SPARROW HAWK AI NISI COCK RING OUSEL AT NEST

(Photograph by H. McSwecne~ t HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB No. 2. Vo!. 3

OFFICERS AND COMMfITEE. 1972

President: - DR. C. W. WALKER, M.C.

Vice-Presidents: - BRIGADIER SIR MICHAEL VENABLES-LLEWELYN, BART., M.V.O. P. W. HINDE, M.B.O.V. MRS. M. V. GILBERT, M.B.O.V.

Chairman: ­ T. R. AMMONDS

llon. jrreasurer:­ B. C. ALLAN

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

llon. Secretary:­ R. H. BAILLIE

Recorder: ­ A. J. SMITH

Committee: - O. S. BENNETT B. F. GILBERT MRS. J. M. BROMLEY B. M. KIDDLE J. L. Fox K. A. MAsON P. GARDNER W. H. MEADHAM MISS W. M. GIBSON MISS M. A. RIGBY

Co-opted: ­ A. G. FYSHE J. H. WATKINS HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB RULES 1. NAME. The Club shall be called the Herefordshire Ornithological Club. 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 Club 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. Ca) Ordinary Members: 18 years of age or over 75 pence, payable on January 1st or on election to membership. Any additional members of a household after the first, 50 pence; such members receiving all privileges of full membership. Junior :Members (under 18 but over 12 years of age), 37 pence per annum, payable as above. 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 Ist 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 Club'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 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 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, 1972 59

EDITORIAL NOTE

We have to begin on a sad note, as we have lost one of our Vice­ Presidents, Mrs. M. V. Gilbert, M.RO.U. She was a founder-member of the Club, her husband was its first President, and she was one of our most valued members. We also have to record the serious illness of our Secretary, Mr. R. H. Baillie, and the whole Club wishes him a speedy and complete recovery, knowing the years of patient and self-sacrificing service that he has given to the Club and how much it owes to his initiative and wisdom.

On a happier note we can congratulate Mr. P. MacDougall (now, alas, reft from us to the far north) on the notable feat of obtaining the degree of Master of Science at Aberdeen University.

The Club itself is most flourishing, with membership once more risen by some 30, to 476.

As to 1972, it must rank as a year when the debits outweigh the credits. The winter was mild and non-lethal. But a miserably wet and cold late-spring and early summer, for the second year in suc­ cession, must have affected many species, mainly the insectivorae; while the pressure of modern farming bears hard on many others. The latter category includes Lapwing, Curlew, and species which need plen­ tiful cover. The climatic factor may account, at least partially, for the recession of Partridge, Redstart, the Swallows, Wheatear, Sedge and Grasshopper Warblers. But if so, why are Willow and Wood Warb­ lers and Chiffchaff normal? Why is the Lesser Whitethroat fairly stable while the Whitethroat is diminished? Why have Swifts remained moderately constant? Why should the Kingfisher have receded, des­ pite mild winters which have allowed the Tits (especially the Long Tailed) and the Goldcrest to flourish? Any theories and any evidence are welcome; and causes of decline or increase may in some cases lie outside these islands of ours. The Sparrow Hawk seems to have recovered well and other predators to hold their own, and a further increase in Heron popula­ tion is most welcome. Rarities and records are few, but Harriers, Hobby, Goshawk (a Falconry addition?), Spotted Redshank and Gadwall are on the list; while Quail, Corncrake and Nightjar just keep themselves on the books, and our recent colony of Corn Buntings continues. 60 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

FIELD MEETINGS in 1972 were held at Dinham Bridge, Lud­ Iow; PainscastIe; Red Lion, Bredwardine; Dinmore Hill; Haugh Wood (thrice); Moccas Deer Park; Huntington Court, Hereford; Erwood Bridge; Shobdon Airfield; Blue Lins (Rads.); Aymestrey Bridge; Blag­ don and Chew Reservoirs; Moelienydd (Rads.); VeIindre (Rads.); Lyonshall Park and Wigmore Rolls.

INDOOR MEETINGS, apart from the Annual General Meeting on May 12th, comprised a Members' Meeting; a colour film of the Sey­ chelles by G. N. Smith; the R.S.P.B. films "Lonely Levels" and "Kites are Flying"; a talk on Bird Flight by Air Commodore L. P. Moore; an illustrated talk on Welsh Wild Life by H. McSweeney; recording of Bird Calls by Squadron Leader V. C. Lewis; and a BT.O. lecture by Leo Batten. The R.S.P.B. films were also shown in the Town Hall to a packed audience.

PUBLICATiIONS. Copies of "Herefordshire Birds" (1954) by Captain H. A. Gilbert and Dr. C. W. Walker; "Birds of Radnorshire" (1955) by G. C. S. Ingram and Colonel H. Morrey Salmon; and the majority of the Club's previous Annual Reports may be obtained from the Secretary at 25 pence a copy, which includes postage.

THE FINANCIAL POSITION of the Club continues sound, and a summary will be found at the end of this Report.

THANKS are due to many; primarily to Mrs. J. M. Bromley who during Mr. Baillie's illness has undertaken the duties of Secretary with such devotion and efficiency; to the leaders of all Club Outings; to all who have sent in the records which make this Report possible; and to the Editorial Committee-Dr. Walkner, Mr. A. J. Smith, Mr. P. W. Hinde and the Secretary.

Our special thanks (and admiration) must also be expressed to Mr. H. McSweeney for providing us with two very fine illustrations, the Sparrow Hawk which has made such a palpable come-back after being at a Iow ebb; and the Ring Ousel which is one of our most typical Radnorshire birds. T.R.H.O. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 61

WOODLAND NESTBOX SCHEME-1972 This scheme is financed and organised by our county Naturalists' Trust, and is probably the largest scheme of its kind in Britain. A little non-eo-operation from a very few site-workers has reduced the number of boxes being recorded from 1,100 to 950. The writer is extremely grateful to the many who help him loyally and to all wood­ land owners concerned. We are probably all aware of the havoc caused by the inclement spring. To the insectivorous birds, a nice, snug nestingbox was no insurance, insects just were not there, or were uncatchable in the strong, cold winds. "Young dead in nest"-"Eggs deserted"-"Birds deserted after laying 2 eggs"-these were remarks common to many nestbox returns. With low temperatures, I feel that many female Pied Flycatchers never became properly broody, they would often fly out of the nestbox when one was yards away, whereas normally they would sit tight. Pied Flycatchers had 123 nests, 10 less than in 1971; all Pied Flycatcher sites were adequately recorded. The "Pied Flycatcher Stakes" (based on the number of Pied Flycatcher nests) for the last two years were as follows:- 1971 1972 1st Mrs. John 1st Mr. McGrath Mr. Meadham Mr. Marchant (for A. J. Smith) 3rd Mr. A. J. Smith 3rd Mrs. John 4th Mr. McGrath 4th Mr. Fox 5th Mr. Watkins 5th Mr. Watkins Mr. Fox Mr. WaIters Many site workers reported a lack of female Pied Flycatchers. Indeed, Mrs. Palmer-Smith, in the east of the Club area, had no less than 6 singing males, but no females arrived. On one of the Nature Trust's reserves near Fownhope, Mr. Mason had a singing male for some time, but no mate showed up. A nest in this area would have been a 'first'. Mr. J. Watkins had a female, ringed in his area near Whitney in 1971, return to the same acre-it weighed 12.7 grammes in each year, and its wing length remained constant too! Mr. E. Wilson had a successful Pied Flycatcher nest in a new area-5 miles N.E. of Leominster, and Mr. Addis had three nests on his farm in S. Hereford­ shire, an interesting improvement. Several site workers have maintained that desertion was caused by large slugs taking up residence in boxes. I have long suspected this, and am glad to have some confirmation of this probable hazard. To another more serious hazard-mouse predation-Mr. Meadham may have found a simple preventative, with discs and with creosote, but another year's trial is needed. 62 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

Dr. Boddington, in a well treed garden at Bromyard, has had the same Blue Tit there for 4 years, the bird laying 54 eggs in that time; and his now celebrated Great Tit, aged 8 years plus, has nested there for the seventh consecutive year. The severe fall in the number of Redstart nests continues, only 4 nests in 950 boxes! The 15 nests of Marsh Tits all fledged well, but they were the exception in an apparently poor breeding season for hole nesting birds in the Club area.

FURTHER NESTBOX DETAILS Mr. J. G. Murray has kindly allowed us to publish these notes on his group of nest-boxes, notes which shed a particularly interesting light on Pied Flycatcher behaviour. The group of boxes were at Bradlow Copse, Kilmory, near Ledbury-33 'conventional' type, 4 of the 'open tray' and 3 of the Tree-creeper variety. Species Number Occupied Eggs Hatched Fledged Great Tit 11 64 41 40 Blue Tit 13 105 90 78 Marsh Tit 1 9 8 8 Pied Flycatcher 2 14 13 13 Spotted Flycatcher 1 3 2 2

NOTES 1. One nest was used by Great Tits and Blue Tits; 8 Great and 4 Blue Tit eggs were laid; but the nest was predated-mice? In all 4 Grea>t Tit nests were predated, in the egg stage, and mice are suspected. 2. Four Blue Tit nests failed, mice being the suspected predators. But in one case the eggs were deserted as a result of slugs entering the box.

3. PIED FLYCATCHER. The small colony at this site consists of one cock mated to two hens. He first appeared at this site during the 1971 season. During that season he was ringed on the right leg No. JA47628. That year he was mated to two hens, one of which was hen No. HJ91713 (whose history is given below). The other hen was never caught but was unringed. This year (1972) the same cock was mated once mOre to the old hen (Hj9iii3) and tu a hen l~o. jA45486, whil;h hau been ringed as one of a brood of 6 at Whitfield. Hen HJ91713 (hereinafter "Old Faithful") was ringed as a first season adult at this site on 14/6/68, when she was mated to a cock which had been ringed as a nestling in 1967 at Moccas. They reared HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 63 their young successfully. In 1969 she (probably) nested again in the same box, but her eggs were clear. I believe that her mate died during that season. In 1970 she was not seen. In 1971 she nested in the same box, and was mated to a bigamous cock (JA47628). The second hen of that year (1971) was never caught but is believed to have been un­ ringed. Both nests were successful. This year (1972) Old Faithful returned and commenced nesting in the same box. The nest was completed when it was destroyed by mice. She then began nesting in another box. This nest was abandoned when about a third complete. She then oc.cupied the box next to her original box and successfully reared her family (6 eggs, 5 hatched and fledged). Her mate this year was the same cock as last year. He was re-ringed and now has No. JA47628 on his right leg and JH53251 on his left. Again this year there was a second hen mated to him (JA45486). The box occupied by this hen is not in the same group as was last year's second nest-some 250-300 yards away. The fact that Old Faithful has persistently (in 4 years out of 5) nested in that same box or shown that that box is her first choice, even when she has been mated to two different cocks, might suggest that, in the case of the Pied Flycatcher at least, the hen is the dominant partner in -the choice of nest-site. It is often stated that the cock bird chooses the nest-site.

RINGING RECORDS Or. D. G. Boddington has kindly supplied us with the following items from his ringing programme at Bromyard. GREAT TIT A female ringed as an adult in May 1966, and found using a nest­ box every year since, bred successfully again at Bromyard. BLUE TIT A female ringed as an adult in May 1969, and using a nest-box from 1969 to 1972, laid 54 eggs in the five seasons. ROBIN A seven-year old ringed male was seen regularly and caught several times up to August 1972. PIED FLYCATCHER There is now evidence that two easterly nest-box sites have been colonised by females bred in nest-boxes to the south and west. At Ledbury one of the two breeding females had been ringed as a nestling at Whitfield on 9.6.70. (In 1968 one of two males had been ringed as a nestling at Moccas on 9.6.67). 64 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

At Brockhampton, Bromyard, one of two females had been ringed at Parkend, Forest of Dean, as a nestling on 11.6.70. Examination of breeding females on nest-boxes continues to pro­ vide a useful source of information. During the last five years, on an average, every fourth bird examined for the first time in a season has got a ring from a previous year. Other ringing items which have reached us are:

STARLING A bird which had been ringed at Malvern on 23.1.66 was con­ trolled at Stanley Hill, Bosbury, on 2.1.72 (GC).

LESSER WHITETIIROAT A bird ringed at Stretton Grandison on 31.5.71 was controlled at Canon Frome on 4.9.72.

KITE The tragedy referred to in the Classified Notes revealed two rings. One bird had been marked as a nestling in central Wales in 1971. The other was a nestling at Rendsburg-Eckendorfe, Schleswig-Holstein, also in 1971.

THE ORNITHOLOGICAL ATLAS OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND-FINAL SEASON This five year project was completed during 1972 and the table below indicates the extent of coverage achieved. The figures show that fieldwork produced an additional 111 probable and 80 proven breeding pairs over the whole 31 square area. Only 3 squares failed to show any improvement over 1971 and 20 gained between 1 and 18 records in the important proved breeding category. The National Organiser, Dr. J. T. R. Sharrock, hopes that some potentially quick map production methods will enable the final Atlas to be produced without undue delay, subject of course to completion of outstanding paperwork by all concerned. The success of this sort ef exercise relates directly to that of the fieldworkers concerned, and I have pleasure in extending my grateful thanks to all those who have contributed to the HerefordsjRadnor part of the project. A. J. SMITH. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 65

ATLAS TABLE Square Number of Birds Prefix SO Area Recorded Proved Breeding 05 Builth Wells 87 80 06 L1andrindod Wells 86 78 07 Abbey Cwmhir 78 74 14 Painscastle 98 95 15 Glascwm 79 75 16 Dolau 79 77 17 L1anbister 82 77 24 Hay-on-Wye 84 72 25 Gladestry 72 65 26 Evenjobb 70 63 33 Vowchurch 80 74 34 Moccas 80 74 35 Lyonshall 82 70 36 Kinsham 90 89 42 Garway 74 65 43 Kingstone 78 71 44 Credenhill 82 74 45 Monkland 84 72 46 Kingsland 87 84 51 Monmouth 75 64 52 Peterstow 75 66 53 Fownhope 83 76 54 Marden 73 69 55 Bodenham 68 64 56 Brimfield 68 61 62 Linton 78 70 63 Sollers Hope 72 62 64 Canon Frome 76 70 65 Bromyard 74 63 73 Ledbury 79 72 74 Malvern 93 82

THE DECLINE OF THE LAPWING At a time when there is general concern among ornithologists at the very marked decline in the breeding population of the Lapwing, it is appropriate to take a look and put on record the possible causes over the last 50 years. Factual evidence, as recorded by the B.T.a. Common Bird Census, shows that following a severe winter such as 1963 some recovery was made, yet over the last three years a further drastic fall has taken place. Regionally, the fall in the south of the Country has been as much as 50%, while the north has had some 10% loss. This may to some 66 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 extent explain why in Herefordshire we have these very large late­ summer and autumn flocks, which are certainly northern or continental birds in origin. For comparison, on Easthampton farm of 230 acres 50 years ago there were at least 80 breeding pairs, that is an average of a pair to three acres. I have a note of April 1928 of 8 nests with eggs on a ten­ acre field, cropped with winter grain which had been grazed off by sheep. Numbers have gradually declined over the years. When the Common Bird Census began in 1961 there were only 8 pairs on the whole farm and this year two, only one of which was successful. We know that they favour arable land for breeding (probably food is more readily available than on grassland); and they were also always found on wet marshy meadows. Most of the latter have now been drained, and are in any case more intensely grazed with live-stock. Many birds still return in the spring to Herefordshire, and even take up territory, but subsequently leave without attempting to breed. Over the past 30 years, apart from mechanisation, with its intensi­ fying of all farm operations, and the much greater use of chemical manures and insecticides (some 0( which destroy the very insects on which the birds feed) many changes have occurred in farming practice which adversely affect the Lapwing. Nearly all the winter grain used to be grazed in the spring by sheep, resulting in the birds being able to lay and incubate before the ground was too densely covered. The now common practice of combine drilling fertiliser with the seed results in a far more rapid growth of spring sown corn, with a consequent den­ sity of plant which the Plover do not like. Then again much of the root ground used to be ploughed over in winter and left in the furrows till the following May, when it was planted with swedes etc., giving the birds a period of time unmolested. Nowadays the economics of farming dictate that a crop of silage or hay be taken from the land before the swedes or kale are planted, and again the suitable habitat is lost. There is evidence that predators, particularly Carrion Crows, des­ troy many nests and eggs. Where gamekeepers are still operating birds still have a measure of breeding success. We are aware of the great benefit the Lapwing confers on the countryside, apart from its familiar spring song and beautiful appear­ ance, and some farmers are becoming more conservation-conscious. How we can contribute to halting this decline before it is too late is a problem which confronts us all. It would indeed be a sad day if the Lapwing were to go the same way as the Corncrake and the Woodlark.

T. R. AMMONDS. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 67

HORS D'OEUVRES Risky Quarters. Foxes will seldom kill in close proximity to their earth. Does this apply to the Raptors? At Breinton Mrs. Gwynne James records a Goldcrest nesting successfully on a lower limb of a fir directly under a Sparrow Hawk's nest-also successful. A Joint Household. At Paui's Cross near Leominster Mrs. Savage has an old post-box situated right in her porch. The box is a mere 12 ins. x 8 ins. and maybe 8 ins. deep, with a small slit in the hinged lid. A pair of Blue Tits and a pair of Great Tits both nested successfully, side by side and simultaneously in the box-a lesson in co-existence (per MB). Starling Roost. In November-December the winter roost at West­ hide Wood takes the birds from much of Herefordshire. The numbers are very great. On December 18th, a densely foggy night, roosting flocks became confused and large numbers of Starlings roosted on the Cathedral, still singing loudly in chorus at 7.30 p.m. Several dead Star­ lings were later found in the streets, which had probably flown round confused by fog or by lights until exhausted (per CWW and WMG). Blackbird Vandalism. At Kingsland SHR relates that 7 hen Blackbirds congregated round the wee pond, one bathing, six waiting in the queue. The last one in the queue passed the time tearing petals of the hydrangea flowers and throwing them on to the ground, in between visits to the pool. This behaviour was repeated 10 times until she got her bathe. Observer remarks that she was reminded of her own impatience while waiting for a bus. Narcissus Complex. Birds interested in their own reflections are not rare. At CUS()P JM relates being awakened each morning after dawn, in June, by a hammering, and found two magpies furiously assaulting their own image in the disc-wheels of the car. Near Bircher MR observed a cock Pheasant preoccupied with his own reflection in a mirror at the side of the road, and very perplexed when the opponent held his ground. Pellets from a Flycatcher. At Easthampton, Spotted Flycatchers have used a niche in a wall near the gate for years. During incubation the male either deserted the hen or was taken by a visiting Sparrow­ Hawk. On returning one evening observer found the female busy catching flies, flitting from the top gate-rail and nearby posts. She was seen to give a kind of heave, and on opening her man­ dibles a pellet was ejected. Several others were found on the ground and post tops. They consisted of flies' wings, legs etc. and were about the size of large peas. As the young were a few days old she presum­ ably regurgitated the nutrients to feed them and discarded the fibrous matter in the pellets (TRA). 68 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

A Novel Fisherman. At Cefnllys ROBG watohed a Dipper catch a small fish. It took it to a stone and proceeded to bash it, a la King­ fisher. It took the fish about three minutes to be 'cooked', when it was swallowed whole, head first. Crow Brigandage. At Aymestrey, on April 24th, FWM saw a Heron catch a large fish. It flew off with the fish still alive. After 100 yards it was attacked by two Carrion Crows and made to drop the fish. It circled Iow twice, to try to land and pick up the fish, which was leaping about, but was driven off each time. Afterwards the Crows landed, killed the fish, and had it for breakfast. The Proper Pesticide. At Wormsley CWS saw a Tawny Owl on the road. It turned to face him, then lifted off with a dead Wood­ pigeon in its talons. The weights of predator and prey must be nearly equal. Swift Pugilism. One does not think of the Swift as pugnacious. In Kington square NWW reports two battling Swifts found on the ground with claws interlocked. Once separated they managed to take flight. Odd Colours. At Colwall ARM records viewing a melanistic Pheasant; while at Ivington JMB-T reports a white cock Pheasant with normally coloured birds.. This is the third successive year in which albino cock Pheasants have been noted. At Little Marcle Mr. Blandford reports a pure white Skylark for several weeks in April-May. At Marley Hall, Ledbury, JP saw two cream-coloured Starlings.

OUR WADERS IN WINTER We say goodbye to our waders in September and think little more about them until we listen for the next spring curlew's whistle or watch for ~he flitting of a sandpiper along the Wye. But they have to go somewhere, somewhere more warm and food­ producing; and he who has lived and worked in the Nile valley is lucky in his opportunity to keep up with old friends and to welcome the waders to their winter quarters. Indeed if someone, owner of a magic carpet, were to ask me where he could best get a lesson in the waders, often so similar and so sober, I should tell him to wish himself to the Nile somewhere well south of Khartoum. There he can build himself a hide by the edge of the slowly falling river, and learn to distinguish marsh, wood, green and common sandpiper at a few yards range; to have dunlins, stints, and

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 69

if lucky sanderling or curlew sandpiper close to him; to view a common redshank and then descry a spotted redshank. The ruff is certain to be there, shorn of his spring finery and wearing a speckly grey suit with reddish spats. One will not hear the full spring whistle of the curlew, but he may hear the first suggestive notes of the call, the loveliest sound on earth and, as Grey of Fallodon says, "full of rest and joy". God­ wits (black-tailed) will be on the menu. One of the most certain com­ panions will be the stilt, lanky but smart, alert yet familiar: and the only avocet I have seen was on a sunbaked, cracked cotton soil shore beside a crocodile-infested pool at latitude 8°. The inquirer should meet with a snipe or two, if he goes to the southern marshes, and possibly a jack-snipe; but mostly it will be the tropical great-snipe, a larger, more bumbling bird, easier for the marks­ man, better for the table, but less capricious and attractive. He may also find the painted snipe, that warning to prospective Benedicts, who lets his wife wear the colours, just lay the eggs, and then does all the baby-sitting and family work himself. The one set who are not greatly in evidence are the plovers. The ringed plover will be there, and the kentish; but a golden plover is a rara avis, and our homely lapwing never, that I know of, ventures south of the Mediterranean. There is no colour prejudice in birds, or racial discrimination. Our Nordic-bred waders mingle happily with sacred ibis and saddle­ billed stork. The redshank may have been born on Wigmore marsh, the sandpiper by the Monnow, the ruff in Holland, the stints and god­ wits and others in Siberia. Rings are seldom found, but when they are results can be revealing. A dead European stork was picked up by an Arab, on the Abyssinian border at latitude 15°; he found a ring on it and brought it in. The bird had been ringed, on flying day, in the nest at Rossitten in East Prussia sixteen days earlier. The Nile valley is an obvious route presenting no enigmas. But march westward, across Kordofan and Darfur, to some "fula" or tem­ porary lake left by the rains, on the fringe of the desert. There five hundred miles west of the great river you will find at least half the species named besides teal and garganey, shoveler and pintail (but not mallard). How did that little sandpiper get there? Did he come by easy stages up the Nile, and then spread out to the west along a lateral chain of precarious rain-pools? Or did he come, straight as a die. from the Mediterranean direct across the Sahara, more than 1,000 miles of waterless, foodless, harsh desert? Nobody knows. Life would be duller if there were not a few things left to be found out; and the challenge to the amateur enthusiast remains.

T. R. H. OWEN. 70 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

CLASSIFIED NOTES The serial numbers, nomenclature and order used are those used in the "Checklist of Birds of Great Britain and Ireland" pUlblished by the British Ornitholigists' Union in 1952. Paragraphs prefixed Hand R refer to Herefordshire and Radnorshire respectively. 5. GREAT CRESTED GREBE. H. EYWOOD. A lone bird, very vocal, on Jan. 14th, was joined by a second on Jan. 21st; Jan. 31st, three with lake partly frozen; Feb. 3rd, a pair in head­ shaking display; 14th, two pairs; March 9th, two eggs in a nest, and three pairs throughout the month; April 1st, a brood just hatched; May 1st, one pair with four young, second pair with tiny chicks on back; June 1st-19th, singles and a pair seen, fortunes of the young broods unknown; July 3rd, a pair, and Aug. 17th, a pair (RHB); Oct. 30th, one, and Nov. 7th, two; Nov. 5th, four (GP); Dec. 12th, none (CWW). FLINTSHAM. March 12th, a pair; Nov. 5th, two (CP); Nov. 7th, one (CWW). SHOBDON DECOY POOL. Feb. 27th, a pair (RM), and again March 12th (CWW). SHOBDON POOLS IN GENERAL. Feb. 29th, one on Canal pool; March 12th, four pairs; April 28th, five pairs, June 14th, three small young. Three pairs bred and produced eight young; Aug. 20th, one juvenile (TRA). R. LLAN BWCH-LLYN. Feb. 26th, two (Club Outing); March 26th, three (SB). GLAN-LLYN. April 29th, two; May 14th, one; June 26th, one sitting; July 23rd, one (ROBG). CRAIG-YR-ALLT-GOCH. July 23rd, two (ROBG). LLANDRINDOD WELLS LAKE. March 5th, one (ROBG).

9. LITTLE GREBE. H. EYWOOD. Jan. 12th, one (RHB); 30th, two (AM); 31st, three on mostly frozen lake (RHB & GSTD); March 19th, a pair (AM); March, doubtful two pairs and same in June (RHB); Oct. 3rd, two (CWW). ELSEWHERE:- HEREFORD WYE, Jan. 18th, two (AJS); WHITNEY WYE, Jan. 29th, one, and 30th, two (AM); March 6th, two (RHB & JMB); Moccas, March 11th, calling (DGB et al.), and again May 8th (CWW); CARROTS WYE, Jan. 7th, four, and Feb. 12th, four (CWW); WERGINS BRIDGE, Nov. 13th, one (CWW); EASTNOR MOAT, Nov. 8th, two (CWW); LUGG MILLS and MEADOWS, March 23rd, one (ARM); Nov. 14th, one (CWW); LEACH POOL, Aug. 20th, one seen, others heard (NWW); SHOBDON, Sept. 12th. one immobile at roadside, but recovered (TRA). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 71

R. LLYN HILYN, April 2nd and 28th, two; May 14th, three; 30th, five; June 21st, two; Sept. 25th, three; Oct. 28th and Dec. 29th, two (ROBG); LLAN BWCH-LLYN, Jan. 19th and 31st, one (JLF); Feb. 7th, two (JLF); BRYNTIIOMAS bridge, Feb. 16th, one (CW); PBNCERRIG, June 1st and 29th, one (ROBG); LLANWBFR, Sept. 10th, one (NWW).

28. CORMORANT. H. Jan. 18th, Hampton Bishop, four in flight (JLF); 22nd, Caplar, six (BiEM); 23rd, Castleton, one (NWW); 25th, Burrington, two (Mrs. J. M. Midwood); Feb. 5th, Caplar, 15 (BEM); Hereford, 14 (PGRB); 7th, Lulham Wye, five (TRHO); 8th, Hampton Bishop, six (CWW); Bth, Leach pool, four (NWW); April 18th, Fownhope, two (CWW); Aug. 20th, Castleton, one immature (NWW). R. Jan. 31 st, Llowes, one (JLF).

30. HERON. H. BERRINGTON. April 12th, 95 nests (RHB & GSTD). LEACH POOL. Feb. 12th, none seen (CWW); but 13th, five or six occupied nests, and 19th, 25 birds (NWW); March 5th, 31 birds and c. ten nests (CWW). Singles, pairs or trios reported, throughout the year, from Leintwardine (JLF), Stretton Sugwas (ARM), Llancillo Monnow (TRHO), Preston Marsh (TRHO), Brilley (WLS), Lyepole and Aymestrey (TRHO), Belmont (PGRB), Prior's Court (JP), Much Cowarne (GC), Foy (MD), Kington (CP) and Hereford (PGRB). R. CEFNDYRIS. 24 occupied nests and a successful sea­ son (TRA & MAR). Records up to six birds come from Llan­ drindod (CW), Garreg-ddu and Glan·Uyn (ROBG), Cefnllys (ROBG), Pencerrig, Aberedw, Rhiw Pool, Penybont, Dolymy­ nach and Caban Coch (ROBG).

45. MALLARD. R. Observations worth recording are-Jan. 23rd, Lulham Wye, 70+ (TRHO); June 30th, Eywood, four young flappers and a pair with small young (RHB); Aug. 1st, Eywood, duck with ten young (RHB); Aug. 20th, Leach Pool, c. 120 (NWW); Hereford, 25 on June 10th, 37 on Nov. 17th and 30 on Nov. 27th (PGRB); Dec. 9th, Sutton, 40+, and 10th, Criftin Ford, 120+ (ARM). R. Records worth mentioning are-May 14th, Glan Uyn, 21 (ROBG); June 10th, Penybont, nest with eight eggs (ROBG); July 21st, Llandrindod, 93 (ROBG); Aug. 19th, Moelienydd, 60, and Sept. 2nd, c. 120 (JLF); Nov. 18th, 27; Dec. 10th, Glan Llyn, c. 50 (ROBG). There are many other reports of smaller parties. 72 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

46. TEAL. H. Jan. 20th, LuIham Wye, a pair (TRHO); 21st, Eywood, several (RHB); 22nd, Monkland Arrow, 100-200 (RHB); 30th, Leintwardine, 88 (JLF); Feb. 7th-March nth, Shelwick, small flocks (CWW); Feb. 13th, Leach Pool, eight (NWW); March 25th, Shelwick, 30+ (SB); 26th, Byton, 40+ since Dec­ ember (DH); 25th, Shelwick, c. 30 (SB); Nov. 5th, Eywood, c.20 (CP); 18th, Leintwardine, c.50, and Crowther Pool, ten (JLF), Dec. 9th, Sutton, 13 (ARM); 10th, Criftin Ford, c.35 (ARM & JLF's); 14th, Warlow Pool, c.20 (TRHO); 27th, Shel­ wick, c. 60, and 23rd, 100 (SB); 31st, Leach Pool, 50-60 (NWW). R. Jan. 22nd, Uyn Hilyn, four (ROBG); 31st, Uowes, c.50 (JLF); Feb. 28th, Glan Uyn, two (ROBG); March 5th, Uyn Hilyn, 11 (ROBG); May 14th, Rhulen Mawn pools, two pairs (TRA); Glan Uyn, two (ROBG); Sept. 2nd, Moelienydd, c.40 (JLF); 10th, Uanwefr, five (NWW); 11th, Moelienydd, c. 20 (SB); Oct. 28th, Hindwell, one (ROBG); Nov. 19th, Dolymynach, three (ROBG); Dec. 28th, Pwll Patti, c.40 (SB); 31st, Glasbury, 30 (AM).

49. GADWALL. [R. On May 14th, on a Radnorshire marsh, M. J. Warren and G. M. Ireson found a nest, on a sedge tump, with three eggs but no bird. Experience with Nonolk Gadwall, the size and colour of the eggs, and a feather removed from the nest (which was later destroyed) leave little doubt that this was a Gadwall's nest. The species is apparently spreading].

50. WIGEON. H. Early Jan., Letton, 20+ (BCA); 5th, Criftin Ford, 26 (JLF); 16th, Lugg Meadows, 52 (JLF); 21st, Monk­ land, 200-300 (CWW); 23rd, Shobdon, c. 50 (TRA); 28th, Shel­ wick, 60 (CWW); 29th, Lugg Meadows, c. 40 (AM); 30th, Leint­ wardine, c.130 (JLF); Feb. 14th, Wigmore, c. 150 (JLF); March 13th, Shelwick, 30 (CWW); 14th, Lulham Wye, ten ([RHO); Nov. 18th, Leintwardine, c.70 (JLF); Dec. 10th, Criftin Ford, c. 70 (ARM & JLF's); 16th, Bredwardine, 18, and Ivington, 40-50 (JMB-T); Warlow Pool, Madley, c.40 (TRHO); 31st, Leach Pool, c. 15 (HEM). R. Jan. 9th, Penybont, five (CW); 19th, Begwms, six (JLF); 31st, Uowes, c.80 (JLF); Dec. 31st, Glasbury, six (AM).

52. PINTAIL. H. Jan. 28th, Shelwick, 12, and Feb. 11th, 15, and March 3rd, ten (CWW); March 25th, Shelwick, 12 and Dec. 31st, t,vo pairs (SB).

53. SHOVELER. H. Feb. 9th, Shelwick, a pair; and three on Feb. 10th, and four on March 13th (CWW); Feb. lItho Tidnor, six (JLF); Dec. 31st, Eywood, two (AM). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 73

55. SCAUP. R. March 11 th and 13th, Hindwell, a pair-though the female was doubtful (RHB, FSB's & NWW). (Third record for County-Ed.).

56. TUFTED DUCK. H. Jan., Eywood, 20 present (RHB); 21st, Shobdon Decoy Pool, six (CWW); 30th, Eywood, nine (RHB); Feb. 12th, Leach Pool, three (CWW); 14th-19th, Eywood, c.20 (RHB); 20th, Lulham, one(I~RHO); March, Eywood, 12; eight by end of month; March 5th, Letton, a large flock (CWW); 12th, Eywood, 16 (CWW); 19th, Canwood Pool, 14 (BiE'M); April 27th, Upcot, nine (VMJ); May 1st, Eywood, seven pairs (RHB), and June, at least four pairs but no evidence of nesting (RHB); June, Brampton Bryan, two broods (TRA); Aug. 3rd, Eywood, duck with seven young (first breeding record here) (RHB); Aug. 20th, Leach Pool, pair with young (NWW); Oct. 8th, Shobdon, two (RM); Nov. 5th, Eywood, 12 (CP); 8th, Eastnor moat, four (CWW); Dec. 31st, Eywood, 24 (AM). R. Jan. 19th, Llan Bwch-llyn, 28 (lLF); 22nd, Hindwell, three, and Llyn Hilyn, three (ROBG); Feb. 7th, Llan Bwch-llyn, 11 (lLF); March 26th, c.20 (SB); 31st, seven (ARM & SB); April 16th, six pairs (NWW), and June 21st, four (ROBG); Nov. 6th, six (CWW); Dec. 26th, Hindwell, one (ROBG).

57. POCHARD. H. Jan. 30th, Eywood, 13 (AM); Feb. 19th, Leach Pool, one (NWW); 28th, Eywood, 12 (lLF); March 12th, Shobdon six and Eywood, six (CWW); Aug. 5th, Eywood, one pair (RHB); Oct. 28th, Shobdon, six (RM); Nov. 8th, Eastnor, a few (CWW). R. Jan. 19th, Llan Bwch-llyn, 16 (JLF); 22nd, Hindwell, four and Llyn Hilyn, seven (ROBG); 28th, Pwll Patti, nine (CWW); Feb. 7th, Llan Bwch-llyn, nine (lLF); 12th, Hindwell, 13 (ROBG); May 14th, Rhulen Mawn pits, two (TRA); Aug. 11th, two, and nine on Sept. 23rd and Oct. 28th (ROBG); Oct. 28th, Hindwell, eight (ROBG); Nov. 19th, Dolymynach, seven (ROBG); Dec. 9th, Hindwell, eight, and 26th, three at Doly­ mynach (RODG).

60. GOLDEN-EYE. H. Feb. 14th, Wigmore, two (JLF); March 5th, Letton, one (CWW); Dec. 9th, Sutton, one on Lugg (ARM); 31st, Clifford, three (NWW). R. Feb. 12th, Dolymynach, one (ROBG); 28th, Craig-yr-allt­ Goch, two (ROBG); Nov. 19th, Caban Coch, four, and Dolymy­ nach, three (ROBG).

64. COMMON SCOTER. R. Nov. 19th, Caban eoch, a single male (ROBG). 74 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

69. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. H. March 10th, Eywood, a pair with five Goosander (FSB's). R. June 10th, Caban Coch, four (CW), and July 24th, four (ROBG).

70. GOOSANDER. H. Early Jan., Letton, three (BCA); 23rd, CastIeton, six (NWW); Feb. 7th, Eywood, three (RHB) and 26th, four (NWW); maximum in Feb., three pairs on 16th (RHB & CWW); Feb. 16th, Clifford, two (CWW); March 5th, Eywood, four pairs (NWW). R. Jan. 19th, LIan-Bwch-llyn, five scared off by low flying plane (JiLF); 23rd, Caban Coch, four and Garreg-ddu, four (ROBG); 26th, Glanwye Wye, seven (CWW); Feb. 12th, LIowes, one (CWW); Garreg-ddu,five (ROBG); Feb. 7th, Llan Bwch­ llyn, four and ten on March 2nd (Jll.F); Feb. 28th, CaJban Coch, 14 scattered (ROBG); Dolymynach, two and Pen-y-Garreg, one (ROBG); March 26th, LIan Bwch-llyn, nine (SB); 29th, Garreg­ ddu, seven (CWW); June 9th, Garreg-ddu, a duck with nine small ducklings (Peter Davis); Aug. 7th, Caban Coch, one im­ mature (M. Preece); Nov. 19th, Garreg-ddu, two (ROBG); 25th, LIan Bwch-llyn, three (JLF); Dec. 10th, Caban Coch, ten, and 26th, seven (ROBG); 10th, Craig-yr-allt-Goch, two and Garreg­ ddu, four (ROBG); 17th, Garreg-ddu, 12 (ARM), and 31st, LIan Bwch-llyn, one (AM). (This is a record number of recorded sightings and a first breeding record-Ed.).

73. SHELD-DUCK. H. Jan. 16th, Lugg Meadows, three (JLF & RM); 23rd, Burrington, two (JMM). R. Jan. 19th, Pwll Patti, one (JLF); March 16th, MoeIienydd, one (NWW) and April 3rd, three (SB).

75. GREY-LAG GOOSE. H. May 28th, Leach Pool, one at close quarters (NWW).

76. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. H. Early Jan., Letton, one im­ mature (OCA); Jan. 22nd, Monkland, three (RHB); Feb. 17th, Hereford, several skeins, comprising c. 400, flying north (CWW).

78. PINK-FOOTED GOOSE. H. Feb. 27th and March 5th, Leach Pool, one (CWW).

81. BARNACLE GOOSE. H. Dec. 31st, Leach Pool, one (NWW). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 75

82. CANADA GOOSE. H. Early Jan., Letton, 13 (BCA); Feb. 5th, Criftin Ford, 26 (WHDW); 12th, Clifford, 12 (CWW); 20th, Shobdon, returned to breed; a poor season (three nests), but 25 birds in autumn (TRA); Feb. 27th, Leach Pool, 11 (CWW) and March 15th, 11 (NWW); April-May, Eywood, occasional, up to six birds (RHB); Dec. 31st, Leach Pool, four (NWW). R. Feb. 6th, Penybont, three and four young on May 24th (CW).

84. MUTE SWAN. H. Eywood, Jan. 20th, a pair, with six cygnets by June 1st, five cygnets seen June 22nd (RHB). Breeding re­ ported at Woolhope, May 1st (KAM), and other reports of birds come from Aymestrey (SHR), Hereford (PGRB); Sutton (AM); Lulham (TRHO); Fownhope (ROBG); and 21 birds at Castleton on Sept. 17th (NWW). R. HindwelI, on usual nest, April 2nd; four there Dec. 26th (ROBG).

85. WHOOPER SWAN. H. Dec. 31st, Castleton, three and an immature (NWW). R. Dec. 10th and 26th, Dolymynach, two (ROBG).

86. BEWICK'S SWAN. H. Jan. 16th, Monkland, mixed flock of 25, mostly Bewick's (JMB-T); and 25th, about 31 birds (RHB); and 26th, about 60 (MEJ); Jan. 19th, Bush Bank, heard (WHDW); 29th, Sutton, one (AM); Feb. 5th, Bircher, one, and Leominster, 30 flying (WHDW); 6th, Lugwardine, two (JLF); 9th, Wergins Bridge, nine and three juveniles (CWW); 15th, Tid­ nor, 15 and two juveniles (CWW); March 25th, Shelwick, three, and Norton Canon, eight flying (SB); Oct. 28th, Foy, two, and two immatures (MD); Dec. 9th, Lugg Meadows, one (JLF). R. Jan. 19th, PwlI Patti, two (JLF); Nov. 19th, Dolymynach, two 'possibles' (ROBG).

91. BUZZARD. Records are too numerous to give in detail. They cover ,the whole year, and come from (H.}-Eywood, Moccas (five), Brilley, Lulham and Madley, Lyepole, Longtown, Llan­ cilIo, Titley, Canon Frome, Ganarew near Ross, Kington, Bush Bank, Ewyas Harold, Yarpole, Nupend Wood; and (R.) Cross­ gates, Penybont, Llanyre, Builth Road (nine), Llandrindod, Nant Gris, Banc Garreg Llwyd, Disserth, Garreg-ddu, Pen-Lan-Fawf (eight). Several of these are nesting records. At Bush Bank WHDW watched food being passed in mid-air. Near Llancillo a fine bird was killed by traffic (TRHO). In Shobdon area, except Chaff Wood, TRA reports a good breeding season, with young in autumn feeding on earthworms after the plough. 76 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, t 972

93. SPARROW HAWK. There are at least 50 records from the two Counties, spaced over the whole area. Successful nesting is recorded at Breinton (Grace Gwynne James) and BoS'bury (GC). One was killed against a window near Ledbury (TRHO records that he has found a light nylon mesh net a satisfactory deterrent and not unsightly). Observed prey includes a thrush and a mouse. One was found with a damaged wing at Welsh Newton and was left at the Falconry centre with good hope of recovery (EHP). TRA reports "more numerous than KestreL"

[94. GOSHAWK. H. Jan. 23rd, Shobdon, one, doubtless an "escape," pitched in a tree close above observer (H. J. Wastie)].

95. KITE. R. A tragedy comes from the Radnorshire borders (per P. Davis) where two Kites were found dead, both ringed, and the circumstances suggesting poison used for crows or foxes. Mr. Davis has had many reports of Kites during the summer. Other records are-May 14th, Nant Gris, two (ROBG); Rhay­ ader area, July 23rd, two (ROBG); Aug. 20th, one (TRHO); Aug. 12th, Pen-Lan-Fawr, one (ROBG); Sept. 10th, Fronddyrys HilI, one in flight (NWW). lOO. HEN HARRIER. H. Nov. 16th, Upper Lugg Meadows, a female circled Iow overhead; brown colour, streaked breast and barred tail plainly visible (CWW). R. June 28th, west of Felindre, a Harrier viewed, believed a male Hen Harrier, and the farmer reported two Harriers in the vicinity (AStGW). October 24th, an adult male near Claerwen house (p. E. Davis).

104. HOBBY. H. March 6th, Bredwardine, a single (CWW); June 26th, BoIIingham, Kington,one flew across, giving a clear view of thighs and underparts (AM).

105. PEREGRINE FALCON. R. April I !th, Caban Coch, a pair about (CW); May 31st, Banc Garreg LIwyd, one (ROBG); June 9th, a male over the Elan Valley, stooping at a Buzzard and chasing Crows; Oct. 24th, a male over Uyn Cerrigllwydion (P. E. Davis).

107. MERLIN. H. June 2nd, Olchon Valley, two cocks fighting (PW); Sept. 9th, Hampton Bishop, a migrant watched, resting among potato haulm (JLF). R. Feb. 7th, PainscastIe area, a male (JLF), and 26th, a female; July 12th, Newchurch, one (CC); Aug. 12th, Pen Lan Fawr, one (ROBG);Sept. 9th, Moelienydd, one (SB); Oct. 8th, Gors Goch, one (ARM; Nov. 6th, Clyro-Painscastle, one on roadside post (CWW). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 77

110. KESTREL. Well distributed in both Counties and not un­ common. In Kington area recorded as "numerous" (RHB). At Kingsthorne noted as "fairly common" (TF). In Claerwen area M. Preece counted nine hunting in four miles.

111. RED GROUSE. H. April 3rd, Cat's Back, a single (BEM). R.Feb. 13th, Radnor Forest, six pairs (TRA); April 15th, Glascwm, five (NWW); June 11th, the Mynd, pair with young (NWW); Oct. 8th, Rhayader, 12, and Gors Goch, eight (ARM). On Radnor hills in general TRA reports a good season, with chicks about on May 12th, and 100 birds seen in one drive in the season; but heather-beetle is likely to become an adverse factor.

113. BLACK GROUSE. R. Feb. 3rd, Radnor Forest, a cock and a hen (TRA).

115. RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE. H. Jan. 1st, Kingsacre, 16, and odd birds also at Stretton Sugwas and Huntington in March (ARM); 23rd, Castleton, covey of eight (NWW). At Stanley Hill, Ledbury GC reports it "regular". At Lulham TRHO notes coveys of five and seven.

116. PARTRIDGE. A bad year, all over England, owing to wet and cold May and June. Small coveys are reported in many places, and Jan. 3rd at Kings Acre ARM reports two coveys of c.20 (presumably several coveys packed) and one of ten. At Kings­ thorne TF also reports a covey of ten. At Shobdon TRA found breeding very poor.

117. QUAIL. H. June 21st, Lulham, Madley, heard, and again throughout July, mainly in roots (TRiBO). No other record.

118. PHEASANT. As with all game~birds a rather poor year, but many late broods succeeded.

120. WATER RAIL. H. Feb. 24th, Clifford Weir, one (G. R. E. Edwards); Oct. 18th, Eywood, two 'squealing' (JLF); Dec. 12th, Huntington, one (ARM); 26th, Norton Canon, one (SB). R. Feb. 7th, Llan Bwch-llyn, two calling (JLF).

125. CORNCRAKE. H. July 15th, Haywood near Belmont. one calling for ten minutes from hayfield (TF).

126. MOORHEN. Average distribution. H. At Eywood in June at least two pairs had young (ROBG). At Ivington JMB-T reports about 14 in winter, and that six come daily to the bird table. R. Hindwell, 12 on Sept. 25th and 21 on Oct 28th (ROBG). 78 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

127. COOT. H. Eywood, Jan. 31st, c.30, and pool largely frozen (RHB & GSTD); March, "a dozen" (RHB); May 1st, a pair with six chicks (RHB); June, two or three pairs breeding (RHB). March, two on Lulham Wye (TRHO); Aug. 26th, Belmont, one (PGRB); Dec., Warlow Pool, a dozen (TRHO). R. Jan. 22nd, LIyn Hilyn, 32 (ROBG), but Feb. 12th, 11; then March 5th, 23; April 28th, 21; May 14th, 18; June 21st, 21 including 6 young; July 21st, 27; Sept. 23rd, 38 and on 25th, 41; Nov. 18th, 37 (ROBG). Sept. 6th, L1yn Hilyn, c.45 (P. E. Davis). Penybont Lake, May 14th, one with five young; July 12th, four (ROBG); Hindwell, Oct. 28th, 35 and Dec. 9th, 47, and 26th, 31 (ROBG).

131. OYSTERCATCHER. H. Feb. 26th, Aymestrey, one at a gravel-pit (FWM); Aug. 12th, Kington, a small party calling (NWW). R. July 24th, Garreg-ddu, one (ROBG).

133. LAPWING. H. As a breeding species, at a low ebb (see TRA's article). But big migrant and visiting flocks are recorded. The biggest are-Jan. 9th, Mortimer's Cross, c. 150 mixed with Golden Plover; 22nd, Eardisley, c. 1,000 (ROBG); 26th, Lulham, c. 600 (TRHO); 30th, Moreton, flocks moving south all day, in snow; and 31st, 180 over Hereford (AJS); Aug. 28th, Milton Cross, c. 1,000 (VMJ); Sept. 23rd, west of Hereford c.250 (ROBG); Dec. 31st, Letton, 200+ (VMJ). R. Jan. 25th, Hindwell, "hundreds" with Golden Plover (RHB); Feb. 12th, Hindwell, c.4oo (ROBG), and March 5th, c.500; June 22nd, Craig-yr-aIlt, c. 150 (ROBG); MoeIienydd, c. 1,000 (JLF); July 22nd, Penybont, c.8oo (ROBG); Aug. 11th, Pen Lan Fawr, c. 400 (ROBG); Dec. 16th, Walton, c. 1,100 (JLF).

134. RINGED PLOVER.

135. LfITLE RINGED PLOVER.

140. GOLDEN PLOVER. H. Jan. 9th, Mortimer's Cross, c.250 (RHB); Feb. 11 th, Shelwick, 30 (CWW); 22nd, Pembridge, c.6oo (CWW); March 12th, Shobdon airfield, 300+; Aug. 9th, nine, and Oct. 4th, c. 500 (TRA); Dec. 23rd, Shelwick, five (8B). R. Jan. 22nd, HindweIl, c.400 (ROBG); Feb. 26th, Pains­ castle, calling (JLF); Oct. 14th, Moelienydd, two (Club Outing): Dec. 16th, Walton, c. 70 (JLF). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 79

145. SNIPE. H. Jan. 23rd, Shobdon Marshes, c. 40 (TRA); Castle­ ton, 11 (NWW); 30th, Leintwardine, 26 on a partly frozen island (JLF); Feb. 11 th, Shelwick, eight (CWW); March 26th, Byton, drumming (DH); April 1st, Shelwick, c. 20 (SB); 3rd, Cat's Back, one (BEM); May 4th, Hergest, drumming (WLS); July 7th, Stansbatch, drumming (JMB); Aug. 22nd, Eywood, two (RHB); Oct. 9th, Foy, two (MD);Nov. 27th, Swinmoor, Madley, three on ponds (TRHO); 30th, Hampton Park, three (BEM); Dec. 15th, Sutton, c.40 on floods (ARM); 23rd, Shelwick, c. 100 on floods (SB); 26th, Hergest, one (JMB-T). R. Feb. 5th, Penybont, single (CW); April 11 th, eight (CW); Sept. 24th, four (ROBG).

147. JACK SNIPE. H. April 17th, Hereford Wye, one (AJS).

148. WOODCOCK. H. Jan., Welsh Newton, reported present (per BHM); 30th, Haugh Wood, one (DJB), and Feb. 29th, two (JLF); March 16th, Fownhope, roding (KAM); April 14th, Preston Marsh, one (TRHO); June 13th, Haugh Wood, up to three roding (ARM); Nov. 26th, Swinmoor, one (TRHO); Dec. 16th, Wigmore Rolls, one (Club Outing); TRA records that it bred at Shobdon and Wigmore Rolls. R. April, Penybont, farmers report the bird as still common (CW); April 19th, Knighton, one (P. E. Davis).

150. CURLEW. Like the Lapwing the species has receded before modern farming. H. Jan. 5th, Leintwardine, 62 at the winter­ ing area, the biggest winter flock yet seen (JLF); on Jan. 30th, only 13; Feb. 4th, Ivington, first heard (JMB-T); 27th, Easthamp­ ton, returned but numbers decreased; March 1st, Lugg Meadows, calling (AJS); 6th, arrived in force (CWW). March, King's Acre, two-three, and Breinton in early April (ARM); March 22nd, heard at Lulham (TRHO); April 9th, Criftin Ford, 22 (RHB); April, Welsh Newton, present (FMP); May 16th, Brilley, calling (WLS); Aug. 18th, Eywood, one (RHB); Dec. 9th, Criftin Ford, c. 80 (ARM & JLF's). R. Jan. 31st, L1owes, 72 (JLF); March 10th, Moelienydd, several (RHB); April 29th, Garreg-ddu, two, and L1yn Cerrig, five (ROBG); July 14th, Moelienydd, 123 (JLF); Aug. 9th, Moel­ ienydd, c. 70 (JLF); Dec. 31st, Glasbury, five (AM).

151. WHIMBREL. 80 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

156. GREEN SANDPIPER. H. Early Jan., LeUon, one (OCA); Kingsland church, one (SHR); Jan. 5th, Leintwardine, one, and on 30th, six on two miles of the Teme (JLF); 23rd, Castleton and Willersley, one each (NWW); 28th, Holme Lacy, one (JLF); Feb. 23rd, Hampton Bishop, one (CWW); April 12th, Hereford Wye, one (AJS); Aug. 14th and 24th, Titley, one on Arrow (JMB); 20th, Leach Pool, two (NWW); Sept. 8th, Castleton, three (NWW); 17th, on the Lugg, one (Mark Lawley); Oct. 31st, Sink Green, one (CWW); Nov. 18th, Burrington, two, and Leintwar­ dine, one (JLF); Dec. 31st, Castleton, two (NWW).

159. COMMON SANDPIPER. H. March 17th, Lulham Wye, one and later a pair (TRHO); April 18th, Hereford Wye, one (AJS); 28th, Eywood, two (BEG); 29th, Eywood, three (RHB); May 27th, Clodock, a pair (never seen before) and LlancilIo, a bird with young (TRHO); July, Kentchurch, noted (WMG); June 11th, Aymestrey gravel-pit, nest with four young (FWM); Aug. 20th, Castleton, two pairs (NWW). AJS records the return passage, along Hereford Wye, evident from July 7th to Sept. 19th. R. April 5~h, Llowes, three (NWW); 29th, Garreg-ddu, one, and 30th, Afon Marteg, two (ROBG); May 6th, Penybont, three pairs (CW); 14th, Gilfach-y-Rhiw, a pair and one below Gilfach (Peter Jones); June 22nd, Pen-y-Garreg, one, and Garreg-ddu, one (ROBG); July 20th, Rhayader, one (ROBG).

161. REDSHANK. H. April 23rd, Buckton, one (TRA). R. March 15th, Llowes, two (NWW); 16th, Moelienydd, two (NWW); 25th, Pwll Patti, three (AM); April 3rd, Moelienydd, two (RHB), and possibly five (SiB); 22nd, Penybont, two (CW); June 11th, Moelienydd, one (SiB).

162. SPOTTED REDSHANK. R. Aug. 26th, Moelienydd, one on ground and in flight; in winter plumage (5B).

165. GREENSHANK. H. March 26th,Lulham Wye, heard, and seen on 30th (TRHO); Aug. 2nd, Hereford Wye, one (AJS); Sept. 4th, Belmont, one (PJW); 11th, Hampton Bishop, one (JLF & ARM); 17th, Castleton, two (NWW). R. July 14th, Moelienydd, one (JLF); Aug. 19th, two (JLF & ARM); Sept. 3rd, one (NWW).

179. DUNLIN. H. Sept. 11 th, Hereford Wye, two, and three on 14th, in autumn dress (AJS); Dec. 21st, Shelwick, one (SB).

181. SANDERLING. H. Aug. 14th, Hereford Wye, an immature bird closely observed (AJS). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 81

198. GREATER BLACK·BACKED GULL. H. March 19th, Lul­ ham Wye, three (TRHO); Sept. 7th, Shelwick, one on Lugg (CWW); Dec. 24th, Turner's Boat, one adult and one first year (PMcD, AJS & JV). R. April 29th, Llyn Cerrig-Llydion Isaf, one (ROBG); July 26th, Garreg-ddu, one (ROBG).

199. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. H. Feb. 20th, Eywood, two (NWW & RLV); 27th, Ross, four (ROBG); Jan.-Feb., Lugg valley floods, large numbers, with Common Gulls: 80 on Feb. 9th, and on Jan. 23rd, three of the Scandinavian form, and a single of this type on Feb. 19th (CWW); March 6th, Hereford, c. 50 (PGRB); 19th, King's Acre, 14 and 60 nearer Breinton up to early April (ARM); April 3rd, one on Hereford Wye; 13th, one at Hillside and three there June 24th (PGRB); June 17th, Mow­ ley Wood, one on Arrow (NWW); July 18th, Belmont, 25 (CW); Aug. 15th, Warham, c. 50 (ARM); Aug.-Sept., Hereford area, 60 on Aug. 11 th and 70 on Sept. 29th (PGRB); also Oct.-Dec., in­ cluding c. 100 on Dec. 14th and 150 on 8th (PGRB). R. April 22nd, Penybont, two (CW); Nov. 19th, Caban Coch, one (ROBG).

200. HERRING GULL. H. Feb. 19th, Lugwardine, one (CWW); 21st, Kington, six (RHB); March 25th to April, Breinton, heard regularly and once seen (ARM); April 6th, Belmont, at least one (AJS); June 14th, Shobdon, two, and October 30th, one (PGRB); Dec. 9th, Sulton, one (ARM). R. April 3rd, Blue Lins, two (RHB).

201. COMMON GULL. H. There are many records, and of large numbers, e.g. 1,000 Common and Black-headed near Ross, Feb. 27th (ROBG); 300 at Dinedor, March 31st (PGRB); and daily sightings at Kingsthorne (TF); also a few records of ones and twos at Castleton, Leach Pool, etc. Apart from the odd single visitor, all these flocks roost on the Severn Estuary and disperse over a wide area, e.g. Gloucester­ shire and Wiltshire, and give little indication of numbers visiting the County.

208. BLACK-HEADED GULL. H. Jan. 21st, Eywood, a single (RHB); and Feb. 19th, 19. lan-Feb., Lugg Meadows, numbers increased, mixing with Lapwings and robbing them of prey (CWW); Feb. 25th, Hereford, one in summer plumage (PGRB); Oct. 16th, Hereford Wye, c. 15 (PGRB). The Bredwardine col­ ony entirely deserted again (TRHO). 82 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

R. Feb. 27th, Penybont, c. 30 (CW); 28th, Glan Llyn, 25 (ROBG); April 16th, Moelienydd, c. 160 (NWW); 29th, Llyn Cerrig-Llwdion Isaf, 58 (ROBG); May 14th, Rhulen Mawn pits, 50 pairs and c.40 nests (ROBG); July 14th, Moelienydd, c. 18 young raised (JLF).

TERN Sp. H. May 10th, Hereford, one on drift-wood (AM). R. Aug. 13th, Llandrindod Lake, one Common (?) Tern (NWW).

222. LITI'LE TERN. H. May 1st, Lugg Bridge, one (CWW).

232. STOCKDOVE. H. Jan. 19th, Lulham, first song noted (TRHO); 31st, Eywood, six seen (RHB); April, Belmont and Breinton, singing (ARM), and breeding at Kington (RHB). At Kingsland SHR records breeding in an owl box, as also hap­ pened at Madley (TRHO). In autumn TRA records 50+ in a flock at Shobdon. R. Feb. 29th, Llandrindod, one (ROBG); May 15th, one at Llanbadarn Fynydd and two at Cefnllys (ROBG).

234. WOODPIGEON. Ubiquitous. April 1st at Shelwick SB notes 150; and Jan. 22nd, on Hindwell meadows ROBG noted c.800.

235. TURTLE DOVE. H. May 2nd, Welsh Newton, a pair (FMP); 10th, Easthampton, seen (TRA); 15th, Eywood, heard (RHB); 16th, Haugh Wood, present, and 17th, Mordiford, in song and two seen (CWW); May-June, Lulham, breeding (TRHO); Ledi­ cot, two pairs (RHB); Kingsthorne, absent (TF); July 18th, Belmont, one (PGRB). R. May 13th, Allt-Goch, one (S. White).

COLLARED DOVE. The only Radnorshire records are from Hindwell-18 on Jan. 30th (NWW), and Cabalva-six on a barn on Feb. 25th (WLS). Records from Herefordshire are too many to enumerate. They cover the whole County except the eastern part, and include Shobdon, Kington, Cusop, Hereford, Madley, Eywood, Grafton, Belmont, Kingsthorne, Almeley, Ivington, Llancillo, Kingstone. Moccas, Blakemere, Preston, Wormbridge. JM at Cusop records their coming daily to the bird-table At Shobdon TRA describes them as "rapidly approaching satura­ tion point". At Ivington JMB-T writes that sometimes up to 60 fly in to roost. They continue to patronise the Cathedral and other parts of the city. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 83

237. CUCKOO. H. First heard at Storrbrook near Ledbury (per JGM), April 10th; 18th at Aymestrey (SHR); 23rd at Madley (TRHO); 25th, Kington (RHB); 27th, Welsh Newton (FMP); 28th, Brilley (WlLS). Last "cuckoo" recorded at Lulham, June 27th (TRHO), and seen at Almeley on 27th (VMJ). R. May 14th, Rhulen Mawn area, three females operating (TRA).

241. BARN OWL. H. Jan. 4th, King's Acre, present (ARM); 23rd, Byford, one watched from car at 10 feet range (ROBG); 29th, Winforton, one (AM); FeJb. 2nd, Yarpole, one (JMB-T); 10th, Yarpole, one flushed by hounds (JMB-T); Feb. 4th, Frome Hill, one (DJB); 27ith, Canon Pyon, one, and 29th, Litley Court, one (KAM); April 3rd, Breinton, one (WMG); Shobdon, seen during year, and bred at Brampton Bryan (TRA); June, Letton, one (NWW) and Yatton, one (F. W. Marston); Aug. 13th, Whitney, one (M. Preece); Sept. 23rd, Letton, one (NWW); Dec. 19th, Eardisland, one (NWW). R. Feb. 10th, L1owes, one hunting (Mrs. R. H. Bradshaw); 27th, Llandrindod, one (CW); April 15th, Bleddfa, one hunting (NWW); 22nd, Gwystre, seen (EEG); June 30th, Presteign, seen with young (EEG); Dec. 31st, G1asbury, one (AM).

246. LITTLE OWL. H. Jan. 20th, Lugg Meadows, one hunting Redwings in pollard willows at midday (CWW); Feb. 26th, Shobdon, four calling (TRA); March 5th, Park Gate, Ivington, one; two there on July 16th; three on Aug. 2nd; two on Oct. 31st; yet absent in May-June (WHDW); March 21st, Stretton Sugwas, one, and Broomy Hill, one on 25th (ARM); May 10th, Bredwardine, one, and south of Eardisley, a pair (RHB & FSB's); 16th, Welsh Newton, one (NWW); Aug. 13th, Bredwardine, a juvenile killed on road (M. Preece); Sept. 20th, Fownhope, one (ROBG); Oct, Foy, seen daily (MD); Nov. 5th, Kingsthorne, an injured bird (TF). Ivington, JMB-T reports it present all the year. Madley, TRHO notes it breeding at Lulham and present at Swinmoor in Dec. Almeley, VMJ reports a pair laying four eggs, hatching three and rearing two. Once again no record from the western edge of the County and none from Radnorshire.

247. TAWNY OWL. This species is suffering much from road casualties and from lack of old timber and orchards. It remains fairly well distributed over the two Counties. At Ivington JMB-T records it "more plentiful than usual"; about six hoot­ ing nightly. Three young flew from the Lulham cider-barrel in early June (TRHO). 84 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

248. WNG-EARED OWL. No definite record this year. Probably heard at Lyepole, Sept. (TRHO).

249. SHORT-EARED OWL. R. Feb. 26th, PainscastIe, one flushed on Club Outing; 28th, one flushed by a farmer in same area as 1971 (TRA); April 22nd, Craig-yr-aIlt-Goch, one beside reser­ voir (BEG); Aug. 12th, Pen Lan Fawr, one (ROBG).

252. NIGHTJAR. H. June, Checkley, heard churring (PHL); June 17th, Stanage Park, calling and displaying, and a pair seen on 22nd (TRA); 20th, Cheekley, heard again, probably the above bird (per JLF). A pair nested, in an orchard, late June, at PutIey (per JGM).

255. SWIFT. The cold 1971 June should have reduced them, but Swifts seem to have been in fairly normal numbers (VMJ at Almeley record them "more numerous than in other years."). Whether the foul 1972 early summer will have affected them only 1973 will show. H. First arrival April 30th, Ross, four-five (PGRB); May 1st, Holme Lacy (JLF); May 2nd, Madley (TRHO); Hereford, six (AJS) and Kington (RHB). Late stayers are more than average (owing to late breeding?). Aug. 9th, Kington, "huge numbers" (RHB) and further records up to 31st; Aug. 24th-26th, Leominster, "large numbers" (NWW); Sept. 2nd, Kington, two (ARM) and 12th, "last seen" (JMB). At Birtley the last nest was vacated Aug. 10th, and eight pairs reared 14 young (TRA); and at Kingsland SHR records large numbers nesting in the eaves of the shop. R. May 1st, Penybont, six pairs (CW); Aug. 27th, Presteign, one, and eight pairs had nested on the house (EEG).

258. KINGFISHER. Despite a mild winter Kingfishers seem to have receded on some waters.Nevertheless there are manyobservations. H. Jan. 21st, Eywood, one (RHB); 5th, Criftin Ford, one (JLF); 18th, Mordiford, seen, and on Hereford Wye Feb. 7th, but none Glasbury-Whitney (RM); Feb. 28th, Lugg Bridge, one (CWW); March 17th and thereafter, Lulham Wye, two (TRHO); 23rd, Hampton Bishop, one (CWW) and SheIwick (ARM); May 17th, Clodock, seen (TRHO), but only once in all the season on LIan­ ciIlo Monnow; July, Canon Frome, one (GC); Aug. 15th, War­ ham, one on Wye (ARM); 20th, CastIeton, one (NWW); Sept. 6th and Oct. 12th, Lugg Meadows, one (CWW); Oct. 19th, Here­ ford Wye, one (ARM); Dec. 12th, Huntington, one (ARM). TRHO reports a nest at Lyepole. R. Jan. 19th, LIan Bwch-Ilyn, one (JLF); 31st, Llowes, one (JLF); April 11th, Penybont, one (CW); June 18th, Felindre, one (ASt.GW); Aug. 23rd, LIanbadam, one (NWW). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 85

262. GREEN WOODPECKER. Elm disease may have temporarily benefited the Woodpeckers, but along with other deforestation must bear hardly upon them in the long run. H. Jan. 21st, Eywood, one (RHB); 25th, Burrington, one (JMM); March 24th, Hereford, one above Cathedral Close (PGRB); April, Warham, regularly noted (ARM); Hth, lving­ ton, a pair (JMB-T); May, Brilley, one frequently seen (WLS); July 25th, Belmont, two (PGRB); 28th, Breinton, returned after four years absence (WMG); Oct. Foy, regularly seen (MD); Nov. 3rd, Hergest, one (CP); Dec. 15th, Haugh Wood, two (DEM, also CWW). It nested at Almeley (VMJ) and Shobdon (TRA). R. Feb. 26th, Llandrindod, one (ROBG); May 14th, Glan Llyn, one, and 16th, Cefnllys, two (ROBG); June, Llyn Hilyn, one; also at Cefnllys (ARM); June 1st, Pencerrig, one, and feed­ ing young in Glan Llyn Woods on 22nd (ROBG); July 28th, Llandegley, seen (CW); Aug. 12th, Glan tirn, one with two young; and one at Dolymynach, Aug. 13th (ROBG); Sept. 24th, Penybont, one (ROBG); Oct. 24th, Llanbister, one (ROBG).

263. GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. H. Feb. 20th, West­ hope, one (DJB); April 26th, Kington, one, and Eywood, one (RHB); April, Welsh Newton, often met (FMP); noted 'in spring' at Stretton Sugwas, Huntingdon and Warham, and drumming at Brilley (ARM); June 17th, Eywood, one (RHB); July-Aug. Bosbury, seen, as well as the other two species (GC); Lulham, seen at intervals, summer and autumn (TRHO); July 26th, Almeley, collecting food and followed by sparrows (VMJ); Sept. 24th, Belmont, one (PGRB); Nov. 1st, Kington, one, and Her­ gest, one (CP); 5th, Kingsthorne, "common" (TF); 27th, Luston, one on damson (FMT); TRA reports breeding at Shobdon. SHR repoI'ts it a frequent visitor at Kingsland, a pair feeding young at Shobdon, and one on Wapley Hill. R. April 28th, Llandrindod, two (ROBG); June 1st, New­ bridge, one (ROBG); July 20th, Llandegley, two (CW); at Pres­ teign EEG reports the female (no male) feeding on nuts most of the summer.

264. LESSER SPOTfED WOODPECKER. H. Feb. 26th, Fown­ hope, heard and seen (KAM); March 25th, Warham, one (ARM); 22nd, Eywood, one (RLV); April 4th, Shelwick, one. and drumming at Moccas on 5th (CWW); 5th, Lyepole, heard calling (TRHO); July 26th, Almeley, seen in apple tree (VMJ); Aug. 26th, Lulham, calling; and drumming on Nov. 1st and 2nd (TRHO); Sept. 8th, Kingsland, one came to a suet basket; Sept. 9th, Kington, one (CP); Oct., Upton Bishop, one in apple 86 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

tree (BE); Nov. 13th, Warham, one (ARM); Nov. 15th, Sutton, one (ARM); 22nd, Belmont, one in orchard (PGRB); Dec. 29th, Shelwick, one (SB); Ivington, "heard occasionally" (JMB-T). R. July 21st, Llandrindod, one (ROBG).

271. WOODLARK. R. June 26th, one seen and heard in song­ flight west of Llandrindod (NWW).

272. SKYLARK. H. Jan. 3rd, Hampton Bishop, c. 150 on arable (JLF); Oct. 16th, Hereford Wye, 25 flying east (PGRB). AJS records the post-moult movements in the Hereford area as the smallest in 16 years.

274 SWALLOW. The cold and wet spring must have grievously affected our Swallows. At Lulham the 'two pairs arrived; one disappeared after a fortnight; the other hung on till late June but never bred (TRHO). Others record like experience. H. First sighting April 6th, King,ton, one (NWW); 5th, Stap­ low (per JGM); 6th, Bridge Sollers and Warham (ARM); 7th, Easthampton, and on 17th TRA records a "passage in thous­ ands"; 9th, Carrots Inn, ten (HEM); Ilth,Letton (VMJ) and Almeley Wooton, "not as numerous as 1971" (VMJ). R. April 2nd, Hindwell, one (NWW); 6th, Penybont (CW); 28th, Llyn Hilyn, two (ROBG). Last seen Oct. 14th, Moelien­ ydd (Club Outing).

276. HOUSE MARTIN. H. First record April 13th, Warham (ARM); 14th, Eywood, "small numbers" (NWW); 18th, Fown­ hope, two (CWW); June 14th, Kingsland, Martins constantly present but not nesting (SHR); June, Lulham, TRHO reports "going ahead as well as they can". At Kingsthome TR records ten nests on his buildings. On Aug. 13th, at Credenhill, M. Preece records c. 250 on R.A.F. hangar building. At Uphamp­ ton, Shobdon, TRA noted 31 nests on a six year old bungalow. Last record Oct. 6th, Hereford, several (HEM). R. April 18th, Penybont, "numbers" (CW).

277. SANDMARTIN. H. First noted April 1st, Hereford Wye (CWW) and Holme Lacy (JLF); 13th, Warham, ten (ARM); 16th, Aymestrey gravel pits, RHB reports c.20, and on June 5th c. 160 nests, "a large reduction on previous years". Aug 8th, Hereford Wye, AJS records at least 600; 300-400 on 9th, and scarce on lIth. The general impression is "late and few". R. May 12th, Penybont, large numbers (CW); 15th, Llan­ badarn, four; L1andrindod, two; Dolhalfa, six pairs breeding on Wye (ROBG); July 26th, Aton Elan, four nests (ROBG). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 87

279. RAVEN. H. Feb., Hrilley, regular pair present (WLS); March 11th, Moccas, nesting (DGB); 19th, near Ledibury, a pair (GC); Aug. 26th, Longtown, several (HEM, also TRHO); October, Shobdon, a pair had reared four young (TRA); Oct. 21st, King­ ton, five (CP); Nov. 5th, Kingsthorne, seen frequently (TF); Lul­ ham, often seen, and once at Swinmoor in Dec. (TRHO). R. Jan.-Feb., Penybont, noted regularly (CW); Feb. 26th, Llandrindod, nesting begun (ROBG); March 27th, Rhayader, nest with five eggs (SB & ARM); April 28th, Radnor Forest, four, and young seen at Llandrindod (ROBG); 29th, Cerrig Llyd­ ion Isaf, five, also a nest with three young (ROHG); Aug. 11th, Dolfan, 21 with ten assorted corvidae, and 12th, 14 at Glan Llyn (ROBG); 12th, PenLan Fawr, 14 (ROBG) and Dolymynach, four.

280. CARRION CROW. A ubiquitous pest.

282. ROOK. Elm disease has affected a number of rookeries.

283. .fACKDOW. R. Garreg-ddu, several pairs nesting in old mine workings (ROBG).

284. MAGPIE. This bird has suffered from the loss of high hedges for nesting but remains widely spread. H. Nov. 4th, "very common, six counted today" (T'F). R. Tyn-yr-ydr, nine in a party (ROBG).

286. .fAY. H. May, Rhydspence, a pair (WLS); Oct. 20th, Bel­ mont, two and two flying high on 23rd and another Nov. 22nd; Nov. 5th, Kingsthorne, "very common" (TF); Dec. 29th, Alme­ ley, one (VMJ). Madley area, once too common, loss of copses and cover had made it a rare bird; since October TRHO notes that it has never been absent, and is more frequent in many places. Others have also noted this. A writer in the "Field". writing from Hamburg, records a flock of 250 Jays flying stead­ ily westwards in November. Is there a Jay "invasion" this winter? R. Jan. 22nd, Llandrindod and Rhayader, singles (ROBG); April 30th, Garreg-ddu, two, and Afon Marteg, one (ROBG); June 1st, Pencerrig and Disserth, one each (ROBG); July 22nd, Rhiw Pool, one, Dolymynach, two (ROBG); Aug. 3rd, Cwmclyd. two, and Llandrindod, two on Sept. 23rd (ROBG): Dec. 9th. Penybont, two (ROBG).

288. GREAT TIT. H. Jan. 7th, Lulham, five at the table together (TRHO) and first spring song on Jan. 12th. June, Eywood, nest in box destroyed apparently by grey squirrel (RHB). R. May 15th, Penybont Lake, nest with ten eggs (ROBG). 88 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

289. BLUE TIT. H. At Aymestrey SHR reports three boxes and 12, 10 and 11 young fledged.

290. COAL TIT. Widely distributed though nowhere thickly. Reports only come from:- H. Hereford St. Martin's and Castle Green (PGRB); Fayre Oaks (DJB); Swinmoor, Madley (fRHO); Kingsland (SHR) and Brilley (WLS). R. Llandrindod (5); Rhiw Pool; and 18 at Dolymynach (ROBG).

29,2. MARSH TIT. Also widely distributed in moderate numbers. H. Brilley (WLS), Byton (DH); Kington (RHB); Broomy Hill (WMG); Symonds Yat (PGRB); Kingsthome (TF); Hergest (CP); Kingsland and Shobdon (SHR) and Madley (TRHO). R. Llandrindod (6), Doldowlod and Pencerrig (ROBG).

293. WIlLOW TIT. H. Jan. 7th, Hereford, one (PGRB); 19th, Hereford, singing (AJS); March 16th, Stretton Sugwas, two, and heard at Sutton, 25th (ARM); April 23rd, Munsley, (BEG); 28th, Belmont, adult with two/three young (PGRB); Sept. 23rd and Oct. 24th, heard (PGRB); Hereford and Moreton-on-Lugg, bred (AJS); Kingsland, "seen and heard" (SHR). R. Feb. 26th, Llandrindod, four (ROBG) and April 28th, two; April 28th, Cwm lior, seen and heard (P. Davis); May 16th, Cefnllys, one; June 29th, Doldowlod, one; July 24th, Llandrin­ dod, one; Dec. 9th, Cefnllys, one (ROBG).

294. LONG-TAILED TIT. The species has flourished thanks to a succession of mild winters. H. Jan. 7th, Hereford, four (PGRB); 22nd, Monkland, a flock (RHB); 22nd, Lulham, 11 and parties seen throughout the year (TRHO); March 17th, Hoarwithy, building nest (FMP); 31st, Shobdon, nest with one egg (TRA); June 17th, Eywood, pair with fair-sized brood (RHB); 26th, Kingsland, c. 30 and seen at Aymestrey and Shobdon (SHR); Sept. 2nd, Checkley, four (HEM); 23rd, Fownhope, one (ROBG); 29th, Belmont, seven (PGRB); Nov. 3rd, Hergest Mill, c.50, and c.20 at Kington on 17th (CP); Oct. 20th, Belmont, ten and two on Nov. 15th (PGRB). R. May 16th, Cefnllys, one; Ifon Capel, one; Doldowlod, three on June 29th; Dolymynach, four on July 25th; Dolfan, four on Aug. 11th; Dolymynach, 14 on Nov. 19th and 25 on Dec. 10th (ROBG). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT. 1972 89

296. NUTHATCH. Much reduced by general lack of timber and orchards. H. Feb., Brilley, a pair feeding on hanging nuts (WLS); March, Hereford, heard, and seen 14th-24th (PGRB); Warham, nesting noted (ARM); April, gone from Madley, and only seen along rivers, Lyepole, Lugg and LIancilIo Monnow ([RHO); Broomy Hill, a pair constant at bird-table (WMG); April 26th, Belmont, one (PGRB); Nov. 3rd, Hergest, six/eight (CP); Kings­ land, SHR records five young fledged from a nest-box, and birds daily visit the suet-basket. R. Feb. 26th, LIandrindod Woods, two (ROBG); March 5th, LIandrindod bog, one (ROBG); May 31st, Marteg, one; June 22nd, Pen-y-Garreg, one; July 21st, LIandrindod Woods, two; 23rd, Glan LIyn, two and Dolymynach, two (ROBG).

298. TREECREEPER. H. Jan. 29th, Hereford, one in garden (AM); Feb. 9th, Hereford, in persistent song (AJS); March 15th, Breinton, three (ARM); 22nd, LIancillo, noted, but gone from Madley with the orchards (TRHO); April 22nd, Shobdon, nest with eggs (TRA); 26th, Belmont, two in song (PGRB); Aug. 13th, Credenhill, family party (M. Preece); 17th and 29th, Here­ ford, singing (PGRB); Nov. 3rd, Hergest Mill, ten (CP); Kings­ land, a frequent visitor (SHR). R. Feb. 26th, LIandrindod, one, also Feb. 29th; May 31st, Marteg, one; July 23rd, Glan LIyn, one and Dolymynach, one (ROBG).

299. WREN. H. Brilley, several pairs; young flown by June (WLS); June 1st, Hereford, adult feeding young (PGRB).

300. DIPPER. Normal in numbers on all streams in both Counties. Various nests reported in April, and feeding of young in May and up to June 21st.

301. MISTLE THRUSH. H. Feb. 28th, Brilley, resident pair ins­ pecting usual home in a yew (WLS); Aug. 30th, Hereford, 15 on rowan berries (PGRB); Lulham, 12 in flock (TRHO); Nov. 30th, Luston, four on windfall apples (PMT). Almeley, none pres­ ent this year (VMJ); Kingsthorne, nested successfully (TF); Kingsland, seen regularly (SHR).

302. FIELDFARE. Of winter flocks we have only three Radnor­ shire records-200 near HindweII on Jan. 25th (RHB); "many" near Blue Lins on April 3rd (RHB) and 14 at LIyn Hilyn on March 5th (ROBG). Herefordshire records are spasmodic and irregular, with no big numbers-c. 300 at WiIlersley, Jan. 23rd 90 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

(NWW); c. 100 at Lulham, March 8th (TRHO) and c. 120 at Sutton, March 23rd (ARM). Last seen at Warham, eight on April 12th (ARM). The autumn migration is unusually wide­ spread and large, and records too many to give. First arrival act. 6th, Kington, eight (JLF), and 9th at Bromyard (DGB). Thereafter they seem to be seldom absent from most areas, often in small numbers but, in Radnorshire, including 250 on Oct. 30th at Maesgwyn (ROBG), c.500 at Rhosgoch on Dec. 18th (JLF), c. 1,000 at Hindwell on Dec. 9th (ROBG) and 150 at Penybont (ROBG). At Ivington birds were noted feeding on yew, and an apparent young bird feeding on apples (JMB-T).

303. SONG THRUSH. H. and R. Oct. 1st, Moreton, passing birds calling at midnight; many more around on act. 3rd; local num­ bers normal again act. 4th (AJS); Oct. 7th, middle Wye, many immigrant birds, all departed by 9th, and very plentiful in west Wales by 12th (JLF).

304. REDWING. In the 1971-1972 winter Redwings were not abundant. On March 4th, following snow, on the Teme near Ludlow, the PG's marked about 20 flocks per hour of mixed Redwings and Fieldfares, 20 to 60 in a flock and over 90% Red­ wings. TRA notes c.300 at Shobdon on Feb. 26th. In the Lugg Valley CWW notes them "plentiful on drowned meadows". Other records are meagre. The autumn has been a 'Redwing year'; though less ubiquitous and constant than Fieldfare, they have been numerous up to Dec. 31st. The first record is 15 at Holme Lacy on Oct. 9th (JLF). On 23rd at Kingsland SHR notes the lawns covered for two days with Redwings, turning over leaves, eating apples and trying the hawthorns. On Oct. 8th at Pen-y-Garreg reservoir ARM notes "Huge autumn pass­ age heard nearly every night in second half of November; num­ bers decreased by end of the year, and outnumbered by Field­ fares. On Nov. 13th at Sutton CWW notes "many hundreds" and only a few Fieldfares.

307. RING OUSEL. H. June 2nd, OIchon Valley, at least three males singing, and apparent nest-building by female watched (PJW). Oct. 4th-14th, Bromyard, a bird in the garden feeding exclusively on mulberries and cotoneaster frigida pendula (DGB). R. March 25th, Llanbedr, a flock of eight and one of 11 (AM); April 11th, Elan Valley, a male and female (CW); May 13th, Wylder, two pairs (P. Hope Jones); June 29th, Stankey HilI, a pair carrying food (RHB & AStGW).

308. BLACKBIRD. H. First song March 8th (TRHO). R. Jan. 25th, Rhayader, 14 with Chaffinches (ROBG). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 91

311. WHEATEAR. H. March 21st, Shobdon, a pair (TRA); 29th, west of St. Harmon's, one (ARM); April 3rd, Cat's Back, two (BEM); 5th, Holme Lacy, a pair (JLF); 6th, Kenchester, one (ARM); 23rd, Kington, one (BEM); Aug. 26th, Longtown, one (BEM); Sept. 14th, Hereford, one migrating (AJS). R. March 29th, Claerwen, seen (CWW); Marteg, one (SB); April 1st, Penybont seen (CW); 29th, Uyn Cerrig-Uwydion Isaf, 11 (ROBG); May 13th, Rhiw-Riad, one, "otherwise surprisingly scarce in Marteg area" (P. H. Jones); 31st, Gilfach, one (ROBG); June, "not yet seen" (RHB); June, Moelienydd, a pair with fledged young, otherwise scarce (JLF); Penybont, a few pairs (CW); June 25th, Blue Lins, noted on Club Outing; Aug. 13th, Dolymynach, two (ROBG); 19th, MoeIienydd, two (ARM); 21st, Presteign, Stonewall Hill, pair of young (EEG); Oct. 14th, two at Moelienydd (JLF). TRA notes "scarce on Radnor hills".

317. STONECHAT. H. March 6th, Brilley, a pair (RHB & JMB); Aug 28th, Kings Acre, two apparently in moult. R. May 13th, Marchein Fawr, one, apparently on territory (P. H. Jones); Nov. 19th, Dolymynach, one near Cwm Clyd (ROBG).

318. WHINCHAT. H. May 1st, Holme Lacy, one (JLF); May 9th, Letton, one (VMJ); 15th, Eywood, a male (RHB); 17th, Bel­ mont, a male in song (PGRB); 31st, Ewyas Harold, four (BEM); June 2nd, Olchon Valley, a female (PW); July 8th, Prior's Court, Ledbury, a pair (John Parry); 20th, Ledbury, one on passage (GC); 28th, Kings Acre, one (ARM). R. May 13th, Marcheini waterfall, and Glan-yr-Afon, one each, singing (P. H. Jones); 14th, Black Hill, numerous, and Blue Lins, breeding in late June (Club Outings); June 10th, Penybont, now numerous (CW); Uyn HiIyn, two (ARM); Aug. 19th, MoeI­ ienydd, one (ARM).

320. REDSTART. H. April 13th, Bradnor Hill, one (NWW); 20th, Easthampton, noted (TRA); May 1st, Shelwick, three (CWW); 26th, BriIIey, pair nesting (WLS); 29th, present in Shobdon Woods (SHR); May-June, TRHO notes three pairs up OIchon. two pairs at Clodock, three pairs Lyepole, one Preston Marsh: seems all right up the river valleys, but not elsewhere. June, Kington, RHB notes "not seen so far". July, Huntington Court, pair bred successfully (Mrs. Jack); July 23rd, Leintwardine, prob­ ably only one seen (MB); Aug. 10th-30th, near Ledbury, singles seen on passage at three sites (GC); Aug., Fownhope, two (HEM); Sept. 6th, Kingsland, a hen (SHR); 7th, Warham, seen on migration (ARM). TRA reports Redstarts more numerous than in 1971, with several pairs at Eyton. 92 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

R. April 19th, Presteign, noted (EEG); May 15th, Penybont, one, and one at Marteg on 31st (ROBG); 15th, Laithddu, three (ROBG, who notes fewer seen than in any previous year except 1971); June 22nd, Dderw, Rhayader, one; Glan Llyn, a male feeding young; and Doldowlod, one on 29th (ROBG); Aug. 13th, Dolymynach, three including two juveniles (ROBG).

322. NIGHTINGALE. May 2nd, Haugh Wood, present (CWW).

325. ROBIN.

327. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. H. April 26th, Easthampton, in song, and last heard Aug. 1st (TRA); May 1st, Wellington Heath, singing into the night (J. Parry); Eywood, probably two in song (RHB); June 12th, Kings Acre, one (ARM). Breinton, heard during the year (GGJ). TRHO notes its absence from Madley and Preston, and AJS its absence from other areas patronised in the bumper year of 1971.

333. REED WARBLER. H. May 4th, Shobdon pools, first heard (TRA); June 14th, at least eight in song (Club Outing); 26th, "clearly numerous" (TRA & AJS). R. June 19th, Hundred House bog, one seen (SiB).

337. SEDGE WARBLER. H. June 18th, Byton, present, not sing­ ing (TRA); Aug. 23rd, Holme Lacy, one feeding on willow (JLF). R. May 12th, Penybont, noted (CW); 15,th, Llandrindod bog, two (ROBG). AJS again notes "scarce ... following the excep­ tional 1971 season" and TRHO concurs.

343. BLACKCAP. H. Jan. 5th, Bosbury, male seen (GC); Feb. 10th, Tupsley, for several weeks a male has visited the bird table (per JLF); April 1st, Hereford, a pair (CWW); 8th, Fownhope, singing (KAM); Broomy Hill and Warham (two), singing, and Belmont and Breinton by 12th (ARM); 10th, Ivington, singing (JMB-T); 11th, Dormington (GC) and Bosbury on 13th; 14th, Mowley Wood, seen (NWW); 22nd, L1ancillo, in song (TRHO), and Shobdon (EEG); 29th, Eywood, in song (RUB). PGRB records singers-Hereford, April 20th and up to June 24th; Belmont, April 26th and three on June 14th; Ledbury, three on June 23rd. May 29th, singing in Shobdon Woods (SHR); Aug., Hereford, present for weeks (GGJ); Dec. 23rd-24th, Sutton, a cock in the garden (SiB). R. May 16th, Cefnllys, two (ROBG); June 1st, Bryn Sadwin bridge, two, and one at Doldowlod, June 29th (ROBG); July 21st. L1andrindod, one (ROBG). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 93

346. GARDEN WARBLER. H. April 23rd, Munsley, noted (EEG); May 3rd, Hereford and Moreton, a general influx of this species along with other warblers, Sandmartin, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail (AJS); 17th, Belmont, three singing, and singing near Ledbury, June 23rd (pGRB); June, 'Eywood, one to two pairs at least (RHB); Aug. 26th, Kington, one in fruit cage (RHB); Sept. 6th-17th, Kingsland, one in garden (SHR). R. May 12th, Penybont, one (eW); June 1st, Bryn Sadwin. four, and Llandrindod, one on July 21st (ROBG).

347. WHITETHROAT. H. April 14th, Preston Marsh, smgmg (TRHO); 26th, Haugh Wood, noticed (CWW); May 9th, Eywood, one in song (RHB); 16th, Brilley, pair nested again (WLS); 17th, Belmont, one singing, and near Ledbury, June 23rd (PGRB); May 29th, Fownhope, several (REM); Shobdon and Wapley, seen (SHR); 31st, Ewyas Harold, plentiful (REM); Aug. 3rd, Bush Bank, in garden (WHDW); 28th, Kings Acre, c. six (ARM). AJS notes its complete absence from parts of the Hereford Wye where it was common. Loss of hedgerows accounts for only a little of this.

348. LESSER WHITETHROAT. H. April 28th, Ivington, first heard (JMB-T); also Belmont (PGRB); 29th, Eywood, singing (RHB); June 10th, Broxwood, one; 17th, Mowley Wood, one (NWW); 23rd, Ledbury and 24th, Hereford (PGRB); Aug. 14th, Bush Bank, in garden (WHnW); 20th, Castleton, one (NWW); 21st, Kingsland, in garden (SHR); 28th, Kings Acre, one (ARM); Sept. 4th-7th, Canon Frome, passage noted (GCe). On the Hereford Wye AJS reckons its status, unlike the Whitethroat's, much the same. R. June 28th, WaIton, heard (NWW); 29th, Builth quarry, feeding young (ROBG).

354. WILLOW WARBLER. H. First arrival April 1st, Sutton (SB); April 3rd, Brilley (WLS); 6th, Parkway (JGM); 7th, Moreton (AJS); 10th, Bosbury (GC); 12th, Kington (NWW); 13th, Long­ town and Preston (TRHO), and Welsh Newton (FMP). There­ after records are numerous. Last sighting is two at Holme Lacy on Oct. 3rd (JLF). Numbers seem to be average. R. April 12th, Penybont (eW); 28th, Llandrindod, two and six on 30th at Afon Marteg (ROBG). 94 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

356. CHIFFCHAFF. H. First record March 20th, Holme Lacy and Hampton Bishop (Jl.F); 21st, Hereford Wye (AJS); Eywood (RHB) and Huntington (ARM); 25th, PutIey (JGM) and Fown­ hope (KAM); 26th, Byton (DH). Records then become general and numerous. l.ast records Oct. 4th, Fownhope (KAM) and 5th, Hereford (PGRB). R. No record sent in before May 30th, CefnIIys (ROBG); June 13th, Vron and CefnIIys again (ARM).

357. WOOD WARBLER. H. April 25th, Dinmore (CWW); 29th, Shobdon (EEG); May four/five pairs Lyepole to Aymestrey, and stilI singing on June 19th (TRHO). Bred near Ledbury (GC). R. May 30th, CefnIIys, one, and six at Marteg on 31st; June 1st, Bryn Sadwin, one; and Glan LIyn, one (ROBG); 10th, Beu­ lah, present, and at Vron on 13th (ARM); 22nd, Pen-y-Garreg, two, and one at Cwm Clyd (ROBG).

364. GOLDCREST. The species seems flourishing, owing to mild winters and to conifer planting. H. Jan. 14th, Hereford, noted, and singing on 18th (PGRB); 25th, Burrington, noted (JMM); 31st, Eywood, one RHB), and in song, with courtship, at Hereford (CWW); Feb. 7th, Lulham, singing (TRHO); 20th, Mowley Wood, two pairs (NWW); April, "widespread in suitable localities" (JLF); April 16th, BriIIey, nesting in yew over the top of a MistIe Thrush's nest; young flew by June 7th (WLS); July 28th, Hereford, feeding in evergreen oak; four young flew from nest (WMG); Sept. 1st, Easthampton, young left nest (TRA); Oct. 21st, BeImont, five (PGRB); Nov. 3rd, Hergest Mill; c. 35 (CP); 30th, Luston, two in honeysuckle (FMT). Ivington, resident and breeding (JMB-T). TRHO records finding them in oak, elder, sycamore and other deciduous trees. R. Feb. 26th, LIandrindod, six (ROBG); June 22nd, Pen-y­ Garreg, eight; Doldowlod, two feeding young (ROBG); Aug. 11th, Dolfan, six (ROBG); Oct. 24th, Pencerrig, two; and Nov. 18th, LIanyre, two, and Dolymynach, two (ROBG).

366. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. H. First record May 3rd, Hoar­ withy (TFVM); 9th, Burrington, one (JLF); 12th, Almeley, one; "fewer than in 1971" (VMJ); 20th, Ivington, "very late" (JMB-T); 24th, Brilley (WLS); 31st, Hereford, three; also seen at Ledbury (PGRB); June, Lulham, one pair instead of two (TRHO); Kington, two pairs, garden and churchyard (RHB); July 10th, Hereford Wye; six; also feeding young at Belmont (PGRB). Near Ledbury GC reports "bred at density of a pair HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 95

to 190 acres, over 1,500 acres". Kingsthorne, common and bred successfully (TF); Sept. 12th, Bush Bank, four (WHDW). Last record Sept. 17th, by the Lugg, one young bird (Mark Lawley). R. May 12th, Penybont, three (CW); June 1st, Pencerrig, two (ROBG); July 21st, L1andrindod, common, and feeding two young (ROBG); 22nd, Bleddfa, two, and eight at Glan L1yn on Aug. 12th (ROBG).

3,68. PIED FLYCATCHER. H. April 28th, Eywood, present (CWW); 29th, Shobdon, noted (EEG); 30th, Westhope, singing (KAM); May-June, Eywood, a pair present but not nesting; another pair reared three young (RHB); May Bth, Nupend Res­ erve, singing but no evidence of breeding (KAM); 22nd, singing at Aymestrey pools, and nested successfully in nest-box (SHR). R. May 13th, Allt-Goch and Gilfach, a few; a pair at Ty­ Coch (P. H. Jones); 15th, Penybont, one; 30th, Marteg, two (ROBG); June 1st, Penybont, one; Pencerrig two; 21st, Glan L1yn, one feeding young and two in song; Pen-y-Garreg, two feeding young (ROBG); 22nd, Dolymynach, two feeding young; Penybont Lake, one; 23rd, Glan L1yn, two (ROBG); 22nd, Peny­ bont, three boxes occupied (CW). See also note on nest-boxes-Ed.

373. MEADOW PIPIT. H. Jan., Hereford, singles on various dates (PGRB); Lulham, small scattered flock resident (TRHO); Feb. 11 th, Lugg Meadows, c. 30 CCWW); Sept. 24th, Belmont, ten (PGRB); Oct. 9th, Hereford, seven, and Nov. 15th, two at Bel­ mont (PGRB). R. Feb. 26th, L1andrindod, 40+ (ROBG); April 29th, L1yn­ Cerrig-L1ydion-Isaf, very numerous (ROBG); Sept. 2nd and Oct. 14th, Moelienydd, considerable S.E. movement (JLF & Club Outing).

376. TREE PIPIT. H. March 21st, Eywood, three apparently of this species (RHB); May 2nd, Lyepole, two singing; and 5th, L1ancillo, one (TRHO); 6th, Dinmore, present (CWW); Aug. 4th-16th, Stanley Hill, Ledbury, general passage noted (GC). R. May 14th, Dolymynach, one (ROBG).

380 (a). PIED WAGTAIL. Thinly distributed. H. Jan. 13th, Kington, one-the only one seen (RHB); Feb. 6th, Shobdon Sewage Farm, 20+; and Park Pool, roost in phrag­ mites noted (TRA); Oct. 2nd, Hereford, four; and seven by Wye, Oct. 5th (PGRB). Lulham, occasional through the year (TRHO). Kingsland, seen frequently in breeding season (SHR). 96 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

381. GREY WAGTAIL. H. Jan. 30th, Burrington, one; Leintwar­ dine, two (JLF); Moreton, noted (CWW); Feb. 7th, Hampton Bishop, noted (CWW); March, Brilley, pair at usual site (WLS), and young flew May 27th; March 6th, Hereford Wye, one (PGRB); 17th, Hereford Wye, one (ARM); 26th, Hoarwithy, a pair (TFVM); May, two pairs at LIancillo and three near Lyepole (TRHO); July 20th, Bromyard, three in potato patch (DGB); Oct. 13th, Holme Lacy, four (JLF); Nov. 3rd, Hergest, one (CP); 13th, Wergins Bridge, two (CWW); Nov. 4th-Dec. 18,th, Swin­ moor, Madley, pair resident around house, a mile from running water (TRHO). R. Jan. 4th, Cross Gates, single (CWW); May 13th, Gilfach, one; Marcheini, one (P. H. Jones); 14th, Dolymynach, one; 31st, Dolhalfa-Ganol, one (ROBG), and Gilfach, two. June 1st, Pont­ ar-Ithon, one feeding young; Erwood, one; 22nd, Rhayader, one (ROBG); 22nd, Cross Gates, one (ROBG); 25th, Blue Lins, breeding (Club Outing); 26th, Craig-yr-AIlt, one (ROBG); 27th, LIandegley, a pair (CW).

382 (a) YELLOW WAGTAIL. H. April 1st, Hampton Bishop, one in potato field (JLF); 4th, Hereford Wye, two; a large influx on 17th (AJS); May 1st, Hereford, one calling (PGRB); 12th, TitIey, noted on Arrow (JMB); 27th, LIancillo, a pair (TRHO); the birds have left Madley owing to extension of arable (TRHO); June 14th, Shobdon Airfield, numerous and with young (Club Outing). Kingsland, present all season but breeding uncertain (SHR); June 23rd, Buckton bridge, a male (TRA); 28th, Milton Cross, three on road (VMJ); Aug. 24th, Canon Frome, one on passage (GC); Sept. 1st, Hampton Park, six (BEM); act. 2nd, Moreton, last one seen (AJS).

383. WAXWING. H. Nov. 23rd, Hereford, one by Hillside hostel, feeding on haws (PGRB).

384. GREAT GREY SHRIKE. H. Jan. 17th, LeinthalI Starkes, a single; also at Willows Farm on 25th (JMM); Nov., Ewyas Harold, one frequented Mrs. Robinson's garden for ten days up to the 24th, and killed birds, including a Blackbird (per CWW); Nov. 20th. Shobdon Airfield, one feeding on recent plough (per TRA).

389. STARLING. H. A number of sightings up to thousands of birds are reported, and the main centre seems to be Westhide Wood, which may hold a quarter of a million birds. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 97

391. HAWFINCH. H. Jan. 30th, Burrington bridge, a male twice seen (JLF); March 27th, Coddington, a pair, and one, perhaps two, had been there Feb. 22nd (JGM); July 7th, Lugwardine, one in garden (CWW).

392. GREENFINCH. H. March 19th, Eywood, c.25 (AM); March, Ivington, 20 in garden at end of month (JMB-T); Dec., six on 19th; 12 on 21st, near Hereford (PGRB). Very com­ mon at Kingsland (SHR). R. Jan. 19th, Newchurch, c.250 in swede field (JLF).

393. GOLDFINCH. H. Jan. 21st, Hereford, one, and two on 24th (PGRB); 31st, Eywood, single (RHB); Feb. 12th, Clifford, c.80 (CWW); April 20th, BriIley, single; a pair nested; and "more around than usual" (WLS); May, Kingsthome, absent this year (TF); July, Hereford area, singles noted, and young on Aug. 16th (PGRB); Nov. 3rd, Hergest, c. 10 (CP); Nov. 10th, Lulham, c. 11 (TRHO). Kingsland, regular throughout the year (SHR). R. May 15th, Llangunllo, 12 (ROBG); Dec. 18th, Clyro, two on thistles at 1,200 feet (JLF).

394. SISKIN. H. Jan.-Feb., Wye and Lugg, flocks in alders (CWW); Jan. 3rd, Hampton Bishop, c.20 in alder (JLF); 14th, Eywood, four (RHB); and 31st, 20-25; Jan. 22nd Fownhope, four (KAM); Feb. 14th and 19th, Eywood, two (RHB); 14th, Wig­ more, 12 (JILF); 20th, Mowley Wood, c.30 (NWW); March 9th, Lulham Wye, two-never seen before (TRHO); 15th, War­ ham, 12 (JLF); Kingsland, flocks along the Lugg (S'HR); Nov. 3rd, Hergest, mixed with Redpolls, 15-20 (CP); 15th, Belmont, ten, and 15 on 22nd, and six on 26th (PGRB); 18th, Leintwar­ dine, c.50 (JLF); Dec. 8th, Hereford Wye, 15 (PGRB). R. Aug. 11th-13th, Dolfan, a pair in larch, obviously feed­ ing young, which could be heard (ROBG); Dec. 16th, Evenjobb, c.4O (JLF).

395. LINNNET. H. Jan., Lulham, biggish flock wintering (TRHO); March 31st, Bullingham, single (PGRB); April 12th, Belmont, three, and singing on 27th at Hereford (PGRB); May 31st, Ewyas Harold, 20 (BEM); June, Eywood, only two noted all season (RHB); Lulham, well distributed in hedges (TRHO); Aug.; Led-

hllrv~-~J "r~ .._-," ,.?no;n",' _ ..., Ir"l..- (nr\,_ .f. R. Jan. 31st, Newchurch, c. 50 feeding on fat-hen (JLF); Feb. 26th, Llandrindod golf course, 40 with Goldfinches, Yellow Ham­ mers and Reed Buntings (ROBG); May 20th, Penybont, c. six (CW). 98 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

397. REDPOLL. H. Jan. 3rd,Eywood, some in alders (RHB); Huntington, one (ARM); 14th, Kington, one (NWW); 30th, nine (JLF); Feb. 6th, Shobdon marshes, a flock in alders (TRA); 20th, Leach Pool, three (NWW); April, Eywood, occasional small parties (RHB); May 7th, Yarsop, 24 feeding on oak and syca­ more flowers (JLF); Oct. 23rd, Belmont, one, and four on Nov. 15th (PGRB); Nov. 5th, Kington churchyard, ten (CP); Nov. 15th, SuUon, six (ARM); Dec. 6th, Hereford Wye, nine (AJS); 15th, Haugh Wood, small flocks (CWW). R. Feb. 29th, Llandrindod, three (ROBG); May 7th, Peny­ bont, a few (CW); 30th, Llandrindod, two; Dolhalfa-Ganol, one with nest; and two at Newbridge, June 1st (ROBG).

401. BULLFINCH. Well distributed, rather furtive and fluctuating. Nest-building at Breinton observed to begin, in yew, as late as July 26th (WMG).

404. CROSSBILL. H. July 8th, Haugh Wood, c.75 on larch (JLF); July 20th, Bromyard, a't 8.30 a.m. 12/15 flew in from S.E. and landed in Lombardy poplars, giving excellent view (DGB); Aug. 13th, Bredwardine, five in spruce (M. Preece); Wigmore Rolls, three, and on Oct. 22nd, c. 200 (TRA); Nov. 17th, King­ ton, 12 (CP); 26th, Dymock area, 14 in larch (BE); Dec. 10th, Wigmore, several flocks up to 25 (Club Outing). R. Sept. 24th, Kinnerton, c. 12 (JMB); Oct. 30th, Rhiw Pool, c. 30 drinking (TRA); Nov. 8th, Radnor Forest, 25, mostly males (J'LF).

407. CHAFFINCH. H. Jan.-March, Brilley, maximum seen to­ gether 38 (WLS); Feb. 9th, Hereford, first song (AJS). R. Oct. 29th, Brynmelyn, c. 100 (ROBG).

408. BRAMBLING. H. Jan. 5th, Criftin Ford, one with Chaf­ finches (JLF); 6th, Bosbury, c. 180 along with c.70 Green­ finches (GC); Jan.-Feb., Lulham, c. 100 in cUrrant field till Jan. 10th, then left; c. 30 in hop yard in Feb. (TRHO); Feb. 2nd, Tid­ nor, two (JLF); 28th, Brilley, a pair with finches and Tree Spar­ rows, the first seen here (WLS); March 8th, Staunton on Wye, c. 100 with Chaffinches (CWW); Nov. 13th, Hampton Bishop, apparently taking insects from willow leaves (JLF); Nov. 17th, Kington churchyard, c. 80 (CP); Kingsland-8hobdon, winter flocks seen (SHR). R. Jan. 19th, Llan Bwch-llyn, nine; Newchurch, 100+ aLF); 23rd, Rhayader, 14 (ROBG); Feb. 7th, Bryngwyn, six; LIan Bwch-llyn, c. 30; Painscastle, c.45 (JLF); 12th, Knucklas, c. 20 and Knighton, 25 (NWW); March 10th, Newchurch­ Cloggan, a few (RHB). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 99

409. YELLOW HAMMER. H. Jan.-March, Brilley, at least three pairs (WLS); 23rd, Lulham, 25 ([RHO). R. Jan. 19th, Begwms, c.4O (JLF); Nov. 25th, Llan Bwch­ llyn, c. 20 (JLF). Fairly well distributed over both Counties.

410. CORN BUNTING. H. Jan. 3rd, Kings Acre, c. 16 and c. ten on March 16th and two/three singing on April 3rd (ARM); April 15th, Huntington, singing (DJB); June 12th, Kings Acre, four in song; noted there on Dec. 12th (ARM); late June, Hun­ tington, seen carrying food (SiB); July 6th, Upton Bishop, three singing (JLF).

421. REED BUNTING. H. Jan. 4th, Eywood, four (RHB), and by June at least two pairs nesting; March 19th, Shobdon Sewage Works, six (TRA); June 11th, Aymestrey, nest with four eggs, hatched 18th (F. W. Marston); 14th, Belmont, one singing (PGRB), and two on Nov. 15th; June 14th, Shobdon pools, noted on Club Outing. R. Feb. 26th, Llandrindod, 17 with Linnets, Goldfinches and Yellow Hammers (ROBG); April 29th, Glan Llyn, two (ROBG); July 22nd, Penybont, two (ROBG).

424. HOUSE SPARROW. H. Jan.-March, BriIIey, few Sparrows at winter feeding, despite a dozen other species (WLS). (Lucky WLS!-----&l.).

425. TREE SPARROW. H. Jan. 5th, Leintwardine, present in finch flocks (JLF); Feb. 6th, Shobdon Airfield, c.40 (TRA); March 5th, Clifford, numerous (CWW); 9th, Grafton, six, and two at Belmont (PGRB); late March, Ivington, 30 in garden (JMB-T); May 15th, Ledbury, breeding, and a white egg with four ordinary ones (JP). Reported from other localities as well. At Kingsthorne TF reports not present in 1972. In the Lugg Valley AJS recOrds "bred as usual". At Lulham Tree Sparrows occupied at least three boxes ([RHO).

ADDENDA FOR 1971 MARSH HARRIER. R. May 25th, 1971, Rhos-Goch, a female on passage seen hunting over the marsh 0. Lord, West Midiand Bird Club, Sutton Coldfield).

WAXWING. H. Nov. 28th, 1971. one seen at Llewellyn Road. Kington (NWW). 100 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

NON-MEMBERS' KEY Mrs. R. H. Bradshaw, Llowes, Rads.; P. Davis, Tregaron, Cards.; Mrs. de Winton, Maeslwch, Rads.; G. M. Ireson, CodshalI, Wolver­ hampton; Mrs. Jack, Huntington Court, Kington; Mrs. Gwynne James, Breinton; David Jones, Llandrindod Grammar School; Mark Lawley, Kings Heath, Birmingham 13; John Parry, Prior's Court, Ledbury; M. Preece, Llangynidr, Crickhowell, Brecon; M. J. Warren, Codshall, Wolverhampton; H. J. Wastie, Shobdon; S. White, National Museum of Wales.

REPORT EXCHANGES Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory. Brecknock County Naturalists' Trust, per Martin Preece. Bristol Naturalists' Society, Ornithological Section, per P. J. Chadwick, M.B.O.D. Derbyshire Ornithological Club. Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society. Gower Ornithological Society. Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Ornithological Section, per B. L. Sage, M.B.O.D. Isle of Wight Ornithological Society. London Natural History Society. North Gloucestershire Naturalists' Society. Shropshire Ornithological Society. Trent Valley Bird-Watchers' Society. West Wales Naturalists' Trust.

AFFILIATION SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 1972 Council for Nature 2-00 British Trust for Ornithology 2-50 British Naturalists' Association 0-50 West Midland Bird Club 1-00 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 4-00 Woolhope Naturalists' Field Club 1-50 Herefordshire and Radnorshire Nature Trust Ltd. ... 2-10 Herefordshire Community Council 0-53

£14-13 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 101

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Year ended 31st December. 1972 1971 1972 £ p £ p £ p Income: 11.82 Sale of Club Publications 5.35 55.20 Donations 5.23 24.40 Building Society Interest 28.71 281.58 Subscriptions 302.05 £373.00 £341.34

Deduct: Expenditure: 39.70 Printing and Stationery 40.13 75.00 Annual Report 105.00 47.72 Postage and Telephones 59.36 48.51 Meeting Expenses 67.61 14.13 Affiliation Subscriptions 14.13 10.00 Donation to B.T.O. 18.00 Depreciation of Projector 18.00 Cost of Projector Stand 36.89 2.00 Wreath 341.12 £255.06 117.94 Net Surplus for the year 0.22 627.82 Add: Surplus at 1st January, 1972 745.76 £745.76 Accumulated Funds as at 31st December, 1972 £745.98 Accumulated Funds at 31st December, 1972, represented by: 54.00 Projector at cost less amounts written off 36.00 582.70 Deposit with Abbey National Building Society 611.41 109.06 Cash at Bank, less 1973 subscriptions received in advance 98.57 £745.76 £745.98

B. C. ALLAN, Hon. Treasurer.

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 31st December, 1972, and of the Club's assets as at 31 st December, 1972.

T. DAVIES, Chartered Accountant.

20th January, 1973. 102 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

LIST OF MEMBERS

List of members as at 31 st December, 1972 An asterisk denotes Junior Member

ADDIS, R. P., L1ancillo Hall, Abergavenny. ADDIS, Mrs. R. P., L1ancillo Hall, Abergavenny. ALLAN, B. c., The Old Vicarage, Bredwardine, Herefordshire. AMMONDS, T. R., Eastharnpton Farm, Shobdon, Herefordshire. *ASHFORD P., 157, Kings Acre Road, Hereford.

BADLAND, Mrs. H. M., Castle View, Stapleton, Presteigne, Rads. BAILLlE, R. H., Wyche House, Kington, Herefordshire. BAILLlE, Mrs. C. G. G., Wyche House, Kington, Herefordshire. BAILY, R. E. H., C.B.E., Castle Pool Hotel, Hereford. BALL, E., Fairfield, Lower Breinton, Hereford. BALL, Mrs. c., Fairfield, Lower Breinton, Hereford. BALL, Miss M., Chafeyn Cottage, Breinton, Hereford. *BALLARD, Miss Sarah, Old Country Farm, Mathon, Nr. Malv

BRADSHAW, R. H., New Inn, Brilley, Whitney-on-Wye. *BRADSHAW, Miss Judith, New Inn, Brilley, Whitney-on-Wye. BRECKNELL, C. J., (Hon. Member) 18, Co!lege Road, Wells, Somerset. BRIGHT, G. W., Drumore, Leominster. BRIGHT, Mrs., Drumore, Leominster. BRITTON, Miss L. B., 21, Elgar Avenue, Hampton Park, Hereford. BROMLEY, F. S., The Garth, Kington, Herefordshire. BROMLEY, Mrs. J. M., The Garth, Kington, Herefordshire. *BROMLEY, Jonathon, The Garth, Kington, Herefordshire. *BROMLEY, Stephen, Shelderton Cottages, Clungunford, Craven Arms. BROOKES, Miss P., The Paddock, Lucton Lane, Kingsland. BROWN, E., Butlers Cottage, How Caple Court, Hereford. BROWN, Miss M., Willoughby, Highfield, Bank Crescent, Ledbury. BROWN, Miss W. B., Highfield, Bank Crescent, Ledbury. BROWN, Miss S. Tatton, Caradoc, Leintwardine, Craven Arms, Salop. BROWNING, T. N. R., Croft Cottage, Fownhope, Hereford. BROWNING, Mrs. M. D. E., Croft Cottage, Fownhope, Hereford. BUCHANAN, Mrs. M., The Ovals, Kington, Herefordshire. BULMER, H. H., Longmeadow, Breinton, Hereford. BUTCHER, B., 177, Upper Ledbury Road, Hereford.

CALlGARI, C. D. S., Hill Crest, Credenhill, Hereford. CARTWRIGHT, A. D., 78, Park Street, Hereford. CARTWRIGHT, W. G., 89, Newtown Road, Hereford. CAWLEY, Vivienne Lady, Berrington Hall, Leominster. CHANDLER, Dr. D. A., Bryn-Tyrion, Kingstone, Herefordshire. CLARK, P. B., Elmo, Much Birch, Hereford. CLARK, Mrs. A. E., Elmo, Much Birch, Hereford. CLARKE, C. F., The Orchard. Tillington, Hereford. CLARKE, Mrs. E. M., The Orchard, Tillington, Hereford. COBB, J. L. 5., Gatty Marine Laboratory, The University, St. Andrews, Fife. COLE, F. W., 1, GreenfieldRoad, Presteigne, Radnorshire. COLE, Mrs. L., I, Greenfield Road, Presteigne, Radnorshire. COLLEY, j., 19, Barton Road, Hereford. COLLlNS, M., Somerset Cottage, Much Birch, Herefordshire. CONIUM, Mrs. M. A., 68, Penn Grove Road, Hereford. COOMBES, A. T., Branscombe Cottage, Stour Row, Shaftesbury, Dorset. CooMBES, Mrs. H. G., Branscombe Cottage, Stour Row, Shaftesbury, Dorset. COOPER, Mrs. M. D., Yew Tree Croft, Little Birch, Hereford COOPER, R. j. Moorcourt, Lyonshall, Herefordshire. COOPER, Mrs. D. M., Moorcourt, Lyonshall, Herefordshire. CORDERY, Miss E. M., 45, Barrs Court Road, Hereford. COTTON, Mrs. R. M., Tigstump, Cockyard, Wormbridge, Herefordshire. COUND, Mrs. F. M., 68, Hinton Road, Hereford. CROSS, j. B., .Rugden House, How Caple, Herefordshire. CROSS, Mrs., Rugden House, How Caple, Herefordshire. CRUTTENDEN, P. c., 9, Daws Road, Hereford. CULLAN, N., The Croft, Tarrington, Hereford. CUNDALE, G. c., Stanley Hill Farm, Ledbury.

DAVIES, A. L., M.C., Stansbatch House, Pembridge, Leominster. DAVIES, Mrs. B., Stansbatch House, Pembridge, Leominster. DAVIES, Miss D. A. L., Glenover, Hillcrest Drive, L1andrindod Wells. DAVIES, Miss E. P., Troy. 29, Breinton Road, Hereford. DAVIES, G. M., Orchard Dale, Madley, Hereford HR2 9PJ. 104 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

DAVIES, Mrs. M., The Gaff, Foy, Ross-on-Wye. DAVIES, T., Hunters Moon, Breinton, Hereford. DAVIES, Mrs., Hunters Moon, Breinton, Hereford. DAW, W. H., Middlefield, Wyatt ~oad, Cross Keys, Herefo·rd. DAW. Mrs. D. W., Middlefield, Wyatt Road, Cross Keys, Hereford. DEACON, Capt. J. E. A., M.B.E.• G.M.• Hill Court, Kinaton. DEACON, Mrs. B., Hill Court. Kington. DEWHURST, Miss K. M., 2, Baggallay Street, Hereford. DE GREY. Mrs. E. F., North Acre, Kingsland. Herefordshire. DE WINTON, Major G.• Maesllwch Castle, Glasbury. Radnorshire. DE WINTON, Mrs. J. P.• Maesllwch Castle. Glasburv. Radnorshlre. 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.

EDWARDS, Miss E. M., Stokesay. 360, Upper Ledbury Road, Hereford. EDWARDS. Mrs. L. H., The Meadows, Preston Wynne, Hereford. EDWARDS, Miss M., Somerset Cottage. Little Marcle, Ledbury. ~DWARDS, 0., Bark Cottage. Fownhope. Hereford. ENGLISH, Mrs. E. M., High House. Peterstow, Ross-on-Wye. EVANS. B., c/o. Lynden Forest Nursery, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye. EVANS, P. M., Staunton House, Staunton-on-Arrow, Leominster. EVANS, I. B., 12, Brockington Drive. Hereford. EVANS, Mrs., 12, Brockington Drive, Hereford. *EVANS, Master Jonathan, 12, Brockington Drive, Hereford. EVERSHED, Miss L. M.• Hagley House, Ivington. Leominster.

FAwKINER, Lt.Col. Sir Terence, Bart., D. L.. Kingsthorne House, Hereford, FENN. Dr. C. M., Meadow Way, L1anwrtyd Wells, Brecon. FISHER, Dr. H. W., Wyelands, Broomy Hill, Hereford. FORREST, J. E., 45, Raith Drive, Kirkcaldy. Fife. FOSTER, R. M., 14, Brookside, Tupsley, Hereford. FOX, F. W., Strangford, Pentaloe Close, Mordiford, Hereford. FOX, Mrs. l. E., Strangford. Pentaloe Close, Mordiford, Hereford. FOX, H. M., Strangford, Pentaloe Close, Mordiford, Hereford. FOX. J. L., 5. Folly Lane, Hereford. FOX, Mrs. J. V., 5, Folly Lane, Hereford. FRANC IS, E. W., 13, Baily Brook Road, Hereford. FRANC IS, Mrs., 13, Baily Brook Road, Hereford. FRIK. H., Rock Cottage, Lugwardine, Hereford. FYSHE, A. G., Perryfield, Sollars Hope, Herefordshire. FYSHE, Mrs. G. J" Perryfield, Sollars Hope, Herefordshire.

GALLlMORE, T., WooQleigh, Staplow, Ledbury, Herefordshire. GARDNER, P., Highlands. Wharton. Leominster. GARDNER, Mrs. J., Highlands, Wharton, Leominster. GARFITT, C. R., 35, Hampton Dene Road, Tupsley, Hereford. GARFITT, Mrs. 35. Hampton Dene Road, Tupsley. Hereford. GARNETT, A T. G., Clyde House, 53, Edgar Street, Hereford. GARNETT. Mrs. Clyde House, 53. Edgar Street. Hereford. GARNETT. Major R. O. B., Rowan Cottage, Dog Lane, Crickley Hill, Glos. GL34UG. GASKELL, Mrs. D. l .• Seabournes, Fawley Chapel, Hereford. GASKELL, R. W., Gillow Manor, Harewood End, Hereford. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 105

GASKELL, Mrs., Gillow Manor, Harewood End, Hereford. GEORGE, Miss P. E., Rose Villa, Ackhill, Presteigne, Rads. 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 j. D., M.C., M.P., Doldowlod, L1andrindod Wells. GILBERT, B. F., The Laurels, 30, Tower Road, Broomy Hill, Hereford. GILBERT, Lt.-Col. E. R. F., Bishopstone, Hereford. GILBERT, Mrs., Bishopstone, Hereford. GILLAM, Miss M. A., 111, Ledbury Road, Hereford. GILLETT, F. G., 8, Burwood Close, Hereford. GRANT-DUFF, Dr. Lo, The Prospect, Much Dewchurch, Hereford. GRANT, Dr. C. A, Stone Cottage, Fownhope. GREEN, A c., I, Carroll Avenue, Fayre Oaks, Hereford. GREEN, Miss M.• 43, Alexandra Road, Malvern, Worcestershire. GREEN, .R. H., Cootes Close, Corie Castle, Wareham, Dorset. GRI FFITHS, C. N., 1, Montpelier Flats, Temple Street, L1andrindod Wells. GRIFFITHS, john, 26, Gwaelodygarth, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorganshire. GRIFFITHS, ). Gwynne, Tyn-y-eoed, Abbey Cwmhir, L1andrindod Wells. *GRIFFITHS, David I., Tyn-y-Coed, Abbey Cwmhir, L1andrindod Wells. GRIFFITHS, j. E., Tyn-y-Coed, Abbey Cwmhir, L1andrindod Wells. GROVE, Mrs. G. M., Stockley Oaks, Peterehurch, Hereford. GUEST, E., 35, Shenstone Avenue, Norton Estate, Stourbridge, Wores. GUTCH, Miss E. E., Dilke House, 15, Beauehamp Avenue, Leamington Spa.

HADFIELD, G., Bulls Grove, Putley, Ledbury. HADFIELD, Mrs. N., Bulls Grove, Putley, Ledbury. HAKE, Miss F. E., 49, Broomy Hill, Hereford. HANNYNGTON, Miss H. E., Haleswood, How Caple, Hereford. HARRISSON, W. R. D., Lower Bumps, Edge, Nr. Stroud, Glos. HARTLAN'D, W. D., Markeaton, Munstone, Hereford. HARTLAND, Mrs. M. E., Markeaton, Munstone, Hereford. HEATH, j. C. M., Greensleeves, Whitehureh, Ross-on-Wye. HEATH, Mrs. M. Greensleeves, Whitehureh, Ross-on-Wye. HEATHCOTE, Mrs. A., 140, Tyglas Road, L1anishen, Cardiff. HELME, Dr. V. P., 30, Gorsty Lane, Hereford. HERMON, F. R. c., 92, Old Eign Hill, Hereford. HERMON, Mrs. W. M., 92, Old Eign Hill, Hereford. HERRIDGE, A. D., Mews Cottage, Carey, Hereford. HERVEY-BATHURST, Major B. A F., Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. HESTEN, A, 43, Broekhampton Drive, Tupsley, Hereford. HESTEN, Mrs., 43, Broekhampton Drive, Tupsley, Hereford. HIAM, D. R., The Hollow, Byton, Presteign, Radnorshire. HIAM. Mrs. The Hollow, Byton, Presteigne, Rads. HIGGINS, M. F., Tannaehie, Hareourt Road, West Malvern. HIGTON, K. A, Darren House, Ledbury Road, Ross-on-Wye. HILL, Lt. Col., T. j. B., Ash Cottage, Fownhope, Hereford. HILL, Mrs. j., Ash Cottage, Fownhope, Hereford. HINCHLlFFE, j. E. c., Newel Tryst, Shobdon, Herefordshire. HINCHL!FFE, ~l!rs . .A•• S., f'Je ...."Je! Tryst, Shobdon, Herefordshlre. HINDE, P. W., 14, Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton, Staffs. HINDE, Mrs. M. G. A, 14, Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton, Staffs. HOLFORD, Mrs. R., Spring Grove Cottages, Buekland Newton, Dorchester. HOLLAND, Lady Elizabeth, Dderw, Rhayader, Radnorshire. HORNE, Miss E. M., Upper Bridge Court, Brilley, Whitney-on-Wye. 106 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

HOWORTH, Lt. CoL, P. J., Hill House, Kingsthorne, Hereford. HOWORTH, Mrs. Hill House, Kingsthorne, Hereford. HUDSON, Miss R. A., Tell in, Lyonshall, Herefordshire. HUGHES, Mrs., Farcroft, Lucton, Kingsland, Herefordshire. HUNT, R., Whitmore House, Burghill, Hereford. HUNT, Mrs. M., Whitmore House, Burghill, Hereford. HUTTON, Mrs. R. H. B., The Elms, Hampton Bishop, Hereford

JACK, I. Logan, Huntington Court, Kington. JAMES, P. Gwynne., Highcroft, Breinton, Hereford. JAMES, Mrs., Highcroft, Breinton, Hereford. JARVIS, C. J., Ridway Cottage, Thruxton, Hereford. JARVIS, Mrs. J. M., Ridway Cottage, Thruxton, Hereford. JENKINS, D. C., Tyngwndwn, Felinfach, Lampeter, Cards. JENKINS, Mrs. V. M., Lady Lift Villa, Almeley, Herefordshire. JOHN, Mrs. M. E., Ruddhill, Monkland, Leominster. JONES, Barry E., Attadine, Mordiford, Hereford. JONES, Commander B. 5., O.B.E., R.N., Moccas Court, Moccas, Hfds. JONES, C. F., 69, Belmont Avenue, Belmont Estate, Hereford. IONES, Mrs., 69, Belmont Avenue, Belmont Estate, Hereford. JONES, Mrs. P., The Oxford Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, Salop. JONES, R. A., 18, Gorsty Lane, Hereford. JONES, R. e, Sylfaen, Holcombe Drive, L1andrindod Wells. JONES, Tudor J., L1andrindod Hall, L1andrindod Wells.

KAULFUSS, E. A., Castlebury, Shenmore, Madley, Hereford. KAULFUSS, Mrs. Castlebury, Shenmore, Madley, Hereford. KEAL, Mrs. H. G., The White House, 39, Moor Park Road, Hereford. KEARTON, Mrs. P., The Sherriffs, Lyonshall. KEMEYS, W. G., 45, Breinton Avenue, Hereford. KEOWN-BOYD, Lady Joan, M.B.E., 35/2, Mansfield Street, London, W .•. KIDDLE, B. M., Green Trees, Court Drive, Tillington, Hereford. KIDDLE, Mrs. R. E., Greentrees, Court Drive, Hereford. KINOHAM, Mrs. H. J., 29, St. Bernard Road, Sutton Coldfield, Warwicks. KIRK, J. H., Dunhampton, Hatfield, Leominster, Herefordshire. KIRK, Mrs., Dunhampton, Hatfield, Leominster, Herefordshire. KNOTT, W. E. B., Coombe Farm, Leominster Road, Presteigne. KYNASTON-DAVIES, Mrs. L., 8, Prince Edward Road, Hereford.

LAMBOURNE, G. e, The Cottage Fa~m, Ipsley, Nr. Redditch, Worcs. LANE, J. P., Top Cottage, Little Common, Dorstone. LANGDALE-SMITH, Dr. H. G., Orchard Hill, Tarrington, Hereford. LANGDALE-SMITH, Mrs. D. M., Orchard Hill, Tarrington, Hereford. LAWRENCE, Miss H. M., I. The Nook, Tupsley, Hereford. LEE, P. H., O.B.E., Backbury House, Checkley, Herefordshire. LEE, Mrs. S., Backbury House, Checkley, Herefordshire. LEMON. L. T., Grafton Cottage, Ross Road, Grafton, Hereford. LEMON, Mrs. Grafton Cottage, Ross Road, Grafton, Hereford. LEVICK, D. R., Bearwood, Pembridge, Nr. Leominster. LEVICK, Mrs. M. P., Bearwood, Pembridge, Nr. Leominster. LEWIS, A. H., Fisheries Research, British Embassy, P.O. Box 393 ]eddah, Saudi A~abia. LEWIS, Mrs. K., Fisheries Research, British Embassy, P.O. Box 393 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 107

LEWIS, B., Little Heath, Leysters, Nr. Leominster. LEWIS, Mrs., Little Heath, Leysters, Nr. Leominster. LEWIS, Major C. J. L., Evancoyd, Presteigne, Radnorshire. LEWIS, Miss G. M., 7, Heaton Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham 15. LEWIS, J. J., Far Hall, Dolau, L1andrindod Wells, Rads. LEWIS, Squadron Leader V. c., Bircher Hall, Bircher, Leominster. LEWIS, Mrs. O. K., Bircher Hall, Leominster. L1NDSAY-SCOTT, Miss W., Upper Bridge Court, Brilley, Whitney-on-Wye. LING, Mrs. E., The Dell Cottage, Bridstow, Ross-on-Wye. LLOYD, A. W., Swanclose, Hergest Road, Kington. LLOYD, Mrs. E. 5., Three Hollies, Brilley Green, Whitney-on-WVe. LOCK, Dr. J. M., Nimrod, Alexander Road, Malvern. LOMAX, Miss K. L., The Old Forge, Nash, Presteigne. LUCTON SCHOOL, O.c., Eric Marsh, Lucton School, Leominster. LYON, Miss Rosemary, Yew Trees, Hacketts, Colwall, Nr. Malvern.

MACADIE, C. 5., Long Thatch, Lydbury North, Salop. MADGE, Mrs. G., 16, Lodger Drive, Hereford. McDOUGALL, P., M.B.O.U., College of Education, Hexham, Northumberland. MALLARD, W. H., The Cottage, Newton Lane, Leominster. MALLARD, Mrs., The Cottage, Newton Lane, Leominstmer. MARLER, W. J., RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire. MARCHANT, A., 16, Broad Leys Crescent, Hereford. MARSTON, F. W., Sandiacre, 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., M.C., Prothither Mill, Nr. Hoarwithy, Hfds. MATTHEWS, Mrs., Prothither Mill, Nr. Hoarwithy, Herefordshire. MAUNSELL, Mrs. K. I., Little Tredunnock, L1angarron, Ross-on-Wye. MEAD, C. J., 4, Beaconsfield Road, Tring, Hertfordshire. MEADHAM, W. H., 10, Guildford Street, Hereford. MEADHAM, Mrs. H., 10, Guilcllford Street, Hereford. MEADOWS, Miss Jean, 39, Nasmyth Street, Denton, Manchester. MEREDITH, J., The Orchard, Cusop, Hay-on-Wye. 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., The Clyst, Hampton Park, Hereford. MILLS, L. c., 13, Pen-y-Bryn, Crossgates, L1andrindod Wells. MOORE, Air Commodore, L. P., C.B.E., Chalfont, Ferndale Road, Hereford. MOORE, Mrs. D., Chalfont, Ferndale Road, Hereford. MOORE, The Rev. R. C.• "Pippins", Horselane Orchard, Ledbury. MORGAN, Mrs. ]. E., The Showers, Kingsland, Herefordshire. MORGAN, Miss Julia, Ye Olde House, 15, Duke Street, Kington. *MORGAN, S. W., Ye Olde House, 15, Duke Street, Kington. MORLEY, R., 23, The Birches, Shobdon, Herefordshire. MORLEY, Mrs. R., 23, The Birches, Shobdon, Herefordshire. MOSS, Miss K. L., 11, Green End, Presteign, Radnorshire. MOUNTFORD, A.R., i7, Oatfieid Close, Hereford. MOXLEY, R. ]., The Retreat, Munstone, Hereford. MOXLEY, Mrs., The Retreat, Munstone, Hereford. MULLER, Miss I. (Hon. Member) 2, Quantock Close. Weston-Super-Mare. MURRAY, J. G., M.R.C.V.S., Kilmory, Ledbury. MURRAY, Mrs. Kilmory, Ledbury. 108 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

NASH, A. R., Cranwell, Dinedor, Herefordshi·re. NASH, Mrs. J. R., Cranwell, Dinedor, Herefordshire.

OVENDEN, Dr. R. N., Stone House, Kingsland, Herefordshire. OVENDEN, Mrs. P. A., Stone House, Kingsland, Herefordshire. OWEN, T. R. H., CB.E., Swinmoor House, Madley, Herefordshire. OWEN, Mrs., Swinmoor House, Madley, Herefordshire.

PALMER, W., "Faidield" Dolberthog Lane, L1andrindod Wells. -PARRY, C J., 9, Park View, Kington. PARRY, Miss J. M., Plot 18, Clutterbrune Estate, Presteigne, Rads. PARRY, J., Priors Court, Staplow, Ledbury. PARRY, Miss S. K., Ashfield, Luston, Leominster. PASKE, Mrs. A. J., Bewdley Orchard, Canon Pyon Road, Hereford. PATTERSON, Miss M. W. L.. Trefwrdan-Isaf, Nevern, Newport, Pembs. PAUL, Dr. J. P., Winforton House, Winforton, Hereford. PAUL, Mrs. M., Winforton House, Winforton, Hereford. PENNINGTON, T. W., The Old Stowe, Whitney-on-Wye. PENNINGTON, Mrs. J. E., The Old Stowe, Whitney-on-Wye. PHILLlPS, Mrs. D. E., Lydney, Ryelands Road, Leominster. PILLEAU, Mrs. D. K., Hillcroft, Fownhope. Pins, A. E., 1b, Lighton Close, Hereford. HR 1 lUH. PITTS, Mrs., 1b, Lighton Close, Hereford. HR 1 1UH. POLLEY, Lt.-Col., J. G. T., R.E., Canterbury Cottage, Shobdon, Hfds. *POLLEY, Master, Canterbury Cottage, Shobdon, Herefordshire. POND, Mrs. M., Croft Cottage, Lucton Lane, Lucton, Kingsland. PORTER, Mrs. H. A., M.B.E., Garden Cottage, The Avenue, Ross-on-Wye. POWELL, Miss A. C, Great Oak Corner, Eardisley, Herefordshire. POWELL, Mrs. D., 336, Ledbury Road, Hereford. POWELL, Mrs. M., Hill House, Bradnor, Kington. POWELL, G., 3, The Hollies, Clehonger, Hereford. POWELL, Mrs., 3, The Hollies, Clehonger, Hereford. PREECE, I. W., 85, Pilley Road, Hereford. -PREECE, Stephen, 85, Pilley Road, Hereford. PRICE, Waiter, Glanedw, Rhulen, Builth Wells, Brecon. PROBYN, Mrs. F. M., Common Gate· Cottage, Welsh Newton, Monmouth. PROSSER, A. S., 16, Guildford Street. Hereford. PROSSER, C T. 0., Wyecroft, 23, Broomy Hill, Hereford. PROSSER, Mrs. M. E., Wyecroft, 23, Broomy Hill, Hereford. PROSSER, Miss M. M., Manderlay, Norton Terrace, L1andrindod Wells. PROUT, P., Graiseley House, 180, Whitecross Road, Hereford. PROUT, Mrs. S., Graiseley House, 180, Whitecross Road, Hereford. PYKE, Mrs. B. R., 12, St. Ethelbert Street, Her~ford. PYLE, Peter, 46, Eign Road, Hereford.

RANDOLPH, H. T., 14, Heatherwood, Midhurst, Sussex. RAPER, G. F., Verlands Cottage, L1angarrr.m, Ross-on-Wye. RAPER, Mrs. C. J., Verlands Cottage, L1angarron. *RAYNER, Miss Angela, Shopfield, Bringsty, Leominster. RAYNER, J. R., Shopfield, Bringsty, Leominster. RICHARDS, Miss J. M., Hawthorn Corner, Pentaloe Close, Mordiford. RICHARDSON, Dr. R. E., 6, Green Court, Eaton Bishop, Hereford. RICHARDSON, Mrs. E., 6, Green Court, Eaton Bishop, Hereford. RIGKETTS, K. F. H., The Cowl Barn, Colwall, Malvern. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 109

RICKETTS, Mrs. M. J., The Cowl Barn, Colwall, Malvern. RIGBY, Miss M. A., The Gate House, How Caple Court, Herefordsnire. RIGSBY, S. G., 27, Moreland Avenue, Hereford. RIGSBY, Mrs., 27, Moreland Avenue, Hereford. RIMMER, A. E., 21, Fayre Oaks Green, Hereford. RIMMER, Mrs. H., 21, Fayre Oaks Green, Hereford. RIST, Miss M. K., c/o. Miss Lyon, Yew Trees, Hacketts, Colwall, Nr. Malvern. ROBBINS, R. A., Tnree Owls, Kingsland, Leominster. ROBBINS, Mrs. H., Three Owls, Kingsland, Leominster. ROBERTS, Dr. C. C. N., Church Cottage, Withington, Hereford. ROBERTS, Mrs. T. C. S., Church Cottage, Withington, Hereford. ROBINSON, L. B., Downside Lodge, 158, Foxley Lane, Purley, Surrey. tROGERS, Miss I., 40, Tower Road, Hereford. ROSKILL, T. W., Lower Hardwick, Pembridge, Herefordshire. ROSKILL, Mrs. E. M., Lower Hardwick, Pembridge, Herefordshire. ROUND, Mrs. D. M., Kenelm, How Caple, Hereford. ROUND, J. S. K., Kenelm, How Caple, Hereford. RUDD, Miss E. K. 5., Whiteha.!I, Goodrich, Ross-on-Wye. RUSSELL, c., 104, Baysham Street, Hereford. RYE. Mrs. M. L., Pilliners Hill, Breinton, Hereford.

SALMON, Col. H. Morrey, C.S.E., M.C., D.L., M.B.O.U., 24, Bryngwyn Road, Cyncoed, Cardiff, CF2, 6PQ. SALWEY, A. T., Russell Cottage, Sutton Lakes, Cross Keys, Hereford. SHELDRAKE, C. W., Minsmere, Sutton St. Nicholas, Hereford. SHETLlFFE, Mrs. E. M., Canons House Flat, The Close, Hereford. SIBBICK, A., The Lodge, Mansell Lacy, Herefordshire. SINCLAIR, The Lady, Knock Mailing, Dairy, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire. SMALL, D. J. L., School House, Nantmel, L1andrindod Wells. SMALLWOOD, R. L., 61, Gresham Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, 28. SMITH, A. J., 4, The Orchard, Moreton-on-Lugg, Hereford. SMITH, Mrs. A. D., The Orchard, Moreton-on-Lugg, Hereford. SMITH, G. N., 7, Mill Street, Hereford. SMITH, Mrs. J., 7, Mill Street, Hereford. SMITH, H. c., C.B.E., M.B.O.U., Hazel Cottage, The Maypole, Rockfield, Mon SMITH, Miss J., 26, Lichfield Avenue, Hereford. SMITH, Miss M., 26, Lichfield Avenue, Hereford. SMITH, J. J., Easter Cottage, Stretfordbury, Leominster. SMITH, L., 9, The Coppice, Bishopthorpe, York, Y02 IQP. SM ITH, Rev. R. W., The Vicarage, Stretton Grandison, Hereford. SM ITH, Mrs., The Vicarage, Stretton Grandison, Hereford. *SM ITH, D. M. E., The Vicarage, Stretton Grandison, Hereford. STEWART, A., 114, Kings Acre, Hereford. STONE, Miss B., I"Y Cottage, How Caple, Herefordshire. STONE, I. T., Chantries, Grosmont, Abergavenny, NP7 8ES. STONE, Mrs., Chantries, Grosmont, Abergavenny, NP7 8ES. STUCKEY, A. c., Sunnycroft, Tillington, Hereford. SUMNER, Mrs. P. M., The Becks, Wellington Heath, Ledbury. SUTCLlFFE, Miss D., 21, Elgar Avenue, Hampton Park, Hereford. SYMONDS, Mrs. M., The Laundromat, Folly Lane, Hereford. 110 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972

TABRETT, L. Trenance, Gorsley, Ross-on-Wye, Hereford. TABRETT, Mrs. Trenance, Gorsley, Ross-on-Wye, Hereford. TALBOT-RICE, The Hon. Mrs. B. M., Castle Weir, Lyonshall, Herefordshire. TAYLOR, E. W., Littlebridge Bungalow, Norton, Bromyard. TAYLOR, Mrs. L. A., Littlebridge Bungalow, Norton, Bromyard. TAYLOR, Miss F. M., Sunnyhill, Luston, Leominster. TEBB, B. M., The Laurels, Staunton-on-Arrow, Leominster. THOMAS, Emrys, Montpelier, 78, Stanhope Street, Hereford. THOMAS, Mrs. M. M., Montpelier, 78, Stanhope Street, Hereford. THOMAS, G. W., "Lanyon", The Hundred, Kimbolton, Leominster. THOMAS, H., 135, Whitecross Road, Hereford. THOMAS, Mrs. I. 0., "Lanyon", The Hundred, Kimbolton, Leominster. THOMAS, M. H., 19, Nelson Street, Hereford. THOMAS, Mrs. M. E., Marloes, 17, Aylesbrook, Roman Road, Hereford. fHOMAS, Mrs. P. M., "Aysgarth," Ledbury. *THOMPSON, H. V., The Cottage, How Caple, Herefordshire. THOMSON, P., Hall Pool, Marden, Herefordshire. THOMSON, Mrs. S. E, Hall Pool, Marden, Herefordshire. TOWNSEND, Brigadier E. P., Strangford End, Sellack, Ross-on-Wye. TOWNSEND, Mrs. I., Srrangford End, Sellack, Ross-on-Wye. TREVOR, Miss E., Trecilla Cottage, L1angarron, Ross-on-Wye. TUPPER, Capt. J., 22, Special Air Service, Bradbury Lines, Hereford. TUPPER, Miss j., Special Air Service, Bradbury Lines, Hereford. TURNER, j., The Hill, Kings Pyon, Hereford. TURNER, Mrs. M. L. N., The Hill, Kings Pyon, Hereford. TURTON, R. L., Bryncurl, Lyonshall, Herefordshire.

UNDERWOOD, G. B., 17, Ingestre Street, Hereford. UNDERWOOD, Mrs. 17, Ingestre Street, Hereford.

VENABLES-LLEWELYN, Brig., Sir C. M. D., Bart., M.V.O., L1ysdinam, Newbridge-on-Wye, L1andrindod Wells. VERNON, R. L., Burcher Cottage, Titley, Kington. VICKERMAN, j., Ferriby, Wellington, Herefordshire. VIOKERMAN, Mrs., Ferriby, Wellington, Herefordshire.

WALKER, Dr. C. W., M.C., 14, Venns Lane, :Hereford. WALKER, Mrs. I. H., 14, Venns Lane, Hereford. *WALKER, Stephen, Brick House, Bearwood, Pembridge. WALSH, A. St. G., Snelson House, Macclesfield, Cheshke. WALTERS, N. W., Nianda, 6, Elizabeth Road, Kington. WARD, Mrs. C. M., Sunnyside, Yarpole, Leominster. WARD, Miss S. M., Hidgebank House, Hergest Road, Klngton. WAREING, W. S., 24, Bodenham Road, Hereford. WAREING, Mrs. E., 24, Bodenham Road, Hereford. WATKINS, j. H., 32, Church Road, Tupsley, Hereford. WATKINS, M. P., Pine Grove, Symonds Vat, Ross-on-Wye. WATKINS, Mrs., Pine Grove, Symonds Vat, Hoss-on-Wye. WATSON, Miss L. M., $unnyside, Yarpole, Leominster. WATTS, K. D., 9, Aylestone Drive, Hereford. WAUGH, Mrs. Z., Yew Tree House, Kingstone, Herefordshire. '~WEAKE, Clive, The Pottery, Penybont, L1andrindod Wells. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1972 III

WELLS. D. G., The Spinney. Laskett Lane, Much Birch, Herefordshire. WELLS, Mrs. 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, Leomrnster. WILLDER, B. C. New House Farm, Stretton Grandison, Ledbury. WILLDER. Mrs .• New House Farm, Stretton Grandison, Ledbury. WILLlAMS. Mrs. E. M., Lower House. Preston-on-Wye, Hereford. WILLlAMSON. J. H.• I, Victoria Street. Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. WILSON, E., Hill View, The Leysters, Leominster. WILSON, Mrs. R. M., Hill View, The Leysters, Leominster. WILSON. Mrs. P. M.• Great Oak Corner, Eardisley, Herefordshire. WINCE, Dr. W. H. D.• Ladye Grove. Birley, Dilwyn. Herefordshire. WINCE, Mrs. M. B., Ladye Grov,e, Birley. Dilwyn, Herefordshire. WOOD, D. T., Oaklands, Dorstone. Hereford. WOOD, Mrs., Oaklands, Dorstone. Hereford. WRIGHT. Mrs. H., Montfort House, Kington.

YORKE. Mrs. E., Garren View, L1angarron, Ross-on-Wye. YORKE, Miss. 5. Salisbury Avenue, Tupsley, Hereford. YOUNG, Miss Carol, Flat I, 2, Hafod Road, Hereford.