THE BIRDS OF EPPING FOREST
A SUMMARY OF EIGHT ANNUAL REPORTS
THIS list comprises all the species recorded in eight annual
reports, embracing a period from 1916 to 1928 inclusive.
With the exception of 1923, which was compiled as usual,
although not printed, the reports were published annually in the
society's Transactions. In the course of the eight years' work 98
forms have been identified. Of this number 61 have nested at some
time or other, 55 regularly. A division of the total number of forms
into categories according to their movements, shows that 39 are resi-
dents, 18 summer visitors, 15 winter visitors, 2 passage migrants, and
24 unplaced. Of the unplaced birds twelve are included on the strength
of one occurrence.
The status of each form is based on the accumulated evidence of
the eight annual reports.
It will be assumed that the descriptions, resident and summer
visitor, connote breeding, unless otherwise stated.
The almost negligible number of passage migrants and the very
few rarer birds which have been recorded, indicate that there is very
little migration across the area. The regularity of the bird-life is a
feature which the collation of the various reports renders prominent.
To the student of birds Epping Forest's period is that of spring, when
the wood is tenanted by the many summer visitors. A walk through
the glades amidst the wonderful chorus, on a May morning, is an
experience which is not easily forgotten.
A strong plea is made for a much stricter measure of protection for
the birds, especially during the nesting season.
The intention of accepting records only from the land under the
control of the Corporation of the City of London, as stated in the
original introduction, has been carried out, so it may be claimed that
the list is a guide to the birds of what is known to-day as Epping
Forest.
Carrion-Crow (Corvus c. corone, L.).—An increasing resident.
Hooded Crow (Corvus c. cornix, L.)—One occurrence, November,
1919.
Book (Corvus f. frugilegus, L.).—An irregular visitor throughout the
year. Only rookery, Wanstead Park, which is decreasing.
Jackdaw (Corvus monedula spermologus, Vieill.).—Resident. Breed-
ing stations, High Beach Church and Warren Hill.
Magpie (Pica p. pica, L.)—A very rare visitor. Recorded in 1917,
18 and 20.