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.... 5 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
No. 7 Vol. 3
OFFICERS AND COMMITI'EE 1977
President: J. L. FOX
Vice-Presidents: Dr. C. W. WALKER, M.C., A. G. FYSHE, P. W. HINDE
Chairman: T. R AMMONDS
Recorder: A. J. SMITH
Field Secretary: P. GARDNER
Hon. Secretary: MRS. J. BROMLEY
Hon. Treasurer: R. MORLEY
Hon. Editor: T. R. H. OWEN, CB.E.
Committee: MRS. F. BRADLEY A. MARCHANT DR. MARGARET DAVIES I. W. PREECE MRs. R. FRANCIS R. D. JONES MIss M. RIGBY J. H. WATKINS K. A. MASON I. B. EVANS W. H. MEADHAM IlEREFORDSIDIlE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB RULFS
1. NAME. The Oub shall be called the Herefordshire Ornithological Oub.
2. OBJECTS. The objects of the Club shall be (a) to further the study of birds in the field, and (b) to assist in their preservation. 3. MEMBERSHIP. The Oub shall consist of a President, a Chairman, a Secretary, a Field Secretary, a Treasurer, an Editor, a Recorder, and Ten Committee Members and Ordinary Members. The President and the Chairman to retire after serving a term of three years. The Secretaries, the Treasurer, the Recorder and the Editor shall be elected annually. The three senior of the ten Ordinary Members of the Com mittee shall retire annually and they shall not be eligible for re-election for a period of 12 months. The Officers and Ordinary Members of the Committee shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and the Officers shall be eligible for re-election. Nominations for the Commit tee must be received in writing by the Hon. Secretary by March 31st. 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 collectors of skins and/or eggs) information in a manner likely to be detrimental to the objects of the Club. 5. SUBSCRIPTIONS. (a) Junior members, over 12 but under 18 years of age, 50p. Ordinary members, 18 years and over, £1.50. A married couple, £2. Any additional members of a household 50p. Subscriptions are payable on January 1st or on election to membership. Corporate Members: Kindred bodies. Schools, etc.: Subscription one pound and 5 pence per annum. Honorary Members: As approved by the majority present at the Annual General Meeting. (b) All subscriptions subsequent to those paid on admission, shall be due on Jan. 1st each year. Where a member has been elected 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 arrears shall cease to receive the Oub's publications and, should the subscription not be paid by December 31st, his or her name shall be deleted from the list of Members.
6. MANAGEMENT. The Secretary shall keep Minutes of the meetings and prepare such literature as shall keep Members informed of the Oub'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 Members including the Secretary, appointed at an ordinary Committee Meeting. These shall prepare and present an Annual Report and such special reports as may be decided upon. 9. ALTERATION OF RULES. An alteration of the Rules 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 1977 281
EDITORIAL NOTE
CLIMATICALLY 1977 followed the pattern of recent years with a merci ful winter, a rather chilly spring, and a warm summer.
It has left us with the usual profit-and-loss account and the usual crop of those puzzles, as yet unsolved, which give savour to any pursuit.
Why have Wrens been in short supply-1976 drought? Has the decline of the Turtle Dove any connection with the spread of the in vading 'Collared'? Why did the abundant Goldcrest fade out in 1976 and only partially recover in 1977? Why has the Sand Martin been at such a low ebb for years? Whence the local recovery of Redstart and Whitethroat? Why the notable success of the Canada Goose? Why the unprecedented number of Golden Plover? What caused the 1976 slump in Blue and Great Tits, their 1977 recovery and a decline of the Marsh Tit?
The world would be a duller place if no problems were left unsolved. The Club's numbers now exceed 600, and an encouraging feature is that far more members have recorded and contributed notes than before. Here however .the Editor must implore members to send in their notes immediately the year is ended, and to send them to the Club's Recorder. When notes trickle in, to the Editor, after or during the main compilation, (a) the Recorder does not see them en route; (b) it doubles the work of the Editor; (c) sometimes justice cannot be done to the notes themselves; and (d) despite every care it is a prim ary source of slip-ups and incorrect details. Several rarities and semi-rarities are recorded. We have a Phal arope, a Water Pipit and a Bar-tailed Godwit; more than one Hoopoe has been watched; the Woodlark is on the list again; Grey Plover, Black Redstart, Hawfinch, Harrier, Gadwall, Twite, all appear in observations. Whether such exotics as a Trumpeter Finch and a Black Vulture are to be accepted as 'scalps' is doubtful and the issue lies with the Rarities Committee.
The Editor's thanks are due to the Editorial Committee, Dr. C. W. Walker, Colonel H. Morrey Salmon, Mr. P. W. Hinde and Mr. A. J. Smith for their illuminating comments and criticisms.
Should any Member require a list of members' names and addresses, a photostat copy may be obtained from the Secretary for 25p plus postage. T. R. H. O. 282 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1917
FIELD MEETINGS 1977 January B.T.O. Golden Plover Census Shobdon Castleton for the Wye Croft Ambrey February 'Belvide Reservoir .. Wolverhampton Kinnerton for Ednol Forestry Plantation March Gower Coast by Coach April Llan Bwch-Uyn PainscastIe Moor Park Richard's Castle Haugh Wood May Ridge Hill Sollershope G1an~lyn Rhayader • Huntington Hereford Olchon Valley Black Mountains Dawn Chorus Eywood, Titley June Shobdon Airfield Skomer week-end organized by B. F. Gilbert July Felindre Knighton Moelienydd Uanbister Road September Severn Estuary Kinsham for the Lugg October Forest of Dean Haugh Wood November Bryngwyn Common INDOOR MEETINGS 1977 Jan. Postponed Feb. Expedition to Spitzbergen M.A. OgiIvie March Members' night Films G. N. Smith (Trip to the Outer Hebrides and a Country Garden) Birds and Wildlife of Kenya Mrs. R. Francis May Annual General Meeting Sept. 'Birds of the Hawaiian Archipelago' B. Hawkes Dct. Guarding the Peregrine in Mid-Wales D. A. Orton Nov. RS.P.B. Film Show 'Wader studies on the Wash' - Dr. C. D. T. Minton Salwey Week-end - - Dr John Raines HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 283
NEST BOX SCHEME This year recording took place over 36 sites with a total of 987 boxes. Results are as follows: Fledge 1976 1977 1977 Number of boxes 977 987 Occupied boxes 430 555 % boxes occupied 43.2% 56.2% Predated boxes 27 Desertion and l!atalities 25 Successful boxes 503 or 51 % Pied Flycatcher 62 121 611 Great Tit 130 160 967 Blue Tit 170 212 1272 Coal Tit 15 12 69 Marsh Tit 7 8 37 Redstart 4 1 Nuthatch 6 12 50 Wren 12 3 6 Others 23 26
Predation took place in 27 boxes from grey squirrels and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. The wet weather in early June accounted for the loss of a further 25 boxes where desertion took place. Luckily we were not affected by late frosts this year. The Pied Flycatchers, no doubt, had an easier migrating passage resulting in an increase in usage of the nest boxes. From the return 611 birds fledged as against 349 for 1976.
CoMMENTS FROM RETURNS It is interesting to note that one box fell to the ground and the parents successfully brought off the brood. Plastic tube boxes appear to suffer from condensation. At the Gatley site one Pied Flycatcher box was taken over from Blue Tits; ultimately two Blue Tits and two Pied Flycatchers fledged successfully. On the same site one box contained five Great Tit eggs and three Blue Tit eggs. Finally four Great Tits and one Blue Tit fledged and were brought off by Blue Tit and Great Tit parents.
G. W. SHELDRAKE. 284 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
RINGING REPORT FOR 1977 Ad-Adult, Pull-Nestling, 1y-Iess than one-year-old, F-Female, t-Recovered dead, V---eaught alive and released. Ringing details are given on first line, and recovery ones on second. GREAT TIT BR 34145 Pull 31.05.77 Mowley Wood, Nr Kington (D.G.B.) + 14.08.77 Pembridge 5Km £.S.E. BR 29870 ly F 23.03.75 Billinge, Wigan, Lancs. B 26.05.75 Bosbury, Ledbury 160Km. S. BLUE TIT KE 89379 Ad 18.03.76 Pershore, Worcs. V 27.11.77 Hereford City (ODTM) • 35KmW. MARSH TIT lA 44293 Ad FB 16.05.73 Broclchampton, Bromyard, Rids. (DOB) B 02.05.77 Brockhampton, Bromyard, Hfds. (DOB) PIED FLYCATCHER lA 44408 Pull 17.06.73 Moccas Park, Hereford (])GB) AdF 19.05.77 Moccas Park, Hereford (DGB) It is hoped that with the known intention of three more ringers to ring in Herefordshire, each being a recent arrival, that next year's summary will not be confined to Hole Nesting Species. Summaries of ringing activities of two ringers (D.G.B., S.H.R.) at seven sites are shown below, together with ringing details at one site collated by P. Gardner. Details from other Nest Box Sites are not available. Only near one (S.H.R.) is catching regularly carried out outside the breeding season. Great Tit - 29 Ad + 413 Pull Blue Tit - 168 ad + 367 Pull Coal Tit - 1 Ad + 31 Pull Marsh Tit - 1 Ad + 22 Pull Nuthatch 45 Pull Redstart - 1 Ad Pied Flycatcher - 27 Ad + 237 Pull Excluded from this list are Tit retraps, and 17 Pied Flycatchers which had been ringed in previous years. Key to initials: D. G. Boddington, C. D. T. Minton, S. H. Robbins.
D. G. BoDDINGTON. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 285
BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY
NATIONAL ROOK SURVEY 1975-1976
This report is written to supplement the one on the Herefordshire rookeries published in the H.O.C. Annual Report 1975 Vo!. 3 No. 5.
There has been no previous survey of Radnorshire that can be used as a guide as to the increase or decrease of the Rook (Corvus frugilegus).
The B.T.O. Atlas survey (1968-72) only required proof of breed ing and not the numbers. During the survey it was found that Rooks did not nest at an altitude in excess of about lOOOft. where their place was taken by the Carion Crow (Corvus corone). This survey has borne this out.
The coverage of the county in 1975 was insufficient, only about 25 rookeries being recorded, so the survey was extended into 1976. Allt the rookeries found in 1975 were checked in 1976 to see if there had been any significant changes in size as this could have given a false figure at the end of 1976. There were none.
There was evidence that Rooks are being shot, not only by farmers but by members of the public. One farmer stated that he had always shot the Rooks in the rookery on his land Whilst he was grow ing cereal crops. He has now turned over to sheep and no longer shoots. The rookery in two years has increased in size from about 12 to 40 nests.
The ground under several of the rookeries visited after the young had left the nest was littered with the bodies of both young and old birds. The reason given for their slaughter was that the Rooks ate the corn and this was the easiest time to get rid of them. One land owner blamed them for the loss in his pheasant chicks.
The rookeries are usually in the tallest trees in the area and are often close to habitation-within about 400 yards. This is probably due to the fact that large species trees are planted as shelter belts especially in the more exposed areas.
Thanks are given to the other observers who helped me to cover the county so well. 286 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIlOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
DISTRIBUTION AND SIZE OF ROOKERIES IN RADNORSHIRE
10 km square Rookeries Nests 1-25 26-50 51-lOO SN96 3 145 2 1 5004 3 75 2 1 S005 8 273 1 7 5006 4 156 1 2 1 S007 3 103 2 1 SOB A 58 2 1 S014 9 261 6 1 2 S015 7 212 3 3 1 5016 5 169' 3 1 1 SO17 1 18 1 • S024 2 71 1 S025 2 86 1 1 8026 10 231 6 3 1 5027 9 223 6 3 S037 1 36 1 TOTALS 70 2117 35 23 12
ROOKERY SIZE 1 - 25 nests 50.00% 26 - 50 nests 32.86% 51-100 nests 17.14%
FACTS AND FIGURES Total number of Rookeries 70 Total number of nests 2117 Largest Rookery 87 nests Smallest Rookery 2 nests Highest altitude of Rookery 1025 ft. Lowest altitude of Rookery 325 ft.
TREES USED Oak Hawthorn WychElm Ash Beech Sycamore English Larch Californian Nutmeg Copper Beech Lime Scotts Pine Alder Birch Silver Birch HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 287
COMPOSITION OF ROOKERIES BY TREE SPECIES Rookeries Rookeries Oak 30 Sycamore 2 Oak-Ash 6 Sycamore--Scots Pine 1 Oak--Larch 1 Alder-Silver Birch 1 Oak-Birch 2 Californian Nutmeg 1 Oak-Scots Pine 2 Beech 2 Oak Hawthorn 1 Wych Elm 1 Oak-Sycamore 1 'Beech--'Copper Beech Oak-Ash-Larch 2 { lLime-Wych Elm 1 Ash 5 Scots Pine 1 Ash--'Larch 1 Scots Pine--Unidentified Ash-Alder 3 Conifer 1 Ash-Wych Elm 2 Species not recorded 1 Ash----iLarch-Scots Pine 1 Ash-Birch-Hawthorn 1 The above list shows only the trees used in a wood. There could have been other species unoccupied. R. O. B. GARNETT. ROOKERY DISTRIBUTION MAP 1975-1976 8 9 0 t 2 3 Soo~ 288 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 A QUARTER-CENTURY OF HERONRIES The Club's Reports go back to 1951, and it is of some interest to follow the fortunes of our main Heronries during that 25-year period. A few of the figures are missing or dubious, but the records are good enough to afford a general picture. A number of singleton nests or very small colonies have arisen and died out (e.g. Tyberton, Goodrich, Hampton Court, Aconbury). There are also a few puzzles. Why does the Letton Heronry peter out about 1964, and a new one start up at Leach Pool in 1966? Why does Cefndyrys start in 1961 (possibly with a contingent from the felled Abbeycwmhir trees?) and Penybont begin in 1969? The terrible 1946-1947 winter, for which figures are not to hand, must have drastically reduced numbers; and, after some recovery, savage 1962-1963 again caused a sad fall. But on the whole, despite fluctuations, the trend has been towards an increase in breeding pairs. What is the reason? Does it lie with the angling and keepering fra ternity tolerating or welcoming the Heron as a part of the environ • ment instead of treating him as a noxious competitor? If so it is a hopeful sign of enlightenment. Figures given below show numbers of breeding pairs counted. Berrington Letton Leach Cefndyrys Penybont 1950 42 1951 38 4 1952 41 3 1953 50 ? 1954 45 4 .. 1955 40 3 1956 ? ? 1957 37 2/3 1958 39 5 1959 30 3 1960 59 ? 1961 47 2/3 12 1962 28 2 16 1963 25 1 4 1964 18 7 1965 18 5 1966 31 4 10 1967 38 ? 8 1969 53 9 12 2 1970 63 10 15 3 1971 91 4 18 3 1972 95 10 24 ? 1973 76 20 28 2 1974 87 17 32 1 1975 87 14 34 3 1976 7R 11 28 2 T.R.H.D. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 289
HORS D'OEUVRES
At SolIershope RRF's chimney was blocked up by nesting Jack daws on April 25th. On June 25th two fully fledged young ap peared, like Father Christmas, down the chimney.
2 At Brilley WL-S had a Great Tit nesting in the upper storey of the bird-table itself.
3 At Kimbolton GWT marked a Mistle Thrush nesting in a small conifer only five feet above ground, at which level it duly reared four young.
4 At Lulham l1RHO records a Sparrowhawk nesting in dense young spruce not more than twelve feet above ground.
5 At Llandrindod a Spotted Flycatcher nested on a pot of plastic flowers and reared three young (RODa).
6 A Spotted Flycatcher was noted by FMP to dive on to a full-sized Red Admiral, on a buddleia bush. The handsome mouthful proved just too much for it.
7 SIHiR, who like TRHO had a Stock Dove nesting in her owl-box, also records a pair of Tree Sparrows building a nest up to the late date of October 10th.
8 Two Manx Shearwaters have been picked up in September, and both were fed and released, one at Bromyard and one at Skokholm. These not infrequent occurrences seem to be all timed in Septem ber, with the equinoctial gales blowing a bird off course.
9 ROBG, recording the dives of Goldeneye on November 18th, found that the average duration of a dive was '392 of a minute (a multi-minute stop-watch was used). November 27th was much colder, with ice, yet temperature made no difference, and the longest dive was '423. 290 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
CLASSIFIED NOTES
The serial numbers and nomenclature used are those of the B.T.O. Guide 3, HA species list of British and Irish Birds" 1971. Prefixes Hand R refer to Herefordshire and Radnorshire respectively. CO denotes Oub Outing.
5 GREAT CRESTED GREBE. H. Shobdon. Feb. 6th, first seen; later three pairs, and five young reared (IRA). EYWOOiD, April 20th, a pair with one chick (MFP); Aug. 27th, adult with one young (DMP); act 31st, two adults with two juveniles (MFP); Dec. 15th, one (JL.F). WYE, April 16th, one at Clifford (AJS), and one on 18th (PME); Nov. 24th, Hampton Bishop, one (JLF). Elsewhere-Almeley, Aug. 19th, adult with two young on Nieu port House lake (JMB). • R. OLAJNIJLYN. March 19th, a pair (EG), and May 14th, one (ROBG); ORAIG-YR-AiLlLT-GOCH. July 17th, one with one young (ROBG). ULAN BWCH ULYN. April 2nd, two (CO); 18th, a pair (MFP); Aug. 29th, three with one young (PH). IULANiDRINDOD. April 6th, one (ROBG); May 14th, two (ROBG); July 16th, two with two young, and ditto on Sept 11th (CG). WYE. Feb. 26th, one at Glasbury, and two on March 5th (CG).
9 LITTLE GREBE. H. Jan. 8th, Breinton, two (pGB); 16th, Castleton, three (CO); March 14th, Eywood, one (CJP); April 18th, Linton lake, one (DMP and ARM); June 19th, Moccas, a pair with one young (AM); 20th, Lyonshall, noted (JMB); July 8th, Aymestrey pool, noted (ARM and DMP); Sept 11th, Canon Bridge, four (PH); act. 17th, Wigmore, one found in fog and returned to pool (IRA); 30th, Castleton, two (MFP); Nov. 5th, Whitney, five (AM). R. March 12th, Llyn Hilyn, three, and five on May 14th; one on Nov. 26th (ROBG); April 2nd, Llan Bwch Llyn, one (CO); May 1st, Llyn Hilyn, two pairs (EG); Aug. 21st, Llyn Hilyn, two adults, each with one young (AM); act 3rd, Llyn Hilyn, two (AM); Nov. 6th. Dolymynach, two (AM).
16 MANX SHEARWATER. H. Sept. 11th, Black Venn, Brom yard, DGB found one in a hedgerow. It was released on Brom yard Downs next day. R.Llandrindod, an adult was found in early Sept., by Mr and Mrs. Hayward, and was released off Skokholm. ...'"
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HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 291
28 CORMORANT. H. and R. There are a quite unusual number of records. In Herefordshire they are mostly from the Wye, and mostly in ones and twos, but 15 are noted at Sink Green on Jan. 15th (JiLF), and c. 29 at Letton on Sept. 13th (CJP). Radnor records come from Claerwen, Caban Coch, Garreg ddu, Glasbury, Glan Uyn and Dolymynach. Records fade out in March and begin again in autumn.
30 HERON. H. and R. Records are sprinkled over both counties, but only in ones and twos, though DMP notes six on March 9th at Holme Lacy, and AH notes five at Sink Green on Dec. 26th. TRA reckons numbers down, many young being blown out of the nest in the March gales. The Heronries are estimated as follows (Martin Moss): Dolbertoy Wood three nests in conifer and mixed DyfIryn Wood one mature oak Goytre one oak and mixed Pencraig Court one mature oak Cefndyrys 28 Leach Pool 12 Berrington 58
45 MALLARD. H. No change in status, but the only consider able numbers are c. 70 at Rushock, Nov. 7th (CP), 30 at Letton on Jan. 16th (CO); 350 at Rushock on act 2nd (CJP); 60 at Castleton on Dec. 3rd (CJP); and a gathering of 200 on Willers ley Wye on Nov. 26th (RORG). R. Reports are similar. On Feb. 12th 40 are noted at Caban Coch (RODa), and on JuJy 18th 58 at Moelienydd, and on O,;t. 30th, 30 at Uyn Hilyn. Oct. - Nov., Glasbury-Llowes, c. 150 (GCe).
46 TEAL. H. Jan. 8th, Monkland, c. 220 on Cultivation (RJE); 16th, Letton, two, and Castleton, five (CO); Feb. 3rd, Lower Lugg, c. 150 (JLF); March 3rd, Castleton, c. 80 (CJP); 4th, Lug wardine, 24 (CWW); June 7th, Moccas, two (DMP); Aug. 9th, Olchon dingle, two at 2,00Oft. CDMP); 27th, Titley, eight (DMP); Uphampton, six (TRA..); Dec. 14th, Castleton, c. 80 (ClP). R. Jan. 29th, Glasbury, two; Feb. 26th, 20; and March 5th, 30 (GCe); Feb. 26th, LIyn Hilyn, a pair (AM); April 18th, Rhulen, a pair (MFP); 23rd, Pont ar Elan, a pair (EG); July 17th, Moelienydd, 28 (ROBG), and Oct. 29th, 25 (JLF); Nov. 12th, Glasbury, c. 80 (Gce).
49 GADWALL H. April 18th, Linton lake, two pairs (DMP and ARM); Dec. 30th, a pair on Shobdon Decoy pool (TRA). 292 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
50 WIGEON. H. Jan. 3rd, Holme Lacy, 14 (pGB); 8th, Arrow Green, 20 (RJ!E); 16th, Letton, a total of c. 250, and Castleton, 10 (CO); Feb. 3rd, Madley, c. 50 (TRHO); Lower Lugg, c. 100 (JILF); 5th, Tidnor, 60 (CWW); Sept. 22nd. Sink Green, one (JU); Oct. 30th, Castleton, eight (MFP); Nov. 11 th, Basthamp ton, 30 ('JlRA); 26th, Willersley Wye, 150 (ROBG); Dec. 17th, Holme Marsh, flighting at dusk (AJS).
52 PINTAIL. R. Feb. 26th, Uyn Hilyn, a pair (AM).
53 SHOVELER. H. Jan. 6th, Hereford area, a male (AJS); April 1st, Sink Green, five (JLF); May 27th, Eywood, a male (JLP).
55 SCAUP. • 56 TUFI'ED DUCK. H. March 6th, Bodenham gravel pit, seven (AiR); 17th, Eywood, 52 (CJP); April 18th, Linton, a pair (ARM and DMP); 19th, Warlow pool, five pairs (TRHO); May 4th, Collington, seven (TRHO); May 8th, Shobdon, eight (RM); 22nd, Eywpod, 20 (JLF); June 19th, Moccas, a pair (AM); July 20th, Titley, several with young (DMP); bred at Shobdon and Bramp ton Bryan (TRA); Oct 31st, Eywood, 18 (MFP), and Dec. 15th, 36 (JLF). R. Jan. 20th, Glasbury, three (GCC); Feb. 21st, LIyn Hilyn, four (AM); April 2nd, Uan ~ch lIyn, seven pairs (MFP); 16th, Hindwell, two and Uyn Hilyn, three (ROBG); July 16th, LIyn Hilyn, nine (ROBG); July 27th, Hindwell, six (ROBG); Aug. 29th, LIan Bwch Uyn, 20 (PH).
57 POCHARD. H. June 28th, Symond's Yat, a male (DMP); Oct. 31st, Eywood, seven (MFP); Nov. 6th, Shobdon, eight (RM); iDee. 9th, Sink Green, two (JiLF); 15th, Eywood, eight (JLF). R. Jan. 8th, Caban Coch, a pair, and two pairs on 29th (EG); April 12th, Uyn Hilyn, four (ROBG); Nov. 6th, Doly mynach, two; Dec. 17th, LIyn Hilyn, three, and LIandrindod. one (ROBG).
60 GOLDENEYE. H. Jan. 3rd, Holme Lacy, four (PGB); 16th, Sutton, one male (CO); Feb. 26th, Turner's Boat, 11 (KAM); Dec. 3rd, Hampton Bishop, a male (JLF); 12th, Castleton, 18 (CJP). R. March 5th, Glasbury, three (GCe); April 16th, Caban Coch, four (ROBG); Oct. 31st, Uan Bwch llyn, one (MFB); Nov. 27th, Dolymynach, two, and on 15th, three (ROBG). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 293
RUDDY DUCK. H. May 22nd, Eywood, two males (J'LF); June 15th, Shobdon (CO).
69 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. R. May 15th, Elan area, one male (ROBG); June 1st, Radnor Water, a male (JLF).
70 GOOSANDER. H. Jan 5th, Holme Lacy, a female (JLF); Feb. 4th, Sink Green, one (J'LF); March 29th, Castleton, four (AJS); May 8th, Byford Wye, one (RM); act Oth, Castleton, one (MFP). R. Jan. 8th, Garreg ddu, five, and 10 on 22nd (EG); 20th, GJashury, five, and 10 on March 5th (GCC); March 12th, Caban Coch, nine (ROBG); April 2nd, Garreg ddu, a pair, and Caban Coch, three (BG); 15th, Craig Foel, a nest with eggs (00); Nov. 27th, Caban Coch, 17, despite ice (ROBG); Glashury-Llowes, GCC reports the bird present, wHh a maximum of ten.
73 SHELDUCK.
75 GREYLAG GOOSE.
76 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. H. Nov. 26th, Whitney area, one with Canadas (AM).
78 PINK-FOOTED GOOSE. H. April 27th, Moccas, one with Canadas (CWW).
BEAN GOOSE. H. Dec. 4th, Castleton, one among Canadas (CJP).
82 CANADA GOOSE. Almost an explosion. H. March 29th, Castleton, seven, and 33 on 30th at Criftin Ford (AJS); April 27th, Moccas, two pairs and five in flock (CWW); May 4th, Collington, three adults (one sitting), and later four young (I1RHO); Moccas, eight (DMP); 11 th, Tilling: ton, a pair at Court Farm hatched three young (RH); 22nd, Berrington, 26 birds and three nests noted (Lord Cawley); Aug. 27th, Titley, 17 (DMP); Shobdon, four pairs reared 29 young, one pair producing 11; post-breeding flock 45, and 75 in the autumn (TRA); act. 1st, Swinmoor, 30 in flight (TRHO); 30th, 'Leach Pool, nine (MFP); Nov. 26th, Whitney, 56 (AM); Dec. 16th, Castleton, 75 (CIP). R. Feb. 26th, Glasbury, four (GCe); March 13th, Penybont, eight (ROBG). 294 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
84 MUTE SWAN. H. Jan. 2nd, Wergins Bridge, 60 on grass (CWW) and four with Bewick's on Feb. 3rd. Feb. 9th, Lulham Wye, seven (TRHO); March 20th, Sutton, 32 (AJS); April 17th, Breinton, nine (MFP); May 25th, Sink Green, 25 (DMP); Nov. 28th, Mordiford, 24 and six in flight (FRF). R. Sept. 17th, Glasbury-Hay, 32 (Gce).
85 WHOOPER SWAN. R Nov. 5th, Glasbury - Llowes, two (Gce); 27th, Dolymynach, two (ROBG); Dec. 18th, Glan Llyn, two (ROBG).
86 BEWICK'S SWAN. H. Late Jan., Monkland, 30-40 on flood water (LME); Feb 1st, Wergins Bridge, 15, and 45 on 3rd (JLF); 3rd, Wergins Bridge, 20 adults and nine juveniles (CWW); 6th, Sutton, 27 with 18 Mutes (AJS); March 20th, Moreton, 15 (AJS); Nov. 5th, Whitney, two, and five below the toll bridge (AM); 19th, Sink Green, one seen off by family of Mutes (JLF); Dec. 1st, Wergins Bridge, six (KAM); 11th, Swinmoor, four in flight (TRHO).
(A vulture, idenitfied as a Black Vulture, has spent the winter months on a hillside west of Llyn Hilyn, has been watched by many, and has even been photographed. There is no report of such bird being lost from an aviary, and its provenance remains a mystery.-Eo.).
91 BUZZARD. H. and R. Sightings are legion, and from all parts of the region except the eastern fringe. But no big gatherings are noted, the biggest being ten near Llan Bwch llyn on Aug. 29th (PH), and six over Little Dewchurch on March 16th (ARM and DMP). Young are noted by TRHO at Llancillo, and at Elton by DC.
93 SPARROWHAWK. Hand R. As with Buzzard, records are very numerous and widespread, indicating a further recovery of status. Three ~bservers note Sparrowhawks taking, or nearly taking, small birds under their very nose. TRHO records breed ing at Lulham.
94 GOSHAWK. H. April 7th, Dinmore. a large hawk seen, be lieved to be this species (CWW).
95 KITE. H. July 29th, Garway hill, one chased by Raven (ARM). R. One noted on the Radnor borders in January by EG, and on Nov. 26th by ROBG. Also at Dolymynach on April 16th (ROBG). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 295
100 HENHARRIER. R. April 8th, Craig-y-Foel, noted (EO); April 18th, Llanbedr hill, one well viewed (MFP).
103 OSPREY. H. April 17th, Bredwardine, one flushed from road side pole (Miss D. Rook).
104 HOBBY. H. May 20th, one noted in Herefordshire (ARM); Aug. 5th, Moccas area, one mobbing Buzzard (DMP); Sept. 13th, Aymestrey area, noted by Mr. Edwards; 14th, Merbach area, one at close range (ARM). Also noted in Elton area, Aug. 19th and Oct. 23rd (DC).
105 PEREGRINE. H. July 1st, Kingstone area, one mobbed by Swifts (DAC). R. Jan., still present in Radnorshire; April 30th, Carrcg Bica, noted hunting (EG).
107 MERLIN. H. March 20th, Hergest, one hunting pipits (CJP); April 9th, Prothither, noted (TFVM). July 19th, Craswall, one on edge of moorland (ARM). R. July 16th, Radnor, a female (CO).
110 KESTREL. Hand R. Sightings are too numerous to give in detail. They cover the whole area and the bird is widely though nowhere thickly distributed. JLl" records watching mating, on a telegraph pole. MR reports breeding at Pontrilas, and TRA at Shobdon. Not more than four together. (PH at Llan Bwch llyn) are reported.
111 RED GROUSE. H. April 18th, Black Hill (Olchon), two pairs and a spare bird (MFP). R. Feb. 3rd, Black Mixen, 15, and Sept. 21st, c. 20 (JMB and EG); April 30th, Garreg Rica, three pairs plus one bird (EG). TRA styles the year a disastrous one, due to the cold spring.
113 BLACK GROUSE.
115 RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE. H. Jan. 28th, Hereford area, five (AJS); April 3rd, Almeley, a pair in orchard, not previously recorded here (VMJ); 4th, Easthampton, a pair (TRA); 16th, Sollershope, frequently seen (FRF); 19th, Dorstone, a pair (MFP); May, Tillington, a frequent pair (DMWB); May 7th, Ridge Hill, a pair (CO); May, in S.E. Hereford DMP reckons it commoner than the Partridge; July 15th, Pontrilas, a pair with two young (MR); 22nd, Lanyon, two pairs with 16 young (GWT); 23rd, Berrington, adult with ten chicks (AJS); Oct. 5th, Sollershope, 14 perching on the apex of a building (AGF), and TRHO records a similar perch for a pair at Swinmoor. 296 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
116 PARTRIDGE. H. A mixed year. There are many records, mainly of pairs, but some big numbers as well. Around Monk land RJE notches 74, in parties of 10 to 20; and in a 15 acre currant field at Madley, in September, l1RHO records 83 birds. 117 QUAIL. H. June, Madley, frequently heard and one flushed (DRHO); Shobdon and Ledicot, calling (TRA), and one in oats and one in wheat (00). Sept. 9th, Dulas, one or two calling (DMP).
118 PHEASANT. H. A very fair year round Madley (DRHO).
120 WATER RAIL. H. April 27th, Moccas, one in sedge (CWW); Aug. 1st, Allensmore, one (DMP); Sept. 9th, The Hyde, seen MLB-T). R. act. 31st, Llan Bwch llyn, calling (MFP).
125 CORNCRAKE.
126 MOORHEN. H. and R. Another poor year. The draining of ponds militates against the Moorhen. MFP reports a party of eight at Castleton on Oot. 31 st.
127 COOT. Inhabiting bigger waters the Coot has done better than the Moorhen. H. Jan. 16th, Letton (pools frozen), c. 70 (CO); April 9th, War low pool, ten (TRHO); 27th, Moccas, seen with young (AM), and June 19th showed three pairs and ten young (AM and JH). R. Feb. 12th, Hindwell, eight; Llyn Hilyn, ten; Glan Llyn, one (ROBG); March 12th, Llyn Hilyn, 21 and Hindwell, eight (ROBG). May 14th, Hindwell, two, rising to 19, then 23, then a peak of 37 on Nov. 26th. Llyn Hilyn, 12 on June 10th, rising to 26 on Aug. 27th (ROBG); act. 31st, Llan Bwch llyn, c. 70 (MFr). 131 OYSTERCATCHER. 133 LAPWING. H. and R. As a breeding species the Lapwing de clines a-gain. A few scattered pairs nest. At Burrington EO found one sitting. At Walford, May 11th, young were seen (DMP and AiRM), also at Holme Lacy park, May 31st. Modern farming accounts for much of the deterioration, and possibly the prevalence of the Carrion Crow. Some very big migratory flocks were in evidence - c. 420 at Monkland in June (RODG); c. 5,000 in Lugg Meadows on March 2nd (CWW); c. 2,500 at Hampton Bishop, Aug. 24th (JLF); c. 500 at Moelienydd, Aug. 28th (ROBG); c. 2,000 at Milton, Jan. 9th (TRA); c. 2,000 on Shobdon airfield, Dec. 18th (TRA); c. 1,000 at Letton, Dec. 17th (ROBG). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 297
134 RINGED PLOVER. R. April 18th, Glasbury, fOUT (GCe); Aug. 28th, Moelienydd, four (ROBG).
135 LITI'LE RINGED PLOVER. H. May 18th, Hereford Wye, a breeding-type area (ARM and DMP).
139 GREY PLOVER. H. Jan. 2nd, Hereford Wye, one, also on Jan. 3rd with three Dunlins (REM).
140 GOLDEN PLOVER. Records are unusually numerous and in clude some large numbers. The B.T.O. census shows that Here fordshire is one of the biggest reception areas in the U.K. for migrating Golden Plover. H. Jan. 8th, Monkland, 47 (RIB); 23rd, Shobdon, c. 800 circled to a height of 2,000ft. and headed for the south; Oct. 9th, Hergest, c. 250 (ClP); Oct 31st, Letton, c. 100 (MFP); Dec. 17th, 'Letton, c. 80 (ROBG). R. Jan. 9th, Milton, c. 1,100 (TRA). On Glasbury Wye GCC reports up to 230 present in late winter. March 13th, a few noted at Penybont and Cerrig Uwynion, all in breeding plumage (AJS). May 18th, Moelienydd, 60 (ROBG); Milton area, Jan. 23rd, 500; Sept. 4th, c. 500 in breeding plumage; Nov. 7th, c. 1,000; Dec. 18th, c. 2,000 in winter wheat, and 2,000 on Dec. 31st (TRA). Other smaller parties are recorded.
145 SNIPE. H. Jan. 2nd, Cholstrey, several (SJT); 8th, Monkland, c. 70 in flooded field (RJIE); 16th, Letton, a few, and frequent on Castleton Wye (CO); April 21st, Black Hill, one nesting in Heather (MFP). Drumming at Eaton Bishop, May 10th and Thruxton, June 1st (OMP); Sept. 11th, Uphampton, seven, and a fall of 18 on 23rd (TRA); Nov. 17th, Holme 'Lacy, 13 (JLF); Dec. 17th, Holme Marsh, flighting at dusk (AJS). R. May 1st, Moelienydd, several singles noted, and drumming (AJS); Jan. 29th, Glasbury, 30 (GCC); March 13th, Penybont, 13 (ROBG); May 29th, Rhosgoch, at least five pairs (P. J. Chad wick); July 16th, Moelienydd, six (CO); Nov. 12th, Glasbury Uowes, c. 60 (GCC).
147 JACK SNIPE. H. Jan. 12th, Hampton Bishop, one in a snow storm (JiLF); Feb. 14th, Hereford area, one (AJS); April 4th, Sink Green, one (C. Minton). R. April 24th, LIanddewi-Fach, one flushed and watched (AJS).
148 WOODCOCK. H. March 4th, Manse! Lacy, two in oak wood (JDF); 12th, Stanage, nest with two eggs (TRA); Dec. 10th, Swinmoor, one (TRHO). 298 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
150 CURLEW. H. March 4th, Lugg Meadows, first heard (CWW); 9th, Stretton Sugwas, very vocal (AJS); 23rd, Hereford area, heard and seen on all sides (CWW); 27th, Welsh Newton, noted (FMP); 30th, Criftin Ford, many and song frequent (AJS); April 12th, Lower Lugg meadow, plentiful in pairs, and adopting territory (CWW); 18th, Hereford racecourse, three (AR); April, noted at Dorstone, Craswall, Bonnylands, Cusop (MFP). Bred at Easthampton ([IRA), and Sollershope (FltF); Oct. 27th, Kimbolton, noted with three young (GWT). R. Jan. 21st, Glasbury, 40; Feb. 26th, c. 240; March 5th, c. 100 (GCe); Feb. 26th, Llowes, c. 150 (KAM); March 12th, Penybont, four, and later Crossgates, three (ROBG); July 16th, Moelienydd, c. 100 (CO); 28th, Moelienydd 112 (JLF), and Aug. 28th, 60; Oct. 27th, Moelienydd, nine (JLF).
151 WHIMBREL. H. May 25th, Tupsley, one flying (IBE); Oct. 5th, Kington, one heard (CJP); Sept, 4th, Hereford, one (JVF). R. July 28th, Moelienydd, one jn flight (JVF).
155 BAR-TAILED GODWIT. R. Aug. 28th, Moelienydd, one (ROBG). [Second record for Radnor.-ED.]
156 GREEN SANDPIPER. H. Jan. 9t'h, Kingsland, one (SJT); 16th, Castleton, one (CO); Hereford, two by the Wye (AJS) and three on March 7th; March 4th, Lugg Meadows, three (CWW); July 14th, Leintwardine, four (JLF); 15th, Hereford Wye, one (AJS); , and Aug. 18th, six in flight (AJS); 20th, Baton Bishop, one (TRHO); Sep1. 1st, Hampton Bishop, nine, and two on Nov. 3rd; Dec. 23rd, Castleton, one (KAM). R. Feb. 26th, Glasbury, one (GCe).
159 COMMON SANDPIPER. H. April 2nd, Welsh Newton, one (FMP); 15th, Hampton Bishop Wye, one, and four on 19th (CWW); 16th, Castleton, three, and 22nd, five on Hereford Wye (AJS); 17th, Turner's Boat, one, and four on 19th at Preston (MFP). Late April, Linton, one and Warham, one; Whitney, three pairs; Sellack~Fawley, two; Bredwardine, a pair; Hay Ross, 12 pairs (ARM); July 2nd, Mortimer's Cross, two (JHW): Sept. 28th, Hereford Wye, three (PH). R. April 17th, Cwmbath, two (P. Bradley); May 15th, Aber Glan Hirin, two (ROBG); 23rd, Moe1ienydd, two (JLF); June 10th, Cefnllys, two (ROBG). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 299
161 REDSHANK. H. March 29th, Castleton, two; 30th, Criftin Ford, presen't (AJS); act. 13th, Kingsland, calling (lBW). R. March 5th, Glasbury, two (GCe); March-April, Glasbury Wye, up to six (GCe); April 2nd, Llowes, five (CO); May 1st, Moelienydd, three pairs, plus one bird (AJS); 14th, Aber Glan hirin, one (ROBG); 26th, Llyn Hilyn, one (CIP); June 19th, Rhos Goch, two pairs, at least one with young (GCe); July 16th, Moelienydd, two with young (CO), and 28th, two with two young (JLF); and Aug. 28th, two (ROBG).
165 GREENSHANK. H. April 23rd, Hunton Bridge, seen and heard (CJP); Aug. 1st, Holme Lacy, one, and two on 26th (JLF); Aug. 18th, Oreop, one (DMP); 25th, Madley, one (DMP); 27th, Castleton, 6/7 (AM); Sept 1st, Whitney, one (DMP); 3rd, Hereford, one in flight (CWW); Oct 1st, Castleton, two (KAM). R. Aug. 6th, Glasbury-Llowes, two (GCe).
178 DUNLIN. H. Jan. 3rd, Hereford Wye, three with a Grey Plover (BBM); Aug. 26th, Hereford, one (AJS); Sept. 23rd, Sink: Green, two immatures (lLF); act. 28th, Holme Lacy, one (lLF); Dec. 26th, Sink Green, five (AH). R. April 18th, Glasbury, one (GCe); May 15th, Rhayader, one (CO); July 28th, Moeliendd, one (lLF).
PHALAROPE SPECIES. By Glasbury Wye on September 17th GCe watched for 10 minutes a bird which had the diagnostic features of a Phalarope, but the details were not quite sufficient to establish the species.
198 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. R Glasbury-Llowes, one seen in Nov. and Dec. (GCe).
199 LESSER BLACK-~ACKED GULL. H. Jan. 6th, Moreton, c. 100 (AJS); March 29th, Castleton, six (AJS); April 12th, Eywood, three (CIP); Aug. 14th, Holme Marsh, an immature, and 10 on 21st (AJS); 27th, Sollershope, 54 (FRF); Oct. 20th, Castleton, two, and Letton, one (MFP); Dec. 14th, Castleton, 3/4 (CIP). R. Feb. 12th, Caban Coch, two (ROBG); April 16th-23rd. Hay, two, and Glasbury, two (MFP); 23rd, Pont ar Elan, three (EG); May 1st, Moelienydd, five immatures (AJS).
200 HERRING GULL. H. June 4th, Kington, 28 (CJP); Nov. 2nd, Hereford, a single (MFP); Dec. 1st, Holme Lacy, an adult (liLF). 300 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
201 COMMON GULL. H. Jan. 16th, Letton, in small numbers (CO); Maroh 2nd, Lugg Meadows, c. 5,000 (CWW); 24th, Sollers hope, several hundred on plough (ARM); July 15th, Hereford, present and regular thereafter (AJS); 19th, Upper Monnow, c. 120 (ARM); Oct. 19th, Hergest, four (CJP).
208 BLACK-HEADED GULL. H. Feb. 5th, Lugg Meadows, small number, pirating Lapwings (CWW); March 29th, Bredwardine, c. 200 on plough (AJS); 31st, Eywood, 45 (CJP); No Bredwar dine or Warlow colonies ~RHO). Nov. 6th, Sollershope, c. 200 (FRF). R. Feb. 12th, Caban Coch, three (ROBG); March 5th, Glas bury, c. 400 (GCC); March 12th, Caban Coch, c. 1,000 (EG); !Uyn Hilyn, six, and Glan LIyn, 65 (ROBG); April 17th, Cerrig !Uwydion, 25, and Glan LIyn, 25 (ROB,o). On May 29th, P. J. Chadwick visited Rhos Goch colony, , counting 306 nests. On return for ringing, June 19th, most clutches were just hatching and in some cases young had flown.
212 BLACK TERN. H. act. 25th, Holme Lacy, a juvenile above a pool (JLF and JVF).
218 ARCfIC TERN. R. Aug. 7th, Uandrindod, four (ROBG).
230 PUFFIN. H. Nov. 8th, Lower Letton, Brampton Bryan, one found in a meadow, died the next day (per TRA).
232 STOCK DOVE. H. Jan. 4th, Madley, singing in the snow. Later nested in owl-box (T1RHO); March 21st, Eywood, six (CIP); April 2nd, Eyton, a small flock (JHW); 16th, Merbach, two pairs (MFP). Frequent at Fownhope (KAM); act. 30th, Leach pool, seven (MFP); Sollershope, nested for the third year in entrance archway (FRF); Nov. 13th, Kinnerton, seven (CJP). R. April 16th, Craig-y-Foel, several pairs nesting (E,o); 18th, LIanbedr, three pairs (MFP); May 1st, LIangunllo area, four singing (AJS); 26th, Glascwm, two pairs (CIP). 234 WOODPIGEON. H. Nov. 5th, Eardisley, c. 400 (ROBG). 235 TURTLE DOVE. H. April 23rd, Dinmore, one (WMG); 30th, Haugh Wood, noted (CO); May 1st, St. Owen's Cross, one (DW); 6th, Sellack, in song, and later noted at Fownhope, Backbury, Mordiford, Woolhope and Whitbourne (DMP and ARM); 13th, Eywood, one (CJP); 18th, The Hyde, in song (MLB-T); 19th, Hampton Court, two (JLF); 28th, Easthampton, noted (TRA); June 16th, Dinedor, one (AJS); July 2nd, Moreton, singing (AJS); Aug. 22nd, Sink Green, 24 on overhead wires; last heard Sept. 21st, Eywood (JiLF). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 301
COLLARED DOVE. H. and R. The bird seems to be ubi quitous in Herefordshire, and is reported from, Llangunllo, Hindwell and Llandrindod in Radnor. Flocks of over a dozen have been seen. At The Hyde MLB-T records c. 60 roosting and feeding.
237 CUCKOO. H. First heard April 16th at Castleton (AJS) and Sollershope (FRF); then 17th at Shobdon (RM), Welsh Newton (FMP) and Merbach (MFP). No late singing recorded. R. Not reported until May 14th, Dolymynach (ROBG). July 29th, Felindre, a juvenile being fed by Meadow Pipits (JLF).
241 BARN OWL Despite road casuaLtie and poisons, occurrences have increased. H. Jan. 6th, and at intervals throughout the year, seen at Swin moor (TRRO); 29th, Kingsland, hunting by day (SIT); BucknelI Bridge, one in flight (EG); Feb. 26th and 27th, Rig,bury and Capler, one each (REM); March 29th, Mansel Lacy, noted (JMB); 30th, Criftin Ford, one hunting (AJS); April 23rd, Shirl heath, one (SJT); 24th, Letton, one (ARM and DMP); Sept. 3rd, Letton, one (CJP); 26th, Norton Canon, one, and Woonton, one (AJS); Oct. 28th, Ledbury area, one (MFP); Kimbolton, seen frequently (GWT); Nov. 24th, Common Hill, one (KAM). R. March 11th, Orossgates, one (JLF); April 30th, Nantmel, noted (EO); Aug. 27;th, Llandrindod, one ROBG).
246 LITTLE OWL H. and R. Again there are no occurrences in iRadnor, and the furthest west the species occurs seems to be Pontrilas (a pair with young in a rabbit burrow), Longtown (ARM and DMP), Dorstone (JLF) and Lyonshall (EO).
247 TAWNY OWL. H. Reduced in numbers by road casualties and lack of old timber, but distributed over the whole area. Breed ing is recorded at Mary Knoll (PG's), 5t. Wulfstan's Wood (FMP), and in the Swinmoor cider barrel (TRRO).
248 WNG-EARED OWL.
249 SHORT-EARED OWL. R. April 15th, Penybont, one flushed (EG); Aug. 6th, Llethr Gwngu, one (ROBG).
252 NIGHTJAR. 302 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
255 SWIFT. H. FirSit arrivals April 27th-two at Hampton Bishop (JLF) and a single at Moreton (AJS); 28th, one at Lugg Bridge (DMP). The bulk of birds arrived normally, May 1st to 7th. The latest recorded are eight at Madley on Aug. 20th (TRHO), a party at Holme Marsh on 21st and three on 26th (AJS); c. 30 at Titley on 22nd (CJP), and a single at Titley as late as Sept. 11 th (RiLV). The numbers at the Birtley nest-boxes are some what down (TRA). R. The only records received are May 14th at Rhayader, four; July 16th, Glan Llyn, one, and one at rLloyney at the late date of Sept. 4th (ROBG).
258 KINGFISHER. H. and R. Records received are mostly from up and down the Wye. But the bird has kept its status on most streams in both counties - Teme, Monnow, Arrow, Ithon, as well as smaller streams and the still waters of Eywood.
261 HOOPOE. H. May 7th, Thrrington, one in Mr. Bradstock's orchard (per CWW); 8th, Lower Docklow, one flew from post to post by roadside (TRA); April 1Hh, Stretton Sugwas, one well viewed (per AJS); Oct. 1st, one seen by Mr. Williams a.t Bulling hope.
262 GREEN WOODPACKER. H. Sightings or 'hearings' are recorded throughout the year from Madley (TRHO), Ledbury (DEMB), Kingsland (STR); Monnington (AJS), B:reinton (WMG), Merbach, Craswall and Olchon (MFP), Brilley (WL-S), Moccas (AM and JH), !Eaton Hall (KFR), Sollershope (FRF), Common Hill (KAM), Kington and Eywood (SJP). At Breinton WMG records a nest in an apple tree. Also heard and seen in Kingsland (SHR). R. March 18th, Penybont, two, 16th, Glan Llyn, two (ROBG); May 14th, Cefnllys, one; Nov. 26th, noted at Penybont and Dolymynach (RODG).
263 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. The species flourishes better than the Green. H. Jan. 7th, Flintsham, a pair; Eywood, two resident pairs, drumming on Jan. 24th; Yeld Wood, two pairs, and drumming near Kington; a pair at Knill and one at Bradnor (CIP); Jan. 27th, Madley, drumming (TRHO); 30th, Fishpools, drumming (CO); Kingsland, noted (SJT); Feb. 13th, Moreton, drumming (AJS); March, Mary Knoll, two pairs (PG's); 29th, Weston Hall Wood, drumming (AJS); April 3rd, Almeley, one (VMJ); 6th, HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 303
I..edioot, drumming (JHW); 10th, Haugh Wood, one (JDD); 16th 20th, MeI1bach, drumming (MFP); May 22nd, Baton Hall, a pair (KFR). Kingsland, 'a constant visitor (SHR); June 15th, Mon nington, noisy young (WD). R. April 17th, Glan LIyn, one, and July 17th, four young on the wing (ROBG); May 22nd, Gladestry, two dead birds (JLF.I; June 10th, CefnIlys, nest and young in alder (ROBG).
264 LESSER SPOlTED WOODPECKER. H. CIP records meeting the bird in every month at Kington; Jan. 3rd, Breinton, one (pGB); Feb. 1st, Madley, calling (fRHO); 14th, Elton, noted (DC); 24th, Fownhope, noted (KAM); March 3rd, Almeley Wootton, two (VMJ); 29th, Monnington, noted (AJS); April 29th, Breinton, noted (KS); 30th, Haugh Wood, noted (CO); May, Sollershope, noted (FRF); May 7th, LIanwarne, a pair (PJK); May, SQIlershope, noted (FRF); 18th, Hoarwithy, a male (ARM); 27th, Mordiford, one in garden (JSP); June, Warham, a pair (AJRM); July 8th, Leinthall, one; 9th, Moccas, one, and Thruxton, one; Aug. 11 th, Kentchurch, one (DMP). TRA records a family in a Kingsland orchard. Holme Marsh, seen (AJS); Sept. 4th, Kington, one ona bean row; 15th, Clehonger, one; iDee. 18th, Eywood, one (CJP); seen at intervals at Kingsland (SHR). R. May 1st, Llangunllo, noted (AJS).
271 WOODLARK. Reported from both counties this year, and three nests recorded in south Herefordshire.
272 SKYLARK. Numerous in many parts of both counties.
274 SWALWW. H. Several members mention a good breeding season after two poor ones. First arrival April 12th, Hereford Wye, a few (ONW); 16th, Castleton, four (AJS). Last recorded at Holme Marsh, Sept. 28th (AJS). Some other notes - Aug. 27th, Castleton, numerous (AM); Sept. 15th, Tidey, a second brood a week old (RLV). TRA reports a good breeding season, and so does W'L-S. Five broods left in one week at Easthampton. R. April 17th, LIyn Cerrig, two (ROBG); May 14th, L1yn Hilyn, c. 120 (ROBG); Aug. 21st, Llyn Hilyn, 50 (AM); 28th, Moelienydd, 30 (ROBG).
276 HOUSE MARTIN. H. Irregular and absent from some areas. April 16th, Clifford, two (AJS) and Hereford, two (CWW); and Fownhope, c. 20 (ROBG); 18th, Linton, two (DMP and ARM); May 20th, Hereford Wye, c. 300 (AJS); Mordiford, building on new bungalow (JMR); Sept. 1st, Sollershope, "hundreds" (FRF). 304 HEREFORDSHiRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
Last seen, at nest, Oct. 8th, Holme Marsh (AJS). Last occurrence Nov. 5th at Hereford (AM). R. May 14th, Llyn Hilyn, c. 50; and on Aug. 29th, c. 20 (ROOO).
277 SANDMARTIN. H. Still at a low ebb, but probably up on 1975 and 1976. First seen, two on March 27th at Hampton Bishop (JiLF); 28,th, Eardisley, two (1'RA); April 4th, Hereford Wye bridge, six, and later at least 15 pairs nesting (AM); Sink Green, 12, and noted at Hoarwithy, Lugg meadows and Stretton (ARM and DMP); 19th, Preston, ten (MFP); Aug. 27th, Castle ton, numerous (AM); May, three pairs on Lulham Wye, three at Lyepole and five at Llancillo (TRHO). Despite decline, on April 16th at Rotherwas there were c. 100 birds and hundreds still present on the 22nd (CWW). ..
279 RAVEN. H. and R. Records are numerous and cover the whole area except the eastern fringe. Herefordshire records come from Madley, Letton, Hillgate, Castleton, St. Wulfstan's, Merbach, Olchon, Brilley, Hergest, Whitboume, Dinedor, Common Hill, Shobdon, Nupend, Hampton Bishop, Kimbolton, Sollershope, Stanner, Knill and Kington. Radnor notes come from Dolymynach, Craig Foel, Garreg ddu, Craig yr allt Goch, Glan Llyn, Llyn Hilyn, Cefnllys, Moelienydd, Cefndyrys, Rhayader. ROOO notes 18 together at Glan Hirin, and AJS nine together at Holme Marsh.
280 CARRION CROW. All too flourishing. In Jan, near Rhayader, EG counted 100 or more.
282 ROOK. See earlier article on Rookeries. H. and R. Despite some uncalled for persecution Rooks seem to be holding their own. Several rookeries are up in numbers and several new ones established, e.g. at Bircher (SHR) and Madley (l1RHO).
283 JACKDAW. H. Dec. 15th, Titley, c. 400 on stubble with Rooks (JLF).
284 MAGPIE. H. Aug. 27th, Castleton, 15 in flock (AM). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 305
286. JAY. H. Madley, two pairs around, the whole year (TRHO). Found in Oaker Wood (SHR). March 29th, Monnington, noted, and April 23rd, Moreton, two (AJS). April, Brilley, a pair (WlL-S); April 3rd, Mary Knoll, eight together (PG's); July, Rhydspense, a pair with young (WL-S); Oct., Shobdon, noted taking potatoes for storing ([RA); Nov. 2nd, Haugh Wood, noted, and at Merbach, Portway, Hay area and Castleton (MFP); 5th, Common Hill, one (KAM). R. Jan. 8th, Llanerch-y-eawr, two pairs (EG); Feb. 12th, Cahan Coch, two (ROBG); May 14th, Glan LIyn, one; 15th, iDoldowlod, two; June 10th, Cefnllys, one; July 17th, Glan Llyn, five; Aug. 7th, Cefnllys, three; Nov. 6th, Llandrindod, two (ROBG).
288 GREAT TIT. H. Great Tits slumped in 1976. Several members mark a certain recovery in 1977. Jan. 7th, Veld Wood, 20/25 (ClP). Nested successfully at Brilley (WL-S). Sept. 18th, Knill, c. 20 (CIP). R. June 10th, Cefnllys, one with young; Nov. 5th, Cefnllys, c. 20 (ROBG).
289 BLUE TIT. Blue Ti.ts also slumped in 1976, and have made a come-back. H. Jan. 9th, Veld wood, c. 40 (CJP); April 3rd, Mary Knoll, three nests started (pG's). At Kingsland SHR records her trapping and ringing- 1975 232 Retraps 30 1976 76 20 1977 143 27 R. Nov. 5th, Cefnllys, 25 (ROBG).
290 COAL TIT. H. Jan. 17th, Veld wood, 40 (ClP); 30th, Fishpools valley, a fair scattering of birds (CO); Eywood, up to 12 fre quently seen (ClP); July 26th, Brilley, a family party (WL-S); Sept. 18th, Knill, c. 20; Oct., Stanner, numerous (ClP); Nov. 2nd, Merbach, three, and Haugh Wood, numerous (MFP). R. Feb. 12th, Caban Coch, four (ROBG); March 30th, Peny bont, nine (ROBG); Aug. 27th, Abbey Cwmhir, eight; Nov. 6th, Dolymynach, eight; Glan LIyn, six; 27th, LIandrindod, eight (ROBG). 306 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
292 MARSH TIT. Marsh Tits have declined. At Kingsland SHR has seen none, and at Madley 11RHO has found them absent after May. H. Jan. 30th, Fishpools, six (CO); March 29th, Monnington, in song (AJS); April 16th, Merbach, a pair, and noted at Moccas (MFP); Aug. 27th, Castleton, one (AM); Oct. 29th-Nov. 2nd, Merbach, three; Leach pool, two; Castleton, one; Haugh Wood, two (MFP); Nov. 12th, Leominster, one (PEG's). R. Feb. 12th, Uandrindod, two; March 13th, Penybont, two (ROBG); Aug. 7th, Cefnllys, two; Nov. 6th, Llandrindod, two (ROBG).
293 WILLOW TIT. H. Jan. 30th, Croft Ambrey, one (CO); May 7th, Ridge Hill, noted (CO); 30th, Linton, a pair nesting (ARM); July 17th, Moreton, in song (AJS); Aug. 13th, Holme Marsh, noted (AJS); Oct. 30th, Casdeton, two (MFP); Nov., Mordiford, • visiting bird-table (JMR). R. Aug. 7th, Cefnllys, one (ROBG); Dec. 17th, Uangunllo, one (ROBG).
294 WNG·TAILED TIT. The bird is flourishing, probably owing to mild winters. H. Jan.·March, Madley, frequent (TRHO); Feb., Sollershope, often seen (FRF); Aug. 21st, Swinmoor, 18 (TRHO). Kington, seen throughout year, and Yeld wood, in Jan., held 45·50 (CJP). R. Feb. 13th, Llandewi bridge, eight (ROBG); March 13th, Penybont, six; May 5th, Glan Llyn, one; Nov. 6th, Llangunllo, 25; Dolymynaoh, four (ROBG).
296 NUTHATCH. H. Jan. 11th, Sollershope, a pair-later feeding young in May (FRF); 30th, Croft Castle, three (CO); March 29th, Clifford and Monnington, noted (AJS); April 16th, Whit ney, noted (AJS); Merbach and Bradnor and Hay area, noted (MFP); May 1st, Moccas, three (AM); 5th, Upper Lye, noted (JHW); 6th, Lyepole, three pairs (TRHO); June 20th, Brilley, a pair (WIL-S); July-Aug., Kingsland, noted (JHW); Sept 11th, Kimbolton, frequent (GWT); Oct.-Nov., Merbaoh, noted (MFP); Dct 1st, Elton, two (DC); Kington area, three pairs (CJP). Eight young were ringed in May at Kingsland (SHR). R. April 16th, Glan Llyn, one, and May 15th, two (ROBG); April 30th, Cerrig Gwalch, entering nest-hole (EG); Aug. 7th, Cefnllys, one; Llandewi bridge, one (ROBG); Sept. 11 th, LlangunUo, one (OG); Nov. 6th, Llandrindod, one (ROBG); 12th, Bryngwyn, two (CO). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 307
298 TREECREEPER. a diminishing species ? H. Jan. 20th, Fishpools, noted (CO); Jan.-Feb., Eywood, two pairs; Kington, two seen with Tit flocks, and 1/2 pairs along the Arrow (CIP); Feb. 8th, Madley, the only one seen (TRHO); 21st, Hereford, in song (AJS); Feb., Mary Knoll, up to four regulars (PG's); April, Snod Hill and Hergest, noted (MFP); April-June, Kingsland, noted (JHW); May 1st, Moccas, three (AM); May, Sollershope, present (FRF); May 21st, Kingsland, one (SHR); Nov. 13th, Hereford, one (AH). R. March 12th, Glan LIyn, one, and Penybont, three; Nov. 6th, Llandrindod, one (RODa).
299 WREN. R. May 28th, Hundred House, and the Vron, one feeding and a pair with fledged young (PJC). Several members have noted a decline in Wrens. 300 DIPPER. H. and R. In average numbers on all waters in both counties, including Wye itself.
301 MISTLE THRUSH. H. Feb.-April, Mary Knoll, regularly up to eight (PG's). Sept. 7th, Easthampton, c. 40 seen (TRA); 11th, lvington, 28 feeding on yew (MLB-T); Nov. 21st, Nupend, c. 50 on yews (JLF); Dec. 3rd, Kingsland, eating rose hips (SHR); 18th, Holme Marsh, in song (AJS). 302 FIELDFARE. H. Numbers were considerable in winter, with some big flocks-Jan. 1st, Shobdon, c. 500 (TRA); March 2nd, Madley, c. 1,000 (TRHO); April 5th, Hergest, c. 1,000 (DMP); 19th, Wellington, c. 300; 20th, the last few at Madley (TRHO). Autumn migration was average. Nov. 27th, Shobdon airfield, c. 2,000 ([RA). The first autumn sighting were a few at Com mon Hill on Oct. 9th (}(AM). R. Feb. 13th, Llandrindod, 31 and 70 (ROBG); March 13th, Penybont, 41 and c. 150 (RODa). First autumn arrival Oct. 31st, Llan Bwch llyn, 17 (MFP). Biggest number, after Peny'bont, 70 at Llanbister, Nov. 26th (ROBG).
303 SONG THRUSH. H. March 7th, Sollershope, building nest (FRF).
304 REDWING. H. As usual, fewer than Fieldfare, but in average numbers. Jan. 8th, Monkland, c. 400 (RJE); 19th, Welsh New ton, c. 100 (FMP). Last noted March 26th at Moreton (AJS). First autumn occurrence on Oct. 7th, Holme Marsh, 16 (AJS), and 8th, several flocks at Common Hill (KAM). R. Feb. 12th, Llanyre, six (ROBG); March 13th, Penybont, c. 50 (ROBG); Oct. 27th, Moelienydd, c. 50 (JLE); Nov. 26th, Cefnylls, c. 40 (ROBG). 308 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977
307 RING OUZEL. H. April 18th, Merbach, two males; 21st, Black Hill, one male (MW); May 8th, Black Mountains, four males seen and heard (ARiM); 21st, Olchon, noted (CO). R. April 12th, Craig-y~Foel, two males and a female; and two pairs on 16th (EG); 16th, Beguildy, two (MR); May 23rd, Beacon Hill, singing (JVF); 31st, Rhayader, several (JLF); July 16th, Beacon Hill, one with young (CO).
308 BLACKBIRD. H. July 4th, Shobdon, the last of three broods left from the same nest (TRA).
311 WHEATEAR. Records, few in recent years, have multiplied. H. Reports, mostly of ones and twos, but also of four, seven and ten together, come from Kingsland (JHW), Bradnor (CJP), Lucton and Castleton (AJS), Holme Lacy (JLF), Hereford race course, Weston and Cat's Back (ARM); Stansbatch (JMB), ShO'bdon ([RA), Allensmore (DMP), Bacton (AJS), Craswall, • Cusop and Honeymoor (MFP). R. Reports come from Cefn Cennarth (AStGW), Llan Bwch LIyn (CO), Claerwen, LIanerch and Penybont (BG), LIanbedr (MFP); Glan LIyn and Craig yr aIlt (ROBG), LIyn Hilyn (AM), Howey (ROBG), Beguildy (MR) and the Begwms (JLF).
311(a) GREENLAND WHEATEAR. H. May 19th, Holme Lacy, a female probably o!f this race (JLF). R. April 24th, The Begwns, a characteristic male seen. A bird of this race was noted in the same area in May 1958 (AlS).
317 STONECHAT. H. Feb. 8th, Lulham Wye, a female (fRHO); 26th, Kinnerton, a pair (CO); Warham, two (ARM); Turner's Boat, one (KAM); 28th, Bromyard, one (DGB); April 28th, Hope Mansel, a pair (ARM); Sept. 26th, Bringsty, one (DGB). R. May 1st, Moeliennyd, a pair (AJS); March 29th, Claer wen, a pair; April 2nd, Carreg Bica, a pair; May 1st, LIyn Hilyn, one (BG); April 18th, LIanbedr, three (MFP); July 26th, Modi enydd, two families of five (CO); Nov. 26th, Moelienydd, one male (ROBG).
318 WHINCHAT. H. April 21st, Castleton, one (AM); 29th, Holme Lacy, one female (JiLF); May 4th, Hergest, one in song (DMP); June 1st, Thruxton, in song (DMP); July 13th, Titley, noted (RLV); Pontrilas area, 26 (MR); July 31st, Holme Lacy, five, and Sept. 3rd, six (JLF). R. May 1st, Moeliennyd, a male (AJS); LIyn Hilyn, a pair (BG); 23rd, Beacon Hill, frequent (JLF); July 29th, PiIleth, numerous, Aug. 8th, Begwns, eight (JLF). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 309
320 REDSTART. Redstarts seem to have staged a partial recovery. H. Records come from Elton (DC), Walterstone (AJS), Olchon (CO), Vowchurch (AJS), CraswaIl (MFP), Haye Park wood (CO); Moccas (AM), CastIeton (AM), Hergest, Titley and Clodock (ARM and DMP); Eywood and Kington (CJP); Madley (nRHO), P 322 NIGHTINGALE. H. May, Conigre Wood, Ledbury, in song {Dr. M. W. Harper); May 24th, Eastnor, one singing (JVF); and Shucknall, two in song (Mr. and Mrs. Bunn). 325 ROBIN. R. Dec. 17th, Llandrindod, six on the sewage works (ROBG). 327 GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. H. May 1st, St. Wulfstan's wood, one seen (FMiP); 17th, Llanwarne, noted (PJK); 21st, Wal'ham, one (ARM); 27th, Hope Mansel, singing (DMP); Aug. 8th, Rowlestone, one in song (DMP). R. May 29th, lthosgoch, one (p. J. Chadwick). 333 REED WARBLER. H. April 29th, Shobdon, returned (the earliest date recorded) (TRA); May 4th, Shobdon, in song (DMP and ARM); 2nd, Eywood, one seen (CJP); May 9th, Shobdon, at least 20 in song; June 15th, roosting starlings causing havoc (CO); July 13th, Hereford Wye, one singing (AJS). 337 SEDGE WARBLER. A much reduced species owing to drought and draining. H. April 28th, Eywood, in song (CJP); May 1st, Shobdon, present (IlRA); 4th, Hereford Wye, in song (AJS); 5th, Holme Lacy, one (JLF); 6th, .Sellack, in song; also noted at Hoarwithy, Foy and Baton Bishop (DMP and ARM); June 23rd, Kingsland, noted (JHW). R. May 29th, Rhosgoch, at least six pairs (P. J. Chadwick); May 15th, Glasbury-Llowes, ten to fifteen in song (GCe); June 10th, Llandrindod, one (ROBG). 310 HEREFORDSmRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 343 BLACKCAP. H. Records are numerous. Winter records are especially interesting. There are no less than twelve occurrences in January and February, and three in March. Reports come from Kington (CJP), Ivington (MLB-T), Hereford (JLF), Led. bury (DEMB), Gorsely (Mr.. and Mrs. Crump), LyonshaIl (A. J. Fleet), Bringsty (T. C. Farmborough), Leominster (pG), Wharton (PG), Moreton (AJS), Hay, Breinton and Merbach (MFP), Brilley (WlL-S), Thruxton (DMP), Upper Lye (JHW), Common Hill (KAM), Tupsley (JLF) and Holme Marsh (AJS). 346 GARDEN WARBLER. H. April 3rd, Brilley, one (WL~); May 1st, Great Doward, one, and frequent later along Escley, Olchon and Upper Monnow (ARM and DMP); Shobdon, an increase noted (TRA). R. May 14th, Cefnllys, one, and Glan Llyn, one (ROBG); 22nd, Gladestrey, several, and 23rd, Moelienydd, several (JLF); 11 June 10th, Llandrindod, Clne, and Howey, one (ROBG). 347 WHITETHROAT. H. A slow recovery from the slump goes on. April 22nd, Eywood, in song (CJP); 27th, Hope Mansel, two (DMP) and Common Hill, one (KAM); May 2nd, Madley, TRHO notes five in half a mile of hedge; 7th, Ridge Hill, four in song (CO); 5th, Hampton Bishop, two in song (JLF); Upper Lye, noted, and also at Kingsland, Aston, Ledicot and Leomin. ster (JHW); 8th, Shirlheath, noted (SJT), Aug. 7th, Haugh Wood, feeding young (JLF); 12th, Holme Marsh, noted (AJS); 21st, Blakemere, three (PH). R. May 1st, LlangunIlo, in song (AJS); June 11 th, Cregrina, one (ROBG). 348 LFSSER WHITETHROAT. H. April 29th, Hereford, in song (AJS); Hunton Bridge, in song (CJP); May 1st, Newtown, in song (ARM); 5th, Common Hill, noted (KAM); Hampton Bishop, five in song (JLF); June 26th, Kingsland, noted (JHW); June, Titley, bred (RLV); July 6th, Pontrilas, three pairs (MR); Aug. 20th, Holme Marsh, two (AJS). R. June 1st, Rhayader and Boughrood, in song (JLF); 11th, BUilth, one (ROBG). 354 WIlLOW WARBLER. H. First heard April 13th, Longtown (AJS) and Tarrington (ARM and DMP). Other records cover "plentiful" at Ridge Hill (CO), Kingsland (SJT), Brilley (WL-S); Madley (liRHO); and last occurrence act. 14th at Hampton Bishop (JLF). TRA at Shobdon registers "in strength". R. April 24th, Llanddewifach, many in song (AJS). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 311 356 CHIFFCHAFF. H. First heard March 8th, Hereford (AJS) and Shucknall (per RJB); 9th, Lulham Wye ([RHO). Thereafter distribution and status appear normal. Still singing Oct. 4th at Madley (TRHO). One winter record, Dec. 16th at Burfa (CJP). R. April 16th, Glan Llyn, one (ROBG) and May 14th, Cefnllys, one. 357 WOOD WARBLER. H. April 29th, Sink Green, in song (JLF); 30th, Haugh Wood, noted (CO); May 1st, Wye Gorge, several in song (DMP); 2nd, Eywood, one, and 4th, one by Kington Arrow (CJP); 7th, Llancillo, in song, and Lyepole, three in song (I'RHO); 14th( Shobdon, in song (TRA). R. May 14th, Glan Llyn, two, and Dolymynach, one; June 10th, Cefnllys, two with nest and three others; Llandrindod, one (ROBG). 364 GOLDCREST. H. 1975 was a peak year, 1976 a slump; 1977 shows a slight recovery. Jan. 20th, Croft Ambrey, one (CO); March 9th, LIancillo, sing ing in several spots (TRHO); April 16th, Mer'bach, a pair; Blackhill, one on 22nd at 1,800ft. (MFP); May 5th, BriUey, a pair (WL-S) and on 19th, several feeding in yews. Nov. 20th, Moccas, six (AH); 24th, Mordiford, one stunned itself on win dow but recovered (JSP). SHR reports good numbers round Kingsland in Park wood, Veld wood, Bradnor, Eywood and Kington. 366 SPOTI'ED FLYCATCHER. H. First record May 2nd at Shob don (TRA); May 10th, Common Hill (KAM). Later recorded at Trigate (FMP), Broomy Hill (WMG), Moccas (AM); Sellack and Hereford (DMP); Leominster (ARM); Cholstrey (JHW); Kingsland (JHW), Brilley (WIL-S); Sollershope (FRF), Eywood {SHR), Kimbolton (GWT). Last record Sept 15th at Holme Marsh (AJS). R. May 3rd, Cefndyrys, noted (TRA); Aug. 16th, Llandrin. dod, nesting 27th, kbbey Cwmhir, three (ROBG). P. J. Chad wick reports occurrences at Glasnant, Bryngwyn and Rhos Goch. 368 PIED FLYCATCHER. H. April 18th, near Hay, in song; and 20th, Aymestrey, in song (MFP); and Sink Green, a male (JLF); 22nd, Eywood, a male (SHR); 24th, Haye Park wood, four (CO); 27th, Kington, Park wood, a pair (SHR); May 1st, Moccas, a pair (AM); 8th, Olchon, a pair, and 16th, Moccas, several pairs, and a pair at Bredwardine (ARM and DMP); June 7th, Eardis ley, in song (ARM and DMP). 312 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 R. May 8th, Cefndyrys, in song (rRA); May 14th, Cefnllys, a pair, and Dolymynach, one (ROBG); 15th, Glan Llyn, four males (CO); June 11th, Pencraig, a male; July 17th, Glan Llyn. one, (ROBG). See also note on nest-boxes. 371 DUNNOCK. 373 MEADOW PIPIT. H. April 10th, Lugg Meadows, large num bers (CWW); 16th, Merbach, 40 (RODO). R. April 17th, Glanhirin, plentiful (RODG). 376 TREE PIPIT. H. April 18th, Merbach, singing (MFP); 21st, Penyard hill, in song (ARM and DMP); 26th, Common Hill, noted (KAM); May 6th, Mansel Lacy, one (JLF); Llancillo, singing (TRHO); Upper Lye, noted (JHW); 26th, Garway, in song (WD); Aug. 11th, Kentchurch, one (DMP). R. May 1st, Llyn Hilyn, noted (EG); Llangunllo area, sing ing (AJS); Moelienydd, two (JLF); June 10th, Cefnllys, one (ROBG). 379 ROCK, or WATER, PIPIT. H. March 17th, Hampton Bishop, a single bird (JVF and JLF). (A third record.---ED.) 380 PIED WAGTAIL. H. Feb., Hereford, over 100 at roost at Wiggins's (KAM); March 26th, Sutton Lugg, 12 mostly in one party (AJS); April 30th, Leominster, up to 30 in churchyard, along with Grey Wagtails (KFR). Marlbrook milk factory roost deserted, but bred at Easthampton (TRA). WHITE WAGTAIL. H. April 30th, Lugg Meadows, one (AJS); 26th, Sink Green, one (JLF). R. April 24th, Glasbury, one (GCe). 381 GREY WAGTAIL. H. Jan 11th, Rushock, a pair (CJP); Feb. 27th, Broomy Hill Wye, two (AB); March 28th, Hunton Bridge, a pair (CJP); April 20th, Bucton bridge, nest with five eggs, and at Bucknell a similar nest (EG); April, Brilley, present at nesting site (WL-S); May 1st, Hereford, a pair (AM); 5th, Upper Lye, noted (JHW); Lyepole, two pairs (TRHO); 9th, Sollershope, carrying food (FRF); Aug. 30th, Holme Marsh, one (AJS); Dec. 16th, Sink Green, two (AR); 30th, Kingstone, noted (AJS). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 313 R. March 19th, LIanerch, a pair; Penybont, building on April 15th; and Caban Coch, a pair (EG); June 11th, Cregrina, one (ROBG); July 17th, Llanyre, one; Aug. 8th, Cefnllys, three (ROBG). P. J. Chadwiok reports the bird absent from many usual haunts. 382 YELWW WAGTAll... H. April 7th, Hereford Wye, one; and on 16th six at Castleton and one at Clifford (AJS); 9th, Here ford, three (WH's); 11th, Eywood, one (ClP); 15th, Hampton Bishop, six (JLF); 16th, Bredwardine, one, and Hay area, one (MFP); 19th, sewage works, 28 (CWW); Hereford, a It mile stretch of Wye, 27 counted (lLF); 21st, Sink Green, one (ARM and DMP); 26th, Eywood, a pair (RLV); May 16th, Sellack, c. 40 (ARM and DMP); 16th, Leominster, four (KRR); 15th, Shob don, breeding (fRA); Aug. 18th, Hereford racecourse, two (AH); 27th, Castleton, 18 including many juveniles (AM); Sept. 9th, B01me Marsh, one (AJ\S); 14th, Hereford, 22 near Bradbury Lines (MR). R. May 15th, LIyn Hilyn, one (DMP). 383 WAXWING. 384 GREAT GREY SHRIKE. H. March 18th, Tarrington, one with a sparrow in its bill (VMJ). R. April 9th, Cwmbath, one on thorn bush (P. Bradbeer). 389 STARLING. H. The roost in Hereford College of Education built up from early October to c. 20,000 by the end of the month, located in a small beech plantation. The roost was vacated in early November and moved to a fir plantation at Ashperton, with c. 40,000 birds by the end of the year (Clive Minton). 391 HAWFINCH. H. Jan. 11th, Bringsty, one (f. C. Farmborough); March 10th, Check,ley, one (RJB); 19th, Common Hill, one (DMP); April 4th, Putley, .two, and others heard (ARM); May 3rd, Hoarwithy, a pair (.NRM and DMB); July 25th, Common Hill, one (KAM). [On September 12th-14th at Easthampton a bird was observed by TRA having the distinctive and diagnostic features of a Trumpeter Finch. Since an escape is possible the incident is being referred to the Rarities Committee.---'Ed.] 392 GREENFINCH H. April 15th, Titley, c. 80 (CJP). R. Dec. 18th, Hindwell, c. 60 (CJP). 314 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 393 GOLDFINCH. H. Jan. 6th, Kington, six (JMB); 11th, Eywood, c. 30 (CJP); 15th, Hampton Bishop, c. 40 (JLF); 23rd, Titley, 20 (JMB); 31st, Kington, 35 (CJP); Feb. 24th, Pontrilas, 14 (AJS); Perryfield, 54, in birches (FRF); March 20th, Sutton, six (AJS); April, Mary Knoll, 20 (PG's); 13th, Titley, 60/65 (CJP); June, Hereford, four pairs (MR); Oct. 3rd, Madley, 30 (TRHO); 5th, Castleton, 50 (CJP). R. May Ist, Llangunllo, several (AJS); June 11th, Cregrina, a pair with nest (ROBG). 394 SISKIN. H. Feb. 9th, Swinmoor, Madley, 30/40 (I'RHO); March 16th, Little Dewchurch, 25 (ARM and DMB); April 20th, Mere Hill, c. 50 (TRA); Oct. 4th, Wonastow, c. 30 (CJP); 27th, Holme Marsh, c. 20 (AJS); 28th, Hampton Bishop, 20 (JLF); Nov. 2nd, Merlbach, seven (M-FP). • 395 LINNET. H. April Hth, Titley, 20 (CJP); June 2nd, Shobdon, a colony (TRA); July 29th, Kingsland, noted (JHW); Aug. 4th, Brilley, a family party ~); 27th, Castleton, 30 (AM); Oct. 29th, Merbach, 10 (MFP). R. Jan. 8th, Beacon Hill, c. 100 (JLF); Feb. 13th, Penybont, eight (ROBG); April 24th, Llandewifach, 27 (AJS); Aug. 28th, Llanibister, c. 50, and Moelienydd, 30 (ROBG). 396 TWITE. R. April 6th, Waun Marteg, four to six ,AStGW). 397 REDPOLL. H. Jan. 8,th, Monkland, 30 (RJE); 11 th, Eywood, c. 70, and Feb. 6th, c. 90; 19th, Hampton Bishop, 40 and 60 on 'Feb. 4th; 30th, Fishpools, c. 50 (CO); March 30th, Lyepole, noted (AJS); April 3rd, Haugh Wood, plentiful (KAM); Mary Knoll, 50, also 100, and 50 on 10th (PG's); 14th, Fownhope, three (JLF); 27th, Hope Manse!, six (ARM and DMP); June July, Pontrilas, regular (MR); July 5th, Bircher, several (DMP); Aug. 9th, Stanner, c. 60 (CJP); Oct. 26th, Sollershope, a small flock (PRF); 29th, Merbach, nine, and Leach pool, ten; Dec. 12th, Hampton Bishop, 12 (Jl-F). R. March 20th, Moelienydd, one (AJS); April 2nd, Lloyney, 15 (MR); July 16th, Cefnllys, feeding young; Aug. 27th, Abbey Cwmhir, two (ROBG). P. J. Chadwick notes birds at Bryn gwyn, Hundred House and Rhosgoch. 401 BULLFINCH. Furtive and fleeting, but well distributed. H. Jan. 8th, Monkland area, a flock of 20 (RJB). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 315 404 CROSSBILL. H. March 18th, Bringewood, seven (DMP and ARM); Sept. 18th, Bringewood, 25 (WM). R. 'Feb. 8th, Ednol, a pair drinking in road (JMB); 26th, one seen and heard at Ednol (CO), and a young male a quarter mile from conifer (JiLF); Oct. 26th, Radnor Forest, several seen (lBE). 407 CHAFFINCH. H. Jan. 20th, Croft Castle, c. 40 (CO); Feb. March, Dinedor, 300 on beech-mast (DMP); late Dec., Sames field, c. 40 (AJS). R. Feb. 11th, Penybont, c. 40 (ROBG); Nov. 26th, c. 80 ( 'ROBG); Dec. 18th, Walton, 150/200 (CIP). 408 BRAMBLING. H. Jan. 8th, Monkland, one (RJE); Feb. 4th, Hereford, one with Chaffinches (JT); Feb.-March, Dinedor, three (DMP and AiRM); Nov. 27th, St. Owen's Cross, 20 in currant field «WO). R. Feb. 12th, LIanyre, two (ROBG); Nov. 5th, Uyn Hilyn, two; Dec. 18th, Rhayader, six (ROBG); Walton, c. 40 (CJP). 409 YELLOW HAMMER. H. Feb. 6th, Canon Pyon, 30 (PH); March 29th, CastIeton, 20 (AJS); Kingsland, frequent (JHW); Nov. 2nd, Metbach, 30 (MFP). R. Feb. 13th, Penybont, 15 (ROBG); Oct. 29th, Glasewm, a good scattering of birds (AJS); Nov. 3rd, LIanbister, 50 )J!LF). 410 CORN BUNTING. H. May 18th, Huntington, four males singing (CO); Foy, three, and Ross, one in song (ARM); 24th, Huntington, two in song; June 29th, Eastnor, one in song (ARM); July 12th, Tretire, in song; 26th, Elton Marsh, in song (ARM); Dec. 26th, Fownhope, one (FRF). 421 REED BUNTING. H. April 24th, Eywood, a pair, and May 19th, three pairs (CJP). R. May 27th, Bryngwyn, a pair with nest, and 29th, three pairs (P. J. Chadwick). 424 HOUSE SPARROW. 425 TREE SPARROW. H. Jan. 16th, Madley, c. 100 (TRHO): March 9th, Fownhope, 20 (DMP); April 9th, Preston, 20 (MFP); Aug. 28th, Holme Lacy c. 60 (JLF); Sept.-Dec., Holme Marsh, noted (AJS); Oct. 29th, Merbach, two; the Bage, ten (MFP). R. March 12th, LIyn Hilyn, one (ROBG), and May 14th, seven; June 10th, LIandrindod, one (ROBG); Nov. 3rd, LIan bister, c. 60 (JiLF); Dec. 26th, Penybont, 36 (ROBG). 316 HEREFORDSHiRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 ASSOCIATIONS TO WffiCH THE CLUB IS AFFILIATED Herefordshire and Radnorshire Nature Trust. British Trust for Ornithology. Council for Nature. British Naturalists' Association. WooIhope Society. West Midlands Bird Club. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. REPORT EXCHANGES Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory. Brecknock County Naturalists' Trust. Bristol Naturalists' Society. Derbyshire Ornithological Club. Essex Bird-Watching and Preservation Society. Gower Ornithological Society. Hertfordshire Natural History and Field Club. Isle of Wight Ornithological Society. London Natural History Society. North Gloucestershire Naturalists' Society. Shetland Bird Report. Shropshire Ornithological Society. Trent Valley Bird-watchers' Society. West Wales Naturalists' Trust. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1977 317 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Year ended 30th November 1977 1976 1977 £ p Income: £ p 4.60 Sale of Publications 63.95 55.31 Share of profits from R.S.P.B. Meeting 42.51 27.91 D<>nations 7.50 75.55 Building Society Interest 130.09 406.28 Subscriptions 659.37 569.65 903.42 Deduct: Expenditure: 91.98 Printing and Stationery 88.41 232.08 Annual Report 236.46 196.35 Postage and Telephones 181.92 81.17 Meeting Expenses 86.24 20.38 Affiliation Subscriptions 21.13 15.25 Cost of Publications 42.25 Schools Competition Expenses and Prizes 47.00 Insurances (2 years) ... 19.12 7.08 Corporation Tax on Building Society 14.60 Interest (2 years) Depreciation of Duplicating Maohine 42.00 Donations 9.95 644.29 789.08 (74.64) Surplus (l976~Deficit) for the year 789.08 802.14 Surplus at 1st December 1976 727.50 727.50 General Funds at 30th November 1977 841.84 1,100.00 Add: Special Fund 1,100.00 £1,100.00 Accumulated Funds at 30th November 1977 £1.94Ul4 Acoumulated Funds at 30th November 1977 represented by: 1,769.51 Deposition with Aibbey National Building Society 1,499.60 57.99 Cash at Bank, less 1978 subsoriptions reoeived in advance 172.24 Stock of Publications, at cost 150.00 Duplicating Machine, at cost £162, less depreciation £42 120.00 £1,827.50 £1,941.84 R. MORLEY, Hon. Treasurer. I have audited the above Accounts and in my OJ)inion they S'how a true and fair view of the surplus for the year ended 30th November, 1977 and of the Club's assets at 30th November, 1977. T. DAVIES. Chartered Accountant, 31st December, 1977.