BIRDS OF THE COLNE VALLEY IN 1925 AND 1926. 25
common on the southward movement. It was common in
August, and at the end of the second week of September there
were still numbers about. One was seen 16/10/26, and another
on the following day. None seen during the May-June visit,
1926.
Whinchat (Saxicola r. rubetra (L.)). Mersea Island, one,
20/9/25. The only record.
British Stonechat (Saxicola torquata hibernans (Hart.)). The
Strood, one, 12/4/25. Beacon Hill, one, 19/9/25. Sandy Point,
two, 18/10/25. St. Osyth Marshes, two, 17/10/26.
Swallow (Hirundo r. rustica L.). Numerous without being
abundant. Mersea Island, one, 12/4/25. Several small parties
observed, 16-17/10/26, all moving purposefully southwards.
Martin (Delichon u. urbica (L.)). Strongly established along
the coast from Brightlingsea northwards. Nesting in Brightling-
sea.
Sand Martin (Riparia r. riparia (L.)). June, 1926, a small
nesting colony in a sand-pit near East End Green, and a large
colony in a sand-pit near St. Osyth.
Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis ispida L.). Occasional birds seen
along the creeks and fleets in all months from August (2nd) to
January.
Little Owl (Athene, noctua vidalii A. E. Brehm). Identified
on all visits except April, 1925, and January and November,
1926.
British Tawny Owl (Strix aluco sylvatica Shaw). Fingringhoe,
heard 31/5/26.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco p. peregrinus Tunst.). Sandy Point,
one, 10/4/25. St. Osyth Marsh, one perched on a fence where
it remained during our observations, 4/4/26.
Common Heron (Ardea c. cinerea L.). Observed during all
visits, single birds being seen generally. No parties of any size
seen. Numbers, apparently, not altering according to season.
Brent Goose (Branta b. bernicla (L.)). Colne Point, twelve,
23/1/26 ; two hundred, 20/2/26 ; thirty-five, 12/12/26. Mersea
Island, two hundred, 21/2/26, perhaps the flock seen at Colne
Point on the previous day.
Sheld-Duck (Tadorna tadorna (L.)). Identified on all visits
in varying numbers, sometimes very few were seen. Pyefleet
Channel is the favoured haunt of this handsome duck, some