3.
SOME ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES.
'What to look for in the Spring'.
Since the early 1960's Bird Meetings have been
held regularly at such places as :- Mill Green Fryerning,
Curtismill Green near Stapleford Abbots, Thorndon Park,
Galleywood Common, Danbury Common, Epping Forest,
(Baldwin's Hill area) and South Weald Park. These
visits have given the Club an indication as to what to
expect to see and hear during the months when Summer
Migrants have either just arrived or have already
nested. There is one common feature to all these habitats,
they have open spaces, deciduous woodland and dense
undergrowth. This article deals with some of the more
common Summer Migrants.
The Chiff Chaff (Phylloscopus collybita).
This bird arrives any time from March 16th onwards
and makes its presence felt by its call 'Chiff-Chaff'
or 'Tip-Tap' repeated regularly from some suitable
perch, such as an Oak Tree. Gilbert White in 'The
Natural History of Selbourne' describes its song as
a 'harsh chirp'; he also states 'the chirper begins his
two notes in the middle of March.'
The beginner should be careful not to confuse its
song with that of the Great Tit. The Great Tit's call,
however, is of a different pitch and frequency. The
Chiff Chaff appears to prefer higher trees than its
relative the Willow Warbler. They are common in deciduous
woodland, particularly at the edges of woodland. It is
said to have 'blackish legs' but, beware, they can be
light coloured! The best way to recognise this bird is
by its song. Members will have heard the Chiff Chaff
at all of the places mentioned above.
The Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus).
This small warbler arrives a few days later than
the Chiff Chaff with which it can be confused. Any day
from the end of March onwards it can be seen and heard