THE CORN CRAKE 
CREX PRATENSIS 
Loca names in surrounding counties : 
Stratus iN British Avirauna: A common and widely 
distributed summer visitor, varying considerably in num- 
bers locally. 
RapiaL DisTRIBUTION WITHIN FIFTEEN MILES OF ST. 
Paut’s: There are still many spots from five to eight 
miles from the City where the rasping cry of the Corn 
Crake may be heard occasionally. ‘The bird is somewhat 
erratic in its appearance, more abundant in some summers 
than others, and often deserting a locality for no apparent 
reason. Building operations in suburban London have 
done much to decrease itsnumbers. It is sometimes heard 
in Dulwich Park, on Wimbledon Common, in Wimbledon 
Park, and at Richmond and Kew Gardens. I have 
records of it from meadows in the Osterley, Hanwell, 
and Wembley districts; from Southall, Harrow, Pinner, 
Hendon, Finchley, Enfield, Waltham, Hampstead, Epping 
and Wanstead. In the most outlying districts it occurs 
more frequently, if locally, whilst it may visit many 
localities during its annual journeys when it is silent, and 
escape notice. 
The harsh, discordant voice of the Corn Crake may still, 
I am heartily pleased to say, be heard in Greater London. 
There are yet many broad, goodly acres left within our 
limits to afford it cover, although these are being gradually 
absorbed by that destructive octopus the speculative 
builder. It reaches our southern counties towards the 
end of April, the return migration being undertaken in 
September and October. So far.as Greater London is 
concerned the favourite retreats of this Crake are hay- 
meadows and growing grain; upon its arrival it may 
frequently be heard in other spots, especially private 
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