12 THE PROTECTION OF WILD BIRDS IN ESSEX.
Kingfisher.—The Epping keeper reports an increase. Mr. Buxton says
that there are a fair number along the Roding. A pair breed at Knighton
every year. The other reporters do not mention them.
Coots have, Mr. Russell remarks. af:er several years absence from the
district, re-appeared at Wanstead and Birch Hall.
Carrion Crows are getting very destructive at Loughton and elsewhere.
The observer at Chingford reports a few Bull-finches "which I hardly ever or
never used to see in the old days."
The Herons in Wanstead Park have done well ; they have 57 nests,
probably an exceptional number.
Nearly all the keepers speak well of the effect of the new
orders. The Theydon keeper remarks :—"Bird catching by the
professionals from London is practically extinct around my beat,
as one is not seen now where twenty or thirty would be three or
four years ago, the police being very smart on them." The keepers
all commend the way in which the police are endeavouring to
enforce the law, but at Waltham it is stated that "on Sunday the
place is infested with bird catchers and youths frequent the lanes
bordering the forest, ruthlessly destroying every nest they can
find." At Loughton also the bird-catchers seem to be some-
what rampant, and efforts are needed to put a stop to the evil.
The fines inflicted are far too small ; greater rigour on the part
of the magistrates would do much good in checking the
incursions of the fraternity.
Our member, Mr. C. B. Russell, J.P., the energetic Hon.
Secretary to the Essex Bird Society, has favoured us with an
advance copy of his Report for 1898, which is accompanied by a
map showing the specially protected areas in Essex, and we
gladly print his interesting notes relating to the Shore-birds and
Wildfowl which are the special objects of the vigilance of his
excellent Society :—
" The year 1898 will be memorable for the effects of the disastrous high
tides. Several gulleries were spoilt, as well as breeding grounds of wild duck
all round the Essex coast ; but on the other hand, large numbers of duck are
reported as having bred inland. It is an ill wind that blows no one any good,
and it seems probable that the islands and marshes lost to the farmer may
again become havens of refuge to the wild fowl. Such is likely to be the case
with Pewit Island, of which Fuller gives such a delightful account."
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" The Inspectors were asked by a circular letter, (i.) How the shore birds
did last season ? (ii ) Whether, during the past few years, there has been
any appreciable increase or decrease in the numbers of shore birds and wild
fowl breeding with us ? (iii.) Whether any damage was done to the breeding
grounds by the floods last year ?