12
appearing on Buddleja in Loughton in August
1983.
Once a rare species in Britain, V. zonaria is
said to be increasing, so E.F.C. members may
well come across it further north and east in
Esse;; as time goes on. If so I am sure Roger
Payne would like to be informed at the Southend
Museum Biological Records Centre.
KEN ADAMS
SOME WINTER CHEER FOR BOTH THE MAMMALOGIST AND
SMALL MAMMALS - A MAMMAL OBSERVATION TABLE
Mammals are notoriously difficult but rewarding
to study in the field. It seems appropriate
at this time of year to pass on details of a
small mammal observation table which has proved
to be a very simple but successful way of
studying mice and voles in our area. It
should be mutually beneficial, providing small
mammals with a safe place to feed and the
observer with a site for direct observation.
It also provides an opportunity for recording
local small mammals and studying food
preferences, behaviour, foot prints, etc.
The table is rather like an enclosed bird table
and is illustrated overleaf. Its size and
shape can vary to suit the materials you have
available. A convenient size would be 50 cm
to i metre square and about 30 cm high.