hand commended as one of the most considerable that Essex ever saw : 300
acres of saltings were taken in by a wall so complete that the expression used was “‘it
was executed /ameusly/” He took down hills and banks, filled up rills, and reduced
the whole to a level. The cartage was all done by bullocks. He formed also a
decoy. It is rented under the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul’s ; was £800 a year
for 800 acres, 140 of which were arable. This Michaelmas (1805) he has relet
the 1,100 acres for the remainder of his lease at £1,750 perannum ; and in the
estimation of the country, his profit (so great was the expenditure) cannot be much
more than repaying an expense in which the public good has been promoted in an
extraordinary manner,’”’

An old rate-book in the vestry at Tillingham gives the names of
former tenants as follows :—1795, Mr. Mascall; 1797, the Rev. Sir
Henry Bate Dudley ; 1805, Mr. Alston; 1811, Mr. Kebbell; and
1815, Mr. R. Willes.* Mr. Page has most Wigeon in the decoy
in January, the next most productive months being February,
December, November, October, March, and September, in the
order named. In one year, four Wigeon were taken in August,
but in other years none until October. In ordinary years the adjoin-
ing Grange Decoy is said to be more profitable than this, but a great
deal depends on which gets what is called the “lead” of the birds.
An interesting collection of birds which have been taken at one
time or other in this decoy-—some of them evidently by accident
—is preserved at Marsh House, Tillingham (Mr. Robt. Page’).
It comprises specimens of the following :—Hooded Crow, King-
fisher, Brown Owl, Kestrel, Sparrow-hawk, Peewit, Wild Duck, Scaup,
Garganey, Shoveller, Pintail, Wigeon, Gadwall, Scoter, Ferruginous
Duck, Tufted Duck, Smew, Coot, Redshank, Spotted Redshank,

* This record has been erroneously supposed (49.) to refer to the Glebeland Decoy (No. 4),
but a comparison with Arthur Young’s remarks, quoted above, clearly shows that it relates to this
decoy, as the date of Sir H. B. Dudley having let Marsh House agrees exactly, and No. 4 is
moreover, in Bradwell, not Tillingham parish.

“THe Birps oF Essex.” PL. II.

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THE MARSH HOUSE DECOY POND.

From the 25 inch Ordnance Survey Map.

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DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 61

Green-shank, Oxbird, Common Sandpiper, Little Grebe, Common
Gull and Storm Petrel.

(4.) The Glebeland Decoy lies one mile and a quarter S.S.E.
from Bradwell-juxta-Mare, north of the broox that runs to Sandbeach
Outfall, and three-quarters of a mile from the sea-wall.

(5.) East Hall and (6.) West Wick Decoys are both in
Bradwell parish, the former one mile and a half N.E. from the
village, and the latter the same distance W. Both are now dis-
used, but have been worked within living memory. Their sites are
sull discernible. East Hall Decoy is about midway between Sales
Point and Bradwell Chapel.

(7.) Ramsey Island Decoy. Onan old map of Essex, pub-
lished in 1772, an “Old Decoy,” of which traces are still discover-
able, is shown close to Stansgate Wick, on the E. side of the
Channel, separating it from Ramsey Island (49.79).*

(8.) Steeple Decoy was in Canney Marsh, on the E. bank of
Steeple Creek, and midway between Steeple Church and the ‘Black-
water. It is on Steeple Hall Farm. Further information relating to
this decoy is given hereafter.

(9.) Mayland Decoy is situated in the corner of Sheep-pound
Marsh, in the extreme N.E. corner of the parish of Mayland, and on
the point west of Steeple Creek. It is on Nipsell’s Farm (called Old
Nipkin’s in some maps), the present tenant of which is Mr. John
Bunting. This decoy, which is still known as ‘the Old Decoy,” is
not alluded to by Sir R. P. Gallwey or Mr. Harting, and its dis-
covery is due to Mr. Fitch.

(10.) Latchingdon Decoy. On Bowen’s Map of Essex (1760)
a decoy is indicated on the W. side of Latchingdon Creek, two miles
W. from Steeple, and one E. from Mundon.

(tr.) Northey Island Decoy. ‘The site of a decoy, unnoticed
either by Sir R. P. Gallwey or by Mr. Harting, exists on the eastern
side of Northey Island, Maldon, now held by Mr. E. A. Fitch. It
is still known as “the Decoy Piece.” It has been disused certainly
during this century, and although the pond and ditches are probably
but little altered, it is now impossible to say how many pipes there
were. From an advertisement appearing in MWercurius Publicus for 6th

* The only map on which this decoy seems to be marked is Chapman and André’s, which was
published in 1777... Probably, therefore, the date given by Sir R. P. Gallwey (1772) is wrong.

62 ; THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

August, 1663, it does not appear to have then existed. For informa-
tion as to this decoy, I am indebted to Mr. Fitch.

The above are all on the S. of the Blackwater, except the
last-named. ‘Those on the N. bank (also ten in number), passing
from W. to E., are :—

(12.) Goldhanger Decoy (No. 1), which was one mile S.W.
from Goldhanger, two and a half miles E. from Maldon, and 150
paces from the shore. It had five pipes.. Traces of it, situate on
Cobb’s Farm, may still be seen. It was worked until about 1870.*
Mr. Fitch writes :—

“ This was used as a flight-pond until about twenty years ago, and has altered
little in appearance since then. A man named Cooper, who is now dea|!, used to
take large numbers of Pochards in some seasons. His spring nets were attached
to long stout poles, which being weighted at one end were, by the removal of a
peg, made to fly up and extend the net at a height of about ten to twenty-five
feet. This was done when the gun was discharged, The birds, rising against
the wind, the flight of poles in that direction being sprung, struck the net and
fell down into the pens or pockets at the bottom, from which they were unable
to rise, and were then secured.” +

(13.) Goldhanger Decoy (No.2), was a very fine one, with eight
pipes. It lay one anda quarter miles E. of the former, on a point
of land on the N. side of Goldhanger Creek, and half a mile S.E.
from Goldhanger village. It has been worked within living memory.

(134.) Goldhanger Decoy (No. 3), presumably once existed
on ‘ Decoy Marsh,” which consists of about eight acres of grass-
land, lying next to the sea-wall, immediately in front of the farm-
house, on Bound’s or Bartlett’s Farm, Goldhanger, now held by Mr.
Abram Francis. It is called “ Brand’s Farm” on the six-inch
ordnance survey map, probably in error. No trace now exists of
either the decoy-pond or its pipes. ‘This is another of Mr. Fitch’s
discoveries.

(14.) Joyce’s Decoy, also known as the ‘‘ Wigeon Pond,” is half
a mile E. from the last named, one mile S.S.E. from Goldhanger,
and beside the creek running up to Joyce’s Farm. It is in

* Arthur Young was probably alluding to this decoy where he says (General View of the
Agriculture of the County of Essex, 1807, vol. ii. p. 362), ‘Mr. Lee has a decoy at Goldhanger,
in which he took at one haul one waggonload and two cartloads of dunbirds ; but the disturbance
made frightened such as escaped so much that he took no more that season.’

+ This decoy probably existed in 1735, for, as Mr. Fitch points out, Salmon, in his History of
Essex (p. 426), alluding to the inundation in February, 1735, says that ‘‘ Mr. John Cooper, a
great Decoyman at Goldhanger, and four others, perished.” Probably the decoyman of the
same name mentioned above was a descendant of this one.

DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 63

Tolleshunt Major, or Beckingham, parish. The pool is a large one,
with eight pipes. It has,not been used for about twenty-five years.*

(15.) Gore Decoy is on Harvey’s Farm, in Goldhanger parish
(detached portion), half a mile E. from the last-named and close
to the sea and the W. end of Gore Saltings. It has not been
worked for many years, but has been within living memory.

(16.) Skinner’s Wick Decoy is within one hundred paces
of the shore, and opposite the last-named, across a creek. It is in
Tolleshunt D’Arcy parish and takes its name from the farm on which
it is situated.+ It had eight pipes, and was formerly worked with
great success, but was given up about thirty years ago.

(17.) Bohun’s Hall Decoy, so called from an adjoining
residence of that name, is on the N. side of Old Mill Creek, a
quarter of a mile W. from Mill Point, and rather over one mile and
ahalf S. from Tollesbury. It is situated on “‘ Decoy Farm,” and is
the one named “ Left Decoy” on the one-inch and other Ordnance
Maps. It was large, with eight pipes, and formerly possessed a set of
poles and nets for taking Pochard, but has been out of use for many
years.

(18.) Old Hall Decoy (No. 1), which is still used, is in Tollesbury
parish, close to Pennyhole Fleet on the Old Hall Marshes, and in
the centre of the peninsula of land between Salcot Creek and
Tollesbury Fleet North Channel. Sir Ralph P. Gallwey says the
pool covers about fourteen acres, and has eight pipes, but these
are errors, though eight pipes are shown on both the six-inch and
twenty-five-inch Ordnance Maps. The decoy, which covers only
about two acres, was visited by Mr. E. A. Fitch and myself in June,
1888, when we learned that it has now but six pipes, instead of seven
as formerly, the two south-easterly ones having been disused and a
new one dug in place of them. The decoy is very ancient, but the
date of construction is unknown. Dr. J. H. Salter is the present
tenant. The numbers of fowl formerly taken are reported to have
been almost fabulous ; but although the decoy is one of the largest
and best in the county, no account is now kept, the adjoining
marshes being largely used for grazing, and consequently much

* Sir R. P. Gallwey calls this ‘‘Solley’s Decoy,” but Mr. Fitch has ascertained that (although
Mr. Richard Solly held Bohun’s Hall Decoy, No. 17) he never held this. It is better, therefore,
to style it Joyce’s Decoy, after the name of the farm on which it is.

+ Sir R. P. Gallwey speaks of it as ‘‘ Skinner’s Wick, or White House Decoy,” but as Mr.

Fitch has ascertained that no portion is situated on White-house Farm, it seems unnecessary to
retain the name.

64 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX,

disturbed. Dr. Salter, therefore, usually prefers to shoot the fowl in
the surrounding marshes, though in hard winters a few hundreds are
sometimes taken. These are chiefly Duck and Teal, but Pintails,
Shovellers, Tufted Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, Pochards, Golden Eye,
Mergansers, and Divers of various kinds, are sometimes obtained.
Very few Wigeon are taken, as these, for some reason, prefer to resort
to the decoys nearer the coast.

(19.) Old Hall Decoy (No. 2), or Teal Pond, lying one
mile E. from the Old Hall Decoy already described, has been long
disused. It is asmall square pond with four pipes, and was formerly
used for taking Teal. It was visited by Mr. E. A. Fitch and myself
in June, 1888.

(20.) Mersea Island, or West Mersea Decoy, is on Walde-
graves Farm, one mile and a half E. from West Mersea village,
and was discontinued nearly twenty years ago on account of its
disturbance by shore-shooters. It had five pipes and was originally
a Pochard pond.. Arthur Young, in his Gezeral View of the Agri-
culture of the County of Essex (1807, vol. il., p. 361) says it was one
of the best decoys in the county in his time. He visited it in com-
pany with the owner, and was much interested. The expenses of
working he found considerable, two attendants receiving £100 a
year, while repairs, nets, rent, &c., amounted to about £300.
Ducks, he says, sometimes sell as low as 14s. a dozen. Dunbirds
resorted to the decoy in large numbers, and were taken in nets,
which were lowered when not in use.*

With reference to this decoy, Mr. Fitch has interviewed Charles
Hipsey, formerly the captain of Col. Russell’s yacht, who still lives
at Maldon though he has reached a great age.t He says that
it was last used thirty or forty years ago, and that it was formerly
a great place for taking Dunbirds. After a strong south wind
immense numbers were taken, the position of the decoy, of course,
favouring their arrival with that wind, Flight poles, he says,
were used here before they were introduced at Goldhanger. They
were like the masts and topmasts of ships: as soon as the gun was
fired, a trigger was pulled; up went the poles ; and the birds, striking
the nets, fell down into bags or pockets at the bottom. On one of

* White’s Gazetteer of Essex, published in 1848, says (26. 36) : ‘‘ There are many decoys in the
creeks by the coast for taking wild-fowl. One of the best is on Mersey Island, and is attended by
two men whose wages, with rent, repairs of nets and other expenses, amount to £300 a year.
Wild Ducks, &c., are caught in great numbers; and in a decoy at Goldhanger the fowls called
Dunbirds are exceedingly numerous.” This is copied almost word for word from Wright (//7s¢.

of Essex, i. 25.—1836), who, in his turn, seems merely to have quoted Young.
+ Mr. Hipsey died on Sept. 30th, 1889, aged 84.

DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 65

the last occasions when they were used, a waggon-load of birds was
taken. Bean was the name of the farmer who then held the decoy,
and Samuel Mussett, of West Mersea, fired the gun. Arthur Young,
who seems to have been much struck by this arrangement, is cor-
roborated by Capt. Hipsey’s statement. He says (loc. cit. ii, p.
362) :-—

“The contrivance for taking Dunbirds was new to me. At the decoy for
them near Ipswich, there are a series of very high poles, to which the nets are
attached, for taking them in their flight ; and these poles are permanent. At this
Mersea Decoy, to which this bird resorts in large quantities, as well as ducks,
the net poles are suspended when not at work.”

Speaking of this subject, Folkard (Zhe Wildfowler, 3rd Ed.
P. 95) says :-—

““To give some idea of the immense flights of Dunbirds which used to be
taken in the flight-nets at Mersea and Goldhanger, in Essex, the body of birds
has there been known to be so great that when their flight has been attempted to
be intercepted they have actually been heavier in a body than the ponderous
boxes of weights placed at the lower ends of the poles, and the consequence has
been that the birds have borne down the net and partly spoilt the fowler’s drop ;
but such is a rare occurrence, and cannot happen if the balance-boxes are
judiciously weighted. * x x

At these same decoys, the capture of Dunbirds on one or two occasions
within present memory, has been so great at a drop that a waggon and four
horses were required to remove them from the yard; and they have fallen in
such heaps on striking the net that many of those at the bottom of the pen were
taken up dead—apparently crushed or stifled by the pressure of those above.

To give a further illustration of the countless numbers of Dunbirds which
sometimes used to assemble on the Essex flight-ponds, it is a fact that the birds
have been known to resort in flights so numerous as to cover, apparently, almost
every available space of water on the pond.”

Teal also seem to have been sometimes taken here. Folkard
says (Zhe Wildfowler, 3rd Ed., p. 75) :—‘ The Essex decoys are still
famous for their supplies of Teal. A few years ago, a ‘spring’ of
400 visited a small pond at Mersea, in Essex, the greater number of
which were taken in a few hours.”

We now leave the estuary of the Blackwater and enter that of
the Colne, in which the two following are situated :—

(21.) Villa Farm Decoy lay beside the River Colne, two miles
and a half S.S.W. from Elmstead, and one mile E. from Wyvenhoe.
The pool still remains, but is almost overgrown with reeds and
willows.

(22.) Lion Point, or Wick, Decoy is on Cockett Wick
Farm in the Wick Marshes, two miles S.S.E. from St. Osyth. It

was made in 1860, but never worked.
F

66 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Proceeding now northward along the coast, we next encounter
the four following decoys lying round the inlet known as Hamford
Water.

(23.) Old Moze Hall Decoy was in Beaumont-cum-Moze
parish near the N.W. extremity of Hamford Water. The pond was
nearly circular, roo yards across, and had six pipes (now obliterated).
It was last worked in 1841. The case of Carrington zv. Taylor,
already mentioned, had reference to this decoy.

(24.) Great Oakley Hall Decoy lay at the head of Oakley
Creek, in Great Oakley parish, about 300 yards N. from the last-named.
The pool was rectangular, and about one acre in extent. ‘There were
six pipes. It has now been disused many years, but James Smith,
who acted as the last decoyman some fifty years ago, still lives (or
lately did so) at Harwich, though over eighty years old. Sir Ralph
Payne Gallwey describes him as the last of the old race of Essex decoy-
men, and he prints an interesting interview which Col. Leathes had
with him. Smith describes the enormous takes of fowl made by him-
self and his father (whose father before him had also acted as decoy-
man at this decoy) many years ago. He began work at the age of
fourteen. The largest take he ever remembers in one season was
700 dozen whole fowl—an enormous take for the size of the pond.
Supposing 300 dozen to have been half-fowl (z.e., Teal, Wigeon, Divers,
&c.), we have the following as the result of one season’s catch on a
single acre of water :—

400 dozen whole fowl . 4,800 Ducks.
600 dozen half-fowl . . 7,200 Teal, Wigeon, &c.
Total . 12,000 birds.

Mr. Smith never remembers more than 18 dozen ducks (z.e., 212
birds) being taken in one drive. The rivalry between the Smiths and
the decoyman at Old Moze Hall was so keen that both decoys
eventually had to be given up.

(25.) Horsey Island Decoy, of which the pool and six pipes
may still be seen, is in the S.E. of Horsey Island, between the
Wade and Stand Creek, close to Walton Creek. It is in Kirby-le-
Soken parish and was worked by aman named Abraham Annis
up to about fifty years ago, when it was discontinued, owing to
the difficulty of supplying it with fresh water. On the 25-inch
ordnance map it is called ‘‘ New Decoy Pond.”

DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 67

(26.) Dovercourt Decoy, one mile E. of Ramsey, on a marsh
adjoining South Hall, has not been worked for sixty years.

The four following decoys lie along the S. side of the estuary of
the River Stour, within three miles E. of Bradfield. All have been
worked within living memory, but no particulars are now obtainable.

(27.) Roydon Hall Decoy lies near Roydon Hall, S. of Stour
Wood, one mile W. of Ramsey and four miles E. of Bradfield.

(28.) The Old Decoy, or Jacques Hall Old Decoy, lay
half a mile E. of Jacques Hall, and one mile N.E. from Bradfield.
It is now dry.

(29.) Jacques Hall Decoy lay three-quarters of a mile S. of
the last-named, and one mile S.E. from Bradfield. Slight traces
only of it now remain.

(30.) Pond Hall Decoy lay half a mile E. of the last-named,
and, like it, is in the parish of Wix. Both are about a mile S. of the
River Stour. Mr. Fitch sends me the following interesting advertise-
ment (dated 1754) relating to this decoy :

““A Sober Man, either single or married, who can come well recommended,
and understands managing a DECOY POND, by enquiring at Pond-Hall in Wicks,
near Manningtree, in Essex, may hear of a Place. He will have Husbandry
Work found him after the Catching Season is over, and a House to live in, if
married.”

‘Whereas the WILD-FOWL coming and going to and from my DECoy-PoNDs
have several Times last Season been affrighted by People shooting and making
Paths through my Fields, out of the ancient Church or Foot-Paths : I give this
publick Notice, to prevent such unwarrantable Practices, that I will bring an
Action at Law against any Person who shall presume to do any Detriment to
my said Ponds for the future: And as an Encouragement to my Decoy-Man, or
any other Person who will make Discovery of any one doing me Damage in the
above Manner, or breaking my Hedges ; I do offer upon the Conviction of any one
Person, or Persons, a Reward of Two Guineas, to be paid by me.

“Tho. Hickeringill,”

(31.) Wormingford Decoy, on the S. bank of the river, three
miles W.S.W. from Nayland, is further removed from the sea than
any other Essex decoy. The pool is nine acres in extent, and is
still much visited by Wild-fowl. It is skirted by reeds and bulrushes,
and surrounded by willows and alders.*

* It is by no means improbable that other Essex decoys, now forgotten, may yet be brought to
light. For instance, Mr. Fitch has been informed of the former existence of decoys on Osey
Island and at Mundon, but can find no trace of them; while the ‘‘ Old Pool” and the “‘ New
Pool” appear on the Ordnance Maps in a detached portion of Great Stambridge parish, due
S.S.E. from Burnham.

It may be useful to point out that, as near as can be made out, the above-named decoys are
marked on the following old county maps :—

Maps in Morant’s Zssex (1768) : 6, 8, Brick House, Mundon, 12, 18, 30.

Chapman and André’s (1777) : 2 (marked but not named), 5, 7 (an old decoy), 12, 17(2), 20,
24, 25, 27.

yes

68 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

The following interesting additional information relating to
Steeple Decoy (No. 8) is extracted from an article by Mr. J. E.
Harting, entitled “An Ancient Essex Decoy,” which appeared in the
field of July 5, 1879. (vol. 54, p. 38.) Mr. Harting says :—

“Tradition only points to the place where 160 years ago a profitable business
was carried on in the:capture of Wild-fowl, chiefly Wigeon, for the London mar-
kets. Fortunately, however, for those who at the present day take an interest in
such matters, the Essex yeoman who constructed this decoy, being a business-like
man, took the trouble to write down the cost of its construction, and for thirteen
years kept a strict account of the numbers of Wild-fowl captured by him, and of
the prices they realised. This curious MS., which is contained in a small folio
volume, bound in vellum, was written between the years 1713 and 1727, and by
the favour ofthe present owner, Mr. Robert Smith, of Maldon, is now before me.*
The decoy in question was situated in Canney Marsh, just behind Steeple
Church, and rather more than half-way between Maldon and Tillingham. It
was originally constructed in 1713, but in 1721, the owner, evidently finding it to
be a source of considerable profit, went to some expense in enlarging it ; and it
would appear that when the pond was dug out it was first filled by pumping from
Steeple Creek, but was subsequently supplied from a well which was sunk at
what now appears an insignificant outlay, £10, but which probably represents
about £50 ofour money. As affording a good illustration of the prices paid for
material and labour in the days of Queen Anne, the first page of this MS. is not
without interest, and we here transcribe it verbatim et literatim.”

AN ACCT. OF THE CHARGE OF MAKEING THE DUCKOY POND UPPON
CANNEY MARSH, BY ME JOHN COOCH, 1713.

Bot. 23 of rope yarn : é . 2 : 02 . 00. 00
Bot. reed and broom : ; : F : 08 . 16 . 00
Bot. one barrl of tarr ‘ 5 ‘ s A Ol). O58 s800
Bot. netts and twine : 5 ; ; : CY) GOR 5 Cla)
Bot. piles : : : : : : F TZ LOM-On!

Bot. 1660 poles. : ; ; ; c
Pd. for diggin the pond and the 4 pipes . : (Oh 20) 6 (le)
Pd. Thayers for a pump and filling the pond , LG. Ol GO
Pd. for 120 rod of ditching about ye pond. 23 205". 100
Pd. Thos. Peach, duckoyman at Tilling-
ham for his judgement and trouble in 26 . 13 . 06
setting out the pond : . : : j

Totall . : - 2) Olu wr!

Emanuel Bowen’s (about 1778) : 6, Brick House, Mundon, 12, 30.

Jobn Cary’s (1801) : 12, 20, 25.

Greenwood’s (1824) : 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19 (marked but not named) 20, 24, 25 (marked
but not named),

An Early Proof Ordnance (early in century) : 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20,243 3, 14 and 24
(marked but not named).

* Mr. E. A. Fitch, to whom the discovery of this interesting MS. was originally due, informs
me that it has now been lost sight of and is probably destroyed.

DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. 69

AN ACCT. OF THE CHARGE OF MAKEING THE DUCKOY POND UPPON
CANNEY MARSH LARGER, BY ME JoHN COOCH, 1721.

pat a) Sos. =" id,

Pd. for removing of a bank and diging y* new
part of y® pond ; : :

Pd. for makeing 3 newpipes . : .

Pd. for 600 of poles

Pd. for 300 of piles . : :

PdStoritan! —- 7 ° .

Edjtormetts -

Pd. for 200 bolts of reed pce car alee

Pd. for rope yarn .

Pd. for makeing y® well and A A® new
pump and materials for y® mill

\O

Rip ety
fe)
[e)
{e)
{e)

H
fe)
e)
(e)
(e)
(e)

1721 Totall : 5 LEiBIo) 5 CL WD)
1713 Totall C a PSIG 5 MIE 5 Oi

Infall ee A LEO inl 2 oy

‘“The decoy was completed and ready for use by September, 1714; and on
the 3rd of that month the result of the first day’s take by ‘Jos. Woodward,
Duckoyman ’ is set down as Duck 8, Teal 4, and ‘ Wiggin’ 54—in all 66 birds.
The decoy season for the first year lasted from September to January inclusive
during which period there were captured 675 Ducks, 347 Teal, 46‘ Pyntail,’ and
6296 ‘Wiggin’; in all 7364 birds,:in the following proportions :—

Ducks Teal Pintail Wiggin
Sept. 39 81 9 3,907
Oct. 26 19 I 1,899
Nov. 185 92 3 244
Dec, 219 103 10 153
Jan. 206 52 20 93

675 347 46 6,296

“Then follows the entry, ‘Sold to Mr. Neptune this year’s whild-fowll at
gs. 6d. per doz. £150.’ * « » Had the owner sold all the birds taken at gs. 6d.
per dozen, he might have paid the cost of constructing the decoy out of the first
year’s proceeds and had a balance in hand of £115. This shows what a profit-
able source of income in those days a decoy was when properly managed.”

“Tn glancing at the table last given, several points of interest aresuggested. In
the first place it appears that by far the larger number of fowl akeui in Essex at
that date were Wigeon. In the next place it seems that the greater body of these
birds arrived in autumn, before the cold weather had set in, and that after Novem-
ber comparatively few were taken. The Ducks and Teal, on the other hand, did
not appear in force till mid-winter, while ‘ Pyntails ’ were always scarce and irregu-
lar in their appearance. These conclusions are not based merely on the returns
of the first year, 1714, but are borne out by the returns of subsequent years. In
1716, the price paid for wild-fowl thus captured rose to Ios. and in the following
year to Ios. 6d. per dozen, the purchaser being ‘Jno. Deal.’ In 1718, ‘ Joseph

70 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Woodward’ ceased to be ‘Duckoyman,’ and in his stead one ‘ Ben Carter’ was.
employed ; but either he was not so skilful as his predecessor, or wild-fowl were
never afterwards so plentiful. He never succeeded in taking more than 4,500:
Wigeon in a season (this was in 1722}, while Woodward never took less than
5,200 of these birds, and once captured 6,296 in five months. The months of
December, 1718, and January, 1719, were, so to say, singularly unproduc(s/tive..
During the former month, the decoy was worked only’on two days, the 22nd and
the 30th, when only 40 birds, all Ducks, were taken. In January four days’ work
only produced 53 Ducks and 12 Wigeon. » » * In 1721 the price of wild-fowl rose
to I2s. per dozen. x x * The following year, Deal gave 12s. per dozen to
Michaelmas, and 14s. per dozen from that date to the end of the season.”

“Tn 1723, the price from Mr. Wm. Foster was 16s. per dozen, and in 1725-6
Messrs. Darnoll and Basset paid the same price. With the close of this
season the MS, ends, and we are left in ignorance as to whether the decoy
was then given up, or whether the owner died and it changed hands, or
what its fate was. It would be interesting to know when and why it was finally
abandoned. * « x To judge by the following summary, which we copy from the
last page of the MS. (which is all in the same handwriting) it would appear as
if one reason for giving up the decoy was the gradual falling off in numbers of
the fowl observable during the last three years in which it was worked, or at least the

‘last three years in which an account has been preserved, and the consequent fall-
ing off in profits, which dwindled from £81 to £69, and eventually to £33 only,
but no reasons for this decrease are given.”

AN ACCOUNT OF WILD FOWL KETCHT ATT STEEPLE DUCKOY.
Ducks Teal Pyntail Wiggin Doz. Burds H.Burds £ Ss: d.

1714 675 347 46 6266 = 339 II fo) 150 * 00 ° CO
1715 449 518 Z 6088 = 308 fo) fe) 143 * O04 * O4
1716 392 154. 15 5817 =295 8 fo) TAY MOA SO?
TE Ie 329 30 I 5207 =248 5 I TZONNOSE OO
1718 193 40 6 3138=149 10 I 7S L392 108
1719 207 14 2 $25= 52 II I 27 Ts ee OO
1720 81 07 fe) 2789=118 I I 62) 3G0n-02
1721 267 24. 3 3317 =158 fo) fo) 94 - 16 * oO
1722 568 17 8 4514=239 2 I LOAN USE OS
1723 449 70 7 3260=175 3 I T42) i. OS 08:
1724 498 145 4 1306=102 3 fo) Sia aatOneNGo
1725 202 19 4 1671= 87 4 I 69 - 18 * co
1726 266 II fe) 449= 4I 7 fo) 83500) O0
1714-26 4576 1396 138 44,677=2316 8 I LLU RAD i Gh

* From this it appears that the reckoning was kept in !dozens, birds and “ half-birds,” just as.
it might be in pounds, shillings and pence. Thus in the thirteen years in question no less than
50,787 birds were taken, or an average of about 3,907 a year. But of these only 4,714 (the Ducks
and Pintails) were ‘‘ whole birds,” giving 393 dozen and 10 birds over. The remaining 46,073
birds (the Teal and Wigeon) were only “‘ half birds,” giving 1,919 dozen and 8 birds and 1 “ half’
bird” over, or a total of 2,312 dozen, 6 birds and x half bird, as shown above, allowing for a
slight error in calculation somewhere. In the Ashby Decoy, South Lincolnshire, from 1833--4 to.
1867--8 were captured : Wild Duck, 48,664 ; Teal, 44,568; Wigeon, 2,or9 ; Shoveller, 285 ; Pintail,
278 ; Gadwall, 22. Total 95, 836, an average of 2,74 birds per annum for the thirty-five years (see
Field vol. xxxii. p. 73). Thomas Pennant records 31,200 Ducks having been sent to London in
one season from ten decoys, near Wainfleet, Lincolnshire (B77tishk Zoology, vol. ii. p. 595).

DECOYS AND WILD-FOWLING IN ESSEX. wh:

“From this table it appears that the amount realised by the sale of wild fowl
during thirteen years was £1,326 Is. 6d. or an average of £102 per annum,
“Half Burds” such as Golden Eyes and Tufted Ducks have, it will be observed,
a column to themselves. They were regarded as only half the size of ordinary
Wild Ducks, reckoned at half the value, and were not counted in the dozen. It
would seem that nearly all the Ducks and Teal taken in this decoy were
foreigners, and not home-bred birds ; for it is remarkable that during the months
of August and September, before the large migrating flocks had arrived, compara-
tively few were captured, which would scarcely have been the case had these birds
nested in any numbers in the surrounding marshes.

Mr. John Cordeaux gives the following additional particulars
from this old MS. book, in the /e/d for April 6th, 1878 :—

“In one year (1715), taking commenced as early as August 25th, and from
this time to the end of the month 8 Duck, 96 Teal, 1 Pintail, and 544 Wigeon
were taken. 1716 also appears to have been an early season for Wigeon, the
decoy commencing work on August 24, and before the end of the month 7 Duck
9 Teal,.5 Pintail, and 538 Wigeon were captured. The best year of the thirteen
was 1714. The best months were Sept., 1714—39 Duck, 81 Teal, 9 Pintail, 3,907
Wigeon. Also Sept., 1717—12 Duck, 8 Teal, 1 Pintail, and 3,440 Wigeon.

“Some of the best days were as follows: September, 20th, 1714—1 Duck,
20 Teal, 785 Wigeon. September 23rd, 1715—7 Teal, 1 Pintail, 478 Wigeon,
October 7th, 1715—6 Teal, 4 Pintail, 512 Wigeon. October 14th—2 Teal,
1 Duck, 490 Wigeon. October 18th—1 Teal, 1 Duck, 1 Pintail, 537 Wigeon.
August 23, 1716—3 Teal, 548 Wigeon. September 16, 1717—702 Wigeon and
384 on previous day. The immense number of 44,677 Wigeon, taken in this
decoy during thirteen years, are divided between the months in the following
proportion : 1714 to 1726—August, 1,085 ; September, 15,897 ; October, 18,671 ;
November, 7,655 ; December, 1,085 ; January, 275 ; February,9. These figures
are very curious, as they show at a glance that the great captures of Wigeon were
made in September and October. This is exactly the opposite to the case in the
present day. The best months for Wigeon on our Eastern coast now are January,
February and also March, a period during a greater part of which the old decoys
were closed altogether. « * *

“A correspondent, the owner of a decoy in one of the Eastern counties [this
was Mr. Robert Page, of Down Hall, Bradwell], writes: ‘Of every hundred
Wigeon taken in our decoy [Marsh House, Tillingham], 30 are killed in January,
20 in December, 19 in February, 19 in November, 7 in October, 4 in March, and
I in September. This is the average of fair seasons. During the same time we
have had the greatest number in the decoy in January, and the months follow in
the following order: February, December, November, October, March, September.
In one year we had four Wigeon in the decoy in August. In some seasons none
have arrived until October; and in one year we had the greatest number on
February 26th.”

Many more interesting facts relating to this now-almost-defunct
Essex industry, in addition to those given above, would doubtless

reward a little painstaking research, and the subject is well worthy
of further attention.

A CATALOGUE

OF

THE -BiR DS ES Sika

Order PASSERES.
Family TURDIDA.

Mistle Thrush: TZurdus viscivorus. Locally, “Mavis”
(Orsett).
A common resident in all districts.

Round Orsett, it is always known as the “ Mavis ” (Sackett), 2 name which in
other parts of Essex and elsewhere, is usually reserved for the Song Thrush.

Song Thrush: Zurdus musicus. Locally, “Mavis.”

An abundant resident.

Ray, writing to Dr. Lister, on April 4th, 1676, says (Phzlosophical Letters, p. 137),
thrushes were then called “‘ Me-
visses ” in Essex, and he be-
lieves elsewhere. From this it
would appear that the name,
which is now seldom heard
except in the north of Eng-
land, was then more general.

“abundant in the autumn, but
almost absent in mid-winter ”
(Buxton—47. 85). In the
Audley End Collection (24)
is a white variety which lived
for some time in the aviary
there and died in 1847. On
May oth, 1878, Mr. R. W.
Christy found a nest containing two eggs at Boynton Hall, built in the driving-
wheel of a corn mill which had been a only five days pepe Among the many
strange sites for birds’ nests which have been recorded the following, taken from
the Chelmsford Chronicle of May 23rd, 1879, deserves mention :—

“ At the Mistley Railway Station, a break-van is kept for the purpose of

SONG THRUSH, 4.

(After Bewick.)

TURDIDZ—THRUSHES. 73

breaking trucks down the incline on to the quay, a distance of half-a-mile. This
van, when not in use, is kept at the top of the incline, but it is left on the quay
daily for several hours, during which time it is shunted about various sidings.
On the beam underneath the floor of the van, a pair of Thrushes have built their
nest and laid three eggs. About two years since a Blackbird and his mate built
their nest in the same place and hatched their young ” (see p. 74).

Redwing: TZurdus iliacus.

A common winter visitor, especially abundant in severe winters.

Mr. Buxton says (47. 85) :-—

“Large numbers roost in the denser thickets [in Epping Forest] during
hard winters, especially when there is a good supply of holly and other
berries. At sunset they come trooping in from all quarters, and sweep round
the trees in graceful flight before settling down for the night in the lower brush-
wood.”

Henry Doubleday, writing to Mr. Heysham in Nov., 1831, says (10): “I
have now alive a Redwing I got last January, and in August it moulted ; but
instead of the usual colours, it has become a perfect d/ack.”

Fieldfare: Zurdus pilaris. Locally, “‘ Felf,” “ Felfer,” ‘ Jack-
bird,” “ Pigeon-felt ” (E.A.F.) and “ Felty-fare” (E.A.F.)

A common winter visitor, cspecially during severe seasons, some-
times remaining until the
beginning or middle of
May. It usually arrives
about the middle of Sep-
tember, but the Rev. G.
H. Raynor records seeing x
a flock of twenty-five at Sut:
Woodham Mortimer on
September 6th, 1880, a
date so unusually early as
to suggest the idea that the
birds seen were Mistle

Thrushes (29. Oct. B:): FIELDFARE, (4.
(After Bewick.)

Writing from Epping in July, 1834, Henry Doubleday says (10): “The
Fieldfare stopped here very late. I saw vast flocks on the roth and 11thof May.”
The following spring was very late and cold, and they seem to have again stayed
late, as Doubleday writes that they “remained in vast flocks until the third
week in May.” On April 15th, 1888, I saw a flock of twenty at Good Easter,
Mr. Grubb says (39) that it “continues with us [at Sudbury] very late in the
spring, and is sometimes seen in the middle of May.” In 1843, it remained
at Layer Marney until almost the end of May (Rev. John Atkinson—23. 355).
Mr. Joseph Clarke, writing (24) of the neighbourhood of Saffron Walden about
1845, says that it is “more or less common most seasons.” He also notes the
“occurrence of a specimen in very dark plumage at Debden on April 28th, 1839.
There is also in the Museum at Saffron Walden a curious variety of this species,
shot at that place many years ago. The whole of the head and the upper part of

74 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

the back are white, with a few coloured feathers intermixed ; lower part of back
much lighter than usual ; upper tail-coverts nearly white ; tail feathers as usual,.
except that two on each side and one near the middle, are white; under parts
white, except for a few coloured feathers on the throat and the usual darkly-
marked feathers on the sides of the breast ; wing-coverts and secondaries mostly
white, also a few of the primaries ; iegs and bill lighter than usual.

There is no really-reliable evidence that the Fieldfare has ever yet bred in
this country, though not a few more or less unsatisfactory instances have been
from time to time recorded. For instance, Dr. Bree has recorded (29. June 12
and 18, 1869, & 34. 1864), what he regards as a “‘well-attested and proved
case” of the Fieldfare nesting and rearing young in the grounds of the.
rectory at Alresford in 1869. The nest was built in the lower fork of the
boughs of a medlar-tree on the lawn, The gardener was certain that the-
birds using the nest were not Mistle Thrushes, but further corroborative
evidence is wanting. It was afterwards sent to Dr. Bree, and I have seen it
in his collection, now in Mr. Harwood’s possession. It is constructed exter--
nally of birch and fir twigs, also of moss, coarse bents, and a few roots, lined
with fine grass ‘and moss, which are the usual components of the nest of the
Mistle Thrush.

Blackbird: Zurdus merula.

An abundant resident. There are good reasons for believing
g, that this species occasionally in-
#y terbreeds with the Song Thrush
ina state of nature. It varies
greatly in number from time to.
time. Mr. Parsons records (35)
an invasion of Blackbirds on New
England Island, in October, 1836,
almost every hedge being full of
them for a week or two. White
or pied varieties are rather fre-.

WY quent.
SAS The following curious circumstance
BLACKBIRD, /emale, 4. is recorded in the Essex County Chron-
icle for June Ioth, 1887 :—

“While two local constables [at Bradwell-on-Sea] were consulting for a few
minutes the other morning, a blackbird settled on the helmet of one of them,
where it remained some little time. It then flew on to a gate only a couple of
yards off and sang splendidly for ten minutes without showing the slightest sign
of fear.”

The following also appears in the same paper for May Ist, 1877 :—

“There is a break-van at Mistley Station, which is used for the purpose of
‘breaking down’ trucks to the quay, a distance of half-a-mile. This is used two.
or three times a day, and is frequently left on the quay two hours before being
brought back to the siding in the yard. On the framework underneath the van,
a Blackbird and his mate have built their nest, and the latter is now sitting upon
four eggs, regardless of the frequent journeys to and fro.”

On April 24th, 1878, Mr. F. G. Marriage found a nest containing four-
fresh eggs at Springfield, built in the centre of a thousand-head cabbage...

TURDIDZ—THRUSHES. 75

In the middle of January, 1851, a nest containing one egg was found near
Southend (28. ii. 84), and on July 31st, 1881, I found a very late brood still .
in the nest near here.

Albin figures an adult male, very much pied on the head, neck, breast, and
wing-coverts, which he says (3. 1. 35 & ii. 34) was sent him “by Sir Robert
Abdy out of Essex.” In the Saffron Walden Museum is a variety shot at
Wenden by Mr. Salmon. It has the throat striped much like a Thrush,
the breast much lighter than usual and a good deal marked with arrow-head-
shaped spots. Another specimen, a mature male, killed at Saffron Walden, has
a white spot behind each eye,ia white throat, and a patch of white joining
that on the throat and half encircling’ the neck. In general appearance, this
bird is strikingly like a Ring Ouzel. Another mature male from Bard
field has part of the crown white; while a young male (?) from Chrishall is
entirely white, except for a few scattered feathers on the breast and back and.
most of the primaries and inner tail-feathers, which are normal. On December
26th, 1875, I saw one with a white wing at Chignal St. James, and, curiously
enough, on December 26th, 1876, exactly a year later, another at Broomfield with
part of its right wing white. About a week before, my father saw, beside the
high road at High Easter, a pure white bird, which he had no doubt was a variety
of this species. A white specimen was taken from a nest near Leigh in May
1877, and another was hatched, with several normally-coloured ones, in a nest at
Shelley, in 1888 (Zssex Chron., June 15th.).

Ring Ouzel: Zurdus torquatus.
A rather uncommon passing migrant in spring and autumn,

——_

when on its way to
and from its breed-
ing grounds on the
moors of the north
and west of England.
A few are recorded
in most seasons, usu-
ally during April or
October: On, one
occasion it has been
known to breed in
the county, but its
doing so is quite
exceptional.

Henry Doubleday,
writing to Heysham in
1831, says (10) that at
Epping it “is only now and then seenin spring and autumn.” He afterwards men-
tions (10) killing a young male with a very indistinct ring, at Epping, in Oct.»
1832, He also says (10) on Oct. 2Ist, 1836, “As I was riding to Chelmsford
yesterday, I saw a Ring Ouzel feeding on a haw-bush.” Later still he writes
(10), “ About the middle of April [1842], I killed a fine Ring Ouzel on an oak-.
tree in the forest.” On May 3rd, 1840, he writes (10) :—

RING OUZEL, male, \%.

76 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

‘Last week several Ring Ouzels were seen here, and one or two killed, but
I was not able to get one myself. My brother Edward saw a pair on a warren
about four miles from us, about a week since. I went to look after them by
eee next morning, hoping to be able to shoot them, but I could not find
them.”

A few days later he notes killing ‘a remarkably fine female, at some gravel-
pits in the forest, about a mile off” (23.13). One also frequented Doubleday’s
garden, at Epping, during the first week of Nov. 1871 (34. 2942). At Epping,
Edward Doubleday wrote in 1835 (15), that they were “seen only at the time of
their equatorial and polar migrations.” ‘“QOne was seen in the spring of 1884
by the River Roding” ‘(Buxton—47. 85). There is in the Saffron Walden
Museum a young bird shot at Littlebury on April 27th, 1836. Mr. Clarke (24)
mentions two others shot at Audley End, on Aug. roth, 1836 and April 28th,
1839, respectively. He adds the remark, ‘One, sometimes two, taken most
seasons.” Round Harwich it is “ occasionally seen during the spring and autumn
migrations.” Two were seen (40, v. 26) on Oct. Io, 1880 (Kerry), Four were
shot by Mr. Catchpool, of Feering Bury, in 1857 (C. E. Smith—31. 53). One
was seen ‘by a keeper close to this house about the middle of April, 1877. Mr.
Hope says it is not uncommon, during migration, at Marshall’s Park, Romford.
Mr, Lister (40. 442) saw a fine male in a garden near Wanstead Park, on Sept.
Sth, 1877, and another cock about ten years previously at West Ham.
One was seen at Hylands, Widford, on April 14th, 1878. In 1883, Mr. Stacey, of
Dunmow, showed me one shot shortly before near Stanstead. Mr. Parsons (35)
records one shot near Scuthchurch in 1850, and in his collection are specimens
from near Shoebury. Mr. Joseph Clarke tells me that a female, weighing 41 oz.,
with a bare breast, was shot at the Roos, in Oct.1878.

The only reliable record of its having bred in the county is the following,
though Yarrell says (14. i. 207) that “from the circumstance of a specimen
having been shot early in the month of August, 1836, near Saffron Walden
[see above] it was conjectured the bird had been:bred in that neighbour-
hood” :—Mr. C. E. Bishop, of Wickham, found a nest with four eggs, built
almost upon the ground, about a foot from the edge of a ditch, and a few yards
from the edge of the Blackwater, in that parish, on May toth, 1879. The hen
only was seen, and she was sitting (40. iii. 267).

Wheatear : Saxicola enanthe.

Best known in Essex as a passing migrant in spring and autumn
(especially the former), though
it breeds commonly along our
sea-coast at Maldon, Burn-
ham, Brightlingsea, Walton,
Shoebury and _— elsewhere.
I have never known it breed
in the inland parts of the
county, except occasionally
near Saffron Walden, where
the hilly and chalky country
is exactly suited to its habits.
It often arrives early in March,

WHEATEAR, wale,

oN

TURDIDA—CHATS. 77

and remains till September. In 1888, Mr. Walter Crouch observed
one at Barking-Side as early as March r1th (50. ii. 53).

Mr. Joseph Clarke, writing of the Saffron Walden district in 1845, says (24)
it then bred there occasionally, though not commonly. He notes the occurrence
of a very beautiful white specimen at Newport in May, 1843; it was then in the
possession of one Watson, a tailor, there. I saw a pair, probably breeding, at
Saffron Walden, in the beginning of May, 1880. W. D. King describes it (20) as
“ not very uncommon” around Sudbury. Lindsey, writing from Harwich in 1851,
says (27. App. 57), it “arrives:in great numbers here in spring.” Mr. Kerry says
it is now scarce there during the breeding season, but is very common when on
migration. Ed. Doubleday says (15) he had met with it at Epping, meaning
probably when on migration, for his brother wrote on May igth, 1841 (10), ‘‘ The
Wheatear never breeds about us,” and Mr. Buxton speaks of it (47. 91) as only “a
passing visitor [to Epping Forest] inspring and autumn.” Round Orsett, it never
breeds, but is common on migration about the end of March and end of August
(Sackett). In the Paglesham district, Mr. J. F. T. Wiseman informs me that it is
common. Lieut. Legge, writing in 1865, from South Shoebury, says (23. 9837) :—

“This handsome bird is very plentiful [here], frequenting the flat wastes
and uncultivated lands. They build here in the holes between dry sods or
in deserted rabbit burrows. The young birds of the year are very plentiful on
the marshes in August, and may be seen in all directions, perched on some
stone or clod, bowing and cocking their tails.”

Mr. Hope has noticed young birds on the coast on June 17th. On Aug. 18th,
1881, Mr. Kerry shot, at Ramsey, a curious variety, having about it a good deal
ofwhite. Mr. J. H. Gurney, junr., who has seen the specimen, pronounces it to
be of this species.

Whinchat : Pratincola rubetra. Locally, ‘“ Furzechat.”

A regular, though rather local, summer visitor, coming to us about
the middle of April, and leaving again early in October. It is most
commonly seen at the times —
of its migration, but is fairly
abundant during summer on
some of our furze-covered
commons, and nests, not
very rarely, in meadows and
cultivated fields throughout
the county.

Henry Doubleday, writing to
Heysham in Noy., 1831, says (10)
that it was then numerous in
Epping Forest, but in Sept.,
1839, he writes (10), it ‘‘ has been
so remarkably scarce here this WHINCHAT, male, %.
year that I do not think I have seen half a dozen all round this neighbour-
hood.” Again, in May, 1843, he wrote (23. 222), ‘Although in former years
one of our most abundant visitors, for the last two or three seasons [it] has
been very scarce. I have not seen more than one or two pairs anywhere in the
neighbourhood this spring.” In the Forest, Mr. Buxton now speaks of it (47. 91)

78 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

“as “a summer visitor breeding in the furze-bushes.” Around Saffron Walden, Mr.
Clarke wrote (24), about 1845, that it bred occasionally. King says (20) it is
common at Sudbury. Round Harwich it is scarce, though it breeds there (Kerry)
At Orsett, it is uncommon (Sackett), Henry Doubleday says (10) that in 1832,
he saw, in a collection at Colchester, “a snow-white specimen which had been
obtained near there.”

Stonechat: Pratincola rubicola. Locally, ‘ Furzechat,” and

“* Blackcap.”

Chiefly a summer visitor, though partially resident, as some
remain throughout the winter.
It breeds commonly on Ling-
wood, Danbury, Mill Green,
Fryerning, and other furze-
covered commons through
out the county.

Henry Doubleday, writing in
“ Noy., 1831, to T. C. Heysham,
AEF if Hie, “<a says (10) it “used to abound .on
cf aan oa the furze bushes by the sides of the
S_f Bil CANN forest, but, what is very singular,
; it:has within the last three years
totally disappeared.” Ina later let-
ter (Aprili15th, 1833), he says (10) :
“T forget if I ever mentioned to you the total disappearance of the Stonechat
from us. About six years since it was very common, but for the last three
years I have not seen one, and have only a bad specimen of the male.” The
same thing has been observed elsewhere. Round Epping it is now “ much
more abundant than the Whinchat ; breeds on the open forest; a few remain
throughout the year” (Buxton—47. 91). Round Saffron Walden it bred
occasionally (about 1845), like its cousin the Whinchat, but was not common
(Clarke—24). King says (20) it is common at Sudbury. At Orsett, it is
“far more abundant than the Whinchat, especially in furze-covered districts,
such as Mucking Heath and Orsett Heath, where it resides (Sackett). Round
Harwich it is common and breeds (Kerry). During a spell of cold weather
about the middle of March, 1883, Mr. Travis received one (a female or young
bird) shot near Walden. On Dec. 4th, 1879, I saw a female between here and
Chelmsford, but comparatively few remain with us through the winter.

» +
SSaiyle

STONECHAT, wale in summer, V4.

Redstart: Ruticilla phenicurus. Locally, “ Firetail.”

A regular summer visitor, though rather uncommon, at least in the
inland parts of the county. Its arrival may usually be looked for
about the middle of April, when for a short time the birds are much
more numerous than during summer. It breeds sparingly in all parts
of the county, I believe, and used to do so, if it does not now,
abundantly near Shoebury.

TURDIDA—REDSTARTS. 79

Writing from Epping in 1832, Henry Doubleday ‘says (10): “The Redstart
has arrived this year in immense numbers, I never saw half so many before.” A
little latter herldescribes it (10)
as “more abundant than I ever
knew it before. The forest liter-
ally swarms with them. Some
females {[were] sitting on the
last day of April.” Mr. Buxton
says (47.90) it isnow “ frequent
in‘summer and a great ornament ©
to our Forest.” Mr. Clarke de-
scribes it (24) as “‘common in
summer’’ round Saffron Wal-
den, King says (20) ‘it was REDSTART, wale, 4.

“common” at Sudbury in his (After Bewick.)

time {(184°), and Mr. Grubb includes it (39) in his list of Sudbury birds.
Round Harwich, Mr. Kerry says a few breed; he adds that they were very
common during the autumn migration in 1888. After the excavations in 1878,
at the site of the supposed Saxon cemetery in the grounds of the late Mr. George
Stacey Gibson, at Saffron Walden, when nearly two hundred skeletons were dis-
covered, a Redstart made its nest and reared four young in one of the skulls during
the time it remained exposed. Access to the,interior was obtained through the eye
orbit. The skull and nest, which Ihave seen, are still in the possession of Mrs. Gib-
son (34. 5042 & 5116). Lieut, Vincent Legge, R.A., writing from South Shoe-
bury in 1865, says (23. 9836): “ This bird is very plentiful about here, frequenting
particularly those parts where the pollard willows most abound, « * * I never
saw them so plentiful in any part of England, and most probably it is on account
of the numbers of these trees, which line the’ ditches in the marshy districts
that are so common here,” and for which he says they have a special predilec-
tion. In 1865 their eggs were laid “for the most part by the last week in April.”

Black Redstart: Auticlla titys.

A regular, though uncommon, winter visitor to the extreme south-
west of England but rare
and occasional elsewhere.
I only know of its having
occurred twice or thrice in
Essex. A recorded instance
of its having bred in the
county is, I am satisfied,
wholly erroneous.”

Mr. Kerry records one (40.
iii. 306) shot at Ramsey on April
14th, 1879, and he informs me of
another seen at Dovercourt in
December, 1887. The Rev, H. BLACK REDSTART, 7ale, 4.

* Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant has recorded (40. 390 & 50. ii. 192 & 256) this more than doubtful

80 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

A. Macpherson remembers seeing at Burton’s in Wardour Street, some years ago,
a very good specimen killed in Essex. On March 31st, 1889, whilst walking in
company with several other gentlemen, on the top of the cliffs, a little to the north of
Walton-on-the-Naze, I several times obtained a view of an undoubted specimen (29.
April 6). Mr. Ambrose has preserved specimens from Brightlingsea and Harwich,

Red-spotted Blue-throat : Cyanecula suecica.

A rare spring and autumn straggler to Britain, of which I
have only a single record in
Essex. There are two, if not
three, forms of this species
—the one here mentioned
(which alone has _ been
proved to visit Britain), and
a White-spotted race or sub-
species.*

Mr. Hope informs me that his
We keeper at Felixstowe has seen it
se near Harwich and has described
it unmistakably to him. It is not
unlikely to have occurred in the
BLUE-THROAT, zae, yy, county on previous occasions,

SSD)

\ yy)

}
Ups

Robin or Red-breast: L7ithacus rubecula.
An abundant and very familiar resident.

W. D. King states (20) that a Robin in his brother’s garden at Sudbury
“ caught the scream of the Starling, which it imitated at times so exactly as to

instance of its breeding in Essex. The nest in question was built in May, 1888, in a hole, four or
five feet from the ground, in an ivy-covered oak-tree standing a few yards from the door of the
dairy at Danbury Palace. It was first discovered by some village boys, who ultimately caused the
bird to forsake. Before this, however, it was watched by the Hon. Mrs. Ronald Campbell, who
twice saw the bird fly off—‘‘a dark-coloured bird with a red tail.” That lady subsequently pre-
sented the nest and two of the four eggs which it originally contained to the Natural History
Museum, South Kensington, where they are still preserved. I have inspected both the nest and
eggs, and in my opinion they are undoubtedly those of a Rodix. The white variety of the eggs
of this bird may almost be called common, and I have repeatedly either taken or heard of such in
this district. ‘The nest is composed externally of dead hazel and oak leaves, the interior being
constructed of bents, fine roots, and skeletonized leaves, lined with fine grass and a very little hair.
I consider it a typical Robin’s nest in all respects, except that it contains no moss, while the
site, which I have seen, is also exactly what one might expect a Robin to select. The two eggs
which have been preserved differ much in size. ‘The larger, and normal, one measures ‘8 by
*6 of an inch, almost exactly, these being the average dimensions of Robins’ eggs. The other
egg is very much smaller, and is evidently an abnormal egg, such as might be expected from a
weak or injured Robin, laying colourless unspotted eggs. _I feel confident that the nest is that of
a Robin, and that the ‘‘ dark-coloured bird with a red tail,” which Mrs. Campbell thought she
saw leave the nest, was a Redstart, with a nest somewhere in the immediate vicinity. The breed-
ing of the Black Redstart in England has been several times recorded on very doubtful grounds,
but never yet satisfactorily established.

* The accompanying cut represents the White-spotted form of this bird, which is known as
C. wolfi, and prevails in Central and Southern Europe.

TURDIDAZ—ROBIN. SI

frequently deceive me, There is every year a nest of Starlings close by.”
Mr. W. Pamplin, = SS =
of Whip’s Cross :
Nursery, records
(29) having found
a Robin’s nest con-
taining five eggs,
in the bottom of a
haystack there on B=
Nov. 12th, 1884.
“S. E. W.” writ-
ing from Black-
more on April
22nd, 1867, says
(Essex Chron. ):—
“ The Robin
Redbreasts have
again this year put
in an appearance
in Blackmore
Church. At the
present time the

happy little’couple ROBIN, %.

have built their .
nest and deposited six eggs therein, in the reading-desk, underneath the Bible,
notwithstanding the repeated attempts to prevent them from doing so, the sexton’s
wife having pulled the nest to pieces several
times. Some few years ago, no doubt, you
will remember a similar occurrence. The
eggs were then hatched, which will probably
be the case again.”

Pure white eggs are by no means uncom-
mon, especially late in the summer. In 1876,
two nests containing such eggs were taken
about the premises here, and on June 22nd,
1877, ] took a nest withtwo pure white and
two very slightly spotted eggs on a bank about |
half a mile away. On July 12th following I |
found two more white eggs in a nest not far

from the first. One nest containing white eggs | | ‘
was recently recorded as that of a Black Red- ;
start (g.v.). In 1876, a nest was constructed on “ROBIN, young, 14.

the top ofa clock in the parlour ofa dwelling-house at Stanford Rivers, access being
obtained by the door and window. The nest was unfortunately destroyed (34).
Mr. Sackett writes: ‘‘ During the winter, a year or two back, a Robin became very
tame. Ile entered my bedroom every day by the open window and fought him-
self in the looking-glass.” Swainson, alluding to the common belief that it is un-
lucky to destroy a Robin’s nest, quotes the following as an Essex saying (48. 16) :—
“The Robin and the Redbreast,

The Robin and the Wren,

If ye take out of their nest,
Ye'll never thrive again.

82 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

The Robin and the Redbreast,
The Martin and the Swallow,

If ye touch one of their eggs,
Bad luck will surely follow.”

Nightingale : Dazlias luscinia.

A common summer visitor, especially abundant, I think, in the
Epping Forest and Saffron
Walden districts. It is ge-
nerally first heard about
April 15th, though in 1878,
it is said (but almost cer-
tainly erroneously) to have
been heard at Bridge Hall,
Stisted, on February roth
(Chelmsford Chron., Feb.
15). In 1879, Mr. Har
wood heard it at West
Bergholt on April 7th, the
earliest date he had ever heard it (29. Apr. 12), while Dr. Bree
records one (34. 454) heard singing near Colchester as late as
August 9th, 1866. The males arrive several days before the females.

Mr. Grubb writes (39), ‘We have a nest almost every year in our garden
{at Sudbury], and generally see the young birds after they leave the nest. They
are foolishly tame, sometimes coming into the wash-house, and suffering them-
selves to be caught.” Mr. Buxton says (47. 8g) it is ‘‘ well distributed over our
district. « » « In the spring of 1858, an old Leytonstone bird-catcher caught
thirty-four about the avenues.”

Morant says (Hist. of Essex, i. p. 59) that Havering was

“an ancient retiring-place of some of our Saxon kings, particularly of that
simple saint, Edward the Confessor, who took eles in it as being woody
and solitary, fit for his private devotions. The legend says it abounded with
warbling nightingales ; that they disturbed him at his prayers ; and he earnestly
desired of God their absence. Since which time, as the credulous neighbouring
swains believe, never nightingale was heard to sing in the park, but [as] many
without the pales as in other places.”

NIGHTINGALE, ¥%.
(After Bewick.)

Lesser Whitethroat: Sylvia curruca.

A fairly common summer visitor, arriving about the middle of
April and leaving again about the beginning of September. It is
most often seen at the time of the spring migration, but breeds with
us in fair numbers, though it is at all times less abundant than the
Common Whitethroat.

Hy. Doubleday, writing: to Heysham in 1831, says (10) that at Epping it is
‘equally common with the larger one, and much more destructive to fruit in

gardens, Its song is very different from any other bird’s.” W. D. King des-
cribes it (20) as common around Sudbury.

TURDID4A—WARBLERS. 83

Whitethroat: Sy/va cnerea. Locally, “ Haychat” or “ Hayjack.”
A very common summer visitor, arriving early in April and

staying till September.

I have, on one oc-
casion, knownit occur
in Essex in mid-win-
ter, a fresh specimen
having been found
dead by the gardener
on a heap of coals in
an outhouse at the
residence of my friend
Mr. H. Corder, at
Great Baddow, on or
about Dec. 22nd, 1886,
after a heavy snow-
storm. This is a
most remarkable oc-
currence.

I find the following
among Dr. Bree’s
notes (32a) :—“ 1871
—A nest with four
eggs in quick-hedge
in garden ; began to

COMMON WHITETHROAT, 4.

sit May 23rd; young hatched June 3rd ; skedaddled on the 14th,”
Mr. Stacey, of Dunmow, has a remarkable variety which has the feathers of

the bastard-wing white on both sides.

Blackcap: Sylvia atricapilla.

A fairly-
common sum-
mer migrant,
occurring, I
Duele Levy er
throughout
the county. It

arrives about

the middle of
April and de-
parts in Sep-
tember.

Mr. Buxton
says (47. 90) itis
“common in the
Forest and in
gardens, but es-
pecially in Wan-_

BLACKCAP, 14,

G2

84- THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

stead Park, where the wood echoes in early summer with its fine song.” Round
Orsett it is uncommon (Sackett). At Harwich it is “scarce,” though it breeds

(Kerry).

Garden Warbler: Sylvia hortensis.

A fairly-common summer visitor, coming to us about the begin-
ning of May and leaving again late in September. It breeds through-
out the county, though rather sparingly.

It is not infrequent in the Forest and in Wanstead Park, where “it used
to be common about the avenues ” (Buxton—47. 90), At Harwich it is “scarce,”
though it breeds (Kerry).

Dartford Warbler: Aelzophilus undatus.

A resident, but uncommon and very local, though it breeds
in most of the southern counties, and even occasionally as far
north as Sheffield. I am only
aware of three occurrences
in Essex, though.careful search
on some of our furze-covered
commons might reveal the
bird, as it is exceedingly shy
and retiring in its habits.

The Parsons Collection contains
a male, shot on South Shoebury
Common in Nov. 1837. Mr. Travis,
in June, 1880, received for preser-
vation a specimen shot near Saffron
Walden. Mr. Charles Smoothy shot
a specimen, which is now in his collection, at Great Chesterford, on the Cambridge-
shire border, on Dec. 5th, 1870. Mr. Harting (38. 17) gives no Essex localities,

DARTFORD WARBLER, yy,

Gold-crest : Regulus cristatus.

A resident throughout the county, though not common. _ Its
numbers are often greatly increased in autumn by the arrival
of flocks from elsewhere.

Dr. Derham ‘informed Albin (3. i.
98) that it built its nest “every year
in fir-trees growing before his house at
- Upminster, in Essex, and that with
_Acigreat art, hanging them [sic] under
the branches in some thick obscure
part thereof.” Mr. Clarke says (24),
it used to be “rather common round
Walden,” and on Oct. 9th, 1880, I saw
many in gardens there, probably new
arrivals. At Sudbury, Mr. Grubb says
(39), it is “constantly with us.” Mr.
. Buxton describes it (47. 91) as “com-
GOLD-CREST, %, - mon” [in Epping Forest] “throughout

TURDIDA—WARBLERS. 85

‘the year, especially in the Wanstead Park Woods.” It breeds not uncommonly in
both the Colchester and Paglesham districts (Laver). At Harwich it is scarce
during the breeding season, though often numerous during migration (Kerry).
Mr. Hope writes: Migratory individuals arrive “on the Essex coast in vast
flocks and singly about the 1oth of October ; I have had them fly aboard when
off the Sunk lightship, so tame that they would hop all over one, eey
looking for water to drink ; it breeds at Havering.”

Fire-crest: Regulus ignicapillus.
A rare and accidental visitor.

A specimen “taken by a bird-
catcher, at Epping, 26th Novem-
ber, 1878, is preserved x * x in the
British Museum ” (Buxton—47. 91).
Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., records (40.
225) 1888, the occurrence of five
specimens (three of which are in the
possession of a Mr. Thos. Sorrell) =\
in the month of November, some “—
years ago, among about seventy Gold- =
crests taken on the Ga//loper L.V. Mr.

E. R. Green, of Ilford, informs me
that he shot specimens “in a small
wood close to Barking Side,” but,
though preserved, they were accidentally destroyed.

FIRE-CREST, 14.

Chiffchaff: Phylloscopus rufus. Locally, “ Oven-builder.”

A regular summer visitant, though by no means common and
decidedly local in Essex. Its name is derived from its familiar note.
Of all our spring migrants, it is the earliest to arrive, being sometimes
heard before the middle of March. In 1878, Dr. Bree both saw
and heard it in his garden at Colchester, as early as March sth (29.
Mar. 9). In 1881, I heard the first on April 4th, near Audley End,
In 1883, I did not hear the first here until April 7th.

At Sudbury, it is only a very occasional visitor (Grubb—39). Round Pagles-
ham it is common (Wiseman). Round Harwich it is also “common,” and may
be heard every spring in the Wrabness woods (Kerry), It is common in both
the Colchester and Paglesham districts (Laver). In the extensive woods about
Danbury and in the Writtle and Blackmore Highwoods, it is fairly abundant, but
I have never once heard its note round my own home, at Chignal St. James, for
several years past. Mr. Sackett has taken undoubted eggs at Orsett.

Willow-Warbler: Phylloscopus trochilus.

A very common summer visitor, arriving usually about the first
week in April, and remaining until the middle of September. It
breeds, I believe, abundantly throughout the county. It is very

86 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

difficult to distinguish it from the Chiffchaff, but its note, nest, and

eggs are entirely different.
Mr. Grubb says (39), it is “usually the first of our summer migrants heard ”’
at Sudbury: elsewhere, however, the Chiffchaff usually precedes it.

Wood-Warbler: Phyloscopus sibilatrix.

A summer visitor, though very local, and not common. In
Essex I only know of its occurrence at Epping and Saffron
Walden. It seldom arrives
before the middle of April
and departs in September.

In the Saffron Walden Mu-
seum are specimens from Epping
and Walden, the former pre-
sented by Hy. Doubleday. One
was shot in Whitley Wood,
Birdbrook, in 1830 (19.9). Mr.
Clarke, writing about 1845, de-

WOOD-WARBLER, over 4. scribed it (24) as ‘not uncom-

mon in summer” round Saffron

Walden, and Mr. Travis assures me that many years ago he took a nest near
the aviary at Audley End. Henry Doubleday writes (23. 356) :—

“The three species * * * are all common [at Epping], and I have had
abundant opportunities of observing their habits. The Wood Wren arrives the
latest—generally in the third week in April—and always frequents woods, gener-
ally where there are tall trees, but is only locally distributed, as there are many
parts of our woods and forests where they are never seen. They seem particularly
attached to certain spots, and seldom move far away, and are very rarely seen in
the open country.”

Mr. Buxton says (47. 90) that in Epping Forest it is still “local, rather than
rare, generally frequenting tall trees,” He adds that it usually arrives in the
Forest about April 15th, and that it breedsthere. Yarrell says (14, i. 300) it is
“not uncommon in the metropolitan counties.”

Reed Warbler: <Acrocephalus streperus. Locally, “ Reed-
chat ” (Orsett).

A regular summer visitor, though rather uncommon except on
our coast, and decidedly local. It inhabits the reed-beds beside the
Stour at Sudbury, and in the marshes near the coast, but I have
never met with it in the central parts of our county.

In the summer of 1831, Mr. Grubb procured some specimens of this bird and
its nest at Sudbury, where, he says (12. v. 310) “it abounds in the reeds on the
banks of the Stour, and in the ditches communicating with the river.” He adds
that he discovered two nests. Dr. Maclean, writing to T. C. Heysham, about
1838, speaks (16) as though it were then not uncommon round Sudbury. W. D.
King, also writing at Sudbury in 1838, says (20): “This interesting bird
abounds on the reedy banks of our river. Its simple nest is elegantly and ingeni-
ously suspended between three reeds or rather interwoven round their stalks.
The figure of this bird and its nest given in Loudon’s Magazine of Natural

TURDIDA—WARBLERS. 87

History (12. v. 310) were copied from specimens taken in this neighbourhood.”
Henry Doubleday, writing in 1831, says (20) “I never till this summer saw the
Reed Wren living, butin July I saw it in plenty by the side of a brook at Sudbury, in
Suffolk, and got a good pair. A friend of mine [Mr. Grubb]* * »* found two nests,
beautifully placed over the water, between three or four reeds.” He also records
(23. 13) that a single specimen “ was shot at a pond close by the town [of Epping]
in 1835, which is the only individual I haveseen here.” Of the Epping district,
Edward Doubleday wrote (15) in 1835 :—- I am not aware of its being found near
any of the rivers around us. It is common at Sudbury.” It occurs in both the
Colchester and Paglesham districts (Laver). Round Orsett, where it is called
the ‘‘Reedchat,” it is “fairly plentiful in the reed-beds and ‘fleets’” (Sackett).
Round Harwich, it is common, and breeds abundantly in ,the large reed-beds
beside the stream locally known as the Dock River, and also in the Little Oakley
Marshes (Kerry). Mr. Fitch has found several nests at Maldon. Lieut. Legge
writing from South Shoebury in 1865, says (23. 9838) :—

“ Great numbers of this lively little bird frequent the reeds, which grow in great
profusion in the dykes intersecting the marshes in the vicinity of this coast. ‘They
are very plentiful in Canvey Island, and thread their way among the reed-beds,
hopping from one stalk to another with great rapidity. About May 15th, they
begin to build.” He adds a careful description of the nest, of which he says, “‘ I
have found half-a-dozen in a space of a few hundred yards,”

{Marsh Warbler: <Acrocephalus palustris.

A regular, though uncommon, summer visitor to the southern counties
of England, especially to Somersetshire. It may be commoner, than is
generally supposed, as it is very closely allied to the Reed Warbler,
from which it has only recently been distinguished in this country. The
only actual record I have of its occurrence in the county is not a
very satisfactory one. Mr. Joseph Clarke informs me that there is in
the Saffron Walden Museum a bird which was shot and stuffed, about
thirty years ago, by the late Mr. Stephen Salmon of Wendens Ambo,
probably near the rivulet there. It was labelled “ Reed Warbler,” but
Mr. Clarke considers it to be of this species. Mr. James Backhouse,
junr., who has compared it with a genuine specimen of the Reed War-
bler in his collection, says that although there are slight differences, he
should hesitate before accepting it as a genuine Marsh Warbler, especi-
ally as the specimen is old and much faded, and therefore very difficult
to distinguish from the very nearly-allied Reed Warbler. The bird
is, however, likely to be met with in Essex. ]

[Great Reed Warbler: Acrocephalus turdoides.

A rare and accidental visitor to Britain, which is recorded once to
have been met with in Essex in the breeding season, though on such
very doubtful authority that it seems in every way best to reject the
record. Mr. J. Green, Naturalist, 1, East Road, City Road, writes (? to
Ed. Newman—23. 4014): “ The specimen of the Thrush Warbler, which
you saw in the flesh, was caught at Dagenham, in Essex, on June 16th,
1853.” Newton considers (37. i. 365) that, although Green was well-
known to be adealer, as the specimen was “‘ shown when in the flesh to
competent judges,” there is no reason to doubt its authenticity, though
he admits that Gould’s warning (Lirds of Great Britain) should not be
neglected. However, as Green was known to deal largely in birds from
Holland and elsewhere on the continent, where the bird is common, it
seems best to reject the record. ]

Sedge Warbler: Acrocephalus phragmitis. Locally, “ Night-
warbler ” (Maldon—E. A. F.).
A very common summer visitor, frequenting the sides of ponds,

88 [THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

lakes and streams in all parts of the county. It arrives late in April
and remains till late in September.

Lieut. Legge says (23. 9837) that round Shoebury it is

“one of the commonest of our Warblers, frequenting the reedy ditches of the
lowlands and situations where there are bushes, brambles, and sedge in the
vicinity of water, They resort particularly to dykes which are lined with the
wild sloe, which grows in great abundance in Canvey Island and other flat lands
in the vicinity. They build in the sloe in preference to any other bush.” He adds
that ‘out of about two dozen nests, found in the course of a few days, seven

were built in almost the same manner and position as those of the Reed
Warbler.”

Grasshopper Warbler: Zocustella nevia.

A summer visitor to all parts of the county, I believe, but
decidedly uncommon, and always far more often heard than
seen. It is usually first
heard about the end of April,
and leaves us in September.

Mr. Clarke mentions one shot at
Audley End on May 2oth, 1836, and
two shot at Widdington on April
30th, 1839 (24). King, writing at
Sudbury in 1838, says (20): “I
have only once seen this bird in our
neighbourhood. Probably from its
retired habits it often passes un-
noticed, and may not be so rare as we
suppose.” Henry Doubleday, writing
from Epping in 1832, says (10), “only a single pair appear in the vicinity—in a
thick, damp wood;” but Mr. Buxton describes it (47. 90) as “common
throughout the [Epping Forest] district.” It breeds round Harwich (Kerry). I
have eggs taken at Chignal, where the bird is not uncommon among the standing
corn, and Mr. Fitch has known it nest at Maldon.

Savi's Warbler: Locustella luscinioides.

A very rare summer visitor to the eastern counties, now pro-
bably extinct, as no British specimen has been recorded since
1856. It is very probable
that it. used to mest in
Essex when the marshes
were entirely undrained,
but the only actual record
of its having done so is
the following very doubt-
ful one :—

J. Green, of Whitecross Place,
Wilson Street, Finsbury, writes
(23. 2849) :—“I took a nest of
SAVI'S WARBLER, 14. Savi’s Warbler at Dagenham on

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER, 14.

TURDIDAZ—WARBLERS. 89

the 14th of May [1850]. The nest was built solely of reeds, and exactly re-
sembled that represented in the Zoologist (p. 1307). It contained five eggs
uniformly freckled all over with minute dark brown spots.”

More (33. 23) regards this record with doubt, and it is hard to do otherwise,
though it is quite possible that it is genuine. Green was a dealer in skins and a
bird-stuffer.

Alpine Accentor: Accentor collaris.

A rare and accidental straggler to Britain, where it has occurred
about a dozen times. The
first British example met with
was obtained in Essex.

Mr. James Pamplin of Whip’s
Cross Nursery, Walthamstow, says
(12. v. 288) :

“A few years since I shot a
smal] bird ina garden on the bor-
ders of Epping Forest, which I
did not know, nor could anyone
tell me what it was, till within a
fortnight a gentleman requested
me to allow him to take it to Lon-
don. He accordingly went to Mr.
Gould, Naturalist, 20, Broad Street, eae NEO
Golden Square, who sends me an account of its being the Accentor alpinus, or
Alpine Warbler, the only one known to have been killed in England with the
exception of one in Dr. Thackeray’s garden at Cambridge.”

Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., who has carefully investigated the history of this speci-
men, has ascertained that it was shot in August, 1817, in the garden of Forest
House, close to Mr. Gurney Barclay’s fields, from among a number of Chaffinches
which flew up from one of the beds, and that it is still in Mr, Pamplin’s posses-

sion (37. i. 279).

Hedge Sparrow: Accentor modularis. Locally “ Hedge-
bet,” “‘ Hedge-betty,” or “‘ Hedge-moke.”

An abundant resident everywhere. It is sometimes styled the
Paiaedre “Accentor,”
which name is scientific-
ally correct, as it is not
nearly related to our
mischievous enemy the
House Sparrow.

Mr, Walter Crouch has
told me of a white variety
seen several times at Cars-

: ; HEDGE SPARROW, %.
well, Barking-Side. (After Bewick.) .

* It is interesting to note that the specimen figured by Yarrell is one of several (23. 79 & 14 i.
268) obtained at Duxford, in Cambridgeshire, just beyond the Essex boundary, about the year
1825, by Mr. Joseph Clarke, as I am informed by that gentleman himself. One or more of them
are now in the Saffron Walden Museum,

go THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Family CINCLIDA,

Dipper: Cinclus aquaticus.

A common resident among mountain-streams, but only a very
rare and accidental visitor to Essex, and the east and south of
England generally, although an instance of its breeding in Middlesex
has been recorded (40. vi. 109).

Mr. Clarke speaks (24) of one killed at Audley End in 1830, and formerly in
the Walden Museum, and in the Museum Catalogue prepared by him in 1845,
this bird is marked as having occurred near the town. Yarrell, doubtless refer-
ring to the above occurrence, says (14. i. 176) it “has been seen in Essex.” Mr
J. D. Hoy records (18. i, 117) that “one [was] shot early in the autumn of 1835,
on the borders of a large fish-pond [at] St. Osyth.”” He adds, ‘ The occurrence
of the Dipper in this part of the island is extremely rare.” Dr. A. Maclean of
Colchester, writing to T. C. Heysham about 1835, says (16), “I have lately
mounted a fine specimen of the Water Ouzel, shot within sixteen miles of Col-
chester.” Another was obtained near Colchester in the winter of 1880-81, and
preserved by Ambrose (29. Apr. 23). Possibly the former of these is one of two
specimens (one of which is of the black-bellied sub-species) still preserved in a case
in the Colchester Museum. Mr. Hope informs me that he has heard of speci-
mens being shor on the Stour ; and one was “seen in a stream of running water
at Wrabness in 1887” (Kerry). The Rev. J. C. Atkinson informs me
that he never met with it in the county, and Mr. J. F. T. Wiseman has
never met with it in the Paglesham district. Mr. Baxter tells me that about
the beginning of September, 1889, one was killed in Leigh Ray, but was unfor-
tunately eaten by acat. Canon Babington mentions (46. 49) ‘‘a pair of the
chestnut-breasted form from the Stour above Sudbury, formerly in Mr. King’s
collection.” He adds: “Mr, Hills bought them at the sale of the Sudbury
Museum, and gave them to me,”

BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER: Cinclus aguaticus-melanogaster.

This is the Scandinavian and North European form of the Com-
mon Dipper. It occasionally appears in this country during winter,
chiefly in the eastern counties ; but I only know of one actual occur-
rence in Essex, though an examination of the various specimens
mentioned above would very likely show them to belong to this form.

In the Walden Museum there is aspecimen shot near the town many years ago,
and presented by Mr, Jabez Gibson. Probably it is the Audley End specimen
mentioned above,

PANURIDAA—TITS. g!I

Family PANURIDZ.

Bearded Tit: Panurus biarmicus. Locally, “ Reed Pheasant.”

A scarce and local resident in Britain, and rapidly becoming
rarer on account of
the draining of its
haunts. It once bred
commonly in Essex,
and a nest was found
near Sudbury as
lately as 1868. It
may even do so yet,
though this has not
been established.

Albin says (3. i. 46):
“I have been informed
by Sir Robert Abdy that
they are found in the
salt marshes in Essex,”
and Donovan quotes (5,
i. 6) Albin’s words. “A
Lover of Nature,”’ writ-
ing from Woolwich in
1829, says (12. ii. 222): ‘‘ Bearded Titmice inhabit the marshes bordering on the
Thames, both in Kent and Essex. I was told in December last that some had
lately been seen in a large piece of reeds below Barking Creek.» * » The
Bearded Titmouse is known in these parts by the name of the Reed Pheasant.” He
next details his observations upon eight or ten of these birds which he saw at the
spot named, and one of which he contrived to shoot. ‘O,” writing in 1832,
says (12. v. 544) that at that time it might be seen about the months of Novem-
ber and December feeding on the seeds of the reed, which then grew in great
luxuriance on the banks of the lake at Dagenham. Yarrell, in 1843, says (14.1.
353) it ‘inhabits the various reed-beds on the banks of the Thames,”

More, writing in 1865, says (23. 121) that it “still breeds in Surrey (Rev. J.C.
Atkinson), and probably in Essex (where the bird has been noticed).” This
surmise seems to have been correct, for Mr. Grubb informed Canon Babington
(46. 65) that he believed he saw a pair in a bed of reeds in the Stour near Brun-
don Hall, Sudbury, in or about 1868. Mr. J. F. Hills informed the same gentle-
man (46. 65) that he also had seen them on the Stour at Sudbury, and that they
bred there in April, 1868, when he took three young birds out of a nest of five,
and brought them up by hand. They were exhibited at the Crystal Palace the
-following February when nearly ten months old. Mr. Hills tells me that this
nest was on the Essex side of the river. In reply to my enquiry as to whether it
used formerly to breed in the Essex marshes, the Rev. J, C. Atkinson writes: “ Yes ;
I never saw the nest myself, but I heard of it, There were many acres of reeds in
various places in my boyish days.” Dr. Laver also remembers seeing specimens

BEARDED TITS, 4.

92 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

among the reeds at Tollesbury in September, 1858. Mr. Ambrose tells me that Dr.
Maclean once shot three among the reeds beside the river Colne, near Marriage’s
Mill at Colchester. . These are probably the three specimens still in the Museum,
as Dr. Laver recollects Dr. Maclean telling him that he shot them himself in the
neighbourhood, and that they were formerly not uncommon. They are very
nicely preserved, probably by Dr. Maclean himself.

It isnot improbable that the Bearded Tit may still be reckoned as a resident in
Essex, though undoubtedly a very scarce one; for on July 12th, 1888, Mr, Edward
Taylor, of Bishop’s Stortford, saw a male in a large reed patch on the Herts side of
the River Stort, near that town. He had a close view of the bird, as it rested
on the top of a bulrush, and was able clearly to distinguish the long tail and black
moustache, Mr. Taylor writes me: “1 could not possibly be mistaken, as I was
not more than a dozen yards from it. I went to the spot once or twice after-
wards, but never saw it again. It might, however, have been near me at the
time, as the bed of osiers was a large one, and the reeds thick.” Mr. Hope, too,
has a male shot on Dec. 24th, 1885, no further off than the King’s Fleet, an arm
of the River Deben, near Felixstowe, in Suffolk, not more than about two miles
from the Essex border. A female was seen at the same spot in Feb., 1886. The
fact of the Bearded Tit actually breeding in Essex at this day still, however,
remains to be demonstrated.

Family PARIDZA.

Long-tailed Tit: Acredula caudata-rosea. Locally, “ Bottle-
tit,” “ Oven-builder,” ‘‘ Oven-tit,” and ‘‘ Pudding-poke,” also “ Bottle-
tom,” and “ Long-tom-capon-bones ” (E. A. F.).

A common resident. The British form of this species differs
from the White-headed form (4. caudata), which is usual on the
Continent, but is only sub-specifically distinct. The latter has
probably occurred
in the county, as it
occasionally strag-
gles to Britain, but
I am not aware
that it has been ac-
tually observed.*

Mr. Joseph Clarke,
writing in 1854, noted
> (24) that it had been
“very rare of late,”
round Saffron Walden.
Round Orsett, where it
is known as the “ Bottle Tit ” or “ Oven-builder,” it is uncommon (Sackett).

LONG-TAILED TITS, 1/5.

* There is, however, in the Colchester Museum Collection a specimen of this form which was
probably killed in the neighbourhood, though nothing definite is known about it. Very likely
it was stuffed and presented by Dr. Maclean. It appears to be intermediate between the true
A. caudata and the British form, as the head is not wholly white. j

PARI ——11 1S:

Great Tit: Parus major. Locally;
** Saw-sharpener,” “‘ Post-builder ” (E. A. F.).

A common resident.

Round Orsett, Mr. Sackett describes it as ‘ appar-
ently less common in. summer than in winter,” a
remark which [| think applies to the whole of the
county.

Marsh Tit: Parus palustris-dresseri.
Locally, ‘‘ Blackcap.”

A very common resident in most parts
of the county, I believe, though Mr. E. R.
Green tells me he does not meet with it. In GREAT TIT, 1/7.
Tk this species, again, we find a
: form differing somewhat from
the true form (P. palustris)
usually met with on the con-
tinent of Europe.

Round Chignal, it is very com-
mon at all seasons, to the almost
total exclusion of the Coal Tit.
Round Harwich it is common and
breeds (Kerry).

MARSH TIT, %

Coal Tit: Parus ater-britannicus.

A resident, though somewhat local and uncommon. This, the nor-
mal British form of the species, can only be regarded as a sub-species.
The Continental form (P. ater),
with the upper part of the back
slate-grey, instead of brown, may
have occurred with us, as it
sometimes visits Britain, but has
never been identified, I believe.

In the Colchester district, and near
London, Dr. Laver believes it to be
commoner than the Marsh Tit, although
round Chignal I have seldom seen a
specimen of late years. Mr. Smoothy,
however, tells me it is common at Dan- t COAL TIT, 7%.
bury. Round Orsett it is ‘not com- oleae Bewiek)
mon” (Sackett). Round Ilford, Mr.. E. R Green tells me it iscommon. Mr.
Hope says itis common round Upminster... Mr. Kerry mentions.“ one seen in the
Wrabness woods.” In the Paglesham district it:is ‘pretty common .’ (Wiseman).

94 THE. BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Blue Tit: Parus ceruleus. Locally “ Pick-cheese” and
“Blue-cap” (E. A. F.).
A very abundant resident.

The following is
taken from the Chelms-
ford Chronicle of June
6th, 1884:

“Tn a hole one inch
in diameter in one of
the buffers of railway -
carriage No. 79, the
property of the Great
Eastern Railway Com-
pany, which makes
daily excursions _ be-
tween Thorpe andClac-
ton-on-Sea | five miles],
a Tomtit has made its
nest, laid its eggs, and
is at the present sitting
upon them. * * * The
buffer » * is often in
violent concussion with
other carriages, Not-
withstanding this fact,
the bird is always to

be found on its nest.
BLUE Tit, At the end of the day’s
work. the carriage is shunted at Thorpe for the night, and at that period the male
bird invariably pays a visit to its mate.”

Crested Tit: Parus cristatus.

A scarce and local resident in certain parts of Scotland, but
only a very rare and _ accidental
strageler to England, though two or
three individuals aresaid tohave been
either seen or killed at or near Saf-
fron Walden at different times in the
first half of the century. It is now
all but impossible to substantiate
these unsatisfactory records, which
must, therefore, pass for what they
are worth.

Mr. Joseph Clarke relates (24) that two
were killed at Ashdon in 1829, one of
which was in the possession of Joseph
Stager (?), a bird-stuffer. The late Mr.
Chater of Saffron Walden also informed
Mr. Clarke that one was killed in his

Nursery in 1844. Mr. Travis informs me that he saw one whilst walking in
Audley End Park many years ago,

CRESTED TIT, male, 1%.

TROGLODYTIDZ—WRENS. 95

Family SITTIDA.

Nuthatch: Sitta cesia.

A fairly-common resident throughout the county, especially in
Skreens, Audley End, Thorndon, Hylands, Danbury and other
parks, where the numerous ancient trees afford suitable nesting sites.

Mr, Grubb and Mr. King both give it a place on their lists of Sudbury birds
(39 & 20). English includes it in his list of Epping Forest Birds (43. i. 24), and
Mr. Buxton says (47. 86): “‘ Frequent in the neighbourhood of Buckhurst Hill.
A neighbour of mine supplies them with nuts, which they carry off every morning,
invariably leaving the unsound ones.” Itis frequent at Stanway (Laver), At
Harwich it is scarce, but breeds (Kerry).

In 1880, I exhibited before the Essex Field Club (43. i. 69) a strange mass of
dry mud which had been deposited by a Nuthatch in an old Thrush’s nest, built
in a large yew tree in the park at Audley End a year or two previously. The
lump of mud, which has been presented by Mr. Travis to the Club museum,
was very. hard and completely filled the Thrush’s nest, except that a hole had been
left down the centre, exactly as if the Nuthatch had been plastering up the
entrance to its nesting hole. It almost seems as if the Nuthatches had com-
mitted this strange freak “ for practice.”

Family TROGLODYTIDZA.

Wren: Tyroglodytes parvulus. Locally, “ Diddy Wren,”
‘Jenny Wren,” and “ Tiddy Wren.”

An abundant resident.

Swainson says (48. 35) that the Essex name of “ Tiddy” or “ Tid-
ley Wren” is in allusion to its
diminutive size. Mr. Grubb says
(39), “Three or four years ago a
nest of young Wrens hatched in our
garden [at Sudbury] were of a very
light cream-colour. *« * They very
soon disappeared and were seen no
more.” About the year 1886 a
keeper at Lexden shot a Hooded
Crow and hung it up to a tree by a
piece of wire to swing in the wind as
a warning to its fellows. In the
spring of 1888, a pair of Wrens built
their nest of oak leaves within its
hollow carcase, and therein safely
reared their brood (50. ii. 205 & iii.
23). The accompanying cut shows
the nest in question. *

WREN, 4.

* Curiously enough, my friend, Mr. Arthur Midgley, of Saffron Walden, has an almost
exactly similar case. A pair of Great Tits built their nest under exactly similar circumstances,

96 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

4. Zl al /
4 is i {
| WY Aa
l \ } | |
WANiiII i
q
if
MUN
WREN’S NEST IN CARCASE OF HOODED CROW.

Family MOTACILLIDA.

White Wagtail : AZotaclla alba.

A rare straggler, chiefly in spring or summer, to the southern
parts of Britain. It occurs, without doubt, occasionally in Essex,

at Rougham Hall, Suffolk, in 1885, and are now shown with their nest in the dead body of

another ‘‘ Hoody” ina glass case. If Tits were substituted for Wrens in the accompanying cut,
it would exactly represent this second case,

MOTACILLIDE—WAGTAILS. 97

though I have never personally identified it with certainty, and the
only actual record of its appearance here I have been able to meet
with is the following :

Mr. Joseph Clarke, writing at Saffron Walden about 1845, says (24) of the
“Pale Wagtail, Mot. alba, Tem.,” that it “breeds here occasionally. A whole
brood of five, with the old one feeding them, seen at Wenden, 1836, by S. Salmon
and self,” It has also been known to breed in several other southern counties.

Canon Babington says (46. 248) that two specimens, one in winter, the other
in summer plumage, which ‘ were in all probability obtained in the neighbour-
hood of Sudbury,” are in the King Collection, passing as Pied Wagtails,

Pied Wagtail: Jotacilla lugubris. Locally, ‘Nanny Wag-
tail,” and ‘* Dish-washer.”

A common resident, though partially migratory, most of our
birds going south dur-
ing winter.

Mr. Buxton says (47.
89) that in Epping Forest
it is ‘a common resident.”
He adds: “The greater
number go south, to return
about the end of February,
dressed in their summer
plumage. Those that re-
main with us, retain their
winter garb until the spring is farther advanced.” Many certainly do leave us in
winter, but not all, as I saw one here on December 8th, 1879, the day after the
very severe frost. Mr. E. Gottwaltz records (29. Feb. 5, 1876) that for three
winters one amused itself almost daily by tapping on a window of a house at

Great Baddow, a strange proceeding which has before been recorded of this and
other species.

Grey Wagtail: Motacilla melanope.
An uncommon autumn and winter visitor. I have no knowledge
of its having ever bred with us.

PIED WAGTAIL, 4.
(After Bewick.)

Mr, Seebohm says (45. ii. p.
204):

‘‘T first became acquainted with
these charming birds in the neigh-
bourhood of Saffron Walden. Be-
tween this town and Audley End
lies Lord Braybrooke’s Park. A
winding brook runs through it, by
the margin of which you might
stroll any winter’s morning with
the certainty of seeing one or two
pairs of Grey Wagtails. They
were regular winter migrants, ap-
pearing about the beginning of
October and disappearing as regu-
larly towards the end of March.”

GREY WAGTAIL, male in summer,

H

98 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

At Epping and at Sudbury Edward Doubleday and W. D. King respect-
ively record it (15 & 20) as “a winter visitant,” Henry Doubleday writes to
T. C. Heysham in 1831 (10), ‘‘ The Grey Wagtail is very rare here, and I never
could get one in summer plumage.” Mr. Buxton says (47. 89) it is “not
uncommon along the Roding in winter.” Round Orsett, it is uncommon, being
only occasionally seen, and never breeding (Sackett). It occurs in both the Col-
chester and Paglesham districts (Laver). Mr. Joseph Clarke tells me of one shot
on Oct. 2nd, 1878, at The Roos, where it is rare, At Dedham, on Oct. 29th,
1887, Mr. Stanley Edwards shot a young bird which he had observed for several
weeks feeding on the lawn in front of his house. Mr. Fitch has seen it at Maldon.

Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail: Motacil/a flava.

A rare straggler to Britain from the Continent. It has been most
often met with in the eastern, southern, and south-western counties.
The first specimen recognised
in Britain was shot by Henry
Doubleday at Walton-on-the-
Naze on Oct. 3rd, 1834, while
the third (?) British specimen
was met with about two years
later on the border of Essex.
It certainly occurs oftener
than is commonly supposed,
but is overlooked on account
of its general resemblance to
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL, 4. the commoner species.

Henry Doubleday, writing to Heysham on Dec. 29th, 1834, says (10) :

“On the 3rd of October, walking with two friends on the top of the cliffs at
Walton-on-the-Naze, I had the pleasure of seeing two individuals of the Grey-
headed Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla neglecta of Gould), one of which (a male) I
fortunately shot, thus proving that this bird occasionally at least, visits this
country. Although, being in its autumnal plumage, the marks are not so well
defined as in spring, yet there can be no doubt of the species. The whole under-
parts are pure yellow, except the chin; this and the eye-streak are pure white.
The head and back of the neck are light bluish-grey, tinged with brown at the
tips of the feathers, » » * The back, clear olive-green. When I came to London
] took it to Bruton Street [where the museum of the Zoological Society then was ]
and there I met with Bennett, Gould, and Yarrell, all of whom at once pro-
nounced it neglecta.”

Doubleday briefly recorded his specimen in Loudon’s Magazine of Natural
Fiistory (12. viii. 617). At his sale in 1871, with five other birds, it fetched 34s.
(? purchaser), Mr. J. D. Hoy records (12. ix. 352) that on May 2nd, 1836, he
shot a specimen following a plough in company with several of the pied species
in the parish of Stoke Nayland, which, though lying actually in Suffolk, adjoins
Essex. Mr. Pettitt has preserved for Dr. Laver a very fine pair netted in com-
pany with several of the common yellow species at Fingringhoe in May, 1889.
The specimen figured by Yarrell was taken near Finsbury in April, 1837, and
was lent for the purpose by Mr, Joseph Clarke.

MOTACILLIDZ—PIPITS. 99

Yellow Wagtail: Motacilla rait.

A regular and common summer migrant, arriving early in April
and departing in September. I have never seen it, except occasion-
ally during the times of its migration in autumn and spring, or known
it to nest (though it seems formerly to have done so in Epping
Forest) in the inland parts of the county; but it breeds very com-
monly on the marshes and lowlands along the whole of our coast-
line, placing its nests in the sides of the mud walls. Mr. Buxton
says (47. 89) that in the neighbourhood of Epping Forest it “used to
be frequent in summer, but [is] now scarce.”

Round Orsett, it isa common summer migrant, breeding on the marshes, where
the sea walls are a very favourite resort. When migrating, they may be seen at
short distances inland, but after having settled down to breed they are only seen
near the salt marshes (Sackett). At Harwich, it is very common and breeds €Kerry)-
Dr. Laver says it occurs on the marshes near the sea in both the Colchester and
Paglesham districts, but he never knewit breed inland. It is common at Maldon
and is especially brilliant on its arrival. It nests in the footmarks left by cattle
at the sides of the marsh-ditches (Fitch).

Lieut. Legge, writing from South Shoebury in 1865, says (23. 9836) that “ great
numbers « * * frequent the low cultivated and marsh lands of this coast and that
they nest in the sod-banks of the watercourses, and, on the approach of an intru-
der, circle round his head, uttering their note incessantly, endeavouring to their ut-

most to draw his attention away. The nest * * * is consequently rather difficult
to find.”

Tree Pipit: Anthus trivialis.

A fairly-common summer
visitant, arriving early in
April and leaving us again
during September.

Mr. Buxton says (47. 89)
that in Epping Forest it is “ fre-
quent about the borders of the
woods.” Almost every year, Mr.
Fitch finds a nest or two in the
woods near Maldon, but it is not
common there.

TREE PIPIT, 4%

[Richard’s Pipit: Anthus richard.

Mr. Clarke writes me, ‘‘Some years ago, there was a long-legged
lark which followed the plough and ran upon the land here. It
wagged its tail The ploughman was a very observant man, and I
have always believed this to have been Richard’s Pipit.”’ ]

Meadow Pipit: Axthus pratensis. Locally, “ Titlark.”

A common resident in some parts of the county, though not in
others ; especially abundant on the marshes and saltings near the
H 2

100 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX

coast; rarer inland, where it is seldom met with except during
winter.

At Harwich it is very common and breeds (Kerry). Mr. Clarke describes it (24) as
‘not uncommon in meadows” round Saffron Walden. King describes it (20) as
being ‘common ” at Sudbury, where he says it breedsin the meadows. Lieut. Legge
says (23.9839) that round Shoebury they are ‘“‘very plentiful, particularly near
the shore.” In Epping Forest, Mr. Buxton speaks of it (47. 89) as “only a win-
ter visitant.” Round Orsett, it is not common, though it breeds (Sackett). I do
not remember to have met with its nest near Chelmsford. Mr. Hope says it is
very common on the coast at all times of the year, but fresh arrivals take place in
October.

Mr. Pettitt has a light sandy-coloured variety, sent to him anonymously
from the Chelmsford district, about the year 1886, and an albino has been obtained
near Stratford (29. Oct. 19, 1889).

Rock Pipit : Anthus obscurus. Locally “ Mudiark.”

A common bird on the marshes and saltings on and near our coast
from autumn to spring; but, notwithstanding the following state-
ments by Dr. Bree, I know

of no authentic instance of its
breeding in the county. It
seems probable that the birds
seen on the banks of the
Colne during winter were true
Rock Pipits, but that the birds
breeding on the cliff, which
Dr. Bree mistook for that
species, were really Meadow
ROCK PIPIT, 4. Pipits, a species which I know

is now abundant at the spot.

I found it very common on the mudbanks and saltings of the Maldon Estuary
at Christmas, 1888. Round Harwich, however, Mr. Kerry describes it as scarce,
He adds that two in his possession, which were shot on the sea-shore in the autumn,
are the only specimens he has seen there. The Rey. M. C. H. Bird, saw specimens on
Canvey Island, in 1889, as early as September 27th. Mr. Sackett writes me that
when on the Orsett marshes on December 25th, 1888, he shot one ‘‘ which being
winged and falling into a marsh-pool, he was surprised to see swim readily and
easily.” Dr. Maclean, writing from Colchester to T. C. Heysham, about 1835,
says (16):

“The Rocklarks, which are still upon the sud in this part of the world, are
covered with stumps about the head and neck, and several specimens had scarcely
any feathers upon them. One whichhad nearly perfected its plumage had a very
rich breast and very different to the autumn plumage. I shall watch their depar-
ture and should much like to know the time of their arrival in their breeding places
and the state of their plumage immediately on their arrival.”

Dr. Bree writes (34. 792): ‘‘When I first came to Colchester in 1859, Dr.
Maclean, who is a well-known naturalist, put me it possession of the whole ‘ little
history,’ which is very interesting. Allthrough tre winter, the banks of the Colne
between Colchester and the sea are occupied by the Rock Pipit, and Dr. Maclean es-

ORIOLIDAZ—ORIOLE. Iol

pecially pointed out to me that whenever they were flushed they invariably
alighted on the muddy portions of the shore—never on the grass. One of them
was shot and stuffed by Dr. Maclean, so there could be no mistake about the spe-
cies, with which, in fact, he had been many years acquainted. In the spring all
the birds leave the shores of the river, and will be found breeding among the grassy
cliffs of the coast, returning to the banks of the river again in the autumn,” He
adds that they breed annually on the Felixstowe and Walton Cliffs.

Dr. Bree elsewhere writes (29. May 22, 1875) that in winter it is “ found along
the banks of the River Colne, between Walton and Colchester. In the spring they
go down to the coast and breed there. I have known this many years. When
the Rock Pipit is disturbed in winter, it always alights again on one of the muddy
patches found by the side of the river—a fact pointed out to me by the late Dr.
Maclean. Hence its name of Mudlark.”

In his notes, he again says (32a.) that it is ‘‘ found throughout the winter on the
banks of the Colne, and breeds on the cliffs along the coast from Walton to the
Blackwater,” but in this the Doctor was certainly mistaken,

Family ORIOLIDA,

Golden Oriole: Oriolus galbula.

A rare and accidental summer visitor, though a good many
specimens have been shot in the county. It seems very probable
that it would on more than one
occasion have bred with us had
it not been molested, as several
of our recorded specimens were
met with in May and June. It
has been known to do so in
Kent, Surrey, Suffolk, Norfolk
and other counties.

Hoy records (12. iii. 436) that “a
brillant specimen was shot on May
1oth, 1830, by agamekeeper at Lawford
Hall, Manningtree. It had in its
stomach the remains of a cockchafer
and several small green caterpillars.”
Mr. H. Barclay of Leyton writes (23,

2851): GOLDEN ORIOLE, male, Y%.

‘On Saturday, the 25th of May [1850], the gardener of John Masterman, Esq.,
of Leyton, shot one of a pair of strange birds that he had seen about the garden
forsome days. The bird proved to be a female Golden Oriole. It was sent to
Mr. W. Morris, bird-stuffer, of this place, for preservation, and on dissection was
found to contain two eggs, but with unformed shells. This seems to warrant the
supposition that the birds had a nest, but it has not yet been found.”

A specimen shot about 1850 at Birch Holt, is now in the possession of Mrs.
Ingle, of Alexandra Road, Colchester. Dr. Bree records (23. 8032) that “a fine
male specimen. . . in fresh breeding plumage” was shot at Tiptree about the
second week in May, 1862. He adds: ‘“‘ There isno doubt, I think, that the bird
was after breeding.” EE. L. M. of Leyton records (29. May 13) that he both heard
and shot a fine adult male there on May 6th, 1865. Mr. Hastings Warren, of

102 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Bourchiers, Little Dunmow, has one, shot there on May 7th, 1867. At thesale of the
late Mr. Troughton, of Coventry, in 1869, Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., purchased and still
has a young male labelled, “ shot in Essex by Mr. Maclaren.” Dr. Bree records
a fine male shot at Copford on April 29th, 1870 (29. May 7, and 32a), adding,
*‘ Colonel Hawkins has just informed me that he saw one in the woods at Alresford
a few daysago.” On June 16th, 1874, a fine pair, which were doubtless about to
breed, were shot in the rectory garden at Bradwell-juxta-Mare (29. June 27). One
was shot at Dudbrook about 1882 (Scruby). On May 22nd, 1883, our foreman
at Lindsell Hall shot a female on a tall ash-tree in the orchard there, after it had
been about for several days. Its loud sonorous whistling note had disturbed the
congregation in the adjoining church on the previous Sunday. Its mate was not
seen or heard (40. vii. 335).

Mr, Fitch writes (50. i. 113) on June oth, 1887 :

“‘T was pleased this morning to see a male Oriole fly out of a tall hedge by
the roadside, almost opposite my Mosklyns farm-house [Purleigh]. I was on
horseback and followed it, gently flushing ittwice along the road towards Haze-
leigh. It eventually took refuge in my little Box-iron Grove, where I trust, if it
has a mate, it may continue. One midsummer holidays, about eighteen years ago, I
saw an Oriole twice or thrice at Wixoe in Suffolk and at Baythorne End, Essex.
I well remember seeing it on both sides of the river.”

Mr. Fitch informs me that he saw the male again, but never its mate, always
near the same spot, for a week or two after the date named. There can, therefore,
be very little doubt that there was a nest. A fine adult male was shot by Mr. A.
S. Pearson in the parish of Belchamp Walter, on May 2nd, 1888. No other was
seen about, either at the time or afterwards, and it bore no evidence of having ever
been caged. It was preserved by Mr. Rose of Sudbury, and now belongs to the
Rey. Mr. Leaky of Acton, Suffolk (50.ii.72). Mr. Capel Hanbury records that
he observed one feeding on the haws of a large white-thorn bush in company with
some blackbirds and thrushes on November 2oth, 1888 (29. Dec. 8th), but the date
suggests that the bird seen belonged to some other species. Mr. Travis preserved
a fine male caught at Elmdon by some labourers under a hedge where it was
driven by a high wind, in June, 1888. Mr. Smoothy informs me that a gentleman
saw one several times in his garden at Sandon early in May, 1889. Yarrell
says (30.i. 241) several ‘‘ have been taken in Kent and Essex.”

There is no thoroughly satisfactory record of its having bred in Essex, but Mr.
Hope informs me that the late Mrs, Lescher, of Boyle’s Court, Brentwood, who
resided many years ago at Warley Place, could recollect more than one
instance of their breeding there; and the Rev. G. C. Green, of Modbury,
Devon, in his Collections and Recollections of Natural History and Sport (London,
1884), says :

“There are, I fancy, very few recorded instances of the Golden Oriole breeding
in England, and few people have ever seen this bird upon its nest. My wife, how-
ever, can count herself among those privileged few. When she was quite a little
girl, she was living at Tiptofts, near Saffron Walden, in Essex, the house of her
uncle, T. W. Gayton, Esq. It was a very old house, surrounded by a moat, and was
in the midst of its own grounds, entirely away fromall other habitations. x x * It
was rather a celebrated place, having formerly [it is said] been attacked in vain for
fourteen nights by Dick Turpin’s gang. Near to the moat grewa clump of fir trees,
and in one of these, in the year 1841, a pair of Golden Orioles built their nest.
One of my wife’s uncles was well acquainted with the names and habits of birds,
and he soon discovered the presence of the illustrious strangers, and told his
niece what they were, and the gardener used frequently to lift up the ‘little girl’
to see the beautiful bird upon its nest. They were zealously guarded and | have
‘every reason to suppose that they brought off their young safely ; but I was buta

LANIJD4—SHRIKES. 102

small boy myself at the time, and did not hear of the occurrence till many years
afterwards. But it was well known to all my wife’s family at the time, and I have
heard it constantly spoken of by them ever since. They never appeared to have
returned in later years. This rare occurrence has never been recorded in any work
on Natural History, so I think it is well worthy of insertion in these notes.”

Family LANIIDA.

Great Grey Shrike: Lantus excubitor.

An occasional visitor met with in Essex in most years from
autumn to spring, and very exceptionally during summer. Records
given below, to which Yarrell, More, Hoy and other good
observers apparently give credence, speak of its having been seen
in Essex during summer, and a specimen was seen by a trustworthy
observer near Kelvedon in May last, but it is not known with certainty
to have nested in Britain.

Henry Doubleday, writing in 1831, says that he had never seen more than one
in Epping Forest, but he afterwards heard of a female, shot about six miles from
the town, early in March, 1845 (10). He also writes (23. 40):

“ An individual of this species which I had in confinement for a long time, in-
variably hung its food round the cage. If half-a-dozen birds were put in, it hung
them all up by forcing their heads between the wires of the cage, and pieces of
meat were also fastened up. I never saw the Red-backed Shrike impale insects,

nor do I recollect ever to have found any impaled here, although the bird is not
at all uncommon.”

Edward Doubleday, in 1835, mentions (15) its having been killed at Harlow.
Mr. Parsons says (II) it was “rarely seen” in Rochford Hundred in his day.
Hoy records (18. i. 117) one “caught in a common trap-cage set for small birds
in a garden on the outskirts of Colchester in February, 1836.” Mr, Clarke says
(24) in his notes, that round Saffron Walden “ generally two or three are killed
every season, during the winter.” From this it appears to have been of more
frequent occurrence then than now. Mr. Clarke specially mentions one shot by
Mr. Salmon at Wendon in 1827, a female shot by a Mr. Master in Burton Wood
Saffron Walden, in Nov., 1843, a female shot at Thaxted on Dec. 15th, 1844, a
male (now in the Audley End Collection) shot at Saffron Walden on Mar. 3rd
1854, and a female shot at Shortgrove Park on Apr. 5th, 1854. A male was
killed at Loughton on Apr. 12th, 1858 (23. 6096), and another (23. 8325) on Oct
28th, 1862, ina garden adjacent to Leyton Marsh. Mr. Kerry records (34. 4827)
a male in full plumage shot at Ramsey on Nov. gth, 1875, and he himself shot
one near Harwich on Dec. 6th, 1879 (40. iv. p. 70). A female was shot at
Clavering on Novy, 12th, 1880, by Mr. H. Rolfe (44. i. Ixiii). A female was shot at
Willingale on Nov. Ist, 1881 (Chelmsford Chronicle, Nov. 4). Mr. Scruby informs
me of one shot at Forest Hall, Ongar, and another at Beauchamp Roding about
thirty years ago. Mr. Pettitt, of Colchester, preserved one picked up dead close
to his shop, on Dec, 3rd, 1888, it having been killed by flying against the telegraph
wires, In 1882, one was shot near Thaxted about April roth. Mr. J. A. Cooper of
Leytonstone records one (29, Oct. 25) captured on Oct. 8th, 1884, near Epping, by
a bird-catcher netting small birds. One was shot near Elmdon by Mr. Nottage, cf
Jan. 7th, 1885, and another at Thaxted on Nov. roth, 1886. Mr. John Smith of

104 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Brentwood has one shot at Brook Street in Oct., 1887. It is killed most winters
in the Colchester district (Laver), Mr. Main of Walton killed one there about
the middle of Oct., 1889. Mr. Stacey of Dunmow has one caught in a bush there
several years ago. Mr. Kerry records a male shot at Harwich on Dec. 7th, 1889,
which had an entire Sky-lark’s foot in its stomach (40. xiv. 20), and he informs
me that another was seen there on the 16th. Mr, Pettitt received a female, shot
at Halstead two days later.

J. D. Hoy says (12. iv. p. 341): “ Seldom a season passes without my observ-
ing the bird in this neighbourhood. A friend of mine assures me he has seen it
in Essex, near Colchester, in the month of June, that he had a good view of the
bird, and could not be mistaken, but I consider it merely an accidental occurrence.”

W. D. King writes (20) :

“Last summer (1837), whilst walking near Chilton Hall, my brother’s atten-
tion was attracted by the clamour of a group of small birds, Cautiously
approaching the spot, he soon discovered the cause of the uproar in one of these
Shrikes, upon whose character the surrounding group appeared to be earnestly
and angrily descanting, At the same time he observed a pair of Red-backed
Shrikes sitting upon a neighbouring hedge.”

Chilton Hall lies only a few miles beyond the Essex boundary. Yarrell says
(14. i. 150), “On two occasions it has been seen in Essex during summer by
observers who know this bird well.” More says (33. 17), ‘“ Yarrell mentions its
occurrence during summer in Essex and Northumberland.” Mr. Hope also
writes : “‘ Not uncommon in Essex ; have seen it about breeding time, but have
never found the nest.”

A more recent instance of its occurrence in Essex during the summer is
mentioned in a letter to me from Mr. Spalding of Colchester, who writes :—

“On Sunday, May 12th, 1889, when walking from Kelvedon Station to-
wards Prested Hall, Feering, on the Colchester high-road, we saw a Greater
Shrike sitting on the telegraph wire. We got quite close, but it flew along a
hedge in an adjoining field, and though we looked closely, we failed to get a
second sight of it.”

Mr. Clarke writes me that he believes it bred near Audley End on one occa-
sion many years ago. The son of a baker, named Bush, took a nest belonging
to “a great slate-coloured bird,” and brought the eggsto the Walden Museum
for comparison. They were,in Mr. Clarke’s opinion, undoubtedly those of this
species, but he could not persuade the boy to part with them.

GREATER GREY SHRIKE: Lanius excubitor-major.

Probably not much less common during winter than the form
mentioned above, but from which it is not often distinguished. It
is the Eastern and Siberian form of the common Great Grey Shrike;
and can only be regarded as sub-specifically distinct from that bird,
though some writers have raised it to full specific rank. In Scan-
dinavia, both species meet and freely interbreed, producing inter-
mediate forms. Typical specimens may be chiefly distinguished
by their wing-spots, the true Z. excuditor having two : the sub-species,
only one. I have myself only identified two Essex examples of
the latter form ; but no doubt an examination would show that many
of the specimens mentioned above belong to this form; while pos-
sibly some might be found to belong to an allied, but much rarer,

LANUDA—SHRIKES. 105

species, the Lesser Grey Shrike (Z. minor), which has on several
occasions been detected in Britain.

Mr. C. H. B. Croxon, of Reddings, Tillingham, has an example, shot at the
Glebe Decoy, Bradwell, a few years back, and Mr. Robert Page, of Down Hall,
Bradwell, has another which was observed to fall from one of the bushes round his
decoy at Tillingham as though in a fit, early in January of the present year.

[Southern Grey Shrike: Zanius meridionahs.

Dr. Bree (34. 4721 & 29. Nov. 13) records a male, shot within a few
miles of Colchester during the first week of November, 1875. It hada
shrew in its stomach. ‘his, he says, was the first British specimen.
He describes it fully, stating that it was 10} in. in length, and had the
four central tail-feathers black, though one is slightly tipped with white.
It appears from Dr Bree’s notes (32a) that it was ‘‘shot at Dedham
the last week in Oct., 1875.” It is strange that Dr. Bree should not
have entered further particulars, as this species has never otherwise
been observed in Britain, either before or since, and the specimen would
therefore have been of great interest. As Dr. Bree (so far as I know)
never afterwards alluded to it in print, it seems probable that he subse-
quently discovered his identification of the specimen to be erroneous,

- though I am not aware that he ever corrected his record of it. I have
enquired carefully of Mrs. Bree and others without being able to ascer-
tain that the specimen still exists. It is impossible, therefore, to accept
the record as authentic. |

Redbacked Shrike: Zanius collurio, Locally, ‘“ Butcher-
bird.”

A common summer visitor, usually arriving about the first week

in May, and departing again late in August. It varies considerably
in number in different

years, and it appears to
be decreasing with us.

Mr. Joseph Clarke says,
in 1845, that this species
was “formerly not common
[round Saffron Walden] but
latterly more so” (24).
Henry Doubleday, in 1831,
says (10) that it was then
very common in Epping
Forest, though, in the spring
of 1834, he notes it (10) as
“less abundant than usual.”
Mr. Buxton says (47. 83) that
“they breed in the neigh-
bourhood [of Epping Forest }
frequently, if not every
year.” King describes it
(20) as “common” round
Sudbury. In the Birdbrook
district it is common, but
at Maldon somewhat rarer
(Fitch). Mr. Hope writes;

RED-BACKED SHRIKE, male, %,

106 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX,

“It is very common in Essex. I have reared young birds, and have copious
notes. I have seen the old birds kill as many as five field-mice in one day. They
lift the mouse up on their beaks and hitch it on to a thorn and then pull it
downwards with all their weight and strength. I think they are put on thorns
for the convenience of eating at the time, as they seldom finish any animal.
They can kill another bird, or one another, by one stroke of the bill.”

Woodchat Shrike: Lanius pomeranus.

A rare and irregular summer visitor to England. I only know
of a single instance on record of its having been actually obtained in
Essex.

Mr. Ambrose tells me that seven
teen or eighteen years ago he saw
an undoubted specimen one Sunday
afternoon in the Colchester High-
woods, but he had no gun at the time.

Mr, Travis records (44. i. lxiii.)
that on August 27th, 1880, he re-
ceived for preservation “a pair
of Woodchat Shrikes shot by a
man named Jeffrey, between Elm-
don and Arkesden. A boy driving
sheep into Walden was accosted by
Jeffrey, who had a gun. He gave
S the birds to the boy, remarking

WOODCHAT SHRIKE, wale, Y%. that they were ‘a pretty pair, and

perhaps the birdstuffer might give

something for them.’” Mr, Travis adds, “I received them within two hours of

their death, quite fresh and hardly stiff. These are the first specimens of this very

rare bird I have heard of as occurring in Essex.” I have personally inspected
these specimens, which are undoubtedly a fine pair, male and female.

Mr. Pettitt informs me that, some years ago, on a farm near Mark’s Tey,
held by his uncle, Mr. Bickmore, the late Dr. E. G. Varenne saw a pair of
birds which he pronounced to be male and female of this species. Dr.
Varenne is now dead, but as he was a good naturalist, the record is worthy of
some credence.

Family AMPELIDA.

Waxwing: Amfpelis garrulus.

A rare and irregular winter visitor, though it sometimes appears
in considerable numbers, as in the years 1835, 1849-50, 1866, Wc.

Mr. Clarke mentions (24) two specimens from Saffron Walden (both now
in the museum there?), a male shot in August, 1835, the other about 1838,
Yarrell says one (30, i. 417) was killed by Mr. Clarke out of a flock. Mr.
C. Walford records (19. 57) that several were shot at Braxted, one at Terling,
and another at Kelvedon in or about 1838. King describes it (20) as “a very
rare visitant” to Sudbury. Newman records (23. 2767) specimens from
Chelmsford, Rainham, and many other localities round London in the third

MUSCICAPIDA2—FLYCATCHERS. 107

week of January, 1850, and Mr. H. Barclay others at Walthamstow. Mr
Chas. E. Smith of Coggeshall records one (31. 52) near that place “shot from
among a flock of Starlings, 1851.” Mr. English includes it as a “ casual visitor”
in his Epping List (43. i. 23). One was shot at Willingale about 1858, and
another more recently (Scruby). Ed. Newman records one (34. 560) near
Ongar on November 28th, 1866, and another two days later at Loughton. Dr.
Laver remembers seeing some that were shot at Abberton about 1878. One was
seen alone ina garden at Dovercourt on December 13th, 1882 (Kerry, 40. vii-
120). Mr. Travis records (44. iv. xii.) a male shot at Chrishall on January
17th, 1883, and a female shot about the same time at Sampford. “E. C.”
records (29. Jan. 20) that while walking round Wanstead Park on January 14th,
1883, he watched three for several minutes. He adds, “It is fourteen years
since a pair of these birds were killed near Chigwell.” About the same time, two
males and a female, all shot in Essex, were sent to Mr, Travis of Walden for
preservation, One is recorded (Chelmsford Chrenicle, Mar. 30) as having been
shot at Dedham by Mr. B. Watson, jun., about the third week in March, 1883,
another being seen about at the same time. The Rev. P. A. Leaky of Sudbury
possesses a fine specimen shot in Essex. Mr. T. W. Offin shot one at Rayleigh
about ten years ago. Mr. Charles Smoothy observed one on several occasions at
Danbury in January of the present year.

Family MUSCICAPIDA.
Pied Flycatcher: Muscicapa atricapilla.

An uncommon passing migrant in spring and autumn, when on
its way to and from its breeding localities in the North of England
and in Scotland. Its usual
dates of appearance in the
county seem to be early in
May and early in Septem-
ber. It has once been
known to breed in the
county, and it has done so
exceptionally in several
other southern counties.

The Rev. R. Sheppard ob-
served it occasionally at Wrab-

ness, as he notes its arrival there
(17)i on May 16th and April PIED FLYCATCHER, male, %

29th, in 1822 and 1823 respectively. Mr. Joseph Clarke notes (24) the occurrence
of a male at Audley End in or about 1826. At Stoke Nayland, in Suffolk, just
beyond the Essex border, J. D. Hoy records (12. iii. 436) that several were seen
on May Ist, 1830, He also records (12. vi. 151) that one was shot at Stoke Nay-
land on the 7th of September, 1832. “It was in company with several of the
spotted species. I know several instances of its having been met with in the same
Vicinity, both spring and autumn, but never heard of its remaining to breed.”
Henry Doubleday isays (10) one was seen at Epping in August, 1835, and in

108 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

July, 1836, he says (10) “ For the first time, I this spring lobtained a male Pied
Flycatcher here. It was sitting on some rails by a pond in the town.” Edward
Doubleday records this (15. iv. 233) as killed in May, 1836. English calls
it (43. 1. 23) an “occasional visitor” to Epping Forest. One was shot in the
grounds of Chestnut Tree House, Leytonstone, about the middle of April, 1871 (29.
April 22). “A female x * » was taken in the Forest by a bird-catcher on the
13th of September, 1877. x * * It was kept alive for some days on chopped egg
and meal-worms, Two examples were shot in Theydon Grove, and are in the
Doubleday Collection” (Buxton—47. 89). Mr. Smoothy has one shot near Thaxted
about 1878. On May Ist, 1881, Mr. Travis watched one near the Bull Lodge,
at Audley End. About fifteen years before he shot another near the same spot.
Mr. Stacey of Dunmow preserved a pair shot there by himself in 1882. Mr. Scruby
informs me of one shot at Dudbrook about 1883. The Rev. M. C. H. Bird found
a dead, but fresh, immature specimen washed up among some d@éérzs on the shore
at Canvey Island, on September 27th, 1889.

Mr. Harting (‘ Our Summer Migrants,” p. 163) says he has known it nest in
Essex, but he cannot now recollect where, I know of no other instance.

Spotted Flycatcher: Muscicapa grisola. Locally, ‘* Wall-
bird ” (Orsett).
A common summer visitor, usually arriving about May Ist, on

which date, in 1883, I saw the first bird of that year near
Wethersfield. In 1888, it was

unusually scarce round Chelms-
ford.

In July, 1876, I found here a nest of
this bird, containing eggs, which was

built in a portion of the mud lining of

an old Thrush’s nest, suspended loosely

in a bush overhanging the brook.

More than one similar instance has, I

believe, been recorded.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, ¥%.

Family HIRUNDINIDA.

Swallow: Airundo rustica.

An abundant summer visitor, usually arriving early in April and
departing again about the end of September, though specimens may
not unfrequently be observed and even nests found in October or
November and later. Cream-coloured or white varieties are not very
rare.

In 1880, I saw the first at Walden on April 15th, and the last on November
17th, and I saw one at High Beech, on October 30th, 1881. One was seen at

HIRUNDINIDA—MARTINS. 10g

Chipping Hill, Witham, on November 13th, 1878 (29. Nov. 30), and Colonel
Marsden observed one over a pond at Great Oakley, on Nov. 26th, 1889 (29.
Wee 1):

Mr. Buxton writes (47. 92) :

“In the late summer these
birds gather in thousands to
roost in the reed-bed in the
pond in Cook’s Folly. [near
Walthamstow]. This seems to
be the general rendezvous for
the district, and at sunset they
may be seen flying in small
companies from every direction
towards this point. The con-
fused noise, as they swarm like
bees to gain a foot-hold among mae
the reeds, is most remark- SWALLow, %.
able.” (After Bewick.)

Round Shoebury, Lieut. Legge says (34.92) it breeds largely “ under the
bridges over the watercourses in the marshes.” In 1865, he saw the last on No-
vember 5th. In 1887, they were observed at Maldon after cold weather as late
as Nov. 4th (29. Dec. Io).

Mr. Hope informs me that he knew ofa swallow living all one winter in Epping
Church. Dr. Bree states (29. Nov. 20, 1875) that he had ‘“‘a nest and eggs taken
while the old bird was sitting on them in the middle of December [1866] at Wal-
ton-on-the-Naze.” The nest in question is still in Dr. Bree’s Collection in Mr.
Harwood’s possession.

Mr. Clarke, writing about 1845, says (24) that two perfectly white specimens
had been taken at Saffron Walden. One of these, a young bird, is still in the
Museum there. Henry Doubleday records (23. 4871) having seen a pure white
specimen flying over his garden at Epping on the evening of August Igth, 1855.
A young fawn-coloured specimen was shot near Little Baddow, on November
2nd, 1880 (29. Nov. 13).

Martin: Chelidon urbica.

An abundant summer visitor, arriving usually early in April and
departing again about the middle of October, though individuals are
sometimes observed much later. They would be very much com-
moner than they are with us were it not for the Sparrows taking pos-
session of their nests. J consider that the late Col. Russell was
more than justified in all that he wrote upon this subject.

His interesting paper, entitled “‘ Martins and Sparrows,” published
in the Journal of Proceedings of the Essex Field Club (vol. iii., p. 20),
should be read by every one. In this paper he clearly shows
how the useful and ornamental Martins are being steadily exter-
minated by the injurious and obnoxious Sparrows, which take
possession of their nests. For many years Col. Russell carried on
an incessant war against the Sparrows at Stubbers, shooting every
one that appeared, until at last they became scarce birds. The

110 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

resulting increase in the number of Martins was quite extraordinary. ~
Commencing with the year 1870, he had in successive years the
following number of nests on his house :—7, 20, 45, 51, 68, 81, 100
and 110. After this the
number remained _station-
ary at about 130, that being,
apparently, the greatest
number that could obtain
subsistence. Col. Russell’s
evidence as to the injurious
nature of Sparrows, is not
less interesting, but is out
of place here.

Henry Doubleday saw thirty
or forty flying together at
Fpping on October 15th, 1866
(34. 523). Mr. Laver records
(29. Nov. 11) having observed
a party of ten hawking over Col-
chester on the 5th of November,
1882. They eventually disappeared to the westward. On Nov. 22nd, 1888, two
were observed for fully an hour at Woodham Walter (50. ii. 270). Mr. Philip
Papillon saw a specimen at Colchester on Dec. 23rd, 1869 (29. Jan. 3rd, 1870).
At Harwich, Mr. Kerry says “it decreases in numbers every year.” I am inclined
to think that the same remark applies to the entire county.

ANA UTE ATT ET OT)

MARTIN, %.

Sand-Martin: Cotile riparia.

A common summer visitor wherever there are sandy river- or
pit-banks suited to its nesting habits. It usually appears about the
end of March and disappears again during September, although in
1865, Lieut. Legge saw a pair near Shoebury on November 18th
(34. 92), and Mr. Hope mentions having observed them in Essex in
Christmas week—a very remarkable date. Its nesting-colonies are
found throughout the county wherever there are suitable sandy
banks.

Edward Doubleday says (15) it occurs at Epping, but does not breed there,
The Rey. J. C. Atkinson says (36. 101): ‘A ballast-pit at Fingringhoe, in Essex,
is occupied by the most numerous colony I am acquainted with.” They have oc-
casionally been known to nest in walls. Dr. Laver, for instance, saw several pairs
carrying nesting-materials into holes in the stone walls of Colchester Castle,

on May 25th, 1878 (29. June1). Probably the scarcity of sandy banks through-
out the district led them to this.

[Purple Martin: Progne purpurea.

An American species, which has been admitted into the British List,
chiefly on the strength of a specimen said to have been shot near Kings-
town about 1840, but there are not sufficient grounds for allowing its

FRINGILLIDA—FINCHES, III

name to remain. There are records of two reputed occurrences of it in
Essex. Dr. Bree says (29. Oct. 5) Captain Dugmore, formerly of Col-
chester, told him that about Sept. 26th, 1878, he saw “a specimen of the
Purple Martin (Airundo purpurea) on the barrack exercising ground
here. Having lived in Canada, where the bird is plentiful, and being
within ten yards of the Swallow as it sailed past him, he had no doubt
whatever about the bird being the one indicated. * » « The strong pre-
valence of westerly winds for the last month may be expected to have
blown over many birds. Colchester may now boast of being the locality
where three very rare specimens of the Hirundinidae and Cypselidae
have been procured [? ].” This record seems very unsatisfactory, but if
so good a naturalist as Dr. Bree gave credence to it, it is perhaps as well
to follow him, Mr, Fitch also writes me that he remembers seeing Mr,
John Squire, formerly of Wixoe Park, shoot one on the Stour about
twenty years ago, but he does not know the present whereabouts of the
specimen. |

Family CERTHIIDA.

Tree Creeper: Certhia aT
Samiliaris. Locally, “Bark- | if / ay iy ii i; /; |
runner” (E. A. F.). / YY fit i h

A common resident
throughout the county, es-
pecially in well-wooded dis-
tricts.

Yarrell gives (14. ii, 159)
as a vignette a wood-cut of a nest
of this bird which he says was
taken at Bower House, Haver-
ing. Round Orsett, it seems to

be uncommon, as Mr, Sackett
has only twice seen it,

Dali
f } Wp} y]
i On

CREEPER, 4.

Family FRINGILLIDA.

Goldfinch: Carduelis elegans. Locally “Redcap” (E .A. F.—-
once).

A resident in Essex, though local, not abundant, and to some
extent migratory. It is to be feared that its numbers in the county
are decreasing.

King says (20) it was “common” around Sudbury in his time. Mr. Buxton
Says (47. 88) it “used often to be caught by bird-catchers on Wanstead Flats ;

112 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX,

common about the lanes of Loughton.” The Rev. H. A. Macpherson says (29.
Dec. 17, 1887 & 41, ii. 20) that in 1876 a few pairs nested in private grounds round
Chingford, and that'the late Mr. Cartwright, bird-stuffer, used to take a good
many on acommon in the vicinity [? Nazing Common] but of late his takes
became more scanty. Mr. W. Crouch says it occurs at Barkingside, but is “‘ not
common now.” At Harwich it is fairly common when migrating, and a few breed
(Kerry). Round Orsett, it is uncommon (Sackett). Dr. Laver says it is “ fre-
quent in the Colchester and Paglesham districts, but less so than formerly.”
There are usually a few small flocks about here in winter, especially if the
weather be sharp, but I believe they nearly all go elsewhere to breed, as I
have very seldom seen a nest here. In the winters of 1876-79 they were rather
unusually numerous, Mr, Hope observes that “about Oct. roth it arrives on
the Suffolk and Essex coasts in flocks of from ten to fifty. They feed awhile on
the thistles on the sea-wall and then coast along southward.”

Siskin: Chrysomitris spinus. Locally, “ Barley Bird.’”*

A winter visitor only to Essex, and much commoner some years
than others. Further north it has been known to breed sparingly,
and in the north of Scotland
freely, but with us never.

Chas. E. Smithsays (31. 53), “a
dozen were shot this spring [1858]
near Halstead.” King described it
(20) as “‘a very rare winter visitor”
to the Sudbury district. Round Wal-
den, Mr. Clarke says it is seen in
“small flocks in winter” (24), and
I have myself occasionally seen small
flocks there, but Mr. Travis says they
used to be much commoner than now.
He remembers seeing flocks of over
one hundred in the Park. Mr, Bux-
ton says (47. 88) it is an “occasional winter visitor to Wanstead Park, I saw
one about the alders last spring (1883); three were seen in February, 1884.”
Mr. Grubb says (12. vii. 18) it abounded on the alders round Lexden Springs in
1833. Round Harwich it is common during migration (Kerry). It is fairly
common round Danbury (Smoothy).

SISKIN, 4.

STRANGE Fincu. —Mr. Travis of Saffron Walden has at the present time in
confinement a strange finch which was captured close to the town in some fields
on the Debden Road about September or October, 1888. I have inspected the
bird, but am not able to make any suggestion as to its species. The follow-
ing is a brief description of it: Bill, remarkably conical; general colours,
greenish-brown and dark brown; tail-coverts and lower part of back, dirty
greenish-yellow ; breast and under-parts, greyish-brown, tinged with buff, and
striped down the middle of each feather with dark brown; secondaries

* Charnock’s Essex Glossary, p. 3-

FRINGILLIDA—FINCHES. 113

blackish-brown, edged with dirty white ; over each eye there is a light stripe,
and the sides of the neck are light; bill and legs horn-colour. Mr. J. H. Gur-
ney, jun., who has also inspected the bird, is inclined to think it may be a female
Cape Canary. He writes: “It resembles a very large hen Serin, with a darker
crown, and darkish ‘whiskers.’ There is no yellow anywhere, except on the
rump, and very little there.” Mr. Backhouse, who has also seen the specimen,
thinks it may be a hybrid Serin of some kind, About this specimen Mr. G. E.
Lodge writes (40. xiii. 29) :—

“A short time ago, hearing of some ‘English Wild Canaries’ at a bird-
stuffer’s at Saffron Walden, I went to see what they might be, and here give a
description of them. One, which was living in a cage with some Redpolls
and a Twite, looked almost exactly like a hen Siskin, except that it had a
very short and stout beak almost like that of a Bullfinch. A light yellow
stripe over the eye was very conspicuous. This bird was caught near Saffron
Walden. The others, (there were two more) were stuffed, and the owner told
me that one of them was caught near London, and had been living in the
Zoo. This was a much more gaily-coloured bird than the living one. The
forehead, throat, sides of neck just behind the auriculars, and breast being bright
greenish-yellow, with a few dark streaks on the flanks. The back was much
greyer than a cock Siskin’s, with dark streak down centre of each feather,
getting yellowish-green lower down, and tail-coverts the same colour as the
back ; top of head plain greyish-green. I suppose they were cock and hen
Serin Finch ; but as I have never before seen a specimen of this bird 1 am not
certain about them.”

Greenfinch: Ligurinus chloris. Locally, ‘ Green Linnet.”

An abundant resident.

fhe Rev. J. C; Atkinson
writes (36. 78) that in a thick
thorn hedge “bordering an
orchard in Essex, of perhaps
seventy or eighty yards long,
1 found one day a dozen or
more of Greenfinches’ nests,
almost all with eggs in.”

Mr. J. H. Hills, of Prested
Hall, Feering, has a specimen
of a mixed white, creamy, and
bright yellow colour, shot
there by himself in December,
1874.

GREENFINCH, wale, 4%.

Hawfinch : Coccothraustes vulgaris.

A resident, and a much commoner one than is usually sup-
I

rif THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

posed, as its shy nature leads to its being comparatively little
observed. There is good cause also for be-
lieving that it has increased considerably in
number during the last half-century, and in
some winters it may now almost be described
as abundant with us. Epping Forest seems
to be a stronghold of the species—indeed, it
was Henry Doubleday’s observations in the
Forest about fifty years ago which first drew
attention to the fact that this bird was by no
means so scarce as had hitherto been sup-
posed. The account of the species in the
vy first edition of Yarrell is largely composed
of contributions from Doubleday (14. i. 483).
rea Many more of his observations, which have
po NEP Ie never yet been published, are to be found in
his letters to Heysham, whence I have culled many extracts.

Mr, J. Gurney Barclay has given (23. 569) an interesting account of their
habits in the neighbourhood of Walthamstow. He says:

“This species came first under my notice about the winter of 1825, when a
fine cock bird fell dead on the gravel walk before the gardener—from what cause
was not ascertained ; but it was not until 1837 that I was aware of their being
resident and rather numerous in the neighbourhood. * * * In the winter season,
and especially during severe weather, these birds are frequently seen in the neigh-
bourhood of the forest in large flocks of from fifty to a hundred or more, feeding
on the seeds of the hornbeam, to which they appear to be particularly partial ; and as
spring advances they disperse into retired spots to breed. I am inclined to think
that their shy habits, together with their being a very local species, has led to
their having remained so long comparatively unobserved.”

Mr, Clarke notes (24) that one was killed in the churchyard at Saffron Wal-
den many years ago ; seven (two of which are stillin Walden Museum) at Audley
End in 1832; another in the garden at Audley End on Feb. 7th, 1837, and one
at Walden in 1844.

Hy. Doubleday, in Aug., 1831, says (10) :

“The Grosbeak, I believe, breeds in our extensive forest every year, and I
doubt not I can procure thee specimens in November, as at that time it draws
near gardens and plantations to feed on the stones of the plum, cherry, laurel,
&c. It is an extremely shy bird and difficult to shoot, as it darts with great
rapidity through the laurels, firs, &c., and seldom shows itself till out of reach of
shot.”

On June 12th, 1832, he writes (10):

“Tam happy in being able to send one rarity, vz., two eggs of the Haw-
finch, which till this spring I never saw. The nest is built in the most careless
manner, and consists of a few coarse sticks, then a layer of that coarse lichen
which grows on the stems of oaks, and [is] lined with a few roots. It is also
extremely shallow. They seem to build in any situation. The nest I took was
in a whitethorn, about four feet high, and I saw one on the top of a tall spruce
fr. « «1 have now a full-grown young Hawfinch in confinement, which was
caught in our forest about a fortnight ago.”

On Mar. 22nd, 1836, he writes (10), “Many Hawfinches may be daily seen in

FRINGILLIDZ—FINCHES. II5

the forest, feeding on the hornbeam seeds, but they are extremely shy and difficult
to procure.” In July following he writes, “‘I have brought up some young ones
this summer, and have just sent three to our friend Thomas Allis” (of York),
In the next letter (August 24th) he adds:

“T have no doubt I can get some more Hawfinches for thee. Mine is
still alive and well. The nest is so loose that it can hardly be moved with-
out falling to pieces—in fact it is the clumsiest nest I am acquainted with.
It has been found in Kent, but rarely, as Mr. Yarrell had not a British speci-
men of its egg until I gave him one about a month ago.”

On Dec. 2nd, 1£37, he writes (10): “I do not know what will become of
the Hawfinches this winter, as there is an entire failure of their favourite
food, the seed of the hornbeam. I do not think there is a seed all through
the forest, and last winter every tree was loaded. It may quite drive them
away.” In June, 1839, he observes (10) that the bird “seems to have dimin-
ished in our neighbourhood,” and again on Jan. 15th, 1840, he writes (10):
“We have very few Hawfinches, which I think is owing to the entire absence
of seed on the hornbeams, the cold spring having, I suppose, cut off the
blossoms, and they certainly live principally on the seed of this tree.” Else-
where (23. 40), about the same time he wrote as follows :—

“Tn the winter of 1835 and spring of 1836, they were extremely common
in the forest, associating in large flocks, and feeding upon the seeds of the
hornbeam, which were very abundant. In the spring of 1837 J saw fewer
birds, and the seed was not abundant—I mean the crop of 1836. The springs
of 1837-38-39-40 were cold and frosty when the hornbeam was in flower, and
I believe not a seed was to be seen through the whole forest. During this
time I scarcely saw any Hawfinches—only a single bird now and then in
gardens, &c. The spring of 1841 was fine and warm, and there was an im-
mense quantity of seed upon the hornbeams in the summer. As I expected,
during the autumn of that year, and the spring of 1842, hundreds of Hawfinches
were to be seen wherever there was seed, and I saw many nests in the sum-
mer. Now, again, there is little or no seed and not a Hawfinch is to be met with
in the forest, and I have seen only one or two solitary individuals during the
winter. What becomes of them all? Do they disperse over the country, or do
they leave us altogether? They will feed on the kernels of haws, yew-berries,
laurel, and plum-stones, &c., but decidedly prefer the seed of the hornbeam to
anything else. In the summer they are very destructive to green peas. They
become very tame in confinement, though extremely wild in a state of nature.”

In 1856, he writes (23. 5098) that “it used to breed in great numbers in
our forest, but has become comparatively rare within the last three or four years,”
Doubleday believed (34. 1133) that in some years their numbers in Epping
Forest were increased by arrivals from the continent, as in the winter of 1865-
66, when there was much seed on the hornbeams, and large flocks were scat-
tered all over the forest. Writing from Epping in 1835, Edward Doubleday
says (15):

“ This interesting bird is very common here, though rarely to be seen, save
by a practised ornithologist, from its shyness. In the winter it visits our gardens
to feed on the fallen stones of plums, bullaces, or laurel, which it dexterously
cracks with its powerful bill. Sometimes it may be found in small companies
of ten or fifteen, feeding on the fallen seeds of the hornbeams. It generally
builds in a tall whitethorn or holly. The nest is sometimes as loose as a Ring-
dove’s, but at other [times the bird] bestows rather more pains upon it. It lays
from five to six eggs. When the young are fledged they visit the gardens near
the forest in search of green peas. I have been told that last year nearly, if not
quite, thirty were killed in the garden of Colonel Conyers, of Copt Hall, whose
park I believe to be a favourite breeding-place of this bird.”

Mr, English stated (44. ii. iv.) in 1881 that in Epping Forest ‘“he had seen

I 2

116 “THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

flocks of 200 to 300 atatime. They fed principally upon the seeds of the horn-
beam (Carfinus), and in winters like the present, when hornbeam seeds were
scarce and the weather very severe, they spread over the country to villages and
gardens in search of food.” Dr. Bree, in a letter to the Standard (Jan. 28, 1881),
after stating that the bird had been more numerous that winter round Colchester
than he had ever known it before, says :

“T have known it as a breeder in this neighbourhood for the last ten years.
Ambrose, the local bird-stuffer here, tells me he has had upwards of thirty
this year. There are more than twenty nowin his shop. He says they come
from all parts of the neighbourhood. One boy caught seven in a garden near
the river.”

At the same time they were much more common than usual round Saffron
Walden, many being sent in to Mr, Travis from the surrounding villages, especi-
ally during the hard weather in January. A pair were also shot in our garden
at Lindsell Hall. On Mar, roth, 1878, Mr. H. Corder saw a flock of about twenty
in a small wood near Writtle. Mr. F. Spalding informs me that his sister caught
one by hand in her bedroom at Shenfield, it having entered by an open window.
At Harwich it is “scarce,” though some are seen most winters (Kerry). “T. F.
R.” mentions (12. ii. 404) an egg, evidently of this species, found in July, 1829,
in a nest in an elm-hedge in Essex. Mr. C. E. Smith notes (31. 53) that “A
nest and eggs of this bird [ was ] taken near Felix Hall, by Mr. William Deal, keeper
‘to T. B. Western, Esq., M.P., during the summer of 1857.” Mr. Hope says that it
breeds at Havering, where it is commoner than it used to be. Dr. Laver says it
breeds not unfrequently in the Colchester district. The Tuck Collection contains
‘specimens taken from nests at Audley End in June, 1858. In May, 1877, a
friend found a nest with eggs in a large old hawthorn in Danbury Park, and in
ithe previous year I found an old nest in the woods adjoining, where the bird
nests pretty freely, I believe. At Dedham, Mr. Rowland T. Cobbold informs’
me that it is becoming increasingly common, being a constant visitor during win-
ter to his bullace-trees, easily splitting open the stones to get at the kernels,
and in summer to his rows of peas. The same might be said of many other
parts of the county.

Tree Sparrow : Passer montanus.

A resident, breeding more or less sparingly in several parts of the
county, I believe, though I never found a nest. In winter its num-
bers are largely increased by
the arrival of flocks from else-
where, and it is then fairly
common in all, or most, parts
of the county.

Mr. C. Parsons, writing from
Southchurch in 1834, says (13) :

“This bird is a constant winter

=, =~ visitor here. I have shot them re-

ann mT peatedly in severe weather in Janu-

f TTT HTH ary, intermixed with the common

Sparrows in the farm-yards, andalso

TREE SPARROW, /5- with Greenfinches, Chaffinches and

other small birds in the fields. About a fortnight ago, I caught one at night in a

folding-net in a corn-stack, when in quest of common Sparrows. I never saw one

here in the summer months.”

FRINGILLIDA—SPARROWS. 117

At Southminster, about 1334, Mr. W. H. Hill described it (12. viii. 573) as
* occasionally abundant.” Mr. Grubb says (12. vii. 518) it was repeatedly shot at
Lexden in the winter of 1833-4. Henry Doubleday, speaking of a visit he paid
to Colchester early in March, 1840, says (10) : “ I saw scarcely any Tree Spar-
rows, which are generally so common near Colchester.” In March, 1841, he says
(10), “I saw many Tree Sparrows near Mersea Island.” Mr. Clarke notes it
(24) as “not uncommon” round Saffron Walden at the time he wrote (about
1845). There aretwo specimens from Saffron Walden in the Museum at that town,
Mr. Grubb includes it (39) in his list of Sudbury birds, and King says (20) it
is “not uncommon ”’ there. Mr. Buxton says (47. 87) that it is ‘‘common about the
pollard willows near the River Roding,” but does not indicate at what time of year.
Mr. Hope describes it as ““not uncommon in the county.” During winter, and
especially during hard weather, they are by no means uncommon here, and I have
shot them out of flocks of common Sparrows. I have also frequently taken them with
the sparrow-nets at night. They never roost with the common Sparrows in corn-
stacks or in holes in thatch, but always, so far as my observation goes, singly and
in hay-stacks. Considerable flocks have sometimes been observed off the coast
on their way hither. Yarrell (37. ii. 85) quotes cases in which, in October, 1833,
flocks numbering 100 settled on a ship bound for the Thames, as she passed the
coast of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex ; and in November, 1860, thousands boarded
a vessel between the Dogger Bank and the Galloper lightship. Dr. Laver has
shot them during the winter in both the Colchester and Paglesham districts, but
never knew them breed in either. In the latter district, however, Mr. Wiseman
informs me that it breeds in considerable numbers, and his son has frequently
taken their eggs. Round Harwich, it is “ fairly common ; breeds in holes in trees,
also in trees covered with ivy at Ramsey” (Kerry). Mr, A. J. Crosfield of Rei-
gate informs me that he saw one close to Dagenham Gulf on May 23rd, 1879,
when it must have been breeding, Several specimens labelled “ Frating Abbey,
April, 1875,” are in the collection ofthe late Dr. Bree. Round Danbury, though
not common, Mr. Smoothy says it certainly breeds,as he has seen the old birds
there during summer, as well as young birds just out of the nest.

House Sparrow: Passer domesticus.

An all-too-abundant resident everywhere. It is unquestionably a
very injurious bird to the farmer, consuming a large amount of young
green wheat when in the ear, and
much fewer insects than some sen-
timentalists would have us believe.
It also drives away Martins, by
taking possession of their nests.
I consider the late Col. Russell ©
was more than justified in his on-
slaught upon the sparrow and that =
he fully made good his case.
Varieties, generally white or pied,
frequently occur.

Lieut, Legge records (34. 32) a nest, :
built during the: first week in November, HOUSE SPARROW, wale, 4.

118 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

1865, in the tackling of a heavy pair of sheers erected at Shoebury for the pur-
pose of dismounting a large gun, Early in July, 1881, a nest containing ten eggs
(doubtless the produce of two birds) was found here by one of my brothers.

Mr. C.E, Smith states (31. 52) that on August 26th, 1858, he noticed a white
specimen ina flock, and another with tail and wings of a dull cream-colour on the
18th of the following month. In September, 1880, Mr. Travis received from Cla-
vering a young and pure white specimen. I saw one here with the primaries of
one wing almost entirely white, on January gth, 1877. A dark cream-coloured
variety, presented by Mr. C. Baron, anda lighter cream-coloured variety, presented
by Mr. S. Salmon, both killed at Saffron Walden, are in the Museum at that town,
as is also an almost white individual from Wenden, presented by Mr. Salmon.
Round Orsett, Mr. Sackett knows of several stuffed albino specimens. A variety
with a more or less brilliant chocolate throat, instead of black, is rather common:
I captured one on January 4th, 1877, and another with it very brilliant on
February 26th, 1878.

Those who agree with the late Col. Russell on the Sparrow question would
have been gratified by a sight which was to be seen here in the early part of June
last (29. June 15). Upon the south-east corner of our house, in a position
which has been regularly occupied for many years past, was a half-finished Mar-
tin’s nest. A short time previously this nest had been burglariously entered by a
pair of Sparrows, who:took possession of it, undeterred by the fact that many others
of their kind in previous years had paid the penalty for this offence of being
shot by me. This year, however, one of the intruders met with a different
fate. For several days the hen was to be seen hanging by her neck from the nest,
swayed by the breeze, and suspended by a thread of horsehair some eight inches
or nine inches in length, which had somehow got twisted round it,—a warning to all
evil-doers of her kind. This occurrence singularly resembles a similar one de-
picted by a woodcut in Yarrell (37. ii. 93), which represents the sad fate that befel a
Sparrow which had built its nest in the ornamental frieze of the Rotunda, in Dub-
lin. Amongst the materials used for that purpose there chanced to be a woollen
thread, with a loop at oneend. By some accident, the bird got its neck into the
noose, and, all its efforts to escape being in vain, was miserably hung below its
own home. In the instance now recorded, however, the bird was hung, not
below its own home, but below the home of a much more worthy bird which it had
“evicted,” and had caught its neck, not in a noose at one end of a piece of twine,
but in a loop formed bya knot in the middle of a long piece of horsehair, Similar
occurrences are, I believe, not very rare.

Chaffinch : /ringilla calebs.
An abundant resident. White or pied varieties sometimes

occur.

Albin figures (3. ii. 50) a curious variety having the head and neck, wings and
most of the tail-feathers white or nearly so. He saw it in the possession of a
Mr. Noble, who told him that “it frequented his brother’s garden at Havering
Bower in Essex, where he used to feed it a long time before he could take
it,” which he at last did on April 20th, 1732.

In the Museum at Saffron Walden is a variety from Wenden, many years since
presented by Mr. S. Salmon, It has the whole of the under-parts, the tail and the
quill-feathers of the wing, pure white; the crown and nape, faint grey; the
back white, tinged with canary yellow, strongest over the tail and on the
shoulders ; wing-coverts pale brown. There is also an adult male, shot at Wal-

- ——

FRINGILLIDAZ—LINNET. 119

den in 1842, which has a white crown, and a narrow white ring almost en-
circling the neck. A specimen “of a light yellow colour, with the exception
of the white bars on the wings” has been obtained near Stratford.

Brambling: AZringilla montifringilla. Locally, “ Bramble-
finch.”

A somewhat irregular and usually rather uncommon winter visi-
tant, though sometimes appearing in considerable numbers, es-
pecially during severe weather.

Henry Doubleday mentions (10) a
flock he saw at Epping about October
Ist, 1840, and says that a large flock
passed over on January 14th, 1844. In
the same district, his brother Edward
speaks of it (15) as “an occasional visi-
tant at the time of their spring and autumn
migrations,” Mr. Buxton says (47. 87)
that in Epping Forest it is ‘“‘ more frequent
in the winter than is usually supposed. A
few years since there were large flocks
feeding upon the beech-nuts.” Mr. Joseph
Clarke says (24) that small flocks appear
round Saffron Walden in winter, and dur-
ing a spell of cold weather in March, 1883,
many were shot round the town. I also saw
some fine birds about. King describes it (20) as “‘ an occasional winter visitant to
Sudbury.” It is common, in some seasons, in both the Colchester and Paglesham
districts (Laver), and Mr. Kerry says it is common most winters round Harwich.
Mr. Fitch has frequently noticed it at Maldon. Mr. Stacey of Dunmow has a
remarkable variety with the head, neck and throat entirely black. Mr. J. H.
Gurney, jun., has a very similar specimen.

BRAMBLING, male, 4.

Linnet: Zinota cannabina. Locally, “ Red Linnet” (male).

An abundant resident, especially in the vicinity of commons and
uncultivated grounds, the more so if near the coast.

Lieut. Legge says (23. 9839) :

““ Next to the Lark there is hardly any bird so common on this coast [Shoe-
bury]. They frequent the sandy ground near the shore feeding on the seeds of
the rank herbage which grows on the saltings. They nest here in great numbers,
and build sometimes within half a dozen yards of the shore, in the brambles grow-
ing on the sea-walls.”

W. H. Hill of Southminster speaks of it (12. vi. 452) as occurring “in immense
flocks on the sea-shore” about 1832, and in 1880, “ immense numbers ”’ arrived on
the Essex and Kentish coasts between October 1st and 26th—none, or very few,
were observed further north (44. 47). Mr. Buxton says (47. 88) “large numbers
were taken by bird-catchers on Wanstead Flats a few years ago.”

Mr, T. E. Gunn exhibited a variety shot on Canvey Island, on February 23th,
1882, before the Linnean Society on the 19th of June, 1883. It was pure
white, with the exception of the quill-feathers of the wings and tail,

120 . THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Lesser Redpoll: Zinota rufescens.

A resident in the north of England and Scotland, but best known
as a winter visitor to Essex, though individuals certainly sometimes
remain and breed with
us. It appears not to
be so common in Essex
as formerly, for my late
father could recollect
that many years ago he
often used to take them
in the nets with Spar-
rows when roosting in
stacks of corn during
winter.

Mr. Clarke says (24) that
about forty years ago it was
“seen occasionally in win-
ter”? round Saffron Walden,
King says (20) it was then
“ common ”’ around Sudbury
—meaning presumably in
the winter-time. Henry
Doubleday, on September
24th, 1840, says (10) :

“JT do not know whether
we are likely to havea sharp
winter or not, but I see some birds from the north are arriving. J have seen
flocks of Redpolls for three weeks past. We do not often see them so early here,”

Edward Doubleday includes it (15) in his Epping list, and Mr. Buxton gives
“Loughton Forest and Wanstead Flats” (47. 89). At Harwich, it is “common
during migration” (Kerry). Dr. Laver describes it as “common in winter in
both the Colchester and Paglesham districts,” but he never knew it breed in
either. Mr. Hope says they are “ caught near Upminster in large quantities in
the autumn and fetch 2d. each in London,” He has also shot them in the spring.

As regards its breeding in the county, Mr. Travis records (44. i. Ixiii.) that on
June 27th, 1879, a boy named Rushforth took a nest out of some fir-trees by the
roadside close to Shortgrove Park, near Saffron Walden. It contained young
birds, which were brought to Mr. Travis, in whose possession one of them lived
for some time, and I often saw it at his house. Mr, Brewis of Chesterford Park
has known it breed on the Common there, I have specimens of its eggs which I
believe were taken near Chelmsford about the year 1869. Mr. Fitch finds the
nest, he tells me, almost yearly among the shrubby sea-blite on the east side of
Osey Island. Mr. Sackett informs me that on June 7th, 1887, he saw one at
Reeve’s Shaw, a copse in Orsett parish, He has not the least doubt as to the
species, as he has kept this bird in captivity and knows its note well. It is com-
mon there in the autumn,

In October, 1872, Mr. Stacey of Dunmow preserved a white variety shot at
Hatfield,

LESSER REDPOLLS, ¥%.

FRINGILLIDA—TWITE. 121

Mealy Redpoll: Zinota inaria. Locally, “ Stone Redpoll.’
An irregular and uncommon winter visitor.

Henry Doubleday mentions (10) a
pair sent to him from Colchester in
1836. He adds:

“ T have never yet met with one in
this vicinity [Epping], but about
three weeks since I had the pleasure
of seeing it wild, feeding on the
alder, in company with a number of
Siskins, near Colchester. I shot
one and immediately after a speci-
men with a fine rose-coloured
breast alighted on the alder close to
me, but flew ere I could load my
gun. I cannot find that any of

the bird-catchers have ever taken ; : i
the Stone Redpoll here.” ME Ae REDE OL a2

Doubleday also supplied Yarrell with some notes of his observations upon this
bird at Colchester on this occasion (14. i. 510).

Mr. Buxton says (47. 89) that in Epping Forest it “ only appears at long in-
tervals, and, like the Crossbills, in considerable numbers, probably in quest of food.”’
Mr. English adds that some years ago many were trapped by Henry Doubleday
and himself. Yarrell says (37. ii. 136) that, although seldom noticed in spring,
the Museum at Saffron Walden contained one killed near there in May, 1836, and
it is marked as having occurred near the town in the catalogue issued in 1845.
The Rey. M. C. H. Bird saw some in company with Siskins on Canvey Island
on December 8th, 1881. A specimen from Colchester in the spring of 1862 is
preserved in the Bree Collection. Round Danbury, Mr. Smoothy has seen a few
among the crowds of Lesser Redpolls in winter.

Twite: Linota flavirostris.

A more or less common resident from the midland counties north-
ward, but known in Essex only as a common winter visitor to the
sea-coast. It often abounds
on the saltings round Maldon

and elsewhere, going in small

flocks.
Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear

write (9. 27):

“ We have found them plentiful
in the month of October on Pewit
Island, and on the main-land of
Essex near it, in flocks of ten and
twenty together, and towards even-
ing we noticed flocks of about a
hundred, so that it seems not im-
probable that the flocks may collect
together to pass the night. No
other birds were feeding on the seeds of the marsh samphire and sea starwort.
x * » At half-past five o’clock on the morning of March 2oth, 1820, a very ex-
traordinary migration of small birds was witnessed at Little Oakley in Essex.
The attention of the observer was arrested by an uncommon chattering of birds,

TWITE, %.

122 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

and looking up he beheld an incredible number of small birds flying abreast, in
a line, as far as the eye could distinguish them and three or four yards deep.
Their direction was towards the south-east, the wind favouring them: their
height only a few yards from the ground. The flock was supposed to consist
principally of Chaffinches, Linnets, Twites and Bramblings. None of the two
latter species were seen in the neighbourhood after that time, and there is on
these shores in the winter season an immense quantity of Linnets—more than
can be bred in the neighbourhood.”

Round Harwich, it is “ verycommon in winter” (Kerry). Mr. Smee says (34.
2605) that, although in “some winters they rise from the saltings in tens of
thousands,” they were “scarce” in the winter of 1870-71. Edward Doubleday
includes it (15) in his list of birds which have occurred in the vicinity of
Epping, and English calls it (43. i. 24) an ‘occasional visitor,” while King
says (20) that it “frequently appears in small flocks in the winter” in the
neighbourhood of Sudbury, but it is not frequent in the inland parts of the
county, though Mr. Travis has two alive, caught close to the town, in Oct., 1888.
At Dentures | Mr. Smoothy says it is common in the winter, nal is taken by
bird-catchers with Linnets.

Bullfinch : Pyrrhula europea.

A fairly-common resident throughout the county, though most
often seen during winter, when it is often very destructive to the buds
of fruit-trees. I
believe it has be-
come commoner
of late years.

Mr. Clarke des-
cribes it (24) as
“very common”
round Saffron Wal-
den. He mentions
‘a very singular
one—half one, and
half the other, sex.”
It is “ frequent ” in
and around Epping
Forest( Buxton—47.
88). King speaks
of it (20) as “‘com-
mon” at Sudbury,
and Mr. Grubb says
(39) that to his
garden tl ere it “comes in numbers in early spring, to the destruction of the goose-
berry buds.” At Harwich, it is very common, and breeds (Kerry). Mr. J. H.
Hills of Feering has a pure white specimen shot by himself at Little Tey in
October, 1874. Mr. Alfred Fitch of Sible Hedingham has a male stuffed which
became quite black in confinement through being fed on hemp seed. Many simi-
lar cases have been reported.

BULLFINCHES, 4.

Crossbill : Zoxta curvirostra.
An irregular and uncertain visitor, chiefly between midsummer

FRINGILLID4—CROSSBILL. 123

and the end of winter, though it has bred in Essex on more than one
occasion. In some years it appears in
considerable abundance. Thus, in 1835-
36, it was abundant round Saffron Wal-
den, and in 1838-39 it abounded at
Epping, but only limited numbers have
been since observed. It certainly
bred at Epping at the time named, if not
at Saffron Walden, but Doubleday’s re-
cord, though noticed by More (33. 131),
Harting (38. 29),and Newman (JZontagu’s
Dictionary, p. 37), has been overlooked
by Yarrell, Seebohm and other writers. Of
late years, the bird has been singularly
rare, though a few have been observed
from time to time. Yarrell’s account of this species (14. 1. 15) was
largely compiled from information supplied by Messrs. Clarke and
Doubleday, and his figure was drawn from specimens shot at Saffron
Walden by Mr. Clarke and still in his possession there, where he has
often shown them to me. Doubleday also lent Yarrell about a
dozen specimens for the same purpose (14. ii. 26).

COMMON CROSSBILL, \%.

Mr. Hoy, writing at Stoke Nayland, which, though actually in Suffolk,
adjoins Essex, says (18. i. 117) :

‘The Common Crossbill was rather numerous in some localities in this dis-
trict during the last year [1836]. I first observed them about the 2oth of July,
1835, and in the month of August we had a large flock in some fir-plantations in
this neighbourhood.x « * They remained with us through the autumn and winter
months, I did not observe any after March, but in the beginning of the month
of June following a flock of fifteen or twenty were noticed in the same planta-
tions.”

Mr. Joseph Clarke writes (18. i. 164) :

“ During the latter end of the month of June, 1835, a flight of these singular
birds was observed in and about the plantations at Saffron Walden and the ad-
joining villages, several of which were procured during that and the following
months in their different stages of plumage.”

After a discourse upon the varying colours of their plumage Mr, Clarke con-
tinues :

“The mandibles of these birds are indiscriminately crossed, though in by far
the greater proportion of those that came into my hands the upper crossed the
lower one tothe right. Only three out of twenty-seven that I examined were
crossed to the left. These busy strangers with their incessant twittering were
continually seen flying from tree to tree, curiously examining every fir apple and
with one of their strong feet grasping the twig andthe other the fruit of the fir,
sometimes in a horizontal, sometimes in a vertical position, turning up and down
with as much facility as ifon a pivot, swaying their bodies to and fro in almost
every possible attitude, breaking with their strong crossed and admirably adapted
bills the scaly case and extracting the seed from every cone. « * * They seemed
totally unused to the busy haunts of men, and had not yet learned to fear the
approach of an enemy, So tame were they, as to be but little alarmed at the re-

124 . THE. BIRDS OF. ESSEX.

port of a gun, even when near them. « « * At no time could they be said to be
wild or shy. + *

“What seemed most puzzling to me was that up to March they were gre-
garious, but after that they evidently went in pairs for about a month, during
which time they were in their brightest colours ; afterwards they were again seen
in flocks, and began evidently to assume a less bright plumage, as may plainly be
seen from specimens shot at different intervals. Several were procured up ta
January, 1836, of which I made no notes; two or three were taken in Jan-
uary, a few in February, several in March, two on April 7th, five on April 1gth,
two on May 3rd, three on May 17th, and finally x [one]* on June 12th, 1836,
after which they were once heard, but from this time I lost sight of them.

“T ~was naturally very curious to know whether they would breed in this
country and requested several persons near whose neighbourhood they were oc-
casionally seen to keep a sharp look out for me}; but, though they were here
somewhat more [? rather less] than twelve calendar months (from the latter end
of June, 1835, till the 12th of June, 183€,* * x ) I could never learn they made
any attempt to build. Some eight or ten years ago, early in March, a pair made
a nest at the Audley End aviary near this town, in which the female deposited
fiveeggs,x * x They, however, deserted them without ever attempting at in-
cubation, although I believe they were perfectly undisturbed. About the same
time a pair also built their nest in a garden in this town, on an apple-tree, but
they were shot before they had completed it.”

Mr, Clarke then proceeds ‘to recount how a young male, caught early in
August, 1835, and kept in a cage, soon became very tame, but died in about three
months, Mr. Clarke elsewhere describes it (24) as “an uncertain visitant” to
Saffron Walden. He details the occurrence of the following specimens :—Many
(of which four males and three females are now in the Museum) killed from a
large flock frequenting some pine-trees near ‘ The Roos” in October, 1835 ; three
at Audley End on the 26th of the following Feb. ; other specimens killed on
Mar. 16th, Apr. 7th (two), April 19th (five), May 3rd (two), May t1oth (three)
and June 12th (a male in dusky plumage). Itis perfectly clear from these dates
that some at least must have bred at Walden. A flock of about sixteen was
again seen near “The Roos” on June 21st, 1837. Mr. Clarke has often told me that
in what he calls “the great Crossbill year” they were very numerous on the fir-
trees near ‘‘ The Roos,” where he observed the young being fed by the old birds,
He also says he saw a nest in a garden at Bridge End, but he believes no eggs
were laid init. Another observer (19. 81) says: “ The Crossbill is still to be met
with in this county, several specimens having been killed during the last month,
a pair on the 24th ult.” Earthy of Halstead wrote (19. 90) that he had received
“an unusual number on Saturday, 22nd of December, three males and two fe-
males, besides three other specimens in the two preceding months,” He adds
“These birds are considered rare with us.” Another correspondent writes (19.
go), ‘‘ A great many of these birds have been for several months past in the woods
and grounds around Havering, four of which (out of a flock of about twenty) were
shot on the 3rd inst. in Major Anderson’s shubbery at the Grange.” ‘‘ Three Cross-
bills have also been recently shot in Mr. Bartlett’s garden at Chelmsford.” Mr. C.
Walford says (19. 27) :—

“On the 21st of July, I received two specimens of the Crossbill
to be preserved. One was a fine male, its general colour being a bright
red, and the quill-feathers and tail pale brown. It was found in a garden at
Coggeshall, The other was a female, the colour mostly a dingy green, inclin-
ing to a bright yellow on the rump. This was shot at Great Braxted ; and, as I
saw a specimen of this curious bird sitting on a tree at Cressing, in the early part
of June, I am inclined to suppose they may have bred in this part of the
county.”

Henby Doubleday mentions (10) having shot an adult male in ‘“coppery-

FRINGILLID4—CROSSBILL. 125

green” plumage at Epping on March oth, 1833. He ads: “It is the only
one I ever saw here, and was evidently a very old bird from the toughness of the
fibres, &c. Later, he says, (10) “A small number of Crossbills came here about
the middle of August [1835 ], but remained only a few days. I shot three or four,
and have one alive.” Writing on Nov. 7th, 1838, he says (10) :

“« About the middle of July we were visited by hundreds of Crossbills, but at
that time the plumage was so bad they were not worth preserving. Many ofthem
were nestlings. Some yet remain, and I killed four very fine ones in our garden
a few days since. I have taken infinite pains to ascertain the changes of plumage
and have sent a long history to Yarrell. One thing is certain: that some young
males at least become ye//ow at the first autumnal moult. Two males I killed a
few days since, one is bright clear yellow, the other fine light red. ‘A bird IJ
have alive has just moulted. He was very red: now he is quite yellow. They
are very puzzling.”

In June, 1839, he writes (10) :

“‘T have shot several very fine Crossbills this spring, and obtained a nest and
six eggs from a tall fir-tree in Lord Frankfort’s plantations close to our town. The
nest very closely resembles the Greenfinch’s, but has twigs of larch interwoven
with the outer rim. The eggs also strikingly resemble those of the Greenfinch,
but are rather larger. Hewitson’s figure is very bad. I should hardly think it
was a Crossbill’s egg from which it was taken.”

On Sept. 20th, he says .““a few Crossbills occasionally pass over here. I shot

three in our garden a day or two since.” On Jan. 15th, 1840, he writes (10):
“ The Crossbills seem to have quite left.” Again in the foilowing March he says
(10):
“| believe the Crossbills have entirely quitted England. They remained here
just a year. I saw the first in June, 1838, and they were numerous till May,
1839, and a few remained through June, since which time I have not heard or
seen one at liberty, nor can I hear of any one who has. I have a pair alive, and
always in fine weather hang one out in the garden, and, did any pass over, he
would be sure to call them. Last autumn [?] they were daily in the garden,
and I shot many very fine ones. » » » lt is very singular they should arrive in
such multitudes and allat once disappear. It cannot be want of food, as that is
plentiful enough.”

However, on May 3rd, 1840, he says (10):

“On Tuesday last, as I was walking in our garden, I was surprised to hear the
call of the Crossbill, not having heard or seen one for nearly a year. I soon saw
five of them flying over, and wanting a pair ofthem for a friend, I shot at them
and killed a male and a female. I regretted afterwards that I did so, as the
female was evidently sitting, from the state of her breast.”

Again, on Mar. 25th, 1841, Doubleday says: “I shot a single female Cross-
bill last Saturday. I have not seen one before for months.”

King, writing about 1840, of the district around Sudbury, describes it (20) as
“ Rare : an occasional visitant.” A male, entirely of a “dark brick-red,’ was
shot in Feb., 1862, near Walton-on-the-Naze (Bree—23. 8033). At Harwich, it
is occasionally seen during severe winters (Kerry). Mr. Stacey of Dunmow
preserved a pair shot near there about the year 1881, and Mr. Offin shot several at
Rayleigh the same year. Mr, Fitch has once seenitat Maldon. Mr. Buxton says
(47. 87) a pair “‘ nested in some firs at the Bower, close by Epping Railway Station,”
Herefersto Doubleday’s nest, mentioned above. Mr. Scruby preserved a speci-
men (the only one he ever received), shot a few years back by a keeper in Ongar
Park Wood. “W ” of Romford, states that (19. 9) “several arrive annually in the
plantations at Whitley, in the parish of Birdbrook,” from which it seems likely
that they bred there in 1838.

126 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

PaRROT CrRossBILL: Loxia curvirostra-pityopsittacus.

Of this very rare Scandinavian and North European form of the
Common Crossbill, no less than nine specimens have been obtained
in Essex—more, I believe, than have been met with in any other
county, except Devonshire. Although formerly separated from the
Common Crossbill, from which it differs in.its varying size and larger
bill, the best authorities are now agreed in regarding it as a local

race or sub-species merely.

Mr. Joseph Clarke relates (24) that a pair formerly in the Museum at Saffron
Walden, were shot in a garden in that town about the year 1823. They were
stuffed by Travis—so he informs me. Yarrell says (25. ii. 25), ‘‘ Mr. Blyth has
recorded one instance of its being shot in Surrey and a second instance of its
being obtained in the autumn of 1835, in Epping Forest.’*

Doubleday says (23. 7759):

‘‘ Three specimens of the Parrot Crossbill were killed yesterday [September
20th, 1861], at one shot, bya boy at Lambourne, about four miles from Epping
—a male in fine red plumage, another male in yellow plumage, and a female.
This isthe first occurrence of this species in this neighbourhood, so far as I am
aware.t The Common and White-winged Crossbill J have shot here.”

At his sale in 1871, two of these Parrot Crossbills, with a couple of Quails
were sold for 33s. to Mr. Smee. Dr. Bree writes (23. 8032) :

“Three specimens were brought to me in the flesh on the 2Ist of February
last [1862]. They were one male and two females, and were killed on the Lex-
den or London Road, just south of this town. * * * Their crops contained the
seeds of what I believed to be the Scotch fir. * * I have heard of one other speci-
men having been shot, which, from its size, I should infer was this species.x * *
My specimens are rather larger than those from Sweden.”

These three specimens, two in greenish-brown, and one in red plumage, are
still in the Bree Collection in Mr. Harwood’s possession.

Two-barred Crossbill: Zoxia bifasciata.
An exceedingly rare British bird, of which a couple of specimens

only are known to have been met with in Essex.

Yarrell says (14. suppt. ii. 20) that Henry Doubleday had favoured him with
the loan of a young bird, “shot by himself in his own garden at Epping.” This
must have been between 1843, when the 2nd vol. of Yarrell’s Ist. ed. was
issued, without mention of this specimen, and 1856, when the 2nd supplement
appeared. In his subsequent edition he says (30. ii. 31) Doubleday lent him
three specimens ; ‘fone shot by himself in his garden at Epping—a young bird,”
Harting (38. 116) and others seem to accept this record without question, but
Professor Newton appears to doubt it, for he says (37. ii. 213), ‘“ Somewhere
about the same time [1846], it is believed Doubleday shot a young bird in his
own garden at Epping.” There does not seem to be any real ground for doubt-
ing this record, for, as may be seen above, Doubleday himself, in recording the
occurrence of the Parrot Crossbill at Epping (23. 7759), says, ‘‘ The Common
and Wahite-winged Crossbill | have shot here.” No reference to this interesting
specimen occurs (so far as Mr. Macpherson and myself have been able to dis-
cover) in Doubleday’s letters to Heysham (10), which cover the above date. The
specimen, however, was sold at Doubleday’s sale in 1871 (? to whom), with
seven Common Crcssbills, for 36s.

* I have been unable to find Blyth’s record here referred to.
+ Doubleday evidently had overlooked, or was not aware of, Yarrell’s reference to Blyth’s re-
cord above mentioned.

=

-
a aeT .

FRINGILLIDZ—BUNTINGS. 127

As regards the second Essex specimen, Mr. Rowland T. Cobbold, of Ded-
ham, writes me as follows :—

In July, 1866, I observed six or eight small birds feeding among the tops
of some spruce firs growing on my place here at Dedham. Having my gun
with me, I tried for some time to get two or three in a line, but being pressed
for time, as I had to catch a train, I had to take a quick shot, killing one
only. That it was a Crossbill was evident, but some white bars on its wings
puzzled me, so I sent it off to my friend Capt. Haward, formerly of Bramford,
but now of Little Blakenham, who is a good taxidermist, and who set it up.
He informed me that it was a specimen of Loxia Jeucoptera, and asked for
another if I could obtain one. I afterwards learned that they had been seen in
some. fir-plantations across the river in Suffolk, where they made a great litter
below the trees, by pulling off the cone in order to eat the insects contained in
the galls [? Adelgethes abietis | on their stalks.”

Unfortunately this specimen (which probably belonged to Z. dcfasciata, not to L.
leucoptera) is not now in existence. Capt. Haward states that the moth so injured it
that it was impossible to restore it, and it was destroyed. He describes it as ‘‘a male
in immature plumage. The lower bars on the wings were much more distinct
than the upper ones, which consisted of only a few white feathers. The rest of
the plumage resembled that of the young of the common species,”

Corn Bunting: Lmberiza miliaria. Locally, “Common
Bunting,” and ‘‘ Bunting-lark.”

Occurs, I believe, throughout the county, though local and not
abundant. Round Chelmsford I fancy it breeds less often than it
used to do, and Mr. Clarke described it (24) as ‘not uncommon ”
round Saffron Walden about forty years ago, while King says (20) it
was “common” around Sudbury in 1838. English, too, says (43.
88) : Around Epping it “used to be more frequent than now, I
have often had nests with eggs brought to me by the mowers.”

About Orsett, it is “fairly abundant, and breeds commonly” (Sackett).

Round Harwich, it is fairly common and breeds (Kerry). In 1887, Mr. Stacey
preserved a white variety shot at Great Waltham.

Yellow-hammer: Lyméberiza citrinella.
An abundant resident.

At Harwich, Mr. Kerry says
it was “very scarce,” through
some unaccountable cause, dur-
ing 1887 and 1888, though pre-
viously common, Now, how-
ever, it is again increasing in
number. On July 18th, 1877,
I found a nest containing young
in an exposed position on the
bank beside the footpath and
road leading from the railway
arch in New Street, Chelms-
ford, to Bishop’s Hall Mill. YELLOWHAMMER, wale, 1%.
Many scores of people daily (After Bewick).
must have passed within four feet, and within full view, of the nest.

128 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Dr. Bree had a yellow variety taken from the nest by Mr. Docwra of Foxbur-
rows, Kelvedon, in the spring of 1880. The other young birds and their parents
were all of the normal colour (32a).

Cirl Bunting: Lmberiza cirlus.

Though locally resident in most of the southern counties, this
bird seems to be very rare in Essex. There are but two or three
records of its occurrence in the county.

W. D. King, writing at Sudbury in 1838, says (20) :

“‘T cannot speak quite confidently as to the occurrence of this bird ; but about
four years ago, by the side of the chalk pits on the road to Middleton [in Essex ]

I saw a bird on a low tree which I believed to be a Cirl Bunting, I had a
stuffed specimen in my possession at the time.”

Chas, E, Smith records one (31. 53) shot at Latchingdon in 1854. Mr.
Arthur Lister, who is perfectly familiar with the note of this bird, informs me
that several years ago he heard one at Saffron Walden, but had unfortunately no
time to verify the observation further. There is, however, no reason to doubt it,
for Mr, Travis has a very nice specimen taken near Thaxted about 1885, and sent
to him in the flesh,

Reed Bunting: Lmberiza scheniclus. Locally, “ Black-headed

Bunting,” or ‘‘ Reed Sparrow.”

A fairly-common resident throughout the county, especially in
those parts which are more or less marshy. It is, however, to
some extent migratory.

It breeds very commonly round
the source of the Stour, in the
Bumpstead and Birdbrook districts,
but is rare at Maldon (Fitch).

REED BUNTING, male, about %.

Snow Bunting: Plectrophanes nivalis.

A scarce resident in the Scotch Highlands, but a winter visitant
only to Essex and the rest of England. It usually occurs on the
coast during severe winters in greater or less numbers, but indi
viduals have occasionally been shot as far inland as Bardfield,
Dunmow, Halstead, and Epping.

Mr. Parsons shot one (8) at New England, on Nov. 29th, 1830, and another

on Oct. 25th, 1836. A male was shot at Bardfield in 1836 (Clarke—24). One
was shot near Halstead in the severe winter of 1837-38 (19. 34). Mr. Buxton

STURNIDA—STARLINGS. 129

says (47. 88) one was “killed by a boy with a stone on Epping Plain. Another
was killed in 1840.” English includes it (43. i. 24) in his Epping List. In 1858
Hy. Doubleday wrote (23. 6093)
“T have seen numbers of these
birds on the coast of Essex.” Lieut.
Legge says (34. 90) that in the
second week of November, 1865,
several occurred near Shoebury
during mild weather. Mr. Kerry
says (40, iii. 182) that in October
and November, 1878, large flocks
frequented the shore at Walton
and Doyercourt, and many were
shot, while it is more or less com- ip eS
mon most winters round Harwich. Wor S
Four were shot near Walton-on-
the-Naze early in November, 1879
(29. Noy. 8). Mr. R. H. Eve of Maldon has several which he shot on the sea-
wall there.

Mr. Hope writes: “I saw the first, which was very tame, this year (1888) on
Sept. 24th, just before a gale, but they generally arrive in flocks of hundreds
about a month or six weeks later. When they first land they will often let one
walk within a yard of them.” Mr. Stacey of Dunmow preserved some shot near
there in or about the winter of 1879-80.

SNOW BUNTING, 7ale in autumn, Y%.

Family STURNIDZ.

Starling: Sturnus vulgaris.

An abundant resident. It has become of late years very much
commoner than formerly. Cream-coloured, pied, or white varieties
are not very rare.

Mr. Grubb says (39), “‘ This bird
almost darkens the air on our
meadows [at Sudbury] in winter.”
Mr. Buxton says (47. 85) that it is
“perhaps the most abundant bird
in the [Epping Forest] district
after the sparrow.” W. H. Hill
speaks of it (12. vi. 452) as occur-
ring “in immense clouds on the
marshes ’ near Southminster about
1832. Yarrell says (14. ii. 46) that
in summer and autumn they ‘roost
by thousands among reeds in the
fenny parts of Essex, Cambridge,
and other counties.”

The Tuck Collection in the Saffron Walden Museum contains several white
specimens taken from a nest at Quendon in May, 1858. Lieut. Legge records
K

STARLING, \%.

130 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

(34. 32) ‘a perfectly white variety,” probably a female, on July 31st, 1864.
On February 15th, 1880, I saw a cream-coloured specimen in a flock here.
Mr. Hope informs me that he saw a white variety last year. At Orsett there
is a stuffed specimen with a white tail (Sackett). Mr. Stacey has a similar
specimen shot at Dunmow. Mr. Scruby informs me of a beautiful white
specimen shot at Stondon Place several years ago. The same gentleman has a
“ grey and white” specimen shot by Mr. Thurgood at Toothill on Feb. 27th, 1887.
Mr. J. F. T. Wiseman of The Chase, Paglesham, has two pied specimens, shot there
within the last year or two. Mr. R. Cross’ shepherd shot a pure white specimen
at St. Osyth on June 2nd, 1873 (29. June 14). :

Rose-coloured Pastor: /astor roseus.

A rare and occasional visitant to Britain. I have only heard of
one or two specimens in Essex.

Mr. E. J. Tuck records (23. 5319)
that “a very fine specimen, with a
good crest, and the beautiful rose-
colour on the back, &c., very pure,”
was shot at Strethall about the
middle of September, 1856. In
August, 1887, one was killed. at
Kelvedon by Mr, Frank Osborn of
that place. It was first seen early
in the morning, and in the after-
noon it was observed again feeding
in company with some Starlings on
mulberries, when it was shot. It
\ was preserved by Mr. Rose of Cog-

ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR, Y%. geshall for Mr. Osborn who still

(After Bewick.) has it (Spalding). Mr. Hope writes

“ Col. Russell had one shot at Maldon by Gabriel Clarke. One was reported to
have been seen at Havering.” Mr. Fitch informs me that on Sunday and Monday,
Dec. 29 and 30, 1889, a bird having a crest and in every way answering to the
description of this species, was observed to frequent the lawn of Mr. Belsham’s
garden at Heybridge, in company with Starlings. As it was seen by several
different observers there seems no reason to doubt the correctness of the identifi_
cation. Mr. Fitch adds: ‘ Some twenty years ago, a similar bird was shot in the
adjoining garden, then the late Mr. Stephen Cross’s. My uncle, the late Mr.
Thos. Pannell, also shot one some twenty-five to thirty years ago, near Sturmer

Mere, It is now in the possession of another uncle of mine, Mr. A. G, Fitch, of
Wixoe Mill.”

Family CORVIDA.

Chough: Phyrrhocorax graculus.

A scarce, very local, and fast-decreasing resident in Britain. It
is now chiefly confined to the high sea-cliffs on the west and south-
west coast of England. It breeds nowhere in this part of England,
so that any individuals which occur in our county can only be re-

CORVIDAE—NUTCRACKER. 131

garded as rare and accidental stragglers. The first of the two follow-
ing records of its occurrence in Essex may, from the description
given, be accepted, but the second is very doubtful.

Mr. John Cordeaux, a = eee
member of the British As- = SSS
sociation Migration Com-
mittee, writes as follows (40.
185): “Ina migration sche-
dule received this morning
from Mr. Owen Boyle, of
the Landguard Light-house,
is the following entry :—
‘April 2nd, 1888: Two
Crows put in an appear-
ance, 7.30 a.m.; larger than
Jackdaws ; they had red
beaks. and legs, and went
north-west.’ ”

In Stifford and Its Neigh-
bourhood, by the Rev. W. ;
Palin, occurs the following CHOUGH, }.
under West Tilbury :—‘‘ There were at that time [1840] ‘the Chough,’ and of
course the Crow and Herons. All (except the Crow) are happily being frightened
away by the plough.” There is probably some mistake here. West Tilbury is
not a place at all likely ever to have been frequented by Choughs. Mr. Palin,
however, again alludes to the subject in More About Stafford (p. 45), saying that
the Chough was “common enough here only thirty years ago,”

Nutcracker : Wucifraga caryocatactes.

A rare and irregular straggler to Britain during autumn. The
only records I have of its occurrence in Essex are the following :

Dr. Bree writes (29. May 7, 1870), ‘‘I have lately heard of three unrecorded
cases of the capture of Nutcrackers in this neighbourhood in the month of
September, ten or twelve years ago. They were all shot in the same locality and
about the same time, I saw one of them a few weeks ago.” One of the speci-
mens thus recorded is now in the Colchester Museum, to which it was presented
by the late Dr. Maclean, as I understand on the authority of Dr. Laver. The
following interesting note from Mr C. Nicholls of Bovill’s Hall, Ardleigh, who
has another of the specimens, gives all the details of the occurrence which seem
to have been preserved :—

““The Nutcracker in my possession was shot by myself one day when I was
out Partridge shooting in the month of September, in Horkesley parish, consider-
ably more than thirty years ago. There was only one bird seen when I shot
this; but within a short time, two more were seen in the neighbourhood, and
one shot by Mr. Osborne’s keeper in Ardleigh parish. The other was shot in
the neighbourhood, but I am uncertain where. For a long time no one knew
what bird it was, but on showing it to the late Dr. Bree he told me it was a
Nutcracker. I had it stuffed in Colchester, and I think by Mr. Ambrose.”

Mr. Ambrose himself has informed me that this was the case, and that he
also preserved the specimen shot in Ardleigh parish, which was killed by a man

K 2

132 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

named Tillett. It passed into the possession of Mr. Errington, banker, of

Colchester, who sent it to Dr. Maclean, after whose death it went to the Museum.
It is still in fair condition. The foregoing statements are confirmed by the fol--
lowing memorandum among Dr. Bree’s notes (32a) :—

“Dec. 30, 1869.—A specimen cfthis bird was sent to me for identification,
shot twelve or fourteen years ago at Horkesley by Mr. Nicholls, the brewer, who:
informs me that two others were shot at the same time. One of them was
obtained at Boxted by Mr. Osborne, and I can trace the other to Dr, Maclean,
I think, it having been shot at Ardleigh.—C. R. B.”

Of another Essex specimen, I have received information from Dr. R. Z. Pitts
of Chelmsford, who owns a fine specimen shot at Tollesbury in Sept., 1872, by
Mr. Wm. Seabrook of Brent Hall, Boreham. This makes four occurrences im
Essex of this rare species. Beside these, Mr. W. H. Bott of Cardfield’s, Boreham,
has an old cased specimen which not improbably was shot in the neighbourhood,
but there is no record to show.

Jay : Garrulus glandarius. Locally “ Jay-bird.”

A common resident, especially in thickly-wooded districts, im
spite of incessant persecution.

[aa ae I understand that in one month of the year 1878
~l no less than ninety-five were killed in the woods
around Writtle Park. Mr. Smoothy trapped forty-
six in his woods at Little Baddow with eggs during
1887, and twenty-eight during 1889. Mr. Buxton
says (47. 84) that “the character of the thicket has.
greatly encouraged this bird” in Epping Forest. An
outcry has been raised in some quarters against the
edict ordering the destruction of the Jay in the
Forest, recently issued from the Guildhall, but I con-
sider the action of the forest authorities perfectly
justifiable. No bird is a more inveterate destroyer
of other birds than this. Eggs are to it an irresistible
temptation.

In 1886, a remarkable instance occurred at Great
Tey of a Jay building in a high Portugal laurel
overhanging the high-road, and on being disturbed
| it built a second nest among the ivy on a house, close-
jay,i/r0. ~-—« to. a bedroom window (29. Aug. 7).

Magpie: /ica rustica.

A scarce resident, except in a few localities, though formerly
quite common. Its decrease is due chiefly to persecution by game-
keepers. In Dengie Hundred, I believe, it is commoner than in any
other part of Essex. In January last, whilst driving through Tilling-
nam and the adjoining parishes, Mr. Fitch and myself were often
able to see several old nests at once, built in the trees around us.

In May, 1883, I saw them quite common in the woods round Danbury. Mr.
Clarke, about 1845, described it (24) as “not uncommon” round Saffron Walden,
and I knew of a nest near there in April, 1881, King describes it (20) as having

CORVIDAE—CROWS. 133

been ‘not uncommon” around Sudbury in 1838. Mr. Buxton says of Epping
Forest (47. 84):

“ This predatory foe to other birds is happily not common hereabouts. There
are several about Loughton, and they breed regularly in the Rectory garden. A
pair used always to breed at Knighton, but I have not observed them for two or
three years.”

The Rey. J. C. Atkinson writes (36. 90) :

“T used to be assured as a school-boy that there were two sorts or varieties of
Magpies, distinguished by the comparative length of their tails and the site of
their nests :—the alleged short-tailed one was called the Bush Magpie ; the other
the Tree Magpie. It is almost idle to say no such variety or distinction really
exists,”

Mr. Sackett informs me of one shot near Grays “ having a deformed beak, the
upper mandible being curved to the right like that of the Crossbill.” Round
Harwich, it is fairly common and breeds (Kerry). On December 26th, 1875, I saw
several at Chignal St, James, and on January Ist following one at Roxwell. About
the same time the keeper here trapped another. On June 16th following, I saw
another at Broomfield. In 1877, a nest of eggs was hatched in the Boyton Hall
Springs. In the Paglesham district, fifty years ago, Dr. Laver says (50. ili. 33):

‘Magpies’ nests might be frequently seen, the highest tree being a favourite
position. Sometimes they chose most unlikely spots only a few feet from the

ground : at other times they nested in fruit-trees in a garden close to the house.
I am sorry to say this bird is now rarely seen in my district,”

Jackdaw : Corvus monedula.
An abundant resident, breeding chiefly in holes in large old trees

in parks. Pied or albino examples occasionally occur.

At 3.30 a.m. on July 11th, 1881, I saw a small flock down in the Market
Square, Saffron Walden—a very unusual locality for them, surely! In the sum-
mer of 1883, a nest containing two pure white and two normally-coloured young
birds was taken near Harlow Mill. The white birds were tamed and kept in the
vicinity for some time. Early in January 1879, the keeper at Mark Hall, Latton,
shot a pure white specimen which had been seen about the park for some months
(Chelmsford Chronicle, Jan. 16). ‘'T.S. H.,” also records that a white specimen
was shot in Essex in Oct. 1857 (29. July 3, 1858).

Carrion Crow: Corvus corone.

A resident in various parts of the county, though local and no-
where abundant. It is rapidly becoming scarcer through persecution.
As long ago as 1845, Mr. Clarke
noted (24), that they were “not
so frequent as they used to
be” round Saffron Walden,
though King, in 1838, described
dt (20) as still “common” around

Sudbury.
Lieut. Legge, writing from Shoe-
bury in 1866, says (34. 600) it “is very CARRION CROW (eed 0)» 7:

plentiful here, breeding both in the tall trees in the lowlands and in the extensive
woods near Hadleigh. They do not nest as early in the season as they are said

134 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

to do.” Round Orsett and Grays, Mr. Sackett says it is very common, breeding
plentifully. During 1886, he took no less than fifty of its eggs. Mr. Hope says
it is “very plentiful round Upminster.” They still breed not uncommonly in the
extensive woods round Thorndon Park, Brentwood and Warley; and Mr. M.
Vaughan says that (40. iii. 459) “it is fairly common round Finchingfield, and
that for some miles round Felstead there is scarcely a wood where the nest may
not be found.” Mr. Fitch states (41. i. 142) that in 1887 there were two nests on
Northey Island. In the Epping Forest district, Edward Doubleday says (15) that
it was “very rarely seen” in his time (1835), but this was probably an error, for
a Londoner describes (28, i. 43) meeting with a nest with four eggs in Hainault
Forest in April, 1851, and Mr. Buxton says (47. 84) that, even now, in the Forest
“a few are always about. « » * They nest in several places in the neighbourhood,”
while in Ongar Park Wood, in 1877, the keeper showed me a couple of old birds
and two young ones taken froma nest there that year. Round Harwich, it is
common, and destroys many eggs of the Wild-duck and sea birds (Kerry). Writ-
ing of the Paglesham district fifty years ago, Dr. Laver says (50. iii. 33) they
were then “very general, and their nests, like those of their near relative the
Raven, were occupied year after year, probably by the same pair of birds.”

Mr. Fitch records (40. vii. 471) that on October 2nd, 1883, he disturbed from a
meadow near Maldon, a Crow which rose with some object in itsclaws. On being

shouted at, the Crow dropped its burden, which proved to be a Lark, partially
eaten.

Hooded Crow: Corvus cornix. Locally, “ Dun Crow,” “Grey
Crow,” “‘ Hoody ” and “ Grey-back.”

A winter visitor, common enouzh on and near the coast, but
rather rare as a rule inland. Near Chelmsford, I do not often
observe them. It breeds in most parts of Scotland and Ireland, but
very rarely in England, except in the Isle of Man. Cases of hybrid-
ism with the Carrion Crow are not unfrequent in the north, and
common in Central Siberia. It seems that formerly it bred in some
numbers on our coast, but it certainly never does so now, and its.

doing so formerly was quite exceptional in this part of England.

Mr. Joseph Clarke, writing of the Saffron Walden neighbouihood about the
year 1845, describes it (24) as ‘common in winter.” In a later note he adds “a
great many here in 1854.” I havesometimes seen single specimens or small part-
ies there in winter. Edward Doubleday (15), English (43.1. 24), and Mr, Buxton
(47. 84) all describe it as an occasional winter visitor to Epping Forest, and I saw
two in a keeper’s “ larder” in Ongar Park Wood in 1877. Both Mr. Grubb and
Mr. King describe it (20 and 39) as ‘‘an occasional winter visitant ”’ to Sudbury.
Lieut Legge says (34. 90) that in 1865 he saw the first at Shoebury on October
28th. They afterwards became plentiful on the saltings. On October 17th, 1879,
I saw one feeding in a stubble field here, and on the following day two near
Lindsell, Mr. Hope says: “It arrives about Sept. 30th, and all through October,
in small parties. The fowlers do not look for fowl until their arrival. In winter
they will seize wounded Plover and other birds before one’s eyes.” Mr. Fitch
also tells me that the punt-gunners on the Blackwater find them most daring and
voracious in hard weather. Round Harwich, it is “‘common in winter, generally
arriving during the first week in October” (Kerry).

CORVIDA:—ROOKS. 135

More, writing in 1865, says (33. 133):

“Mr, Laver of Colchester has informed Dr. C. R. Bree that the ‘Dun Crow’
occurs in great numbers near the Blackwater River in Essex, and [that] some
remain and breed there every year. Mr. Laver has frequently seen and taken the
nest on Osey Island, in the parish of Steeple,on Ramsey Island and at Paglesham.
His cousin, Mr. Robert Laver, has shot the old bird from the nest which is
generally that of the Carrion Crow.” * * « “Dr. Bree has since written to say
that the trees in which the Hooded Crow used to breed have been cut down in one
of the localities whence he kindly endeavoured to obtain specimens.”

Prof. Newton, commenting on their reported breeding in this locality, says (37.
ii, 279) : “it would seem that this is not so now,” which is certainly the case. In
reply to my enquiry, Dr. Laver writes: “ There can be no mistake about their
breeding, as stated in the /4zs. They bred ona haulm-wall in Foulness, but I
have not heard of a nest for years, as I now never visit that district.” The Rev.
J. C. Atkinson never knew of a nest in Essex, and in reply to an enquiry, Mr. J.
F. T. Wiseman of Paglesham informs me that he never knew of its breeding in
that district.

Rook: Corvus frugilegus.

A very abundant resident. Instances of its nesting in the autumn
and winter are by no means rare, and varieties of various kinds,
chiefly white or pied, are rather com-
mon. A very large proportion of young
Rooks have a white spot between
the branches of the lower mandible
(40. x. 339 & 4o. xii.).

It is stated (Chelmsford Chronicle, June 14th,
1878) that during a thunderstorm a few days

before,

“ On afieldon Chapple Farm, Goldhanger, five Rooks were struck and killed
while on the ground, and four horses which had just been ploughing over
the spot may thus be said to have had a narrow escape. A tree hard-by was
untouched.”

During winter, the trees at Birch, in which the Herons build, are occupied by
Rooks, many thousands roosting there every night. During a visit paid to the
Heronry on April 16th, 1888, by Mr. E, A. Fitchand myself, we were surprised
to see the ground below the trees completely strewn with small fragments of
white and red brick, disgorged by the Rooks in their pellets. Old india-rubber bands,
gathered by the birds from the Colchester and London manure, are not uncommon.
In 1883, there was a nest in one of the trees immediately adjoining the Museum
at Saffron Walden.

For some unexplained reason, all the Rooks in our Rookery at Lindsell
Hall, near Dunmow, suddenly left on March roth, 1880, when in the middle of
their building operations, and did not return that year, though they had nested
there regularly and in large numbers for many years. The same occurred at
Fingrith Hall, Blackmore, the same spring, all the Rooks taking their departure
after a good deal of nest building had been accomplished, except one pair which
reared their young successfully. In the following year they returned to their
nests at both places.

I have been told that about forty or fifty years since a number perished through

ROOK, head of, 4%

136 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

being frozen to the branches on which they had perched for the night in Sheep-
cote’s Wood, Great Waltham, A writer on the ‘“ Superstitions of Essex,” in 1839
(19. 86), says,

“In Essex the issue of a journey is often unravelled to the traveller by, the
number of Crows which cross his path, as the foliowing couplet showeth, and which
we well recollect our good old nurse took especial care to teach us as an indispen-
sable part of education :—

“One Crow, bad luck ; two Crows, speed ;
Three Crows, good luck ; four, good luck indeed.”

Another form is,

One’s unlucky, Four is wealth,
Two's lucky, Five is sickness,
Three is health, And six is death.

On the morning of Christmas Day, 1876, several pairs were observed build-
ing in a Rookery at Ilford, and on the 23rd of January following I observed
them building in the trees forming the avenue in front of Torrell’s Hall, Willing-
ale. In 1881, several pairs began to build a little before Christmas time ina
Rookery at Saffron Walden, and a week later (Jan. 2) I saw others similarly
engaged at another Rookery adjoining.

In February, 1881, Mr, Travis received a young bird with the mandibles con-
siderably twisted and crossed at the tips.

A “very curiously marked specimen of the Rook, beautifully mottled,” was
shot at Mark’s Hall, in December, 1838 (19. 90). This bird was doubtless simi-
lar to the variety figured by Hancock. Mr. Chas. E. Smith, writing at Cogges-
hall in 1858, says (31. 53), “ [wo of these birds, of a uniform drab-colour, have
been shot in the neighbouring Rookeries and preserved by a bird-stuffer of this
town.” I have the skin of a cream-coloured specimen with pink eyes hatched
here in the spring of 1880. Mr. Hope has a white specimen shot at Nelmes,
Hornchurch, in June, 1888. A “dun-coloured” specimen was shot at East Til-
bury, on May 15th, 1884 (29. May 24). Mr. A. C. Stephenson records that a
cream-coloured specimen was shot at Chigwell on May 12th, 1872 (29. May 18).

Raven: Corvus corax.

Still a resident in Essex, though a very rare one—indeed, it is
probable, if not certain, that ours is the only county in the east,
south-east, or midland counties of England in which the Raven still
breeds regularly. It is much to be feared, however, that unless the
few pairs still nesting with us receive in the future more consideration
than that they have had during the last few years they will soon cease
to remain with us. The Raven was once a common bird, breeding
frequently in Essex, and there are still many trees known as “ Raven
Trees,” from the fact of their having once been regularly occupied by
a pair of birds for many years ;_ but it is now almost extinct, though
I saw and heard one at Great Warley on Feb. 12th, 1880. The species
lingered on the coast some time after becoming rare inland. It is most
earnestly to be hoped that naturalists, collectors and others will ab-
stain from molesting our few remaining Essex Ravens. The fact of

CORVIDAI—CROWS. 137

the Raven nesting in Essex at the present day, within between forty
and fifty miles of the metropolis, is a matter of the highest interest
to ornithologists and very remarkable. In Suffolk, the last known
nest was in 1869, and in Norfolk the last was in or about 1872, while
in most other adjoining counties the Raven probably ceased to breed
still earlier. In Essex, the species is already on the verge of extinc-
tion, and it can hardly be expected that under any circumstances it
can exist with us very many years longer; but the disappearance of
so interesting a feature in our avifauna would be a thing to regret
deeply, and it is much to be hoped that the day of the Raven’s final
extermination in Essex will be delayed as long as possible.

Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear state (9. Ic) that

“ The sons of Mr. Lord of Ramsey, Essex, took four young Ravens from a
nest and put theminto a waggon in a cart-shed. About the same time, they des-
troyed the young of a Magpie, which had its nest near the cart-shed, and the
old Magpies, hearing the young Ravens crying for food, carried them some, and
constantly fed them till they were disposed of by the boys.”

Mr. W. H. Hill (12. vi. 452) met with it round Southminster about 1832. Mr.
Parsons shot one (8) weighing 3lbs. on the shore at Shoebury, on Noy. 28th,
1834. King, in 1838, described it (20) as being then “ not uncommon” in the
Sudbury district. Mr, Clarke states (24) that round Walden it used, forty years
ago, to be ‘not uncommon.” He adds that it “ builds annually at Audley End
and Debden Hall,” but that in “1839 and 1854 it was seldom seen.” Both Ed-
ward Doubleday (15) and English (43.1. 24) include it in their list of Epping
birds.

Mr, J. H. Gurney writes to Mr. E. N. Buxton (47. 83):

“ A pair of Ravens used to nest in the Wanstead Heronry. Your grand-
father, Samuel Gurney, took me there one spring—I think about 1833 or 1834—
and we then saw two young Ravens which the keeper had taken out of the nest a
few hours previously. Your grandfather brought them and turned them loose
in the stable-yard at Ham House, but as he would not have their wings cut, ina
few weeks’ time they flew away.”

Professor Newton informs me that he has six eggs, taken froma nest at Copt
Hall in 1846. They weresent by Mr. Conyers’ gamekeeper to a dealer in Lon-
don, from whom Mr. Woolley obtained them. Mr. Edward Corder of Writtle tells
me that he knew of their breeding regularly on a tall elm at Warden’s Hall, Will-
ingale, up to about 1865, and also in a very large oak-tree that used to stand
beside the Chelmer, near Broomfield Mills.

Lieut. Legge, writing from Shoebury in 1866, says (34. 599) :

““T was surprised to find three pairs nesting within a distance of six miles of
this station. They seemed to have preferred the lowlands, probably on account
of the large trees growing in the hedge-rows, as all three nests were built in
tall elms so situated. I have not yet met with any Ravens in the uplands of this
part of the county, but down here they both breed in the season and remain dur-

ing the winter. The first nest found was on the 16th of March, and was built
high up in the fork of a large elm.”

Fifty years ago, Ravens were so common on the Essex coast that Dr. Laver
Says (50. ili. 33):
‘CA sheep ‘cast’ (as it is called), or in any other trouble, would, if neglected by

the shepherd, almost certainly be attacked by some of the numerous Ravens, when
maiming or a miserable death would be the result. It is astonishing for how

138 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

long a number of years the same Raven’s nest was tenanted. The birds appeared
to build the new nest on the top of the old one, until the bulk of the whole would
almost equal that of the body of a large cart.”

The Rev. J. C. Atkinson writes (36. 86) :

“The chosen tree soon comes to be called the ‘ Raven-tree.’ One such accu-
mulation of nests I knew, as a boy, in Essex, and after a stiff climb succeeded in
reaching it. I did it in jeopardy, however, for the Ravens were very bold, and
every moment I expected they would assail me, in spite of the short bludgeon I
had suspended to my wrist. The appearance below the nest of the farmer in whose
fields the Raven-tree grew, decided the question-—perhaps he frightened the Ravens
as wellas threatened me; perhaps they knew he came as their protector—anyhow
I did not get my egg, although I had actually had it in my hand.”

Mr. Atkinson informs me that this ‘‘ Raven-tree ” stood in Great Wigborough
parish, about three-quarters of amile N.E. from the church. Mr. J. H. Hills of
Prested Hall, Feering, informs me that a large elm there, known as “the Raven-
tree’ was occupied up to about 1840. He occasionally saw Ravens about for some
twenty-five years later, but not building, Mr. Hope has occasionally heard its
croak inthe summer months, and has seen fresh birds on the coast about the mid-
dle of September. Mr. Kerry saysit is very rare round Harwich, though he has
seen two at Dovercourt.

The following graphic account of the storming of a Raven’s nest, near Earl’s
Colne, was communicated to Mr. Seebohm by Mr. Edmund Capper (45.1. 536) :

“Tt was a splendid day in March, warm for the time of year, as we wandered
through the preserves, crossed some fields, and entered the copse in which we
understood the Ravens had built their nest. It was just such a spot as one could
have fancied a Raven might have selected for its home—a large, well-preserved
copse, with densely thick undergrowth, together with little patches of open glade
in which were a few tall elms and other trees. On the afternoon of our visit, it
was intensely silent ; the sun was bright in the heavens and only the cooing of
the Ring Doves and the whirring ot the Pheasants and other game, served to
give evidence of animal life in the wood. We silently entered, creeping along
the glen up to its centre ; but, so little did we see of the objects of our search, that
we began to fear that we had missed the right plantation ; when, all at once,
we came to a little clearing in the middle of the copse, and there, straight before
us, on the top of an immense elm, was the Raven’s nest. The hen slipped off
the moment we emerged from the undergrowth, and we did not see heragain ; but
the cock instantly flew down towards us, with a menacing bark, to give us battle.
We were well acquainted with his complacent prué, pruk, as he used to sail
over the valley [of the Colne] in his daily rambles ; but this was an angry hoarse
growl. The nest had been frequently robbed, and he had grown bold from ex-
perience.

‘We were soon at the foot of the tree, and, throwing a line over the lowest
available bough, were soon ina position whence we could ascend further, aided by
our hands and feet. The nest was at animmense height. As we drew nearer to
it, the Raven became bolder, and we had to stop occasionally to menace him. At
times he must have been within afew yards of us, sailing from one tree to another,
and darting at us as he passed. At last we reached the nest—a large structure of
twigs of many years’ accumulation, very compact and very difficult to reach round.
it was built almost at the top of the tree, in a fork at the end of a bough, andin
a position not very safe tohold on by. With care, cap between our teeth to keep
our friend off, we got one hand over the nest and could just balance ourself suffi-
ciently to look over its edge. There, to our delight, on the lining of sheep’s
wool and fine fibre, rather deep down, lay three fresh eggs, just like the ones in
the second figure of Hewitson’s third edition. By great care and by keeping the
bird at bay with our handkerchief, we succeeded in getting them safely down. We
slowly retired as we came, the cock bird tearing off the twigs and driving us before
him, with ruffled feathers, savage barks, and short menacing sallies; and it was
not until we were at some little distance from his nesting-place that we really felt

CORVIDE—CROWS. 139

out of danger. At this lapse of time, we confess our robbery seems rather cruel ;.
but never shall we forget our visit to the ‘ Raven’s-tree,’”

A much more recent instance of the Raven breeding in Essex, is that reported
to me by Mr. Stanley Edwards, who writes that a pair

‘used to build for some years in three Scotch fir-trees,'in the park of Lawford
Hall, near Manningtree, the property of F, M. Nicholls, Esq. These trees stand
quite alone on a mount, supposed to be the grave of some Roman chief, and are
very conspicuous all up the valley of the Stour. The birds used to nest there every
year, and were protected from the superstition of the villagers, which was much
increased by a mortality that occurred among the cows of the place at the same
time the Ravens first made their appearance, and which, of course, was laid to their
charge. I am speaking from memory, but should say they were there from 1870
to 1880, and then suddenly disappeared—why, or how, I have never been able to
learn. They did not seem to mind any one looking at their nest, beyond just
flapping slowly off to a neighbouring tree, from where they could watch the in-
truder. The Nichollses several times took a young one from the nest to bring up
as a pet.”

Mr. Walter B. Nicholls, who has sent me corroborative information, adds :

“The Ravens came to us from Sutton, just over the river [Stour], in the
winter-of 1870-71, I think, and stopped some six or seven years. On their arrival
they did some damage among weakly lambs, but never afterwards, so far as I ob-
served, preyed on anything so near home. They always had two nests in adjoin-
ing trees in a clump of firs growing on a barrow here. The cock bird was mag-
nificent in appearance, as he rushed barking from the trees at the first sight of
anybody approaching : the hen permitted a much nearer approach.”

Quite a number of other ‘‘ Raven-trees’ have been reported to me from time
to time in various parts of the county.

As regards the breeding of the Raven in Essex at the present day, it may be
said, I believe, that we still have several nests annually, all of them in the low-
land parts near the sea, but it is not wise to reveal their exact whereabouts to ra-
pacious collectors. For most of my information relating to them, I am indebted
to Mr, E. A. Fitch, who has carefully collected all the available facts. That gen-
tleman tells me that from ‘time immemorial,” a pair built on the ‘‘ Raven-tree’””
—a large elm—on his farm on Northey Island, but they deserted it in 1887. The
principal nest I know of is built in a tall elm, being one of many similar trees
standing in a hedgerow on an island off the coast which is fortunately rather
difficult of access. Ithas been built in the same spot regularly for many years
past, notwithstanding the fact that, for several years at least, not one young one:
has been allowed to fly. In 1886, four young birds were taken from it, of which
one is still alive, the rest having been stung to death by bees. In July, 1887, the
same gentleman took three more, and again in 1888 the entire brood. In Sep-
tember of that year I visited the spot, when I found the nest, which was chiefly of
sticks, rags, wool and matting, lying on the ground below the tree, having been
poked down by a farm-lad because Hawks had laid eggs in it after the Raven’s
nest. In April following, I again visited the spot, but the tree was not then oc-
cupied. However, the Ravens had been seen about shortly before and were
doubtless nesting in the vicinity, though several likely-looking nests we found
seemed to be unoccupied. In the southern part ofthe county I have been in-
formed of several nests—two of them within a quarter of a mile of one another
—which were occupied very recently and probably are now, but I have not been
able to visit the spot. In 1888, too, there was a nest on Brick House Farm,
Mundon, but it was unoccupied the following year. Probably other nests
might be found. Two Ravens, whieh surely must have been breeding

140 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

iin the neighbourhood, were observed (42) at Languard Point on June 22nd,
1834.
Mr. Fitch, who has taken great interest in our Essex Ravens, writes to me :—

“Mr. Gurney’s plea for the Essex Ravens [50. i. 182] is sadly needed. I wish
we could enforce its protective influence. This year Mr. Harting, Mr. Belfrage
and myself saw the Ravens (a pair) on Osey shore on February 25th ; and on
Northey, on May 22nd, for the whole day, a pair were fighting with the
Kestrels and Crows that were nesting on the island. But, although seen on
both islands, they nested on neither. On April 15th, Mr. Miller Christy,
Messrs. Freeman and myself went to visit, as we hoped, the Osey nest. We
found the old nest lying in the ditch, where it had been seen by Mr. Christy
the year before, and Jordan (the resident on the island) told us the Ravens
were still there almost every day and had commenced a nest at the east end,
which we saw, far removed from their old quarters. This, however, they had
abandoned and he told us they must be nesting this year over the water; he be-
lieved it was on my island (Northey). I found this nest, as] thought, on Brick
House, Mundon,—the same nest from which Newman had a young one, taken
Jast year. On my second visit, | found the tree (an elm) cut down, purposely to
destroy the young Ravens, but it was found their nest had not been used this year,
sono harm was done, except that done to the tree! This same day I found
the nest with the old bird on in a hedgerow elm between Iltney and White House
farms, Mundon. Upon enquiry, I found the tenant of Iltney (Mr. Isaac Granger)
knew of it, but wouldn’t disturb the nest for the world. So here even supersti-
tion hadits bright side. Thetenant of White House (Mr. Daniel Mead) knew
nothing of it. I then hoped it was safe and this proved to be correct, but it is
the only nest I can hear of as having escaped destruction this year.

“To return to the Osey nests—now a thing of the past 1 fear. The follow-
ing is the tale of the young birds that have been taken from it by the same per-
sons, generally on Easter Monday :—In 1882, one (the rest had flown); 1883,
four ; 1884, none (the visit was too late : the young ones had gone) ; 1885, three ;
1886, four ; 1887, four and three of a second brood [50. i. 142] ; 1888, four. In
this year there was a second brood, which was not only taken by strangers, but
the nest was destroyed and thrown into the ditch beneath the tree. Thus twenty-
three young birds have been taken in seven years, and it is fair to suppose that
very few have been got off by their parents, although the second brood had only
lately been found out. This certainly was attempting to rear a family under
serious difficulties and speaks well for the indomitable perseverance of the Raven
as abreeder. It shows, also, its strong attachment to locality. These young
ones were not taken for sale purposes, although some of them made, and all
could have been disposed of at, more than Mr. Abel Chapman states.

“ He says (Bird-Life of the Borders, pp. 19-20) :—‘thereare now only a few
‘spots remaining along the Borders where these fine birds are allowed tonest. With
young Ravens at half-a-guineaa-piece, and the insatiable—ay, insane —greed of
“collectors ” for British-killed specimens, it is wiser to omit names. If‘ natural-
ists’ must all have Collections, why cannot they be satisfied with the beautiful
specimens which are so easily procurable from northern or eastern Europe, instead
-of hastening the extirpation of this, and other scarce indigenous birds, by placing
a high premium on their heads?’ Very good indeed, but Aumanum est errare /
I had a young Osey bird which was allowed its liberty and became very tame.
It was passionately attached to me, and frequently flew over more than one field
to accompany me home. When I was indoors, it hardly ever left the window-sill of
the room [ wasin. It was a deep grief to me to lose him on the night of the
flood (August Ist and 2nd), but not so to some other members ofthe household.

“The Fambridge Ravens were probably nesting somewhere on the Crouch, but
they had a rough time of it, and I cannot hear that the nest was found. In 1888,
Mr. William Laver had at least £10 worth of damage done to his ewes and lambs
by Rayens on Blue House farm, and when Walter King (the shepherd) found
them about again this spring (probably the same birds, as their presence was an-
nounced by a sheep being found dead with its eyes picked out), he dressed him-
‘self in the sheep’s skin and laid up against some strawed hurdles on the marsh.

ALAUDIDA—LARKS. 14k

On two mornings he had a shot at the Raven, and, as he supposed, wounded it
severely the second time. It, or another, however, returned after some days and
was seen to take three poisoned eggs and next morning was looking for more!
Quite a number of poisoned eggs were consumed on the other side of the river
—at Norpitts and Raypitts, Canewdon—as the neighbourhood was well aroused
by this Raven visitation. Whether the eggs destroyed the young birds I know
not : they evidently didn’t the old one! I never heard of any damage from Ravens
near either Osey or Northey. These destructive and bloodthirsty habits were
probably developed from the fact of one or two dead horses being left on Bridge
Marsh.

“T used to know (for three years, 1872-4) of two nests within a quarter of a mile:
of one another near the Devil’s Steps, Thundersley, in some tall hedgerow-elms.
The Ravens probably nested there long previously, and they continued to do so-
at least up to 1880. In 1879, I nearly had the young ones sent me from one nest,
by my brother-in-law, Mr. John Wallis, of Jarvis Hall, instead of a brood of Car-
rion Crows, which I wanted for Mr. Henry Laver. My wife thought the young
Crows ate quite enough, during the few days we kept them! This locality is now
deserted. Mr. James Farrow, bailiff at Kent’s Hill, South Benfleet, in answer to.
enquiries, replied as below, under date April 9th, 1889 :—

‘““«T have been waiting to see if I could hear anything about where the Ravens.
are building, but cannot, They have cut the branches what they used to build on
off, and I should think that is the reason they have left the trees.’

“One of these pairs had probably removed to the Hole or Pinesnest farm,,
between South Benfleet brick-field (now disused) and Hadleigh Castle. We saw
this year’s eggs from this nest exhibited by Mr. Foster, at the Southend meeting
of theclub. Within the last twenty years I have heard of nests in this neighbour-
hood, at Nipsells and Clarke’s farm, Mayland; Stansgate Grove; Brick \ House,
Mundon Hall and White House, Mundon; Iltney, Mundon (in upper fence,
stubbed five years ago) ; and Goldhanger Decoy (once). I have two ‘“‘ Raven-trees ””
myself, one on Northey Island, the other atthe bottom of Jingle Hills, between
Jenkyns and Hazeleigh Hall. I should be only too pleased to welcome back the
old tenants or their descendants.

“Mr. Gurney says quite truly the Raven is already trembling on the very
verge of extinction in Essex, and this note will show something of what is happen-
ing to them in the last days of their persecution.”

‘“P.S.—The Ravens were seen on Osey Island last month [Jan, 18g0],”

Family ALAUDIDA.

Sky Lark: Alauda arvensis.
An abundant and
well - known resident,
though partially migra-
tory. Its song maysome-
times be heard during
every consecutivemonth \
of the year. |

I
!

Lieut. Legge writes (23.
9839) :

“The stubble lands and
low-lying fields [round Shoe-
bury] literally swarm with
Larks at this season of the S S
year [ October], and they are SKY LARK, 4.

\)

IAT

a sae ae
i

Co

142 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

just as plentiful in spring time. They resort very much to the saltings, * * *
roosting there at nights. They may also constantly be seen at some distance
from the shore, picking up sandworms on the fore-shore after the tide has left it,
I have never seen Aéauda arvensis resort so much to the sea-coast as it does here.”

On May 13th, 1881, I witnessed a very extraordinary occurrence near Saffron
Walden. I was walking with a friend across a ploughed field when a Sky Lark
suddenly flew up from beneath his feet. Looking down, we saw its nest contain-
ing young. On the edge of the nest lay the feathers of the bird’s tail, upon
which my friend had unconsciously trodden, and she, springing up, had left them
behind. I have them yet. Mr. Sackett writes that round Orsett “great num-
bers were drowned bythe extensive flood on August 2nd, 1888. Whenshootingon
the 4th of that month, he noticed many floating on the submerged marshes.” The
Rev. M. C. H. Bird informs me that, on April 24th, 1882, he found three abnor-
mal wife eggs in a nest on Canvey Island.

About the middle of January, 1881, a cream-coloured variety was shot
close to Saffron Walden, and in the Museum is a specimen in unusually light
plumage shot there and presented many years since by Mr. G. Bullock. Mr,
Hastings Warren, of Little Dunmow, informs me that, for several years in suc-
cession, he observed a remarkably light-coloured specimen in the fields round his
house. ‘W.H. P.” records a white specimen, all except a few pied feathers on
the top of the head and the wings, shot by him at Chesterford Park on Sept.
Ist, 1870 (29. Sept. 10). |

Wood Lark: A/auda arborea.

Formerly a rare and local resident in the Epping Forest and Saf-
fron Walden districts, but it seems of late years to have, for some
unknown reason,
disappeared from
those localities,
and I have not
heard of the oc-
currence of more
than a single speci-
men in the county
for years.

Henry : Doubleday
writes (10) in 1832:
“The Wood Lark
seems to have become
very rare. J] never
saw it alive wild, and
never could procure
a specimen.” However, in June, 1839, he wrote (10), ‘“‘ The Wood Lark is
rapidly increasing. They sing most delightfully of an evening.” In March,
1840, he says (10), “ We have a number of Wood Larks about this spring, but I
fear the London bird-catchers will thin them,’ Again, a month later, he wrote
“We have a great many Wood Larks.” Its name occurs without comment in
Edward Doubleday’s list of Epping birds (15), and in 1880 English includediit as

WOOD LARK, 4.

ALAUDIDA\—LARKS. 143

a resident in Epping Forest (43. i. 24), but Mr. Buxton (47) does not mention it.
Mr. Joseph Clarke speaks of it (24) as “rarely seen” round Saffron Walden
about 1845. In the Museum there are a pair obtained at Epping on November
6th, 1839, and presented by Henry Doubleday. Formerly there was a specimen
obtained near Saffron Walden. I have been personally assured by Mr. Clarke
that many years ago they used to be fairly common round Walden, and this
statement is corroborated by Mr. Travis, but I believe they never occur there
now.

Mr, W. H. Hill mentions (12. vi. 452) having met with it near Southminster,
about 1832, but the Rev. J. C. Atkinson expressly says (36. 71) he never met
with it in Essex. Mr. Charles Smoothy has kindly presented me with a skin
shot by himself in a ploughed field near: his residence, Old Riffhams, Danbury,
whilst partridge shooting during a very high wind on Jan. 21st, 1889. It is the only
specimen he ever met with in Essex, and his attention was first attracted by its
unfamiliar note.

More, writing in 1865, says (33. 124) it ‘nests only occasionally in Essex,”
probably alluding to Doubleday’s observations in Epping Forest. Certainly it
does not do so now.

Shore Lark: Ofocorys alpestris.
A rare and irregular straggler to our coast during winter.

Dr. Bree states (29) that in the winter of 1880-81 one was “ captured close to
the cavalry barracks, Colchester.” He adds, “It is a very rare bird in this
locality.” Mr. Kerry says (40. vil. 120, & 46. 73): about the end of November,
1882, ‘‘a large flight of Shore-Larks arrived on this part of the coast [ Harwich]
and frequented the salt marshes. No less than thirty-five were shot.” Mr. Hope
writes he has met with them “ occasionally off Harwich about Christmas time: ”
but does not remember to have seen them in summer plumage. Mr, Gurney
(40. 225) has received one from the Ga//loper L.V. Mr. Ambrose tells me that in
years gone by he has preserved specimens from Mersea, and also one shot beside
a wheat-stack at Shrub End, Colchester. Specimens are recorded from Maldon
(29. Nov. 29, 1862), and Mr. Kerry informs me that at Harwich, on Dec. 12th,
1889, five were shot out of a small party of seven. Other occurrences have
probably passed unrecorded,

144 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX,

Order PICARIZA.

Family CYPSELIDZ.

Swift: Cypselus apus. Locally, “Shriek Owl,” “Screek Owl,”
‘ Deviling” (E.A.F.), and “Tommy Devil.”

A common summer visitor in all parts of the county, breeding
wherever there are suitable nesting holes in either ancient or modern
buildings. It usually arrives
about the end of April and leaves:
during August, though indivi-
¥ duals may sometimes be seen in
September, and _ occasionally

even in October. Mr. Sackett
= notes the first in 1884 on May
roth, in 1887 on May 12th, and
in 1888 on May oth. He also
observed a very late specimen
on September 12th, 1887. In
that year a pair were observed
near Harwich on September 16th, and another pair at Stony Point,
near Walton-on-the-Naze, on the 19th (29. Oct. 1). I saw a pair at
Audley End on August 25th, 1880, and one at Maldon on Septem-
ber 4th, 1888. T. S. Tiller shot one at Great Chesterford on
October 27th, 1877 (29. Nov. 3), an extremely late date. Another
was seen at Colchester on September 23rd, 1878 (29. Oct. 5).

At Harwich it breeds commonly and seems to be increasing (Kerry). Around
Broomfield, where they are often called “ Skreek Owls,” they are decidedly com-
mon, and considerable flocks of them may often in the late summer be seen
wheeling and dashing about overhead, screeching loudly. Their abundance is
due, partly at least, to the fact that a number of different houses and cottages
built by the late Mr. Thomas Christy, about forty years ago, were all roofed in a
manner which left open eaves, affording them excellent nesting sites.

Mr. Thomas Catchpool records (23. 1499) that at the end of June, 1835, ona
cold, wet day, he and some friends found numbers of Swifts, stupefied by the
cold, clinging to ledges of the cliffs at Walton-on-the-Naze. ‘In some places
[says Mr. Catchpool] they were settled one upon another, four or five deep, and
we literally took them up in handfuls, five or six together. So numerous were
they, we could probably have caught some hundreds.” Edward Jesse relates a
very similar occurrence. He says (Scenes and Tales of Country Life, p. 169) that

SWIFT, ¥.

CYPSELIDA—SWIFTS. 145

in 1835, just after their first appearance, there occurred so remarkably cold a day
that they clustered together in masses like swarming bees. ‘A large cluster
[was] seen hanging to the water-spout of Harwich Church. Some boys were
able, with poles, to knock them down, and many were caught.” Mr. Hope ob-
serves that “ When they are seen flying over the mouth of Harwich Harbour the
approach of heavy weather is looked for.”

White-bellied Swift: Cypselus melba.
A rare and accidental straggler to Britain which has once, or per-

haps twice, been met with in Essex.

Yarrell says (14. ii. 240) that the fourth British specimen he knew of (really
the sixth) “was picked up dead near Saffron Walden, in Essex, in July, 1838, as
communicated to me by Joseph Clarke, Esq.” (also Macgillivray, West, British
Birds, iii. p. 613 & 38.126). Inthe last edition, Prof. Newton states on Mr.
Clarke’s authority (37. ii. 373) that it was picked up dead near Hinxton, which
is in Cambridgeshire, just beyond the Essex boundary. Another Essex record is
by Dr. Bree, who says that on June 8th, 1871, Col. Delmé Radcliffe thrice saw
this bird on the wing near Colchester (29. June 17), but the specimen was not
obtained (38. 126). Frederick Holme, writing to Mr. E. H. Rodd (probably in
1833) says (23. 5034) :—

“The great White-bellied Swift (Cypse/us alpinus) has been shot three or four
times in Ireland within a few years, and once in England, at Attleborough, in
Norfolk, in September, 1831; I think, but am not sure, that a second instance
has occurred near Romford, in Essex.”

Needle-tailed Swift: Acanthyllis caudacuta.

An exceedingly rare and accidental straggler, which has only been
met with twice in Britain, but which has nevertheless a perfectly
good claim to be considered a British bird, notwithstanding its rejec-
tion by Prof. Newton (37. ii. 371), and the fact that it has not been
met with elsewhere in Europe. It would be almost impossible to
import such a bird alive.

The first British specimen was shot near Colchester. It was recorded (23.
1492) by Ed. Newman in the Zoologist, after having been examined and identified
by Messrs. Yarrell, Ed. Doubleday, W. R. Fisher, and himself. Newman quotes
the following information, supplied to him by the late Mr. Thos. Catchpool of
Colchester, to whom the specimen belonged :

“Tt was shot about 9 p.m, onthe 8th of this month [ July, 1846] by a farmer’s
son, named Peter Coveney, in the parish of Great Horkesley, about four miles
from Colchester. He saw it first on the evening of the 6th. He tells me it occa-
sionally flew to a great height, [and] was principally engaged in hawking for flies
over a small wood and neighbouring trees. Being only wounded, it cried very

much as it fell, and when he took it up, clung so tightly to some clover—it was
in a clover-lay—as to draw some stalks from the ground.”

The specimen is now in the possession of Mr. Catchpool’s son, Mr. Thos. K.
Catchpool, of Leicester.*

* The second occurrence of this bird in Britain was in 1879, when Mr. G. B. Corbin (40. iv.
81) obtained one near Ringwood, Hants, on July 26th or 27th, after having for several days seen
it flying over the Avon in company with another. Dr. Bree refers to another possible British

L

146 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Family CAPRIMULGID&-.

Nightjar: Cafrimulgus europeus. Locally, “Night Hawk”
(Orsett).

A regular summer visitor, but very sparingly distributed, except
in a few spots which are peculiarly suited to its habits, as Epping
Forest, Ongar Park
Wood, and the woods
and commons round
Danbury, Tiptree, War-
ley, and elsewhere In
most parts of the county
it is seen occasionally
when on migration. It
usually arrives about the
NIGHTJAR, 1/5. middle of May, and. de-
FLAT parts in September.

Albin says (3. i. 10), “I have seen them on Epping Forest and divers
other places.” Mr. Buxton says (47. 93) they are “frequently seen during
summer in the Forest, where they breed.” ‘J. H.” records (29. Jan. 13, 1883)
that in 1883 he found a couple of nests in the Forest, and I found a nest
near Ambresbury Banks in 1870. I also sawa nest—or rather eggs—in Ongar
Park Wood in 1877. Mr. C. Walford wrote in 1838: This bird “ appears
to have been unusually numerous in this county during the last season, several
having been sent to me to be preserved.” (19. 74). According to King (20) it is
‘rather rare” round Sudbury. At Harwich it is fairly common and breeds
(Kerry). Round Orsett, where there is very little woodland, it is “not common ”
(Sackett), but Dr. Laver speaks of it as ‘common in both the Colchester and
Paglesham districts.” Mr. Clarke states (24) that one or two were killed in
most years round Walden, where in 1880 I knew of two nests, although I know
the bird to be decidedly uncommon there, except round Chesterford, where Mr.
Brewis tells me it breeds commonly. Mr, W. C. Emson of Littlebury also in-
forms me that they breed there every year. It abounds among the woods and
commons round Danbury and Little Baddow, and on Tiptree Heath. My cousin,
Mr. R. W. Christy, saw a specimen in Nightingale’s Wood, Roxwell, on several
different days during frosty weather in the winter of 1881-82. This is a very
remarkable occurrence, though it has on other occasions been known to remain
till November. Mr. Fitch has once found the eggs in Hazeleigh Hall Wood.

specimen (29. Nov. 23 & 30, 1878) which is said to have been preserved by Morris, a bird-stuffer,
of Low Leyton, Essex, but nothing further is known about it. Ambrose of Colchester, through
whose hands the specimen passed, did not believe it had been set up from a skin.

—

PICIDA—WOODPECKERS. 1 ta7

Family PICIDZ.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: Dexdrocopus minor.

A rare resident, though it occurs from time to time, and is occa-
sionally found breeding in most parts of the county, and is even
common round Danbury.

Mr. Clarke mentions specimens,
which occurred respectively one in
the churchyard and another in a
garden, at Saffron Walden, on
March 2nd, 1830, one in Audley
End Park in 1847, and another on
a walnut tree at the Roos, in Feb-
tuary, 1852. On June 14th, 1881,
I saw a nest containing both eggs
and young in an old rotten dam-
‘son tree in a garden on the out-
skirts of the town. Mr. C. Wal-
ford records (19) several killed at
Braxted about 1838. My uncle,
Mr. David Christy, has a speci-
men shot at Stanford Rivers about
1873. One was seen here several
times about the middle of Decem-
ber, 1877, and another at the end S
of November, 1879. Dr. Bree LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKERS, wR.
mentions one at Tiptree in April, 1870 (29. May 7). Henry Doubleday, in
1832, says (10), “I have seen it here [Epping] once or twice.” Again, in
1840, he wrote (10), “it is, as far as my observation goes, very rave [round
London]. « « * A solitary, straggling individual or two, is all I ever heard of
anywhere round us.” In the Forest, nowadays, however, Mr. Buxton says (47.
86) that it is “not very uncommon.” Mr, Lister adds, ‘‘ Three times seen in my
garden at Leytonstone.” English includes it (43.i. 24) in his Epping list, as also
does Edward Doubleday (15). A female was killed at Wix in February, 1888
(Spalding). Mr. Kerry records one (40, iii, 182) on February 2nd, 1879, at Ram-
sey, where he says it is “‘ very rare.” Mr. Chas. Ed. Smith says (31. 53) that it is
‘occasionally shot in the woods of Mr. Honeywood, Marks Hall.” Mr, Hope
says it is common at Upminster, and observes that it ‘“‘ generally descends a bush
or small tree tai] first.” It occurs in the Colchester district (Laver). The only
part of the county where it is at allcommon seems to be that round Danbury, where
Mr. Smoothy tells me he meets with it fairly often in the extensive woods, Mr,
Fitch has known three or four taken in nets used to protect young peas in a
garden at Wixoe, on the Stour, and has also seen it five or six times round Maldon,

[Great Black Woodpecker: Picus martius.

A doubtful British bird, which has often been erroneously recorded
as occurring in the United Kingdom (on one occasion in Essex), but
there is not sufficient evidence to justify its being regarded as a British
species, |

1

148 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Great Spotted Woodpecker : Dendrocopus major. Locally,
“French Magpie ” (Saffron Walden).

A resident, though very sparsely distributed over the county. I
have very seldom seen the bird.

Mr, Clarke describes it (24) as ‘not unfrequent in woods” near Walden.
King says (20) it is “rare” round Sudbury, and Mr. Grubb writes (39), a speci-
men was “seen last winter (1875) by my children to fly across our river and
settle among some trees on the other side.” In the-Parsons Collection is a speci-
men shot at Little Wakering in 1848. In April, 1883, I observed one here, It
“occurs in Loughton Manor” (Buxton 47, 86). Henry Doubleday, writing from
Epping in 1832, says (10), ‘I have procured two eggs of the Pied Woodpecker
this year. The bird is scarce here, and I never saw the nest before.” However,
both Edward Doubleday (15) and English (43. i, 24) include it in their lists of
Epping birds. Mr. Arthur Lister observed one in July, 1888, in Wanstead Park,
where he had formerly supposed it only a winter visitor. Mr. Hope says that it
is “common ” at Upminster, and Dr. Laver informs me that it occurs in both the
Colchester and Paglesham districts. One was killed with a stick in Lexden
Park in 1882 (Spalding). At Harwich itis scarce, though it breeds (Kerry). Mr.
Travis says that in the vicinity of Saffron Walden, where it is rare, it is known
as the “French Magpie.”

Green Woodpecker: Gecinus viridis. Locally, ‘‘ Whetile,”
and “ Yaffle,” “ Rain-bird” (E. A. F.) and “ Heigh-ho” (E. A. F).

A fairly-common resident, especially in parks and thickly-tim-
bered districts, as round Danbury, Epping, Maldon, &c.

According to King (20), it was “‘ not uncommon ”*
around Sudbury in 1838. Mr. Buxton says that it
(47.86) “may be constantly heard tapping, and occa-
sionally seen, in the northern part of the Forest ; very
frequent about Cook’s Folly, near Walthamstow.”
It is getting ‘more common than formerly in the
Colchester district, but is decreasing in number round
Rochford” (Laver), At Harwich it is scarce, though
it breeds there (Kerry). Round Orsett, where there
is very little woodland, Mr. Sackett says it is “not
common,” but adds that it is “ fairly plentiful on and
around the Laindon Hills,” In the summer of 1883, Mr,
Chas. Smoothy met with a nest containing young in
a hole, which I have seen, in an elm-tree at Little
Baddow, not more than two feet from the ground.
(29. Sept. 15). Mr. Fitch found twelve new nests
at Hazeleigh in 1888. The Rev. C. Swainson (48)

GREEN WOODPECKER, 1/7. gives “ Whetile” as its name in Essex and Herts,
which he says is derived from the Anglo-Saxon ¢hwitan, to cut, whence also
comes the Yankee verb “to whittle,” according to Yarrell (14. ii. 137).

,

Wryneck: Jjnx torquilla. Locally, “Snake-bird” and

*Cuckoo’s Mate.”
A fairly-common summer migrant, usually first heard about the

ALCEDINIDA—KINGFISHER. 149

beginning of April and departing in September. In some years it is

very scarce, In 1888, aN"
. r \ . S IN
I did not hear one near ANY Ve\

Chelmsford.

Round Orsett, Mr. Sac-
kett describes it as a com-
mon spring visitor, but
adds: “I do not think
that all we hear in the
early spring stay to breed,
as I have only taken two
clutches,” King says (20)
in 1838, “This bird does
not appear plentiful in our
neighbourhood” (Sudbury),
but Mr. Grubb says (39) it
“never fails to give tidings
of its arrival [there ] about
the middle of April.” Writ-
ing from Epping in 1832,
Henry Doubleday says (10),
“This bird, which used to
be heard a few years since
in all directions, is now so
scarce that I have not heard more than three or four in the neighbourhood.”
In the following year he says, “ This bird appears to decrease in number every
year in the neighbourhood.” Mr. Fitch has found nests several times in the Bird-
brook District, twice at Maldon, and twice at Rayleigh.

WRYNECK, 4.

Family ALCEDINIDAL.

Kingfisher: Aledo ispida.
A resident throughout the county, I believe, though nowhere
common. On the saltings round our coast, Mr. Fitch says it becomes

much more common during winter than it is in summer.

Around Sudbury, King says
(20) that it was “not uncom-
mon,” in 1838. The Rev, J. C.
Atkinson says (36. 98): “In
my fishing and other excursions
in Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, and
Herefordshire, I used to see
many pairs; each, however,
domiciled at some distance from
its nearest neighbours. Mr.
Buxton says (47. 87) it is “not
unfrequently seen by the ponds
and streams in the Forest. The pia

150 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

last I saw was a few weeks ago, when one flashed out like a streak of blue light-.

ning from a ditch close to the Forest Hotel at Chingford,”
In May, 1880, a nest of young ones was reared ina hole in the bank of the
brook Slade in the park at Audley End, in a position exposed to the view of

every one passing along the public footpath running through the park. The-

nest itself was perfectly clean, but the hole was full of filth, which even streamed
down the bank from the entrance,

They certainly breed here in the banks of the brook Cann, as 1 see them
about every summer. On July 21st, 1876, a party of three flew very close to me
as I was bathing. Ibelieve it is not common to see more than one, or at most
a pair, at once. Mr. Hope, who has reared young from the nest, has met
with it breeding all over Essex, but says fresh arrivals take place on the
coast about September, At Harwich “it is fairly common in the autumn”
(Kerry). In the Orsett district it is a winter visitor only, frequenting the fens
and saltings (Sackett). It nests every year in the floodgate hole at Baythorne
Mill, Birdbrook (Fitch).

Roller: Coracias garrula.

A rare straggler to Britain, of which only a single specimen, so.

far as I know, has occurred in Essex.

In the Museum at Saffron Walden is a specimen shot at Great Chesterford’

Park in 1865, and presented by Geo. Sanders, Esq. Presumably the specimen

mentioned by Yarrell (37. ii. 429) is identical with this. One, caught at “ Rain-

ham ” in 1889 (40. xiii. 33), was taken at the village of that name in Kent, not
in Essex.

Bee-eater: J/erops apiaster.

This rare straggler to Britain during summer has been met with
at least twice in Essex.

Mr. Thomas Catchpool records one (23. 4478) ‘“ shot in the garden of a mill
close by the river’s side in the parish of Feering « * * [not ‘“ Feeting”’ as stated
by Yarrell (37. ii. 36) ] about Midsummer Day [1854] which came into his pos-

session (31. 53). Mr. Buxton mentions one (47. 89) ‘‘observed at Wanstead by
Fleas

Family UPUPIDZ.

Hoopoe: Upupfa epops.

An uncommon, though, it may almost be said, a regular, passing-
migrant in both spring and autumn. Its appearance in Essex in
the spring seems usually to take place between April 15th and May
7th: in autumn, during September, though instances are recorded:
of its appearance in autumn as early as August 7th, and as late as
October oth. The occurrence in Essex of at least one specimen is,

EEE Clee

UPUPIDA—HOOPOE. I5E

reported in most years. There is little or no doubt that it would
breed with us oc-
casionally, were it
not for the fact
that its very strik-
ing exterior causes
it to be shot im-
mediately on its
first appearance.
It has been known
to breed in Dor-
set, Hants, Sussex, &
Surrey, and else-
where, but not '
yet in- Essex, so
far as I am aware,
though the pair
shot by Mr. Par- reas

sons in 1839 would, in all probability, have bred had he not killed
them.

vA

3°

Merrett says (1. 173) “in the New Forrest in Hampshire, and in Essexia, sed
raro invenitur.” Albin figures (3. ii. 39) a hen which he says “ was shot in the
garden of Mr. Starkey Mayos at Woodford, on Epping Forest, where they had
observed it for some time, and used all the means to take it they could; but it
was so shy that it avoided all their traps which were laid for it, which the gentle-
man observing, ordered it to be shot.” Buffon alludes to the occurrence of this
specimen. The Rey. R. Sheppard seems to have met with it occasionally at
Wrabness, as he notes its arrival there (see p. 42) on May 3rd in 1821, on May
4th in 1822 andon Apr. 14th in 1825. ‘Two were killed near Harwich about
the middle of September [1832]” (Hoy—12. vi. 150). Edward Doubleday,
in 1835, records (15) one “killed a few years since about a mile from the town,”
and English includes it as an “occasional visitor” in his list of Epping Birds
(43. i. 24). Mr. C. Walford (19. 47) records that one was shot at Wickham
Bishops and another at Braxted about 1838. Mr. Scruby of Ongar informs me
that about fifty years ago, a specimen, now in the possession of Mr. Muggleston
of Grays Farm, Ongar, was shot near that place and sent in a box, apparently
dead, to Mr. Leadbeater of Golden Square to be preserved. On his opening the
box, however, it flew round the room and was caught with difficulty, Since then
Mr. Scruby has preserved two, one shot at Little Laver, the other at Willingale-
Mr. Kerry has one shot at Harwich many years ago. On April 6th, 1839, Mr.
C, Parsons shot a male at North Shoebury, and on the roth a female. Although
he several times disturbed them they returned almost directly to the same spot,
and, as there was a hollow tree near, he thought it not unlikely they would have
bred (35). Henry Doubleday mentions (10) one shot by Sir Edward Smijth’s
keeper in a wood near Epping about May 6th, 1840. In A7dd’s Own Fournal
(May 22, 1852, p. 335) it is recorded that Mr. C. Walford had recently shot a

152 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

female at Little Braxted, and that about two years previously he had seen one in
Braxted Park (31). Mr. T. Bramley, of 9, Winchester Street, Bethnal Green,
writes (23. 4895) that ‘‘a person employed on Tyler’s Farm, near Low Leyton,
being engaged in catching sparrows, had the good fortune to capture a young
Hoopoe on the 7th of August last [1855].” It is quite possible that this may
have been a home-bred bird. One was shot at Ashdon about the end of Sept.,
1856 (23. 5319). Mr. P. Matthews, of Little Laver, still has a female which he
shot there about 1858 (Zssex Chron., Ap. 27th). Dr. Bree records one (23.
8034) shot in the rectory garden at Erwarton, in Suffolk, on the Stour, in the
beginning of May, 1862, Mr, W. Jesse records one (23. 9627) seen by a game-
keeper at Woodbarns Farm, near Ingatestone, on and for several days after April
20th, 1865. Mr. Clarke records (24) that one, shot at Strethall in 1840, was in
the possession of the late Mr. Nicholas Parry of Strethall Hall, and that another
was shot in Peverell’s Wood, Wimbish, in 1865. Dr. Bree records a male shot at
Mersea about the middle of Apr., 1871 (29. Apr. 22 & 32a). Mr. H. A. Barclay
records (34. 4035) that one was seen feeding for several hours on his lawn at
Knott’s Green, Leyton, in company with Starlings, Blackbirds and Thrushes, on
May 3rd, 1874. It was very wild. Mr. Travis tells me that in 1876 he received
five for preservation. In the spring of that year, two men picking twitch beside a
wood at Ashdon, were followed all one day by a pair which ate the insects, &c.,
they turned up. The Rev. M.C. H. Bird informs me of his having seen a pair at
a farmhouse at Basildon, where they were shot about the year 1878. About the end
of Oct., 1879 (Chelmsford Chronicle, Nov. 14) one was killed by some men at work
on the railway near Felstead. One was seen for several hours to frequent a lawn at
Great Bentley on April 24th, 1880 (29. May 8) and (strange to relate!) was not
molested. The Rev. J. Whitaker Maitland has informed me of one killed some
years ago at Walthamstow. Mr. Buxton says (47. 87), ‘‘ One bird frequented a
garden at Knott’s Green for several days,” about 1881. One shot on September
20th, 1880, by Mr Elgie of the Oak Inn, Woodham Mortimer, on the confines of
that parish and Danbury, it having been observed in the neighbourhood for
several days (29. Oct. 2 & 42.52). Mr. Travis records (44. iv. xii.) a young male
shot at Wimbish on Sept. 30th, 1882, and a female on October gth following
at Horseheath, Cambs, on the Essex border. I saw one beside a wood at Sad-
dler’s Farm, near Saffron Walden, on April 22nd, 1883—probably the same shot
shortly after near Royston. Lieut.-Col, Marsden has informed me of one shot
near Walton-on-the-Naze about the year 1885. Mr. Wm. C. Emson of Littlebury
informs me that his brother has a specimen shot at Wimbish about the year 1886.
A male was shot at Little Walden on April 7th, 1886, and preserved by Mr,
Travis (Chelmsford Chronicle, April 16). Mr. Reginald W. Christy of Boynton
Hall, Roxwell, has one which he shot there as it rose froma damp ditch in which it
was feeding, on May 3, 1886. Mr. Hope has one, shot in mistake fora Jay at
Forest Hall, Ongar, in May, 1886. He knew of three, all females, shot in Essex in
that year. Mr. W. R. Sackett records one shot at Grays early in Apr. 1888 (29.
May 5th). One was shot at Langford Park during the first week of Sept., 1886 (41,
il. 33 & 29. Sept. 11). A male was shot at Willingale on Apr. 20th, 1888 (Zssex
Chron, Apr.27th). Mr, Hastings Warren, of Little Dunmow, has one shot in
that parish several years ago, when it was observed in company with another,

CUCULID.£—CUCKOO. 153

Family CUCULIDA.

Cuckoo: Cuculus canorus.

A common and very familiar summer visitant, arriving about the
middle of April, or a little earlier, and leaves again late in August,
though young birds often
remain until much later.
For instance, about the
middle of October, 1877,
a young bird was sent to
Mr. Scruby of Ongar for
preservation, and another
was killed at the Swin
Middle Lightship on Nov.
26th, 1885 (42).

Mr. John Smith, of Brent-
wood, possesses a specimen,
killed at Upminster Common
in June, 1885, which he des-
cribes as being an adult female
in brown plumage, the colour
and markings on the upper
parts being exactly similar to
those on the hen Kestrel, while
the under-parts resemble those
ofa young Cuckoo. In the Museum at Saffron Walden is a specimen which Mr.
Gurney describes as ‘the most beautiful specimen of a young Cuckoo he ever
saw.” Mr. Smoothy has one shot by himself in Mann Wood, Ashdon, in May,
1850, which has the reddish back and tail of the young bird, while the breast is
barred like that of the adult. It is a female, as an egg fell from it when shot.

cuckoo, \%.

154 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Order STRIGES.

Family STRIGIDZ.

Barn Owl: Strix flammea. Locally, ‘‘White Owl,” “Grey

Owl,” “ Billy Owl,” and ‘ Willy.”

A fairly-common resident, breeding in old hollow trees, church
towers, dove-cotes, &c. [often hear them after dark near Chelmsford.
No bird more richly deserves protection
than this. It feeds almost entirely
upon mice, shrews, and young rats,
and rarely touches birds of any kind
—a fact for which I can vouch, having
paid much attention to the point.

Albin says (3. ii. 11) that the specimen he
figures was met with “in a field near Waltham
Abbey, in the dusk of the evening, flying up
and down, and now and then catching at the
grass.” He adds: ‘‘I desired my son, who
was with me, to shoot him, and when we dis-
sected him I found in his stomach several of
the White Grass-moths and other insects.”
Mr. Buxton says (47. 83): “I used to hear
this bird nightly twenty years ago in Lord’s
Bushes, the old hollow trees of which it fre-
quented, I am sorry to say it has disappeared
from that locality.” Mr. Grubb speaks of it (39) as “an almost constant resi-
dent” at Sudbury. They have for some years nested in the large disused railway
sheds at Dagenham. The Rev. J. C. Atkinson writes (36. 43) :—

““My most familiar boy-acquaintance, however, was with the nesting-place
and habits of a pair which nested for many consecutive years in a slight hollow in
the crown of a large pollard elm tree in my father’s churchyard [at Layer Marney |
in Essex. There were usually three or four young ones year by year, often with
perceptible differences of growth among them. « * * Quainter, graver, odder,
stranger, more irresistibly comic creatures than these young Owls I never saw ;
and the hissing and snoring, and peering looks at the spectator, and strange antic-
contortions I heard and saw, baffle all attempts at description. The entertain-
ment, for such it was most truly, usually began some little time before sunset,
about which time the old birds might be seen commencing their labours of pur-
veying food for Masters and Misses Howlet. At intervals of from seven to ten
minutes one or other of them came to the nest witha prey, and I could always

BARN OWL, 1/6.

tell by the sounds and gestures of the young Owls when the old one was approach--

ing. How they knew I could not tell ; it was not by sight, and I could hear no.

ASIONIDAZ—OWLS. 155.

sound myself ; but know they did, most certainly. Mice, slugs, sometimes a large
insect apparently, or a small bird, very rarely a mole or rat of no large dimen-
sions, were brought in continuous succession, and in the claw, not with the bill.
When the anna was of small dimensions, the old Owl flitted off again with
scarcely any pause at the nest. If a large one, it seemed by the time which elapsed,
and the sounds which became audible—most vehement snorings and hissings—
that partition had to be made, and that the said partition was a matter of the
greatest interest to the parties concerned.”

This is the same nest described by Mr. Atkinson’s father in the first volume
of the Zoologist (23. i. 384).

Fifty years ago, before scientific farming came in, and before a cheap,
abundant supply of coal was obtainable in Essex, numerous large old pollarded
trees stood in the hedge-rows in all parts of the county, and afforded logs for the
winter fires.

“These were, I think,” says Dr. Laver [50. iii. 33 | “ invaluable to the farmers,
as they formed the retiring and nesting-places of numerous Owls. Most of these
pollards are now gone, and with them have disappeared the Owls to a great
extent. Formerly, rats were rarely found in the fields; but now, from the des-
truction of Owls and other so-called vermin, they abound, and may be found in
almost every hedge. I think, could a balance be struck, it would be found that
the Owl- tenanted pollard did’ not occasion anything like the loss to the farmer
now caused by the numerous rats and mice. x « « [he destruction, therefore, of
pollards has, in my opinion, resulted in great injury to the county generally.”

Henry Doubleday, on March 23rd, 1843, says (10), “A short time since a
person here [Epping] shot a common Barn Owl with the whole of the under
parts, legs, &c., of a deep ochre-yellow, with a few black spots. The face alone
was white.” He also records (34. 522) that in December, 1864, a similar variety
was killed near Epping, having “the whole under-parts tawny yellow, spotted
with black. The upper-parts were more mottled with grey than usual, It was
a large bird and a female.” These specimens, in all probability, belonged to the
“very darkly coloured” Danish form of this bird, mentioned by Prof. Newton
(37. i. 198) and Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun. (Birds of Norfolk, p. 22).

Family ASIONIDZ,

Long-eared Owl: Asvo otus.

A resident in many parts of England, but in Essex I think we.
can only regard it as a rather uncommon winter visitor. I never
actually heard of its breeding in the county, except at Harwich,
- though it has probably done so elsewhere. It seems once to have

been much more common than it now is.

Mr. Clarke says (24) that “one or two are killed every season round Saffron
Walden.” He mentions specimens killed at Newport in 1829, at Siward’s End on
August 31st, 1831, at Wenden in 1833, and at Audley End (two) in 1834. Mr. Travis
says they are now quite uncommon there. He received one shot near Ashdon on No-
vember Ist, 1881. In 1831 it was “not uncommonin the wooded districts of Hadleigh
and Hockley, and [was] occasionally met with in the more open parts and small
groves at Southchurch, the Wakerings, and Shoeburyness”” (Parsons). W. H.
Hill (12, viii. §73) met with two at Southminster about 1834. According to King
(20), it was “rare’’ round Sudbury in 1838. One was shot at Stondon Massey on

156 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

November 16th, 1876 (Chelmsford Chronicle, Nov. 23), and in 1880, English exhi-
bited one shot at Magdalen Laver (44. i. xi), According to Mr. Benton (35.294),
the screams of one of these birds caused the country people to regard as haunted
a certain wood at Hockley. In Epping Forest it ‘has been obtained several
times, and it would multiply rapidly if it were not so frequently destroyed by
gamekeepers ” (Buxton—47. 83), while both English (43. i. 24) and E. Doubleday
(5) include it in their list of Epping Birds, It is common, and breeds round
Harwich (Kerry), In the woods round Danbury, it is not rare (Smoothy). Mr.
Fitch has one shot in the Maldon district. Dr. Bree writing on the “ packing ” of
the Short-eared Owl (29. Jan. 10, 1880), says :—

“Col. Hawkins informs me that at Alresford there are about fifteen of them,
which take refuge in a fir tree, from which, when tapped, they noiselessly fly away,
but return again when all is quiet. Fancy a covey of Owls! I have seen several
similar instances recorded in the journals, especially the account given by Mr.
Gurney, jun., who flushed a covey of, I think, thirty of these pretty birds!”

Later Dr, Bree again writes (29. Jan. 24, 1880): ‘Col. Hawkins has kindly
sent me one out of the covey of Owls at Alresford. It is the Long-eared Owl, and
not the Short-eared Owl, as stated in my former letter.”

Short-eared Owl: Asio brachyotus. Locally, “Horn Owl,”
“Woodcock Owl,” “Turnip Owl,” and “ Cabbage Owl.”

A winter visitant, common in some years, but rare in others. I
have one conclusive record of its having bred in the county, and it
probably once did so abundantly.
There are good reasons for be-
lieving that it also bred on the
Walton Marshes in 1884 and
again in 1889. I believe that this
species has never before been re-
corded as breeding so far to the
southward in Britain. It is occa-
sionally met with in all parts of the
county, but most often near the
coast, and it frequently gathers
into small flocks.

Dale, who calls it the ‘Horn Owl,”
says (2. 396), “I -have seen these
caught in this county toward the sea,
some of which may not unlikely [ have }
be[en taken] here [Harwich]. These are that sort of Owl which Childrey * * x
mentions.” King says (20) it was “not uncommon” round Sudbury in 1838—
meaning, presumably, in the winter. Edward Doubleday met with it (15) in the
Epping district, and Mr. Buxton says it is an autumn and winter visitor (47. 83)+
About 1832, Mr. Parsons wrote (11) “that it was not uncommon on the marshes
[of Rochford hundred] in the autumn, arriving in October, though by no means
a regular visitant, and in some seasons scarcely one seen.” Mr. T. S. Tillernotes
that when shooting at Great Chesterford, on November 27th, 1879, he sprung
thirteen from some rough grass, eleven being on the wing at once (29. Dec. 13).

vs

ASIONIDE—OWLS. 157

Mr. Clarke's notes show that it used to be fairly common at Saffron Walden. He
notes “several in 1854” (24). They are now not uncommon there in winter, one
or two reaching Mr. Travis annually. In the winter of 1880-81, from the end of
November to the beginning of March, they were very common, several sometimes
being sent to Mr, Travis in the course of a single day. Justafter the tremendous
snow-storm of January 18th, a flock of twelve was seen at Littlebury and another
of seven at Rickling. In the following winter they were again unusually abundant
from November Ist onwards. On December 30th, 1881, I watched one for fully
ten minutes beating systematically over the magnificent lawn between Audley End
House and the River Cam. Twice while I watched it, it caught and ate some-
thing. At Orsett, a few are generally shot during the autumn (Sackett). Round
Harwich, according to Mr. Kerry, it is common during the autumn migration. It
was especially numerous there during the week ending Nov. 4th, 1876, when a
great many were shot (40.1.52). Mr. Kerryadds : ‘‘ Whilst shooting on the Bent-
lings near Walton-on-the-Naze, on Aug, 4th, 1884, I saw three of these birds,
two of which were shot. No doubt they were bred there.” It is difficult to avoid
the conclusion that they were really bred on the spot, as Mr. Kerry surmises,
especially as Mr. Kerry informs me that a pair undoubtedly bred there in 1889.
He writes :—

“They made their nest in the rough grass on an island, near Little Oakley,
and some of the young Owls were caught before they were able to fly. I saw an
old bird hawking over the bentlings in the sunshine on the afternoon of July
31st” (40. xiii. 453).

In 1884, one was observed at Languard Point as early as Aug. 20th (42).

Hollinshed, in his Chronicles (1587. vol. lil, p. 1315), says :—

“ About Hallontide last past [1580], in the marishes of Danesey Hundred, in
a place called Southminster, in the countie of Essex, a strange thing hapned:
there sodainlie appeared an infinite multitude of mice, which, overwhelming the
whole earth in the said marishes, did sheare and knaw the grasse by the rootes,
spoyling and tainting the same with their venimous teeth, in such sort that the
cattell which grazed thereon were smitten with a murreine, and died thereof ;
which vermine by policie of man could not be destroyed, till at the last it came to
passe that there flocked together all about the same marishes such a number of
Owles as all the shire was not able to yeeld: whereby the marsh-holders were
shortly deliuered from the vexation of the said mice.”

Stow, in his Aznales of England (1605. p, 1166), makes the same statement in
almost identical words. In his second edition (1615), he again repeats the story,
adding, ‘‘ The like of this was also in Kent.” Speed also mentions the circum-
stance. Joshua Childrey, too, in his Arztania Baconica, or the Natural Rarities of
England, Scotland and Wales (1660. p. 100), gives a similar account, adding “ It is
reported that in 1648 there happened the like again in Essex.” Elsewhere he in-
forms us that 1580 was “an extream dripping warm year, and a mild and moist
winter.” Lilly, in his Merfiinus Anghcus Junior, published about 1664, also alludes to
an invasion of mice at Southminsterin 1660, Childrey’s account of the occurrence
is often quoted, but curiously the earlier accounts seem to have been overlooked,
All the different accounts of the invasion above referred to are obviously copied
from Hollinshed, to whom credit should accordingly be given. It is clear, how-
ever, that the remarks by Fuller in his Worthies of England (1662. p. 348) are
quite original and are not copied from Hollinshed or any other chronicler. He
says :—

“T wish the sad casualties may never return which lately have happened in

this County [of Essex]: the one [in] 1581, in the Hundred of Dengy (Stow:
Chron. Anno Citat) ; the other [in] 1648, in the Hundred of Rochford and Ile of

158 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Foulness (rented in part by two of my credible parishioners, who attested it, hav-
ing paid dear for the truth thereof), when an army of Mice, nesting in Ant-hills,
as Conies in Burroughs, shaved off the grass at the bare roots, which, withering to
dung, was infectious to Cattle. In March following, numberless flocks of Owls
from all parts flew thither and destroyed them, which otherwise had ruined the
country if continuing another year.”

Not a few modern instances of the abnormal increase of this species (evidently
the Short-tailed Field Vole—Arvicola agrestis), causing great damage, have been
recorded, notably one in the Forest of Dean in 1813-14 mentioned by Jesse in his
Gleanings. Other similar cases are referred to by Mr. Fitch in an interesting
paper published in the Assex Naturalist (50. iii. 178).

Tawny Owl: Syrnium aluco. Locally, “ Brown Owl.”

A resident in the county, but locally distributed. It is becoming
rarer with us, and is now nowhere common. I have not heard of its
breeding anywhere, ex-
cept at Birch, Danbury,
Birdbrook, and Epp-

ing.

In 1832, Mr. Parsons
described it (11), as ‘‘ com-
mon” in Rochford Hun-
dred, and W. H. Hill (12.
vi. 452) met with it round
Southminster about the
same time. Mr. Grubb
speaks of (12. vii. 19)
hearing it about 1833
round HLexdeny as \ Ven:
King, in 1838, described it
(20) as “common,” round
Sudbury, but Mr, Grubb
says (39) that it is ‘now
very seldom heard ”’ there.
= Mr. Clarke notes (24) the

TAWNY OWL, /6. occurrence at Saffron Wal-
den about 1834 of two specimens, one of which is still in the Museum.
They are now very scarce there, but occur occasionally. Mr. Travis received one
early in October, 1880, Both English and E. Doubleday include it in their lists
of Epping Birds (43. i. 24, & 15), and Mr. Buxton says (47. 83) that in Epping
Forest they are “not uncommon ; may be heard in the evening at almost any
season; Monk Wood,” implying that they breed. The Rev. J. W. Maitland
also informs me that there is usually a pair in Monk Wood. At Boynton Hall,
Roxwell, is a pair shot there about 1850. Mr. Hy. Stephenson, head keeper at
Birch Hall, informs me that they are still fairly common in the woods there, and
that they breed regularly. Mr. Smoothy meets with it not uncommonly in the
woods round Danbury and has known it breed there, also in Boreham Park, and
at Toft’s. They sometimes perch and hoot loudly on the chimneys of his house,
Old Riffhams. Mr. Kerry says that round Harwich it is “ fairly common,” though
he has never found the nest. It is common in the Colchester and Paglesham dis-

ASIONIDA—OWLS. 159

tricts (Laver). Mr. Sackett says it is occasionally shot in the Orsett district, but
he has never known it to breed there. Mr. Fitch has its eggs which he took at
Birdbrook.

Snowy Owl: Wyctea scandiaca.

There is no record ,of this large and conspicuous bird having
actually been obtained in the county. Itis arare winter straggler to
y county ge
Britain, and is likely to
have visited Essex, as it
has been met with in Suf-
folk, and at least nine times
in Norfolk. ‘The following
observations, however, must
pass for what they are

worth :—

Mr. John Pettitt, of Colches-
ter, informs me that one was seen
near Paglesham about 1883-84,
while Mr. Hope informs me that
he has ‘‘seen it on the borders
of Essex at Christmas time.”
““Mr. Owen Boyle, of the Lan-
guard L.H., under date of
February 9th, Wind E., reports
this species as shot by a visitor ‘N/A a] is
near the lighthouse. Subse- x S
quently, Mr. Boyle writes in
reply to my letter, that he is sure
the bird was a Snowy Ovwl.” Nees
(B. A. Migration Report for 1885 Si pis ber ta
(42) p. 39). | Further information from the person who shot it, or the present
possessor, would be very desirable.

Tengmalm’s Owl: Wyctala tengmalmi.

A very rare and accidental visitor, which has only once been met
with in Essex.

Mr. Edward Bidwell relates (40. i.177) that about the end of January, 1877, some
boys noticed a bird in a tree near the iron bridge in the Barking Road, Poplar,

which on being disturbed was soon killed and taken to him, when he ascertained
that it belonged to this species, The sex was not ascertained,

Scops Owl: Svops giu.
A rare and occasional visitant only to Britain, though it has sev-
eral times been recorded in Essex.

Mr. Clarke notes (24) that two were taken at the Aviary, Audley End, about
the year 1821. One, being only slightly wounded, was kept alive for some time
by Travis the keeper (12. iii. 100 ; 14. i. 114 and 38.93). The approximate
date of the occurrence of these specimens has not, I believe, before been

160 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

recorded. Dr. Laver informs me that “for several weeks in 1854 a bird of
this species rested in a privet hedge at Paglesham.” Mr. Wm. C. Emson of
Littlebury shot a male on June 11th, 1888, near a large wood in Littlebury
parish, known as Howe Wood, in which it
had for some time taken up its abode (40.
xiii. 30). Mr. Emson informs me that he
believed there were at first two, as he shot at
one about a week before and it appeared to fall
among some clover, whither some boys ran to
pick it up, but could not findit. Two are also
said to have been heard previously. The bird
used to commence its plaintive cry about half-
past eight every evening, usually when perched
on some high elms about half a mile from
: Howe Wood. The cry is described by Mr.
Emson as somewhat resembling the loud
croaking of a frog, and the village boys tried
to imitate it by crying “chalk, chalk.” Its
dismal cry was kept up the greater part of
= the night, and could be heard more than

SCOPS-OWL, 7. half-a-mile off. The country people got
quite superstitious about the bird and regarded it as an evil spirit, especially
as it was shot at several times before it was secured, and several of them even
asked Mr. Emson whether he thought shot would penetrate it. That gen-
tleman says that the Owl did not appear to mind his approaching it
below the tree, but concealed itself against a branch, all the while keeping
up its curious cry, which appeared to come from a place quite different
from that at which the bird really was. Mr. Emson got a boy to climb the tree
and shot it as it flew out. In a letter, he adds :—‘a neighbouring farmer
says they have nested two years in succession in a rabbit’s hole, about four
miles from here, on the borders of Cambridgeshire, but have disappeared this
year.”

As this species has on several occasions been met with in Britain in
summer, and on no less than four occasions since 1805 in pairs (38. 93), and as it
has once been recorded (though erroneously) as haying bred here, I thought it
well to make further inquiry into this statement. The supposed breeding took
place, it seems, in 1886 and 1887, in Heydon Hill plantation, in the occupation of
Mr. Wm. Jonas, of Heydon Bury, who informs me that he several times heard
strange Owls in the plantation, making “a peculiar noise—something like a child
crying.” It was, however, his gamekeeper, J. Ward, who first detected the birds
in 1886, and consulted Mr. Joseph P. Nunn of Royston as to what species they
were. From Ward’s description of their size and colour, that gentleman came to
the conclusion that they must be Scops Owls, in which he was confirmed when
Ward, on being shown the cuts in Yarrell, selected that bird. Mr. Nunn offered
Ward a handsome present if he could find their nest, but this he was unable to
do until the following year, when he found two young birds, from six to
eight inches high, on the ground in the plantation. At the time, Ward had
with him Mr, T. H. Wrycroft of Heydon, who has independently informed me
that he saw the birds, which were small, dark brown, and on the ground, though he
could find no nest. They seemed to have a hood of down. No one disturbed them.
Mr. Nunn’ believes all Ward’s statements in the matter are reliable. It is very

ASIONIDA—OWLS. 161

remarkable, that in March, 1889, Mr. G. W. Brewis, of Chesterford Park, about a
mile distant, noticed two singular Owls which remained for some weeks in a larch
plantation close to his house. Though not seen, there is some probability that they
were Scops Owls, for their note, which was described to me on the spot by both
Mr. Brewis and his keeper, and which was jheard every evening for half-an-hour,
was not a hoot, being a metallic call, some-
what resembling the “ toot” of a horn, pro-
nounced regularly every half or quarter of
aminute. The keeper (Harrington) is sure
they were ‘ Foreigners.” The evidence is
not altogether unsatisfactory, as the reports
more or less corroborate one another, and
the birds were seen in four successive years,
while one was shot in the third. Still none
of those who saw the birds were really com-
petent to identify them, and it is probable
they were only young Long-eared Owls.*

Eagle Owl: Budo ignavus.

I have no record of this large,
rare and showy species having ever
been obtained in Essex, but Mr.
Hope has “seen it on the borders
of Essex in May and October.” ee ae

Little Owl: Athene noctua.

A rare and occasional visitant only to England. Its occurrence in
Essex has only once, or perhaps twice, been recorded.

Mr. Edwin Ward records that on Jan-
uary 2nd, 1865, whilst out shooting, Dr-
Sewell found an adult female in perfect
plumage and quite fresh, lying dead be-
neath a tree in a small fir-plantation at
Chigwell. It had apparently killed itself
by flying against a tree, as the skull and
atlas-bone were fractured and there was
extravasated blood in the throat (29. Jan,
14, and 38. 92). It is now in the collection
of Mr. Hope, of Upminster Hall.

Edward Blyth writes (12. ix. 624) :—

“‘T was told this morning [ October 18.
1836 |, that about two months ago a person
offered to the son of my informant ‘ a

curious little Owl, no bigger than a Star-

ling,’ which had been just knocked down in
the county of Essex. The youth not caring
to have it, it was offered to another per-
son for 2s., who refusing, however, to give

LITTLE OWL, 4. Is. 6d. for the specimen, did not obtain it.
What finally became of it I could not hear, but most probably it was thrown away.”

* A specimen recorded (29. Oct. 25th, 1879) to have been shot off Southend, on Sept. 2sth
1879, proves to be an abnormal Short-eared Owl.

M

162 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Order ACCIPITRES.

Family VULTURIDA.

Egyptian Vulture : Weophron percnopterus.

An accidental straggler to England, where it has only twice been
met with—on the second occasion, however, in Essex.
Dr. Bree says (34. 1456 and
29. Oct. 10, 1868) :—

“On the 28th of Septem-
ber last the labourer who
had charge of an _ off-hand
farm of Mr. Woodward [not
Woollard] of Stanway Hall,
situated at Peldon, Essex, had
been killing his Miczaelmas
Geese, On going some time
after in the yard where the
said Geese had been slaugh-
tered, he saw a strange bird
\ feeding upon the blood, The
bird flew away, and the man
loaded his gun. Presently the

Wy HE Li bird came and hovered over
TIT ir the spot in hopes of another

EGYPTIAN VULTURE, 1/9. spell at the blood ; but his fate
was sealed, and he fell dead to
the labourer’s shot. Isaw the bird next day at the house of Mr. Ambrose [bird-
stuffer] of this place, to whom it had been sent for preservation. Mr. Woodward
has since kindly furnished me with the above intormation * » x Mr. Laver of
this town informs me that many years ago his father, who lived near Burnham,
further up the Essex coast than Peldon, had a flock of Vultures for several days
among the large trees on his farm, They were known by their bare heads, and
were most probably the Egyptian Vulture.”
Dr. Bree further states that it was immature, and adds a detailed description.
He lent the specimen to Mr. Gould, who figured it in his magnificent Bzrds
of Great Britain. Its bones are now in Mr. Harwood’s possession.

Family FALCONIDZ.

Marsh Harrier: Circus e@ruginosus. Locally, “ Bald Buz-
para. or © Puddock.”

A rare visitor, though once breeding commonly in the county.
It still breeds in some of the more remote corners of the British
Isles, but will probably never do so again in Essex.

In 1832, Mr. Parsons wrote (11) :—

‘‘ Frequent in all the marshy districts [of Rochford Hundred], and formerly
very common, remaining to breed in the corn or long grass on the marshes
at Barling, Foulness, &c., &c. Now rarely seen but in the winter months.”

FALCONIDA—HARRIERS. 163

Mr. Edwards, of Ingrave, has a fine female shot by himself. King, writing
in 1838 of the district around Sudbury, says (20), “This is, perhaps, the least
uncommon of our larger Hawks.” Mr. Clarke notes (24) the occurrence of one
at Littlebury, on August Ist, 1823; of one at Wenden in 1828, obtained by Mr,
Salmon ; and of twoat Saffron Walden in 1835, one of which is now in the Museum
there. The Rev. M.C. H. Bird mentions one seen on Canvey Island, on Feb,
28th, 1882. Specimens, generally birds of the year, are killed occasionally at
Tollesbury (Laver). Mr. Hope says it is ‘not uncommon on the north-east
borders of Essex near the sea.” The Rey. J. C. Atkinson says (36. 37) he used to
hear it called ‘‘ Bald Buzzard” in Essex, and he writes me that in his boyhood,
some sixty years ago, it ‘bred in an old decoy at Tolleshunt D’Arcy.” Fifty
years ago, too, in the Paglesham district, Dr. Laver says (50, ill. 33) :

“ At the sides of those pieces of water locally known as ‘fleets,’ the Marsh
Harrier would sometimes be found nesting amongst the sedges. x x * I fancy
few of these nests escaped destruction : all those I ever heard of were rifled.”

Hen Harrier: Circus cyaneus.

Now a rare visitor, though there can be no question that it once
bred commonly in Essex, as it still does occasionally in some of the
wilder and more remote
parts of Great Britain.

Graves says (7. ii1.) that in
his time (1821) it was ‘not
uncommon about the marshes
of Kent and Essex, bordering
on London,” while as lately as
the year 1832, Mr. Parsons
described it (11) as “ frequent
on the marshes and along the
sea-shore from Shoebury east-
ward.” Albin figures a fine
cock which he says (3. lil. 3)
“was sent me by my honoured =
friend Sir Robert Abdy out of HEN HARRIER, adult male, I/to.

Essex.” Mr, Clarke, writing (After Bewick.)

of the Saffron Walden district about 1845, notes it (24) as having been “ fre-
quently taken” there then. He mentions a fine adult male, obtained at Ashdon,
and there are several local specimens in the Walden Museum, W. D. King says
(20) :—

“Driving one day with a friend on the Hedingham Road [out of Sudbury],
we saw a large Hawk fly to the top of the tree by the side of the road near a wood.
As we approached, it flew off, and (what appeared singular) it advanced towards
us till within perhaps twenty yards, when it turned aside and skimmed over

some fields to the left, thus affording us an excellent view of it. It was evidently
a female ofthis species,”’

Mr. Kerry says (40. iv. 69) that four were seen and one shot near Harwich,
on December 5th, 1879. The one that was shot had just struck down and
killed a Gull that was teasing it. It did not attempt to follow the Gull,
which was picked up by a man who then shot the Harrier. On or about Nov.
Toth, 1888, one was killed at Tolleshunt D’Arcy (Laver). An adult female, with
the remains of a Thrush in its crop, was shot at Walton-on-the-Naze on Dec.

M 2

164 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

20th, 1888 (Gunn—4o. xiii. 144). Mr. Harold Raeburn observed an old male on
the wing at Bulphan Fen as early as Aug. 4th, 1889, and Mr. Pettitt received one
shot at Boxted in Oct. following. Mr. Brewis, of Chesterford Park, has a young
male taken there on Nov. 3rd, 1887. Specimens shot recently at Paglesham,
Harwich, and Tollesbury have been preserved by Mr. Pettitt.

Montagu’s Harrier: Cvrcus cineraceus.

A rare and accidental visitor, though once fairly common in fenny
districts. It has been known to nest several times in England
during the last few years,
but not in Essex.

Henry Doubleday mentions
(10) having seen in 1832 a spe-
cimen obtained near Colchester
in a Collection there. Dr. Bree
records ‘a fine specimen, in
the rich dark red plumage of the
young bird,” shot at Bright-
lingseain Sept., 1867 (32a & 29.
Lily) : = - Sept. 28) ; also one shot about
SS ii Mig a‘ —— April 30th, 1870, at Great

SS sy y =< Holland (32a, and 29. May 7).
ZZ NG re aN The former is still in Mrs.
ga GEER ies Bree’s possession. Mr. E. A,

MONTAGU'S HARRIER, ¥% ; zB
patria he Fitch informs me of one shot by

Mr. Llewellyn Owen at Bradwell-on-Sea, about 1875. During the third week in
November, 1887, a specimen was trapped at Paslow Hall, and preserved by Mr,
Scruby. In 1879, Mr. Travis received one shot near Walden. On July 30th, 1889,
Mr. Harold Raeburn observed a bird at Hornchurch, which he believes to have
been of the species. On the 11th of the following month, and again on the 23rd,
he observed a pair at the sameispot, whichisuggests the idea that they may have
bred in the neighbourhood.

Buzzard: Buteo vulgaris. Locally, ‘ Puttock.”

Once a common resident in Essex, as throughout the British
Isles. It now breeds nowhere in the eastern or midland counties of
England. From the following statements it may be gathered that
although this bird bred not uncommonly in Essex among the woods
in Rochford Hundred, and elsewhere near the coast, up to about
the years 1830-35, it had even then ceased to do so round Epping
and Sudbury, and in other inland districts.

Mr. James Round, M.P., tells me that they not unfrequently visit his Park
at Birch, where he has a tame one at the present time. Round Varwich a
few are seen nearly every year (Kerry). Mr. Hope says it is

‘often seen at Stubbers, near Romford. One was seen by the late Col. Russell
eating ahare. On Sept. 29th, 1881, about noon, I saw three circling round slowly,
off Woodbridge Haven, in Suffolk. When they attained a great height, they struck

FALCONIDZ—BUZZARDS. 165

off in aS.W. direction, and were seen by Col. Russell the same afternoon passing
over Stubbers.”

In Rochford Hundred,
about 1832, Mr. Parsons
described it (II) as oc-
curring “chiefly in the
woods at Hadleigh and
Hockley, but not uncom-
mon.”

Onan old map of this
parish (Chignal St. ihn
HUY

;

i)
Ai

i
Mia

il

James), dated 1810, a ‘ hy Me Ne
=< nh IA NN Mu

field, now thrown into
another, is called ‘ Put-
tock’s Leys,” or ‘“ Put-
tock’s Leaz,’”’ which, being
translated, means “ Buz-
zard’s Mead, or Leys.”
Mr. Clarke notes (24)
that a young female was
trapped at Saffron Wal-
den in November, 1834
(now in the Museum) ;
that another occurred
shortly afterwards at
Painter’s farm; that COMMON BUZZARD, 1/7.
another (also in the Mu-
seum) occurred at Quendon in 1836; another near Saffron Walden on December
15th, 1845 ; and that another (female) was trapped at the same place on January
25th, 1853. King describes it (20), rather curiously, as ‘‘rare”’ in the district
around Sudbury in his time. He adds, “I only know of one well-authenticated
instance of its occurrence here.” Writing of the neighbourhood of Epping in
1835, Edward Doubleday says (15),

“The Buzzard and Kite are now extinct [here] (thanks to the gamekeepers) ;
but the former I have seen within four or five years. Previous to that time, I have
very often watched them, soaring high in the air, over the Park Hall and Hill Hall
Woods, They feed chiefly on small, quadrupeds, toads, frogs and insects ; buta
toad is their most favourite dish.”

Henry Doubleday, writing from Epping, says (10) :

‘This morning [September 8th, 1840] one of the forest keepers shot a rather
singular Common Buzzard. It is lighter coloured than any specimen of the
Rough-legged Buzzard I have seen. The head, neck, thighs, and all the under-
parts are creamy-white, with a few oblong brown spots. I expect it is a male, as
it is small, but I have not yet skinnedit. It is the only Common Buzzard I ever
had in a recent state.”

English includes it as an occasional visitor (43. i. 24), while Mr. Buxton says,
(47. 81) it “has been seen several times during the last few years.’ Major Ed.
Taylor of Bishop’s Stortford has one shot there about 1850, and Mr. Gripper of
Chelmsford another killed at Layer Breton about 1870. A handsomely-marked
male was shot in Short Grove Park by one of the keepers about October 6th,
1881. In its crop and stomach were the remains of arat and two field-mice (44.
ii. Ixxiii.). Mr. Wm. C. Emson of Littlebury_has one caught there in a baited

166 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX,

trap in 1887. Mr. F, Spalding informs me that a fine female in his possession
was killed at St. Osyth in'1881. Mr, T. Aldham, of Ulting, has one shot there by
himself about ten years ago. Mr. E. Curtis, jun. writes (29. 29, 1881): “On
January 20th, two Buzzards were seen hawking over the large reed-beds near
“ the Gulf,” between Barking and Rainham. A man named Sutton shot another
on the previous day.

The Rey. J. C. Atkinson writes (36. 38):

‘“‘T well remember as a schoolboy [at Kelvedon] in Essex, some athetety, odd
years ago [about 1830], that the nests of the ‘Puttock,’ as the Buzzard was in-~
variably called in that district, were more frequently found by us than those of

any other wood-building Hawk ; and many a hatch of young ‘ Puttocks’ it fell
to my lot to see brought ‘within the old school-gates.”

Rough-legged Buzzard: Archibuteo lagopus.

A somewhat rare and irregular visitant chiefly during autumn and
winter.
Mr. Hope writes it is

‘“‘common on the coast, first arriving
at the end of September, but coming in
flocks in very cold weather. I once saw
twenty-five hawking rabbits over a tract
of sand-hills within three miles of Harwich,
and obtained three of them. In early
autumn they seem to come from the east,
but in winter from the north.”

A pair killed many years ago at Epping
were presented by Henry Doubleday to
the British Museum, where they are still
preserved (Buxton—47. 81). Mr. Clarke
notes (24) the trapping of a fine specimen
(presumably the one now in the Museum,
presented by S. Salmon) in High Baulk’s
Wood, Saffron Walden, on Mar, Ist, 1836,
and the occurrence of another near Walden
in Novy., 1843. There is also a female
from Epping presented many years ago by
Henry Doubleday. Mr. Clarke also mentions the death of one at Shortgrove on
Nov. 3rd, 1839. Mr. T. Brunton records one (23. 7844) shot by a keeper in
Hatfield Forest, on Nov. 18th, 1861, Dr. Bree records that during the winter
of 1862-63, three were killed at Oakley, two of them being a pair (29. Mar.
7, 1863). One was shot at Tillingham in or about Oct., 1876. Mr. F. Kerry
records (40. i. 258) a fine dark-coloured specimen shot at Harwich in Nov., 1876.
A fine female was shot by my uncle, Mr. David Christy, of Patching Hall,
on Dec. rgth, 1879, after it had for about a fortnight frequented the meadows
beside the Chelmer at Broomfield, where I myself made an unsuccessful attempt
to obtain it. It was exceedingly fat (43. i. 63). About the middle of Oct., 1882,
one was shot near Berechurch by Samuel Palmer, a gamekeeper (Chelmsford
Chronicle, Oct. 29th). One of a pair was shot near Manningtree on Dec. Ist,
1879 (29. Jan. 3) astit was flying over with a full-grown rat in its claws. It is
“ frequent in autumn,” in the Colchester and Paglesham districts (Laver). Mr. J.F.
T. Wiseman informs me that one was shot at the latter place about the middle of
Novy., 1888. One was shot by Mr. Arthur Fitch at Whitley, Birdbrook, about Nov.

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, 1/10,

FALCONIDA:—EAGLES. 167

13th, 1888 (29. Dec. 8). When shot it was flying close to the ground, mobbed by
Rooks. Mr. Harry Garon of High Street, Southend, shot one near there on Oct.
28th, 1888, after it had been observed about for several days (Essex Chronicle,
Nov. 16 and 29. Dec, 22).

Golden Eagle: Aguila chrysaétus.

An occasional visitor only to England, and in fast-decreasing
numbers, though known once to have been resident. It is frequently
recorded as _ being killed in different parts of England, but in almost
every case these records are found on investigation to relate to the
White-tailed Eagle, from which it may be at once known by its
feathered tarsus.

Mr. Hope says it is ‘seen passing up the coast and off the main.” On March
10th, 1877, a bird, supposed to be of this species, was seen flying over Easton
Park. Being mobbed by Rooks and Jackdaws, it sailed away towards the S. W.
(29. Mar. 24). A gentleman who saw it, and who claimed to be well acquainted
with this species, was satisfied that it was not a young White-tailed Eagle, as he
hal a very good view of it, and was sure it had no white about it. A young spe-
cimen, which is still preserved at Nazing Park, was shot at Claverham Bury
Farm, on Novy. 15th, 1858, by Fredk. Carr, jun. Its weight was glbs. ; length
from beak to tail 3ft. gin. ; and expanse of wing 8ft. $in. (Mr. Villiers Palmer).

Mr. G. W. Johnson, in his History of Great Totham (p. 8), which is dated
September, 1831, says: ‘““An Eagle was seen a few months since in one of the
adjacent woods, which is not a solitary instance, since it is upon record
(Ray’s Philosophical Letters, p. 269 ) that in Mr. Wilde’s woods in this parish
one was killed in 1684, whose wings were nine feet in expanse.”

White-tailed Eagle: Halaitus albiclla.

Now an occasional winter visitor only to England, though once a
more or less common resident, and still much commoner than the
Golden Eagle, under which
name it is usually recorded
when killed, but from which
it may at once be distin-
guished by its bare and un-
feathered tarsus. It usually
occurs on the coast, and
generally during severe
weather. Adults are very
seldom met with.

Hoy records (12. iii. 436)
that during the cold weather
in the winter of 1829-30 one
was shot in Stour Wood, near
Harwich, while three other
birds (apparently of the same
species) for some time frequented
the rivers Stour and Orwell.

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE, 1/12.

‘163 THE ‘BIRDS OF “ESSEX.

In Feb., 1839, “A very fine Eagle shot at Forest Hall,’ Ongar, was presented to
the Chelmsford Museum (19. 101). Mr. Hope says it is ‘often seen passing up
the coast, and is not uncommon off the main.” In Rochford Hundred in 1832,
Mr. Parsons says (II) it used to be seen “on the shore, but very rarely ; one
killed at South Shoebury ’—probably ithe fine adult shot there on Aug. Ist,
1835, and still in the Parsons Collection. Mr, E. F, Sheppard, son of the Rev
Revett Sheppard, formerly rector of Wrabness, writing to T. C. Heysham of
Carlisle on Jan. 19th, 1836, says (17) :

“‘ Almost every winter we saw Eagles at Wrabness. Once, walking with my
father on the banks of the river Stour, we saw four together. They there prin-
cipally prey upon the Coots, It is a curious sight to see the Eagle drive up a
flock of many thousands of Coots—perhaps, previous to the Eagle’s visit, extend-
ing over more than a mile—into a thick knot, and to see ther with fluttering
wings scrambling over each other, some under water, some above. The Eagle
then, very deliberately, picks one up, and flies to the ooze, or, if in very severe
weather, perhaps to some floating ice, where he devours his victim. If the silly
birds would fly, they would be safe enough, for I am quite sure the Eagle cannot
catch a bird on the wing. The Great Black-backed Gull assails the Coots in
precisely the same way as the Eagle. A gunner once told me that he fired into a
flock of Coots, when a Great Gull was hovering over them, and bagged sixty-
three, I used to try all manner of schemes to shoot an Eagle, but | never suc-
ceeded. I was once within ten yards of one when I had not got a gun.
They were sometimes shot by the fowlers on the river and the gamekeepers
in the woods,”

During Dec., 1879, ‘‘one was seen on several occasions on the marshes
opposite Manningtree.” It was repeatedly shot at, but escaped (Chelmsfora
Chronicle, Dec. 19). A bird, presumably of this species, was seen in Takeley Forest
about 1880, by Mr. John Sheldrake, who still lives there. It was not obtained.
Mr. Smoothy informs me that there is one at Hylands, shot there some years
ago, and that one winter, about 1883, one frequented his meadows at Danbury for
nearly six months. During Noy. and Dec., 1887, one was frequently seen round
Wyvenhoe, but the many attempts to shoot it were unsuccessful. In Dec., 1868,
one was frequently seen and shot at round Wyvenhoe and Alresford (50. 11. 20 &
Chelmsford Chronicle, Dec. 30, 87). It was subsequently trapped at Thornham,
Suffolk (29. Jan. 2, 1869 & 34. 1558.) Yarrell says (14.1. 16) it has been shot
in Epping Forest.

Goshawk: Astur palumbartus.
A rare straggler to Britain.

Mr. Clarke notes (24) the occurrence of a female at the Aviary, Audley End,
in 1822; but, as it had a jess on one leg, it was certainly an escaped individual.
It is still in the Audley End Collection, Hoy records (12. viii. 53 & 29. Oct. 12,
1867) an adult male trapped by a gamekeeper upon the estaze of Sir Joshua
Rowley, Bart., of Stoke Nayland, which is just across the Stour, on March 16th,
1833. This specimen is probably one of those still in his Collection. Mr. Hope
informs me of one “shot by Mr. Lescher’s keeper whilst hunting a French Part-
ridge.” Mr. Lescher does not know the present owner of this specimen.

Sparrowhawk : Accipiter nisus.
A fairly-common resident, but decreasing through incessant per-

secution.
Edward Doubleday records it (15) as ‘common’

’

at Epping in.1835. In

FALCONIDAI—KITE. 169

March, 1878, one chased a sparrow into a stable at Priors, Broomfield, when the
door being shut it was quickly killed, and on August 23rd following, a young
one killed itself by flying against a window, at
Melbourne, about a mile distant from Priors.
In Orsett district, Mr. Sackett says it breeds
commonly, especially in the Old Ford Woods
and Mucking Heronry. One nest he discovered
in June, 1885, was in the fork of a tree, only
about six feet from the ground, so that he was
able to reach it without climbing; and a clutch
he took on the 17th of the same month was
deposited in a portion of the nest of a Carrion
Crow that had been pulled from its original
position, but had lodged on some branches.

Kite: Jilvus ictinus. Locally,
“* Crotchet-tailed (or Crutch-tailed) Put-
tock.”

Now practically extinct, though form-
erly abundant. It has been known to
breed once or twice in Britain during
the last few years, but will probably not
do so forlong. In Essex, no specimen
has been recorded for many years, and records show that it

: had become scarce by the end of
the first quarter of the present
century, though a nest, men-
tioned below, is said to have
been built at Mersea as late as

1845.

Mr. Clarke notes (24) the occur-
rence of one, obtained by Mr. Stephen
Salmon, at Newport, in 1829; of a
male (now in Walden Museum) ob-
tained at Ashdon about 1830; and of
another at Debden on June 22nd, 1837-
Probably the last-named is the male
from Debden, now in Walden Museum,
presented by the Hon. Lindsay Burrell.
The date of its death indicates that it
must have been breeding. Mr. Clarke
writes me: ‘‘ The-last I saw was about
ten or twelve years ago. It sailed over
so low that it was within gunshot,”
“J. C.,” of Witham, writing in March,
1834, says (12. vil. 511):

‘““We have a few about us, It is provincially called the ‘ Crotchet-tailed Put-
tock,’ One flew over the garden a few days ago, mobbed by several Rooks.

SPARROWHAWK, 1%.

KITE, &%.

170 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

The gardener, on seeing this bird, remarked, ‘ What fierce things they are when
they have got nests. I was along with a boy once who got up to one, and the.
old one picked a hole smack through his hat, and scratched his hand properly
before he could make her go off the nest. There used to be a good many of
them about here once, but there are not many of them now.’ This last remark
is perfectly correct.”

In the Epping district, notwithstanding the extent of the Forest, they had,
“thanks to the gamekeepers,” become extinct as long ago as 1835, according to
Edward Doubleday (15). King, in 1838, says (20):

‘‘About ten years ago, whilst walking across Friar’s Meadow [Sudbury], a
gentleman pointed out to me one of these birds, wheeling in the air at a consider-
able height above us. Its forked tail at once distinguishes it from every other
British Hawk. It has become scarce in this district.”

Canon Babington (46. 32) speaks of one “mentioned to Mr. Hills as having
been lately (1880) seen flying over Sudbury,” and adds that “two specimens in,
the Hoy Collection are considered [by Mrs. Lescher] to be from the neighbour-
hood” of Stoke-by-Nayland. Dr. Laver informs me that in 1854 he approached
near to an unmistakable individual at Paglesham, but refrained from shooting
it, although he carried a gun, and had a good opportunity of doing so.

Mr. Edward Corder, of Writtle, says he can remember their breeding in the High-
Woods. Mr. Hy. Stephenson, head-keeper at Birch, tells me that he has heard of
a “ Crotch-tailed Puttock’s” nest which was built in Stroodland Grove, Mersea,
about the year 1845. In 1881, Mr. Travis showed me a fine old male said to
have been shot at Sampford, about 1872, “in the middle of summer.” The Rey.
J. C. Atkinson writes me: “As to the Kite, all I know was that some of my
school-fellows knew of a nest not far from Kelvedon”’ This must have been
about sixty years ago.

Honey Buzzard: Pernis apivorus.

Formerly a not uncommon summer visitor, but now rare. It
still breeds occasionally in England ; but, so far as I have been able
to discover, there is no actual re-
cord of its having done so in
Essex, where, however, it still
now and then occurs as a pass-
ing migrant, usually in the au-
tumn, though very rarely in the
spring. In September, 1881,
several occurred in Essex, and in
other parts of the country.

Mr, J. D. Hoy records (12. v, 280)
that a male was shot on October 12th,
1831, in Tendring Hall Park, which
is in Suffolk, just beyond the Essex
boundary. It was very fat, and had
remains of wasps and beetles in its crop
and stomach. Mr. Clarke notes (24)
that a very handsome bird was shot in
1837 by Harrington, the keeper at Debden Hall, and was lately in the posses-

HONEY BUZZARD, 1/9.

FALCONIDA—FALCONS. ‘171

sion of one Watson, a tailor, at Newport; that another was obtained at Sandon
in 1840; and that another very fine specimen, said to be a male, was shot at
Audley End on June Ist, 1838. It was very tame, and “had assumed the ash-
colour on the head.” Dr. Bree (32a) mentions “a female in breeding plumage ”’
shot at Wyvenhoe Park in Zune, 1867, and preserved by Cater for Mr. Hector
G. Rebow. Mr. Travis remembers (44. ii. lxxiv.) that a specimen was
shot at Newport about fifty years ago, and about forty years ago in September he
himself shot one, which is now in Lord Braybrooke’s Collection, at Audley End.
A few days later another was shot almost at the same spot. He also records
(44. ii. Ixxiil.) one shot near Strethall in September, about the year 1876,
as it was ransacking a wasps’ nest. It was an old male, and is now in the posses-
sion of Mr. Edmund Emson. Mr. Travis very seldom receives them now. Mr.
Wm. White records one (44. ii. lxxiv.) caught on a hedge at Aveley on September
24th, 1881, and afterwards kept alive on bread and milk for several weeks, A
wasps’ nest was discovered within a few feet of the spot. Another bird of the
same species was seen about on the same day and for a month afterwards. On
one occasion it was mobbed by Wood-pigeons.

Sir T. Fowell Buxton records (44. ii. Ixxii. & 29. Oct. 1) that he saw a speci-
men near the same spot on Woodredon Hill, in Epping Forest, on three consecu-
tive days, 23rd to 25th September, 1881. Sir Fowell says that on the first
occasion,

“it rose from a bush of beech close to my feet, and flew with rather a heavy
flight to an oak about twenty yards off, where it remained for a few seconds.
On examining the bush I found it swarming with wasps, which began to fly out
on my touching the bushes. I then found pieces of wasps’ comb lying on the
ground outside the bush, and the dead leaves scattered around.”

The following day,

“on approaching the spot, we again saw the bird flying over the trees away
from us. Much more of the wasps’ comb was lying about, and a large cavity
could be seen under the branches, where the nest had evidently been scratched
up and the contents strewn around.”

On Sept. 26th, 1881, a young male (?) was shot (44. ii. lxxiii. & 29. Oct. 1)
in the rectory garden at Great Chesterford and sent to Mr. Travis for preserva-
tion. When shot it rose from near a large wasps’ nest, but Mr. Travis and myself
found in its stomach what appeared to be the remains of grasshoppers, small
beetles, and other insects, The bird was very fat. About the same time another
example was shot by one of Lord Braybrooke’s keepers, near the Aviary at Audley
End. It is now in the Collection there. Mr. Charles Smoothy shot a very fine
female at Little Baddow on May 18th, 1888 (29. June 2). Its stomach contained
the remains of beetles and caterpillars, together with the shells and yolks of eggs.
He has one shot at Elmdon some years ago. Mr. Hope says it passes over regu-
larly every year, and mentions one shot at Upminster early in Oct., 1888.

Greenland Falcon: Merofalco candicans, or) It is impos-

Iceland Falcon: Merofalco islandus. } sible to decide
to which of these two species the specimens recorded below réally
belong, as they have, until recently, been lumped together as “Gyr-
falcons.” Both are rare winter visitors to Britain.

C. E. Smith, of Coggeshall, records one (31. 52) “shot close to the town
by Mr, WilliamGardiner, 1855.” Of its present whereabouts, I know nothing.

172 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Mr. J. Pettitt, of Colchester, informs me that, in Feb., 1888, one visited

GREENLAND FALCON, 1/10,

Peregrine Falcon: Falko peregrinus.

it was.

Paglesham, where his uncle, Mr, R.
Pettitt, made various unsuccessful at-
tempts to obtain it; one day, when
he had no gun, he was able to get
near enough to see distinctly what
Mr. J. F. T. Wiseman in-
forms me that one was shot there about

the middle of Nov., 1888.

Now only an uncommon and irregular winter visitor to Essex,
though it still breeds not very rarely on high rocky cliffs in other

PEREGRINE FALCON, .

gentleman who kindly presented it to me.
fine adult male specimen shot at Borley.”’

parts of England. It
certainly does not
now breed in any part
of Essex, and Mr.
Clarke’s record of its

‘having bred — pre-
“sumably in a tree,

which is. unusual
at Sampford as lately
as 1843, is very inter-
esting. Most of the
specimens met with
are immature birds
of the year.

W. D. King says (20)
that in the district a-

round Sudbury it was rare

inhistime. He adds :—

“Tn the winter of
1835-6, a splendid female
was shot in a meadow
close to our town by a

The following winter, I received a

to de

FALCONIDAZ—FALCONS. 173.

Both these specimens are now at Birmingham. Mr. Parsons says (11) that in
Rochford Hundred in his time it used not unfrequently to be seen on the wing,
though very rarely killed. His father shot a female on New England on Jan.,
28th, 1832 (8). Mr. C. E. Smith of Coggeshall records one (31. 52) “shot by
the keeper of — Hawkins, Esq., 1857,” and another shot near Colchester in 1858.
In 1859, “G. S.” sent to the Fie/d office a young one shot at St, Osyth, on Oct.
19th, ‘‘in the act of eating a Wild Duck, which it was seen to strike down (29.
Oct. 15). Mr. John Porter of Saffron Walden has a young male (?) which he shot
about 1860 in a wood close to the town as it was devouring a Kestrel, now
stuffed with it and placed in its claws. Dr, Bree records (32a) a female shot at
St. Osyth [about 1865], “a very fine old tiercel” killed after it had struck
down a Drake at Tollesbury on Apr. 8th, 1868, and a male shot on Pewit Island
on Oct. 20th, 1868, as it was killing a shrieking Golden Plover. Early in Dec.
1873, one was shot at Southminster (29. Dec. 6, and 34. 3830). About the middle
of Dec., 1879, one was observed at Bradwell “in pursuit of a flock of Wigeon ;
singling out one of them he struck it down, and was in the act of devouring it,
when he was shot by a man named Linnett” (Chelmsford Chronicle, Dec. 26).
During 1880, Mr, Travis of Saffron Walden received for preservation (44. i. Ixiii.)
no less than four specimens killed in that neighbourhood :—One at Loft’s Hall
by a gamekeeper ; another trapped in Nov. by one of Lord Braybrooke’s keepers
at a Moorhen on which it had been feeding. On Sept. 27th, 1880, I saw a pair
flying over high up near Thaxted, and on Jan, 11th following I saw near Audley
End a single bird which I have no doubt was of this species. Mr. C. H. Hills of
Feering has a fine young female (?) shot by himself at Messing on Oct. 14th, 1885,
whilst it was pursuing some Ringdoves. Another with it at the time, escaped. Mr.
Benton says (35.198) that on Foulness “The Peregrine, locally known as the Put-
tock [?],isa frequent visitor,” but this is probably an exaggeration. Mr. Hope writes
that it is ‘common on the Blackwater and Thames. One pair on the Blackwater
used to wait forthe Gulls flying out of the mouth of the river and took a pair each
time.” Mr. Stanley Edwards shot a remarkably large female, measuring twenty-
one inches in length and weighing thirty-six ounces, at Langham on Dec. 12th,
1884. Mr. Kerry says “ some are seen every year round Harwich.” He records (40.
i. 258) two females on the Stour, one shot in the act of stooping at some Sea-gulls,
the other after it had killed and commenced to eat a Wood-pigeon. They are
not unfrequently met with at Paglesham (Pettitt). Mr, Buxton says (47. 81) a
pair ‘‘ were killed some years ago on the Copped Hall Estate.” Mr. Stacey pre-
served a specimen shot at Dunmow in the month of July, 1887. In Jan., 18809,
a wounded specimen was picked up on the marshes near Stratford (40, 106).
During March, 1889, one was trapped by a keeper at Forest Hall, Ongar, and
preserved by Mr. Scruby ; and I understand that several were killed by keepers at
Hylands, Widford, in the following autumn. Mr. Pettitt preserved a fine
female, weighing two and a half pounds, shot by Dr. Salter on his marshes at
Tollesbury on Nov. 16th,

As regards its breeding in the county, Graves says (7. i.) that the figure he
gives

“was coloured froma very fine specimen communicated by Mr. Bullock, who
received it from a gentleman resident near Harwich [ ? Rev. R. Sheppard], who
is particularly conversant with the hawk-tribe. He took this, with several others,

from the nest and has kept them several years. Our bird is in the last state previous
to its arriving at the adult plumage.”

The Rey. J. C. Atkinson writes me that he never heard of a nest in Essex,
even in his boyhood, but Mr. Clarke notes (24) that a pair bred at Sampford in

174 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

the summer of 1843. The male and female (both being fully adult), and three
young (which are now in Saffron Walden Museum) were all taken in the month
of July. Ina private letter, Mr. Clarke informs me that he still recollects the
occurrence. He also states thata specimen was trapped at the Aviary, Audley
End, in 1823 ; that a fine male (now in Saffron Walden Museum) was killed at
Ashdon on Dec. 21st, 1835; and that another specimen in moult was killed at
Saffron Walden in 1844.

Hobby: Falko subbuteo.

A summer visitor, which used to breed commonly in the county,
but is now scarce, though instances of its having nested here within
the last year or two are not
unknown.

Mr. Clarke notes (24) that a
pair, both of which were shot,
nested at Debden in 1829, and
that another pair nested there in
1835. These were also shot and
their eggs taken. One or other
of these pairs is now (or. was
recently) in the Walden
Museum. Another pair, with
their young, were taken at Wal-
den in 1843. In the Walden
. Museum are the following speci-

HOBBY, male, 1/5. mens:—An adult male from
Debden, a young male, and
two adults, all from Saffron Walden; the two latter in 1844 and the spring of
1858 respectively. Henry Doubleday, writing at Epping on September 2oth,
1839, says (10) a remarkably fine one was shot there a few days earlier, He also
mentions (10) killing a maleat Lexden in 1832, About Epping, it was already
‘very rare” in 1835, according to E. Doubleday (15), though English (43.1. 24)
styles it an “ occasional visitor.” Henry Doubleday says (23. 13) it “ occasionally
visits us in the spring, but its appearance is very uncertain.” Yarrell says
(20. i, 54), “Mr. Doubleday has obtained two specimens in the vicinity of
Epping, and I have one that was shot near Bishop’s Stortford.” Mr. Parsons
describes it (11) as having been “rare”’in Rochford Hundred in 1832, but W. H.
Hill wrote (12. vi. 452) in 1833 that it was “very destructive to Larks”’ round
Southminster, as though then fairly common there, W. D. King says (20) that
it was rarein the district around Sudbury inhis time. He says:

“Returning one evening last summer froma little excursion down our river,
a Lark passed over our heads hotly pursued by a pair of Hawks—I believe of this
species. We watched the pursuit with intense interest, and were glad to believe
that the poor little Lark at length escaped them. This, at first, we thought almost
impossible, as the Hawks darted at it alternately, giving it no respite : but, as the
chase led across the meadows in the direction of the town, perhaps the pursuers
felt a little intimidated, as they appeared to lose their quarry among some trees,
afterwards pursuing a straightforward course till they were lost in the distance,
1 once witnessed a similar chase along the shore at Walton, in Essex. Whilst
writing this, I received a letter from an ornithological friend in Essex, who writes
‘Last night a boy brought me the finest adult Hobby I ever saw. I asked him
where he got it. The boy said, “ /¢ was eating our peas (!!!) and father shot it.”’”

FALCONIDA—MERLIN. 175

Mr. J. H. Hills of Feering has a fine old female shot by himself in Prested
Hall Wood (now stubbed) about) 1859, Writing at Coggeshall in 1860, Mr. C.
E. Smith describes it (31. 52) as being ‘frequently shot in this neighbourhood.”
In Sept., 1870, Mr. Scruby set up one shot by Mr. Cox at Margaret Roothing (29.
Sept. 24). A female was shot in the grounds of Coval Hall, Chelmsford, by my
cousin, Mr. Jacob Marriage, early in April, 1877, and early in September, 1878, a
male was shot in Nightingale’s Wood, Roxwell, by my uncle’s keeper, who was of
opinion that a nest had been reared that summer in the wood, and that there were
other birds about at the time (5 >. ii. 37). On Nov. 27th, 1879, I saw here what I
have little doubt was one. Mr. Hope, who has one shot at Shalford in the autumn
of 1875, says it is ‘not uncommon at Havering.” One was caughtalive as it was
feeding ona Swift which it had captured at Mistley on May 15th, 1888 (29. June 2).

Mr. Saunders says (AZanual, p. 337) that “ at one time [it bred] with tolerable
regularity in Essex.” Dr. Laver informs me that he took a nest in Hockley-Bull
Wood when at schoolin 1842. Mr. Buxton says (47. 81) a pair “nested [in Epping
Forest ] for two years—1846-47. After being disturbed, they nested on the Hill
Hall Estate, and brought off their young.” They have probably bred there since,
for Mr. Harting writes me :—

“In June, 1869, a male Hobby was seen for some days about the Forest at
Chingford and was eventually taken by a bird-catcher on the Ioth of that month.
I saw it a few days later in the possession of a friend who had secured it and had
it stuffed.”

Mr. M. Vaughan of Finchingfield records (40. iii. 459) that in 1877 his brother
found a nest with four young at Felstead. Lord Clifton states (40. iv. 259) that
he “ascertained beyond doubt” that a pair bred near Belhus Park in 1879. His
lordship saw a splendid male which had been shot from the nest. Mr. Hy, Steph-
enson, head-keeper at Birch, informs me that a pair bred in Layer Wood in 1885,
The female was shot and the eggs were afterwards taken by some boys, while Mr.
James Round, M.P., has informed me that the dead bird was brought to him. Mr.
Stacey has a specimen shot during the summer of 1885, or 1886, at.Great Walt-
ham.

Merlin: Falko esalon.

An uncommon winter visitor. It breeds in moorland districts
further north, but certainly does not now breed in Essex, though it
is stated to have formerly done so in the marshes of Rochford
Hundred.

In Rochford Hundred, Mr. Parsons says (11) it was “ rare”’ in his day (1830).
Mr. Clarke notes (24) that Mr. S. Salmon shot a male at Ashdon in 1829; that
two males were killed at Saffron Walden in Noy., 1843; that Mr. J. Wilkes shot
an adult male at Elmdon on Dec, 28th, 1844; that a male (said to be in the
Audley End Collection) was shot at Grimsditch Wood, Saffron Walden, on Jan.
2oth, 1837; that a female was shot at Clavering in 1829; that Mr. Salmon
killed one at Wenden in 1830; that two specimens were killed on Jan ist, 1830;
that a female was killed at Audley End on Jan. 4th, 1837 (“‘ The finest I ever
saw: weight 9 oz., J. C.”); that another female was taken at Westley Farm,
Feb. 7, 1837 (weight 83 oz.) ; and that another female occurred at Andley End

‘on Oct, 18th, 1853. In the Museum at Saffron Walden are an adult male from

Saffron Walden, presented by E. J. Tuck, and an adult female from Saffron Wal-
den in Feb., 1837, presented by Mr. S. Salmon, probably the specimen from
Westley Farm mentioned above. In 1835, Edward Doubleday wrote (15) ‘“ The

176 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Merlin is merely a visitant [to Epping] in the autumn months, and that very
rarely. I only know of one having been killed here, and that a young female.”
King says (20) that he only once met with it in the neighbourhood of Sudbury.
Mr Travis states (44. i. Ixiii.) that in 1880 two were killed at, Newport, and he
received one shot near Littlebury early in Dec., 1881. In Novy., 1887, one was shot
by a gamekeeper at Langford Park (41. ii. 33). Mr. Hope, who has two shot at

tubbers, Romford, in 1887, says it is‘ not uncommon at Havering in the autumn,”
It is “ frequent”’ in autumn in the Colchester and Paglesham districts (Laver).
Mr. Kerry has one shot at Dovercourt by himself.

More, writing in 1865, says (33. 10): ‘‘ From Essex, Dr. C. R. Bree writes
that the Merlin breeds inthe marshes of the Rochford Hundred. Mr. Laver, his
informant, has brought up young birds from the nest” (37.1. 75). In reply to
my inquiry, Dr. Laver writes: ‘There can be no mistake about their breed-
ing, as stated in the /é7s, They bred on the Paglesham Marshes, as well as
on Foulness, in the rank grass beside the marsh ditches, but I have not heard
of a nest for years, as I now never visit that district.” As to its breeding
in that district, Mr. J. F. T. Wiseman of Paglesham writes: “I do not doubt
it, but I cannot say that it does so from personal observation.” The Rey. J. C.
Atkinson writes : “I knowit used to breed a long while ago, but not commonly.”

Osprey: Pandion haliiietus.
A rare winter visitor or passing migrant in spring and autumn,

It still breeds in a few localities in the Highlands.

Dale says (2. 396):

“ Whether this bird is
at any time to be seen
here ‘| Harwich] I know
not; but, this being a
bird that frequents the
sea-coast, and haviny seen
the cases of two of them
which have been shot in
this county, the first at
Maldon, in the house of
one Mr. Robjent, killed
near that place, and the
other at the Horn [Inn]
in Braintree, but killed
at St. Osith, in Tendring
Hundred, I do not doubt
but sometimes they fre-
quent this place.”

Mr. Joseph Clarke
notes (24) an Osprey
killed on the lake in
Debden Park, about the
year 1817, by William
Harrington, a game-
keeper. It had a carp
weighing three pounds
in its talons. Hoy re-
cords (12. v. 281) that a young individual in its first plumage was shot on Aug.
17th, 1831, in Stoke Nayland parish, which is in Suffolk, just beyond the Essex
border ; and in his Collection at Boyle’s Court there are two shot by him at Stoke-.

OSPREY, Y%.

FALCONIDA—FALCONS. bY /9,

by-Nayland in 1835 (29. Sept. 28. 1867). In Rochford Hundred, about 1832,
Mr. Parsons says (11) it was seen “On the coast and marshes very rarely.”
Henry Doubleday mentions (10) having seen in 1832 a specimen in a Collection at
Colchester, obtained in that neightourhood, Newmanrecords one (23. 2764) shot
near Colchester about the middle of Jan., 1850. About Oct. Ist, 1880, one (now
in Mr. Hope’s Collection) was shot at ‘“ The Basin,” at Maldon by a young man
named Arthur Clarke, who killed it whilst sitting upon a post (Chelmsford
Chronicle, Oct. 8). At Cooper’s, the bird stuffer’s, in 1881, Mr. Harting saw one
that had been shot, flying over the Lea in Hackney Marshes during the autumn
(29. Oct. 8). Mr. E. A. Fitch writes on January 7th, 1887 (50. i, 45) :—

“During the last fortnight a large Eagle has several times been seen haunting
the Upper Island (Northey) in the Blackwater. x » * About [half] a dozen
years ago Clark shot an Osprey in this same locality, and two or three gunners
who saw that and our present visitor suppose them to be the same species.”

It may, however, have been a Rough-legged Buzzard, Mr. Hance of Maldon
has a fine pair (50. ii, 242), which I have seen, shot on the river by Mr. R.
Bygrave some years ago. Others, Mr. Fitch tells me, have also been met
with there. One was taken on the Tollesbury Marshes during April, 1889, and
was preserved by Pettitt for Dr. Salter (Laver—so. iii. 88).

Red-footed Falcon: Zinnunculus vespertinus.
A rare and occasional visitor to England. It has only once been
met with in Essex, so far as I know.

Dr. Bree records (29. June 7; & 34. 3615 & 3688) that a female was shot at
Alresford, by one Gilders, head-keeper to Col. Hawkins, on May 31st, 1873,
after severe gales, and was added to his Collection, Gilders believed that he had
shot another the previous year, but he was so close to it, and injured it so badly,
that it was not preserved.

Kestrel: Zinnunculus alaudarius. Locally, “‘ Hoverer.”

A fairly common resident, though partially migratory, and
rapidly decreasing on account of the senseless persecution it has
to undergo.

ro. THEY BIRDS "OF ESS eae

Order STEGANOPODES.
Family PELECANIDZ.

Cormorant: Pha/acrocorax carbo.
A common visitor to our coasts and estuaries from autumn to
spring, but never met with inland in Essex, except occasionally,
when blown there by severe
storms: for instance, Edward
Doubleday, in 1835, mentions
(15) its having been killed at
Harlow.
They are not uncommon off Leigh
‘ (Sackett), At Harwich a few are seen
every year (Kerry). Two were seen
on Canvey Island on Sept. 15th, 1882
~~ (Bird). Mr. Hope writes that they
“come south in August and Septem-
ber; very common on the Main; a
large number can always be seen on

CORMORANT, 1/14. the Buxey Beacon,”

Shag: Phalacrocorax graculus.
An uncommon winter visitor to the coast.

Sheppard and Whitear mention one (9. 59) which they saw ‘at a distance,
swimming prodigiously fast ’’ on the River Stour on September 30th, 1820.

Gannet: Sula bassana. Locally, ‘‘ Solan Goose.”

A fairly-common bird on the coast from autumn to spring, but
it has no breeding-station in Essex. After severe storms in winter, it
is sometimes found in an ex-
hausted state far inland.

Mr. C. Walford says (19. 58) that
about 1830 one was “picked up in the,
snow at Terling, from which it appeared
that it could not rise.’ Mr. Clarke
mentions (24) the occurrence of imma-
ture specimens at Ashdon in 1832, and
at Saffron Walden in 1844 respectively.
Both are (or were) in the Walden
Museum, while in the Audley End
GANNET, 1/16 Collection is a specimen obtained at

<i
‘
7

PELECANIDAZ—GANNET. 179

Arkesden. Dr. Bree mentions (32a) a specimen taken alive at Wyvenhoe in
Oct., 1863, and another shot at West Mersea in Dec., 1874. He also notes a fine
male found in a dying state in one of the woods at Alresford early in May, 1868
(29. May 16). One was caught alive at Willingale on Dec. 12th, 1881. It was
very savage, and bit a piece out of the hand of its captor (Chelmsford Chron ‘cle,
Dec. 16). Mr. Hope has seen them offthe Outer Gabbard, and in Oct., 1888,
he found a dead bird near Harwich, where, Mr. Kerry says, “ A few are seen every
year.” Mr. Fitch has heard of one at Maldon, but cannot give particulars.

180 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Order HERODIONES.
Family ARDEIDZ.

Heron: Ardea cinerea. Locally, “‘ Frank,” ‘‘ Frank Hern,” and
“ Hernshaw.”

A common resident ; met with singly or in small parties in most
parts of the county from autumn to early spring, especially among
the marshes
along the
‘Thames,and
on our east
coast. There
are four He-
ronries now
existing in
the county,
two of which
are of con-
siderable
size, namely
at Bar chy,
where there
are about
iy OsWlests,
and Wan-

HERONS, 1/20. stead Park,”
where there are about forty. At St. Osyth there are about five nests,
and at Boreham about nine. For fuller details, the reader is referred
to Mr. E. A. Fitch’s most interesting article on Essex Heronries
(50. ii. 171), from which I have gleaned much information.

These birds are occasionally seen during summer at a considerable distance
from any Heronry. On July roth, 1877, I put one up from the brook at Chignal
St. James, and on July 17th following | saw another at Roxwell. On July 2oth,
1876, I saw one near Dunmow, and on June 13th, 1880, another at Great Chester-
ford. On June 4th, 1882, I saw another here, About the first week in Decem-
ber, 1875, one was killed in the brook Cann at Chignal St. James, by a dog,
which jumped on its back from tke bank of the stream. It severely bit the hand
of the man who assisted. At Orsett, Mr Sackett says they are fairly plentiful on
the marshes during spring, summer, and autumn, but he has never observed

HERONS AND NEST.
(Drann fircm a case in the British Museum.)

GML

LE

tea

\
SN)
\)
x
S)

182 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

them there in the winter. They probably come across the Thames from the

Heronry in Earl Darnley’s Park at Cobham.

The Dictionary of the Thames says: “ About Barking or Rainham these birds
may be met with at all times of the day in the marshes adjoining the river,
as well as in the creeks and on the mud-flats around Canvey Island.”

By far the largest and most important Heronry in the county is that at
Birch, the property of Mr. James Round, M.P., who informs me that he be-
lieves it was originally started by a pair that came from Brightlingsea when
the Magens estate was sold, some twenty-five years ago. I visited it on April
16th, 1888, a charming, summer-like day, in company with Mr. E. A. Fitch,
from whose description of our visit (50. ii. 171) I cull the following passages :—

“The Birch Heronry is in the middle of an oak wood of about eighteen
acres, known as Calve’s Pasture. There was little or nothing to indicate the
presence of the Herons until we got well under the trees they occupied; then
we saw them sitting upon their nests, and on the tops of the trees, or flying
leisurely around in all directions. The birds appeared to be particularly tame, and
were in no wise disconcerted at our presence; several were still building, and
there were certainly no young, nor, possibly, any sitting birds. We counted 125 .
nests, and Mr. Henry Stephenson, the head-keeper, told us chat he expected at
least forty more would be built ; he had seen over 300 birds about this year. All
the nests were on oaks, and the largest number on one tree was eight. The
usual flat platform of small branches and twigs was here lined with nettle-straw,
not dock, as at Boreham. It was quite astonishing to see what comparatively
large branches the Herons had broken off for building purposes. Mr. Stephen-
son was able to give us a complete history of this now-extensive Heronry, as it
was he who found the first nest in Chest Wood, Layer-de-la-Haye, in 1861, on
one of the tallest oaks, said to be nearly thirty feet to the first branch. The next
year (1862) there were three nests, and they increased in numbers steadily every
year, until 1877, when there were about 100 nests in their first-chosen spot, Chest
Wood. In February, 1878, the Herons came as usual to roost there, preparatory
to nesting; but, shortly afterwards, a pair of Peregrine Falcons appeared, and
caused great alarm among the Herons. One day, whenon his rounds, Stephenson
watched a Heron high overhead apparently trying to outsoar a Peregrine, until both
were lost to sight, but shortly afterwards Heron and Peregrine fell tc the ground
almost at his feet. The Peregrines were not shot, but the effect of their presence
was that the Herons entirely forsook Chest Wood for nesting purposes, and
came to their present abode in Calve’s Pasture. That same year (1878), they
built about 100 nests in the latter wood, and the colony has now increased to
nearly 200. No nest has been seen in Chest Wood since 1877, until last year,
when a solitary one was observed. The birds are strictly preserved in every
way and'especially from the Rooks, which are prevented from roosting in the
wood as far as possible, being looked upon by the keeper as very destructive to
Heron’s eggs, and he especiaily complained of their depredations among the
early nests of this present year, during the severe weather of March.”

Next on our list of Essex Heronries, in size and importance, stands that
at Wanstead, which of the 3co or more now existing in Great Britain, is,
I believe, the nearest of all to London, being only about seven miles distant from
St. Paul's. As long ago as 1834, it was described (13. ii. 195) as “‘of long estab-
lishment and very populous ’—a character which it still maintains, and is likely
long to maintain, as Wanstead Park now forms part of Epping Forest, and is
under the control of the Corporation of London, acting as Conservators of the
Forest. Mr. Fitch says (50. ii. 178): :

“Formerly the birds built on an island in the upper pond in the park, which
consequently acquired the name of Heron Pond [by which it is still known] ;
but they now frequent Lincoln Island, and during the nesting season special
precautions are taken by the Conservators to prevent their being disturbed.”

ARDEIDA—HERONS. 183

At present they occupy some tall elms growing upon an island in the largest
sheet of water in the Park. In 1869 there were about thirty pairs ; in 1883,
about twenty-five ; in March, 1884, forty-three nests were counted (47.94); and
in April, 1887, about thirty-eight, There have since been a few more added,
Mr. Fitch says (50. ii. 179): “It 1s satisfactory to learn that the free admission
of visitors to the Park, except that the path by the lake is closed in May and
June during nidification, has not apparently resultedin any injury to the Heronry.”’
An interesting account
of a visit to this Heronry,
was given by Mr. Hart-
ing in Science Gossip for
April, 1869, and also in
his Sketches of Bird Life
(1883, p. 266) ; while a
small sketch of it (here ( \
reproduced) appears in } ge! A WY
Mr. Buxton’s £fpeng |} iY ¢ SS wy \ PAA A]
Forest (47. 94); and a | ¢ : = ay
larger one by C. Whym- y;
per in Seebohm’s Srit-
ish Boras (Gi. Pp. 472)
Through the kindness
of Mr. E, A. Fitch, 1 am
enabled to introduce as
the frontispiece of this
work, a lithographic re-
production of another
drawing of this Heronry,
made by Mr. C. Whym-
per in 1885. The orig-
inal is in Mr. Harting’s
possession.

The next Essex

ronry deserving notice is that in the park surrounding Boreham House, the
residence of Lieut. J. L. Tufnell-Tyrell. Mr. Fitch writes (50, ii. 174) :—

“ This Heronry is not now in its old position. The birds used to build where
the Rooks do now, immediately behind Boreham House ; but about seven
years ago this colony became reduced to a single nest, and the old bird was shot
whilst sitting. In 1884, the Herons first nested in West Mead Grove, a small
grove planted as an apple orchard in 1842, and subsequently with oak, spruce
firs, and a few miscellaneous trees, including some Scotch pines. The grove
being only about 400 yards from the river, and on about the same level, the soil is
very wet, like all the grass-land of the Chelmer Valley, and consequently the
apple trees soon cankered and died out, although one or two still remain, and
the growth of the firs has -been very slow. In company with the Rooks, the
Herons have taken possession of these last-named trees. In 1886, there were nine
nests, but thirty young Herons were destroyed in one day, and several more on
other occasions. In 1887 the position was about the same, and although the
persecution was continued, there appears to be the same number of nests this pre-
sent year.” In 188g, there were six nests, from which tén eggs were taken.

Of the Brightlingsea (St. Osyth) Heronry, Mr. Fitch says :-—

“Tn Yarrell’s British Birds and other works, mention is made of a Heronry
at St. Osyth, but this appears to have been a mistake. The only Heronry in the

“5

in

aA a's

SY,

He HERONRY IN WANSTEAD PARK, ESSEX.

184 LHE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

neighbourhood was one just over the arn: of the Colne Estuary at Brightlingsea.

* * «It is a most secluded spot, on the Wyvenhoe side of the Twenty-seven
Acre Grove, on Mr. Bateman’s estate, known as Heronry Wood, a little more than
a quarter of a mile west of Brightlingsea Church. Mark Gooch, the old keeper,
told us that formerly the Heronry certainly contained over 100 nests, but that
forty-three or forty-four vears ago the largest trees were felled, and this seriously
diminished the number of Herons.”

Then the Rooks came and robbed the eggs, while more trees were felled, and
an unruly tenant used to shoot the birds on their nests (much to the annoyance
of Mr. Bateman), till ‘‘in 1870, there were about thirty nests « » *; in 1871,
there were only fifteen or eighteen ; and the’Herons finally deserted the spot in
1872,” the majority probably going to Birch, though a few established themselves
at St. Osyth. Since 1872, Mr. Bateman jhas done all in his power to encourage
the Herons to return, but has so far been frustrated by the Rooks. The few
which migrated to St. Osyth established themselves in Nunn’s Wood, where they
still flourish under the protection of Sir John H. Johnson, who writes to Mr.
Fitch as follows: ‘‘ Five or six years ago, a solitary pair came and built on a tree
on an island in one of myponds. Then one or two more pairs came and built on
another tree, and two years ago a pair built on a lowtree in my little wood closely
adjoining.” In 1877, there were five nests, and Mr. Fitch tells me there are now
two smali colonies at St. Osyth.

There can be no doubt that there have formerly been various other Heronries,
now extinct, in our county. Thus, quaint old Norden speaks of “ Towleshunt
Darcye : .nere wch is a fayre Heronry.” Morant, in his History of Essex (1768
i. p. 78), says of Belhus, Aveley :-—

“ Here was formerly a Heronry, which being a thing not commonly to be met
with, was esteemed a circumstance of no small consequence, while the diversion

of Hawking was in fashion ; but of late years not thought to balance the incon-
veniences attending it, and the Herons therefore are not suffered to build longer.”

Morant (i. p. 208) also says: ‘‘ The Manor of Heron or Herne [ whence Heron-
Gate], East Horndon, seems originally to have taken its name from a Heronry
here.” Mr. J.°F. T. Wiseman, of Paglesham, informs me that, about the year 1882,
there was a nest in his wood at Barton Hall. Mr. A. Smee says (ly Garden,
p- 530), ‘I have seen a nestat Chigwell in Essex’’—doubiless an offshoot from
the Heronry at Wanstead. Mr, Fitch says (50. i. 142) :—

There is a disused Heronry at Walton’s Hall, Mucking. *« * x It stands on
the edge of the marshes south of the railway leading from Stanford-le-Hope to
Tilbury, about half a mile from the Thames. The trees are oak and ash, with a
few elms. Mr. William Clark, jun., who has been tenant of Walton’s Hall for
some years, tells me he never knew a nest there, although six to eight Herons are
constantly to be found on his marshes. {[t is the same here [at Maldon]. I see
half a dozen Herons almost every day throughout the spring, and have often
wondered where they can breed. About seven-years ago, there was one nest in
Mundon Furze, two and a-half miles south from here, which was destroyed by
shooting through the nest and killing the parent bird. Still this same nest was
repaired and occupied next year, and two other nests were built not far off.

Mr. Fitch also mentions (50. ii. 174) having either seen or heard of solitary
Heron’s nests at Stony Piece, Lawling Hall, Latchingdon ; the Nursery, Bradwell
Glebe ; the Old Farm (Dunmow Wick), Burnham ; Steeple ; Scot’s Grove, oppo-
site Guisnes Court gate, Tollesbury ; and the Great Wood, Tolleshunt Major,
There used also to be a Heronry, consisting usually of from twelve to nfteen
nests, in Bower Hall Grove, on Mersea Island, until it was stubbed about forty
years ago. I ‘have 'been told that there were formerly nests|{at “ Tofts,” Little
Baddow, but have failed to obtain any confirmation.’ |

ARDEIDA—HERONS. 185

Purple Heron: Ardea purpurea.
A rare and accidental straggler to Britain, of which only one

specimen is recorded as having been certainly met with in Essex.

Mr, C. Walford records (19. 126) a fine specimen shot during the second week
in April, 1839, in a wood near Maldon. He adds: “It was very low in flesh
when killed, not weighing more than two pounds six ounces.’’ A specimen which
Selby says (British Ornithology, ii. 15, note) was killed “near London,” is very
likely to have been obtained in Essex, but no locality is given.

Great White Heron: Ardea alba.

A rare and accidental straggler to Great Britain. The only record
of its appearance in Essex is the following :

Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear write (9. 4c) :—

“On the 3rd of October last [? 1823], ina walk on the banks of the River
Stour, we observed a large White Heron cross over from the Suffolk to the Essex
side of the river. It appeared to be pure white, and to stand up rather taller than
some common Herons which were feeding not far off. A similar bird was ob-
served in the spring on the Oakley shores ; and, subsequently to our observation,
one was seen on the banks of the River Orwell.”

Little Bittern: Ardetta minuta.

A somewhat rare visitant to Britain, which has occurred at least
half-a-dozen times in Essex, chiefly during the autumn or early
winter.

C, E. Smith, of Cogges-
hall, in 1860, mentions
one (31. 52) “shot by
Mr. Sach of the Abbey
Farm.” Dr. Bree re-
cords (29; 32a; and
S45 l7) se 5 2) iaale. in
good plumage,” shot on
Aug. 13th, 1866, just
above North Bridge,
Colchester. He adds:
“T never heard of one
being captured here be-
fore,” and says further
that it was added to his
Collection. Mrs. Bree
Soll, Shas) it.) ) Elennry
Doubleday has recorded
(34. 4199) that a young
specimen, probably a
male, having just com-
pleted its first autumnal
moult, was shot at Pass-
ingford Bridge on Sept.
15th, 1874, after having =
been seen about for sey- LITTLE BITTERN, wale, 1/5.

186 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

eral days. It is now in the possession of Sir Chas. C. Smith, of Suttons. English’

describes it as an occasional visitor to Epping Forest (43. i. 24), probably on the
strength of the foregoing record. In the winter of 1879-80, Mr. Travis received
for preservation one shot at Ashdon. Mr. Laver records one (40. viii. 342), killed
near Colchester by flying against the telegraph wires late in the autumn of 1884,
and says another had occurred there a few years before (? Dr. Bree’s). Dr. Salter
has the former. Mr, Hart received two specimens from Essex on June 15th, 1867
—a very strange date, but he does not state their exact locality (34. 1511). Itis
not easy to believe they were breeding, though Mr..Bond says (23. 1969) he
received ‘‘a young bird of the year, which I believe has been bred in the neigh-
bourhood, as there are some remains of the nestling-down, and it is not fully
fledged.” This individual was shot by a barge-man on the River Lea, near
Enfield, on Sept. 18th, 1847.

Night Heron: WVycticorax griseus.

A rare straggler to Britain, chiefly in spring or autumn. Iam not
aware of its having been met with more than once in Essex.

An immature female in spotted plumage and weighing 27 ounces, was shot at

Dovercourt on Noy. 29th, 1880 (Kerry—4o. v. 68), It was preserved by Ambrose,
of Colchester.*

Bittern: Botaurus stellaris.

Once a common resident, before the draining of the extensive
swamps it used to frequent, but yearly becoming rarer, and now only
a winter visitor. A considerable number have, however, been
obtained in Essex during the last half-century. It probably bred
commonly in the county many years ago, but the Rev. J. C. Atkinson
never heard of its doing so, even in his early days. It is by no
means improbable that some of the following specimens would, on
careful examination, prove to belong to a distinct species, the
American Bittern (B. /entigznosus ), which, though a rare straggler in
Britain, has occurred at least a score of times. It is a very common
American bird and closely allied to our species, but is distinguishable
chiefly by its uniform dull leaden-brown primaries.

Mr. J. Cunnington, of Braintree, in 1838, endeavoured to prove (19) that
Springfield was the original of Goldsmith’s “ Deserted Village.” In support of
his argument he advances the fact that,

“the Bittern, although a scarce bird in Essex, is by no means unknown, for a
pair only a few years ago were frequently seen near, and known to frequent, a piece
of low sedgy ground at Halstead, and I lately saw three which had been shot near
Maldon and sent to Mr. Walford at Witham to be stuffed. During the last severe
winter, a wounded Bittern was caught alive in Baddow Mead, which is within a
mile and a half of Springfield village. It is now in a fine collection of stuffed
birds belonging to a gentleman at Chelmsford.”

Mr. Clarke notes the occurrence (24) of the following specimens :—One at

* A specimen recorded by Dr. Bree to have been killed near Colchester in the winter of 1880-8r
and preserved by Ambrose (29. Apr. 23; and 32a) is, presumably, the same bird. According to
Pennant, the first British specimen was shot in 1782 ‘‘ near London ”—perhaps in Essex.

ARDEIDZ—HERONS. 187

Wenden in 1826, one shot by Lord Braybrooke at Audley End in 1831, and a
female (now in the Audley End Collection) shot by Mr, G. Webb at Wenden on
Jan. roth, 1849. Henry Doubleday, writing from Epping on Jan. 19th, 1832,
says (10) ‘‘a fine Bittern was shot here yesterday—a singular place for such a
bird.” Edward Doubleday, writing in 1835, says (15) it “has occurred here but

once.” ‘J. C,”, of Witham, records (12. vii. p. 511) one shot at Maldon about
Feb. 6th, 1834. He adds, “Bitterns are not unfrequently met with upon the
marshes by the side of the river which runs to that town.” Yarrell says (25. i.

541), ‘specimens are not unfrequently shot from some of the numerous beds of
reeds growing by the sides of the Thames on the shores of Kent and Essex,” Mr,
H. Barclay records one (23. 2771) shot at Walthamstow in Jan., 1850. It rose
first from among some cabbages in a garden. Major Edward Taylor, of
Bishop’s Stortford has one shot there about 1850. Mr. David Christy, of Patch-
ing Hall, has one shot by himself beside the Chelmer at Broomfield about the
winter of 1860, CC. E. Smith, of Coggeshall, says (31. 52) that it was “heard
booming in the plantations that skirt the river [ Blackwater] during the winter of
1856.” Mr. Scruby informs me of one shot at Stanford Rivers about 1860, Mr.
Geo. Withers records a fine male killed out of a sedgy pond in the neighbourhood
of Wanstead Flats in Feb., 1864 (29. Feb. 20). One was shot at The Spieney
on the Chelmer, Dec. 23rd, 1879 (Chelmsford Chronicle, Jan. 9). One was shot
on the Stour about Dec. 15th, 1879, during a spell of hard weather, by a
puntsman named Chas, Porter, of Manningtree (Chelmsford Chronicle, Dec. 19).
One is recorded to have been killed near ‘Villingham in January, 1879
(Chelmsford Chronicle, Jan. 31). Dr. Bree records three killed in Essex in
the winter of 1879-30, one near the Musketry Station, Colchester (29. Jan.
Io), now in Mr. J. Round’s Collection. Mr.jG. A. Thompson, of Fobbing, shot
one on the marshes below Tilbury, opposite Thames Haven, on Noy. 22nd, 1879
(29. Nov. 29). One was shot near Maldon in March, 1883. Mr. Hope has a speci-
men shot by a miller at Ilford in the snow at Christmas, 1872, and another shot at
Harwich in Jan., 1886. Mr. Buxton mentions one (47. 96), ‘killed a few years
ago by the stream adjoining Wanstead Park.” The Rev. J. W. Maitland, of
Loughton, has a fine male which he believes to be the last specimen killed in
Epping Forest. It was purchased at Doubleday’s sale for 75s. and was shot at
Coopersale by the Rey. C. B. Abdy. Mr. Leonard Saunders, of Maldon, shot a
male in a wood at Woodham Ferris on Jan, 31st, 1886 (Chelmsford Chronicle, Feb.
6). Mr. E. A. Fitch informs me that his grandfather, Mr. Daniel Pannell, shot
three on Sturmer Mere, and his uncle, Mr; Thos. Pannell, another at the same
place, all about the year 1850. About 1882, Mr. Wm. Sewell shot one, which he
still has, on the Marsh Farm, Tillingham, and about 1886, another was caught
alive near the adjacent Decoy and was forwarded to the Zoological Gardens, where
I believe it still is. Mr. Walter B. Nicholls, of Lawford Hall, has one shot some
years ago on the Stour, and on Dec. 7th, 1889, Mr. Dale, of St. Osyth, shot a fine
male in good condition there (Pettitt). Mr. Thomas Aldham, of Ulting, has one
shot there, and Mr. Hance, of Maldon, a very fine one shot near that town by
Mr. R. Bygrave (Fitch).

1&8 ‘THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Family CICONIIDA.

White Stork: Ciconia alba.
An occasional straggler to Britain, which has once or twice been
killed in Essex.

Yarrell says (25. ii. 556) “one was shot
near Yarmouth in May, 1842, and Thomas
Thornhill, Esq., favoured me with a notice
of one killed in Essex during the same
month.” * In the last edition of his work, it is
stated (37. iv. 220) that “ several examples have
also been obtained or observed in Suffolk and

Essex.” Two are reported to have been cap-

tured near Tillingham, in Jan. 1879 (Che/ms-
ford Chronicle, Jan. 31).
Black Stork: Ciconia nigra.

Another rare and occasional straggler to Britain, which has oc-
curred once in Essex.

Dr. Bree records (29. Apr. 23) that a fine female was killed on or about April
12th, 1881, on the Stour at Stoke-by-Nayland. It was shot by Mr. W. Frost
Mortimer of that parish and was preserved by Ambrose of Colchester. This
specimen was seen in 1888 in the possession of Mr. Mortimer, at Hastings,
by Mr. J. H. Gurney, jur., who describes it as “a splendid bird and well stuffed.”
Mr, Mortimer informed Mr. Gurney that he shot it inthe month of May, and that it
was very tame. Strictly speaking, this is a Suffolk specimen. Canon Babington
says (46. 241) it was shot by Mr. Frost Mortimer, in a meadow on the Suffolk
side of the Stour in May, 1881, after having been observed flying down the river
valley, towards the sea, by Col. Rowley. Its crop was full of gudgeon.f Mr.
Fitch has kindly obtained the following additional particulars from Mr. Mortimer,
who still resides at Hastings, but does not now possess the bird, haying sold it
about twovyears ago for £10 to Sir Vauncey H. Crewe, of Calke Abbey, Derbyshire.
Mr. Mortimer says that he saw the bird, the day before it was shot, in his fields at
Boxford. He put it up, and its mode of flying with its neck out, as it flew down
the river, showed him atjonce that it was not-a Heron. On the following morning
it was reported to one of Col. Rowley’s keepers as having been seen in one of
the ponds on the estate, but in the afternoon, which was wet, it was reported by
one of Mr. Mortimer’s men to be then sitting perched on some rails in one of
his fields, On his approach it flew into the back-river, where he got within five

WHITE STORK, 1/30,

* In the 3rd Ed. (30. ii. 558) the date differs and the passage reads: one “‘ was shot at Brey-
don,"near Yarmouth, in 1852, and Thomas Thornhill Esq., favoured me with a notice of one
killed in Essex.during the same year.”

+ The specimen said (37. iv. 227) to have been ‘‘ killed betweeen July and 8th of September,
1883, near Rainham, in Essex "2(4o. vili. 429) is not an Essex specimen at all, having been killed
at Rainham in Agent.

‘sted - al

PLATALEIDAA—GLOSSY IBIS. 189

yards of it, as it was feeding with its head under water. He called to it to make

it rise, and shot it when thirty or forty yards distant. A second shot from a
barrel loaded, like the first, with No. 2 shot was necessary, and even then it
flew on to within fifty yards of the river, where it dropped dead with its wings
stretched out on the ground. This was inthe parish of Stoke Nayland. Although
Col. Rowley wanted the bird Mr. Mortimer kept it and had it very nicely mounted
by Ambrose, of Colchester. Mr. Mortimer says he shot it in the month of May,
but this is clearly an error of memory. He also says another specimen was

reported as having been seen about the same time, but he does not believe in it
(Fitch).

Family PLATALEID.

Spoonbill: Platalea leucorodia.

Once a resident, breeding in various counties, including Norfolk,
Sussex, Middlesex, but now for a long time only a rare straggler
chiefly when on migration in spring and autumn. ‘That it formerly
bred also in Essex is more than probable, although there is, I believe,
no actual record of its so doing.

Sheppard ani Whitear say (9. 42) ‘it has been shot on the River Stour.” Mr,
Kerry says (40. i. 52) one was shot on Oct. 20th, 1876, on the mud-flats of the
Stour by a wild-fowler named Porter, who consigned it to the spit (Chelmsford
Chronicle, Nov. 2). Mr. Hope writes: “I have seen them fly by. Two which
did so were eventually shot in the month of May, near Bawdsey in Suffolk ; they
were found to contain eggs and were bought by Mr. Robert Hillen of Woodbridge,”
This is an interesting fact, as it indicates a still-surviving inclination to breed in
this country. One was shot at Mersea in 1863 by Mr. Geo. Mason (Pettitt), A
sternum and furculum in the collection of the late Dr. Bree, now in the possession
of Mr. Harwood, bear the following label: ‘“ Shot at Harwich, June, 1877. Two
were shot out of a flock of nine.” They were preserved by Ambrose (32a). One
was seen in Aug., 1888, on the mud-flats between Harwich and Walton-on-the-
Naze (Kerry). At the end of Dec., 1889, three were shot out of a flock of
seven, by one of Mr, Patmore’s dredger-men at Burnham (Fitch). I saw one of
these at Maldon on Jan. 4th last.

Glossy Ibis: Plegadis falcinellus.

A rare straggler to the British Isles. ‘The only one recorded to
have been met with in Essex was shot by Mr. J. F. T. Wiseman
when snipe-shooting on Oct. 15th, 1872, and is now in his posses-
sion. It rose from the old decoy pond on one of Mr. Wiseman’s
farms on the South Hall Marshes, Paglesham, and was preserved by
Travis (35. 440). It is an immature bird.

[Flamingo: Phenicopterus roseus.

The grounds on which some writers have admitted this bird to the
British List seem to me, on the whole, too slight. There is one Essex
record. Yarrell mentions one seen on our coast in 1873 (37. iv. 245) and
afterwards shot in the Isle of Sheppey, on Aug. 16th, It seems in every
way probable that this was a specimen known to have escaped from the
Zoological Gardens on July 16th in the same year. ]

190 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Order ANSERES.

Family ANATIDZ.

>

Grey Lag Goose: Anser cinereus. Locally “ Grey Goose.’

A winter visitor, most often seen during severe weather.

Mr. Parsons says (8) ‘‘ The winter of 1822-23 was very severe. There were a
great many Geese over and some Swans, but very few Wigeon. Eight Grey
Geese stopped in the Great Mead at the Hall [Shoebury ], and my father shot one
of them.” Edward Doubleday wrote in 1835 (15) that it had been killed at Har-
low. Mr. Clarke says (24) it is ‘occasionally [ met with] in hard winters ” round
Saffron Walden. In 1880, an authority on the Essex coast wrote :—

“ The Grey Geese were seen on Saturday, Feb. 21st ; from 600 to 1,000 flying
in a triangular form in a N.E. direction. I have repeatedly seen them sometimes
passing for whole days and have always noticed that we never had any winter to
speak of afterwards. They fly generally about a mile high. We very seldom see
them going south—I suppose because the days are shorter, or possibly some may
go another way ; but they generally go north about this time of the year. I used
to try to shoot them with a rifle to see what sort of Geese they were’ (42. 30).

Mr. Hope observes that it passes over in the autumn and spring in vast flocks,
going south-west and north-east. When the Geese fly north in the spring, there
is seldom any more cold weather. Round Harwich, ‘some are seen every winter ”
(Kerry).

This species—the only one that is resident and breeds in Britain—is com-
monly supposed to be the chief source from which our domestic goose has
sprung, and the following may, therefore, be appropriately inserted here.
Daniel says (6. ii. 466) : :

“ Vast numbers of Geese are driven annually to London from distant counties
to supply the markets, among them all the superannuated Geese and Ganders
(called Cagmags), which by a long course of plucking prove uncommonly tough
anddry. In 1783, one drove of above 9,000 passed through Chelmsford. Droves
of two or three thousand are common.”

In connection with this subject, Daniel elsewhere relates an amusing anecdote
of a race between a flock of Geese and another of Turkeys, both of which must
have passed through Chelmsford. He says (6. ii. p. 409) :

“ Lord Orford, in 1740, made a considerable bet with the present Duke of
Queensberry that a drove of Geese would beat an equai number of Turkies in a
race from Norwich to London. The event proved the justness of his lordship’s
expectations ; for the Geese kept on the road with a steady pace ; but the Turkies,
as every evening approached, flew to roost in the trees adjoining the road, from
which the drivers found it very difficult to dislodge them. In consequence of
[their not] stopping to sleep, the Geese beat their competitors hollow, arriving at
their destination two days before the Turkies.”

ANATID4—GEESE. 191

Pink-footed Goose: Aznser brachyrhynchus.
A winter visitor.

There is in the Saffron Walden Museum a specimen shot there in 1841 ; and
the bones of one killed at Brightlingsea, on Dec. 31st, 1874 (32a) are among Dr.
Bree’s specimens, while Mr. Elwes of Colchester has the bird. My uncle, Mr.
Joseph Smith, has one, shot some years ago at Pattiswick Hall, near Braintree, by
his son, Mr. Joseph Smith jun., who saw another with it, which escaped.

White-fronted Goose: Anser albifrons. Locally, “ Laugh-.
ing Goose.”
A not uncommon winter visitor.

Mr. Clarke =

speaks of it (24) : —— =

as _ occasionally SS
met with round =
Walden in hard
winters. Meyer
(British Lirds)
mentions one shot
on the Thames,
near London, in
Feb. 1846. On
Wee. 3rd, 1879,
three were seen

near Harwich, and
an old Gander
and a young bird
were shot (Kerry
—40. iv. 69). An
old male was shot
at Tollesbury ear-
ly in Jan., 1870
(29. Jan. 15).

It is shot oc-
casionally on the
coast in both the
Paglesham and
Colchester — dis-
fmcts . ( Laver ).
The sternum and
furculum of a specimen shot at Brightlingsea in Jan., 1871 (32a; and 29. Feb. 25),
are in the Bree Collection.

On Feb. 23rd, 1889, a specimen was observed and was afterwards fairly
decoyed by means of a dog, together with several Ducks and Wigeon, ex-
actly in the way Ducks are taken, in Mr. Robert Page’s Marsh House Decoy at
Tillingham. It is still preserved at Marsh House, where, through Mr. Page’s
kindness, I have seen it. The taking of any species of Goose ina Decoy is highly
remarkable, and probably quite unique, though Mr. Page has another specimen,
caught in an ordinary rat-trap in the same Decoy eight or nine years ago. Once

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, 1/10.

192 ; THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

in Mr. Page’s experience, he has killed inhis decoy-pond a Brent Goose—probably |
a “ pensioner,” or wounded bird.

Bean Goose: Aunser segetum. Locally, ‘“ Grey Goose” (E.A.F.)

An uncommon winter visitor, most often seen during severe
weather.

Around Sudbury, King
described it (20) as “not un-
common” in 1838, meaning, of
course, in winter. Around
Saffron Walden (24), it used oc"
casionally to be seen in hard
winters (Clarke). Dr. Laver
describes it as killed occasion-
ally on the coast in both the
Colchester and Paglesham dis-
tricts. Dr Bree records two
(one of which weighed 7lbs.)
shot on the coast in Dec., 1871
(29. Dec. 23). Mr. Hope ob-
serves that it passes over in the
autumn and spring, going S.W.
Bey and N.E.

te Fy) one

BEAN GOOSE,

Brent Goose: Bernicla brenta. Locally, “ Black Goose.”

The commonest and smallest species of Wild Goose frequenting
our coast, where it may be found, especially during hard weather,
from autumn to spring.
Although essentially a
marine species, indi-
viduals are sometimes
met with inland. ‘There
appear to be two forms
of this species—a dark-
breasted one, which is the
commoner, from the
N.E., and a much rarer
light - bellied form from

BRENT GOOSE, 1/I2. the N.W.
(After Bewick.)

Dale, who calls it the
“Rat” or “ Road Goose,” writing of Harwich in 1730, says (2. 403): ‘‘ These, no
doubt, are in winter to be found here, having divers times seen them in Braintree
Market, being caught on the Essex coast.” Lindsey, writing from Harwich in
1851, speaks of it (27. App. 59) as the “‘most numerous” of all the species of
Geese visiting that place. He adds, “It isa regular visitor to our shore, and

remains with us throughout the winter.” It is still common there in hard winters.
(Kerry). King says (20) it was in 1838 “not uncommon” round Sudbury—of

ANATID E—GEESE. 193

course in the winter time, if he is correct in what he says, which is doubtful.
The Rev. J. C. Atkinson writes (36. 139) that it is

““by far the most numerous of all the Geese which visit our shores in winter,
as it is also the least. I have seen it in inconceivable numbers on the Essex coast
in hard winters, and the numbers reported to have been killed at one discharge of
a heavy punt-gun seem simply incredible. In the very hard and long-continued
winter of 1837-8, I saw the ice which, in broken fragments of four or five feet
square by three or four inches thick, covered the whole estuary of the Blackwater
at Tollesbury (a space of very considerable width), black with them during high
water. The expression made use of by one of the sea-faring men of the neigh-
bourhood was, ‘ There ure acres of ’em.’”

The late Col. Russell also informed Mr, Fitch that he had at times seen them
on the Essex coast in “numbers sufficiently large to completely cover a ten-acre
field.” Mr. Fitch himself has frequently seen them at the mouth of the Black-
water in clouds, consisting of immense numbers. Their short hoarse cough is
very remarkable, and has already been alluded to (p. 49.)

In 1871, according to Mr. Smee (34. 2605), the first were seen at the mouth
of the Thames in the second week of October. Large flocks, some of which
numbered over 200 birds, afterwards frequented the mud-flats about the Blacktail
and Nore Sands. Such flocks had not been seen there for ten years and
the gunners made a good living out of them. On March 24, a large flock,
evidently migrating, passed over high up and ina N.E. direction, none haying
then been seen for three weeks. During Jan., 1871, Brent Geese were also seen
in extraordinary numbers on the Main, and it is recorded (29. Feb, 4) that “sixteen
punters went together after a flock, and fired at it simultaneously at a given signal
from their leader. Fourteen guns went off, two having missed fire, and 471
birds were bagged.” a

Many other enormous “bags” of these birds have been from time to time
made on the Essex coast, and some of the reports as to the numbers shot at
one time, which are current among the gunners, marshmen, punters, and others
dwelling on our shores, are almost beyond belief. The largest bag I ever
heard of on reliable authority, as being made at one time, was on Dengie
Flats, one very sharp winter about thirty years ago (? 1860). Mr. John
Basham, jun., of Maldon, my informant, says that his father, the late Col. Russell,
and thirty other gunners—thirty-two in all, under a recognised leader, as is the
custom on these occasions—approached a very large flock of Geese, and, all firing
together, at a given signal from their leader, bagged and shared equally between
them (as is customary) no less than an average of twenty-two Geese apiece, or 704
altogether, beside a great number more which were not obtained or were concealed
dishonestly by some of theshooters. The largest “shoot,” however, in which Mr.
Basham ever personally took part was, he tells me, some twenty years or so ago,
when eighteen punters, including himself, under the leadership of a gunner named
James Chaney, fired simultaneously at an enormous congregation of Geese
collected together, one bright moonlight night, on the muds of the St. Peter’s
Flats; off Bradwell Chapel, obtaining as share twenty birds apiece, or 360 in
all. One gun missed fire, but, as usual, all shared alike. On this occasion
the punts were allowed to drift onwards with the tide. The biggest bag, made at
a single shot, John Basham ever heard of was, he tells me, made about twenty-
five years ago bya gunner (now deceased), known as “ Old Stubbins,”’ of Maldon,
who killed no less than fifty Geese at the mouth of Thurslett Creek, in Tollesbury
Parish, by a single discharge of his large punt gun, which weapon was familiarly

O

194 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX,

known in the neighbourhood as “Old Jubilee.” It afterwards belonged to Mr.
James Spitty of Bradwell, but has since been lost overboard.

Another extraordinary bag is recorded by Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey in Shooting
(Badminton Library), p. 307. He writes :—

‘“A heavy shot at fowl is becoming a rare chance now on our shores, and is
only achieved in very severe weather. Some ten years ago, off the mouth of the
Blackwater, in Essex, a wonderful shot was made at Brent Geese. A vast herd of
these birds had collected on the ooze to feed. All the local punt-gunners, to the
number of a dozen, were attracted by the sight; and setting together to the
Geese, just as they were densely packed on the last bit of feeding-ground left
by the rising tide, aimed and fired by signal. The result was that the gunners
picked up close on 300 fowl. This incident was recorded in yarious sporting
papers at the time, and was related to us by a gentleman who had actually seen
the occurrence.”

Possibly this is only another version of one of the occurrences described
above, but such is certainly not the case with the following :—Col. Russell, writing
to Mr. Hope in Aug., 1884, says: “ One of the Mussetts of West Mersea was in
the Goose-shooting in the fog about Christmas last ; the lot got some 160 Geese
altogether ; only one young one. I thought there were no young ones by their
behaviour in Holland and on the Main.” I have heard of even larger “ bags”’
than the foregoing, but probably they are apocryphal. Other references to the
great abundance of this species on our coast have been already given (p. 49).

In 1879, a number (the first seen that'season) were observed making for the Stour
on January 21st (Chelmsford Chronicle, Jan. 24). In 1880, the first were observed
on the Essex coast on October 6th. On the 2oth,a hundred or more, were seen on
the Buxey Sands (42). Mr. Hope writes: “ They arrive about the 12th October.
I have never seen them inland except when lost ina fog. They leave about the
middle of May.” Mr. Kerry, however, says (40. iii. 306), that in 1879 many
were :still to be seen round Harwich on May 15th, when most of them had paired.
He fancied they might be breeding, but this is altogether unlikely. Many were
still about our coasts on May 25th (2g. June 7). In 1882, the Rev. M.C. H,
Bird saw two off Canvey Island as late as May 2nd. _ Dr. Laver describes it as
‘excessively numerous in some years” round Paglesham, and Mr. Benton, writing
of the South Hall Marshes at Paglesham, says (35. 440) ‘‘formerly great quantities
of Geese, locally called ‘Scotch Brants,’ which are something less than Grey Geese,
used to make choice of the surrounding swamps for feeding grounds, but they have
not been seen for some years.”

As a rule they keep to “the Main” or the open sea, but Mr. Atkinson writes :
“T have occasionally seen a ‘ Black Goose’ in the larger arteries of the saltings
at Tollesbury.” One was seen about the brook here during a spell of hard
weather in December, 1878, and a pair were seen to fly out of the brook near this
house on Jan. 1oth following, while the weather was still severe. On October
14th, 1879, my brother Cuthbert shot the male of a pair feeding in the brook
Cann close to this house. I have the bird still. From their comparative tame-
ness, I can only think that they had escaped from some preserved water.

Mr. Cordeaux, writing in 1887, says (40. xi. 152): “Some years since Col,
Russell sent mea fine White-bellied Brent, shot by himself on the Essex coast,
accompanied by some interesting and exhaustive notes as to the two races and
their comparative abundance and scarcity in various years.” Essex specimens of
both the white- and dark-bellied varieties are among the birds collected by the
late Col. Russell, while some very interesting remarks upon the two races are

ANATIDE—GEESE. 195

‘contained in some letters by the Colonel, published in the Zoologist (40. xiv. 59).
‘He says :—

“On Feb. 4th, 1879, a large number of White-bellied Geese came [to the
‘Blackwater], probably from the south, as just before coming to us_they
‘appeared at Leigh, on the north side of the mouth of the Thames. There
is little or no feed for them there, and only Geese which do not know the
‘country call there, but of course do not stay long. Their ignorance was also
shown by their foolishness when they came on our coast; a great many were
shot for five days, but these were very thin. Most likely they had been
southward, but had failed to find good feeding ground. I was not on the coast
till about Feb. 20th; by that time the White-bellied Geese were fat and almost
unapproachable ; they were then mixed with the Black [-bellied] sort. They stayed,
to my knowledge, till March 15th,—I believe much longer. As usual, the
White-bellied [Geese] had no more young with them than the Black [-bellied]
If, as I suppose, the two varieties are bred in different parts of the world, the
-cause of failure of breed must be widespread. I wonder whether those who
have been at their breeding-places have noticed whichtvariety they saw. * * *
We have not only the two well-marked varieties, but every intermediate shade
—perhaps from intermediate places. *« * * In the winter of 1880-81, * * * we
had not many White-bellied Geese ; I had some difficulty in getting a good
‘specimen for you, and another for Capt. Fielden. There were very few young
among them, but I think a larger proportion than among the black sort.
Last winter [1881-82], we had hardly any White-bellied ones at all. I heard
of one being shot among some black ones quite early in October—the only
one I heard of being got. My man saw one among a flock of black soon
after: and I saw only one White-bellied (a single bird) early in November or
late in October,—I forget which. One gunner—always on the coast—said he
had seen only one little lot of the White-bellied sort, about a dozen, all the
winter.”

Upon the general subject of the Brent Goose on the Essex coast, and upon
the varying proportion of young birds to old in different years, Col. Russell
says :—

“The Brent Geese seem to come to the Essex coast pretty regularly about
the beginning of the second week in October. Sometimes the first I hear of
are not seen at all. With a fair wind they may be heard miles off at sea, far out
of sight. In 1880, my informant (a very experience! gunner) told me he was
afraid that there were no young ones, and he was right. Throughout the season
from the time of their first arrival, there was not one young one to a hundred
old ones. Last October, my informant about their arrival was another gunner,
who lives close to high water mark in the part most frequented by the Geese : he
told me that there were young ones among them. * » * To repeat the propor-
tions * x *:—Young [were] very numerous almost every season for about
twelve years up to 1878. :

“1878-79, about one young Goose to twelve old ones.

“1879-80, great numbers of young all the season.

“1880-81, about (or less than) one young Goose to a hundred old ones,

“ 1881-82, nearly as many young as old.

“T do not think that of these birds the young and old migrate separately,
x x x The mildness or coldness of the winter has nothing whatever to do with
the presence or absence of young Brent Geese. x x * We had a good many Brent
Geese this last winter [1881-32 ] considering the mildness of the weather. Quite
early, there were about 300, and more came from time to time, till there were
1000 or more between the Blackwater and Crouch Rivers. x * *. Our coast is
more disturbed than ever. People have taken to hunting the fowl in steam-
launches. x x » Every bird that swims is driven away—even such rubbish as
Scoters—except the Brent Geese, which keep well out of the boat’s way, but will
not, however, leave the country. I think they will soon cease to visit us, the
disturbance getting worse and worse, and the feed failing more and more. The
Zostera marinais gradually disappearing everywhere on the Essex coast and in

@ 2

196 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

all the rivers. » x *. The Geese have less and less feeding ground every year.
There is hardly a place where they can sit at low water and feed far enough from
the edge not to be liable to be disturbed ; yet the Geese of late years come more
regularly than thirty or forty years ago. Then, in mild winters, we often saw
none, or next to none, through whole seasons. I know not why this is—perhaps
because, on account of a run of good breeding years, there are more of the birds,.
or perhaps, as there is much less of the weed they eat, there may be less of it
adrift at sea—for the Geese used sometimes to remain all the winter without
coming within sight of land. « » « I will make one more remark about them :
They never go to sleep. Look at them when you will with a telescope, all day
they are wide awake, and all night they seem equally busy, whether you find
them near the land or go off to sea after them on a calm night. When far off
at sea, you may hear their noise the whole night, shifting its bearing with the
tide. I never saw, or heard of anyone seeing, a Brent Goose with its head on its
back, as if asleep [though] Ducks and Wigeon may often be seen in this position,”

Barnacle Goose: Bernicla leucopsis.
A rather uncommon winter visitor, very much less abundant than
the Brent Goose.

Lindsey, writing from
Harwich in 1851, speaks
of it (27. App. 59) as “a
winter visitor here, ap-
pearing in considerable
flocks, particularly when
the weather is severe.”
The Parsons Collection
ycontains one shot by Mr.

Z Island, on Dec. 11th,
1830. In the winter of
1870-71 a few were seen
in the Thames estuary,
/,. in company with Brent

: Geese (Smee—34. 2605).
Mr. F. Spalding has two,
shot at Tollesbury in
January, 1887. Mr. Hope,
who has specimens shot
at Maldon in March,
1886, says it is “not un-
common in small lots.”
Mr. Fitch remembers four
being shot out of one his ponds at Brick House, Maldon. Dr. Laver describes it as
race in both the Colchester and the Paglesham districts. Mr. Pettitt has a couple
shot recently with two others at Dovercourt, and Mr. Hope writes: “On
June 16th [1889], four Barnacle Geese flew out of the Deben River [Suffolk], and
went southward across the Cork Sand, off Harwich. I have never seen these
birds at this time of the year before.” Curiously enough, Mr. Fitch also tells
me that on the 26th ofthe same month he saw four Geese fly over the east end of
Canvey Island, on which they settled.

BARNACLE GOUSE, &%.

[Canada Goose: Bernicla canadensia.
An introduced North American species, which has been admitted

ANATIDZ—SWANS. 197

into some British lists because often found at large, especially durin
winter. It has no right to a place on the British list. Probably those
which occur in Essex from time to time have escaped from Kimberley
or Gunton in Norfolk, at both of which places Mr. Gurney informs me
a good many are bred annually. ‘“ After being once shot at these go
away, and no doubt some of them leave the county. Others remain at
large, and are quite unapproachable.” Mr. Clarke mentions (24) an ex-
ample (still in the Walden Museum) killed at Radwinter on Apr. 24th,
1836. Four were seen at Harwich on June 27th, 1877 (Kerry—4o. i.
525). Early in December, 1879, one, weighing twelve and a half pounds,
was shot out of a group of six, by Mr. J. J. Hawkins, near Middle
Wycke, Burnham (Chelmsford Chronicle, Dec. 12); and about the middle
of the same month, during a spell of severe weather, a flock passed
over the Maldon district (Chelmsford Chronicle, Dec. 26). Dr. Bree
records one (29),shot on the seashore at Wix, where it was feeding
alone, on the long-to-be-remembered 18th of Jan., 1881. He adds that
“it cost the shooter a severe frost-bite of the ends of his ten fingers,”
and that it had probably escaped from some ornamental water. At
Harwich, ‘some are seen nearly every year” (Kerry). ]

Red-breasted Goose: Bernicla rujicollis.
A very xare straggler to Great Britain, of which a single specimen
happens to have been killed in our county.

Mr. Harting has recorded (34. 2513: & 29. Jan. 21, & Feb. 4), that a speci-
men was shot out of a flock of Brent Geese at Maldon, on Jan. 6th, 1871, and
added to his Collection. The sex was not ascertained. This is the twelfth
and last recorded British specimen, and the first met with since 1845.* Mr, E. A.
Fitch, who has taken some trouble to investigate the history of this specimen,
writes (50. ill. 35) :—

“Tt was on Jan. 6th, 1871, that Henry Handley, with his brother John, Josiah
Pitt, John Basham, and seven others, were gunning on the Ray Sands, popularly
‘called the ‘Main,’ when amongst a quantity of Black (Brent) Geese they shot
one of the rare Red-breasted species (Bernicla rujicollis). It was shot off the
south part of the Bachelor Spit—in the bight of the Bachelor—and was picked
up, winged, by Josiah Pitt. The birds were brought homeand given to Henry
Handley to hawk round the town of Maldon, as was his wont, at two shillings
each, but nobody would have the ‘foreigner, so Handley had resort to Robert
Blanks, a local bird-stuffer, now deceased, and, after abating sixpence off his two
shillings, sold it to him. Blanks set up the bird and took it to Mr. Richard
Poole, who identified it by Yarrell as the Red-breasted Goose, and wrote to the
Editor of the Fve/d, asking what it was worth. Mr. Harting replied that he
would willingly give five pounds for the bird, should it prove to belong to the
species represented. Blanks, of course, was willing to sell at this (to him)
enormous price, and the specimen became Mr. Harting’s property. When this
gentleman parted with all his birds that were stuffed and set up, limiting his Col-
lection to skins only, the specimen was knocked down at Stevens’ Rooms on the

‘6th of June, 1872, for £31 Ios., to John Marshall, Esq., of Belmont, Taunton, in

whose possession it still remains [37. iv. 282 ].”

Mute Swan: Cygnus olor: Locally, ‘‘ Tame Swan.”
Common in a more or less domesticated state on ornamental
waters. It has been admitted to the British list for many years, but

.* It is worth mention that Montagu (p. 127) says:—‘‘One, Dr. Latham informs us [Syz.,
vi., p. 455], was shot near London [very likely in Essex] in the severe frost of 1766.” Harting

-Says (38. 156) that ‘‘according to Fox (Synof. Nezwc. Mus.), this date should be 1775.”

198 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

as it was probably introduced into England, though many centuries
ago, it has not a very good claim to this distinction.

[Black Swan,

An introduced Australian species, which has no claim whatever to a
place on the British list, though individuals are not unfrequently shot,
apparently quite wild and undomesticated. For instance, one was shot
at the Lordship Farm, Writtle, in the winter of 1875-6, and another here
in July, 1878, while Dr. Bree records (34. 3492) one, shot out of a pair
at Bradwell, on July 9th, 1873, after having been seen at Walton-on-the-
Naze, Frinton, &c. Col. Russell, writing to Mr. Hope on August 17th,
1884, says: “One of the Mussetts from West Mersea shot a Black.
Swan on the Ist Aug. One, probably the same, was there on Aug. Ist,,
three or four years ago.” Dr. Bree records an adult male shot at Mersea
on June roth, 1864 (29. June 25). This had probably escaped from
Abbots Ripton Hall, Hunts (29. July 9th, 1864). On July goth, 1871,,
two were seen about ten yards above the sea and fifty from the shore
passing Walton-on-Naze, going from Harwich towards Clacton. They
were fired at but missed at Frinton. A. Mussett subsequently shot a
male, having an entirely empty stomach, at Bradwell. The other escaped.

(29. July 29, 1871).

Whooper Swan: Cygnus musicus. T.ocally, “ Wild Swan.”
A not uncommon visitor to our coast during severe winters, when:
it is also sometimes met with inland.

Dale, writing of Harwich, says (2. 403): ‘“ This in winter time is often shot
upon this coast,” and Lindsey, writing at that place in 1851, says (27. Ap. 58)
they ‘visit us in the winter, arriving in flocks, sometimes as late as Christmas».
and are generally more numerous as the weather becomes more severe.” Mr.
Kerry says (40. iv. 69) that a good many were seen about Harwich during the
severe weather in December, 1879, and that one was shot onthe 8th. Mr, Parsons.
writes (8) :—

“The winter of 1829-30 was very severe. There were a good many birds be-.
fore Christmas, but in January the weather was so severe and the shore so bunged
up with ice, that there was no shooting. In February, we had a few days good
sport. There were a good many Swans about, and an Eagle [was] shot on Poult
ness. From Dec. gth to Jan. 16th, it snowed every day, with only one or two
exceptions.”

Mr. Clarke notes one (24) killed many years since out of a flock of four, and
long in the Audley End Collection ; also two killed at Audley End on Jan.
3Ist,'and two more on Feb. 4th, 1838. Mr. Blyth says (12. iii. 414) that in the
winter of 1837-38’ many appeared in this country and large numbers were shot..
In one place on the Thames I have information of a flock settling among a num-
ber of tame Swans, and readily coming to feed on bread, &c., that was thrown to.
them. It was consequently hoped that they would have been induced to-
remain in the locality, but at the breaking up of the frost they all disappeared,
after a sojourn of some weeks. At Manningtree, in Essex, however, a number
appear to have taken up their abode, and it is expected will breed there.” Kingalso
says (15) that “ during the last severe winter [1837-38], this country was visited’
by immense flocks of these birds. Several were shot in this neighbourhood
[Sudbury].” Edward Doubleday includes it in his list of Epping birds (15).
One, weighing 223 lbs., was shot at Southend early in 1861 (29. Feb. 9)-
Mr. A. H. Smee says (34, 2525) that during the severe weather in the beginning
of 1871, some were seen round the mouth of the Thames. One weighing twenty ~

ANATIDE—SWANS. 199

three pounds was shot in the third week of January, and Mr, Smee says he approached
within 120 yards of one in Hadleigh Ray, just after daybreak on the morning of
Feb. 15th. It is recorded (Chelmsford Chronicle, Jan. 31) that on the 28th of Jan.,
1879, “ A group of these birds, twenty-three in number, were about the river, and
after having been fired at took their departure. Several have since been seen
close in-shore.” On the 20th, one was “captured alive after being slightly
wounded|in the wing, and was afterwards sold to Dr. J. H. Salter.” Mr. Fitch
says that, in the same year, ‘twelve lit close by the high-road at South House,
Maldon, and I believe four were bagged. I heard the shots fired.”

Bewick’s Swan: Cygnus bewicki. Locally, “ Little Swan.”
A not uncommon winter visitor to our coast, especially during
long spells of severe weather, and occasionally met with inland.

In the Collection at Audley End is a specimen killed there in 1841, King,
writing in 1838, at Sudbury, says (20) :—

“Last winter one was shot on the Stour about three miles east of the town.
It was a beautiful specimen and the first I had ever seen ; but I was unsuccessful
in my-endeavours to obtainit.*« * * I subsequently obtained another specimen of
this bird, also shot on the river.”

Dr. Bree records one (29) shot at Alresford Creek in the winter of 1880-81,
and now in the collection of Mr. Jas. Round, M.P. Mr. A. H. Smee says (34.
2552) that during the severe weather in Jan. and Feb., 1871, several flocks of
Swans were seen round the mouth of the Thames, ‘ Twenty-six were seen in
one flock by the Nore Light-ship. Another flock of ten was seen on the mud-flats
opposite Leigh. The fishermen called them ‘Little Swans,’ evidently meaning
Bewick’s.”” Two which were shot off Leigh on Jan, 24th and Feb. 13th respec-
tively, both weighed thirteen pounds. Mr. Hope remarks that both this species
and the Whooper are “ not uncommon in winter.” He adds: “I have seen them
going south in November and north again about April 7th. Dr. Laver describes
it as rare in the Colchester and Paglesham districts, but more frequent in both
than the Whooper.

Sheldrake: Zadorna cornuta. Locally, ‘ Bargander,” or
‘¢ Bar-goose.”

A resident on our coast, though not common, and certainly
decreasing. Without doubt it used to breed much more commonly

than at present.

Merrett says (1.179): “ Chenalopex vulpanser, a Bergander, nusquam alias
vidi nisi in Thamisi fluvio aiunt tamen Esse frequentem in insula Tenia (Thanet)
vocata et illic in scrobibus cuniculorum nidulari.’”” Albin says (3. 190): ‘ They
are found about several lakes and rivers near the sea-coast of England and Wales,
but chiefly in Lancashire and Essex.’’ Donovan also, apparently quoting Albin,
says (5. iii. Pl. xxi): ‘It is found in vast quantities on several of our sea-coasts,
and particularly about the rivers and lakes in Lancashire and Essex, where it finds
an abundance of small fish, marine insects, &c.” Dale, in 1730, says (2. 405):
“ This I have seen at Braintree, brought from these parts [Harwich], it being
very frequent on the east side of England.” Mr. Kerry says it is now “ very
common” round Harwich in some winters. He adds that a pair bred near
Walton-on-the-Naze in 1888, and again in 1889. Mr. W.H. Hill, in 1835, says
(12. viii. 574) it “‘is common, either in pairs or in flocks of about a dozen, in ‘he
creeks and inlets of the River Crouch,” In 1838, it was “not common” round

200 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Sudbury (King). The Rev. M. C. H. Bird informs me of a pair seen on Canvey -

Island on Jan, 20th and 25th, 1881 ; another on Jan, 21st, 1882 ; another pair on
April 18th and 23rd, 1885 ; and also of two pairs seen on March oth and again
on April gth, 1882, all on Canvey Island, where, he adds, he still knows of their
breeding.* He says (40. xi. 195) it is known as “ Bargoose”’ on the Essex coast.
He never heard the term Bargander applied to the male. “It appears to be a
late breeder. One, killed off Canvey Island a few years ago on May oth, had no
down off the breast, although the feathers there were dirty, as if she had been
burrowing, and the most fully developed egg in the ovary was not so large as a

a)

pea.
As regards its breeding in the county, Mr. Fitch writes (41.1. 196): “A nest

of this handsome duck was found on Osey Island this year [1887] in a rabbit hole
on the cliffs. The old bird was caught, but again liberated, and the seven eggs
taken by Jordan and put undera hen. These all hatched in three days time.”
One young one was speedily killed, but the rest were kept alive by Mr. E. H.
Bentall. Mr. Fitch also knew of a nest on the Crouch at Fambridge in
1889. The Rev. J. C. Atkinson writes me that he knew of its breeding
at West Mersea some sixty years ago. He adds: “‘ One of my friends, the son of
the then Rector of East Mersea and Curate of West, got a ‘clutch’ of eggs out
of one of the sand-hills, near where he and I used to bathe, and hatched them
at East Mersea Rectory, I forget whether under a hen or a duck.” Dr. Laver
describes it as ‘‘common on the coast, where it still breeds in some spots.” Mr.
Hope who has specimens shot at Harwich in December, 1867, says it “still breeds
on the coast in rabbit holes.’ On June 12th, 1888, Mr. Fitch and myself were
informed py the keepers of the Old Hall Marshes, Tollesbury, that a pair were
then breeding near at hand, but we did not actually see them. Mr. Benton says
(35. 198) : ‘“‘ The Bargoose occasionally rears its young in haulm-walls, &c.,” on
the coast.

Ruddy Sheldrake: Zadorna casarca.

Of this rare visitant to the British Isles, I have only a single
record in Essex, and that a rather unsatisfactory one, inasmuch as
the whereabouts of the specimen said to have been obtained is not

now known.
Mr. Hope writes me :—

“‘T quite remember the fact of a Ruddy Sheldrake being shot in the Black-
water one time when I was fowling with Col. Russell on the Main ; and Iremem-
ber at the time hearing who shot it, and how he only got a trifle for it, and how
the next man sold it fora large sum; but I never saw it, and cannot remember
the exact date.”

Wigeon: Mareca penelope.

A very common winter visitor to the coast and sometimes killed
inland. It used to be taken in the Decoys in prodigious numbers, as
already mentioned (p. 70). It seldom arrives before the end of Sep-
tember. Any seen earlier have probably been bred in Britain, asa
few undoubtedly breed in Scotland and Ireland, but it has never yet
been known to do so in England.

* Onthe latest Ordnance maps, a sand-bank at the east end of Canvey Island is still marked as
the ‘‘ Bargander Sands.”

ANATIDA—DUCKS. 201

Dale, in 1730, says (2. 404): ‘‘ These in winter time are brought to [ Harwich]
Market from the decoys.” Mr. Bond met with “ one specimen only” at Southend
during the last week in August, 1842 (23. 40). Mr. Clarke, about 1845, speaks
of it (24) as “not infrequent” then round Saffron Walden. According to King
(20) it was formerly “not uncommon” around Sudbury. Mr. Buxton says (47.
97) that in Epping Forest it “may be seen occasionally in winter,” and English
includes it (43. 1.24) in his Epping List. Round Harwich, Mr. Kerry calls it com-
mon, and it is said locally to breed there occasionally, but this is almost certainly
an error, though Mr. Hope informs me that he has seen birds of the year near
Harwich early in July, and that they remained in the neighbourhood for two
months, Six young birds were also observed on the Essex coast on August 7th,
1880 (42), while four young birds were taken some years ago in the Marsh
House Decoy, Tillingham, during the month of August.

It is:a highly remarkable fact, too (as has already been observed—p. 71) that,
whereas at present the vast majority of the birds taken in our Decoys near the
‘coast are caught during December, January and February, a century and a half
ago, by far the greatest numbers were taken during September and October, while
even the month of August was then more productive than the months mentioned
above now are. The inference seems to be that a very large number of the birds
formerly taken were home-bred, or, at least, that their chief breeding-grounds then
lay nearer to us than they now do. Now-a-days, the Wigeon is only known
to breed in Britain on the rarest occasions.

[American Wigeon: MJZareca americana.

A very rare straggler to Britain from America, only six or seven
specimens having been obtained here. An Essex record by Mr. Samuel
Howell Carter of Marsh Lane, Tottenham (29. Feb. 13, 1864; and 23.
8962) is very vague and unsatisfactory, though accepted by Harting (88.
159). He merely writes, ‘I shot on the Essex coast last Saturday [? Jan.,
1864] a beautiful female specimen of the American Wigeon.” The where-
abouts of the specimen is not now known, and the whole record is so
utterly unsubstantiated that no reliance must be placed on it. A young
male Common Widgeon in moult, shot at Maldon in Nov., 1862, was er-
roneously recorded in the /7e/d as an American Wigeon by “‘C. A, W,”
(29. April 4 and 11, 1863). ]

Pintail: Dajila acuta.

A not-uncommon winter visitor to the Essex coast. Occasionally
individuals occur inland.

Inthe Parsons Collection
is a fine old male shot on
Shoebury shore at flight in
Jan.,18%2. King says (20)
female was shot near Sudbury
in the winter of 1837-38. It
is marked in the catalogue of
Walden Museum, issued in
1845, as having occurred near
that town. Lindsey, writing
of Harwich in 1851, says (27.
App. 66),

“This handsome Duck is
@ winter visitor to our shores,

and one of those _ species PINTAIL DUCK, adult male in spring, 1/11.

202 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

which are taken when the Decoys begin to be worked in October. It remains here:
through the winter till the spring, and is obtained by, Wild-fowl shooters on the-
coast.”

Round Harwich, it is rare (Kerry). One was shot on Canvey Island on Dec..
Igth, 1881 (Bird). Mr. Robert Page has a pair, taken in his Decoy at Marsh
House.

Wild Duck: Azas doscas.
A resident, breeding not uncommonly among the marshes near:
the coast and in various private parks containing ornamental lakes,,

SS

— + ———— Ss
= = ~
SS s pares

a ee = ¥ —-- SSS.

WILD DUCK, male and female, 1/16.

throughout the county. The resident birds are, however, enor--
mously recruited during winter by arrivals from elsewhere. The-
immense numbers formerly taken in the Decoys on the coast have
been already alluded to (p. 70).

Dale, writing of Harwich in 1730, says (2. 404), “ These are in winter time:
abundantly caught in decoy-ponds, from whence they are carried to supply mar-
kets.” Round Saffron Walden, Mr. Clarke says (24) it used to breed freely about.
1845, and it is now by no means rare there, breeding in and around Audley End,,
Shortgrove and Debden Parks. I saw a nest containing nine eggs built in the
crown of a huge oak growing beside the lake, in the latter,on April 27th, 1880. It.
“breeds annually in several parts of the forest. A small party of them frequented
Connaught Water throughout the winters of 1883-84, and being left alone, became:
very tame” (Buxton—47. 97). In the spring of 1883, Mr. William Cole saw a
Wild Duck and young on a pond near Connaught Water. In April, 1877, a nest.
was built in the crown of a pollard willow-tree beside the river Roding at Stan-
ford Rivers, and a nest containing ten eggs was found in Navestock Park on May
14th, 1888. As regards its breeding on the coast, Mr. Fitch writes (41. i. 150) :

“T hear that upwards of fifty ‘ flappers ’ have been seen in the ditches of South
Wick, Southminster Marshes, quite lately. They breed in this neighbourhood
much more rarely than formerly. In 1875 a nest of eggs was hatched here on my
home farm (Brick House, Maldon), but there has been no sign of one since. One
nest hatched off on Northey Island this year. I have seen quite fifty young ones
in a day in the Canvey ‘ Fleets.’”

The Rey. W. Palin, in 1871, wrote as follows (Stifford and its Neighbourhood,

ANATIDA“—DUCKS. 203.

p. 109) :—“A friend tells the writer that thirty years ago he and another bagged
seventeen pairs of flappers (young Plovers) in a day on the Tilbury Levels.”
“ Flappers” are, of course, young Ducks, not Plovers. On the Old Hall Marshes,
Tollesbury, and all the other marshes round our coast, it is common asa breeding:
bird. Round Harwich, “it is common and breeds on the Bentlings, where it
makes a nest without any attempt at concealment, much to the delight of the
Carrion Crows”’ (Kerry).

In the Collection at Audley End is ablack variety (? domestic) killed at that place
(24), and in the winter of 1876-77 I was informed that a white one was seen on the
lake in Navestock Park. A hybrid specimen, the result of a cross between this species
and the Wigeon, was among the birds collected by the late Col. Russell. It was.
shot onthe Essex coast, but] am unable to say where. It is described as a male
in full plumage, showing the markings of both parents very distinctly, and is con-
jectured to have been bred from a Wigeon which had been wounded, and was un-
able, in consequence, to migrate.

Mr. Hope observes that there are two forms of this bird, a large variety,
which comes first, and a small sharp-winged form, which arrives about Christ--

mas.

Gadwall: Chaulelasmus streperus. Locally “Sand Wigeon.”
A decidedly uncommon visitor to our coast from autumn to spring.

Mr. Clarke mentions (24) a male killed at Wenden in Feb., 1837, and there
is at Saffron Walden a mature male shot on the lake at Shortgrove in March, 1862,
by a gamekeeper. King, in 1838, says (20), “I have in my collection a female
Gadwall shot about two years since on the Stour at Cornard,” This bird is now
at Birmingham. Lindsey, writing of Harwich in 1851, describes it (27. App. 63) as.
“a rare species, occurring sometimes in winter, but more frequently in the spring,
rather than at any other season of the year, and then only in very limited num.
bers.’ Mr. Hope saysit is “often shot near Harwich.” Mr. Robert Page has a
pair, taken in his Decoy at Marsh House,

Garganey: Querguedula circia. Locally, “ Summer Teal.”

An uncommon visitor, chiefly when on migration. I know of

no instance of its breeding in the county, though it has done so in

Suffolk and
Norfolk.

Yarrell says
(14. iii, 166) that
it is rare in Essex
and Kent. Lind-
sey, writing of
Harwich in 1851,
says (27. App.
62) that it

Saiceerather a
rare species, and
though specimens
have been seen in
October, it more
frequently makes
its appearance in
the spring, and
then only in comparatively small numbers.”

GARGANEY, male and female, 1/8.

204 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Mr, J. H. Gurney jun., has the wing of one killed on July 22nd, 1884, at
the Swin Middle L.V. Mr. Robert Page has a pair, taken in his Decoy at Marsh
House, Mr. Pettitt preserved a couple of males, shot by Mr. Robert Pettitt,
of Paglesham, on the Hyde Marshes, North Fambridge, on Mar. 14th, 1890.

Teal: Querguedula crecca.*

Best known as a common winter visitor, especially to the marshes
near the coast, but also a resident, breeding with us in small and
apparently decreasing numbers. In some seasons, large numbers
are taken i the Decoys.

To Harwich, in 1851, Lindsey described it (27. App. 62) as
‘“an early and constant winter visitor, making its appearance by the end of
September, sometimes sooner,and remaining till spring has made considerable pro-
gress.’ He adds that their numbers are ‘‘ constantly recruited through the winter
months by additional arrivals from the northern parts of Europe, and our markets,

in consequence, obtain a regular supply from the various decoys and other modes
‘of.capture.”

King, in 1838, says (20) it was then “not uncommon ” around Sudbury, and
Mr. Clarke, about 1845, described it (24) as being then “not uncommon”
round Walden. Mr. Andrew Marriage has one shot by himself at Little
Baddow in the winter of 1874, when in company with two others. Mr. Buxton
says (47. 97) ‘‘several frequented the Wanstead Park waters in the spring of
1883, and in the following spring, I saw a single bird on Connaught Water.”
This bird was also observed by others (44. iv. Ixxvili). Daniel says (6. ii. 472)
that he turned out some which he had received from the Decoys, upon the ponds
at Little Waltham Hall, after having pinioned them, and that they bred there.

As regards its breeding at large in the county generally, the Rev. J. C. Atkin-
son writes (36. 145) :—‘ When I was a boy, I heard of nests, almost annually, on
some of the [ Essex] marshes ] knew most familiarly.” A nest of five eggs was
taken on the marshes near Tollesbury in June, 1883, by my brother. Round
Harwich, it is common and breeds (Kerry). In the Paglesham district, too, it
breeds “ almost every season” (Wiseman). On our coast, however, it seems de-
creasing in numbers as a breeding bird. Mr. J. May, who has known the Old
Hall Marshes, Tollesbury, for upwards of forty years, informs me that in his young
days he remembered seeing as many as thirty pairs of Teal breeding there, but
they have for some time been gradually becoming scarcer, In 1887, he knew of
two nests, but in 1888 he feels certain there was not one on the 1,700 acres, or
thereabouts, under his supervision. Itseems to be the same on Northey Island,
where Mr. Fitch states (50. ii. 198) that ‘‘ none have bred for the last three years.”

Its breeding in the inland parts of our county is very unusual, but in the
summer of 1886, a pair nested in the osier-ground beside the brook Cann at
Writtle. My cousin, Mr. R. W. Christy, saw the old birds repeatedly during the
early spring, and up to the middle of April. During the summer, the nest,
which contained broken egg-shells, was found by a man named Thomas Perry.

* The Bimaculated Duck (Querguedula bimaculata) is a spurious species, described from a
cross between a Teal and a Wild Duck, which used to appear onthe British List. Yarrell says
(Zoological Journal, i. 585; and 14. ili. 166) that the male and female from which he took “‘his
description ” were sent up from a Decoy near Maldon in ‘‘ Essex, to Leadenhall Market in the
winter of 1812-13.” They were there observed by Mr. George Weighton, a professional natural-
ist, who purchased and preserved them. ‘They afterwards passed into Yarrell’s own Collection,
and are now in the British Museum, labelled ‘“‘ ? Maldon.”

—— a

ANATIDA:— DUCKS. 205,

Shoveller: Spatula clypeata.

Fairly common on our coast from autumn to spring, and occa-
sionally met with inland. It breeds regularly, though in small num-
bers, in several parts of Britain, and a few pairs nest annually among
the marshes on our coast.

Mr, Clarke notes (24) a male shot at Debden by Mr. Salmon on Mar. 28th,
1839. Mr. W. H. Hill, of Southminster, in 1835 (12. viii. 574) says, it “is rarely
killed [in that district]. I have seen one pair this winter.” Mr, Crouch has (44.
iii. v.) a specimen shot on the Roding at Barkingside on Oct. 27th, 1881, after a
week of very severe weather,

Mr. Crosfield, of Reigate, informs me that he put a drake up from Dagenham
Lake on April 29th, 1879, when it seems probable that it was breeding. Mr. Hope.
writes that it ‘breeds on the marshes not far from Harwich.” He shot one th-_re
on Aug. Ist, 1884. Mr. Fitch and myself observed a pair on the Old Hall Marshes,
Tollesbury, on June 12th, 1888, which the keepers informed us had bred there that
spring ; and in 1889, according to Dr. Salter, a considerable number bred on these
marshes, where he says it is becoming commoner as a breeding bird. In a MS.
letter of Col. Russell’s, he says :—Several pairs “stay every summer in our place
in Essex [? Stubbers], and probably breed there, but their habit is to go south
soon after they can fly well.”

Tufted Duck: Fulieula cristata.

A somewhat rare and irregular winter visitor ; occasionally met
with on lakes or rivers in various parts of the county, but most often
near the coast. 7 ie
It has not yet ee _EZ©Z7 8
been positively ==
known to breed
in Essex, but
may do so, as it
appears to be a
resident and in-
creasing in num-
bers in various
mattis “Of . the
country.

Graves says (7.
iti) :—

“Some we re-
ceived alive from a
decoy near Mal-
don, Essex, were exceedingly wild and survived but a few days. During their
confinement, on the approach of anyone, they uttered a hissing noise like the

Common Goose, and were continually snapping their bills) They have many of
the actions of the Teal, but are a far less elegant species.”

Mr. Clarke speaks (24) of one at Littlebury on Feb. 2nd, 1832, and one at
Audley End in 1835. Earthy, in March, 1839, records (19. 114) the recent occur-
rence of one at Marks Hall. On Mar. 2oth, 1867, a flock appeared on the River

TUFTED DUCKS, sale and female, 1/8.

206 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

‘Lea about a mile from Hoddesdon. Seven of them were shot by one gentleman

(34. 709). Mr. Buxton says (47. 98) :—

“Early in 1884, a male and three females frequented the upper pond in Wan-
stead Park for two months, in company with the Coots, and became almost as
‘tame as they are. The male bird left us towards the end of February, but the
females were still there on March 7th.”

An adult male was shot at Ilford during the last week of 1877 (29. Jan.5). At
‘Harwich, a few are seen every winter (Kerry), and a pair were shot in the harbour
‘on Jan, 12th, 1876 (34. 4827). Mr. Hope says that it arrives on our coasts in
October. In the winter of 1887-8, Mr. Sackett says he seldom went out shore-
shooting round Orsett without seeing several. On Feb. 11th, he watched five
feeding on the edge of the tide ; three were diving, each remaining under water
for a long period, while the other two floated motionless, as if on guard. On Feb.
2nd, 1889, he “observed a party of between twenty and thirty floating on the waves
waiting for the tide to recede ; also several other smaller parties out on the river.”
In August, 1888, seven young ‘ Black Ducks ” were shot on a large sheet of water,
known as “ The Wade,” in Steeple parish, but I have been unable to satisfy myself
‘that they were of this species, though it seems probable. Mr. Robert Page has a
pair, taken in his Decoy at Marsh House.

Red-crested Pochard: Fuligula rujfina.

Of this very rare winter visitor to Britain, a single example only is
known to have been met with in Essex. It was killed near Col-
‘chester about January, 1844, and is now in the Museum of the Cam-
bridge Philosophical Society (37. iv. 408). The female figured in
Gould’s Birds of Europe was shot out of a flock of eighteen on the
Thames, near Belvedere, Erith.

Scaup : /uligula marila.
A common visitor on our coast from autumn to spring; seldom

met with inland.

Mr. Hope says that
it arrives on our coasts
a an) ‘October: Mr.

= Clarke refers (24) to
= — one shot at Audley
Endon Feb. 2nd, 1830,
and another (female)
shot at the same place
on Jan. 25th, 1838,
which is still in the
Collection there. At
The Roos, Saffron
Walden, a specimen
shot on the pond there
some years ago is
preserved. Edward
Doubleday wrote in
1835 (15) that it had
been killed at Harlow.
E iglish records (44. iii. iv.) a young female shot on a pond at Theydon Garnon

SCAUP DUCK, made, 1/8.

ANATIDA—DUCKS. 207

-on Oct. 15th, 1881, it being the first he had heard of in the neighbourhood. The
previous day had been very boisterous, ‘A flock of seven or eight remained on
the Wanstead Basin for several days a few winters ago, They were very shy”
(Buxton—47. 97). “A large flock of about a hundred frequented Leigh Ray
‘during January and February [1871]. Although constantly shot at, they refused
to leave the cockle-grounds ” (Smee—34. 2605). ‘In the winter of 1887-8, many
were killed at Mersea”” (Laver). At Harwich, “ it iscommon in winter ” (Kerry).
Mr. Robert Page has a male, taken in his Decoy at Marsh House.

Pochard: /uligula ferina. Locally, “Dunbird” or “Red-
headed Dunbird.”

A common visitor, chiefly during the winter, to our coast, where
vast numbers used to be taken in some of the Decoys. During the
last two or three
years a_ small
though increas-
ing number have
become resident
and have bred
(for the first time,
Oa. tals AS... 15
known) on the
Marshes of the
Blackwater Estu-
“ary. =
Of Harwich, Dale, —
in 1730, wrote (2.
409): “This is fre-
quent in the sea and

places adjoining,” POCHARD, \%.
while Lindsey, in
1851, wrote (27. App. 60) that this species visits our coast in the wintry season.
It has, however, been “ very rare of late years” (Kerry). Mr. Clarke (24) men-
tions one killed at “The Roos,” two at Audley End in Nov., 1835, and a
male killed on Jan. 24th, 1838, at Audley End. Mr, W. H. Hill wrote in 1835
(12. vill. 574) that it was then rarely killed near Southminster. Mr. Buxton says
that (47. 98) it

“has been observed at Wanstead. A single bird visited my pond last spring
[1883] and remained some weeks, consorting with the tame Ducks and becoming
himself very tame. A single bird came to the Wanstead Ponds early last year,
and remained more than a month. At first he was very wild, but towards the end
‘of his stay became much tamer. Last year [1884] probably the same bird re-
turned and kept company with the Tufted Ducks, acquiring their tameness. He
went away with the male Tufted Duck towards the end of February.”

Mr. Hope observes that it arrives in October, “and is always very tame at
first.”

The Rev. J. C. Atkinson writes me that he knew of its having bred occasion-
ally on the Essex marshes, some sixty years ago, but that he never came across a

208 THE ‘BIRDS’ OF ESSEX.

nest himself. Mr. J. F. T. Wiseman, of Paglesham, informs me that he does not
know of its breeding on the marshes in that district.

Along our coast, however, it seems to be increasing rapidly in numbers as a
breeding bird, though I am not aware that it has been before recorded as nesting
with us—-at least of late years. Mr. Fitch records a nest hatched off on Northey
Island in 1887, and another, containing eleven eggs, which was mown over in a
field of red clover on the island in the following year (50. ii. 195). On June
12th, 1888, that gentleman and myself had the pleasure of seeing quite a number
of these birds, and several of their recently-used nests, on the Old Hall Marshes,
Tollesbury, where we were informed by Mr. G. May, the head-keeper, that they
first bred (so far as he is aware) in the year 1886, when a single pair (one of
which the keepers thought had probably been wounded, and thus prevented
migrating with its fellows), reared their young. However this may have been, in
1887, five or six pairs—no doubt the offspring of the original pair—bred on
the same marshes; while in 1888, the number increased to seventeen or
eighteen pairs, at least. Mr. May kindly showed us several nests, built among
the reeds on the edges of the larger pools and fleets, from which broods had
been hatched out only a day or two before. Some of the females seen, too,
had evidently young broods among the reeds.

Golden-eye: Clangula glaucion. Locally, “ White-faced Dun-
bird” (E.A.F.) and “ Bastard Diver.”

A winter visitor, chiefly to the coast, but sometimes met with
inland.

——= —— Pennant says (ii.
=a 498) Mr. Cockfield,
= of Stratford, in “ Es-

sex favoured me with
anaccount of two birds
of this species, shot
near the same time.
Both agreed in col-
ours, but one weighed
26 oz. the other only
19 oz.” Mr. Clarke
mentions (24) four
killed at Shortgrove
in Jan., 1830, one at
<4 Wenden on Apr.
23rd, 1836, and a
female at Wenden
in Feb. of the fol-
lowing year. King
says (20), “ Several
of these Ducks were
seen in our neighbourhood [Sudbury] last season [1837]. I have a fine male in
my possession [now at Birmingham], shot with another at Cornard.” Mr. Grubb
says (39), “I believe almost, or quite, the last bird I shot was a female on our
river.’ Mr. W. H. Hill, of Southminster, records (12. viii. 574) that it was
“yare in his time (1835) round that place, where it was known as the “ Bastard

GOLDEN-EYE, male, %.

ANATIDZ—DUCKS. 209

Diver.” Mr. Hope says it is common on our coasts, arriving rather later in the
autumn than the Tufted Duck and Scaup. At Harwich it is fairly common in
winter (Kerry).

White-eyed Duck: MWyroca ferruginea.

An uncommon spring and winter visitor to Britain; most often
met with on the East Coast. It has, doubtless, occurred from time
to time in Essex, but I have only one actual record.

A specimen (sex uncertain) taken in the Marsh House Decoy, Tillingham,
about ten years ago, is preserved at the Marsh House, where, through Mr.

Page’s kindness, I have inspected it. It is the only specimen known to have been
taken thereabouts.

Long-tailed Duck: Harelda glacialis.

An uncommon winter visitor only to the Essex Coast.
Henry Doubleday —

says (10) he saw ==
one in 1832 in a
Collection at Col-;
chester, obtained on =
the adjacent coast. =
Yarrell says (14. iii. 2
TGO)i “o lteis con
sidered a rare bird,
but has been killed
on the coasts of
Kent, Essex, Suf
folk, and Norfolk.
One was shot at:
Mersea Island, dur-

ing the severe Win- SS = = ==
ter of 1837-38 (19.0 ee

SSS ——— =
34). Mr. Hope, = : = ~ = —— =

who has a pair in
summer plumage,
killed at Maldon in Feb., 1879, and a female in full plumage killed at Harwich
on Noy. gth, 1887, says: “ Young birds are common every winter.” At Harwich
it is rare (Kerry). About the middle of Nov., 1887, one was shot at Southend
by Mr. J. M. Burton (29. Noy. 19; & 41. ii. 12). Another was shot there in the
winter of 1860-61 (23. 7386).

LONG-TAILED DUCKS, male and female, Ys.

Eider Duck: Somateria mollissima.
An uncommon winter visitor only to the Essex Coast.

A couple of males shot at Maldon on Jan. 3rd, 1865, were at first supposed
to be King Ducks (29. Jan. 14). Another female shot on the Blackwater, near
Maldon, on Oct. 23rd, 1875, was also recorded asa King Duck (29. Nov. 6th,
2oth, & Dec. 11th; & 34. 4766), a mistake afterwards corrected. Mr. A. H.
Norman shot three out of a party of four near Southend during the severe weather
in Dec., 1875 (29. Dec. 25). Dr. Bree records an immature male shot at Mersea
on Dec. 19.1867 (29. Jan. 4). Round Harwich, it is “rare,” though two have

P

210 THE BIRDS. OFMESS Exe

recently been shot on Handford Water (Kerry). On Oct. 7th, 1881, three were
“seen near Levington Creek on the Orwell, two of which were shot, and the
third obtained near Harwich on
the following day” (J. H. H.
Knights -— 40. vi. 151). Mr.
Ambrose has preserved speci-
mens from Mersea, Harwich,
Tollesbury, &. Mr. Hope, who
has an immature male killed
on the Main on Nov. 2nd, 1882,
and a young female killed on
Handford Water on Nov. 6th,
1888, says that on our coasts it
is ‘common in heavy weather.”
In the winter of 1887-88, Mr.
Fitch saw several, killed in the
Blackwater, and Mr. Spalding
noticed others on the poulter-
er’s stalls at Colchester. Mr.
Pettitt preserved a young male, killed at Brightlingsea on Jan. 3rd, 1890.

EIDER DUCK, male, 1/13.

Common Scoter: Gdemia nigra. Locally, “ Black Duck.”

A common winter visitor to the seas off the Essex Coast ; it haS

occurred very rarely inland. It breeds in the north of Scotland.

‘ Dale, in 1730, says (2. 405): “It was
sent to Braintree some years past from
Tendring Hundred.” To MHarwich, in
1851, Lindsey says (27. App. 65) it wasa
winter visitor only, and “during that sea-
son is to be seen in great numbers on our
coast.” It is now “common” there in
the winter (Kerry). In the Audley End
Collection is a specimen killed at Debden
on Apr. 3rd, 1849. Yarrell says (37. iv
p- 473): “ At times the waters between
the Eastern counties and Holland are black
with them,” and a friend saw large flocks
swimming in deep water off the Maplin Sands in Oct., 1888. Mr. Hope ob-
serves that it is ‘‘common on all our sands.” He adds that “some birds stop all
the year round.” Mr. Robert Page has a female, taken in his Marsh House
Decoy, at Tillingham.

Mr. Fitch writes: “Immense gatherings are to be seen all winter on the
Foulness or Maplin Sands. The Black Ducks always congregate between the
Crouch and the Thames, the cleaner weed-feeding Black Geese congregate
between the Crouch and the Blackwater, on the Dengie Flats and Ray Sand.
The Ducks often rival the Geese in numbers, and the former are frequently seen
in spring and summer. On the day of the Jubilee Yacht Race (June 14th, 1887),
when going down-Swin in the fog, we came on quite a large bunch of Black
Duck between the Horns and the Mouse Light. Large quantities of various
Ducks, chiefly Scoters, were seen near the Swin Middle L. V., in December 1887 ;
also January, 1888. On the 12th, the vessel was surrounded with Black Ducks,
as far as could be seen with a telescope (42. ae 5A))s

COMMON SCOTER, 1/12.

ANATIDZ—DUCKS. 211

Velvet Scoter: Gdemia fusca.

An uncommon winter visitor to our coast.
Henry Doubleday says (10)
he saw one in 1832 in a Col-
lection at Colchester, obtained
on the adjacent coast. During
the winter of 1829-30, ‘‘ About
thirty were seen in the Stour
near Harwich,” but “they were
so expert in diving that but
few were shot’ (Hoy—12. iii.
436). Lindsey says (27. App.
63) that it is ‘only a winter
visitor” to Harwich. He
adds: ‘‘From its habits of
diving rather than flying, when
approached, it is sometimes
caught in the nets of our sea-
fishermen.”’ Mr. Ambrose has received it from Mersea. A few are seen in Handford
Water every winter (Kerry). It was recorded from Southend in the winter of
1860-61 (23. 7386). Mr. Hope has one shot at Maldon in Feb., 1874.
‘

Goosander: Mergus merganser. Locally, “Sawbil” and
*“* Merganser ” (E. A. F.).

An uncommon winter visitor to our coast from autumn to spring.
Unlike its relative, the Merganser, it is not unfrequently met with
inland.

Dale, writing of
Harwich, in 1730,
says (2. 402): “ This
is frequently to be
met with here,’ but
Mr. Kerry_considers
itnowrarethere. He
records one (34.
4827) shot in the
harbour on Jan. 17th,
1876. Mr. Clarke
speaksofit (24) as oc-
casionally met with
round Walden. He

mentions a female = aaa
shot at Debden Hal ==

—=

One ane 3oth,, 1830) = = = 2 == a= =
one killed at Lite SSS = =

bury three days — =S=S=S=SS =—

later, “and two ma-

ture males at Aud-

ley End (mow in the Collection there) on Jan. 27th and 2gth, 1838. Dr.
P 2

GOOSANDER, 1/10.

212 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Bree records that one of a pair was shot on the Stour at Nayland in Dec., 1864.
(29 Dec. 31). He adds that it is by no means common on the Essex Coast, and
that, although he had frequently met with Mergansers, this was the first he had
seen in the flesh. Mr. Buxton says (47. 99): “A flock of fifteen in immature
plumage remained on the Basin at Wanstead for five days during the past winter
(1885). Mr. Hope describes it as “common in the winter.” Mr. C. H. B.
Croxon has one shot at Tillingham.

Red-breasted Merganser: Mergus serrator. Locally, “Saw-
bill Diver” (E.A.F.).

A not-uncommon winter visitor to our coast, and occasionally
met with inland. It breeds in Scotland and the north of Ireland,

but not in Essex,
though Mr. Fitch in-
forms me that a
pair frequented Nor-
they Island in the

summer of 1888.
Sheppard and Whitear
state (9. 59) that in
their time it was ‘not
uncommon on the Es-
sex coast,” Mr. Clarke
mentions (24) aspecimen
(formerly in the Walden
Museum) shot on the
lake at Debden Hall in
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, 72a@/e, 1/10. 1837,and in the Collection
at Audley End is another
shot there by Charles, fifth Lord Braybrooke, in Jan., 1850. A specimen was
shot at Mersey Island in the severe winter of 1837-38 (19. 34). A male and
female were shot (23. 2775) on the Thames, near Barking, early in Jan., 1850. At
Harwich, it is very common during some winters, and in the winter of 1875-6
twelve immature females were sent from Dovercourt, one of them having killed
itself by flying against the lighthouse (Kerry—34. 4827). One was shot near Mal-
don on Jan. 12th, 1876 (29. Jan. 22), and an adult male on the beach at Walton
on Jan, 16th, 1889 (Gunn—4o. xiii. 144). Mr. Hope describes it as ‘“ common
in the winter.” Mr. Fitch informs me of the remarkable fact that a pair were seen
frequently round the shores of Northey Island during the summer of 1888. They
were observed constantly from the month of May until July 6th, when they were
seen for the last time by Mr. Fitch’s son. These dates certainly suggest that the

pair in question may have bred, but it is almost impossible to believe that they
did so.

Smew: JZergus albellus.

An uncommon winter visitor to our coast and occasionally met
with inland. Like its congeners, it usually occurs in twos and threes.

Graves says (7. iil.) that

‘Cin severe seasons the Smew has been taken in the nets of the fishermen in

ANATIDA—DUCKS. 213

the Thames. Two males were taken alive in the winter of 7819-20 in Bow Creek,
but although abundantly supplied with food, [they] refused all sustenance and
perished. They had attained the full adult plumage, but one was without the
elegant pendant crest.”

Mr. Clarke mentions (24) the occurrence of two at Audley End on Feb. 3rd,
1838. King says (20): “A fine male was shot last winter [1837] at Cornard.”’
Mr. Geo. Beresford shot one near Lea Bridge on Feb. 26th, 1845 (23. 4704). An
adult male was caught at Great Holland in Jan., 1861 (23. 7388). An adult
male was shot at Barking on Dec. 29th, 1870 (29. Jan. 14). At Harwich it
is rare (Kerry). Mr. Scruby informs me of one shot at Stanford Rivers about
186c. Mr. Hope describes it as ‘‘common in the winter.” Mr, Robert Page
has one taken in his Marsh House Decoy.

214 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Order COLUMBZ-.
Family COLUMBIDA.

Ring-dove Columba palumbus. Locally ‘“‘ Ring-Dow.”
A far too-abundant resident, especially in well-wooded districts.
They are unquestionably very injurious to the farmer. In Epping

Forest they are especially abundant.

Round Orsett, where there is not much wood-
land, it is not very numerous (Sackett). The
Rey. J. C. Atkinson says (23. 666) :

“Tt is a common belief in Essex that, if you
touch—still more, if you breathe-on—the Ring-
dove’s eggs, she will forsake them. It is, how-
ever, totally without foundation ; for | remember
when a school-boy testing its truth.”

About the end of July, 1875, I took two rather
hard-set Turtle Dove’s eggs from a nest in a wood
here. A few days later I was surprised by noticing
that the nest had increased considerably in size,
and about ten days after I was informed that it
had been utilized by a Wood-pigeon as the founda-
tion for its own nest, and that an egg of that bird
had been taken from it (34. xX. 4723).

In March, 1883, I heard of a white variety hay-

ing been seen about the woods near Audley
RING-DOVES, 1/13. End. ;

Stock-dove: Columba enas. Locally “Wild Blue Rock
Pigeon” (Orsett).

A common bird throughout the county, and I believe increasing.
It may often be found nesting as early as February and as late as

October.

Henry Doubleday writes (10) from Epping in June, 1840: “If I had known
that you wanted any Stock Dove’s eggs, I could have got more early in the spring.
They often lay in February.” King speaks of it (20) as “common” round Sud-
bury in 1838. Mr, Clarke says (24) that about 1845 it bred round Saffron Wal-
den, but was ‘not very common.”

I have taken many nests in the county—all, with one exception, in hollow trees
or in the crowns ofivy-covered pollards. The exception was a nest I took in May,
1880, ina rabbit’s hole in the side of a railway cutting near Saffron Walden. Mr.
Benton, however, says (35. 189) that on Foulness “it sometimes breeds in rabbit-
holes,” and a good many breed in holes in the old keep of Hedingham Castle.

[Rock-dove : Columba livia.

Mr. Kerry believes (46. 252) that he has received the truly wild form
of this bird from Walton-on-the-Naze, but I cannot help thinking that

COLUMBIDAZ—DOVES. 215

all records of this species in Essex relate to either the Stock Dove or the
Domestic Pigeon, which is descended from the Rock Dove.]

Turtle Dove: Zurtur communis.

Locally ‘* Little Dove.”

A common summer visitant, arriving about the end of April and

leaving again in September. I be-
lieve it is becoming more common
than formerly throughout the county.

Mr. Buxton says (47. 93) it is “a con-
stant summer visitor [to Epping Forest. |
I have seen flocks of them about Waltham-
stow in late summer. Its plaintive note
may be frequently heard in Theydon
Thickets.”’ Though usually a shy bird, I
have known of nests in gardens quite in
the town of Saffron Walden.

Passenger Pigeon: L£ctopistes
migratorius.

TURTLE DOVE, %

A very rare straggler to Britain from North America. A young
specimen now in Walden Museum was shot between Chrishall and

PASSENGER PIGEONS, M%.

Royston in July, 1844
Cre is, 27.5 Cason, L20):
Through the kindness of
Mr. Joseph P. Nunn, of Roy-
ston, I am able to state
that the bird was killed by
the late Mr. John Norman
of Knowns Folly Farm,
part of which is in Cam-
bridgeshire and part in
Essex. Mr. W. Norman
has assured Mr. Nunn that
his late father had often
pointed out to him the
exact spot where he shot
the bird, which was on
some trees to the east of
the farm-house. These
trees stand in Melbourne
parish, and are about 400
yards west of the Essex
boundary ; but as the bird,
probably, had crossed that

boundary before being shot, and could easily have recrossed it in less
than half a minute’s flight, I consider it justifiably included here.

216 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Order PTEROCLETES.

Family PTEROCLIDZA.

Pallas’s Sand-grouse : Syrrhaptes paradoxus.

An erratic and occasional visitor to Britain from the Steppes of
Central Asia. It has several times appeared unaccountably in this
country, especially on the eastern side, in small numbers, and twice
- in large numbers, namely, in 1863 and 1888. An interesting account
by Professor Newton of the invasion in the former year, may be
found in the /d7s for 1864 (vi. pp. 185-222). On neither occasion
does Essex seem to have had quite its full share of these visitors,
considering the large numbers that have been seen in Norfolk
and Suffolk. Bearing in mind the geographical position of the
county, the numbers visiting it might reasonably have been expected
to be much larger.

In 1863, the following eleven specimens, at least, occurred :—Mr. J. Withers
(23. 8684), shot one, which was alone and seemed very tired, in the neigh-
bourhood of Forest Gate, in June. Dr. Bree records (29; 23. 8684 and 34.
3688) a male and two females shot in a ploughed field about a quarter of a mile
from the sea at Mersea, on May (?) 29th. They were alone, very tame, in good
condition, and seemed to have come in from the sea. He also records (34. 3688)
that a female (not mentioned by Prof. Newton), was shot at Peldon, and with the
above two, was added to his Collection. Mr. Smoothy informs me that he saw
three which had been shot near Terling. Mr. Clarke writes that a good
many were shot at Siward’s End, near Saffron Walden, the cottagers and others
making “ pigeon pies” of them all, except two which passed through Mr. Travis’s
hands! ‘On expressing my regret to Mr. Gould,” adds Mr. Clarke, “at not
obtaining any of them for the Museum, he said, ‘Do not fear! They will breed,
and there will be plenty next year.’ He was surprised when I replied, ‘No!
There will not be one.’ I was right, however, and so it will be again.” The
above were probably the same birds which Mr. Travis tells me were shot in a
field of tares by a boy who was scaring birds. He purchased them for 2s,, and
afterwards disposed of them: for £5! Major Ed. Taylor records (29 ; and
23. 8684), that they were shot “about two miles from the town,” on June 7th,
and were male and female. A hitherto unrecorded specimen, which is still in
existence, was shot by Mr. J. W. Stallibrass on New Marsh Farm, Foulness
Island, during June. Mr. Stallibrass shot only this one out of the seven he saw,
hoping they would remain and breed ; but none were seen on the island after
the middle of July (Fitch—so. ii, 271).

PTEROCLIDA—SAND-GROUSE, 217

During the invasion of 1888-89, many more specimens were seen and obtained
than had been the case on the previous occasion, no less than about eighty
individual birds being either observed or taken. One of the earliest Essex
observations in this year was that of Mr. Edward Catchpool, of Feering Bury,
who observed a covey of twelve or thirteen in a field of young mangold at
Ardleigh, on May 30th (29. June 2). Mr. Fitch records (50. ii. 271) that nine
specimens were observed on Foulness Island either on May 28th or Juneqth, Mr,
Ernest Smith, of the Limes, Southminster, saw seven on the island, on Shelford
Farm, on the 30th of the latter month, and some were still there as late as Sep-
tember 8th. On June 15th, Mr, Fitch specially visited Mersea Island in order to
enquire whether any had been seen there, but without result. Mr. Crouch
records (29. June 9) that on June 4th, 1888, a covey of about sixteen birds was
observed on St. Swithin’s Farm, Barkingside. On being disturbed they went
away in an easterly direction. Two of them which were subsequently shot proved
to be adult males. Towards the end of May, a flock of five was seen near
Harwich (40. xii. 264), and Mr. Kerry informs me that on June 23rd he saw,
near Harwich, a flock of fifteen or sixteen birds which he believes to have been
-of this species. Mr. A. F. Gates, of Stratford (40. xii. 264), observed about a
dozen in a ploughed field near Blake Hall Station on June roth. Lieut.-Col.
Marsden, of Colchester, saw a couple shot by a gamekeeper on Mr. Blanchard’s estate,
near Walton-on-the-Naze, on Oct. 18th, 1888, when two others were seen but not
shot. The crops of the two that were obtained were full of corn. They were
preserved at Colchester for a Col. Davis, who has the shooting on theestate. Mr.
Pettitt preserved one shot at Fingringhoe Hall on Feb. 4th, 1889, and saw
another (a male) killed at New Bridge Mill, near Colchester, by a Mr. Argent,
-about Noy., 1888. During the summer Mr. Travis of Saffron Walden received
for preservation no less than thirteen; but, strangely enough, not one of these
was shot in Essex, though five or six of them were killed at either Whittlesford or
Duxford, both of which places are in Cambridgeshire, though very close to the
Essex border. Mr, Travis was, however, assured by the bailiff on one of Lord
Braybrooke’s farms near Audley End, that he had seen a flock of a dozen there,

Mr. Walter Crouch communicates the interesting fact that some specimens
still survived in the county during the summer of 1889. He writes :—

“On July 19th about a dozen passed over St, Swithin’s Farm, Barkingside, close
by the homestead, and not 100 yards from the spot where the covey of sixteen
alighted on June 4th, 1888, They were flying over a field of wheat in a southerly
direction, and very low. They were seen by the tenant, Mr. Bolton, and several
others, who had not only seen the live birds last year, but also the two specimens
which were then shot, « » * They were again seen close by the stack -yard on
Aug. loth by Mr. Hatton and another, and I have since learned that a covey of
about twelve were seen early in July about three and a half miles away, near
Lawn Farm, Fairlop Plain.”

218 THE BIRDS. OF ESSEX.

Order GALLINZA.

Family PHASIANIDA.

Pheasant: Phasianus colchicus.

An abundant resident wherever it is sufficiently preserved. It
was probably originally naturalized in England by the Romans, as
the earliest known record of it is in the year ro59 (dis, 1869,

p- 358, and 37. ili. 95). It is an interesting fact that the first
record of it in Britain is in the county of Essex.

This record, according to Prof. Boyd Dawkins, is to be found in the tract,
“De inventione Sancta Crucis nostrae in Monte Acuto et deductione ejusdem
apud Waltham,” edited from MSS. in the British Museum, by Prof. Stubbs in
1861. The bill of fare drawn up by Harold, for the canon’s household of from
six to seven persons, A.D. 1059, and preserved in a MS. of the date of about
A.D. 1177, was to be :—

“Erant autem tales pitantiae unicuique canonico ; a festo Sancti Michaelis
usque ad caput jejunii [Ash Wednesday], aut xii. merulae, aut ii. agauscae agace :

[a magpie (?) Ducange ], aut ii. perdrices, aut unus phasianus reliquis temporibus
aut ancae [Geese: Ducange] aut gallinae.”

This passage affords fair presumptive evidence that the bird was introduced
before the Norman Conquest, and inasmuch as the English and Danes are not

known to have introduced any animals, the probability is that the Pheasant was
introduced by the Romans.

Red-legged Partridge: Caccabis rufa. Locally,“ French
Partridge,” ‘‘ Frenchman.”

An abundant resident, though originally introduced. Round
Chelmsford it is now at least as abundant as the Common Partridge.

Mr. J. Yelloly Watson writes (Zendring Hundred in the Olden Time, iii. ed.,
» 234) i—

“On the 8th June, 1763, he [William Henry de Nassau, fourth Earl of
Rochford] became Ambassador Extraordinary to the Court of Spain; and on
the 1st July, Ambassador to the Court of France. When he returned, he is said
to have brought with him French or Red-legged Partridges; and one of the
early breed, shot at St. Osyth nearly a century ago, stuffed, and with a white
Pheasant in a case, is before us as we write. Soon after this, he introduced the
poplar trees from Lombardy, and two of the first planted in England are now to
be seen in the Park [at St. Osyth Priory ].”

Daniel, shooting near Colchester in 1777 (6.11. 410), found a covey of fourteen
‘“ Red-legs,” which were flushed with difficulty, but after half an hour’s exertion
one was gotup, and ‘‘immediately perched on the hedge, and was shot in that
situation without its being known what bird it was.” Two and a half brace

PHASIANID4i—PARTRIDGES. 219:

more were killed from this covey within three days, but from that time until
1799, Mr. Daniel did not again meet with this bird, but then he shot two and
a half brace at Sudbourn, Suffolk. Referring to this record, Mr. E. A, Fitch, of
Maldon, writes (50. ii. 40) :—

“Tt is only quite recently that the French or Red-legged Partridge has become
common in the Essex Marshes and islands, and I know several sportsmen still
living who well remember the first specimen they ever shot, and have heard them
relate how carefully they smoothed it down and wrapped it up in their handker-
chief, pocketing what they considered a rare and beautiful prize. The French
Partridge is not a lover of the low-lying marsh lands, and here, at Maldon, it is
much more common on the hills and broken ground than on the marshes.”

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Y%

With reference to this species Mr. Thomas Kemble, J.P., of Runwell Hall,
says, in a letter to Mr, Fitch :—

“I can give you another interesting tale with regard to this bird. The late
Sir Henry Meux, in company with the late Lord Alfred Paget, had a very good
day’s shooting at it on Lord Rendlesham’s property in Norfolk ; he was so
pleased with the French Partridge for driving purposes (which system of shooting
was little known in those days) that he determined to introduce the Red-legged
Partridge into his estate at Theobalds, in Herts. At that time, I think it was
1855, I had several coveys on my property in Essex (I well remember, when
a young man, the first that was ever killed, or even seen, on imy property).
I agreed to give him all the French eggs my keeper could find, upon his sending
me English eggs ‘in return. The contents of the first box I placed in several
French nests, but the hens invariably forsook them; another box came, the eggs
were placed upon a tray, and my better half painted them to resemble the French
egg. The birds took to them, and hatched the greater part of them, but they
proved bad mothers. The English hen broods them much more than the French.
Nevertheless I had several small coveys, and my friends were rather surprised
to see a French bird rise, accompanied by three or four English.”

Graves says (7. iii.) that in 1821 it was found in “those parts of Essex
‘bordering on Suffolk.” Around Sudbury, according to W, D. King (20), it
was “not uncommon” in 1838. Mr. Clarke records (24) specimens obtained

220 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

at Saffron Walden in 1831-32-34-35, and mentions a nest containing thirteen eggs
built in 1848 on an oat-stack, sixteen feet from the ground. From these records
one may infer that the bird was then uncommon round Walden. Both Mr. Fitch
and myself have known several other instances of this bird nesting on the tops of
straw-stacks. About the middle of June, 1882, I put a bird—I believe of this
species—out of the crown of a large old pollard oak, standingin a hedgerow near
here. I could not find any nest (40. vii. 80). On June 23rd, 1877, I found a nest
in a lucerne field at Lindsell Hall, near Dunmow, containing eight eggs, all pure
white except for a few reddish spots and specks on one of them. Mr. J. H. Hills,
of Feering, has a specimen shot by himself, at Pattiswick, on Jan. 30, 1877,
which is said to have weighed twenty-five ounces. Round Orsett, Mr. Sackett
says itis as common as the English species. He adds that he has been informed
(but does not personally know it to be true) that in 1877 this species interbred
with the common species, on the East Tilbury Marshes. Mr. Stacey, of Dunmow,
has a couple shot near there, which also appear to have been crossed with the
Common Partridge, as traces of the markings of that bird may be seen upon the
feathers of their backs. I shot a similar young bird at Broomfield, in September,
1889, Other instances of these two species interbreeding are not unknown (27.
ili. 114). The Hon. C. H. Strutt records (29. Sept. 21), the appearance near Witham
in September, 1878, of a covey of nine, all of which were melanistic varieties ex-
cept one. Dr. Bree records two pied specimens, shot at Alresford by Mr. Haw-
kins (29. Dec. 5, 1863).

Partridge: Perdix cinerea.

An abundant resident, especially where well protected. It does
not appear, in Essex, to have in any way diminished since the intro-
duction of the Red-legged Partridge, as is often supposed.

Daniel says (6. App. 397) “ In 1808, at Mark’s Hall in Essex, Payne the game-
keeper noticed a brace of Partridges, whose nest had been destroyed, taking to a
nest of Pheasants’ eggs that the hen bird had been killed from by some accident,
and hatching and bring up ten young ones” (37. iii. 109). Both Yarrell (14. ii.
334), and Colonel Hawker, in his Znustructions to Young Sportsmen (1825 ed., p. 215),
allude to this nest. Daniel ,also (6. ii. 400) mentions a nest containing six-
teen eggs, found in 1788 on the top of an oak pollard at Lion Hall Farm, Essex,
belonging to Colonel Hawker. The bars of a stile crossing a public foot-path
were fastened to the tree and many persons passed the spot, but the eggs were
safely hatched and the young reached the ground by “scrambling down the short
and rough boughs which grew out all around from the trunk of the tree.’”’ It is
recorded (29. Oct. 15) that on Oct. 7th, 1887, a covey of nine started from West
Tilbury to fly across the Thames—at this point a mile or a mile-and-a-quarter
wide—and the whole of them fell into the water and were picked up by watermen.
The following extraordinary circumstance is recorded in the Essex County Chronicle
for June 3rd, 1887 :—

‘“‘On Thursday, as two boys were engaged in mowing the lawn at the Grange
[Little Dunmow], a brace of Partridges suddenly started up. One bird flew

directly into the face of one of the boys, striking him with such force as to draw
blood and giving him a black eye, the bird itself falling dead at his feet.

The Rev. C. G. Green says (Collections and Recollections of Nat. Hist. and
Sport, p. 211):

“For a family shot, I never heard of anything to come up to one that was made
by an old clergyman many years ago in the parish [Wimbish] in which stands
Mr. Gayton’s house, Tiptofts. « * « He was such a very bad shot that he hardly

PHASIANIDZ—QUAIL. 221

ever killed anything during the whole season, but he was very fond of taking a
stroll with his gun, One day he was passing near a grove through which a ride
had been cut. A covey of seven birds rose just before him, and went straight
down the ride. The old gentleman fired after them down the ride and killed all
seven. This was a great boast for him, and a great joke for all his friends for the
rest of his life.

“But it was in this same neighbourhood that I saw the two most remarkable
shots made in one day that have ever come under my observation. I was out with
Mr. Gayton and his friend Dr. H., both very good shots. In the early part of the
day, four birds rose close to a hedge in front of Mr. H. They rose together, but
flew two and two as they topped the hedge. Mr. H. killed them all four, two with
his first barrel and two with his second, picking out the time of their crossing.
We went on and had a good day’s shooting, and towards evening were returning
by the same hedge where Mr. H. had killed his four birds, when, almost at the
same spot four birds rose before Mr. Gayton, going over the hedge in exactly the
same manner, and Mr. Gayton served them exactly in the same way, killing two,
while crossing, with his first barrel, and two with his second. Here there was no
firing ‘into the brown’ of a covey: only four birds rose each time, and four were
killed by deliberate calculation, two and two each time.”

In the Walden Museum is a variety obtained at Radwinter many years ago.
It is in very light plumage, the feathers on the breast being of a creamy-white with
scarcely a trace of ash-colour. A white one was shot in Essex on Oct. 2nd, 1886
(29. Oct. 9), after having been seen about for several months. Mr. Scruby
preserved a beautiful pied specimen shot by Mr. J. Milbank,at Leaden Roothing,
on Nov. 3rd, 1869 (29. Nov. 20).

Quail: Coturnix communis.

Not a rare bird, though very sparingly distributed, never abundant,
and much less so than formerly. It occurs from time to time, and
has also bred, in most parts of the county, but can never be counted
upon to do so regularly.

Pennant, in his British Zoology (4th ed., 1776, p. 277), says :—

‘A gentleman, to whom this work lies under great obligations for his frequent
assistance, has assured us that these birds migrate out of the neighbouring inland
counties into the Hundreds of Essex in October, and continue there all the winter.
If frost or snow drive them out of the stubble-fields and marshes, they retreat to
the sea-side, shelter themselves among the weeds, and live upon what they can
pick up from the algze, &c., between high and low water-mark. Our friend re-
marks that the time of their appearance in Essex coincides with that of their
leaving the inland counties. The same observation has been made in Hampshire.’’

Daniel, alluding to these statements in 1802, says (6. ii. 453), ‘ However
genuine this account is of the Quail’s abode in the Hundreds of Essex formerly,
there is good ground for discrediting the existence of the circumstance at present.”
In this he is certainly correct. Pennant must have been completely misinformed.

Mr. G. W. Johnson, in his History of Great Totham (1831. p. 8), says: “The
Quail was formerly found in this and other parts of Essex, but its occurrence now
is very rare.” The Rev. R. Sheppard seems to have met with it occasionally at
Wrabness, as he notes its arrival there (see p. 42) on Apr. 2nd in 1819, and on
Apr. 7th in 1822. Parsons shot one at Shoebury on Jan. roth, 1827 (8). Mr.
Hill met with it near Southminster about 1832 (12, iv. 452). J. C., of Witham,
met with a nest containing ten eggs in a clover-field on Aug. 12th, 1833. He says
“the bird is rather an uncommon one in this part of the county ” (12. viii. 517).
Edward Jesse, writing in 1844, says (Scenes and Tales of Country Life, p. 267),
“In one district im Essex, numerous eggs have been found during the mowing

222 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

season, and as many as sixty couples have been killed in the course of a few days’
shooting on one manor in that county.’’ Edward Doubleday says (15) it has oc-
curred at Epping. King, in 1838, says (20) it was then “ not uncommon ” around
Sudbury. Mr. Clarke says (24) of Saffron Walden, that it “‘ breeds here occasion-
ally.” One, he adds, was killed at Wenden in November, 1848. Mr. C. E. Smith
records (31. 53) “two shot inthe autumn of 1857” near Coggeshall. In 1867 a
nest with eleven eggs was taken in a clover-field about five miles from Ingatestone,
and in the previous year another nest was found on Sir Charles Smith’s estate,
near Romford (Jesse—34. 915). Round Orsett, in 1885, Mr. Sackett says it was
“not uncommon,” one nest containing eleven eggs being found at Heath Place
Farm and two at Mucking. Mr. Hope, who has seen specimens shot within three
miles of Harwich, says: ‘‘ They appear about the first week in September, and are
all gone a fortnight later.” A correspondent of the Fie/d (29. Aug, 4, 1860),
who has “met with large bevies in Rochford Hundred, near the Crouch River,”
expresses the opinion that the chance of killing them is lost by shooting being
deferred till Sept. rst. It is found occasionally in both the Colchester and Pagles-
ham districts (Laver). Mr. A. Marriage has one,shot at Little Baddow. In
September, 1880, English preserved one shot at North Weald—the first Essex
example he had ever met with (44. i. xlv.). In May, 1880, several were seen near
Chrishall, where they had probably bred. The Rev. M. C. H. Bird informs me of
one shot on Canvey Island, Sept. 13th, 1881.

[ Virginian Colin: Ortyx virginianus.

This is an introduction from America, which has never been able to
establish itself. It has been found in Essex. Dr. Bree records one
met with near Birch about June 5th, 1878 (29. June 22)].

[Red Grouse : Lagopus scoticus.

It is impossible to regard this as an Essex bird, though an individual
in a perfectly wild state has been killed in the county. It was shot by
Mr. Thomas Aldham, of Ulting Hall, in one of his fields on that farm,
whilst partridge-shooting in or about the month of September, two or
three years ago. No similar bird was observed at the time. The
specimen was stuffed in Maldon, where Mr. Fitch and others saw
it in the flesh. It is still in Mr. Aldham’s possession at Ulting, where I
have seen it, and believe it to be a female. It is less surprising to
meet with a Grouse at Ulting than in any other part of the county, for
within two miles, as the crow flies, are the extensive commons of
Danbury and Little Baddow, where there is a greater expanse of heather
than can be found elsewhere in Essex. The most likely supposition is
that the bird had strayed from Sandringham, where fourteen brace were
turned out in 1878, of which enough remained in 1881 to propagate three
broods ; or it may have come from one or other of the places in Suffolk
where attempts were made to introduce it about twenty years ago

(46. 107) ].

RALLIDA—CRAKES. 223

Order FULICARIA:.

Family RALLIDA.

Water-Rail: Rallus aquaticus.

A resident, though local and by no means common. It evi-
dently used to breed in the county, and may still do so, though I
have no evidence of the fact. It is most often seen during hard
frosts ; its skulking habits making it at other times appear less com-
mon than it really is.

It evidently bred near Sudbury in 1838, for W. D. King says (20) :—

“Not uncommon ; I had a living specimen brought me last summer, caught
by hand in a cottage garden. I set it at liberty in my own garden, where it con-
tinued for some weeks, but at last madeits escape. It moved about with aston-
ishing celerity, and when seeking its food, carried its tail erect like a Moorhen,
thus rendering its white under-tail-coverts very conspicuous.”

In Epping Forest it is “‘ not so rare as is sometimes supposed ” (Buxton—47.
94). Round Southminster, Mr. Hill recorded it (12. viii. 573) as “ very rare ”
about 1834. During severe frosts there are often a few in asmall ditch at the end
of our garden. Forsome days after the very severe frost of Dec. 7th, 1879, when
the mercury fell below zero, we had several here, and I shot the largest and bright-
est specimen I ever saw from among them. Another was shot in our garden by my
brother on Dec. 20th, 1878, during a spell of hard weather.

I have elsewhere commented upon the extraordinary difference observable in
the sizes of different individuals of this bird (40. x. 368). The largest I ever
saw is mentioned above: the smallest belongs to Mr. Stacey of Dunmow.

Mr. Fitch informs me that he has seen eggs from Goldhanger, out of a nest
found in 1887_by Mr. E. Page, who had also found a second nest; and the Rev.
J. C. Atkinson says (36. 135): “I had reason to know that it bred [sixty years
ago] at Tolleshunt D’Arcy, in Essex.”

Spotted Crake: Porzana maruetta.

A rare and local summer or autumn visitant. It appears to be
by no means common in the county, though it seems possible, from
a fact mentioned below, that it may breed on our coast.

Mr. C. Walford records (19. 47) one shot at Maldon about 1838. Mr. Clarke
says (24), “‘several have been picked up dead from flying against the electric
telegraph wires at Newport.” It was “rare” round Sudbury in 1838 (King—2o0).
English describes it (43. 1.24) as an occasional visitor to Epping Forest, while
Mr. Buxton says (47. 97) it is “ occasionally met with in the soft low-lying parts
of the Forest, such as would be attractive to Snipe. One may be seen preserved at
the house of the head-keeper, Broadstrood Lodge.” A pair was shot in Hack-
ney Marshes, by Mr. R. M. Presland, on the 7th Oct., 1863. A third by Mr. J.

224 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

A. Clark, in the same locality, on the 26th, and a fourth, by the same gentleman
at Leyton, on the 28th (23. 8847). One was obtained near Colchester in 1880.
(29. Apr. 23). Mr. Kerry says (40. iii. 459) another was picked up dead on
the railway-line near Harwich, having killed itself by flying against the tele-
graph wires, about the middle of Oct., 1879. Mr. Baxter has informed me of
specimens killed at Barking in Noy., 1887, and on Bowers Marsh, Pitsea, on Aug.
22nd, 1889, respectively. Mrs. Bree hastwo shot near Colchester, one of which
was probably shot on the river in the third week of Aug., 1866 (32a). Dr. Laver
has killed it at Paglesham. Mr. John Pettitt preserved a specimen killed at
Tollesbury, early in Sept., 1888, which Dr. Salter now has. Mr. E.A. Fitch has a
female which was shot on Northey Island. In it was a perfectly-formed egg, so
that it was probably nesting. Further, Mr. Baxter has informed me that in the
autumn of 1889, several were killed on the Pitsea Marshes, some of which were ob-
viously young birds, probably bred in the district.

Baillon’s Crake: Porzana baillont.

A very rare and irregular summer migrant or resident. Although
it has been known to breed in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, the only
record of its occurrence in Essex is the following by Mr. E. Curtis jun.,
of Forest Lane, E., who records (29. Oct. 10) having obtained one
in a thick reedy ditch in Essex on October 3rd, 1874. It was not
flushed, but was found and caught by Mr. Curtis’s dog, in a ditch
adjoining ‘Dagenham Gulf,” as Iam informed by that gentleman
himself, who still has the bird, which he has kindly lent for my in-
spection. It appears to be immature, but is in good plumage.

Little Crake: Porzana parva.
A rare visitor to Britain. I only know of a single specimen
having been obtained in Essex, but other occurrences have probably

been overlooked.

Mr. J. F. T. Wiseman of Paglesham has a specimen shot on a marsh upon
one of his farms in that parish, by Mr. Lucas of Billericay, when Snipe-shooting
in the month of October four or five years ago.

Corn-Crake or Land-Rail: Cvrex pratensis.

Best known in Essex as a passing migrant in spring and autumn,
especially the latter, when it is frequently met with in fields of clover
and lucerne, and killed by
partridge-shooters during
September and the early
part of .October, » Its as
also. to some extent
a summer visitor, as it
breeds, though sparingly,
in many parts of the
county, and may even al-

LAND-RAIL OR CORN-CRAKE, 1/7.
(After Bewich). most be spoken of as a resi-

RALLIDAS—CRAKES. 225

dent, for specimens are occasionally met with in winter. In 1826, Mr.
Parsons killed one (8) at Southchurch Wick as late as Nov, 7th.

Mr. C.H. Hills informs me that, about the middle of September, 1887, a par-
tridge-shooting party killed fifteen of these birds in one day in a field near Pod’s
Wood, Messing. On June 29th, 1881, Mr. Travis took a nest with ten eggs close
to Walden, and in May, 1888, a pair nested at Feering. Mr. Clarke says (24) it
‘€ occasionally breeds” there. In Epping Forest it is ‘a summer visitor, nesting
and remaining till the middle of September” (Buxton—47. 94). According to
King (20), in 1838, it was then “ not a very common bird ”’ in the neighbourhood
of Sudbury. The Rey. J. C. Atkinson says (36.133): “ Ido not remember ever
hearing its breeding note while-I was a dwellerinthe district embracing what are
usually called the Eastern Counties.” Round Orsett, Mr. Sackett says it is ‘ not
common.” A nest, taken at Mucking in July, 1887, is the only one he has met
with in that district. Round Harwich, it breeds not uncommonly (Kerry).
Mr. Clarke, in 1845, wrote (24) it “ occasionally breeds” round Saffron Walden,
but in arecent letter he says :—

“T have not heard their ‘crake’ for twenty years until this year. A pair have
just hatched their young close at hand. The young ones are very shy but our

foreman’s children have caught several and let them go again. They are per-
fectly black.”

Though by no means common during summer, I have occasionally heard its
breeding note ; as at Chignal St. James on June 16th, 1876, May 5th and June
Tith, 1882, at Newport on June gth, 1881, at Stanford Rivers on June ioth,
1883, &c. Ihave been assured that it was once common with us. Mr. Herbert
Marriage met with one near Chelmsford, on Dec. 9th, 1877.

Green-backed Gallinule: Porphyrio smaragdonotus.

An African bird which, though only a straggler north of the
Mediterranean, has several times occurred in Norfolk and once in
Essex. I quite agree with Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun. (Lzrds of Norfolk,
p- 34), that it has as good a claim to a place on the British List as
many other birds which have been admitted. A considerable cor-
respondence upon this point took place in the Medd between Novy.
16th, 1878, and Jan. 4th, 1879.

An adult female, bearing no signs of having ever been in confinement, was shot
by Mr, H.N. Dunnet jun., of Jupes Hill (in whose possession it still is) at
Dedham, on Oct. 30th, 1878, and shown to Dr. Breeinthe flesh. There had been
a fall of snow that morning. It was preserved by Ambrose (29. Nov. 16 and 30).

Moorhen: Gadlinula chloropus.

An abundant resident on the banks of lakes, ponds and
rivers ; especially common during winter, when its numbers are
greatly increased in Essex by arrivals from elsewhere.

At the time of the very severe frost of Dec. 7th, 1879, when the mercury fell
below zero, they were very common here and I saw them frequently perching on
trees. Lieut. Legge says (34. 604) it was very numerous in the marshes on the
coast in 1865, and the Rev. J. C. Atkinson has given (23. 497) an interesting
account of their habits, as observedon the Essex Marshes and elsewhere. In
May, 1880, I saw a nest eleven feet from the ground in the fork ofan ash tree

Q

226 THE -BIRDS OF ESSEX,

in Audley End Park. Dr. Bree also (32a) notes a nest containing six eggs,
twelve feet above the water, in a holly-tree at Alresford.

Varieties do not often occur, but Mr, Travis has a pied bird, shot at Debden
early in 18809.

Coot: Fulica atra. Locally, ‘* Bald Coot.”

An abundant resident, frequenting large sheets of water near the
coast. It is sometimes, but not often, seen inland on the lakes in
Skreens; Audley End, Wanstead and other parks, where it occa-
sionally breeds. It is probably decreasing in numbers, through the
draining of its haunts. Years ago, it is described as’ appearing in
extraordinary numbers on the Essex coast: for instance, the Rev.
J. C. Atkinson says (36. 136): “‘In former days I have sometimes
seen them in straggling flocks of several hundreds or thousands
along the tideway on the Essex Coast.”

Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear write (9. 49) :—

‘‘Tn autumn and winter, these birds make their appearance on the rivers in
vast flocks, and upon an appointed day all the boats and guns are put into requi-
sition, and a general attack is made upon them. On the bank of the Stour, the
fowlers approach them, while sitting upon the ooze, by concealing themselves be-
hind a screen made of bushes, which is placed upon a sledge and driven before them.
* x «» On crossing the Stour in the month of January, 1819, in a dead calm, we
observed the Coots floating upon the water in a semi-circle. On our approach
within about 200 yards, the whole body, amounting at the least calculation to
several thousands, partly rose and flapped along the surface of the water, making
a tremendous rushing noise. Had there been any wind they would have risen
into the air without any difficulty ; but, there being none, they could scarcely dis-
entangle their feet. x « x Foxes frequent the banks of the Stour very early in the
morning to catch the wounded birds, which generally make to land, and of which
there are sometimes great numbers. ‘The larger kinds of Gulls often attack and
devour Coots. We have observed the latter, on the approach of their enemy,
rush together from all quarters and form a close, round, compact body, appearing
like bees in the act of swarming. The Gull kept hovering over their heads, and fre-
quently dashed within a yard or two of them. Whenever he flew to a distance,
the Coots dispersed, and again at his return flocked together. This scene con-
tinued as long as we stood upon the shore, which was more than half an hour.
x x x A bird of this species, having the whole plumage white, except the head
and tail, was seen on the Stour last December [1825 ].”

Mr. Bond met with a few, probably reared in the neighbourhood, at Southend
early in Sept., 1842 (23. 40). Lindsey says (27. App. 55) that at Harwich it ‘is
to be met with on the coast when the tide is down.” Lieut. Legge, writing in
1866, says (34. 603): “ The Coot is very plentiful on the fresh water in the
Essex marshes. They are especially numerous on the lagoons at Pitsea. On the
Sth of May I found their nests in tolerable numbers in that locality.” After
heavy rains, causing floods, they will stuff fresh sedge underneath their nests
thus raising them and causing them to float. Instances of this were observed by
Dr. Salter at Tollesbury after the heavy rains of May 11th, 1889. Mr. Fitch and
myself found many nests in the fleets on the Old Hall Marshes, Tollesbury, in
June, 1888. Mr. A.J. Crosfield on May 23rd, 1879, found a nest containing
seven hard-set eggs among the reeds at the head of Dagenham Gulf. King,
in 1838, says (20) it was then “rare” in the Sudbury district. Mr. Clarke
mentions (24) one at The Roos in Feb., 1829, one at Audley End on Feb, 16th

RALLIDA—COOT. 227

1832, and another. at Debden on Aug. 17th, 1833. One frequented the Cam,
where it flows through the lawn at Audley End, for several weeks early in 1881,
and Mr. Travis knew of a nest at Audley End, many years ago. Here, however,
it very rarely bred until the last two or three: years, when several broods have
been reared there annually. About Jan, Ist, 1882, one was caught near Sampford
and kept alive several days. In Wanstead Park, Mr, Lister says (40. ix. 64) they
“bring up two broods every year, but [ these] appear to leave us in late summer.”
Mr. Buxton also says (47. 97) it “‘ breeds in Wanstead Park, where they are nu-
merous, and have become remarkably tame since the public have been admitted.’’
Some idea of the size of the enormous flocks which, in years gone by, used to
appear during winter on our coasts may be gathered from the fact, asserted by Mr.
John Basham, of Maldon, that about fifty years ago a gunner named Girton,
of Tollesbury, bagged no less than jiffy by a single discharge of a gun now
owned by Mr, Basham.

Q 2

228 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Order ALECTORIDES.
Family GRUIDZ.

Crane: Gras communts.

There are only two undoubted records of the occurrence in
Essex of this rare straggler to Britain, although there is every prob-
ability that it was fairly common on our marshy coasts several cen
turies ago. One authority considers that this bird gave its name
to the parish of Cranham, near Romford—a somewhat doubtful
piece of etymology.

The Rey. W. Palin (fore About Stifford, p. 89) derives the name of Cranham
from the Cranes, which, he says, were ‘‘common in those days in the then-un-
drained lowlands about Aveley.’”’ He mentions a house in the latter parish,
known in 1647 by the sign of the ‘‘ Three Cranes.” Canon Babington mentions
one (46. 157), on the authority of Mr. Hills, “said to have been seen flying over
Sudbury.” A modern record of its occurrence in the county is that by Mr.
Henry Laver, who says (40. xiii. 34 & 50 ii. 271) that on Friday, Nov. gth, 1888,
eight large birds were observed ina field on Elmstead Hall Farm, about four
miles east from Colchester. One of these being shot proved to be an immature
specimen, without the red mark on the head, and with the wing-feathers which
cover the tail not fully developed. It was secured by Mr. Laver, and after being
preserved by Mr. J. Pettitt, of Colchester, it was, by the former gentleman, most
generously presented to the Saffron Walden Museum, where it nowis. The other
seven flew away. Curiously enough, rather less than a year later, the county was
again honoured by a visit from one of these birds. It was first observed by Mr.
Gervase F. Mathew, R.N., of Dovercourt, who recorded it as follows in the
Zoologist for November, 1889 (40. xiii. 435) :—

““While shooting with a party, on Sept. 26th, in the adjoining parish of Little
Oakley, I had the pleasure of seeing a fine specimen of the Common Crane. We
were sitting at lunch under a hedge, when, happening to look up, I noticed—as
I at first thought—a large Heron flying towards us. It was then about a mile
off. Presently I looked up again, and by that time it had come much nearer, and
to my astonishment I observed that the bird held its head and neck stretched out
in front of it, as Herons never do, and from its immense size there was no mis-
taking what it was. It still came gradually towards us, and appeared to be look-
ing for a place whereon to alight, for it flapped its great wings several times over
its back until they almost appeared to touch, and then glided on with outstretched
pinions. This it repeated several times, and then pitched in the next field, and
well in view from where we sat. It lookeda grand bird as it stood upon the
grass with the bright sun shining upon it. Unfortunately it was a long way out
in the field, and out of shot from thethedge. However, I thought I would try and
stalk it, so crept down by the edge of the field we were in, until I reached a gap
near the bottom, which I crawled through into the next field, where I was well
out of sight of it. I then went on until I arrived nearly opposite to where I sup-

OTIDIDA—BUSTARDS. 229

posed it to be standing, then looked through cautiously and had a fine view of it.
It was about 150 yards off, and appeared to be an old bird in perfect plumage.
Of course it was no use firing at it at such a distance, but I thought if I went ona
few yards further, and crawled through a gap, and ran in upon it, I might get
within shot before it rose, or that it might fly towards me. But while I was
thinking of this it took wing, and flew right away from me towards some salt
marshes, where it pitched again. I followed to the bank, and, upon looking over,
saw it about a mile off, standing on some bare mud. Soon after it was fired at by
some one from a boat which was in a creek near at hand ; and it then flew off to
the westward, and I lost sight of it.”

After this, I received several further reports of the bird, which was repeatedly
seen on the marshes and mud-flats between Walton-on-the-Naze and Harwich
for several weeks after. On Oct. 14th, Mr. Kerry reported its having been
seen there in company with some Herons.

Family OTIDIDZ:.

Great Bustard: Ov’ tarda.

There can be no doubt that this interesting species was once
resident in Essex, as in most other parts of England, although
now never seen, except as a rare
and accidental straggler. It was
probably never abundant in this
county, which has few of those wide,
open, uncultivated districts fre-
quented by the bird. However,
on the extensive downs around
Heyden and Chrishall, in the ex-
treme north-eastern corner of the
county, which are exactly suited to
its habits, it was’ probably once fairly
common—indeed, we have actual
printed evidence of the fact, for in
Addison’s Sfectator for March 4th,
1712 (No. cexvii.), occurs the follow-
ing advertisement, to which Yarrell’s attention was drawn (14. i. ix.)
by Mr. Joseph Clarke :—

““ HEYDEN, -IN ESSEX, NEAR WALDEN AND Royston. The
seat of Sir Peter Soame, Bart., deceased, situate on a Gentle Hill,
with a very large and pleasant Prospect, fair Gardens, Canals, Fish
Ponds, Dove-Coate, and all sorts of Offices without Door, Woods of
large Timber, and where is all Game in great plenty, even to the
Bustard and Pheasant, is to be Let furnished or unfurnished for 16
years. Enquire at Mr. Chus, Bartly Street, Piccadilly, or at Mr.
‘Cooper’s at the Blue Boar in Holborn.”

230 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

The last individual met with in the county was killed in 1879, under the
following circumstances (40. iii. 26, I10, 144, 152, 252 & 296):—On the morn-
ing of Friday, Dec. 5th, soon after daybreak, Mr. Albert Pertwee of
Woodham Ferris was “laid up” close to Hull Bridge in that parish, on the
north side and under the wall of the River Crouch, for the purpose of shoot-
ing Wild-fowl. While so stationed, he was surprised to observe a very large
bird fly leisurely across the river and over his head at a small height. Being
loaded with No. 2 shot, he fired, and brought down the bird, although but
slightly wounded, Mr. Pertwee had no idea of the species to which the bird
belonged, but brought it with him on the day of its death to Chelmsford
Market, where it was purchased by Mr. Charles Smoothy. The bird, which was
a female weighing about ten pounds, was preserved by Mr. Travis, of. Walden.
On the night of the day following its death, there occurred one of the sharpest
frosts of the present century. It is now in the possession of Mr. R. W. Chase,
of Birmingham.

About the same time, several other Bustards occurred in various parts of
England. During the first few days of February, 1880, one was frequently
observed in a large turnip-field belonging to Mr. William Jonas, of West
Wickham, Cambridgeshire, just beyond the Essex border. On the 6th, after
many unsuccessful attempts, it was shot by Mr. Jonas’s foreman. This bird,
(also a female), was also preserved by Mr. Travis, in whose hands I saw it.
It very closely resembled the Woodham Ferris bird (43. i. 59). Mr. Fitch
has recorded the occurrence of a third in Essex about the same time, at Man-
ningtree (44. i. v.). Mr. Fitch writes me that he did so “on the authority of
Major Russell, who told me of it, and said he hoped to get the skin. He also
told me who had it, and I believe it is quite correct, though I heard nothing
more of it. He quite believed in it, but I am not sure whether he had seen it,”
I have no further information about this specimen.

Little Bustard: Ov/s /etrax.

This rare winter visitant to Great Britain has occurred at least
nine times in Essex.

Yarrell says (Zoological Fournal, ii. 24; & 14. ii. 372) he possessed a female
killed at Harwich in Jan., 1823. Its stomach contained portions of leaves of the
white turnip, lungwort, dandelion, and a few blades of grass. He adds that
another was “killed at Little Clacton in the winter of 1824,” and a third “ very
recently” near Chelmsford, of which he had been informed, he says, by Mr. G.
Meggy. This latter specimen (killed on Robert: Baker’s farm at Writtle, during
the severe winter of 1837-38—28. ii. 229) seems to have excited much interest
at the time, us it was left by its owner at the Chronicle office, Chelmsford, for
exhibition (19. 39 & 47). It is now in the' possession of Mr. R. W. Chase, of Bir-
mingham. Dr. Bree records (23. 7352) a female (still preserved at St. Clere’s
Hall), shot on the St. Osyth Marshes on Dec. 17th, 1860, When first seen it
rose from among rushes and flew into some young clover. It was not at alj
wild. Dr. Bree adds: “Dr. Maclean tells me one was shot at Berechurch a
few years ago.” A pair was shot by Mr. Eagle, of Walton Hall, Walton-on-
the-Naze, from a field of turnips and cabbages on that estate on or about Dec.
28th. 1874. They were in full winter plumage, as were also others shot
about the same time at several places on the south coast. Mr. Eagle shot
one in the morning when after game, and finding it a rarity, he went back

a oe

OTIDIDA—BUSTARDS. 231

later in the day and shot the other. A third was said to have been afterwards
seen in the neighbourhood (H. Stevenson—34. 4369). One was seen for more
than a week frequenting the large fields round Ramsey and Little Oakley
about Noy. 21st, 1882. Though often shot at, it escaped (Kerry—4o vii. 119).
A female was shot on the Marsh Farm, Tillingham, by Mr. Robert Page
early in September, 1885 (29. Sept. 19). It is still in his possession.

[Macqueen’s Bustard: Houbara macqueent.

At a sale held at the Argyll Street Auction Rooms, London, in 1871,
Lot 689 was described as ‘‘ A Macqueen’s Bustard shot at Harwich in 1822,
and preserved by Hall of Finsbury Square.” There is not the slight-
est reason to suppose that this bird was shot in England, as may be
gathered from a note by Mr. J. H. Gurney jun., in the Zoologist (34.
4763). In all-probability, the bird was the one described in Mar-
tin Barry’s catalogue as “obtained in company with the Little
Bustard,”’ namely, the one recorded by Yarrell as having been shot at
the same time and place. Other gross mis-statements in the same
catalogue were exposed in the /é7s in 1863 (p. 477). |

232 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Order LIMICOLA.

Family GQ2DICNEMIDA.,

Stone-Curlew: (Cdicnemus scolopax. © Locally “ Norfolk
Plover.”

A somewhat-uncommon summer visitor to England, breeding only
locally. In Essex, although it seems formerly to have bred not un-
commonly, it now only does so in one locality, so far as I know, and
is best known as an infrequent passing migrant in spring and
autumn, though specimens have occasionally been met with in

Essex in winter.

Parsons says (21) :—‘‘In Essex, probably from a want of sufficient open
country for it, it is only a passing and uncertain visitant.” Speaking of their
occurrence in England in winter, he says, “A friend and neighbour of mine
residing at Shoebury in Essex shot one in a field near the coast in that parish on
Jan. roth, 1832.* I have also known a few others killed in that part of the
county late in the season—one of them in the middle of November.” In a later
note he adds, “ In the vicinity of the Essex coast, I have known them to occur
in every month from September to March, and [they are] generally seen there
in severe frosts, Five about Shoebury, Dec., 1844; hard frost.” Writing from
Epping in 1835, Edward Doubleday says (15): “‘On caim, moonlight evenings
in spring we frequently hear the call of this interesting bird as it passes over at
a considerable height. I never knew of more than one specimen being killed in
this parish.” With all respect to Mr. Doubleday, I cannot help thinking that
he probably mistook the curious nocturnal call of the Moorhen for the note of
this species. Henry Doubleday (10), mentions some which flew over Epping
in the middle of March, 1841, and English includes it (43. i. 24) as an occasional
visitor. Mr. Buxton says (47.93): “I saw this bird on the 21st April, 1883,
on one of the open ‘plains’ in the Fairmead Thicket [Epping Forest]. When
it rose it flew a few yards only and re-alighted. « * » A young bird of this
species was captured on the borders of the Lower Forest.” More (33. 430),
in 1865, could find no authority for its breeding in Essex, nor, in all probability,
has it ever bred in the county since that date, except in one locality, That it had
previously done so, however, seems certain, for Mr, Clarke, writing of the Saffron
Walden district about 1845, says (24) it “occasionally breeds here ’—meaning
presumably, on the wide open downs north and west of the town, round
Heydon and Chrishall. I am informed by Mr. J. P. Nunn, of Royston, that it

* This specimen, which is still in the Parsons Collection, is labelled as having been shot by
Mr. H. M. Mason in a ploughed field at Shoebury.

GLAREOLID4—PRATINCOLE. 233

still breeds regularly on Mr. Jonas’s land at Chrishall Grange, and that he has
several clutches of the eggs taken in that neighbourhood. Several were seen
there in May, 1889, and two were killed by a Falcon (29. May 11). Dr. Bree says
(29) a young specimen was shot by Captain Ind at Birch on Sept. 19th, 1878. He
adds : ‘“‘We rarely see this bird in the inland portion of our county.” King, of
Sudbury, described it (20) in 1838 as’ “anot uncommon summer visitant, but of
extremely retired habits.” One was shotiin Nov., 1887, by some gentlemen partridge-
shooting at Bulvan. In Jan., 1889, one was shot on the marshes near Stratford
(40. xiii. 106). Mr. Sackett has informed me of one shot at Burstead, about
Nov. 20th, 1887, and of two others shot at Bulvan and Stifford respectively,
but it never breeds in that neighbourhood. Mr. Kerry received one, shot at
Bradfield, near Harwich, on Oct. I0, 1880 (40. v. 26). The Rev. J. C. Atkinson
states that he never heard of its breeding nearer to Essex than Bury St. Edmunds.

Family GLAREOLIDA.

Collared Pratincole: Glareola pratincola.
A rare and irregular straggler to Britain from the south of Europe.
There is, I believe, only a single record of it in Essex.

Mr. Henry Shaw, of High Street, Shrewsbury, records (29. Aug. 31, 1861)

that a specimen

“was shot by Capt. the Hon. G. R. C. Hill, about a fortnight back, in Essex,
whilst out Duck-shooting ; it is a fine bird, and had much the appearance of
having recently sat upon eggs. The stomach was full of small beetles. Its
appearance on the wing was much like that of the genus H/zrundo. It is now
with me for preservation, and will in due course be placed in the Collection of the
Viscount Hili at Hawkstone.”

Lord Hill has been good enough to inform me that the specimen, an adult
female, is still in his possession, while his brother, the Hon. Geoffrey R. C. Hill,
writes me that he cannot now remember the name of the parish wherein he shot
the bird, but that at the time he

“was shooting ‘ flappers’ on the Kelvedon Marshes with Mr. Philip Bennett
(who was in the Blues with me at that time), and I rather fancy the marshes
belonged to, or were leased by, his father, of Rougham Hall, Bury St. Edmunds.
There was a decoy there in those days, and very close to that, as we were walking
up the side of the ditches after Ducks, I saw a single bird coming over my head.
Not knowing what it was I shot at it, and not being any the wiser after I had
got it in my hand, I asked leave to keep it and sent it to Mr. H. Shaw, of 45,
High Street, Shrewsbury, for preservation for my brother’s museum, I may have
stated to him at that time more particulars than I am now able to give you.”

From the above, it seems probable that the bird was shot close to the Decoy
-on the Old Hall Marshes, Tollesbury.

[Cream-coloured Courser: Cursorius gallicus.

Another rare and irregular straggler to Britain, where it is generally
met with in the autumn. The bird does not seem ever to have been
actually obtained in Essex, but an example has occurred on the border.
Edward Newman writes (29. Oct. 30, 1858 ; and 23. 6309) :—

““T am indebted to Mr. Cooper, of No. 28, Radnor Street, St. Luke’s,
for sending me in the flesh a very perfect specimen of that rare bird, the
Cursorius isabellinus of naturalists. It was shot inthe Hackney Marshes,
on the 19th of October, by Mr, George Beresford, of the White House
Fishery. The bird was exceedingly tame, probably tired with a long
flight.”

234 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

' It is still in Mr. Beresford’s possession (38. 132). Although Hack-
ney Marshes are on the Middlesex side of the Lea, from the locality
in which it was obtained this might fairly be considered an Essex

bird. ]

Family CHARADRIIDE-.

Golden Plover: Charadrius pluvialis. Locally, ‘Grey

Plover.”

A resident, breeding commonly on many high moorland wastes in
the north and west of England, and in Scotland and Ireland, but only a
winter visitor to Essex.
After severe easterly gales,
and during hard weather,
many large flocks appear
in the inland parts of the
county, frequenting arable
fields, and low swampy
meadows, often in com-
pany with the Lapwing.
They frequently remain

= until quitelate. [saw alarge
GOLDEN PLOVER, in winter, Y%. flock here on Apr. 1st,
Sa aes 1880. On Mar. 13th,
1881, many in a flock I was very close to were assuming the black
breast, and two, in almost full breeding plumage, were shot near here

by a gamekeeper on Apr. roth, 1878.

Mr. Clarke notes (24) that ‘rarely a small flock” occurs at Walden.
Lindsey wrote in 1851 that it then occurred “in great abundance during the
autumn ” at Harwich (27. App. 54), where it is still common in winter (Kerry).

Both Mr. Grubb (39) and King (20) say that flocks occasionally frequent the large:

open fields around Sudbury in the winter. On and about May gth, 1873, doubt-
less when on migration, many were killed by flying against the telegraph wires
which cross Wanstead Flats (29. May 17).

Grey Plover: Sguatarola helvetica.

A fairly-common visitor to our coast from autumn to spring, sel-
dom occurring inland, and never in large flocks.

Mr. Hope observes that it generally arrives in Essex a little earlier than the
Golden Plover, and in 1880, Major Russell (42) observed several flocks on the
Essex coast on Aug. 14th, when all had black breasts. Mr. Bond found it (23.

39) common round Southend at the end of Aug., 1842. Mr. Buxton says (47.
94) it “has been found by the Roding in late autumn. « « * Its occurrence in

the Forest is remarkable. One procured [at Epping] by the late Mr. Doubleday,,

CHARADRIUDA—PLOVERS. 235.

of Epping, is preserved in the British Museum [32. 139]. Mr. Smee says
(34. 2605) that a fair number were seen round Leigh in October, 1871, At Har-
wich, “it is common during migration ” (Kerry).

Mr. J. Glessing, of Forest Gate, has a cream-coloured variety, obtained in
that neighbourhood at the end of April, 1871 (29. May 6).

Kentish Plover: “gialitis cantiana.
A rare passing migrant in spring and autumn. It breeds in
Kent and Sussex, but not in Essex.

Two were seen and one shot on the beach at Dovercourt on Aug. 23rd, 1876
(Kerry—4o. i. 52), and Mr. Hope “saw one near Harwich in October, 1887.’ The
Rey. M. C, H. Bird observed two,and procured one, at Canvey Island on Sept. roth,
1881. Several years ago Mr. Bidwell observed a pair at Clacton. At Languard
Point one was observed on Aug. 12th, 1884, two on June 30th, 1885, and two
on Nov. 27th,:1885 (42).

Ringed Plover: “£ygalitt’s hiaticula. Locally, “Stone Run-
ner,” and ‘“‘ Ring Dotterel.”
A common resident on the coast, though its numbers are largely

increased in autumn by the arrival of birds from elsewhere.

In 1865, Lieut.
Legge noticed their
arrival at Shoebury
at the end of Sep-
tember, when they
were enormously
fat. They seemed
to spend the night
on the beach, and
were usually seen
most about day-
break, or in the
evening (34. 91).
In 1888, Mr. Stacey
preserved a speci-
men shot at Dun-
mow. Round Har-
wich, it is very
common and it
breeds in increas-
ing numbers on the
beach and sandy
wastes between that place and Walton-on-the-Naze (Kerry). In the Parsons
Collection is one shot by Mr. Parsons on Foulness Island on May 23rd, 1838,
when he also took the nest with four eggs. Mr. Hope says: “It breeds on all
our beaches.”

RINGED PLOVER, 4.

INTERMEDIATE RINGED PLOVER: Zgialitis hiaticula-intermedia.
The smaller and more slender race, which has been by some
regarded as a distinct species, and which seems to be chiefly a south-

236 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

ern form, occasionally appears on our coast. The Rev. M. C. H.
Bird both saw and procured specimens on Canvey Island in the
autumns of 1881 and 1882. This form, which is merely a geogra-
phical race, of
sub - specific
value only, must
not be con-
founded with
the Little Ring-
ed Plover (4.
curonica ) which
is a totally dis-
tinct species.
This latter is a
very rare occa-
sional visitor, and was first observed in this country by Henry
Doubleday, who obtained a specimen at Shoreham about 1845.
The accompanying figure, for which I am indebted to Mr. Harting,
is sketched from the specimen shot at Kingsbury Reservoir in
August, 1864. ‘There is no record of the species in Essex.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 2/5.

Dotterel: Ludromias morinellus.

A rare passing migrant in spring and autumn when on its way to
or from its more northerly breeding stations among the Scotch
mountains. At these times
it is occasionally met with
in the inland parts of the
county. The open chalk
downs around Chesterford,
Chrishall, Heydon and the
Chishalls seem formerly to
have been a rather favourite
halting-place.

Mr. Clarke, writing of the
Saffron Walden district about
1845, says (24) it is ‘‘now and
then met with ; not uncommon
at Ickleton [Cambs] and Ches-
terford.” In the Museum is a
mature specimen shot near the
town. Mr. J. Glessing records
that a flock of fourteen appeared
near Forest Gate after severe gales about the end of August, 1871, They fre-
quented a freshly-turned fallow (29. Sept. 2). Some years ago, one struck the

CHARADRIID4—PLOVERS. 237

telegraph wire in the neighbourhood of Colchester and lost one wing. It came
into the possession of Dr. Bree, who forwarded it to the Zoological Gardens
(Laver). Dr. Bree records (29) that it was brought to him alive in the third
week in Aug., 1876, doubtless when on its southward migration ; also that in May,
1880, two were shot out cf a flock of seven on migration near Colchester (2g. May
29). Mr. Hope writes that he generally sees them in September and May on the
borders of Essex, where they are more common than they were a few years back.
Mr. E. A. Fitch informs me of one “‘in summer plumage,” shot by Mr. W. Sewell
at Bradwell-on-Sea in Sept., 1875, and Dr. Salter has some killed on the shore at
Mersea Island in 1886. In Hone’s Zvery-Day Book, it is stated, under May roth,
that

“in May and June [? June] this bird is to be found on the Gog-Magog Hills
[which are in Cambridgeshire, but only just beyond the Essex border] and the
moors adjacent. It is caught with nets. « » x There is a tradition current here
that King James I. was very fond of seeing Dotterells taken ; and when he came
to Newmarket used to accompany the birdcatchers to the Gog-Magog Hills and
moors for that purpose.” Then follows an amusing anecdote connected with the
sport. Mr. Saunders says (37. iii. 255) that May 1oth ‘used to be known on the
borders of Hertford and Cambridgeshire as ‘ Dotterell-Day.’”

Peewit or Lapwing: Vanellus vulgaris. Locally, “ Green
Plover.’ * Black Plover,” ““Horned’ Pie,” and)“ Flapper-jack”
(E. A. F.—once).

A resident, breeding not uncommonly near the coast and at a few
inland places, but nowhere abundantly in the county. In the winter,
especially after
strong easterly
gales or during se-
vere weather, enor-
mous flocks ap-
pear in the inland
parts of the county,
feeding in ploughed
fields and low
marshy pastures. In
all probability their
absence from the
inland parts of our
county during the breeding season may be largely accounted for by
the better farming now carried on, as Mr. Clarke informs me that
many years ago they were plentiful round Saffron Walden, where they
do not now breed.

On July 24th, 1876, I saw a small party of seven or eight fly over here—a very
unusual occurrence in the breeding season—and in 1879 I saw a flock of twenty
here as early as Oct. 8th. Mr. Buxton says (47. 94) that it is

“Frequently seen in flocks about the fields near Wanstead Park and elsewhere
[in the Forest]. Ten years ago (1874), they used to breed on Fairmead and
near the Wake Arms. I have only observed one pair this year, but there are
some fields just outside the limits of the Forest to which they still resort in spring.”

PEEWITS Or LAPWINGS, 1/12.

238 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

On May 7th, 1882, I saw several on Wanstead Flats, They were probably
breeding in the vicinity. In 1877, there was.a nest at Stanford Rivers. In April,
1884, I saw some, evidently nesting, ina field near Dunton. It also breeds on
Osey Island, where in 1879 twenty-two nests were found in one day, while Mr.
Fitch states (50. i. 150) that upwards of 300 eggs were taken on his various
farms round Maldon in 1887. Yarrell says (14. ii. 418) that in his time a
large proportion of the eggs sent to the London markets came from the
marshes of Essex, and other adjacent counties, but this is certainly not the case
now. Walter Charleton, in his Oxomasticon Zoicon (1668. p. 108), says of the
“ Vanellus” :—

“In Essexia, est Insula quaedam haud magni circuitus, quae ab ingenti avium
harum copia, eo praecisé ad diem Divo Georgio sacrum advolante, nomen suum,
Foulness nempe, hoc est avium promontarium, fortita est, uti est Fullero nostro

. . ”
notavit supra laudatus D. Dr. Merret. Huic Vanello Congener Est.

Round Orsett, they are “ common enough on the marshes and fens, in spring
and summer. About the beginning of August they leave for the uplands, where
they remain until the middle of March, when they return to their breeding
haunts ” (Sackett). Round Harwich, it “ breeds commonly ”’ (Kerry).

Oyster-catcher: Hematopus ostralegus. Locally, “ Olive” or
‘“Olat,” and {Sea Pie?

A scarce resident on our coast, where it formerly bred not uncom-
monly, but now best known as a fairly-common visitor to our shore
from autumn to spring.

Dale says (2. 400): “‘ This I have seen in Maldon Channel.” Lindsey says
(27. App. 52) it was well-known in 1851 on the shore at Harwich. Mr. Kerry
states that it is now fairly common there and stays all the year round, from which
he infers that it breeds in the neighbourhood. This is probably the case, as in
1873 Il saw eggs taken on Stony Point by an old fisherman known as “ Noah,”
who used to live on the Point in a rude hut.* Mr. J. F. T. Wiseman informs me
it does not now breed near Paglesham, though it used to do so in some numbers.
Mr. Bond found it (23. 39) common round Southend early in Sept., 1842. The
Rev. J. C. Atkinson says (36, 117):

“Jt runs well, and is even said to dive and swim with facility. I never saw
this, though I have had them under my observation for hours together in former
days. But I know their shrill, rattling whistle, and their short uneasy flights, and
restless paddlings up and down upon the ooze, when I have been among their
haunts, well—and many a nest it used to be my lot to discover on some parts of
some of the Essex Saltings.”

Mr. Atkinson writes me: —“ It bred commonly along the Tollesbury, Wig-
borough and Peldon Saitings in my young days. I have found many scores of its
nests.”” King, in 1838, says (20):

[1 was] ‘‘ walking one day on the banks of the Stour, at a time its waters had
been drawn off to facilitate repairs. On reaching a bend of the river, one of these
birds rose and flew rapidly away, following the windings of the river. It appeared
to settle on the mud ata considerable distance. I was not before aware that it
ever came so far inland.”

In the winter of 1886-7 one frequented the large open sheet of water in Wan-

* Mr. Kerry has since informed me that a pair undoubtedly bred on the Point in 1889. Their
first eggs were taken and brought to him for identification, but they successfully reared a second
brood.

CHARADRIID4Z—PLOVERS. 239

‘stead Park for several days (Lister). Parsons has many notes on this species (22),
In his day it occasionally bred on the coast in his neighbourhood. In 1833, “a
pair bred on Mr. Walton’s Salterns at Shopland,” and on June roth, 1841, he
“took two eggs froma nest on Brimstone Saltings; they were sat upon.’”’ He
also notes the following occurrences late in spring: Apr. 2Ist,| 1826, “A good
many on the sands.” Apr. 11th, 1836, “ Not yet all gone.” 1837, May 6th,
“ Saw a large flock ;” 23rd, ‘‘a good many at Canvey Point ; ” 24th, six on Foul-
ness Ridge; June 6th, “a flock of more than a dozen about Canvey |Point.” Re-
specting their return in autumn he says: Aug. 15th, 1833, ‘‘ They have arrived
in plenty.” Aug. roth, 1835, two on the sands; 25th, a good many have arrived.
Aug. 12th, 1836, ‘“‘Saw two or three lots ;”” 26th, “a good many—some largish
lots;” Oct. 7th, ‘A great many about the sands—more than I have seen for
two or three years.” 1837, Aug. Igth, “Several about at Canvey.” 1838,
Aug. 15th, “ They have arrived.”

On June 30th, 1864, Dr. Bree had one brought to him which had been found
alive, but unable to fly, in a field at Brightlingsea. He kept it in his garden for
some time and made observations upon its habits (32a).

It is not improbable that the Pye Sand, off Harwich, and the Pye-fleet
Channel, between Mersea Island and the mainland, take their names from this
bird, which is often known as the “Sea Pie.”

Turnstone: Strepsilas interpres. Locally, ‘‘ Stone-turner.”

A fairly common bird as a passing migrant in spring and autumn,
sometimes tarrying on our coast till the beginning of June, and often
returning by the middle of August, though it does not breed in the
United Kingdom. It is sometimes met with in winter, and has been

killed inland. .

Sheppard and Whitear speak of it (9. 38) as “found sparingly on the sea-
coast.” Parsons says (22) :—

“During the month of May [they] are found all along the eastern coast,
frequently tarrying until the latter end of the month, or even the beginning of
June, at which latter time I have occasionally seen them upon the shores of Essex
and [have] shot the old females with their eggs in a considerably advanced state.”

He appends the following late observations on this point :—May 17th, 1836, a
pair on Shoebury Sands. May 23rd, 1837, shot a fine old female on Canvey
Point and saw one on Foulness Shore the next day. June 1oth, 1835, saw one on
Shoebury Sands, He also gives dates of their reappearance: Aug. 27th, 1835, “a
great many about the shore,’’ Aug 2gth, 1836, “a good many about the cockle-
shell point of Canvey, with Ring Dotterel and Oxbirds.” In 1865, Lieut. Legge

wrote from Shoebury (34. 90) :

“This handsome bird is not very common, I believe, on these sands. The
shore is of a muddy nature and does not suit their habits. » x * Small flocks of
young birds arrived on the coast during the last week in August and first days of
September. They confined themselves to the shingle, and were not very shy.
Several specimens were shot, all young birds. They stayed about a week, and
then disappeared.”

Round Harwich, Mr. Kerry says it is “common in the autumn.” He adds
that three pairs in 1888, and two pairs in 1889, remained on the beach between
there and Walton during the entire summer ; but it is impossible to believe that
they bred there. One was killed at Audley End on Jan. 18th, 1832 (Clarke—24),
and in August, 1876, Mr. Stacey preserved one shot at High Roothing.

240 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Family SCOLOPACID.

Avocet: Recurvirostra avocetta. Locally, “ Crooked-bill.”

Formerly a not uncommon summer visitor, but now only a rare
visitant to England. The only records of its appearance in Essex I
have been able to discover are the fol-
lowing :—

Dale, mentions it (2. 402) under the
name ‘ Crooked-bill.” He says it is met with
‘in these eastern parts [about Harwich] fre-
quently. The first time I did see it, was on an
Island below Maldon, called Northey, anno
1700. Inthe summertime.” At this time of
year, it must undoubtedly have been breeding,
as it used also to do in Sussex, Kent, Suffolk,
Norfolk, Lincolnshire, &c. On the north side
of the Island, as Mr. E. A. Fitch has informed
me, there is still a creek known, and marked on
some maps, as “ Awl Creek,” which name is with very little doubt a relic of the
time when the Avocet or ‘f Awl-bill” bred on its banks. Such survivals are very inter-
esting. Mr. Hope remarks that Avocets “ often land in the wintertime.” He adds,
“One gunner on the Main shot eight at one shot. The late Col. Russell bought them
for £1.” Several are still among the birds he left, while a fine adult from Essex,
now in the Norwich Museum, presented by Col. Russell, was, doubtless, one of
the same lot. Mr. Hope also informs me that, on Apr. IIth, 1889, about 5 p.m.,
four were observed to fly in from the east of the Cork Sands. They flew about 120
yards high, and, curving round, took a northerly course up the Deben River.

AVOCET, 1/12.

Black-winged Stilt : Aimantopus candidus.
A rare straggler to Britain, which is included in this list on very
slight, though I think sufficient, grounds.

Mr. Clarke notes (24) that one was seen about 1820 round the pond at his
residence, “The Roos,” near Saffron Walden. He still remembers being hur-
riedly called by a man to see “a bird with legs a yard long,” but was only in
time to see it fly away.

Red-necked Phalarope: Phalaropus hyperboreus.

A regular, though uncommon, passing migrant in spring and
autumn, when on its way to and from its breeding stations on the
islands in the extreme north of Scotland.

Mr. Bond met with one or two at Southend late in August, 1842 (23. 40).
An old male, in winter plumage, was taken on the lake in Debden Park on Oct,
15th, 1881, after a severe storm (44. ii, Ixxx). Specimens were shot near Har-
wich in Aug. and Sept., 1876 (Kerry—4o. i. 52). The late Mr. Bond’s Collec-
tion contained a specimen, in summer plumage, which was shot in the summer of
1850, whilst running between the rails near the station at Stratford (40. xiii.416),

SCOLOPACIDAZ—SNIPES. 241

Grey Phalarope : Phalaropus fulicarius.

An uncommon and irregular visitor when on migration in late
autumn or early winter.

Earthy records

(19. 114) that in SS
Sept., 1838, he re- ==
ceived two speci- 2
mens, ‘one shot
at Blackwater, the
other found in an
exhausted state in
Dhew panic .orf
Rayne.” One was
killed near Wood-
ham Mortimer in or
about the same year
(C. Walford—rg.
47). Another was
killed on the Black-
water, on October
6th, 1866, at which
time many occurred
on the south coast
of England. Mr. GREY PHALAROPES summer and winter, \%.
Stacey, of Dunmow,
has a specimen shot by a pond near there about the year 1870. One was shot in
Wanstead Park on Oct. 5th, 1875 (29. Oct. 9.) Mr. Kerry records one (34. 4827),
in full winter plumage, shot at Harwich on Nov. 24th, 1875, and says (40. vii. 119)
that on Noy. 3rd, 1882, one was shot and another seen swimming in the Harbour.
The Rev. M. C. H. Bird possesses a pair, shot on Canvey Island in 1877. Eng-
lish includes it (43. i. 24) as only an “ occasional visitor” to Epping, probably on
the strength of one shot beside a brook at North Weald (47.97). Mr. Hope says it
is ‘common in Essex in winter and autumn after heavy north-east gales, Some-
times it is seen insummer months, generally swimming inside the mouths of estu-
aries.” One was killed by a stone from a catapult on Wanstead Flats on Nov.
2Ist, 1888 (29. Dec. 1 and 8). Dr. Salter has one shot from a launch at the
entrance to Salcot Creek after a heavy storm in 1881.

Woodcock: Scolopax rusticula.

A fairly-common winter visitor, much sought after by sportsmen.
Plentiful in some years, but scarce in others. A few remain to breed,
and nests in various parts of the county have from time to time,
though not very often, been reported.

Lord Braybrooke, writing to Yarrell (14, ii. 596), mentions one shot at Audley
End about 1793, which “ weighed full sixteen ounces, and was much the largest-
looking bird, as well as the heaviest, I ever saw.” Mr. Clarke speaks of it (24)
as “frequently killed in winter” round Saffron Walden. He records nests in
Peverell’s Wood, Wimbish, in the years 1831-32 and 33. On one occasion, the
nest, when found, contained eggs, and on two occasions the young birds were

R

242 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

found. Dr, Maclean, about 1835, mentions a nest taken near Colchester (16).
Daniel says (6. ii. 437) : At Langleys, in Essex, the seat of “ Mr. Tufnell, some
years since, a Woodcock flew through
} the hall window in the day time—
2&9, _. Whether pursued by a hawk, or de-
Ras, 2 5 ’
"b= > ceived by the thorough light from
2a the opposite windows,'is unknown.”
E He adds (6. ii. 441), “Young
~~ Woodcocks have been found in the
==—~ High Woods, near Colchester ;”
= ~ also that at the time of their migra-
tion they are sometimes found in
= great “abundance upon the Essex
== coast, especially in the large woods
ae a at St. Osyth.” Dr. Bree (32a)
woopcock, %. notes a female containing eggs found
in a garden in Colchester on Apr. 15, 1865, and also a female picked up close to
the town on July 24, 1869. The late Mr, Errington, of Lexden Park, had some
preserved specimens of the bird and its eggs, also taken in the Colchester High
Woods (Laver), Although common in the wooded districts around Laindon.
Burstead and elsewhere, it is infrequent in the more open Orsett district. On
Oct. 31st, 1887, however, during full moon, a young man who was catching black-
birds with a bat-fowling net along the hedges ofa lane close to Orsett Street, cap-
tured one which sprang out of a ditch by the road-side (Sackett). Mr. John
Cordeaux writes (40. xii. 62), under date of Noy. roth:

“ A curious note comes to me from the Swin Middle L.V. : when the lantern
was lowered at sunrise a fine Woodcock was found dead on the top. Now if the
bird had struck the lantern in flight, it would either have fallen on deck er into
the sea; the probability therefore is that it alighted on the lantern top, and
simply died from exhaustion.”

Woodcocks ‘‘are not unfrequent visitors to the Forest in the winter months,
but the absence of springs and the hardness of the soil are unfayourable to them,
and they are never numerous where cattle have access. They do not, therefore,
generally remain long, but instances have been known of their staying through
the summer and breeding”’ (Buxton—47. 95).

Henry Doubleday writes (10) on Apr. gth, 1844: “On Sunday afternoon a
lad was walking through our forest and put up a Woodcock, and on looking at the

spot she rose from, found four eggs which he brought to me.” The Rev. J. W.
Maitland also has two nests, taken in Epping Forest, while Mr. Harting writes
(41. i. 166) :—

“On the 6th April [1887] « * x four Woodcocks were flushed in different
parts of the Forest. x * * On the 6th of August last x » » while walking at twi-
light in the neighbourhood of Loughton Camp, I came suddenly upon an old
Woodcock and two full-fledged young ones. They allrose at my approach within
a few yards of me, but the young ones not being strong on the wing, dropped again
within a very short distance.”

In the extensive woods around Danbury, Mr. Smoothy frequently meets with
them during winter, and shoots, on an average, about seven couple ‘every season,
though in 1883-4 he killed nine couple, and in 1888-9 ten couple. He has kept
account of the weights of all he has shot during the last few years, and finds the
average to be 12 oz., though two have reached 16 oz, It probably breeds in the
woods as he has seen it late in the spring,

SCOLOPACIDZ—SNIPES. 243

Great Snipe: Gal/inago major. Locally ‘“ Double Snipe.”

An uncommon visitor to Britain. It has been met with fairly
often in Essex as a passing migrant in the autumn, but appears to be
very rarely seen in spring.

‘Several were shot on the Suffolk and Essex coasts during the autumn of 1836
(Hoy—18. i. 117). Mr. Clarke records (24) one obtained near Walden about
1825, and another at Newport in 1853. Dr. Bree records one (29. Sept. 6 and 20)
found dying near Lexden in Aug., 1879. Mrs. Bree still has it. He also says (29) :

“Mr. Ambrose, bird-stuffer of this town, has shown me two fine specimens,
sent to him for preservation, and shot one on either side of the River Colne as it
flows into the sea at St. Osyth and Brightlingsea, in November last [1880].
These birds weighed respectively 83 and 93 oz. The bird which weighed least

was the finer specimen of the two. « x x With one bird in my own Collection, this
makes three that have been taken in this neighbourhood during the past year.”

Mr. Laver (41. i. 189) saw one at a game-dealer’s in Colchester on Sept. 7th,
1887. It was in good condition, and had been killed by flying against the tele-
graph wires. It was afterwards purchased by Mr. Pettitt. Mr. E. A. Fitch
informs me of one in the possession of, and shot by, Mr. F. Cocks on Tiptree
Heath. It weighed 102 oz. Mr. Hope writes that there are always one or two
about every year. Two were shot at Brentwood in Nov., 1888. Mr. Pettitt
has preserved specimens shot respectively at Takeley about 1884; at Paglesham
about Dec. 30th, 1888 (weight 63 oz.) ; at Langham about the end of August,
1889 ; and at Tollesbury on the Old Hall Marshes by Dr. Salter on Sept. 13th,
1889, the latter a particularly fine bird, weighing 73 oz. and measuring 12 inches
in length.

Common Snipe: Gal/inago celestis. Locally, “‘ Whole Snipe ”
and “ Full Snipe.”

A common winter visitor, especially during a sharp frost or floods,
when single individuals may be found beside small streams and run-
ning ditches in most, if not all, parts of the county. It used to be a
common resident, but it is now more scarce than formerly, though it
still breeds in various places on our coast, and probably in Epping

Forest.

In 1880, large numbers, which remained only a few hours, were observed to
arrive on the Essex coast from Oct. 29th to Nov. Ist (42). In 1881, a pair was
seen in the Osier-ground at Broomfield as late as April 7th, but they did not
stay to breed. Three were also seen near here as early as Sept. roth. Some
remarks by “a Londoner ” (28. i. 43) imply that in 1851 it still bred not uncom-
monly in Hainault Forest, and it seems not improbable that they bred in the
Forest as lately as 1878, for “‘ Ranger” says (29. July 13): “For some time past
we have had about six couples of Snipe feeding on the swamps in the Forest in this
neighbourhood. « » » In many years’ experience, I never knew them here so
early.” The Rev. J. C. Atkinson cannot recollect ever having found its nest
in Essex, but it breeds round Harwich (Kerry), and at Paglesham Mr. J. F. T.
Wiseman has known it nest occasionally. Mr. Hope also remarks that it “ breeds
on the marshes and passes on. Fresh birds take their place about the end of
September. On the first signs of frost they go up-country to the springs.” In
1889, Dr. Salter says nests were found on the Tollesbury Marshes, where it is
becoming commoner as a breeding bird.

Ri 2,

244. THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Mr: Scruby informs me that a white specimen was shot at Shelley a few
years ago. He himself fired at it, but missed.

Jack Snipe: Zimmnocryptes gallinula. Locally, “ Half Snipe.”
A fairly-common winter visitor, most often seen during a frost.
King says (20) that in 1838 it
was “common”’ about Sudbury.
It frequently occurs on Wanstead
Flats in winter (Baxter). I
have occasionally seen them,
and once shot one, in a marshy
meadow close to this house.
Round Harwich, Mr. Kerry
says it is common most winters.

hie :
He once shot one weighing 33

JACK SNIPE, Y{. ounces, the usual weight being
(After Bewick). about 2 ounces.

Dunlin : Zynga alpina. Locally, “ Oxbird.”
The commonest Sandpiper on our coasts during autumn, winter
and spring. Although it has never been known to nest in the county,
specimens some-
—— times remain on
= the Coast until
the end of May,
and often return
by the middle of
July, while some
even stay with
us all the year
round.

Parsons says (13.
11.154.)thatat South-
church, although
noneremain tobreed,
“about the middle
of July the old ones
arrive here, and the
first of the young
about the middle of
August. All that month and September [they] continue to come, and during
winter may be seen in immense flocks, traversing the surface of the water, or
sometimes, rising higher, they appear like a dark cloud, and rapidly turning and
presenting their breasts to the spectator, they all at once appear of a snowy white.”
He shot seven (8) on New England on July 24th, 1824. His observations on this
bird (22) are very numerous. He seems not infrequently to have observed them
about until nearly the end of May : for instance, on May 23rd, 1836, he “saw a

DUNLINS, sumer and winter, Y%.

SCOLOPACIDA—DUNLIN. 245

pair at Tilbury ; very fine and black,” and on the same date in the following year,
several on Canvey Point, while the day after he notes “a few about East Point,
Foulness,” and he shot one in perfect summer plumage. In some years, he saw
them even later: thus on June 6th, 1837, he saw “a few about Canvey Point,”
and shot a female with enlarged eggs ; while on June 15th he says three were
shot on Yantlet. One of these which he examined was a non-breeding female
in bad plumage. Such birds, he says, not unfrequently occur in most species of
shore-birds. He usually noted their return in autumn about the middle of July
or sometimes even a little earlier : thus, 1833: July 12, ‘“‘sawone;” 18th, “saw
several old ones.” 1835: July 15, ‘saw two old ones;” 17th, a lot on the
sands,” 1838, July 14: ‘‘ Twenty, or more, old birds on the sands,” . As to their
swimming powers he writes: when sitting at the

“edge of the flowing tide, they will frequently suffer the water to reach their
bellies, and even to float them, before they move. This, I have often noticed, more
particularly when they are sitting among the grass on the saltings, where they will
let the tide take them off their legs and [will] paddle across the little guts that
lay in their way.” Again he says:

_ “Sept. 24th, 1835.—Watching some to-day on the salterns at tide-time, to
observe their habits, I saw them two or three times voluntarily take to the water
and swim across the little guts that lay in their way and wading up to their
bellies, bibling in the water among the saltern grass. I have before seen them
swim decently when winged, but not from choice.”

Mr. Clarke mentions one in the Audley End Collection, shot there on Dec. 15th,
1844, and another, in summer plumage, shot beside the pond at ‘“The Roos” on
Apr. 22nd, 1854 (24). In the Collection at Audley End, too, is a specimen in full
breeding plumage, shot there on May 5th, 1864. In 1859, one was shot at Great
Canfield (Stacey). King, in 1838, says (20): “I have once or twice noticed
immense flocks of these birds skimming over our low meadows [at Sudbury] dur-
ing floods, most probably intermixed with other species of Tringa common on the
coast, [such] as the Pigmy Curlew, Ring Dotterell and Sanderling.” In 1865
Lieut. Legge says (34. 91) they began to arrive on the coast near Shoebury about
the end of August, and continued to increase in number until November, when,
they had “attained to the vast numbers which frequent the coast always
in the winter.” Specimens shot on Oct. 7th were still partially in summer dress,
but others killed a fortnight later had assumed the full winter plumage. They
fed, he says, mostly on the mud-flats left bare at low water, often in company with
the Ring Dotterell, roosting like themon the beach. At high water, they packed
into vast flocks and wheeled about in the air, often at a great height. Mr. Sackett
describes it as ‘‘common enough on the Mucking Flats in the winter, often flying
in great clouds.” He adds, “a few seem to stay all the year round.” The Rev.
J. C, Atkinson writes (36. 132) : “ The Dunlin, always called ‘ Oxbird ’ where my
boyhood was spent, and often seen there in flocks of not simply hundreds, but
thousands and many thousands, in the autumn and winter, goes to the far north to
breed.” In an important paper on “ Reason and Instinct,” Mr. Atkinson has
written (23. 5465) :—

“ How often, too, on the oozes of the Essex Coast may tens of thousands
of the there-called Oxbird be seen in a flock, and with them Redshanks,
a few Grey Plover, Ring Dotterel, &. The whole spring together, fly to-
gether, wheel together, presenting to the spectator this moment a sheet of
brilliant white, and the next, as they execute one of their marvellous turns,
nothing but a dusky cloud of rapidly moving dark objects. All this would be
not simply unintelligible, but impossible, except on the supposition that they
have some feathered fugleman to give the word and the time, and that their

246 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

code of signals, however expressed, is not only intelligible but thoroughly
understood and implicitly acted on by every bird in the flock.”

Mr. Hope observes that they can be seen on our coasts all the year
round, but do not breed, as far as he knows. Yarrell, too, says it has not been
known (37. iii. 380) to breed in Essex, Norfolk or Suffolk, though its nest has
been taken in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Northumberland. Mr. John Basham,
jun., of Maldon, informs me of an enormous bag of these birds made by his father
one night about forty years ago, when he killed by a single discharge of his gun
no less than 24 dozen out of a flock settled on the ice. This was the number
actually obtained, but he thinks the gulls and crows took several dozen for
themselves. Josiah Pitt, of Maldon, once shot 25 dozen ata single shot. Mr.
Parsons also mentions having killed 33 by one discharge of his punt gun on
the New England Saltings on Noy. 25, 1836.:

Little Stint: Zynga minuta.
A not-uncommon shore-bird when on migration in spring and

autumn.

Sheppard and Whitear state
(9. 43) that they had “killed it on
Ray Island in the River Stour.”
In the Parsons Collection are
specimens shot on New England
on Aug. 27th, 1835, and Sept. 6th,
1836. Mr. Bond met with a few
specimens at Southend late in Aug.,
1842 (23. 40). It “has once, at
least, been procured near Epping.
The specimen referred to is in the

= ———

a British Museum” (Buxton—47.
LITTLE STINT, 7” winter, 14. 97). Round Harwich, Mr. Kerry
(After Bewick). says it is rare, but two in his Collec-

tion were shot there, and five were shot in the autumn of 1889. Mr. Hope
observes that for a few days in April, and again in October, when on migration,
they may be seen about the ditches on the saltings in small parties of five or six.
Two were shot on Canvey Island on Sept. roth, 1881 (Bird). Mr. Pettitt has
several killed by his- brother out of a flock at Paglesham on Aug, 29th, 1889
Mr. A. H. Smee shot one which was flying in company with another at Leigh on
Sept. 17th, 1870 (34. 2383). Mr. Fitch has shot it at Maldon.

Temminck’s Stint: Zringa temmincki.

An uncommon visitor to our coast when on migration in spring

and autumn.

Mr. Parsons’ Collection contains one which has nearly acquired its summer
plumage, shot at the Lower Fleet, New England Island, on Aug, 25th, 1835. Lind-
sey, writing from Harwich in 1851, says (27. App. 51) that “it is only occasionally
to be seen on the oozy patches of ourshore.” Mr, Kerry mentions some (40, i. 52)
shot on Dovercourt beach in the autumn of 1876, but the only one he himself ever
saw near Harwich he shot, in company with a Little Stint, in 1886. Chas. E. Smith

notes one (31. 53) “shot at Latchingdon, near Maldon, in the spring of 1856.”

Yarrell mentions one (25. iii. 72) killed at a pond-side in Essex by Hy. Doubleday

4

,

SCOLOPACID.4—SANDPIPERS. 247

in the month of May, adding (37. iii. 399) that it has been occasionally met with
on the Essex coast.

Curlew Sandpiper: Zvinga subarquata, Locally, “ Little
Jack Curlew ” (E.A.F.).

Not very uncommon on our coast as a spring and autumn migrant.
It is remarkable, as the only British Bird whose eggs still remain

undiscovered.

Sheppard and Whitear
met with it on Peewit Island
(9.43). Mr. Clarke (24) re-
cords one killedat Bumpstead
on Feb, 2nd, 1832. Henry
Doubleday says (10) that in
1832 he saw in a Collection
at Colchester, a specimen ob-
tained on the adjacent coast.
He also says he shot several
at Walton-on-the-Naze on
Oct. 4th 1833. ‘A speci-
men, procured by the late
Mr. Doubleday of Epping,
was presented by him to the
British Museum” (Buxton
—47.97), aud is perhaps one of the above. Mr. Bond met with a few specimens
at Southend early in Sept., 1842 (23. 40). Among the birds left by the late Col.
Russell was a specimen in summer plumage killed in Essex—probably on Aug.
Ist., 1883, when he records shooting three from a flock of Dunlins. They were
in partial moult and another was seen (40. v. 52). Round Harwich, some are
seen every year, and it was “ fairly common” in the autumn of 1889 (Kerry).
Mr. Hope observes that they are fairly plentiful amongst the “ Oxbirds” on the
coast in September. Mr. Pettitt has one shot by his brother at Paglesham on
Aug. 29th, 1889.

CURLEW SANDPIPER, -
(After Bewick.)

Purple Sandpiper: Zvinga striata.

A rather rare winter visitor to our coast.

Sheppard and Whitear “once observed a Sandpiper, which appeared to be-
long to this species, flying along the shore of the Stour, hovering like'a bird of
prey, and continually darting down close to the ooze” (9. 43). Mr. W. H. Hill
of Southminster mentions (12. vi. p. 452) having twice seen it near that place
about 1833. Parsons shot one on the Saltings on New England Island, Nov. 25th,
1836, and his Collection contains another shot on the shore at-Shoebury} in Jan.,
1855; also a male in its first winter, having still a few feathers left of its first
plumage, shot on Southend beach on Noy. roth, 1837. Dr. Bree notes one (32a)
shot at Mersea in Dec., 1869. Between the 6th and toth of November, 1876,
seven were shot on the stone breakwater at Harwich (Kerry—4o. 52). One was
shot near Walton-on-the-Naze early in November, 1879 (29. Nov. 8), and Mr. J.
Backhouse jun., shot three there out of a party of five in Dec., 1888. Mr. Hope,
who has a male shot on Dovercourt Breakwater on Nov. 14th, 1888, says they are
becomin® “less common than formerly.” Mr. Baxter has one shot on Canvey

248 THE BIRDS*OF ESSEX:

Island. Mr. Kerry observes that round Harwich “ it has been rather rare of late
years, One was shot there, however, on Nov. 12th, 1888; another on Dec.
gth, 1889. Yarrell says (14. ii. 666) that various authorities speak of its occur-
rence in winter on the coast of Essex and other counties.

Knot: Zringa canutus. Locally, “Male” or “Marle” (recte
Merle) ; “‘ Red-Sandpiper.”

A common winter visitor to our coast, often appearing in August
and remaining tillspring. At migration time, specimens are occasion-
ally met with
inland.

Of the “Red
Sandpiper,” which
seems to be this
bird in summer
plumage, Mr, Par-
sons makes fre-
quent mention
(22). He speaks
of meeting with
them on and near
the shore during
winter, though his
notes do not give
any indication of
the dates of their
arrival and depar-
ture, except that he
often met with

KNOTS, 7% sunenter, Y%. them during
August. On June
6th, 1839, he saw “one in perfect winter dress, but the new stumps just
appearing.” He occasionally met with them in open fields a little way inland,
sitting in a very dense flock. Pennant, who also calls it the “Red Sandpiper,”’
says (ii. 394): “ Birds of this species have appeared in great flocks on the coast
of Essex, on the estate of Col. Schutz.” Mr. Bond (23. 40) met with it commonly
at Southend early in Sept., 1842. Mr. Clarke speaks of it (24) as ‘‘ now and then
a straggler” to the Walden district, while around Sudbury, King described it (20)
in 1838, as ‘not uncommon.” Round Harwich it is very common during the
period of autumn migration, but is never seen there on the return journey in
spring (Kerry). Mr. Hope observes that they are very common in vast flocks on
our coasts during the winter, generally arriving about Sept. 24th, and going north
in May. Newman records (23. 3116) a pure white specimen shot at Maldon on
Feb. 13th, 1851. It is now in the collection of Mr. F. Bond (37. iii. 418). The
largest bag of these birds I ever heard of was made by Mr, John Basham, jun., of
Maldon, who informs me that, some 20 or 30 years ago, he and another gunner
fired jointly at a flock resting on the mud-flats near Bradwell Chapel, and his
companion’s gun missing fire, he bagged to his own gun no less than zzne dozen,
which they sold at 4s. per dozen, sharing the proceeds.

SCOLOPACID4—SANDPIPERS. 249

Ruff: dJachetes pugnax (Female, Reeve).
Not uncommon on our coast as a passing migrant in spring and
autumn. Doubtless it once bred commonly in Essex, but I am not

aware of more than one actual record of its having done so.

In the Parsons Collection are two Reeves shot out of a small party in the
Lower Fleet, New England, on May 17th, 1833; alsoa young Ruff in autumn
plumage, shot on Ringwood Saltings, Foulness Island, on Sept. 27th, 1838.
Parsons seems to have met with it commonly in summer in his time, as he
writes (13. ii. 199) : “The variety [of plumage] in summer is almost infinite
x x x The beginning of May will be found the best time for getting the males in
perfection.” Mr.’ J. F. T. Wiseman informs me that he shot a pair by a double
shot on the Little Wakering Marshes in 1872. One was shot on some marshes
in South Essex in Sept, 1887. Round Harwich, ‘‘a few are usually seen in the
autumn.” A Reeve was shot out of a flock of seven on the Ramsey Marshes on
June 16th, 1888,* and two were seen and one shot in 1889 (Kerry). Mr. Hope
has a male shot on Colne Beach in the spring of 1874, and another shot on
Rainham Marshes on Aug. 17th, 1888. A young Reeve was shot on Nov. 6th,
1888, near Paglesham (Wiseman).

The Rev. J. C. Atkinson, in reply to my enquiry whether he ever in his early
days heard of the breeding of this bird in Essex, writes:

“Yes, I did hear of the Ruff breeding on the Tollesbury Marshes, and not
far from the land end of Shingle Hill. But I did not know it of my own know-
ledge. My reminiscence is that it had been known to breed there on divers oc-
casions. You see | have two sets of recollections, so to speak, my own and my
father’s,” This must have been more than sixty years ago.

Sanderling: Calidris arenaria. Locally, “Curwillet” and
* Towilly.”

A not uncommon spring and autumn migrant, and to some extent
also a winter visitor.

Mr. Parsons has
various notes on
this species (22).
On May 23rd, 1837,
he shot one of a
pair, and sawa party
of six on Foulness
Ridge, and on the
following day an-
other in fine sum-
mer plumage. Mr.
Bond met with a
few at Southend
early in Sept., 1842
(23. 40). In 1851,
Lindsey wrote (27.
XPPasayie it “as

tolerably common SANDERLINGS, summer and winter, 4.

* It is difficult to account for a flock of Reeves being about at this date, but there can be no
-doubt about the bird, which has been submitted to Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun.

250 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

on our sea-shore [at Harwich], where it is sometimes found at the edge of the
water. x x x Specimens have been obtained on our coast in the months of Janu-
ary, April, June, at the end of August and in October.” Round Harwich, it is.
now common, especially during the period of spring migration (Kerry).

[ Buff-breasted Sandpiper: 7yvinga rufescens.

A rare straggler to Britain from North America. There seems to be
no actual record of it in Essex, though the species comes very near to.
deserving admission to our county list, as the first British specimen of
this American species was shot early in September, 1826, near Melbourne,
Cambridgeshire, in company with some Dotterel. It was skinned by
Mr. Baker, of Melbourne, from whom it was purchased by John
Sims for Mr. Yarrell (Zvans. Linn. Soc., xvi. p. 109). Fifteen specimens
have since occurred in Britain. As Melbourne is the adjoining parish
to Heydon (Essex), this species certainly deserves mention here. }

Common Sandpiper: 7Zringoides hypoleucus. Locally, “Sum-
mer Snipe.”

Not uncommon as a passing migrant in spring and autumn, when
on its way to and from its breeding-grounds further to the north and
west. I am not aware of its.
having ever bred in Essex, and
Yarrell says (37. -iii. 447) that
‘“‘along the east coast, from Essex
to Lincolnshire inclusive, it is
only known as a visitor on mi-
gration, and has not been known
to breed,” though in Yorkshire it
breeds in many localities.*

Mr. Clarke says (24) that it used to
be “not uncommon” round Saffron
COMMON SANDPIPER, 1/5. Walden. He mentions two shot at
Wenden on May 3rd, 1837, when they

may have been breeding. Several, he says, were killed in the previous Feb-
ruary and two at “the Roos” in 1840. Lindsey, writing of Harwich in 1851,
says (27. App. 50) that it “visits us in the summer, appearing in April, and
leaving us again by the end of September.” He adds that it “is very gener-
ally known by the name of the Summer Snipe.” At Harwich, Mr. Kerry says
it is now ‘common in August. These are the first Waders that return to us
after breeding.” Chas. E. Smith records (31. 52) shooting one “last spring”

* Of the Spotted Sandpiper (Tringoides wzacularius), an American species, of doubtful occur-
rence in England, Edwards says (Gleanings of Natural History, p. 141): ‘“‘In the year 1743,
one of them was sent to me by my late worthy friend Sir Robert Abdy, Bart, who shot it near his
seat of Albins in Essex. This, on inspection, I found to bea hen, and it differed in no respect
from the American Tringa, but in being without spots on its under side, except on the throat,
where it had a few small longish dusky spots down the shafts of the feathers. By my remarks on the
drawing of the hen bird, I find that it was sent to me in the month of May, and I believe it to be
a bird of passage, and very rarely seen in England.” Of this specimen he gives a figure (PI. 277).
Lewin (4. vi. 20) and Harting (38. 139) both accept this record, but it seems now to be agreed (37 ;
and Seebohm’s Brit. Birds, iii. 123) that, although Edwards figured a genuine specimen from
America, the specimen from Essex was of the common species. Chas. E. Smith erroneously
records (31. 53) that another was ‘‘ shot by a farmer by a small stream [in] 1858,” near Coggeshall.

SCOLOPACIDAZ—SANDPIPERS. 251

[1858], and another in the following year, on the Blackwater. King de-
scribes it (20) as “not uncommon” round Sudbury, and Mr. Grubb also
mentions it (39) as occurring on his ground there. Mr, Buxton says (47. 96)
it is “occasionally seen in spring and autumn by Leytonstone Pond, [by]
the waters in Wanstead Park, and by the Roding, 1 saw one last year [? 1884]
by Baldwin’s Hili Pond.” Round Orsett, it is uncommon (Sackett). Mr, Hope
writes that it is common in all the marsh ditches on the coast during migration,
but he has never known it nest there.

Green Sandpiper: Aelodromas ochropus. Locally, “ Will
White” (HAE) ands° Black Snipe,”

This mysterious bird has been met with in Essex in every month
in the year, except perhaps January, February, and March, as the
following records will show ; yet its eggs are not known ever to have
been taken in Britain. With us, it is most often seen in July
and August, though it is not uncommon in May and September,
at which times it may be regarded as a passing migrant to Or
from unknown breeding-grounds further north, a supposition
favoured by its comparative rarity during June and the winter
months. When on migration it may often be met with inland, on
the edges of ponds, &c.

Henry Doubleday, writing from Epping on Aug. 24th, 1832, says (10) :—

“‘T have met with no ornithological rarities, except » x a very fine specimen
of the Green Sandpiper, which I shot here about two weeks since without spoil-
ing a feather, and it has made a very nice bird. It is very rare here, and only
now and then met with in the months of July, August, and September. I can-
not view it in the light of a winfer visitant, as I never saw or heard of one at that

season. * » * I should think it is a summer visitor, like the Common Sandpiper,
though a much rarer one.”

In Sept., 1835, he says (10): “ We have had several Green Sandpipers here
this autumn. I shot four at one pond.” Again on Sept. 8th, 1840, he says (10):
“J shot a couple of Green Sandpipers about a week since, and saw a third, but it
was very shy.” On Aug. 6th, 1841, he says (10): “I have noticed one or two
Green Sandpipers at our ponds for the last two or three weeks.” On Aug. 18th,
1842, he says (10) :—

“There are a great many Green Sandpipers at the ponds here—far more than
usual. I have noticed them for a month past. I cannot think when and where
they breed, as these seem all old birds, and I never yet shot a young one here,
though I daresay at different times I have killed a score. They are here in July,
and remain till November, and I sometimes see them in May.”

Yarrell says (25. ii. 559) Doubleday informed him that he shot one near
Epping on Noy, 2nd, 1840, though he had never before observed one there so
late in the year. As it was only slightly wounded, he kept it alive, and it soon
became very tame, running rapidly about the room and feeding readily upon
small worms. Edward Doubleday, of Epping, in 1835, says (15) it ‘‘ occurs here
in May, July (the first week), August, and September.” Elsewhere he writes
(12. vi. 149): “ Is the Green Sandpiper a resident in Britain or only a periodical
visitant ? With us it is only found in: July, August, September, and, I believe,
October.” Mr. Buxton says (47. 96) that to the Epping Forest district it is an
“ occasional visitor in springand autumn. One was shot in Mr. Barclay’s grounds
Knott’s Green. Two others, shot near Epping, and presented by Hy. Doubleday,

252 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

are preserved in the British Museum.” Mr. Clarke mentions (24) one at Ches-
terford in 1833, and two at Wenden in 1835. Around Sudbury, King says (20)
that in 1838 it was “not uncommon.” Mr. W. L. Barclay, of Leyton, wrote
(23. 7939) in 1862, {that specimens were observed there “almost every year.”
Mr, W. Jesse records (34.915) that on Aug. 18th, 1867, one appeared round a
pond on the lawn at Maisonette, Ingatestone. Dr. Bree, in recording the occur-
rence of a female specimen near Colchester, about the middle of April, 1874 (29.
May 2) stated his belief that it bred in Essex. At Harwich “a few are seen every
autumn” (Kerry). Mr. Hope generally meets with them in the marsh ditches
from the middle of August until November, but seldom later, He adds: “I have
known them fly aboard the dredgers at sea in August, and be knocked over
by astone. It is locally known as the ‘Black Snipe.’’”’ Mr. Parsons has many
notes of meeting with it on New England Island, the Tilbury Marshes, and
elsewhere, sometimes singly, but more often in pairs or small parties, and in one
case (July 23, 1839) in a flock of ten on New England. He notes seeing a pair
at Tilbury on April 21st, 1842, but most of the occurrences are in July and
August, though there are some noted as late as November or December. They
appear usually to have arrived during the first two or three days of July,
though in 1838 he saw two on New England on June 27th, and in 1842 one
at Tilbury on June 17th (22). Writing in 1834, he said (13. ii. 199) he had
never seen this species except in the autumnal months. In 1888, Mr. Fitch con-
stantly observed a pair about the ditches on Northey Island, from May until
the middle of July, but could obtain no evidence whatever of their having nested
in the vicinity.

Wood-Sandpiper: Zotanus glareola.

A rare and irregular visitor to Britain, chiefly as a passing
migrant in spring and autumn. It has been known to breed in
Scotland, Norfolk, and Northumberland, and two of the following

records seem to suggest its having bred in Essex.

On July 24th, 1837, Mr. Parsons shot a young male of the year at the
Lower Fleet, on New England Island, supposing it to ‘be a Green Sandpiper
(22). From the date one cannot help surmising that it may have been bred
there. Henry Doubleday, writing from Epping on May toth, 1840, mentions
(10) that on the previous Monday,

“a fellow celebrated for poaching brought me a Wood Sandpiper (7. glare-
ola) which he shot at a pond on ourcommon. It was a female, and the eggs
very much enlarged. He says there were two of them, probably a pair. The
one he brought is in full summer plumage.”

Yarrell, who says (14. ii. 535) that it has been killed in Essex in the spring,
mentions hearing of the above occurrence from Doubleday. Dr. Bree notes (32a)
a fine specimen shot at Nayland-on-the-Stour, and sent to Ambrose to stuff
in Dec., 1869. One was observed at the mouth of the Stour on Aug. 16th, 1884

(42).

Redshank: TZotanus calidris. Locally, “ Teuke,” or “ Pool
Snipe.”

An abundant resident on our coast, where it may be seen during
the winter in large flocks, increased by immigrants from elsewhere.
It breeds in all suitable situations among the marshes and saltings
on our coast, and as far up the Thames as Dagenham and Stan-

SCOLOPACIDZ—REDSHANES. 253

ford-le-Hope (where a friend saw birds which were evidently breed-
ing in May, 1888), though I believe at no inland localities in this
county.

Sheppard and Whitear state (9. 45) that “this species is found solitary, and
also in flocks, on the ooze of the River Stour.” Lindsey, who, writing from
Harwich in 1851, speaks of it as the ‘Pool Snipe,” says (27. App. 50) that it
“is resident with us for more than half the year.” Round Harwich it is still
very common and breeds in large numbers (Kerry). Mr. W. H. Hill, of South-
minster, in 1835, says (12. viii. 573): “On this coast, on the immense flat oozy
banks which lie at the mouth of the Thames, this bird is to be found in flocks of
from ten to thirty or forty individuals, which are there called by the name of
‘teuks.’”” The Rey. J. C. Atkinson writes (36. 123) :—this was

“one of the most familiar of all our birds to mein my youth. Many long
days have I spent amid their haunts on the Essex Saltings. » * * When the young
are newly hatched the parent birds betray excessive jealousy and anxiety at
the approach of either man or dog to their resort. They have sometimes come
and settled on the ground within two or three paces of me and at others flown
so directly towards me as to suggest the possible intention of attacking me,
piping most plaintively and incessantly the while. This conduct is designated
by the term ‘ mobbing,’ on the Essex Marshes.”

In 1865, Lieut Legge says (34. 91) they were very numerous round Shoebury
from the beginning of September onwards, frequenting the salt-water creeks
round Foulness Island, on the ‘muddy banks of which they fed during low tide.
He adds that a good many were to be seen about during the whole summer, as
they bred in a marsh on Canvey Island and elsewhere. Writing from Shoebury-
ness in 1866, he says (/éis, N.S. ii. 420): “In the low pasture grounds of the
south-eastern portion of this county, frequented by Vanellus cristatus for breed-
ing purposes, Zofanus calidris is to be found nesting in about equal numbers.
This year I found upwards of a score of nests in a low pasture of a few acres in
extent.” Mr. A. J. Crosfield informs me that when on the edge of Dagenham
Lake on May 23rd, 1879, two pairs, which evidently had young, kept dashing
about overhead. They leave their breeding-grounds on the marshes round
Orsett and retire inland about the beginning of August, returning about the
middle of March (Sackett). Mr. Hope observes that it breeds in such large
numbers in the marshes along the coast that he has often found eight or ten
nests in as many minutes in the grass shut up for hay. On May 2ist, 1882,
Mr. C. Beckwith, landlord of The Sluice Inn on Canvey Island, who is a good
observer, found jive Redshanks’ eggs in one nest (Bird), On the Old Hall
Marshes, Tollesbury, on June 12th, 1888, Mr. Fitch and myself found a nest
containing two eggs—the beginning, doubtless, of a second brood. Within a
couple of yards was a Lark’s nest containing three eggs. Mr. G. W. Brewis, of
Chesterford Park, has a young bird shot -by himself beside the ornamental water
close to his house in Oct., 1887. Mr. Robert Page informs me that considerable
numbers have occasionally been taken in his Marsh House Decoy.

Spotted Redshank: Zotanus fuscus.
Of this passing visitor, which occurs in Britain chiefly during
migration, I only know of the occurrence in Essex of five or six

examples, though it is probably not very rare.
Henry Doubleday says (10) that in 1832 he saw one in a Collection at Col-
chester, obtained on the adjacent coast. Mr. Ambrose has received specimens

254 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

from Brightlingsea, where Dr. Bree says (32a) one was shot on the marshes in
the autumn of 1863. Mr. Kerry has informed me of two which he has observed
near Harwich, one in Landermere Creek, in September, 1888, the other several
years since on the Essex side of the River Stour. At the Marsh House, Tilling-
ham, Mr. Robert Page has a specimen taken in his decoy there. Mr. Page tells
me that others have been taken there. Dr. Bree says that the only one he ever
saw in his neighbourhood was shot on the St. Osyth Marshes late in Aug., 1863
(29. Sept. 5). Mr. Kerry saw three on Handford Water in 1889, and shot a
female in Suffolk on Sept. 4th (40. xiii. 454). About the middle of October,
1889, Dr. Salter shot at Tollesbury a fine specimen which was preserved by
Mr, Pettitt.

Greenshank: TZotanus canescens.

A somewhat uncommon passing migrant in spring and autumn.

Albin figures a specimen which he says (3. ii. 63) ‘“ was shot by Sir Robert
Abdy on the sandy bank of a river in Essex, and was not much used to the sight
of men, it letting him come within ten yards of it before he fired at it.” In the
Saffron Walden Museum is a specimen from Epping, presented, nearly fifty
years ago, by Henry Doubleday, who says (10) that in 1832 he saw one in a
Collection at Colchester, obtained on the adjacent coast, and that he ob-
served two at Walton in the same year. The Rev. J. C. Atkinson writes (36.
125): “I used to meet with it occasionally in the early autumn on the Essex
Saltings, and remember thinking I had got a prize the first time I shot one, and
noticed its slightly upturned bill.” One was “shot on the Mundon Marshes [in]
1857’ (Smith—31. 53). Mr. A. H. Smee shot an adult at Leigh, on Sept. 18th,
1869 (34. 1921), and saw two more there on Sept. 17, 1870 (34. 2385). I shot a
fine male (?) at Stony Point, Walton, on Sept. 7th, 1888. Round Harwich ‘some
are seen and shot every autumn. It was fairly common in the autumn of 1889.
They usually go in small parties of three to five” (Kerry). In the Shooting
Times (Oct. 6th, 1888) two Essex specimens are mentioned, one shot during
the previous Aug., the other at Stanford-le-Hope in the following month. Mr.
J. F. T. Wiseman of Paglesham writes: ‘‘ They visit us nearly every year. My
son shot three at one shot last season.’’ Dr. Bree says (32a): ‘Two young
birds were shot at:Fingringhoe, Sept. 9th, 1867, and sent to me by Mr. Symmons.
They were ne stlings of the year, showing that the old ones bred most probably in
the neighbouring marshes,” I hardly think this probable, however,

Red-breasted Snipe: Macrorhamphus griseus.

A rare straggler to Britain from North America, where it is com-
mon. ‘There is no absolutely conclusive evidence of its having
ever occurred in Essex, but the following note seems to justify its
appearance here.

Mr. Hope writes: ‘I saw a bird on the opposite side of Harwich Harbour
on April 15th, 1882, which I feel certain was a Red-breasted Snipe. I walked
within five yards of it, and it then flew away. The bill looked slightly curved,
which made me think it was a Curlew Sandpiper at first.”

Black-tailed Godwit: Zimosa egocephala.
A visitor to our coast when on migration in spring and autumn.
It formerly bred with us, but has long ceased to do so.

SCOLOPACIDHZ—GODWITS. 255

Mr. Bond found it common round Southend (23, 39) early in Sept., 1842 A
fewismall flocks were seen round Leigh in Jan., 1871. It is only seen on the mud-
flats there during hard weather or at the time of the autumn migration, and is
never very numerous (Smee—34. 2605). Mr, Ambrose says he has received it
from Mersea. In the Parsons Collection are specimens shot on New England in
Aug., 1834, and on May 23rd, 1836. On April 23rd, 1868, Mr. Harting met with
a party of eight on the ooze at Canvey Island and shot three in fine spring plum-
age after a long and difficult stalk. The Rev. M. C. H. Bird shot one on Canvey
Island on Sept. 9th, 1880, and saw a pair there on Aug. 29th, 1882. Mr. Hope
remarks that it is getting very scarce now on our coast.

Bar-tailed Godwit: Zimosa lapponica. Locally, “ Prine,”
“ Preen,” or ‘ Prean.”

A fairly-common visitor to our coast, chiefly when on migra-
tion in spring and autumn.

The Parsons
Collection con-
tains a specimen
shot on New Eng-
land, in 1829, and
another shot on
Shoebury shore in
1836, Parsons has
many notes on
this species (22),
which was evi-
dently common on
migration. He
does not often re-
fer to them in
spring, but fre-
quently in au-
tumn. They seem
to have arrived
early in August: oe
for instance, on BAR-TAILED GODWIT, szmer, 1/5.

August 5th, 1834,
he shot two, and on August 15th, 1830, several. On Oct. 22nd, 1835, he writes :

‘“[ I was] on the shore all tide-time to-day, and did not see one. I have be-
fore remarked that they frequent our shore a short time when they first come in
the autumn, and about this time leave again, and do not return in any quantity
unless we have hard weather, and then we sometimes have great quantities. A
month ago, there were a good many on the shore.”

Thus, in Jan., 1838, during hard weather, he notes a great many about.
At Harwich it is “very common some seasons” (Kerry). In 1858, Mr. Stacey
preserved one shot at Great Canfield. A specimen from Oakley in 1861 is in
the Bree Collection. Mr. Fitch writes: “Our Maldon gunners confirm Mr.
Abel Chapman’s statement (Lird-Life of the Borders, p. 245) that ‘this is one of
the most abundant of our winter wild-fowl.’ Contrary to the opinion of many
modern writers, it remains throughout the winter like the Knot.”

256 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Curlew : Numenius arquata. Locally, “ Whitterick” and “Old
Harry” (EA. F.),

A very common bird on the mud-banks and saltings on the
Essex coast from about the middle of July to the end of May, but it
does not breed anywhere
in this part of England, and
the only occasions when
they are to be seen inland
in this county are during
the periods of spring and
autumn migration, when

Whe small parties may some-

=| ly GNI times be observed flying

ig Ni Gahec Yi iad over, and their loud

NZ he whistling notes may often

be heard at night, especi-

ally when the birds are

confused by the gas-lights

of a town. Some (perhaps wounded birds) undoubtedly remain on
the coast all the year round.

tz
Zz
La

CURLEW, 1/12.

Sheppard and Whitear state (9. 42) that they are ‘to be met with at all times
of the year between Ipswich and Harwich; but their nests have hitherto not
been found in those parts.” Round Orsett, too, ‘‘a few seem to stay on the flats
all the year round” (Sackett). Lindsey, in 1851, says (27. App. 49) that it is “a
common bird on our coast, where it obtains a living from the middle of autumn,
through the winter, until the pairing season of the following spring.” Lieut. Legge,
writing from Shoebury in November 1865, says (34. 92) “ Great numbers of Cur-
lews feed on the flats in company with Godwits, Dulins and Sea-gulls. x x * I
have never seen them so plentiful anywhere in England as they are here.” As
regards its occurrence inland, Mr. Grubb says (39): “ We hear the distant cry of
this bird” at Sudbury. Mr. Buxton says (47. 97) it has been “seen several
times [in the Forest] and killed at Copped Hall.” Mr. R. W. Christy saw
a small party here in March, 1879, and another of four about the middle of August,
1888. On the evening of May 16th, 1880, I saw a pair fly over here in a N.E.
direction. About the middle of Jan. following, Mr. Travis received one shot at
Littlebury. Their movements on the Essex coast are shown by the following ob-
servations of Mr. Parsons :—1826, Apr. 21st, “a good many on the sands.” 1836,
Apr. r1th, “not yet all gone;” 16th, ‘‘a good many about Canvey Island.”
1837, May 23rd, ‘‘A great many up the Ray ;” June 6th, “ not one to be seen
there.” 1840, May 30th, “a great many up the Ray.” Regarding their return
in the autumn he notes: 1833, July 18, “they are arriving on the shore.” 1835,
July 21, ‘‘a great many on the sands ;” July 31st, “‘a great many on the shore
now.” 1836, July 1, “a flock of as many as twenty on the sands ;”’ 18th, a good
many about the sands” (22).

Among extraordinary shots made in Essex may be mentioned one made some
thirty or forty years ago by a gunner named Frank Hope, of Maldon, who killed

SCOLOPACIDE—WHIMBREL. 257

no less than seventy-five of these very wary birds at once, as I am informed by
Mr. Fitch,

Whimbrel : Mumenius phaopus. Locally, “ Titterel,” “ May-
bird,” or “ Jack-Curlew ” (Orsett).

Common on the coast as a passing migrant in spring and autumn,
when on its way to or from its northern breeding-stations. They
are often seen until the
end of May, and re-ap-
pear soon after the mid-
dle of July. It is occa-
sionally seen inland:

Sheppard and Whitear say
(9. 42), ‘‘these birds arrive
on the coasts of Essex and
Suffolk early in May, and
migrate again in the latter
part of the autumn.” In
1880, Mr. Travis received a
specimen found in a field
near Newport with one wing
off, it having flown against
the telegraph-wires. Edward Doubleday wrote in 1835 (15) that it had been
killed at Sewardstone. The Rey. J.C. Atkinson writes (36. 122): “It is seen,
in no great numbers, on many of our coasts in winter ; but I have met with it on
the Essex Saltings only in the early spring and previous to its retirement to the

north to breed.”
Parsons has many observations on their appearance in his neighbourhood on

WHIMBREL, 1/8.

‘migration. In spring he has many notes of them between the end of April

and the 23rd or 24th of May: for instance, 1836, May 16, ‘‘a very large flock of
forty or fifty about the lower marshes, New England.” 1837, May 23rd, ‘saw
some up the Ray.” 1838, May 23rd, “ many about ;” 29th, “saw only one to-day.”
They seem usually to re-appear in the autumn about or soon after the middle of
July, though in 1834, he “‘ saw some on the sands” on June 28th, In 1843, he says
that a few had arrived on July 14th, and a great many on the 24th (22).

258 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Order GAVIA.
Family LARIDA.

Arctic Tern: Sterna macrura. Locally, ‘‘ Sea Swallow.”
An uncommon passing migrant in spring and autumn.

Mr. Baxter has a pair shot by himself in 1880, one near Tilbury, the other off
the Nore Sands. Mr. Kerry shot an immature specimen at Stony Point, in Sept.,
1889, and Mr. A. H. Smee shot a young male in the Lower Hope on Oct 3rd,
1867 (34. 1017).

Common Tern: Sterna fluviatilis. Locally, “Sea Swal-
low.”

An uncommon summer visitor, which used to breed on. our
coast, but does not now do so.

Mr. Clarke re-
cords (24) one at
Haverhillin 1830.
Edward Double-
day, in 1835, says
(15) that a speci-
men had _ been
killed whilst “ fly-
ing over some
large gravel pits
[near Epping]
which were full of
water.” King, in
1838, says (20):
“These elegant
birds are not un-
frequently seen
during summer,
flitting over the
bed of our river
and following its

COMMON TERN, suwzmer, VY. windings.” On

Aug. 21st, 1883, a

young bird of the year was found in a very exhausted condition in a ditch at

Farnham, having probably been driven inland by a gale (T. J, Mann—29. Sept.,

15). At Harwich, it is ‘not common” (Kerry), Mr. Jonathan Grubb wrote
(23. 7551) -—

“ On November 5th [1860], I saw some Terns (the species not known) flying

LARIDE—TERNS. 959

over the water near Languard Fort. It would appear that these birds do not
(all at least) leave this coast in the winter. I remember being the companion of
Henry Doubleday when he shot some near Walton-on-the-Naze, in December,
many years ago,”

Dr. Laver describes it as common in the Colchester and Paglesham districts,
though he never knew it to breed in either, The Rev. J.C. Atkinson writes me that
in his boyhood, some sixty years ago, it nested not uncommonly on the Wig-
borough and Peldon Saltings. He has found its nest on Shingle Hill, and has
seen it on the Goldhanger Marshes, and elsewhere, in later years, during the
breeding season,

Roseate Tern: Sterna dougalli.

An uncommon summer visitor to Britain. Its breeding-distri-
bution is very local.. I only know of a single record of its occurrence
in the county, though it has doubtless been overlooked on other
occasions.

Mr. Owen Boyle saw one at Languard Point, at 4.45 a.m., on June Ist, 1883
(42. V.).

Little Tern: Sterna minuta. Locally, “ Little Sea Swallow.”

A summer migrant which used to breed commonly on the Essex
coast, though I only know of a single breeding colony at the present
time.

One was shot
at Maldon in or
about 1838. (C.
Walford—19Q. 47).
Mr. Clarke speaks
of it (24) as ‘‘com-
mon on the Essex
coast” about 1845.
Mr. Bond met
with it commonly
at Southend early
in Sept., 1842 (23-
29) Vine AS Ee
Smee (34. 1927)
shot an adult and
three immature
birds at Leigh on
Sept. 18th, 1869,
Mr. Kerry says
(40. i. 52) that in
1876 aconsiderable number bred on Languard Fort Common, and at Harwich he
describes it as “‘ very common,” He adds that

“it breeds every summer in great numbers among the shingle on the sea-shore
between Harwich and Walton-on-the-Naze, They now chiefly nest on the Harwich
side of the Handford Water, probably on account of the persecution to which
they are subjected by the visitors from Walton, who kill a great many dur-
ing the nesting season, notwithstanding the provisions of the Wild Birds Protec-
tion Act.”

LITTLE TERN, %

Su)

260 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Mr. Fitch has ascertained that many years ago it nested on the eastern point
of Osey Island, where there is a very:large shingle-bank, but the colony was des-
troyed by the Maldon winkle-boys who took their eggs. A specimen was, how-
ever, shot at Mundon about June Ist, 1888, when it seems probable that it was
breeding somewhere in the neighbourhood. Yarrell (37. ili. 559) says “it breeds.
on the shores of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk,” and Mr. Seebohm also (45. iii. 289),
mentions scattered breeding-colonies on the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex coasts,
but these are now, for the most part, things of the past. It does not now breed in
the Paglesham district (Wiseman). A specimen in summer plumage, labelled
“ Brightlingsea, 1863,” is in Dr. Bree’s Collection. Mr. Smoothy observed one
at Danbury on April 11th, 1880. Mr. F. Ball winged one of these birds at South-
end in August, 1879, and kept it through the winter till the following May. He

writes : “It is quite tame, and comes at the call like a cat or dog”’ (29. May 22.
1880).

Sandwich Tern: Sterna cantiaca.

A regular, though uncommon, summer visitor to Britain, breed-

ing in a few localities. It used to,breed on the Essex coast, but does
so, I believe, no longer.

Sheppard and Whitear write (9. 51) :

“On the 5th of May, 1820, we shot two of these birds at Walton, in Essex.
They had made their appearance only two days previously. * * * On the 24th of
April last [1823 ?], we saw two of these birds swimming in the Stour, one of
which we shot.”

Mr. Bond met with it commonly at Southend early in Sept., 1842 (23. 39).
Albin, who calls it the “‘ Great Sea Swallow,” figures a specimen of which he says
(3. ii. 81) : “I had [it] from my honourable and good friend Sir Robert Abdy, out
of Essex.” At Harwich, Mr. Kerry says it is rare, but he mentions one (40.52) shot
onthe Pye Sand on Sept. 12th, 1876. It is not rare on the coast in either the Col-
chester or Paglesham districts (Laver), but it does not breed in the latter (Wise-
man). Dr. Bree (32a) notes one shot at Mersea in Sept., 1870, Parsons, in 1834,
says (13. 11. 201) “ I have had the pleasure of bringing home the beautiful eggs of
this fine bird from some salterns at the mouth of the River Blackwater in this county,
and also from the Fern Islands.” It certainly does not now breed there, although
both Yarrell (37. iii. 541) and Morris (27a. vi. 89) state that it breeds “in Essex, at
the mouth of the Blackwater,” doubtless referring to the above record. More says
(3. 452) that in 1865 it bred ‘‘in Essex, and probably also in North Kent, at the
mouth of the Thames (Mr. F. Bond),” but I have no information as to the exact
locality. Seebohm states (45. iii. 272) that it no longer breeds on the Essex coast.
Mr. Hope, however, informs me that one pair or more used, until the last year or
two, to breed annually on Colne Beach. I believe it does not do so now, though
Mr. Hope tells me one was seen in Harwich Harbour at the end of April, 1889.

Sooty Tern: Sterna fuliginosa.

An exceedingly rare straggler to Britain, only one or two speci-
mens having been met with.

Dr. Bree records (29. Apr. 23) that, in the winter of 1880-81, one was killed
near Colchester and preserved by Ambrose. The specimen is, however, now
entirely lost sight of.

2

LARIDAt—TERNS. 261

Scopoli’s Sooty Tern: Sterna anestheta.
A very rare straggler.

The first and only specimen met with in Britain was obtained in Sept., 1875,
on one of the lightships at the Nore, and may, therefore, fairly be claimed as an
Essex bird. All that is known about the specimen is given by Mr. Howard
Saunders, who recorded it in the Zoologist (40. i. 213). Although the circum-
stances connected with its capture are not very conclusive, Mr, Saunders says
that ‘there does not seem to be the slightest ground for doubting that the speci-
men in question really was obtained somewhere at the mouth of the Thames.”’ It
seems that the bird was brought in the flesh to a naturalist named Barton, resid-
ing near the West India Docks, by one of the Trinity House men, who had just

returned from duty on board the lightship, but who has since been lost sight of,
The bird is adult.

Black Tern: Aydrochelidon nigra.

Now only an uncommon passing migrant in spring and autumn,
though formerly a resident, breeding in the county. It appears pro-
bable from the es
following evidence
that it bred in Es-
sex up to about
fifty years ago, but
drainage and cul-
tivation have now
quite banished it,
though specimens
still occur quite
unaccountably
with us, even dur-
ing the breeding VAX SS.
season. Ss ASSES Zs

In the Walden

Museum there used
formerly to bea specimen in summer plumage, shot at Widdington on May 3rd,
1853 (24). Mr. Clarke mentions (24) one shot at Audley End (and in the Col-
lection there) on May 24th, 1836, when it seems likely that it was breeding near.
It had a very black head and neck, with the body, wings and tail of a dark slate-
colour. Another was shot at Newport about 1854. One, in black and white im-
mature plumage, was shot on the Essex coast early in Sept., 1879 (Bree 29. Sept.
20). King, in 1838, wrote (20) of this species and the Common Tern :—

“ These elegant birds are not unfrequently seen during summer, gracefully
flitting over the bed of our river and following its windings. Of S. migra I have

not been able to obtain a single specimen in adult plumage, but have had several
of the young birds brought me.”

One, in the British Museum, was shot on the Thames. At Harwich, “some
are seen every year” (Kerry). Mr. Hope informs me that in August, 1888, he
obtained a young bird only just able to fly, near Harwich. On August 12th,
1881, six were shot on Canvey Island, and five more were seen there on May roth,

BLACK TERN 2% summer, 1/5.

262 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

1882 (Bird). A specimen in summer plumage, labelled “ Brightlingsea, 1863,”
is in the Collection of the late Dr. Bree. Sir T. Fowell Buxton records (50. ii.
271) that on July 18th, 1888, he watched for some time an individual which he
believes to have been immature, flying over his pond at Warlies, Waltham Abbey,
and that two had been seen there for two or three days previously. Mr. Smoothy
has one shot at Danbury in May, 1886, and Mr. Pettitt another (an immature
bird) shot by his brother at Paglesham on Aug. 29th, 1889.

Kittiwake: Rissa tridactyla.
A fairly-abundant winter visitor to the coast, and often driven in-

land by severe gales.

Edward Doubleday says (15) it has been met with at Epping “in a very
exhausted state after long stormy weather.” At Harwich, “some are seen every
year ” (Kerry).

Glaucous Gull: Larus glaucus.

An uncommon and irregular winter visitor.
At Harwich, Mr. Kerry says it is “rare,” but he shot an immature bird, pro-
bably in its second year, in the harbour on Dec. 25th., 1885 (40. xi. 466).

Iceland Gull: Larus leucopterus.
A rare and irregular winter visitor, of which I have only a single

Essex record.

An immature specimen, apparently in its second or third year, was shot on
the :Colne, near Brightlingsea, early on the morning of Jan. Ist, 1887 (C. A.
Marriott—4o. xi. 466). The specimen came into the possession of Mr. Kerry,
who presented it to Mr. Marriott. That gentleman still has the bird, and he
informs me that it was shot by asmacksman named Thomas, who is well acquainted
with the Gulls, and at once distinguished this from the rest by its white wings,

Herring Gull: Zarus argentatus. Locally, “‘ Great Cob” (ma-

ture), and ‘“‘ Grey Cob ” (immature).
A common visitor to our coast from autumn to spring, and often
Ls att found inland after severe

2 NR storms.

eel Dale, writing of Harwich,
says (2. 402): “This is very
frequent here.” It is now not
common there, though some are
seen every autumn (Kerry)
Mr. Bond met with a few at
Southend early in Sept., 1842
(23.40). King, writing at Sud-
bury in 1838, says it is (20) :—
“not an unfrequent visitor to
our low meadows in rough win-
ter weather. + x x» Whentaken
young, they become compara-
: tively tame. I had one in my
HERRING GULL. possession for some time. He
(After Bewick.) was a droll fellow, but rather a

LARIDAS—GULLS. 263

mischievous inmate of my garden.” On Dec. 23rd and 25th, 1886, ‘‘ hundreds
of thousands” were seen near the Swin L.V., fishing for sprats (42. vili.)
Mr. J, Gurney Barclay has given (23. 1138) an interesting account of a tame
pair which bred for several successive years in his garden at Walthamstow.

Lesser Black-backed Gull: Larus fuscus. Locally, ‘‘ Great
Cob” and “Saddleback.”
A common visitor to our coast from autumn to spring, and some-

times blown inland by severe storms.

Round Sudbury, King describes it (20) as “rather uncommon.” Mr. Bond
met with a few at Southend early in Sept., 1842 (23. 40). At Harwich, it is not
common, though some are seen every autumn (Kerry). On the Old Hall Marshes,
Tollesbury, on June 12th, 1888, Mr. Fitch and myself observed about twenty large
Gulls, probably of this species. The keepers who called them ‘“ Great Cobs,” to
distinguish them from the more common Black-headed Gulls, which are invariably
known as “Cobs,” said they had been blown there by the strong south-easterly
breeze, and that they would not remain. It is hard to say whence they could have
come at that time of the year, as there is no recorded breeding-place on the East
coast south of Northumberland. A curious specimen, shot by Mr. A.C. Marriott,
on Dovercourt Beach, on Oct. 3rd, 1881 (40. vi. 70), had one leg yellow, the other
flesh-coloured.

Common Gull: Larus canus. .
A common winter visitor, and said formerly to have been a resi-
dent, breeding on the coast ; but it certainly does not do so now, and

the correctness of the statement is doubtful.

Edward Doubleday says (15) he has met with it at Epping “in a very
exhausted state after long stormy weather.” Around Sudbury, King says (20)
that it is “common during floods.” More, in 1865, says (33. 455): “On the
east coast of England, the Rey. J. C. Atkinson assures me that the Common Gull
breeds in the Essex Marshes, where it is rare.” In making this statement, Mr.
More was, almost certainly, in error, though he might have been correct had he
said “bred formerly,” instead of “ breeds ;” for Mr. Atkinson writes me that in his
boyhood it nested commonly on the Wigborough and Peldon Marshes, or rather
Saltings, where he found dozens of nests sixty yearsago. Yarrell, too, says
(Ag), the SAN) &

“ Both in Kent and Essex, where those counties bound the estuaries of the
Thames, this Gull is to be seen throughout the year on the sandy flats and bars,
picking up as food any refuse animal matter the tide may bring. « « » Here, as
well as on other parts of the coast which are flat, the Common Gull breeds in
marshes, or on flat islands, while on other districts, to be hereafter named, it breeds
on high rocks.”

Morris also says (27a. vi. 172) they are common “in Kent and Essex by the
sides of the Thames,” It certainly does not now breed with us ; indeed Mr,
Howard Saunders has pointed out to me the great improbability of the truth of
the statement that this species has ever bred on the Essex coast, or anywhere in
the south of England. At the present time, there is no known breeding-station
south of the Scottish border. The above statements seem to rest mainly on the
authority of the Rev. J. C. Atkinson, though Yarrell appears to assert that the
species breeds on the coast from his own observation, and Morris clearly quotes
him. With all respect to both Mr. Yarrell and Mr. Atkinson, I cannot help thinking

264 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

that the ‘‘ Common Gull” they have met with was the Black-headed, which is cer-
tainly the common Gull of our coast.

Great Black-backed Gull: Zarws marinus. Locally, “Cob ”

and “ Saddleback.”

Common on the coast from autumn to spring, and formerly a resi-
dent, but it breeds with us no
longer.

Around Sudbury, King says (20)
that it is “not common,” He adds,

“ A few years since, a solitary in-
dividual remained upon our meadows
for a week or two, after a motley flock
of Gulls, driven here by stress of
weather, had retired. I frequently
watched it, and it occasionally allowed
me to approach pretty near.”

At Harwich, Mr. Kerry says it is
common. He adds, “ These birds
when in immature plumage, stay with
us the whole year, and my impression is that they do not breed before they have
attained their mature plumage.”

It is “‘not rare round Colchester and Paglesham” (Laver). The Rey. J. C.
Atkinson says (36, 165): ‘It breeds, in some cases, on the marsh or salting-
spaces met with so abundantly on some of the southern and eastern shores.’
Morris says (27a, vi. 186) they are common ‘in Kent and Essex along the banks
of the Thames.” Zhe Dictionary of the Thamzs says they “used formerly to
breed in the marshes at the mouth of the Thames.” Yarrell says (25. iii. 592),
“On the flat shores of Kent and Essex at the mouth of the Thames, where this
bird remains all the year, it is called a ‘‘Cob.” Saunders (37), alluding to Yar-
rell’s statements that it bred at the mouth of the Thames, correctly says “it has
long ceased to do so.”

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1/15.

Adriatic Gull: Larus melanocephalus.
This has for some years been regarded as a doubtful British

bird, but may now be accepted as a very rare visitor.

Mr. Seebohm says (45. iii. p. 315) :—

“The only evidence for its admission into the British List is that of a specimen
purchased for the British Museum from Mr. Whitely, of Woolwich, who stated
that it was shot in January, 1866, near Barking Creek. An accidental change of
label, either at the British Museum or on Mr. W hitely’s part, is the probable

explanation.”
Its claims were also rejected by the compilers of the B.O.U. List, though

Harting (38. 175) and others accepted the record as authentic. In this they
were probably correct, for about the end of December, 1886, Mr. G. Smith, of
Yarmouth, received an adult in winter plumage which had been shot just before
on the Breydon Broad, as recorded by Mr. Howard Saunders (29: Feb. 5). There
seems, therefore, good reason for admitting it here as a British bird. The origi-
nal poe specimen was a bird of the year, according to Mr. Howard Saunders

(Zézs, 1872, p. 79).

LARIDZ—GULLS. 265

Black-headed Gull: Larus ridibundus. Locally, “ Cob,”
and “ Peewit Gull.”

A resident, though local, uncommon and partially migratory. It
still breeds on the coast at several spots, though in much smaller
numbers than it
used at one time.
It is now the only
Gull breeding
with us. Dale |
speaks of it (2.2
do2)-as' the “< Pe-
wit or Blackcap,”
the former name
being still some-

Sex.

It does not often
appear inland in the
county during sum-
mer, but on June 16th

1883, I saw a party BLACK-HEADED GULL, 7 sumnver, 1/6

of five Gulls—pre-

sumably of this species—fly over here in an easterly direction. On May 12th,
1880, I sawa pair of Gulls, I believe of this species, fly over Saffron Walden,
and on August 20th in the following year Mr. Travis received a young bird of the
year shot near the town. Edward Doubleday states (15) that he met with it at
Epping “‘in a very exhausted state, after long stormy weather,’ Great numbers
frequent the Mucking Flats during winter (Sackett).

The earliest record we have of its breeding in the county is that of Fuller,
who in his Worthies of England (1662, p. 318)-says :—

“There is an island of some two hundred acres, near Harwich, in the parish
of Little Okeley, in the manour of Matthew Gilly, Esquire, called the Puct sland
from Puits [which are] in effect the sole inhabitants thereof. Some affirm them
[to be] called in Latin wpule, whilst others maintain that the Roman Language
doth not reach the name, nor [the Roman] Land afford the bird. On Saint George
his day [April 23rd] precisely (so I am informed by Captain Farmer of Newgate
Market, copyholder of the Island) they pitch on the Island, seldom laying fewer
than four, or more than six eggs. Great [is] their love to their young ones,
For though against foul weather they make to the mainland (a certain Prognos-
tick of Tempests), yet they always weather it out on the Island when hatching
their young ones, seldom jsleeping whilst they sit on their eggs (afraid, it seems,
of Spring-tides) which signifieth nothing as to securing their eggs from the inun-
dation, but is an argument of their great Affection. Being [7.e., when] young,
they consist onely of bones, feathers, and lean flesh, which hath a raw gust [ze.,
taste] of the sea. But Poulterers take them then and feed them with Gravel and
Curds (that is Physick and Food), the one to scour, the other to fat them in a
fortnight, and their flesh thus recruited is most delicious.”

Four years later Merrett, who calls it the “ Pewit,” says (182), “ Insula quae-
dam ab iis nomen fortitur in Essexia. Haec enim migrant praecise ad diem.
Divo Georgio Sacrum.” Two years later, Charleton, in his Onomasticon Zoicon

266 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

(1668) makes a somewhat similar statement, adding, “Nomen suum Foul:
ness nempe, hoc est avium promontarium.” Both these writers were probably
quoting from Fuller, but Charleton was certainly in error in identifying the
island in question with Foulness Island, where, however, the Gulls probably
bred also, Fuller’s “ Puit Island” is undoubtedly the island in Handford Water,
near Harwich, still known as Peewit Island. Mr. J. H. H. Knights, of Ipswich,
has obtained satisfactory evidence (29. Mar. 15. 1884) that, if Gulls do not now
breed on Peewit Island, they at least did so annually, though in small numbers, on
the adjoining island known as Horsey Island, and that people came regularly
from Harwich for their eggs in 1883, On August 12th, 1883, a gentleman
obtained the young in down, the earlier layings having probably been taken.
Morant (i. 490), in alluding to Fuller’s statements, cautiously remarks that the
island takes its name from the “ great quantities of Pewits which come and
breed in it in the spring, but whether all the wonderful circumstances related by
Dr. T. Fuller are exactly true is doubtful, as (for instance) that they come on
St. George’s Day precisely, that they seldom sleep whilst they sit on their
eggs, &c.”

Mr. Hill, of Southminster, in 1833, says (12. vi. 450) :—

“The Black-headed Gulls make their appearance on this coast about the third
week in March, » « * In the months of May and June they are very busy in the
pursuit and destruction of the cockchafer. Their note is peculiar, resembling
the broken caw of a young Rook. About seven miles from me, in the Black-
water River, there is a low swampy island of fifty acres [? Peewit Island, near Brad-
well] where these birds resort to breed. From 10,000 to 12,000 eggs are annu-
ally taken thence and sold at 4d.a dozen. I last year visited the place at tne
full time of their breeding, and I found the nests thickly strewed about, and the
eggs laid on a little seaweed, and seldom more than three in a nest, sometimes
four. « « x The eggs when dressed are eaten cold. The colour of the yolk is
deep orange. They are very strong, though considered a delicacy by the marsh
gourmands, The fat of the bird is of the same deep hue. In the month of

November they leave this coast, or at least never journey inland with the Com-
mon Gull.”

Mr. C. Parsons, writing from Southchurch in 1833, says (13) :—

“The Black-headed Gull is a constant resident with us, but not until last
summer have I ever been able to discover a nest in my immediate neigh-
bourhood, although on a small island about twelve miles further on the
coast, they regularly breed in abundance*. I was much pleased last spring on
finding a few eggs on a piece of Salterns, a short distance from where [ reside,
and on visiting the spot about a week after, I found that a large company of them
had taken up their abode there.”’

He adds that some fishermen took many of the eggs, and although the birds.
were indefatigable in laying, not an egg was allowed to hatch. Mr. J. F. T.
Wiseman does not know of its breeding in the Paglesham district, There is
a large colony of probably one hundred nests in the vicinity of St. Osyth,
according to Mr. E. Bidwell. Dr. Laver, who describes it as “ common in both
the Colchester and Paglesham districts,” says that it ‘ breeds in more than one
locality.” He has heard it spoken of as the “ Pewit Gull,” though rarely. Round
Harwich, it is common, breeding in large numbers, according to Mr. Kerry, who
writes :—

“I should think there were quite 200 in one colony breeding on the bentlings
near Lower Kirby last season, Sometimes they breed in one spot, sometimes in

* Doubtless Mr. Parsons here refers to Foulness, where Mr. Dalton informs me the species
still breeds abundantly.

LARIDA—GULLS. 267

another ; so that there are always a few pairs breeding in the old localities. I
certainly think they increased in numbers this year, but the Carrion; Crows take
heavy toll from the outlying nests. I saw a Gull lying dead beside its nest
with a severe wound in its head, caused, no doubt, by a blow from the beak
of a Crow, who had sucked the eggs of the unfortunate bird. In 1889, a large
number of their eggs were taken and sold as ‘ Plover’s’ eggs.”

I have seldom or never spent a ‘pleasanter day than June 12th, 1888, when
Mr. E. A. Fitch and myself visited the breeding-haunts of this bird, on the Old
Hall Marshes, Tollesbury. The first colony we reached was a small one on a
large marshy pool, with reedy banks, known as Joyce’s Head Fleet. Upon this
we embarked in a boat with the keepers. At one end of the pool, was a large
assembly of Coots, numbering considerably over 100, and among the reeds we
saw several of their nests containing eggs. As we advanced we approached one
of the smaller nesting-colonies of the Black-headed Gulls, which was upon a
small, boggy island, some five or six yards across, and thickly overgrown with
rank nightshade. Here were about a dozen Gull’s nests—substantial structures,
built of reed-stems outside, and lined with small tufts of grass. None were
placed actually upon the ground, but all were resting on the nightshade and
reeds. Several of the nests were empty, but others contained one egg each, and
one held two. They were only slightly incubated. While we were at them, the
old birds—locally known as ‘ Cobs’—were very noisy overhead, Proceeding
further on to the marsh we visited a second and larger colony of Gulls which
were nesting in some reed-clumps about ten yards from the edge of another
pool known as Pennyhole Bottom. Here were about twenty-five nests, most of
them containing either one or two eggs, though several held none, and one three.
We reached them by wading, the water not being over eighteen inches deep.
They did not differ in any essential respect from those already described, and the
old birds, as before, were very noisy overhead while we remained at their nests.
The eggs are decidedly variable, the ground-colour ranging from greenish-olive
to dark russet-brown. We brought away several of the more curiously marked
as specimens. Close at hand was another large pool known as Pennyhole Fleet,
among the reeds on the edge of which, the keepers told us, about sixty pairs of
Gulls had built their nests earlier in the year, but had suddenly and unaccount-
ably deserted them before laying any eggs (50. ill. 188).

There can be no doubt that there were once many more nesting colonies of
the Black-headed Gull on the Essex coast than there are now, The names
Great Cob Island and Little Cob Island in Tollesbury Fleet, and Cob Marsh
Island at the entrance to Mersea Quarters, are evidences of the ancient tenure of
the Gulls in this locality. There is also a Cobb’s Farm on the Goldhanger coast.
In addition to the Peewit Island in Handford Water, there is another island of
the same name between Mersea Creek and Parrock, and a third near Bradwell
Waterside on the Blackwater, from which baskets-full of Gull’s eggs used to
be obtained within the memory of persons now living. |

Yarrell says (25. iii. 551): “These birds are abundant at the mouth of the
Thames, both in Kent and Essex, but the most so in the latter county, breeding
by hundreds on some of the low, flat islands on the coast, and in the marshes of
the interior.” Morris repeats the same statement, almost word for word (27a.
vii. 153). More, in 1865, stated that (33. 454) there were then breeding-stations
in Essex, but Mr. Howard Saunders, in the last edition of Yarrell’s Bzrds, says
(37. iii. $95) he knew of no breeding place ,in Essex, and in 1884 Mr. Harting
wrote (29. Feb. 16) that he knew of none south of the Stour. Probably it still
breeds in limited numbers on various other parts of the Essex coast.

268 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Little Gull: Zarus minutus.

An irregular and uncommon winter visitor, of which about a
dozen specimens, most of them in immature plumage, are recorded
from Essex.

Yarrell says (25. ii. 544): “Dr. Waring gave Mr. Leadbeater a beautiful
adult specimen, in winter plumage, that was shot at the mouth of a small river in
Essex.” In the List of Suffolk birds, by the Rev. J. Mitford, of Benhall, two are
recorded from Languard Fort (Jesse’s Gleanings, vol. ii., p. 189), and on Sept. 3rd,
1885, two “ cream-coloured Gulls ” (probably of this species) were seen at Languard
L.H. (42. vii.), Mr. G. B. Ashmead records an adult in winter plumage (34. 1462)
shot early in Oct., 1868, on the Thames near Gravesend, when in company
with Common Terns. Dr. Bree says (32a) he possessed a male and a female
and two young birds, all in winter plumage, and shot at Brightlingsea in
Feb., 1870; also a bird of the year shot at West Mersea in Dec., 1874. Mr.
Kerry records (40. 52) one shot on the beach at Dovercourt on Aug. 24th, 1876)
an immature specimen shot in Harwich Harbour on Dec. goth, 1876, and an adult
on Jan. 8th following (40. 259), and a second ‘immature bird on the Dovercourt
beach on Jan. Ioth, 1879 (40. 111. 182). In the Museum at Saffron Walden is a
young specimen in winter plumage caught on the wharf beside the River Stort
at Bishop Stortford about the year 1870 and presented by Edward Taylor, Esq.
An immature specimen was shot on the Thames, between Rainham and Grays, on
Sept. 20th, 1875 (29. Oct. 2), when flying in company with Terns. On Oct.
30th, 1889, a fine example, measuring 10} ins. in length, was shot at Brightling-
sea and preserved by Mr. Pettitt. In the Dictionary of the Thames it is stated
that ‘within the last twenty years we have noted the occurrence of eight or nine
individuals of this species in Blackwall Reach, at Rainham, Grays, and Graves-
end.” Mr. Harting records (Birds of Middlesex, p. 254) one in nearly-mature
spring plumage from Blackwall Reach in the early spring of 1863. A bird of
the year with conspicuously-barred shoulders was shot off Mucking Light by
a Mr. Cooper early on Oct. 26th, 1889 (Harting—29. Oct. 19, and 40. xiv. 19). A
beautiful specimen, apparently in the plumage of the second year, was shot in
Harwich Harbour on Dec. 4th, 1889 (Kerry—4o. xiv. 19). Mr. Arthur Wright,
of Maldon, shot one on the Blackwaterin Feb., 1890 (Fitch). Mr. Hope observes
that it is “not uncommon in the immature plumage.”

Sabine’s Gull: Xema sabini.

A scarce autumnal straggler to the British coasts from the
northern regions of Asia and North America. <A single specimen
only has occurred in Essex.

Mr. Harting writes (Birds of Middlesex, p. 252) :—

‘Early in September, 1862, Mr. J. Sorrell, of Trinity House, proceeded in a
boat towards the mouth of the Thames for the diversion of shooting Gulls, which,

at this season of the year, appear in some numbers; and when nearly opposite
Blackwall he killed the rare specimen which is now before me.”

Mr. Harting adds a full description of this specimen, which was a bird of the
year. As Blackwall abuts on Bow Creek this may fairly be considered an Essex bird.

Great or Common Skua: Stercorartus catarrhactes. Locally,
“ Turd-bird,” “ Dung-bird” (E. A. F.), or ‘ Dung-eater ” (E. A. F.).

A rare passing migrant, seen on the coast when migrating in

LARIDA—GULLS. 269

spring and autumn. It breeds very sparingly on two of the Shet-
lands. In common with the other Skuas, it is known among the
fishermen and others on the Essex coast by various local names,
which are expressive of one of its characteristic habits, rather than

polite.

One was taken at Elmdon about 1820, by the Rev. R. Fiske (Clarke—24).
At Harwich it is “rare,” though one was shot just outside the harbour on Sept.
12th, 1876 (40. 52), and another was seen there in the autumn of 1888 (Kerry).
Mr. A. H. Smee saw two on the Thames on Oct. 3rd, 1867, one opposite Green-
hithe, the other by the Chapman Light, at the east end of Canvey Island (84.
tor7). Yarrell says (14. iii. 483) specimens have been obtained in autumn on
the Essex coast, I saw a Skua, which I believe to have been this species, at sea
about two miles off Walton-on-the-Naze on Sept. 8th, 1888. ‘“ Wadding”’ records
seeing one pursue, and at last seize and kill, a Black-headed Gull off Southend,
on Oct. 30, 1858, Both birds were obtained and stuffed by Ward (29. Nov. 13).

Pomatorhine Skua: Stercorarius pomatorhinus.
An occasional visitor to the coast when on migration in spring

and autumn. ;

Yarrell mentions one (Zool. Fourn. iii. 497 ; and 30. iii. 626) “shot in Hackney
Marshes some years since and now in the Collection of a gentleman at Wanstead.”
Mr. Harting (Birds of Middlesex, p. 270), records a young one shot at the mouth
of the Thames in August, 1862. Mr. G. H. Baxter has one which he shot on
Oct. 7th, 1879, while yachting off Southend (29. Oct. 25). A bird of the year
was shot at West Mersea in Dec. 1874 (32a). At Harwich, ‘‘a few are seen most
autumns ” (Kerry),and Mr. Hope has one shot there in Aug., 1876,

Richardson’s Skua : Stercorarius crepidatus. Locally
“ Black-toed Gull” and “ Boatswain ” (E.A.F.)

Fairly common on the coast as a passing migrant in spring and
autumn. It breeds sparingly in the Highlands and northern isles |

of Scotland.

In the Walden Museum is an immature individual killed at Sampford in 1837.
Aspecimen was shot during the severe winter of 1837-38 at High Ongar (19. 45).
Mr. Harting records an immmature specimen shot in Greenwich Reach in the
autumn of 1862 (Birds of Middlesex, p. 271). At Harwich it is ‘‘rare’’ (Kerry),
but an immature bird was shot on the Dovercourt beach on Oct. 12th, 1879 (40.
iii, 459), and in 1879 a mature and two immature birds were shot near Harwich
on Nov. roth, 12th, and 22nd respectively, also another mature specimen seen
(40. iv. 69). Mr. Baxter has one which he shot on Oct. 7th, 1879, whilst yachting
off Southend. One was shot on the Blackwater Estuary in Dec., 1889 (Fitch).

Buffon’s Skua: Stercorarius parasiticus.

A rare and occasional visitor when on migration.

Mr. Clarke mentions one killed at Sampford on Sept. 29th, 1837 (24)-
Mr. Bond met with a young specimen at Southend early in Sept., 1842 (23.
40). On Oct. 20th, 1881, a very emaciated specimen was picked up near Wim-
bish and preserved by Mr. Travis (44. ii. Ixxx.). An immature specimen was
caught on Canvey Island on Sept. 27th, 1882 (Bird). Mr. Baxter has one
which he shot off the pier head at Southend in the month of August about
the year 1883.

270 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Order TUBINARES.

Family PROCELLARIIDA.

Storm-Petrel: Procellaria pelagica.

Frequents the open seas around the United Kingdom, and breeds
on various islands off the west coasts of England, Scotland, Wales
and Ireland, but is
never met within Essex,
except when blown in-

land by severe storms.

Lewin says (4. vil. 40):
“On land it is seldom seen,
though one has been shot at
Walthamstow in Essex,”
Donovan, doubtless alluding
to the same specimen, says
(Go vie PI cxxxi) pee
possess one specimen, for-
merly in the Leverian Col-
lection, which is affirmed to
have been shot at Waltham-
stow in Essex,’ Sheppard
and Whitear write (9. 54):
“The oil issued from the
nostrils of one which we killed on the Stour, May 29th, 1820.” Yarrell says
(Zool, Fourn. ii. 24.) :— More than a dozen Storm-Petrels were procurea on the
eastern coast, principally during the remarkably windy weather that occurred
this month [ Noy., 1824]. Mr. Clarke refers (24) to a specimen in the possession
of the Rey. Robert Wilkes, of Lofts Hall, which was picked up many years ago at
Elmdon, and to another found at Audley End in 1836. At Harwich, ‘some are
seen every winter. On Oct. 29th, 1880, several were seen in the harbour there, and
one was picked up dead, probably exhausted by a recent storm” (Kerry—4o. v.
26). Mr. Hope says it is seen in winter time in,Harwich Harbour and up the
Orwell. On Nov. 6th, 1880, a dozen were observed round the Galloper Light
Vessel (42). One was observed off Languard Point on -Oct. 11th, 1882, and
another at the Galloper L. V., Oct. 2nd, 1884 (42. iv. and vi). One was
caught at the Languard L.H. on Oct. 25, 1885 ; several at the Kentish Knock
L.V. on Nov. 11th, 1885 ; one at the Swin Middle L.V on Nov. roth, 1887 ; and
another on the 14th ; and another on the lantern of Languard L.H, on Dec. 24th,
1887 (42. vii. and ix.). At Marsh House, Tillingham, Mr. Robert Page has a
specimen caught in his decoy there.

STORM PETREL, 4,

PROCELLARIIDA—SHEARWATER. 271

Leach’s Fork-tailed Petrel: Procellaria leucorrhoa.

A rare straggler to our coast during stormy weather, after which
itis sometimes blown far inland. It breeds on St. Kilda and perhaps
elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

One was taken alive on the Essex coast in Novy., 1823, and brought into the
London market, where it was purchased by Mr, Yarrell, but it died the same day
(Zoological Fournal, ii. 25 and iii. 495). Hoy records one (29. Nov. 9, 1867)
picked up in an exhausted state near Coggeshall in the winter of 1827-28.
Yarrell mentions (14. iii. 521) the occurrence of ‘‘one near Saffron Walden ”’
previous to 1843. Henry Doubleday says (10) :—‘‘On one stormy day [about
Jan. 20th, 1837] a very fine specimen of 7halassidroma leachii was picked up by a
boy in our forest and brought to me.” He afterwards mentions (10) another
specimen, brought to him about the middle of Nov., 1840, having been “ found
dead in a field [near Epping] after astorm.” . At his salein 1871, these two speci-
mens (one of which Mr. Hope now has) sold for 21s. Mr, Harting (Birds of
Middlesex, p. 271), records one shot near the Steam Mill, opposite Bow Creek, in
March, 1864, Dr. Bree records (34. 1060 and 2g. Apr. 14. 1874) that during the first
week of Dec., 1867, which was exceedingly rough and stormy,a boy was cleaning
an engine at the Colchester Railway Station about fiveio’clock in the morning, when
a bird of this species flew against his lantern with great force and was stunned,

Mr. Hope says it is sometimes seen in winter time in Harwich Harbour and up
the Orwell.

Manx Shearwater: Pwuffinus anglorum.

An uncommon winter visitor to our coast, and occasionally
picked up inland especially after storms. It breeds on the west
coasts of England and
Scotland.

Edward Doubleday, in 1835,
says (15) that a ‘Shearwater ”’
[species not stated, but probably
the above] had been “ picked ~
up dead in a field near the
town,” having no doubt been J
driven inland by severe weather.
Henry Doubleday says (34.
526) that another was picked up
dead in a garden at Epping on
Sept. 21st, 1866. One was
killed by flying against the
telegraph wires near Colchester,
in Sept., 1876 (29. Sept. 23), and MANX SHEARWATER, 1/8.
another was found in an ex-
hausted state at Bishop Stortford early in Sept., 1883.

Mr. Travis records that (44. i. Ixii.) on or about Sept. 6th, 1878, after a very
rough night, a Dusky Shearwater, Pufinus odscurus, was found in the early morn-
ing by the roadside at Sampford by a postman. It seemed very fatigued, but
lived two days in Mr. Travis’s possession, during which time it ate a few slugs and
sometimes used its hooked bill to assist it in climbing about its cage. He informs

272 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

me that another was taken on Mr. Gayton’s farm at Siward’s End, on Sept. 17th,
1884. These were probably Manx Shearwaters.

Greater Shearwater: Puffinus major.
An irregular autumn visitor to the British seas. It has, doubt-
less, occurred occasionally on the Essex coast, but I have only one

record.
Mr. Clarke informs me that some twenty years or more ago one shot at Debden
was purchased by Mr. F. Bond.

Fulmar: /Fulmarus glacialis.

A rare winter visitor only to Essex, as to the whole of the
British Isles, except when at its breeding stations on the Island of
St. Kilda.

Mr. Clarke mentions (24)
a fine specimen killed at
Chrishall in 1834. This is
stillin the Saffron Walden
Museum and is doubtless
the ‘fine example” men-
tioned by Yarrell (14. iii.
501). Mr. Travis records (44,
i. xiii) one taken on Nov,
gth, 1879, at Battle’s Bridge
by Mr. G. Pavitt, in whose
Collection it now is. Mr,
John Basham, of Maldon,
s{. shot one on St. Peter’s Flats
St at the mouth of the Black-
water in Feb., 1880 (Fitch)
Mr. Saunders says (37. iv. 2)
that although rare on the east
coast, from Northumber-
land to Essex, “ they are by no means uncommon at times on the fishing grounds
about thirty miles out.”

FULMAR, 1/8.

COLYMBIDAZ—DIVERS. 273

Order PYGOPODES.

Family COLYMBIDA.

Great Northern Diver: Colymbus glacialis. Locally,
*¢ Sprat-Loon.”

A fairly-common visitor to the Essex coast from autumn to
spring.

Dr. Bree writes (23.9629): ‘‘ This bird, which, in common with the other
divers, is termed by the fishermen the ‘Sprat-loon,’ is very common on the Colne

during winter.” Mr. Hope observes that, although it is frequent in winter, he
has never seen one in Essex in summer plumage.
Pp §

Black-throated Diver: Colymbus arcticus.

A somewhat rare visitor to the Essex coast during winter, when
individuals are occasionally found in an exhausted condition at
places far inland, after high winds or storms.

Henry Doubleday, in March, 1840, mentions (10) a pair of adults “shot near
Sudbury in nearly full nuptial plumage.” Newman records one at Purfleet on
Jan, 21st, 1850, (23. 2760), and Morris one at Chesterford about the middle of
the same month (27a. vi. 10). Dr. Bree says (29. Nov. 20):

‘A fine specimen * * * insummer dress (with incipient signs of moulting)
was shot at Oakley, the first week in November [1875]. « *_« During the six-
teen or seventeen years I have lived in this neighbourhood [Colchester], I have
never before seen a specimen of this bird in summer plumage captured in the
county.”

Mr, A. H. Smee shot an immature male at Leigh on Jan. 26th, 1870 (34. 2107).
A fine male was shot on the Blackwater, near Maldon, during the last week of
Dec., 1875 (29. Jan. 8, 1876). At Harwich, it is rare, but a male and female were
shot in the Harbour on Dec. 20th, 1876 (Kerry—34. 4827). Another, showing
some black feathers.on the throat, was killed there on Dec. 9th, 1889 (/@.). On
the morning of Dec. 4th, 1876, during a very extraordinary flooding, a man in my
father’s employ observed a large bird swimming on the flood in a meadow close
to Pengy Mill Farm, Chignal St. James. On approaching and finding that it
did not seem inclined to fly, the man set his dog upon it, and after about twenty
minutes, managed to kill it. During this time it never once attempted to fly,
but dived frequently, It weighed 31b. 10 0z., and appeared to be adult (44.
iy. Ixxv.). Mr. Arthur Lister believes he saw one cn Wanstead Park Water
in 1881 (44. iv. Ixxvi.). Mr. Travis records (44. i. lxiii.) that in Noy., 1880, he
received for preservation two examples shot at Southend.

a ts

274 LHE BIRDS. OF ESSEX,

Red-throated Diver: Colymbus septentrionalis. Locally,
* Sprat-Loon.”

A fairly-abundant bird during winter on the Essex coast, where it
is commonly known as the “ Sprat-Loon.” Individuals are occasion-
ally blown far inland by severe storms.

Pennant says (Sr. Zool., 1768-70. ii. p.414): “On the Thames, they are
called Sprat Loons, for they attend that fish during its continuance in the river.”
Yarrell also says (14. iii. 336) ‘‘itis common about the estuary of the Thames,
both on the Kentish and Essex sides, where these birds follow the numerous
shoals of sprats, and are in consequence called the Sprat-Loons. They are fre-
quently caught inthe nets.” Mr, Clarke notes the occurrence of an immature in-
dividual at Saffron Walden in Feb., 1838 (24), and informs me that some years
ago a mature specimen was shot by a gamekeeper on the lake in Debden Park.
Mr. C. Walford wrote in Jan., 1839 (19. 90) that an adult bird in moult had re-
cently been taken at Maldon. It hadthered on its neck. Mr. Bond met with an
adult at Southend early in Sept., 1842 (23. 40). Early on the morning of Dec.
2nd, 1876, during a heavy fall of rain and a high wind which had blown all
night from the S.E., a female (?) specimen alighted in the garden of a cottage
at Springfield, immediately opposite the gaol, to the great surprise of the occupants
of the cottage. It had no doubt been blown inland by the gale, but from the first
it exhibited little or no fear of human beings, and lived contentedly for a fortnight
in a pig-pen in the garden, without making any attempt to fly away. It was fond
of sprats and earthworms. Inthe end, it was killed for stuffing (44. iv. Ixxiv.).
Mr. Lister watched one—apparentlya young bird—on the Basin in Wanstead
Park in Jan., 1877 (47. 97, and 44. Ixxvi.). Dr. Bree says (29. Apr. 23), about the
middle of April, 1881, “‘ Mr, Ely sent me from Sible Hedingham a live specimen
which was picked up off his land by a labourer, It could not fly, but no reason
was discovered upon dissection.”

An albino specimen, shot in Essex, and preserved by Ward, was among the
birds left by the late Col. Russell. The whole (including the legs and bill) is pure
white, except a few dark feathers on the back (29. Mar. 8, 1862 ; and 23, 8002).

Family PODICIPIDZ.

Red-necked Grebe: Podiceps griseigena.

A somewhat rare visitor, chiefly to our coast, from autumn to
spring.

Mr. Clarke records (24) a fine adult specimen killed on the lake in Debden
Park on Apr. 20th, 1839. Morris (27a. vi. 299) says it has occurred at Saffron
Walden. Yarrell says (37. iv. 125), ‘Examples have been obtained at irregular
intervals in Essex, Kent, Sussex,” &c. A specimen was shot at Wethersfield during
the severe winter of 1837-38 (19. 34). One was caught by a dog in a pool of water
on the sea-shore at Dovercourt on Nov. 26th, 1875 (Kerry—34. 4827). Another
was captured at Bradwell, after half an hour’s exciting chase, about the end of Sept.,
1876 (Chelmsford Chronicle, Oct. 6th), Inthe winter of 1877-78, Mr. Crick received
for preservation one said to have been shot near Witham. Mr. Lister says (47. 97)
early “in February, 1877, one of these birds remained for almost a week on the

PODICIPIDA!—GREBES. 275

Basin in Wanstead Park. I watched it repeatedly with a good telescope. It was
in fine plumage ” (c.f 40. i. 230). Early in Nov,, 1888, one was killed near Man-
ningtree (Laver). Mr. Hope describes it as common in Essex, especially on
the Blackwater, A specimen taken alive near the Hospital at Colchester in'1879,
is preserved in the Bree Collection.

Great Crested Grebe : Podiceps cristatus. Locally, “ Loon.”
An uncommon visitor, chiefly to our coast, from autumn to spring.

I know of only one instance of its having bred in the county.
King says (20), ‘‘ A fine specimen
in winter plumage was brought to
me last spring, [1838] which had
been shot on our river.’ One was
shot on the river at Chelmsford in }
the autumn of 1879. Mr. Lister
observed a female “on the Wan-
stead Basin for several days in the
Spmnom OL TOSsus (dye Open Mire
Hope, who has several Essex speci-
mens, describes it as common on the
Blackwater ; and it is “not rare at
Mersea in winter” (Laver). Mr.
F. Spalding saw a fine male, recently
killed, on a stall in Colchester Mar-
ket on Mar. 3, 1888. At Harwich, Ee eh es SD) GHEE) T/Ra.
Mr. Kerry describes it as “ rather rare.” Headds that a pair nested near Walton-
on-the-Naze during 1888. This is the only time I ever heard of it breeding in
the county, and the Rev. J. C. Atkinson informs me that he never heard of a case
of its breeding on the Essex Marshes, even in his early days. Mr. J. F. T. Wise-
man informs me that he never knew it breed in the Paglesham district,

Sclavonian Grebe : Podiceps auritus.
An uncommon winter visitor, chiefly to the coast, from autumn to
spring.

In the Collection at Audley End is an example shot there in 1838 (24). One
was shot near Maldon on Jan. 12th, 1876 (29. Jan. 22). In Nov., 1880, a speci-
men was taken at Southend (Travis—44. i. lxiii.). Mr. Hope, who has one killed
at Maldon in Feb., 1874, describes it as common in Essex, especially on the Black-
water,

Eared Grebe: Podiceps nigricollis.
An uncommon winter visitor.

Graves says (7. iii.) that the figure he gives “was executed from a fine male
bird, which, with the female, was shot on the coast of Essex in March.” Mr.
Clarke mentions one (24), shot at Audley End on Jan 26, 1838. Dr. Bree
says (29. Apr. 11th, 1874): “It is frequently killed in winter on the Essex
coast.” One was shot at Walton-on-the-Naze on Feb. 2nd, 1875 (29. Feb. 13).
In 1875 two specimens were shot on the Stour at Harwich on Dec, 3rd and
roth respectively (Kerry—34. 4827). A young male in poor condition was taken
on the lake in Debden Park after an hour’s chase on Oct. 15th, 1881, after a very

Die

276 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

severe storm. Its stomach contained a mass of feathers (presumably its own) and
the remains of small fish (44. ii. lxxx.). Mr. Hope, who has one in winter plu-
mage, killed near Harwich, describes it as common on the Blackwater. It “ is
not rare at Mersea in winter” (Laver). The Rev. J. C. Atkinson says (36. 151),
‘‘T knew of one instance in Essex some thirty years ago in which one of these birds
was taken from a Water Rat’s hole, into which it had been seen to creep for
shelter.”’ A specimen shot at Walton on Feb. 2nd, 1875, is now in, the possession
of Mr. Dorling of that place.

Little Grebe or Dabchick : Zachybaptes fluviatilis. (Podiceps
minor, Yarrell). Locally, ‘ Dobchick,” (pl. “* Dobchicken.”)

Resident and widely distributed, but not common, and seldom
found breeding except on or near the coast.

Round Sudbury in 1858, King
described it (20) as ‘‘common,’’ and
Mr. Grubb says (39) it “comes in
winter’ to his land there. In 1843,
Parsons wrote (23. 364) that it was
then.

‘““a constant resident, either upon
the small broads or fleets on the
marshes of this neighbourhood, or

LITTLE GREBES, 1/9. of the creeks and arms of the sea
intersecting them, keeping during the autumnal and winter months in small flocks
x *x x The nests are placed in the thick water-plants or reeds growing upon the
sides of the marshy waters.”

He adds some interesting remarks upon their habits. Lieut. Legge found two
nests near Shoebury in 1865 (34.603). A pair (probably breeding) were seen on
the lake at Skreens in June, 1877, and a pair were seen on the Chelmer at Broom-
field on Dec., 1878, during hard weather. In the summer of 1880, one (doubtless
breeding) was killed at Audley End, and during the latter part of Jan. and the
greater part of Feb., 1881, a party of ten remained on the Cam close to Audley
End, On March 12th, 1882, I saw four on the adjacent brick-ponds. I again
saw one at the same place at the end of April, when it was probably breeding, but
I could find no nest. To Wanstead Park, Mr. Lister says (40. ix. 64) they ‘‘ come
in the spring and breed, but appear to leave us in late summer.” Mr. Buxton
says (47. 97) it is “frequently seen in the spring in the lower and open ponds
in Wanstead Park, but it is said not to remain to breed, I observed a pair on my
own pond in the spring of 1884, and I believe them to have had a nest.” Round
Orsett, Grays, and Corringham, Mr. Sackett says it is ‘‘ not uncommon where there
is enough water.’ He informs me of one nest built in a pool of water at the
bottom of a chalk-pit at Grays, in which these birds actually bred during 1888,
although there was on the north side a lime-kiln and chalk-quarries in active
working, on the east a rifle range in almost daily use, on the south a street, and
on the west a high road,

ALCIDA—AUKS. 277

Family ALCIDZ.

Razorbill: Ala torda.
Common on the seas round our coast from autumn to spring. Its
nearest breeding place is on the cliffs at Flamborough.

At Harwich, “it is com-
mon during some winters”
(Kerry). Mr. Hope de-
scribes it as ‘‘common on
the Essex coast in winter.”’
During the winter of 1889-90

several were shot at Mal-

don, Burnham, and South-
end (Fitch).

RAZORBILL, 27 summer, Ye.

[Great Auk: Alca impennis.

There does not seem to be any record connecting this bird with the
county of Essex. It is interesting, however, to note that the specimen
formerly belonging to Mr. Hoy is now in the possession of that gentle-
man’s nephew, Mr. J. F. Lescher, of Boyle’s Court, Brentwood. Accord-
ing to Prof. Newton, this is one of the 22 specimens now existing in
Britain. |

Common Guillemot: Zomvia trotle. Locally, ‘‘ Willock.”
Common at sea from spring to autumn. It has no breeding
colony in this part of England.

Mr. Hope writes that they ‘‘come south in
August.” He adds that ‘when they skim
over the water it is considered a sign of foul
weather coming.” At Harwich, some are seen
every year, and a fine specimen in full breed-
ing plumage was caught on the beach at Dover-
court on June roth, 1889 (Kerry). A speci-
men from Colchester in Jan., 1861, is in Dr.
Bree’s Collection. Of the ‘“ Ringed Guille-

’

mot,’’ which is now usually regarded as a form
or variety of the common species, Mr. Kerry
says that ‘‘some are seen every year” round

Harwich, and Ambrose has also received it

from there. COMMON GUILLEMOT, 7” sumer, 1/10.

278 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

[Brunnich’s Guillemot: Lomvia bruennichi.

There is not yet sufficient evidence to justify the admission of this
species into the Essex list, but Canon Babington mentions (46. 246)
one in his own Collection, which was “ purchased at the sale of the Sud-
bury Museum ; it formed part of a case of twelve ‘ British Aquatic Birds,
Lot 230’; but although there is considerable reason for presuming that
it was obtained near the mouth of the Orwell or Stour, whence so
many of the aquatic birds in that Museum came, there is no direct
evidence on the point.” |

Black Guillemot: U7ia grylle.

A rare winter visitor. I have only one record of its occurrence in
Essex, but it has no doubt been overlooked.

Dr. Bree (32a) notes that a “ female in winter plumage was sent to Ambrose
to set up, Dec., 1869 ; shot at Mersea.”

Little Auk: Mergulus alle.

An irregular and accidental, though not uncommon, visitant during
winter, when it is not unfrequently blown inland by severe storms as
far as the midland
counties.

Henry Doubleday says
that in 1832 (10) he saw in
a Collection at Colchester a
specimen obtained near
there, and in the same
year he shot another at
Walton-on-the-Naze, W.
H. Hill met with two near
Southminster about 1834
G2. Willy 76). ieee
Walford records (19. 58)
that “about a fortnight
before the severe frost of
last winter (1837-38) set
in, two specimens cf the
Little Auk were found in
an exhausted state—one in
a gentleman’s garden at
Witham, and the other in
Rivenhall Parish.” Yarrell
says (14. ili. 359) that after
a severe storm in Oct., 1841,
he heard of the occurrence
of specimens in Essex and other parts of England. One was picked up in a very
exhausted state about a mile from Sudbury on Nov. 18th, 1861, after the occur-
rence of severe storms. It died during the day (23. 7848). One was shot at
Loughton (34. 1867) in or about 1869. A male was picked up alive at North
Weald on Noy. 11th, 1870 (29. Nov. 26. ’70), I have in my possession a specimen
shot by our bailiff at Lindsell Hall, near Dunmow, about the year 1871. It occur-
red during the winter, after a severe storm and is in winter plumage, though a few
dark feathers are appearing on the chest, Another specimen is in possession of

LITTLE AUKS, summer, 4.

ALCIDA—PUFFIN. 279

Mr. Philip Marriage, of Broomfield Mills, Chelmsford, who shot it there about
ten or fifteen years ago, during an extensive flood. One was caught alive on
the deck of one of the Great Eastern Railway Company's steamers while lying
alongside the pier at Dovercourt on Dec. 3rd, 1878 (Kerry—4o. ili. 182). About
the middle of Dec., 1879, during severe weather, one was obtained by a gentleman
on the marshes at Dedham (Chelmsford Chronicle, Dec. 19), and another was shot on
the River Roach on Nov. 27th, 1883, by Mr. Chas. Wiseman, of Paglesham (Che/ms-
Jord Chronicle, Dec. 1). An Essex specimen is among the birds collected by the
late Col. Russell, The Rev. J. C. Atkinson writes me, ‘‘I have seen the Little
Auk at sea, when shooting under sail. We had one astern of us one day within
six or eight yards for many minutes.” Mr. Hope has one, picked up alive in a
starving and exhausted condition on the main, in Jan., 1880, after a heavy gale
with snow. One, which was not preserved, was killed off the Maplin Sands in
Oct., 1883 (Baxter). Mr, Stacey, of Dunmow, preserved one caught alive at that
place on Novy. 20th, 1884. During a severe N.E. gale on Nov. 9th, 1873, one was
taken alive among the pigeons on a farm near Walton (29. Nov. 15).

Puffin: -Fratercula arctica.
To be met with on the seas round our coast during autumn, win
ter and spring, but not common.

Mr. Hope describes it as com-
mon in winter in Essex. At
Harwich, Mr. Kerry says some
are seen every year. Mr. J. F.
T. Wiseman informs me that he
met with it when Wild-fowl-
shooting on the Tillingham
Main in the winter of 1853-54.
Dr. Bree (32a) mentions young
specimens shot at Mersea in
Dec., 1874, and on the Stour in

PUFFIN, 1/7.
Nov., 1869. One was shot on (After Bewick).

the Thames between Erith and Gravesend on Fune 12¢h, 1885 (R. Fortune—4o
ix. 263). Both the time and place of capture are remarkable, but on the same
page Lord Lilford records the capture of a Puffin in one of the bedrooms of Sir
John Walrond’s house in Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, on May 16th.’

280 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

ADDENDA.

Song Thrush (. 72).
Mr. Kerry informs me that a very pale variety, shot near Harwich in the
autumn of 1889, was reported to him as a Golden Oriole!

Redstart (p. 78).

In illustration of the pertinacity with which the Redstart returns year by
year to the same spot, and the wonderful regularity of its annual appearances,
Mr. F, H. Meggy, of Chelmsford, has furnished me with the following notes of
observations, taken between the years 1857 and 1874. They refer to the first
observed appearance of a pair of birds in the garden attached to Mr. Meggy’s
house, adjoining the River Cann. The garden is about half an acre in extent,
and close to the town.

In 1857 the Redstart was first observed on April 10

1859 * 5 - at the end of April
1860 3 ‘ ss on April 10

1861 55 _ ‘ i aovalll 1023

1862 + a 45 » April 15

1864 3 FA i » May 3

1865 ii i 5 , April 16

1866 2 ¥ », April 19

The nest was not often found in the garden, but about 1867 it was built ina
crevice between the end of a wall and the post of a door leading from the garden
to the town. The gate was not fifty yards from the house, and the passage-way
running at the back of houses in Museum Terrace was constantly used ; the
nest was robbed. In 1871, the male bird was killed by a cat, a few minutes after
it was first noticed. In 1872, it appeared on Apr. 27; in 1874,0n May 12. Obser-
vations were discontinued when Mr. Meggy went to reside in London ; but as he
has returned to the house where these observations were made they will no doubt
be continued, if the Redstart still visits the garden.

Bearded Tit (p. 91).
One was observed at Languard L.H., on Feb. 16th, 1887, at 7.40 am. It
was very tame, and left at noon (42. ix. 20).

Rock Pipit (p. 190).
Mr. Kerry says that, in the winter of 1889-90, he saw a good many round
Harwich, where he had previously found it scarce.

Great Grey Shrike (p. 103).
Mr. Kerry informs me that one was shot near Harwich on March 4th, 18go.

ADDENDA. 281

Greater Grey Shrike (p. 103),

The specimen obtained at Colchester on Dec. 3rd., 1888, has been kindly sub-
mitted to me by Mr. Pettitt, and proves to be a female belonging to this form.
Mr. Kerry informs me that the specimen shot by him near Harwich in 1879
(p. 102), and still in his collection, belongs, he believes, to this form; but that
the one shot there in 1875 (and also in his possession) is of the typical form,

Brambling (p. 119).
The wings of six were sent from the Kentish Knock L.V., on Oct. gth, 1877

(42. ix.) 39);

Snow Bunting (p. 129).
One was observed in the garden adjoining the Languard L.H., at 4.20 p.m,
on Nov. oth, 1877 (42. ix. 51).

Starling (p. 129).
A peculiar variety was shot at Bradfield on Dec. 28th, 1889 (Kerry).

Rough-Legged Buzzard (p. 166).
Mr. Wiseman informs me that the specimen shot near Paglesham in Nov.,
1888, and recorded as a Goshawk, proves on investigation to be of this species.

Merlin (p. 175).
Mr. Pettitt preserved a male, shot at Paglesham on Jan. Ioth, 1890.

Passenger Pigeon (p. 215).

Prof Newton (iii. 47) gives the following additional particulars conc erning
the specimen shot near Royston, and now in the Saffron Walden Museum
(p. 215.) :—It was obtained ‘ by the sons of the tenant of the farm called Known’s
Folly, about two miles east of Royston. When the lads first saw the bird, it
appeared so much exhausted that they could have knocked it down with a pole,
if they had had one. They, however, fetched a gun and shot it. When
examined, the crop was quite empty, but in the stomach there were some few
seeds resembling cole seed, and a few small stones, but no barley or any trace of
artificial food. The plumage was perfect, and neither the wings, the tail, nor the
legs exhibited any sign that the bird had been in confinement.”

Quail (p. 221).
Mr, Kerry informs me that, on the morning of Oct. 27th, 1889, after a gale of
“wind, a female was picked up dead at the foot of a lamp-post at Harwich,

[Rufous Tinamu: Rhynchotus rufescens.

An attempt has been made by Mr. John Bateman, of Brightlingsea, to
introduce into Essex a new game bird, hailing from South America, where
it is known to English colonists and Spanish-speaking sportsmen as the
Perdiz grande. ‘The Tinamu family to which it belongs is remarkable,
with the general appearance of Partridges, but with the tail either very
small, or entirely wanting. They dwell in the forests, open plains, and
mountains from Patagonia and Chili to Mexico. Their colouring is very
sober and protective, the sexes being indistinguishable, and they are
seldom adorned with crests or plumes. The Rufous Tinamu (Rhynchotus
vufescens ), with which we are concerned, is found in Bolivia and South
Brazil, and is common in the plains wherever long grass abounds. In
April, 1883, Mr. Bateman imported half-a-dozen, from which, owing to
accidents, only eleven were reared. Additions were made, and eleven
were turned out on the marshes; Mr. Bateman issuing at the time

‘ei

wh "

venue ! \

sgl wt
Uy \\
\

iy, Zs
TT ea

Uf

Yi

“,

RUFOUS TINAMU,

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ADDENDA. 283

a printed notice requesting sportsmen generally to refrain from shooting
them for a season or two. Their greatest enemies, however, proved to
be foxes, and Mr. Bateman has had the mortification of seeing his Tinamus
gradually being exterminated. A few are still left in the neighbouring
parishes, and these were increased in the spring of 1888 by eleven more
birds which were turned out of Mr. Bateman’s aviary. The bird much
resembles a hen Pheasant, with the absence of the tail; it is capital eating
and the flesh is quite white. Its food is varied ; consisting of field mice,
sparrows. corn, grass-seeds, thistle-tops, and insects of all kinds. The eggs
are about the size of a domestic hen’s, and much resemble a purple plum
with the bloom rubbed off. The nest consists merely of a few grass
straws in a standing crop of barley. For further particulars, see the
Essex Naturalist, ii. pp. 102 and 206, and the Field, Feb. 23, 1884, Sept.
12, 1885, and April 14th, 1888. ].

Great Snire (p. 243).

Mr. Harting writes me: “ About twenty years ago—I think in September,
1869—I was shown by Mr. Hughes, of Brentwood, a good specimen which he
had just shot at Stanford Rivers.

Prof. Newton has favoured me with the following memorandum by his brother, Sir Edward
Newton. I am quite unable to suggest the species to which this bird belonged.

*€ On the 31st of May, 1883, about 3.30 p.m., when crossing the bridge near the stables at
Audley End, I saw what I thought was a Turtle Dove, on a bough hanging over the water. Carl
Brochner was with me and I called his attention to it. He said it had a crest, but I did not see
the crest. It flew up from the bough as if hawking a fly (there were a great many May-flies over
the water), as Starlings and other birds were doing, and returned to its perch. I then saw that it
was not, as I had supposed, a Turtle Dove. As it flew up, it appeared to me to have a forked
tail. Brochner said it was a Jay, but it certainly was not. Had I been in America, I should have
said it was one of the Tyrant Flycatchers. The bird was about the size of a Turtle Dove, and“ot
a uniform dirty cream-colour, without any striking markings.

é1Sd.] B. Ne
** Magdalene Coll. :
** 4th June, 1883.”

A P Pana dX eee

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

(In the following list, the names marked by an asterisk (*) are those of members of the Essex
Field Club, who are, by arrangement, entitled to obtain a single copy at a reduced price).

* Acland, Rey. C. L., M.A., Royal Grammar School, Colchester.
Adams, Herbert J., Roseneath, London Road, Enfield, N.
Ainsby, George K., St. Helen’s, Tasmania.
Allen, W., 10, Barking Road, Canning Town, E.
Argent, W. J., Broomhill, Woodford.
Argyll, His Grace the Duke of, K.G., &c., Inverary Castle, N.B.
Arthy, Alfred J., Rochford, Essex.
Ashby, John, Staines.
Atkinson, Rev. Dr. J. C., Danby Parsonage, Grosmont, R.S.O., Yorks.
Avery, John, junr., 12, St. Thomas Road, South Hackney.
Backhouse, J., junr., F.Z.S., &c., West Bank, York.
Baker, James, 5, Tredegar Road, Bow, E.
Balls, J. M., Castle Hedingham, Essex.
Barclay, F. H., Knott’s Green, Leyton.
Barclay, Col. Hanbury, Cross Oak, Great Berkhampstead.
Barclay, Hugh J., Colney Hall, Norwich.
Barnes, Mrs., Oak Hall, Buckhurst Hill.
Bartlett, Rev. R. E., M.A., Rainsford Lodge, Chelmsford.
Bawtree, Ed. W., Abberton, Colchester.
Bawtree, Octavius, West Lodge, Colchester.
* Baxter, G. H., Hutton Park, Brentwood.
Ditto ditto ditto (5 copies.)
Becher, H., 43, Royal Avenue, Chelsea, S.W.
Beckett, Rev. W. H., Stebbing Manse, Chelmsford.
Bell, Mrs. Mary, The Trees, Maldon. (2 copves.)
Belt, Anthony, (Hon. Sec, Ealing Microscopic and Nat, Hist. Society), 58,
Matlock Lane, Ealing, W.
Bentall, E. H., The Towers, Heybridge, Maldon.
Bentley, Edward J., 99, Cazenove Road, Stoke Newington, N.
Benton, Philip, Frankleigh House, Whitegate Road, Southend,
* Berry, Mrs. E., Much Hadham, Herts.
* Bewers, W., Highfield House, Barking.
* Biddell, Geo., Manor Office, Orsett.
Bidwell, E.,1, Trig Lane, London, E.C.
Birley, F. H., Dorman’s Land, Lingfield, Surrey.
Bliss, Rev. W. B., Wicken Rectory, Newport, Essex.
Borrer, Wm., F.L.S., Cowfold, Horsham, Sussex.
Borrows, R., 219, Evering Road, Upper Clapton.

*

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LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 285

* Boswell, R. B., M.A., &c., 23, Buxton Road, Chingford.

*

* * * © *

* *& *€ © & ® € OH OK OF

*

Boulger, Professor G.S., F.L.S., F.G.S., 18, Ladbroke Grove W.
Bowles, Arthur, Temple Court, Guildford.

Braybrooke, The Lord, Audley End, Saffron Walden.

Broke, Horace, Gladwyns, Harlow.

Burrows, John, Southend.

Buxton, T. F. V., Downton, Wilts.

Buxton, Noel, Warlies, Waltham Abbey.

Buxton, Sir T. Fowell, Bart., J.P., D.L., &c., Warlies, Waltham Abbey.
Calver, G., F.R.A.S., Hill House, Widford, Chelmsford.

Challis, F., 9, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford.

Chancellor, F., F.R.I.B.A., Chelmsford.

Chase, R. W., Southfield, Priory Road, Birmingham.
Chisenhale-Marsh, S., Gaynes Park, Epping. (2 copies.)

Christy, Alexander, Coombe Bank, Kingston-on-Thames. (2 cofzes.)
Christy, Edmund, 5, Albert Hall Mansions, Kensington Gore, S.W.
Christy, Reginald William, Little Boyton Hall, near Chelmsford.
Church, Philip, Bishop’s Stortford.

Clarke, Joseph, F.S.A., The; Roos, Saffron Walden.

Claughton, The Hon. Mrs., Danbury Palace, Chelmsford.

Clifton, The Lord, Dumpton Park, Ramsgate.

Clifton, F., 26, Great Percy Street, W.C.

Coates, A. W., B.A., Woodford Green.

Cobbold, Rowland T., The Lodge, Dedham.

Coburn, H. J., 16, Maxilla Gardens, N. Kensington.

Cohn, Hermann, 7, Brunswick Square, W.C.

Cole, Benjamin G., Buckhurst Hill.

Cole, Henry A., Buckhurst Hill.

Cole, Miss, Buckhurst Hill.

Cole, Miss Jane E., Buckhurst Hill.

Cole, Rev. John F., Roffey Vicarage, Horsham, Sussex.

Cole, William, F.E.S., Buckhurst Hill. (3 Codies as Editor E.F.C.)
Cole, W. D., 1, Princess St., North St., Colchester.

Colley, Philip, Writtle Park, Chelmsford.

Colvin, R. B., J.P., M.F.H., &c., Felix Hall, Kelvedon.

Compton, Theodore, Winscombe, Weston-super-Mare.

* Connell, Primrose M., B.Sc., Ongar Park Hall.

* *

* Cooper, Frederic W., L.R.C.S., Leytonstone.

Cooper, J. D., 4, Hill-side, Grove Hill, Woodford.
Corbet, R., (Hon. Sec., Orsett Book Club), Orsett, vzz Romford.

* Corcoran, Bryan, 14, South Park, Canonbury, N.

os

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*

Corcoran, Miss, 14, South Park, Canonbury, N.

Cordeaux, John, F.Z.S., Great Cotes, Ulceby, Lincolnshire.

Croft, Richard B., F.L.S., F.R.M.S., Fanham’s Hall, Ware, Herts.
Crosfield, J. B, The Dingle, Reigate.

Crouch, Walter, F.Z.S., Grafton House, Wellesley Road, Wanstead.
Crowley, Philip, F.L.S,, F.Z.S., &c., Waddon House, Croydon.

* Cunnington, Augustus, Braintree.

Sere:

Cunnington, Miss M., Braintree.
Dalton, W. H., F.G.S., 8, Ducie Street, Clapham.
Daniell, Lorkin, The Armoury, West Bergholt, Colchester.

286 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

x

Daniell, Thos. B., Heath House, West Bergholt, Colchester.
Day, John, Witham, Essex. (2 copies.)

Day, George, F.R.M.S., 137, Whitechapel Road, E.
Deedes, Rev. Cecil, M.A., 43, Church Street, Brighton.
Dennison, Thomas, East Ham.

Dennis, R. N., Berry View, Paignton, Devon.

Dewick, Rev. E. S., M.A., F.G.S., 26, Oxford Square, Hyde Park, W.
Dixon, Joseph, Mary Villas, Birkbeck Villas, Leytonstone.
Double, Alfred, 27, Jewin Crescent, Cripplegate, E.C.
Douglas, James, Loxford Cottage, Ilford.

Downing, William, 74, New Street, Birmingham.

Downes, Arthur, M.D., Chelmsford.

Dowsett, Arthur, Castle Hill House, Reading.

* Duffield, Frederick H., St. Oswald’s House, Church Road, Shortlands, Kent.

x

Dunning, J. W., M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S., 12, Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn, W.C.
Durrant, Edmund, go, High Street, Chelmsford.
Durrant, Mrs., 90, High Street, Chelmsford.

* Earley, William, Aldborough Hatch, Ilford.

Edwards, Stanley, F.E.S., Kidbrooke Lodge, Blackheath, S.E.

Elliott, Ernest A., 41, Holland Park, London, W.

Elliott, Frederic W., Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill.

Ellis, J. Bancroft, The Gynsills, Leicester.

Evans, John, D:C.L., LL-D., Treas..R.S., Pres. S:A., F.L.S., F:GiS, Nase
Mills, Hemel Hempstead, Herts.

Eve, R. H., Fullbridge House, Maldon.

Fanning, Walter H., California Works, Stoke-on-Trent.

Finch, F., Carisbrooke, Gainsborough Road, Leytonstone.

* Finch, Herbert, 84, Amherst Park, Stamford Hill.
* Fisher, Lionel P., South Hill, Guildford, Surrey.

*

*

*

*

*

Fitch, Edward A., F.L.S., F.E.S., President E.F.C., Brick House, Maldon.
Fletcher, Reginald G., Ripple, Woodford.

Forster, Thomas, 101, High Street, Colchester. (2 copies.)
Fowke, W. Villiers, Great Saling, Braintree, Essex. (2 copies.)
Fowler, W. Warde, Lincoln College, Oxford.

Fraser, The Rev. Canon, South Weald, Brentwood.

Fraser, Herbert, South Weald, Brentwood.

Freeman, J. C., West Chase, Maldon.

Furbank, A. J., 73, Duke Street, Chelmsford.

Gainsborough, The Rt. Hon. the Earl of, Exton Park, Oakham.
Gallwey, Sir Ralph Payne, Bart., Thirkleby Park, Thirsk.
Gardener, Geo., Fellside, Snaresbrook.

Gates, Arthur F., 7, Marsh Gate Lane, High Street, Stratford.
Gellatley, P., Loughton.

George, William, 19, Church Crescent, South Hackney, N.E.
Gepp, Rev. Edward, M.A., School-House, Felstead.,

Gibbs, Miss, 77, Beaconsfield Road, Tottenham.

Gibson, Mrs. (the late), Saffron Walden. (2 copies.)

Gibson, Theodore, Slough Mills, Slough.

Gilbey, Walter, Elsenham Hall, Bishop’s Stortford,

Gillham, A. W., Oak Lodge, Wellington Road, Wanstead.
Gingell, W. H., Kent and Essex Yard, Whitechapel, E,

k + RW Gee

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Ce SMe il

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 287

Gough, James H., Plashet Lands, Snaresbrook.

Gould, Chalkley, Traps-Hill House, Loughton.

Gould, F. C., 10, Knighton Villas, Buckhurst Hill.

Gowland, T., Altona Lodge, Tavistock Road, Harlesden, N.W.

Greatheed, Rev. Francis, The Rectory, Corringham,

Greatheed, William, 67, Chancery Lane, W.C.

Green, E. R., Gants Hill, Barking Side, Ilford.

Green, Joseph E,, F.R.G.S., 12a, Middleton Square, E.C.

Gimson, W. G., M.D., Witham, Essex.

Gripper, Miss Marianne, Layer Breton, Kelvedon.

Grubb, John, Alvechurch, near Redditch.

Gurney, J. H., junr., F.Z.S., &c., Keswick Hall, Norwich.

Gurney and Jackson, Messrs., 1, Paternoster Row, E.C. (6 cofzes.)

Hahnemann, Mrs., 14, Highbury Crescent, N.

Haigh, G. H. Caton, Grimsby Hall, Great Grimsby,

Haig, David, Dr., Falkirk, Scotland.

Haines, J. P. Mitten, The Lodge, Gloucester.

Hall, Samuel, F.C.S., 19, Aberdeen Park, Highbury, N.

Hammond, W. Oxenden, St. Alban’s Court, Wingham, Kent.

Hardcastle, Henry, J.P.,38, Eaton Square, London, S.W.

Harrison, A., Thames Sugar Refinery, Silvertown, E.

Hart, Edward, F.Z.S., Bow House, Christchurch.

Harting, J. E., F.L.S., F.Z.S., Linnean Society, Burlington House. W.

Harvie-Brown, John A., F.Z.S., &c., Dunipace House, Larbert. (2 copies.)

Harwood, W. H., Colchester.

Hempson, George F., Good Hall, Ardleigh, Colchester.

Hills, Harris, Berewyk Hall, near Halstead.

Hilliar, John, 94, Grove Road, South Hackney, N.E.

Hills, Joseph F., Sudbury, Suffolk.

Holdsworth, Chas. J., Hill Top, Kendal.

Holmes, T. V., F.G.S., M.A.1., 28, Croom’s Hill, Greenwich Park, S.E.

Holmes, Mrs., 28, Croom’s Hill, Greenwich, S.E.

Holmes, E. M., F.L.S., Bradbourne Dene, Sevenoaks,

Hope, G. P., Upminster Hall, near Romford.

Horwood, Rev. E. R., M.A.,J.P., All Saints Vicarage, Maldon.

Houblon, Archer, Mrs., Hallingbury, Bishop’s Stortford.

Howard, W. Dillworth, City Mills, Stratford.

Howard, Robt., J.. Hawkhurst, Blackburn,

Howard, David, J. P., F.C.S., Rectory Manor, Walthamstow.

Howell, Rev. W. C., M.A., Holy Trinity Vicarage, Tottenham, N.

Hunt, Reuben, Earl’s Colne, Essex.

Hurnard, S. F., Hill House, Lexden, Colchester. (2 copies.)

Hurrell, Wm. A., Southminster, Essex.

Jeffrey, Wm. D., (Librarian, Friends’ Library) Dr, Johnson Passage, Bir-
mingham.

Jennings, Cecil F. J., Wolse!ey Villa, Wanstead.

Johnson, The Ven. Archdeacon, The Rectory, Chelmsford,

Jones, D. B., 113, Balfour Road, Highbury New Park.

Jones, George T,, M.D., 3, Kew Gardens Road, S.W.

Jukes, Rev. H. N., Bradfield Rectory, Manningtree.

Kemble, Thomas, J.P., Runwell Hall, Wickford, Essex.

288 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

* Kenworthy, Rev. J. W., The Vicarage, Braintree.

Kerry, F., 22, Maria Street, Harwich.
King, George, High Street, Saffron Walden.

* Knightly, Miss M. E., 45, Portland Street, Commercial Road, E.
* Knobel, Edward B., F.G.S., F.R.A.S., Bocking, near Braintree.

Knubley, The Rev. E. P., M.A.,:\Staveley Rectory, Leeds.
Landon, Frank, Brentwood.
Langton, Herbert, M.B.O.U., 11, Marlborough Place, Brighton.

* Laver, Henry, M.R.C.S., F.L.S., F.S:A., Head Street, Colchester.

*

*

Leach, Henry R., Hazeldean, Pinner, Middlesex.
Lescher, J. F., Boyle’s Court, Brentwood.

Lester, H. E., Leytonstone.

Lilford, The Lord, Lilford Hall, Oundle, Northants.

* Linder, Miss E. M., Oakfield, Buckhurst Hill.

*

SEG Es ae,

Linley, Thomas B., Homeburhs, Buckhurst Hill.
Linney, Geo. F., Friends’ School, Saffron. Walden.
Lister, Arthur, J. P., Sycamore House, Leytonstone.
Lockyer, Alfred, Mornington Lodge, Wanstead.
Lockyer, Mrs. A., Mornington Lodge, Wanstead.
Lodge, R., Great Gearies, Ilford.

Lowrey, J., 37, Cornhill, E.C., avd Buckhurst Hill.
Luard, The Admiral, Witham Lodge, Essex.
Lumsden, James, Arden, Alexandria, N.B.

Lussignea, A., Brockhill, Lansdowne Road, Wanstead.
Macpherson, Rev. H. A., M.A., 20, Cecil Street, Carlisle.

* Manley, Rev. F. H., Broad Summerford Rectory, Chippenham, Wilts.

*

*

*« X € ¥

*

Mann, Mrs., Hyde Hall, Sawbridgeworth, Herts.

Marriage, Mrs. Caroline, Coval Hall, Chelmsford. (2 copzes.)
Marriage, Wilson, Dilbridge Hall, Colchester.

Marriott, C. A., 83, King William Street, E.C.

Marris, Geo., J.P., 18, Harborne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Marsden, Colonel, Grey Friars, Colchester.

Marshall, Mrs., Whitehouse, Loughton.

Mason, Hugh H., Abbey Lodge, Barking.

Mathew, Gervase F., R.N., F.Z.S., F.L.S., Lee House, Dovercourt, Essex.
Mathew, Rev. Murray A., Buckland Dinham, Frome.

Meldola, Professor Raphael, F.R.S., F.C.S., 6, Brunswick Square, W.C.
Meldola, Mrs., 6, Brunswick Square, W.C.

Meldola, Mrs., 6, Brunswick Square, W.C.

Melles, William, J.P., F.L.S., Sewardstone Lodge, Sewardstone.
Midgley, Arthur, Saffron Walden.

Mildmay, Sir Henry, Bart., Dogmersfield Park, Hants.

Miller, T. F., Monk’s Lodge, Great Maplestead, Halstead.

Mills, Rey. J. W., St. Laurence Rectory, Maldon.

Mitford, Edward L., Plas Henfaes, Dolgelly, North Wales.

Moor, E. Charles, J.P., The Rosery, Great Bealings, Woodbridge, Suffolk.
Moore, J. G., Burchall Road, Leyton.

More, A. G., 74, Leinster Road, Dublin.

Morgan, D. J., J.P., Cecil House, Bentley Mill, Brentwood.

Morris, A. M., Beddington Park, Croydon.

Morris, H. G., 4, Belmont Hill, Lee, S.E.

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LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 289

Newling, Benjamin, Woodleigh, Snaresbrook.

Newton, The Professor, F.R.S., &c., Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Nicholl, Digby S. W., F.L.S., The Ham, Cowbridge, Glamorgan.
Nicholls, Walter Buchanan, Lawford Hall, Manningtree.

Ogilvie, F. Menteith, 12, Park Lane, London, W.

Oldham, Charles, 2, Warwick Villas, Chelmsford Road, Woodford.
Orpen, Osmond G., Hillside, West Bergholt, Colchester.

Parker, Christopher W., J.P., Hatfield Priory, Chelmsford.
Patterson, Robert, t, Windsor Park Terrace, Lisburn Road, Belfast.
Patterson, R. Lloyd, Croft House, Hollywood, Co. Down.

Pearl, E., M.D., Fair Oak, Sylvan Road, Norwood, S.E.

Penney, Mrs. R. H., Highcroft, Dyke Road, Brighton.

Petre, The Rt. Rev. The Lord, The Hyde, Ingatestone. (2 copies.)
Pitts, Robert Z., Springfield, Chelmsford.

Pleydell, J. C. Mansel, Whatcombe, Blandford.

Porter, J. H., 97, Tabernacle Square, E.C.

Porter, Mrs., 97, Tabernacle Square, E.C.

Potter, G. W. J., Arbor Villa, Bedford Road, South Woodford.
Poulton, E. B., M.A., F.R.S., &c., Wykeham House, Banbury Road, Oxford,
Poynting, Frank, Woodlands, Swinton Park, Manchester.

Prance, Rev. L. Newcomen, M.A., Rectory, Stapleford Tawney, Romford.
Pratt, B., Hursteombe, Whitehall Road, Buckhurst Hill.

Prentis, Walter, Rainham, Kent.

Puckridge, Alfred F., Forest House, Chigwell.

Purdy, R. J. W., Woodgate House, Aylsham.

Raeburn, Harold, The Elms, Eastern Road, Romford.

* Ramsden, Hildebrand, M.A., F.L.S., &c., 26, Upper Bedford Place, W.C.

* ££ *% * * * *

* & K* *

Read, J. F. H., J.P., Hoe Street, Walthamstow.

Reader, F. W., 171, Hemingford Road, London, N.

Richmond, James, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex.

Rippen, James, 5, Hillside, Grove Hill, Woodford.

Robarts, N. F., F.G.S., Rosebrae, Woodford.

Rogers, John, Hill House, Burnham.

Rose, Arthur, 5, Royal Exchange Avenue, E.C.

Rose, Alexander, St. Helens, Woodbury Down, N.

Round, James, M.P., Colchester.

Rowdon, Miss H. M., High School, West Ham.

Royle, Thomas, F.C.S., Dalton House, Upton Lane, Forest Gate, E.C.
Royle, Mrs., Ditto.

Rudler, F. W., F.G.S., The Museum, Jermyn Street, Piccadilly.
Russell, Champion B., J.P., Stubbers, near Romford.

Sackett, Walter R., Orsett, via Romford.

Salter, J. H., M.D., J.P., D’Arcy House, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, Essex.

* Sauzé, H. A., Mount Villas, Sydenham Hill Road, S.E.

Savage, W. H. (Surveyor, East Ham Local Board), East Ham.
Scorer, Alfred G., Abercorn Lodge, Upper Hamilton Terrace, N.W.
Seabrooke, J., Brooksea House, Grays, Essex.

Seebohm, Henry, F.Z.S., &c., 22, Courtfield Gardens, London, S.W.

* Shadrake, W. G., Leyton.

*

Shadrake, Mrs. Do.
Shenstone, J.C., F.R.M.S., Colchester.

290 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

Short, Walter H., 4, North Hill, Colchester.

Sibbald, J. G. E., Admiralty, Whitehall.

Simons, E. A., 13, Old Broad Street, E.C.

Simpson, Thos., Coggeshall, Essex.

Snell, E. A., M.B., &c., Adeane Lodge, Princes Road, Buckhurst Hill.

Snell, Cs, ditto ditto ditto.

Smith, J. C., Sandford Mill, Springfield, Chelmsford.

Smith, Harris, Pattiswick Hall, near Braintree.

Smith, (Mrs.), Woolpits, Gt. Saling.

Southwell, Thomas, F.Z.S., &c., 10, The Crescent, Norwich.

Sparrow, Mrs., Gosfield Place, Halstead.

Spiller, John, F.C.S., 2, St. Mary’s Road, Canonbury, N.

Squier, S. W., J.P., Horndon-on-Hill, Romford.

Stable, D. Wintringham, LL.B., Wanstead Lodge, Wanstead.

Stable, Robert S., Cleveland Road, Wanstead.

Stanford, Alan, Honbridge Hall, Great Oakley, Harwich.

Steele, A. Rivers, Northbrooks, near}Harlow.

Stephens, R. Darrell S., F.L.S., F.Z.S., Kewornan, Wadebridge, Cornwall.

Stevens, William, The Green, Woodford.

Tabrum, Burnett, J.P., Margaretting Lodge, Leytonstone.

Tann, Edward, Eastward Ho !, Chadwell Heath.

Tawell, James A., Greenhills, Earls Colne, Essex.

Taylor, Major Edward, Castle Cottage, Hockerill, Bishop Stortford.

Taylor, William, 10, Chad Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

* Taylor, Thomas, M.R.C.S., Bocking, near Braintree.

* Taylor, John, High Street, Chelmsford.

Thompson, General. C. W., Wethersfield Place, near Braintree.

Thompson, Ernest E., 86, Howard St., Toronto, Canada.

Tiley, Thomas, 2, Scotts Road, Leyton.

Topham, Wm. H., Fernholme, Buckhurst Hill.

* Tower, C. J. H., D.L., J.P., Weald Hall, South Weald, Brentwood.

Townsend, Rev. C. G. Gretton, Berwick Place, Hatfield Peveril.

Tozer, Alfred, Ivy Lodge, Woodford Green,

Tuck, Rev. Julian G., Tostock Rectory, Bury St, Edmunds.

Tuke, D. Hack, M.D., 63, Welbeck Street, W.

Tuke, J. H., Hitchin, Herts.

* Tuke, W. Murray, Windmill Hill, Saffron Walden.

* Twine, Thomas, Ashville Road, Grove Green Lane, Leytonstone.

Unwin, George, 71A, Ludgate Hill, E.C,

Varenne, Mrs., Kelvedon, Essex,

Varley, Fredk. H., F.R.A.S., M.P.S., 82, Newington Green Road, N.

Vaughan, Howard, F.E.S., The Terrace, Woodford Green.

Vincent, Ralph, Fernbank, Leytonstone,

Wakelin, Joseph, Freebornes, Witham.

Walker, Henry, F.G.S., &c., 36, Leamington Road Villas, Westbourne Park, W
Ditto ditto ditto ditto.

Wall, Howard, Eversley, Buckhurst Hill.

Wall, Philip W., F.G.S., 9, Duke Street, Portland Place,

Waller, W. C., Loughton.

Wallinger, Robert. N.A., Writtle, Chelmsford.

Walsingham, Lord, M.A. F.R.S., &c., Merton Hall, Thetford, Suffolk.

*

* *

*

* *£ #® €

x &* * *

ee

*

ES MES

& & KH Ee

x *

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 291

Warner, Robert, F.L.S., Scravels, Broomfield, Chelmsford.

Warner, Septimus, Hoddesdon, Herts.

Warner, Alfred, 1, Firs Villas, Crescent Road, Brentwood,

Warner, Percy, M.R.C.S., Woodford,

Wells, Mrs. H. C., Broomfield Lodge, Chelmsford.

Wesley, Messrs. W. and Son, 28, Essex St., Strand, W.C. (5 copies.)

* Westhorp, Stirling, Oaklands, Ipswich.
* Westwood, George S., Horndon-on-Hill, Romford.

*

*

ek & TX

Wheldon, Mr. John, 58, Great Queen Street, W.C. (2 copies.)
Whitaker, J., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., &c., Rainworth, Mansfield.
Whitaker, Wm., B.A., F.R.S., F.G.S., &c., 33, East Park Terrace, Southampton,
White, Chas., Holly House, Warrington, Lancashire.

White, Tyndale, Stondon Place, Brentwood.

White, William, F.E.S., The Ruskin Museum, Sheffield,
Whitworth, J. C., Stratford, E.

Wilkinson, Johnson, Vermont, Huddersfield.

Wilmott, (Miss) E. A., Warley Place, Great Warley.

Wilson, J. H., Crawcrook, Endlebury Road, Chingtord.

Wilson, Rev. W. Linton, Loughton.

Wilson, H. Lloyd, Wyddrington, Birmingham. (2 cofzes.)
Winstone, Benj., M.R.C.S., F.C.S., &c., 53, Russell Square, W.C.
Winter, (Mrs.), Clements, Snaresbrook.

Wire, Alfred P., 1, Seaton Villas, Birkbeck Road, Leytonstone.

Wire, Mrs., ditto.
Wiseman, James F. T., The Chase, Paglesham.
Ditto ditto ditto.

Wooll, John M., New River Office, London, E.C.

Wright, C. A., F.L.S., F.Z.S., Kayhough, Kew.

Yeates, Mrs., Erin Villa, Buckhurst Hill.

Young, John, F.L.S., &c., 64, Hereford Road, Bayswater, W.

Zoological Society (F. H. Waterhouse, Librarian), 3, Hanover Square, W.

AP PEN DI a:

CHRONOLOGICAL LIST

OF

PUBLISHED WORKS AND WRITTEN DOCUMENTS
REFERRED TO, AND QUOTED FROM.

[Wote.—In the foregoing pages, references to passages contained in works in the following list

are made by means of numbers placed within parentheses—thus: (ro), (12. vii. 511) or
(29. Jan. 10, 1884). The first number so given refers to the work similarly numbered in the
following list, while the second usually refers to the number of the page in the particular
work in question ; but in the case of works consisting of more than one volume, the second
number (given in Roman numerals) refers to the number of the volume and the third to that
of the page. Thus (40. i. 52) refers to The Zoologist, third series, vol. i., p. 52: while (29.
Jan. 20, 1872) refers to the /ve/d of that date, and so on.]

1666.

1, Merrett (Christopher, M.D.)—Pinax Rerum naturalium Britannicarum,

8vo, London.

1730.

2, Taylor (Silas, otherwise Domville, Gent.)—The History and Antiquities of

Harwich and Dovercourt * * * first collected by S. T. * * * now much

enlarged in all its parts, with Notes and Observations relating to Natural
History, by Samuel Dale, London.

(A second edition, identical except in title page, in 1732.)

Da, Dale (Saml.) See Taylor’s History of Harwich and Dovercourt, London.

1731-38.

3, Albin (Eleazar)—A Natural History of Birds, 3 vols., 4to, London.

1795-1801. :

4, Lewin (W.)—The Birds of Great Britain, 8 vols., 4to, London.

1799-1819.

5, Donovan (E.)—The Natural History of Birds, &c., 10 vols., 8vo, London.

1801-18.

6. Daniel (W. B.)—Rural Sports, 2 vols. and supplement, 4to, London.

1811-21.

7, Graves (Geo.)—British Ornithology, &c., 2 vols. (unpaged), 8vo, London.

CHRONOLOGICAL LIST. 293

1822-1837,
8. Parsons (Christopher).—[ His Game-Book] MS. 8vo.

(A small book containing a record of everything he shot between these dates, with
the dates and localities, and occasional remarks on the weather; chiefly relates to
rabbits, partridges, Sparrows, and vermin. Thus, during 1823, he shot 156 sparrows (30
at one shot) and 78 blackbirds. In 1823 he also caught 458 sparrows by bat-fowling
and other means ; 98 in 1824, and 241 during 1825. In 1824 he either caught or shot
396 rabbits ; in 1825, 942; and in 1826, 489, all at Shoebury.)

1826.
Q, Sheppard (Rev. Revett) and Whitear (Rev. Wm.)—A Catalogue of
Norfolk and Suffolk Birds, with Remarks, Zyans. Linn. Soc. xv. pp. 1-62,
4to, London.

1831-46.
10. Doubleday (Henry)—[One Hundred Letters chiefly about Birds and
Insects, written to the late T, C. Heysham, of Carlisle, Aug. 30th, 1831
to Feb. 9th, 1846.] MS.

1832,
11, Parsons (Christopher)—Birds in Rochford Hundred (MS.).

Evidently a fragment only; ends with the Redwing; perhaps the first draft of
the list prepared for Benton’s History of Rochford Hundred ; on paper watermarked
1832.

1829-36.
12, The Magazine of Natural History, &c. Conducted by J. C. Loudon,

8vo, London,
(2nd series, 1837-40. No. 18).

1833-34,
13. [Various]—The Field Naturalist, &c. Edited by James Rennie, 8vo,
London,

1835.
14, Yarrell (Wm.)—History of British Birds, 3 vols, 8vo, London.
(end ed., 1845 ; 3rd ed., 18563; 4th ed., 1871--85.)
1835.

15, Doubleday (Edward)—A Catalogue of Birds which have occurred in the
Neighbourhood of Epping. £xtomological Mag. iii, pp. 288-293, 8vo,
London.

(About 125 species enumerated.)
1835.
16, Maclean (Dr. A.) —[Three Letters to T. C, Heysham, of Carlisle.] MS.

1835-36.
17. Sheppard (E. F.)—[Two Letters, dated Dec. 25th, 1835 and Jan. zoth,
1836, to T, C. Heysham. ] MS.

(Son of Rev. Revett Sheppard, formerly Rector of Wrabness, whose table of the
arrival of Summer Migrants at Wrabness, 1818-1830, is given in the first letter.)

1837-40.
18. [Various]—The Magazine of Natural History. Second series, edited by
Edward Charlesworth, 4 vols., 8vo.

294 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

1839.
19, [Various]—The Essex Literary Journal or Monthly Repository of Litera-
ture and the Arts and Sciences connected with the County, 4to, Chelmsford.

(x2 numbers only issued.)

1838.
20, King (Wm. Doubleday)—A List of Birds found in the neighbourhood

of Sudbury, 4to. Reprinted from Fulcher’s Sudbury Magazine for the year
1838 (all published) p. 126.

(130 species enumerated.)

1840.
21, Parsons (Chr.)—[Commencement of a History of British Birds ?] MS.

(Now at the Southend Institute ; chiefly a compilation. )

1848-45.
22, Parsons (Chr.)—[Rough Notes for a Natural History of British Birds ?]
MS.
‘(Now at the Southend Institute. See p. 30.)
1843-65.

23, [Various]—The Zoologist: a Popular Miscellany of Natural History,
conducted by Edward Newman. First series, 23 vols., 8vo, London.

(See also second and third series, Nos. 34 and 40).

1845 (about).
24, Clarke (Joseph, F.S.A.)—Notes on Birds (MS.), chiefly made in the
vicinity of Saffron Walden.

1845,
25, Yarrell (Wm.)—A History of British Birds, 2nd ed., 2 vols., 8vo, London.

1848,

26, White (Wm.)—History, Gazetteer, and Directory of the County of Essex,
&c., 8vo, London.

1851.
27, Lindsey (W. H.)—A Season at Harwich, * * * to which is added
Researches, Historical, Natural, and Miscellaneous.

(Contains some 23 pages of information about birds, but of such a general nature as
to be almost useless for local purposes, and chiefly copied from Dale.)

1851-57.
274, Morris (Rev. F. O.)—A History of British Birds, 6 vols., vo, London.

1851-8,

28, [Various]—The Naturalist. Edited by B. R. Morris and others, 8 vols.,
8vo, London.

1853.

29, [Various]—The Field, folio, London.
1856.

30. Yarrell (Wm.)—A History of British Birds, 3rd ed., 3 vols., 8vo, London.
1860.

31. [Various]—The Magazine of Natural History and Naturalist. Edited by
Rev. F. O. Morris, 9 numbers (Jan. to Sept.) only published, 8vo, London.

CHRONOLOGICAL LIST. 295

1863.
32, Gray (G. R.)—Catalogue of British Birds in the Collection of the British
Museum, 8vo, London.

32 , Bree (Dr. Chas. R.)—Notes and Memoranda relating to Birds [MS.],
2 vols.
(Evidently a note-book, journal, and museum catalogue in one; the notes are chiefly
general, but there are a good many of interest relating to Essex ; extends apparently
from 1863 to about 1880; now in Mrs. Bree’s possession).

1865,
33. More (A. G.)—On the Distribution of Birds in Great Britain during the
Nesting Season. /éis, N.S.i. pp. 1, 119, and 425, 8vo, London.

1866-76.
34. [Various ]—The Zoologist, conducted by Edward Newman. Second series,
II vols., 8vyo, London.
(See also first and third series, Nos. 23 and 40.)
1867-88.
35, Benton (Philip)—The History of Rochford Hundred, 3 vols. (and in
progress), 8vo, London.

1871.
36, Atkinson (Rev. J. C.)—British Birds’ Eggs and Nests, 8vo, London.
1871-85.

37, Yarrell (Wm.)—A History of British Birds, 4th ed. Edited by Professor
A. Newton and Howard Saunders, 4 vols., 8vo, London.

1872.
38. Harting (J. E.)—A Handbook of British Birds, 8yo, London.
1876.
39, Grubb ( Jonathan)—Ornithological Notes. Fyzends’ Quarterly Examiner,
pp. 502-511.

(A very entertaining article, enumerating the birds (about eighty in number) fre-
quenting the author’s “‘ ground near Sudbury, Suffolk ; which comprises seven acres of
low meadow, and three or four acres of garden and upland pasture, separated from
each other by the River Stour.” There are many little interesting remarks and obser-
vations on the habits of the birds noted.)

1877, &c.
40. [Various]—The Zoologist. Third series. Edited by J. E. Harting, 13
vols, (to date), 8vo, London.
(See also first and second series, Nos. 23 and 34).
1880.

41. Day (Geo.)—The Birds of Essex. Chelmsford Chronicle, Aug. 6th to Sept.
17th, 1880, Chelmsford.

(A series of seven newspaper articles ; does not contain original matter.)

1881-88.
42, Brown (J. A. Harvie) and others—Reports on the Migration of Birds,
8vo, London.

1881-86. -
43, [Various ]—Transactions of the Essex Field Club, vols. i—iv., 8vo, Buck-
hurst Hill, Essex,

296 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.

1881-86.
44, [Various]—The Journal of Proceedings of the Essex Field Club, vols.
i-iv., 8vo, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.
1883-85.
45, Seebohm (Henry)—A History of British Birds, with Coloured I]lustrations
of their Eggs, 3 vols., 8vo, London.
1884-86.
46. Babington (Canon Churchill)—Catalogue of the Birds of Suffolk, with
an Introduction and Remarks on their Distribution, 8vo, London.
1885.
47, Buxton (E. N.)—Epping Forest. Cheaper edition, 8vo, London.

1886.

48, Swainson (Rev. Chas.)—The Folk Lore and Provincial Names of
British Birds, 8vo, London.
(Contains very few references to Essex or Essex bird names.)
1886.
49, Gallwey (Sir Ralph Payne)—The Book of Duck Decoys, 4to, London.
1886-87.
49a, H[arting (J. E.)]—The [Epping] Forest Birds, In Percy Lindley’s
Walks in Epping Forest, pp. 122-128, oblong 8vo, London.
1887, &c.
50. [Various |—The Essex Naturalist : the Journal of the Essex Field Club,
8vo, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

1888, &c.
51, Dickens (Charles)—Dictionary of the Thames, 8vo, London.

1889.

52, Jf ackson (Harold O.)].—A List of Birds found in Rochford Hundred.
Southend Standard, Oct. 1oth, 1889, Southend.

INDEX TO NAMES OF AUTHORS IN THE FOREGOING LIST.

NO. OF WORK NO. OF WORK

Albin, Eleazar . . : : é : 3 Grubb, Jonathan . Z a 7 590
Atkinson, Rey. J. C. , : , . 36), |) eElarting ayes. , : : - 49a, 38
Babington, Rev. C. . : d 2 2 1-46 Jackson, H.O.. : 4 ; puleg2
Benton, Philip . ; : 4 s beis King; W. D. . 2 ; A : eo
Bree; Dr. 'C. R- : 2 4s . 32a | Lewin, W. : : : : : See
Brown, J. A. Harvie : : 2 «42 Lindsey, W. H. ‘i : 3 3 ey
Buxton, E. N. . - : E ‘ . 47 | Maclean, Dr. A. . : : : = x6
Clarke, Joseph . ; : ; : LSBs Merrett, Chr. . ‘ , 4 . : I
Dale, Saml. . : : : : ; ave |) More ASG.) : : ; P cry
Daniel, Rev. W. B. . : : 5 5 6 | Morris, Rev. F.O. . ; 7 ‘ = 274
Day, Geo. . 41 Parsons, Chr. 21, 11, 8
Domville, Silas 2 Seebchm, Henry 45
Dickens, Charles 5I Sheppard, E. F. 17
Donovan, E. . : 5 | Sheppard, Rev. R. . Q
Doubleday, Edward 15 Swainson, Rev. Chas. 48
Doubleday, Henry . TO Taylor, Silas , 2
Gallwey, Sir R, Payne 49 Whitear, Rev. Wm. . 9
Graves, Geo. 7 White, Wm. : 26
Gray, G. R. 32 | Yarrell, Wm. 37) 3°, 25, 14

NDE:

Abdy, Sir Robert, 8.

Accentor, Alpine, 89.

Accentor, Hedge, 89.

Adriatic Gull, 264.

Alpine Accentor, 89.

Arctic Tern, 258

Arrival of Summer Migrants, 39.
Atkinson, Rev. J. C., 8.
Atkinson, Rey. John, 9.
Audley End Collection, 35.
Auk, Great, 277.

Auk, Little, 278.

Authors consulted, List of, 292.
Avocet, 240.

Baillon’s Crake, 224.
Barnacle Goose, 196.
Barn Owl, 154.
Bar-tailed Godwit, 255.
Baxter Ga bey LO:
Baxter Collection, 35.
Bean Goose, 192.
Bearded Tit, 91, 280.
Bee-eater, 150.
Bewick’s Swan, 199.
Bibliography of the subject, 292.

Bird Collections, Chief Essex, 35.

Bird Lists, Previous Essex, 5.
Bittern, Little, 183.
Black-bellied Dipper, go.
Blackbird, 74.

Blackcap, 83.

Black Guillemot, 278.
Black-headed Gull, 265.
Black Redstart, 79.

Black Stork, 188.
Black-tailed Godwit, 254.
Black Tern, 261.
Black-throated Diver, 273.
Black-winged Stilt, 240.

Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail, 98.

Blue Tit, 94.

Bohun’s Hall Decoy, 63.
Brambling, 119, 280.
Braybrooke Collection, The, 35.
Bree, Charles R., 10.

Bree Collection, 35.

Brent Goose, 192.

Briinnich’s Guillemot, 278.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 250.

Buffon’s Skua, 269.
Bullfinch, 122.

Bunting, Common, 127.
Bunting, Cirl, 128.
Bunting, Corn, 127.
Bunting, Snow, 128, 281.
Bunting, Yellow, 127.
Bustard, Great, 229.
Bustard, Little, 230.
Bustard, Macqueen’s, 231.
Buzzard, 164.

Buzzard, Honey, 170:
Buzzard, Rough-legged, 166, 281.

Carrion Crow, 133.

Cirl Bunting, 128.
Chaffinch, 118.

Chalky Uplands, 3.
Chiffchaff, 85.

Chough, 130.

Clarke, Joseph, rr.

Coal Tit, 93.

Colchester Museum Collection, 36.
Colin, Virginian, 222.
Collared Pratincole, 233.

| Collections, Chief Essex Bird, 35.

Coot, 226.

Common Bunting, 127.
Common Guillemot, 277.
Common Gull, 263.
Common Sandpiper, 250.
Common Scoter, 210.
Common Skua, 268.
Common Snipe, 243.
Common Tern, 258.
Cormorant, 178.

Corn Bunting, 127.
Corn Crake, 224,

Crake, Baillon’s, 224.
Crake, Corn, 224.

Crake, Little, 224.
Crake, Spotted, 223.
Crane, 228.

Creeper, Tree, III.
Crested Tit, 94.
Crossbill, 122,

Crossbill, Parrot, 126.
Crossbill, Two-barred, 126.
Crow, Carrion, 133.
Crow, Hooded, 134.

298

Cuckoo, 153.

Curlew, 256.

Curlew Sandpiper, 247.
Curlew, Stone, 232.

Dabchick, 276.

Dale, Samuel, 11.

Daniel, Rev. W. B., 12.
Dartford Warbler, 84.
Decoys in Essex, 47.
Dipper, 9o.

Dipper, Black-bellied, go.
Diver, Black-throated, 273.
Diver, Great Northern, 273.
Diver, Red-throated, 274.
Dix, Thomas, 12.

Dotterel, 236.

Doubleday, Edward, 13.
Doubleday, Henry, 13, 39.
Dovercourt Decoy, 67.
Dove, Ring, 214.

Dove, Stock, 214.

Dove, Turtle, 215.

Duck, Eider, 209.

Duck, Long-tailed, 209.
Duck, Tufted, 205.

Duck, White-eyed, 209.
Duck, Wild, 202,

Dunlin, 244.

Eagle, Golden, 167.

Eagle, White-tailed, 167.

Eagle Owl, 161.

Eared Grebe, 275.

East Hall Decoy, 61.

Egyptian Vulture, 162.

Eider Duck, 209.

English, James Lake, 19.

Epping, Arrival of Summer Migrants
at, 39.

Essex Bird Collections, Chief, 35.

Essex Bird Lists, 5.

Essex Decoys, 47.

Essex, Hawks and Hawking in, 43.

Essex, Number of Species in, 6.

Essex Ornithologists, 8.

Essex, Physical Features of, 1.

Essex, Wild-Fowling in, 47.

Falcon, Greenland, 171.
Falcon, Iceland, 171.
Falcon, Peregrine, 172.
Fieldfare, 73.

Firecrest, 85.

Fitch, Edward A., 21.
Flycatcher, Pied, 107.
Flycatcher, Spotted, 108.
Forests and Woodlands, 4.
Fulmar, 272.

Gadwall, 203.

THE BIRDS

OF ESSEX.

Gallinule, Green-backed, 225.
Gannet, 178.

Garden Warbler, 84.
Garganey, 203.

Gibson, Jabez, 21.

Glaucous Gull, 262.
Glebeland Decoy, 61.

Glossy Ibis, 189.

Godwit, Bar-tailed, 255.
Godwit, Black-tailed, 254.
Goldcrest, 84,

Golden Eagle, 167.
Golden-eye, 208.

Golden Oriole, ror.

Golden Plover, 234.
Goldfinch, 111.

Goldhanger Decoys, 62.
Goosander, 21T.

Goose, Barnacle, 196.

Goose, Bean, 192.

Goose, Brent, 192.

Goose, Grey Lag, 190.

Goose, Pink-footed, ror.
Goose, Red-breasted, 197.
Goose, White-fronted, Igr.
Gore Decoy, 63.

Goshawk, 168.

Grange Decoy, 59.
Grasshopper Warbler, 88.
Great Auk, 277.

Great Black-backed Gull, 264.
Great Black Woodpecker, 147.
Great Bustard, 229.

Greater Grey Shrike, 104, 281.
Greater Shearwater, 272,
Great Grey Shrike, 103, 281.
Great Northern Diver, 273.
Great Oakley Hall Decoy, 66.
Great Reed Warbler, 87.
Great Skua, 268.

Great Snipe, 243, 283.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, 148.
Great Tit, 93.

Great White Heron, 183.

| Grebe, Eared, 275.
| Grebe, Great Crested, 275.

Grebe, Little, 276.
Grebe, Red-necked, 274
Grebe, Sclavonian, 275.
Green-backed Gallinule, 225.
Greenfinch, 113.
Greenland Falcon, 171.
Green Sandpiper, 251.
Greenshank, 254.

Green Woodpecker, 148.
Grey-Lag Goose, Igo.
Grey Phalarope, 241.

| Grey Plover, 234.

Grey Wagtail, 97.
Grouse, Red, 222.
Grubb, Jonathan, 22.

Guillemot, 277.

Guillemot, Black, 278.
Guillemot, Briinnich’s, 278.
Gull, Adriatic, 264.

Gull, Black-headed, 265.

Gull, Common, 263.

Gull, Glaucous, 262.

Gull, Great Black-backed, 264.
Gull, Herring, 262.

Gull, Iceland, 262.

Gull, Lesser Black-backed, 263.
Gull, Little, 268.

Gull, Sabine’s, 268.

Harrier, Hen, 163.
Harrier, Marsh, 162.
Harrier, Montagu’s, 164.

Harting on Hawking in Essex, 43.

Hawfinch, 113.

Hawking in Essex, 43.
Hawks and Hawking, 43.
Hedge Sparrow, 89.

Hen Harrier, 163.
Heron, 18o.

Heron, Great White, 183.
Heron, Night, 186.
Heron, Purple, 183.
Herring Gull, 262.

Ten vevs Wie He, 22;
Hobby, 174.

Honey Buzzard, 170.
Hooded Crow, 134.
Hoopoe, 150.

ope iG. 2: 23:

Hope Collection, 36.
Horsey Island Decoy, 66.
House Sparrow, 117.
Intohi, Ie ID, ey

Hoy Collection, 36.

Ibis, Glossy, 189.

Iceland Falcon, 171.

Iceland Gull, 262.

Intermediate Ringed Plover, 235.
Introduction, ft.

Jackdaw, 133.

Jack Snipe, 244.

Jaques Hall Decoy, 67.
Jaques Hall Old Decoy, 67.
Jaye 132)

Joyce’s Decoy, 62.

Kentish Plover, 235.
Kenny.) E.,23:

Kestrel, 277.

King, Wm. Doubleday, 23.
King Collection, 37.
Kingfisher, 149.

Kite, 169.

Kittiwake, 262.

INDEX.

Knot, 248.

Landrail, 224.

Lapwing, 237.

Lark, Shore, 143.

Lark, Sky, 141.

Lark, Wood, 142.

Latchingdon Decoy, 61.
Laver, Dr. Henry, 25.

Leach’s Fork-tailed Petrel, 271.
Legge, Capt. W. V., 25.

Lesser Black-backed Gull, 263.
Lesser Redpoll, 120.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 147.
Lesser Whitethroat, 82.
Lighthouses, 5.

Linnet, I19.

Lion Point, or Wick, Decoy, 65.
List of Subscribers,

List of Works referred to,
Lister, Arthur, 25.

Little Auk, 278.

Little Bittern, 183.

Little Bustard, 230.

Little Crake, 224.

Little Grebe, 276.

Little Gull, 268.

Little Owl, 161.

Little Stint, 246.

Little Tern, 259.

Long-eared Owl, 155.
Long-tailed Duck, 209.
Long-tailed Tit, 92.

Lowlands, 3.

Maclean, Dr. Allan, 25.
Macqueen’s Bustard, 231.
Magpie, 132.

Manx Shearwater, 271.
Marsh Harrier, 162.
Marsh House Decoy, 59.
Marsh Tit, 93.

Marsh Warbler, 87.
Marshes, 4.

Martin, 109.

Martin, Purple, IIo.
Martin, Sand, IIo.
Mayland Decoy, 61.
Meadow Pipit, 99.
Mealy Redpoll, 121.
Merganser, Red-breasted, 212.
Merlin, 175, 281.

Mersea Island Decoy, 64.
Migration Tables, 40,
Mistle Thrush, 72.
Montagu’s Harrier, 164.
Moorhen, 225.

Mute Swan, 197.

Needle-tailed Swift, 145.
Night Heron, 186,

209

300 THE BIRDS
Nightingale, 82.

Nightjar, 146.
Nomenclature, 6.

Northey Island Decoy, 61.
Number of Species, 6.
Nutcracker, 131.
Nuthatch, 95.

Old Hall Decoys, 63.

Old Moze Hall Decoy, 66.
Open Sea, 5.

Oriole, Golden, Ior,
Ornithologists, Principal Essex, 8.
Osprey, 176.

Ouzel, Ring, 75.

Owl, Barn, 154.

Owl, Eagle, 161.

Owl, Little, 161.

Owl, Long-eared, 155
Owl, Scops, 159.

Owl, Short-eared, 156.
Owl, Snowy, 159.

Owl, Tawny, 158.

Owl, Tengmalm’s, 159.
Oyster-catcher, 238.

Pallas’ Sand Grouse, 216.
Partridge, 220.

Partridge, Red-legged, 218.
Parrot Crossbill, 126.
Parsons, Christopher, 27.
Passenger Pigeon, 215, 281.
Pastor, Rose-coloured, 130.
Peewit, 237.

Peregrine Falcon, 172.
Petrel, Fulmar, 272.

Petrel, Leach’s Fork-tailed, 271.
Petrel, Storm, 270.
Phalarope, Grey, 241.
Phalarope, Red-necked, 240,
Pheasant, 218.

Physical Features of Essex, I.
Pied Flycatcher, 107.

Pied Wagtail, 97.

Pigeon, Passenger, 215, 281.
Pigeon, Wood, 214.
Pink-footed Goose, IgI.
Pintail, 201,

Pipit, Meadow, 9g.

Pipit, Richard’s, gg.

Pipit, Rock, 100, 280.

Pipit, Tree, 99.

Plover, Golden, 234.
Plover, Grey, 234.

Plover, Kentish, 235.
Plover, Ringed, 235.
Pochard, 207.

Pochard, Red-crested, 200.
Pomatorhine Skua, 269.
Pond Hall Decoy, 67.
Pratincole, Collared, 233.

OF ESSEX.

Puffin, 279.
Purple Martin, IIo.
Purple Sandpiper, 247.

Quail, 221, 281.

Rail, Land, 224.

Rail, Water, 223.

Ramsey Island Decoy, 61.
Raven, 136.

Razorbill, 277.

Red-backed Shrike, 105.
Redbreast, 80.
Red-breasted Goose, 197.
Red-breasted Merganser, 212.
Red-breasted Snipe, 254.
Red-crested Pochard, 200.
Red-footed Falcon, 177.
Red Grouse, 222.
Red-legged Partridge, 218.
Red-necked Grebe, 274.
Red-necked Phalarope, 240.
Redpoll, Lesser, 120.
Redpoll, Mealy, 121.
Redshank, 252.

Redshank, Spotted, 253.
Red-spotted Bluethroat, 80.
Redstart, 78, 280.

Redstart, Black, 79.
Red-throated Diver, 274.
Redwing, 73.

Reed Bunting, 128.

Reed Warbler, 86.
Richardson’s Skua, 269.
Richard's Pipit, 99.

Ring Dove, 214.

Ringed Plover, 235.

Ring Ouzel, 75.

Robin, 8o.

Rock Pipit, 100, 280,
Roller, 150.

Rook, 135.

Roseate Tern, 259.
Rose-coloured Pastor, 130.
Rough-legged Buzzard, 166, 281.
Roydon Hall Decoy, 67.
Ruddy Sheldrake, 200,
Ruff, 249.

Rufous Tinamu, 281.
Russell, Col. Champion, 30.

Sabine’s Gull, 268.

Saffron Walden Museum Collection, 37.
Salter Collection, 38.

Saltings, 4.

Sanderling, 249.

Sand Grouse, Pallas’, 216.

Sand Martin, rro,

Sandpiper, Buff-breasted, 250.
Sandpiper, Common, 250.

Sandpiper, Curlew, 247.

Sandpiper, Green, 251.
Sandpiper, Purple, 247.
Sandpiper, Wood, 252.
Sandwich Tern, 260.
Savi’s Warbler, 88.
Scaup, 206,

Sclavonian Grebe, 275.
Scopoli’s Sooty Tern, 261.
Scops Owl, 159.

Scoter, Common, 210.
Scoter, Velvet, 211.
Sedge Warbler, 87.
Shag, 178.

Shearwater, Greater, 272.
Shearwater, Manx, 271.
Sheldrake, 199.
Sheldrake, Ruddy, 200.

Sheppard, Rev. Revett, 33, 39.

Shore Lark, 143.
Short-eared Owl, 156.
Shoveller, 205.

Shrike, Great Grey, 103, 280.

Shrike, Greater Grey, 104, 281.

Shrike, Red-backed, 105.
Shrike, Southern Grey, 105.
Shrike, Woodchat, 106,
Siskin, 112.

Skinner’s Wick Decoy, 63.
Skua, Buffon’s, 269.
Skua, Common, 268.
Skua, Great, 268.

Skua, Pomatorhine, 269.
Skua, Richardson’s, 269.
Skylark, 141.

Smew, 212.

Smoothy, Charles, 33.
Smoothy Collection, 38.
Snipe, Common, 243.
Snipe, Great, 243, 283.
Snipe, Jack, 244.

Snipe, Red-breasted, 254.
Snow Bunting, 128, 281.
Snowy Owl, 159.

Song Thrush, 72, 280.
Sooty Tern, 260.
Southern Grey Shrike, 105.
South Hall Decoy, 59.
Spalding, Frederick, 33.
Sparrowhawk, 168.
Sparrow, House, 117.
Sparrow, Hedge, 89.
Sparrow, Tree, 116.
Spoonbill, 189.

Spotted Crake, 223.
Spotted Flycatcher, 108.
Spotted Redshank, 253.
Starling, 129, 281.
Steeple Decoy, 61.

Stilt, Blackwinged, 240.
Stint, Little, 246.

Stunt, Temminck’s, 246.

INDEX.

Stock Dove, 214.
Stonechat, 78.
Stone Curlew, 232.
Stork, Black, 188.
Stork, White, 188.
Storm Petrel, 270.
Subscribers, List of,

Sudbury Museum Collection, 38.
Summer Migrants, Arrival of, 39.

Swallow, 103.

Swan, Bewick’s, 199.
Swan, Mute, 197.

Swan, Whooper, 198.
Swift, 144.

Swift, Needle-tailed, 145.
Swift, White-bellied, 145.

Tawny Owl, 158.

Teal, 204.

Temminck’s Stint, 246.
Tengmalm’s Owl, 159.
Tern, Arctic, 258.
Tern, Common, 258.
Tern, Black, 261.
Tern, Little, 259.
Tern, Roseate, 259.
Tern, Sandwich, 260,

Tern, Scopoli’s Sooty, 261.

Tern, Sooty, 260.
Thrush, Mistle, 72.
Thrush, Song, 72, 280.
Tinamu, Rufous, 281.
Tit, Bearded, 91, 280. .
Tit, Blue, 94.

Tit, Coal, 93.

Tit, Crested, 94.

Tit, Great, 93.

Tit, Longtailed, 92.
Tit, Marsh, 93.

Tree Creeper, III.
Tree Pipit, 99.

Tree Sparrow, 116.
Tufted Duck, 205.
Turnstone, 239.

Turtle Dove, 215.
Twite, 121.

Two-barred Crossbill, 126.

Uplands, Chalky, 3.

Velvet Scoter, 2I1T.
Villa Farm Decoy, 65.
Virginian Colin, 222.
Vulture, Egyptian, 162.

Wagtail, Blue-headed Yellow, 98..

Wagtail, Grey, 97.
Wagtail, Pied, 97.
Wagtail, White, 96.
Wagtail, Yellow, 99.
Walford, Cornelius, 34.

3Ok

302 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX,

Warbler, Blackcap, 83.
Warbler, Dartford, 84.
Warbler, Garden, 84.

Warbler, Grasshopper, 88.

Warbler, Great Reed, 87.
Warbler, Marsh, 87.
Warbler, Reed, 86.
Warbler, Savi’s, 88.
Warbler, Sedge, 87.
Warbler, Willow, 85.
Warbler, Wood, 86.
Water Ouzel, go.
Water-rail, 223.
Waxwing, 106.

West Wick Decoy, 61.
Wheatear, 76.
Whimbrel, 257.
Whinchat, 77.
White-bellied Swift, 145.
White-eyed Duck, 209.

White-fronted Goose, IgI.

White Stork, 188.
White-tailed Eagle, 167.
Whitethroat, 83.
Whitethroat, Lesser, 82.
White Wagtail, 96.

Whooper Swan, 198.

Wigeon, 200.

Wild Duck, 202.

Wild-fowl Decoys, 47.
Wild-fowling in Essex, 47.
Willow Warbler, 85.
Woodchat Shrike, 106.
Woodcock, 241.

Woodlands, 4.

Wood Lark, 142.

Woodpecker, Great Black, 147.
Woodpecker, Great Spotted, 148.

| Woodpecker, Green, 148.
| Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted, 147.

Woed Pigeon, 214.

Wood Sandpiper, 252.
Wood Warbler, 86.

Works referred to, List of,

| Wormingford Decoy, 67.

| Wrabness, Arrival of Summer Migrants

at, 39.

| Wren, 95.
| Wryneck, 146.

Yellow-hammer, 127.
Yellow Wagtail, 99.

Demy 8vo. 84 pp. Price 7s. 6d. nett.

The Trade Signs of Essex :

me oLOrRULAR ACCOUN®

OF THE

Origin and Meanings of the Public-house and other Signs
LVow or formerly found in the County of Essex.

bye MILLER CHRISTY.

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x

THE ESSEX’ BIEL Cie

FOUNDED JANUARY 10th, 1880.

Patron:
H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT AND STRATHEARN, K.G.
(Ranger of Epping Forest.)

resident:
EDWARD A. Fires, C.C), F:L.s:, F.E.S., ER: MES:

Vice-Presidents :

PROFESSOR G S. BOULGER, F.L.S., F.G.S.

ee BUXTON CsA ibn Delve Gccs

WALTER CROUCH, F.Z.S.

T. V. Hormes,:F-G.S:, MAI.

HENRY AVER, WAR CIS. FS AG bless

PROFESSOR R. MELDOLA, F.R.S., F.C.S., F.R.A:S., F-E.S., &c.
RIGHT Hon. Lorp RayLeiGcuH, F.R.S., D.L., &c.

Tus Association, the only Scientific Society of like aims in Essex, was
founded for the study and investigation of the Natural History, Geology, and Pre-
historic Archeology of the County ; the publication of the results of such investi-
gations ; the formation of a Library of local and scientific works; the formation
of a Museum to illustrate the natural productions of Essex ; and generaily to aid
in the dissemination of practical knowledge of Natural Science and Antiguities.
A further very important object of the Society is to promote a reverence for the
natural features of the County, its Flora and Fauna, its numerous pre-historic
remains and other monuments, and to incite a desire to protect them from wanton
spoliation and injury.

The ORDINARY (SCIENTIFIC) MEETINGS are held about once a month
during the autumn, winter, and early spring, and in connection with these occa:
sional ‘‘ WINTER MEETINGS” are held in the larger towns in Essex—the atfter-
noons being devoted to an examination of the Museums, antiquities, and other
objects of interest, while in the evenings Ordinary Meetings of the Club will be
held for the reading of papers, notes, &c., and the exhibition of specimens,
especially such as may be of local interest.

FIELD MEETINGS are arranged during the summer months, and held in
various parts of the county, and elsewhere, for out-door observation under the
guidance of experienced Naturalists, Geologists, and Archzeologists, Other
Meetings of the National Museums, Lectures, &c., are arranged from time to
time,

In organising the Essex Field Club the main desire of the Founder was to
establish an Association which should be doth popular and scientific, and which
should represent, from the point of view of its foundation, the whole County of
Essex ; to form acentral body to which communications and specimens relating
to Essex and general Natural History, &c., might be sent for at least careful
consideration and discussion, so that the publications of the Society should in

time comprise a body of fact and inference, useful to the local and scientific
student, as well as interesting to the ordinary reader.

The PUBLICATIONS of the Club have gained a somewhat high position. Since
the formation of the Club in 1880, about two thousand five hunared closely printea
pages of matter, relating more or less intimately to the county, and frequently of an
original and important character, have been issued, wlustrated with plates, maps, and
numerous other engravings. ‘(he first series, of five volumes, of ‘‘ Transactions ”
and “ Proceedings’’ now nearly completed, together with the ‘“‘ REPORT on the
East ANGLIAN EARTHQUAKE” (‘the first book of the kind ever published in Eng-
land), and the volumes of the ‘‘ Essex NATURALIST,” form a record of work
accomplished during the life of the Club, upon whichits members may justly be
congratulated, and work which has added very considerably to the advancement
of natural knowledge in Essex. One of the leading scientific periodicals
(‘‘ Nature”) ina notice of the ‘ Essex NATURALIST,” remarked as follows :—
“Tt is scarcely surprising that residents of the County of Essex should appreciate
the labours of the Society, inasmuch as they are iwholly devoted to the county,
and are of interest to persons who know little of Essex. In this respect—namely
the thorough examination of the district lying at their doors—the members of
the Essex Field Club set an example that similar societies elsewhere would do
well to follow. * * x There are few associations in the United Kingdom which
perform so adequately and thoroughly the:proper functions of a local Field Club
or Naturalists’ Society as the Essex Field Club.”

Commencing in January, 1887, the various papers read before the Club are
now published as an Illustrated Periodical, entitled ‘‘ THE Essex NATURALIST :
being the JOURNAL of the Ess—Ex FIELD CLUB,” and the fourth volume is now
in progress.

Although bearing a county title, the Club offers exceptional advantages to
metropolitan residents. Many parts of Essex are but little known, although of
the greatest interest to the naturalist, geologist, and antiquary. The organisa-
tion of the Club in connection with the Field Meetings has enabled many to be-
come acquainted with this portion of the Eastern Counties, which so well repays
the attention of the intelligent visitor.

The Club already possesses a good nucleus of a valuable LIBRARY, which has
been obtained by donations, exchanges, and purchase. The Library is designed
primarily to accumulate all books, pamphlets, maps, prints, &c., relating to or in
any way illustrating the History, Topography, Archeology, Geology, Botany,
Natural History, &c., &c., of the COUNTY OF EsSEx ; and secondly as a collec-
tion of standard works on various branches of Natural History, Geology, Archze-
ology, &c., for reference and study.

An endeavour is now being made for the establishment of a LocaL MUSEUM
in Essex, to illustrate, in the fullest and most scientific manner possible, the
natural productions and antiquities of the County, and to form a home for County
collections and specimens, where they may be consulted by all interested in Essex,

The SUBSCRIPTION to the Club is a# present half-a-guinea per annum, payable
upon election and afterwards on the Ist January in each year ; and new members
pay an entrance-fee of ios. 6d. upon joining. But it must be noted that the rate
of subscription is now under consideration, and may be considerably altered in a
short time.

All communications respecting membership, papers, and notes for the ‘‘ EssEx
NATURALIST ” andthe general work of the Club, should be sent to Mr. W. COLE,
FTon Sec., 7, Knighton Villas, Buckhurst Hill ; all letters respecting subscrip-
tions, &c., to the Zreasurer, Mr. ALFRED LOCKYER, Mornington Lodge, Wan-
stead, Essex ; and all enquiries respecting the library, donations of books, &c., to
the Librarian, Mr. A. P. WIRE, at the Head-quarters, 8, Knighton Villas, Buck -
hurst Hill.

- HAYMAN, CHRISTY AND LILLY, LTD.
PRINTERS, oe
HATTON WORKS, 113, FARRINGDON ROAD,
AND 20, 22, ST, BRIDE ST,, E.C.

Cre ) ing

i ‘ei a
‘

igi

3 000