also widespread, especially in the grassier areas. The puffball, Lycoperdon lividum was
expected, the tiny Marasmius calopus, growing on twigs, less so, but the real finds were
three sand-dune specialities, Galerina embolus, Lepiota pseudohelveola and Clitocybe
barbularum. These last were identified on detailed microscopic examination but do
need confirmation but the relationships between flowering plants, mosses and fungi on
these tiny beaches is fascinating. After all, such small, fragmented habitats are often all
that is left in a farming landscape that in large part is hostile to wildlife.
As I have already used the best part of three pages I am in danger of outstay ing my welcome.
Suffice to hope that these notes provide an interesting introduction to the area and suffice to
add that the Obs is usual ly manned on Sundays and Wednesdays and that visitors are welcome.
A cup of tea should be forthcoming. If it's not -give me a ring!
Peacocks at Margaretting
Mark Hanson 3 Church Cottages, Church Road, Boreham, Essex CM3 3EG
The Peacock Pavo cristatus is a bird closely related to the pheasants (family Phasianidae).
It is a native of the semi-arid lands of India - where I saw it whilst travelling across
Rajasthan on a steam train in the late 1970s. In the UK it is much kept as a spectacular
garden bird. However it still came as a surprise to be told that it had not only been
thriving and breeding ferally in Margaretting, but that it had been doing so for five or six
years. The origin of the birds is not known but Mrs Browning of Margaretting, who
provided photographs and much of the information, suggests the birds may have come
from the nearby estate of Lord Chelmer. Although the location of the nest was never found,
the birds produced at least two chicks in 2002. Apparently the young have a very low survival
rate, and it is sunnised that they are either predated by foxes (or dogs) or more probably run
over by cars. The adults are apparently semi-tame and will 'knock' on doors to importune
food that householders often specifically buy for them. Some small damage is done in gardens
when the birds eat flower buds etc. The cock apparently comes into full breeding plumage in
February/March and will display when confronted by his image in a mirror (also allowing
photographs to be taken!).
It remains to be seen whether the Recording Committee of the Essex Birdwatching
Society add the Peacock to the list of breeding birds in Essex (it's not much different to
the Red-legged Partridge) and what the global warming lobby make of it!!
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 40, January 2003
17