THE BIRDS & WILDLIFE OF PAXTON PITS, LITTLE PAXTON VILLAGE AND SURROUNDING AREAS 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE FRIENDS OF PAXTON PITS NATURE RESERVE VISIT OUR WEBSITE : www.paxton-pits.org.uk

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP ON THE RESERVE? PLEASE CONTACT US To help in the Visitor Centre or help with practical work during the week contact the Rangers 01480 406795 To help with events, practical conservation work on Sunday or join a wildlife survey team then contact: [email protected] If you have a skill that you think would help with the Reserve please contact us.

“Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve” is a charity registered in England & Wales, No 1125221, and is funded entirely by its members and fund-raising activities. PRODUCED BY THE FRIENDS OF PAXTON PITS NATURE RESERVE Acknowledgements Special thanks to Grainne Farrington (GF) for her drive and desire to re-establish the annual report.

Supported by Mike Thomas, Roger Lloyd, Jim Stevenson, Adrian Hyde and Neal Parkin.

Acknowledgement for the contributions from Neal Parkin author of the bird report, Roger Lloyd author of the invertebrates, fungi and flora reports, Jim Stevenson author of mammals and amphibians reports and Adrian Hyde for preparing the annual report ready for publishing.

Thank you to Martin Runchman and Samantha Knight for organising the WeBS counts, Roger Lloyd for arranging the Paxton Breeding Bird Surveys (PBBS), Den Yaxley for his help in completing some of the missing PBBS data years, Derek Gruar and Mo Reeves for arranging site bird ringing, Steve and Janet Prior for maintaining the nest boxes and, Trevor Coughlan for arranging Sunday working parties.

Final thank you to All the volunteers and groups involved in providing information and helping on the Reserve. Below is a list of individuals and groups who have helped to enable the publication of the report. Apologies to anyone we have missed. We appreciated all the help you gave us in 2017 and look forward to your support in 2018.

Further acknowledgements to Paxton recording groups Mick Parfitt on dragonflies and damselflies, Peter Walker on fungi, Grainne Farrington on plants, Jim Stevenson trees and shrubs and everyone involved in the Paxton Wildlife Monitoring group.

Additional information for the invertebrates, fungi and flora reports was provided by Graham Taplin, Eddie Sutcliffe, Ann Thomas and Jim Stevenson who also provided the photos to accompany the texts, and Peter Hagger for cover photo.

Paxton regular reported sightings Jamie Wells (JW), Martin Davies (MD), Ian Dawson (IKD), Neal Parkin (NP), Trevor Gunton (GT), Gary Rawlings (GR) and everyone who reported their sightings through the Visitor Center log book.

Paxton Breeding Bird Survey volunteers (PBBS) Alan Coles, Alan Owers, Ann Miles, Ann Scott, Ann Thomas, Anne Hysted, Chris Ward, David Bale, David Hoccom, David McArthur, David Milne, Den Yaxley, Diane James, Grainne Farrington, Hilary Lester, Ian Crosby, Jamie Wells, Jane Coulter, Jim Stevenson, John Coulter, Judith Rumgay, Lynette Hutchings, Martin Davies, Martin Runchman, Martin Shadbolt, Mary Dominey, Mike Thomas, Mo Reeves, Neal Parkin, Rex Beckett, Roger Lloyd, Ron Hancock, Sarahjane Williams, Simon Carter, Simon Marsh, Simon Morley, Steven May (SM), Trevor Coughlan and Vivenne Ward.

Paxton Wetland Bird Survey volunteers (WeBS) Adrian Hyde, Ann Thomas, Annette Shannon, Chris Ward, David MacArthur, Roger Lloyd, Kathy Hall, Mark Hill, Martin Runchman, Mary Dominey, Mike Thomas, Neal Parkin, Rex Beckett, Samantha Knight, Vivenne Ward. The Birds and Wildlife of Paxton Pits, NOTES Lile Paxton Village and Surrounding Area 2017

PUBLISHING EDITOR Adrian Hyde (AH) SUB EDITORS Mike Thomas (MT) : Roger Lloyd (RL) : Jim Stevenson (JS) : Neal Parkin (NP) Special thanks to Grainne Farrington (GF) for her drive and desire to re-establish the annual report.

CONTENTS

LOCATION MAP 2017...... PAGE ...... 1 ABOUT PAXTON PITS ...... PAGE ...... 2 THE BIRDING YEAR ...... PAGE ...... 3

BIRDS...... WILDFOWL PAGE ...... 4 GAMEBIRDS PAGE ...... 7 DIVERS & GREBES PAGE ...... 8 HERONS & RAPTORS PAGE ...... 8 RAILS PAGE ...... 10 WADERS PAGE ...... 11 GULLS & TERNS PAGE ...... 14 PIGEONS & OWLS PAGE ...... 15 WOODPECKERS PAGE ...... 17 LARKS & MARTINS PAGE ...... 17 PIPITS & WAGTAILS PAGE ...... 18 CHATS & THRUSHES PAGE ...... 19 WARBLERS PAGE ...... 21 FLYCATCHERS & TITS PAGE ...... 23 CROWS P AGE ...... 25 SPARROWS, FINCHES & BUNTINGS PAGE ...... 26 MAMMALS ...... PAGE ...... 30 AMPHIBIANS ...... PAGE ...... 32 REPTILES ...... PAGE ...... 33 BUTTERFLIES ...... PAGE ...... 34 MOTHS ...... W .....ARBLERS ...... PAGE ...... 38 DRAGONFLIES & DAMSELFLIES ...... PAGE ...... 39 INSECTS & BUGS ...... PAGE ...... 41 FUNGI ...... PAGE ...... 42 PLANTS ...... PAGE ...... 45 TREES & SHRUBS ...... PAGE ...... 47

PUBLISHED BY THE FRIENDS OF PAXTON PITS NATURE RESERVE

Cover Photograph: PETER HAGGER About Paxton Pits Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area Paxton Pits is a complex of former and current gravel workings in the Ouse Valley, adjacent to the A1 trunk road in southwest Cambridgeshire. The flooded pits are an important refuge for wildfowl in winter. The scrub surrounding the lakes, a rare habitat locally, is valuable for breeding songbirds. The Reserve is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its invertebrate and wildfowl assemblages. The southern pits are owned/leased and managed by Huntingdonshire District Council and form a designated Local Nature Reserve, with a car park on the eastern side of Little Paxton Village. The northern pits are part of a working quarry managed by Aggregate Industries and there is currently no public access to this land. Paxton Pits has a Visitor Centre for information, refreshments and a friendly welcome. There are 6 miles of nature trails leading to a much larger network of footpaths and the Ouse Valley Way. Our Meadow and Heron Trails have all ability access surfaces. There is a rich mosaic of wildlife habitats including lakes, riverside meadows, reed beds, scrub and woodland. We support over 100 species of birds each year and are a top site for nightingales which sing from mid-April to mid-June. Our traditionally managed flower-rich meadows include Yellow Rattle, Common Spotted and Bee orchids. The management of the Nature Reserve is supported by the Friends of Paxton Pits. The Friends are a membership based charity and your support would be much appreciated.

Please pick up a membership form at the Visitor Centre or email us at [email protected] If you would like to help on the Reserve please contact us. To help in the Visitor Centre or with practical work during the week please contact the Rangers 01480 406795 or [email protected]. To help with events, practical conservation work on Sunday or wildlife survey team please contact [email protected]. If you have a skill that you think would help the Reserve please contact [email protected]

For more information on the Friends and Paxton Pits Nature Reserve visit our website www.paxton-pits.org.uk or check us out on Facebook at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve

Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is a charity registered in England and Wales, No. 112522 and is funded entirely by its membership and fundraising activities

Chairman: Mike Thomas

2017 MAP PAGE 2

PAGE 1 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 THE BIRDING YEAR Neal Parkin MUTE SWAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Cygnus olor Anser albifrons The Paxton Pits complex is often referred to as the years only having two surveys in May and June. Resident Scarce winter visitor Reserve. The year of 2017 was a quieter year for The earlier date arranged this year focused on Mute swans breed on most of the pits but are very A flock of 20 birds of the Russian subspecies birding in comparison to past years with fewer resident birds with noticeable higher counts. Many territorial with usually one pair per pit restricting albifrons wintered between Island pit and species seen. There were only 161 confirmed of the charts in the report have two bars for 2017, the number to circa 14 pairs. There were at least Diddingtion from 2nd January to 19th February. species sightings whereas most years this is one showing the number of singing resident birds seven attempts to nest with six being successful nearer the 170 mark. There was no new birds from the traditional two surveys and the last bar the ranging from 4 – 7 cygnets per brood. J F M A M J J A S O N D reported in the year, a first for many years, although number of birds heard from the three surveys. In There is a resident population of non breeding the Manx shearwater almost drifted Paxton way as some cases the numbers heard in April were twice birds with other birds adding to the numbers during the number from the latter two visits GREYLAG GOOSE it was seen leaving Grafham Waters over the dam the winter months. The number of birds wintering Anser anser towards the Reserve with an observer (MD) aware seems to be on the increase. Some of the birds Resident of its movement. have coloured rings and the WeBs group was able th Greylag geese are very mobile throughout Paxton to read two of them during their 12 December Pits spending much of their time grazing in the Unfortunately it must have drifted further north and visit. Both were ringed in St Neots with 4ACU 4 fields so the WeBS count is not always a true was never seen again. So no new birds for 2017 or years 339 days from capture and 4CLU 307 days– reflection of the numbers. A count (NP) in October will there be an 'armchair' tick in a later year as illustrates many mute swans stay close to where from Island pit recorded circa 400 birds. always a possibility the Siberian Chiffchaff gets they were raised. There were 25 confirmed breeding successes. promoted to a full species! There are 1 – 2 pairs where a Greylag has mated with a Canada goose giving an odd looking hybrid. The number of reported rarities / vagrants of eight was also down on past years with three of the species sighted as unconfirmed. Any rarity seen by a lone birder and not photographed is classified as unconfirmed. There were three rarities from the north end: a long-stay female ring-necked duck, a one day black-winged stilt and an unconfirmed report of a possible juvenile gannet seen briefly flying north. There were four rarities reported from the south end with two confirmed: the pair of ring ouzels which stayed a week and a great grey shrike seen twice in February and photographed. The There was a momentum in 2017 to get all the PBBS J F M A M J J A S O N D unconfirmed sightings were a lesser spotted data up to-date as five of the past nine years were woodpecker and common scoters. The last rarity incomplete. All the years were eventually WHOOPER SWAN was two mobile hawfinches, possibly the same completed apart from 2011 which should be Cygnus coygnus J F M A M J J A S O N D birds, which were seen on three separate days in completed in 2018, so data is now available for 19 Scarce winter visitor flight by three different observers. of the 20 years. The trends by species show some CANADA GOOSE interesting movements with many similar to the Branta canadensis national trend although there are the odd Resident (introduced) exceptions. Canada geese often feed outside and roost within Paxton Pits so numbers reported are very The two bird species often noted at Paxton Pits are variable. The highest count of 173 was recorded the nightingales and the small number of wintering from the PBBS. smew. Both these species are generally commoner There were 20 confirmed breeding successes. on the southern pits. However 2017 was a poor year with numbers of nightingales well down on previous years and no wintering smew seen in the year due possibly to a warmer winter on the Photo by NP continent and smaller than average numbers Whooper and Bewick's swans occasionally drop in visiting the UK. The decline of one species often during migration or visit during flooding of the means a rise in another with barn owl, little egret Ouse Washes. On 28th October an adult and and red kite now a common sight on the Reserve. juvenile were found (JW) on Pumphouse Pit when Paxton Pits has a huge diversity of habitats which a further two adults dropped in. Two adults were The Paxton Breeding Bird Survey (PBBS) was encourages a wide range of species to visit the seen the next day, possibly the same birds. The extended to three surveys arranged on the first Reserve so you never know what will turn up in last sighting (NP) was seven birds (5 juveniles) on Sunday of April, May and June. The 2017 PBBS 2018! Please continue to report your sightings 13th November. was the 20th survey which started in 1998 with past either at the Visitor Centre or online.

PAGE 3 J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D PAGE 4 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 BARNACLE GOOSE MANDARIN DUCK MALLARD POCHARD Branta leucopsis Aix galericulata Anas platyrhynchos Aythya ferina Annual, mainly naturalised Rare visitor (introduced) Resident Common winter visitor A single bird was seen (MD) in February with two A single bird was seen (SE) flying along the river Good numbers winter at Paxton Pits but usually in Nationally the pochard numbers have declined birds in August and September. These are most on 9th August. small groups. and this year's WeBS have counted less than past likely birds from a feral population found near GADWALL The bird is a regular breeder with six confirmed years especially this autumn. However there are Bedford. Anas strepera breeding successes. Many of the young fledged. regular movements between pits outside of Paxton so numbers do vary. Abundant winter visitor, occasional breeder J F M A M J J A S O N D Little Paxton Pits is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with particular reference EGYPTIAN GOOSE to wintering gadwall as they regularly exceeds 1% Alopochen aegyptiacus of the British wintering population. High numbers Occasional breeder (naturalised) still winter with December being one of the highest Birds were seen regularly from February onwards with over 350 birds. with the maximum count (JCC) of 14 birds on There were no records of breeding success in Heronry Pits in November. 2017. A pair nested on West Pumphouse pit fledging two young first seen (MD) on 18th August. One young only survived a week and the other bird was not seen after 21st September. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D GARGANEY Anas querquedula RING-NECKED DUCK J F M A M J J A S O N D Aythya collaris Scarce spring and autumn migrant Rare UK visitor Single birds were reported (MD/JW) during SHELDUCK st Tadorna tadorna migration with the last bird seen 1 October. Uncommon visitor, mainly in the spring Single birds were often reported on the northern J F M A M J J A S O N D pits in spring with the maximum count (JW) of J F M A M J J A S O N D three. SHOVELER TEAL Anas clypeata Anas crecca All seasons, common in winter J F M A M J J A S O N D Abundant winter visitor A common duck over the winter months. A few birds remained over the summer months but Wintering teal prefer the quieter north end Photo by JW WIGEON particularly Pumphouse pit which regularly host there was no evidence of breeding. Anas penelope >150 birds. Most birds depart by end of March. A female was found (MD) in November 2016 and Abundant winter visitor remained with a flock of tufted until April, last The commonest wintering wildfowl with numbers seen 18th April. sometime exceeding 1,000 birds. An injured drake remained on Diddington pit J F M A M J J A S O N D throughout the summer meaning the species was present throughout the year. TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula Abundant winter visitor, small number breed The wintering numbers were down on past years although still a very common duck with peak numbers exceeding 400 birds. Tufted duck breed on many of the pits and is often J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D a late breeder with young hatching as late as PINTAIL RED-CRESTED POCHARD August. Breeding success is seldom confirmed Anas acuta Netta rufina during PBBS and relies on other records being submitted. There were five separate records Annual winter visitor, in small numbers Annual visitor submitted for Hayling, Rudd, Heronry x 2 and Single birds were regularly seen on the WeBS A regular annual visitor in small numbers. The Pumphouse pits. All the sightings were small counts with the highest count (JW) of six birds on highest count (MD) was five including three drakes th fledglings with little evidence of birds maturing to 19 September. in March. adults. Similar to past years the young seem to be J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D heavily predated. PAGE 5 PAGE 6 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 SMEW LITTLE GREBE GANNET Mergus albellus Tachybaptus ruficollis Sula bassanus Annual winter visitor in small numbers Uncommon visitor, lost breeder Rare visitor Due to a milder winter on the Continent there were The little grebe once breed on Farm pit with 10 A possible although unconfirmed juvenile gannet breeding pairs 10 years ago and 5 pairs 5 years was seen (MD) flying north of Pumphouse pit on less smew wintering in the UK with none reported th at Paxton Pits during 2017, although there was an ago. Over recent years there has been little 11 September. unconfirmed report of a redhead. The last evidence of breeding success although possibly bred this year on an inaccessible small pit near the CORMORANT confirmed record was in December 2016. Phalacrocorax carbo quarry workings. The lack of breeding success GOOSANDER has meant much lower numbers being reported Common Resident Mergus merganser with the highest single count of four from Heronry The only counts of nests were 40 minimum (NP) J F M A M J J A S O N D Annual winter visitor in small numbers south. and 36 (TG). This is well down from the peak A few birds are usually seen during the colder counts of 180 nests but is probably at a more months with the highest count of five (GR/IKD). sustainable level. The WeBS count does indicate SCAUP th Aythya marila Two birds were seen (JAS) on 25 November on a small decline in numbers around Paxton Pits. Scarce annual visitor Heronry north. Most sightings tend to be short stay of 1 – 2 days but in March a group totalling nine birds (max count) were present from 11th to 31st. A scaup / tufted hybrid was found (MD) 11th November on Pumphouse pit and was last reported on 3rd December. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D COMMON SCOTER GREAT CRESTED GREBE Melanitta nigra Podiceps cristatus J F M A M J J A S O N D Rare visitor Resident This is a rare bird anywhere inland. There was an Wintering birds seem to have fallen with peak BITTERN unconfirmed report of common scoters seen on counts around 20 birds similar to summer Botaurus stellaris th J F M A M J J A S O N D Heronry pit on 20 December. numbers. The number of confirmed breeding Scarce winter visitor attempts over recent years has varied between 10 A single bird was seen flying over the Visitor GOLDENEYE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE nd Centre car park on 2 February and possibly the Bucephala clangula Alectoris rufa and 15 pairs. This year was similar with the PBBS recording 13 pairs. Juveniles were reported from same bird (GR) coming into roost at Washout pit Winter visitor Resident (introduced / released) th on 19 . Goldeneye are commonest during the colder Red-legged partridges are often heard during Hayling, Diddington and West Pumphouse pits. periods. Most birds have departed by end of March spring and estimates from PBBS indicate possibly J F M A M J J A S O N D with some stragglers, usually females, remaining 9 pairs. The largest covey of partridges was 13 into April. Returning birds usually arrive late seen (NP) from the farm path on 29th November. LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta October \ early November. This year one female nd Increasing numbers, higher in summer was reported (IKD) 2 September remaining until rd J F M A M J J A S O N D Similar to the nationally trend, numbers have been 23 . increasing with local breeding likely. There was GREY PARTRIDGE possibly one pair nesting at Heronry south but due Perdix perdix to thick foliage it was never confirmed. August was Scarce, lost breeder the month with the highest counts Photo by JS This was the first year where there were no and although 17 was the maximum reported sightings although small numbers are still seen (MD) this only referred to the found locally. J F M A M J J A S O N D north end PHEASANT BLACK-NECKED GREBE Phasianus colchicus Podiceps nigricollis Resident (introduced / released) Scarce visitor on migration It is likely pheasants bred on Paxton Pits but with Black-necked grebes are often seen in spring and large numbers of released birds from Thornhill autumn on migration and tend to be short stays. Estate then it is difficult to identify the numbers. This year only one bird was seen on 2nd September. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D PAGE 7 PAGE 8 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 BUZZARD WATER RAIL Buteo buteo Rallus aquaticus Resident Localised breeder and winter visitor In the past 20 years the A secretive bird of the reeds and water margins buzzard has moved from a which is heard more than seen with records for r a r e v i s i t o r t o t h e most months of the year. Water rails are often commonest raptor. The heard from Washout and Cloudy pits with a bird highest counts (MD) were occasionally seen in autumn from the Kingfisher in March and April with 12 hide walkway. birds seen soaring at the The species was heard during PBBS although north end. Two pairs were difficult to estimate the handful of possible reported on 3 r d April breeding pairs. displaying over the south end. J F M A M J J A S O N D Photo by IKD Birds have bred on the Reserve in past years but there was no evidence in MOORHEN 2017 although possibly four pairs where breeding Gallinula chloropus Photo by JS (Grey Heron, Little Egret & Great White Egret) locally. Resident Most birds are resident to the Reserve with GREAT WHITE EGRET Expectations are that it will not be long before this J F M A M J J A S O N D moorhen seen on most pits. There has been no Ardea alba bird breeds on the Reserve! significant change in numbers over recent years. The highest counts were February / March with 8 The PBBS estimated 23 breeding pairs from the Scarce visitor, although increasing nd OSPREY st seen (JW) on 2 February. A bird was seen (NP) on three surveys with the new April survey identifying A single bird was seen in January between 1 and th Pandion haliaetus 13th. Another or the same bird was first seen from 19 December robbing a sparrowhawk of its kill. Scarce passage migrant more birds than the latter two. 13th July and then regularly present all the way J F M A M J J A S O N D There were only four sightings during migration They have benefited by the decline in mink through to December favouring the south east reported in 2017, 5th/7th May and 29th/31st August. although may now be threatened by otter. corner of Pumphouse pit. There may have been MARSH HARRIER two birds in October as it was reported that one Circus aeruginosus J F M A M J J A S O N D bird had a darker bill and single birds were seen at Scarce passage migrant the north and south pits on the same day. There were only seven sightings of this bird. The th KESTREL J F M A M J J A S O N D last sighting (NP) on 27 September was a juvenile Falco tinnunculus harassing a pair of Egyptian geese. Ironically it Resident was the pair which had recently lost their last chick. GREY HERON Kestrel numbers have remained stable over the Ardea cinerea J F M A M J J A S O N D years with possibly 2 - 3 pairs breeding on the Resident, breeding in small numbers Reserve similar to past years' estimates. Small numbers are present all year round with at SPARROWHAWK least four pairs nesting (reported by PBBS & GT) Accipiter nisus J F M A M J J A S O N D on Herony south. Resident A regular sighting with possibly two pairs breeding MERLIN on the Reserve. A pair was seen (JW) 28th January Falco columbarius displaying at the north end. Highest count was Scarce winter visitor three birds with juveniles seen later in the year. An uncommon visitor to the Reserve although There was one record of a sparrowhawk catching probably under-recorded. There were five a blue tit at the Visitor Centre's feeders. sightings: three at north end (MD, AS, JW) and two at south end (IKD) – both male and female birds J F M A M J J A S O N D were seen. HOBBY J J S O Falco subbuteo F M A M J A N D Common summer visitor, local breeder Birds were seen regularly throughout the summer PEREGRINE J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D months with most reports from the north end. The Falco peregrinus highest count (JW) was nine on 13th September - Uncommon winter visitor COOT RED KITE just further north at Buckden Marina there was an Single birds were often seen during the winter Fulica atra Milvus milvus st months with only one reported sighting (JW) of two Resident, numbers increase in winter exceptional count of 23 birds on 21 May. There th Common visitor, local breeder was no evidence of breeding on the Reserve but birds on 8 January. During the same month a bird The wintering number were significantly down on In 2007 there were only six sightings throughout likely to have bred locally. was seen with a green woodpecker kill. past years where the average number was c600 the whole year of this graceful bird. Today it is seen birds. In 2017 this was nearer 150. There was no almost daily with breeding assumed locally. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D apparent reason for the 75% decline in wintering PAGE 9 PAGE 10 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 birds. The number staying to breed has remained AVOCET RINGED PLOVER KNOT fairly constant over the past years with nests on Recurvirostra avosetta Charadrius hiaticula Calidris canutus most pits but the number of young fledging on the Annual spring visitor Annual passage migrant, lost breeder Scarce passage migrant northern pits has declined, likely due to increased th Avocets were reported during the spring migration Ringed plovers are now only seen during Two birds were seen (MD) on 5 May. There were predation of the young chicks. th th with birds seen between 15 March and 11 May. migration with numbers seemingly lower this no other records. The highest count (JW) was four on 25th March. All years. The maximum count was five on J F M A M J J A S O N D the sightings were from Pumphouse pit. Pumphouse pit. SANDERLING J F M A M J J A S O N D Calidris alba BLACK-WINGED STILT Annual passage migrant Single birds were seen on 5th/9th May, 4th June and Himantopus himantopus th Rare visitor 24 July. All at the north end. J F M A M J J A S O N D LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta Scarce passage migrant Three separate sightings with five juveniles found (JW) on 18th September remaining at least four days on Pumphouse pit J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea LAPWING Scarce autumn passage migrant Vanellus vanellus Only one sighting (JW) on 13th September on Photo by NP Resident, numbers increase in winter Pumphouse pit. There was a spring influx of black-winged stilts into The number of wintering lapwing was down on England with a number of pairs successfully previous years. Highest count (MD) was c200. J F M A M J J A S O N D breeding. This resulted in some early movements A few pairs stay to nest on the Reserve although DUNLIN with one short-stay bird dropping into Pumphouse numbers have fallen over recent years. Only two Calidris alpina pit on 10th May. pairs were seen (MD) with young. Regular passage migrant J F M A M J J A S O N D LITTLE RINGED PLOVER The commonest wader seen on migration with all Charadrius dubius the reports from the north end. There were no large OYSTERCATCHER Summer visitor, increasingly scarce breeder counts with five the maximum at any one time. Haematopus ostralegus The maximum count (MD) was six on 29th May with J F M A M J J A S O N D Summer visitor in small numbers possibly only one pair attempting to nest. Two A number of pairs nest on the Reserve with limited juveniles were reported (JW) on 24th June. RUFF success due to high predation of the eggs / young The number of breeding attempts has fallen over Philomachus pugnax being the likely cause. One fledged juvenile was recent years possibly due to less suitable habitat. Annual passage migrant seen (NP) on 27th June. There was a number of sightings during spring and J F M A M J J A S O N D autumn migration. A male seen (MD) on the 17th GOLDEN PLOVER May was in its colourful summer plumage with a Pluvialis apricaria purple backed, white ruff and maroon face. The highest count was five on 27th March and in autumn Uncommon winter visitor th seven on 19 September. All the birds were seen at Most sightings are flyovers or are seen at the north the north end. end. The highest count (JW) was c70. Often commonest during colder winter periods. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minumus GREY PLOVER Scarce winter visitor Pluvialis squatarola Jack snipe may be present throughout the winter Annual passage migrant months but are well camouflaged and difficult to All 2017 reports were from the north end during find. There were only four sightings, all at the north spring migration and of single birds. end. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D PAGE 11 PAGE 12 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 SNIPE REDSHANK LITTLE GULL HERRING GULL Gallinago gallinago Tringa totanus Larus minutus Larus argentatus Winter visitor in small numbers Summer breeder, occasionally winter visitor Passage migrant in small numbers Year round visitor increasing in winter Outside the breeding season snipe are usually Birds were regularly seen from February to July Usually seen on their spring migration with highest Herring gulls are commoner over the winter present on the Reserve but difficult to find. Highest with 2 – 3 pairs breeding. There were reports of count (MD/IKD) of six over Heronry north on 28th months with possibly four pairs remaining to count (NP) was five birds on West Pumphouse pit. birds displaying, copulating and with two young. March. breed. The pairs had a similar fate as the Lesser The displaying bird had a number of coloured black-backed gulls with no breeding success. J F M A M J J A S O N D rings and had been seen in past years. The J F M A M J J A S O N D highest count (MD/JW) was 13 seen on 16th April. BLACK-HEADED GULL J F M A M J J A S O N D WOODCOCK Larus ridibundus Scolopax rusticola Abundant throughout the year Scarce winter visitor Gull numbers peak mid-winter then again in the YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Only three sightings although due to its secretive spring when they settle to nest. It is never easy to Larus michaellis nature is likely to be under-recorded. estimate breeding numbers due to high Annual visitor especially mid-summer J F M A M J J A S O N D undergrowth but best guess was 30 pairs on This species replaces the herring gull in southern Pumphouse pits (all failed) and circa 200 pairs on Europe. The best time to see this bird is mid- Sailing Lake where many of the young did fledge. summer on the northern pits when there is an BLACK-TAILED GODWIT influx into England. The species often mixes with Limosa limosa Large numbers can be seen most evenings flying to their roost at Grafham Waters with c2,000 other gulls particularly lesser black-backed gulls. Annual passage migrant th No large flocks were seen during the year with few J F M A M J J A S O N D reported (IKD) on 15 October. Highest count reported sightings. The highest count (JW) was six (MD) on pits outside breeding season was 400 J F M A M J J A S O N D th GREEN SANDPIPER birds on 4 May. birds. Tringa ochropus J F M A M J J A S O N D CASPIAN GULL J F M A M J J A S O N D All-round year in small numbers Larus cachinnans Birds were seen during migration and a few COMMON GULL Uncommon visitor remained to overwinter. The last spring sighting Larus canus BAR-TAILED GODWIT th th The gull is similar to a Herring gull with main was 6 May with the first returning 29 June. Regular in small numbers in winter Limosa lapponica th differences being smaller-headed, flatter forehead Passage migrant, especially in spring Highest count on migration was five (MD) on 4 Mainly a winter bird with small numbers and longer-legged which is not always easy to August with maximum winter count of three (NP) throughout Paxton Pits. The highest count was 50 All the birds seen were during spring migration st identify from a distance. There were a number of with six birds seen (JW) flying over on 4th May on 31 December seen on quarry washout on birds (IKD). single sightings reported from the north end. being the largest count. Island pit. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL J F M A M J J A S O N D WOOD SANDPIPER Larus fuscus CURLEW Tringa glareola Resident GREAT BLACK-BAKED GULL Numenius arquata Scarce passage migrant A breeding colony on Diddington pit has expanded Larus marinus Scarce passage migrant Scarce migrant with only three sightings all from over recent years with 2013 the only recent year All-year visitor in small numbers There were less sightings this year with only three Pumphouse pit. Maximum count of three birds on without any nesting attempts due to low water Numbers increase over winter months with birds th records of single birds. 5 May. levels. The colony has increased to circa 70 pairs present for most months although no records were J F M A M J J A S O N D but this year, similar to the black-headed gull submitted for the spring period - seems gull J F M A M J J A S O N D colony on Pumphouse pit in 2016, completely species tend to be under reported! Highest count th COMMON SANDPIPER failed to fledge any young. It is believed the eggs was 20 birds (IKD) on 4 January. WHIMBREL Actitis hypoleusos and young were all predated, possibly by an otter Numenius phaeopus Passage migrant or certainly some mammal. Only one known bird J F M A M J J A S O N D Passage migrant, especially in spring A frequently seen bird during spring and autumn fledged and that was on West Pumphouse pit. There were regular sightings during spring migration. The highest counts were on autumn migration from 21st April to 17th May. Highest count SANDWICH TERN migration with juveniles adding to the numbers. Sterna sandvicensis (JW) was three birds. th Maximum count of 9 birds seen (MD) on 24 July. Rare visitor J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D A few birds annually migrate over land but as they are just passing through they are rarely seen and TURNSTONE in most years none are reported at Paxton Pits. GREENSHANK Arenaria interpres Tringa nebularia This year there were two separate reports with 3 Annual passage migrant th Regular passage migrant in small numbers seen (GR) in spring on 9 April and 4 seen (JW) on Only two reported sightings both on West their return south on 28th August. Both sightings A regular sighting on spring and autumn migration. th st th Pumphouse pit seen on 8 May (MD) and 21 were from the north end. The highest count (MD) was 9 on 19 August. August (IKD). J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D PAGE 13 PAGE 14 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 COMMON TERN ROCK/FERAL PIGEON COLLARED DOVE BARN OWL Sterna hirundo Columba livia Streptopelia decaocto Tyto alba Common passage migrate and summer Resident around farm buildings Abundant resident in village Resident in small numbers resident A few birds were often present around Boughton A very common bird near residential areas and Barn owls from being a rarity at Paxton Pits are Lodge farm. around the Visitor Centre. probably resident although there were few No breeding records from the Reserve. sightings outside the J F M A M J J A S O N D breeding season. There J F M A M J J A S O N D were possibly two pairs STOCK DOVE breeding on or near the Columba oenas TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur Reserve. A bird was seen Resident Scarce summer visitor, previously breed using a next box near the Stock doves are common throughout Paxton Pits Visitor Centre Meadow with a small winter roost on Heronry south of c100 although no sign of birds (TG). The highest reported flock count was y o u n g . B i r d s w e r e 40 birds (NP) with the PBBS reporting a possible regularly seen early 19 breeding pairs on the Reserve. morning from River Viewpoint and Great Meadow during May and June. Photo by JS J F M A M J J A S O N D Four tern rafts were anchored on Heronry North visible from Kingfisher hide. Unfortunately two LITTLE OWL slipped their anchor and moved close to the bank. Photo by GF Athene noctua These rafts were very successful with 17 young Scarce visitor, previously bred fledging with all rafts rearing young, although the The turtle dove as in many places in England has vanished as a breeding bird with only a few A declining species around Paxton Pits with only two tethered rafts were more successful with 14 one reported sighting (GR) in March at Boughton young between them. The species also attempted sightings at Paxton Pits reported in 2017. This Lodge farm. to breed on Sailing Lake and Pumphouse pit but compares with a probable 15 breeding pairs only there was no evidence that these were successful. 10 years ago. st TAWNY OWL The introduction of the rafts led by MR which The first reported sighting was on 1 June (SM) and th Strix aluco provides protection is a possible solution going the last on 7 July. A bird was seen and J F M A M J J A S O N D photographed (GF) on a wire during the PBBS on Scarce visitor, previously bred forward to help this species remain a breeding bird th at Paxton Pits. 4 June. There was no evidence of any resident tawny owls WOODPIGEON with only one bird heard on the outskirts of Little th nd J F M A M J J A S O N D Columba palumbus Paxton village during August on 10 (IKD) and 22 Abundant resident (NP), and later in November (JS) ARCTIC TERN A very common bird with good numbers breeding Sterna paradisaea on the Reserve. The PBBS estimated a J F M A M J J A S O N D probable/confirmed 39 pairs. Annual spring passage migrant in small numbers SHORT-EARED OWL There is a small period when arctic terns pass Asio flammeus overland on their northern migration usually late Occasional winter visitor April / early May. This is the time of most sightings A single short eared owl was disturbed on the east with the first bird seen on 18th April and last 8th May. side of Island pit during the WeBS count on 21st Highest count (MD) of 14 on 25th April. January. A further two more birds were later seen with sightings until end of January. The last report J F M A M J J A S O N D th J F M A M J J A S O N D (GR) was two birds on 26 February. CUCKOO BLACK TERN Cuculus canorus J F M A M J J A S O N D Chlidonias niger Summer visitor in low numbers Cuckoo numbers seem to be stable with up to ten Annual passage migrant in small numbers SWIFT birds seen during the PBBS. The first bird reported Apus apus The highest counts are seen during spring th th was 14 April (JD) with the last adult seen (NP) on Common summer visitor, breeds in village migration with 41 birds reported (MD) on 30 April. th 30 June, a female stalking the reed beds around A common bird in Little Paxton village with first bird There are far fewer sightings of returning birds with th th nd rd Diddington and West Pumphouse pits. A juvenile seen on 19 April and last on 13 September. only one juvenile seen (MD) on 2 / 3 October. th was seen (MD) on 16 July. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D PAGE 15 PAGE 16 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 KINGFISHER GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER SWALLOW GREY WAGTAIL Alcedo atthis Dendrocopus major Hirundo rustica Motacilla cinerea Resident Common resident Common on passage, breeds locally Localised resident, usually along river Kingfishers are regularly reported with highest Numbers remain constant to increasing with an There was no evidence of swallows breeding on counts in early autumn of three from south end and estimate of five probable\ confirmed breeding pairs the Reserve although very common around the four north end. There was no evidence of any pairs although due to lack of confirmed breeding holes farm buildings at Diddington. breeding on the Reserve but seems very likely that then difficult to substantiate. The PBBS indicated a First bird reported was 21st March, last (NP) was 3rd at least one pair bred on the Ouse river as birds possible number as high as 17 pairs. October. were regularly seen during the breeding season. The only juveniles reported were around Hayling pit (IKD) and Sailing Lake (NP). J F M A M J J A S O N D HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica

Common on passage, breeds in village Photo by IKD House martins breed in good numbers in Little Paxton village. First recorded (JW) was 8th April Grey wagtails breed locally with no breeding with last (IKD) 18th September. reported on the Reserve. Single birds were regularly reported outside the breeding season. J F M A M J J A S O N D Occasionally a pair was seen. MEADOW PIPIT J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D Anthus pratensis J F M A M J J A S O N D Abundant winter visitor PIED WAGTAIL GREEN WOODPECKER Good numbers winter on the Reserve. Highest Motacilla alba yarrelli Picus virdis SKYLARK count was 30 at north end. Common resident Common resident Alauda arvensis Small numbers breed on the Reserve generally in It is difficult to estimate the number of breeding Resident but declining numbers J F M A M J J A S O N D the old buildings. Numbers increase outside the pairs as few nest holes are found. There has The skylark is underreported with few records. The breeding season with Stirtloe sewage farm being a certainly been an increase in the number of birds number of breeding pairs has seen a sharp decline TREE PIPIT favoured feeding area with regularly over 30 birds. seen over past years with green woodpeckers now over recent years with only 5 – 6 pairs remaining. Anthus trivialis a common sight. The probable/confirmed pairs The Reserve holds small wintering flocks with the Scarce passage migrant from the PBBS indicates 13 pairs. largest count of 15 birds. A bird was flushed from the fields east of the north Juveniles were reported around Hayling pit, end of Island Pit on 25th April. It landed briefly on Diddington wood, Farm pit and West Pumphouse the wire at Island Pit, then flew off north. Pit but as the bird is under reported then highly probably there were far more juveniles seen than J F M A M J J A S O N D reported. ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus Scarce visitor The April bird was only heard as it passed through. Two possibly three birds were seen on 15th October staying for two days. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia YELLOW WAGTAIL Summer visitor Motacilla flava flavissima J F M A M J J A S O N D Four birds were reported (MD) on 16th March with Regular passage migrant J F M A M J J A S O N D last report (NP) on 13th September. Birds were seen throughout the summer months WHITE WAGTAIL There were some large counts of >200 birds with Motacilla alba albai LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER although they breed at Grafham waters none two local breeding colonies. One was on the new remained on the Reserve to breed. Rare visitor Dendrocopus minor pit (c60 nests) south of Farm pit and the other was Earliest sighting (JW) was 9th April and last (MD) The white wagtail replaces the pied wagtail on the Rare visitor, locally almost extinct in the new excavation area (c80 nests) south of 23th September. The highest count was seven Continent and is occasionally seen on passage This is now a very rare bird in Cambridgeshire. An during early spring. Single birds were reported in th Diddington. birds. unconfirmed sighting was reported (JDC) on 27 April with one count of 3 birds seen (MD/JW) on January. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D 17th. PAGE 17 PAGE 18 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 WAXWING DUNNOCK RING OUZEL Bombycilla garrulus Prunella modularis Turdus torquatus Scarce winter visitor Abundant resident Rare spring visitor There was no large The UK sub-species is classified as amber due to invasion of birds into declines in 1970s and 1980s. The numbers have England in 2017 with since marginally increased and similar to Paxton only one short stay they have stabilised over recent years. sighting (IKD) on 18th The early PBBS survey in March found more pairs January feeding on than the latter two surveys. This was expected as Sorbus berries in a Dunnocks are early breeders. Total possible garden at the junction of breeding pairs is <60 pairs. Park Way and Park Ringing recaptures – oldest was a male of 4 years J F M A M J J A S O N D th Avenue in Little Paxton. 56 days caught on 30 June. REDSTART Photo by IKD Phoenicurus phoenicurus WREN Scarce passage migrant Troglodytes troglodytes There were three sightings: 1) 20th April Great Meadow Abundant resident th 2) 25 June female east of A1N Lake Commonest breeding bird with numbers greatly th 3) 30 Sept NW side of Island pit Photo by IKD affected by cold winters. The past few years have Redstarts never seem to hang around and tend to been milder which may explain the increase to be one day stayers. Ring ouzels are very occasionally seen on spring circa 120 pairs. migration but usually a one day sighting. A pair was Ringing recaptures – oldest was a female of 1 year found on the Great Meadow and remained from 1st th J F M A M J J A S O N D th 11 days caught on 9 July. to 7 May, possibly held back by a cold northerly WHINCHAT weather front. Saxicola rubetra J F M A M J J A S O N D Scarce passage migrant J F M A M J J A S O N D More often seen on spring migration with only one st BLACKBIRD NIGHTINGALE sighting (MD) on 1 May. Turdus merula Luscinia megarhynchos J F M A M J J A S O N D Abundant resident with winter influx Summer visitor in declining numbers A very common bird on the Reserve and in Little STONECHAT Paxton village. There seems to be a small decline Saxicola torquata in recent years with number of pairs at circa 80 from Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor a peak of over 100. In milder winters Stonechat tend to remain for Ringing recaptures – oldest was a male of 1 year 7 longer periods. Birds where reported throughout days caught on 14th May. J F M A M J J A S O N D the winter with one pair regularly seen at north end. th ROBIN Highest (JW) was 2 pairs on 19 February. Erithacus rubecula J F M A M J J A S O N D Abundant resident Robin numbers seemed to have increased WHEATEAR between 2007 and 2008 with the average breeding Oenanthe oenanthe pairs over the past 10 years being c90. Uncommon passage migrant Ringing recaptures – oldest was a male of 1 year Small numbers pass through the Reserve during 300 days caught on 7th May. their spring and autumn migration with numbers highest in spring. Most birds were seen at north end The BTO has raised concerns that some causes of with highest count (JW) of 10 including four males. the national decline in English nightingales lie along the bird's migration route between West J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D Africa and the UK. Certainly the numbers at Paxton Pits are on the decline with this year being the REDWING FIELDFARE lowest on record. There was a cold front over Turdus iliacus Turdus pilaris Europe at the time of their migration and second Common winter visitor Common winter visitor half of April in England was colder than normal A shy but common bird over winter months with first The first reported winter sighting (MD) was 15th which may have affected their return – we will only returning birds reported (IKD) on 10th October. th October. Small flocks of 20+ birds are regularly know in 2018. There were only eight singing birds Highest count (MD) was 51 birds on 10 March. seen during the winter months. recorded with two birds from the north end. A J F M A M J J A S O N D worrying trend! J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D PAGE 19 PAGE 20 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 SONG THRUSH CETTI’S WARBLER GARDEN WARBLER Turdus philomelos Cettia cetti Sylvia borin Common resident Localised but increasing resident Abundant summer visitor There has been a moderate increase in song Prior to 2010 the Cetti's warbler was a rare visitor The earliest sighting was 17th April. thrush numbers in England. The PBBS indicates a but has undergone a range expansion with birds The number of garden warblers has risen over past better than moderate increase at Paxton Pits with now found throughout the year at Paxton Pits. years with 80 breeding pairs recorded in 2017. An average breeding pairs on the Nature Reserve at The bird is very susceptible to cold weather so increase, same applies to blackcaps, is thought to 25 pairs over past 4 years compared to 17 pairs breeding numbers will vary depending on the be due to a change from shrub to woodland. All the prior. severity of the winter. The 12 breeding pairs were increase is outside the Nature Reserve where tree Ringing recaptures – oldest was a female of 1 year down on last two years which was nearer 20 pairs growth is less managed. 285 days caught on 7th May. with most of the fall in areas outside the Nature Ringing recaptures – there was only one recapture Reserve. A pair near Hayling pit was seen (JW) on J F M A M J J A S O N D being a female of 2 years 8 days caught on 14th 20th June with three fledglings. LESSER WHITETHROAT May. Sylvia curruca Localised summer visitor The first bird was seen (JW/MD) on 16th April with the last bird recorded (MD) on 1st October. The numbers of this 'smart' warbler remain small with usually 10 – 20 pairs breeding pairs on the Reserve with the Nature Reserve seemingly showing a small decline since 2007. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus SEDGE WARBLER Uncommon localised resident Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Abundant summer visitor J F M A M J J A S O N D A less common bird on the Nature Reserve over th recent years with numbers falling from five or more The first bird was reported (MD) on 8 April with last sighting (NP) on 14th September. Numbers have BLACKCAP pairs to only one in 2017. A family party of four birds Sylvia atricapilla was seen during the May PBBS at Diddington. The declined over recent years to 50 – 60 breeding pairs. This is similar to the BTO trend which they Abundant summer visitor largest count (NP) was 10 birds seen in the field An earlier summer arrival with first bird seen (GR) beside Boughton Lodge farm. believe is due to climate changes in their wintering th grounds. at Washout pit on 26 March. Some birds do overwinter with a pair seen (MS) in November in a garden along the High Street. J F M A M J J A S O N D There was a noticeable increase in blackcap WHITETHROAT breeding pairs from 2012 with 91 pairs reported in Sylvia communis 2017. Most of the increase is outside the Nature Reserve. Common summer visitor Ringing recaptures – oldest was a male of 3 years 3 The first bird seen (MD) was along A1N Lake on th th th days caught on 9 July. 18 April. The last sighting (JW) was 30 September. The PBBS reported 40 breeding pairs in 2017 with a number of sightings of juvenile birds. No significant change compared to recent years. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D GRASSHOPPER WARBLER locustella naevia REED WARBLER Scarce passage migrant and breeder Acrocephalus scirpaceus A bird was reported (MD/JW) singing from the Abundant summer visitor th The first bird was heard (IKD) singing from Rudd pit south west corner of West Pumphouse pit from 16 th th rd th on 16 April and the last bird recorded (NP) was – 26 April. Then early July from 3 – 11 at the th same spot a bird was again singing. This leads to seen on 13 September. the possibility that the bird did breed and may have There seems to be a slight increase in the number tried for a second brood. of reed warblers breeding on the Nature Reserve which is most likely linked to the spread of reed- J F M A M J J A S O N D beds. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D PAGE 21 PAGE 22 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 CHIFFCHAFF WILLOW WARBLER BEARDED TIT MARSH TIT Phylloscopus collybita Phylloscopus trochilus Panurus biarmicus Parus palustris Abundant summer visitor Common summer visitor Rare visitor Scarce resident A common warbler which may have been under- The first birds (five) were heard (JW) singing on 31st The autumn irruptions from their breeding grounds recorded in past PBBS as the new introduced March with the last bird reported (NP) 20th have occasionally resulted in birds being found at survey in April recorded many more singing birds September. Paxton. This year a male and female were seen than the latter two surveys in May and June. This The decline since 2010 is similar to the UK trend (JW) on 14th October flying out of the reeds near was not entirely surprising as Chiffchaffs are one of with PBBS reporting 41 breeding pairs compared Pumphouse pit bund and then flew high heading the earliest arrivals with some birds even over- to 77 pairs in 2010. south west. A further 2 - 3 birds (MS) were wintering. Ringing recaptures – Oldest was a male (HKX351) seen/heard on 29th in the south west reeds of West Ringing recaptures – oldest was a female of 1 of 2 years 4 days trapped 14th May with three birds Pumphouse pit. years 321 days caught on 7th May. J F M A M J J A S O N D

LONG-TAILED TIT Phot by IKD Aegithalos caudatus The PBBS found one singing bird in April and Abundant resident located another bird in a different location in May The introduction of the April survey recorded twice (both from the south end) so possibly 1 – 2 as many possible breeding pairs at 40 compared to breeding pairs although with no sightings after May the latter two surveys. This was not surprising as then indicates pairs were possibly unsuccessful. the young of long-tailed tits are leaving the nest at The bird seen later in the year was from the north the time of the May survey. This shows the difficulty end. in assessing resident bird populations from late J F M A M J J A S O N D surveys and possibly explains the variations in J F M A M J J A S O N D GOLDCREST counts from year to year! Regulus regulus Ringing recaptures – oldest was a male of 3 years BLUE TIT th Localised breeder, numbers increase in winter 10 days caught on 27 May. Parus caeruleus The PBBS reported 5 - 8 possible breeding pairs Abundant resident with the numbers seen during the year being the There were 85 possible breeding pairs. The blue J F M A M J J A S O N D highest for many years, similar to the countrywide tits favour the erected nest boxes with most of the trend. 26 confirmed pairs coming from these boxes. At SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF 30% confirmed this was the highest of any species. Phylloscopus collybita tristis Ringing recaptures – oldest was a male of 248 days Rare visitor caught on 14th May.

J F M A M J J A S O N D SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata J F M A M J J A S O N D Scarce on passage J F M A M J J A S O N D The number of sightings were few with one bird Photo by JW seen (MD) on 16th May near the river trail. More COAL TIT encouraging news was the breeding success of a Parus ater GREAT TIT The Siberian chiffchaff is currently considered a Parus major subspecies of the chiffchaff although its call and pair in Diddington village during June and July with Localised resident Abundant resident plumage are different with some birds wintering in the first brood fledging 4 young (MD/JW). The pair The coal tit is uncommon on the Reserve with most Britain. A bird was photographed (JW) and its call attempted a second brood but this was sightings recorded from Little Paxton village. There The April survey reported a possible 70 breeding recorded on 1st January near Diddington. This unsuccessful possibly due to poor weather while were spring and summer records which implies the pairs which like many other resident birds was confirmed sighting is the first record at Paxton Pits. the bird sat on an exposed nest. bird did breed locally. higher than the latter two surveys. Ringing recaptures – oldest was a male of 2 years J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D 23 days caught on 2nd June. PAGE 23 PAGE 24 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 A very rare visitor to Paxton Pits with the last JACKDAW RAVEN reported record from January 1994. A bird was Corvus monedula Corvus corax th photographed (PKS) on 10 March which flew Resident, more numerous in winter Scarce but increasing visitor towards Great Paxton. The bird was later reported There were six probable/confirmed breeding pairs. This was the first year where ravens were regularly th on 14 at the 'Beech' on Cloudy pit. There was an During winter, Heronry south and Cloudy pit is reported with 1 – 2 pairs known to be wandering the unconfirmed sighting (AH) in December – could resident to a large roost with jackdaw numbers area. this be the same bird returning for the winter? estimated (TG) at 5,000 birds. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D STARLING Sturnus vulgaris JAY Abundant resident Garrulus glandarius There were possibly 4 pairs breeding on the Localised resident Reserve with Starlings much more common in Little J F M A M J J A S O N D There is not much evidence of breeding jays Paxton village where they nest in the eaves of although PBBS estimated a possible four pairs. buildings. TREECREEPER Jays are regularly seen throughout the Reserve The starling roost over the meadow towards the Certhia familiaris with three birds being the maximum count with no end of December grew to several thousand birds Localised resident family parties reported. with some small but impressive murmurations. The PBBS recorded a possible seven breeding pairs. There was good evidence of treecreepers J F M A M J J A S O N D nesting throughout the Reserve with the following sightings: HOUSE SPARROW 1. Nest near river viewpoint lost their chicks to Passer domesticus a stoat (PK Smith) J F M A M J J A S O N D Abundant in village 2. Two separate sightings (NP) of family A number of birds were reported during the PBBS parties, one west of Sailing Lake & another ROOK with some carrying food but all near residential between Haul Road and Sailing Lake. Corvus frugilegus areas. There was no evidence of breeding on the Reserve although they breed in significant 3. Ringing capture of a juvenile. Resident, more numerous in winter Ringing recaptures – oldest was a male of 248 days numbers in Little Paxton village. th There are two known rookeries, one north of caught on 14 May. Sailing Lake and another near Boughton Lodge J F M A M J J A S O N D farm – neither were counted. Similarly there was no counts of rooks at the corvid roost on Heronry south CHAFFINCH or near Cloudy Pit in the woods behind the old Fringilla coelebs J F M A M J J A S O N D Lafarge plant. Common resident but declining There has been a decline nationally since 2006 MAGPIE J F M A M J J A S O N D linked to the widespread and severe outbreak of Pica pica trichomonosis. Paxton Pits has shown a similar Common resident CARRION CROW trend with 2017 breeding pairs only a third of the Corvus corone corone It is difficult to assess the breeding pairs of corvids number from 10 years ago. due to their larger range and non-breeding birds. A Resident Chaffinch numbers increase during the winter better estimate is the probable/confirmed breeding There were thirteen probable/confirmed breeding months with flocks of 50+ seen in the field west of pairs which the PBBS estimated at 10 pairs. pairs. There was only one report (NP) of juveniles Haul Road. with two seen between Diddington and Farm pit. J F M A M J J A S O N D GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor Rare visitor

Photo by PKS J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D PAGE 25 PAGE 26 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 BRAMBLING SISKIN HAWFINCH Fringilla montifringilla Carduelis spinus Coccothraustes coccothraustes Scarce winter visitor Winter visitor in small numbers Rare visitor Only two reported sightings both in October with A bird which is probably under reported with only 12 An influx of continental birds in October resulted in one seen (JW) on the Great Meadow. records spanning the six colder months. The a few sightings around the Paxton area, possibly highest count (GR) was 20 birds. the same birds, with 2 birds seen (IKD) on 14th over J F M A M J J A S O N D Little Paxton village, 2 birds (MD) on 15th over the J F M A M J J A S O N D th GREENFINCH north end and 2 birds (JW) on 29 low over north Carduelis chloris LINNET west corner of Pumphouse pit. Common resident Carduelis cannabina Similar to chaffinches, the Common resident increasing in winter J F M A M J J A S O N D greenfinch has been Birds are probably benefiting from the spread of severely affected by the brambles in parts of the Reserve especially around YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella outbreak of trichomonosis A1 Lakes and Diddington pit. The PBBS indicated J F M A M J J A S O N D Localised resident increasing in winter with numbers falling from 40 breeding pairs compared to <10 pairs in 2010. The PBBS reported eight possible breeding pairs 2006. Nationally the two Large winter flocks gather in the fields between the favouring two locations: the hedgerows between finches continue to decline A1 Lakes and Haul Road helped by the agricultural LESSER REDPOLL A1 Lakes and Haul Road, and the hedges around but at Paxton Pits the stewardship schemes where crops of quinoa, millet Carduelis cabaret West Pumphouse pit and Diddington pit. n u m b e r o f b r e e d i n g and kale provide added seed. The largest count Localised winter visitor th A flock of c100 birds was reported (JW) around A1 greenfinch pairs seems to (JWIKD) was circa 500 birds on 9 February There was only one record for early 2017 with most Lakes on 21st January. have stabilised over the of the sightings in October. The largest count (JW) past five years at 15+ of 13+ seen flying over the Great Meadow on 25th October. Photo by IKD pairs. The wild bird cover mix in the arable field known as Peter's field between river view and Kingfisher hide is attracting good numbers of finches and buntings. The flocks including small numbers of redpoll with up to 10 birds seen (NP) in December. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus BULLFINCH Abundant resident Pyrrhula pyrrhula The PBBS estimated 53 breeding pairs similar to Resident the average of past years. Flocks of wintering birds J F M A M J J A S O N D A regular sighting throughout the Reserve with can be seen near A1 Lakes and Peter's field near some winter flocks exceeding 10 birds. The PBBS River Viewpoint – there were no counts in 2017. GOLDFINCH indicated 17 breeding pairs. There are small Carduelis carduelis fluctuations year on year but numbers seem to Resident remain around 15 pairs with 10 pairs on the Nature The number of breeding pairs has since 2012 Reserve increased to 10 – 15 pairs from an average of five. Ringing recaptures – oldest was a male of 4 years 2 There is some evidence that this may be linked to th days caught on 7 May. the decline in greenfinches giving goldfinches easier access to garden food.

J F M A M J J A S O N D CORN BUNTING Miliaria calandra Winter visitor in small numbers Corn buntings up to 2004 bred on the Reserve. Nowadays they are only seen during winter months although in 2017 there was not a single report of a J F M A M J J A S O N D Photo by IKD J F M A M J J A S O N D corn bunting. PAGE 27 PAGE 28 Paxton Pits Species List Birds of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 A Little Grebe O Curlew Sandpiper O Long-eared Owl P Wheatear R Treecreeper KEY R Great Crested Grebe P Dunlin O Short-eared Owl V Ring Ouzel V Golden Oriol R Resident V Red-necked Grebe P Ruff V Nightjar R Blackbird V Great Grey Shrike S Summer Visitor V Slavonian Grebe A Jack Snipe S Swift W Fieldfare V Red-backed Shrike W Winter/Non-breeding A Black-necked Grebe W Snipe V Alpine Swift R Song Thrush R Jay P Passage Migration V Fulmar W Woodcock R Kingsher W Redwing X Nutcracker A Occasional (Annual) V Gannet P Black-tailed Godwit V Hoopoe R Mistle Thrush R Magpie O Occasional (Southoe Brook even if you do not see the animal itself. Fox the bird table at the Visitor Centre each morning. near the river. We have one report from April 2017 droppings are usually on top of rabbit mounds and in the Hayling ditch. Look for piles of pond snail mole hills, but the most frequent sign that there is a shells left by water shrews on the edges of ponds fox nearby is the characteristic smell that hangs in and ditches. the air on damp, still days. Most sightings in 2016 and 2017 have been of foxes sunbathing on the HEDGEHOG Sightings often came in clusters: eg 2015 in May shorelines of the two Heronry Lakes. On one Erinaceinae and then one again in September, 2016 March to autumn day in 2017, at least three separate foxes th Droppings are sometimes found at the Visitor May and then again odd sightings to the 26 were seen on the shore. Centre but not recently. There are no written November. RABBIT records and we have had none in our camera traps. 2017 was a good year for seeing otters. Oryctolagus cuniculus MUNTJAC DEER Sightings were as follows: Rabbits are widespread and common so mostly not Muntiacini 22/4 Washout Pit reported. However, a general observation is that The only deer seen on the reserve in recent years 1/5 Cobham Hide there were many young rabbits in early 2016 but have been muntjac, which are very common. No 25/5 Kingfisher Hide the numbers in 2017 are well down and this is change in the population has been noted. Some 12/6 Otters x 2 (later 4) at Post 17 (Heronry reflected in the height of vegetation. This could be individuals of both sexes are quite tame, coming to South) due to the poor spring weather or possible due to the bird table at the Visitor Centre or feeding in 17/6 Kingfisher Hide and then two others at Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD-2), which is daylight at the edges of the meadows or the arable. Cobham Hide. sweeping the country. A small proportion of our 5/8 Adult plus 2 juvs reported, but no location rabbits are black. given. RAT 22/9 Cobham Hide Rattus 27/9 Heronry North The farm-yard and the bird feeders are a magnet 30/9 Heronry North (3 Otters) for rats. In the summer of 2017 visitors could 3/10 Kingfisher Hide regularly watch a family of them at work and play 13/10 Heronry North from the Hayden Hide. 29/10 Kingfisher Hide and again for 20 minutes from Bill's Bench (Heronry South.) BROWN HARE WOOD MOUSE Lepus europaeus Apodemus sylvaticus MINK Most sightings of hares are off the current reserve Wood mice are common but not often seen. Bird Neovison vison and in the quarry/A1 pits area. They are more feeders and grain-stores attract them and they are Mink have declined a great deal since the return of common west of the Great North Road. We receive widespread on the site. Up to five at a time can be otters, though we still see them occasionally. one or two sightings a year with none in 2016 and disturbed from a single nest box when we clean 3 sightings in 2014, none in 2015, one in October one in 2017. them out each winter. 2016 and none in 2017. PAGE 31 PAGE 32 Amphibians & Reptiles of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Amphibians & Butterflies of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 WEASEL COMMON TOAD as woodchip heaps, compost or log piles. After the RED-EARED SLIDER Mustela Bufo bufo anglers pulled soldier weed from the Hayling Pit in Trachemys scripta elegans These little predators are probably more common Toads are more widespread than frogs with 2016, it was common to see up to half a dozen In past years we have seen single American than sightings indicate, often seen on the mound sightings at the Cobham Hide, the Visitor Centre, grass snakes sunbathing on the rotting piles in terrapins in Cloudy, Weedy and the Heronry Pits. In and the fishermen's car park area. the Environmental Education Centre, the Little Meadow. The grass piles near the moorings the summer of 2016 and 2017 (and previously too, Kingfisher Bridge and the spit on the Hayling Lake. are a good place to look too. Early in the morning, perhaps over five years) there has been a large 2014 five sightings (6 individuals) th The first record in 2017 is from 11 March (2016, grass snakes will climb onto low, knee-high specimen seen on the far side of river along the 2015 3 sightings th April 4 ) The last sighting in 2015 was on October branches to catch the first warm rays of the sun. Ouse Valley Way bordering the Great Meadow. 2016 4 sightings 29th. The Hayling Carr and the adjoining bay filled 2017 4 sightings with soldier weed is a productive area for toddlers STOAT that emerge in their thousands on a wet summer Mustela erminea morning. Many of these fly sized creatures are trodden on as they cross the footpath by the Less often seen than weasels despite being much allotments. bigger and easier to observe, so probably pretty scarce. SMOOTH NEWT Lissotriton vulgaris 2014 2 sightings This seems to be our most common and 2015 2 sightings widespread newt on the reserve. It probably lives in 2016 3 sightings all of our lakes, but certainly in all the small ponds 2017 4 sightings and Cloudy Pit where we always catch their BATS tadpoles when pond dipping. Chiroptera Bats are notoriously hard to survey for obvious GREAT CRESTED NEWT Triturus cristatus ADDER reasons. Even when seen, they are hard to identify Vipera berus so, although we have recorded Daubenton's bats There are almost no confirmed records of adders BUTTERFLIES 2017 here in the past, we have not had any confirmed anywhere in Cambridgeshire but they are thought As with birds, we receive reports from visitors of the sightings reported recently. On the other hand, we to occur occasionally. They prefer heathland like species seen around the reserve. Whilst this is very have an increased population of pipistrelles the area around Sandy in Bedfordshire and the because they have taken to living between the Brecks. Most (if not all) sightings at Paxton Pits are useful information we felt that the records we had walls of two of our buildings on the reserve. a case of mistaken identity. However, we still get did not show a true reflection of the butterfly population that existed each year. Between 2005 DOMESTIC CATS occasional reports. Without photographs it is safest to assume those reports are in error. and 2007 a transect recording system was used Felis catus which contributed to the national monitoring Cats impact birds and small mammals, especially scheme. The transect covered a route through the near the village. Two cats regularly visited the SLOW WORM reserve which included the east bank of Heronry Anguis fragilis wildlife garden at night in 2017, probably seeking South, the north edge of Peter's field and along the In 2015-17 Aggregate Industries contracted a We do not have slow worms at Paxton Pits, but small mammals under the bird table. survey company to locate great Crested Newts river to the south end of Island Pit. This provided that does not mean that we will never have them. useful trend indicators but did not cover a COMMON FROG within the quarry. They were found to be Like adders and lizards, they prefer dry areas like Rena temporaria widespread, even in the open farmland north of comprehensive view of the habitats found on the Wandlebury or the Burghley Estate near reserve as highlighted from evidence gathered Frogs are widely distributed on the Nature Reserve Southoe Brook. Stamford but they can be moved around when during 2017. but not occurring in any great density anywhere. There is a thriving breeding population in the Visitor soil and stones are transported from quarries. Like the Paxton Breeding Bird Survey, the purpose This must partly be due to the high fish population in Centre pond and adults were found at the is not to evaluate absolute numbers of butterflies almost all water bodies. The dragonfly pond was Environmental Education Centre and the COMMON LIZARD but to provide a trend over time of the various created with the intention of being fish free, and Dragonfly Pond shore. They are not thought to Zootoca vivipara species inhabiting the reserve and the habitats they frogs spawned in it up to 2016 but a small occur in the larger lakes but the new lake just south There has been only one recent sighting of a lizard use. The 2017 data has highlighted key locations of population of carp was released into the pond by of Farm Pit at Boughton Lodge has been found to at Paxton Pits and that was in 2014 on the Heron butterfly activity that need to be monitored during person's unknown. In 2017 adult frogs were seen have a high population and is now designated as a Trail near post 6. This was almost certainly a subsequent years. This has been the issue of the at the Visitor Centre Garden, around Cloudy Pit and refuge for them. It will not be filled in. correct identification, being seen by several last ten years in that monitoring/recording has been at the Environmental Education centre. GRASS SNAKE reliable observers. Subsequent searches in somewhat patchy and inconsistent. In 2017 we Natrix natrix suitable areas have not produced lizards, so it is tried to rectify this situation by introducing a number This is the only reptile that is regularly seen on the doubtful that we have a viable breeding population. of initiatives. These were; taking part in the national reserve with records from all over the site between However, Barford Road Pocket Park (near St butterfly count, encouraging visitors to record their April and September every year. They are easiest Neots) has a thriving population, and the habitat sightings either in the visitor book or on-line and to see when swimming (Kingfisher Hide, Visitor there is similar to ours. Lizards are also seen asking wardens to complete a chart following site Centre, Dragonfly Pond and Hayling Lake). On beside the railway line in Huntingdon so it is quite checks around the reserve. These simple tasks warmish (not hot) days, they like to sunbath and possible that we may see more of them in coming have increased the data gathered four-fold against can be found at any undisturbed warm place such years. the previous ten years. PAGE 33 PAGE 34 Butterflies of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Butterflies of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 The data from 2017 has also provided us with some T o p 1 0 s p e c i e s b y a b u n d a n c e f o r e a c h y e a r indication of where the recorded sightings have C o m m o n N a m2 0e0 8 2 0 0 9 2 0 1 0 2 0 1 1 2 0 1 2 2 0 1 3 2 0 1 4 2 0 1 5 2 0 1 6 2 0 1 7 taken place on the reserve. L a r g e w h i t e 7 R e d A d m i r a l 1 2 = 1 2 G r e e n v e i n e d w h i t e C o m m o n b l u e 1 = 2 = 9 M a r b l e d W h i t e G a t e k e e p e r 1 = 5 M e a d o w B r o w n 1 = 2 = 4 R i n g l e t S m a l l t o r t o i s e s h e l l 2 = 2 = 3 = P e a c o c k 1 2 = 1 1 = 8 B r i m s t o n e 2 = 2 = 1 2 = 2 1 = 2 = 9 S m a l l w h i t e 2 = 3 = 1 = 1 H o l l y B l u e 2 = This increase in data has raised further issues P a i n t e d L a d y which we will try to address in 2018 and future S p e c k Wl e od o d 2 = 2 = 3 O r a n g e T i p 1 years. At present the report is a resume of the data C o m m a 2 = 1 = 2 = 2 = 1 gathered this year. It has also revealed some S m a l l S k i p p e r interesting facts which will be discussed, such as L a r g e S k i p p e r S m a l l C o p p e r 2 = 6 the warmer and sunnier years (e.g. 2011) shown in B r o w n A r g u s 1 0 historical data did not show an increase in recorded C l o u d e d Y e l l o w sightings of butterflies. Below is a snapshot of S i l v e r W a s h e d F r i t i l l a r y P u r p l e H a i r s t r e a k some of these facts and how they compare to E s s e x S k i p p e r historical data that exists. S m a l l H e a t h From the analysis of data that exists between 2008 W a l l and 2017, the following key points have become PEACOCK TORTOISESHELL apparent :- i) Camberwell Beauty has not been seen since 2006. ii) Purple Hairstreak has not been seen since 2012. iii) Silver Washed Fritillary has not been seen since 2014. GATEKEEPER ORANGE TIP Iv) Common Grayling has never been seen The following information for each species of butterfly shows the months in which they were observed and recorded. There may be many other at Paxton. sightings but the data has not been recorded in an accessible place for Paxton to use. This data is correct at the time of publication. This last fact is interesting since it hasn't been seen This graph below shows the data for 2017 (up to the time of publication). Large White Pieris brassicae Small White Pieris rapae in Cambridgeshire since 2009 but is a regular in Suffolk at its' preferred habitat of gravel pits J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D according to Butterfly Conservation. First seen on 16th May, last sighted on 18th August First seen on 15th June, last sighted on 22nd Sept. Green-veined White Pieris napi Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D

First seen on 22nd July, last sighted on 14th August First seen on 8th April, last sighted on 22nd August Clouded Yellow Colias Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Comma and Orange Tip. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D These observations do have some correlation to

articles in professional papers but not entirely. The nd th th th sightings recorded this year seem good for Red First seen on 2 July, last sighted on 7 August First seen on 8 April, last sighted on 11 August Several other species have been recorded in 2017 Admiral and Meadow Brown but not much else. Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Peacock Aglais io after some years of absence. They are; Wall They say that this is due to a damp early Spring J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D Brown, Small Heath and Essex Skipper. Some despite the warmth of May and June. Our records others have increased in sightings compared to show that the Speckled Wood and particularly several lean years, such as Marbled White, Green- Small White should be added. Although the First seen on 10th June, last sighted on 11th August First seen on 16th May, last sighted on 11th August veined White and Ringlet. There are others whose quantity of data for 2017 has significantly Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Painted Lady Cynthia recorded sightings have dramatically increased increased, the overall top ten species by J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D this year, such as Small White, Speckled Wood and abundance has not dramatically changed when Red Admiral. Finally, there are those species compared with historical information. Of course, whose frequency of sighting is diminishing, e.g. there are exceptions, e.g. Brimstone. First seen on 10th June, last sighted on 17th Nov. First seen on 10th June, last sighted on 24th August PAGE 35 PAGE 36 Butterflies of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Moths of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Photos from around the Reserve by Jim Stevenson, Eddie Comma Polygonia c-album Common Blue Polyommatus icarus MOTHS 2017 Sutcliffe et al. J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D In 2006 – 2007 16 new species were recorded at Paxton, of which 5 were new to Huntingdonshire, First seen on 8th April, last sighted on 8th Sept. First seen on 3rd June, last sighted on 14th August. and 207 species were seen overall. Contrast that information with current available data and the vast Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus Marbled White Melanargia galathea gap in present knowledge becomes all too J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D apparent. This means an urgent review of our data gathering and recording for moths needs to be

th th th th undertaken. Indeed only 2011, in the intervening First seen on 8 April, last sighted on 11 August First seen on 13 May, last sighted on 20 July years between 2006 and 2017, has produced a Brown Argus Aricia agestis Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas species sighting in three figures for the year according to records available. (see graph below) J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D

First seen on 1st July, last sighted on 14th August First seen on 9th May, last sighted on 3rd Oct. Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D

First seen on 4th July, last sighted on 14th August First seen on 10th June, last sighted on 8th Sept. Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D

First seen on 3rd June, last sighted on 14th August First seen on 10th June, last sighted on 27th Sept. Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris The most obvious moth species recorded in 2017 is J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D the migratory, day-flying Silver-Y moth. Its' sightings have come from every corner of Paxton. First seen on 1st July, last sighted on 1st July First seen on 10th June, last sighted on 14th August The next most common species sighting by far is the Cinnabar, albeit in caterpillar form. Other Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus species that have created interest this year are the J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D Red-belted and Six-belted Underwings and the Six Spot Burnet Moth. A Paxton regular, the

th th th th Hummingbird Hawkmoth, has been spotted this First seen on 14 June, last sighted on 26 August First seen on 6 June, last sighted on 10 July year. Wall Brown Lasiommata megera However, the star of the show this year has to be J F M A M J J A S O N D the Puss Moth caterpillar found on the sallow at the Visitor Centre at the beginning of July. He became a photogenic celebrity overnight. F irst seen on 10th July, last sighted on 10th July

A list of the moths recorded at Paxton can be found at www.paxton-pits.org.uk Please note that this information has not been updated for a few years. Photos by Jim Stevenson, For the latest information about Butterfly and Moth Graham Taplin and Eddie Sutcliffe sightings on the reserve, check Jim's blog (Head taken around the Reserve. Ranger) on the Paxton Pits web site. PAGE 37 PAGE 38 Dragonflies & Damselflies of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Dragonflies & Damselflies of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 DRAGONFLIES & DAMSELFLIES Other areas of the reserve and its' immediate COMMON HAWKER RED-EYED DRAGONFLY* 2017 environment have also produced many sightings of Aeshna juncea Erythromma najas 'I am pleased to report this year at the pits has been dragonflies and damselflies throughout the This was recorded on the 22nd August. Last seen on First spotted on May 28th by BDS around Hayling very good for dragonflies.The season was again summer. The Common Blue Damselfly being the 2nd Oct. Lake. late to start as my first dragonflies were in late April. particularly prevalent (picture below). SMALL RED-EYED DAMSELFLY Mostly damsels with a few hairy dragonflies.' (GT) Listed below are the dragonflies and damselflies The Wildlife Monitoring Group (WMG) did not seen at Paxton this year and their first recorded Erythromma viridulum record any dragonflies and damselflies until May. sightings. We welcome all sightings. Please record First spotted on May 28th by BDS around Hayling Although we certainly support Graham's comment in the visitor book or on-line. Those dragonflies and Lake. damselflies marked with an asterisk were recorded about it being a good season overall with June, July th and August being significant for sightings and during our annual survey on the 4 July. LARGE RED DAMSELFLY Pyrrhosoma nymphula 'September has been good for migrant hawkers EMPEROR DRAGONFLY* th and common darters but because the month has Anax imperator First spotted on May 28 by BDS around Hayling been cooler generally there have been fewer th Lake. Singles spotted on several days during July First recorded on 10 June. Singles seen several th dragonflies flying except on warmer sunny days.' th and August including the 5 July. (RL) (GT) times in July. Last seen on the 5 Sept. (WMG) COMMON DARTER WHITE-LEGGED DAMSELFLY LESSER EMPEROR Platycnemis pennipes Anax parthenope COMMON DARTER Sympetrum striolatum Has been recorded in Cambridgeshire in June but Has been recorded in Cambridgeshire in June but not at Paxton this year or since 2006. not at Paxton this year. August 11th common darters appeared and showing well along the meadow trail, and by the VARIABLE DAMSELFLY* MIGRANT HAWKER river. (GT) There have been numerous sightings Coenagrion pulchellum Aeshna mixta this summer with the last being on the 17th Nov. First spotted on May 28th by BDS around Hayling August 11th the first migrant hawkers were Lake. showing well along the meadow trail, and by the RED-VEINED DARTER n d r i v e r. ( G T ) L a s t s e e n o n t h e 2 O c t . Sympetrum fonscolombii AZURE DAMSELFLY* Coenagrion puella SOUTHERN HAWKER* Not recorded in Cambridgeshire this year. First spotted on May 28th by BDS around Hayling Aeshna cyanea Despite high levels of copulation and ovipositing in 2006 in the county there have been no sightings at Lake. One of many species observed by the Third July 6th plenty of southern hawkers along the Paxton since that date. Thursday walk group led by Grainne Farrington. meadow trail. (GT) Last seen on the 2nd Oct. COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLY* RUDDY DARTER* Enallagma cyathigerum BROWN HAWKER* Sympetrum sanguineum Our annual dragonfly and damselfly survey, under Aeshna grandis the guidance of Mick Parfitt, was recorded on 4th July 6th ruddy darters were about in good numbers. July. We walked the Meadow Trail route (as in August 11th brown hawkers were showing well (GT) Also noticed on the 25th August. 2016) and focussed on the meadow behind the along the meadow trail, and by the river. (GT) Visitor Centre. This year we recorded 17 species NORFOLK HAWKER* SCARCE CHASER* Libellula fulva against last year's (2016) 15 species. The weather Aeshna isoceles on each occasion was fine and sunny but not too First observed by T&VG and IW. Observed on May hot. We are currently seeking recognition from the th British Dragonfly Society for the Reserve to be 28 by BDS around Hayling Lake. June 3rd the seen as an area of significance for dragonflies. Norfolk hawkers appeared and showed well in A visit by the Cambridgeshire branch of the British many areas of the reserve, even as far as the river Dragonfly Society (BDS) on May 28th recorded 12 walk. (GT) [Some people may have identified this species as the green-eyed hawker] Plenty of species of dragonfly and damselfly around Hayling th Lake and the River Trail. These were; Norfolk Norfolk hawkers along the meadow trail on July 6 . COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLY hawker (Aeshna isosceles), Hairy dragonfly (GT) First recorded by the wildlife survey group on 16th (Brachytron pratense), Scarce chaser (Libellula May. Spotted on May 28th by BDS around Hayling fulva), Variable damselfly (Coenagrion Lake. Continued to be observed around the pulchellum), Banded demoiselle (Calopteryx reserve in abundance during July and August. splendens), Four-spotted chaser (Libellula Blue-tailed Damselfly* First spotted on May 28th by quadrimaculata), Common blue (Enallagma SCARCE CHASER BDS around Hayling Lake. th cyathigerum), Azure blue (Coenagrion puella), First recorded by the wildlife survey group on 16 EMERALD DAMSELFLY* Red-eyed damselfly (Erythromma najas), Blue- May. May 18th was good for the scarce chasers Lestes sponsa tailed damselfly (Ischnura elegans), Small red- (along the river. (GT) Recorded on May 26th by eyed damselfly (Erythromma viridulum), Large red T&VG and IW near the Moorings and also on May First recorded on 10th June. Singles seen several damselfly (Erythromma najas). Southern Hawker Norfolk Hawker 28th by BDS around Hayling Lake. times in July. PAGE 39 PAGE 40 Dragonflies/Damselflies & Insects/Bugs of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Insects, Bugs & Fungi of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 BANDED DEMOISELL DAMSELFLY* HAIRY DRAGONFLY* The Wildlife Monitoring Group meet regularly FUNGI Calopteryx splendens Brachytron pratense throughout spring and summer and despite a slow 2017 First recorded by the Wildlife Survey Group on 16th A few hairy dragonflies were first seen on the start many species were seen around the Meadow This is the first fungi report for Paxton and its' and Heron Trails particularly in late May, June and May. Lots of banded demoiselle by the river on May reserve in late April. (GT) Observed near the July. publication in the information booklet. Data has th th th 18 . (GT) Recorded on May 28 by BDS around Moorings by T&VG and IW on May 26 . Spotted on Their records show that they observed; bees – been gathered for the last two years through a Hayling Lake. May 28th by BDS around Hayling Lake. (Apis mellifera; Bombus lapidaries, Lucorum, survey conducted by the Wildlife Monitoring Group BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER* WILLOW EMERALD DAMSELFLY terrestris and pascuorum); beetles – (Cantharis in October and led by Peter Walker, to whom we're Orthetrum cancellatum Thick Legged Flower Beetle Chalcolestes viridis most grateful. Photos in this section are courtesy of Has been recorded in Cambridgeshire in June but Oedemera nobilis th Jim Stevenson, Eddie Sutcliffe, Ann Thomas et al. First recorded on 10 June. Singles seen several not at Paxton this year. times in July along the river. BROAD BODIED CHASER INSECTS & BUGS Libellula depressa Another year of varied activity on the Reserve. It's Single spotted on the 5th July. always pleasing to see regulars return, such as the WHITE-BODIED DAMSELFLY mining bees, as it means our habitat maintenance Zygoptera programme is working. MINING BEE Has been recorded in Cambridgeshire in June but Andrena fulva not at Paxton this year. FOUR-SPOTTED CHASER* Libellula quadrimaculata

Photo by Eddie Sutcliffe

rustica, livida; Staphylinus olens; ); ladybirds – (Coccinella rutpela; ); spiders – (agalena species; araneus diadematus; metellina species; neriene montata; leiobunum, rotundum, blackwalli; ); insects & bugs, such as – (Myrmica scabrinodis; Philoscia muscorum; Glomeris marginata; Blaniulus guttalatus; Lithobius forficatus;); flies – (Diptera – [with hind wings as balance organs {halteres}]; Strepsiptera – using fore wings as halteres; Pterygota with four wings;) There were FOUR-SPOTTED CHASER many other species too numerous to mention on Photo by GRAHAM TAPLIN these pages but the flavour of those listed shows What follows are the findings from both the 2016 Four spot chasers were seen in good numbers th Others bring a smile when spotted especially when the range of habitats found all over the Reserve and 2017 surveys. At Paxton we have a numerous along the River Great Ouse on May 18 . (GT) that encourages such a diverse wildlife. Observed near the Moorings by T&VG and IW on they're seen in an increasing number of locations, and diverse variety of fungi, some of which are th th May 26 . Spotted on May 28 by BDS around such as the wasp spider. Longhorn Beetle either first-rate specimens or rare species. Indeed, Hayling Lake. Leptura quadrifasciata WASP SPIDER one type is rare for the UK, (Clitocybe BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY* Argiope bruennichi Ischnura elegans dicolor/decembris), according to official data. This mushroom is regarded as inedible. First spotted on May 28th by BDS around Hayling

BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY Photo by GRAHAM TAPLIN Photo by Eddie Sutcliffe PAGE 41 PAGE 42 Fungi of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Fungi of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017

Location: Grid ref. Location Details Date Recorder Survey Type Location: Grid ref. Location Details Date Recorder Survey Type Location: Grid ref. Location Details Date Recorder Survey Type Location: Grid ref. Location Details Date Recorder Survey Type

Paxton Pits Fungi. Paxton Pits 14th Oct Fungi Paxton Pits Haul Road & 14th Oct TL196633 Haul Road/Rory's Wood 15 -Oct -16 Wildlife MG. Weather warm TL196633 Haul Road & Rory's Wood 2017 Wildlife MG. Peter Walker Paxton Pits Haul Road & Rory's Wildlife Fungi TL196633 Rory's Wood 2017 Wildlife MG. Fungi TL196633 Wood 14th Oct 2017 MG. Peter Walker Common Name Scientific Name Comments Common Name Scientific Name Comments Scientific Name Common Name Comments Common Name Scientific Name Comments Clustered Mushroom Agaricus vaporarius Tripe Fungus Auricularia mesemterica On dead wood PLANT GALLS BRACKETS ETC Yellow Stainer Agaricus xanthoderma Very old specimen Silverleaf Fungus Chondostereum purpureum On dead wood Neuroterus numismalis Silk Button Gall On Oak leaves Anthrodia serialis White mass on dead log The Blusher Amanita rubescens The Miller Clitopilus prunulus In litter Neuroterus quercusbaccarum Common Spangle Gall On Oak leaves Golden Spindles Clavulinopsis fusiformis Yellow clubs Honey Fungus Armillaria mellea Neuroterus anthtracinus Oyster Gall On Oak leaves Firerug Inkcap Coprinus domesticus Very young specimen Turkey Tail Coriolus versicolor Rooting Bolete Boletus Radicans Large old specimen Phyllocoptes gonothorax On Hawthorn leaves no english name Crepidotus cesatii On dead twig Blushing Bracket Daedaliopsis confragosa Trooping Funnel Clitocybe geotropa Diplolepis rosae Robins Pin Cushion On Rose Fluted Bird's Nest Cyanthus striatus Under Nettles Dark Form D. confragosa var tricolor Frosty Funnel Clitocybe phyllophila Rabdophaga cinerearum Rose Gall On Sallow bud Common Jelly Spot Dacrymyces stillatus On post Beef Steak Fistulina hepatica Old specimen on Turkey Oak Clitocybe dicolor Clitocybe decembris new record for area Iteomya major On Sallow Leaf Blushing Bracket Daedaleopsis confragosa On fallen branches Southern/artist bracket Ganoderma australe Common Ink Cap Coprinus atremantarius Pontania bridgmanii Bean Gall On Sallow Leaf Hen of the Woods Grifolia frondosa NOT Meripilus gigantea Beefsteak Fungus Fistulina hepatica On Oak Glistening Ink Cap Coprinus micaceous Dasineura ulmaria On Meadowsweet leaves Common Puff -ball Lycoperdon perlatum Funeral Bell Galerina marginata On fallen branches Firerug Ink Cap Coprinus domesticus on wood Black patches under sycamore leaves smutt unidentified Southern (Artist) Bracket Ganoderma australe On stumps Dusky Puff - Ball Lycoperdon nigrescens Peeling Oysterling Crepidodus mollis 2017 has been a good year for fungi at Paxton with Stump puff -ball Lycoperdon pyriforme on wood Hen of the Woods Grifola Frondosa On stumps Variable Webcap Cortinarius anomalus Polyporus leptocephalus small heads with pores on black over a 33% increase on the species found no english name Hebeloma pulsilum ? In Litter Silky webcap? Cortinarius erythrinus/evernius ? not sure of ID var numulus ** root compared to 2016. In addition, this year's survey Hairy Curtain Crust Stereum hirsutum no english name Hoenbuehelia petaloides On dead wood no common name Hemimycena cucullata Small white bell in mosses recorded various galls as well. Oak Curtain Crust Stereum rameal Hazel Woodwart Hypoxylon fuscum On dead Hazel Sulphur Tuft Hyphaloma fasciculare Masses on fallen trunks Witches Butter Split Fibre Cap Inocybe rimosa ASCOMYCETES no english name Hypoxylon Howianum On fallen branches Dacrymyces palmatus Ivory Inocybe geophylla at least 2 other Inocybe found Hazel Woodwart Hypoxylon fuscum On dead Hazel no english name Hypoxylon nummularium Black crust on twigs Fleecy Milkcap Lactarius vellerus Very large Common Tar Crust Diatrype stigma on dead wood no english name Lactarius controversus Large white milkcaps Peppery Milk Cap Lactarius piperatus very hot taste Tar spot Rhytisma acerinum on Sycamore leaves Leaf Parachute Marasmius epiphylus On fallen Leaves Brown dome -cap Lyophyllum decastes Candle Snuff Xylaria hypoxylon Rust on Aspen Melampsora populnea On leaves Wood blewit Lepista nuda Dead Moll's Fingers Xylaria longipes no english name Meruliopsis corium On dead wood Chestnut Dapperling Lepiota castanea Dead -man's Fingers Xylaria polymorpha Angel Bonnet Mycena arcangeliana On dead wood Angels Bonnet Mycena arcangeliana MICRO FUNGI Milking Bonnet Mycena galopus In litter Common Bonnet Mycena galericulata Mildew on Oak Microsphaera alphitoides

Bark Bonnet Mycena speirea in Moss on trunk Grooved Bonnet Mycena polygramma Mildew on Hogweed Erisyphe ulmariae

Oak Crust Peniophora quercina On Dead Oak Bark Bonnet Mycena speirea Mildew on Meadowsweet Uncinula aduncea

Golden Scalycap Pholiota aurivella Tufted at base of stump Pale Brittlestem Psathyrella candolliana Other Psathyrella found Rust on Aspen Melampsora populinae

Bramble Rust Phragmidium violaceum On leaves Willow Shield Pluteus salicina

Veiled oyster Pleurotus dryinus Hole in tree trunk Elastic Oysterling Panellus mitis

no english name Pluteus cinerofuscus On dead wood Slender Brittlegill Russula gracillima

no english name Psathyrella gracilis ? In litter Milk White Brittlegill Russula delica very young specimens Yellowing Knight Tricholoma sculpuratum NOT Terrium Tar Spot Rhytisma acerinum On Sycamore leaves

Purple Brittlegil Russula atropurpurea? In litter

Common Earthball Scleroderma citrinum? Very old specimen

Potato Earthball Scleroderma bovista ln litter

Hazel Bracket Skeletocutis nivea On Hazel twig

Bleeding Oak Crue Sterium gausapatum On Oak twig

Hairy Curtain Crust Stereum hirsutum On twigs etc

Lumpy Bracket Trametes gibbosa On stump old specimens

Turkey Tail Trametes versicolor On logs etc

Mildew on Aspen Uncinula aduncea Leaves

Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare On dead wood

Flowers of Tan Fuligo septica var flava Slime Mould Orange Slime Mould Lycogala epidendron/ immature PAGE 43 PAGE 44 Plants of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Plants of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 PLANTS 2017 This year we have tried to give more information about the diverse plant life that can be found at Paxton. The Wildlife Monitoring Group has recorded many species during the seven field trips undertaken this year under the guidance of Grainne Farrington. The total for 2017 is over 200 different species of plants and grasses recorded. Some are new and/or rare and need protecting while others present a problem due to their invasive characteristics. There are some plants that have not been seen on the reserve this year despite their regular sightings in previous years, such as Not to be outdone, the Haul Road, despite the Corncockle (Agrostemma githago). heavy lorries has some wonderful examples this The most significant species recorded this year Cuckoo Pint year with the Garden Mullein (Verbascum – are; Lady's Mantle, various orchids, Greater Grasses have continued to establish themselves thapsus mollis) and the Creeping Buttercup Dodder and Adder's Tongue fern. There have been around the reserve with the meadows behind the (Ranunculus repens) being among the most numerous others that are regulars on the reserve Visitor Centre being a particular haven for over a notable. Poppies (Papaver rhoeas) also manage to that have shown particularly well this year, such as dozen species. Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus) choose some potentially inhospitable sites. Viper's Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis) and Viper's continues to flourish in the meadows but is not a Bugloss doesn't seem to mind the fumes either! Bugloss (Echium vulgare). good fodder crop. The Poaceae family of grasses with the fescue (Festuca) types being the most common, e.g. sheep's fescue, continue to be seen around the Reserve, sometimes colonising in unusual places, e.g. around the buildings in Moorings Meadow. This may be a result of scientists reclassifying some fescues, such as meadow fescue found at Paxton, as (Lolium).

Cranesbill Bee Orchid The excitement this year has to be one (or all) of the Visits from the various school and young adult following; The euphoria of the above is tempered with certain groups have helped to develop a cultivated area I) Lady's Mantle Alchemilla mollis species that are or can be invasive and need to be around the Visitor Centre with the show of A new sighting at the Education Centre monitored carefully. Whilst some action has been chrysanthemums being especially colourful at the Ii) Pyramidal orchids Anacamptis pyramidalis taken to date they remain a cause for concern and autumnal time of year. Their hedge-laying skills are Displayed around Paxton any sightings would be appreciated so that we can also on show. Iii) The bee orchids Ophyrs apifera assess the problem. Warning – these plants are At the Sanctuary toxic! Iv) Greater Dodder Cuscuta europaea Doing well this year The red list of alerts in no particular order is; V) Adder's Tongue fern Ophioglossum Continuing to thrive in East Scrub I) Himalayan Basalm Impatiens glandulifera Willowherbs Along the river Apart from the meadows showing a variety of Ii) Crown Vetch Securigera varia plants this year two other areas have had a fine Around Sailing Lake display. They are the boundary with the river and Iii) Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum the Haul Road. Meadow Cranesbill (Geranium Spreading along the River Ouse pratense) can be found all along the river with an Iv) Floating Pennywort Hydrocotyle ranunculoides abundance of nettles (Urtica dioica) and Spreading along the River Ouse willowherbs (Epilobiums) mixed together V) Soldier weed Galinsoga species Viper's Bugloss harmoniously. Himalayan Balsam Greater Dodder In Hayling Lake PAGE 45 PAGE 46 Trees & Shrubs of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 Trees & Shrubs of Paxton Pits, Little Paxton Village and Surrounding Area, Year 2017 TREES & SHRUBS stakes that we use in hedge laying while hazel take place throughout the year, by either the mid- 2017 (Corylus avellana) provides the bindings. week or Sunday working parties. This is a new section for this year's booklet. We're During one of our clearance operations for Near to the village there is an increasing number of working hard to maintain and/or improve the improved bird ringing recording a new crop of hazel “garden escapes” including holly (Ilex species), habitats around the Reserve for the diverse wildlife has been discovered and is providing an additional yew (Taxus species) and Cotoneaster (Cornubia that exists at Paxton with many new or refreshed supply of branches for hedge laying by Paul Davies family), all spread by birds. hedges being planted. and other volunteers. Pink lobed berries and red leaves of spindle bushes brighten the hedgerows around our arable fields in autumn. In some years spindle (Euonymus europaeus) attracts its own species of ermine moth (Yponomeuta cagnagella). On the island in the river and near the River Viewpoint there are dozens of bird cherry (Prunus padus) trees that become festooned with cobwebs every year. If you look closely, the cobwebs hide thousands of caterpillars. As a result of this, the island is a gathering ground for cuckoos that specialize in hairy caterpillars that other birds will not eat.

Our solitary specimen of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) (in the car park) is showing well this year.

The river viewpoint before and after pollarding. By removing weight in the crown, it is hoped that these old willows (Salix species) will stop falling towards the river. We did suffer some storm damage earlier in the year with some old mature specimens falling by the wayside. These included oak (Quercus robur), ash (Fraxinus species ) and beech (Fagus species).

Silver birches (Betula pendula) and goat willows The Reserve continues to be a bountiful supply of (Salix caprea) during a heavy frost. food for all types of wildlife.

We have some prominent non-native trees including Turkey oaks (Quercus cerris) that grow along the parish boundary and the old Christmas trees (Picea abies) in Wray House Garden. We try to confine the spread of the turkey oaks, but the conifers will eventually die out, so we have already planted native Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris) to replace them when they go. Pines attract a host of insects that are loved by goldcrests and coal tits. If An old crack willow near the Great Ouse. These they grow big enough they are popular nesting trees are favoured by owls, stock doves, kestrels, sites for hawks and buzzards. jackdaws and tree creepers. Where Turkey oaks have been cleared, the light Turkey oak and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) reaches the ground and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is continue to be prolific growers and regular felling the first tree to respond. Where the regeneration of takes place to manage them and enhance key young trees is most dense we have examples of areas for our visiting nightingales. Some areas Ash Die-back Disease. In some areas we have lost have been opened up to improve bird-ringing up to 60% of the young trees. In more exposed recording. areas like the roadside opposite the Sailing Lake Brambles (Rubus species) and nettles (Urtica there is almost no disease and a young forest of dioica) have had a good year and have been cut ash saplings is emerging. They will provide the back, in readiness for the various bird surveys that PAGE 47 PAGE 48 NOTES