35
Fingringhoe Marsh and kept observation —
finally one member caught a brief glimpse of a
probable Merlin.
Other birds seen included Brent Geese,
Shelduck, Curlew, Redwing, Field-fare, Heron and
Green Woodpecker. A strange, raptor—like call
was heard -from a copse which was thought to be
a Little Owl. At midday the weather was quite
mild with even a heat-haze on the marsh.
After lunch seven members drove to Salcott
church and walked onto Old Hall Marsh. The
weather became colder, but the group were
rewarded with views of Corn Bunting, Redshank,
Shelduck and a large flock of noisy Brent
Geese.
We stopped at the first main bend in the
footpath and soon forgot the cold with the
excitement of seeing a Short-eared Owl hunting
at close quarters, followed by two Hen Harriers
in the distance towards Mersea Island.
As we walked back to the church we added Reed
Bunting and Mute Swan to our list, making a
grand total of 40 species for the day.
ADRIAN VERNON
GENERAL MEETING NO. 1356. DUCK WOOD, HAVERING.
28TH FEBRUARY, 1988
The Essex Field Club's visit to Duck Wood
Nature Reserve took place as scheduled on 28th