as possible. The first competition for the Mammal Jug
then followed. Members had brought specimens of mammal
interest, the jug being awarded to the one who correctly
identified the highest number of specimens. It was awarded
to Bill Page. A book token was awarded to the person who
brought the most unusual specimen. This went to Norma
Chapman, who brought Wallaby droppings from Derbyshire. The
meeting then closed with a vote of thanks to Ken Hoy for
the excellent tea provided.
Bob Cowlin
March 19th. 1972. Goldhanger (Birds)
Forty—two members and friends attended a meeting at
Goldhanger. It was held on a glorious warm day; visibility
not too good. Members were divided into two groups and
were able to sit on the Sea Wall and watch the tide come in.
Both groups were able to have excellent views of over 100
Brent Geese; they were also able to hear clearly their soft
throaty "rronk" or "rruk". In addition, no member could
have failed to see or hear the Meadow Pipits giving their
aerial displays. The song of skylarks also filled the air.
Amongst other interesting birds seen and heard were Curlew,
Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, well camouflaged
Turnstone and Dunlin. One small group examined Brown and
Green Algae near the sea wall. These appeared to be mainly
Fucus sp. and green Enteromorpha. In a field near the sea
wall a number of Hares were seen, also were a few
butterflies. By the end of the day, members had seen and
heard 38 diffierent species of birds, — a good total for
such a well attended meeting.
Mike Parker
SMALL AP
Camping; If anybody is interested in a week or ten days
camping holiday in the Isle of Man, looking at general
natural history and glacial geology, perhaps they would get
in touch with me. Ron Allen, 26. Burnside Road, Dagenham.
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