302
THE ESSEX NATURALIST
8th June. Danbury Common. The weather could not have
been better for this meeting as it was fine, sunny and warm all
day. 29 Members attended this meeting. A total of 34 different
species of birds were either seen or heard. Outstanding were
Linnets, Common and Lesser Whitethroats, Yellowhammers,
Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs and Blackcaps. A family of Long-
tailed Tits were also seen at close range.
22nd June. Mill Green and High Wood. In spite of dark
and threatening clouds the weather kept fine for the 29 members
attending this meeting. Tree Pipits in full song were seen and
heard on the Common. The following birds were either seen or
heard: Willow Warbler, Chiff Chaff, Blackcap and Garden
Warbler. An excellent tea was kindly provided by Mr and Mrs
Basil Burn. A total of 29 birds were either seen or heard during
the day.
6th July. Hartstvood, Thorndon Park. Rain did not deter
30 members from attending this meeting. In spite of the rain
and lack of sunshine the birds still sang. Three young Jays were
seen at close quarters, and in addition Tree Pipits, Blackcaps,
Willow Warblers and Chiff Chaffs were seen and heard. A total
of 37 different species made this meeting very worthwhile.
27 July. Curtis Mill Green. This was another General Meet-
ing and the sun shone brilliantly all day for the 15 members who
attended. They were glad of the shade provided by Oak trees
of the wood. Tree Sparrows were seen and compared with House
Sparrows. Only two Warblers were heard in full song, the
Blackcap and Chiff Chaff. Other birds seen were Yellowhammers
and Linnets. Near a pond Cabbage White Butterflies were
observed drinking; a number of Red Admiral Butterflies were
also seen. Purple Loosestrife and Red Bartsia were also recorded.
At the end of a very enjoyable meeting 28 different species of
birds had been seen or heard.
7th September. Baldwin's Hill, Epping Forest. 17 members
attended this meeting on a dull and overcast day. Birds were
very quiet, except for Robins in full song. A number of Fungi
were noticed, including Fistulina hepatica and a few species of
Amanita. Interesting birds seen or heard were Nuthatches;
Blue, Great, Coal, Marsh and Long Tailed Tits. At the end of the
day 23 different species of Birds had been seen or heard.
21st September. Fingringhoe Wick. The weather, at first,
was overcast, but later on in the day the sun came out. Curlews,
Redshanks, Shellducks and Herons were seen on the Salt
Marshes by the 37 members. In the morning some members
were very fortunate in being able to see at close range two King-
fishers by the Warden's Lake. Tea was taken at the Bunkhouse
and a count taken of the birds seen; this came to 34.