9
5. The average number of species heard was 15.
6. 25th May and 4th May 1958 were very frosty mornings,
but this did not seem to have any effect on the recordings
The Dawn Chorus in 1960's
1. The 1960's were characterised by a gradual reduction in
the number of species heard. The general pattern of the
Chorus, however, remained the same. Records for 1966
have been mislaid.
2. No Nightingales were heard. Nightjars were heard in 1964
(24th May). 1967 (21st May). 1969 (25th May).
3. Redstarts were heard in every year until 1969 and they
were the first bird to be heard. These species were fully
established in the 1960's and bred successfully. In most
cases the Redstart was heard 5 or 10 minutes before the
Robin.
4. Willow Warblers were heard each year. Garden Warblers were
heard twice, Common Whitethroat in 1962, 1963, 1964 and
1967. The Chiff-Chaff was not heard.
5. Tree Pipits were heard in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968 and
1969, this bird being a regular visitor to Hartswood.
6. The average number of species heard was 11 as compared with
15 for 1952.
The Dawn Chorus in 1970's
1. There was a reduction in the number of species heard and
this was noticeable from 1973 onwards.
2. Nightingales and Nightjars were not heard.
3. Redstart was heard only in 1970 (24th May), 1971 (30th May)
and it was recorded in 1976 (16th May) but as a "doubtful
runner".
4. Willow and Garden Warblers became less evident. The
Willow Warbler was not heard in 1977, 1978, or 1979. The
Garden Warbler was last heard in 1970 (24th May). The
Blackcap was heard 1971, 1973 and 1975.