Herefordshire Ornithological Club

ANNUAL REPORT 1967

Together with Classified Notes for Herefordshire and Radnorshire

No. 7, VoJ. 2 Price 4,- Herefordshire Ornithological Club

No. 7. Vol. 2

OFFICERS and COMMITTEE, 1967

President: -

BRIGADIER SIR MICHAEL VENABLES-LLEWELYN, BART., M.V.O.

Vice-Presidents: - P. W. 'HINDE, M.B.O.U. DR. C. ,,y. WALKER, M.C.

Chairman :­ T. R. AMMONDS

Hon. Treasurer:- A. G. FYSHE

Hon. Editor:- T. R. H. OWEN, C.B.E.

Hon. Secretary:­ R. H. BAILLIE

Hon. Assistant Secretary:­ MRS. S. LEE

Committee: -

O. S. BENNETT MRS. M. E. JOH~ SIR TERENCE FALKINER. BART. W. H. MEADHAM MRS. J. V. Fox A. J. S:,HTH C. N. GRIFFITHS .J. H. WATKI:\'S D. G. WELLS 278 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT. 1967

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB RULES

I. NAME. \-he Club shall be called the Herefordshi're OrnithologIcal Club. 2. OBJECTS. The objects of the Club shall be (a) to further the study of birds in the He,ld, and (b) to assist in their preservation. 3. MEMBERSHIP. The Club shall consist of a President, a Chairman, a Secreta'ry, a Field Secretary, a Treasurer, an Editor and Ten Com­ mittee Members and Ordinary Members. The President and the Chairman to retire after serving a term of three years. The Secretaries, the Treasurer and the Editor shall be elected annually. The three senior of the ten Ordinary Members of the Committee shall retire annual.1y and they shall not be eligible for re-election for a period of twelve months. The Officers and Ordinary Members of the Com­ mittee shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and the Officers shall be eligible for re-election. Nominations for the Committee must be reoeived in writing by the Hon. Secretary by March 31 st. 4. CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP. Members shall be required to support and keep the provisions of the Protection of Birds Act, 1954. Any members failing to support and keep this law shall be required to resign. Members may not divulge to unauthorised persons (e.g. known co,llectors of skins and/or eggs) information in a manner likely to be detrimental to the objects of the Club. 5. SUBSCRIPTIONS. (a) Ordinary Members: 18 years of age or over 15s., payable on January 1st or on election to membership. Any additional members of a family after the first, 10s.; such members receiving all privileges of ful.1 membership. Junior Members (under 18 but over 12 years of age), 7s. 6d. per annum, payable as above. Corporate Membe,rs: Kindred bodies, Schools, etc.: Subscription one guinea per annum. Honora,ry Members: As approved by the majority present at the Annual General Meeting. (b) All subscriptions, subsequent to those paid on admission, shall be due an January 1st each yea,r. 'INhere a member has been e.lected on or after 1st September in any year, there will be no further liability to subscribe in the year immediately following that of his or her election. Any Member whose subscription is six months in a,rrears shall cease to receive the Club's publications and, should the subscription not be paid by December 31 st, his or her name shall be deleted from the list of Members.

6_ MANAGEr-..J1Et\IT T~: Se::!"~t~:""/ ~~=:!! !i... e::;: ~.~::;:..:t::::; ~f th~ :;-':~~~;iir;:; and prepare such literature as shall keep Members informed of the Club's activities. 7. MEETINGS shall be held as often as deemed desirable at the discretion of the Officers. 8. REPORT. There shall be an Editorial Committee of at least three Mem­ bers including the Secretary, appointed at an ordinary Committee Meet­ ing. These shall prepare and present an Annual Report and such special reports as may be decided upon. 9. ALTERATION OF RULES. An alterat;on of the Ru!es may be made only if proposed at one meeting, printed on the agenda for the following meeting, and passed by a two-thirds majority of those present. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 279

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Yea,r ending 31st December, 1967 1966 £ s. d. Income: £ s. d. £ s. d. 6 7 0 Sale of Club Publications 5 19 4 I 16 0 Donations 1 16 0 8 2 3 Interest on Investments 15 2 9 237 10 0 Subscriptions 250 9 0 253 15 3 273 17 Deduct: Expenditure 2 0 0 Duplicating Bulletins etc. 2 10 0 II 0 1 Printing and Stationery 18 1 11 30 18 8 Postages and Telephones 36 9 9 52 10 0 Printing Annual Repo'rt 57 19 0 35 18 6 Meeting Expenses 73 7 9 II 10 0 Affi Iiaotion Subscriptions 13 1 0 (see page 322) 3 2 0 Donations 12 5 0 Income Tax and Corporation Tax 7 13 0

146 19 3 221 7 5 106 16 0 Net Surplus for the year 52 9 8 Add: Surplus at 1st January, 1967 347 11 4

£347 II 4 Accumulated Funds at 31st December, 1967 £400 0 Accumulated Funds at 31st December, 1967, repr,esented by: --- Deposit with the Abbey National Building Society 305 18 2 250 0 0 National Development Bonds 5% --- 97 11 4 Cash at Bank, less 1968 and 1969 subscrip- tions received in advance 94 2 10

£347 11 4 £400 0

A. G. FYSHE, Hon. Treasurer. 2/2/68.

I have audited the above Accounts and I report that, in my opinion, these Accounts show a true and fair view of the Surplus for the year ended 31 st December, 1967, and of the Club's assets as at 31 st December, 1967. T. DAVIES, Chartered Accountant.

2 J st February, 1968. 280 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

1967 REPORT

The 1966/1967 winter was one of the mildest on record. Indeed the only severe weather has been three days of deep snow from December 8th. But April was cold and dry; May cold and singularly wet; June, July and August all with only half the average rainfall; early autumn very wet. Taken all round birds had an average year. During later months observation was much curtailed by the immobil­ ity imposed upon us by the terrible Foot-and-Mouth outbTeak.

Among unusual birds are a Long Tailed Duck (first record); a 'wrecked' Gannet and a similarly wrecked Manx Shearwater; a Waxwing; again a nesting pair of Gadwall and again a Corncrake; a fifth Herefordshire record for Little 'Ringed Plover; a possible Sand­ wich Tern (one previous record of a damaged bird); the first proof of Collared Doves breeding (at Presteigne); another ·Goshawk (albeit doubtless an escape) and a Harrier. A Hooded Crow has been identi­ fied, two Great Grey Shrikes and an Osprey viewed.

But the ordinary bird-lover has to depend not on rantles but on the hum-drum life of wood, hedgerow, field and pond. There is no doubt that modern farming, involving destruction of orchards and hedgerow timber, and in many places a turnover from undisturbed pastoral to constantly harried arable fields, has adversely affected much bird life. The Lapwing is receding, the Woodlark nearly lost, the Snipe has fewer marshy plots to breed in, gorse is a thing of the past, absence of old trees has reduced Owls and lack of orchards and timber has affected Nuthatch, Tree Creeper and Woodpeckers. Nor can the sinister effects of toxic chemicals be discounted. Official inquiry has shown beyond doubt that the chain-result comes back on the predator (and is not Man the final predator?), and Merlin and Peregrine remain lamentably scarce and the Heron in jeopardy.

But the picture is not all dark. Several mild winters have enabled Wren, Goldcrest, Long Tailed Tit and other lovely atoms to recuperate. The Collared Dove spreads. Sparrow Hawk still shows a number of records and Buzzard and Kestrel have maintained them­ selves. The Nest-Box scheme has achieved success. Ravens do well. The Hobby has bred successfully. Bewick's and Whooper Swans maintain their winter quarters with lIS. It is not only the "sensations" but the ordinary day-ta-day observations which both add to our knowledge, give us ammunition for any action possible. and afford interest and joy. Will all Members do what they can. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 281

CLUB OUTINGS in 1967 were held at Llowes-Glasbury-and Llyswen Wye; Talybont Reservoir; Haugh Wood (six outings); Rhos­ goch; Cefnllys; Wigmore; Waun Marteg; Gilwern Dingle; Olchon Valley; Dovey Estuary.

No outings were held after October 7th owing to Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

INDOOR MEETINGS included-a Members' Meeting; R.S.P.B. films "Birds of a Border State" and "Birds of a Hampshire Garden" shown at Ledbury for launching a new Naturalists' Field Club; a talk by Mr. W. H. Champion on the History of Homing Pigeons; lli. K. H. Southall's colour films of birds in East Africa and Kenya; Mrs. Angela Christopher's coloured slides and tape recordings of "Some East African Birds and their Songs"; a meeting for "Any Questions", the Panel for which was provided by members of the North Gloucester­ shire Naturalists' Society; R.S.P.B. films "Broadland Summer" and "Birds of Teesmouth"; a lecture by Mr. P. 'Wo Hinde on "Pursuit of the Curlew"; and a lecture, illustrated by slides, by Dr. C. W. Walker on Hawks.

MEMBERSHIP. The Club was joined by 30 new members in 1907, hringing the net total on 31.12.67 to 385.

ACCOUNTS will once again be found in the easily understand­ able format devised by our Treasurer, to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude for the efficiency with which he has dealt with our affairs.

THANKS are also due once again to the Editorial Sub-Committee ---:P" W. Hinde. Col. Morrey Salmon and Dr. C. W. Walker for their advice and corrections; to all members who took part in the Nest-box Scheme; and to the numerous Members who have submitted the copious and generally well-observed records which form the material for this report; and finally to Mrs. S. Lee for her most valuable assistance in typing and office work.

T.R.H.O. 282 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

NOTES ON SPECIES

RINCINC RECORDS 1. There are two recoveries of B1ack-headed Gulls ringed on 21.6.61 at a pool near St. Michael's pool, Llangunllo by PJC. (a) No. 3050481 found dead on the shore, 21.1.67, at Cmsby, Liverpool, 80 miles north of ringing place. Cb) No. 3050464 found dead, recently killed by predator, on 30.9.67, at King's Bromley, Staffs, 65 miles E.N.E. of ringing place. A Sand Martin, ringed in France, was controlled in August at Glasbury GLSC). 3. An adult male Blackcap ringed at Glasbury by JLSC on 17.8.66 was killed at Bir-el-Ouidana (Beni Mellal), Morocco, on 25.10.66. This is only the third recorded recovery for that country (British Birds, Vol. 60, p. 465). 4. June 14th. at Bircher, a Whitethroat, killed by an excavator. had been ringed as an adult at Frampton on Severn, Gloucestershire, on 12.8.65 {GWT}. 5. A Grey Wagtail, ringed as a nestling on 26.5.67 at Colinton. Edinburgh, was picked up dead at Paytoe near Leintwardine, 245 miles south, on 13.12.67 (AAiWB).

ENEMIES 1. On May 21st TRA observed a stoat remove a young Starling from a hole in an oak thil'ty feet high and return with it to the ground, mobbed by the parents. 2. At Evancoyd there is an old nest-box, with a large hole, oppo­ site the dining-roam window. While sitting at breakfast on May 26th, observer saw a Grey Squirrel poke its head in to the box. He fetched a gun-then saw the marauder disappear into the box, which held a Starling's nest. Observer's wife actually heard the eggs being crunched up. At that moment unfortunately the nearby quarry blasted and the enemy shot out of the hole too fast to give a chance. On the platform of thp. ihnv ",""TPIP l ....Tnorl rhln.n;n(J"~ ,00n';n:vPrl nfF to pn1<;trITP thp hn.lp A Blue Tit's nest in a nest-b(;x ~~s°likewise destroyed. ';.pparen~IY al;~ robbed by a Grey Squirrel (CJJL). 3. During the Sand Martins' breeding season the Carrion Crows which frequent the sand-pit at Aymestrey formed the habit of catch­ ing the young Martins. Young birds sitting on the ledges outside the nest, or just inside the hole, would be pounced upon by Crows which perched on the rim of the pit or suddenly swooped across the quarry. This habit has also been noted in Kestrels, but they would also enlarge the nest-hole by wriggling and twisting their bodies to enable them to reach the young (FWM). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAl. RlTORT, 1967 283

CASUALTIES I, On May 2nd at Shobdon a Cuckoo crashed into the window of a bungalow and was killed {TRA), Such tragedies are common, but the Cuckoo must be a rare victim, 2. On March 2nd near Shobdon Decov Pool a Coot was found dead, having perished owing to a mussel being clamped to the lower mandible (TRA). 3. On May 1st a Gannet, apparently exhausted, landed during a storm, in the Stoncbow Road car-park. Hereford. Its meticulous observance of Hereford Police parking regulations was rewarded, for it was later taken to the Severn estuary by the Hereford R.S.P.C.iA. and released. It appeared to be quite undamaged.

FE'EDING 1. During the summer, at Mortimer's Cross, a Kingfisher began to take goldfish from a pool in the garden. Successful protection was afforded by wire netting (TRA). 2. On October 15th. near Shobdon, a Fieldfare was picked up having been neatly decapitated by a Sparrow Hawk (TRA). The Hawk's more usual hors d'oeuvre is the breast, but a pigeon similariy decapitated is recorded by TRHO. 3. Capture of serpents by predators is a commonplace in the tropics. On November 1st at Evenjobb a Kestrel was seen to fly off the road carrying eitlIer a snake or slow-worm {]LF). 4. May 11th, Haugh Wood, a young mole four inches long was crossing the road leading to the wood, when a Magpie was seen to attack it. The agpressor was scared off by the approach of the car and the mole decamped into the hedge (JLF).

PLUMAGE O'DIDITIES 1. September, 'Vormsley Hill, a Kestrel frequenting the open area of hillside and plough on the south side of the Weobley-'Golf Club road was first seen by R. Harrison, Chairman of the Shropshire Ornithological Society, on tlIe 19th. He described it as being light honey or "stubble" coloured, with an exquisite mottling pattern all over the back, wings and tail. CWW and RHB went to look for it on 30th, and it appeared some 35 minutes after their arrival. Although their views of this remarkable Kestrel were evidently not quite as close as :1\11'. Harrison's, the bird appeared to be of a cream colour throughout, save for a slight touch of normal colouring on the shoulders of the wing,. 284 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

2. 'March-April, at Lyonshall, a pale fawn Kestrel with brown head and yellow beak and pale legs was present at Moor Court (DMC). 3. At Steen's Bridge NJSJ records an albino House Sparrow by the main road. 4. At Kington, Mill Street car-park, a Sparrow was reported by VMJ in 1966 with white head, neck and wings, and was again present in 1967. This tallies with TRHO's experience who had a partially white hen Sparrow at Lulham for three seasons: but she only put on her white dress for the breeding season, becoming gradually normal by late summer. 5. At Kington RHB records a Sparrow with white head, brown eye-brow stripe, white bill and rump, and odd tail feathers. Noticed in August, it may have been a bird of the year, and looked like some kind of Weaver-bird!

BEHAVIOUR 1. KESTREL. On March 11th NW was watching, from the window, some Sparrows, Starlings, Blackbirds and a Robin feeding on the bird-table and on the ground beneath it. A Kestrel appeared in the field at the bottom of the garden, hovering in his usual search for, presumably, ·field mice-when, as quick as lightning, he stooped upon the bird-table. The speed was fantastic and he hit the ground ,below the table, which happened to be concrete, with such force that he seemed to be temporarily dazed. However by the time observer had raced down the garden he had recovered sufficiently to rise over the hedge and make off. Meanwhile the birds had scattered in all direc­ tions, but most of them went through the open door of the coal-shed, from which they were still eme~ing up to half-an-hour afterwards, flying low and swiftly into the hedge.

2. KESTREL. It is usually the Corvidae who bully the Buzzard, but on IApril 3rd, at CriftinFord Bridge HTR watched a pair of Kest­ rels pestering and chasing one.

3. CRE'E'N WOODPECKER. During the summer one has done con­ siderable damage to the cedar shingles on the church spire at Kimbol­ ton (Rev. \V. C. Massey). Kington spire has suffered similar damage from a Green Woodpecker over the last three seasons (RHB}. Motive -Wood lice? Anti-ecclesiastical bias?

4. BUZZARD. Winter weather makes unusual table companions. and on December 17th NW watched a Buzzard, two Carrion Crows and a Magpie all feeding on a dead sheep, on the Mynd, Radnor. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 285

5. SWALLO'W. TRHO reports from Madley-"'We had our old stable (now garage) re-roofed and re-painted. Our pair of swallows, arriving on April 28th, disapproved strongly of the innovation. As a new home they selected a dark little stairway inside our house lead· ing down from the hall to the cellar. This meant keeping the door into the hall shut, but the cellar door permanently open to allow them ingress. They built their nest on top of a vast and hideous Victorian mirror, shoved thankfully away on a shelf beside the dark stairs. Very leisurely, they did not begin to lay until late May, and to sit about June 3rd. !They hatched approximately June 17th, and by July 8th, i.e. after full three weeks, the young were still in the nest, though fledged. My incautious entry, from the door above, caused them, three in number to explode from the nest. One flew up into the house and was captured in a butterfly-net and released. Two went down and out by the cellar door. All three, without alighting, joined the parents, and three minutes later the whole family of five was hawking around in company. In other words the young Swallow, unlike the young Blackbird etc., leaves the nest already fully equipped to fly around and find food. Three days later the parents were beginning to build a second nest (at the bottom of the mirror, where they could look at them­ selves in the glass) and in due course and at about the same intervals brought off four more chicks."

6. SWALLOW. Mirrors seem to have a draw for Swallows, for Mrs. M. H. Hangay, of Hogmarsh, Hereford, reports that her pair returned on April 24th, and for the third year in succession flew directly into her room and settled on her mirror to hold a conversa­ zione.

7. CHAFFINCH. AJS reports that a cock Chaffinch sang in his garden at Moreton-on-Lugg on Oct. 5th. It was virtually the com­ plete song, well produced and delivered almost at full strength. It was repeated three times, at about 7.15 G.M.T.

8. MUTE SWAN. The power and potential ferocity of the Swan is shown by a sad tragedy on Mr. P. Moore's farm at Swinmore, Mad· ley. A pair had a nest on a small marsh, while in a half·acre enclosed by wire, adjacent to the marsh, a little W'elsh pony was quartered. The water receded (April was dry) until the nest was hardly protected by a 'moat', when the cob (from the blood·stains on him) presumably jealous of territory, attacked the pony. The latter must have pan­ icked, and 'was found done to death, the throat opened and the wind· pipe exposed, though by what exact process this had been done it was hard to be certain (per TRHO). 286 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

THE NESTINC BOX SCHEME

The Nesting-box scheme was expanded in 1967, its fifth year, to cover some areas in the eastern half of Herefordshire, bringing the total number of woodland areas in our two Counties involved to thirty-one. Out of a total of 775 boxes erected 475 had nests in them, giving an occupancy rate of 60%. 3,750 eggs were laid, from which 3,081 (or 80%) young birds were reared and successfully fledged. lA comparison with last year's results shows an increase in the numbers of Blue Tits' and Pied Flycatchers' nests, but an actual drop in Great Tits: so that the total has arisen less than one would have expected after an addition of sixty boxes. Such fluctuations are of course natural and to be expected.

The Pied Flycatcher did well. Of 116 nests 99 were in Hereford­ shire~still in the western half only.

In addition to those ringed by Mr. Baillie and Dr. Boddington we had the help of Mr. Chris Mead from the B.T.O., who ringed the Pied 'Flycatchers at various sites in both Counties during two week­ ends. He also ringed our President's young birds at Llysdinam. In all 570 young Pied ,Flycatchers were ringed, and we have great hopes that valuable information may thus be gleaned in regard to the migra­ tory movements of this species-so far only partially elucidated.

I should like to thank all Club Members who have given so much time and energy for the operation of the scheme, and to express the hope that they will be willing to continue to carry it out in 1968. We should be glad to hear from any others who may feel inclined to join in this effort. C.W.W. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAl. RFI'ORT, 1967 287

CLASSIFIED NOTES

(The serial numbers, nomenclature and order used below are those used in the "Checklist of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland" published by the British Ornithologists' Union in 1952. Paragraphs prefixed Hand R refer to Herefordshire and Radnorshire respectively).

5. GREAT CRESTED GREBE. H. Jan. 23rd, Shobdon, one (R:HB); 28th, Decoy Pool, Shobdon, one; during season two pairs each reared one young (query-did one pair rob the other of their one?) (TRA);Feb. 8th, Flintsham, an adult; Eywood, one pair of adults and one younger bird (RHB);Feb. 26th, Castleton, one, and at Turner's Boat, four (AJS & JV); March 4th, Shoh­ don, two pairs (FWM); Eywood, a pair QED & MEJ); March 24th, Flintsham, a pair in courtship, plus one (CWW); March, Eastnor Castle Pool, six arrived during month; two left by 31st, leaving two pairs in territory (C:WW); April 2nd, one sitting at Shobdon (FWM); July 16th, Shobdon, a pair with one young (VMJ); Sept. 10th, a pair only with two young (AFA); Sept. 20th, one adult diving for fish in R. Wye at Goodrich Castle (no doubt on migration) (CW,W); Nov. 4th. Flintsham, five (NW); Nov. 18th, Shobdon, one (NW). R. March 5th, Llan Dwch-llyn, a pair (JLF); March 18th, Craig-yr-allt.goch Reservoir, one (EG); May 1st, Llan Bwch­ llyn, two pairs and a single bird, but lake being drained so nesting impossible (JLF); Dee. 26th, Craig-yr-allt-goch, one (ROBG).

9. LITTLE GREBE. H. Jan. 9th, Wye, one at Hereford and one at Mordiford (JLF); March 5th, AymestreyPools, two (FWM), and April 30th, one(JED & VMJ); 'March 21st, Shobdon, one, and birds calling April 4th (RHB); March 16th & 17th, Here­ ford, one (SB & ARM); April 7th, at least one at Burrington (FWM); April 13th, at Vennwood no breeding since 1962 and one pair seen in 1965; drastic cutting of cover on islands poss­ ibly responsible (HTR); IApril 23rd, Yarpole, one (GMT); June 16th, two at Burrington Pool (FWM); Sept. 23rd, Madley, one on Wye (TRHO); Nov. 18th, four at Shobdon (NW) and one at Criftin Bridge UL}'); Dee. 12th, four on Hereford Wye (AJS). R. Llyn Hilyn, from J an. 26th to March 19th, two pairs (RHB, JLF, ROBG & NW); three only on April 30th (ROBG) and May 8th (JLF), and two on Dee. 2nd (ROBG). Feb. 4th. Hindwell Pool, one (JLF); March 5th and 19th, one at Pwll Patti (JLF), and one at Pen-y-Clawdd Pool on 21st (AStGW). 288 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT. 1967

16. MANX SHEARWATER. R. October: a bird was picked up on a road near Knighton, and released after dark on the River Terne (TRA).

'l:l. GANNET. H. One at Hereford, May 1st (see page 283).

28. CORMORANT. H. Jan. 13th, Turner's B<>at, three in roost tree (RHB); 14 there on Jan. 14th (KAM) and eleven on 30th (CWW); Jan. 12th, Bridge SoUars, two (TRHO); Feb. 25th, Shobdon, one (D. Jerram per F:WM); Nov. 4th, Flintsham. two flying high (NW).

R. Glasbury, one on Feb. 26th (AJS & JV).

30. HERON. H. Jan. 1st, Pembridge, a party of nine on Mosely Common (HTR); Jan. 1st, Court of Noke, still up to 13 feed­ ing in the same field as Feb. 1966 (PRdeQQ); Jan. Uth-March 12th, two and one on Teme (JL!F); Leach Pool, Clifford, eight present Feb. 5th and eleven on March 5th, but no evidence of breeding (KAM). April 25th, Berrington, 38 nests in ten oaks (RHB & GSTD); July 20th, Lulham. two-the first for 18 months (TRHO). Several seen on Monnow, at Llancillo, but probably breeding in Monmouth (TRHO). Oct. 22nd, Clifford. six on field (VMJ); Nov. 11th, 18th & 23rd, Leintwardine, two and two there on Dec. 2nd (JLF). Dec. 26th, one on tArrow at Hergest (NW). R. March 19th, PwlllPatti, one (JLF). Cefndyrys, April 16th, eight occupied nests, two with young, others sitting. Thanks are due to Mrs. Thomas for her care, during timber felling. The birds are even acclimatized to a chain-saw working 300 yards away (TRA). Other records are-March 24th,Pilleth. two on Lugg and one on Lugg source, April 1st (JLF); Dec.

...... 1 co .... r'1 -.l ,1.__ _<__ IT),Anr"\ ..:>lU d.llU ~.i.~L, 'U-d.lJ.I,;;:O-UUU, 'vu'- \..L'-'\J.J.."...... )o

45. MALLARD'. H. March 12th, Biurrington-Criftin bridges. birds nearly all paired (FWM & DJ); May 5th, R. Teme, normal numbers and a duck with young at Criftin Bridge (EJG); April 30th, Fishpool Valley, duck with ten young (GWT); Aymestrey Pool, duck with six young (JED); Sept. 23rd, Lulham. 30 (TRHO); Nov. 4th Eywood, 25-30 (NW); Nov. 12th, c.200 at Devereux Pool, Woolhope (KAM); Nov. 28th, Staplow, 40-50 and frequent at Prior's Court pond, where some 25 moorhens are somewhat aggressive to them (JP). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 289

46. TEAL. H. Jan. 11th, Leintwardine, eleven (JLF); Jan. 17th, Kingsthorne, c. 50 flighted to the small pool in evening (TF); Jan.~Feb. R. Wye, flocks of 40 to 60 (OWW); Feb. 12th, Leint­ wardine, c. 20 (JLF); March 12th, several parties, Criftin to Burrington (FWM); March 12th, Sutton, c.100 on floods (SB & AR>M); March 17th, c.90 (SB); March 18th, Criftin Bridge, l7 on Teme (EG); March 20th, Upcott, a pair (VM]); March 24th, Byton, 8/9 (NW); April 1st, Bredwardine, c.10 on pool (NW); April 3rd, Criftin Bridge, four pairs (CWW & HTR); three pairs bred at Moccas (AJS); IApril 26th, Shobdon, two pairs (NW); Sept. 9th, Hole-in-the-Wall, Ross, twelve (MB & JCV); Nov. 11th, Leintwardine, five (]LF); Nov. 12th, Burrington pools, two (WJM).

R. Jan. 1st, the Begwns, six (JLF); Feb. 2nd. Moelienydd, four (JLF); Feb. 26th, Pwll Patti, one (AJS & JV); March 18th, Clyro Wye fields, 20/30 (NW); April 3rd, Moelienydd, seven (OWW & HTR); Aug. 27th, Moelienydd, 36 (JLF); Oct. 5th, Beacon Hill Pool, nine (TRA); Nov. 9th, Llandrindod lake, one, and Hindwell, a pair (NW).

49. GAiDWALL. H. May 27th, some half-dozen birds appear to spend their time between the pools of Weston Hall and Rud­ hall, near Ross. At Weston a pair have had ducklings, while at Rudhall there was a brood of ten very young ducklings and another duck had one older duckling (CWW). This was a first breeding record.

50. WICEON. H. Jan. 6th, Yarkhill area, three (FB); Jan. 11th, Criftin Bridge, c. 35 (]LF); Jan. 15th, Madley, several on "''''ye with 50 Mallard (TRHO); Jan.jFeb., R. Wye in usual num­ bers (CWW); Feb. 12th, Leintwardine, c,30 (JLF); Feb. 26th. Upper Castleton, 160, and Turner's Boat, c.100 (AJS & JV); also Criftin Bridge, several small flocks (FWM); March 5th, small groups at Leintwardine (FWM); March 12th, Criftin Bridge to Burrington, several parties of 10/25 birds (FWM &.: DJ); March 23rd, Leintwardine area. c.40 (JLF); April 3rd. Criftin Bridge, a pair (CWW & HTR); Nov. 11th, Leintwardine, two and 18, and at Wigmore c. 75 by the Teme (]LF); Dee. 2nd. Leintwardine, 25 (]LF).

R. Jan. 5th. Hindwell Pool. a male (RHB); March 18lh. Clyro, c. 25-30 (NW). 290 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT. 1967

52. POCHARD. H. Feb. 5th, four at Leach Pool (KAM); tApril 3rd, Shobdon, a drake (RHB); May 12th, Collington, Bromyard. a pair on pool (TRHO). R. Jan. 2nd, HindweIl Pool, 25 (RHB); nine on Jan. 4th (ROBiC); ten drakes on Jan. 21st (.JLF), 16 on Feb. 11th (JLF), a pair on March 25th (RHB), a drake March 27th (NW) and April 8th (ROBG), the usual drake joined by a duck, July 10th (RHB) and a pair there July 16th and Sept. 23rd (RHB &: JMB); Oct. 28th, a male and two ducks (NW), and eight on Oct. 30th (JU), and three pairs Nov. 18th and 19th (NW). Jan. 22nd, Pwll Patti, two (Club Outing); March 5th, Llan Bwch-Uyn, two (JLF); Oct. 15th, Beacon Hill pool (TRA). Dee. 3rd, Glan-Uyn (Rhayader), one (ROBG).

53. SHOVELER. H. March 5th, four drakes and a duck on floods. Tidnor (KAM); March 12th and 14th, Sutton, three drakes and a duck (SB), and March 15th, three drakes (SB &: ARM); April 12th, Eywood Pool, two drakes and a duck (ClWW). R. March 12th, HindweU, a duck (JLF); April 12th, Moeli· enydd, a pair (AStCW) and April 13th, a pair (HTR); April 15th, Llandrindod Lake, a drake (TJJ).

56. TUFTED DUCK. H. Jan. 8th, Moor Court ponds, one (DMC); Feb. 5th, Lower Castleton, four on Wye (OWIW); Feb. 12th, li\ymestrey pools, a drake, and again on Feb. 26th (FWM); Feb. 15th, Shobdon, 14, and Leach Pool, eight '(GWiW); March 4th, Shobdon, 16 (FWM) and on 21st, 16, with ten males (RHB); March 19th, ten at Devereux Pool and four pairs at Leach Pool, April 9th (KAM);March 19th, Upcott Pool, five pairs, and nine pairs on 20th (VMJ); March 23rd, Shobdon, sixteen (CW!W); April 1st, Shobdon, six drakes and five ducks (NW); April 7th, at least five pairs on Burrington Pool (HTR); April 30th, Aymestrey, two pairs (JED); :\lay 4th, Shobdon, a pair (Ktlll); May Z'/th, several laIige broods ot young on Rudhall Pool (CWW); May 31st, Aymestrey, stiU one pair (JED); June 10th, Burrington, two pairs (Club Outing); June 11th, two pairs, Aymestrey pools (FWM). At Brampton Bryan Park six pairs present and five nests were found by the keeper; Aug. 13th. lAymestrey, five ducklings about two weeks old-a late brood (FWM); Oct. 22nd, seven at Shobdon (AJS); Nov. 4th, Eywood, three ducks and one drake, and six ducks on Flintsham (NW); Nov. 12th, Burrington, two ducks (WJM); Nov. 18th, Shobdon, four drakes and two ducks (NW); Dec. 16th, Shobdon. two drakes and a duck (NW). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 291

R. Jan. 2nd, Hindwell Pool, a duck (RHB), and on Jan. 15th, two (JLF), on March 27th, three pairs (NW) and April 3rd two pairs (RHB); April 26th, a pair (RHB) and Oct. 29th, a pair (NW). March 15th, Llan Bwch-llyn, twelve (JLF); March 18th, Garreg-ddu, two ducks (ROBG); May 9th, Llan Bwch-llyn, two drakes and a duck (JLF); Nov. 19th, Llandrin­ dod, a drake (NW).

60. COLD'EN-EYE. H. Jan.-Feb. 16th, R. Wye, very small numbers present (GWW);Feb. 26th, two of each sex at Turner's Boat (AJS & JV); Dec. 3rd, Dinedor, two ducks on Wye (PJW). R. Jan. 1st, Boughrood Wye, two first-winter birds (JLF & HTR); Jan. 2nd, Hindwell, immature bird still present and last noted on 9'th hanging in poulterer's shop with Pochard (RHB); Jan. 22nd, Llyswen Wye, two below old railway cross­ ing (Club Outing); Feb. 5th and 8th, Dol-y-Mynach, a drake and three ducks (ROBG) and again March 27th (NW); Feb. 26th, Glasbury, four ducks (AJS & JV); Oct. 28th and 29th, Hindwell, two immatures (NW) and seen again by JLF & RHB up to 19th; Dec. 3rd, Dol-y-Mynach dam, four ducks. and Dec. 26th, two (ROBG).

61. LONG-TAILED DUCK. H. A female was seen by NW on the roadside pool at Flintsham on Dec. 17th. It was well viewed through binoculars, very dark black and brown above, under­ parts white, head white with dark crown, dark cheek patches prominent, tail slightly pointed, bill dark. The bird was constantly diving. (First record for County-Ed.).

64. COMMON seOTER. R. Jan. 1st, one duck on Pwll Patti (RHB).

70. GOOSANDU. H. Jan. 31st, Madley, a pair on the Wye (TRHO); Feb. 26th, Bredwardine, a pair (AJS & JV). R. Jan. 1st, Boughrood, two (JLF & HTR); Jan. 15th, ELm area, Dol-y-Mynach, a pair (ROBG); Feb. 5th, Garreg-ddu, seven drakes and five ducks (ROBG); Feb. 16th. Llandrindod, three most days since 3rd (TJJ); Feb. 26th, Llowes, one (AJS & JV); March 5th, Pwll Patti, one (JLF); March 18th, Caban­ Coch, a pair (ROBG), and Garreg-ddu, two parties of 13 and nine (ROBG); March 19th, Boughrood, four drakes and five ducks (JLF); April 11th, Garreg-ddu, three drakes and eleven ducks (HTR); Dec. 31st, two drakes and four ducks on Caban­ Coch (NW); Dec. 3rd, Craig-yr-allt, four drakes and six ducks and Dec. 26th, Garreg-ddu, four ducks and Craig-yr-allt-goch two drakes (ROBG). 292 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

71. SMEW. R. Jan. 15th, Garreg.ddu, a female with eight Mal· lard (ROBG). CA first record-Ed.).

76. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. H. Court of Noke, a gaggle of eight (two adults) arrived at two flood pools on Jan. 17th and were seen by RHB and PRdeQQ.They had gone by' next morning.

82. CANADA GOOSE. H. March 4th, Eywood, a pair (lED & MEJ); March 4th, Shobdon, one (F\VM); March 5th, Leintwar­ dine :Fisheries, two (FWM); March 12th, Criftin-Burrington bridges, two (FWM & DJ); March 24th, Byton, a pair, and again April 4th (NW); April 3rd, Criftin Bridge, a pair (CWW & HTR); April 8th, Mortimer's Cross, one in meadow by Lugg (NJSJ); April 23rd, Yarpole, two (GWT); May 22nd, pairs nest· ing at Letton and Shobdon (CWW); June 2nd, two pairs on Brampton Bryan Pool with seven and four young (Club Out­ ing); a pair also reared four young at Park Pool, Shobdon (TRA); June, Clifford, a pair on Moor Pool (OCA). R. March 24th, Hindwell Pool. nine (HoracePrice per JLF).

84. MUTE SWAN. H. March 19th, Sutton, 22(5:8); April 16th, nest with ten eggs at Allensmore: all hatched, yet it is doubt· ful if any cygnets came to maturity (KAM); May 31st, :Ayrnes· trey pools, a pair nesting on each pool (JED); Dee. 28th, a pair on Shobdon (NW). R. A pair nested, as usual, at Hindwell (RHB).

85. WHOO'PER SWAN. H. Jan. 1st, Lulham, two flew aver the house 100 feet up and calling loudly (TRHO); Jan. 8th, Clifford, c. four (CWW); Jan. 15th, three at Lower Castleton, with a single Bewick and some Mutes. A single immature bird was at Upper Castleton on Feb. 12th (KAM);Feb. 5th, Lower Castle­ ton, one on Wye (OWW); Feb. 25th, Upper Castleton, one with _• • L~ __ 1 lATe" 0 Y"IT\ dll l1llUJdlUIC uu.u V-l.Jv (X,. J "). R. Jan. 15th, Dol-y-Mynach, one (ROBG).

86. BEWICK'S SWAN. H. Jan. 8th, Clifford. twelve (CWW); Jan. 15th, one at Lower Castleton, with Whoopers (KAM); Feb. 22nd, Sutton, four adults and two juveniles on Lugg floods (CWW); Feb. 26th. Sutton, six (AJS & JV) and March 3rd, seven (CWW). R. Jan. 22nd, Pwll Patti, eleven (Club Outing); Feb. 5th, Caban-Coch, one (ROBG); March 5th, Pwll Patti, two adults and three juveniles (JLF). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 293

91. 8UZZARD. H. Jan. 11th and 26th, seen at Preston-on-Wye {TRHO); Feb. 17th, Worrnbridge, six over the church; many more seen in Kingstone area approaching the numbers of 20 years ago (DAC); March, Huntington, about 21st, two parties totalling 14 birds seen in the air (DLJ); March 22nd, Almeley Wootton, three soaring (VMJ); MarchjJApril, Bircher Com­ mon and Oaker Wood, a pair (GWT); Llancillo, two pairs reared one and two chicks; normally only one breeding pair (RPA); Chaff !Wood, a pair reared two, and a Wigmore pair three young; in autumn more soaring than for years(TRA); June 3rd, one over Gatley (WJM); Oct. 22nd, one at Dilwyn (AJS); Oct. 25th, two at Lulham, and 30th a bird of the year, emaciated, was picked up freshly dead; it was sent for exami­ nation but reported to !be too high (TRHO). R. Feb. 12th, Clyro, six over wood north of Bronydd farm (RHB); March 12th, Cascob area, eight in air together (JLF); May, during first week birds plentiful in Radnorshire, and four nests, each with three eggs, found (EG); May 29th, Llandl'indod, nest with two small young (ROBG); July 2nd, nest with two half-grown young on crag in Harley Dingle(TRA); July 20th, Llandrindod, hatched May 28th and one young still in nest (TJJ); Doldowlod, common in area and one young bird very tame and sat in observer's garden eating mice (]DG-W); Dec. 3rd, Elan Valley, seven (ROBG).

93. SPARROW-HAWK. H. Jan. 21st, one female at Bredenbury (PGRB); Feb. 1st, Titley, one in Mowley Wood (TAE); March 3rd, Dilwyn, one ,at Bereton (TAE); March 31st, Shobdon, one (RHB);March 26th, Mansel Lacy, one (]LF); April. Winforton wood, a pair (D. Goulding per AGP); April 17th, Winfor­ ton, one being chased by a Swallow (DG, ACP &i PMW); :April 23rd, Hereford, one was seen to catch a sparrow in a King's Acre road garden; an excellent photo was obtained by the owner, Mr. A. Prowlin, of the hawk clutching its prey on the Rfound (per JLF). April 29th, Haugh Wood, one (Club Out­ mg); B'urghopeWood, May 8th, one carrying a small bird (CWW); May 27th, Mowley Wood, one (NW); May, Lyonshall, one seen twice near end of month (RJC);May. Olchon valley, a male seen twice (TRHO); Shobdon area, one nest successful, not found till young had flown. Another nest located some 100 yards from 1966 site; hen sitting on May 27th and still there till July 16th; July 30th, remains of three eggs found be­ neath tree, evidently sucked---query, by the female? and were they infertile owing to poison? (TRA). Aug. 15th, Leintwar­ dine, one flew ahead of car for 100 j 150 yards-the first seen for some years (AAWB); Aug. 20th, Lulham, a male (TRHO); Oct. 23rd, Stansbatch, one (JMB); Nov. 23rd, Staplow, one in 294 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

Prior's Court garden, the first for many years (JP); Nov. 29th, Kington, two together passed westward over garden (RHB). Dec., Winforton, one seen hedge-hunting during month (GLP): Dec. 10th, one hunting, on two consecutive days, near Moor Court Park (RJC); Dec. 11th, a male hunting, near Woolhope (JLF); Dec. 26th, .a hen, flying from Park Wood to Mills Bank (NW). R. Jan. 21st, Whitton, one over Gilfach Hill and another at Pentre (JLF); March 11th, Glascwm, one (]LF); April 1st, Llangunllo, one near Gravel (JVF); July, Llanigon-Llowes- a brood seen (JLSC); Sept. 9th, Moelienydd, one in area (CNG & TJJ); DoldowIod, noted during the year (JDG-W); Oct. 30th, Four Stones, a male (JLF).

94. GOSHAWK. H.-I!\ug. 19th, Hope Mansel, a bird was flushed off the road, resettled on the road, and eventually flew off over the hedge towards Bishop's Wood. The flight consisted of flaps and glides. Size was between that of a Sparrow Hawk and a Buzzard. Seen flying away, the back was brown. underparts white, eye and legs yellow. The eyestripe was buff and the tail largish and squarish. It was thought to be a young Goshawk, as it seemed somewhat unskilled in movement and habit QACP).

100 or 102. HEN-HARRIER or MONTAGU'S. H. Oct. 2nd, Pembridge; a male flew westwards over observer's house, in the afternoon, ·at tree-top height. It was also seen by IMrs. ''''ilson of Byeletts Cottage whilst travelling along the Broxwood-Pembridge road (DRL).

103. OSPREY. H. April 18th, Ross; a large bird, dark above and white below, was seen hovering over the Wye at Kerne Bridge. It plunged into the river several times and then soared off over [ne uees. Presumed 10 be an Osprey (Dr. G. Ivi. Uoyd per CWW).

104. HO'BBY. H. A pair have been seen and heard calling in a wooded locality this summer; and later three, perhaps four. birds, proving successful breeding. They were hawking insects on the evening of Sept. 9th. They were also seen mobbing a Heron and a Kestrel, and food was observed to be passed while on the wing. The birds are thought to have bred in this area now for two years in succession (TRA, CWW). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL RFPORT, 1967 295

105. PEREGRINE. R. April 8th-11th, Elan Valley, one (HTR). May 28th, Elan Valley, one (AH, P. Lansdown and David Thomas).

107. MERLIN. H. March 1st, Marden, one flew across Sutton road and hunted low over fiields (SB & ARM).

R. Jan. 8th, New Radnor, one flew on to a wire fence near a flock of linnets, to their consternation (JLF); March 23rd, Llanyre, a female (NW); May 1st, Bryngwyn, a male flying low over gorse (JLF); Aug. 16th, Llandeilo Hall, one (TRA); Dec. 17th, Elan VaIley, a female (NW).

110. KESTREL. Widely reported in both Counties, from Mocktree Hays, Haugh Wood, Burghill, Burcott, Criftin Bridge, Venn­ wood, Stansbatch, Weobley. Leintwardine, Madley, Bringewood, Lingen, ~conbury, Woonton, Eyton Common, Staunton Green and ~arpole in Herefordshire; and from Doldowlod, Radnor Forest, Cefnllys and Llandrindod in Radnorshire. Breeding is specifically reported from Little Birch (in a Crow's nest) (TF), and from Kingsthorne, where two pairs succeeded (TiF) in Herefordshire; and from Gilwern Dingle, with two young on the wing (Club Outing) and Llandrindod, where four young flew (TJJ) in Radnorshire.

111. RED GROUSE. R. April 2nd, Beacon Hill area, four pairs on Pool Hill (JLF); July 16th, Caety Traylow, a strong covey of seven flushed (Club Outing). The breeding season on Rhulen Moors was up to average (TRA). act. 15th, two on Beacon Hill (TRA).

113. BLACK CROUSE. R. April 10th, Waun Marteg, a cock seen (HTR), and a cock seen there June 18th (Club Outing); Oct. 8th, a hen flushed (TRA).

115. RED-LEGCED PARTRIDCE. H. April 5th, a pair at Little Here­ ford (WJM); April 14th, Woonton Ash, one on plough (RHB); May 3rd, a pair west of Midsummer Hill, 'Malverns (JLF); June 9th, Preston-on-vVye, one sitting on eggs (TRHO); Nov. 18th, Leintwardine, two on stubble (JLF). 296 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

116. PARTRIDGE. H. All over England a decline has been noted­ due to toxic sprays? to new agricultural methods? to a natural cycle? From Shobdon area hreeding success is reported very patchy, but with some signs of recovery (TRA). Madley area, patchy (TRHO). Nov. 18th, Leintwardine, a covey of 22 ULF). R. Doldowlod, two coveys in 1966 but none seen up to Oct. 27th, 1967 {lDG-W).

117. QUAIL. H. The peak numbers of 1963-1965 seem to have passed. Though several visits were paid to Shobdon aerodrome in early summer, no calling was heard. Aug. 24th, two were flushed when combining barley near Milton Cross, by Mr. G. Peruffo. !Aug. 31st, four were Hushed while combining wheat north-west of Shobdon village, and two were thought to be young. No calling had been heard. Sept. 2nd, Stockton, Mr. Peruffo saw two or three, probably young, while combing (per CWW).

120. WATER RAIL. H. Feb. 12th, Aymestrey Pools, one, and two on March 5th (FWM); March, Michaelchurch Trout Farm, one dur,ing 'first week ~GLp); March 12th, heard at Shobdon (KAM); April 17th, Kingsthome, one Hew into .a cottage and killed itself (I1F); Oct. 29th, heard at Leach Pool I~KAlM); Nov. 25th, EywoodPool, one {J. Dyke per TRA); Dee. 17th, one at the Hyde, exceptionally tame and using the same patches of under­ growth for concealment as when last seen in August 1965 (MLB-T). R. February, Llandrindod Hall Farm, frequently flushed (TJJ); Sept. 17th, still present (TJJ).

125. CORNCRAKE. H. May, Great Oak. near Eardisley, one in held oppoSite observer's bungalow, caiiingfrequently, especially in late evenings (Dr. S. Eo Smyth); May 12th, heard by the FSB's. June, Mortimer's Cross, one flushed from mowing grass; had been calling for a week (TRA). August, Pembridge, one flushed from a currant crop at Bearwood. during first week (DRL).

126. MOORHEN. H. November, observer, while shaving, could watch up to eighteen feeding in stubble field, Lulham, Madley (TRHO). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 21)7

127. COOT. H. April 30th, Aymestrey Pools, one with two young and another with three or four (lED); May 5th, Criftin Bridge, nest with six eggs (EG); June 3rd, IAymestrey, a pair with young (WJM); Nov. 12th, c.30 on Burrington Pool (WJIM). R. Llyn Hilyn, Jan.-March, c.4O (RHD & ROBG); April 30th, at least six nests visible (ROBG); Nov. 25th, c. 40 (RHB); Dec. 2nd, 31 (R:OBG).

131. OYSTER CATCHER. H. Sept., Winforton, one kept flying up and down Wye while observer was fishing (WLS). R. Jan. 17th, Llandrindod, lakeside, one (TJJ).

133. LAPWINC. H. There are many reports of their scarCIty during breeding season, probably due to the turn-over to modern farming methods. 'Feb. 26th, 5utton, c.300 (AJS & JV); June 3rd, post-breeding movements over Moreton-on-Lugg noted from this date, with flocks of over 30 (AJ5). Oct. 30th, :Milton Cross road and Court of Noke, 300 (VMJ & MMP); Dec. 8th, Brilley, 8/10 flocks of c. 50 birds, each flying high and westward, prior to heavy snow (WL5). R. Aug.-Sept., Newbridge on Wye, a flock of 200 spent a long period on a rough ploughed field (JDG-W); Dee. 3rd. c. 150 over Llandewi, and Dee. 24th, c.50 over Llanbadarn bridge, Crossgates (ROBG).

134. RINGED PLOVER. H. Sept. 1st, two flushed by Hereford Wye (AJ5). R. Aug. 19th and 20th, Llan Bwch-llyn, five on mud where the lake is being drained (lLF).

135. LITTLE RINCED PLOVER. H. April 12th, Hereford. one by Wye at 8a.m. was quite confiding, but soon disturbed bv anglers (AJS). (Fifth record for County-Ed.).

140. GOLDEN PLOVER. H. Jan. 1st, Pembridge. 200-300 on Mose­ ley Common (HTR); Jan. 12th, Madley, several with Lapwings (TRHO); Jan. 21st. Court of Noke, over 100 counted, with many Lapwings, in field beside Milton Cross road (RHB); Oct. 30th, Court of Noke, 250+ (V!vfJ :\: MMP); Dec. 16th, Shohdon aerodrome. 150-200 with 100 Lapwings (NW). 298 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

R. Jan. 5th, Four Stones area, many in flocks from six to fifty (RHB); Jan. 8th, Four Stones, 43 on stubble, eleven on meadow near Downton House and 15 near New Radnor (JLF); Jan. 15th, Evenjobb, 34 in grassy meadow (JLF); Jan. 22nd. near Llyswen, c.250 (Club Outing); Feb. 8th, Dolberthog Corn· mon, 100/200 (TJJ); March 5th, Begwns, two, and 19th, seven­ teen (JLF); March 31st, Lundy near Painscastle, 88 in field (PJC); April 1st, Moelienydd, c.130 (JLF); IApril 9th, Elan Valley, a pair (HTR); July 23rd, Begwns, one with Lapwings (JLF); Aug. 20th, Newchurch Hill, three (JLF); Oct. 30th, Four Stones, c. 300 in flight; later flocks of 35, 30 and 70 were seen, all flying westward (JLF}; Nov. 1st, Four Stones, still c. 150 about, and Nov. 2nd, one at Begwns (JLF); Nov. 26th, HindweIl, 200 on stubble (RHB).

145. SNIPE. H. Jan. 10th, Vennwood, one, and again Aug. 28th (HTR); Jan. 11th, iMadley, one, but a number reported in the neighbourhood (TRHO); Jan. 11th, Leintwardine, one (JLF) and five on Feb. 26th; March, at Yarpole(GWT); March 12th. Leintwardine fisheries, three (FWM & DJ); Penybont Common, four drumming (NW). The species has suffered much from drain· ing of agricultural land.

147. JACK SNIPE. H. Jan. 27th, Hereford Wye, one flushed (AJS); F"'l:-. 1?th, T .pintw~roine, one flushed from ditch (lLF); act. 3rd, one flushed, Hereford Wye (AJS). -- . R. Oct. 15th, Beacon Hill, one flushed (TRiA).

148. WOODCOCK. H. Jan. 10th, single bird seen at Vennwood, and again Dec. 23rd and 26th (HTR); April, Haugh Wood, during the last week, a :Woodcock was flushed, from a track, off three young, which ran into cover (Mark Young); April 23rd, Yarpole, one in flight (GWT); April 22nd, Haugh Wood, one roding on the south side (JLF); April 30th, Mansel Lacy, one flushed which was brooding a half-grown chick; difficult HEREFORDSHIRE OR~ITHOLOGICAL RFPORT, 1967 299

to spot at three feet (JLF); May 14th, Manse! Lacy, one of a pair flushed dropped a chick it was carrying, It fell with out­ stretched legs into oak leaves, to the accompaniment of "chis­ sick" calls from the parents (JLF); June 6th, 1M0ccas Park, one flushed (AJS); Dec. 8th, Shobdon, three seen in evening, search­ ing boggy patch after fall of snow (TRA), R. ,Feb., Llandrindod, observer informed by shooting friends that within eight-mile radius some 70 birds were put up, of which 34 were shot (T]]). March 18th, Garreg-ddu, one in Shore Wood (ROBG); August, Stonewall Hill, Presteigne, one in flight (TRHO).

150. CURLEW. H. Jan. 8th, Kingsland, two on Lugg (RHB); Jan. 11th, Leintwardine Teme, four (JLF); Feb. 1st, Lugg Meadows, one calling in flight (CWW); Feb. 14th, Criftin Bridge, two (RHB); Feb. 26th, Leintwardine Teme, c. 70 spent day resting and feeding (JLF); Feb. 26th, Criftin Bridge, c.40 (FWM); March 5th and 12th, Leintwardine Fisheries, c. 35 and c.25 (FWM); Mal'ch 5th, Madley, first heard; rarer hereabouts as a breeding species owing to conversion to arable (TRHO); March 4th, Whitbourne, one seen and heard (WRC); April, nesting at Yarpole(GwrT); April 3rd, Criftin Bridge, c.60, and at Mortimer's Cross c.15 (CWW & HTR); May 5th, Teme Valley, plentiful on all suitable breeding fields and four nests found (EIG); Nov. 11th, Leintwardine, four, and six on 18th and c. six on 23rd (JLF). R. July, Llowes, some 200 seen on Wye(JLSC).

151. WHIMBREL. H. May 11th, Haugh ·Wood, two flew over call­ ing, during Club Outing.

154. BLACK-TAILE,D CODWIT. R. Uyn Hilyn, 'May 16th, one III full breeding plumage (RHB & AHL).

156. CREEN SAND'PIPER. H. Jan. 14th, Lugg Meadow, one on shingle (CWW); Jan. 15th, one at Castleton (KAM); Feb. 12th, Eyton, two have spent winter on Lugg (D. 'Asterley per CWW); March 12th, Criftin Bridge-Burrington, one by small pool (FWM & DJ); April 21st, Hereford Wye, one flushed (AJS); Sept. 13th, one near Hereford Wye (AJS); and two on act. 2nd; Oct. 22nd, two at Letton, and Oct. 29th one at Leach Pool (KAM); Nov. 11th, Criftin Bridge, three together (JLF); Nov­ ember, one at Preston-on-Wye (H. SneIl per TRHO); Dec. 2nd, Criftin Bridge, one (JLIF). 300 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

R. Jan. 1st, Boughrood Brest, one on Wye (JLF & HTR); Jan. 23rd, Pwll Patti, one (Club Outing); July 13th-20th, Llan­ drindod, one on Hall Farm Marsh (TJJ); Aug. 20th, Llan Bwch-llyn, one (JLF); Nov. 5th, Pwll Patti, one (NW); Dec. 26th, Knighton-on-Teme, one (TRA).

159. COMMON SAN'DPIPER. H. April, Winforton Wye, birds noted (DC per AGP); April 20th, Lyepole, a pair, increasing to two pairs by 30th (TRHO); April 21st, Llancillo, two pairs on Monnow {TRHO); April 18th, Hereford Wye, one UAJS); April 18th, three on Wye by Bunch of Carrots (CWW); tApril 30th, R. Arrow, one between Eardisland and Lawton (ViMJ); May 4th, Yarpole (GWT); May 5th, Criftin Bridge, three pairs; Bucknell, four pairs and a nest with four eggs (EG). May, birds seen at Clodock and usual Monnow sites, but thought to have had bad breeding season owing to floods. One pair had young and two pairs hatched young at Lyepole (TRHO); iMay 27th, Bucknell, three pairs, and four pairs (one nest with four eggs) at Brampton Bryan (EJG); June 4th, four at Criftin Bridge (FWM); July 27th, Brampton Bryan, one (EG); Sept. 9th, Hole­ in-the-Wall, one (MB & J. Voysey). One by Hereford Wye, Nov. 3rd and Dec. 5th (AJS). R. April 30th, Afon Marteg, two (ROBG); May 9th, Peny­ bont, three on the Ithon (NW); June 3rd, Llandrindod, nest of four eggs at Lovers' Leap (TJJ); June 6th, Penybont, nest of four eggs trodden by cattle (NW); Glasbury, July-Aug., up to six on Wye, one ringed (JLSC); Aug. 19th, Llan Bwch-llyn, one (JLF).

161. REDSHANK. H. May, a pair at Elton ~GWT). R. March 19th, Pwll Patti, two (RHB', FSB's and MB); March 23rd, Moelienydd, a pair (RHB & iAS~GW); March 24th, Moelienydd, two pairs OLF); March 30th. April 3rd, Uyn Hi!yn, n~'!) (NW); April 4th, Moelienydd. one pair (JLF): Mav 1st, Begwns, one at a pool (JLF); June 8th,Penybont Common, a pair with two chicks (NW); June 25th, Moelienydd, of three pairs in area one appeared to have no young, one almost cer­ tainly had (by their behaviour) and the third pair had three well grown young (JLF); Aug. 19th, Uan Bwch-llyn, one (JLF).

165. CREENSHANK. H. Sept. 1st, one seen, and calling. near Hereford (AJS); Sept. 9th, Hole-in-the-Wall, Ross stretch of Wye, one (MB & JV). R. Aug. 19th, Llan Bwch-llyn, two (JLF). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 301

184. RUFF. H. August 8th, one on the edge of Wye at Hereford (AJS). (Third record for County-Ed.).

198. GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL. H. April, Llancillo, a pair near the Monnow, which come every year during March-April (TRHO). R. Llandrindod, five in a flight near R. Ithon (eNC).

199. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. H. Jan. 23rd, Ledbury, 36 on refuse tip (BAD); Ledbury, flocks, often large in autumn and early part of the year, but in much smaller numbers during mid-winter (JQM); Feb. 2nd, Hereford Wye, nine, and 17 at Belmont on 14th (AJS). Several dozen frequented fresh plough at Vennwood in late IAugust (HTR). Dec. 28th, 50 passing Bredenbury (PGRB). Observations made on the Teme near Ludlow and Tenbury, by WJM have made it apparent that a regular movement of birds along the Teme Valley takes place in autumn, winter and spring. Birds may be seen almost daily in groups of up to five, and occasionally much larger numbers. There was an instance of 40 birds in 1006. The largest number was 54 travelling west at Ludlow on March 2nd, 1967. Some evident movement through the County is also noted by AJS, between 24th and 27th of July. On 25th 77 were seen on Hereford pastures, including many immatures. Several were on plough at Moreton, with Common and Black-headed on Aug. 20th; nine on plough at Wellington, Oct. 22nd. R. April 10th, four flying east over Waun Marteg; April 11th, six flying up the Wye near Glaslyn.

ZOO. HERRING GULL. H. Jan. 10th, 12th. 16th and 23rd and Feb. 28th, Ledbury, odd birds with Lesser Black·Backs (]GM); Feb. 14th, Belmont, one (AJS).

201. COMMON GULL. H. Feb.2nr1. Hereford. close on 400 on p;J" ture (AJS). The migrating movement in a northerly direction occurred daily in early March over 1\10reton on Lugg cnd into early Apri1. Last noted April 24th (AJS). 302 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

208. BLACK-HEADEiD GULL. H. March 5th, c. 40 at Leintwardine Fisheries (FWM); Ledbury, present in large flocks outside breed­ ing season {JGM); March 25th, Almeley Wootton, well over 100 passed over (VlMJ); April, Bredwardine, Weston Marsh had a large colony this year-lOO pairs? (TRHO~. Colony success­ ful again; scores of young birds fledged; all left by first week of July (CWW); Nov. 7th, of 400 gulls on Lugg flood-water, most were Black-headed (AJS). R. March 18th, Caban-Coch, c.500 roosting on reservoir (ROBG); May 1st, Rhosgoch, c. 250 pairs present (Club Out­ ing).

212. BLACK TERN. H. May 10th, four seen by anglers above Letton (per Sir Richard C<:Jtterell). R. Sept. 6th-12th, Llandrindod, good views of one at rest and in flight (CNG & TJJ).

215. GULL-BILLED TERN. H. Sept. 9th, a bird watched between the boat-dub and road bridge at Ross, in proximity to two Common Terns, was thought by observers to be this species. It was more heavy and stocky, the all-black bill shorter and stouter, the wings broader and not so long, the tail very shal­ lowly forked. Identification could not be confirmed for lack of field-glasses QM. Beach and J. C. Voysey). (Note-Recent Reports in "British Birds" record a total of twelve of these birds as seen between August and October 26th, including singles at two localities in Gloucestershire on Oct. 1st and 15th, one of these localities being Frampton Sands. These observations support the Herefordshire record.-Ed.) .

217. COMMON TERN. H. Sept. 9th, Ross. Two birds over the 'Wye above the town (MD & .fCV); Oct. 12th, one fishing on Here­ ford Wye (AJS). R. Sept. 5th, Llandrindod, the boat-attendant at the lake reported five as having been present (per CNG).

223. SAN'DWICH TERN. H. Oct. 29th, Kingstone, one believed seen flying low and northwards at 9.15 a.m. after a westerly gale (PJW). (Only previous record is of a damaged bird picked up in Ross in 1866 on Oct. 22nd-Ed.). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 303

232. STOC,K DOVE. H. Jan. 20th, Madley, one in song and again on 27th (TRHO); March 15th, Sutton, c. 50 (SB & (ARM); April 1st, plentiful on plough at Shabdon, Bredwardine and Moccas (NW); April 5th, five at Little Hereford, and Aug. 24th, six at Leintwardine Fisheries (WJM). R. March 5th, Bryngwyn, 26 on stubble (JLF); April 18th, Llandrindod, a male feeding female on the nest every It min­ utes (TJJ).

234. WOOD-PIGEON. H. Oct. 25th, bird sitting on eggs at Lulham (TRHO); Nov. 12th, Kington, young flew from nest in observ­ er's garden (JEAD).

235. TURTLE-DOVE. H. 1966, Ledbury, a maximum of 10 in a flock was seen on July 4th and a flock of 28 at Preston on July 7th, by JGM. 1957.;, April 22nd, heard at Fownhope (KAM); April 29th, Haugh Wood, one (Club Outing); May 5th, present at East­ hampton, Shobdon (TRA); IMay f3th, Ledicot, two flew low over road near Black Barn and another pair flew across the road to the west of Staunton Green (RHB); May, three at Cusop (GWT); May 10th, Bradnor Hill, Kington, one (NW); May 11th, Easthampton, two entered the fowl-house and were caught and released (TRA); IMay 13th, Monnington, in song (PMcD, AJS & JV); May 14th, Stansbatch, one (JMB); May 27th, Lyonshall, two flew off near the road (NW); June 4th, two at Criftin Bridge (FWM); June 10th, Vowchurch, seen on llatcho Hill, also breeding near Lulham, Madley (TRHO); July 1st, four at Ross (PGRB); July 1st, Titley, about 8/9 flushed at Mowley Farm yard where a couple had first been reported to observer in 19f35 and 1966 (RHB); Kingsthorne, a pair nested successfully (TF); tAug. 8th, one at Shelwick and a Pair at Vennwood, Aug. 28th (HTR); Sept. 7th, Kingstone, one (TRHO). R. July-Aug., Glasbury Wye, two pairs (JLSC).

COLLARED DO'VE. H. Feb., Hereford, now scattered round Castle Green and Hospital area (CWW); March 4th, Tarring­ ton, four (PHLs); March 21st, Kington, one for half an hour near house (RHB); May 1st, Wooton Almeley, a pair in orchard tree (VMJ); May 3rd, Kington, one calling, but not seen, about 8 a.m. (RHB); Nov. 21st, Kingstone, two feeding on road and one in observer's garden on 25th (PJW). R. July 12th, Presteigne, birds seen feeding young on lawn at Warden Court (Dr. J.Walker); June 6th, Penybont, one on telegraph wire (NW); Oct. 15th, Knighton, 24 in corn-merch­ ant's yard (TRA). 304 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

237. CUCKOO. H. April 7th, Hereford, one flew from King's Acre road to Huntington Farm fields (VMJ); April 16th, heard at Downton Castle (GSTD); 17th, at Aconbury (TF); 19th, at Eardisley (LTR), and Winforton (ACP) and S1. 'Weonard's (TFVM); 20th, at Almeley Wootton(VMJ) and Whitbourne ~WRC); 21st, Madley(TRHO); thereafter general. Last heard at Lulham, June 25th (TRHO); Aug. 4th, Lyonshall, one flying about road near Elsdon (RHB). R. Young bird frequenting rearing field at Stanage Park on Aug. 6th (TRA).

241. BARN OWL. H. Jan. 5th, Marden, one present since Dee. 31st, 1966 (HGM); Jan. 8th, Stretton Sugwas, one (CWW); Jan. 9th, Bodenham, one (R. E. Moreau); Jan. 29th, Almeley, a pair (per TRHO); JanIFeb. Allensmore, one seen regularly in the Winnall Pool area, as last year (DAC); Feb. 3rd, Lyons­ hall Park, one in flight (MLB-T); Feb. 19th, Portway Inn, one got out of a ditch, seen for the third time in six months (TF); Feb. 12th and Dec. 22nd, Ledbury (JGM); March 6th, Stoke Edith, one hunting by roadside (AJSs); March 23rd and 24th, Upcott, one in evenings (RJC); April, Winforton, a bird seen twice near the church {DC per ACP); May, nested at Brampton Bryan and Kingsland (CWW); May, Criftin Bridge, nesting in usual site and three eggs there; May 27th, three young; July 27th, young ready to fly (EG); Nov. 19th, Hope-under-Dinmore, one in head-lights across A49 (JMB); Dec. 3rd, Peterstow, one (R:OBG); one killed on the road near Foley Arms (FiB). R. July 17th, Llandrindod, two on the Hall Farm bog can be seen every evening {TJJ).

246. LITTLE OWL. H. Jan. 4th, Stockley Cross, one (JMB); Jan. 6th, Yarkhill area, two (FB); Jan. l4th, Lugwardine, three in locality (CWW); Jan. 15th, Hereford, one on telegraph post, a quarter of a mile from Raven's Nest Inn (ROBG); Feb., heard at Castleton and resident at Moreton on Lugg (lAJS); April, Croft :CMtlc, vIle a$lccp -in tree (l'!JSJ); ~1~y 2'~d, St~untcn­ on-Wye, single birds on wires each side of the village (RHB & JMB); breeding at Moreton (AJS); May, breeding at Lulham (TRHO); June 26th, Kington, one on telegraph post, Bradnor Hill (NW); July 7th, Shucknall, one on telegraph wires (JLF); Aug. 27th, Burrington, a pair feeding young in willows (EC); Sept. 9th, at least two birds seen while canoeing down the Wye near Ross (MB & JV); Oct. 6th, Staplow, three in Prior's Court hop-yard (JP); Bishopstone, a pair nests successfully every year in the broken branch of a chestnut (MVC); Dec. 28th, two calling at Bredenbury (BCRB); Dec. 31st, Easthampton, Shoh­ don, one hunting in evening (TRA). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 305

R. Nov. 5th, Pwll Patti, Glasbury, one (NW). (There is an unusual crop of records from the northern half of Herefordshire, where it has been considered scarce; but still hardly a record from Radnorshire. Has any member any evidence of its being harmful to small-bird life?-Ed.).

247. TAWNY OWL. H. !April 17th, Kingsthorne Common, a pair calling (TF); Almeley Wootton, a pair resident (VMJ); April, Madley, for the third time in four years a pair nested in a six­ gallon Bulmer's cider barrel erected for them in a chestnut, laying in March and taking the young off by early May. June, Cobnash, a pair with one owlet QED). R. Feb. 4th, Llandrindod, calling in various areas {ROB

248. LONC-EARED OWL. R. A pair, first noted in a fir spinney on Cilfaesty Hill on March 18th, had laid three eggs in an old Magpie's nest by April 16th (EJG).

249. SHORT-EAREiD OWL. R. Dec. 29th, Waun Marteg, one seen (NW).

252. NICHTJAR. H. Only one record, from Haugh 'Wood where it was churring on May 21st (TRA & JHW).

255. SWIFT. H. April 27th, first seen at Llancillo (TRHO) and two over Holmer (AJS); April 30th, birds present 7.30 p.m. at Hereford (BS); ,May 1st, Kington, birds returned to Gal'th roof OMB), and seen at Hereford and Winforton QLF); May 2nd, Kington, two in evening; 3rd, six early, and 5th, in strength (RHB); Aug. 18th, last bird noted at Lulham, Madley(TRHO); last bird at Kington also on 18th, where 30/40 sojourned on Aug. 6th-7th, some of them roosting in local nests (RHB).

- & ... no_,,, "Y' .,' . __ _ ll.T ... _~_ rlllr.T.TIo1'\ ...... 1_ ... K. 1"\.prll ~1L11, rlOU::J~l1C, vue UVC! ..l.."IIUJ.'LVll \..l"l"" l' .lua.,. .L"'l,., Llandrindod, three (eNG) and two at Llan Bwch-llyn QLF).

258. KINGFISHER. H. Jan. 14th, one on Wyefive miles above Hereford (ROBG); ,Feb. 10th and March 7th, seen on Wye at Madley (TRHO); March 20th, Byford, one on Wye (AC); March 24th, one on the Arrow at Kington (NW); May 1st, Hunton Bridge, one, if not a pair, seen (BMT); May 3rd, Lye­ pole, one (TRHO); June 1st, Kington, one on Arrow (P. H. Briggs) and at Leominster one by Eaton Bridge CMI'. Plant of Leominster); June, at iYarpole (GWT); June 18th, one on R. 306 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

Frome (PGRB); June 24th, one at Tidnor (KAM); June, several seen on Llancillo stretch of Monnow and two nests found on Lyepole-Aymestrey Lugg; none this year on Olchon or Clodock Monnow (TRHO); July 27th, R. Teme, one flying downstream towards Brampton Bryan (EG); Aug. 16th, Staplow, one perch­ ing on .gate overlooking R. Leadon, and not seen in this area for several years (JP); Oct. 22nd, Clifford, one on Wye (VMJ); Nov. Brilley, one on brook by Upper Bridge Court (WLS). R. Jan. 1st, Glasbury, one flying down the WyeOLF and HTR); April 7th, Cabalva, a pair nesting in Wye bank (Miss Campbell per CWW); Uowes Wye, increasing, and seven ringed OLSC); Sept. 17th, Crossgates, one by Llanbadarn bridge (ROBG); Autumn, single birds noted on Wye below Llanwrthl and some two miles above Newbridge (JDG-W); Nov. 2nd, Glasbury bridge, one on nearby island OLF).

262. CREEN WOODPECKER. H.March 19th, Upcott Pool, two pres­ ent (VMJ); March 24th and 25th, Kington, singles at Mills Bank and Yeld Wood (WN); April 5th, one at Little Hereford (WJ'M); May, often noted at Lyepole; very rare in Madley area from destruction of orchards and timber (TRHO); act. 20th, Almeley Wootton, one heard OLF); Nov. 8th, Ivington, one at the Hyde, the first noted since 1962/63 winter (MLB-T). R. March 18th, near Elan Valley Hotel, one (ROBG); act. 30th, Cascob area, they appear to be relatively numerous (JLF).

263. GREATER SPOiTTE'D WOOD'PECKER. H. Jan. 11th, 14th and 27th, Madley, one (TRHO); Jan. 14th, Preston-on-Wye, one (TRHO}; Jan. 17th, Dymock, one drumming (JGM); Feb. 17th, Madley, drumming (TRHO); March 21st, Whitoourne, drum­ ming (WRC); June, seen and heard often at Lyepole (TRHO); July 25th-Nov. 10th, up to two, and also a young bird once, seen periodically (ViMJ); Nov. 12th, female at Elton (WJM); Lulham, a bird heard to drum. shortly. five times on Nov. 22nil -a queer time of year (TRHO). R. Jan. 8th, New Radnor, one on the Smatcher (JLF); March 18th, Clyro, a pair (NW); Aug. 5th, Abbeycwmhir, one (RHB).

264. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. H. March 22nd, Whit­ bourne, drumming (WRC); March 23rd, Whitney-on"Wye, seen drumming (CWW); April 5th, Hereford Wye bridge, one (EFRT); April 5th, female on the Salop borders at Burford (WJiM); April 8th, Mowley Wood, a male (RHB and NW); HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 307

April 23rd, Mansel Lacy, one in oaks (JLF); July, Ivington, a pair daily in the Hyde garden (MLB-T); iAlmeley Wootton, up to two seen in orchard, July 25th-Aug. 24th (VMJ); Aug. 15th­ Oct. 20th, Lulham, seen 4-5 times (TRHO). Frequently seen at Vennwood at all seasons (HTR). R. Jan. 21st, Stanner Rocks, one (JLF); Aug. 5th, ,Walton, one in flight (RHB).

271. WOODLARK. H. The only record is from Elton, where a bird was in song on the wing for fifteen minutes, half a mile from 1966 territory (JCV per TRA).

272. SKYLARK. R.

274. SWALLOW. H. First record April 9th, when they were hawking over Leach Pool with Sand Martins (KAM); April 10th, Aymestrey Sand-pit (FWM); April 11th, Almeley Woot­ ton (per MVJ); 12th, three on HerefordWye, and five on 13th (DOW); 15th, one at Hampton Park (FRCH); 16th, one at Great Oak corner, Eardisley (LTR) and two at Kingsthorne (r:F), also two at Kinnerton (NW) and one at Stansbatch (GSTD); 17th, one at St. Weonards (TFVM); thereafter many records; Oct. 20th, Kington, a juvenile spent the afternoon over the garden and could fly well (RHB); Oct. 20th, Bosbury, two over the village (L. A. Footman per JP); Nov. 2nd, Kingsthorne, two flying south (PJW). R. tApril 18th, Presteigne, one at Reeves Hill and one near WilIey (RHB), on the Herefordshire border.

276. MUU:lt MAKTiN. H. FirsL aL KingLOn, Aprii 4Lh (I~"vv'); Aprii 16th, Shobdon Rock, one (GSTR); 17th, Almeley Wootton, a pair started building (VMJ); 18th, Whitbourne (WRC); 19th, Kington, birds present (JMB); Kingsthorne, six pairs nested, but reduced by Sparrow molestation (TF); TRA reports 50 pairs at Knucklas, a drop from 1966, but at Lulham TRHO reports an increase-owing perhaps to an anti-sparrow cam­ paign; Sept. 23rd, AlrneleyWootton, last brood of four left nest (ViM]); Oct. 13th, Kingsthorne, six present (PJW); Oct. 21st, Kington, last noted (NW); Oct. 24th. Bosbury. four flying over (L. A. Footman per JP). 308 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT. 1967

2:77. SANID MARTIN. H. First record March 24th, Eywood, three (NW); March 25th, The Carrots, two (CWW); 30th, Hereford Wye, £Our (AJS); April 4th, Aymestrey (FWM) and Kington. four migrating westwards (RHB & NW); April 7th, Burrington Pools (HTR); TRHO reports a slight increase in the Lulham colony, catastrophically reduced in 1965; still reduced numbers on the Monnow. Last large party noted. 70, Hereford, Sept. 5th (AJS). R. iApril 8th, Hindwell Pool, three (ROB-G); April 9th, Llanelwedd, three over Wye (ROBG).

2:79. RAVEN. H. Jan. 21st, Kingsthorne. four doing aerobatics over house and alighted on Aconbury Wood (TF); Jan. 15th, Lulham, a pair frequently over, up to early spring, then again Oct.-Dec., probably breeding on Garnons (TRHO). March 5th, Stormer Hall, Leintwardine, two (FWM). March, a pair brought up two young in Aconbury Wood (per TF). A pair hred successfully near Bromyard (DGB). March 25th, Win­ forton, a pair spent the day trying to dislodge a pair of Car­ rion Crows from their nest (ACP). April 18th, one over Tram Inn (KAM). ii\ pair nested on Bircher Common (GWT). May, Kingsthorne, two pairs nested in area (TF). Shobdon Hill, a pair reared four young (TRA). Sept. 15th, Whitbourne, five together (WRC). Seen on several occasions at Llancillo and Lyepole (TRHO). R. March 18th, a nest with five eggs at Cilfaesty, one with three at Craig-yr-allt-goch, and one with four at Craig-y-foel (E'G); March 31st, Glasnant area, two nests in trees, one with 3 young and one c.5. Rhulen Hill, an inaccessible tree nest (PJC); April 30th, Radnor Forest, twelve in the air at once (ROBG); Shaky Bridge, a pair nested (CNG); May 29th, Llan· drindod, a nest with three nearly full-grown young (ROBG); Aug. 20th, Dol-y-fan Hill, at least twelve among some 100 corvidae (ROBG); Aug. 2:7th, Beacon Hill. ten in air together (JLF); Dee. 24th, Radnor Forest, 41, including 23 in one party fRO"Rlr..\· nPrPTnhpr ?f':th 19AA Cbclf'strv 29 hircls. mostlv in ,------1' --~~---.- --- -, ., ;- - I pairs, were noted circling and displaying above Hergest Ridge (MEJ & ACP).

280. CARRION-CROW.

281. HooD'ED-CROW. H. Bradnor Hill, Kington. one observed in flight on April 3rd. through field-glasses, on three occasions by observer and two others with him. all of whom were quite sure that the bird was a "Hoodie" and not a freak Carrion (CRE). RHB and JMB failed to find it next day and it was not seen again. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 3Q9

282. ROOK. H. Feb. 22nd, Aymestrey Rooks repairing nests (FWM).

283. JACKDAW. H. At least 600 at l\foreton-on·Lugg roost on July 14th, with some Rooks and a few Crows (AJS).

284. MAGPIE.

286. JAY.

288. GREAT TIT. H. Lulham, in song on Jan. 16th and agam Dec. 27th (TRHO).

289. BLUE TIT.

290. COAL TIT.

292. MARS,H TIT.

293. WILLOW TIT. H. Jan. 11th, Leintwardine, a pair (JLF); April 1st, Shobdon Pool, two at close range (NW), and again on April 4th (RHB); April 9th, Mansel Lacy, a pair OLF); April 28th, Bircher Common, in song (GWT); Moreton·on·Lugg, resident, song heard mostly in !April but also in June (AJS); Nov. 18th, Shobdon, birds present (NW); Oct. 18th, Stoke Lacy, one, and 22nd, Bredwardine, one, and Nov. 20th, Kingstone, one in garden (PJW); Nov. 18th, Criftin Bridge, one in a hedge· row (JLF). 1966, a pair nested at Bredenbury {PGR). R. Jan. 15th, Pentre, one by stream (JLJF); Jan. 21st, Gil­ fach Hill, a pair '(JLF); Feb. 4th, Pilleth, a pair in Forest Wood (JIJF); March 11th, Newchurch·Glascwm, three pairs (JLF); ~!~rch 12th, Ki!!ne!t~!!, 2. p~:ir aLE); M~yrh ?,,,~,.o; T.1wyn pentre. a pair (RHB & AStGW); April 10th, one by Wye near Builth (HTR); Dec. 24th, Llandrindod, present with two Marsh Tits; known by light patch on wings and graduated tail (ROBG)

294. LONG-TAILED TIT. H. Jan., Newtown Lane. Leominster. six at end of month (WHMa); Jan. 7th, Madley, a party of 8/10 by Wye, and 10th, another party at Preston (TRHO); Jan. 17th, Staunton-on·Arrow, six (JI\IB); and several parties ill following month; Jan. 28th, Aymestrey Pools, party of five (FWM); Feb. 26th, Beechen Bank. Aymestrey. several flocks, 310 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

20-40 Tits in all, including one of c.15 Long-Tails ~WM); March 12th, Leintwardine Fisheries, two (FW:M & DJ); March 24th, Lyepole, a pair, and 25th, at Lulham, nest nearly com­ pleted (TRHO); April 22nd et seq., Almeley Wootton, pair frequenting garden (VMJ); April 18th, Bircher Common, a pair (GWT); May, Kingsthorne, a pair nested, young flew and two addled eggs left (TF); Aug. 5th, Almeley Wootton, six, in­ creasing to eight in November and 14 in December (VMJ); Sept. 28th, Lulham, a party of 15 (TRHO); Oct. 22nd, Wapler, c.12 (AFSD); Nov. 8th, Shobdon. four (NW); Oct. 30th, Dicken­ field, 16 + (VMJ & MMP); Nov., BriBey, flocks of 10-12 birds seen periodically (WLS); Dec. 4th, K ington, c. 10 (RHB); Dee. 24th, iYarpole, 12 (GWT). R. Feb. 5th, 'Abbeycwmhir, flock of 11 (ROBG); April 29th, Glasnant, 3 pairs in valley, one nest found (PJC); May 27th, Doldowlod, flock of six (ROBG); Oct, 8th, Pencerrig, two (ROBG).

296. NUTHATCH. H.Madley, disappeared from this area, owing to destruction of timber. Met with at Lyepole (TRHO). Nested at Yarpole (GWT).

298. TREE CREE.PER. H. Jan. 2nd, Kington, two separately seen in Ridgebourne Park (RHB); Jan. 22nd and 24th, one at Madley (TRHO); Jan. 28th, Aymestrey Pools, two (FWM); Jan.jFeb., Kingstone, regular visitor to garden after two or three years' absence (DAC); Feb. 10th, first song heard (AJS); March 21st, Shobdon, a pair (RHB); also a pair at Almeley Wootton (VMJ); March 22nd, Lingen,and April 7th at Aymestrey (TRHO); March 26th, Newtown Lane, one (WHMa); March 27th, Cob­ nash, Kingsland, one (JED); April 18th, at Bircher Common (GWT); April 30th, Mansel Lacy, a nest in B.T.O. nest-box had ·five eggs, but nest and box damaged, probably by Greater Sputted

299. WREN. Has recovered from the 19,62/1963 severe winter. (Ed.). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 311

300. DIPPER. H. Feb. 3rd, St. Weonards, a pair repairing nest; nest washed away, end of February and rebuilt by March 10th (TFVM); March 18th, nests at Bucknell, Brampton Bryan and Criftin Bridge (first record) (EG); March 18th, Whitbourne, very noisy pair in flight (WRC). Normal numbers on iMonnow and Lugg (TRHO); Oct. 18th, Stansbatch, two on flooded road (JMB).

R. May 2nd, Source of Lugg, three nestling's flew from nest as it was approached, and swam buoyantly OLF).

301. MISTLE-THRUSH.H. April 4th, Stansbatch, one slttmg on four eggs (JiMB). Madley, a rare bird in this area now, partly owing to felling of orchards (TRHO).

302. FIELDFARE. January, very common in both Counties. H. Jan.-Feb., very numerous (CWW), also at Ledbury (JGM); March 27th, Hindwell Valley, several flocks up to 100 OLF); March 29th,Easthampton, all day movement of Field­ fares (TRA); April 3rd, Burrington, a large flock (CWW and HTR); iApril 6th, Lyonshall, C 50 in Summer Court drive trees (VMJ); April 7th, Mansel Lacy, c. 200 near school (VMJ); April 8th, Cobnash, flock of 30+ OED); April 8th, Mowley, flock of 50-60 (RHB and NW); April 12th, Eardisland, at least 150 on Lawton stretch of A44 (VMJ); April 18th, Tram Inn, approxi­ mately 200 seen, with a few Redwings (KAM); April 23rd, one at Pencombe (HTR); April 25th, last record, at Moreton-on­ Lugg (AJS); Oct. 21st, Madley, two birds (TRHO); Nov. 5th, Ivington, arrived in quantity (.MLB-T).

R. March 29th, Stonewall Hill, two flocks of at least 600 and ~o (VMJ); April Ist, Moelienydd area. two flocks of c.lOO (JLF) and seen in big numbers in Radnorshire !April 7th-13th (HTR); Nov. 5th, Glasbury, flocks of c. 100 mixed with Red wings (NW).

303. SONC-THRUSH. H. April 23rd. Almeley Wootton, six pairs at the Batch (V.\fJ); March 18th. Cobnash, three nests found (lED); Aug. 4th, nest still with eggs at Yarpole (GWT); singing at Lulham on Sept. 27th (TRHO)--is August the only month when he is absolutely silent? 312 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

304. REDWINC. H. Jan. 2nd, Lyonshall, c.125 Redwings and Field­ fares at Crump Oak, 65 being Redwings(ViMJ); Jan.-Feb., aver­ age numbers only (CWW); Jan..Feb., Ledbury, very numerous (JGM); April, much scarcer than Fieldfares throughout winter (JLF); TRHO reports the same for Madley area; March 23rd, Moreton-on-Lugg, last noted, and less numerous than Field­ fares (AJS); Oct. 22nd, Kington, Hocks flying westwards (RHB); Oct. 24th, heard at Fownhope (KAM); Nov., only a few seen in Madley area and all on passage (TRHO); Nov. 12th. c.25 at Elton (WJM). R. April 13th, Moelienydd, c. 15 (HTR).

3fY7. RI NC-O'UZEL. H. March 6th, Symonds 1'at, male and female seen on the lawn for a day only (MPW); April 8th, Kingsthome, party of five birds on plough near house (Commander R. R. Fisher ped TF); April 9th, Kingsthome, two pairs in field (Dr. J. Ross). R. March 30th, Mynd, a cock (NW); IApril 8th, Caban-Coch, one singing (HTR); April 30th, Mon Marteg, one (ROBG); May 1st, Llanbedr Hill, a pair, and 5th, a pair at Water-Break­ its-Neck (JLF); May 7th, three pairs of Ouzels mobbed a Kest­ rel down Gilwem Dingle (TRA); 'May 17th, Black ~at, cock in song (JMB); Aug. 5th, Glascwm Hill, a cock (JLF).

308. BLACKBIRD. H. Oct. 22nd, Kington, a migration in evening of some 50 birds, all cocks apparently, travelling west. Largest flock c. 20, part of which settled in churchyard trees for a few minutes (RHB). TRHO notes that of the Blackbirds winter­ ing, the big majority seem to be cocks: any observations?-Ed?

311. WHEATEAR. H. Feb. 28th, one at Bredenbury (~GRB); April 3rd, Criftin Bridge, seven (CWW &: HTR); April 2nd, Lulham, two on migration (TRHO); April 4th, Kington. several cocks on Bradnor Hill (CRE); Sept. 28th, Staplow, one on freshly 'r\.ln,nrrh.orl ~fo",.h'hlA fTP\ 1'·~~6"~~ "'~~~.~ 'J~ /' R. March 24th, Litton Hill, one (AStGW); March 31st, four (three males) near Bryngwyn (PJC); April 1st. Moelienydd, two (JLF); several there 13th; several at Bleddfa, April 7th, and two by Garreg-ddu on April 11th (HTR).

317. STONECHAT. H. March 1st and 5th, Marden (SB &: ARM) and at Moreton (ARM). R. March 5th, a cock in suitable breeding territory (.JLF). and March 12th, Fourstones. a hen among grazing sheep in rootfield (JLF). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 313

318. WiHINCHAT. H. May 14th, Aymestrey Sand-pit, a pair, which bred successfully as in 1966 (FWM); May 27th, Brampton Bryan, a nest with five young (EG). R. April 30th, Radnor Forest, one by the A44 (ROBG); May 1st, Begwns, ten among gorse (JLF); 'May 7th, Llanwfr, three males (NW); Aug. 27th, Beacon Hill, one only seen in a long walk (JLF).

3W. REDSTART. H. April 18th, one at Tram Inn (K~M); April 23rd, two at Lyepole (TRHO); April 27th, Kington, a cock (NW); May 28th, Bircher, one and May 30th, nesting at Yarpole (GWT). R. April 23rd, seen near Pen-y-Garreg on the Blue LinsBrook (TRA); April 26th, Evenjobb, a male (RHB).

322. N,ICHTINCALE. H. May 9th, Haugh Wood, one at Rudge End (CWW); KAM also heard one on the edge of Haugh Wood; 'May 18th, Whetstone Lea Estate, one in fine song (VMJ); May 29th, Haugh Wood, one singing well near cottage in S.W. of wood; not heard agann (MVG). i

327. CRASSHOPPER-WARBLER. H. April 22nd, Haugh Wood, one singing on ~outh side OLF), and on April 29th, fifteen counted (Club Outing); May 3rd, Kingsthorne Common, one (TiF); May 12th, one in song at Shobdon Pool, and numerous in area (TRA); May 14th, TitIey, one in song (JMB); May 26th, Creden­ hill, four in song (TRHO); May 29th, Haugh Wood, one in song near Nightingale (MVG). Not heard in lAymestrey sand­ pits this year (FWM). R. June 18th, Waun Marteg, birds pl'esent (Club Outing). One observed for several weeks at Bwlch hog and thought to have nested (CNG).

333. ~~:~~-W~!t!!!.5R. H. .Ay!'H 4th., Shabdc!!, ~!!.e ~!! sa!!; i!! !'LE. corner of Pool (RHB); 'May 27th, a pair on one of the small pools, others on main pool (NW).

337. SEDGE-WARBLER. H. April 26th, Hereford Wye, one in song (AJS); May 10th, Leintwardine, one (JLF); birds bred at Colling­ ton pools, Bromyard, and also on Wye at Lulham, where not hitherto known (TRHO); June 2nd, one in song 20 yards from petrol pumps at Mortimer's Cross, at midnight, mimicking Chaffinch and House Sparrow (TRA); Sept. 9th, Ross, one in song by the Wye (MB &: JCV). 314 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

R. May 7th, Llanwefr Pool, one (NW); May 9th, singles by Wye opposite Erwood and at Uan Bwch-llyn (JLiF); May 10th, Penybont, two by the Ithon and 22nd, a nest with two eggs (NW),

339, MELODIOUS-WARBLER. H. September 30th, Bredenbury, BGRB reports that at about 6 p.m. he took a walk on the edge of the common, and saw what at first he took to be a Willow­ Warbler, but on examination with field-glasses it showed striking differences. Observer says "(a) It was calling a Chiff­ chaff-like 'huit'; (b) the underparts were strikingly bright yel­ low; it had a very conspicuous, clear pale yellow eye-stripe; (c) I dearly observed that the legs were blue-grey. The upper parts were olive-brown. It moved off fairly quickly and did not give me a chance for more detailed observation. But follow­ ing it, I heard (within 50 yards of first sighting) a sweet, varied warbling in a low bramble thicket in a low, open, disused greenhouse. It was a very varied, soft, warbled, musical song. The bird sang hidden and no efforts of mine to see it availed ... The song in no way resembled a Blackcap's or Garden­ Warbler's, and lacked the loudness and typical repetitions of an Icterine. It was ever new and varied and delicatelv warbled and very soft, reminding me of Melodious Warblers I had heard in August in the Camargue. .. What I saw previously seems to go well with what I heard after, and to point in the direction of Melodious Warbler".

343. BLACKCAP. H. Jan. 5th-8th, Hereford, a male in the garden, feeding on cotoneaster berries (LEW); April 16th, one at Shuck­ nall Hill (KA:M); April 23rd, Kington, a cock near Hergest Court (NW), and others at Vennwood (HTR); Mansel Lacy (JLF), and Almeley Wootton (VMJ); April 25th, Berrington, one in song (RHB & GSTD); up to early May recorded at Haugh Wood (fourteen at Club Outing on April 29th); and at Shobdon, St. Weonards, Kingsthorne, Oaker Wood and King­ ton. May, numerous at Yarpole (GWT); July 30th, nest with young in Chaff Wood (TRA); Dec. ~Oth, Dinmore, a male at bird-table for two days during heavy snow (GWB). R. !April 26th, Presteigne, a male in song at Norton (NW).

346. CARDEN-WARBLER. H. April 18th, Yarpole, in song (GWT); also in May; April 29th, Haugh Wood, three (Club Outing); May 5th, Kington churchyard, one (RHB); May 8th, Stans­ batch, one (JMB); May 9th, Kington vicarage, one (NW); May 16th, Cheekley, one (DL). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 315

347. WHITETHROAT. H. April 29th, Drilley, one near Apostles Lane (RHB); April 30th, at Fownhope (KAM); May 4th, Cob· nash, one in garden (JED); May 5th, Stansbatch, one (JMB); May 6th, several between Kington and Kingsland (RHB); Aug. 1st, Almeley Wootton, one feeding two young in garden (VMJ).

348. LESSER W1HITETHROAT. H. April 28th, Hereford, one in song (AJS); 'May 3rd, Stansbatch, one (JMB); May 10th, Leintwar· dine, one 'probable' on migration (JLF); May 16th, Checkley, one in residence at Backbury (SL); Sept. 6th, Bredenbury, five feeding on lawn (PGRB). R. June 13th, Penybont, pair observed and nest of well­ feathered young found (NW).

354. WILLOW-WARBLER. H. First record at Eywood, March 24th (NW); then at Checkley, March 29th (D. R. Lee); April 1st, Aymestrey (FWM); April 9th, Foxley, c.8 in sallows (JLF); April 14th, Whitbourne (WRC); April 17th, Shobdon, several (RHB); IApril 18th, Yarpole, in song (GWT); April 19th, Ear­ disley (EB). R. March 18th, Clyro, one (NW).

356. CHIFFCHAFF. H. Jan. 2nd, a leaf-warbler wintering by the Wye was probably this species, but no song; a similar dull­ plumaged and dark-legged bird by the Wye on Dec. 5th was also probably a Chiffchaff (AJS). First spring record March 15th, Eardisley, one heard and seen (ER): March 21st, Shob­ don, one (RHB), Whitbourne (WRC), Hereford, Hampton Park (FCPH) and Sutton (SB); 22nd, Easthampton (TRA); Warham (EFRT) and Pembridge (TRHO); 24th, Kington (NW); 26th, Aymestrey (FWM); 28th, Raven's Causeway (HTR), St. Weonards (TRVM) and Lulham (TRHO); thereafter fre­ quent; April 16th, Monnington, eighteen singing in good warb­ ler country, though no other species there (AJS). R. March 24th, Cascob, one (AStGW), and Ednol, one catch­ ili,; lilSc<:i, uV

357. WOOD-WARBLER. H. April 23rd, Mansel Lacy, two (JLF); April 25th, Lyepole, two pairs, and later six pairs Lyepole to Aymestrey (TRHO); v\pril 28th, Rircher Common, in song (GWT) and 30th. Oaker Wood (GWT) and Kington, Yeld Wood (RHB); June 3rd, two singing at Gatley (WJM). R. July 16th, Llandrindod. two on edge of Dolberthog Com­ mon, and Aug. 20th, one at Doldowlod (ROnG). 316 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

364. COLDCREST. H. Jan. 10th, a pair at Lulham, first since 1963, and believed to have bred later (TRHO); Jan. 15th, numerous in Moccas Park (KAM); January, Kington, one or a pair fre­ quently in garden (RHB); Feb. 26th, Beechen Wood, fairly common (FWM); March 19th, several at Bringewood (FWM); May 4th, at Yarpole (GWT); October, Ivington, first seen at the Hyde since 1963 (MLB-T). Noted at Clodock by TRHO, and seems as addicted to alder and sycamore as conifers; Dec. 21st, one on the Christmas Tree in the Cathedral! (HTR). R. Oct. 8th, Pencerrig, five (ROBG).

366. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. H. May 9th, Kington, three by the Ripple (NW); May 10th, Kington churchyard, one (RHB & JMB). R. May 14th, Llandrindod (ROBiC); July 20th, Llandrindod, parents feeding young in an old House Sparrow's nest (TJJ).

368. PIED FLYCATCHER. H. April 21st, Lyepole, a pair (JMB); April 23rd, Kington, a male by the Arrow (NW); April 25th, Lyepole, a pair and two pairs by May 2nd :(TRHO); April 27th, Mowley Wood, at least six cocks but no hen (RHB) and same on 29th (NW). R. April 19th, Shaky Bridge, a pair :(CNG); May 1st, Llan­ bedr, a cock (JLF); May 8th, Llanbadarn-y-Garreg and near Franks Bridge, birds present (JLF); May 9th, only one pair in stubble habitat opposite Erwood (JLF).

371. HEDGE-SPARROW.

373. MEADOW-PIPIT. H. Passage noted over Moreton-on-Lugg, morning of Sept. 17th (AJS).

376. TREE-PIPIT. H. April 25th, Lyepole. in song (TRHO); iApril 27th, Kington, one at Mills Bank and a pair at Park Wood (NW); April 29th, Haugh Wood, 37, more numerous than in previous years (Club Outing); April 30th, Westhope Hill (KAM); May 3rd, Yarpole (GWT); bred at Collington and Llancillo (TRHO); July 12th, Covenhope, nest with eggs (TRA); bred at Bredenbury (PGRB). R. May 7th, Llanwefr Pool, four (NW). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT. 1967 :317

380(a) PIED WACTAIL. H. During winter a roost of 20-30 ill' Aymes­ trey Pools reed-beds (FWM); April 9th, six with one believed to be a White Wagtail, at Leach Pool (KAM); April 22nd, HaughWood, at dusk a party of c. 12 arrived and appeared to be going to roost in larches, presumably on migration (JLF); Sept. 27th, Bringsty Common, 30 + feeding (WoRC). R. Jan. 1st, Glasbury-Wistyl road, a pair (RH:B).

380(b) WHITE WAGTAIL. H. April 9th, Leach Pool, one (KlAM); Sept. 26th, Bredenbury, one adult (PGRB).

381. GREY WAGTAIL. H. Jan. 8th, Stansbatch, one (JMB); Jan. 11th, Leintwardine, a pair on Teme, and on tFeb. 12th (JLF); Feb. 14th, Aymestrey Pools, one, and 28th a pair (FWM); April 8th, Hunton Bridge, a pair, and Mowley Wood, at least one bird {RHB & NW); April, Monnow and Lugg, usual numbers. and a bird sitting on a second(?) brood June 25th (TRHO); May 10th, Upper Lye, two GLF); May 27th, BucknelI Bridge, a pair feeding with young (EG); June 4th, Aymestrey, one (JED); July 27th, Bucknell Bridge, four feeding (EG); Autumn records: One on ,Pentaloe brook on 8th Sept. (CWW); present on Here­ ford Wye from Aug. 4th; four on Oct. 12th; also present at Moreton-on-Lugg from early Sept., and two on Oct. 17th AJS); Nov. 18th, Criftin Bridge, one (JLF); Dec. 20th, at Yarpole (GWT). R. Jan. 8th, New Radnor, on Summergill Brook (JLF); Jan. 21st, Hindwell Pool, one (JLF); March 22nd, Abbeycwmhir, a pair {iAStGW); April 1st, a pair two miles from Lugg source (JVF); April 8th, Marteg-Wye junction, one (ROBG); May 8th, Vron, two GLF); May 28th, Marteg Halt, a pair (JED); May 28th, Cefnllys, parents with four young (Club Outing); Oct. 30th, Cascob, one (JLF).

382. YELLOW WAGTAIL. H. April 9th, one at Leach Pool (KAM); April 10th, Hereford Wye, one (AJS); April 24th, Easthampton, two (TRA); April 30th, Eardisland, one (VMJ); May 10th, Leintwardine, three cocks and two hens (JLF); May 27th, Eardisley, one (ROBG), and Bucknell Bridge, a pair, and two at Brampton Bryan (EG); June 3rd, Ross, two feeding young (PGRB); June 4th, a pair at Criftin Bridge (FWM); Aug. 24th, two at Leintwardine Fisheries (WJM); Aug. 28th, Hereford, one at ornamental pond in Old Eign Hill garden {FRCH). tAJS notes passage over Moreton and Hereford, late August and September; Sept. 9th, Ross, birds present by Wye (MU & JCV). 318 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

383. WAXWING. H. Dee. 7th, Kington, a female spent nearly all the day feeding on cotoneaster at Pitfour, where it was first identified by the Birketts, though it had been seen in Holiday Hall garden by Stanway Sprague on 8th. Well seen by RHB, JMB & NW. Not seen by the Birketts after lunch-time on 11th, when allcotoneaster berries were eaten.

384. GREAT CREY SHRIKE. H. Jan. 1st, one at Brinsop (KAM). R. Feb. 5th, Llandrindod Hall Farm, one outside house 9 a.m. (1'11); Feb. 13th, one picked up exhausted on roadside near Beguildy by local Vet" Mr. E. H. Jones. By the following morning it appeared completely recovered and, on being re­ leased alighted in a nearby tree and preened itself (per TRA); Feb. 19th-26th, Llandrindod, one in Shaky Bridge area (CNG); March 25th, Llanbister Road, one (AStGW); April 23rd, Blue Lins Brook near Pen-y-Garreg, observer approached to within 10 yards of one moving from one thorn bush to another (TRA).

389. STARLIN'G. H. Aymestrey, birds seen entering Sand Martin holes in quarry, Feb. 22nd, and four pairs nested there (FWM); Dec. 1st, Leominster, vast numbers seen about 3 p.m. on high ground half a mile along Bromyard road (VMJ).

391. HAWFINCH. H. Jan. 15th, Ledbury, one (JGM); Jan. 19th, Aston, a cock bird seen feeding on hawthorn seeds on the ground. Workmen added that they had seen a dozen. Much evidence of split seeds, and at Aston, near Wigmore, observer again saw one on April 2nd, but failed to find evidence of breeding ~.). Feb. 23rd, Lyepole, one in flight (MHB); March 12th, Colwall, one (JGM); May 6th, Hollie Bush, Malvern, one seen (Club Outing); July, Mathon. seen and heard on different occasions near the vicarage, where two young were seen on 23rd (Rev. and Mrs. L. Bagshaw).

392. GREENFINCH. R. Feb. 7th. Kinnerton, c.300 III roots (JLF).

393. GOLDFINCH. H. Jan. 31st, a charm of 8-10 at Madley (TRHO); Aug. 4th, Yarpole, nest with four eggs (GWT); Sept. 23rd, Lulham, a party of 18 (TRHO); Oct. lOth, Staplow, a flock of 200 + feeding on groundsel, the largest flock observer has ever seen (JP). R. May 9th, Llan Bwch-llyn. flock of ten (JLF). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 319

394. SISKIN. H. Jan. 28th, Aymestrey Pools, one (FWM); Feb. 4th, Lyepole, 15 to 20 feeding in alders (JED); Feb. 6th, King­ ton, flock of nine in alders near Arrow (RHB); Ivington, a cock and four hens (MLB-T); Feb. 12th, Leintwardine, c.30 in alders QLF); and Aymestrey 'Pools, two (FWM); March 5th, Aymestrey, seven (FWM); March 10th, Hereford, one on bird­ table (P. J. Pott per JLF); March 12th, Aymestrey, three feed­ ing on ground under alders (FWM); and two at Leintwardine :Fisheries; March 18th, Kington,five in garden and a cock on Penrhos Hill (NW); March 19th, two in Scotch firs on Bringe­ wood (FWM); March 24th, Eywood, flock of 25/30 (NW) and two large flocks in alders (CWW); March 26th, Hereford, Folly Lane, a cock fed for four days on peanut feeder (JLF); April 3rd, Kington, a cock and two hens in garden (NW); Oct. 28th, Eywood, c. 15 (NW); Nov. 23rd, Criftin Bridge, c.25 on alders. in the same tree from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (JLF); Dec. 4th, Kington, three in garden (RHB). R. February, Llandrindod, several in area during first half of the month (Tl1); April 8th, two above Marteg-Wye junc­ tion (ROBG); May 28th, Elan Valley, a cock and hen watched closely on the west bank of Caban-Coch Reservoir, accompanied by a third bird which was the same size but had a much shorter tail and bright yellow rump; head as adult male but suffused with dark streaks. Body covered with down (P. Lansdown & D. Thomas).

395. LINNET. H. April 5th, c.15O at Little Hereford (WJM); April 8th, Mowley Wood, three returned to the gorse (RHB & NW); April 12th, Whitbourne, first bird to return; later two pairs nested in garden; May 4th, Bircher Common, a pair (GWT); increased in Madley area (TRHO); Nov. 18th, Criftin Bridge, a flock of 400 + feeding in a field of rape and mustard (JLF). R. Jan. 8th, New Radnor, c. 400 on weeds in root field (JLF).

397. REDPOLL. H. Jan. 14th, six at Fownhope (KAM); Jan. 16th, Carrots Inn, several in alders (CWW); Feb. 6th, Ivington, cock and two hens in alders (MLB-T); Feb. 15th, Shobdon, a Hock by decoy pool (CWW); Feb. 26th, Leintwardine, one in large Brambling flock (PLF); March 31st, Shobdon, five (NW); April 2nd, c.l2 at Haugh Wood (KAM); April 16th, Monnington, one (AJS); Oct. 22nd, birds noted at Shobdon pools and Wig­ more Rolls (AJS); Nov. 20th, Criftin Bridge. three in alders (JLF); Dec. 1st, Lulham, six (TRHO); Dec. 3rd, Dinmore, sev­ eral (KAM); Dec. 17th, Flintsham Pool, three with four Siskins in alders (NW). 320 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

R.Feb. 4th, Pilleth area, c.12 in alders (]LF); March 11th, Glasnant, c. six (JLF); March 31st, Llandrindod Hall Farm, in mixed flock with Reed Buntings and Tree Sparrows (NW); May 28th, Cefnllys, one (Club Outing); June 18th, Waun Mar­ teg, many seen (Club Outing); July 16th, Gilwern Dingle, birds present in ·conifer wood (Club Outing); August, Glasbury Wye, a flock of up to 20 present (JLSC); Oct. 22nd, birds noted at Shobdon pools andWigmore Rolls (iAJS); Dec. 25th. Llandrin­ dod, feeding on seeds by lake (ROBG).

404. CROSSBILL. H. In 1966 three birds were seen at Bredenbury on July 1st and 5th in conifers (PGRB). 1967. During and up to the end of January birds were pres­ ent in Forestry Commission woodlands near Hereford (JND). Wigmore Rolls, on October 2nd a Forestry Commission foreman reported some half dozen birds drinking at pools on tracks and feeding on larch cones. They were observed by TRA, VMJ, MMP and AJS up to 22nd, when a maximum number of 24 was seen. They remained in area into 1968 (TRA). R. July 21st, three seen flying S.E. at Cefnllys (CNG).

408. BRAMBLINC. H. Vennwood, a small party in early January (HTR); Jan. 10th & 14th, two in a finch flock at Fownhope (RAM); Jan. 17th, Staunton-on-Arrow, a flock of c.250 on Park Farm (JMB); Feb. 2nd. Dormington, a large flock, with Chaff­ inches in hop-yards at Claston (CWW); Feb. 6th, a large flock of c.25O with mixed finches near Lingen (MLB-T); Feb. 10th. Harewood End, a large flock (CWW); Feb. 16th, Stretford Bridge , a large flock by main road (CWW); Feb. 26th, Leint­ wardine, c.300 in roots (JLF); April 1st. Dilwyn. c.50/60 on plough with Linnets, Tree Sparrows and Chaffinches (NW); April 2nd, Brilley, c.50 with other finches (VMJ); April 25th, Lyonshall. two near Summercourt drive (VMJ); Dec. 2nd. Leintwardine, two on an elm (JLF). R. Jan. 1st, Boughrood, c.29 at Rhyd Nest, and at Llan­ stephan c.80 in turnip field (JLF & HTR); Jan. 8th, New Rad­ nor, c. 12 with other finches (JLF). JLF also notes the follow­ ing---£". 10 near Pilleth, c.20 in stubble near Four Stones, and c.100 in root-field at Kinnerton on Feb. 4th; 14 at Cregrina on Feb. 18th, and on March 5th still c. 15 at Llanstephan, c. 150 at Llan Bwch-llyn, c.150 at Bryngwyn and c. 15 at Newchurch Hill; March 11th, c. 100 with Linnets at Cloggau. c.40 at Clyro Hill, c. 100 at Llandeilo Graban and c.70 at Llan Bwch-llvn; March 12th. three at Kinnerton and c. 300 in stubble near Cas. cob and c.24 at Pentre; March 19th, Llanstephan, a remnant HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 321

of c. 35 and March 24th, Cascob, eight bathing with cock Yellow Hammers, and c.30 in kale; April 1st, Llanbister Road, three with Greenfinches. Other records are-Feb. 19th, Llyn Hilyn, flocks of 2/3 dozen on either side of the pool (JG); Feb­ ruary, Llandrindod, several feeding among cattle (TJJ); March 29th, Stonewall Hill, small flock with Greenfinches and Yellow Hammers (VMJ); act. 30th, Twiscob, one one telegraph wire ULF); Dec. 17th, south of Knighton, c. 10 on stubble with Red­ wings and Greenfinches, and Dee. 24th, c.20 at Four Stones, probably feeding on fat-hen seed GLF); Dee. 24th, Abbey­ cwmhir, one (ROBG).

409. YELLOW HAMMER. H. Jan. 11th, Criftin Bridge, c. 30 GLF); May 9th, Stansbatch, nest complete and May 17th, four eggs, and sitting (JMB). R. Jan. 8th, Four Stones, c. 100 on stubble (JU'); Feb., Llan­ drindod, flock of c. 100 with some Bramblings, first half of month (TJJ).

421. REED-BUNTlNC. H. March 5th, Mocktree Hays, a cock, with finches, on stubble (FWM); March 20th, Byford Wye, one (lAC); March 24th, Eywood, three pairs (NW); April 30th, Aymestrey, a cock by middle pool (lED & VMJ); May 5th, Burrington and Criftin Bridge, two pairs each (EG); June 4th, several at Criftin Bridge, and June 10th, several at Burrington Pool; and Dec. 24th, three at Aymestrey sand-pit (FWM). R. May 1st, Llan Bwch-llyn, a pair in marsh (.JLF); May 2nd, Moelienydd, a pair (JLF); May 22nd, P.enyhont, nest of five eggs (NW); July 30th, Litton Hill, Whitton, one on bracken at 1,000 feet and no water nearby (ASuGW).

423. SNOW-BUNTINC. H. March 15th, Malvern Hills, a female near the summit of the Ragglestone was watched for about ten minutes, within some seven feet. The bird seemed tired and UTl)'Tlltl nnlv hnn AT" "'11n IUr'l\,f "3nrl r":lnt P U ~ '0,::.;,.1 D 1\.T \ - -, ---.1.------,-----"-c ------r-' -. ~~...... ~-_&_, ~"'&"I'

425. TREE-SPARROW. H. March 24th, Kington, Hergest road, one and on April 29th, Haugh Wood, four (normally scarce) (NW). Resident in Moreton on Lugg area (KAM); resident but less plentiful in Madley area (TRHO); Nov. 11th Leintwardine, forms a constituent of most mixed flocks in the area {JLF); Oct. 18th, Stoke Lacy, flock of 300 + (PJW). R. Jan. 3rd, Four Stones, at least one (RHB); April 29th, a pair at nest hole near Glasnant (PJC); June 18th, appeared to be feeding young, just north of Ahbevcwmhir (FWM). 322 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

For the initials of Members please see pages 323-332.

NON-MEMBERS' KEY A. F. AireY,IAmbleside, Westmorland; P. G. R. Barbier, Hereford; P. J. Chadwick, Bristol; Lt. Col. A. F. S. Douglass, Titley; J. N. Dymond, B. T. 0., Tring; T. A. Edwards, Dilwyn; C. R. Evans, Kington; John Griffiths, Merthyr Tydfil; Mrs. W. L. Jack, Hunting­ ton Court; N. J. S. James, Kingsland; D. Jerram, Aymestrey; B. A. Owen, Gloucester; G. L. Powell,Winforton; P. R. de Q. Quincey, Court of Noke; J. C. Voysey, Cleehillstone. Worcestershire.

AFFILIATION SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 1967 The Club is affiliated to the undermentioned Societies:- Fee Council for Nature 2 0 0 British Trust for Ornithology 210 0 British Naturalists' Association 10 0 West Midland Bird Club 17 6 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 2 0 0 Woolhope Naturalists' Field Club 1 10 0 Herefordshire and Radnorshire Nature Trust Ltd. 2 2 0 Herefordshire Community Council 10 6 Kite Fund 1 1 0

D3 1 0

REPORT EXCHANCES Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory. Brecknock County Naturalists' Trust, per John Griffiths. Bristol Naturalists' Society, Omithological Section, per P. J. Chadwick, M.B.O.V. Council for Promotion of Field Studies. Derbyshire Ornithological Club. Essex Bird-Watching and Preservation Society. Cower Ornithological Society. Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Ornithological Section, per B. L. Sage, M.B.O.V. Isle of Wight, Ornithological Society. Kent Ornithological Society. North Gloucestershire Naturalists' Society. Shropshire Ornithological Society. Trent Valley Bird-Watchers' Society. West Wales Naturalists' Trust. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 323

LIST OF MEMBERS as at 31st December, 1967

An asterisk denotes Junior Member.

ADAMS, D. V. N., Court End, Burghill, Hereford. ADAMS, Mrs. Joan, Court End, Burghill, Hereford. ADDIS, R. P., L1ancillo Hall, Abergavenny. ADDIS, Mrs. R. P., lIanciiio Hall, Abergavenny. ALLAN, B. C., The Old Vicarage, Bredwardine, Herefordshire. AMMONDS, T. R., Easthampton Farm, Shobdon, Herefordshire. *ARMITSTEAD, Martin L., Newlands Croft, Newlands Road, Leominster.

BAILLlE, R. H., Wyche House, Kington. BAILLlE, Mrs. C. G. G., Wyche House, Klngton. BAILY, R. E. H., C.B.E., Breinton Court, Hereford. BALFOUR, Lewis, Heath End, Checkendon, Nr. Reading, Berks. BALL, E., Old Qua

BODDINGTON, Dr. D. G., Down House, Bromyard, Herefordshire. BODDINGTON, Mrs., Down House, BroPnyard, Herefordshire. BOND, A., Moor Cottage, Widemarsh Common, Hereford. BOSSOM, Sir Clive, Bart, M.P., Parsons Orchard, Eastnor, Ledbu·ry. BOWDEN, F., Station Bungalow, Tarrington, Hereford. BOWDEN, Mrs. M., Station Bungalow, Tarrington, Hereford. BRADLEY, F. H., Litfi~!d Bank, Lyonshall, Herefordshire. BRADLEY, Miss W. E., Castorbridge, Knapp Lane, Ledbury. BRECKNELL, C. J. (Hon. Member), 18, College Road, Wells, Somerset. BRIGHT, G. W., Drumore, Leominster. BRIGHT, Mrs., Drumore, Leominster. BR ISTOW, Mrs. P. K., Penrose Cottage, Fownhope, Hereford. BROMLEY, F. S., The Garth, Kington, Herefordshire. BROMLEY, Mrs. J. M., The Garth, Kington, Herefordshire. BROWN, Miss M. Willoughby, Highfield, Bank Crescent, Ledbury, Hfds BROWN, Miss W. B., Highfield, Bank Crescent, Ledbury. BUCHANAN, Mrs. M., The Ovals, Kington. BULMER, H. H., Longmeadow, Breinton, Hereford. BURDON, Mrs. N., Hergest, Kingsthorne, Hereford. BURNS, Mrs. E. F., Webbs Acre, Pipe Aston, Ludlow, Salop. BURROWES, Dr. D. E. St.J., The Orchard, Ledbury. BURROWES, Mrs. K. R., J.P., The Orcha'rd, Ledbury. BUSSELL, Miss M., Uplands, .Ross-on-Wye. BUTCHER, B., 177. Upper Ledbury Road, Hereford.

*CALlGARI, Christopher, D. S., Hill Crest, Credenhil', Hereford. CAWLEY, Vivienne Lady, Berrington Ha,lI, Leominster, Herefordshire. CHANDLER, Dr. D. A., Bryn-Tyrion, Kingstone, Clehonger, Herefordshire. CHIGNELL, The Rev. Preb. W. R., The Vicarage, Whitbourne, Bromyard, Herefordshire. CHIGNELL, Mrs. P. M., The Vica,rage, Whitboume, Bromya,rd, Hfds. COBB, J. L. S., Zoology Dept., University of Melbourne, Parkville N.2, Victoria, Australia. COCHRANE, A. S., Perrystone Hill House, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. COCHRANE, Mrs., Perrystone Hill House, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. COLE, F. W., 1, Gre,enfield Road, Presteigne, Rads. COLE, Mrs. L., 1, Greenfield Road, Presteigne, Rads. CONIUM, Mrs. M. A., 68, Penn Grove Road, Hereford. *COOMBS, A. T., 60, Ryeland Road, Hereford. COOPER, R. J., Moor Court, Lyonshall, Herefordshire. COOPER, R. H., Yew Tree Croft, Little Birch, Hereford. COOPER, Mrs. M. D., Yew Tree Croft, Little Birch, Her·eford COTTER ELL, Miss A., Byford Cottage, Byford, Herefordshire. COTTON, Mrs. R. M., Tigstump, Cockyard, Wormbridge, Herefo·rdshire. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 325

COUND, Mrs. F. M., 68, Hinton Road, Hereford. COURT, j. L., 3, Grange End, Chew Magna, Nr. Bristol. COWIE, Mrs. A., Vine Cottage, Shucknall, Hereford. CRADDOCK, Mrs. M., Manor House, Lower Eaton, Hereford. CROSS, j. B., Rugden House, How Caple, Herefordshire. CROSS, Mrs., Rugden House, How Caple, Herefordshire.

DAVIES, A. L., Stansbatch House, Pembridge, Leominster. DAVI ES, Mrs. B., Stansbatch House, Pembridge, Leominster. DAVIES, Miss D. A. L., Upper House, Howey, Uandrindod Wells, Rads. DAVIES, Miss E. P., Troy, 29, Breinton Road, Hereford. DAVIES, Miss j. E., Orcna'rd Lea-, Cobnash, Leominster. DAVIES, T., Hunters Moon, Lyde, Hereford. DAVIES, Mrs., Hunters Moon, Lyde, Hereford. DAWSON, L. S., 3, Castle Close, Eardisley, Herefordshire. DEACON, Capt. j. E. A., M.B.E., G.M., Hill Court, Kington. DEACON, Mrs. B., Hill Court, Kington. DEWHURST, Miss K. M., 2, Baggallay Street, Hereford. DE WINTON, Major G., Maesllwch Castle, Glasbury. DE WINTON, Mrs. J. P., Maesllwch Cast,le, Glasbury. ·DE WINTON, Miss, Maesllwch Castle, Glasbury. DIGGORY, G. S. T., Rockdene, Headbrook, Kington. DIGGORY, Mrs. A. Z., Rockdene, Headbrook, Kington. DRYLAND, Mrs. B. D., Pholeea, Kington. DUNNE, Miss S. G., j.P., The Knoll, Bircher, Leominster, Herefordshire. DUNNING, P. R., Highfield, Kington.

EALAND, G. A., Coldbrook, Holmer, Hereford. EDWARDS, Major G. H. G., The Meadows, Preston Wynne, Hereford. EDWARDS, Mrs. L. H., The Meadows, Preston Wynne, Hereford. EDWARDS, Miss M., Somerset Cottage, Little Marcle, Ledbury. EDWARDS, 0., Bark Cottage, Fownhope, Hereford. EVANS, P. M., Cuckoo Cottage, Kingsland, Leominster. ~\I~~.5l-1~~. f\Ai~1:' I t\A. t-I~~I~~, 'I-InllC:~. Ivin~ton I pnrninc:tAf

FALKINER, Lt. Col. Sir Terence, Bart., Kingsthorne House, Hereford. FENN, Dr. C. M., Meadow Way, L1anwrtyd Wells, Brecon. FISHER, Dr. H. W., Wyelands, Broomy Hill, Hereford. FISHER, T. H., Wyelands, Broomy Hill, Hereford. FORREST, J. E., 11, Abbots Walk, Kirkaldy, Fife, Scotland. FOSTER, R. M., 14, Brookside, Tupsley, Hereford. FOX, F. W., Strangford, Penaloe Close, Mordiford, Hereford. FOX, Mrs. J. E., Strangford, Pentaloe Close, Mordiford, Hereford. *FOX, H. M., Strangford, Pentaloe Close, Mordiford, Hereford. 326 HEREFORDSHIRE ORl'\ITHOLOGICAL REPORT. 1967

FOX, ). L., clo The Westminster Bank Ltd., 40, Broad St., Hereford. FOX, Mrs. ). V., clo The Westminster Bank Ltd., 40, Broad St., Hereford. FRASER, Miss E. L., Highland Cottage, Newcastle, Monmouthshire. FYSHE, A. G., Perryfield, Sollars Hope, Herefordshire. FYSHE, Mrs. G. I., Perryfield, Sollars Hope, Herefordshire.

GADESDEN, Mrs. c., Homend, Stretton Grandison, Herefordshire. GAL:L1MORE, T., Wood,leigh, Staplow, Ledbury, Herefordshire. GARFITT, C. R., 35, Hampton Dene Road, Tupsley, Hereford. GARF ITT, Mrs. 35, Hampton Dene Road, Tupsley, Hereford. GARNETT, Major R. O. B., Rowan Cottage, Dog Lane, Witcombe, Glos. GARRATT-ADAMS, Mrs. P. D., Kinnersley Castle, Hereford. GASKELL, Mrs. D. )., Seabournes, Fawley Chapel, Hereford. GASKELL, R. W., Gillow Manor, Hereford. GASKELL, Mrs., Gillow Manor, Hereford. GEORGE, Miss P. E., Gilfach, Whitton, Knighton, Radnor. GIBBS, Miss K., April House, 43, Lichfield Avenue, Hereford. GIBBS, Miss M., April House, 43, Lichfield Avenue, Hereford. GIBSON, Miss W. M., 49, Broomy Hill, Hereford. GIBSON-WATT, Major ). D., M.C., M.P., Doldowlod, L1andrindod Wells, Rads. GILBERT, Lt.-Col. E. R. F., Bishopstone, Herefordshire. GILBERT, Mrs., Bishopstone, Herefordshire. GILBERT, Mrs. M. V., M.B.O.U., (Hon. Member), The Lodge, Bishopstone, Herefordshire. *GRAHAM, Miss Fiona, J I, Church Street, Ross-on-Wye. GRANT-DUFF, Dr. L., The Prospect, Much Dewchurch, Hereford. GREEN, Miss M., 43, Alexandra Road, Malvern, Worcestershire. GREEN, .R. H., Cootes Close, Code Castle, Wareham, Dorset. GREEN-PRICE, Miss M., I, Nash Cottage, Fownhope, Herefordshire. GRIFFITHS, C. N., 9, Berkley Hotel, Temple Street, L1andrindod Wells, Rads. GRIFFITHS, ). G., Tyn-y-Coed, Abbey Cwmhir, L1andrindod Wells, Rads. GROVE, Mrs. G. M., Swinmore, Madley, Herefordshire. GUEST, E., 35, Shenstone Avenue, Norton Estate, Stourbridge, Worcester.

HADFIELD, G., Bulls Grove, Putley, Ledbury. HADFIELD, Mrs. N., Bulls Grove, Putley, Ledbury. HAKE, Miss F. E., 49, Broomy Hill, Hereford. HARRISSON, W. R. D., Barrs Court, Tarrington, Hereford. HARTLAND, W. D., Markeaton, Munstone, Hereford. HARTLAND, Mrs. M. E., Markeaton, Munstone, Hereford. HEATHCOTE, Mrs. A., J40, Tyglas ,Road, L1anishen, Card'ff. HELME, Dr. V. P., Highfield, Hampton Bishop, Hereford. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 327

HERMON. F. R. C., 92, Old Eign Hill, Hereford. HERMON, Mrs. W. M., 92, Old Eign Hill, Hereford. HERVEY-BATHURST, Major B. A. F., Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. HESTEN, A., 43, Brockhampton Drive, Tupsley, Hereford. HICKLlNG, Miss R. E., 85, Beaufort Avenue, Redhill, Hereford. HIGGINS, M. F., Tannachie, Harcourt Road, West Malvern. HIGTON, :K. A., Darren House, Ledbury Road, Ross-on-Wye. HINDE, P. W., M.B.O.U., 14, Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton, Staffs. HINDE, Mrs. M. G. A., 14, Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton, Stafk. HOLFORD, Mrs. R., Hill House, Newton, Leominster. HOLLAND, Lady Elizabeth, Dderw, Rhayader, Radnorshire. HOMFRAY, Miss D., 24, Venns Buildings, Hereford. HORNE, Miss E. M., Upper Bridge Court, Brilley, Whitney-on-Wye, Hfds "'HOWLS, Alan T., 5, Bedford Street, Hereford. HUDSON, Miss R. A., Tellin, LyonshaH, Hereford. HUGHES, Mrs., Farcroft, Ludon, Kingsland, Herefordshire. HUNT, R., Whitmore House, Burghi!I, Hereford. HUNT, Mrs. M., Whitmore House, Burghill, Hereford. Hu,nON, Mrs. R. H. B., The Elms, Hampton Bishop, Hereford.

INGRAM, G. C. S., M.B.O.U., (Hon. Member), Sunnyside, 22, Waterloo Rd., Roath, Cardiff.

jACKSON, Mrs. V., llD, Golden Post, Hunderton, Hereford. jENKINS, D. c., Tyngwndwn, Felinfach, Lampeter, Cards. jENKINS, Mrs. V. M., Lady Lift Villa, Almeley, Hereford. JOHN, Mrs. M. E., Ruddhill, Monkland, Leominster. jOHNSON, Miss Janet, Fairway, 261, Kings Acre Road, Hereford. JONES, Miss C. U., Langstone Court, L1angarron, Ross-on-Wye. JONES, Mrs. P., The Oxford Fa1rm, Brampton Bryan, BuckneH, Salop. JONES, Tudor j., L1andrindod Hall, L1andrindod Wells, Radnor.

KARN. Miss E.. 7. Lansdown Place. Cheltenham. KAULFUSS, E. A., Castleburv, Shenmore, Madley, Hereford KAULFUSS, Mrs., Castlebury, Shenmore, Madley, Hereford. KEALL, Mrs. H. G., The White House, 39, Moor Park Road, Hereford. KEELING, Mrs. A., Ash Cottage, Fownhope, Hereford. *KEELlNG, Simon, Ash Cottage, Fownhope, Hereford. KEMEYS, W. G., 45, Breinton Avenue, Hereford. KEOWN-BOYD, Lady Joan, M.B.E., Baysham Court, Ross-on-Wye. KINGHAM, Mrs. H. J., 29, St. Berngrds Road, Sutton Coldfield, Warwicks. KNOTT, W., Coombe Farm, Leominster Road, Presteigne, Rads. KYNASTON-DAVIES, Mrs. L., 8, Prince Edward Road, Hereford. 328 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT. 1967

LAMBOURNE, G. c., The Cottage Fa,rm, Ipsley, Nr. Redditch, Worcs. LANE, j. P., The Old Parsonage, Eye, Leominster, Herefordshire. LANGDALE-SMITH, Dr. H. G., Orcha'rd Hill, Tarrington, Hfds. LANGDALE-SMITH, Mrs. D. M., Orchard Hi!.l, Tarrington, Hfds. LATTER, Miss D. A., 3, Giles Avenue, Cricklade, Wilts. LAWRENCE, Miss H. M., 1, The Nook, Tupsley, Hereford. LEE, Mrs. E. M., Woolley Firs, Maidenhead Thicket, Berkshire. LEE, G. V. R., Clatterbrune Cottage, Presteigne, Rads. LEE, P. H., O.B.E., Backbury House, Checkley, Herefordshire. LEE, Mrs. 5., Backbury House, Checkley, Herefordshire. LEVICK, D. R., Bearwood, Pembridge, Nr. Leominster. LEVICK, Mrs. M. P., Bearwood, P,embridge, Nr. Leominster. LEWIS, A. H., 15, Park Road, Kington. LEWIS, Mrs. K., 15, Pa,rk Road, Kington. LEWIS, Major C. j. L., Evancoyd Presteigne, Rads. LEWIS, Miss G. M., Troutbeck, Mill Lane, Leintwardine, Herefordshire. L1NDSAY-SCOTT, Miss W., Upper Bridge Court, Brilley, Whitney-on~Wye LING, Mrs. E., The Dell Cottage, Bridstow, Ross-on-Wye. LLOYD, Mrs. E. S., Three Hollies, Brilley Green, Whitney-on-Wye. LOCK, Dr. j. M., Nimrod, Alexandra Road, Malvern. LOCK, Mrs. A. M., Nimrod, Alexandra Road, Malvern. *LOCK , Miss A M., Nimrod, Alexandra Road, Malvern. LOMAX, Miss K. L., The Old Forge, Nash, Presteigne. LOVELL, Mrs. D. C., Plovers Pool, Clehonger, Herefordshire. LYKE, H. R., Lawton Park, Kingsland, Herefordshire. LYKE, Mrs. M., Lawton Park, Kingsland, Herefordshire. Lyke, Mf's. S., Lawton Bury, Leominster.

McOOUGALL, P., M.B.O.U., College of Education, Hexham, Northumberland. *McDOUGALL, Miss L., College of Education, Hexham, Northumberland. *McDOUGALL, Miss R., College of Education, Hexham, Northumberland. MALLARD, W. H., The Cottage, Newton Lane, Leominster. *MALLARD, Richard R., The Cottage, Newton Lane, Leominster. *MARLER, W. J., Charlton Arms Hotel, Ludford Bridge, Ludlow. MARSHALL, Mrs. G. H., The Old School House, Gayton, Nr. Ross-on-Wye. MARSTON, F. W., Sandiacr,e, Yatton, Aymestrey, Herefordshire. MASON, K. A., The Sett. Common Hill, Fownhope, Herefordshire. MASON, Mrs. C. M., The Sett, Common Hill, Fownhope, Herefordshire. MATTHEWS, T. F. V., Treago, St. Weonards, Herefordshire. MATTHEWS, Mrs., Treago, St. Weonards, Herefordshire. MAUNSELL, Mrs. K. I., Little Tredunnock, L1angarron, Ross-on-Wye. MEADHAM, W. H., 10, Guildford Street, Hereford. MEADHAM, Mrs., 10, Guildford Street, Hereford. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 329

MEADHAM, Miss H. G., 10, Guildford Street, Hereford. MEADOWS, Miss Jean, 39, Nasmyth Street, Denton, Manchester. MIDWOOD, B. N., The Willows Farm, Burrington, Ludlow. MIDWOOD, Mrs. J. M., The Willows Farm, Burrington, Ludlow. MILES, Dr. B. E., F.R.C.P., The Clyst, Hampton Park, Hereford. MILES, Mrs. S., The Clyst, Hampton Park, Hereford. MOORE, Air Cdre. L. P., C.B.E., Chalfont, Ferndale Road, Hereford. MOORE, Mrs. D., Chalfont, F'erndale Road, Hereford. MOORE, The Rev. R. c., The Rectory, Eastnor, Ledbury. MORGAN, E. A., Pencomhe School House, Bromyard, Herefordshire. *MOUNTFORD, Andrew R., 17, Oakfield Close, Hereford. *MOUNTFORD, R. T., 17, Oakfield Close, Hereford. MULLER, Miss I. (Hon. Member), 2, Quantock Road, Weston-super-Mare. *MURJRAY, Greame, 43, Hampton Dene Road, Tupsley, Hereford. MURRAY, J. G., M.R.C.V.S., Kilmory, Ledbury. MURRAY, Mrs., Kilmory, Ledbury.

NASH, A. R., Cranwell, Dinedor, Herefordshire. NASH, Mrs. J. R., Cranwell, Dinedor, Herefordshi're. NICHOLLS, H. G., The Popl,mds, Leominster.

O'CORMAN, c., Castle Inn, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshi're. OVENDEN, Dr. R. N., Stone House, Kingsland, Hereford. OVEN DEN Mrs. P. A., Stone House, Kingsland, Hereford. OWEN, T. R. H., C.B.E., Lulham House, Madley, Herefordshire. OWEN, Mrs., Lulham House, Madley, Herefordshire.

PARRY, J., Priors Court, Staplow, Ledbury. PARRY, Miss S. K., Ashfield, Luston, Leominster. PASKE, Mrs. A. J., Bewdley Orchard, Canon Pyon Road, Hereford. PEARSON, A. P., The Whettons, Broxwood, Lyonshall, Herefordshire. PENNINGTON, T. W., The Old Stowe, Whitney-on-Wye. PEhii~ii\iGTOi~, ivir~. j. E., Tin::: O:J :;lUVVC, 'vVhit'·I~y--vi-I-\\'-):c. PHILLlPS, Mrs. D. E., Lydney, Ryelands Road, Leominster. PITTS, A. E., 3, Britten Close, Tupsley, Hereford. PITTS, Mrs., 3, Britten Close, Tupsley, Hereford. *PITTS, Miss Mary, 3, Britten Close, Tupsley, Hereford. PORTER, A. M., Glebe Cottage, Ross-on-Wye. PORTER, Mrs. H. A., M.B.E., Waynefleet, Eastfield Road, Ross-on-Wye. POWELL, Miss A. c., Orchard Gate, Winforton, Herefordshire. POWELL, Mrs. M., Hill House, Bradnor, Kington. PRICE, Ben (Hon. Member), Glanedw, Rhulen, Builth Wells, Brecon. PROSSER, A. S., 16, GUildford Street, Hereford. 330 HERt:FORDSHIRE ORl'ITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967

PROSSER, C. T. 0., Wyecroft, 23, Broomy Hill, Hereford. PROSSER, Mrs. M. E. J., Wyecroft, 23, Broomy Hill, Hereford. PROSSER, Mrs. K. L., 61, Mount Crescent, Tupsley, Hereford. PROSSER, Miss M. M., Manderlay, Norton Terrace, L1andrindod Wells, Rads. *PYLE, Peter, 46, Eign Road, Hereford.

RANDOLPH, H. T., The Close, Hereford. RANSFORD, Col. Sir Alister J., C. I. E., Great Oak Corner, Eardisley, Hereford. RANSFORD, Lady L. T., Great Oak Corner, Eardisley, Hereford. REAVILL, Miss H. E., Sorrento, Temple Street, L1andrindod Wells, Rads. REES-DAVIES, Mrs. D., Broomy Green House, Checkley, Herefordshire. RICHARDS, Miss J. M., Hawthorne Corner, Pentaloe Close, Mordiford, Hereford. RICHES, Miss S., 2, Glebe Cottages, Colwall, Malvern. RICKETTS, Mrs. M. J., The Cowl Barn, Colwall, Malvern. RIDOUT, G. W., Bramleys, Bradnor Green, Kington. RIDOUT, Mrs., Bramleys, Bradnor Green, Kington. RIGBY, Miss M. A., The Gate House, How Caple Court, Herefordshire. RIMMER, A. E., 21, Fayre Oaks Green, Hereford. RIMMER, Mrs. H., 21, Fayre Oaks Green, Hereford. ROBBINS, R. A., Gra,ig View, Cwmyoy, Abergavenny. ROBBINS, Mrs. H., Graig View, Cwmyoy, Abergavenny. ROBERTS, A., Weston Court, Pembridge, Hereford. ROBERTS, Mrs. K., Weston Court, Pembridge, Hereford. ROBINSON, L. B., Downside Lodge, 158,Foxley Lane, Purley, Surrey. ROGER, P. R., Lower Hardwick Farm, Pembridge, Herefordshire. ROGERS, Miss I., 40, Tower Road, Hereford. ROUND, Mrs. D. M., Kenelm, How Caple, Hereford. *!ROUND, J. S. K., Kenelm, How Caple, Hereford. RUDD, Miss E. K. S., Whitehall, Goodrich, Ross-on-Wye. RYE, Mrs. M. L., Pilliners Hill, Breinton, Hereford.

SALMON, Col. H. Morrey, C.B.E., M.C., D.L., M.B.O.U., 24, Bryngwyn Road, Cyncoed, Cardiff. SCHOLEFIELD, R. D., Little Lawnswood, Hampton Park, Hereford. SCUDDER, Mrs. M., The School House, Kinnersley, Hereford. SMALLWOOD, R. L., 61, Gresham Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, 28. SM ITH, A. J., 4, The Orchard, Moreton-on-Lugg, Hereford. SMITH, Mrs. A. D., The Orchard, Moreton-on-Lugg, Hereford. SMITH, A. L., Hillfield Cottage, Chase Road, Ross-on-Wye. SMITH, Mrs., Hillfield Cottage, Chase Road, Ross-on-Wye. SMITH, H. c., C B.E., M.B.O.U., Hazel Cottage, The Maypole, Rockfield, Monmouth. HEREFORDSHlRF: ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1967 331

SMITH, G. N., 7, Mill Street, Hereford. SMITH, Mrs. J., 7, Mill Street, Hereford. SMITH, j. j., Easter Cottage, Stretfordbury, Leominster. SMITH, L., 27, Sunnybank Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, Warwicks. SMITH, Mrs. M. G., Breinton Court, Hereford. STEWART, A., 114, Kings Acre Road, Hereford. STONE, Miss B., 9, Castle Street, Hereford. STUCKEY, A. c., Sunnycroft, Tillington, Hereford. SUMNER, Mrs. P. M., The Becks, Wellington Heath, Ledbury. SWEETMAN, J. G. L., 10, Scudamore Street, Hereford.

TALBOT-RICE, The Hon. Mrs. B. M., Castle Weir, Lyonsha 11 , Hfds TAYLOR, Miss F. M., Sunnyhil,I, Luston, Leominster, Herefordshire. TAYLOR, Miss G., 68, Hinton Road, Hereford. TEBB, B. M., The Laurels, Staunton-on-Arrow, Pembridge, Herefordshire. *THOMAS, Clive, 84, Quany Road', Tupsley, Hereford. THOMAS, G. W., Upper House Farm, Ya,rpole, Leominster, Herefordshire THOMAS, Mrs. I. 0., Upper House Farm, Yarpole, Leominster. THOMAS, H., 19, Nelson Street, Hereford, THOMAS, Mrs. P. M., "Aysgarth," Ledbury. *THOMAS, Miss W., 19, Lichfield Avenue, Hereford. THOMPSON, Miss H. M., Little Canwood, Mordiford, Hereford. THOMSON, P., Hall Pool, Ma,rden, Herefordshire. THOMSON, Mrs. S. E., Hall Pool, Marden, Herefordshire. TOWNSEND, E. F. R., 16, Bodenham Road, Hereford. TREVOR, Miss E., Trecilla Cottage, L1anga,rron, Ross-on-Wye. TURNER, j., The Hill, Kings Pyon, Herefordshire. TURNER, Mrs. M. L. N., The Hill, Kings Pyon, Her,efordshire.

VENABLES-LLEWELYN, Brig. Sir C. M. D., Bart., MV.O., L.lysdinam. Newbridge-on-Wye, L1andrindod Wells. VICKERMAN, J., Ferriby, Wellington, Herefordshire.

WALKER, Dr. C. W., M.C., 14, Venns Lane, ,Hereford. WALKER, Mrs. I. H., 14, Venns Lane, Hereford. WALSH, A. St. G., Snelson House, Macclesfield, Cheshire. WALTERS, N., Summerhaze, Hergest Road, Kington. WARD, Mrs. C. M., Sunnyside, Yarpole, Leominster. WARD, Miss S. M., ,R'dgebank House, Hergest Road, Kington. WAREING, W. 5" 24, Bodenham Road, Hereford. WAREING, Mrs. E., 24, Bodenham Road, Hereford. WATKINS, J. H., 32, Church Road, Tupsley, Hereford. *WATKINS, David A., 32, Church Road, Tupsley, Hereford. 332 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT. 1967

WATKINS, M. P., Pine Grove, Symonds Vat, Ross-on-Wye. WATKINS, Mrs., Pine Grove, Symonds Vat, Ross-on-Wye. WATTS, Miss A., Anns Cottage, Priors Frome, Mordiford, Hfds. WATTS, B. K., Minia, Livesey Road, Ludlow. WATTS, Mr. M. A., Minia, Livesey Road, Ludlow. WATTS, K. D., Barrington, Ay,lestone Drive, Hereford. WAUGH, Mrs. Z., Yew Tree House, Kingstone, Clehonger, Herefordshire. WEATHERILL, L. H., 7, Hope Street, Grahamstown, Cape Province, South Africa. WELLS, D. G., The Spinney, Laskett Lane, Much Birch, Herefordshire. WEST MIDLAND BIRD CLUB. WESTOBY, Mrs. D., Hinton Court, Preston Wynne, Hereford. WHITEHEAD, Mrs. L. E., Rydal Mount, Bodenham Road, Hereford. WHITING, Mrs. E. S., Priory End, Church Street, Leominster. WILLIAMS, Mrs. E. M., Lower House, Preston-on-Wye, Hereford. *WILLIAMS, Miss Janet M., Lower House, Preston-on-Wye, Hereford. *WILLIAMS, Miss Patricia A., Lower House, Preston-on-Wye, Hereford. WILLIAMSON, J. H., 306, King's Acre, Hereford. WILLlAMSON, M. J., Dason Court, Ross-on-Wye. WILSON, J. L., Devon House, Archenfield Road, Ross-on-Wye. WILSON, L. A., Devon House, Archenfield Road, .Ross-on-Wye. WILSON, Mrs. P. M., Orcha·rd Gate, Winforton, Herefordshire. WORTLEY, Miss J. S., Storesbrook Cottage, Rhea Lane, Nr. Ledbury. WORTLEY, Miss M., Storeshrook Cottage, Rhea Lane, Nr. Ledbu,ry. WYCHERLEY, P. J., Blackthorn, Kingstone, Hereford. WYCHERLEY, Mrs. P. E., Blackthorn, Kingstone, Hereford. WYLD, Maj. J. W. G., Seabournes, Fawley Chapel, Hereford.