7.
here. The Common or Smooth Newt is sometimes
found, and an occasional Common Lizard basks
along the grassy road verge. I have never
seen Frogs and Toads but we have been placing 
Common Frog Spawn in local ponds for four
years now and are hoping to hear that familiar
croaking one Spring to indicate that some
have survived and established themselves. It
may well be that the area is unsuitable for
them but time will tell and in the meantime I
live in hope.
AN INTERESTING BIRD REPORT - SUMMER 1977
Mr. Alan Mackley of 8 St. James Park,
Chelmsford has sent the following record to
me :
" Successful breeding of Redpolls took
place in the back garden of 14, St. James
Park (OS.TL.690 076). Their existence in
this back garden (Summer 1977) became known
to me only just before the two young flew.
I obtained colour shots of the Male sitting
on television aerials and a Juvenile on a
Silver Birch in my own garden. The nest was
about 3m. up in an old Apple tree, very close
to the house. The garden is only some 10m.
square".
Redpolls are becoming a common bird of
most woodland habitats visited by the Essex
Field Club. This breeding record would
therefore confirm their increase in range.
M. T. PARKER
---oOo---
HAVE YOU PAID YOUR SUB ? £3 please to Tony
Boniface, 40 Pentland Avenue, Chelmsford.