remarked at the start of the meeting that so
far this year they had not seen Swallows or
heard Willow Warblers. Very soon however
all were able to see a Swallow and hear many
Willow Warblers. In addition, Chiff Chaffs
in various parts of the Park were heard and
seen. One particular Chiff Chaff was singing
from the top of a Larch tree, and the ending
of its song was quite abnormal, with a ten-
dency towards a very short warble.
Wood Anemonies, Lesser Celandines,
Primroses and Cherry Trees were all seen to
be at their best. A few specimens of Ruscus
aculeatus - Butchers Broom - were noticed.
A number of Peacock butterflies and a single
Brimstone were seen in the morning.
Other migrants noted were Tree Pipit
and Black Cap. Probably the commonest birds
seen and heard in most parts of the woodlands
were Coal, Great and Blue Tit. At times
their various calls were quite confusing.
During the afternoon one group watched
Nuthatches singing and displaying to one
another, and nearby a Tree Creeper was seen,
both these birds being found where there are
some old trees for nesting sites and insect
food.
At the end of the meeting 33 birds had
been either seen or heard. This was a good
number for what had been a very enjoyable and
successful meeting.
M. T. PARKER
Birds of Epping Lower Forest - 7th May 1978
After one of the wettest May weeks for
a number of years, 38 Members and friends