154
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
marine work. It could be used either as an independent unit
or as an adjunct to a permanent coastal station, if such were in
existence. Here again it might be possible, if the need were
made known, that an offer of a suitable boat for certain periods
would be forthcoming from one of the Field Club's members
or friends.
My task is now nearly accomplished. I have tried to show
you that, as a Field Club, we have a certain responsibility for
the investigation of all kinds of life, down to the most minute
forms, occurring in our inland, estuarine and coastal waters ;
that the problems attaching to such investigation are both
numerous and important; and, further, that there are a number
of ways by which we could, as individuals and collectively, do
more perhaps than we have done in the past to encourage the
study of aquatic biology. I will conclude with the expression
of the hope that what has been said will at least help towards a
truer perspective of the place of aquatic biology in Field Club
work, and that it will have some repercussion in our future
activities on the biological side.
THE BIRDS OF THE THAMES VALLEY (ESSEX
ONLY) in 1926, 1927 and 1928.
(With 1 Plate.)
By WILLIAM E. GLEGG, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.
SEVEN years have elapsed since I commenced to observe
the birds frequenting the Essex estuaries, and the pre-
sentation of this article, the fifth of the series, brings the under-
taking to a not unsuccessful conclusion.
Observations have been carried on from Dagenham at the
one end to New England Island on the other, and, with the
exception of those portions, strictly preserved by the War
Department, between Rainham and Purfleet, and between
Shoeburyness and Wakering Stairs, and the section between
Grays and West Tilbury, which is impossible, the whole of the
river has been traversed, much of it on many occasions. Bird
study is followed, at times, with considerable difficulty, for the
bank of the river has been very much interfered with by
various commercial enterprises. Serious changes are taking