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ponds to the south—eastern end of the reserve,
to be rewarded by brief views of seven or eight
Hawfinches at the tops of the Hornbeams. Two
Redwings were also viewed here.
Walking into the centre of the wood, the time
approaching midday, we were finally bade
farewell by a pair of Hawfinches that sat and
watched our departure, providing us all with
the best views of the day.
Our thanks go to Colin Jupp for locating the
Hawfinches and thereby making such a success of
the morning.
D. A. SMITH
GENERAL MEETING 1337. AMPHIBIANS IN EPPING
FOREST. 17TH APRIL, 1988
Sixteen members and friends met at the Epping
Forest Conservation Centre at 10.30. The
weather was ideal - hazy sun, dry and
moderately warm. The party drove in cars to
Fairmead Pond, where we saw Common Toads mating
and spawning in the middle of the pond.
Counting was difficult at this distance, but at
least ten pairs were present, others having
already spawned due to the early season. Two
Common Newts were netted, less than on previous
visits, and two Common Frogs were seen at the
pond margin. On the plant front it was good
to see Water Soldier {Stratiotes aloides L.)
growing out in the deeper water. This plant
is recorded by Jermyn in nearby Warren Pond in