6th May 1973 MILL GREEN AND HIGHWOOD
It was exactly a year ago that members of the
Field Club attended a meeting at Mill Green. In
contrast, this year was dull, cloudy and some rain
in the morning. This did not deter 45 members from
attending. Once again a group heard the nightingale
and were able to see the bird and identify it. The
meeting was divided into three groups, one looked at
the badger setts, another recorded flora, and the
remainder went in search of birds.
The afternoon session was spent in Fryerning
Parish Room when recordings of bird—song were played;
these included birds seen or heard during the morn-
ing.
After official business, each group reported
on their activities. Amongst interesting birds
seen and heard were a tree pipit, a male and fe-
male blackcap, willow warblers, chiff chaffs, a
heron in flight, long-tailed tit, cuckoo, urens,
yellow hammers and house martins.
The oak trees, sweet chestnut, silver birch,
larch and hornheam were just at their best, fresh
and green. One interesting plant found was Lazula
sylvatica. It is a great pity that the badger setts
shewed little or no activity; in previous years
theae setts have been active.
At the end of the day, 28 different species of
birds had been recorded, a good total for such a
well-attended meeting. An excellent tea was enjoyed
by all the members.
Mike Parker
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