5
Full bird list
Great crested grebe
Canada goose
Mallard
Moorhen
Coot
Black-headed gull
Wood pigeon
Little owl
Green woodpecker
Great spotted woodpecker
Lesser spotted woodpecker
Pied wagtail
Wren
Robin
Blackbird
Mistle thrush
Chiffchaff
Long-tailed tit
Coal tit
Blue tit
Great tit
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Jay
Magpie
Jackdaw
Rook
Crow
Starling
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Siskin
Redpoll
David Williams
SKIPPERS ISLAND, Ist JUNE 1997
On a bright but windy Sunday morning eight members of the Field Club arrived at about
08.30 to Birch Hall Farm to enjoy a visit to Skippers Island. Unfortunately a strong wind
was blowing the tide inland and this resulted in the wardens being unable to row across to
pick up the motor boat. It was decided to explore the sea wall and to cross the causeway
on foot later at 13.00.
We spent the time identifying the grasses and other flowering plants, watching the few
birds visible including some Common Whitethroats in full song, searching for reptiles and
locating a Common lizard, and admiring colonies of Lackey moths and the webs of
funnel -web spiders. It was pleasing to find the Hogs fennel spreading along the wall
from its stronghold on the island.
The crossing was not easy as we walked, waded and balanced our way across mud,
stepping stones and bridges to the island. We inspected the accommodation which is
available and could not help wondering if we would be using it sooner than we might
expect.
A pleasant three hours were spent recording the plants, bird watching and looking for
reptiles. We left an hour early, but only just in time, to make an equally hair-raising
crossing back to the mainland. We were glad to reach dry land safely and wipe the mud
off our essential Wellington boots.
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 22, August 1997