28
of new habitats by man - motorways - the new dual
carriageway of the A.12 being an example, there has been
a remarkable recovery of this bird. It is now one of
our commonest birds of prey.
4. COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto
A Bird Book of British Birds published before 1960
would probably not haue this bird recorded. It was
in 1957 that the first were seen at Tollesbury, and
later nested in various parts of the Coastal regions
of Essex. It has now spread to most regions including
gardens and parks of our towns. There are now very few
parts of Essex where this bird will not be seen or
heard.
5. REDPOLL Carduelis flammea
At one time in the 1960's and before, this bird would
haue been stated as being scarce. It now occurs in
most of our woodlands such as Silver Birch woods of
Mill Green or parts of the Lower Forest, Epping. It
is now a common bird of woodland and has certainly
bred in a number of places we haue visited.
BIRDS SHOWING DECREASE IN STATUS
1. ROOK Corvus frugilegus
The purpose of the Field Club's Rook Census 1978/79/80
is to compare the results with that carried out in
1965/66. So far it is difficult to say definitely
whether there has been any considerable decrease in
status. With the onset of Dutch Elm Disease, and the
fact that Rooks haue often in the past preferred Elm
Trees, it is possible that this has affected the number
of rookeries. There are places, such as parts of
Brentwood and Ingatestone where the rookeries that were
recorded in 1966/67 now cease to exist. This may be
so for other rookeries.
2. RED BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio
It was during our visits to Danbury Common in 1968/69
that this bird was first seen by the Club. This was a
stronghold of the bird for a number of years. Sadly
it would appear that this bird is probably extinct as
a breeding species.