218
SCATTERED BIRD NOTES FROM THE
WALTHAMSTOW RESERVOIRS.
By JOHNSON S. JEFFREE.
STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris). After the young have left
the nest, the birds use the trees on the reservoir-islands
as roosting-spots and assemble in multitudes.
Carrion-Crow (Corvus corone). This inveterate nest-robber
has been seen to destroy even the eggs of a swan, during the
temporary absence from the nest of the adult bird ; Mallard's
eggs are similarly destroyed and the contents devoured by the
greedy Crows. I wage incessant war on these robbers ; during
April and May 1922 I destroyed 19 of their nests, with 67 eggs
and four nestlings.
Heron (Ardea cinerea). During the war, in or about the
year 1916, an anti-aircraft gun at Wanstead scared several
of the birds from the heronry there, and these settled on the
reservoir-islands and built nests ; the new colony has increased
in numbers each year since, and in 1922 I counted 54 old birds
and 11 nests.
Shoveler (Spatula clypeata). On April 8, 1922, three pairs
of these ducks settled on the reservoirs for a short rest, but
left the same evening.
Tufted Duck (Fuligula cristata). Nests here in small num-
bers. Numerous and large flocks visit us in winter.
Coot (Fulica atra). Thousands of Coots visit us in winter,
but only a few remain to breed.
Great Crested Grebe (Podicipes cristatus). The first
appearance of this handsome bird on these reservoirs was some
twelve years ago, since which they have increased in numbers,
at least fifty being now present. In May 1922, I counted 11
nests : one nest was left high and dry by the lowering of the
water-level in the reservoir, but remained intact, and the young
were successfully hatched out.
Little Grebe (Podicipes fluviatilis). Nests in the reeds.
Among my more interesting records of bird-visitors to these
Reservoirs are the following :—
Wheatear Smew
Waxwing Water-Rail (very rare).
Crossbill Dotterel