Herefordshire Ornithological Club

ANNUAL REPORT 1988

No. 8 Vol. 4 £2.00 HEREFORDSmRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

No. 8 Vo!. 4 OFFICERSANDCOMMITTTEE19"

President J.L.FOX

Vice Presidents:- P.W. HINDE, M.B.O.U., Dr. C.W. WALKER, M.C. A.G.FYSHE

Chairman:­ A.J.SMITH

Hon. Secretary:­ I.B.EVANS 12 Brockington Drive, Tupsley, Hereford. Tel:(0432)265509

Hon. Treasurer:- I.T.STONE Chantries, Grosmont, Abergavenny.

Hon. Recorder:­ K.A.MASON The Sett, Common Hill, Fownhope. Tel: Fownhope 546

Hon. Field Secretary:­ K.A.MASON

Hon. Editor:­ A.MARCHANT

Hon. Bulletin Editor:­ P.GARDNER

Committee:- Miss. W.O. DAVIES D.PARR Mrs. F.R. FRANCIS C.J. PARRY (Resigned) R. HALL (Resigned) L.F. VICKERS F.W. MARSTON (Resigned) Dr. W.H.D. WINCE

Co-opted Mrs. J.M. BROMLEY HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB RULES

1. NAME. The Club shall be called the Herefordshire Ornithological Club. 2. OBJECTS. The objects ofthe Club shall be (a) to further the study ofbirds in the field, and (b) to assist in their preservation. 3. MEMBERSlllP. 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 Committee 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 th~ Officers shallbeeligibleforre-election. Nominations for the Committee must be received in writing by the Hon. Secretary by February 14th. 4. CONDmONSOFMEMBERSlllP. Members shall be required to support and keep the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Any members failing to supportandkeep this law shall berequired to resign. Members shall not divulge to unauthorised persons (e.g. known collectors of skins and/or eggs) information in a manner likely to be detrimental to the objects of the Club. 5. SUBSCRIPTIONS. (a) Junior members, over 12 but under 18 years ofage, £3. Ordinary members, 18 years and over, £5. A married couple, £7.50. Any additional members ofa household £1. .. Subscriptions are payable on January 1st or on election to membership. Corporate Members: Kindred bodies, Schools, etc. Subscription £5 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 January 1steach year. Where a memberhas beenelected onorafter 1st September in any year, there will be no further liability to subscribe in the year immediately following that of his or her election. Any member whose subscription is six months in arrears shall cease to receive the Club's publications and, should the subscription not bepaid by December 31st, his or her name shall be deleted from the list ofMembers. 6. MANAGEMENT. The Secretary shall keep Minutes of the Meetings and prepare such literature as shall keep the Members informed of the Club's activities. 7. MEETINGS shall be held as often as deemed desirable at the discretion ofthe 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. ALTERAnONS OFRULES. An alteration ofthe 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 ORNITIIOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 367

DONALD PARR M.B.O.U. 1921-88

Donald Parr was a serving member of the H.O.C. committee whose wide experience and abilities will be sadly missed, for his interests and achievements in the world ofornithology extended far beyond our County boundary. Prior to his retirement from the Civil Service in 1980 he had engaged in a surprising numberofbirdingactivities which includedbeing afounder memberofthe Surrey Bird Club in 1957 and going on to serve variously as their Secretary, Chairman and President - he was a Vice-President up to the time ofhis death in December 1988.

A ringer for 35 years, he was for two terms Ringing Secretary to the Surrey Bird Club and SecretaryandOrganiser oftheHersham Ringing Group. He edited 'The Birds of Surrey 1900-1970' (Batsford 1972) and was for two spells B.T.O. representative for the County. He was elected M.B.O.U. in 1963.

He was a widely travelled birdwatcher,leading many ornithological tours to the Continent and the Near East. In 1973 he led an expedition to Portugal for the B.O.D. and was joint leader of expeditions to Turkey and later to the Red Sea.

A founder Council member of the Ornithological Society of the Middle East and its Secretary from 1978-82, he edited their journal 'Sandgrouse' from 1980 onwards. He was a major contributor to many important surveys and reports dealing with birds (including raptor studies) and pollution problems associated with oil extraction in the Near East, e.g. Report to B.P. International Ltd. 1984.

After his retirement he moved to Malvern in 1982 and produced a Bird Report for the years 1985-87 for the Malvern Hills Conservators - he was Chairman of their Wildlife Advisory Body in 1987. He became a member of the Wychavon Ringing Group in 1982 and was their Chairman in 1985. He took a keen interest in the birds ofHerefordshire and Radnorshire. Donald Parr's industry and talent during a lifetime ofinterest in birds and wildlife has producedrecords which will continue to be ofgreat value to all interested in conversation far into the future. 368 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 EDITORIAL

During the year the Club's Recorder, Mr. A.J. Smith, and Secretary, Mrs. J.M. Bromley, retired from their posts having served the Club for 17 and 15 years respectively. The Club is very much indebted to them for their time and effort spent on the Club's behalf during their years in office. Their services have not beenlosthowever, as Mr. Smithcontinues to be ClubChairman and Mrs. Bromely has been co-opted to the Committee. Mr. K.A. Mason has taken over as Recorder and Mr. lB. Evans agreed to become the Club Secretary.

It is sad to record the death ofDonald Parr on December 4th following a short illness. He was a valuedmember ofthe Committee and Editorial Sub-Committee and had led a number of field meetings.

1988 was notable for the first breeding records of Goosander and Black Redstart. The former was not unexpected as it continues to expand its breeding range and is now recorded within the County throughout the year. The latter, however, was totally unexpected considering that it isa comparatively rare passage migrant within the County. Other 'firsts' were Little Egret, Egyptian Goose and Ferruginous Duck. The year produced several other highlights beginningwithfivePintailonLuggmeadowsonJanuary5thandfourWhitefronts at Castleton on 7th. A Firecrest was seen at Burghill on15th. A generally quiet spell followed until March 31st when an adult Night Heron was found on the Herefordshire/Shropshire border at CayqJuu:n. April began well with a Long­ eared Owl in Cother Wood from 2nd-8th and also on 8th an Osprey was seen at CriftinFordBridge. AtCastletonon 17tha Red-breasted Merganser, a Dunlinand a Greenland Wheatear were noted. A Hoopoe was presented at Berrington on 22nd/23rd and a second Osprey for the year was in Foy area on 25th. Four Whimbrel were seeninflight at UpperEggletonon May4thand the same species was also noted at How Caple on 9th. A Little Egret, found at Sink Green on 15th, remained only very briefly before flying off southwards. A third Osprey was reportedfrom belowCastleton on June2nd. Thefirst Woodlarkfor almost twenty years was seen flying over Ewyas Harold onJuly 8th and a Wood Sandpiper was at Aymestrey SP from 28th- August 5th. Seven Oystercatchers were at Whitney onAugust 6th, a Dunlin at Castleton on 13th and a Re

MEMBERSHIP and FINANCES. There has been no significant change in the membershipofthe Clubwith the number ofnewmembers tendingtoreplace those who have resigned. A statement ofthe Club's finances will be found at the end of this Report.

CLUB ACTIVITIES. Club outings were held during the year at Talybont, Whitcliffe Ludlow, Uyn Hilyn, Hampton Bishop Wye, Symonds Yat Rock, Uanbedr, Uandegley, Four Stones, Haugh Wood (twice), Leach Pool and River Wye, Queens Wood Dmmore, Harley Dingle, Ednol, Elan Valley, Pilleth/ Hendregenny, Olchon Valley, Shaky Bridge, The Begwns, Glasbury, Goodrich HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIlOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 369

area, Ashleworth and Twyning Hams, Foy Wye and Severn Estuary. In addition several members spent six days on Islay in the InnerHebrides at the beginning of April. Thanks go to all landowners who granted us permission to visit their properties and to all leaders of the various meetings.

Indoor meetings included a Members' evening and illustrated talks by Gerry Lewis, 'Breeding Birds ofthe Black Mountains'; Dr. John Raines, 'The Birds of Thailand'; Mrs. Valerie McFarland, 'Wildlife of the Dee Estuary'; Chris Mead (BTO), 'Bird Migration'; David M. Cottrldge, 'Birds of Israel'; David Lewis, 'Breeding Birds of Gwent'.

The Club once again assisted the RSPB in the showing of three new RSPB films at the Town Hall, Hereford.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. TheClub is indebted to Mr. and Mrs. P. Gardner for preparing the ClubBulletins, to Mr. T. Davies for auditing the accounts and to the Editorial Sub-Committee, Mr. P.W. Hinde, Dr. C.W. Walker, Mr. A.J. Smith and the Secretary for their assistance and guidance and to John Reaney SWLA of Brighton for providing the cover drawing and other illustrations.

Finally, thanks go to all those members and other persons whose contributions have made this Report possible.

A. Marchant. 370 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

HEREFORDSHIRE NATURE TRUST NEST BOX SCHEME· 1988 RESULTS C.W. SHELDRAKE

Recording took place at 23 sites covered by the Ornithological Club. As this is the second year covering Herefordshire sites only comparisons with the previous year are now available. 1988 1987

Nests Fledged Nests Fledged Pied Flycatcher 219 982 194 1015 Blue Tit 206 1411 182 1445 Great Tit 107 689 121 921 Marsh Tit 5 33 4 31 Coal Tit 5 42 7 58 Redstart 6 28 3 14 Nuthatch 20 87 10 71 Tawny Owl 1 1 Wren 1

Sites recorded 23 30 Total boxes used 568 523 Boxes recorded 855 1039 % used 66.4 50.3

1988 BREEDING STATISTICS

Pied Flycatcher Blue Tit Great Tit Average clutch size 6.1 (6.6) 8.9 (8.8) 6.9 (7.6) Fledged/pair 4.7 (5.3) 6.8 (6.2) 7.6 (6.4)

Results from RSPB reserve at Nagshead, Gloucestershire, in brackets. For various reasons not all the sites were recorded this year. The results however compare favourably with last year.

Correction to 1987 Report. The Nest/Fledged figures for Blue Tit should read 182 and 1445 respectively and the figures 121 and 921 refer to Great Tit Nest/Fledged details. Bd. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNTIHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 371

RINGING REPORT FOR 1988

Complete details of their ringing activities in Herefordshire have been supplied by D.G.B., S.G.D., P.G., J.I. and A.M. Michael Antcliff and Robert Hall have supplied details ofringing carried out at Whitfield.

During 1988 D.G.B. has been responsible for ringing at Bockleton (Motlin's Hole), Brockhampton (Bromyard), Gatley, Mowley, Shobdon, Titley, Yatton and some of Wapley Hill. S.G.D. has been ringing Paradise Wood, Presteigne, and included in his general ringing have been Shobdon Pools for Reed Warbler and Stretton Sugwas for Gulls and Sand Martins. J.I. has ringed at Wigmore and Garnons, P.G. at Mary Knoll and A.M. at Moccas Park.

A total of2924 birds of39 species have been ringed, comprising 1679 FG and 1245 Pulli.

The 'Top 10' species were: Pied Flycatcher 932 (118 FG 814 Pulli) Sand Martin 580 ( all FG) Lesser Black-backed Gull 310 ( all FG) Blue Tit 309 ( 69FG 240Pulli) Black-headed Gull 187 ( all FG) . Great Tit 149 ( 53FG 96 Pulli) Nuthatch 85 ( 7FG 78 Pulli) Robin 39 ( all FG) Reed Warbler 39 ( all FG) Redwing 35 ( all FG

The following are selected from 'Identified' previously ringed birds of all species. Ringingdetails aregivenonthe first lineandrecovery dataonthe second. Unless otherwise stated all birds were released alive.

M-Male F-Female Pul-Nestling Ad-Adult FG-Fully Grown Juv-Juvenile X-Found dead B-Breeding

BLACK·HEADED GULL EN80853Juv 22.03.86 Nottingham 27.02.88 Stretton Sugwas,Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.)

EP60148 Pul 01.07.87 Colne, Essex. 23.01.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.)

EP71347 Juv 21.11.87 Huntingdon, Cambs. 26.07.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.)

EP83062 Juv 27.02.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.) 09.06.88 Ostei'Sund, Sweden l607Km. 103° 372 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNTIHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

EP83109 Ad 27.02.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.) 07.04.88 Copenhagen, Denmark 1079Km.400

EP83203 Ad 27.02.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.) 18.07.88 Vasterbotton, Sweden 1870Km. 1430

A further eight recoveries involved Hereford with Staffordshire and Gloucester birds.

LESSER BLACK·BACKED GULL GG57549Pul 10.07.69 Walney Island, Cumbria 08.08.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.) 226Km. 6969 days GG57941Pul 08.07.75 Skokholm, Pembrokeshire 19.09.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.) 175Km. 4822 days GG39738Ad 10.01.87 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.) 23.07.88 Rothbury, Northumberland 370Km. GH45726Pul 24.06.87 Bristol, Avon 03.10.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.) GG52242Ad 12.12.87 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.) B 22.06.88 Zandoort, Holland 498Km. GG59149Pul 02.07.88 Walney Island 19.09.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.) 226Km. 79 days GC46941Pul 03.07.88 Craigleith, Lothian 19.09.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.E.G.G.) 78 days

A further ten recoveries involved Hereford with Avon, Gloucester, Pembroke­ shire and Worcester birds.

SAND MARTIN EI44811 Juv F 30.06.87 Condover, Salop (W. and C.) 30.06.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.G.D.) 61Km. 181 0

C904956 FG 10.07.87 Kingsley Pits, Hants (N.E.G.E.) 25.07.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.G.D.) 165Km. 3Q90

E438074 FG M 30.07.87 Bareham Marsh, Kent (W. and W.) 11.07.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.G.D.) 238Km. 291 0 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 373

E283748 Juv F 28.08.87 Isle of Grain, Kent (A.R.B.H.) 30.06.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.G.D.) 250Km.285°

E838362 PG F 11.07.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.G.D.) 19.08.88 Stodmarsh, Kent (S.B.RG.) 287Km.107°

F084512 PG M 25.07.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.G.D.) 21.08.88 Ick1esham, Sussex (RB.RG.) 272Km.118°

F084638 Juv 06.08.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (S.G.D.) 21.08.88 Ick1esham (R.B.RG.)

F084659 Juv 04.08.88 Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire (RG.D.) 23.08.88 Ick1esham (R.B.RG.)

In addition - two onessthan4OKm. and oneyear, from Uangorseand Monmouth, to Stretton Sugwas.

REED WARBLER E306481 FB 23.07.87 Walcot, Telford, Salop (J.M. and A.F.L) B 08.07.88 Shobdon, Herefordshire (S.G.D) 54Km.202°

E994986 FB 25.07.85 Eccleshall, Staffordshire (J. and E.) B 20.06.88 Shobdon. (S.G.D) 54Km.202°

STARLING RA42149PG M 27.12.86 Stretton Sugwass. (S.G.D) 17.12.88 Boston, Lincolnshire (A.B.)

PIED FLYCATCHER 228 Adult birds (l44F, 84M, 1.7:1) were handled in Herefordshire in 1988 of which 116 (76F, 4OM, 1.9:1) were newly ringed and 112 (68F, 44M, 1.5:1) had already been ringed inprevious years, 95 (52F, 43M, 1.2:1) in Herefordshire and 17 (12F,5M, 2.4:1) elsewhere (Salop8,Powys 5, Gwent 3, WorcestershiJ;e 1). In addition 15 (12F, 3M, 4:1) previously ringed Herefordshire birds were found elsewhere (salop 8, Gwent 2, Devon I, France I, Gloucestershire I, Kent I, Powys1). Ofthe 110 (95 + 15)ringedinHerefordshire and recovered somewhere, 53 had been ringed as Pulli and later bad their sex ascertained as 31F and 22M (1.4:1). One had been ringed in 1982,2 in 1983,6in 1984,3 in 1985, 17 in 1986 and 24 in 1987. One ofthe recovered Adults had been ringed as an Adult in 1982. Analysis ofsite changes in the Pulli retrapped at breeding sites showed that 21 retwned to theirplaceofbirth (IOF, IIM)andthat 32had moved elsewhere (22F, 374 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

IOM). Site changes inAdults were shown by 4 (all F) and 51 returned to their site of original ringing (29F, 22M).

B217134 Pul. (F) 10.06.82 Yatton, Herefordshire (D.G.B) B. 24.05.88 Mowley, Herefordshire (D.G.B)

B585104 Ad. M 12.06.82 Mary Knoll, Herefordshire (C.J.M) B. 05.06.88 Mary Knoll (p.G) (Mary Knoll '85, '86, '87)

B217400 Ad. F 23.05.83 Gatley, Herefordshire (D.G.B) B. 30.05.88 Gatley (D.G.B) (Gatley '85, '86)

B471345 Ad. F 01.06.83 Garnons, Herefordshire (J.I.) B. 18.05.88 Garnons (1.1.)

B471410 Ad. M. 06.06.83 Wigmore, Herefordshire (M.N.) 15.06.88 Wigmore (J.I.) (Wigmore '87)

B586309 Pul. (F) 12.06.83 Mary Knoll (C.J.M.) B. 18.05.88 Gatley (D.G;B) (Gatley '86, '87)

B586364 Pul. (F) 11.06.83 Whitefield, Herefoidshire (C.J.M.) B. 21.05.88 Shobdon, Herefordshire (D.G.B)

B644366 Pul. (F) 12.06.83 llanbedr, Powys (D.P.) 25.05.88 Wigmore (J.I.) (Wigmore '84, '85)

B832587 Pul. (M) 08.06.84 The Hurst, Clun, Salop. B. 05.06.88 Wigmore (J.I.) (Wigmore '86)

B869014 Ad. F. 26.05.84 Paradise, Presteigne (M.B.) B. 23.05.88 Paradise (S.G.D.) (Paradise'85, '86, '87)

B869068 Pul. (F) 06.06.84 Wapley, Herefordshire (D.G.B.) B. 04.06.88 Abergavenny, Gwent (p.F.J.P.) (Abergavenny '87)

B869142 Pul. (F) 08.06.84 Paradise (S.G.D.) B. 20.05.88 Newcastle, Clun, Salop (W. and C.)

B869282 Pul. (M) 14.06.84 Yatton (D.G.B.) B. 09.06.88 Paradise (S.G.D) (paradise '87) HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 375

C056791Pu1. (F) 09.06.84 Wrekin, Salop (WAH.) B. 29.05.88 Motlin's Hole, Tenbury Wells (D.G.B.) (Motlin's Hole '86)

C295254 Ad. M. 17.06.84 Mary Knoll (C.I.M) B. 06.06.88 Mary Knoll (p.G.) (Mary Knoll '87)

C465313 Put. (M) 09.06.85 The Hurst, Clun (I.M.and AF.L.) B. 05.06.88 Mary Knoll (p.G.) (Mary Knoll '87)

B426749 Put.(M) 11.06.86 Court Wood, Bredwardine, Herefordshire (D.P) B. 31.05.88 Paradise (S.G.D)

C524412 Put. (F) 16.06.86 Paradise (M.B.) B. 22.05.88 Purlogue, Clun, Salop (I.M and AF.L.)

C524599 Put. (F) 16.06.86 Moccas Park, Herefordshire (AM.) B. 12.06.88 Llancillo, Herefordshire (L.R.G)

C524600 Put. (F) 22.06.86 Moccas Park (A.M.) B. 05.06.88 Purlogue, Clun (GA)

C524854 Ad. F. 08.06.86 Titley, Kington, Herefordshire (D.G.B) B. 23.05.88 Paradise (S.G.D.)

C524878 Put. (M) 11.06.86 Mowley, Kington (D.G.B) B. 08.06.88 Grwyne Fawr, Abergavenny (p.F.I.P.)

C524956 Put. (M) 16.06.86 Gatley (D.G.B.) B. 04.06.88 Kinlet, Bridgnorth. Salop (D.F.)

C525004 Ad. F. 21.05.87 Paradise (S.G.D.) B. 22.05.88 Purlogue, Clun (I.M. and AF.L.)

C525012 Ad. F. 21.05.87 Paradise (S.G.D) X 26.09.88 Cape Frehel, Cotes du Nord, France. 399Km.173°

C525013 Ad. F. 21.05.87 Paradise (S.G.D.) Newcastle, Clun (W. and C.)

C525074 Put. (F) 01.06.87 Paradise (S.G.D.) B. 05.06.88 Rhos-y-Meirch, Knighton, Powys (GA)

C525141 Put. (F) 08.06.87 Paradise (S.G.D.) B. 12.06.88 Stoodleigh, Devon (p.B.O.) 151Km.I94°

C525273 Put. (F) 04.06.87 Gatley (D.G.B) B. 20.05.88 Newcastle, Clun(W. and C.) 376 HEREFORD ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

C525299 Pol. (F) 04.06.87 Gatley (D.G.B.) B. 09.06.88 Lydney, Glos. (S.V.R.G.)

C525924 Pol. (F) 29.06.86 Shobdon (D.G.B.) B. 31.05.88 Newtown, Powys (W.A.H.)

C615779 Pol. (F) 21.06.86 Penallt, Gwent (S.I.T.) B. 05.06.88 Mary Knoll (P.G.) (Mary Knoll '87)

C660331 Pol. (F) 17.06.85 Grwyne Fawr, Abergavenny (P.F.I.P.) B. 14.05.88 Moccas Park (A.M.) (Moccas '86)

C727427 Pol. (F) 16.06.85 St. Hannons, Powys (P.P.I.) B. 31.05.88 Paradise (S.G.D.)

C900371 Pol. (M) 15.06.86 Sibdon, Craven Arms, Salop (W. and C.) B. 13.06.88 Gatley (D.G.B.)

C980635 Pol. (M) 14.06.86 Knighton, Powys (I.M. and A.F.L.) B. 06.06.88 Shobdon (D.G.B.)

C980755 Pol. (F) 23.06.86 Knighton (I.M. and A.F.L.) B. 31.05.88 Paradise (S.G.D.)

0074549 Pol. (M) 31.05.87 Wyre Forest, Worcestershire B. 06.06.88 Mary Knoll (P.G.)

0082507 Pol. (F) 21.06.86 Llandewi B. 15.05.88 Mary Knoll (P.G.)

E181968 Ad. F 31.05.87 Woolaston, Church Stretton, Salop (I.M. and A.FL.) B 20.05.88 Brockhampton, Bromyard, Herefordshire (D.G.B.)

E410501 Pol. (F) 03.06.87 Garth Wood, Uanbedr, Powys (D.P.) B. 14.05.88 Moccas Park (A.M.)

E515221 Pol. (F) 04.06.87 The Hurst, Clun (I.M. and A.F.L.) B. 18.06.88 Gatley (D.G.B)

E535342 Pol. (M) 06.06.87 Gatley (D.G.B.) 05.08.88 Dungeness, Kent (D.B.O.)

E553641 Pol. (F) 06.06.87 Llandesfedd, Gwent (P.F.I.P.) B. 10.06.88 Brockhampton (D~G.B.)

The above 44 recoveries are selected from 128 available. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 377

Key to Initials G. Austin, M. Baddeley,. A Ball, S.G. Dodd, N.E.G. Elms, P. Gardner, W.A Hotchkiss, AR.B. Hanis, J. Icke, P.P. Jennings. J.M. and AF. Langford, A. Marchant, C.J. Mead, M. Noble, P.F.J. Playford, D. Parr, S.J.Tyler and the following groups, Dungeness Bird Observatory, Uancillo Ringing Group, Rye Bay R.G., Severn Estuary Gull Group, Severn Vale R.G., Whittles and Cross, Woodcock and Walking. D.G. Boddington 378 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

WEATHER NOTES AND OTHER JOTTINGS, 1988 January. The remarkably mild weather which had its origins in mid-December 1987 continued into January, and it remained largely open throughout the month. Significent frost was noted only on the morning of8th, subsequently the air tem­ perature just reached freezing point on four occasions, and there were 17 minor frosts at grass level. Winter was most evident during the final 10 days, and it certainly felt cold in a stiffnorth-westerly breeze during an otherwise sunny day on the 22nd, when there was some two inches of snow cover for a time. The highesthills in the north-west borderareastillretained a trace ofwhite on the 31 st when overnight gales, together with lightning and thunder saw the month out in style. Although rarely wintery, it was very wet, and rainfall totalled about double the average amount with the wettest periods during the fIrst six and [mal ten days. The absence of real winter favoured early bird song, and more than a dozen songsters could be heard in action well before the end ofthe month with perhaps the mostprecocious beinga Greenfinch uttering its''spring', noteon the 11 th, and Woodpigeon in full song on the 26th.

February. Although February produced rather more unpleasant weather than we had experienced so far in the new year, the lowest temperature failed to match those achieved during the wintery spell experienced between 8th and 14th December, which therefore became the coldest period in the 87/88 winter. Snow showers were not infrequent during the fIrst ten days when most of the month's precipitation was recorded, and high ground was often white at this time. Wind gusts at or near storm force occurred overnight on the 9th/10th and during the following morning. Precipitation for the whole month was a little below average. Visible Skylark passage had been intermittent since 24th January, but an apparent local bird appeared in its breeding area in the north west ofthe counnty on 6th February for the fIrst time after an absence of about four months. This represents an early return for some parts of the County, although birds are often present and in song well before this date in the most favoured areas.

March. The month proved to be the mildest March for some years with very little frost, even at ground level. Itwas not, however, a particularlypleasantmonth, as heavy cloud cover was frequent with a northerly element to the wind evident, mostly north-west, for about 50% of the time. It was also very wet, and with few days without measurable rain, it was not surprising that total rainfall was well above average. Passage Fieldfares were to be seen throughout March with peak numbers mid­ month, and movement continued on a smaller scale through two-thirds ofApril. Redwings were scarce as a late passage bird, but could be seen in small numbers from time to time during the fIrst half of March. As the month advanced, the activities of many species made them more obvious: for example, the sight of soaring Buzzards became relatively commonplace, and the presence of Little Grebes on their breeding ponds was well indicated by their noisy calling. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 379

April. It was warm and sunny on the 3rd, Easter Day, and the temperature reached similarly pleasant levels on a number of days intennittently throughout the month. In contrast, a dozen nights were decidedly cool, with slight to moderate ground frost, and the air temperature too fell below freezing point on four occasions. The nights of 12th/13th and 23rd/24th were the coldest, the latter giving rise to not just a good white hoar, but also l/4inch ofice on small pools of standing water. Over-night snow gave a thin but briefcovering on the 9th, but mostprecipitationoccurred as rain, andthetotalfor themonth wasratherless than average. Whilst summer migrants continued to arrive more or less on schedule, some •'resident', species which desertmany parts ofthe Countyduring winter werere­ appearing in their breeding quarters. Among the finches both linnet and Goldfmch come into this category, and although the fonner had already begunits spread into all parts in March, it was mid-April before some Goldfinches put in an appearance, having been absent since the middle ofDecember.

May. Temperatures during the first few days of May showed little change from late April until it became warmer on the 6th, and then very warm on the 14th. This warm period included frequent sunny spells over two weeks, and was the bestof themonth. Subsequentlyitbecame wet notleastbetweenthe25thand 30th, when half the month's rainfall was recorded. The rainfall total was above average. A marked increase in the number of breeding Wrens now became apparent, as shownbycomparativecountsovertheyears. Robins too seemedto beflourishing, lI1though, in this case, the increase was more modest and was anyway the cootinuation of a rather more striking improvement recorded in 1987.

June. The month began with a wet period, and we experienced more than half the month's rain during the first ten days. Temperatures were not unreasonable until a notably cool two-day spell on the 8th and 9th when there was relatively little difference between day and night thermometer readings. Following this brief phase, it became mostly warm or very warm, with thebestofthe month and some truly sutJUller weather between the 11th and 16th. A slight frost at grass level occurredoverthenightofthe5th/6th. Whilstthemiddleperiodwas dry, itbecame rather wet again as the month ended with a thunderstonn on the 28th, although total rainfall was about average. The natural tendency to see local changes in bird population as having general application is to be avoided and with this in mind, it was interesting that regular counts indicateda declinein thenumberofbreedingWillowWarblers inonearea. Othercounts, and the many singing birds noted casuallyelsewherein the county, suggested the lack ofmuch wider significance to this event.

July. The hint ofsummer inJune was not taken up, indeed depressions arrived from the west with some frequency throughout. Sunny intervals were few and far 380 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIIOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 between in a month with measureable rain on 25 days, and with only one day, the 20th, wholly free ofprecipitation. Inshort, July was low onsunshineandverywet, the total rainfall being more than double the average amount. One breeding Skylark in the north west ofthe County was last recorded in song on the 4th July, a rather early date onwhich to finish, as most birds inour area sing until mid-month. For example, observations over the years show that river meadow birds in the Hereford area sing with remarkable consistency until the 15th/17th in most seasons, although song may still be heard rather later than this from other Skylarkpopulations. Subsequently the birds are soon in heavy moult, and become secretive and hard to find until mid-September.

August. Augustbegan withlightrain, butreal summerweatherappearedon the 6th, when it was unquestionably hot, a condition that continued until cloud and rain re­ appeared on the lOth. Although there was a further suggestion ofsummer mid­ month, it was mostlyunsettled thereafter with the 18th, 27th, 30th, and 31st being especially wet. Overall a month of above average rainfall with little more than a glimpse of summer. A number of species enjoyed a particularly good breeding season, not least Hedge Sparrow with third broods in August, and Greenfinch enjoying their third consecutive successful year.

September. The month opened with some rain during the first three days and generally unremarkable temperatures until the 6th when a pleasantly warm five-day spell began. It was rarely particularly pleasant thereafter, excepting only on the 18th which was to prove the last day in 1988 to give us not just a sunny day, but also a maximum temperature well up to expectation for late summer. The wind reached gale force during the night of 23rd/24th and it remained breezy for the following five days. Thefirst groUnd frost oftheseason, together withsome white hoar, was noted on the morning ofthe 30th. It was a dry month with less than half the average rainfall. September saw a marked increase in post-breeding movement among some resident birds. Jays were widely evident from about the 4th, and Skylarks as they emerged from their moult period at the end ofthe third week. Grey Wagtails too could be found in non-breeding and/or wintering areas, although with this species spread had begun at an earlier date.

October. October opened with frost at ground level, but after the 4th it became wet and there was never a wholly dry day until the 28th. There were gale force winds on the6thand 7th andparticularlyheavyrain onthe 9th, 11th, and 18th, with the extra excitement ofa thunderstorm on the night ofthe 11th/12th. Temperatures were not far from average until the 29th, but it became cooler as the month ended with three successive air and ground frosts. Total rainfall was well above average. Of all the bird movement to be seen in this month ofheavy passage, the most striking was the exceptional visible passage ofSkylarks. This movement was at HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 381

its peak between 11th and 22nd October, and was to be evident form time to time through November and into early December.

November. The lowest temperature at grass level in the calendar year occurred during the fust week ofNovember, an event which only served to emphasize the continuing mild nature of 1988. In fact, ground frost was relatively frequent throughout, but the lowest air temperatures came late in the month between the 24th and 28th. Neither fog nor snow were a problem,the former afflicting us only on the 15th when it persisted all day, and the first fall ofwinter snow was on the 20th. It was a dry month overall with much less than half the average rainfall. November is not a notable month for bird song, and it was perhaps even less evident than usual on this occasion. Robin was the bird to be heard most frequently, with occasional song from Wren and Hedge Sparrow, plus the inevitable Collared Dove. A Chaffinch in full song on the 14th was a little unexpected.

December. A slight frost at grass level on the 1st was followed by eight more scattered through the month, with just one air frost on the 17th. Although it was cold, dull anddrizzlingonthe 2nd. and there were galeforce winds around the 19thand 23rd, altogether it was an exceptionally open and dry month, and one of the warmest Decembers onrecord. Rainfall was only around one-third ofthe average amount. Although itwasalways hardto find Redwings duringDecember,Fieldfares were present throughout and became especially numerous in the last week. It was pleasant to hear a Blackbird in subdued song in the evening sunshine on the 5th, an'd the same bird sang again on the 31st to see a very mild year out. A.J.S. 382 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

CLASSIFIED NOTES The list follows the sequence and nomenclature ofProf. K.H. Voous (1977, List of Recent Ho1arctic Bird Species) as published in the 'British Birds' "List ofbirds ofthe Western Palearctic" 1978. CO denotes Club Outing, GP =gravel pits, NR =nature reserve, SP =sand pits. Square brackets denote a need for confirmation. Large numbers are generally approximations.

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis. Single pairs bred at Aconbury, Hampton Bishop, Kenchester and Worms1eyand birds reported from a further 1510calities during the year. Maxima counts were six atSinkGreenonNov. 9th, three atHamptonBishoponJan. 1st, March9thand Apri12nd, three at Mathon SP Sept. 11th - 25th, three at Castleton on Oct. 31st and three at Criftin Ford Bridge on Nov. 1st.

GREAT CRESTED GREBEPodiceps cristatus. Bodenham GP. Jan./Feb., present with max. ten on Feb. 25th; March - May, present with max. 13 adults onApril 20th, onepairwith three young and one pair with two young on May 30th; June 20th, 14 and the same number there on July 7th; Nov. 27th, two (FGB's et al). Elsewhererecords were as follows: March 25th, Eywood NR, pairdisplaying but no subsequent breeding reported; Apri17th, Leach Pool, pair (AJS's); July 7th, Mathon SP, one (PGG); Sept. 15th, Eywood NR, one (JLF).

CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo. Recorded from seven localities along the Wye during the periods Jan. - April and late June - Dec. The larger counts were: Ballingham. Dec. 17th, 12 (mE's). Castleton. March 8th, eight (GRG/JG); Aug. 27th min. seven (AM); Oct. 31st, nine (FOG); Nov. 17th, eight (KAM). Hampton Bishop. Jan. 1st, nine; March 18th, seven; Apri18th, five; Nov. 2nd, 11 (JLF). Holme Lacy. Aug. 8th, five; Aug. 27th, seven (JLF). Away form the Wye the larger counts were as follows: Bodenham GP. Feb. 28th, five; March 15th, six; Aug. 16th, five (firstreturn after absence since April 14th) (PGB's). Criftin Ford Bridge. Nov. 1st, seven (FOG). Yat Rock. Jan. 20th, 11 flying over (FRF). Singlesreported form the LuggonJan. 5thand 22nd(mE's)andatLinton onDec. 11th (PGG). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 383

NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax. March 31st, near Caynham on Herefordshire/Shropshire border, an adult in full breeding plumage was found shortly after daybreak on a small pool at the rear of observer's cottage (Mrs. J. Reynolds per FWM). It remained at this locality throughout the day and was still present at dusk when shown to FWM's and AM. Although the locality in which it was found is in Shropshire it was seen occasionally to fly towards the boundary between the two counties about a quarter of a mile distant and it is reasonable to assume that it would have crossed into Herefordshire on one or more of these flights. This is only the third record for the County. The two previous records in 1837 and 1912 were both from localities close to Ross-on-Wye. Details of this record have been forwarded to the 'British Birds' Rarities Committee. Eel.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta.

if

May 15th, SinkGreen, one discovered on damp ground next to the Wye. All white plumage, head plumes and black bill noted before it flew off southwards down river. (JLF). There was an influx ofLittle Egrets into Britain during May with records ofsingle birds from at least eleven localities and one record of five birds together in Hampshire on the 26th. Ed. Details of this record have been forwarded to the 'British Birds' Rarities Committee and if accepted it will be the first record for the County.

GREY HERON Ardea cinerea.

Recorded throughout the year and sightings were widespread throughout the County. No counts were received from the heronries at Berrington, Foy, 384 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIlOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

Kentchurch and Leach Pool. A single pair again bred at Moccas. The only large counts outside the breeding season were: Jan. 31st, Clifford, 18 (PGG); Dec. 31st, Leach Pool, c12 (PJElKAM).

MUTE SWAN Cygnus alar. Thelargercounts during the year were as follows: Jan. 7th, Castleton, 26; Jan. 8th, Linton, 48 (PGG); Feb. 20th, Ross-on-Wye, 22(AAS); April 7th, Castleton, 83 but only c30 there on Apri123rd (AJS); Oct. 6th, Sink: Green, 19; Nov. 2nd, Hamp­ ton Bishop, 21 (JLF); Nov. 17th, Castleton, 60+ (KAM). Breeding confinned at Breinton Wye, Brockhampton Lake, Weston Fann Pool and on the Wye near Herefordshire/Gwent border. A pair with seven well grown cygnets on the Wye at Wilton may well have bred locally. Elsewhere during the year records come from Bodenham GP (max. 13), Bridge Sollars, Eywood NR, Holme Lacy Wye, Llanwarne, Madley, Mathon SP, Shenmore and Tregate.

BEWICK'S SWAN Cygnus columbianus. Jan. 3rd, Wye floods between Winforton and Castleton, 14, including a single juvenile (AM); Records from Castleton were as follows: Jan. 5th, 25; Jan. 7th, 27; Jan. 31st, 9; Feb. 12th, 12 flying upstrelfin (pGG et al). Two were noted on flood water at Ivington on Jan. 29th (WHDW) and ten were seen on Lugg meadows on Feb. 4th (IBE's). During the second winterperiod a maximum of22, including four juveniles, were present at Winforton Dec. 11th-31st (PJEIKAM).

WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus. Jan. 3rd, Wye floods between Winforton and Castleton, seven, including three juveniles (AM); Dec. 31st, near Leach Pool, Clifford, 15 (PJE/KAM).

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albijrons. Fourwith CanadaGoose flock at CastletononJan. 5th but only onepresent onJan. 7th (PGG).

GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser. Apri119th, Sink: Green, one wary bird which flew away to north (JLF); Apri120th, Bodenham GP, pair with Canada Goose flock (PGB's); Aug. 6th, Castleton, one on Wye (AM).

CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis. Breeding confinnedat Bodenham GP (PGB 's), Moccas Park (AM), Weston Fann Pool (AAS) andWormsley GolfCourse (DAM). Thelargercounts during the year were as follows: Jan. 1st, Criftin Ford Bridge area, c200; Jan. 7th, Castleton, 143; Bodenham GP, 23 on Feb. 3rd and 28th, andmax. 28 present March - May; March 10th - 25th, Shenmore, 30; May 14th, Kenchester, 18, including one juvenile; HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 385

Aug. Bodenham GP, max. 55; Sept. 20th, Holme Lacy, 23 in flight; Oct. 29th, Eywood NR, 15; Nov. 27th, Castleton, c250 and 30 at Bodenham GP on the same date.

BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis. March25th, EywoodNR, one with CanadaGeese (AJS}Es); June 30th -Aug. 16th, Bodenham GP, two (PGB); Oct. 29th, Eywood NR, one with Canadas (HTR). The above records undoubtedly refer to escaped captive birds. Ed.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiacus. Oct. 31st, Hampton Bishop Wye, a single well viewed on ground and in flight (C.R. Garfitt per JLF). This is the first record for the County of this introduced species which was admitted to the British and Irish Lists in 1971. Ed.

SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna. Apri129th, Bodenham GP, pair (PGB..£s); May 21st, Shenmore Farm Pond, one (GSB).

WIGEON Anaspenelope. Jan./Feb., Bodenham GP, present with maxima46 on Jan. 7th and 25 on Feb. 25th (PGB et al); Jan. 5th, Castleton, 52 and c80 there on Jan. 31st (PGG); March 8th, Kenchester, c30(GRG/JG); March 17th, TheWeirgarden, 24 onpool (GSB); Oct. 26th, Leintwardine, two (lBE's); Oct. 31st, Castleton, 37; Nov. 1st, Criftin Ford Bridge, two (PGG); Nov. 17th, Castleton Wye, c50 and c35 there on Nov. 27th (KAM); Dec. 23rd, Leintwardine, six (lBE's).

GADWALL Anas strepera. Jan. 5th, Castleton, two on Wye; Jan. 8th, Linton 76 and 52 there on Feb. 14th (PGG); April 25th, Brockhampton Lake, pair and a pair on Wye at How Caple on the same date; Apri126th, Foy Wye, pair (FRF); Nov. 4th, Linton, 19 and 15 there on Dec. 11th (PGG).

TEAL Anas crecca. The larger counts during the year were: Jan. 7th, Castleton, c70; Jan. 8th, Linton, 20 (PGG); Jan. 17th, Bodenham GP, 14 (PGB); Jan. 31st, Castleton, c40; Feb. 14th, Linton, 39 (pGG); March 10th, The Weir garden, 17 on pool (GSB); Oct. 26th, Leintwardine, 24 (lBE's); Oct. 31st, Castleton, c20; Nov. 1st, Criftin Ford Bridge area, 48; Nov. 4th, Linton, 12 (PGG); Nov. 19th, Holme Lacy, 14 and 20 there on Nov. 22nd (JLF); Nov. 22nd, Eywood NR, c25 on largely frozen water (AJS); Nov. 27th, Castleton, 35 (KAM); Dec. 11th, Linton, 13 (PGG); Dec. 23rd, Leintwardine, 30 (lBE's). Records involving 1 - 10 birds came from Backney Wye, Hampton Bishop, Kenchester, Moccas and Shenmore. 386 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIIOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos. A common breeding resident. The larger counts were: Jan. 7th, Castleton, c120; Jan. 8th, Linton, 20 and 41 there on Feb. 14th (PGG); Feb. 21st, Bodenham GP, 60and 77 there on March 6th (PGB); Aug. 20th, Mathon SP, 62 (PGG); Aug. 28th, Hampton Bishop, el25 (JLF); Oct. 29th, Eywood NR, 47 (HTR); Oct. 31st, 'Casdeton, cOO; Nov. 1st, Criftin Ford Bridge, el50; Nov. 4th, Linton, 40 (PGG); Dec. 6th, Backney Wye, el50 (WOD).

PINTAILAnas acuta. Jan. 5th, Lugg meadows, five (lBE's).

SHOVELER Aythya ferina. Bodenham GP. PresentJan. - Feb. with maximum 43 on Feb. 3rd(PGB et al). Jan. 5th, Eywood NR, 14, including nine drakes (AJS's); Jan. 8th, Linton, 16 (PGG); Jan. 22nd, Hampton Bishop, two drakes (JLF); Jan. 31st, Clifford, ten and two at Castleton on the same date; Feb. 14th, Linton, two (PGG); Aug. 27th, Hampton Bishop, a single noted (JLF); Oct. 29th, Eywood NR, pair (HTR); Nov. 4th, Linton, nine (pGG); Nov. 27th, Castleton, two (KAM) and several noted at Bodenham GP on the same date (MB); Dec. 11th, Linton, six (PGG); Dec. 14th, Eywood NR, three drakes and three du.s:ks (AJS).

FERRUGINOUS DUCK Aythya nyroca. Nov. 4th to at least Jan. 9th 1989, Linton, a single drake present throughout this period with smallparty ofPochards. It was noted to be equally as wary as the other wild ducks on thepools which suggests that it may possibly have been a wild bird rather than an 'escape' (PGG).. This is the first record for the County. Ed.

TUFfED DUCK Aythyafuligula. Recorded throughout the year, the larger Counts were: Jan. 8th, Linton, 14; Jan. 31st, Clifford, 12 (pGG); Feb. 3rd, Bodenham GP, 60 (PGB); Feb. 14th, Linton, 16; Feb. 25th, Bodenham GP, 29 (PGG) and 21 there on March 6th (pGB's); April 5th, Mathon SP, 12 and the same number there on July 2nd (PGG); July 7th, Bodenham GP, 20 (PGB); Oct. 29th, Eywood NR, 12 (HTR). Elsewhere 1 - 10 birds were noted at Hampton Bishop, Moccas Park, Leach Pool, Shenmore, Tyberton, Weston Farm Pool and Wormsley. Breeding confIrmed at Tyberton and adults with young noted at Bodenham GP and Mathon SP.

GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula. Jan. 5th, Castleton, two drakes and three 'brownheads' and two noted at Bredwar­ dine on the same date (PGG); Jan. 9th, Bodenham GP, a single drake (PGB); Nov. 17th, Castleton, a female (KAM). A less than average year. Ed. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 387

RED·BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator. April 17th, Castleton, a single drake (AJS).

GOOSANDER Mergus merganser. ,I Recorded throughout the year and bred for the first time within the County at one locality. Records come from Castleton, Criftin Ford Bridge area, Downton, Eywood NR, Hampton Bishop, Hole-in-the-Wall, Holme Lacy, Leintwardine, Lyepole Lugg, Sink Green and Whitney. Numbers were generally smaller than in recent years, the only large counts being 12 at Criftin Ford on Nov. 22nd, 14 at Sink Green on Nov. 2300 and 20 onTeme at Tedney, near Knightwick, onDec. 15th.

RUDDY DUCK Oxyurajamaicensis. May 26th, Staunton-on-Arrow, a pairdisplaying (1MB); Sept. 16th, Eywood NR, a single first year bird (AJS).

GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis. May 29th, Bodenham, a single flying south-east (PGB's).

SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus. Widely reported throughout the year from 40 localities (cf. 25 in 1987). All records were ofsingle buds except for two noted at Madley on March 10th (GSB) and two at Ragged Stone Hill on Aug. 30th (PGG). There were several records of birds hunting over gardens for small birds feeding at bird tables etc. and at Dorstone and Tupsley birds were seen perched on garden sheds.

BUZZARD Buteo buteo. Recorded throughout the year from 39 localities (cf. 32 in 1987) widely distrib­ uted throughout the County. Breeding confIrmed at eight localities (cf. 4 or 5 in 1987). Thelargercounts were: 1an. 10th, Saddlebow Hill, Orcop, four (PIK); 1an. 20th, Olchon, four (IBE's); Feb. 2nd, Ladye Grove, six (WHDW);March 13th, HolIne Marsh, four; April 7th, Leach Pool, foqr; Oct. 25th, Holme Marsh, four (AJS); Oct. 31st, Castleton, four (PGG)'

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus. April 8th, Criftin Ford Bridge area, one (IBE's); April 25th, Foy area, one noted and the same bird or another noted at the same locality on an earlier date in April (per FRF); 1une 2nd, below Castleton, one reliably reported (per BS's).

KESTREL Falco tinnuncul~s. Reported throughout the yearfrom 35 localities (cf. 21 in 1987) widelydistributed throughout the County. The only breeding report submitted was of a pair at Bromyard Downs which bred successfully in the top of a Scots Pine Pinus 388 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 sylvestris where they have also nested in previous years (DGB). Undoubtedly bred at other localities and three noted together at Hampton Bishop on Aug. 29th (JLF) may well have been a family party.

HOBBY Falco subbuteo. There were nobreedingrecords submitted but singlebirds were noted inmid-May at two localities (probably involving the same bird), at two localities in early June and at one locality in early Sept.

PEREGRINE Falco perigrinus The pair from the Symonds Yat eyrie regularly seen in that area and single birds reported from five other localities during the year.

RED GROUSE Lagopus lagopus. April 2nd, Olchon, two (IBE's); May 14th, Oldcastle area, two (SIT).

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa. The larger counts were: Jan. 5th, Colwall Church, five (PGG); Jan. 27th, near Tyberton, seven (GSB); Sept. 9th, MatIion SP, five (PGG); Oct. 9th, Brampton Abbots, ten (WOD); Dec. 10th, Holme Marsh, covey of four (AJS); Dec. 16th, Hampton Bishop, covey of six (JLF); Dec. 27th, Marcle Ridge, 12 (FRF). 1 - 3 birds noted at Belmont Abbey, Byford, Downton, Madley, Old Gore Crossroads, Shenmore, Shobdon areaand Sollershope. Birds were also heard calling at Upper Maund Common and at Yatton, near Sollershope.

GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix Jan. 4th, Stretton Grandison, two (PGG); Feb. 7th, Bodenham, heard calling (PGB); March 25th, Honeymoor Common, 11 and three at Madley and three at Merbach on the same date (GSB); April 13th, Criftin Ford, pair; April 21st, Titley, pair (AJS); April 24th, Mathon SP, two and subsequently bred (PGG et al); May 10th, Sollershope, pair (FRF); May 29th, Belmont Abbey, pair which bred with at least five young noted (DAM); July 19th, Dewsall, one (WAC); Aug. 10th, Mathon SP eight (PGG); Nov. 9th, Coddington, three (IGD).

PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus. A common breeding resident.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus. Feb. 14th, Linton, one (PGG).

MOORHEN Gallinula chlOl'opus. Breeding noted at Bridge Sollars, Burghill, Coddington (two broods), Hunting­ ton, Kenchester, Mathon SP, Sollershope and Wormsley GolfCourse, The larger HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 389 counts were: Jan. 8th, Linton, seven and ten there on Feb. 14th; March 12th, Belmont Pool, five. Birds also noted at Bodenham GP, Dewsall and Moccas and on various farm pools and along the river systems within the County.

COOT Fulica atra. Breeding confirmed at C1ehonger Village Pool, Hampton Bishop, Kenchester, Mathon SP (min. three pairs) and Moccas Park. Noted during the year at Ayrnestrey Pools, Bodenham GP (max. 30 on July 27th), Brockhampton, Eywood NR (max.78 on Dec. 14th), Leach Pool, Linton (maxima 54 on Jan. 8th, c30 on Feb. 14th, 30 on NovAth and 27 on Dec. 11th) and Shenmore.

OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus. Aug. 6th, Whitney Wye, seven (PJE). This is the largest single day count recorded in the County. All previous records have generally involved 1 - 2 birds. Ed.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubicus. A pair in suitable breeding habitat in the middle of the County on April 14th and a single in the east of County on April 24th.

GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria. Jan. 22nd, Sellack, max. 60 with Lapwings (WOD); Jan. 28th, Brampton, 22 with Lapwings but only nine on Jan. 29th (GSB); Jan. 31st,Huntington (Hereford), 33 (BMK); Feb. 17th, Brampton, 181 (GSB); Sept. 25th, Holme Marsh, a single (AJS); Dec. 23rd, Three Elms, Hereford, 83 (mE's).

LAPWING Vanellus vanellus. Breeding confumed at Bodenham, Bridge Sollars, Colwall, Kenchester, near Row1estone and Wern ddu, east of Longtown and probably bred at Madley. During the first winter/spring period the larger flocks noted were: Jan. 5th, Lugg meadows, 500+ (mE's); Jan. 24th, Holmer, 114 flying westwards (EMA's); Jan. 29th, Brampton, 280+; Feb. 25th, Honeymoor Common, 60+ (GSB). First post breeding movements noted at Mathon SP on June 16th, Hampton Bishop on June 18th and at Huntington on July 7th (PGG et al). During the late summer, autumn and second winter periods the larger counts were: Sept. 1st, Hampton Bishop, c500 (JLF); Oct. 26th, Leintwardine, 204 (mE's); Nov. 17th, Castleton Wye, 100+ (KAM); Dec. 22nd, Allensmore, 120 (RGD); Dec. 23rd, Three Elms, Hereford 200+ (lBE's).

DUNLIN Calidris alpina. April 17th, Castleton, a single in summer plumage (AJS); Aug. 13th, Castleton, one (AM). 390 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus. Singles noted at Mathon SP on Feb. 7th and Nov. 6th (pGG).

SNIPE Gallinago gallinago. Another poor year. The only large counts were: Jan. 5th, Castleton, 16 and 11 there on Jan. 31st; Feb. 7th, Mathon SP, eight (PGG); Nov. 4th, Backney, ten and 14 there onDec. 6th (WOD). Elsewhererecords of1- 4 birds from BodenhamGP, Hampton Bishop, Honeymoor Common, Michaelchurch, Newton St. Margarets and Stretton Sugwas SP.

WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola. Regularly 'roding'at Haugh Wood during spring/summer (KAM) and singles noted at Castleton on Jan. 5th (PGG), St. Owen's Cross on Nov. 3rd (WOD) and Marcle Ridge on Dec. 27th (FRF). This species is undoubtedly more widespread than the above records suggest. Bd.

WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus. May4th, UpperEggleton, four flying overand calling (ME); May 9th, How Cap1e, calling in flight (KAM).

CURLEW Numenius arquata. The only confmned breeding records were from Holme Marsh (AJS) and near Row1estone (SJT) but displaying/paired birds noted during the breeding season at Cusop (WAC), Mathon SP (three pairs) (pGG), Newton St. Margarets (RGD) and Upper Maund Common (PGB). Elsewhere during the first winter/spring period 1 - 6 birds noted at Bodenham GP, Bromyard area, Castleton, Coddington, Hampton Bishop, Honeymoor Common area, Leintwardine, Llanwarne, SoUer­ shope, Stretton Sugwas SP and Welsh Newton. During the second winter period the only reports were from Criftin Ford Bridge area where 36 were noted on Nov. 1st (PGG) and c50 on Nov. 22nd (GNS's/KAM's)

REDSHANK Tringa totanus Aug. 15th, Aymestrey SP, a single (FWM).

GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia. May 18th, Hole-in-the-Wall/Foy, four (KAM); Aug. 16th, Bodenham GP, a single (pGB). Spring records are unusual in the County. Ed. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 391

GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus. Casdeton, singles noted Jan. 5th, April3rd, Aug. 13th and Oct. 31st (PGG et al). Criftin Ford Bridge area, a single on April 9th, two on Nov. 1st and a single on Nov. 22nd (FWM et al). Hohne Lacy/Sink Green Wye, singles on Jan. 5th, Jan. 31st and Feb. 3rd (JLF). Elsewhere singles were noted at Stretton Sugwas SP onJan. 5th, Letton Lakes on Aprillst and Mathon SP on Aug. 20th, three at Aymestrey SP on Aug. 23rd and a single at Lingen Bridge (R. Teme) on Nov. 1st (pGG et al).

WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola. July 28th - Aug. 5th, Aymestrey SP, one (FWM). (Tenth record).

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos. The frrst returning birds reported were two at SinkGreen on April 15th (JLF) and eightatCasdetonon April 17th(AJS). Reported during the summer/early autumn from Aymestrey SP, Bodenham GP, Casdeton, Hampton Bishop, Leintwardine, Linton, Mathon SP and Sink Green. The last reported was a single at Hampton Bishop on Sept. 25th (JLF).

BLACK·HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus. Noted throughout theyear, thelarger counts were: Jan. 5th, Luggmeadows, 500+ (mE's); Jan. 26th, Ewyas Harold, cl500flying southatdusk (RGD); March 10th, Hohne Marsh, cl00inarea (AJS); March 12th, Behnont, 300+(GSB); April 17th, Casdeton, c90 (AJS). The breeding colony at Shenmore Farm Pools held 120+ pairs and 82juvenileswerenotedthere onJune9th(GSB). 30+werenotedfeeding on flying ants Lasius niger at Tupsley on Aug. 6th (mE's).

COMMON GULL Larus canus. Noted Jan. - April and Aug. - Dec. The larger counts were: Jan. 5th, Lugwardine - Hampton meadows, c250 (pGG); March 27th, Hohne Marsh, clOO; April 2nd, Eaton Bishop, 20 (AJS); Oct. 25th, Tretire, c250 following plough (WOO). Two were noted in Black-Headed Gull flock at Tupsley on Aug. 6th (mE's).

LESSER BLACK·BACKED GULL Larusfuscus. Noted throughout the year, the larger counts were: Jan. 2nd, Ballingham, 100+; Jan. 25th, Luggmeadows, 200+ (mE's); June7th, HamptonBishop, 68following plough (JLF); June 20th - July 7th, Bodenham GPused as roost during this period withmax. 214 birds on June 24th (pGB); Oct. 17th, Leominster, 21 (AJS); Nov. 25th, Backney, cB (WOO).

HERRING GULL Larus argentatus. July 2nd, Hohne Marsh, two flying north-east (AJS). 392 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIIOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

GREAT BLACK·BACKED GULL Larus marinus. Jan. 5th, Lugg meadows, three (IBE's).

SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis. 1984 A freshly dead bird was picked up near Dorstone in November which had been ringed as a nestling in late June 1984 near Beaufort, North Carolina, USA (350 44'N 76°40'W) and was therefore found 6185km E.N.E. of its point of ringing. This was the first American Sandwich Tern to be found in Britain or Ireland and constitutes the first record here of the Nearctic sub-species S.s. aenflavidus and is only the second to be recorded in the Western Palearcticregion, the fIrst being a North Carolina nestling ringed at Cape Lookout on June 23rd, 1978 and found dead near Veera, Zee1and, Netherlands on December 23rd, 1978. (cf. 'British Birds' Vol. 73, page 259 and BTO Ringing Report 1985). (perDGB). The only previous report for the County was of two birds of the nominate race S.s.sandvicensis at Ross-on-Wye on 22nd Oct. 1986. Ed.

COMMON/ARCTIC TERN Sterna hirundo/paradisaea. Aug. 25th, St. Owen's Cross, three (WOD).

STOCK DOVE Columba oenas. A common breeding resident throughout the County.

WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus. A widespread breeding resident and feeding flocks noted as commonplace in November, e.g. c300 at Holme Marsh on 16th and c200 at Titley on 22nd.

COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaccto. A commonbreedingresident, widely distributed throughout the County. Theonly large flock reported was 40 at Moorend Cross, Mathon, on Sept. 11th (pGG).

TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur. The first reported were two at Mathon SP on May 8th (PGG) and widely reported during second and third weeks ofMay and subsequently during summer months. The last noted were two at Upper Maund Common on Aug. 23rd (pGB).

CUCKOO Cuculuscanorus. Thefirst reported was atHillCourt, Ross-on-Wye, onApril12th (pJK) and widely reported by April 18th119th. A single was noted being mobbed by Chaffinches at Llanwarne on June 11th (PJK). The last adult reported was at Upper Maund Common on June 25th (PGB) and a juvenile was flushed from roadside verge at Dewsall on July 19th (WAC). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITI:lOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 393

BARN OWL Tyto alba. Breeding confirmed at Foy, Preston Wynne and Upper Eggleton and birds regularly noted at Hoarwithy, Leintwardine and in Madley area. Elsewhere birds noted during the year at Check1ey, Dinmore, Llanwame, Pontrilas and Upper Maund Common.

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua. Remains common and widespread throughout the County. Records are numerous and cover all months of the year.

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco. Breeding confirmed at Baton Camp (GSB) and in Mathon/West Malvern area (PGG) and a juvenile seen at Abbeydore (RGD). Widely reported throughout the year from Bodenham, Downton, Eardisley, Garway, Goodrich, Hereford City, Hoarwithy, Marcle Ridge, Moccas, Newton St. Margaret's and Sollershope.

LONG·EARED OWL Asio otus. April 2nd - 8th, Cother Wood, West Malvern, a single calling frequently (pGG).

SWIFT Apus apus. The first reported were three at Wilton on April 27th (WOD) with the main arrival into the County occurring during the flIst week of May. Main departure during first week ofAugust as in previous years with late passage birds noted at Holme Marsh on Aug. 20th (AJS), Mathon SP on Aug. 24th (PGG) and Hereford City on Sept. 1st (AJS).

KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis. Records are numerous throughout the year and are widely distributed throughout theCounty. Thelargestnumbercountedwas sevenalong the Wyebetween Bridge Sollars and Hereford on Aug. 23rd (KAM). All other records were ofsingle birds except for 'twos' at Baton Camp on June 17th (GSB), along the Frome at Five Bridges on June 22nd (PGG), along the Lugg at Mordiford on June 26th (GSB), along the Monnow at Skenfrith on July 1st (BJG) and along the Wye at Hampton Bishop on Sept. 21st (JLF). Breeding noted along the Lugg at Wheelbarrow Castle and along the Monnow at Skenfrith.

HOOPOE Upupa epops. April 22nd/23rd, Berrington, a single well viewed on both days (per Lord Cawley). 394 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis.

A widely disttibuted breeding residentjn suitable habitat. Recorded throughout the year from Brampton, Bridstow, Broadmoor Common, Brockampton, Broomy Hill, Castleton Dewsall, Ewyas Harold, Haugh Wood, Hoarwithy, Hole-in-the­ Wall, How Caple, Leintwardine, Llanwame, Madley, Moccas, Monnington, Ruckhall, St. Margaret's, St. Owen's Cross, SinkGreen, Sollershope, StokeLacy, Timberline Wood and Upper Eggleton.

GREAT SPOTIED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major. A common breeding resident and widely reported throughout the year. Noted at several feeding stations during both winter periods.

LESSER SPOTIED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus minor. March 4th, CommonHill, a single andheard 'drumming' on March 11th (KAM); March 12th, Hampton Bishop, one (JLP); April 8th, Leintwardine, noted (IBE's); April 15th, Eywood NR, a single (AJS) and noted there on April 28th (KAM); April 19th, Upper EggIeton, three (ME); April 24th, Ladye Grove, Bush Bank, 'drumming' (WHDW); May Ist, Shobdon, one (KAM); May 2nd, Ladye Grove, a male (WHDW); May, Sollershope, frequently heard throughout the month (FRF); Aug. 3rd, St. Owen's Cross, one (WOD); Aug. 6th, Weobley Marsh, one (FWM); Aug. 27th, Stansbatch, noted (JMB); Sept. 12th, Holme Marsh, one (AJS); Oct. 22nd, Haugh Wood, a pair (CO); Nov. 22nd, Hoarwithy, noted (CWS).

WOODLARK Lullula arborea. July 8th,'Ewyas Harold, a single noted flying westwards (BJG). This is the first to be recorded in the County since 1969. Bd. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 395

SKYLARK Alauda arvensis. Jan. 7th, Castleton, 17 (PGG); Jan. 24th, Holme Marsh, first 'spring passage' birds noted andlocal breeding birds arrived on Feb. 6th (AJS); March - July, noted at Belmont, Bridge Sollars, Burghill, Dewsall, How Caple, Huntington, Kench­ ester, Madley and Merbach (GSB et al). Sept. 9th, Holme Marsh, first 'post­ moult' movement noted and heavy visible autumn passage noted this year with peak in mid-October (AJS); Nov. 4th, Gamber Marsh, Michaelchurch, 25; Dec. 22nd, Massington Farm, Eastnor, c150 (PGG).

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia. Two at Sink Green on March 30th (JLF) were the fIrst reported with the main arrival during the first two weeks of April. Following the slight recovery of numbers in 1987 there was a further improvement in 1988 and a significant increase in the number of nests at the various colonies, e.g. 130 nest holes on Monnow near Llangiwa and 105 nest holes on Monnow near Walterstone. This, together with a very successful breeding season, will have done much to further the steady recovery of this species at a local level.

SWALLOW Hirundo rustica. An early bird at Sollershope on March 21st (FRF) was the first reported butit was not until the beginning of April that the main arrival occurred and birds were widely reported thereafter. The only post-breeding flocks reported were from Holme Marsh with 65 there on Aug. 13th and 50+ on Aug. 27th (AJS) and from BroomyHill on Sept. 26th/27th (WMG). Thelastnoted were as follows: Oct. 2nd, Holme Marsh, five (AJS); Octo 16th, Malvern Hills area, three (PGG) and Oct. 25th, Ross-on-Wye, one (WOD).

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica. The first reported were five atLeintwardine on April 8th (IBE's) (cf. 1987 Report. Ed). As usual the main influxs occurred during the latter halfofApril and reports indicate a slight inmprovement in numbers compared with recent years. Post­ breeding flocks noted during Sept'/Oct. as follows: Sept. 5th, Bobblestock, max. 60 (DAM); Sept. 17th, Aymestrey, c100 and c75 at Wigmore on the same date (PGG); Sept. 19th, Holme Marsh, 60+ (AJS); Sept. 24th, Ewyas Haro1d, max. 150flocking beforeflying offsouth-west (RGD); Sept. 25th, Mathon, c150; Sept. 26th, Whitman's Hill, Storridge, ma."t.. 350; Oct. 1st, west ofMalvern Hills, 123 moving south in halfanhour; Oct. 8th, North Malvern Hills area, cl00 (PGG). Thelast noted were four at Hampton BishoponOct. 26th (JLF).

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis. A pair at Wap1ey Hill on Apri110th were the first reported with a further three singing males there on 15th (HTR). Apri114th, Clodock area, one (BIG); April 15th. Huntington, two in song (ME); Apri121st, Titley, one in song (WHDW); April 26th, Merbach, 12+; Apri130th, HaughWood, two (GSB); May 1st, Cradley 396 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIIOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 area, one (PGG); May 2nd, Queen's Wood, Dinmore, song (PGB); May 11th, Huntington, three singing males (ME); May 22nd, Ragged Stone Hill, four and two west ofWorcester Beacon on the same date; June 2nd, Bearswood Common, two (PGG). Uttle visible autumn passage noted this year with the last bird noted at Holme Marsh on Aug. 26th (AJS).

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis. Very few records received. Spring passage noted March!April with reports from Honeymoor Common - max. 32 on March 25th (GSB) and Olchon valley - 50+ onApril 2nd (mE's). Autumn passage noted Sept. - Mid Oct. (pGG et al) and last reported from Holme Marsh on Oct. 28th (AJS). This species is more widespread than the above records suggest. An increase in reports, particularly of specific numbers, would be welcomed. Ed.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava. Three males at Castleton on April 1Oth (AJS) were the first and thereafterreported from Aston area, BelmontAbbey SchooltBodenhamGP, Castleton (bred), Criftin Ford, Foy area, Hampton Bishop, Hereford, Holme Lacy, How Caple Wye, Llanwarne, Llancillo Monnow, Madley, Mathon SP, Shenmore, Shobdon and Staunton-on-Arrow. Post-breeding movement first noted at Hampton Bishop on Aug. 3rd when 15, mostlyjuveniles, noted (JLF) and return passage subsequently noted at Linton on Aug. 16th (PGG) and at Holme Marsh Aug. 24th - Sept. 22nd (AJS).

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea. Resident and breeding in suitable habitat and also a passage migrant and winter visitor. Recorded throughout the year from Bodenham Lugg, Bridstow, Broad Oak (bred), Castleton, Coddington, CrasweU (bred), Criftin Ford Bridge (max. 4 on Sept. 17th), Dorstone, Eywood NR, Great Goytre (bred), Hampton Bishop, Holme Marsh area, Leintwardine (max. 6 on Oct. 26th), Lingen Bridge, Linton, Llangiwa (bred), Mathon SP, Monnington Wye, Pontrilas (bred), Ruckhall Mill and Wilton.

PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba. A common breeding resident and passage migrant. The larger counts were: Jan. 21st, Bridge Sollars, 14 (GSB); March 10th, Hampton Bishop 15 (JLF); April 17th, Castleton, 12 (AJS); Aug. 16th, Linton, 21, mostly juveniles; Sept. 14th, Mathon SP, 20; Sept. 17th, Criftin Ford Bridge, 12 (pGG); Dec. 31st, Hampton Bishop, 40+ (JLF). White Wagtails M. a. alba were noted at Castleton with two males there on April 10th and a single on April 23rd (AJS). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIlOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 397

WAXWING Bombyci/la garrulus. The massive invasion ofBritain by this species during the last quarter ofthe year had failed to reach the County by the year's end except for a single bird at LugwardineonDec. 31st which was killedflying intoa window (perH.R. Tasker).

DIPPER Cinclus cinclus. Breeding confirmed at Broad Oak, C1odock, Cwm Bridge (Craswell), Uangonog (Longtown), Olchon House Farm and Upper and Mid Olchon Valley, along the Dore at Pontrllas and along the Monnow at Great Goytre, Kentchurch, Uancillo, Uangiwa and Upper Craswell. Possibly bred on Garron Brook at Whitchurch (SIT). Other records were: Jan. 31st, Clock Mills, two singing in suitable habitat along fast flowing tributaryofWye (pGG); April 11th, The Leen, Pembridge, one on Arrow (ME); Nov. 1st, Lingen Bridge, one on Teme (PGG).

WREN Troglodytes troglodytes. Therecords submitted indicate anincrease in numbers inmany areas and birds to be widely distributed throughout the County. A very good breeding season reported.

DUNNOCK Prune/la modularis. A common breeding resident.

ROBIN Ericathus rubecula. A common breeding resident throughout the County. An increase in the number of breeding pairs in parts of the north-west of the County reported by AJS.

NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos. Early May, Bringsty Common/Bromyard Downs, three singing males within one mile, including one in new locality (DGB); May 15th, Great Hayclose Coppice (Clencher's Mill, Eastnor), two (pGG). .

BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros. A pair bred at Painter Bros. works, Hereford, and successfully raised two young (Jan Jacobowiz). (First breeding record for the County). Previously only recorded an occasional passage migrant and winter visitor. With no reports of birds locally during the 1987/88 winter period it is remarkable that a pair, presumably on spring passage, should have met and paired up and decided upon Painter Bros. works as a suitable nesting site. The nearest regular breeding area would be Warwickshire and the West Midlands. Bd. 398 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIJOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

REDSTART Phoenlt"urus phoeflicllfUS.

As in 1986 and '87 the first report came from Tilley with a male in song there 00 April 8th (AJS). Widely reported from mid-April and breeding reported from Brarnpton Hill (GSB) and Bridge Sollars (GRG's) and singing males noted al many other localitites. A juvenile at Castleton on Aug. 20th (AM) was the lasl reported.

WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra. April 24th, Michae1church, one (WOO); May 2nd, Stoke Prior, ooe (PGB's); early May, a passage migrant noted near Llangiwa; May 14th, Oldcastle, noted (SIT); July 21sl, Bridge Sollars area, ooe (GRG's); Castletoo, four 00 Aug. 6th and 13th and five 00 Aug. 27th (AM); Aug. 29th, Hamplon Bishop, two juveniles (JLF).

WHEATEAR Oenanrhe oenanrhe. April 2nd, Olchon, noted (!BE's); April 11th, The Leen, Pemhridge, a male (ME); April 14th, Hauerall Hill, one (BJG); May 2nd, Slake Prior, several noted in potato field (pGB's); June 6th, Merbach, four (GSB). Bred in Olchon Valley (SIT). Autumn passage birds nOled at Castleton Aug. 6th - 27th (AM). A single male of the Greenland race 0.0. leucorrhoa was seeD at CastJeton on April 17th (NS).

RING OUZEL TurdtlS lorquarus. Olchon Valley, noted on April 2nd (mE's) and IWO pairs bred successfully (SIT).

BLACKBIRD Turdus merula.

A common breeding resident. Noted nesting in Hereford on Feb. 20th (AAS) and carrying nesting material at Common Hill, Fownhope, on Feb. 21s1 (]{AM). Subdued song noted al Holme Marsh on Dec. 5th (NS). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 399

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris. The larger flocks during the first winter/spring period were: Jan. 4th, Canon Frome, c250 and c200 at Bishops Frome (POG); Jan. 5th, Lugg meadows, 200+ (IBE's) and c200 at Castle~on on the same date (PGG); Jan. 7th, Bishops Frome, 1300; Jan. 8th, c200 at Upton Bishop and c100 at Linton (POG); Jan. 19th, Hampton Bishop, c500 (JLF); Jan. 22nd, Llanwarne, c200 (pJK); Jan. 24th, Holme Marsh, 160 (max. Jan. count) (AJS); Jan. 31st, Hampton Bishop, c700 (JLF) and cIoo at Clifford on the same date (POG); Feb. 7th, Mathon SP, cI20; Feb. 25th, Oc1e Pychard, c300 (pOG). Numbers gradually decreased during March and the last reported were c60 at Holme Marsh on April 19th (AJS). The first returning birdreported in autumn was a singleton at Staunton-on-Arrow on Sept. 30th (JLF). Large flocks again present during late autumn/early winter periodas follows: Oct. 12th, HolmeMarsh, 80 (AJS); Oct. 23rd,HamptonBishop, c250 (JLF); Oct. 31st, Castleton, c1OO; Nov. 1st, Criftin Ford Bridge, c160 and cIoo at Ledicote; Nov. 4th, Michaelchurch, c200 and cIOO at Linton on the same date; Nov. 5th, Ledbury, c100; Nov. 6th, Mathon district, cIOOO feeding and roostingin the area (PGG); Nov. 20th, St. Owen'sCross, cI50(WOO); Dec. 11th, Linton, max. 200; Dec. 22nd, near Eastnor, c300 (POG); Dec. 27th, Holme Lacy, max. 300 (WOD); Dec. 28th, Holme Marsh, min. 600 (AJS); Dec. 30th, Hampton Bishop, c500 (JLF).

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos. Resident and breeding. At Holme Marsh AJS reported that a clutch ofthree eggs hatched over a three day period (cf. BWPVo. 5 '-incubationbegins when last egg laid and hatching usually synchronous') and that all threeyoung fledged success­ fully.

REDWING Turdus iliacus. Widelyreported duringboth 1stwinter/springand autumn/2nd winterperiodsbut in significantly fewer numbers than Fie1dfares. Thelarger counts were: Jan. 4th, Canon Frome, c200 (POG); Jan. 5th, Lugg meadows, 100+ (IBE's); Jan. 7th, Bishop's Frome, cI50;Jan. 8th, Linton, c150(POG); Jan. 31st,Hampton Bishop, cIoo (JLF); Feb. 7th, Mathon SP, c250; Feb. 25th, Oc1e Pychard, cI50 (POG). The last noted in spring were three at Mathon SP on April 5th (PGG). A single at Common Hill on Oct. 2nd (KAM) was the first returning bird to be reported in the autumn with the main overnightpassage occurring Oct. 11th- 18th. Numbers slow to build up to end of year with flocks rarely exceeding 100 birds.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus. Resident and breeding. Very few records received and no large flocks reported.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia. .This species has been scarce in the County in recent years so reports of birds 'reeling' from four localities is encouraging. Although breeding was not proven thereports camefrom Upper Eggleton, Holme Lacy, U~rColwall and Burghill and cover the period April 19th - July 2nd (ME et at). 400 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. May 5th, Eywood NR, one insong (AJS). Only onepair noted breeding at Wilton (cf. three pairs in 1987) (WOO). No reports received from the breeding sites at Bredwardine and Winforton. May have bred at Eywood NR (AJS). Aug. 16th, Biddlestone, near Uangarron, two (POG).

REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus. No reports were received from the breeding sites at Weston Farm pool (Bredwar­ dine) and WinfOrton Wye. 39birds wereringed at Shobdon (see Ringing Report).

LESSER wmTETllROAT Sylvia curruca. The first returning bird was reported from Common Hill on April 23rd (KAM). April 24th, RUckhall, a pair (GSB) and a single at Mathon SP on the same date (PGG); May 1st, two at Mathon SP and a single at South Hyde Farm, Mathon (PGG); May 5th, Hampton Bishop, five in song (IVF) and noted in song at Titley on the same date; May 6th, Monnington, song; May 8th, Holme Marsh, song (AJS); May 9th, Tregate, noted (BJG); June 4th, Hampton Bishop, pair feeding young (PGB's); June 14th, Staunton-on-Arrow, noted (JMB); June 24th, Hamp­ ton Bishop, two in song (JVF); July 8th, Titley, song (AJS); singles noted at Tups1ey on July 20th and Aug. 1st (!BE'S); Aug. 9th, Tupsley Quarry, one (JLF). The last reported were two at Holme Marsh on Aug. 15th (AJS).

wmTETllROAT Sylvia communis. A singleat Michae1church onApril 24th (WOO) was thefirst to bereported. April 25th, How Cap1e, noted (FRF); May 1st, Hope under Dinmore, one (JLF); May 6th, Bredwardine, two singing and two at Monnington on the same date (AJS); May 17th, Belmont Abbey, noted in song in school grounds (DAM); May 22nd, Ragged StoneHill (west side), three (PGG); May 23rd, Sollershope, noted (FRF); June 7th, Stansbatch, three in song (1MB); June 9th, Covenhope area, five pairs (AJS);June 12th,BearswoodCommon,nine(cf. seven in 1987) (pGG);June21st, Aston area, pair + seven singing; Wap1ey area, eight singing; near Marston, two singing (AJS) and the lastreported was a single at Hampton Bishop onAug. 29th (JVF).

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin. Noted at Broomy Hill on April 25th (WMG) and noted thereafter May - July at Bearswood Common, Bmrington, Dinmore, Easmor, Hampton Bishop, Hunting­ ton, Marcle Ridge, Mathon SP, Ragged Stone Hill, Sollershope, Titley, Tripple­ ton, Tupsley, West Malvern and Wormsley. The last reported was a single at Hampton Bishop on Sept. 17th (JLF),

BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla. Jan. - March, over-wintering birds noted at Broomy Hill, Clehonger (a male), Common Hill, Dorstone, Ewyas Harold (two males and a female), Holmer (a female), Uanwame (a female) and Tupsley (a male). The first spring migrant to HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 401

be reported was a male at Weobley Marsh on April 3rd (FWM) with the main arrival mid-April- earlyMay. Thelast noted inautumn was a male at Mathon SP on Sept. 25th (PGG). During the second winterperiod single birds were noted at Common Hill (a male) and at two localities at Tupsley.

WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix. April 27th, Lyonshall, two in song (AJS); April 28th, Mansel Lacy, four in song (JLF'); May lst/2nd, Queen'sWood, Oinmore,note4(lBE's etal); May6thLords Wood, one (BJO); May 8th, Wormbridge, breeding in Big Wood (OSB); May 11th, Huntington, five in song (ME); June 14th, Wigmore Rolls, eightsinging in area visited (AJS).

CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita. First birds reported on March 28th at Aymestrey SP (FWM), Bodenham OP (POB's) and Sollershope (FRF). Thereafter widespread throughout the County in suitable habitat. Last reported from Coddington on Sept. 22nd (100).

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus. First reports were from Madley (OSB) and Tupsley (IBE's) on April 5th and widely distributed throughout the County thereafter. The last reported in the autumn were two at Coddington on Sept. 19th (100).

GOLDCREST Regulus regulus. Resident and breeding and widely distributed throughout the County during the year. c30 noted at 'Ibi!d's Land (Upper Colwall) on Nov. 13th (POG).

FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus. Jan. 15th, Burghill, one in observer's garden (Miss Johnstone-Hart).

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata. The first report was of an exceptionally early bird at Uanwarne on April 23rd (pJK.). The main arrival began on May 8th19th and continued throughout the month. Recorded at Belmont Abbey (seven pairs), Bodenham, Broomy Hill, --Bmghill (bred), Burrington, Coddington (bred), Dewsall (bred), Eardisley, Eastnor Castle (min. three pairs in grounds), Ewyas Harold, Hergest (bred), Holme Marsh (bred), Holqier (bred), Ladye Grove, Ledbury, Uanwarne (bred), Madley, Moccas Park (bred), St. Margarets, Shobdon, Sollershope (bred), Trippleton, Welsh Newton and Wormsley. The last reported was at Coddington on Aug. 31st (100).

PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca. Thefirst reported was one in song atTitley onApril 15th (AJS) and subsequently recorded from Aymestrey SP, Badnage Wood, Biblins, Brockhampton Wood, 402 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNTIHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

Ladye Grove (six pairs bred + two pairs in nearby wood), Llancillo (bred), Llanveynoe (10-12 pairs in boxes), Monnington, Olchon Valley (bred) and Wormbridge (bred). See also Nest-box Scheme and Ringing Reports.

LONG·TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus. Widely reported throughout the year, the larger flocks were: Jan. 3rd, Hampton Bishop, clO; Jan. 5th, Lugg meadows, 12; June 12th, Bearswood Common, cl4; Aug. 2~nd, Bircher Common, 20 and 10 at Eastnor Park on the same date; Aug. 23rd, Ragged Stone Hill, 24; Sept. 17th, Hampton Bishop, c20; Oct. 23rd, Brockhill Lane (West Malvern), c12; Oct. 31st, Castleton; cl6; Nov~ 1st, Criftin Ford Bridge, 17; Nov. 13th, Third's Land (Upper Colwall), 13; Dec. 4th, Mathon SP, cl2.

MARSH TIT Parus palustris. Residentand breedingandwidelyreported throughout theyearinsuitablehabitat.

WILLOW TIT Parus montanus. Resident and breeding and recorded thro~ghout the year in suitable habitat.

COAL TIT Parus ater. Resident and breeding and recorded throughout the year. A frequent visitor to feeding stations during winter months.

BLUE TIT Parus caeruleus. A very common breeding resident. cl00 noted in mixed tit flock at Ragged Stone Hill. (west) on Aug. 23rd (PGG). See also Nest-box Scheme Report.

GREAT TIT Parus major. A common breeding resident. See also Nest-box Scheme Report.

NUTHATCH Sitta europaea. A common breeding resident in suitable habitat and widely reported throughout the year. An occassional visitor to feeding stations during winter months. See also Nest-box Scheme Report.

TREltCREEPER Certhiafamiliaris. Resident and breeding and recorded throughout the year. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIIOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 403

GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor. Dec. 28th, Eastnor Deer Park, one (per SW). This is the first to be reported since 1983 and undoubtedly reflects the recent decline ofthis species as a winter visitor of Britain. Bd.

JAY Garrulus glandarius. Resident and breeding. Post-breeding movement noted Sept. - Oct. with many sightings ofbirds in flight over open country between Kington in north-west and Gorsley area in south-east (AJS).

MAGPIE Pica pica. A very common and widespread breeding resident.

JACKDAW Corvus monedula. A common breeding resident.

ROOK Corvus jrugilegus. A common breeding resident.

CARRION CROW Corvus corone. A common breeding resident.

RAYEN Corvus corax. Residentandbreedinginsuitablehabitat and widelyreported during theyear with records from Bridstow, Common Hill, The Doward, Eardisley, Goodrich, Holme Lacy, Holme Marsh, Leintwardine, Malvern Hills (west side), Moccas (bred), Olchon, Pembridge, Ragged Stone Hill (west) and St. Owen's Cross.

STARLING Sturnus vulgaris. Common and widespread throughout the County although AJS reported a continuation of the decline in numbers locally at Holme Marsh since 1984. However 1988 was anexceptional year for second broods in the same locality. A pre-roost flock, estimated at cl00,OOO birds, noted in Wormelow/Much Birch! Llanwame area on Jan. 5th (PGG). March 9th, Widows Wood, c20,OOO (lBE's).

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus. A very common and widespread breeding resident. Aug. 31st, Coddington, 40 (IGD). 404 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

TREE SPARROW Passer montanus. Resident and breedingand noted throughout the year. Thelargercounts were: Jan. 7th, Castleton, c30; Feb. 25th, Ridgeway Cross, Cradley, ten (PGG); April 14th, Clodock, c20 (BJG); Sept. 26th, Leominster, ten (PGG); Octo 14th, near Holrne Lacy, c10 (JLF); Oct. 31st, Bredwardine, ten (PGG); Dec. 9th, Sink Green, 22 (JLF).

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs. A commonbreedingresident and wintervisitor. The onlylargeflock reported was c200 at Linton on Jan. 8th (pGG). Elsewhere flocks of 25-50 birds noted at Bredwardine, Castleton, Clifford and Downton.

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla. The only report during the fIrst winter period was of a single male at Ridgeway Cross, Cradley, on Feb. 25th (PGG). During the second winter period reported as follows: Octo 31st, Casdeton, one; Nov. 1st, Adleymoor Common, Leintwar­ dine, one (PGG); Nov. 20th, St. Owen's Cross, three with Chaffinch flock (WOD); Nov. 29th - Dec. 31st, Much Marcle, six feeding on applepulp from cider works (RJ); Dec. 23td, Kingsland, one (nm's).

GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris. A commonbreedingresident and regular visitor to gardenfeeding stations during winter periods. The larger counts were: Jan. 8th, Linton, c80 (pGG); Jan. 9th, Hole-in-the-Wall, 60+ (mE's); Feb.25th, Ridgeway Cross, Cradley, c30 (PGG); April 15th, Wapley Hill, c15 (HTR); Octo 31st, Castleton, c10 (pGG).

GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis. Residentandbreedingandwidelyreported throughouttheyear. Thelargercounts were: Jan. 7th, Holrne Lacy, c30; Feb. 2nd, Hampton Bishop, 60+ (JLP); Feb. 22nd, News Wood (Malverns), el2 (pGG); March 16th, Holrne Lacy, 16 (JLP); April 2nd, St. Owen's Cross, c15 (WOD); April 10th - 15th, Wapley Hill, c20 (HTR); Aug. 24th, Mathon SP,12 (PGG); Aug. 28th, HamptonBishop, c30(JLP); Aug. 30th, Ragged Stone Hill (west), 30; Sept. 11th, Mathon SP, 20 (pGG); Sept. 17th, Hampton Bishop, c25 (JLF); Dec. 7th, Bridstow, 10 (WOD).

SISKIN Carduelis spinus. Widely reported throughout the County Jan. - April with flocks of50 - 60 birds noted at Bodenham on Feb. 3rd (PGB) and Wap1ey Hill onApril 15th (HTR) and flocks of20 - 35 birds noted during the period at Bridge Sol1ars, Bridstow, Hole­ in-the-Wall, St. Owen's Cross, Sink Green and Titley. During the period Sept.­ Dec. flocks of40 - 50 birds noted at Uanwarne (pJK) and Mathon SP (PGG) on Dec. 4th and Hampton Bishop on Dec. 25th (JLF). AJS reported'a small amount ofpassage evident at Holrne Marsh during Octo HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 405

LINNET Carduelis cannabina. Resident and breeding in suitable habitat. The larger counts were: Jan. 4th, Ridgeway Cross, Cradley, c50 and c50 at Castleton on the same date and c90 at the latterlocation onJan. 31st; Feb. 25th, Ridgeway Cross, c80; Sept. 17th, Criftin Ford Bridge, c60; Oct. 1st, Mathon SP, c50 (PGG); Oct. 26th, Llanwarne, 30 - 40 on wing (PIK).

REDPOLL Carduelisjlammea. Feb. 14th, Wigmore Rolls, several hundred noted in mixed flock with Siskins (PGB); April 8th, Leintwardine, 100+ (lBE's); Oct. 31st, Bredwardine, c85 feeding on Mugwort Artemeria vulgare (PGG). Elsewhere noted in small numbers Jan. - April at Common Hill (max. 25 on March 10th), Hampton Bishop, Madley, Sink Green, Titley and Wapley Hill and during Oct. - Dec. at Common Hill, Holme Marsh and Linton.

CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra. April 10th - 15th, Wapley Hill, seven (HTR); June 15th - Nov. 14th, Haugh Wood, noted throughout the period with max. 20 on Sept. 3rd (KAM et al); Sept. 29th, Wapley Hill, eight (JLF); Oct. 9th, Wigmore Rolls, six (KAM).

BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Resident and breeding and recorded throughout the year from Bacton, Balling­ ham, Belmont Abbey, Broomy Hill, Castleton, Clifford, Dewsall, Ewyas Harold, Halmonds Frome, Haugh Wood, Holmer, Littlemarsh Common, Llanwarne, Madley, Mathon SP, Newton St. Margaret's, Olchon, Ruckhall, Staunton-on­ Arrow, Stoke Lacy and Tupsley.

HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes. Dec. 12th - 19th, Common Hill, a single noted feeding on winged seeds ofField Maple Acer campestre in observer's garden (KAM); Dec. 13th, Burrington, one (per NOP); Dec. 27th, Checkley, one (GCC).

SNOW BUNTING Pleetrophenax nivalis. Dec. 10th, British Camp, Malvern Hills, a single noted (per SW).

YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella. Remains a widely distributed and common breeding resident. Jan. 5th, Winfor­ ton, c70 and c35 atPreston-on-Wye on the same date (pGG); Jan. 11 th, Bridstow, c30 (WOD); Oct. 23rd, Hampton Bishop, c30 (JLF); Nov. 24th, Coddington, 20 (IGD); Dec. 13th, Hampton Bishop, c30 (JLF). 406 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus. Resident and breeding in suitable habitat andrecorded throughout the year. Oct. 31st, Bredwardine, c25 (pGG).

CORN BUNTING Milaria calandra. Two singing males at Tretire during breeding season (WOO) and two noted at Gamber Marsh on Nov. 4th HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 407

CONTRffiUTORS TO CLASSIFIED NOTES Dr. E.M. AlIen J.L. Fox D. Parr Mrs. J. AlIen Mrs. J.V. Fox N.O. Parsons G.S. Bilbao C.R Garfitt Mrs. A Powell Mrs. M. Boardman P.G. Garner Mrs. F.M. Probyn Dr. D.G. Boddington G.R Gay H.T. Randolph Mrs. F. Bradley Mrs. J. Gay C.W. Sheldrake P.G. Bradley Miss. W.M. Gibson Mrs. A Smith Mrs. J.M. Bromley Miss. E.A Gillard AJ. Smith J. Bunn B.J. Gregory G.N. Smith LordCawley Jan Jacobowiz Mrs. 1. Smith W.A. Champion Mrs. R. Jenkinson B. Stephenson G.C. Cundale Miss. Jolulstone-fhut Mrs. M. Stephenson Mrs. le. Davidson Mrs. P.J. leent AA. Stewart Miss. W.O. Davies B.M lCiddle H.R Tasker T. Davis G.RlCirk J. Tupper RG. Deane A Marchant Mrs. S.J. Tyler Dr. l.G. Duncan F.W. Marston E. Walker P.J. Eldridge Mrs. C. Mason T. Wall Mrs. G.E. Evans lC.A Mason M.P. Watkins 1.B. Evans E.A Morgan S. Whitehouse M. Evans D.A Myers Dr. W.H.D. Wince

REPORT EXCHANGES

Brecknock Wildlife Trust. Bristol Natural History Society. Derbyshire Ornithological Society. Gloucester Naturalists' Trust. Gwent Ornithological Society. Shropshire Ornithological Society. Trent Valley Birdwatchers. West Wales Naturalists' Trust. Wiltshire Ornithological Society.

ASSOCIATIONS TO WHICH THE CLUB IS AFFILIATED

British Trust for Ornithology. Herefordshire Nature Trust. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Woolhope Club. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1988 REPORT EXCHANGES HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 30TII NOVEMBER, 1988 1987 1988 Income: 32 Sale ofPublications 85 Sale ofBird Food 52 104 Donations 87 351 Building Society Interest 303 1,095 Subscriptions 1,706 £Lm £2.m Deduct: Expenditure: 179 Printing and Stationery 137 1,067 Annual Report 1,120 268 Postage and Telephone 219 214 Meeting Expenses 211 53 Affiliation Subscriptions 53 22 Cost of Publications 50 Insurances 25 ---12 Donation - RSPB (1987 - BTO) 120 £1,878 £1,885 (296) Surplus (Deficit) for the year £348 1,616 Surplus at 1st December 1987 ...!El. £1,320 General Funds at 30th November 1988 £1,669 2,700 Add: Special Funds, brought forward 2,700 £4,020 Accumulated Funds at 30th November 1988 £4,369 Accumulated Funds at 30th November 1988 represented by: £4,251 Deposit with Abbey National Building Society £4,263 (231) Add (Deduct) Bank Balance (Deficit) less 1989 subscriptions in advance 1,241 £5,504 Deduct - Liabilities - Creditors ~ £4,369

LT. STONE, (Hon. Treasurer) I have audited the above Accounts and in my opinion they show a true and fair view ofthe General Account Surplus for the year ended 30th November, 1988 and of the Club's assets at 30th November, 1988. T. Davies, (Chartered Accountant) 31st December 1988