redshank, shell duck, meadow pipits and reed buntings.
Skylarks seemed to be singing everywhere, even over the
marsh.
On the sea wall, common whitlow grass (Erophila
verna) was in full bloom.
Some small bird pellets were found, and these contained
numerous small snail, shells. The pellets remain
unidentified.
Total number of birds recorded was 31 .
Mike Parker
April 25th. General Meeting No. 1171. Galleywood Common
24 members attended this meeting, The day started
rather overcast, but finally the sun came out and the
birds sang. Members were fortunate in being able to
observe a small flock of redpolls feeding in the silver
birches. These birds are now widely distributed and
becoming quite common in some parts. Linnets were also
heard and seen in various parts of the Common. Willow
warblers and the chiff-chaff were in full song. In all
28 species were seen or heard during the day.
Mike Parker
May 9th, General Meeting No, 1172. Hartswood -
Thorndon Park (Birds)
34 members attended this meeting on a fine, sunny and
warm day, Interesting birds seen or heard were three
red-starts, tree pipits, redpoll and a garden warbler.
Members spent a long time in trying to locate the red-
starts after having heard their distinctive song.
In the pine and larch plantations, male and female
cones were pointed out, In another part of the woodlands
near Hartswood, some lily-of-the-valley, Convallaria sp.
was seen in flower. A thallose liverwort and a species of
Polytrichum with capsules was also seen.
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