Wildlife and conservation review 2003
that nowadays its mode of dispersal is likely to be vehicle movements, as demonstrated here.
Another species with an identified human vector to Essex is the Jersey Cudweed, which was
discovered wild in Hornchurch. In this case, the source was traced to a local nursery.
Typical drift migrants included Red-backed Shrike at the Naze, Wryneck at Thaxted and Honey
Buzzards over Canvey and the Naze, while more continental overshoots arrived in the shape of
Red-footed Falcons at Great Leighs and Colne Point, a Serin at Tollesbury Wick, and a White-
winged Black Tem briefly at Holland Haven. The latter site also produced one of three Red-necked
Phalaropes during the month. And as is now usual, Little Egret numbers increased markedly,
presumably at least in part from new immigrants rather than local breeding, with the Abberton
roost for example peaking at 101 birds.
When the wind is right, August can be a productive month for seabird movements. Around the 24th
it was best at the Naze, with many Fulmars and Gannets, and several Sooty Shearwaters; a week
later it was the turn of Canvey, with peak day counts of 18 Pomarine Skuas and a single Long-tailed
Skua. A Pomarine also made its way inland to Abberton.
Finally, and despite the ongoing summer weather, the first winter bird arrivals came in. At the
start of August, a Bittern was back in the Lee Valley. In the past, such early individuals have been
traced as Minsmere juveniles; with their presence being seemingly longer every year, how soon
before we might see our own home-bred birds? King George V Reservoir held a very early Smew,
and the old faithful Ring-billed Gull returned to Westcliff sea front for its fifth winter.
As the London Gateway port Public Inquiry drew to a close, news emerged of the next generation
of container vessels being launched, each capable of carrying 8000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent
units), half as big again as the current maximum. While not themselves of key significance, as their
draught is similar to existing vessels, the sector is developing furiously. Ever-bigger ships are
being designed, built and launched: how long will it be before we enter another round of channel
deepening to fry and maintain the competitiveness of UK ports?
Autumn
In fact, September was more a continuation of summer than the start of autumn, at least in weather
terms. High pressure remained in charge, with typical temperatures in the high 20s, although the
first ground frosts (inland) occurred from the 24th. It was the sunniest September on record in the
eastern counties, and produced less than half of the average rainfall.
But, no doubt as one result of the heat, the midsummer butterflies faded out very rapidly, although
some new broods were produced during the month. Wall Browns were one such example (continuing
their relatively good showing this year), and for the second successive year (the only other time
being in 1995) the Stour Wood White Admirals produced a second brood. Hummingbird Hawk-
moths continued to be a major feature, especially in gardens, across the county. Ian Rose was
interested to find out if the almost daily sightings through the month in his Mistley garden were the
same individuals 'doing the rounds'; by catching, marking and the lack of re-observation of marked
individuals, he discovered they were not.
Mark and re-observation was also used to great effect in my own garden, to investigate the population
dynamics of our largest hoverfly Volucella zonaria., an impressive Hornet mimic. We have recorded
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Essex Naturalist (New Series) 21 (2004)