TBE BIRDS OF THE BLACKWATER VALLEY. 267 
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus L.). Occasional 
Meeeeseen i jan., April, Sept., Oct. and Dec. Unusually 
numerous at the beginning of August, 1923. 
Common Gull (Larus c. canus L.). Identified in Jan., 
Feb., March, April, Aug., Sept., Oct. and Nov. and at times 
very numerous. A number feeding on the fields at Dengie 
19/3/22. | 
Coot (Fulica a. atra L.). Lawling Creek, 22/1/22 a flock 
of 500. This is a reliable figure as the birds were filing along 
the edge of the creek in a thin line, rendering a count easy. 
The occurrence of Coots on the tidal water is unusual. I have 
only one other such record from this district ; probably this flock 
was migrating. Asmall party off Osea Island, 5/3/22. Ramsey 
Island, 15 and 17/4/22, young birds 13/8/22. Old Hall Marshes, 
14 and 16/10/22 many. 
Other species identified :—Carrion Crow (nest), Jackdaw, 
Jay, Starling, Greenfinch, Linnet, Bull finch, Chaffinch, House 
Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Pied 
Wagtail, Iree-creeper, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Whitethroat, 
Fieldfare, Mistle-Thrush, Song Thrush, Redwing, Black- 
bird, Redbreast, Hedge Sparrow, Wren, Green Woodpecker, 
Kestrel (nest), Mallard, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Lapwing, 
Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Red-legged Partridge 
and Partridge. 
History of the Ancient Parish Church of St. Andrew, Horn- 
church, by Cuas. T. PERFECT. 1923. Benham and Company 
Limited, Colchester. 
THis little book, which is published at ninepence and the 
entire proceeds from the sale of which will be devoted to the 
_ restoration of the parish church, is full of good matter. The 
author’s earlier works on Hornchurch are well known, and he 
is an authority on his subject. We cordially recommend the 
present modest volume, both because of its intrinsic worth 
and on account of the worthy purpose which inspires its 
publication.—Ep. 
