44
our usual route from Wrabness station to the
river for a two hour walk before moving to the
R.S.P.B. reserve at noon. The warden gave an
introductory talk and walked with us towards
the public hide. Whilst evidence of the gales
was obvious and sad, the opportunity had heen
taken to produce open rides through the wood,
where evidence of regeneration could already be
seen. Again there were few birds to be seen
but the hide gave welcome cover for lunch
before we walked to the two members' hides; a
four mile circuit in total.
The last hide downstream which overlooks a
roost area of marsh was more productive, but
the Godwit who winter on the river had moved
off to their breeding grounds earlier than
usual, inspired by the mild spring. Numerous
Grey Plover, Redshank, Curlew, Cormorant and
Brent were seen. During the day 33 species
were counted, including Great Crested Grebe,
Wigeon, Oystercatcher, Shelduck and Black-
Headed Gull on the estuary and many of the
common woodland species. Botanical signs of
an early spring were Townhall Clock (Adoxa
moschatellina), Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis
perennis) and Wood Spurge (Euphorbia
amygdaloides).
JOHN BATH
BIRD GROUP MEETING - LITTLE BADDOW,
8TH APRIL, 1990
Once again I regret to say the weather was