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declining in the Thetford area in recent
years. This is perhaps reflected in the fact
that for the first time for many years there
were no sightings of red squirrels during the
survey. In addition, I had the impression
that there were fewer signs of squirrel
activity than in previous years.
Following the squirrel count some of the party
visited a part of the Forest where goshawks
were nesting. A raptor was seen, which was
believed to be a> goshawk. Tree pipits were
also noticed, and deer seen by some of the
party.
PETER LESWELL
SOUTHEND FOX WATCH, 26TH MAY, 1988
The site chosen for the fox watching evening is
one which I have been watching regularly over
the past three years. It is an area of rough
ground, with the major part grazed short by
rabbits and the remainder comprising shrubby
areas, gorse and bare sandy patches. During
the present year I had so far identified three
different adult foxes including a vixen which
had cubs. In April of this year I had come
across a dead cub, approximately five weeks
old: there was no obvious cause of death.
One of the adults frequenting the area has only
three legs, one of the hind legs being missing,
probably due to a road accident. However,
this fox always looks in excellent condition,
and its handicap did not stop it chasing the