ones included grey squirrel, muntjack deer, mink, coypu and
recognition of the yellow-necked field mouse as a distinct
species. Some weak spots needing attention were studies of
marine species and the bats.
Papers were read on four groups of mammals; the first
was given by Brian Eastcott on the deer, and the second on
small mammals by David Corke, which included some of his
special work on the yellow-necked mouse. Stoats and weasels
were covered by Trevor Lording and Bob Cowlin discussed the
work done with the badger survey in Essex. It is hoped to
publish these papers in their entirety in the Essex
Naturalist in due course. The chairman expressed the need
for new Group members, especially to study many of the
species needing observation in the county hitherto virtually
untouched. A vote of thanks was given to Ken Hoy and his
staff for laying on the meeting and for providing an
excellent tea. After the meeting, members were invited to
look at the various live animal exhibits in the Field Centre,
which included domestic mammal pets and some long-tailed and
yellow-necked field mice. One other attraction was an invalid
pet tawny owl which sat on its perch in the middle of the
room throughout the meeting, apparently unmoved by the slides
of small mammals.
David Scott
**********
TEE HEN HARRIER — An ornithological note from
Mike Parker
On Sunday, 1st November 1970 I was walking along the
sea wall near Salcot-cum-Virley. Plying low, with wings
in a shallow V, was a bird with a prominent white rump —
the hen harrier. These birds are scarce passage and winter
migrants to Essex. They are recorded every year from
October onwards.
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