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ducks on the pond which included red crested pochard and
Carolina ducks. Various species of Speedwells were looked at
which included Round-Leaved Speedwell (Veronica filiformis),
Thyme-Leaved Speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) and Grey
Speedwell (Veronica polita).
Martin Gregory.
Friday Woods 17th May, 1981.
Few localities other than nature reserves in Essex offer
the diversity of habitats and the consequent wealth of species
that can be found at Friday Woods near Colchester. About thirty
members enjoyed a showery day there and saw or heard a total of
41 different species of birds.
Outstanding were the Nightingales and warblers. At least
8 different nightingales were heard singing, and over a dozen
common Whitethroats. These species, together with garden and
willow warblers, yellow hammers, gold finches and a lesser
Whitethroat, were found mainly in the areas of gorse and haw-
thorn scrubland - the most extensive habitat. There are also
areas of very old mixed deciduous woodland punctuated with
plantations of scots pine very rich in bird life and flowers.
The Roman River runs along the bottom of the area and on one
side is bordered by damp woodland and on the other by lush
water meadows - a rare habitat. Green and greater spotted wood-
peckers, mistle thrushes, blackcaps and chiff-chaffs were all
found in these areas.
Interesting plants of the day included the Lesser Dandelion
Yellow Archangel, Yellow Pimpernel, Gipsywort and Bugle. The
only mammal sighting was a grey squirrel though mole hills and
rabbit droppings were found.
Ian Misselbrook.
Mill Green Common and Highwood 14th June, 1981, followed by
the Annual General Meeting of the Bird Group.
An extremely hot day was spent in the Mill Green woods/
Highwood complex by thirty members. Of the summer migrants,
tree pipits were much in evidence, and good views were obtained
of a bird feeding a nearby brood. The song and parachute dis-
play flight were also heard and seen. Willow warblers were
naturally very numerous with black caps coming a close second.
No convincing garden warbler song was heard although several