May 7th 1972. Mill Green, Highwood, College Wood, Fryerning.
Thirty-three members and friends attended on a glorious
day. There was plenty to interest all those who attended.
Members were able to see at close range a Reed Bunting, a
Cuckoo in flight and Willow Warblers. Standing on the
roadside verge a Nightingale was heard loud and clear. In
an open area a Tree Pipit sang and gave its distinctive song
flight. The Garden Warbler and Blackcap were heard and their
songs compared. An unusual sighting was a single male
Wheatear in a cornfield. These birds are not usually seen in
these parts at this time of the year, as they are mainly
passage migrants and the migration is much earlier. The
Lesser Whitethroat, Swallows, House Martins and a single
Swift were also seen.
On the Green, Common Lizards and an Adder were seen by
some members. An active Badger Sett was visited and bristles
noticed around the entrances. In the woods an interesting,
unidentified moth was seen, it had very long antennae. A
large red and black Frog Hopper was also recorded. Botanists
in the party recorded Bistort and Figwort, Mr & Mrs Burn
provided members with an excellent tea at Fremmnells, after
which a report was made of the day's interesting findings.
38 birds had been seen or heard,
Mike Parker
May 14th 1972. President's Meeting, Epping Forest.
Nine members attended this meeting. Starting from Bell
Common, the group made its way to Copthall Green, passing
through the estate of Copt Hall. In the afternoon, members
walked to High Beech where tea was taken.
In the morning, which was fine, rather cold and windy,
a number of interesting birds were recorded. A stop was
made to watch a Spotted Flycatcher, to hear a Blackcap and
also a Common Whitethroat, fine and close views were seen of
these birds.
Page 12