24
is Holland Haven, where in winter 85/86
I watched a flock of over 40 birds.
During the same winter a flock nearly as
large was also found on Old Hall.
The Blackwater estuary is noted for its
Grebes and Divers and a good vantage point
is from the point off Rolls Farm between
Tollesbury and Goldhanger. A high tide
visit will almost certainly turn up Great
Crested Grebes in good numbers, Slavonian
Grebes and Red-Throated Divers and Red-Nee
Grebes, Great Northern and Black-Throated
Divers are also occasional. Watch out,
too, for sea duck such as Eider, Scoter
(both Common and Velvet) and Long-Tailed
Duck. Red-Breasted Mergansers are almost
a certainty.
I hope this little account has whetted
your appetite for winter bird-watching.
Doubtless now as you lie soaking up the
sun, sipping a cool drink and nibbling
cucumber sandwiches you will be thinking
"Oh, I wish it were winter......."
IAN MISSELBROOK
ORNITHOLOGICAL RECORDS, 1985
The following records have now been
received since those reported in Bulletin
No. 32.
12.1.85 Smew, Goosander -
Hanningfield Reservoir
M.F