HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
~AKER TILLY NNUAL BIRD REPORT 1998
Volume 5 Number 8 £5.00 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
ANNUAL REPORT 1998
Founded 1950
Volume 5 Number 8
Edited by Paul Downes
Published October 1999 by Herefordshire Ornithological Club
Price £5.00
Illustrations by Paul Downes Copyright - HOC 1999 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
ANNUAL REPORT 1998 Volume 5 Number 8
CONTENTS
Officers and Committee 1998 .492 Editor's Report 1998 .493 Club Meetings Held in 1998 .495 Weather Report 1998 - Bob Bishop .497 Bird Calendar 1998 - Paul Downes 500 Ringing Report 1998 - Paul Scriuen 503 Herefordshire Nature Trust Nestbox Scheme 1998 - C. W Sheldrake 506 County Surveys 507 The HOC and Titley Court Farm - Peter Eldridge 509 The Herefordshire Garden Birdwatch - Ray Mellish 510 Tars Coppice 1998 -Anne Russell 511 Systematic List 1998 513 Escapes 558 List of Contributors to Systematic List 1998 559 County Locations 560 Earliest and Latest Dates for Summer Migrants 1998 562 Latest and Earliest Dates for Winter Migrants 1998 562 White Stork at Bridge Sollars - Paul Downes 563 Red-necked Phalarope at Wellington Gravel Pits - Paul Downes 565 County Bird List for Herefordshire 567 Herefordshire County Rarities 570 Report Exchanges 571 Affiliated Associaions 571 Income and Expenditure Account 572
"All maps based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. C4/85-88" HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
Founded 1950
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 1998
President Vice-President J. Vickerman Mrs J. M. Bromley
Chairman Vice-Chairman J. R. Pullen G. R. Parker
Hon. Secretary I. B. Evans 12, Brockington Drive, Tupsley, Hereford, HR1 1TA Tel: 01432 265509
Hon. Treasurer and Membership Secretary R. E. Mellish 6 Acacia Close, Putson, Hereford, HR2 6BP Tel: 01432 359924
Hon. Recorder and Report Editor P. H. Downes 450 Buckfield Road, Leominster, HR6 8SD Tel: 01568 611624
Hon. Bulletin Editor P. Gardner Holly Bank, Dilwyn, Herefordshire, HR4 8JG Tel: 01544 388216
Hon. Field Secretary KA. Mason Treetops, The Leeway, 14c Tillington Road, Hereford, HR4 9QJ Tel: 01432 273167
Committee S. P. Coney (YOC Leader) Miss J. Parry C. E. Lankester (co-opted) J. L. Russell D. Lovelace K P. Tillett
BTO Representative: S. P. Coney (Tel: 01981 500236)
492 EDITOR'S REPORT 1998 his is the 48th Annual Report of the Herefordshire Ornithological T Club and the last to be produced this millenium. My team of helpers who put together the systematic list was as follows: Paul Downes Little Grebe to Ruddy Duck Gerald Parker Red Kite to Coot Steve Coney Oystercatcher to Black Tern Ifor Evans Feral Pigeon to Wren Kevin Tillett Dunnock to Pied Flycatcher Peter Eldridge Long-tailed Tit to Corn Bunting. After the stepping stones laid in 1997 the club began its county wide survey of sites from July 1998. Nearly 40 sites were selected and volunteers set about the task of counting the birds present and recording breeding activities, with the data being collated by our survey committee chairman, Steve Coney. The survey has an initial run of 18 months with the hope that volunteers will continue to visit the locations so long term population trends can be studied for our most important bird sites. A report of the first few months is included later on. The survey work at Titley Court continued through 1998 and under the leadership of Peter Eldridge, more positive results have emerged of how farming can be managed with the benefit of wildlife. This year's annual report includes results from the winter survey. The year 2000 is significant for the club in not only being a new millenium but also the 50th anniversary since our establishment in 1950. Few current members will remember those early days but even so it is an achievement to be celebrated and several events are planned to record this landmark. Details will appear in forthcoming club bulletins. It is encouraging to report membership is on the increase and approaching 400. You, the membership, are critical to the continued success of the club. If anyone can help with any club activities, whether its leading a bird walk, helping at indoor meetings or conducting a survey for the club, contact one of the club's committee and they will be happy to point you in the right direction. I would like to say thank-you to everyone who has contributed articles, sketches and photographs for this report. I am always grateful for any material that can be used to enhance the appearance of the annual report.
493 Finally we must all say a big thank-you to our sponsors, Baker Tilly, who have very kindly agreed to meet the cost of production ofthe Annual Bird Report for this year. This saves the charity a considerable sum of money for which we can look to invest in conservation concerns within the county of Herefordshire in the future. Paul Downes
494 CLUB MEETINGS HELD IN 1998
During 1998 the following field meetings were held: Date Venue Leader January 4th Castleton and Glasbury Steve Coney January 20th WWT Slimbridge Keith Mason February 1st Bodenham Lake and Wellington Gravel Pits Paul Downes February 11th Raggedstone Hill and Chase End Peter Garnett February 27th-29th Kent Weekend John Pullen March 7th Ashleworth Ham and Bredon's Hardwick Chas Lankester March 17th Tregaron Bog NNR Ifor Evans March 29th Forest of Dean Tony Eveleigh April 8th Ross-on-Wye and Sellack river walks Keith Mason May 16th-17th Minsmere, Suffolk Weekend Paul Downes May 24th Downton Gorge and Criftin Ford Bridge John Pullen May 27th Ewyas Harold Common Rob Watts June 3rd Shobdon Industrial Estate Paul Downes June 13th Grwyne Fawr Valley John Pullen June 28th Hergest Ridge Gerald Parker July 11th Cotswold Water Park Keith Mason July 15th Mortimer Trail Cherry Greenway July 25th Moccas Deer Park and Merbach Hill John Pullen August 11th Upton Warren Keith Mason August 23rd Hampton Bishop Wye and Lugg Tony Eveleigh September 8th Castleton and Glasbury Steve Coney September 20th Frampton and Slimbridge Paul Downes October 4th Cotswold Water Park Keith Mason October 20th Bodenham Lake and Wellington Gravel Pits Ifor Evans October 30th-November 1st Norfolk Weekend Paul Downes November 18th Midsummer Hill and Raggedstone Hill Bob Bishop November 29th Wapley Hill and Eywood Pool Keith Mason December 14th Talybont Reservoir and Llangorse Lake John Pullen In addition the following indoor meetings were held at Holmer Parish Centre during the winter periods: Date Topic and Speaker January 23rd Club Social Evening and Dutch Supper February 20th Dr Walker Memorial Lecture - "Bewick's Swans" by Dave Paynter March 6th 48th Annual General Meeting March 27th "Birdwatching in Spain" by Brayton Holt September 22nd "Owls" by Dave Cooksey October 13th "Forest Birds" by Chris Ridler November 10th "Arctic Summer, Birds of Finmark" by Roger Beck November 17th "BTO Surveys and Club Partnership" by Derek Toomer December 8th "Kenya" by Ifor Evans
495 Once again thanks go to Chris Mason, J osephine Field and Jenny Hughes for their efforts in supplying the refreshments at the indoor meetings. Anyone interested in leading outdoor meetings, suggesting locations the club can visit or giving a lecture or slide show at an indoor meeting should contact the Meetings Secretary, Keith Mason on 01432 273167. All ideas are welcome.
496 WEATHER REPORT 1998
The following report is based on observations made in my garden in Malvern. Whilst not strictly speaking in the county ofHerefordshire, it is less than 2 miles from the eastern boundary of the county. For the record Malvern enjoys a pleasant micro-climate in the shelter of its range of hills with mean temperatures and duration of sunshine being higher than for most of the Midlands and Northern England. Its annual rainfall is just 750mm (29.6 inches) which again is less than most of the Midlands. A monthly breakdown now follows:
JANUARY Rain fell on 18 days during the month and totalled 95.4mm, which was 140% of the long term average. Most of the rain was during the first half of the month although a brief exceptionally mild spell with long sunny periods and no rain from the 9th to 11th was sufficient to bring butterflies out ofhibernation. On the 9th the temperature reached 14.0 degrees Celsius, one of the highest January temperatures in living memory, only exceeded in 1930 when 14.4 was recorded. The normal daily temperature in January is only 6.8.
FEBRUARY Rain only fell on 7 days during the month and totalled just ll.4mm, just 17.5% ofthe long term average. The month was exceptionally mild. No frosts were recorded and maximum daytime temperatures were above 10 degrees on 20 days. The 13th saw the highest temperature of 17.5 and during the previous night it did not drop below 10.
MARCH Higher than average rainfall of 74.9mm (129% of long term average) put paid to any thoughts of a drought. Most of the rain fell during the first and last weeks of the month and there was a spell of 10 days without rainfall mid-month. Again very mild with only 3 frosts recorded. A very mild spell in the last week saw a maximum temperature of 17.5.
APRIL The memory of this month will live long for many people in the country. To say it was an exceptionally wet month with a total rainfall of 139.0mm (278% of the long term average for the month) would only be telling half a story. In fact almost exactly half of this rainfall, 63.7mm (2.74 inches in old money) fell on just 1 day. The month started wet,
497 continuing the pattern for March, with the result that the ground was saturated and river flows were well above normal. On the 9th a low pressure system settled over the south of the country and remained virtually stationery, blocked by high pressure to the north. The result was torrential rain with thunderstorms continuously for 15 hours. All the water had to go somewhere and the result was rapid, extensive, severe flooding particularly along the Rivers Arrow and Lugg. Sadly, nationally 5 people lost their lives.
MAY In a year of extremes, this was the driest May in living memory. Rain fell on just 8 days, amounting to just 12.8mm being only 23.3% of the long term average. Sunny periods with temperatures climbing to 27 degrees raised people's spirits with the promise of a hot summer.
JUNE For the second year running "flaming June" failed to live up to its reputation. Rain fell on all but 4 days during the month and the total of 119mm rainfall was even higher than 1997 and 221% of long term average. Maximum temperature however was 28 degrees on 22nd.
JULY As with 1997 July brought some improvement in spite ofrain falling on 12 days of the month. Amounts were small and totalled only 22.7mm or 37% of long term average. Breezy conditions throughout kept temperatures lower than average.
AUGUST Again a drier month than average with rain on only 9 days and totalling 34mm (49% of long term average). From the 4th to 11th, stable, sunny and dry conditions prevailed and temperatures climbed steadily reaching 29 degrees on the 11th (the highest of the year).
SEPTEMBER A return to showery conditions with some rain falling on most days. The monthly total of 117mm was 195% of long term average. Temperatures were generally low and struggled to reach 15 degrees on some days.
OCTOBER Another very wet month with wide-scale flooding of the Wye Valley in the last week which caused some people diversions of up to 45 miles to
498 get from one side of the city to the other. Rain fell on all but 4 days, a total of 127mm was 192% of the long term average. The first frost occurred during the night of 17th/18th but temperatures generally were above average.
NOVEMBER A drier than average month with only 56mm of rain (74% of long term average). The month started mild but turned much cooler with night time frosts during the 3rd week.
DECEMBER The month started cold with night frosts on 5 nights in the first week. The second week was very mild and on the night of 13th/14th temperatures did not fall below 13.0 degrees. After a further brief cold spell the year ended on a mild note. Rainfall was equal to the long term average of 69mm.
So what ofthe year as a whole? The total rainfall was 878mm which is 111% of the long term average, compared with the 3 previous years when below average rainfall was beginning to give concerns regarding groundwater levels. (1995: 747mm, 99.6%; 1996: 636mm, 84.8%; 1997: 713mm, 95.1%). Had these rainfall levels continued, particularly during spring months, water shortages would have been inevitable. This year's higher rainfall particularly during March and April has much improved the situation, although it will be little comfort to those who suffered during the floods. What has been the effect of the weather on the bird populations? The BTO reported that the wet spring was a disaster for nesting birds and the survival rates for many woodland birds, particularly Blue and Great Tits was very poor. This was mainly due to failure of the caterpillars which are so essential for feeding the young. This was not however my personal experience. I operate a nestbox scheme in a small Worcestershire woodland which has 46 nestboxes which are occupied by almost equal numbers of Blue and Great Tits. In 1998 they had a great season with no apparent problems unlike in 1996 when a cold wet spring was a disaster, resulting in nesting being delayed by 2 to 3 weeks and many broods abandoned by their parents. Bob Bishop August 1999
499 BIRD CALENDAR 1998
Some 65 records were put before the Rarities Sub-committee during 1998. Here is a month by month breakdown of the highlights of the year. Dates given are first dates for long staying rarities or peak counts of flocks.
JANUARY 5th) 1st winter Kittiwake passed Lion's Den; 10th) 6 Bewick's Swans at Foy, 18 Pintail at WGP; 11th) female Smew and adult Kittiwake at WGP, 5 Bewick's Swans at Tidnor Mill; 13th) Red Kite at Bronsil; 14th) 19 Shelducks at Tidnor Mill; 18th) adult Kittiwake at WGP, 2 Whooper Swans at Leach Pool; 19th) Red Kite at Ledbury; 20th) 400 Bramblings at Croft; 23rd) Slavonian Grebe at Hunderton; 24th) adult Little Gull at WGP; 25th) Mealy Redpoll at Milton Cross, 50 Crossbills at Wapley Hill; 27th) 7 Bewick's Swans and 2 Whooper Swans at Withy Pool; 28th) pair Red-breasted Mergansers at Ross; Long-eared Owls roosting on Sutton Walls all month.
FEBRUARY 1st) 2 Bewick's Swans and 2 Whooper Swans at Clifford; 5th) female Scaup at Lion's Den.
MARCH 2nd) 20 Hawfinches at Woolhope; 11th) 2 Whooper Swans at Clifford; 14th) 4 Hawfinches at Checkley; 29th) adult Little Gull at WGP; 31st) female Red-breasted Merganser at Castleton.
APRIL 3rd) Red Kite at Trumpet; 14th) Osprey over Whitman's Hill Quarry; 15th) pair Common Scoters at WGP; 18th) Hoopoe at Wellington; 20th) Short-eared Owl at Newhouse Wood; 22nd) Merlin in Olchon Valley; 28th) Whimbrel over St Owen's Cross, Grasshopper Warbler along Leominster Lugg.
MAY 2nd) Red Kite at Colwall; 3rd) Grasshopper Warbler at Lion's Den; 4th) Grey Plover at WGP; 7th) Whimbrel at WGP; 12th) Grasshopper Warbler at Garway Hill; 21st) Grasshopper Warbler at Weston Farm Pond; 27th) Nightjar on Garway Hill.
500 JUNE 1st) Quail at Lea; 5th) Quail at Tretire; 18th) Red Kite over Hereford; 19th) Merlin At SSSP; 21st) White Stork at Bridge Sollars, Quail at Bromsash; 28th) Red Kite at Wapley Hill.
JULY 15th) Hoopoe at WGP; 27th) 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull at WGP; 28th) Quail at Llancloudy.
AUGUST 12th) Ruff and adult Great Black-backed Gull at WGP; 15th) 3 Little Egrets at Castleton (and seen between here and Turners Boat to mid September); 16th) 8 Ringed Plovers over Winforton; 23rd) 2 adults and a juvenile Common Terns at WGP; 24th) Black-necked Grebe at WGP; 30th) Osprey at Brampton Bryan Park, Red Kite at Dulas Valley.
SEPTEMBER 2nd) Black-tailed Godwit at WGP; 9th) 2 Black Terns at WGP, 2 Little Stints at Kenchester Pools; 11th) Manx Shearwater grounded at Kingsland; 13th) 2 Little Stints at WGP; 14th) juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at WGP; 17th) Little Egret at Hereford; 19th) Ruff at WGP; 20th) Little Stint at WGP; 23rd) Little Egret at Eignside; 26th) 5 Ruff at Wellington; 27th) Great Skua at Fownhope.
OCTOBER 10th) 2nd winter Great Black-backed Gull at WGP; 15th) 6 Dotterel at Rushock, drake Common Scoter at Holme Lacy; 17th) juvenile Red necked Phalarope at WGP; 18th) Ruff at WGP.
NOVEMBER 1st) Snow Bunting at Black Hill, Little Stint at Monkland; 5th) 23 Dunlin at Lower Lugg Meadows; 8th) Whooper Swan at WGP; 9th) female Scaup at BL; 10th) Little Stint at Leominster Bypass floods; 15th) Merlin at Bradnor Hill; 16th) immature Black Redstart at Wigmore.
DECEMBER 6th) 2 Smew at WGP, 2 White-fronted Geese at Letton Irrigation Lake; 12th) male Hen Harrier at Titley, 2 Whooper Swans at Leach Pool; 14th) Slavonian Grebe at BL; 24th) 2 Bewick's Swans at Leach Pool; 30th) pair Red-breasted Mergansers at WGP; 31st) female Scaup at WGP.
501 Add to this an above average number of records of scarcer migrants, such a Pintail, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Yellow-legged Gull, and 1998 reveals itself to be yet another improvement in species recorded. Paul Downes
502 RINGING REPORT 1998
The following are the ringers who are responsible for rings in the county and those who worked on their behalf in 1998. All have individual permits. Birds/species ringed 1998 Dr David Boddington (Alan Marchant, Peter 573 of 2 Gardner, John Icke) David Coker 779 of 4 Steve Dodd (Paul Scriven, George 2084 of 49 Henderson, John Coates) Dr Graham Geen (Llancillo Ringing Group) 283 of 8 Peter Holmes 211 of 10 Dr Stephanie Tyler (Felicity Burge) 106 of 4 Tony Cross 30fl Total ringed in Herefordshire in 1998, 3907 of 54 species-a new species for 1998 being Raven. Among the more interesting recoveries and controls found in 1998 are the following: Pied Flycatcher H648672, first ringed 04.06.93 at Llancillo as a pullus, recovered annually at Midsummer Hill (S0746368) the last date being 23.05.98. This is only a year away from the national record. Chiffchaff 5D2438 Juvenile 15.08.98 Much Marcle, retrapped Icklesham, Sussex 29.09.98 252km, 45 days. This is on a preferred migration route out of Britain but the bird seemed in no hurry! Redpoll H758758 ringed as a juvenile male Bringsty Common 07.11.93. Recaptured Cwm Clydach, Gwent 05.02.98. The following Lesser Black-backed Gull pulli were ringed over the previous two years in Hereford. Each was individually colour marked which has resulted in the following sightings: Ringed 25.06.96 GA01705 20.05.97 Tetouan, Morocco GA01711 13.04.97 Rio Guadalhorce, Malaga, Spain 04.06.97 Marais D'Olonne, France GA01712 27.08.96 Gloucester 07.10.97 Throckmorton, Worcestershire GAOl725 02.08.98 Domelaarssplas, Overijssel, Netherlands GA01729 16.02.97 Chinicato tip, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal GA01731 30.12.98 Villanueva de la Serena, Badajoz, Madrid, Spain
503 Ringed 03.07.97 GF31446 16.12.97 Matozinhos, Portugal 22.06.98 Throckmorton, Worcestershire GF31457 02.04.99 Matazinhos, Portugal GF31459 22.08.98 Throckmorton, Worcestershire 29.08.98 Westport Lake, Stoke-on-Trent (also 03.01.99 & 10.02.99) GF31470 22.09.98 Praia da Mata, Almada, Portugal GF31472 09.08.97 Hereford
Numbers and species ringed, with ages, in 1998:
full full grown pulli Total grown pulli Total Sparrowhawk 2 0 2 Chiffchaff 87 0 87 Kestrel 1 0 1 Willow Warbler 65 0 65 Moorhen 0 1 1 Goldcrest 16 0 16 Little Ringed Plover 0 3 3 Spotted Flycatcher 1 7 8 Collared Dove 3 0 3 Pied Flycatcher 168 911 1079 Kingfisher 1 0 1 Long-tailed Tit 38 0 38 Great Sp. Woodpecker 5 0 5 Marsh Tit 2 0 2 Lesser Sp. Woodpecker 1 0 1 Willow Tit 3 0 3 Sand Martin 570 0 570 Coal Tit 4 17 21 Swallow 13 44 57 Blue Tit 245 271 516 House Martin 4 0 4 Great Tit 174 162 336 Grey Wagtail 0 9 9 Nuthatch 3 14 17 Pied Wagtail 0 10 10 Treecreeper 5 0 5 Dipper 0 38 38 Magpie 2 0 2 Wren 56 0 56 Carrion Crow 0 2 2 Dunnock 58 0 58 Raven 0 3 3 Robin 57 12 69 House Sparrow 7 0 7 Redstart 2 19 21 Tree Sparrow 1 0 1 Blackbird 67 0 67 Chaffinch 58 0 58 Redwing 7 0 7 Brambling 4 0 4 Song Thrush 31 0 31 Greenfinch 248 0 248 Sedge Warbler 23 0 23 Goldfinch 20 0 20 Reed Warbler 35 1 36 Siskin 92 0 92 Lesser Whitethroat 2 0 2 Linnet 1 0 1 Whitethroat 43 0 43 Bullfinch 48 0 48 Garden Warbler 10 0 10 Yellowhammer 4 0 4 Blackcap 89 0 89 Reed Bunting 7 0 7
504 Constant Effort Site Results Comparison of 1997 and 1998 compared with national results (includes retraps): No. ringed No. ringed National Species in 1997 in 1998 Trend Wren 28 19 -32% Blackbird 33 21 -36% Sedge Warbler 43 23 -46% Reed Warbler 13 23 +76% Whitethroat 124 39 -68% Blackcap 33 55 +66% Chiffchaff 72 67 nls Willow Warbler 89 47 -47% Great Tit 70 49 -30% Chaffinch 10 7 nls Goldfinch 22 14 nls
Paul Scriven
505 HEREFORDSHIRE NATURE TRUST NESTBOX SCHEME 1998
Recording took place at 28 sites covered by the Herefordshire Ornithological Club. Number of sites present Nests Fledged 1998 1997 1998 1997 1998 1997 Pied Flycatcher 24 22 182 178 737 860 Blue Tit 28 26 247 226 1229 1424 Great Tit 26 23 127 98 630 537 Coal Tit 4 5 5 8 40 60 Marsh Tit 4 3 4 4 14 12 Nuthatch 6 4 14 8 57 15 Redstart 1 2 1 2 6 5 Wren 9 3 10 3 37 3 Robin Stock Dove 2 4 ? Tawny Owl 1 1 1
1998 1997 Sites Recorded 28 27 Boxes Recorded 954 939 Boxes Used 591 531 Percentage Used 61.9 57
BREEDING STATISTICS
Pied Flycatcher Blue Tit Great Tit Average Clutch 6.46 {6.66} 7.7 {8.16} 6.83 {7.76} % hatched 83.7 {83.2} 81.3 {88} 87.7 {89.8} % fledged 74.8 {87) 79 {87.5} 82.6 {78.5) % overall 62.7 (72.4) 62.4 {77.1} 72.5 {70.5} Fledged per pair 4.04 (4.83) 4.97 {6.3) 4.96 {5.4) Figures in parentheses are 1997 figures. Very wet weather occurred during the breeding season and losses took place in the fledging stages due to wet nesting material. Caterpillars were early in some woods thus restricting food of the right size. Shobdon had the best season for Pied Flycatchers. Redstarts were down in numbers at Mary Knoll Valley. C. w: Sheldrake
506 COUNTY SURVEYS
A programme of monthly surveys at a proposed 40 sites across the county was started in July, with an initial period of 18 months work being envisaged. The intention is to have ongoing surveys in the main areas of interest. The choice of sites was made by a sub-committee of Paul Downes, Keith Mason, John Pullen and Jeremy Russell following a discussion on Biodiversity Challenge developments. It was based on 2 lists of the most important bird habitats taking into account their importance for breeding, their use for food and refuge and their observational value. The prime sites consisted of those already known to meet the criteria and included most of the wetland sites already surveyed on a regular basis. Added to these were many of the upland areas and several established woodlands. These were to be priority locations for the surveys. The secondary list was based upon sites that were felt to be worthwhile but where more detailed information was needed to be collected. It would be desirable, if possible that they would be recorded on a regular basis. Additions to the list were to be allowed if any interested parties could put forward other sites for inclusion. It was decided to have quarterly returns of the survey forms and the data stored on a suitable software system for ease of withdrawal of the information when required in the future. Observers were approached initially to cover areas as near their homes as possible or where they regularly travelled to, avoiding long car journeys and the need to get to know a completely new location. When volunteers were approached to cover the sites, it was discovered that most areas could be covered from both lists. There are still a few locations yet to be designated to an individual. By the end of 1998 with 6 months of survey work completed, data from 39 sites had been collected with 138 species reported. The next 12 months work is very important with the first full breeding season to be covered and it is hoped that populations of our county birds can begin to be established with efforts to stop the decline put into practice using our findings. Ifanyone can help with our surveys please contact the Survey Sub committee Chairman, Steve Coney on 01981 500236 who will be happy to discuss details. Sites covered and their recorders for July to December 1998 were: Aconbury Wood (R & J Mellish), Berrington Pool (T Cooke), Bircher Common (T Cooke), Bodenham Lake (G Bilbao), Bradnor Hill (Dr A
507 Caunt), Brockhampton (Dr D Boddington), Castleton Wye (K Mason), Coneygree Wood (C & A Lankester), Coppett Hill (R Dunt), Credenhill Wood (G Parker), Criftin Ford Bridge (N Parsons), Ewyas Harold Common (P Jinman), Eywood Pool (J & C Port), Fowden Farm (V & A Russell), Gamber Meadows (J Pullen), Garway Hill (J Pullen), Hartleton Lakes (W Davies), Hergest Ridge (J Russell), Kenchester Pools (P Eldridge), Leach Pool (S Coney), Letton Irrigation Lake (A Smith), Lower Lugg Meadows (J Parry), Merbach Hill (P Eldridge & J Pullen), Midsummer Hill (M Woodward), Nupend Wood (R Tingley), Olchon Valley (J Paige), Queenswood, Dinmore (T Hulme), Shobdon Court Lakes (J Bromley), Shobdon Industrial Estate & Milton Cross (P Downes), Sink Green Wye (K Tillett), St Margarets (D Hart), Stretton Sugwas Sandpits (G Parker), Sutton Walls (J Davies), The Darrens (D Hart), The Doward (E Richards), Upper Lugg Meadows CB Harding), Wapley Hill (J Kedward), Wellington Gravel Pits (P Downes), Wigmore Rolls (J Voysey) and Wyevale Wood (C Sheldrake).
508 THE HOC AND TITLEY COURT FARM
Titley Court is situated in the north-west ofthe county between Kington and Presteigne. It is in the heart of the area known as the Marches. The farm has beef, sheep and arable enterprises, and is bordered to the south by a mile of the River Arrow and to the north by the Mortimer Trail on Stocking Hill. The land rises from 450 feet to 900 feet above sea level on the hill. There are mature hedges, extensive woodland and several pools and streams. Year 2 The club continued its survey ofTitley Court for the BEAM project during the breeding season and winter months of 1998/99. Monitoring of breeding birds took place on 6 occasions, the first in April, with 2 in each ofMay and June and the last in July. Winter visits were made in November 1998, January 1999 and February 1999. No evening visits were made so no nocturnal species have been recorded. A total of 626 territories (551 in 1997) were recorded and, ofthe 70 species on the farm, 37 were believed to be breeding there. Plot 1 Burnt House 28 species, 21 holding 82 territories Plot 2 Turning Ways 26 species, 18 holding 78 territories Plot 3 Titley Court 42 species, 29 holding 275 territories Plot 4 Lower Mowley 30 species, 20 holding 191 territories The winter surveys recorded 50 species and the current bird list for the farm stands at 76 species. There have been subtle changes in management during the year, particularly in respect of the hedges. At Burnt House, hedges have been laid and fenced to prevent them being grazed and around the arable areas the hedges are not being cut as short as they were. Tree species in the hedges have been identified and marked and are being allowed to grow into mature trees. Selected alders along the river are being removed or coppiced and some restoration of the orchard has taken place with the planting of a number of apple trees. Two years is not long enough to draw firm conclusions but management changes may already be having some influence on the bird numbers. However it should be remembered that other factors will affect the results such as changes in the national population, local weather conditions and improved surveying techniques. The Club will continue to monitor the farm during 1999 and the combined figures for the 3 years should provide some useful basic data for future bird surveys. Peter Eldridge
509 THE HEREFORDSHIRE GARDEN BIRDWATCH The idea ofhaving a County Birdwatch Scheme came to fruition after the Editor, Ifor Evans, wrote an article in the 1996 Annual Report comparing our two gardens, his at Tupsley and mine at Putson. I placed an article in the bulletin asking for fifty volunteers to participate in a County Birdwatch scheme, all for the price of a stamped addressed envelope. The response was good and the idea took offwith 37 regular contributors. That was eighteen months ago and it is pleasing to report that we now have regular coverage in gardens at the four corners of the County. One of the aims of garden Birdwatch is to ensure that all those taking part get continued pleasure in watching the birds throughout the year, noting and reporting on the forty species listed. In addition, they are asked to report on any unusual bird sightings and behavioural patterns observed. During the last year 83 species were seen in our gardens including a Great Skua. All reports are totalled, then an average taken ofthe numbers seen divided by the number ofweeks reporting. i.e. 40 Blackbirds seen divided by 10 weeks reported gives an average of 4 Blackbirds in that garden. OK so it is not very scientific, but the Club can monitor any increase or decrease in the forty species of birds on which information is collected. When analysing the report sheets I am always amazed at the number of gardens where there are no House Sparrows or Starlings seen. It is something which must give concern to the environmentalist and begs the question "where have they gone?" 1998 saw an influx of Bramblings to our gardens; those of us who were lucky were given some splendid views of a colourful bird. Unfortunately there was also an increase in the number of Sparrowhawks reported, some becoming quite bold and waiting at the feeders for the unwary. Your Club now has eighteen months of data stored on which we can begin to examine the patterns and annual variation in the garden bird population and compare the results against those national figures published by the RSPB and the BTO. The following species are on the RED list (high conservation concern) Song Thrush, Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting. On the AMBER list (medium conservation concern) are the Blackbird, Brambling, Dunnock, Goldfinch and Starling. Please report all sightings. I sincerely hope that you get as much enjoyment in watching and reporting on your garden birds as I get in organising it. Ray Mellish
510 TARS COPPICE 1998
This is the report for Tars Coppice where 40 nestboxes are monitored. By May 11th the best ever take-up of nestboxes was recorded; 31 out of 40 had completed nests and most had eggs. However subsequent visits revealed nests apparently untouched but with the eggs missing, nests with smashed eggs and a nest pulled about with no eggs. The situation worsened with abandoned eggs and cold young, just feathering up. To sum up, this year we went from 77.5% occupied nests to just 40% success. Nest Tree Species Bird Species Notes la Sycamore empty 1b Sycamore empty, hole enlarged 1c Ash empty, hole enlarged Id Sycamore Blue Tit eggs smashed le Ash Pied Flycatcher 7 eggs crushed 2b Cherry Blue Tit hatched, 5 cold eggs removed 2c Oak nest, 1 cold egg 2d Oak 10 eggs in nest, raided 2e Conifer Blue Tit successful 2f Oak Pied Flycatcher 7 or 8 young hatched 3a Ash empty 3b Cherry empty, hole enlarged 3c Oak Blue Tit successful 3d Larch Blue Tit 8 dead young 3e Oak 11 eggs, then 8 eggs found cold 4a Conifer Blue Tit successful 4b Conifer Coal Tit successful 4c Conifer Blue Tit successful 4d Sycamore 8 eggs taken 4e Ash Pied Flycatcher eggs smashed 5a Conifer moss nest never used 5b Beech Nuthatch successful 5c Sycamore Blue Tit nest pulled about 5d Conifer moss nest not used 6a Oak Blue Tit successful 6b Oak Pied Flycatcher successful 6c Beech hole enlarged, 4 eggs raided 6d Beech Blue Tit successful 6f Oak 2 cold eggs 6g Ash Blue Tit successful 6h Ash 6 eggs raided
511 7a Sycamore empty, hole enlarged 7b Oak Blue Tit eggs smashed 7c Ash Pied Flycatcher 7 cold eggs 7d Oak Blue Tit successful 7e Ash Blue Tit successful 8f Ash Blue Tit successful 8g Oak Great Tit raided 8h Ash Blue Tit successful 8j Ash empty
Anne Russell October 1998
/ 5b Se / 5d 6b 6d I 6a / Sa 7e 6g ~ "1 7a 7 7b 4e 8f 4d 4b 4a ~ 3a 8g
3d
2b 2f
la le
Id J le N TARS COPPICE
512 SYSTEMATIC LIST 1998
The list follows the sequence as published in British Birds. Names used are traditional British Names for the species. Another new county record with 172 species recorded plus 2 subspecies. Ofparticular note were 3 new species to the county, namely White Stork, Red-necked Phalarope and Great Skua; sadly none of the birds stayed for any length of time and all were gone by the next day. Other rarities of note were Slavonian Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Manx Shearwater, Smew, Dotterel, Grey Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Mediterranean Gull, Short-eared Owl, Hoopoe, Mealy Redpoll and Snow Bunting. It was particularly pleasing to receive a breeding record of Snipe and a card for Nightjar, both being the first for many years. At the end of the systematic section is the full county list which gives some idea as to which species have never been recorded in the county: Cetti's Warbler and Lapland Bunting haven't, whereas exotics such as Spotted Eagle and Killdeer have. It also shows what we have lost with birds such as Black Grouse, Corncrake and Red-backed Shrike no longer with us. Hopefully Red Grouse will not go the same way although the comments in its species report speak for themselves. For inclusion in the annual report please send all sightings to the county recorder Paul Downes before 31st January of the following year as all records require recording on the database before the editorial committee receive their species section.
The following abbreviations are used within the systematic list: BL Bodenham Lake SIE Shobdon Industrial Estate GP Gravel Pit SP Sand Pits Imm. immature SSSP Stretton Sugwas Sand Pits juv. juvenile WGP Wellington Gravel Pits MGP Mathon Gravel Pit YOC Young Ornithologist's Club
513 LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
Common resident breeder on pools and rivers. An excellent year with records from 32 locations. A good breeding season with young seen at Berrington Pool (TCCIPHD/SPC), Brampton Bryan (T&EW), Glewstone Wye (PGG), Hartleton Lake (WaD), Leach Pool (SPCIPHD), Pengethley (GRP), The Wells Green Lane (PGG) and Weston Farm Ponds (SPC). At the Mynde Lake a pair was noted with 5 young with a second pair on the nest (BJG). At MGP a first pair hatched 3 young with only a single surviving, and a second pair had 6 young with each parent taking responsibility for 3 juveniles, all apparently fledging successfully (PGG). Breeding probably occurred at Fowden Farm (A&VR) and Monkton (BJG). Counts at the main sites were:
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. BL 5 2 1 1 5 2 Hartleton 2 1 1 2 3 5 2 2 2 MGP 1 2 3 2 5 3 8 2 WGP 11 7 4 1 3 6 7 5 6
Other large counts included 10 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 11th Jan. (TCC), 6 at Putson on 31st Jan. (R&JM), 5 at Sink Green on 9th Feb. (GSB), 6 at SSSP on 22nd Feb. (GRP), 7 at Leach Pool on 21st Aug. (SPCIPHD) and 6 at Kenchester Pools on 9th Sept. (PHD/SPC).
GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus
Fairly common resident breeder on large pools and lakes. Recorded from only 6 locations this year. The only confirmed breeding was a pair with 4 young still being carried at Berrington Pool on 9th Aug. (PHD/SPC). Monthly maxima at BL and WGP as follows:
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. BL 9 10 12 6 4 653 4 4 6 11 WGP 2 3 566 647 9 9 11 16
Also recorded at Eywood Pool (J&CP), Hartleton Lake, where a pair were displaying on 19th May (WaD), and Hereford Wye (I&EE).
SLAVONIAN GREBE P auritus
Very rare winter visitor. Following the record at the end of 1997, 2 more sightings were noted of this attractive species. A winter plumaged adult was on the Wye at Hunderton on 23rd Jan. (KPT). Another winter bird was at BL on 14th Dec. (TH). These are the 4th and 5th county records.
514 BLACK-NECKED GREBE P nigricollis
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Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. A juvenile bird was s en at WGP on the typical passage date of 24th Aug. (PHD/SPCIHEC). The 7th county record.
MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus Rare storm-blown visitor. A single bird was picked up from a f rmyard near Kingsland by Bernard Griffiths on 11th Sept. following a night of severe gale force westerly winds. The bird was in a healthy condition and was taken to Borth, Ceredigion and released later the same day (A&VRlPHD).
CORMORANT Phalacr()corax carbo Common winter visitor now seen all months. Numbers increased at the gravel pits particularly WGP but fewer reports from the Wye and hardly any reports from the Lugg away from the gravel pits. Maxima at the main sites were: Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. BL 19 17 8 2 3 2 17 23 24 20 14 Castleton 15 9 15 7 27 6 4 7 Criftin Ford 22 21 12 3 6 17 21 26 WGP 6 5 1 1 4 16 7 33 38 The only other count of more than 10 birds was 11 at Letton Irrig&tion Lake on 18th Feb. (GSB).
LITTLE EGRET Eg,.. tta garzetta Scarce passage migrant. A late summer influx into the Midlands b ught several birds into the county. 2 birds flew upstream, with a third bird feeding in the shallows at Castleton on 15th Aug. (PHD). A single bird remained in this area until at least 10th Sept. (SPCIHECIKAMlPJE) with 2 birds feeding together on 22nd Aug. (P&TD). During this period a single bird was regularly seen flying downstream at Lion's Den to its roost (SPC) with a single s n feeding at Turner's Boat on 10th Sept. (CC/SPCl. Also recorded from the WylJ in Hereford with 1 near the Salon Inn on 17th Sept. (BMA) and 1 fee iug along the riverbank at Eignside on 23rd Sept. (ACJ). This species now breed~ in Southern England and South Wales and records should increase.
515 GREY HERON Ardea cinerea Common resident breeder. Counts away from heronries included 11 at Letton on 10th Jan. (P&TD), 7 at WGP on 12th July (GSB), 3 at Bronsil on 17th Aug. (JHM), 7 at Eywood Pool on 6th Sept. (J&CP), 3 at Putson on 25th Sept. (R&JM), 7 at Castleton on 11th Oct. (KAM), 5 at Sink Green in Nov. (KPT) and 6 at Clifford on 24th Dec. (PHD). Heronry details as follows: 1998 Nests 1997 Nests Berrington (SPC) 13 12 Leach Pool (SPC) 12 3 Weston Farm (SPC) 35 23 Brampton Bryan (MO) 5 5 Counts ofmore than 25 birds were recorded at Leach Pool (PGG) and Berrington Pool (TCC).
WHITE STORK Cicania cicania Very rare vagrant. Annual in Great Britain, usually 1 or 2 individuals account for many sightings as they wander over large tracts of countryside. A single adult (or possibly sub-adult) was feeding in a weedy set-aside field at Marsh Court Farm, Bridge Sollars on 21st June (PJE/PHD/SPC). At lOpm it flew into a small clump of trees around a small pool presumably to roost and was not relocated the following day. This is the first county record.
MUTESWAN Cygnus alar Common resident breeder, forming larger winter herds along the Wye and Lugg. Breeding confirmed at Criftin Ford Bridge (PHD), Eywood Pool (J&CPIT&EW), Flintsham Pool (J&CP), Hartleton Lake (WaD/ARE), 3 pairs between Pencraig and Kerne Bridge (WaD), MGP (PGG) and at Twyford Farm, Pembridge where despite the nest with 6 eggs being flooded, 2 more eggs were laid with 5 hatching (PA). Broods were large on average this year with 7 cygnets at Criftin Ford Bridge and Eywood Pool. Larger counts were 46 at Foy on 1st Jan. (C&AL), 74 at WGP on 1st Jan. (PHD), 73 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 5th Jan. (I&EE), 30 at Castleton on 10th Jan. (PHD), 39 at Clifford on 24th Jan. (PHD), 33 at Castleton on 1st Feb. (PGG), 64 at Fownhope on 8th Feb. (PGG), c80 at Holme Lacy on 8th Mar. (ARE), 26 at Sellack on 16th Apr. (PGG), 26 at Castleton on 9th Aug. (KAM), 23 at Hoarwithy on 30th Aug. (WOD), 21 at Ross on 1st Oct. (WaD), 21 at Kerne Bridge on 10th Oct. (BJG), 26 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 10th Nov. (GSB), 24 at Kerne Bridge on 7th Dec. (BJG), 67 at Letton on 26th Dec. (PHD) and 46 at Clifford on 30th Dec. (PGG/RMa).
BEWICK'S SWAN C. calumbianus bewickii Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. A poor year with just five records. 6 birds were at Foy on 10th Jan. (PGG). 4 adults and an immature were
516 at Tidnor Mill, Lower Lugg Meadows on 11th Jan. (GSB). 7 adults including blue neck collared bird 875P and white darvic ringed bird AJA were on a flood pool at Withy Pool, Bredwardine from 27th to 28th Jan. and returned to this location from 4th to 5th Mar. (SPC). A single bird was at Clifford on 1st Feb. (PGG). The only second winter period record was of 2 adults at Leach Pool from 24th to 26th Dec. (PHD) before moving into the adjacent riverside fields at Clifford to 31st Dec. (PHDIPGGIRMa).
WHOOPER SWAN C. cygnus
Scarce winter visitor. 2 adults at Leach Pool on 18th Jan. (PHD) apparently wandered the Middle Wye valley into March and were also recorded at Withy Pool, Bredwardine from 27th to 28th Jan. (SPC) and at Clifford on 1st Feb. (PGG) and 11th Mar. (SPC). An early returning adult was seen at WGP on 8th Nov. (PHD/GSB). 2 adults were at Leach Pool on 12th Dec. (P&TD) and were probably the same pair seen at Clifford from 29th to 31st Dec. (PHDIPGGIRMa).
PINK·FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus
Rare winter visitor. An adult bird was seen with Canada Geese at WGP from 19th to 21st Sept. (P&TD/GSB). An adult bird was seen at BL on 30th Nov. and 14th Dec. (GSB). An immature bird was recorded at WGP on 27th Dec. and at BL on 31st Dec. and remained into 1999 (PHD). An adult bird was at Leach Pool with Canada Geese on 29th Dec. (PHD). The origins ofthe first record listed may be doubtful and the same bird may account for several records. However unusually large numbers of Pinkfeet wintered in both Gloucestershire and Worcestershire through winter 1998/99 with the latter county also getting some early winter records.
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE A. albifrons
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. An adult and a first winter bird were noted at Letton Irrigation Lake on 6th Dec. (AS). The same birds were relocated at Letton on 24th Dec. (PHD/SPC) in a field with Mute Swans before repositioning to Leach Pool on 31st Dec. (SPC) where they remained into 1999.
GREYLAG GOOSE A. anser
Scarce visitor and occasional breeder. A better year for records with 3 flying in to roost at WGP on 27th Mar. (PHD) where 2 were seen on 1st May and a single from 8th to 10th May (PHD). 2 were at BL on 7th Apr. with a single bird on 15th Oct. (GSB). A pair were at Berrington Pool on 26th Apr. and 18th May (TCC). A single bird was at Hartleton Lake on 11th Oct. (WOD), with 1 at Leach Pool on 26th Dec. (P&TD). The final record was of 2 at Hole-in-the-Wall on 28th Dec. (KH).
517 CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Common resident breeder from introduced origins. Breeding confirmed at BL (PHD) and Croose Farm Pond (I&EE) but obviously under reported. Numbers are still increasing with a massive count of 758 at WGP on 21st Sept. (GSB). Monthly maxima at the main sites were: Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Berrington 37 68 44 29 7 7 6 8 2 BL 175 143 253 80 42 232 181 88 105 111 194 162 Letton 27 30 20 16 12 125 107 200 MGP 20 37 53 19 WGP 416 1 212 758 278 Other counts of 100 or more birds include 109 at Castleton in Aug. (KAM), c140 at Eywood Pool on 29th Sept. (T&EW), 121 at Holme Lacy on 21st Oct. (CG) and c150 at Clifford on 6th Dec. (J&CP). A single bird showing characteristics of a Lesser Canada Goose was at MGP on 7th Feb. (PGG).
BARNACLE GOOSE B. leucopsis Rare winter visitor and introduced breeder. Few reports this year but the small introduced population remained centred around BL. Breeding is believed to have occurred but the number of young produced is not known. 24 birds were present on 21st Feb. (PHD) with 21 seen on 20th Oct. (IBE). 22 ofthe group were at WGP on 3rd Jan. (PHD). 1 bird was with Canadas at Leintwardine on 11th Feb. (JVo). A single bird was with Canada Geese at MGP on 8th Mar. (PGG).
SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. An excellent year for sightings probably due to the large amount of flooding during the year. 1 was at SSSP on 2nd Jan. (PGG). A pair were noted at WGP on 13th Jan. (SPC). 3 at Tidnor Mill on 13th Jan. increased to a county record of 19 the next day (GSB). 5 males and a female were at WGP on 15th Feb. (PHD/GSB). A single bird was on the Lower Lugg Meadows on 9th Mar. (GSB) with 2 at Leominster Bypass Floods on 19th Mar. (TWD). Pairs were on floodwater on the Leominster Arrow and Lower Lugg Meadows on 12th Apr. (PHD). 4 birds were at WGP on 4th July (GSB) and a female and 2 juvs. were at this site on 12th Sept. (PHD). 2 pairs noted at WGP on 12th Oct. (TF). A single bird was on Lower Lugg Meadows on 29th Oct. with 2 at this location from 10th to 13th Nov. (GSB). 2 were at Letton Irrigation Lake on 6th Dec. (AS) with a single here on 30th Dec. (PGGIRMa). The final record was a pair at WGP on 31st Dec. (GSBIPHD).
MANDARIN Aix galericulata Scarce introduced breeder. Very few records this year with no positive breeding records although a male was seen in courtship display with 2 females at Bronsil,
518 Eastnor on 23rd Mar. and a pair seen on territory here on 30thApr. (MJ). A male was seen at Hartleton Lake on 12th Feb. (CG). All other records relate to the birds around Castle Pool and Victoria Bridge, Hereford with 3 pairs seen at Castle Pool on 21st Jan. (I&EE).
WIGEON Anas penelope Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Recorded at 12 locations with monthly maxima at the main sites: Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. Aug. Sep. act. Nov. Dec. BL 103 124 85 1 15 75 49 68 Kenchester 29 43 17 20 Letton 100 24 24 6 80 WGP 197 25 30 5 1 9 8 37 50 Other sightings include c50 at Leach Pool on 18th Feb. (PHD) and c50 at this site on 30th Dec. (RMa) and also 37 at Tidnor Mill on 11th Jan. (GSB). Single figure counts were received from Castleton, Criftin Ford Bridge, Hartleton Lake, Lower Lugg Meadows, Lugg Mills and MGP.
GADWALL A. strepera Uncommon resident breeder and passage migrant. Breeding again confirmed at Hartleton Lake, females seen with ducklings in May and June (WaD/ARE). Maximum counts at Hartleton Lake were: Jan. 6, Feb. 5, Mar. 6, Apr. 4, May 7, June 10, July 5, Aug. 5, Sept. 5, Oct. 9, Nov. 19, Dec. 37 (WaD). Elsewhere birds were present at WGP between 1st Jan. and 15th Feb. with peaks of 22 on 17th Jan. and 4 on 15th Feb. and further records of4 males and a female on 1st Mar., 2 males and a female on 6th Mar. and 2 males on 30th Nov. (PHD/GSBIRMa). 2 pairs were at BL on 12th Jan. (GSB), a male from 7th to 14th Mar., a female on 29th Aug. (PHD) and a pair on 29th Dec. (GSB). 2 pairs noted at Tidnor Mill on 11th Jan. (GSB). 2 pairs on breeding territory at Bury Hill on 13th June (MFP). A female was at Eywood Pool from 26th Dec. into 1999 (PHD).
TEAL A. erecca Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Recorded from 20 locations slightly up on last year. Maxima at the main sites were: Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. act. Nov. Dec. BL 14 22 24 1 3 8 11 2 10 Eywood 9 10 10 10 28 9 25 40 50 Hartleton 4 20 1 4 6 21 Kenchester 38 46 23 2 5 3 7 WGP 18 7 2 2 3 26 4 53 12 Other records of 20 or more birds included c50 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 1st Jan. (PHD). 28 at Tidnor Mill on 11th Jan. (GSBl, c70 at Combe Moor on 15th Jan.
519 (RMa), 21 at SSSP on 6th Mar. (RMa), 41 at Combe Moor on 30th act. (RMa), c65 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 15th Nov. (TCC) and c100 at Leach Pool on 24th Dec. (PHD).
MALLARD A. platyrhynchos Common resident breeder and winter visitor. Breeding records from Almeley (JLR) and WGP where at least 11 broods and 80 ducklings were counted during spring and summer (PHD) were the only ones received. Maxima at the main sites were: Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Berrington 17 16 4 6 21 23 30 8 22 12 23 BL 32 30 20 20 12 7 35 57 107 77 45 48 Eywood 20 20 15 8 14 17 51 80 68 70 88 130 Hartleton 40 17 13 22 36 57 35 46 36 42 47 Kenchester 26 31 25 23 18 23 18 2 Letton 2 6 6 12 12 16 14 24 65 9 9 Putson 63 48 45 20 18 38 20 38 18 WGP 104 58 19 36 56 58 50 30 163 197 251 267 Other counts of 75 or more birds were clOO at Leach Pool on 9th Aug. with the same number on 13th Dec. (SPC), 128 at Sink Green in Aug. (KPT), c80 at Wilton Wye on 27th Sept. (WaD) and at Kerne Bridge where there were 106 on 10th Oct., 113 on 8th Nov. and 222 on 7th Dec. (BJG).
PINTAIL A. acuta Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. An excellent year with records from 6 locations. 3 males and 3 females were on floods at Tidnor Mill on 1st Jan. (GSB). 4 birds were on BL on 18th Jan. with 2 pairs there on 15th Feb. (GSB). A single bird was at Letton Irrigation Lake on 15th Feb. with 4 there on 15th Mar. (AS). A pair of birds were on floodwater at Holme Lacy on 8th Mar. (AHE). An eclipse male and a female were at Eywood Pool on 11th Oct. (J&CP). The bulk of records however came from WGP where there was a male and 2 females on 1st Jan., increasing to 7 males, an imm. male and 10 females on 10th Jan. and present to 25th Jan. when 3 males and 2 females remained (PHD/GSB). Also at this site a single female was seen on 3rd Oct. (P&TD) and 2 adult and a 1st winter male noted on 28th Dec. (PHD).
SHOVELER A. clypeata Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Recorded from just 5 locations during the year. At BL there was a single bird on 18th Jan. (GSB), a male on 1st Feb. (GSB), a male from 29th to 30th Mar. (PHD/GSB/PGG), a single on 11th Oct. (GSB), a pair from 15th to 19th Oct. (GSB) and a drake on 9th Nov. (GSB). 2 males were at Tidnor Mill on 15th Jan. (GSB). 2 birds were at Hartleton Lake on 6th Sept. (WaD) with a male there on 2nd Oct. (AHE). A pair were on floods at Wergin's Bridge on 28th Oct. (GSB). The majority of records were from WGP
520 Great Crested Grehe 011 nest 'pllO/o: Boh Bishop'
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Lapwing (photo: Bob Bishopl
522 where records were as follows: male on 3rd Jan., male and imm. male on 11th Jan., male on 15th Feb., 2 males on 9th Mar., male from 2nd to 4th Apr., female on 29th July, eclipse male on 29th Aug., juv. on 21st Sept., female on 23rd Sept. joined by a male and ajuv. from 24th Sept. to 4th Oct., imm. male on 18th Oct., male on 8th Nov., 2 males and a female on 9th Nov., eclipse male on 14th Nov. and finally 2 females on 21st Nov. (PHD/GSB/CW).
POCHARD Aythya ferina Common winter visitor and passage migrant. An improvement with records from 8 locations with monthly maxima at the main sites: Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. BL 91 36 85 1 5 9 70 22 Eywood 12 5 2 2 11 20 MGP 4 25 21 8 WGP 75 21 25 1 1 15 26 67 53 Elsewhere the records included 1 on Lower Lugg Meadows on 5th Jan. (I&EE), 15 at Letton Irrigation Lake on 18th Jan. with 1 there on 15th Mar. (AS), a pair on Hartleton Lake on 21st Feb. and 2 males on 6th Dec. (AHE) and at SIE GP with 2 on 25th Oct. and 15 on 14th Nov. (PHD).
TUFTED DUCK A. fuligula Common resident breeder and winter visitor. Breeding confirmed at Berrington Pool (SPCIPHD), BL (SPCIHEC), Flintsham Pool - 3 broods (J&CP), Fowden Farm, Kingsland (A&VR), Hartleton Lake (ARE), Leach Pool (PHD/SPC), MGP - 3 broods (PGG), SSSP - 2 broods (PGG) and The Mynde Lake (BJG). Monthly maxima at the main sites were: Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. BL 112 86 82 33 28 19 26 49 23 78 85 46 Eywood 33 23 11 29 15 35 30 6 14 MGP 36 65 58 33 6 20 10 25 54 11 22 WGP 309 44 99 15 38 20 52 92 90 197 243 175 Other counts of 10 or more birds were 14 at Hartleton Lake on 7th Feb. (PGG), 10 at Lugg Mills on 12th Feb. (GMJ) with 22 there on 16th Apr. (PGG), 10 at Berrington Pool on 26th Apr. (TCC), 13 at Fowden Farm on 28th July (A&VR) and at SIE GP with 47 on 17th Oct. and 61 on 6th Dec. (PHD).
SCAUP A. marila Rare winter visitor. Three records all of females make this the best year on record for the species in the county. A female was seen on the Wye at Lion's Den on 5th Feb. (S&LC). An adult female was noted at BL from 9th to 10th Nov. (GSBIPHD) before being relocated at WGP on 11th Nov. (GSB). A different adult female was seen roosting at WGP on 31st Dec. (PHD). This takes the total of county records to 17.
523 Aythya hybrids
Three records of hybrid diving ducks were noted during the year. The first was seen at Kenchester Pools on 11th Aug. and resembled a Tufted Duck x Scaup hybrid (GSB). The next bird was a female type at WGP on 13th Dec. resembling a female Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris in build and shape with the correct bill pattern. Unfortunately the head was too dark and lacking a dark cap, the eyering was not distinctive enough and the flank pattern was incorrect (PHDINH). Finally a drake bird displaying to female Tufted Ducks at WGP on 31st Dec was noted. This bird had the head colour of a Tufted Duck although lacking any crest, the bill pattern was similar to Ring-necked Duck and the flanks were rusty coloured like a Ferruginous Duck A. nyroca. Some observers suggested New Zealand Scaup A. novaeseelandiae but the bill pattern was incorrect. It remained until at least March 1999 (PHD).
COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra
Rare winter visitor and passage migrant, recorded every year since 1994. A pair ofbirds were noted on overland spring passage at WGP on 15thApr. (P&TD). An adult drake was found on the Wye at Holme Lacy on 21st Oct. (CGIRJBIPG). The 15th and 16th county records.
GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula
Uncommon winter visitor. Recorded at only 3 locations away from BL and WGP. A female was at Lugg Mills on 15th Nov. (KAMlEAG). A drake was at Letton Irrigation Lake on 20th Dec. (PGG). 2 females were on the Wye at Lion's Den on 29th Dec. (PHD/SPC). At BL monthly peaks were Jan. - 6, Feb. - 6, Mar. - 7, Apr. 3, Nov. - 2, Dec. - 4 (GSB/CWIPHDIRMa/MFP). At WGP a maximum of 2 birds were noted from 1st Jan. to 16th Apr. with 5 present from 7th to 18th Nov. and up to 2 females from 7th to 31st Dec. (PHD/GSBIRMa).
SMEW Mergellus albellus
Rare winter visitor. After the crop of records in 1997 it was pleasing to see the return of this attractive sawbill so quickly. A single female was located at WGP on 11th Jan. (PHDIR&JM) where it remained until 14th Jan. before relocating to BL on 15th Jan. (GSB). For the third consecutive winter this species was recorded when 2 females were found at WGP on 6th Dec. (GSH). They remained into 1999 being seen at WGP on most occasions although having moved to BL where 1 bird on 14th Dec. had been joined by the other on 19th Dec. (GSBIP&TD). The 11th and 12th county records.
524 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator
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Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Three records this year brings the county total to 14 sightings. A pair ofbirds were seen fishing the Wye near Ross Rowing Club on 28th Jan. (ARE). A single female was in the rapids at Castleton on 31st Mar. (PHD). A pair were noted at WGP on 30th Dec., the first record at this site (PHDIKAM).
GOOSANDER M. merganser
Fairly common breeder and winter visitor. Well reported from be Wye, Lugg and Teme. Breeding n lted with a female and 8 juvs. at Lion's D n on 20th Apr. and 3 females and 35 juvs. there on 24th May (S&LC). A female was noted with 5 juvs. at Turners Boat on 14th May (CC). At Locksters Pool a female was seen with 8 juvs. on 1st June and 2 females and 18 juvs. on 30th June (CB). At Walford Teme, a female was seen with 11 young on 14th Aug. (JVo). Fewer large counts this year 20 at Putson on 18th Jan. (R&JM), 30 at Hunderton on 9th Feb. (GSB), 22 at Castleton on 15th Feb. with 20 there on 15th Mar. (KAM/PJE) and 40 at Eywood Pool on 11th Oct. (J&CP). Other double figure counts noted at Criftin Ford Bridge, Kerne Bridge, Sink Green, The Carrots and Winforton.
RUDDYDUCK Oxyura jamaicensis
Fairly common introduced breeder. Recorded from 5 locations wit BL and WGP having the majority of records. At BL a female was noted on 2nd and 10th Jan. (PGG/PHD), a drake n 30th Mar., a pair on 12th Apr. and a femllle on 21st Apr. (PHD). At WGP a drake was present from 17th Jan. and joined by a second male to 15th Feb. (PHDIGSB), another adult male was seen 10th May (PHD) and a pair noted on 13th Sept. since which none have been recorded in the county to Mar. 1999 (GSB). Elsewhere there was a male at Kenchester PooL:· on 25th June (GSB/CW), a male at Withy Pool, Bredwardine on 24th July (SPC) and a female at Eywood Pool on 20th Aug. (J&CP).
525 REDKlTE Milvus milvus Uncommon visitor and rare probable breeder. 8 records all of single birds. 1 was seen regularly at Bronsil, Eastnor between 13th and 26th Jan. and was mobbed by 3 Buzzards on the first date (JHM). Possibly the same bird was at the viaduct near Ledbury on 19th Jan. (RWR). Other records were at Trumpet on 3rd Apr. (RWR), Colwall on 2nd May (PGG), over the east ofLeominster town on 24th May (TWD), over Hereford city on 18th June (RJT), Wapley Hill on 28th June (GM) and in the Dulas Valley at Ewyas Harold Common on 30th Aug. (JRP). The obvious increase in recent years is mostly due to the expansion of the Welsh population.
HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. A male was seen near Titley on 12th Dec. (SD).
GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis Uncommon resident breeder. A slightly better year with 15 records from 12 locations. No confirmed breeding and no statements from the Forestry Commission. 3 birds were noted circling with Buzzards at Wapley Hill on 29th Nov. (PJE/JKJKAM). A male and a female were seen over Wigmore Rolls separately on 8th Feb. (P&FB). All other records were of singles and spread throughout the county.
SPARROWHAWK A. nisus Common resident breeder. Breeding confirmed at Little Dewchurch (R&PK), Newton (I&DH), with pairs also noted at Ledbury (RWR) and Almeley (JLR). Prey taken included a sparrow at Burghill on 17th June (PJ), a Chaffinch at Ledbury on 28th June (RWR), a Woodpigeon at Three Elms, Hereford on 1st Sept. (K&CM) and a Collared Dove at Kington on 15th Sept. (J&CP).
BUZZARD Buteo buteo Common resident breeder. Breeding confirmed at Garway Hill (JRP), Marcle Hill (MJ) and Sutton Walls (JCD) and undoubtedly under reported. Recorded from 72 locations with the largest numbers being 9 at Fromes Hill on 25th Feb. (RJB), 9 at Dulas on 8th Mar. (I&DH), 9 at Garway Hill on 22nd Mar. (KJR), 10 at Wapley Hill in Sept. (JK), 19 together in a field at Street Court on 3rd Oct. (P&TD), 16 in a field at Kinsham on 14th Nov. (PHD), 8 at Little Dewchurch on 17th Nov. (R&PK) and 33 feeding on worms in a field near Milton Cross, with others calling nearby on 6th Dec. (PHD/SPC).
OSPREY Pandion haliaetus Scarce passage migrant. Two sightings confirmed of this impressive bird. 1 was seen overhead flying Northwest at Whitman's Hill Quarry on 14th Apr. (CG).
526 The other record was of a single perched and preening and later in flight at Brampton Bryan Park on 30th Aug. (T&EW).
KESTREL FaZe tinnuncuZus Common resident breeder. Reported from 63 sites and usually singles. Breeding confirmed at BL (GSB), Bishon Common (PJE), Marcle Ridge (MJ) and WGP (PHD). Two larger counts were noted both in early August. 17 were noted on Hergest Ridge within 2-3 hectares feeding on invertebrates on 6th (TH) and 6 were at Garway Common on 11th (BJG). 1 seen to catch a v le in a Little Dewchurch garden on 4th Oct. (R&PK).
MERLIN F eoZumbarius Uncommon resident breeder and passage migrant. Another very poor year for records withjust 3 in ividuals reported. A female was noted in the Olchon Valley on 22nd Apr. (I&EE), unusually a summer record of a single at SSSP on 19th June (GRP) and a female noted at Bradnor Hill on 15th Nov. fl w off towards Hergest Ridge (PGG/RMa).
HOBBY F subbuteo
Uncommon summer breeder and passage migrant increasing itA status within the county. 15 records from 14 sites was an improvement on last year. The earliest was an adult at WGP on 25th Apr. (P&TD) with 1 atAlmeley 2 days later (JLR). Singles recorded during May at Lion's Den (S&LC), yford Farm, Pembridge (PA), Criftin Ford Bridge (TCC) and hawking dragonflies at Arrow Fisheries (PGG). During June just one record of a bird at Holmer (TWD). 1 was at Hartleton Lake on 5th July (ARE) with 2 chasing Meadow Pipits at British Camp on 29th July (PGG). 2 were over the woods at Fownhope on 1st Aug. (D&DD) with singles seen at Leominster Bypass (TWD), Castleton (KAM), Leach Pool (PHD/SPC), Adforton (JVo), Fownhope (GF) and the last record on 22nd at Marcle Hill (MJ) also during Aug.
527 PEREGRINE F. peregrinus Uncommon resident breeder and winter visitor. Recorded from 27 locations in 1998, 10 more than the previous year. Pairs bred at 3 widely dispersed sites with pairs at a further 2 locations. Birds seen in winter hunting over farmland at Criftin Ford Bridge (PHD), Lion's Den (SPC), Milton Cross (TWD), Nacklestone (P&FB), SIE (PHD), St Owens Cross (WaD), Stretford Bridge (TCC), Thinghill (TWD), Trumpet (P&TD), WGP (P&TDIGSB), Weobley (MFP) and Winforton (JRP/GRPIPJE). An imm. seen hunting Wigeon at Leach Pool on 31st Dec. (PGGIRMa).
RED GROUSE Lagopus lagopus scotius Uncommon resident breeder in the Black Mountains. The only record was a single bird in the Olchon Valley on 3rd Apr. (WaD). Ian Lindsay who works with the Game Conservancy and Welsh Grouse Project has studied the Herefordshire population for many years. He has determined that due to diminishing numbers and poor breeding records in recent times, the Black Mountains population could easily be extinct within 5 years. If this was to happen it would be the second grouse species to be lost from the county within the last 60 years, after Black Grouse became extinct in the early 1940s.
RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa Fairly common resident breeder. Breeding confirmed from SIE (PHD), Sink Green (KPT) and Sollers Hope (JRP). Larger coveys reported with 8 at Aconbury on 13th Feb. (R&JM), 16 at Leintwardine on 21st Oct. (T&EW), 14 at Mordiford on 29th Oct. (I&EE) and 7 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 30th Dec. (PHD). Reported from a further 11 locations with c7 pairs noted in the Milton Cross to SIE area during spring (PHD).
GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix Fairly common but declining resident breeder. A drop in the number of records with 17 sightings from 13 locations. Breeding confirmed at Bacton with 6 imms noted (RGD) with c7 pairs around Milton Cross and c3 pairs on SIE during spring (P&TD). Only two coveys of significance with 13 in riverside crops at Winforton on 30th Aug. (PHD/SPC) and 9 just north ofAymestrey on 23rd Oct. (PHD). Also recorded at Hergest, Ivington, Madley Industrial Estate, Marcle Hill, Pembridge, Pengethley and Titley Court.
QUAIL Coturnix coturnix Scarce summer visitor, more often heard than seen. Four records with the earliest seen flying across the road at Lea on 1st June (ARE). The others were all singing males with 1 calling at Tretire on 5th June (WaD), 1 calling from barley at Bromsash from 21st to 25th June (AREIPHD/NH) and 1 at Llancloudy on 28th July (BJG).
528 PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus
Common resident breeder, with many sightings relating to birds of captive origins. Larger counts were 33 at Wapley Hill in Aug. (JK), 29 at Coppett Hill in Nov. (RHD) and 50 at Brampton Bryan Park on 1st Dec. (T&EW). An adult male was regular at a bird table at Stretford Bridge during Feb. and Mar. (TCC).
WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus
Uncommon winter visitor and rare breeder. No proof of breeding this year but easily overlooked. 1 seen and 2 others heard at Combe Moor on 15th Nov. (PGGIRMa) was the only multiple sighting. Singles recorded at Hartleton Lake on 11th Jan. (AHE), Putson Wye on 18th Feb. (R&JM), Much Marcle on 25th Aug. (SGD), WGP reedbed on 4th Oct. (SPC) and Upper Lugg Meadows on 8th Dec. (EAG). 1 called around a pond and stream at Garway Hill from 4th to 15th Dec. (KJR) and a freshly dead 1st winter bird was picked up at Preston-on-Wye on 12th Oct. (DAW).
MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
Common resident breeder. Breeding confirmed at Almeley - 3 pairs (JLR), Berrington Pool - 3 pairs (SPCIPHD), Brockhampton (DGB), Fowden Farm, Kingsland (A&VR), a Garway farm where a pair had a brood of 11 juvs. on 3rd July (JRP), Leach Pool (SPCIPHD), Putson Wye (R&JM) and WGP - 2 pairs, the first breeding for this site (PHD). Monthly maxima from 2 sites were:
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. BL 6 8 6 8 2 6 631 325 Hartleton 6 8 9 4 4 11 19 25 21 36 30 25
COOT Fulicra atra
Common resident breeder and winter visitor. Breeding confirmed at Berrington Pool - 2 pairs (SPCIPHD), Eywood Pool - 2 pairs (J&CP), Kenchester Pools - 2 on nests (PHD), an adult with 4 juvs. at Kingfisher Fishery, Bromyard on 7th Aug. (TWD), Leach Pool- 2 pairs (SPCIPHD), MGP - 2 pairs (PGG), The Mynde Lake (BJG) and WGP where 3 or 4 pairs raised only 2 juvs. successfully (PHD). Monthly maxima were:
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. BL 26 34 18 25 16 24 18 88 64 62 25 44 Eywood 4 12 22 24 26 23 15 11 Hartleton 7 6 6 10 19 29 34 41 45 46 62 MGP 4 40 38 27 21 6 3 5 5 WGP 602 44 42 13 26 40 85 166 163 72 91 57
529 OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, has been known to breed. Only a single adult was recorded at the breeding site along the Wye and was noted from 16th Mar. to 26th Apr. (SPCIPHDIKAM). Other records were 2 at WGP from 18th to 19thApr. (PHD/SPC), singles at Letton Irrigation Lake on 26thApr. (AS) and at MGP following very wet and windy weather on 3rd Aug. (PGG), 3 flying Southwest at night over Marcle Hill on 11th Aug. (MJ) and finally 2 at WGP on 13th Aug. (PHD/MFP).
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius Fairly common summer breeder and passage migrant. Earliest birds were 5 at WGP on 29th Mar. (NSM), with 4 at Winforton on 31st Mar. (PHD). Other large counts were 4 at Kenchester Pools on 10th Apr. (GRP) and 4 at SSSP on 16th Apr. (PGG). Breeding confirmed at 3 locations with 12 young fledging. The last record was a juvenile on passage at WGP on 29th Aug. (PHD).
RINGED PLOVER C. hiaticula Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Another increase in records with 10 sightings from 3 locations. On spring passage adults were seen at WGP on 7th, 11th and 30th May (PHD) with a single adult at Kenchester Pools from 12th to 14th May (PHD). Returning adults were again at WGP on 23rd and 29th Aug. (PHD) and 10th Sept. (PHDIKAM). Juvenile birds were seen at WGP with 2 from 13th to 14th Sept. falling to 1 bird on 15th Sept. (GSBIPHD) and a single from 26th to 27th Sept. (GSBIPHD). 8 birds were heard and seen flying high, heading north over Winforton on 16th Aug. (PHD).
DOTTEREL C. morinellus Very rare passage migrant. 6 birds were heard calling and seen flying towards Herrock Hill at Rushock on 15th Oct. (TH). The seventh county record although almost certainly under recorded as there are many suitable hills where they should occur on passage.
GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria Fairly common winter visitor and migrant, has been known to breed. Another poor year for records. In the first winter period there were 150 at Kings Acre on 16th Jan. (JCD). 12 birds were in a flooded, ploughed field near WGP on 11th Apr. (P&TD). Spring passage birds at Milton Cross peaked at 75 on 24th Apr. with several birds showing characteristics of the northern form (PHD). In the second winter period records included 42 at SIE on 19th Sept. (P&TD), 3 flying north over WGP on 3rd Oct. (P&TD), c150 at Milton Cross on 19th Nov. (J&CP), 24 at Huntington Lane on 23rd Nov. (KH), 36 at Auberrow on 29th Nov. (GRP) and 3 on Hergest Ridge on 17th Dec. (JLR).
530 GREY PLOVER P. squatarola Rare passage migrant. An adult female moulting into summer plumage was at WGP on 4th May (PHD). The 10th county record.
LAPWING Vanellus vanellus Common winter visitor and scarce resident breeder. Large floc s in the first winter period were 180 at WGP on 10th Jan. (PHD) and 107 at S 'P on 1st Feb. (PGG). Pairs were noted on territories at Madley (GM). Noggen Farm, Much Marcle where herbicide spraying in June probably led to failure (MJ), Milton Cross where a stubble field being used was replanted with potatoes and the area then deserted (PHD) and SSSP (PGG). An adult with 2 small chicks was seen near a small pond at Treworgan near Llangrove on 22nd May (BJG). Winter flocks in the second period included c180 at Monkland on 1st Nw. (JE). 365 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 5th Nov. (GSB), clOO at Shelwick Green on 14th Nov. (JRWP), 371 at Milton Cross on 21st Nov. (P&TD), c400 at WGP on 23rd Nov. (GSB), 120 at Huntington Lane on 24th Nov. (KH), c120 at Kingsland on 26th Nov. (MJW), c400 at WGP on 9th Dec. (KAM) and c100 at St Weonards on 30th Dec. (JRP).
LITI'LE STINT c. minuta Rare passage migrant. Following the single record in 1997 there were 5 sightings from 4 locations this year. 2 juveniles were at Kenchester Pools on 9th Sept. (CWIPHD/SPCIKAMJJRP). 2 juveniles at WGP from 13t to 14th Sept reduced to a single bird from 15th to 16th Sept. (GSBIPHD) with another juvenile at this site on 20th Sept. (PHD). A late passage saw a juvenile on floodwater at Monkland on 1st Nov. (JE) with possibly the same bird on floods with 6 Dunlin at Leonlinster Bypass on 10th Nov. (PHD). This takes the total number of county records to eleven and proves the benefit of checking suitable locations during passuge periods.
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Juveniles ofCurlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and Ringed Plover at Welling n Gravel Pits
531 CURLEW SANDPIPER c. ferruginae Very rare passage migrant. A juvenile was seen at WGP on 14th Sept. initially located by its white rump in flight. It was relocated feeding on the mud in the silt lagoon with Ringed Plover and Little Stint. Sadly it was accidentally disturbed by workmen (GSB). This was only the second county record following a single bird at Aymestrey in October 1985.
DUNLIN C. alpina Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Records came from 4 locations as follows. At WGP a single bird on 12th Jan. (GSB) was followed by summer plumaged adults on 19th June (PHD), 4th July (GSB) and 10th Aug. (PHD). Juveniles were recorded on 2nd Aug. (PHD), 7th Aug. (GSB), 9th Aug. (PHD), 11th to 15th Aug. (PHD/SPC), 18th Sept. (PHD) and 27th Sept. (PHD). 6 winter plumaged birds were seen on 4th Nov. (GSB), 2 with Lapwings on 7th Nov. (PHD) and singles on 23rd Nov. (GSB), 28th Nov. (P&TD) and 2nd Dec. (GSB). A summer plumaged adult was at BL on 21st Apr. (PHD). On Lower Lugg Meadows a single bird on 3rd Nov. increased to 3 the next day before the year's largest count of 23 were seen on 5th Nov. (GSB). 6 birds were on floods at Leominster Bypass on 10th Nov. (PHD). An excellent year for records.
RUFF Philomachus pugnax Rare passage migrant. A single bird was seen at WGP on 12th Aug. where it circled several times without landing before heading off east (PHD/SPC). A juvenile was on the pit next to the road at WGP from 19th to 21st Sept. (P&TD/GSB). Ajuvenile male and 4 juvenile females were in a winter wheat field with Lapwings alongside the A49 dual carriageway at Wellington on 26th Sept. (PHD). Finally an adult male twice circled WGP at low level on 18th Oct. (PHD).
JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. A good year for records. At SSSP there were 5 on 2nd Jan., 3 on 1st Feb., 2 on 6th Mar., 4 on 26th Oct. and at least 10 on 20th Dec. (PGGIRMa). 2 were at Combe Moor on 27th Jan. (RMa) and singles at MGP on 4th Jan. (PGG), Berrington Pool on 21st Jan. (SPC), WGP on 1st Feb. (PHD), Combe Moor on 15th Nov. (PGGIRMa) and WGP on 21st Nov. (PHD).
SNIPE Gallinago gallinago Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant, has been known to breed. An impressive count of 97 at Combe Moor on 27th Jan. was the largest number for some years (RMa). Other large counts were 11 at SSSP on 2nd Jan. (RMalPGG), 13 at MGP on 4th Jan. (PGG), 25 at Leach Pool on 1st Feb. (PGG), 15 at WGP on 15th Feb. (PHD), 20 at SSSP on 26th Oct. (PGG), 22 on Lower Lugg Meadows on 5th Nov. (GSBl, 15 at WGP on 7th Nov. (PHD), 31 at Weston Farm Pond on
532 1st Dec. (SPC) and 26 at SSSP on 20th Dec. (PGG). Also reported from Arrow Fisheries, BL, Castleton, Kenchester Pools and Letton. The best record however was a confirmed breeding record from Fowden Farm, Kingsland where a juvenile was seen with an adult on 8th July (A&VR).
WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola Fairly common resident breeder and winter visitor. Roding birds included 2 at Wigmore Rolls on 22nd May (K&CM), with other summer records of2 at Fairoak Wood, Bacton on 21st July (I&DH) and a single at Garway Hill from 1st to 29th May (KJR). Many winter records from Birchwood (CG), BL (GSB), Caedee Coppice, Dulas (I&DH), Broomy Green, Checkley (MJ), Haugh Wood (FSB), Holywell Dingle (J&CP), Kentchurch (JRP), Little Dewchurch (R&PK), Rock Wood, Newton (I&DH), Staunton-on-Wye (MWi), Wall Hills, Ledbury (PGG), Wigmore Rolls (JVo) and Witney Woods, Dulas (I&DH).
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa Rare passage migrant. A summer plumaged adult was recorded at WGP on 2nd Sept. (PGB). The eighth county record.
WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Scarce passage migrant. Again just 2 records for the year. A bird was heard calling overhead at St Owens Cross on 28th Apr. (WOD). The second was in a field with cows at WGP before flying off Northeast, calling when accidentally disturbed by the observer on 7th May (PHD).
CURLEW N. arquata Fairly common winter visitor and scarce breeder. A well recorded species with over 70 records from 38 locations. Pairs were recorded at Bacton (J&CP), Dilwyn (DHW), Fownhope (JHM), Garway (JRP), Lower Lyde (JP), Madley (GM), MGP (PGG), Moreton-on-Lugg (JP), Stretford Bridge (TCC) and WGP (PHD). Breeding was confirmed at Arthur's Stone, Bredwardine (PJE), Monkland (JE) and Wolferlow (RMa). Fewer large counts with 13 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 1st Jan. (PHD), 15 at WGP on 6th Mar. (RMa), 10 at Letton Irrigation Lake on 7th Apr. (PJEIKAM) and 13 at WGP on 19th June (PHD).
REDSHANK Tringa totanus Uncommon passage migrant, has been known to breed. A better year with 11 records from 4 locations. At WGP there were singles on 14th and 27th Mar. (PHD), 3 on 17th Mar. (GSB), 10 in a flooded field from 11th to 12th Apr. (P&TD) and 7 on 14th Apr. (PHD), with singles on 25th June (GSBICW), 28th June (GSB) and 15th July (GSBIPHD). Elsewhere there were singles at Letton Irrigation Lake on 15th Mar. (AS), Kington on 4th Apr. (J&CP) and Leominster Bypass floods on 14th Nov. (P&TD).
533 GREENSHANK T. nebularia Uncommon passage migrant. A single spring record of a breeding plumaged adult at WGP from 7th to 12th May (PHD) preceded the bulk of sightings from the more usual return passage period in August and September. At WGP 8 birds arrived from the Northeast on 10th Aug. with only 1 stopping to feed (PHD). Single birds were recorded here on 11th Aug., 14th Aug., 1st Sept., 19th to 21st Sept., with 2 on 16thAug. and 12th Sept. and 3 on 15thAug. (PHD/GSB). On the Wye in the Castleton and Winforton area singles were seen on 9th Aug. (KAM), 16th Aug., 22nd Aug., (P&TD/ SPC), 30th Aug. (ARE) and 8 at this location on 6th Sept. (KAMlPJE). Away from these 2 sites the only other record was 1 at Kenchester Pools on 10th Sept. (PJE).
GREEN SANDPIPER T. ochropus Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Recorded at 13 locations during the year and in every month. Monthly maxima at WGP (PHD) as follows:
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2 2 1 1 006 542 3 4 Other large counts were 3 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 15th Feb. (PHD), 5 at Kenchester Pools on 11th Aug. (GSB) and 3 at SSSP on 26th Oct. (PGG).
COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
Fairly common summer breeder and passage migrant. The first record was a single bird at WGP on 14th Apr. (PHD) with sightings coming from 12 locations. Larger counts from WGP were 6 on 8th May (PHD), 12 on 13th July (GSB) and 7 on 11th Aug. (PHD) with 8 at Winforton Wye on 16th Aug. (PHD). The last sighting was 2 birds at BL on 20th Oct. (lEE).
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus lobatus Very rare passage migrant. On 17th Oct., a day of strong north-westerly winds a juvenile bird was discovered at WGP at 5pm. Despite landing on the water and trying to feed, continued harassment from Black-headed Gulls coming in to roost forced the bird to fly off high to the Northwest after just 5 minutes observations (P&TD). This is the first record of this species in the county.
GREATSKUA Catharacta skua Very rare passage migrant. Usually only encountered over inland counties following extreme weather conditions. A single bird in apparently waterlogged condition after very heavy overnight rains was found in a Fownhope garden at first light and remained until at least 3pm on 27th Sept. (MD). This is the first county record.
534 MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus
Scarce passage migrant. Close scrutiny of gull flocks at roosts or on spring migration should produce more records of this handsome species. A 2nd winter bird was at WGP on 27th July (GSB). The 6th county record.
LITTLE GULL L. minutus
Rare passage migrant. Two records of this dainty gull both from WGP. A winter plumaged adult roosted with Black-headed Gulls from 24th to 26th Jan. (PHD/GSB). Another winter plumaged bird was seen feeding over the lake on 29th Mar. (NH). The eighth and ninth county records.
BLACK-HEADED GULL L. ridibundus
Common winter visitor and uncommon breeder. No breeding records received during the year but reported every month. Large numbers reported from the roost at WGP (PHD) as follows: Jan. 2000, Feb. 300, Mar. 1000, Apr. 500, Oct. 1000, Nov. 2000, Dec. 2500. Other large counts were c800 at Moreton-on Lugg on 10th Jan. (I&EE), c500 at Llanwarne on 17th Jan. (JRP), c200 at King George VI Playing Fields on 18th Jan. (R&JM), c600 on Bishop's Meadow, Hereford on 13th Mar. (I&EE) and 274 at Bartonsham on 17th Oct. (R&JM).
COMMON GULL L. canus
Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Again no very large flocks reported this year during late winter when flocks of 500 to 2500 regularly occur. Larger counts included clOO at Fownhope on 8th Feb. (PGG), clOO on Lower Lugg Meadows on 7th Mar. (PHD), c200 at Wergin's Bridge on 7th Mar. (PHD), clOO on Bishop's Meadow, Hereford on 13th Mar. (I&EE), cl50 at Goodrich on 21st Mar. (P&TD), c200 at Woolhope on 23rd Mar. (MJ) and clOO in the roost at WGP on 11th Oct. (PHD).
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL L. fuscus
Common winter visitor and fairly common breeder. Breeding confirmed at Inco Alloys, Hereford although control methods were used to reduce numbers. Large numbers used the roost at WGP with over 1000 regular from Aug. to Nov. and a maximum of c3350 on 8th Nov. (PHD). Large winter flocks regular along Leominster Bypass with c400 on 7th Jan. and c400 on 11th Nov. (PHD). Also c400 at Moreton-on-Lugg on 17th Jan. (PHD) and c300 at Lawton Cross on 14th Nov. (l&EE).
535 HERRING GULL L. argentatus Uncommon 'inter visitor. Recorded on 15 dates at WGP usually among Lesser Black-backed Gulls in the roost, all records ofsingle birds ofvarious ages except for 3 on 10th Oct.- 2 adults and a 2nd winter, 4 on 11th Oct.- 3 2nd winters and a 3rd winter and 2 on 15th Nov.- a 3rd winter and a 4th winter (PHD/GSB). Also seen at Leominster Bypass floods with an adult on 7th Jan., 1st winter on 12th Jan. and 2nd winter on 11th Nov. (PHD). On Lower Lugg Meadows an adult on 12th Jan. (GSB) and a 1st summer on 12th Apr. (PHD). At Wergin's Bridge an adult on 17th Jan. (PHD). At 'Ioreton-on-Lugg a 3rd winter on 17th Jan. (PHD) and presumably the same bird on 23rd Jan. (GSB). The largest count for the year was 6 birds on Bishop's Meadow, Hereford on 13th Mar. (I&EE).
YELLOW·LEGGED GULL L. cacchinans Uncommon passage migrant. Again most sightings were at WGP among Lesser Black-backed Gulls with all records referring to birds of the western form michahellis. Adult birds were seen on 24th Aug. and 30th Aug. (PHD) before a winter plumaged adult roosted nightly from 12th to 18th Sept. and again from 10th to 18tJl Oct. (PHD/GSB). 2 adult winter birds roosted on 8th Nov. and an adult summer plumaged bird was accompanied by a 1st winter on 13th Dec. (PHD). What appeared to be the long staying WGP bird was seen at Wergin's Bridge on 3td Nov. (GSB). This brings total county records to twelve.
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL L. marinus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. A fairly typical year with just 3 sightings. An adult was at WGP on 12th Aug. (GSB) and a 2nd winter bird paused briefly at WGP on 10th Oct. (PHD). An unaged bird was reported from Moreton-on-Lugg on 10th Oct. (I&EE), which may have been the same as the WGPbird.
KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla
Rare passage migrant and storm blown visitor. During a very stormy January, 3 sightings took the county total to at least 18 records. A 1st winter was seen flying downstream along the Wye at Lion's Den on 5th Jan. (SPCIHEC). 2 different winter plumaged adults were recorded at WGP where they roosted on 11th Jan. and 18th Jan. (PHD).
536 COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo
Uncommon passage migrant. 2 adults and a juvenile were found roosting on the causeway at WGP during strong winds for at least 2 hours before departing to the west mid-afternoon on 23rd Aug. (PHD).
BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger
Scarce passage migrant. 2 moulting adults were at WGP on 9th Sept. (PHDIKAM).
FERAL PIGEON Columbia livia
Common resident breeder from escaped ongms. Many breeding pairs in Leominster and Hereford with counts of clOO in Leominster on 1st Jan. (PHD), 51 at Castle Pool, Hereford on 8th May (I&EE), 10 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 18th July (JP) and 72 in High Town, Hereford on 21st Dec. (I&EE).
STOCK DOVE C. oenas
Common resident breeder. More than 30 records received but still under recorded. Larger counts were 60 at Aston Crews on 7th Feb. (PGG), c20 at SIE on 12th Apr. (PHD), c50 at Sellack on 16th Apr. (PGG), 23 at Bury Hill on 13th June (MFP), 7 at Midsummer Hill during July (MW), 11 at Kenchester Pools in Dec. (PJE) and c30 at Bromsash on 13th Dec. (PGG). Breeding was confirmed at Garway Hill (KJRlJRP), Sutton Walls (JCD) and Lion's Den where 2 pairs used owl boxes (S&LC). At WGP an almost all white bird with just a few traces ofgrey in the wings was seen with 3 normal birds on 31st May (PHD).
WOODPIGEON C. palumbus
Common resident breeder and winter visitor. Well reported with over 70 records submitted. Breeding confirmed at Garway (JRP) and Almeley (JLR). Larger counts were c350 at WGP on 15th Feb. (PHD), 56 at Berrington Pool on 15th Feb. (TCC), c50 at Holmer Copse on 28th Feb. (JA), 26 at Bishop's Meadow, Hereford on 13th Mar. (I&EE), 124 at Berrington Pool on 15th Mar. (TCC), 26 at Credenhill Wood in Nov. (GRP), 24 at Coppett Hill in Nov. (RHD), 40 at Sutton Walls in Nov. (JCD), c200 at Gamber Meadows on 6th Nov. (JRP), c300 at WGP on 7th Nov. (PHD), 37 at Coneygree Wood on 7th Nov. (C&ALl, 25 at Letton Irrigation Lake on 8th Nov. (AS), 50 at Berrington Pool on 8th Nov. (TCC), 23 at Castleton on 8th Nov. (KAM), 186 at Garway on 16th Nov. (JRP), 22 at BL on 6th Dec. (GSB), c100 at Fowden Farm on 17th Dec. (A&VR), c60 on Lower Lugg Meadows on 19th Dec. (JP), 57 at SIE on 20th Dec. (T&EW) and clOOO at Criftin Ford Bridge on 30th Dec. where they were alarmed into the treetops by a Peregrine (PHD),
537 COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto Common resident breeder. Few large counts but regularly reported from gardens. 5 maximum at Ledbury throughout the year (C&AL), 24 at Tupsley Quarry on 22nd Jan. (I&EE), 25 at Preston Cross on 25th Feb. (JA), 6 at Kingsland on 10th Sept. (JK), 8 at Brimfield on 14th Oct. (JK), 10 at Garway Hill on 20th Oct. (KJR), 14 at Tupsley on 25th Oct. (I&EE), c25 at Willersley on 29th Dec. (PHD) and 8 at Holmer on 31st Dec. (JA). Breeding reported from Almeley (JLR), Fowden Farm, Kingsland (A&VR) and Three Elms, Hereford (K&CM).
TURTLEDOVE S. turtur Uncommon summer breeder. Recorded from 12 locations (10 in 1997). A pair and 2 juvs. seen at Much Marc1e on 16th July (SGD) and breeding suspected on Wapley Hill. Earliest sighting at Adforton on 7th May (JVo), the last records were 1 at Coughton Wood on 29th July (FSB) and 1 at Much Marc1e on 31stAug. (SGD). Counts of 3 birds at Ewyas Harold Common on 27th May (JRP) and SIE on 1st June (PHD) with a pair at Bury Hill (MFP). Singles seen at Birchwood (CG), Brinkley Hill (CG), High Vinnalls (A&RC), Mortimer's Cross (J&CP) and Wapley Hill (PJ).
CUCKOO Cuculus canorus Fairly common summer breeder. A very early record ofa bird in flight over Lion's Den on 31st Mar. at lOAOpm (PHD/SPC) preceded the bulk ofrecords beginning with 1 on Marc1e Hill on 12th Apr. (MJ) and 1 at Midsummer Hill the same day (PGG). Recorded from a further 20 localities. The last recorded was a juvenile at Thinghill on 30th July (TWD).
BARN OWL Tyto alba
Fairly common resident breeder. A pleasing increase in reports with birds seen at more than 40 localities, mostly singles and recorded more in winter months. Breeding was reported from Checkley (JB) and Titley Court (PJE). One was seen to catch a mouse in a garden in Norton Wood (MJWl.
538 Sand Martin at Downton Gorge (photo: Bob Bishop)
Robin (pho!o: Ro!> Bi"hopl
539 LITTLE OWL Athene nactua Fairly common introduced resident breeder. A disappointing year with records from only 17 locations (32 in 1997), perhaps indicating a decline in the species. No proven breeding records although probable at Woolhope (MJ). One found dead on Bradnor Hill in Oct. (AEC).
TAWNY OWL Strix aluco Common resident breeder. Reported from 27 locations and breeding reported from Crow Wood (I&DH), Fairoak Wood, Bacton (I&DH), Holywell Dingle (J&CP) and Lion's Den (SPC). At Madley a pair nested in a box in apex of outbuilding with young in the nest by 11th Feb. and 3 well grown young by 3rd Mar. (MJo). One noted roosting near Ravens at Henwood Coppice on 9th Jan. (DHW).
LONG-EARED OWL Asia atus Scarce winter visitor and probable breeder. Two birds were discovered in a winter roost site on Sutton Walls in late Dec. 1997 and remained into Feb. 1998 with 1 seen at the site on 9th Feb. (KAM).
SHORT-EARED OWL A. flammeus Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. A bird was observed at close quarters for 30 minutes on a sunny evening hunting over a clear fell area at Newhouse Wood on 20th Apr. (RT). Despite searching over subsequent days the observer did not relocate the bird.
NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus eurapaeus Rare summer visitor and former breeder. Many areas of the county are suitable for this enigmatic crepuscular species and an increase in numbers nationally could see a return to the county as a breeding bird. A bird was heard calling most evenings from the edge of a recently copsed woodland at Garway Hill from 27th May to 2nd June (KJR). The first record since 1984 in the county.
SWIFT Apus apus Common summer breeder and passage migrant. First records were on 25th Apr. at Lion's Den (SPC) and Buckfield, Leominster (PHD), with 5 at Wilton Wye on 29th Apr. (WaD). Larger concentrations reported were c150 in Leominster during May and June (PHD), c12 at Kington on 8th May (J&CP), c14 at Dilwyn on 9th May (DHW), c20 at Bredwardine in July (SPC), c40 in Hereford City on 5th Aug. (PGG) and c40 over Bulmers' orchards at Hampton Bishop on 10th Aug. (KAMl. Breeding confirmed at Bishopstone (PJE). Old School House.
540 Bredwardine (SPC), Dilwyn Church (DHW), Leominster (PHD) and St Margarets (DH). Late records were singles at MGP on 24th Aug. (PGG) and Lyepole on 10th Sept. (TH).
KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis Fairly common resident breeder. Recorded from 23 locations, fewer than recent years and mostly of single birds. Breeding reported from Eywood Pool (J&CP) and River Lugg along Upper Lugg Meadows where a juvenile was seen on 5th Sept. (KAMlEAG). Two birds caught and ringed at Much Marcle, a male on 9th May and ajuv. on 25th Aug. (SGD). Most records from the Wye, but also reported from Rivers Lugg and Frome, Rudhall Brook, Dulas Brook, Hartleton Lake, Berrington Pool, BL, WGP and the brook at The Batch, Almeley.
HOOPOE Upupa epops Rare summer visitor which bred in the county in 1955. Two records of this dazzling species. A typical spring record of 1 seen in flight over Wellington bypass on 18thApr. (NH). The other record ofwhat may have been the same bird was flushed from underfoot at WGP on 15th July after which it flew out of sight across Moreton Camp (GSB).
GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridus Common resident breeder. Widely reported throughout the county. Breeding confirmed at Sutton Walls (JCD), WGP (PHD), Lion's Den (SPC) and Kilpeck (MFP). Also reported during the breeding season from Olchon Valley, Newton, Ross Golf Course, Woolhope, Bishopstone, Bronsil, Garway, Hole-in-the-Wall, Knolls Wood and Much Marcle.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major Common resident breeder. More than 50 observations of this popular species from 32 localities throughout the county. Breeding confirmed at Almeley (JLR), Bromsash (AHE), Burghill (PJ), Garway Hill OUR), Kilpeck (MFP), Lion's Den (S&LCIHEC), Little Dewchurch (R&PK) and Gregg's Pit (JHM), with drumming heard at Hergest Ridge (T&EW). Many recorded visiting garden feeding stations. 2 birds were ringed at Much Marcle (SGD).
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER D. minor Uncommon resident breeder. A decrease in sightings of this elusive species with sightings of singles from 16 locations. Recorded from Berrington Pool, BL, Coneygree Wood, Croft Castle, Dilwyn, Dinedor, Eardisland, Eywood Pool, Garway Hill, Holywell Dingle, Huntington Lane, Lyonshall Park Wood, Nupend Wood, Stretford Bridge, Wacton Green and Witney Wood.
541 SKYLARK Alauda aruensis Common resident breeder and winter visitor. Reported from 32 locations. Breeding confirmed from Bradnor Hill (IG) and Garway Hill (JRP). Larger winter counts included clOO on winter stubble at Stoke Prior on 18th Jan. (FM), c50 at Bradnor Hill on 17th Feb. (T&EW), c60 at SIE on 10th Oct. (PHD), 10 at Gamber Meadows on 12th Oct. (JRP), 46 at Bishopstone on 9th Nov. (PJE), 67 in stubble at Bromsash on 22nd Nov. with c200 there on 15th Dec. (PGG) and c130 in stubble at Stretton Sugwas on 20th Dec. (PGG). Fewer singing males reported this year probably due to under recording.
SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia Fairly common summer breeder. Reported from just 14 locations. The earliest sighting was 2 at WGP on 21st Mar. (PHD). Larger flocks on passage included c50 at BL on 4th Apr., with c200 on 10th Apr. and c400 on 21st Apr. (PHD), c40 at Castleton on 26th Apr. (KAM) and 20 at Flintsham Pool on 26th Apr. (J&CP). Breeding colonies recorded at Hereford Wye Bridge (RGD), River Monnow at Kentchurch (PGG), Sink Green (KPT), Clifford (JLR) and SSSP (PGG). At WGP c100 pairs nesting in excavated sand piles produced c250 young by the end of July (PHD). The last sighting was c20 at WGP on 14th Sept. (PHD).
SWALLOW Hirundo rustica Common summer breeder. First report was as last year on 2nd Apr., but this year at Lion's Den (SPC). Spring flocks included c100 at BL on 21st Apr. (PHD) and c60 at WGP on 10th May (PHD). Breeding widespread and reported from Eardisland - 15 pairs (DHW), Fowden Farm, Kingsland where the boiler house was used (A&VR), Hartleton Lake where 5 juveniles were seen on 16th June (AHE) and St Margarets (DHa). Larger post breeding flocks were 30 at Hartleton Lake on 9th Aug. (WOD), c20 at Dilwyn on 20th Aug. (DHW), c50 at Kenchester Pools in Aug. (PJE), c30 at Horseway Herbs on 29th Aug. (T&EW), c20 at Brampton Bryan Park on 30th Aug. (T&EW), 40 at Eywood Pool in Sept. (J&CP), c60 at WGP on 1st Sept. (PHD) and 15 at Garway Hill on 3rd Oct. (JRP). Last records were 12 at WGP on 9th Oct. (GSB) and 3 at Pembridge on 17th Oct. (PHD).
HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica Common summer breeder. The first recorded was late on 11th Apr. at BL (PHD). Breeding reported from Bishopstone (PJE), Fowden Farm, Kingsland - 6 pairs (A&VR), Garway Hill (JRP) and Holmer (JA). Post breeding flocks included cl50 at Little Dewchurch on telegraph wires on 8th Aug. (PGG), c120 at BL on 9th Aug. (GSB), c200 at St Weonards on 26th Aug. (JRP), c200 at WGP on 29th Aug. (PHD), c100 at Hoarwithy on 30thAug. (WOD), c50 at Brampton Bryan Park on 30th Aug. (T&EW), c150 at Little Dewchurch on 31st Aug. (R&PK1, 26 at SSSP
542 in Sept. (GRP), 24 at Kenchester Pools in Sept. (PJE), c40 at Eywood Pool in Sept. (J&CP), c50 at Eardisland on 2nd Sept. (DHW), c60 at Yarpole n 8th Sept. (JK), 20 at Garway Hill on 14th Sept. (JRP), c500 at Broadmoor Common on 17th Sept. (I&EE), c40 at Brockhampton on 17th Sept. (DGB), 27 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 18th Sep . (JP) and c65 at WGP on 6th Oct. (GSH). Last sighting was 3 at Newton on 19th Oct. (I&DH).
TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis Fairly common summer breeder. First recorded was a mal in song at Midsummer Hill on 19th Apr. (PGG). Singing and displaying males included 3 on Bradnor Hill on 9th May (PHD), 2 on May Hill on 26th May (ARE), cl0 around Red and Black Darrens on 30th May (P&TD) and 8 on He. est Ridge on 28th June (JRP/GRPI T&EW). Also heard singing at oppett Hill (KAMlJRPIBJG), Merbach Hill (J&CP) and Titley Court (KAM). Other sightings at The Doward (WaDI, Great Doward (BJG) and Stockley Cros· (WaD). The latest record was Ion Hergest Ridge on 21st Sept. (JLR).
MEADOW PIPIT A. pratensis Common resident breeder and winter visitor. Well reported with over 50 sightings with breedinri season records from the Olchon Valley, Bradnor Hill, Hergest Ridge, Castlelon and Lower Lugg Meadows. Breeding confirmed at Garway Hill (JRP). The monthly maxima at WGP (PHD) were: Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. 15 40 30 10 5 150 8 35 Other large counts included c70 on farmland at Weobley on 21st Mar. (MFP), c70 at British Camp on 31st Mar. (PGG), c50 at Winforton on 30th Aug. (PHD/SPC), 43 at Garway Hill on 14th Sept. (JRP), c75 at Hergest Ridge on 21st. Sept. (JLR), c200 in fields around Adforton on 26th Sept. (JVo), 25 at Honeymo :r Common on 1st Oct. (JRP), 35 at Castleton on 11th Oct. (KAMlPJE), c25 at Bringsty Common on 23rd Oct. (SGD) and 36 at SSSP on 30th Dec. (PGG).
YELLOW WAGTAIL Molacilla flava Common summer breeder and passage migrant. First record was at WGP on 10th Apr. (PHD). Breeding confirmed from Bromsash (MFP/ARE/PHD), Sellack (MFP), SSSP (PGG), WGP (PHD) and SIE (PHD). At Bromsash an area planted in potatoes with wide headlands on both sides was supporting 4 pairs (MFP). Recorded from a further 8 locations. Later records included 1 over Fowden Farm, Kingsland on 11th Sept. (PHDIVFR), 2 at Hartleton Lake on 15th Sept. (ARE) and 3 at WGP on 20th Sept. (AM).
543 GREY WAGTAIL M. cinerea Common resident breeder. A better year for reports with 36 sightings from 21 localities. Breeding confirmed from Dulas (I&DH), Eardisland Arrow (DHW), Letton Irrigation Lake (AS), Ross-on-Wye (ARE), Hartleton Lake (ARE), Wellington Brook (PHD) and Bishopstone (PJE). The largest grouping noted was 5 at WGP on 1st Jan. (PHD) with other records from BL, Garway Hill, Leintwardine, Little Berrington, Olchon Valley, Putson, Shobdon, Staunton-on Arrow, SSSP, The Wells Green Lane, Titley Court Arrow, Upper Lugg Meadows, Witney Wood and Woolhope.
WHITE WAGTAIL M. alba alba Scarce passage migrant. Recorded from 3 locations as follows, At WGP a female on 6th Apr., male and female on 10th, male on 11th, 2 males on 12th, 3 males on 13th, 2 males on 15th, male on 16th and a male lacking the black cap on 27th (PHD). At SSSP a male seen on 16th Apr. (PGG). At SIE a male was noted on 28th Apr. and probably the same bird on 2nd May, the last sighting (PHD).
PIED WAGTAIL M. a. yarrelli Common resident breeder. Breeding records confirmed from 8 locations at SIE (PHD), Stoke Prior where a pile of stone for building a wall was used (V&AR), Hergest Croft (T&EW), Black Darren (P&TD), WGP where c50 juveniles were around the site by early July (PHD), BL (GSB), Dilwyn (DHW) and St Margarets (DH). Larger winter counts were 107 at Leominster Bypass on 5th Jan. (I&EE), c30 at MGP on 24th Aug. (PGG), c100 at WGP on 10th Oct. (PHD), c20 in harvested potato field at St Owens Cross on 13th Oct. (WaD), c30 at Brockhampton on 26th Oct. and c40 at WGP on 30th Dec. (PHD).
DIPPER Cinclus cinclus Fairly common resident breeder. Fewer records from only 15 localities and just 2 breeding records at Downton Gorge (JRP) and Leintwardine (TCC). Singles recorded at Bodenham Lugg, Buckton Teme, Dulas Mill, Garway Monnow, Hartleton Lake, Hergest Ridge Arrow, Hindwell Brook, Mortimers Cross, Olchon Valley, Parsons Pole Bridge and Titley Court Arrow, with pairs at Eardisland Arrow (DHW) and Noke Bridge, Staunton-on-Arrow (PHD).
WREN Troglodytes troglodytes Common resident breeder. An increase in information received with more than 60 sightings from 37 locations. Breeding confirmed at Almeley (JLRl, Downton Gorge (JRP), Eywood Pool (J&CP), Garway Hill (JRP), Holmer (JA), Leintwardine (TCC), Lion's Den (SPCl, Lower Lugg Meadows (JP), Shirlheath
544 (JK), Sutton Walls (JCll) and Witney Wood O&DH). Larger counts of 5 or more birds recorded at Aconbury, Berrington Pool, BL, Coneygree Wood, Credenhill Wood, The Doward, Fowden Farm, Gamber Meadow, Garway Hill, Merbach Hill, Olchon Valley, Queenswood Dinmore, Red Darren, St Margarets, Sutton Walls and Wapley Hill.
DUNNOCK Prunella modularis Common resident breeder. Recorded from 25 locations (12 in 1997), with breeding confirmed at Almeley (JLR), Lower Lugg Meadows (JP), Sutton Walls (JCD), Tupsley (CCM) nd WGP (PHD). Mostly recorded in ones and twos but 11 were noted at Gamber Meadows (JRP). 1 seen feeding on nut feeder at Kington (J&CP).
ROBIN Erithacus rubecula Common resident bre der. A large number of records of this popular bird from 44 sites. Breeding was confirmed at Almeley (JLR), Castleton (KAM), Eywood Pool (J&CP), Fowden Farm, Kingsland (A&VR), Garway Hill (JRP), Holmer (JA), Lion's Den (S&LCIHEC), Lower Lugg Meadows (JP), Sutton Walls (JCD) and Titley Court (JPIKAM). Larger autumn and winter counts included 14 at Coneygree Wood on 19th Sept. (C&AL), 12 at Garway on 3rd Oct. (JRP), 13 at Queenswood, Dinmore on 9th Oct. (TH) and 12 at St Margarets in Oct. (DH).
BLACK REDSTART Pho nicurus ochruros
Scarce passage migrant, has been known to breed. A first winter male was found around the building site at Bury Court, Wigmore on 16th Nov. and remained to 21st Nov. (CJPIP&TD).
REDSTART P. hoenicurus
Common summer bree er. First noted were adult males at British Camp and Midsummer Hill on 16th Apr. (CG). Breeding confirmed at Garway Hill (JRP), Hergest Ridge (JLRl, Kington (MJW), Red Darren (P&TDIDHl, Titley Court (GRP/JPIKAM) and Westhope Hill (AMS). Largest counts were 16 at Red Darren on 30th May (P&TD) and 12 at Hergest Ridge on 27th June (JLR). Latest record was a male bird at Bra lsash on 25th Sept. (ARE).
545 WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra
Uncommon summer breeder and passage migrant. A dismal year for sightings with only 6 records from 4 sites. 4 birds seen on Hergest Ridge on 27th June (JLR) was the first of 2 records from there. A single bird at Lugg Mills on 6th July (KAMlEAG), preceded juveniles on passage at Winforton on 16th Aug. (PHD) and at WGP with 1 on 10th Aug. and 2 on 27th Sept. (PHD).
STONECHAT S. torquato
Uncommon resident breeder and passage migrant. A slightly better year for records with Hergest Ridge providing the bulk of records throughout the year with breeding confirmed and a peak of 15 birds on 27th June (JLR). The other records were an adult male at SIE on 4th Apr. (P&TD), 4 juveniles at Winforton on 16th Aug. (PHD/SPC) and a female in Mary Knoll Valley on 30th Oct. (RMa).
WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe
Common summer breeder and passage migrant. The first record was late with a female at British Camp on 31st Mar. (PGG). Breeding confirmed from Hergest Ridge (JLR) and Red Darren (DH) but under recorded. Peak numbers included 30 at Bradnor Hill on 2nd May (PHD), 30 on The Darrens on 30th May (P&TD) and 25 at Hergest Ridge on 27th June (JLR). At WGP birds were recorded on 6 days during spring passage and on 39 days during autumn passage, with many juveniles. Birds were recorded during Oct. at WGP (PHD/lBE/GSB) with a late record at Castleton on 8th Nov. (KAM).
RING OUZEL Turdus torquatos
Uncommon summer breeder and passage migrant. A better year with 4 records from 2 locations all within the Black Mountains. 1 was heard in song in the Olchon Valley on 19th Apr. (P&FB) with 2 in song on 22nd Apr. (I&EE). Also on 22nd Apr. a pair was recorded at Black Darren (I&EE), with a juv. being fed by its parents at this site on 30th May (P&TD, T-AD).
BLACKBIRD T merula
Common resident breeder. Widely recorded from 38 sites throughout the year. Breeding confirmed at BL (GSB), Garway Hill (JRP), Holmer (JA), Putson (R&JM) and Sutton Walls (JCD). Peak numbers included 13 at Tupsley on 5th Jan. (I&EE), 14 at Tupsley Quarry on 18th Feb. (lEE), 12 at BL on 11th Oct. (GSB), 14 at Holmer in Oct. (JA), 15 at Gamber Meadow on 6th Nov. (JRP), 28 at St Margarets in Nov. (DH) and 22 at Queenswood, Dinmore on 7th Dec. (TB).
546 FIELDFARE T. pilaris Common winter visitor. Widespread reports of flocks from both winter periods. Recorded up to 14th Apr. with 50 birds at Hergest on 14th Apr. (J&CP). Other records from the first winter period included c200 at The Bage, Hergest on 9th Jan. (J&CP), c200 at Mordiford on 10th Jan. (I&EE), c260 at Weston-under Penyard on 7th Feb. (PGG), c200 at Eywood Pool on 8th Feb. (J&CP), c200 at sm on 1st Mar. (PHD) and cl50 at Brierley on 15th Mar. (PHD). Earliest returning birds were clOO at Garway Hill on 21st Oct. (KJR). Other large flocks up to the end of the year included c150 flew over Bringsty on 3rd Nov. (SGD), c450 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 5th Nov. (GSB), c200 on Hergest Ridge on 8th Nov. (J&CP), c500 in 3 flocks at Castleton on 8th Nov. (KAM), c300 on Bradnor Hill on 23rd Nov. (T&EW), c300 at Preston Cross on 12th Dec. (PGG), c300 at Letton Irrigation Lake on 20th Dec. (PGG) and c300 at Withy Pool, Bredwardine on 24th Dec. (PHD).
SONG THRUSH T. philomelos Common resident breeder. A slight increase with records from 34 sites and breeding recorded at Almeley (JLR), Garway Hill (JRP), Holmer (JA), Little Dewchurch (R&PK) and Woolhope (MJ). Larger counts were 8 at Midsummer Hill in Oct. (MW), 8 at Castleton on 8th Nov. (KAM) and 6 at Hergest Ridge on 20th Nov. (JLR).
REDWING T. iliacus Common winter visitor. Large flocks in the first winter period included c75 at Archenfield on 19th Feb. (DHW) and clOO at MGP on 15th Mar. where the last bird was seen from 10th to 12th Apr. (PGG). Birds returned from 18th Oct. with 12 at WGP (PHD). Other large counts in this period were c200 at WGP on 15th Nov. (PHD), 95 at Midsummer Hill in Nov. (MW), c200 at Letton Irrigation Lake on 20th Dec. (PGG), c450 at Leach Pool on 24th Dec. (PHD) and c300 on Bradnor Hill on 28th Dec. (J&CP).
MISTLE THRUSH T. viscivorus Common resident breeder. Breeding confirmed at Almeley (JLR), Bartonsham (R&JM), sm (PHD), Sink Green (KPT), Sutton Walls (JCD) and WGP (PHD). Larger groups were 10 at Holmer from Jan. to Mar. (JA), 10 at Three Elms, Hereford on 10th Aug. (K&CM), 15 at WGP on 16th Aug. (PHD), 10 at Garway Hill during Sept. and Oct. (JRP) and 8 at BL on 6th Dec. (GSB).
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia Scarce summer breeder and passage migrant. 4 records for the year, all reeling males. 1 at Leominster Lugg on 28th Apr. (MJW). 1 heard at dusk in riverside vegetation at Lion's Den on 3rd May (SPC). 2 heard in different parts of garden
547 at Garway Hill between 12th and 20th May (KJR). Finally 1 heard at dusk at Weston Farm Pond on 21st May (SPC).
SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Fairly common summer breeder. First reported was a single at Much Marcle caught and ringed on 26th Apr. (SGD) and 1 at Leominster Lugg on 28th Apr. (MJW). A pair were noted nesting at Clifford Wye (JLR). Elsewhere singing males were reported as Arrow Fisheries 4 (PGG), Berrington Pool 1 (TCC), Docklow Fishing Pools 1 (PGG), Hartleton Lakes 4 (ARE), Lower Lugg Meadows 1 (RJT), Pencraig to Kerne Bridge 5 (WOD), Ross-on-Wye 1 (WOD), Upper Lugg Meadows 1 (RJT), WGP 8 (PHD), Weston Farm Pond 2 (PHD/SPC), Wilton 3 (WOD) and Winforton 4 (PHD). 10 birds including juvs. were at Winforton on 16th Aug. (PHD/SPC). 5 juvs. were caught at Much Marcle on 5th July and 3 birds caught on 31st Aug. (SGD).
REED WARBLER A. scirpaceus
Scarce summer breeder. Only 4 reports of this species continues a poor run of records in the county. At Much Marcle 1 was caught and ringed on 23rd May, 2 singing males noted on 1st June, 3 juvs. caught on 5th July and 3 birds caught on 31st Aug. (SGD). At Weston Farm Pond a male was in song on 27th May (PHD) with 2 in song on 1st June (SPCIHEC). 2 birds were on territory at Berrington Pool during June and July (TCC). A bird was noted singing for a week from 2nd July at Fowden Farm, Kingsland (A&VR).
LESSER WHITETHROAT Syluia curruca
Fairly common summer breeder. First sighting was a single at Stretford Bridge on 27th Apr. (TCC), with the last sighting also at this location on 8th Sept. (TCC). Breeding confirmed at Bromsash (ARE) but also recorded during the year at Aconbury, Allensmore, Birchwood, Chanstone, Dulas, Garway Hill, Marcle Hill, MGP, Middle Maescoed, St Owens Cross, Sellack, WGP and Winforton. 2 birds ringed at Much Marcle (SGD).
WHITETHROAT S. communis
Common summer breeder. Earliest sighting at Treworgan, Llangrove on 23rd Apr. (BJG), with 8 birds at this site on 22nd May (BJG). Breeding confirmed at Pontrilas - 5 recently fledged young (BJG), SSSP (GRP) and WGP (PHD). Other singing males heard at Merbach Hill, Titley Court, Tyrrells Court and Weston Farm Pond. 6 adults caught and ringed at Much Marcle on 1st June and 2 birds on 31st Aug. (SGD). The final sighting was at Bromsash on 25th Sept. (AHE).
548 GARDEN WARBLER S. borin Fairly common summer breeder. First noted was a bird in song at Witney Wood, Dulas on 5th Apr. (I&DH). Breeding confirmed at Almeley (JLR), Eywood Pool (J&CP) and Hartleton Lake (ARE). Also recorded from 14 other locations with the last record at Eywood Pool on 6th Sept. (J&CP).
BLACKCAP S. atricapilla Common summer breeder and uncommon winter visitor. Well reported from 29 sites with almost half the records being wintering birds. Regular winter birds noted at Holmer (JA), Ledbury (C&AL), Putson m&JM) and Tupsley (I&EE). Singing males at Almeley on 5th Mar. (JLR) and Stretford Bridge on 18th Mar. (TCC) may have been wintering birds. Breeding confirmed at Almeley - 3 pairs (JLR), Bircher Common (J&CP), Dulas (I&DH), Little Dewchurch m&PK), Putson m&JM), Red Darren (DH) and Sutton Walls (JCD).
WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix Fairly common summer breeder. Still under recorded with only 8 records for the year. Earliest record was 3 males singing in Fishpools Valley and School Wood, Croft on 3rd May (J&CP). All other records of ones and twos on territory in May and June at Ashen Coppice, Bacton (I&DH), Birchen Coppice, Hergest (GRP), Dormington Wood (MJ), Little Doward (BJG), Lyonshall Park Wood (P&FB), Welsh Newton (BJG) and Wigmore Rolls (MJW).
CHIFFCHAFF P. collybita Common summer breeder and scarce winter visitor. Recorded from 39 well distributed areas in the county. A single bird was seen at WGP regularly during the first winter period in Jan. and Feb. (PHDIKAMlPJE/JRP/JV). The first spring arrival was at Lion's Den on 10th Mar. (SPC). Larger numbers included 5 in song at Eywood Pool on 2nd May (P&TD), 8 at St Margarets in June (DR), 8 at Fowden Farm, Kingsland on 28th July (A&VR), 12 at BL on 9th Aug. (GSB) and 6 at Merbach Hill in Sept. (JRP). Breeding was confirmed at BL (GSB), Lion's Den (SPC), Little Dewchurch m&PK), Lower Lugg Meadows (JP) and St Margarets (DH). Winter records in the second period were 2 birds at WGP on 30th Nov. (GRP) and a single at Putson on 1st Dec. (R&JM).
WILLOW WARBLER P. trochilus Common summer breeder. First sighting was 1 in song at WGP on 1st Apr. (GSB). Breeding confirmed at Almeley (JLR) and Garway Hill (JRP) but obviously under recorded. Larger counts included 8 at Hollybush Quarry on 18th Apr. (C&AL), 10 singing males at Eywood Pool on 2nd May (P&TD), 20 feeding with a tit flock at Upper Lugg Meadows on 2nd Aug. (GSBJ and 7 at Garway Hill on 26th Aug. (JRP). Last record was 1 at Lion's Den on 16th Oct. (SPC/GSB).
549 GOLDCREST Regulus regulus
Common resident breeder and winter visitor. The county sites surveys produced the larger counts with 14 at Credenhill Wood in Sept. (GRP), 11 at Midsummer Hill in Oct. (MW), 29 at Queenswood on 12th Nov. (TH), 12 at The Doward in Nov. (ER), 10 at Bircher Common on 22nd Nov. (PHD) and 10 on Wigmore Rolls on 16th Dec. (JVo). Breeding confirmed at Almeley (JLR), Eywood Pool (J&CP), Garway (JRP) and Buckfield, Leominster where a just fledged juv. was taken by a cat (PHD). 9 were caught and ringed at Bringsty on 29th Nov. (SGD).
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata
Fairly common summer breeder. First recorded was early at Almeley on 28th Apr. (JLR). Breeding widespread and well recorded from Almeley (JLR), Brimfield (MK), Eardisland (NSM), Eywood Pool (J&CP), Fowden Farm, Kingsland (A&VR), Garway (AMS/JRP), Garway Hill (JRPIKJR), Glewstone (PGG), Kington (J&CP), Sellack (MFP) and Shirlheath (JK). The last sighting was at Lion's Den on 17th Sept. (SPC).
PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca
Fairly common summer breeder. Earliest arrival was a pair at Titley Court on 24th Apr. (JPIKAM). Breeding records included nests at Fowden Farm, Kingsland (A&VR) and at Garway Hill where a pair laid 7 eggs in a nestbox which was destroyed by a cat (KJR). Last record was a female at Brampton Bryan Park on 30th Aug. (T&EW). Also reported from Aconbury, Eywood Pool max. 3 males, Great Doward, Greenhill Coppice, Midsummer Hill, Red Darren, Titley Court - 3 males and Welsh Newton.
LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus
Common resident breeder. A total of 66 records received this year. Breeding confirmed at Pembridge (PJE), Garway Hill (JRP), Little Dewchurch (R&PK), Much Marcle (SGD), Ross-on-Wye (KAM) and Weston-under-Penyard (GJH). Larger flocks reported were 24 at Stretford Bridge on 20th June (TCC), 38 at Midsummer Hill in July (MW), 25 at BL on 9th Aug. (GSB), 23 at Garway on 20th Sept. (JRP), c50 on Wapley Hill on 10th Oct. (S&LCIPHD) and 35 at Berrington Pool on 28th Dec. (PHD). Regularly reported on nut feeders with up to 12 at Putson in Apr. (R&JM).
MARSH TIT Parus palustris
Common resident breeder. Recorded at 17 locations, mostly singles and pairs, with 3 at Queenswood on 19th Oct. (TH), 3 at Wigmore Rolls on 28th Nov. (JVo) and 3 at Garway Hill on 13th Dec. (KJRl. No breeding reports received.
550 WILLOW TIT P montanus
Fairly common resident breeder. Again the only breeding report came from Eywood Pool where a parent bird was seen carrying food (J&CP). Also recorded in singles and pairs from Berrington Pool, Coneygree Wood, Garway Hill, Thomas Wood Goodrich, Little Doward, Stapleton, Stretford Bridge, Wapley Hill, Welsh Newton, Wigmore Rolls and Devereux Pools, Woolhope. A national decline in this species needs to be monitored within the county.
COAL TIT Pater
Common resident breeder. Surprisingly only 1 breeding record of this species which is abundant in many conifer woodlands in the county. A pair with 2 or 3 juvs. seen at Titley Court on 13th June (JP). Larger numbers were 8 at Queenswood on 17th Sept. (TH), 19 at Wapley Hill in Sept. (JK) and 10 at Wyevale Wood on 17th Dec. (KH).
BLUETIT P caeruleus
Common resident breeder. Larger reports included c20 at Holmer Copse in both winter periods (JA), 15 at Tupsley Quarry on 29th Jan. (I&EE), 15 at Midsummer Hill in July (MW), c30 at Putson on 28th July (R&JM), 20 at Aconbury on 13th Sept. (R&JM), 25 at Wapley Hill in Sept. (JK), 16 at BL on 11th Oct. (GSB), 14 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 18th Oct. (JP) and 15 at Sutton Walls in Nov. (JCD). Breeding reported at 6 locations.
GREAT TIT P major
Common resident breeder. Recorded from 30 locations. 11 at Holmer Copse during Jan. (JA), 16 at St Margarets in Apr. (DH), 10 at Midsummer Hill in July (MW), 10 on Hergest Ridge on 27th July (JLR), 10 at Red Darren in Sept. (DH) and 15 at Sutton Walls in Oct. (JCD) were the only large groups reported. Breeding confirmed at Almeley (JLR), BL (GSB), Eywood Pool (J&CP), Garway Hill (JRP) and Sutton Walls (JCD).
NUTHATCH Sitta europaea
Common resident breeder. Singles and pairs reported from many locations with 3 at Garway Hill from Jan. to Mar. (KJR), 3 at Queenswood on 17th Sept. (TH), 4 at The Doward in Sept. (ER) and 4 at Wyevale Wood from Nov. to Dec. (KHJ. Breeding reported from Almeley (JLRJ, Garway Hill where a pair raised 2 broods in a nestbox (KJRJ, a pair feeding young in the nest at Lion's Den (S&LCJ and Welsh Newton where a nest with 5 eggs and later 5 young was noted (BJGJ.
551 TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris Common resident breeder. Reported in ones and twos from all months except Aug. and Oct. from 17 locations. 5 noted at WGP on 1st Jan. (PHD) and 3 at Garway Hill from Jan. to Mar. (KJR). A single adult with 2 fresh juvs. seen at Crow Wood on 30th May (I&DH), a pair with 5 juvs. at Garway Hill on 2nd June (KJR) and a juv. caught and ringed at Much Marcle on 30th June (SGD) were the only breeding reports.
JAY Garrulus glandarius Common resident breeder. Well reported from many woodlands. Breeding confirmed at Sutton Walls (JCD). Larger numbers seen were 6 at BL on 1st Jan. (PHD), 11 at St Margarets in Apr. (DH), 7 at Lion's Den on 12th July and 8 there on 18th Sept. (S&LC), 10 in an Adforton garden on 10thAug. (JVo), 6 on Wapley Hill in Sept. (JK) and 5 on Coppett Hill in Nov. (RHD).
MAGPIE Pica pica Common resident breeder. Breeding reported from Almeley (JLR), Letton Irrigation Lake (AS), Lion's Den (S&LC) and Titley Court (I&EE). Larger gatherings were 20 at Holmer in Jan. (JA), 9 at Willey on 8th Jan. (T&EW), 8 at Whitchurch on 24th Jan. (JRP), 21 in a meadow at Newton on 21st Feb. (RGD), 16 in the Olchon Valley on 2nd Apr. (I&EE) and 11 at Letton Irrigation Lake on 12th July (AS).
JACKDAW Corvus monedula Common resident breeder. c50 at St Owens Cross on 7th Jan. (WOD), clOO at Buckton on 8th Feb. (T&EW), 41 at Berrington Pool on 4th June (TCC), c80 on Lower Lugg Meadows on 18th July (JP), cl80 at Leach Pool in Aug. (SPC), c200 at Garway Hill on 5th Oct. (KJR), c150 at Coppett Hill in Nov. (RHD), 68 at Castleton on 8th Nov. (KAM), c250 at Midsummer Hill in Nov. (MW), c300 at WGP on 22nd Nov. (PHD) and c150 at Greenhill Coppice, Marcle Hill on 18th Dec. (MJ) were the larger flocks reported. The large numbers reported from October onwards may have been flocks boosted by migrants from the continent.
ROOK C. frugilegus Common resident breeder. Larger flocks reported were c150 at St Owens Cross on 7th Jan. (WOD), c200 at Kinsham on 8th Feb. (T&EW), c80 at Holywell Dingle on 24th Apr. (T&EW), c150 on Bradnor Hill on 9th May (PHD), c90 including juvs. at Greenhill Coppice on 1st June (MJ), cl50 including c50 juvs. at SIE on 1st June (PHD), c100 at Shobdon on 17th Sept. (JMB), cl50 at Sutton Walls in Sept. (JCD), c600 at WGP on 22nd Nov. (PHD) and cl60 at Cold Green Lane, Bosbury on 29th Dec. (PGG). Rookeries noted at Shelwick Green (JCD), Almeley (DHW), The Homme, Dilwyn - 35-40 nests (DHW), Holywell Dingle 48 nests (T&EW), Llangrove - 33 nests (BJG) and St Weonards - 2 rookeries each with 124 nests (BJG),
552 CARRION CROW C. corone corone Common resident breeder. Recorded from all areas of the county with larger groups being 37 at Newton on 19th Feb. (RGD), 30 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 18th July (JP), 32 at Aconbury on 31st July (R&JM), 144 at Leach Pool in Aug. (SPC), 64 at Hergest Ridge on 21st Sept. (JLR), c40 at Coppett Hill in Oct. (RHD) and c250 at WGP on 22nd Nov. (PHD). Just 2 breeding reports with a bird on a nest in Bath Street Car Park, Hereford (I&EE) and 3 juvs. at Lion's Den (SPC).
RAVEN C. corax Fairly common resident breeder. 68 records from 37 locations of this species which is now widespread and obvious across the county. Breeding confirmed from Henwood Coppice in Jan. (DHW), a pair carrying nest material at Hollybush Quarry on 11th Feb. (JRP) had 3 nestlings by 11th Apr. (PGG), Garway Hill (KJR) and a pair with 2 juvs. in a tree at Limekiln Coppice, Birchwood on 29th May (CG). Larger counts were numerous and impressive with 20 at Bradnor Hill on 1st Jan. (J&CP), 40 including 33 soaring together at Herrock Hill on 9th May (PHD), 23 at Garway Hill on 11th Oct. (KJR), 11 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 18th Oct. (JP), 10 in the Olchon Valley on 18th Oct. (PGG), 40 at Herrock Hill on 15th Nov. (PGGIRMa) and 12 at Hergest Ridge on 17th Dec. (JLR). 2 were noted eating a shot pigeon at Garway on 26th Jan. (JRP) and 6 feeding on a dead sheep at St Owens Cross on 18th Nov. (WaD).
STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Common resident breeder and winter visitor. Much better records this year with some large counts. clOD at Gorsty Farm, Garway on 14th Jan. (JRP), c200 at Putson on 31st Jan. (R&JM), c200 at Eywood Pool on 8th Feb. (J&CP), c500 at Hereford Golf Course on 23rd Feb. (T&EW), c300 at WGP on 19th June (PHD), 90 at Newton on 24th June (RGD), clOO on Hergest Ridge on 27th June (JLR), c100 at Bradnor Hill in Aug. (AEC), c800 at WGP on 28th Aug. (PHD), c110 at The Goat House on 13th Sept. (T&EW), clOO at The Bage, Hergest on 18th Oct. (J&CP), c500 at Bartonsham on 26th Oct. (R&JM), clOO at Milton Cross on 1st Nov. (J&CP), c500 at Reeves Hill on 1st Dec. (T&EW) and c250 at Merbach Hill on 4th Dec. (J&CP). The roost at Rainbow Street, Leominster contained c400 birds on 1st Feb. increasing to c2500 by 12th Feb., with all birds gone by 19th Feb. (PHD). An immature bird at Holmer had only one foot but appeared to be coping well (JA).
HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Common resident breeder. Flocks of 20 or more seen at BL (GSB), Bromsash (PGG), Dilwyn (WHD), Gamber Meadow (JRP), Holmer (JA), Kingsland (JK), Kinsham - the highest count of c50 (T&EW), Newton (RGD) and Stretton Sugwas (PGGl.
553 TREE SPARROW P montanus Uncommon resident breeder. There were 28 records this year ofthi8 increasingly rare species. Most records were of up to 4 birds .th 1. at Huntington, Kington on 10 Jan. (J&CP), 8 at Flintsham Pool on 14Ul Mar. (J&CP), 7 at Ivington on 31st Mar. (MJW), 6 at Titley on 27th pr. (TWD), 6 at Hergest Ridge on 27U1 July (JLR) and an encouraging post breeding flock at Winforton with c80 birds seen on 15th Aug. and c50 on 30th Aug. most ofwhich were juvs. (PHD/SPC). Elsewhere breeding confirmed at Titley Court (R&JM) and Canon Pyon where 2 broods of 2 and 3 young fledged from a garden nest box (FSB).
CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs Common resident breeder and winter visitor. 81 records received ofthis common bird but only 3 were breeding records at Almeley (JLR), Letton Irrigation Lake (AS) and Sutton Walls (JCD). Larger flocks were c50 at Bredwardine on 1st Feb. (PGG), c50 at Weston-under-Penyard on 7th Feb. (PGG), c200 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 15th Feb. (PHD), 32 at Lion's Den on 12th July (S&LC), c60 at Aconbury on 13th Sept. (R&JM), c40 at Shobdon on 17th Sept. (JMB), c80 at Coppett Hill in Oct. (RHD), c200 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 13th Nov. (PHD), 60 in stubble at Lea on 22nd Nov. (PGG) and c50 at Stretton Sugwas in stubble on 20th Dec. (PGG).
BRAMBLING F montifringilla Fairly common winter visitor. Well distributed with the larger flocks seen in the first winter period. 750 plus were in the beech trees at Bircher Common on 7th Jan. (JVo) and c400 at Croft Castle on 20th Jan. (RMa) were present from 1997. 12 at Dead Woman's Thorn, Ledbury on 24th Jan. (R&PK), clOO at Wapley Hill on 25th Jan, (MBa), c80 at Haugh Wood on 8th Feb. (GMJ), c60 at Brockhampton from 14th to 19th Feb. (DGB) and 14 at Lea Bailey on 22nd Feb. (ARE) were the other notable groups. Recorded during Apr. at Hartleton Lake (ARE), Hereford Blind College (RJT) and 7 at Putson on 26th Apr. (R&JM), the last sighting for the first winter period. Scarce in the second winter period with 10 at The Warren on 25th Oct. (T&EW) and 18 at Criftin Ford Bridge 13th Nov. (PHD) being the only double figure counts.
554 GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris Common resident breeder. Breeding confirmed at Almeley (JLR), Sutton Walls (JCD), Three Elms, Hereford (K&CM) and WGP (PHD). Larger counts were 20 at Tupsley on 5th Jan. (I&EE), 115 at Leysters on 9th Jan. (RMa), 21 at Ledbury on 1st Feb. (C&AL), 42 at Lion's Den on 12th Mar. (S&LC), 20 at BL on 9th Aug. (GSB), flocks of 100 plus at WGP from Aug. to Oct. (PHD), 55 at Lion's Den on 4th Oct. (S&LC) and 25 at Putson in late Dec. (R&JM).
GOLDFINCH C. carduelis Common resident breeder. Many more breeding reports than 1997 with records from Almeley (JLR), Bredwardine (I&EE), Garway Hill (KJR), Letton Irrigation Lake (AS), Little Dewchurch (R&PK), Marcle Hill (MJ), Sink Green (KPT), WGP (PHD) and Wergins Bridge (PHD). 6 juvs. were caught and ringed at Much Marcle on 15th Aug. (SGD). Larger charms were 40 in a hopfield at Stoke Edith on 1st Feb. (PGG), c20 at SIE on 11th Apr. (PHD), 20 at Shobdon on 23rd Apr. (JK), c30 at BL on 12th July (GSB), c30 at WGP on 2nd Aug. (PHD), 20 at Much Marcle on 25th Aug. (SGD), c30 at Marcle Hill on 5th Sept. (MJ), 25 at Little Dewchurch on 6th Sept. (R&PK), 20 at Combe Moor on 30th Oct. (RMa) and c30 at Sutton Walls in Nov. (JCD). Reported on nut feeders at Hereford (MB) and Kington (J&CP).
SISKIN C. spinus Common winter visitor and rare breeder. Again breeding reported with juvs. seen at Kington in June (J&CP), 4 young with parents at Pontshill, Ross on 10th May (MWa) and a juv. on nuts at Little Dewchurch on 5th July (R&PK). Flocks of 20 or more birds reported as c30 at Moreton-on-Lugg on 13th Jan. (KAM), c25 at Hindwell Brook on 15th Jan. (RMa), c30 at Tidnor Mill on 17th Jan. (PHD), c50 at BL on 1st Feb. (PHD), 24 at Garway Monnow on 22nd Feb. (JRP), c30 at Wapley Hill on 25th Feb. (EAGIKAM), 20 at Aconbury on 28th Oct. (R&JM), c80 at Eywood Pool on 7th Nov. (S&LC), 25 at Wapley Hill in Dec. (JK), c30 at Upper Lugg Meadows on 18th Dec. (KAM/EAG) and c30 at The Carrots on 23rd Dec. (PGG). Many more reports of birds at garden feeding stations, some of which were long stayers but overall flock sizes down in 1998.
LINNET C. cannabina Common resident breeder. Breeding confirmed at Hergest Ridge (JLR), Little Dewchurch (R&PK), May Hill (AHE) and WGP (PHD). A good number of flocks reported with 20 or more birds as follows, c40 at Milton Cross with Redpolls on 25th Jan. (PHD), c30 at Weston-under-Penyard on 7th Feb. (PGG), c50 at Barton, Kington in a root field on 8th Feb. (J&CP), c65 at Credenhill on 13th Apr. (GRP), c60 at SSSP on 16th Apr. (PGG), c20 at Bradnor Hill on 24th Apr. (PHD), c80 at British Camp on 18th July (PGG), c25 at Hergest Ridge on 27th July (JLR), c30 at sm on 17th Oct. (PHD), c60 at Holme Lacy on old seed heads
555 on 21st Oct. (CG), c50 at Bromsash in stubble on 22nd Nov. (PGG), c40 at Castle End, Lea in stubble on 22nd Nov. (PGG), 25 at Hartleton Lake on 6th Dec. (WaD) and c30 in stubble at Stretton Sugwas on 20th Dec. (PGG). At WGP numbers reported as c35 on 8th Mar., c30 on 15th Apr., c35 on 4th May, c100 on 2nd Aug., c200 on 31st Aug. and clOO on 3rd Oct. (PHD). An excellent year for sightings.
MEALY REDPOLL C. flammea flammea Rare winter visitor. A single adult male in winter plumage was feeding on the ground in a weedy root field with c40 Linnets and c60 Lesser Redpolls at Milton Cross on 25th Jan. (PHD). The 8th county record.
LESSER REDPOLL C. f cabaret Fairly common winter visitor and scarce breeder. Again no records of breeding were received. 12 records from 12 different locations, all are listed. 2 at Fowden Farm, Kingsland on 16th Jan. (A&VR), c60 in weedy root field at Milton Cross on 25th Jan. (PHD), 1 at Garway on 1st Feb. (JRP), 3 at Garway Hill on 12th Feb. (JRP), 2 at Tidnor Mill on 14th Feb. (GSB), 7 at Queen's Wood, Dymock on 5th Mar. (CG), 1 at Wigmore Rolls on 13th Oct. (JVo), 1 at Bringsty Common on 3rd Nov. (SGD), 1 at Winforton on 12th Nov. (PJE/JRP), 4 at Combe Moor on 15th Nov. (PGG), 65 at Coppett Hill in Dec. (RHD) and 8 at The Carrots on 23rd Dec. with Siskins (PGG).
CROSSBILL Loxia curuirostra Scarce resident breeder and irruptive migrant. After the large influx into the country during 1997 some birds remained with breeding almost certainly occurring at several sites and confirmed at Wapley Hill with at least 2 pairs (MBa). Records were as follows, 11 at Thirdslands on 1st Jan. (PGG), 5 at Credenhill Wood on 11th Jan. (GRP), 10 at Queen's Wood, Dymock on 15th Jan. (CG), 1 at Haugh Wood on 18th Jan. (KAM), c50 at Wapley Hill on 25th Jan. (PHD), 7 at Highmoor Wood, Almeley on 27th Jan. (JLR), 3 at Park Wood, Kington on 14th Feb. (T&EW), a male at Bradnor Hill on 17th Feb. (T&EW), c30 at Wigmore Rolls on 23rd Feb. (EAG), c20 at Chase Wood, Ross on 8th Mar. (WaD), 4 at Queenswood, Dinmore on 26th Apr. (K&CM), 13 flying across the Teme into the county at Whitbourne on 1st May (RMa), 24 in a Garway garden on 8th May (JRP), 15 at Wapley Hill in Oct. (JK), 6 at Mary Knoll Valley on 10th Oct. (RMaJ and 4 at Wigmore Rolls on 28th Nov. (JVo). The last 3 sightings appear to show some birds have remained resident in the county.
BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common resident breeder. Recorded from 38 locations mostly in singles and pairs. Breeding confirmed at Almeley (JLR), Garway Hill (KJRJ, Newton (I&DHJ, Sutton Walls (JCD), Leominster GolfCourse (TWD), Shirlheath (JKJ, 8t
556 Margarets (DH), Stapleton (T&EW) and WGP (PHD). 8 juvs. were caught and ringed at Much Marcle on 5th Aug. (SGD). Counts of 5 or more birds seen with 5 at Stapleton on 8th Jan. (T&EW), 7 at Combe Moor on 27th Jan. (RMa), 5 at Garway in Feb. (JRP), 3 pairs at Hergest Ridge on 14th Feb. (T&EW), 5 at Holmer in Oct. (JA), 6 at Castleton on 11th Oct. (KAM), 5 at Wapley Hill on 8th Nov. (JK), 5 at Moorhouse Coppice on 12th Nov. (PJE/JRP), 9 at Garway Hill on 7th Dec. (KJR) and 7 at WGP on 27th Dec. (PHD).
HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Scarce resident breeder. Recorded at just 2 locations this elusive species remains a poorly recorded bird despite plenty of available habitat. c20 birds were at Woolhope on 2nd Mar. (PH). A male and 3 females regular feeding on damson stones in a Checkley garden from 14th Mar. to 3rd Apr. (A&PT).
SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis
Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. An adult male in winter plumage was found in the quarries at Black Hill on 1st Nov. (M&HW). This is the 9th county record.
YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella
Common resident breeder. Although declining nationally, numbers in Herefordshire remain high and are encouraging. Breeding reports came from Bishopstone (PJE), Garway Hill (JRP), Marcle Hill (MJ) and Titley Court (PJE). Flocks of 15 or more birds reported with c30 at Longworth in Jan. (JA), 17 at Birchwood on 1st Feb. (CG), 18 at Mathon on 5th Mar. (CG), 17 at Holme Lacy on 8th Mar. (ARE), 17 males at Merbach Hill on 2nd Apr. (J&CP), c20 at SIE on 2nd May (P&TD), 18 at Titley Court on 28th May (R&JM), 15 at Ledicot on 3rd Oct. (P&TD), 33 at Gamber Meadow on 12th Oct. (JRP), 41 at Monkland on 1st Nov. (JE), 83 at Bishopstone on 9th Nov. (PJE), 46 at Bromsash in stubble on 22nd Nov. (PGG), c65 at Castle End, Lea on 22nd Nov. (PGG), 28 at Huntington Lane on 8th Dec. (KH) and c70 at Bromsash in stubble on 19th Dec. (PGG).
REED BUNTING E. schoeniclus
Common resident breeder. Breeding confirmed at Winforton (PHD/SPC), Much Marcle (SGD), Wilton (WaD) and Ross-on-Wye (WOD). Singing males recorded at several other sites, maximums are listed, Arrow Fisheries 3, Berrington Pool 1, Clifford 3, Docklow Fishing Pools 1, Hampton Park Wye 2, Kerne Bridge 2, Much Marcle 1, Sellack 1, SSSP 2, Upper Lugg Meadows 1, WGP 3, Weston Farm Pond 1 and Winforton 1. Larger counts were 5 at Little London on 7th Apr. (PJEIKAMl, 7 on Lower Lugg Meadows on 18th July (JP), c20 including juvs. at Winforton on 16th Aug. (SPCIPHDJ, 6 at Stretton Sugwas in stubble on 20th Dec. (PGGl and c20 roosting at SSSP on 30th Dec. (PGG/RMal.
557 CORN BUNTING Miliaria calandra Scarce resident breeder. The small populations in the south of the county remain. At Bromsash the first singing male reported on 17th Feb. (AHE) with a maximum of 4 singing males on 29th May (AHE/JRP). 6 seen in a stubble field at Bromsash on 13th Dec. (PGG). At Tretire 2 birds were in song from 20th to 30th June with unusually one singing on 4th Dec. (WOD).
ESCAPES
BAR-HEADED GOOSE Anser indicus Escape. A single adult of this beautiful goose native to lakes of the Himalayas was seen at BL on 18thApr. and again from 7th to 14th May (PHD). The species is breeding ferally in some parts of Europe and is becoming established in Northern England.
558 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS TO SYSTEMATIC LIST 1998
Mrs J AlIen JA IB Evans lEE NS Morris NSM P Allsopp PA I& Mrs E Evans I&EE G Mussell GM Miss BMAtkin BMA AH Eveleigh AHE JR WPaige JRWP M Baddeley MBa G Fisher GF GR Parker GRP GS Bilbao GSB T Foxton TF Miss J Parry JP B Bishop RJB PG Garner PGG CJ Pearson CJP Mrs M Boardman MB P Gardner PG MF Peers MFP Dr DG Boddington DGB Miss EAGillard EAG J& Mrs C Port J&CP C Bowles CB I Gough IG JR Pullen JRP P& Mrs F Bradley P&FB Mrs C Greenway CG RWRoseveare RWR Mrs JM Bromley JMB BJ Gregory BJG KJ Ruck KJR JBunn JB KHammond KH JL Russell JLR Mrs FS Burge FSB Mrs D Hart DH V& Mrs ARussell A&VR Dr AE Caunt AEC 1& Mrs D Hart I&DH VF Russell VFR C Chapman CC THulme TH C&Mrs L Sheldrake C&LS Miss HE Coney HEC N Hutchinson NH ASmith AS S Coney SPC P Jennings PJ A&P Tatchell A&PT S& Mrs L Coney S&LC AC Jones ACJ KP Tillett KPT T Cooke TCC Mrs MJones MJo RJ Tingley RJT A& Mrs R Cowley A&RC Mrs GMJoy GMJ R Tushingham RT JC Davies JCD MJuly MJ J Vickerman JV Miss W 0 Davies WOD J Kedward JK J Voysey JVo DJT&Mrs D Dawe D&DW Miss MKedward MK DH Welch DHW S Dawkins SD R& Mrs PKing R&PK C Wells CW RG Deane RGD C& Mrs ALankester C&AL T& Mrs E Weston T&EW Rev MDees MD AMarchant AM MJ Williams MJW S GDodd SGD JH Marsden JHM MWoodward MW PH Downes PHD R Maskew RMa M& Miss H Wright M&HW TW Downes TWD KAMason KAM P&T Downes P&TD K& Mrs C Mason K&CM RH Dunt RHD F Maund FM J Ebrey JE R& Mrs J Mellish R&JM PJ Eldridge PJE CC Meneaud CCM
With apologies for any ommissions.
559 COUNTY LOCATIONS
Listed below are fifty ofthe most regularly watched sites in the county, with a generalised grid reference for each. Note that not all sites have public access and rights of way. Numbers in bold print correspond to the locations on the map of Herefordshire. Grid Grid Location Ref Location Ref 1 Berrington Pool 510630 26 Kenchester Pools 432428 2 Bircher Common 460664 27 Leominster Bypass 507568 3 Black & Red Darren 295295 28 Letton Irrigation Lake 350477 4 Bodenham Lake 525512 29 Lion's Den Wye 303457 5 Bradnor Hill 283585 30 Lugg Meadows 545404 6 Bringsty Common 705551 31 Lyonshall Park Wood 325566 7 Bromsash 648242 32 Mary Knoll Valley 487736 8 Castleton & Winforton Wye 275460 33 Mathon Gravel Pit 733446 9 Clifford Wye & Leach Pool 239445 34 Merbach Hill 304447 10 Combe Moor 366632 35 Milton Cross & Shobdon IE 385606 11 Coneygree Wood 720374 36 Newton Coppice 484378 12 Credenhill Wood 450445 37 Olchon Valley 2931 13 Criftin Ford Bridge 420720 38 Putson Wye 517385 14 Crow Wood 343358 39 Queenswood, Dinmore 505509 15 Ewyas Harold Common 385297 40 St Margarets 354335 16 Eywood Pool 325595 41 Sellack Wye 565280 17 Flintsham Pool 317588 42 Shobdon Court Lakes 401628 18 Garway Hill 437250 43 Sink Green Wye 544376 19 Hartleton Lake 648258 44 Stretton Sugwas Sand Pit 456423 20 Haugh Wood 590365 45 Titley Court Farm 335595 21 Hergest Ridge 255565 46 Wapley Hill 350624 22 Hollybush & Midsummer Hill 746368 47 Wellington Gravel Pits 505475 23 Holme Lacy Wye 550360 48 Weston Farm Ponds 325455 24 Holywell Dingle 311512 49 Wigmore Rolls 394698 25 Huntington Lane 485415 50 Wilton Wye 589243
560 .')(H; SW:-~)('7 I SU/7 HEREFORDSHIRE
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561 EARLIEST AND LATEST DATES FOR SUMMER MIGRANTS 1998
SPECIES EARLIEST DATE LoCATION LATEST DATE LocATION Hobby 25th April Wellington 22ndAugust Marcle Hill Little Ringed Plover 29th March Wellington 29th August Wellington Greenshank 7th May Wellington 21st September Wellington Common Sandpiper 14th April Wellington 20th October Bodenham Turtle Dove 7th May Adforton 31st August Much Marcle Cuckoo 31st March Lion's Den 30th July Thinghill Swift 25th April Lion's Den 10th September Lyepole Sand Martin 21st March Wellington 14th September Wellington Swallow 2nd April Lion's Den 17th October Pembridge House Martin 11th April Bodenham 19th October Newton Tree Pipit 19th April Midsummer Hill 21st September Hergest Ridge Yellow Wagtail 10th April Wellington 20th September Wellington Redstart 16th April British Camp 25th September Bromsash Whinchat 27th June t Ridge 27th September Wellington Wheatear 31st March Camp 8th November Castleton 19th April Olchon Valley no sightings 26th April Much Marcle 31st August Much Marcle 27th April Stretford Bridge 8th September Stretford Bridge 23rdApril 25th September Bromsash 5th April 6th September EywoodPool 3rd May Croft no sightings 1st April Wellington 16th October Lion's Den 28th April Almeley 17th September Lion's Den 24th April Titley Court 30th August Brampton Bryan
LATEST AND EARLIEST DATES FOR WINTER MIGRANTS 1998
SPECIES LAsT DATE LocATION EARLIEST DATE LocATION Bewick.'s Swan 1st February Clifford 24th December Leach Pool Whooper Swan 11th March Clifford 8th November Wellington Wigeon 16th April Lugg Mills 31st August Wellington Pochard 10th April Bodenham 19th July Wellington GQldeneye 21st April Bodenham 4th November Wellington GQlden Plover 27th April Milton Cross 19th September Milton Cross Jack Snipe 6th March Stretton Sugwas 26th October Stretton Sugwas Snipe 28th April Wellington 6th August Wellington Herring Gull 2nd May Wellington 30th July Wellington Fieldfare 14th April Hergest 21st October Garway Hill Redwing 12th April Mathon 18th October Wellington Brambling 26th April Putson 25th October The Warren
562 WHITE STORK AT BRIDGE SOLLARS A first record for the county
June 21st 1998 was a fine and warm day with a clear evening. I was spending one of my regular social evenings at Steve and Laura's house at Bredwardine when the phone rang at 9.20pm with an excited Peter Eldridge on the other end telling Laura he had just seen a . ite Stork in a weedy stubble field at Marsh Court Farm. The game eeper from the Garnons Estate I ad seen the bird on his rounds earlier in the day and told Peter as he \ as the local birder of the area. Steve and I quic -ly grabbed binoculars, scopes and notebooks and bundled into the car, arriving at the site within 10 minutes. Luckily it was clear that evenirlg so the light held out and the stork did not go to roost too early. Two uelds down, west of the main road the' e was our bird, feeding with a stately manner on invertebrates in the dusty field. We watched it for about 20 minutes, taking notes and sketching; vital clinching identificatiun points are hardly necessary with a bird as obvious as a White S ork! Just before lOpm it took flight, circled once and drifted on its massive wings a short distance across a cO nfield into a small clump of trees around a small pool, where it presumably roosted.
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A briefdescription of the bird: Large size, at rest white upper body, neck and head with black tail end, created by the folded wings. Feathering looked bulky and shaggy particularly on the ne k. A black
563 loral patch extended through the eye. Long red legs and large, powerful, dagger-like, orange-red bill. In flight wings look huge with black secondaries and primaries, the latter being finger-like and outstretched. The neck was held extended when in flight, with the long red legs trailing. This bird looked quite dirty around the base of the legs and bill, which according to other birders I have spoken to is a good sign of a wild bird, rather than zoo birds which tend to be kept artificially clean and are normally ringed. The sighting coincided with several other sightings of probably the same bird in South Wales and the Midlands, including one just across the border at Ashleworth Ham, Gloucestershire. Paul Downes
564 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE AT WELLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A first record for the county
My brother Terry and I arrived at WGP on 17th October 1998 just before 5pm on a cold blustery day. The wind was blowing from the Northwest and was quite strong. In an odd twist of fate we had been discussing what was yet to turn up at the site and I said that a phalarope was overdue, even though in reality any of their kind inland is a rare find. I was scanning from our usual watchpoint by the "QPR tank" on the north shore, looking through the large number ofgulls coming into roost when I noticed a very small wader flying at low level just above the surface. A generally white underside contrasted with dark uppersides with an obvious wingbar. My first thoughts of Common Sandpiper were immediately thrown out of the window when I saw a very distinctive black smudge on the side of the face through the eye. As I quickly drew Terry's attention to it and said "I've got a phalarope," it alighted on the water, taking away any remote possibility it could have been anything else! The big question now was which species was it? Unfortunately it was receiving unfavourable attention from the Black-headed Gulls present, which kept on flying and pecking at it, just as a cat torments an injured mouse. Strangely the Lesser Black-backs massing that could have killed and eaten it quite easily weren't at all interested. This bird was very small, tiny even compared to the Black headed Gulls. At rest on the water the undersides were white, as were the neck sides and face save for the "phalarope mark" through the eye and ear coverts. The crown was dark like the back of the neck, with a very dark back with paler feather fringes showing in lines along the scapulars. The bill was very thin and fine like a needle point. In flight, regular due to the gulls, it was almost entirely black above except for the white wingbar and white sides to the rump. In contrast the undersides were white including the underwing. Its flight action was with fast wingbeats, very flicky like Common Sandpiper. When on the water it swam with a head-rocking motion almost as if it was a clockwork toy. The legs were dropped to the water first when landing and these were black and proportionately quite long. Sadly after just 5 minutes of watching the bird (it may have been present longer) the gulls persistence finally drove it off, the bird departing over the brook
565 and heading Northwest into the wind. Despite a thorough search ofthe area it could not be relocated. In summing up, the key points were: its very small size CRed necked Phalarope is 2-3 inches smaller than Grey}, the dark upperparts indicating it was a juvenile bird (Grey Phalaropes tend to show a mixed pattern above with large amounts of grey obvious), and the needle-like bill (Greys have a thinnish bill, but it is blunter and comparatively shorter than Red-necked). Luckily WGP is a small piece ofwater so observations are on a fairly close scale. Therefore with just 5 minutes observations we could safely come to the conclusi n that this was a juvenile Red-necked Phalarope. Pity about the gulls! Paul Downes
566 COUNTY BIRD LIST FOR HEREFORDSHIRE
The following list is of all bird species seen in Herefordshire up to the end of 1998. This list was agreed by a sub-committee who met on three occasions in 1997 and sanitised the records for the county. Although it seems harsh, several older records were removed from the list due to very poor evidence or lack of evidence. Several others have been sidelined with the hope they can be re-introduced when further evidence has been located. The numbers after certain species in the list show the total number of accepted sightings in the county up to the end of 1998. These are only given if there are 20 or fewer records. Those species which have become extinct in the county have (ex) following them.
Red-throated Diver (5) Egyptian Goose (1) Montagu's Harrier (2) Black-throated Diver (4) Ruddy Shelduck (1) Goshawk Great Northern Diver (4) Shelduck Sparrowhawk Little Grebe Mandarin Buzzard Great Crested Grebe Wigeon Rough-legged Buzzard (2) Red-necked Grebe (4) Gadwall Spotted Eagle (1) Slavonian Grebe (5) Teal Osprey Black-necked Grebe (7) Mallard Kestrel Fulmar (1) Pintail Merlin Manx Shearwater Garganey (16) Hobby Storm Petrel (5) Shoveler Peregrine Leach's Petrel (9) Red-crested Pochard (3) Red Grouse Gannet (12) Pochard Black Grouse (ex) Cormorant Ferruginous Duck (1) Red-legged Partridge Shag (5) Tufted Duck Grey Partridge Bittern Scaup (17) Quail Night Heron (2) Eider (2) Pheasant Cattle Egret (l) Long-tailed Duck (2) Water Rail Little Egret (7) Common Scoter (16) Spotted Crake (?) Grey Heron Velvet Scoter (2) Corncrake (ex) White Stork (1) Goldeneye Moorhen Glossy Ibis (2) Smew (12) Coot Mute Swan Red-breasted Merganser Crane (2) Bewick's Swan (14) Oystercatcher Whooper Swan Goosander Avocet (2) Bean Goose (4) Ruddy Duck Stone-curlew (2) Pink-footed Goose (9+) Honey Buzzard (ex?) Collared Pratincole (1) White-fronted Goose Black Kite (1) Little Ringed Plover Greylag Goose Red Kite Ringed Plover Canada Goose White-tailed Eagle (1) Killdeer (1) Barnacle Goose Marsh Harrier (1) Dotterel (7) Brent Goose (6) Hen Harrier Golden Plover
567 Grey Plover (10) Cuckoo Melodious Warbler (1) Lapwing Barn Owl Dartford Warbler (1) Knot (14) Little Owl Lesser Whitethroat Sanderling (3) Tawny Owl Whitethroat Little Stint (11) Long-eared Owl Garden Warbler Pectoral Sandpiper (1) Short-eared Owl Blackcap Curlew Sandpiper (2) Nightjar Wood Warbler Dunlin Alpine Swift (l) Chiffchaff Ruff Swift Willow Warbler Jack Snipe Kingfisher Goldcrest Snipe Bee-eater (3) Firecrest (8) Great Snipe (2) Hoopoe Spotted Flycatcher Woodcock Wryneck Pied Flycatcher Black-tailed Godwit (8) Green Woodpecker Long-tailed Tit Bar-tailed Godwit (4) Great Spotted Marsh Tit Whimbrel Woodpecker Willow Tit Curlew Lesser Spotted Coal Tit Spotted Redshank (6) Woodpecker Blue Tit Redshank Woodlark (ex) Great Tit Greenshank Skylark Nuthatch Green Sandpiper Sand Martin Treecreeper Wood Sandpiper (12) Swallow Golden Oriole Common Sandpiper House Martin Red-backed Shrike (ex) Turnstone (5) Tree Pipit Great Grey Shrike Red-necked Phalarope (1) Meadow Pipit Jay Grey Phalarope (18) Rock Pipit (l) Magpie Pomarine Skua (1) Water Pipit (8) Nutcracker (2) Arctic Skua (l) YellowlBlue-headed Jackdaw Great Skua (l) Wagtail Rook Mediterranean Gull (6) Grey Wagtail CarrionIHooded Crow Little Gull (9) PiedJWhite Wagtail Raven Sabine's Gull (l) Waxwing Starling Black-headed Gull Dipper Rose-coloured Starling (3) Ring-billed Gull (l) Wren House Sparrow Common Gull Dunnock Tree Sparrow Lesser Black-backed Gull Robin Chaffinch Herring Gull Nightingale Brambling Yellow-legged Gull (12) Black Redstart Greenfinch Great Black-backed Gull Redstart Goldfinch Kittiwake (18) Whinchat Siskin Sandwich Tern (2) Stonechat Linnet Common Tern Wheatear Twite Arctic Tern (10) Desert Wheatear (1) LesserlMealy Redpoll Little Tern (5) Ring Ouzel Crossbill Black Tern Blackbird Bullfinch Little Auk (2) Fieldfare Hawfinch Puffin (2) Song Thrush Snow Bunting (9) Feral Pigeon Redwing Yellowhammer Stock Dove Mistle Thrush Cirl Bunting (ex) Woodpigeon Grasshopper Warbler Reed Bunting Collared Dove Sedge Warbler Corn Bunting Turtle Dove Marsh Warbler (ex) Ring-necked Parakeet (7) Reed Warbler
568 This gives us a current county total of 249 species.
Further county records awaiting final decision are: Little Bustard (unknown date, shot near Dorstone and in Hereford Museum); Cream coloured Courser (shot Backney Marsh 1852 and in Hereford Museum); Collared Pratincole (shot at Fownhope in 1854 and in Hereford Museum); Roller (in Hereford Museum labelled Goodrich 1857). Some species extinct as breeding birds are still occurring as migrants, such as Wryneck and Nightjar, and we can be ever optimistic that they may breed again in the future.
569 HEREFORDSHIRE COUNTY RARITIES Dated 1/1/99
The following require field notes and supportive descriptions before being considered for use in the annual report: All national rarities (to be forwarded to BBRC for assessment) All unusual races of a species (except for spring White Wagtail) All out of season migrants The following rare county species: Divers (all species) Skuas (all species) Grebes (Red-necked, Slavonian and Gulls (Mediterranean, Little, Sabine's, Black-necked) Ring-billed, Yellow-legged, Iceland, Fulmar Glaucous and Kittiwake) Shearwaters and Petrels (all species) Terns (all except Black) Gannet Auks (all species) Shag Ring-necked Parakeet Bittern Owls (Long-eared and Short-eared) Purple Heron Nightjar White Stork Bee-eater Spoonbill Wryneck Geese (Bean, Pink-footed and Brent) Larks (all except Skylark) Egyptian Goose Pipits (all except Tree and Meadow) Ruddy Shelduck Waxwing Ducks (Garganey, Red-crested Pochard, Nightingale (if not heard) Ring-necked, Scaup, Eider, Long Bluethroat tailed, all Scoters & Red-breasted Black Redstart Merganser) Ring Ouzel (away from Black Raptors (all except Red Kite, Mountains) Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Warblers (Cetti's, Aquatic, Marsh, Merlin, Hobby and Peregrine) Icterine, Melodious, Dartford, Grouse (all except Red) Barred, Pallas's & Yellow-browed) Quail (if not heard) Firecrest Golden Pheasant Red-breasted Flycatcher Lady Amherst's Pheasant Bearded Tit Spotted Crake Crested Tit Corncrake Golden Oriole Crane Shrikes (all species) Waders (all except Oystercatcher, Little Chough Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Golden Serin Plover, Lapwing, DunEn, Little Stint, Twite Ruff, Jack Snipe, Snipe, Woodcock, Common Rosefinch Whimbrel (ifheardl, Curlew, Buntings (all except Yellowhammer, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Reed Bunting & Corn Bunting Sandpiper & Common Sandpiper) [unless away from breeding areas])
570 REPORT EXCHANGES
Brecknock Wildlife Trust Bristol Natural History Society Derbyshire Ornithological Society Gloucester Naturalists Trust Gwent Ornithological Society Shropshire Ornithological Society West Midland Bird Club Wiltshire Ornithological Society
AFFILIATED ASSOCIATIONS
British Trust for Ornithology Herefordshire Nature Trust Royal Society for the Protection of Birds The Woolhope Club
571 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB INCOME and EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 30th NOVEMBER 1998 1997 1998 INCOME 20 Advertising 20 70 Sale of Publications 20 79 Donations 116 217 Gross Interest 365 2506 Subscriptions 2529 1050 Survey Fees 2514 Grant: English Nature 450 -- Meetings 574 3942 6588 Deduct: EXPENDITURE 250 Printing and Stationery 279 1115 Annual Report 1150 470 Postage and Telephone 292 170 Meetings Expenses 435 107 Mfiliation Subscriptions 90 51 Insurance 51 100 Donations to YOCIHNT 500 252 Corporation Tax 229 154 Computer Depreciation 154 86 Sundry Expenses 52 Ringing --- Ringing Expenses ~ 2807 3408 1135 Surplus for the Year 3180 3663 Surplus as at 1st December 1997 4798 4798 General Funds at 30th November 1998 7978 3200 Add: Special Funds brought forward 3200 7998 Accumulated Funds at 30th November 1998 11178 Accumulated Funds at 30th November 1998 represented by: 7825 Deposit Account 12172 65 Bank Balance less Subscriptions in advance 202 ~ Computer at cost less Depreciation ~ 8198 12528 200 Less: Provision for Corporation Tax 200 Less: Provision for Annual Report 1150
R. E. Mellish (Hon. Treasurer) I have audited the above accounts and in my opinion they show a true and fair view of the General Account Surplus for the year and of the Charity's assets and liabilities at 30th November 1998. P. J. Eldridge 31st December 1998.
572 r~re bird spotted In Birmingham ,
Rarely sighted in the natural \yorld the Baker Tilly hird is the emblem for a top 15 firm of Chartered Accountants, This very special bird feathers its nest with many services including:
• Taxation • Audit & Accountancy • VAT • Corporate Recovery & Insolvency • PAYE / NIC
To find out hO\\' Baker Tilly could giYe you \Yings, call Colin Sharp on
r------0121 233 2323 I consLllt~ltion , for a free
~AKER TIllY