THE DAWN CHORUS IN ESSEX
271
Conclusions
The results show:—
(1) The chorus has a "pattern".
A. The chorus starts with the following birds before
sunrise; rises to a crescendo—
Redstart (very difficult to identify later on
because of other birds)
Robin
Owl
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Cuckoo
Wood Pigeon
These songs tend to fade and are followed by: —
B. Chaffinch
Warblers
Tits
Wren
These birds start after sunrise.
C. The Robin keeps up its song for a considerable
period of time.
(2) The 1959 results (Table B, although they are the first
adopting the new method) begin to confirm the results
above. It is hoped that future results obtained by
this method will give a clearer picture of the
"pattern" referred to above.
(3) Weather.—A note of the weather has been made and
it would appear that it has no effect on the records.
(4) The 1958 Records [4th May] indicate that the time
of start can be related to the time of sunrise.
Members can help in future investigations by sending me
records each year, using either method. For 1960, records will
be made on 22nd May. Even if only the Robin, Song Thrush,
Blackbird, Tits and Chaffinch are recorded, the results will be of
value.
Jay-Magpie Records
Members have continued to send in details of this inquiry.
Records are urgently required from the Eastern, Southern and
Northern parts of Essex.
Wood Warbler Records
No records have been received regarding these birds for 1959.