2k.
BIRD NOTES 1977
Winter scene - k Jan 77
Hundreds of winter Thrushes, Redwings
and Fieldfares have stripped the thorn
hedges of berries along the A12 and hordes
more are searching for sustenance in the
open fields. The harsh chatter of the
Fieldfares is carried to my ears on the cold
howling East wind.
Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings clamour
after the plough and Meadow Pipits are a
common winter visitor this year. Less common
are the Stonechats I saw from my cottage
window and the Golden Plovers that flew over
piping shrilly.
Spring scene
Mid March to mid May sees me dashing
around "clocking in" the summer residents
and migrants. First Chiff-Chaff on the 28th
March, first Nightingale on 27th April and
the list grows and grows. The finest spring
sighting was undoubtedly a flock of seven
Whimbrels flying low over Fingringhoe Wick,
calling constantly.
Whimbrel
Ian Misselbrook