84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:04 Page 1

The Birds of Herefordshire 2009

Herefordshire Ornithological Club Annual Report 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:05 Page 2

Herefordshire Ornithological Club Founded 1950 Registered Charity No.1068608

Committee March 2009 – March 2010

President ...... I B Evans Vice President ...... K A Mason Officers Chairman ...... N A Smith Vice Chairman...... J R Pullen Secretary ...... T M Weale 2010 Treasurer ...... M J Wilkinson Recorder ...... S P Coney Annual Report Editor ...... Ms H Jones HOC News Editor ...... P Gardner Meetings Secretary ....J Andrews/J Pullen Conservation Liaison Officer .....Vacant Education Officer ...... B C Willder Strategy Officer ...... P Williams Publicity Officer ...... Ms M MacGregor Other Committee Members G Wren, A J F Buttriss, G M Davis, G Parker

Cover picture: A Great Northern Diver visited Wellington Gravel Pits in December Picture: Mick Colquhoun

2 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:05 Page 3

ELCOME to the 2009 edition of The Birds of Herefordshire, our 59thW Annual Report. I hope members will enjoy reading it. This is my third Annual Report as editor…perhaps I’m beginning to get the hang of it now! Although Herefordshire is buried in the heart of England, far from main migration routes or the coasts, it still manages to get its share of rarities. This year sightings have included a Great Northern Diver and we were even visited by such normally coastal denizens as a Sanderling and a Whiskered Tern. The collation and recording of these sightings is a vital contribution to understanding the nation’s wildlife, and it is no mean task – our thanks go to County Bird Recorder Steve Coney for this, as well as to all those avid birdwatchers who report what they have seen to him. And I couldn’t edit this report without the meticulous help of Tony Eveleigh and John Pullen who coordinate the production of its central part, the Systematic List. My thanks go to them as well as to the many people who compiled it from Steve’s records, or who produced reports on such activities as the Nest Box Recording Scheme and the Bird Ringing. I wouldn’t derive as much pleasure from editing this Report as I do, either, without the illustrations – so those of you who have cameras or pencils, keep submitting your pictures! Hilary Jones Drawings of Greenshank and Yellowhammer by Gerald Parker

3 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:05 Page 4

Contents

Chairman’s Report...... Page 5 Herefordshire Bird Atlas Report...... Page 7 HOC Accounts...... Page 8 HOC Field Meetings 2009...... Page 10 Weather Report ...... Page 11 County Bird List...... Page 13 Rarities...... Page 15 Accepted Rarities...... Page 16 Systematic List of Sightings...... Pages 17-65 Exotica & Escapes...... Page 66 List of Contributors ...... Page 67 Migrant Dates ...... Page 69 Garden Birdwatch...... Page 71 Ringing Reports...... Page 72 Nestbox Recording Scheme ...... Page 89 Ornithological Sites & Map ...... Page 98, 99

ISBN 978-0-9554157-5-3 Vol 6 Number 9 Edited by Hilary Jones; Published 2012 Price £7 (UK post free)

4 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:05 Page 5

Chairman’s Report for 2009

THIS will be my fourth year as your chairman, and every year brings fresh challenges for HOC in the way we have to deal with topics and find resources for a small club like ours. It often falls back on a small number of volunteers within the club who are able to help make our club become a more strategic player in the environment. As your chairman, I would like to share with you a few of the main themes from this past year. The Herefordshire breeding/ winter Bird Atlas We are now into the third year of this important project, which is both a joint ven- ture with BTO as part of the national atlas, and our own special County atlas project. The largest part of the project is the fieldwork, which is both enjoyable and beneficial and, after all our efforts, has a very serious side of showing the way ahead by im- proving habitat management and reversing the decline of some species in this county. The various environmental groups and Government bodies, such as Natural England, need data at county level to help deliver some of their policies. This is why, in Herefordshire, having an Atlas book will provide a yardstick for the next 15 to 20 years of scientific research and knowledge. Such data have never before been fully captured and written down in a way that others can usefully interpret to help with maintaining the welfare of the species in this county. Please see my other article on the Atlas achievements in 2009. Meetings The year seems to be running away with us all too quickly, but again there have been excellent programmes of indoor and outdoor meetings, bringing many of us together in all kinds of weather and birding opportunities, in addition to the well-run and ex- cellent weekend break away to Dorset organised by Chris Bartlett and John Vickerman. I can seriously recommend all of these activities to you as an excellent way of meet- ing fellow birders and helping each other out with improving knowledge of birds. A special thank you must go to Keith and Chris Mason and Chris’s team of helpers who organise the indoor meetings. Annual Reports We are now into our third report with Hilary Jones as the editor of this 2009 report. Any kind of production of a report like this is not an easy task. It might sound a simple matter to write it, but a lot of hard work goes into such a report from a very hard working and dedicated group of writers and helpers. Thus the chairman wishes to express his sincere thanks and appreciation to all, as the production cost has been kept to a reasonable level within the funds raised by the club. Working together It is important to realise that the bird club cannot do everything, however, opportu- nities do arise where we can lend our expertise to help others in bird conservation. The 5 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:05 Page 6

Herefordshire Woodpecker project is one such project, along with others, like trying to influence Council planning/ policy direction by having our say on behalf of birds when helping planners, (where we are asked) with making decisions on applications. IT expertise We live in a constantly evolving age of technology, where IT services are increasingly penetrating our lives and the way we do our work. In this respect the bird club is no different. Being a small group, we are always on the look out for those with IT skills to help us, so this is an opportunity you could take to help HOC develop those new IT services and make this club a stronger player. The committee & their sub committees As Chairman, I rely heavily on the committee to help deliver and guide us with all the subjects, and this year is no different from others. It is always pleasing to see more new faces providing an injection of ‘new blood’, as no committee should stand still. We will always find challenges ahead, but it is important to remember and understand that we are all volunteers, giving up our own time. Once again I would like to give a big thank you to all those members standing again or standing down, as their efforts have been a tremendous help in so many ways over the past year. General To end this report, I would like to say, I do feel that we have a great strength in being a very friendly club, and that we will have real opportunities ahead to make us a leading body in the county, if we are able to complete big tasks like the Atlas project over the next few years. So please support us in the work and challenges that lie ahead. Speak to a committee member if you have ideas or want to become involved with the club using your knowledge and skills, as a stronger band of willing volunteers will increase awareness of birds throughout the county. As we end this year, I look back, and can say that, over the decades, the club has made huge strides in its own development. Big heartfelt thanks to you to all for supporting HOC in this year!

Nick Smith Chairman Spotted Flycatcher on watch for lunch Drawing: Gerald Parker

6 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:05 Page 7

Herefordshire Bird Atlas 2009 Update AS 2009 began we were half way through the second Winter period for survey work and with the first year completed. We were beginning to see the early results of all your hard work and the missing areas that we still had to cover over the next few years. The county was nearly split in half with very good coverage south of Hereford, but to the north we still needed your help to cover many more 10km square areas. The numbers of species recorded were 140 winter species and 161 summer species. We had completed 310 winter tetrads and 226 breeding tetrads by the end of 2009. A total of 201 observers had contributed 60,000 records just for Herefordshire, ranging from sometimes just a single record to many of over a 1000 to 3000 or more records per observer. The BTO was beginning to show early results at its BTO Atlas website http://www.bto.org/birdatlas/, so why not go and see for yourself the work done by many observers across the county by using the link for Herefordshire from the BTO page called Bird Atlas Key Statistics. We also began the big job of validating all the records entered for Herefordshire since the Atlas began in November 2007. The beauty of the online system means that it can be validated almost daily if we wish, as the records are all live on the BTO database, although this does necessitate making some corrections. The idea of validating is to ensure correct and consistent data entry to give meaningful results for analysis at the end of the project. County 2km Tetrad squares The uptake since we started in November 2007 had now moved on to about 75% of the tetrads having been requested for allocation, or 413 - 2km squares out of a possi- ble 545 tetrads to do by the end of 2009. HOC Website Atlas We completed a dedicated Atlas webpage on our HOC website in 2009. Also, the new ‘Community’ sightings web page was a live link on the HOC home page, where we invited you all to submit sightings for 7 target species that were important for the Herefordshire Biodiversity Action Plan. The species were: Swift, House Martin, Barn Owl, Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch, Song Thrush and Cuckoo. The range of target species covered habitats within towns, villages and countryside, and included a few summer visitors to this county. All these records will go towards the Atlas data collected. HOC Atlas editor We also started our hunt to appoint an Atlas editor to help HOC develop a working editorial team that will produce a publication at the end of the survey years. Summary So, this project to complete our goal of 100% coverage by the summer of 2012 was well on its way - thanks to all those willing volunteers out there! Nick Smith 7 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:05 Page 8

Income & Expenditure Account 2008 2009 £ £ £ INCOME £ £ £

3,577 Subscriptions 4,472 145 2009 Subscriptions (in advance) -

1,000 Annual Report Sponsorship - 543 Income from Meetings 513 50 Survey Fees & Nestboxes - 174 Sale of Publications 20 127 Donations 864 744 Gift Aid Refund 706 7,661 National Lottery (Awards for All) - 129 Other Income - 1,671 Bank Interest (gross) 543 4,853 Members’ Weekend Away – Income 2,610 Members’ Weekend Away – -4,608 245 Expenditure -2,610 - 16,066 7,118 EXPENDITURE 4,168 2005/2006 Annual Report 2,840 1,135 Printing & stationery 1,284 702 Postage & Telephone 668 188 Publicity & Education Expenses 72 536 Meeting Expenses 480 8,587 Purchases - - 755 Insurance 802 Donations & Affiliation Subscriptions 151 Computer Software 199 & Website 278 16,321 6,575 8 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 9

Year Ended 30 November 2009 2008 2009 £ £ £ £ £ -255 Deficit 2008/Surplus 2009 543 14,709 Surplus as at 1 December 2008 14,454 -255 Deficit 2008/surplus 2009 543 - Writeback of Annual Report 5,550 provisions 2006-2008 General Funds as at 14,454 30th November 2009 20,547 Add: Special Funds 11,400 carried forward 11,400 Total Accumulated Funds as at £25,854 30th Nov 2009 £31,947 Represented by: 30,000 HSBC/Standard Life Bond 30,000 - Standard Life Notice A/C 7,400 5,589 HSBC Deposit Account 2 2,765 HSBC Current Account 1,495 38,354 38,897 Less:

10,500 Provision for Annual 4,950 Reports 2007-09 Provision for Breeding 2,000 12,500 Birds Atlas 2,000 6,950 25,854 31,947

M J Wilkinson Treasurer Auditor’s Certificate I have examined the above Income and Expenditure Account together with the relevant spreadsheetsand vouchers, and have obtained all the information and explanations necessary. I certify that the above account presents a true and fair view of the financial position of the Herefordshire Ornithological Club as at 30th November 2009. E.C. Aplin FCA, FCMA 19 December 2009 9 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 10

HOC Field Meetings 2009 Date ...... Venue...... Leader 12 Jan ...... Haugh Woods & Lugg Meadows...... Terry Foxton 24 Jan ...... Talybont Reservoir & Llangorse Lake ...... John Pullen 8 Feb...... Wyevale & Breinton...... Frances Riddell & John Pullen 18 Feb...... Slimbridge WWT ...... Brian Willder & John Pullen 8 Mar ...... Ashleworth & Coombe Hill...... Tony Eveleigh 21 Mar ...... Queenswood & Bodenham Lake...... Gerald Parker 25 Apr ...... Kings Pyon Area...... Chris & Phil Williams 10 May ...... Moreton Wood ...... Nick Smith 14 May ...... Joint with Ledbury Nats Mathon AreaBrian Willder & John Pullen 7 Jun ...... Little Hill Black Mts...... John Pullen 15 Jun ...... Ashperton Walking Festival ...... John Pullen 27 Jun ...... Ewyas Harold Common & Dulas Brook...... Nick Smith 11 Jul ...... Elan Valley ...... John Pullen 25 Aug...... Newport Wetlands ...... John Pullen 5 Sep...... Bradnor Hill & Hergest Ridge ...... Nick Smith 26 Sep...... Holme Lacy...... John Pullen 9-12 Oct...... Dorset Weekend ...... Chris Bartlett & John Vickerman 25 Oct...... Leintwardine & Criftin Ford...... William Marler 11 Nov...... Ross Area...... Chris Bartlett 21 Nov...... Bringsty Common & Grimley...... Tom & Jenny Weale 6 Dec ...... Bodenham Lake & Wellington GP...... Phil & Chris Williams

Indoor Meetings Date...... Topic...... Speaker 12 Feb ...... Glos. Wildlife ...... Phil Muggeridge 12 Mar ...... AGM & Members’ Evening...... Keith Mason 10 Sept...... Voyage to Antarctica...... Phil Muggeridge 8 Oct ...... Extremadura ...... Brayton Holt 12 Nov ...... Finmark ...... Roger Beck 10 Dec...... Nest Boxes...... Graham Wren

John Pullen 10 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 11

Weather Report 2009 January The first ten days were clear and cold due to a continuing high pressure system with frosts each night, being severe – 5C from 3 to 6; the coldest Jan for 12 years. The latter part of the month was wet with only three dry days giving a rainfall of 97mm 140% of the long term average. The large Starling roost at Pencoyd continued to in- crease 40000+ being recorded on 25, also a Hawfinch was seen feeding on ash keys at Garway on 3, 9 and 10. The only large finch flocks recorded was a mixed one of 300+ at Welsh Newton on 7 and 270 Linnets at Garway on 2. February The start of the month was cold and unsettled with snow on 2, 4, 5 and 9. Also ten nights of frost were recorded. The remainder of the month was mainly dry; on most days the temperature reached 9C. Rooks were already building by the middle of the month at St Weonards and a group of Waxwings were seen feeding at Kingsland on 21. March A much dryer month than usual with only five wet days. Most rain 20mm fell on 3 giving a total rainfall of 28mm, 50% of the long term average. Frosts were recorded on five nights: 1, 3, 5, 20 and 28. The mild days from 16 when it was 13C encouraged early migrants – Swallows on 13, Little Ringed Plover on 22 and Garganey on 21, although a Jack Snipe lingered as recorded in the Gamber Meadows on 13. April The temperature on most days was above the long term average reaching 17C on 2, 3 and 24, but frosts were recorded on 4 and 27. A total rainfall of 74 mm was just above the long term average. Waxwings were still present, with 23 at Stockingfield feeding on mistletoe on 5, and 3 Greenland Wheatear were seen at Stretton Sugwas on 26. May The month began dry but windy, being much wetter from 13 with a near long term average of 55mm; towards the end of the month the temperature rose to 23C on 29. As usual many waders passed through, mostly seen at Wellington GP: Sanderling on 14, Knot on 13 and Grey Plover on 13. Terns were also seen there: a Black Tern on 13 and Arctic Tern on 16. June The month began with high temperatures of 22C recorded on 1 and 2, hot weather returned during the last week reaching 26C on 29. Heavy rain was recorded on 5, 26mm, and on 6, 18mm, making a total of 85mm, well above the long term average. Turtle Doves were recorded at Llanwarne on 14 and at Mary Knoll on 26; a Golden Oriole was heard within Newton Wood Welsh Newton on 4. 11 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 12

July A very wet month, a total of 165mm being recorded, three times the long term average with 36mm measured on 16 and only 7 dry days. A Redshank with young was seen at Brockhall GP and Yellow Wagtail with young at Castleton. A Turnstone was noted at Brockhall GP on 1 also a late Cuckoo was seen there in July. August The first week was very wet, contributing to over half the total of 51mm – 65% of the long term average. Many of the remaining days were cloudy, the temperature never rising above 21C. Already Swifts, 100 at Dilwyn, and hirundines were in large flocks ready to return to Africa. 300 House Martins were seen over Wellington GP and 300 Swallows at Pengethley. Also by mid-August warblers were beginning to move through: 8 Willow Warblers, 23 Chiffchaff, 6 Whitethroats, 7 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler were all seen in the Gamber Meadows. September The month started with a westerly airflow of unsettled weather and intermittent heavy rain. A total of 32mm was recorded on the first three days which is 50% of the long term average. This gave way to high pressure and a dry spell with above average temperature towards the end of September. A Blackbird was recorded singing on 9 and a Song Thrush on 25 at Garway. At Brockhall GP in September a young Pink-footed Goose and 7 Red-crested Pochard were noted; also 10 Crossbills were seen at Wigmore Rolls. October The month was wet at the beginning then a dry spell from 10 to 19, with 25mm being recorded on 20, contributing to a total rainfall total of 57mm which is near the long- term average. Passages of Woodpigeon and Meadow Pipits were noted from 12 to 19 at Garway and a large flock of 3500 Lesser Black-backed Gulls was seen at Wellington GP. November This was the wettest November since 1951, with a total of 260mm being recorded – over 400% of the long term average; there was only one dry day –30 – when a frost was recorded at -1C. Flocks of winter thrushes were present in the county at Criftin Ford Bridge, with 700 Fieldfare and 80 Redwing at Moreton Eye. December The beginning of the month was mild and unsettled with 12 nights of frost from 17 reaching -5C on 21 when 35mm of snow was measured. The continuing cold frost spat saw a movement of Skylark to milder climes. Also rarities in the county were: a Great Northern Diver at Wellington GP, Long-eared Owl on the outskirts of Hereford and a Black Redstart on Hereford Cathedral. John Pullen 12 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 13

County Bird List 2009 THE numbers in brackets indicate the number of accepted sightings in the County to the end of 2009 and are only included if there are 20 or fewer records.

Mute Swan Red-throated Diver (5) Coot Bewick’s Swan Black-throated Diver (4) Crane (5) Whooper Swan Great Northern Diver (9) Little Bustard (1) Bean Goose (4) Little Grebe Oystercatcher Pink-footed Goose (20) Great Crested Grebe Black-winged Stilt (1) White-fronted Goose Red-necked Grebe (4) Avocet (2) Greylag Goose Slavonian Grebe (6) Stone-Curlew (2) Canada Goose Black-necked Grebe (13) Cream-coloured Courser (1) Barnacle Goose Fulmar (1) Collared Pratincole (2) Brent Goose (13) Manx Shearwater Little Ringed Plover Egyptian Goose (5) Storm Petrel (5) Ringed Plover Ruddy Shelduck (2) Leach’s Petrel (9) Killdeer (1) Shelduck Gannet (13) Dotterel (8) Mandarin Cormorant Golden Plover Wigeon Shag (6) Grey Plover (15) Gadwall Bittern Lapwing Teal Night Heron (3) Knot Green-winged Teal (1) Cattle Egret (1) Sanderling (18) Mallard Little Egret Little Stint (20) Pintail Grey Heron Temminck’s Stint (3) Garganey White Stork (3) Pectoral Sandpiper (1) Shoveler Glossy Ibis (2) Curlew Sandpiper (4) Red-crested Pochard (12) Honey Buzzard Dunlin Pochard Black Kite (1) Ruff Ring-necked Duck (2) Red Kite Jack Snipe Ferruginous Duck (1) White-tailed Eagle (1) Snipe Tufted Duck Marsh harrier (5) Great Snipe (2) Scaup Hen Harrier Woodcock Eider (2) Montagu’s Harrier (3) Black-tailed Godwit Long-tailed Duck (3) Goshawk Bar-tailed Godwit (17) Common Scoter Sparrowhawk Whimbrel Velvet Scoter (2) Buzzard Curlew Goldeneye Rough-legged Buzzard (2) Spotted Redshank (8) Smew (20) Greater Spotted Eagle (1) Redshank Red-breasted Merganser (18) Osprey Greenshank Goosander Kestrel Lesser Yellowlegs (1) Ruddy Duck Merlin Green Sandpiper Red Grouse Hobby Wood Sandpiper Black Grouse Peregrine Common Sandpiper Red-legged Partridge Water Rail Turnstone (11) Grey Partridge Spotted Crake Red-necked Phalarope (1) Quail Corncrake Grey Phalarope (19) Pheasant Moorhen Pomarine Skua (1)

13 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 14

Arctic Skua (2) Sand Martin Long-tailed Tit Great Skua (2) Swallow Marsh Tit Mediterranean Gull Red-rumped Swallow (2) Willow Tit Little Gull (19) House Martin Coal Tit Sabine’s Gull (1) Tree Pipit Black-headed Gull Meadow Pipit Blue Tit Ring-billed Gull (3) Rock Pipit (2) Great Tit Common Gull Water Pipit (12) Nuthatch Lesser Black-backed Gull Yellow/Blue-headed Wagtail Treecreeper Herring Gull Grey Wagtail Golden Oriole Yellow-legged Gull Pied / White Wagtail Red-backed Shrike Caspian Gull (1) Waxwing Iceland Gull (3) Dipper Great Grey Shrike Great Black-backed Gull Wren Jay Kittiwake Dunnock Magpie Sandwich Tern (2) Robin Nutcracker (2) Nightingale Common Tern Jackdaw Arctic Tern Black Redstart Little Tern (5) Redstart Rook Whiskered Tern (1) Whinchat Carrion Crow Black Tern Stonechat Hooded Crow (19) Little Auk (2) Wheatear Raven Puffin (2) Desert Wheatear (1) Starling Feral Pigeon Ring Ouzel Rose-coloured Starling (4) Stock Dove Blackbird Woodpigeon Fieldfare House Sparrow Collared Dove Song Thrush Tree Sparrow Turtle Dove Redwing Chaffinch Ring-necked Parakeet (8) Mistle Thrush Brambling Cuckoo Cetti’s Warbler (3) Greenfinch Barn Owl Grasshopper Warbler Goldfinch Little Owl Sedge Warbler Tawny Owl Marsh Warbler Siskin Long-eared Owl Reed Warbler Linnet Short-eared Owl Melodious Warbler (1) Twite Nightjar Blackcap Lesser Redpoll Swift Garden Warbler Common Redpoll (15) Alpine Swift (1) Lesser Whitethroat Kingfisher Whitethroat Crossbill Bee-eater (3) Dartford Warbler (2) Bullfinch Roller (1) Yellow-browed Warbler (1) Hawfinch Hoopoe Wood Warbler Ovenbird (1) Wryneck Chiffchaff Snow Bunting (13) Green Woodpecker Willow Warbler Yellowhammer Great Spotted Woodpecker Goldcrest Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Firecrest (14) Cirl Bunting Woodlark Spotted Flycatcher Reed Bunting Skylark Pied Flycatcher Corn Bunting 14 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 15

Herefordshire County Rarities THE following species require field-notes and supportive description before being consid- ered for inclusion in the HOC Annual Report (unless the sighting is agreed by five or more observers). All national rarities (to be forwarded to the British Birds Rarities Committee, for assessment); all unusual races (except White Wagtail, in the spring); all “out of season” migrants; the following rare county species: Geese (Bean, Pink-footed Spoonbill Wryneck and Brent) Honey Buzzard Larks (except Skylark) Ruddy Shelduck Black Kite Red-rumped Swallow American Wigeon White-tailed Eagle Pipits (except Tree and Green-winged Teal All Harriers Meadow) Garganey (except breeding Rough-legged Buzzard Nightingale (if not heard) male) Golden Eagle Bluethroat Red-crested Pochard Red-footed Falcon Ring-necked Duck Spotted Crake Black Redstart Ferruginous Duck Corncrake Ring Ouzel (Not Black Scaup Crane Mountains) Eider Waders (All except Oyster- Warblers (Cetti’s, Aquatic, Long-tailed Duck catcher, Little Ringed Marsh, Icterine, Melodi- All Scoters Plover, Ringed Plover, ous, Barred, Dartford, Sub- Red-breasted Merganser Golden Plover, Lapwing, alpine, Greenish, Pallas’s, Red Grouse (except on Dunlin, Jack Snipe, Snipe, Yellow-browed, Radde’s Black Mountains) Woodcock, Black-tailed and Dusky) Ptarmigan Godwit, Whimbrel (if Firecrest Black Grouse heard), Curlew, Common Red-breasted Flycatcher Capercaillie Sandpiper, Green Sand- Quail (if not heard) piper, Greenshank and Bearded Tit Golden Pheasant Redshank) Crested Tit Lady Amherst’s Pheasant All Skuas Golden Oriole All Divers Gulls (Sabine’s, Kittiwake, All Shrikes Grebes (all except Little Little, Mediterranean, Chough and Great Crested) Ring-billed, Caspian, Ice- Hooded Crow Fulmar land and Glaucous. Rose-coloured Starling All Shearwaters Terns (except Black and Finches (Serin, Twite, All Petrels Common) Common Redpoll, and Gannet All Auks Common Rosefinch) Shag Ring-necked Parakeet Bittern Owls (Long-eared and Buntings (All except Yel- Night Heron Short-eared) lowhammer and Reed Great White Egret Nightjar Bunting) Purple Heron Alpine Swift Corn Bunting (Except at White Stork Bee-eater Bromsash) 15 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 16

Accepted Rarities 2009 Pink-footed Goose at Brockhall GP on 3 Jan (PH & T Downes) Black Redstart Male at Hereford Cathedral from 4 Jan (S Coney) Long-eared Owl at Credenhill Park Wood on 6 Jan (G Parker) Water Pipit at Turners Boat on 10 Jan (AH Eveleigh/A Marchant) Mealy Redpoll at Wigmore Rolls on 8 Feb (PH Downes) Great Grey Shrike from 12 Feb at Bircher Common (A Reid) Pink-footed Goose at Criftin Ford Bridge on 20 Feb (PH Downes) Bittern at Totnor on 22 Feb (C& J Shott) Long-eared Owl at Kimbolton on 7 Mar (PH & T Downes) Scaup at Wellington GP from 28 Mar (T Downes) Firecrest in West of County from 30 Mar (P Jennings) Common Scoter at Wellington GP on 3 April (PH Downes) Bar-tailed Godwit at Brockhall GP on 24 April (N Pegler) Grey Plover at Wellington GP on 13 May (PH Downes) Knot at Wellington GP on 13 May (PH & T Downes) Arctic Tern at Wellington GP on 13 May (PH Downes) Sanderling at Brockhall GP on 14 May (N Pegler) Sanderling at Wellington GP on 14 May (PH Downes) Bar-tailed Godwit at Brockhall GP on 14 May (N Pegler) Sanderling at Wellington GP on 15 May (PH Downes) Honey-buzzard at Wigmore Rolls on 1 Jun (I Butler) Arctic Tern at Wellington GP on 1 Jun (PH & T Downes) Golden Oriole at Newton Wood on 4 Jun (Dr SJ Tyler) Red-crested Pochard at Wellington GP on 7 Jun (N Pegler) Grey Plover at Wellington GP on 7 Jun (S Coney) Red-crested Pochard at Brockhall GP on 9 Jun (N Pegler) Eared Owl at Titley Pool NNR on 28 Jun (N & L Pegler) Turnstone at Brockhall GP on 1 Jul (N Pegler) Whiskered Tern at Wellington GP on 3 Jul (GS Bilbao) Garganey Juv at Wellington GP on 4 Aug (PH Downes) Wryneck at Stoke Prior from 21 Aug (M Lempriere) Marsh Harrier at Berrington Hall Pool on 10 Sep (S Barker) Pink-footed Goose at Brockhall GP from 19 Sep (PH & T Downes) Red-crested Pochard at Wellington GP on 27 Sep (N Pegler) Black Redstart at Hereford Cathedral on 4 Dec (J Pullen) Great Northern Diver at Wellington GP from 5 Dec (N Pegler) Pink-footed Goose at Wellington GP on 26 Dec (N Pegler) Long-eared Owl at Shelwick from 27 Dec (A Jones) 16 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 17

Systematic List 2009 Abbreviations: IE – Industrial Estate; NR – Nature Reserve; GP – Gravel Pits; juvs – juveniles Mute Swan Cygnus olor Common resident breeder and common winter visitor BCC listed: Amber Records: 160 records from 51 sites The highest winter counts were: 34 at Shenmore on 10 Jan; 50 at R Wye Holme Lacy on 1 Mar; 51 at Wellington GP on 20 Apr; 44 at R Wye Ballingham on 10 Jun; 25 at Castleton and Winforton Wye on 17 Oct; 38 at Brockhall GP on 14 Nov; 108 at R Wye Clifford on 6 Dec; 73 at R Wye Bridge Sollers on 6 Dec. Breeding was confirmed at 8 sites: Berrington Hall Pool; Titley Pool; Wellington Gravel Pits; Gamber Meadows; Flintsham; Mathon GP; Bucton; R Wye Holme Lacy. A bird with a Darvic Blue ring 7EBD was found at Criftin Ford Bridge and a bird with an Orange Darvic ring N58 ringed 27/12/2004 at R Wye Hereford. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Scarce winter visitor and rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 1 record from 1 site 7 were seen flying NE away from the irrigation lake at 09.30 Letton Lakes on 7 Feb. Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Rare winter visitor and rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 18 records from 3 sites Records were received from: 1 at Brockhall GP on 3 and 18 Jan (PH & T Downes); 1 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 20 and 21 Feb (PH Downes); 1 at Brockhall GP from 19 Sep until 27 Dec (PH & T Downes) and 1 at Wellington GP on 26 Dec (N Pegler). Greylag Goose Anser anser Rare resident introduced breeder and scarce winter visitor BCC listed: Amber Records: 37 records from 5 sites Reports came from: 1 at Brockhall GP on 10 Jan; 2 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 20 Feb; 3 at Brockhall GP on 28 Feb; 2 at Wellington GP on 12 Mar; 2 at Brockhall GP on 22 Mar; 5 at Berrington Hall Pool on 19 Apr; 4 at Wellington GP on 14 Jun; 4 at Wellington GP on 16 Jun; 4 at Wellington GP on 21 Jun; 3 at Wellington GP on 25 Jun; 4 at Wellington GP on 6 Jul; 4 at Wellington on 17 Jul. Canada Goose (Greater Canada Goose) Branta canadenis Common resident introduced breeder Records: 142 records from 39 sites Largest counts were: 106 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 4 Jan; 180 at Gamber Meadows on 15 Jan; 138 at Hartleton Lake on 18 Jan; 243 at Hereford Quarry, Bromyard Road on 18 Jan; 121 at Bodenham Lake on 13 Jun; 176 at Letton Lakes on 7 Aug; 1377 at Brockhall GP on 13 Sept. (Largest recorded flock in the County). 17 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 18

Breeding was confirmed at 12 sites: Berrington Hall Pools; 3 broods at Kenchester Pools; Brockhall GP; 7 broods at Wellington; 3 broods at Hartleton Lake; 2 broods at Pipe and Lyde; Bucton; Norton Canon; Audit’s Bridge; Dewsall; R Wye Lions Den; Tedstone Ashbed. Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis Rare resident introduced breeder and rare winter visitor BCC listed: Amber Records: 34 records from 5 sites Sightings received from: 1 at Hereford Quarry Bromyard Road on 4 Jan; 1 at R Wye Clifford on 11 Jan; 12 at Bodenham Lake on 21 Feb; 1 at Brockhall GP on 22 Feb; 12 at Bodenham Lake on 1 Mar; 1 at Brockhall GP throughout Mar and Apr; 7 at Brockhall on 17 May; 2 at Brockhall GP on 31 May; 1 at Brockhall GP on 11, 19 & 20 Aug; 10 at Wellington GP on 30 Aug; 1 juv at Brockhall GP on 5 & 12 Sep: 1 at Brockhall GP on 1, 4, 10 & 24 Oct; 1 at Wellington GP on 24 Oct; 1 at Brockhall GP on 1 Nov; 10 at Wellington GP on 12 Dec and 1 at Brockhall GP on 20 Dec. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Rare introduced breeder Records: 17 records from 2 sites Sightings were received from: 2 at Brockhall GP on 3 Jan & 4 Jan; 1 at Mill Farm Credenhill (flying east) on 4 Jan; 2 at Mill Farm Credenhill on 16 Jan; 2 at Mill Farm Credenhill on 18 Jan; 1 at Brockhall GP on 26 Feb; 1 at Brockhall GP on 14, 17, & 18 Mar; 1 at Brockhall GP on 7, 8, 15, & 21 Nov and 1 at Brockhall GP on 22 Nov. Shelduck (Common Shelduck) Tadorna tadorna Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 7 records from 3 sites Sightings were received from: 3 at Letton Lakes on 1 Mar; 2 at Wellington GP on 31 Mar; 3 at Letton Lakes on 4 Apr; 1f at Brockhall GP on 20, 27 & 28 Sept and 1f at Brockhall GP on 2 Dec. Mandarin Aix galericulata Scarce introduced breeder Records: 32 records from 20 sites Sightings were received from: 5m & 3f at Rudhall Manor on 28 Feb; 3m & 1f at R Wye Kynaston on 5 Mar; 1f at R Wye Wilton on 19 Mar; 2m 1f at Mordiford on 27 Mar; 3m at Mathon GP on 9 Apr; 2m at Hartleton Lakes on 12 Apr; 3 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 13 Apr; 1m &1f at R Wye Caplar on 13 Apr; 1 eclipse male at Wellington GP on 9 Aug; 2m at Brockhall GP on 15 Nov and 11m & 1f at Mathon GP on 15 Nov. Wigeon (Eurasian Wigeon) Anas penelope Very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 82 records from 13 sites. Monthly maxima were:

18 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 19

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Bodenham Lake 135 - 18 - - - - - 2 - 15 50

Castleton 17 ------1 - - - &Winforton R Wye

Criftin Ford Bridge 10 ------

Kenchester Pools - 35 14 ------

Brockhall GP 75 107 70 12 - - - 1 26 25 40 170 Wellington GP 150 ------3 14 50 20 -

Monkland 40 ------Tidnor Mill - 5 ------4 -

R Wye Clifford 26 ------Hereford Quarry, 49 60 35 8 - - - - - 35 - 30 Bromyard Road Hereford Castle - - 18 ------Pool

Gadwall Anas strepera Scarce resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 50 records from 5 sites Monthly maxima were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Bodenham Lake ------3 -

Brockhall GP 3 1 2 2 3 2 - 1 2 2 6 6

Wellington GP 13 8 2 2 4 - - - 2 4 4 9

Hartleton Lake 6 10 - 1 4 2* - - - - - 9

Hereford Quarry 2 ------

*Breeding recorded at site 19 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 20

Teal(Eurasian Teal) Anas crecca Very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 86 records from 15 sites. Monthly maxima were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 10 1 ------3 4 4 - Titley Pool NR 34 60 ------Kenchester - 10 12 19 1 ------Pools Shobdon IE 10 ------Brockhall GP 290 12 8 6 - 2 1 16 15 20 30 170 Wellington GP 52 16 - 2 - - - 6 30 2 30 170 Hartleton Lakes 2 11 ------11 Letton Lakes 18 40 26 ------Turners Boat 58 ------Monkland 20 ------Brobury ------2 - - - Mathon - - 2 ------5 4 Hereford 78 50 34 5 ------100 Quarry R Wye ------5 Hampton Park Rotherwas 5 ------Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 167 records from 56 sites. Monthly maxima were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Hall - - - 8 3* 13 28 31 28 23 - - Pool Bodenham Lake 34 - - 3 - 21 - 22 18 - - - Castleton and 9 5 4 5 8 - 6 6 50 14 - - Winforton Wye Criftin Ford 10 ------Bridge Kenchester - - - - 10* - - - - - 3 - Pools 20 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 21

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Kenchester - - - - 10* - - - - - 3 - Pools Shobdon IE 20 ------Brockhall GP 200 30 18* 1* 21* - 85 40 100 100 58 70 Wellington GP 314 - - 9* 7 36 - 27 150 120 150 203 Upper Lugg - - - 4 4 ------Meadows Hartleton Lakes 24 - - 32* 60* - 37 41 100 - - - Gamber - 11 1* 7 5 6 3 - - 2 - 4 Meadows Letton Lakes 76 51 45 23 22 79 61 35 42 - - - Flintsham - 50 - - - 10* ------Turners Boat 10 ------Holmer 4 - - 6 ------Brobury ------7 - - - Tidnor Mill ------110 - R Wye ------13 - - - - Fownhope Mathon GP 25 - 10 ------27 50 Eastnor Castle ------24 - - - Lake Castle Pool 120 ------R Wye Hereford - - 10 13 ------Sewage-works Brockhampton - - - 11 - - - 20 - - - - Bucton - - - 2* ------Hereford Quarry 42 41 35 16* ------Hampton - - - 26 - - - 60 - - - - Bishop Eastnor Park - - - - - 20 19 250 280 - - - Breinton - - - 8* ------Lugg Meadows - - - 16 10 ------R Wye Hampton 100 ------Bishop

21 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:06 Page 22

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec R Wye Victoria 40 ------3 - - Bridge Stapleton Castle 3 - - 18* - - 7* - - 9 - - Court Longworth Pool - 20 ------Breeding recorded from 11 of the above sites marked * Pintail (Northern Pintail) Anas acuta Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 30 records from 3 sites. Monthly maxima were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Hall - 5 ------Pool Brockhall GP ------5 5 5 2 Wellington GP 4 ------3 2 - 1 Garganey Anas querquedula Rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 3 records from 2 sites 1pr at Wellington GP on 18 Mar; 1pr at Hereford Quarry on 21 Mar and 1 juv at Wellington GP on 4 Aug (PH Downes). Shoveler (Northern Shoveler) Anas clypeata Scarce summer visitor, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 52 records from 7 sites. Monthly maxima were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham 5 ------9 - Lake Titley Pool 2 ------Kenchester - - - - - 3 ------Pools Brockhall GP 14 - 2 2 1 4 - - 1 3 7 15 Wellington GP 4 4 4 2 - 2 3 3 18 21 8 15 Monkland 2 ------Hereford 6 8 ------Quarry

22 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 23

Red Crested Pochard Netta rufina Very rare passage migrant, with some records from introduced origins Records: 11 records from 2 sites Records received from: 3mm at Wellington GP on 7 & 8 Jun (Nick Pegler) (10th County Record); 2 mm at Brockhall GP from 9 Jun to 14 Jun (Nick Pegler) (11th County Record) and 5mm and 3ff at Brockhall GP on 27 & 28 Sep (Nick Pegler) (12th County Record). Pochard (Common Pochard) Aythya ferina Very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 47 records from 6 sites. Monthly maxima were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 1 ------Titley Pool NR 2 20 ------Shobdon IE 6 ------Brockhall GP 3 3 3 - - - 3 2 1 2 3 7 Wellington GP 53 40 - 1 - - 3 3 5 14 20 20 Hereford - 1 ------Quarry

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Uncommon resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 88 records from 20 sites. Monthly maxima were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Hall - - - 1 2 ------Pool Bodenham 5 10 14 2 5 21 - 11 8 - - - Lake Titley Pool NR 30 56 ------Kenchester - - - 6 - - 4* - - - - - Pools Shobdon IE 6 ------Brockhall GP 50 32 55 54 40 15* 37* 8* 14 30 50 30 Wellington GP 45 11 - 34 5 5 - - 215 62 50 70 Upper Lugg - - 2 ------Meadows 23 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 24

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hartleton Lakes ------1 - - - - Letton Lakes - 3 10 5 ------Flintsham - - - - - 30* ------

Mathon GP 19 - 30 28 14 - - - - - 26 15 Pipe & Lyde - 3 11 - 2 ------Hereford 10 19 18 ------35 Quarry Burghill - - - - 2 ------Norton Canon 1 - - - 3 ------Newtown - - - - - 9* ------Rushock ------4 - - - - - Edwyn Ralph - - - - 4 ------Tedstone - - - - 4 ------Ashbed * Breeding recorded at site Scaup (Greater Scaup) Aytha marila Rare winter visitor and rare passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 1 record from 1 site A single female was seen at Wellington from 28 Mar until 4 Apr (T Downes). Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Rare winter visitor and rare passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 1 record from 1 site One record only which was of 2 mm at Wellington GP on 3 Apr (PH Downes). Goldeneye (Common Goldeneye) Bucephala clangula Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 42 records from 4 sites. Monthly maxima were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham 3 6 5 1 ------1 4 Lake Brockhall GP ------2 - - 3 1 Wellington GP 9 8 9 13 - - - - - 4 2 2 R Wye, 2 ------Hampton Bishop

24 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 25

Smew Mergellus albellus Rare winter visitor and rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 15 records from 2 sites Sightings recorded from: 1f at Brockhall GP from 4 Jun to 26 Jul also seen at Kenchester Pools on 18 Jul (20th County Record). This is an unusual time of year for this bird to be noted in the County. It was unringed, SP Coney has contacted WWT Slimbridge. Goosander Mergus merganser Uncommon resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 113 records from 40 sites. Monthly maxima were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham 30 12 1 ------10 5 Lake Castleton & 1 3 8 8 3 8* - 1 7 8 - - Winforton Wye Criftin Ford 6 - 2 4 ------Bridge Titley Pool NR 12 ------R Wye Sink - - - 10 ------Green Brockhall GP 30 65 22 - - - - 14 3 - 24 109 Wellington GP 35 55 ------1 2 Lower Lugg - - 2 ------Meadows Turners Boat 1 ------Tidnor Mill ------12 - R Wye 2 3 ------Fownhope R Wye Wilton 42 27 7 ------Almeley 8 ------R Wye, - - 48 7 ------Hereford Sewage Works Brockhampton - - - 2 ------Bodenham - - - - 1 ------Hereford - 2 2 ------Quarry * Breeding recorded at site 25 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 26

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hampton - - - 8 ------Bishop Breinton - - - - 1 ------Lugg Meadows - 1 3 4 ------R Wye Hereford ------1 - 3 Bridge Sollers - - - - 4 ------R Wye Holme - - 10 ------2 - - Lacy Mordiford - - 7 ------R Wye Hampton 3 ------Bishop R Wye - 3 ------Hoarwithy R Wye - - - - - 7* - - - - - 15 Hampton Park R Lugg - - - 2 ------Moreton Pearl Lake ------12 - Shobdon R Teme - 3 ------Leintwardine R Wye 11 1 9 - - - 3 - - - - - Rotherwas R Wye - 3 ------Ballingham R Wye Lions - - - - 10* ------Den R Arrow 2 ------Eardisland R Wye Breinton - - 4 ------Springs Cokes Yeld Pool - - 3 ------R Lugg - - - 5* ------Kingsland Sheepwalk 3 ------Rushock R Wye Byford ------8 - -

26 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 27

*Breeding recorded from four sites Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Extinct resident breeder from introduced origins, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant Records: 2 records from 1 site 1 juv was recorded at an undisclosed site on 12 &13 Sep. Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Scarce resident breeder BCC listed: Amber Records: 2 records from 2 sites A pr was noted at Hatterrall Hill on 21 Mar and 2 birds in the Olchon Valley on 29 Mar. Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Common introduced breeding resident Records: 28 records from 19 widely distributed sites Sites at which 10 or more birds were seen were: 18 at Shobdon IE on 1 Jan; 15 at Wapley Hill in Jan and Feb; 18 at Brampton Abbotts on 20 Jan and 10 at Hampton Meadow on 25 Feb. Most reports were in the months Jan-Apr. Clear evidence of breeding was obtained only from Shobden IE where a pair with 3 juvs was reported 19 Sep. Prs were recorded at Canon Pyon on 15 Apr and 9 May. Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Uncommon resident breeder BCC listed: Red Records: 7 records from 5 sites A maximum of 5 birds were recorded at Brockhampton on 21 and 22 Apr. Other reports were: 2 birds at Brampton Abbots on 20 Jan, also Ballingham on 9 May and Mordiford on 13 May. Single birds were recorded at Shobdon IE on 31 Mar and 19 Sep; the last a male. There were no records of breeding this year. Quail (Common Quail) Coturnix coturnix Rare to scarce migrant breeder and scarce passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 3 records from 2 sites Single birds were recorded at Bircher Common on 11 and 13 Jun and at Ledicot on 16 Jul. Pheasant (Common Pheasant) Phasianus colchicus Abundant introduced resident breeder Records: 99 records from 48 sites Although reported in every month of the year, like many of our common resident species, it is probably under recorded. Most records were of less than 10 birds; larger numbers were noted at Stapleton Castle Court with maxima of 25 from 1 Jan to 31 Mar, 30 from 1 Apr to 30 Jun, 23 on 28 Sep and 20 through Oct - Dec. Two juv birds were noted at Munstone Road Hereford on 30 Jun and 20 at 27 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 28

Stockingfield on 2 Nov. Interestingly, a female was noted on a nest containing 12 eggs in a garden at Stockingfield on 12 May. Great Northern Diver (Great Northern Loon) Gavia immer Very rare winter visitor and very rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 13 records of presumably the same bird at a single site A juv was discovered on the roadside fishing lake at Wellington GP on 5 Dec (NC Pegler) and was recorded there on 11 subsequent days, the last of which was 31 Dec. This is the 9th County record of this species. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Uncommon resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 80 records from 30 sites The number of records is remarkably consistent with data for last year and although the number of sites is similar some of the locations differ. Most reports were received from Brockhall GP (24 reports) and Berrington Hall Pool (8 reports). Evidence of breeding was obtained from: pr at Kinnersley on 6 May; ad with 2 juvs at Whitfield Estate on 8 Jun; pr with 2 juvs at Much Dewsall on 10 Jun; pr with 1 juv at Kenchester Pools on 2 Jul and 1 Aug; pr with 1 juv at Brockhall GP on 18 Jul; pr with 2 juvs at Monstay Farm on 23 Jul and an ad with 2 juvs at Pipe and Lyde on 17 Aug. Over 70 percent of reports were of only one or two birds and the larger numbers, recorded Aug - Dec, did not exceed 7 noted at Brockhall GP on 18 Aug. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Scarce resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 62 records from 6 sites Monthly maxima from all recorded sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham - 3 - 1 - - - 2 1 2 - - Lake Brockhall GP 10 2 4 - 2 - 3 7 4 10 10 4 Wellington GP 10 10 - 4 6 7 6 10 2 16 24 13

Hartleton 3 5 5 1 2 - 2 - 7 - - - Lakes Eastnor Castle ------7 - - - Lake Hereford - 4 - 2 ------Quarry, Brom- yard Road

28 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 29

Breeding was confirmed from: 2 prs at Wellington GP noted on 25 Apr, 3 prs, one with a juv on 4 May, 2 ads and 4 juvs on 22 Jul and 2 prs with a total of 3 juvs on 9 Aug and two broods one of 3 and the other of one on 17 Aug; at Hartleton Lake in Jul, 1 pr with 5 juvs at Brockhall GP from 3 to 11 Aug and 4 ads and 3 juvs at Eastnor Castle Lake on 6 Sep. Cormorant (Great Cormorant) Phalacrocorax carbo Non-breeding common resident and very common winter visitor Records: 131 records from 37 sites Three sites accounted for 71 of the records with monthly maxima as follows:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham 105 85 28 25 11 6 - 14 63 47 62 33 Lake Brockhall GP 101 70 2 2 2 4 7 13 10 1 11 60 Wellington GP 124 9 - 7 5 5 20 55 119 5 7 60

Considerable month to month fluctuations in maxima are apparent both within the year and compared to 2008, with comparatively large increases reported this year in certain months at Wellington GP. To what extent this represents differences in frequencies of recording at these sites is unclear. At other sites numbers rarely exceeded single figures: 11 at Gamber Meadows in Jan; 20 at Criftin Ford Bridge in Feb; and 20 at Allensmore in Dec. Eleven were also reported roosting in a single tree on the R Wye at Coppet Hill on 31 Oct. Bittern (Eurasian Bittern) Botaurus stellaris Very rare winter visitor and very rare passage migrant BCC Listed: Red Records: 1 record from 1 site A freshly dead specimen was found by a footpath at Totnor on 22 Feb. A photo- graphic record was obtained on 5 Mar (C & J Shott). Little Egret Egretta garzetta Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 32 records from 14 sites This is a further reduction in records from 2008 (42 records from 16 sites). The ma- jority of records were of single birds and the maximum, 3 birds, flying south at Tup- sley on 14 Feb. Records were distributed throughout the year, the most (7) being in Sep. There were six sightings of single birds at Brockhall GP in May, Jul and Aug, including an adult in summer plumage on 9 May. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Uncommon resident breeder Records: 156 records from 55 sites 29 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 30

Evidence of breeding was obtained from the following: 22 prs at Berrington Hall Pool on 19 Mar, but only 14 prs on 19 Apr; Buckton on 10 Apr; 1 pr with 1 juv at Warner’s Farm from 17 Apr to 17 Jun, with the nest situated on a small island; 12 prs at Brampton Farm recorded on the south bank of Hindwell Brook on 17 Apr and 23 May (this is a new breeding site for the species) and 2 prs at Eccleswall Court on 23 Jun. 2 juvs were recorded at Hartleton Lakes on 23 Jun and a single juv at Belmont Golf Course on 17 Aug. Most other records (93) were of single birds but maxima at larger non-breeding sites were: 10 at Hereford Quarry, Bromyard Road on 21 Mar; 6 at Wellington GP on 13 Sep and 5 at Brockhall GP on 27 Sep. Honey-buzzard (European Honey Buzzard) Pernis apivorus Extinct breeder and rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 1 record from 1 site A female was photographed in flight at Wigmore Rolls on 1 Jun (I. Butler) Red Kite Milvus milvus Rare resident breeder, scarce winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 63 records from 51 sites There were fewer records than in 2008 (73 from 59 sites). Sightings occurred in every month of the year with no obvious pattern although there were peaks of 12 sightings in Apr and 15 in Jun. All but 10 records were of single birds, including one found dead on the A49 at Berrington Hall in Feb. Pairs were recorded at two sites, but there were no confirmed breeding records. There was one report of 3 birds at Vowchurch on 18 Dec and the 7 remaining records were of 2 birds. Marsh Harrier (Western Marsh Harrier) Circus aeruginosus Very rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records:1 record A female was observed briefly at Berrington Hall Pool on 10 Sep at 14.00hrs (S Barker). This is the 5th County record for the species. Goshawk (Northern Goshawk) Accipiter gentilis Resident and introduced uncommon breeder Records: 27 records from 22 sites Records were distributed throughout most months, 21 were of sightings of single birds. Evidence of breeding was obtained from 4 sites, prs were noted at 2 additional sites and one of the single bird records was of a male in display flight. Sparrowhawk (Eurasian Sparrowhawk) Accipiter nisus Common resident breeder Records: 107 records from 60 sites As in many previous years evidence of breeding for this common species was remarkably scarce and confined to a single record from Holmer where a pair and 2 juvs were noted 30 Jun-10 Jul. A juv at Gorsley on 18 Aug was the victim of 30 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 31

window strike, but recovered. Records were distributed throughout all months of the year and most were of single birds, but 9 sightings were of 2 birds. Prey species recorded, either as kills or pursuits, were Robin, Blackbird and other thrush species. Mobbing by a Mistle Thrush was observed at Moreton Eye on 19 Mar and 5 May. Buzzard (Common Buzzard) Buteo buteo Abundant resident breeder Records: 277 records from 111 sites Breeding was confirmed at: Kenchester Pools; Gamber Meadows; Bromyard Downs and Breinton; juvs with ads were noted at Brockhampton and Moreton Eye. Also a single juv was recorded at Brockhall GP. Unsurprisingly, records occurred through- out the year but it is highly probable that they underestimate the frequency of occur- rence of this species in the County. Larger congregations noted were: 20 at Milton Cross on 1 Jan and a remarkable 60 at this location on 10 Oct; 10 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 21 Feb; 10 at Gethenfield Farm on 16 Mar; 10 prs at Sollers Hope on 19 Mar; 19 at Whitfield Estate on 29 Mar; a maximum of 19 at Shobdon during Oct and 35 at Court of Noke, Pembridge on 9 Nov. Osprey Pandion haliaetus Uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 6 records from 5 sites All records were of single birds: the earliest, at Hartleton Lakes on 15 Mar (identi- fied in flight from the M50); Burrington on 1 Apr; R Wye Symonds Yat on 22 and 23 May; Berrington Hall Pool on 7 Jun (observed clutching a fish in a dead tree and then flew east pursued by a Grey Heron) and the latest, R Wye Ballingham on 12 Sep. Kestrel (Common Kestrel) Falco tinnunculus Common resident breeder BCC listed: Amber Records: 102 records from 61 sites Confirmed breeding was confined to a pair at Stapleton observed from 1 Jul to 30 Sep but the young fell from the nest and their survival is uncertain. Pairs were also noted at: Symonds Yat East on 26 Mar; Hereford Quarry, Bromyard Road on 4 Apr and Moreton Eye on 23 Jul. Sightings were distributed throughout the year and the most at any site was 3 at Garway Hill on 27 Jul and 4 on 14 Aug. Remaining records were of single birds apart from 12 records of 2 birds. Merlin Falco columbarius Rare resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 13 records from 10 sites A pr was recorded in the Olchon Valley on 12 and 16 Jul. Remaining records were of single birds in Jan, Feb, May, Aug, Sep and Dec. A bird at Garway on 9 Jan was observed pursuing larks across stubble. 31 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 32

Hobby (Eurasian Hobby) Falco subbuteo Scarce migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant Records: 29 records from 17 sites A considerable reduction in records compared to last year (64 from 21 sites). The earliest record was at Weir Gardens, Kenchester on 25 Apr and the latest at Clehonger on 23 Sep. Most records were of single birds, but prs were noted at R Wye Backney on 10 May; at Dewsall on 26 May; at R Wye Lions Den on 29 May and 3 were noted at Brockhall GP on 20 Sep. At Clehonger, Swift and House Martin were prey species. Peregrine (Peregrine Falcon) Falco peregrinus Scarce resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 34 records from 20 sites Evidence of breeding was obtained from 3 sites. Records, mostly of single birds, were distributed throughout the year. One was observed stooping on duck at Brock- hall GP on 13 Oct. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant. Has bred Records: 21 records from 6 sites All records were of ones and twos and came from: Berrington Hall Pool, Carey Island, Gamber Meadows, Hartleton Lakes, Titley Pool NR and Wellington GP. All sightings were in the period Jan to Mar and Sep to Dec. Moorhen (Common Moorhen) Gallinula chloropus Common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 122 records from 43 sites Breeding was confirmed at: Berrington Hall Pool in July, August and September, and at Canny Brook, Dewsall, Gamber Meadows, Hartleton Lakes, Stapleton and Wellington GP. Monthly maxima at major sites were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington - - - 4 2 - 2 3 3 2 1 1 Hall Pool

Brockhall 5 3 8 - - - 12 8 4 12 20 10 GP Hartleton 11 7 - 4 2 - 6 11 9 - - - Lakes Wellington 5 - - 1 - 5 2 3 15 10 - 2 GP

32 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 33

The Stapleton records show a pair with 6 juvs on 11 May after the first brood was predated and a third brood, on 25 Jun, after the second brood was predated. Coot (Common Coot) Fulica atra Common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 94 records from 21 sites Monthly maxima from major sites were:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington - - - 4 2 - 2 3 3 2 1 1 Hall Pool Brockhall 170 48 30 - 30 20 120 130 160 120 158 170 GP Mathon 4 - 14 6 ------11 12 GP Welling- 8 6 15 - 50 250 185 200 1 - - - ton GP

Breeding was confirmed at: Brockhall GP on 25 Apr, Pipe and Lyde on 11 May, Allensmore on 30 May, Whitfield Estate on 8 Jun and Flintsham on 11 Jun. Oystercatcher (Eurasian Oystercatcher) Haematopus ostralegus Rare breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 74 records from 9 sites The records show that this species has continued to widen its area and its abundance since 2005. The earliest returning birds were a single bird recorded at Brockhall GP on 20 Feb and 3 birds there the following day. A maximum of 3 birds were reported from Backney, Bodenham Lake, Clehonger, Castleton and Winforton R Wye, Kenchester Pools and Lugg Mill. Breeding was confirmed at Brockhall GP on 29 Mar and eggs were reported hatching on 26 Apr. One or 2 pairs with juvs were reported regularly there up to 18 Aug. Breeding was recorded at Wellington GP on 25 Apr and a pair with a single juv were seen regularly until the 27 Jun. A pair were recorded at Hereford Quarry on 7 Mar and breeding was reported on 9 May, but no reports of juveniles were received. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Uncommon migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant Records: 41 records from 4 sites Reports came from Brockhall GP, Castleton and Winforton R Wye, Hereford Quarry and Wellington GP. The earliest record was of 2 birds at Wellington GP on 18 Mar and 5 birds were there the following day. Breeding was recorded on 4 May and 33 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 34

quarry staff reported 2 nests on new workings and one on the main island. Birds were recorded at the site until 18 Aug. The first pair at Brockhall was reported on 28 Mar. Two pairs were on site on 17 Apr and breeding was confirmed on 24 Apr. Adults and juvs were regularly seen up to 30 Jul. There was one record of 4 birds at Hereford Quarry on 12 Jul. Ringed Plover (Common Ringed Plover) Charadrius hiaticula Scarce winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 31 records from 2 sites Birds were noted at Brockhall GP on 26 Apr, there was a maximum of 8 there on 15 May and 4 passage migrant juvs were seen on 29 Aug. The last report from this site was of a single juv on 28 Oct. The first record at Wellington GP was 1 on 17 Apr. This was followed by 3, possi- bly of the tundrae race, on 6 May. The last record was a single adult on 14 Aug. Golden Plover (European Golden Plover) Pluvialis apricaria Common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 9 records from 9 sites Records received were: 70 birds at Milton Cross on 1 Jan; 200 at Allensmore on 2 Jan; 30 at Eltons Marsh on 10 Feb; 60 at Hergest Ridge on 16 Oct and 30 at Cle- honger on 20 Dec. Reports were also received from Brockhall GP, Gamber Mead- ows, Grafton and Wellington GP. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Rare passage Migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 2 records from 1 site A single bird was videoed by (PH Downes) at Wellington GP on 13 May. This is the 14th County record. The15th County record was a single bird at Wellington GP on 7 Jun. (S Coney). Lapwing (Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Uncommon resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage mi- grant BCC listed: Red Records: 120 records from 48 sites Monthly maxima at major sites were;

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall 200 185 2 7 2 1 - - - 8 25 195 GP

Hereford 30 - 1 - 3 - 95 121 - 18 - - Quarry

Welling- 230 35 2 6 14 42 32 40 47 - - 40 ton GP

34 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 35

Breeding was confirmed at Wellington GP on 25 Apr and again in Jun with 1pr and 2 juvs. There were up to 5 juvs there on 27 Jun. Breeding was also confirmed at Cobhall Common on 11 Jun and at Turnastone on 19 Jun. Large winter flocks were: 250 at Cholstrey on 2 Jan; 50 at Llanerch-y-coed on 12 Jan; 130 at Allensmore on 12 Jan; 400 at Gamber Meadow on 15 Jan; 80 at Brampton Abbots on 20 Jan; 120 at Staplow on 25 Feb and 56 at Trebandy House on 27 Feb. 900 at Milton Cross on 17 Dec; 45 at Pipe and Lyde on 18 Dec and 98 at Clehonger on 20 Dec. Reports of summer birds outside the main sites were: 13 at Letton Lakes on 4 Apr and 3 there on 3 May; 1 pair displaying at British Camp on 29 May; 3 at Canon Pyon on 3 May and 4 displaying at Skenchill Welsh Newton on 2 Jun. Knot (Red Knot) Calidrus canutus Rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 1 record from 1 site A single adult in summer plumage was seen at Wellington GP on 13 May (PH & T Downes) Sanderling Calidrus alba Rare passage migrant Records: 3 reports from 2 sites The 16th County record was a single bird seen at Brockhall GP on 14 May (N. Pegler). The 17th County record was a single bird at Wellington GP also on 14 May (PH Downes) and the 18th County record was a single summer plumage adult at Wellington GP on 15 May (PH Downes). Dunlin Calidris alpina Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 54 reports from 3 sites This record number of sightings all came from Brockhall GP and Wellington GP except for a single at Backney Wye on 10 May. The earliest record was a summer adult at Brockhall GP on 17 Apr where numbers had built up to a max of 9 summer adults by 21 Jul. Single juvs were recorded on 12 and 14 Aug. Two birds were noted on 14 Nov. At Wellington GP the first bird was reported on 1 May and numbers increased to 9 by 14 May. The first juv was recorded on 16 Sep and 1 adult and 4 juvs on 20 Sep. Juvs were recorded up to 25 Oct and a single adult was noted on 13 Dec feeding with the Lapwing flock. Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 7 reports from 4 sites There were 3 at Letton Lakes on 3 Jan. Singles were at: Wellington GP on 18 Jan, 13 Dec and 26 Dec; Gamber Meadows on 13 Mar and 2 Apr and Brockhall GP on 30 Dec.

35 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 36

Snipe (Common Snipe) Gallinago gallinago Common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 74 records from 21 sites Sightings were reported throughout the County and numbers appear to have remained stable over the last three years. Most sightings were from the winter periods but there were 2 at Castleton and Winforton R Wye on 9 Apr; ones and twos were at Brockhall GP during Apr and 15 at Letton on 2 Apr. Monthly maxima at major locations were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall 7 20 - 2 - - - - 2 3 10 - GP Gamber 9 6 5 15 - - - - - 4 3 5 Meadows Welling- 30 25 21 - - - - 10 10 20 5 6 ton GP Other notable records were 107 at Letton Lakes on 2 Jan, 43 there on 7 Feb, 77 on 1 Mar, and 24 on 4 Apr. There were 12 at Kilbreece on 15 Jan and 21 at North Sturts on 9 Dec. There were no breeding records again this year. Woodcock (Eurasian Woodcock) Scolopax rusticola Uncommon resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records:11 records from 9 sites All records are of ones and twos, widely dispersed throughout the county, in suitable habitat during the two winter periods, except for 4 at Wigmore Rolls on 9 Jun. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Scarce passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records:16 records from 3 sites The earliest record was of a single adult in winter plumage at Brockhall GP on 2 Jan. Summer adults were reported throughout July with a maximum of 5 on the 1st, 15 flew over on 11 Aug and the latest report was a single on 31 Aug. A single adult was reported at Backney on 15 May. Singles were also recorded at Wellington GP on 16 Jun, 14 Jul and 22 Jul. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Rare passage migrant BCC listed:Amber Records: 2 records from 1 site There were 2 at Brockhall GP on 24 Apr (N Pegler); this is the 16th County record. A single at the same location on 14 May was the 17th County record. ( N Pegler). Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Scarce passage migrant BCC listed: Red 36 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 37

Records: 5 records from 2 sites Two birds were reported at Brockhall GP on 24 Apr. All other reports were of single birds at Wellington GP during Apr, May and Jul. Curlew (Eurasian Curlew) Numenius arquata Uncommon resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 67 records from 30 sites The earliest record was a single at Brockhall GP on 26 Feb. Other records were mostly of ones and twos widely distributed across the County. Significant records were: 13 at Hereford Quarry on 28 Feb and 18 there on 14 Mar: 29 at Trippleton on 11 Mar and 11 at Lugg Meadows on 31 May. Breeding was confirmed at: Trippleton on 29 Apr; 2 pairs were breeding at Rother- was Chapel Pool on 19 Jun and at Arkstone Court with 1 ad plus 2 juvs on 25 Jun. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Uncommon migrant breeder, very rare winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 52 records from 11 sites The monthly maxima at major locations were; Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall - - - 6 2 4 8 6 3 - - - GP Castleton & - - - 1 4 - 5 5 - - - - Winforton Wye Wellington - - - 10 - 2 13 8 - - - - GP There were 3 winter records, all singles: at Moreton Eye on 6 Jan and again at Moreton Eye on 10 Jan and Hereford Quarry on 20 Dec. Other notable records were: 2 at Titley NR on 26 Jun; 4 at Bunch of Carrots on 3 Jul; 5 at Hartleton Lakes on 25 Jul and 3 at Bodenham GP on Aug 15 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 70 records from 11 sites Monthly maxima from major sites were: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall - - 1 - - - 1 2 3 3 3 1 GP Wellington - - 1 - - 3 1 4 2 4 4 - GP

37 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 38

There were six records from Hereford Quarry with a max of seven there on 12 Jul. Greenshank (Common Greenshank) Tringa nebularia Uncommon passage migrant Records: 22 records from 3 sites The earliest record was a single at Leominster-By-Pass on 29 Mar. There were 11 records of ones and twos at Brockhall GP during Jul and Aug. Ten records from Wellington GP were all of single birds during Jul, Aug and Sep. Redshank (Common Redshank) Tringa totanus Rare breeder, uncommon winter visitor BCC listed: Amber Records: 29 records from 3 sites The earliest record was a single at Brockhall GP in Feb. Ones and twos were observed during Mar with a max of 4 on 26 Jul. Interestingly, the single birds seen in Aug and Nov wore coloured leg rings. At Wellington GP 6 birds were present on 30 May and remained until 2 Jun. Single birds were recorded during the remainder of the period with the latest sighting on 6 Dec. Turnstone (Ruddy Turnstone) Arenaria interpres Very rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 1 record from 1 site A single was observed at Brockhall GP on 1 Jul (N&L Pegler). This is the 11th County record. Black-headed Gull (Common Black-headed Gull) Chroicocephalus ridibundus Very common winter visitor. Has bred in colonies BCC listed: Amber Records: 119 records from 32 sites First winter period: large flocks of up to 1400 were seen regularly at Wellington GP during Jan, Feb and Mar; flocks of up to 600 at Brockhall GP during Feb Mar and Apr and 200 at Kenchester Pools on 21 Feb. 10 prs were reported as breeding at Brockhall GP on 10 Apr. Records of smaller numbers were received from 16 other sites. Summer period: 110 birds and 20 juvs at Brockhall GP on 24 Jun and c100 at Gethenfield Farm on 7 and 8 Aug. Brockhall GP was the only site where breeding was recorded, with 10 reports during May, Jun and Jul. Second winter period: Flocks of up to 200 were seen regularly at Brockhall GP during Sep, Oct and Nov; flocks of up to 1500 also seen regularly at Wellington GP during Oct, Nov and Dec; 100 at R Wye - Holme Lacy on 29 Oct and 80 at R Wye – Ross-on-Wye on 5 Nov. There were smaller numbers reported from 10 other sites. Common Gull (Mew Gull) Larus canus Common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 34 records from 14 sites First winter period flocks of more than 40 birds were: 130 at Gamber Meadows on 15 38 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 39

Jan; 50 at Haygrove Farm on 24 Feb; 40 at Weston-under-Penyard on 25 Feb; 200 at St Weonards on 13 Mar; 70 at Gamber Meadows on 13 Mar; 480 at Linton on 27 Mar and 112 at Lugg Bridge Farm on 28 Mar. Second winter period: there were no flocks above 25 at any of the 6 sites where birds were recorded. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Uncommon resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage mi- grant BCC listed: Amber Records: 131 records from 44 sites First winter period: despite an increase in the number of records, for the second year running there was a reduction in the size of flocks, 30 at Wellington GP on 18 Jan; 30 at Fownhope on 22 Feb and 52 at Gamber Meadows on 13 Mar. Summer period: flocks of between 50 and 100 seen at Brockhall GP from May to Aug; 64 at Gethenfield Farm on 7 Jul; 240 at St Weonards on 11 Aug; 76 at Abbey Farm on 9 Aug and 400 at Clehonger during Jul, Aug and Sep. Second winter period saw larger flocks recorded than in any year since 2004: 220 at Brockhall GP on 3 Sep; between 1000 and 3000 at Wellington GP during Sep, Oct and Nov; 230 at both Kilpeck and Lower Ridway Farm on 26 Nov and 110 at both Much Dewchurch and Crac ‘o’ Hill on 27 Nov. Herring Gull Larus argentatus Rare resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 48 records from 14 sites First winter period: 5 adults with one first summer bird at Bromsash on 6 Apr and 5 at Hartleton Lakes on 12 Apr. All other records were of 1 or 2 birds of varying ages. Summer period: most reports were of 1 or 2 birds, 3 seen at Copper Beeches Close on 10 May. Although there were 2 records of juvs seen at Clehonger and Gethenfield Farm in Aug the only confirmed breeding was at Plough Lane on 29 May. Second winter period records received from 3 sites: Brockhall GP; Wellington GP and Hartleton Lakes. The majority came from Wellington GP with max of 13 seen on 21 Nov; juvs seen in Sep and Oct and an adult of the Scandinavian race was seen on 1 Nov. Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis Rare winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 9 records from 2 sites 1 adult with 1 first summer bird was seen at Brockhall GP on 9 May and 26 Jul. All other records were of adults at Wellington GP between 19 Sep and 22 Nov, with the exceptions of 1 adult with 1 first winter bird on 25 Oct and 1 juv on 22 Nov. Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant BCC listed: Amber 39 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 40

Records: 2 records from 1 site Wellington GP was the only site with records: 1 bird was seen on 24 Oct and 1 juv on 7 Nov. This is a reduction from 2008 when there were 4 records from 4 sites. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Very rare passage migrant Records: 1 record from 1 site 1 summer adult was seen and photographed at Wellington GP (GS Bilbao) on 3 Jul. This is the 1st County record; it was submitted to BBRC on 7 Jul and accepted. Black Tern Chlidonias niger Scarce passage migrant Records: 3 records from 2 sites This is a reduction in sightings from 2008 with no late records, but the 2 sites were the same. 1 at Wellington GP on 11 May; 2 at Brockhall GP on 13 May and max of 7 at Wellington GP on 13 May. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Uncommon passage migrant Records: 12 records from 2 sites The earliest sighting was at Wellington GP on 13 May with a maximum of 14 birds, numbers changing throughout the day. All other sightings were of 1 or 2 birds except for 3 at Brockhall GP on 1 Aug and also 25 Aug, which was the final sighting for the year. Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 2 records from 1 site The first sighting was 4 at Wellington GP on 13 May (PH Downes), 1 flew east with 8 Common Terns and later in the day three left flying to the north. The final sighting was 2 on 1 Jun (PH & T Downes). Feral Pigeon Columba livia Very common resident breeder Records: 15 records from 12 sites The only large flocks seen were: 50 at Hereford Cathedral on 1 Jan and 50 at Castle Pool on 11 Jan. All other records were of smaller numbers and covered most months of the year. Stock Dove Columba oenas Abundant resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 122 records from 56 sites 40 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 41

Records as in the previous year received for every month of the year and these were mostly low numbers: 21 at Brampton Abbotts on 20 Jan; 56 at Bromsash on 25 Feb; 20 at Tidnor Lane on 25 Feb; 32 at Marcle Ridge on 22 May and between 22 and 75 at Gamber Meadows between 11 Aug and 19 Oct. The only evidence of breeding was recorded at Marcle Ridge on 22 May.

Woodpigeon (Common Wood Pigeon) Columba palumbus Abundant resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 132 records from 45 sites At the start of the year flocks of between 150 and 200 were seen at Shobdon IE and Gamber Meadows, In Oct and Nov the largest flocks reported were on passage with numbers from 190 to 2000 at Brockhall GP, Clehonger, Garway and Gamber Meadows. The only reports of breeding were from Stapleton Castle Court with 10 pairs on 28 Mar and 4 pairs between Apr and Jun.

Collared Dove (Eurasian Collared Dove) Streptopelia decaocto Common resident breeder Records: 53 records from 32 sites The largest flock recorded was 23 in Huntington Lane on 17 Sep. There were 3 reports of breeding: 3 pairs in Munstone Road Hereford from Apr to Jun and at Stapleton Castle Court 2 pairs from Apr to Jun and 2 pairs from Jul to Sep. Turtle Dove (European Turtle Dove) Streptopelia turtur Scarce migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 4 records from 4 sites Once again a disappointingly small number of reports: 5mm and 1f at Climbing Jack Common on 23 May; 2 at Llanwarne on 14 Jun; 1 at Eccleswall Court on 23 Jun and 1 at Mary Knoll on 26 Jun. Cuckoo (Common Cuckoo) Cuculus canorus Uncommon migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 76 records from 54 sites The earliest reports were: on 11 Apr, 1 at Queenswood and 1 at New House Wood and the last was at Brockhall GP on 14 Jul. Despite 11 sightings of more than 1 bird there was no confirmed breeding reported: 4 at Ham Green on 28 May and 1m calling with 1f bubbling at Canon Pyon on 25 Jun. Barn Owl Tyto alba Uncommon resident breeder and uncommon winter visitor BCC listed: Amber Records: 40 records from 33 sites Sadly both the number of records and sites were down by approximately two thirds on those of 2008. There was a county wide distribution but no records of breeding. 41 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 42

Little Owl Athene noctua Uncommon resident breeder Records: 39 records from 22 sites The number of records and sites was slightly lower than 2008 but the records of pairs had doubled to 10, with 2 reports of breeding: Weston Beggard on 2 Jul and New House Farm, Eggleton on 5 Aug. Tawny Owl Strix aluco Common resident breeder Records: 47 records from 34 sites The number of records was down on 2008; surprisingly 1 bird was seen on the roof of a garden bird feeder. The good news was that there were 4 records of breeding: Lions Den Bredwardine in May; Stapleton on 10 May; Credenhill Park Wood on 15 Jun and a juv at Marcle Hill on 4 Oct. Long-eared Owl Asio otus Rare resident breeder and uncommon winter visitor Records: 4 records from 3 sites It is good to have records this year after an absence of birds last year: 1 at Credenhill Park Wood on 6 Jan (G Parker); 1 at Kimbolton on 7 Mar (P & T Downes); 3 at Shelwick on 27 Dec, disturbed from roost in a tree by the bridleway and at the same site 1 bird on 31 Dec in a different tree from the previous sighting (A Jones). Eared Owl Asio (not known whether short or long-eared) Records: 1 record from 1 site 1 bird at Titley Pool NR on 28 Jun (L & N Pegler) Swift (Common Swift) Apus apus Common migrant breeder and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 95 records from 69 sites The earliest records were: 1 at Brockhall GP on 18 Apr and 1 at Wellington GP and the latest record was 1 at River Wye by Hereford Sewage Works on 5 Sep. Flocks of 100 or more were seen on 6 occasions: 200 at Brockhall on 9 May; 200 at Wellington GP on 13 May and 17 May; 100 at Brockhall GP on 4 Jun; 500 at Golden Cross on 16 Jul feeding over a large weedy rape field and 100 at Dilwyn on 1 Aug. There were 7 sites where breeding was confirmed, a good increase from 2008: Bainstree Cross; Foy; Clehonger; Birtley; Bromyard; Rushall and Hunderton. Kingfisher (Common Kingfisher) Alcedo atthis Common resident breeder and uncommon winter visitor BCC listed: Amber Records: 74 records from 32 sites The number of records was less than in 2008. Most records were of 1 or 2 birds; 1m 42 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 43

and 2ff at Hartleton Lakes on 28 Feb (the 2 females were fighting savagely in a tree near the male) 3 at Hartleton Lakes on 7 Mar; 4 at River Wye by Hereford Sewage Works in Apr and 3 at Upper Lugg Meadows in Apr. Breeding was confirmed at 2 sites: Upper Lugg Meadows and Bromyard. Wryneck (Eurasian Wryneck) Jynx torquilla Extinct breeder and rare passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 1 record from 1 site 1 photographed in a garden at Stoke Prior on 21 Aug remained until 22 Aug (M Lem- priere). The most recent county sighting before this was in 2001. Green Woodpecker (European Green Woodpecker) Picus viridis Common resident breeder BCC listed: Amber Records: 141 records from 56 sites Breeding was confirmed at 2 sites: Pipe & Lyde on 15 Jul and Breinton on 17 Aug and 12 Sep. There were reports of more than 1 bird from 19 sites with 2 birds seen fighting two Magpies at Moreton Eye on 15 Jul. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Very common resident breeder Records: 174 records from 76 sites Once again there was good county wide coverage with records for every month. Breed- ing was recorded at 12 sites: Garway; Eardisland; Shirlheath; Turnastone; Hampton Bishop; Breinton; Brinsop; River Wye at Bunch of Carrots; Stapleton Castle Court; Copper Beeches Close, Much Dewchurch and Yazor Brook, Moor Farm. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor Uncommon resident breeder BCC listed: Red Records: 29 records from 24 sites It is good to be able to report an increase in the number of records and sites from pre- vious years and also to receive 3 confirmations of breeding: 1f feeding young at Tre- gate Bridge on 2 Jun; 1pr feeding young at Stansbatch on 8 Jun and 1f and 1juv at Canon Pyon on 13 Jul. Skylark (Sky Lark) Alauda arvensis Abundant resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records:124 records from 58 sites Breeding was reported from 3 locations: Black Daren on 4th May; Brockhall GP on 9 May and 27 Jul; Arkstone Farm on 18 Jul. A large flock of 90 were reported on passage at Gamber Meadows on 19 Oct. Other flocks were: 40 at Brampton Bryan on 6 Jan; 43 at Fownhope on 16 Feb and 40 at Rotherwas on 17 Feb. 43 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 44

Sand Martin Riparia riparia Common migrant breeder and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 52 records from 19 sites The earliest sighting was at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 10 Mar and the last on 11 Sep at Hope-under-Dinmore. Only two breeding records: 20 at River Monnow, Great Corras Farm on 9 May and 20 at River Wye Bunch of Carrots on 20 Jul. The largest flocks were: 100 at Brockhall GP on 25 Apr; 100 at Berrington Bridge on 14 Jun and 120 at Wellington GP on 14 Jul. Swallow (Barn Swallow) Hirundo rustica Abundant migrant breeder and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 158 records from 78 sites The earliest sightings were: at Kingsland on 13 Mar and 1 at the Blind College, Hereford also on 13 Mar. Last sighting was 2 at Pipe and Lyde on 1 Oct. Only 10 breeding locations reported: Stapleton Castle Court on 7 Apr and 1 Jul; Moreton Eye on 23 Apr and 19 Jun; 4 prs at Stockingfield in Apr; 3 prs at Mawfield Farm on 2 May; Hartleton Lakes in May; 16 ad and 8 juv at Clehonger Pool on 4 Jun; Copper Beeches Close Much Dewchurch on 27 Jun and 12 Sep; Checkley in Jul; Marcle Ridge on 19 Jul and Stretton Sugwas on 2 Aug. The largest counts were of 40 at Castleton & Win- forton R Wye on 9 Apr and 40 at Brockhall GP on 14 May. House Martin (Common House Martin) Delichon urbicum Very common migrant breeder and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records:108 records from 65 sites The earliest sightings were at Letton Lakes and Stretton Sugwas both on 4 Apr. The last sighting was at Withington, Pipe and Lyde and Backney all on 3 Oct. Breeding was reported from 8 locations: 1 pr at Westcroft on 11 Apr; 18 prs at Hartleton Lakes in May; Stockingfield on 10 Jun and 11 Sep; 4 prs at Holmer Church on 21 Jun; 6 prs at Copper Beeches Close Much Dewchurch on 30 Jun; 20 prs at Moreton Farm in Jun; 2 prs at Moor Farm Lane, Hereford in Jul and 4 prs at Bannut Tree Cottage Garway Hill in Jul. The largest flocks were: 100 at Brockhall GP on 6 Jun; 300 at Wellington GP on 11 Aug and 80 at Moreton Eye on 12 Aug. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Uncommon migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records:10 records from 8 sites The earliest sighting was of 2 at Wigmore Rolls on 25 April and the latest was at Wapley Hill on 25 Jul. The only breeding record was at Garway Hill on 22 Jun with 3 juvs and 6 adults. Apart from the breeding record at Garway Hill, singles were seen: at Midsummer Hill on 29 Apr; Wellington Wood on 6 and 15 May; Busland Wood on 20 Jun; Haugh Wood 44 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 45

on 26 Jun; Wapley Hill and Garway Hill on 25 Jul and 2 were sighted at Wigmore Rolls on 25 Apr. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed:Amber Records: 67 records from 33 sites Two breeding records this year in the County: Black Daren on 4 May and Hergest Ridge on 28 Jun. Largest flocks were: 200 at Bridstow on 24 Sep; 40 at Castleton & Winforton R Wye on 17 Oct and 24 on passage at Garway Hill on 2 Oct. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Very rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 1 from 1 site The only record was at Turners Boat on 10 Jan (A Marchant & AH Eveleigh). This was the 12th County Record Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima Uncommon migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 23 records from 13 sites The earliest was at Linton on 27 Mar and the latest at Bridstow on 24 Sep There were no breeding records. There was only one large flock of 50 at Castleton & Winforton R Wye on 5 Sep. The maxima at other sites were: 1 at Brockhall GP on 18 Apr; 3 at Gamber Meadow on 9 May; 1 at Audit’s Bridge on 24 May; 1 at Vowchurch on 2 Jun; 4 at Wellington GP on 7 Jun; 3 at Clifford on 14 Jun; 1 at Peterstow on 16 Jun; 1 at Arkstone Farm on 27 Jun; 2 at Pipe and Lyde on 17 Aug and 2 at Hartleton Lakes on 19 Sep Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Common resident breeder BCC listed: Amber Records: 66 records from 46 sites Breeding was reported at 3 sites: Hartleton Lakes; Sned Wood Aymestrey and Stapleton Castle Court all in May. Records were mainly of ones or twos except 6 at Lugg Meadow on 31 May and 4 at Hartleton Lakes in Sep. Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii Abundant resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 99 records from 36 sites Breeding was reported from 4 locations: Hartleton Lakes on 5 May; Brockhall GP on 16 May; Bridge End Farm on 13 Jun and Stapleton Castle Court on 30 Jun. Large flocks were: 50 at Wellington GP on 21 Mar; 30 at Lugg Mill on 28 Mar; 20 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 9 Apr; 21 at Kenchester on 22 Aug; 30 at Widemarsh 45 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 46

Common on 10 Sep and 25 at Brockhall GP on 24 Oct. White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba Uncommon passage migrant Records: 7 records from 3 sites Sightings were: 1 at Wellington GP and Kenchester on 28 Mar; 2 at Brockhall GP on 17 Apr; 2 at Wellington GP and 8 at Brockhall GP on 18 Apr; 1 at Brockhall GP on 25 Apr and 2 on 30 Apr. Waxwing (Bohemian Waxwing) Bombycilla garrulas Scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant Records: 18 records from 5 sites Sightings were: 1 at Kempton Avenue, Bobblestock on 1 Jan, 4 Jan, 8 Jan, 13 Jan, 17 Jan 18 Jan and 26 Jan, with 7 on 9 Jan; 14 at Luctonians Rugby Club on 14 Feb, 16 on 22 Feb, 15 on 25 Feb, 16 on 28 Feb, 12 on 6 Mar, 16 on 7 Mar, 14 on 8 Mar and 4 on 21 Mar; 6 at Gorsley on 26 Mar; 15 at Stockingfield on 5 Apr and 2 at Shirlheath on 23 Apr. Two of the reports were of birds feeding on mistletoe. Dipper (White-throated Dipper) Cinclus cinclus Common resident breeder Records: 25 records from 18 sites This year the number of records continued to decline. Breeding was confirmed at 6 locations: Bromyard on 6 May; R Monnow near Skenfrith on 9 May; R Dore Abbeydore on 9 May; Back Brook on 14 May; R Arrow Hergest Mill in May and R Arrow Eardisland on 18 Jun. 3 were seen at River Lugg Aymestry on 6 Mar, otherwise all records were of ones or twos. Wren (Winter Wren) Troglodytes troglodytes Abundant resident breeder Records: 125 records from 45 sites The number of records continued to decline. Breeding was reported at 5 locations (up from the previous year): Stapleton Castle Court on 1 Apr; Black Daren on 4 May; Titley Pool NR on 24 May; Holmer on 8 Jun; Canon Pyon on 10 Jul. The highest numbers recorded were: 18 pairs at Stapleton Castle Court on 1 Jan; 54 at Lugg Meadows on 21 Apr and 25 at Gamber Meadows on 19 Oct. Dunnock Prunella modularis Abundant resident breeder BCC listed: Amber Records: 107 records from 46 sites Dunnock record numbers continued to decline. 46 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 47

Little Grebe seen on Leintwardine Fishery, Trippleton on October 25 Picture: Mick Colquhoun

A Common Sandpiper probes at the water’s edge Picture: William Marler

47 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 48

Hobby hunting at Leominster in September Picture George Ewart

Great Grey Shrike at Bircher Common Picture: George Ewart 48 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 49

Kingfisher in flight, and, below, watching out for fish on the River Lugg in December Picture: George Ewart

Treecreeper prospecting for bugs in an old Cider Orchard at Walford, Leintwardine, in April 2009 Picture: William Marler 49 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 50

Top: Red Crested Pochard on Brockhall GP in September Picture: Nick Pegler

Centre: Brambling in the snow Picture: Mick Colquhoun

Bottom: Tree Pipit at High Vinnalls at the end of May Picture:George Ewart

50 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 51

Top, a Wren full of the joys of spring

Left, a Dipper with a hefty meal for its youngsters Pictures: Mick Colquhoun 51 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 52

Springwatch: above, Swallows feeding their young; left, inside a Blue Tits’ nest box as mum and dad wait for their babies to emerge Pictures: Mick Colquhoun

52 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 53

A Turtle Dove flies in to land on top of a spruce at High Vinnalls at the end of May Picture: George Ewart

A juvenile Red Kite on patrol in the north of the county in January Picture:George Ewart

53 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 54

Above: A Waxwing in a cider orchard at Kingsland in March Picture: George Ewart

Left, a Sanderling, rarely seen in Herefordshire, photographed at Wellington Gravel Pits in May Picture: George Ewart 54 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 55

Breeding was reported from 5 locations: Stapleton Castle Court in Apr and Jun; Stockingfield in Apr to Jun; Copper Beeches Close, Much Dewchurch on 30 Jun; Canon Pyon on 19 and 23 Jul and Hartleton Lakes in Aug. Robin (European Robin) Erithacus rubecula Abundant resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 116 records from 42 sites Much reduced number of records. Breeding was reported from 10 locations: Holmer and Copper Beeches Close, Much Dewchurch in Apr; Stapleton Castle Court from Apr to Jun; Black Daren on 4 May; Hartleton Lakes on 9 May; Badnage Wood, Tillington on 25 May; Canon Pyon on 27 May; Tupsley on 7 Jul; Brockhall GP on 18 Jul and Breinton on 12 Aug. The largest site countings were: 24 at Olchon Valley on 16 Mar; 33 at Lugg Meadows on 21 Apr; 33 at Garway Hill on 2 Oct and 24 at Gamber Meadows on 9 Oct. Nightingale (Common Nightingale) Luscinia megarhynchos Scarce migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 4 records from 1 site A single bird was heard at: Warners Farm from 17 Apr until 12 May. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant. Has bred BCC listed: Amber Records: 4 records from 1 site The same bird from 2008 was present at Hereford Cathedral on 4 Jan until 18 Jan (S. Coney) and another seen at the same location on 4 Dec (J. Pullen). Redstart (Common Redstart) Phoenicurus phoenicurus Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 58 records from 41 sites Breeding reported from 4 sites: Bircher Common on 26 May; Lions Den, Bredwardine in May; Little Mountain Common on 7 Jun; Vagar Hill, Dorstone on 20 Jun. Largest groups were: 10 at Black Daren on 4 May; 12 at Midsummer Hill on 9 May and 5 at Letton Lakes on 5 Jul. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Scarce migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 1 record from 1 site The only record was of a passage migrant 1f at Bromsash on 23 May. Stonechat (Eurasian Stonechat) Saxicola torquatus Uncommon resident breeder, common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant Records: 21 records from 11 sites Far fewer records were received this year. The only breeding record was at Hergest Ridge on 28 Jun. 55 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 56

The largest count was 4 at Hergest Ridge on 4 Jun. Wheatear (Northern Wheatear) Oenanthe oenanthe Common migrant breeder and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 16 records from 11 sites The first sighting was a single bird at the Black Daren on 21 Mar and the last record received was from Pipe and Lyde on 7 Oct. The only breeding record was from the Black Daren on 4 May. The largest numbers recorded were: 7 at Black Daren on 21 Mar and 5 on 4 May; all other sightings were of single birds. Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa Scarce passage migrant Records: 2 records from 2 sites 1 at Wellington GP on 17 Apr and 3 at Brockhall GP on 26 Apr. Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Rare migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 2 records from 1 site 1f and 2 juvs were at Black Daren on 10 and 11 Oct. Blackbird (Common Blackbird) Turdus merula Abundant resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 191 records from all over the County Only 5 breeding records scattered across the area. The most notable site counts were: 30 at Moreton Eye in Jan/Feb; 34 at Stapleton Castle Court on 28 Mar and 34 at Lugg Meadows on 31 May. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 77 records from 43 sites Large counts for 1st winter period were: 400 at Hermitage Farm on 3 Jan; 400 at Downton on 4 Jan; 350 at Staplow on 22 Jan; 400 at Allensmore on 8 Feb; 300 at Eccleswall Court on 25 Feb and 200 at Weir Garden on 1 Apr. Large counts for 2nd winter period were: 300 at Monkhide in November; 150 at Mathon GP in Dec and 111 at Gamber Meadows on 9 Dec. Fieldfare/ Redwing Records: 3 Records from 2 sites 1,000 at Mortimers Cross on 2 Jan; 200 and 400 at Tidnor Lane on 15 Feb and 25 Feb Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Abundant resident breeder, common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records:189 records from 78 sites 5 breeding records: Hampton Park on 2 Mar; Stapleton Castle Court Mar to Jun; Brom- 56 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 57

yard Downs on 11 Apr; Canon Pyon on 13 Jul and Munstone Road, Hereford in Jul. Most records were of 1-3 birds. Records of 10 or more were: 40 at Wellington GP on 1 Jan; 10 at Gamber Meadows on 15 Jan and 11 at Lugg Meadows on 21 Apr. Redwing Turdus iliacus Very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 57 records from 38 sites Large counts for the first winter period were: 63 at Credenhill Park Wood in January; 100 at Downton on 4 Jan; 100 at Sutton St Nicholas on 9 Jan and 100 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 21 Feb. The highest counts for the 2nd winter period were: 300 at Michaelchurch Escley on 6 Nov and 80 at Moreton Eye on 10 Nov. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Very common resident breeder BCC listed: Amber Records: 87 records from 49 sites Breeding was reported from: Bromyard Downs on 11 Apr; Moreton Eye on 21 Apr; Garway Hill on 22 Jun; Breinton on 25 Jun and Abbey Farm on 23 Sep. The largest flocks were: 24 at South Herefordshire Golf Club, Bromsash on 25 Jul; 10 at Shirlheath on 30 Aug; 14 at Hartleton Lakes in Sep; 31 at How Caple on 3 Sep and 11 at Garway Hill on 4 Sep. Grasshopper Warbler (Common Grasshopper Warbler) Locustella naevia Rare migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 3 records from 3 sites All three records were of males reeling. The first was at Passa Lane, Leominster on 17 Apr followed by one at Brockhall GP on 24 Apr and finally one at Eardisland on 3 May. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant Records: 34 records from 16 sites The earliest record of the year was of two birds seen at Broadlands NR Hereford on 13 Apr and the last record was of a bird at Brockhall GP on 13 Sep. Breeding was confirmed at Wellington GP on 25 Jun. The one notable count was of six birds seen at Wellington GP on 25 Apr. Reed Warbler (Eurasian Reed Warbler) Acrocephalus scirpaceus Uncommon migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant Records: 11 records from 5 sites The first sighting of the year was seen at Wellington GP on 18 Apr and the last record was of two birds also seen at Wellington GP on 11 Sep. Breeding was confirmed at The Black Venn on 2 Jul and Wellington GP on 17 Aug. There were two large counts both of six birds at Lugg Meadows on 31 May and 57 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 58

Berrington Hall Pool on 12 Jul. Blackcap (Eurasian Blackcap) Sylvia atricapilla Very common migrant breeder, uncommon winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 144 records from 79 sites During the first three months of the year birds were recorded at sixteen locations, the same number as 2008. Two birds were recorded on Jan 1: one at Withington and one at Hereford Cathedral. Breeding was confirmed at Stapleton Castle Court on 30 Apr. Larger counts were: 10 at Hereford Sewage Works on 5 Apr; 10 at Badnage Wood Tillington on 25 May and 12 at Credenhill Park Wood on 30 May. During Nov and Dec there were seven records received with the last at Moreton Eye on 28 Dec. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant Records: 27 records from 19 sites The earliest record for the year was a male singing at Hoarwithy on 21 Apr and the last sighting was at How Caple on 3 Sep. No breeding records were received for the year. A count of six birds at Sned Wood, Aymestrey was seen on 6 May. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant Records: 15 records from 9 sites The first records received for the year were of one male at Brockhall GP, two birds at Wellington GP and one male at Stretford Bridge all seen on 18 Apr. Breeding was not confirmed during the year but four birds were seen together at Wellington GP on 11 Sep which was the last sighting. Whitethroat (Common Whitethroat) Sylvia communis Very common migrant breeder and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 80 records from 42 sites The first bird record received for the year was of one male at Canon Pyon on 12 Apr and two birds at Wellington GP on 11 Sep was the last. Breeding was confirmed: at Thruxton, Canon Pyon, Stapleton Castle Court, Arkstone Farm and Kingstone Grange. Large counts were: 10 at Lugg Meadows on 31 May; 17 at Gamber Meadows on 1 Jul and 20 at Wellington GP on 26 Jul. Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 7 records from 6 sites The first record received was of one bird at Bircher Common on 24 Apr and the last 58 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 59

was a sighting at Little Black Hill on 7 Jun. No breeding records were received for the year but with six males recorded at Barnetts Wood Wigmore on 25 Apr breeding was a probability. Chiffchaff (Common Chiffchaff) Phylloscopus collybita Very common migrant breeder, uncommon winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 158 records from 66 sites Unusually during the first winter period no records were received until the first bird of the year was seen at Wellington GP on 10 Mar. Breeding was only noted at one location, Garway Hill on 22 Jun. Larger counts were: 20 at Broadlands NR on 18 Mar; 10 at Hereford Sewage Works on 5 Apr; 11 at Frith Wood Ledbury on 13 Apr and 23 at Gamber Meadows on 11 Aug. For the second winter period two records were received: one bird at Bircher Common on 15 Nov and the last at Wellington GP on 13 Dec. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Abundant migrant breeder and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 81 records from 40 sites The first record was a very early bird at Credenhill on 15 Mar and the last sighting was of two birds at Abbey Farm Clehonger on 12 Sep. Breeding was confirmed at three locations: Black Daren on 4 May; Breinton on 16 May and Titley Pool NR on 24 May. Larger counts seen were: 10 at Hereford Sewage Works on 5 Apr; 20 at Bromyard Downs on 11 Apr; 10 at Broadlands NR Hereford on 13 Apr and 11 at Lugg Meadows on 21 Apr. For the later period 22 were seen at Garway Hill on 27 Jul and 8 at Gamber Meadows on 11 Aug. Goldcrest Regulus regulus Abundant resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 51 records from 32 sites Records received from all areas of the County, breeding confirmed at one site, Bartonsham Farm, Hereford. Birds were recorded on each of seven months at Credenhill Park Wood, the largest count being 6 in Sep. Other large counts were: 4 at Hereford Sewage Works on 9 Mar and 4 at Wapley Hill on 2 Sep. Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla Rare passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 6 records from the west of the County The 14th County record was of a pair present in West Herefordshire from 30 Mar until 24 May, breeding was confirmed (P. Jennings). 59 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 60

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 48 records from 36 sites The first sighting of the year was from Lower Egleton on 8 May and the last record received was from Credenhill Park Wood on 21 Sep. Breeding was confirmed at 15 locations: Hartleton Lakes; Fownhope; Lower Lye; Kington; Breinton; Lower Brockhampton; Hergest Gardens, Kington; Stapleton Castle Court; Kington Church; Wolf Cottage, Moreton Eye; Woodsend; Warren Wood and Hoopers Oak. Large counts were: 5 at Fownhope on 16 Aug and 6 at Mordiford on 24 Aug. Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 16 records from 10 sites The first sighting was from Titley Pool on 18 Apr and the last record was of 2 at How Caple on 3 Sept. Breeding was confirmed at 2 locations: Stapleton Castle Court and Little Black Hill for other breeding records please see Herefordshire Nature Trust Nest Box Scheme. The largest count was of 3 prs breeding at Stapleton Castle Court on 30 Apr. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Common resident breeder and very common winter visitor Records: 102 records from 56 sites Widely reported throughout the year, breeding was confirmed from 5 locations: Gamber Meadows; Aylestone Hill, Hereford; Stapleton Castle Court; Munstone Road, Hereford and Monkland. Larger counts were: 30 at Letton Lakes on 9 Jan; 30 at Monkland on 22 Jun; 35 at Fownhope on 5 Aug and 32 at Garway on 22 Sep. Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Abundant resident breeder Records: 137 records from 47 sites Breeding was confirmed from 9 sites: Garway Hill; Wapley Hill; Holmer; Bishops Meadow Hereford; Bodenham; Black Darren; Stapleton Castle Court; Copper Beech Close, Much Dewchurch and Moreton Eye. Please refer to the Herefordshire Nature Trust Nest Box Scheme for other breeding records. Larger counts were: 21 at Lugg Meadows on 21 Apr; 26 at Garway Hill on 27 Jul and 23 at Gamber Meadows on 6 Dec. Great Tit Parus major Abundant resident breeder Records: 97 records from 33 sites Breeding was confirmed from 9 sites: Moreton Eye; Copper Beach Close, Much 60 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 61

Dewchurch; Stapleton Castle Court; Black Darren; Tupsley; Holmer; Wapley Hill and Garway Hill also please refer to the Herefordshire Nature Trust Nest Box Scheme for other breeding records. Large counts were: 17 at Lugg Meadows on 21 Apr; 20 at Monkland on 2 Jun and 31 at Garway Hill on 4 Sep. Coal Tit Periparus ater Very common resident breeder and uncommon winter visitor Records: 80 records from 44 sites Breeding was confirmed from 5 sites: Wapley Hill; Badnage Wood; Tillington; Stapleton Castle Court and Hillfield Drive. Larger counts were: 15 at Wapley Hill on 9 Jan; 8 at Credenhill Park Wood on 9 Aug and 10 at Woolhope on 21 Oct. Willow Tit Poecile montana Uncommon resident breeder BCC listed: Red Records:14 records from 6 sites No breeding records were received and sightings were noted at: Bircher Common; Wapley Hill; Wigmore Rolls; Almeley; Credenhill Park Wood and Stapleton Castle Court. Marsh Tit Poecile palustris Common resident breeder BCC listed: Red Records: 73 records from 37 sites Breeding was confirmed from 3 sites: Wapley Hill; Bromyard Downs and Credenhill Park Wood. Birds were present for long periods at Bircher Common; Wapley Hill and Credenhill Park Wood, larger counts noted were: 5 at Credenhill Park Wood on 9 Jan and 5 at Wigmore Rolls on 28 Feb. Nuthatch (Eurasian Nuthatch) Sitta europaea Common resident breeder Records: 96 records from 44 sites Breeding noted at two sites: Bromyard Downs on 11 Apr an adult and 2 juv at Tur- nastone on 19 Jul. Treecreeper (Eurasian Treecreeper) Certhia familiaris Very common resident breeder Records: 38 records from 29 sites Breeding recorded at Hartleton Lakes a pair with 3 juvs seen in Jul and 3 pairs ob- served at Stapleton Castle Court on 30 Sep. Golden Oriole (Eurasian Golden Oriole) Oriolus oriolus Rare passage migrant 61 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 62

Records: 1 record 1 site The bird was heard and then seen chasing Wood Pigeons at Newton Wood on 4 Jun (Dr SJ Tyler). The last County record was of one bird seen at Garway Hill on 20 Jul 1997. A total of less than 30 County records have been received. Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant Records: 17 records from 1 site The bird was seen on Bircher Common during the period 12 Feb to 7 Apr (A Reid). Jay (Eurasian Jay) Garrulus glandarius Common resident breeder and common winter visitor Records: 129 records from 57 sites One breeding record received from Stapleton Castle Court of 1 pr with 2 juvs on 30 Sep. Generally recorded throughout the county as either single birds or pairs, however, 12 were seen at Credenhill Park Wood on 30 May.

Magpie (Eurasian Magpie) Pica pica Abundant resident breeder Records: 94 records from 35 sites Breeding records received from: Moreton Eye where breeding activity was noted on 12 Feb and a family of five seen in the same location on 26 Mar; 1 pr and 2 juvs at Stapleton Castle Court on 1 Jul and 4 juvs at Breinton on 30 Jul.

Jackdaw (Western Jackdaw) Corvus monedula Abundant resident breeder and very common winter visitor Records: 88 records from 38 sites Breeding records were received from: 1 adult with juv at Gamber Meadows on 8 May and at Stapleton Castle Court on 30 Jun. Records of large flocks received were: 60 at Ledbury on 22 Feb; 90 birds at Gamber Meadows on 1 Jul and 50 at Brockenhall GP on 21 Nov. Rook Corvus frugilegus Abundant resident breeder and very common winter visitor Records: 84 records from 43 sites Breeding records received: 5 pairs nesting along Ledbury railway track on 3 Apr and 20 nests at Garway Hill on 7 May. Large congregations noted were: 300 at Old Colwall on 5 Jan; 70 at Gamber Meadows on 13 Mar and 120 at Hartleton Lakes in Sep. Carrion Crow Corvus corone Abundant resident breeder 62 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 63

Records: 116 records from 42 sites Breeding records received from: Stapleton Castle Court 1 pr with 1 juv on 1 Apr and 1 Jul and a pr with 2 juvs at Brockenhall GP on 9 Jun. Large counts were: 23 at Lugg Meadows on 21 Apr and 31 May and 40 birds at Wellington GP on 27 Aug. Raven (Northern Raven) Corvus corax Common resident breeder and common winter visitor Records: 128 records from 63 sites Breeding records received from: 1 pr and 3 juvs at Marcle Ridge on 27 Jun and 1 ad and 1 juv at Turnastone on 19 Jul. Starling (Common Starling) Sturnus vulgaris Very common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BCC listed:Red Records: 117 records from 59 sites The only breeding record was from Aylestone Hill where numerous breeding pairs were noted on 23 Mar. One large roosting flock was seen this year of 40,000 at Pencoyd on 25 Jan other large numbers were: 600 at Welsh Newton on 7 Jan and 200 roosting at Wellington GP on 31 Oct rising to 400 on 8 Nov. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Very common resident breeder BCC listed: Red Records: 122 records from 46 sites Breeding records reported from 6 sites: Hartleton Lakes; Aylestone Hill; Tupsley; Rockfield Road, Hereford; Much Dewchurch and from Munstone Road, Hereford on 5 Feb at this location 3 juvenile fledged, during a period when snow was present. Tree Sparrow (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) Passer montanus Uncommon resident breeder BCC listed: Red Records: 17 records from 7 sites Breeding reported from 2 sites: Castleton & Winforton R Wye on 11 Apr and a pair with a juv at Stretford Bridge on 7 Jun. Large counts were: 15 at Turners Boat on 31 Jun and 16 birds at Stretford Bridge on 31 Aug. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Abundant resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage mi- grant Records: 140 records from 62 sites The only breeding record was from Garway Hill on the 22 Jun. Two records of large numbers of 200 each at Shobdon IE and at Wapley Hill on 2 Jan. 63 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 64

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant Records: 32 records from 21 sites Large counts were of: 20 at Welsh Newton on 7 Jan; 10 at Garway Hill on 9 Jan; 10 at Mawfield Farm on 21 Jan and 10 at Tidnor Lane on 15 Feb. Greenfinch (European Greenfinch) Carduelis chloris Very common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant Records: 66 records from 31 sites Breeding recorded at 3 sites: Gamber Meadows; Tupsley and Cannon Pyon. Larger counts were: 100 birds at Shobdon IE in Jan; 60 at Mathon in Jul and 140 birds at Moreton Eye in Nov and 93 in Dec. Goldfinch (European Goldfinch) Carduelis carduelis Common resident breeder and very common winter visitor Records: 117 records from 51 sites Breeding records received from 4 sites: Canon Pyon; Munstone Road, Hereford; Tupsley and Clehonger. A flock of 60 were recorded at Bolstone in Sep and 96 birds at Clehonger in Oct. There were lots of flocks numbering 20 to 30 recorded during the year. Siskin (Eurasian Siskin) Carduelis spinus Uncommon resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant Records: 94 records from 53 sites Only two breeding records for this bird were received: a pair with 4 juvs at The Broad, Leominster in May and a pair with 2 juvs at Longtown in Jun. Flocks of 50 and 60 were counted at Hartleton Lakes and Gamber Meadows in Jan. Only 9 sightings of this bird were recorded during the breeding season including the two breeding records. Linnet (Common Linnet) Carduelis cannabina Common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 80 records from 42 sites Breeding records received 3 from Arkstone Court, the earliest in Apr; 2 from Brom- yard Downs; Garway Hill; Brookfield Estate and Kingstone Grange in Jun. Large flocks were: 270 at Garway in Jan which was recorded as a 100 a few days later and 150 was reported on “weedy fodder” at Yare Farm in Dec. Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret Common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 40 records from 26 sites 64 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 65

A flock of 30 was recorded at Credenhill Park Wood in Mar and a flock of 70 was recorded at Coxhall Farm in Apr. Mealy Redpoll (Common Redpoll) Carduelis flammea Rare winter visitor and rare passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 1 record from 1 site 2 were seen at Wigmore Rolls on 8 Feb with Lesser Redpolls (PH Downes). This is the 15th record for the County. Crossbill (Red Crossbill) Loxia curvirostra Scarce breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant. Prone to irruption Records: 7 records from 6 sites A flock of 12 birds were recorded at Wigmore Rolls in Sep. Bullfinch (Eurasian Bullfinch) Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common resident breeder and common winter visitor BCC listed Amber Records: 117 records from 70 sites The only breeding record was at Moreton Eye on 5 Aug. There were 12 sightings of pairs during the breeding season. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Rare resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Red Records: 5 records from 2 sites Records were: 1f at Garway from 3 Jan to 10 Jan and 1m at Bircher Common on 27 Feb and 2 Mar. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Abundant resident breeder and very common winter visitor BCC listed: Red Records: 124 records from 67 sites Breeding was recorded at: Bromyard Downs in Apr and May; Arkstone Court and Kingstone Grange in Jun. A flock of 30 was seen at Shobdon IE on 2 Jan and a flock of 20 were seen at Gamber Meadows on 9 Dec. Sightings indicate that this bird is well distributed throughout the County. Reed Bunting (Common Reed Bunting) Emberiza schoeniclus Common resident breeder, common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BCC listed: Amber Records: 106 records from 41 sites Breeding was recorded at Wellington GP on 22 Jul. A flock of 16 birds were recorded at Lugg Meadows on 21 Apr and 15 on 31 May. 65 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 66

Exotica & Escapes Reeves Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii Records: 3 records from 3 sites One male was seen at Norton on 10 Apr, also one seen at Coleswood on 8 Sep and a male at Sutton St.Nicholas on 23 Oct. Cape Shelduck Tadorna cana Records: 10 records from 1 site A pair were recorded at Brockhall GP from 10 Oct through to 31 Dec. Emperor Goose Chen canagica Records: 12 records from 1 site One was seen at Brockhall GP on 11 Aug and stayed until 11 Oct when the last record was received. Black Swan Cygnus atratus Records: 1 record from 1 site A bird was recorded at Castleton & Winforton/R Wye on 18 Apr. Bar-headed Goose Ansa indicus Records: 1 record from 1 site One bird was seen at Hartleton Lakes on 21 Dec with Canada Geese. Aytha Hybrid Aytha Records: 1 record from 1 site 1f was at Wellington GP from 7 to15 Mar. Scaup x Redhead /Canvasback hybrid from WWT Slimbridge known as “Dora”. It has also been reported from several Midland locations. Wood Duck Aix sponsa Records: 2 records from 2 sites One male was recorded at Coppet Hill/R Wye on 1 May and two males were seen at Hampton Bishop/R Wye on 16 Nov. Chiloe Wigeon Anus sibilatrix Records: 1 record from 1 site A single bird was seen at Hereford Quarry on 19 Dec.

Addenda for 2008 Report Exotica and Escapes Chiloe Wigeon Anus sibilatrix The number reported should have read five and not a single bird at Hereford Quarry on 17 Aug 2008. 66 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 67

List of Contributors Mrs. J. Allen (JA)) P. Davies (PDav) J. Allsopp (JAl)) R. Davies (RDa) Miss J. Andrews (JEA) S. Davies Alison Arnold (AAr) G.M. Davis (GMD) S. Ashton R. Delahay (RDe) Ms N. Baines N & F Devereux (N&FD) P. Barker (PBar) N. Devereux (ND) S. Barker (SBa) T. Dixon (TD) C & P Bartlett (C&PB) Miss T-A Downes (TAD) C.J. Bartlett (CJB) Mrs E.A. Downes (EAD) D.J. Bennett (DBe) P & T Downes (P&TD) S. Betts (SBe) P. H. Downes (PHD) G&M Bilbao (G&MB) T.W. Downes (TWD) G.S. Bilbao (GSB) P & Mrs J Eldridge (P&JE) Birdguides (Birdg) P. Eldridge (PJE) Dr. D. G. Boddington (DGB) I & Mrs. E. Evans (I&EE) E. Bowen-Jones (EB-J) I.B. Evans (IBE) P.G. Bradley (PGB) Ms S. Evans (SEv) P.J. Brady (PJB) A.H. Eveleigh (AHE) D. Brett (DCB) G. Ewart (GWE) G.D Brown (GDB) T. Fairfield (TF) J. Bunn (JB) C. Flynn Ms. F.S. Burge (FSB) Ms R Floate (RF) I. Butler P & J Gardner (P&JG) Dr. A.E. Caunt (AEC) P.G. Garner (PGG) C & J Chapman (C&JC) Ms V.J. Geen Mrs J. Chapman (JCh) T. Green (TGre) I. Clucas (IC) W.H. Gregory (WHG) Mrs M. Clucas (MClu) Mrs N. Griffiths M. Coleman (MCo) N.F. Griffiths (NFG) J. Colley (JC) T. Griffiths (TGr) Miss R. Collins (RCo) C. Hardinge M. Colquhoun (MCol) I & Mrs. D. Hart (I&DH) Forestry Commision (FCo) S. Hayes Miss E.R. Coney (ERC) R. Hemming (RFWH) Miss H.E. Coney (HEC) H.R. Hesketh (HRH) S. Coney (SPC) S. Hicks (SHi) Mrs V.A. Cooke (VAC) Ms J. Hughes T & Mrs. V.A. Cooke (T&VC) T. Hulme (TH) T.C. Cooke (TCC) Ms C. Hume (CHu) J. C. Davies (JCD) R. Husbands (RH) Ms N. Davies (NDa) Mrs E. Ing (EI) 67 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 68

List of Contributors (cont) P. Jennings (PJe) Gavin Price (GPr) A.C. Jones (ACJ) J R Pullen (JRP) M. July (MJ) M. Pullen (MDP) J. Kedward (JK) S. Pullen (SPu) Mrs D.H. Klein (DHK) P. Quinn C & A Lankester (C&AL) Mrs V. Quinn (VQ) M. Lempriere (MLem) A. Reid (ARe) R. Lewis (RLew) Miss F. Riddell (FR) G. Linklater (GL) Simon Roberts Mrs J. Linklater (JLin) Miss L. Robinson (MLR) A. Marchant (AM) R.W. Roseveare (RWR) W. J. Marler (WJM) C & J Shott (C&JS) K & C Mason (K&CM) K. Skyrme K.A. Mason (KAM) A. Smith (ALS) Mrs L.H. Matthews (LHM) D. Smith (DSm) P & Mrs. L Matthews (P&LM) P.J. Smith (PJS) Mrs J. Mellish (JM) M. Stewart (MS) K.E. Miles (KEM) M & S Taylor (M&ST) R.G. Miller (RGM) Mrs S.J. Taylor (SJTa) Mrs M M Morley (MMM) N. Telfer R. Morley (RMo) Trevor Trueman R. Murray J. Tucker (JTuc) R. Newton (RNe) Dr. S.J. Tyler (SJT) A. Norman (AN) P. Nuttall J. Voysey (JVo) Club Outing (CO) R. Walker (RWa) Mrs S.M.T. Page (SMTP) S.E. Watkins (SEW) Raptor Panel (RPa) W. Watson (WW) G.R. Parker (GRP) R.L. Watts (RLW) C. Parr (CPar) T&J Weale (T&JW) A.R. Pearce (ARP) A. Wearmouth (AWe) N. Pegler (NCP) G.A.H. Wells N. & L. Pegler (N&LP) T& Mrs E Weston (T&EW) J. Penrice (JPe) Mrs C Wichbold (CWi) Mrs S. Penrice A. Wilkins (AWilk) Miss N. Perry (NJP) Floyd Wilkins (FWilk) Mrs B. Petters (BPe) B & A Willder (B&AW) W. Phillips B. Willder (BCW) J. Potts (JPot) T. Willder (TWi) G.J. Poulton (GJP) M.J. Williams (MJW) John Powell J. Woodruff S. Preddy (SPre) Ms J. Wynne-Jones (JW-J) 68 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 69

Summer and Winter records for 2009 Summer Migrants – Earliest and Latest Dates Species Earliest Location Latest Location in 2009 in 2009 Garganey 18 Mar Wellington GP 4 Aug Wellington GP Quail 11 Jun Bircher Common 16 Jul Ledicot Osprey 15 Mar Hartleton Lakes 12 Sep Ballingham R Wye Hobby 25 Apr Kenchester Weir Garden 23 Sep Clehonger Little Ringed 18 Mar Wellington GP 17 Aug Wellington GP Plover Common 11 Apr Castleton and Winforton 29 Sep Brockhall GP Sandpiper R Wye Greenshank 29 Mar Leominster Bypass 23 Sep Wellington GP Turtle Dove 23 May Climbing Jack Common 26 Jun Mary Knoll Cuckoo 11 Apr Queen’s Wood Dinmore 14 Jul Brockhall GP & Newhouse Wood Swift 18 Apr Brockhall GP & 5 Sep Hereford Sewage Wellington GP Works R Wye Sand Martin 10 Mar Castleton & Winforton 11 Sep Hope-under-Dinmore R Wye Swallow 13 Mar Kingsland & Blind 1 Oct Pipe and Lyde College Hereford House Martin 4 Apr Letton Lakes and 3 Oct Withington, Pipe & Stretton Sugwas Lyde and Backney Tree Pipit 25 Apr Wigmore Rolls 25 Jul Wapley Hill Yellow Wagtail 27 Mar Linton 24 Sep Bridstow Redstart 8 Apr Midsummer Hill & 10 Oct Black Daren Clutter’s Cave Whinchat 23 May Bromsash - No record received Wheatear 21 Mar Black Daren 7 Oct Pipe and Lyde Ring Ouzel - No record received 11 Oct Black Daren Grasshopper 17 Apr Passa Lane 3 May Brockhall GP Warbler Leominster Sedge Warbler 13 Apr Broadlands NR 13 Sep Brockhall GP Hereford Reed Warbler 18 Apr Wellington GP 11 Sep Wellington GP Garden Warbler 21 Apr Hoarwithy 03 Sep How Caple

69 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 70

Species Earliest Location Latest Location in 2009 in 2009 Lesser 18 Apr Wellington GP, Brockhall 11 Sep Wellington GP Whitethroat GP &Stretford Bridge Whitethroat 12 Apr Canon Pyon 11 Sep Wellington GP Wood Warbler 24 Apr Bircher Common 07 Jun Little Black Hill Willow Warbler 15 Mar Credenhill 12 Sep Abbey Farm Spotted 08 May Lower Eggleton 21 Sep Credenhill Park Flycatcher Wood Pied Flycatcher 18 Apr Titley Pool 03 Sep How Caple Winter Migrants – Latest and Earliest Dates 1st Winter Period in 2009 2nd Winter Period in 2009 Whooper Swan 7 Feb Letton Lakes - No record Pink-footed 21 Feb Criftin Ford Bridge 27 Dec Brockhall GP Goose Wigeon 17 Apr Brockhall GP 15 Aug Brockhall GP & Wellington GP Teal 27 Jun Brockhall GP 28 Jul Brockhall GP Pintail 22 Feb Berrington Hall Pool 13 Sep Brockhall GP & Wellington GP Pochard 18 Apr Wellington GP 25 Jul Brockhall GP & Wellington GP Scaup 4 Apr Wellington GP - No record Goldeneye 6 Apr Bodenham Lake 25 Oct Wellington GP Golden Plover 10 Feb Wellington GP & Elton’s 16 Oct Hergest Ridge Marsh Jack Snipe 2 Apr Gamber Meadows 13 Dec Wellington GP Waxwing 23 Apr Shirlheath - No record Fieldfare 19 Apr Brockhall GP 3 Oct Stockingfield Redwing 10 Apr Credenhill 30 Sep Bromsash & Upper Colwall Great Grey 7 Apr Bircher Common - No record Shrike Brambling 5 Apr Pipe & Lyde 4 Dec Kiln Ground Wood Whitney

70 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 71

Garden Birdwatch 2009 RECORDS in 2009 were received from 80 gardens. During the year over 32,803 records were received. Notable records for one garden were Quarter 1 – Archie Buttriss (Pencoyd) – 48 species; Quarter 4 – Guy Poulton and Sue Evans (Moreton Eye)- 39 species.

2009 Summary - Top Ten Species

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter

1 Starling House Sparrow House Sparrow House Sparrow

2 House Sparrow Starling Starling Starling

3 Blackbird Blackbird House Martin Blackbird

4 Greenfinch Blue Tit Blue Tit Goldfinch

5 Chaffinch Goldfinch Swallow Blue Tit

6 Fieldfare Great Tit Goldfinch Greenfinch

7 Goldfinch Greenfinch Great Tit Woodpigeon

8 Blue Tit Chaffinch Blackbird Fieldfare

9 Long-tailed Tit Woodpigeon Long-tailed Tit Chaffinch

10 Woodpigeon House Martin Greenfinch Long-tailed Tit

These results have been extracted from the records of Ivor and Elaine Evans who collated the results for the Garden Birdwatch for many years. Since the sad passing of both Ivor and Elaine, HOC members have continued to return records for this valuable survey. It is hoped that the HOC’s Garden Birdwatch will continue to be popular and that more members will take part in this enjoyable and rewarding survey. Further details of how to take part can be found on the HOC website at: www.herefordshirebirds.org/gardenbirdsurvey.html

Ian and Natalie Buttriss 71 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 72

Bird Ringing in Herefordshire 2009 THIS is a summary of birds ringed in Herefordshire in 2009 as part of the national Bird Ringing Scheme, together with brief details of significant recoveries of birds previously ringed in the County and of “controls” in Herefordshire of birds ringed outside its borders. Ringing provides information of growing value to science, conservation and government on bird movements, migration, survival, longevity, breeding success and habitat use, among other aspects. More details on the Ringing Scheme, its objectives, methods and results (including The Migration Atlas) can be found on the British Trust for Ornithology website at http://www.bto.org (look under Volunteer Surveys or Core Surveys). Ringing totals:

Species Adults Pulli Total ringed (nestlings/chicks) Goshawk 5 5 Sparrowhawk 2 2 Buzzard 8 8 Hobby 2 2 Woodpigeon 1 1 Collared Dove 1 1 Tawny Owl 1 2 3 Kingfisher 9 9 Green Woodpecker 5 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker 6 6 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1 1 Sand Martin 120 120 Yellow Wagtail 1 1 Grey Wagtail 8 33 41 Pied Wagtail 6 6 Dipper 25 105 130 Wren 27 27 Dunnock 47 47 Robin 64 2 66 Redstart 3 35 38 Blackbird 176 176 Fieldfare 4 4 Song Thrush 27 27 72 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 73

Species Adults Pulli Total ringed (nestlings/chicks) Redwing 21 21 Mistle Thrush 1 1 Sedge Warbler 5 5 Reed Warbler 32 32 Blackcap 44 44 Garden Warbler 1 1 Lesser Whitethroat 1 1 Whitethroat 3 3 Chiffchaff 170 4 174 Willow Warbler 47 47 Goldcrest 1 1 Spotted Flycatcher 8 8 Pied Flycatcher 46 387 433 Long-tailed Tit 69 69 Marsh Tit 2 2 Coal Tit 12 6 18 Blue Tit 185 154 339 Great Tit 87 155 242 Nuthatch 7 14 21 Treecreeper 3 3 Jay 1 1 Magpie 3 3 Jackdaw 2 2 Crow (Carrion/Hooded) 1 1 House Sparrow 2 2 Chaffinch 43 43 Brambling 1 1 Greenfinch 58 58 Goldfinch 36 36 Siskin 14 14 Redpoll 1 1 Bullfinch 8 8 Grand Totals (55 species) 1448 913 2361 73 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 74

Part of this ringing was undertaken at Much Marcle as part of the BTO’s Constant Effort Sites (CES) Scheme to provide data on changes in population size and breed- ing success and on adult survival rates for 28 species of common songbird. Some ringing of Pied Flycatchers likewise formed part of the BTO’s Retrapping Adults for Survival (RAS) Project, for estimating survival of species that cannot be monitored so effectively by other ringing projects such as CES. More details and results of these on- going surveys can be found on the BTO website. Recoveries and controls This section gives details of birds ringed or subsequently encountered in Hereford- shire and felt to be of particular interest. Similar information for the whole of the country is given in the annual report on Bird Ringing in Britain and Ireland included in the journal Ringing & Migration (BTO). The recoveries are arranged by species, with the ringing information on the first line and one or more subsequent recoveries below. The symbols and conventions used are as follows: Age when ringed (and when recaptured if still alive); mostly determined by careful examination of condition and pattern of plumage (the details vary from species to species). Standard terms as follows (with Euring “age codes” used by ringers in parentheses): Nestling: Ringed as a chick, typically in or close to the nest (Euring age code 1) Juvenile: Caught in the calendar year of hatching, not yet completed “post-juve- nile” moult (this is a first moult, typically partial, undertaken a few months after leaving the nest to replace plumage grown during the nestling phase) (Euring aged code 3J) 1st-year: Caught in the calendar year of hatching, after post-juvenile moult (Eu- ring age code 3) 2nd-year: Caught in the calendar year after the year of hatching (Euring age code 5) Adult: Caught after the year of hatching, when precise age can no longer be determined (all pertinent plumage features have been moulted) (Euring age codes 4, 6, 8 etc) Sex: M = Male, F = Female Circumstances of recovery – mostly self-explanatory, but in particular: Caught alive: Caught and released by a ringer, some distance from the site of ringing (in most cases more than 5 km) Recaptured: Caught and released by a ringer at the site of original ringing For recoveries involving movement over a significant distance details are given of the time elapsed in days between ringing and recovery, the distance between ringing and recovery site, and the compass bearing of the recovery site from the ringing site. Elapsed time is stated as calendar years, months and days, for ease of reading; these years may contain 365 or 366 days (leap years), which should be borne in mind when making precise age comparisons. 74 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 75

“Much Marcle” refers to the Constant Effort Site discussed above, at grid reference SO6533.

Mute Swan W16369 Adult 26.06.2004 Hereford, River Wye M Alive 03.08.2008 Normandy, Horsham, 4y 1m 8d 200km SE Sussex (51°3’N 0°20’W) Sick 26.07.2009 River Mole, Leather- 5y 1m 0d 187 km ESE (injury) head, Surrey (51°17’N 0°20’W)

Cormorant 5250106 Nestling 23.06.2007 Puffin Island, Angle- sey (53°19’N 4°2’W) Long 22.01.2009 River Wye, Lydbrook 1y 6m 190 km SSE dead (approx) 30d MM204 Nestling 17.06.2009 Tammisaari, Uusimaa, 11 Finland(59°50’N 23°37’E) Freshly 11.10.2009 Ross-on-Wye 3m 24d 1849 WSW dead – km pollu- tion

Goshawk GN92815 Nestling 12.06.2004 near Halfway Forest, M Powys Long 31.08.2009 Hereford 5y 2m 67 km E dead 19d MA144 Nestling 22.05.2009 near Hereford 29 F Freshly 26.07.2009 Hope Mansell, Ross- 2m 4d dead on-Wye

75 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:07 Page 76

Buzzard GN00936 1st- 15.12.2008 near Suckley, year Worcestershire Long 18.06.2009 Bringsty Common, 6m 3d 3 km dead Bromyard (hit by car) Hobby EL55763 Nestling 24.07.2007 Much Marcle area Long 09.05.2009 Balmaseda, Vizcaya, 1y 9m 978 km S dead Spain (43°11’ N 15d (bird of 3°12’W) prey) Black-headed Gull Nether- Nestling 12.06.1982 Holwerd, Friesland, lands The Netherlands 3357277 (53°23’N 5°55’E) Caught 06.12.1986 near Stretton Sugwas 4y 5m 605 km WS alive Landfill Site, 24d W Hereford Although found over 20 years ago, this bird was only reported to the BTO in 2009.

Lesser Black-backed Gull GF31444 Nestling 03.07.1997 Widemarsh, Hereford Alive 31.10.2007 Grundon Landfill 10y 3m 46 km ESE (colour Site, near Stoke Or- 28d rings chard, Gloucester- seen) shire GF31459 Nestling 03.07.1997 Widemarsh, Here- fordshire Sighted 22.08.1998 Throckmorton land- 47km E fill site, Worcs “ 29.09.1998 Westport Lake, 115 km NNE Stoke-on-Trent “ 03.01.1999 Westport Lake “ 18.12.1999 Westport Lake “ 04.03.2004 Throckmorton landfill site

76 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 77

Lesser Black-backed Gull (continued) “ 04.04.2004 Throckmorton landfill site “ 19.08.2004 Hereford “ 14.12.2004 Stoke Orchard 46 km ESE landfill site “ 02.08.2005 Hereford “ 14.08.2005 Hereford “ 27.12.2005 Westport Lake “ 28.12.2005 Westwood Park 44 km ENE Lake, Worcester “ 20.02.2008 Stoke Orchard land- fill site “ 30.12.2008 Gloucester landfill site “ 16.10.2009 Gloucester landfill 12y 3m 39 km SE site 13d (The longevity record for this species is 34 years 10 months 27 days, set in 2000.)

Tawny Owl GN00933 Adult F 31.10.2005 Bringsty Common, Bromyard Long 15.08.2009 Bringsty Common, 3y 9m 0 km dead Bromyard 15d (hit by car) Great Spotted Woodpecker

CL44021 1st- 13.10.2001 Bringsty Common, year F Bromyard Freshly 12.06.2009 Knightwick, Worces- 7y 7m 3 km dead tershire 30d (injury)

(The longevity record for this species is 10 years 9 months 22 days, set in 1976.)

77 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 78

Swallow V068915 1st- 12.08.2007 Radipole Lake, Wey- year mouth, Dorset Freshly 12.05.2009 Cusop, Hay on Wye 1y 9m 0d 168 km NNW dead (in build- ing) Grey Wagtail R136282 Nestling 04.05.2007 Ty Mawr, near Clodock

Caught 01.01.2009 Marlborough Sewage 1y 7m 105 km SE alive Works, Wiltshire 28d This was the second furthest movement within Great Britain & Ireland reported for this species in 2009. Wren AJA451 1st-year 16.07.2005 Much Marcle Recap- 29.07.2005 Much Marcle tured “ M 28.05.2006 Much Marcle “ 29.04.2007 Much Marcle “ 18.07.2007 Much Marcle “ 31.05.2008 Much Marcle “ 10.05.2009 Much Marcle 3y 9m 25d BJP002 1st-year 17.08.2005 Much Marcle Recap- 04.09.2005 Much Marcle tured “ M 28.05.2006 Much Marcle “ 03.06.2006 Much Marcle “ 10.05.2009 Much Marcle 3y 8m 24d These birds were caught at the Constant Effort Site (CES) at Much Marcle; CES ringing involves fairly frequent catching operations to a consistent plan at the site from May through to August, thereby enabling the abundance, productivity and adult survival of bird populations using the site to be monitored. AJA451 was in- cluded in last year’s report and was encountered again in 2009 (and has been caught subsequently); this extensive capture history suggests it is resident at the site.

78 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 79

Dunnock T235786 Juvenile 29.07.2005 Much Marcle Recaptured 27.08.2005 Much Marcle “ M 28.05.2006 Much Marcle “ 25.06.2006 Much Marcle “ 20.05.2007 Much Marcle “ 17.06.2007 Much Marcle “ 28.06.2007 Much Marcle “ 22.07.2009 Much Marcle 3y 11m 24d Robin T985313 Juvenile 02.07.2006 Much Marcle Recaptured – 09.06.2007 Much Marcle M “ 15.06.2008 Much Marcle “ 08.09.2008 Much Marcle “ 14.06.2009 Much Marcle 2y 11m 12d Blackbird CT30440 2nd-year M 24.05.2003 Much Marcle Recaptured 09.07.2003 Much Marcle “ 25.06.2004 Much Marcle “ 20.06.2005 Much Marcle “ 09.06.2007 Much Marcle “ 22.07.2009 Much Marcle 6y 1m 29d CT45211 Juvenile – M 15.08.2004 Much Marcle Recaptured 04.07.2009 Much Marcle 4y 10m 20d CT45219 Juvenile – F 05.09.2004 Much Marcle Recaptured 02.07.2006 Much Marcle “ 15.07.2006 Much Marcle “ 20.05.2007 Much Marcle “ 09.06.2007 Much Marcle “ 17.06.2007 Much Marcle “ 11.08.2007 Much Marcle “ 14.06.2009 Much Marcle 4y 9m 9d CW32006 Juvenile – F 15.05.2005 Much Marcle Recaptured 29.05.2005 Much Marcle

79 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 80

Blackbird (continued) “ 10.07.2005 Much Marcle “ 22.07.2009 Much Marcle 4y 2m 7d CW32055 Juvenile – F 10.07.2005 Much Marcle Recaptured 15.07.2006 Much Marcle “ 14.06.2009 Much Marcle 3y 11m 4d CW32061 Juvenile – M 16.07.2005 Much Marcle Recaptured 04.07.2009 Much Marcle 3y 11m 18d Reed Warbler R043888 Adult 24.05.2003 Much Marcle Recaptured – 29.06.2003 Much Marcle M “ 12.07.2003 Much Marcle “ 01.05.2005 Much Marcle “ 22.07.2006 Much Marcle “ 28.07.2007 Much Marcle “ 10.05.2009 Much Marcle “ 04.07.2009 Much Marcle 6y 1m 10d R820272 1st-year 25.07.2004 Much Marcle Recaptured 29.05.2005 Much Marcle “ – M 10.07.2005 Much Marcle “ 22.07.2006 Much Marcle “ 15.06.2008 Much Marcle “ 14.06.2009 Much Marcle “ 22.07.2009 Much Marcle 4y 11m 28d R820361 Adult 07.08.2004 Much Marcle Recaptured – 28.05.2006 Much Marcle M “ 05.08.2006 Much Marcle “ 29.04.2007 Much Marcle “ 17.06.2007 Much Marcle “ 10.05.2009 Much Marcle 4y 9m 3d T235616 Adult M 27.06.2005 Much Marcle Recaptured 19.08.2006 Much Marcle “ 24.06.2008 Much Marcle “ 10.05.2009 Much Marcle “ 04.07.2009 Much Marcle 4y 0m 7d 80 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 81

Reed Warbler (continued) T235864 Adult F 27.08.2005 Much Marcle Recaptured 17.06.2007 Much Marcle “ 18.07.2007 Much Marcle “ 09.06.2008 Much Marcle “ 04.07.2009 Much Marcle “ 16.08.2009 Much Marcle 3y 11m 20d V858166 Juvenile 27.08.2007 Chew Valley Lake, Avon Caught alive 10.05.2009 Much Marcle 1y 8m 13d 77 km N (CES) X258407 Adult F 14.06.2009 Much Marcle (CES) Caught alive 25.07.2009 Oakley, near 1m 11d 36 km NE Martin Huss- ingtree, Worcs X808503 1st-year 16.08.2009 Much Marcle (CES) Caught alive 18.08.2009 Titchfield 2d 159 SSE Haven, Hill km Head, Fare- ham, Hants Having hatched earlier in the year, X808503 moved 159 km in just two days! Chiffchaff CHH563 Juvenile 27.07.2008 Much Marcle Recaptured 06.08.2008 Much Marcle “ 16.08.2009 Much Marcle 1y 0m 20d CHH607 Juvenile 06.08.2008 Much Marcle Recaptured 29.08.2008 Much Marcle “ 22.07.2009 Much Marcle 350d CHH735 Juvenile 08.09.2008 Much Marcle Recaptured 16.08.2009 Much Marcle “ 30.08.2009 Much Marcle 356d CHH758 1st-year 08.09.2008 Much Marcle Recaptured 16.08.2009 Much Marcle 342d DBV925 Juvenile 16-08-2009 M Marcle (CES) Caught alive 01-10-2009 Pett Level, 1m 15d 253 km ESE Sussex 81 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 82

Pied Flycatcher P358502 Nestling 09.06.2002 Moccas Park, Bredwardine Recaptured F 19.05.2005 Moccas Park “ 08.06.2006 Moccas Park “ 08.05.2007 Moccas Park “ 04.06.2009 Moccas Park 6y 11m 26d P775601 Nestling 12.06.2004 Llancillo Caught alive 27.05.2009 Gatley Park, 4y 11m 15d 44km NNE M Wigmore P775921 Nestling 03.06.2006 Llancillo Court, nr Pontrilas Caught alive 04.06.2009 Whitney Wood 3y 0m 1d 24 km NNW M Sawmills (box W) P775948 Nestling 04.06.2006 Upper Bryn Found dead 18.07.2009 Shapridge, 3y 1m 14d 37km ESE Gloucester R541083 Adult F 18.05.2005 Shobdon Hill Wood, Leominster Recaptured 29.05.2009 Shobdon Hill 4y 0m 11d Wood R541084 Adult F 18.05.2005 Shobdon Hill Wood Recaptured 19.05.2008 Shobdon Hill Wood “ 29.05.2009 Shobdon Hill 4y 0m 11d Wood R541259 Adult F 01.06.2006 Moccas Park, Caught alive 04.06.2009 Bucknell 3y 0m 3d 32 km N Wood, Shrop- shire R541315 Nestling 06.06.2006 Yatton Court, Aymestrey Caught alive F 26.05.2007 Llancillo “ 29.05.2009 Llancillo 2y 11m 23d 42km S

82 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 83

R541354 Nestling 06.06.2006 Yatton Court, Aymestrey Caught alive 29.05.2009 Llancillo 2y 11m 23d 42km S M R541620 Nestling 10.06.2005 Shobdon Hill Wood Recaptured F 29.05.2009 Shobdon Hill 3y 11m 19d Wood R541651 Adult F 24.05.2006 The Leathers, Yatton, Aymestrey Recaptured 20.05.2009 The Leathers, 2y 11m 26d Yatton R541683 Nestling 05.06.2006 Shobdon Hill Wood Caught alive 29.05.2009 Mary Knoll, 2y 11m 24d 14 km NE F near Ludlow R541791 Nestling 06.06.2006 Moccas Park Caught alive 23.05.2009 Crow Wood 2y 11m 17d 7 km S F (box 9) R541936 Nestling 04.06.2007 Gatley Park, Wigmore Caught alive 14.05.2008 Shobdon Hill F Wood “ 29.05.2009 Shobdon Hill 1y 11m 25d 6 km SW Wood R541999 Adult 23.05.2008 Brilley Green Caught alive 30.05.2009 Whitney 1y 0m 7d F Court (box 23) R601073 2nd-year F 16.05.2004 Mansel Lacy (box 18) Recaptured 22.05.2005 Mansel Lacy (box 36) “ 05.06.2006 Mansel Lacy (box 89) “ 19.05.2007 Mansel Lacy (box 64) “ 18.05.2008 Mansel Lacy (box 39) “ 04.06.2009 Mansel Lacy 5y 0m 19d (box 37) 83 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 84

R601826 Adult F 20.05.2006 Crow Wood (box 27) Recaptured 20.05.2007 Crow Wood (box 12) “ 24.05.2008 Crow Wood (box 4) “ 23.05.2009 Crow Wood 3y 0m 3d (box 24) R601838 Adult F 21.05.2006 Mansel Lacy (box 64) Recaptured 02.06.2007 Mansel Lacy (box 95) “ 18.05.2008 Mansel Lacy (box 11) “ 11.05.2009 Mansel Lacy 2y 11m 21d (box 29) R601870 Adult F 04.06.2006 Crow Wood (box 22) Recaptured 24.05.2008 Crow Wood (box 6) “ 23.05.2009 Crow Wood 2y 11m 19d (box 11) R601874 Nestling 04.06.2006 Crow Wood (box 12) Recaptured F 23.05.2009 Crow Wood 2y 11m 19d (box 18) R601943 Nestling 05.06.2006 Mansel Lacy (box 61) Recaptured M 08.06.2008 Mansel Lacy (box 53) “ 04.06.2009 Mansel Lacy 2y 11m 29d (box 37) R601963 Nestling 05.06.2006 Mansel Lacy (box 40) Caught alive 04.06.2009 Whitney Court 2y 11m 29d 16 km W F (box 18) T227417 Nestling 03.06.2006 Coed Dias, Abergavenny Caught alive 04.06.2008 Crow Wood M (box 29) “ 30.05.2009 Crow Wood 2y 11m 27d 13 km NNE (box 12) 84 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 85

T600377 Adult F 24.05.2008 Crow Wood (box 42) Recaptured 30.05.2009 Crow Wood 1y 0m 6d (box 12) – paired with T227417 V166497 Nestling 11.06.2006 Wigmore Rolls Caught alive 24.05.2008 Paradise Farm, F Presteigne, Powys “ 03.06.2009 Paradise Farm, 2y 357d 11 km WSW Presteigne V202626 Nestling 09.06.2007 Llancillo Caught alive 03.06.2008 Nagshead, M Parkend, Gloucester “ 28.05.2009 Nagshead 1y 11m 19d 30km SE V202779 Nestling 08.06.2008 Upper Bryn Caught alive 28.05.2009 Wyre Forest, 11m 20d 64km NE F Bewdley, Worcs

Long-tailed Tit BJP228 Juvenile 11.06.2006 Much Marcle

Recaptured 05.08.2006 Much Marcle

“ 19.08.2006 Much Marcle

“ 26.08.2006 Much Marcle

“ M 20.05.2007 Much Marcle

“ 10.05.2009 Much Marcle 2y 10m 29d

85 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 86

Blue Tit T985320 Juvenile 02.07.2006 Much Marcle Recaptured 18.07.2007 Much Marcle Dead 30.08.2009 Much Marcle 3y 1m 28d T985336 Juvenile 02.07.2006 Much Marcle Recaptured 26.08.2006 Much Marcle “ M 20.05.2007 Much Marcle “ 07.07.2008 Much Marcle “ 17.08.2008 Much Marcle “ 10.05.2009 Much Marcle 2y 10m 8d T985350 Juvenile 02.07.2006 Much Marcle Recaptured 26.08.2006 Much Marcle “ F 20.05.2007 Much Marcle “ 27.08.2007 Much Marcle “ 15.06.2008 Much Marcle “ 23.05.2009 Much Marcle 2y 10m 21d T985467 Juvenile 22.07.2006 Much Marcle Recaptured M 20.05.2007 Much Marcle “ 10.05.2008 Much Marcle “ 16.08.2009 Much Marcle 3y 0m 25d Great Tit T985308 Juvenile 02.07.2006 Much Marcle Recaptured F 26.05.2007 Much Marcle “ 10.05.2009 Much Marcle 2y 10m 8d TC78231 Juvenile 09.06.2007 Much Marcle Found dead 13.04.2009 Much Marcle 1y 10m 4d TH88128 Nestling 20.05.2007 Whitney Court (box 15) Found dead 05.04.2009 Brilley Green, 1y 10m 15d Herefordshire TH88373 Nestling 28.05.2009 Fownhope (box 29) Found dead 14.08.2009 Fownhope, 78d 2 km W 86 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 87

Starling CW80802 Full-grown 16-04-2008 Hillaston, M Aston Crews Freshly dead 07.05.2009 Mitcheldean, 1y 0m 21d 4 km (hit glass) Gloucester- shire Goldfinch V083889 Adult M 21.10.2007 near Sandy Cross, Brom- yard Dead (hit 12.06.2009 Tedstone 1y 7m 22d 4 km glass) (approx) Wafer, Bromyard Siskin X258623 Adult F 29.03.2009 Queenswood, Hope Under Dinmore

Caught alive 13.04.2009 Little Sutton, 15d 127 km N South Wirral, Cheshire Lesser Redpoll V488256 Adult M 17.12.2006 Bringsty Common, Bromyard Alive (ring 27.02.2009 Wynniatts 2y 2m 10d 14 km NNE read in field) Cottage, Abberley, Worcs Bullfinch X258084 Juvenile 20.07.2008 Much Marcle Recaptured 16.08.2009 Much Marcle 1y 0m 27d F

87 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 88

Reed Bunting

R820006 Adult F 02.05.2004 Much Marcle Recaptured 15.05.2004 Much Marcle “ 13.05.2006 Much Marcle “ 02.07.2006 Much Marcle “ 14.06.2009 Much Marcle 5y 1m 12d R820008 Adult M 02.05.2004 Much Marcle Recaptured 25.07.2004 Much Marcle “ 05.09.2004 Much Marcle “ 15.05.2005 Much Marcle “ 30.04.2006 Much Marcle “ 13.05.2006 Much Marcle “ 03.06.2006 Much Marcle “ 02.07.2006 Much Marcle “ 29.04.2007 Much Marcle “ 09.06.2007 Much Marcle “ 16.08.2009 Much Marcle 5y 3m 14d

The following ringers contributed information for this summary – we appreciate their assistance: Dr David Boddington; Sara Bone; Felicity Burge; David Coker; Tony Cross; Stephen Dodd; Maurice Durham (Severn Estuary Gull Group); Peter Gardner; Dr Graham Geen (Llancillo Ringing Group); John Hodson (Wychavon Ringing Group); Rob Husbands; Alan Marchant; Dr Stephanie Tyler If you ringed birds in Herefordshire but your name is missing from this list, please accept apologies for the oversight and contact me ([email protected]) or the Report editor to ensure inclusion of your totals for future years. If any reader is interested in participating in ringing activities in the county, please feel free to contact me. David Coker 88 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 89

Herefordshire Nature Trust Nest Box Recording Scheme 2009 Co-ordinator: Beryl Harding Summary of the 2009 nest box results from 17 Non-HNT sites and 13 HNT Reserves.

Non-HNT Reserve Sites Badnage Wood, Tillington Recorder Bryn Jones (36 boxes, Occupation: 33.3%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 10 89 81 74 83.1% Great Tit 2 12 (6) (6) (50%)

Brockhampton, Bromyard Recorder Dr. D. Boddington (12 boxes, Occupation: 66.6%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 5 26 24 24 92.3% Great Tit 3 19 19 19 100% Coppett Hill, Welsh Bicknor Recorders Mike Thompson & Chris Crane (20 boxes, Occupation: 60%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 3 20 19 18 90% Great Tit 7 46 44 39 84.7% Tit species 2 18 18 18 100% Gatley Park Recorder Dr. D. Boddington (47 boxes, Occupation: 57.4%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 8 53 38 27 50.9% Great Tit 7 44 42 38 86.3% Pied Fly- 11 66 19 11 16.6% catcher All ringed Redstart 1 7 5 5 71.4% 89 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 90

Mary Knoll Recorders Peter & Joan Gardner (106 boxes, Occupation: 41.5%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 12 92 90 83 90.2% Great Tit 22 143 141 136 95.1% Nuthatch 3 14 14 11 78.5% Pied Fly- 7 45 42 28 62.2% All catcher ringed Merryhill, Mansell Lacy Recorder Dave Coker (102 boxes, Occupation: 20.5%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 14 115 86 86 74.7%

Great Tit 3 30 30 20 66.6% Pied Fly- 4 29 22 22 75.8% All catcher ringed Moccas Park Recorder Alan Marchant (70 boxes, Occupation: 55.7%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 12 89 88 88 98.8% Great Tit 6 36 36 35 97.2% Redstart 3 15 12 12 80%

Pied Fly- 18 100 73 61 61% All catcher ringed St Wulstan’s Wood, Welsh Newton Recorder Sue Parkinson (23 boxes, Occupation: 78.2%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success

Blue Tit 12 96 83 65 67.7%

Great Tit 5 19 7 3 15.7%

Nuthatch 1 13 11 11 84.6%

90 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 91

Shobdon Hill Wood Recorder Dr. D. Boddington (40 boxes, Occupation: 62.5%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 8 61 52 52 85.2% Great Tit 6 40 39 38 95.0% Pied Fly- 11 76 68 53 69.7% catcher

The Leathers, Aymestrey Recorders Dr. John Ross & Dr. D. Boddington (23 boxes, Occupation: 56.5%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 3 31 31 31 100% Great Tit 5 36 36 36 100% Pied Fly- 5 36 28 26 72.2% All catcher ringed Tidnor Wood Orchard Recorder Felicity Burge (20 boxes, Occupation: 50% Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 6 51 49 49 96% Great Tit 4 33 24 24 72.7% Wellington Wood Recorder Felicity Burge (20 boxes, Occupation: 90% Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 9 c.104 71 70 67.3% Great Tit 8 c.96 88 76 79.1% Nuthatch 1 - 10 10 100%

Whitfield Recorder John Pullen (30 boxes, Occupation: 53.3%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 9 92 90 91 98.9% Great Tit 7 55 39 39 70.9%

91 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 92

Whitman’s Hill, Storridge Recorder Janet Parry (12 boxes, Occupation: 66.6%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success

Blue Tit 1 10 10 10 100% Great Tit 7 49 46 43 87.7%

Whitney Court & Whitney Sawmills Recorders Dave Bennett & Dave Coker (38 boxes, Occupation: 68.4%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success

Blue Tit 11 (67+) (67+) - -

Great Tit 8 62 (50+) - -

Coal tit 1 6 6 6 100%

Pied Fly- 6 41 37 33 80.5% All catcher ringed

Not all the tit boxes were checked after fledging due to lack of time. One ringed male was found to be ‘serving’ in two nests

Yatton, Aymstrey Recorder Dr. D. Boddington (17 boxes, Occupation: 41.1%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success

Blue Tit 3 26 26 25 96.1%

Pied Fly- 4 25 16 8 32% All catcher ringed

Yoke Wood Recorder Felicity Burge (16 boxes, Occupation: 50%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 2 17 15 15 88.2%

Great Tit (6?) c.33 22 18 54.5%

92 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 93

HNT Reserve sites Brilley Dingle Recorder Rod Symondson (15 boxes, Occupation: 80%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success

Great Tit 11 87 79 79 90.8% Pied 1 5 5 5 100% All Flycatcher ringed

Clay Vallets Recorder John Voysey (17 boxes, occupation: 82.3%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 5 28+ - - - Great Tit 4 Brooding - - - Redstart 1 Brooding - - - Pied (7+) Brooding - - None ringed Flycatcher Many were brooding when visited. One Pied Flycatcher with 6 eggs then deserted. Coughton Marsh, Nr. Ross Recorder Pete Barley (20 boxes, Occupation: 20%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success

Blue Tit 3 21 21 12 57.1%

Great Tit 1 4 4 4 100% As usual dormouse boxes were used but not included in the results. Court Wood Recorder Felicity Burge (20 boxes, Occupation: 65%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue tit 3 c.29 25 9 31% Great Tit 8 c. 69 59 50 72.4% Pied Fly- 2 13 10 6 46.1% All catcher* ringed

*1 Pied Flycatcher box had a bigamous male so young were inadequately fed. 93 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:08 Page 94

Crampton Lower Wood Recorder Graham Wren (8 boxes, Occupation: 75%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 4 34 29 25 73.5% Great Tit 2 10 Not incu- - - bated Crow Wood, Turnastone Recorder Bryn Jones (41 boxes, Occupation: 58.5%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 6 77 54 53 68.8% Great Tit 9 84 77 65 77.3% Redstart 2 13 12 11 84.6% Pied 7 55 54 47 85.4% All Flycatcher ringed Bumble bee in one box. Lea & Pagets Wood Recorder David Phelps (36 boxes, Occupation: 55.5%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 6 65 48 40 61.5% Great Tit 9 84 58 48 57.1% Wren 2 No access - - - Nuthatch 3 No records - - - Leeping Stocks Recorder John Sumner (23 boxes, Occupation: 56.5%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 1 12 5 5 41.6% Great Tit 11 61 35 24 39.3% Nuthatch 1 5 5 4 80.0% Miners Rest, Doward Recorder Graham Wren (15 boxes, Occupation: 60%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 4 20 2 2 10.0% Great Tit 5 33 27 19 57.5% 94 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:09 Page 95

Nupend Recorder Leslie Smith (20 boxes, Occupation: 75%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 8 83 72 71 85.5% Great Tit 7 47 37 37 78.7% One box had 2 hens sharing with 22 eggs - finally 4 blue tits and 6 great tits flew. Titley/ Eywood Pool Recorder Dr. D. Boddington This site is too difficult to record and only marginal as far as Pied flycatchers are concerned. White Rocks, Doward Recorder Sarah Thomas (25 boxes, Occupation: 56%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 7 57 55 48 84.2% Great Tit 5 33 33 32 96.9% Nuthatch 2 11 11 11 100% Woodside, Doward Recorder Graham Wren (27 boxes, Occupation: 59.2%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 9 74 61 30 40.5% Great Tit 6 42 19 10 23.8% Nuthatch 1 5 5 4 80% Wyevale Wood Recorder Andrew Davies (22 boxes, Occupation: 95.4%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged Success Blue Tit 14 c. 96 c. 96 c.96 c.100 % Great Tit 7 c. 32 c. 22 c.20 c.62.5% Overall results for 2009 Results for last the last nine years are as follows: (No recording in 2001 due to Foot & Mouth outbreak) Summary 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2000 Sites 30 29 33 30 27 29 23 16 24 recorded Boxes 939 961 943 983 825 766 824 567 842 available Boxes 508 519 639 578 510 467 431 282 423 used % used 54.1 54.0 67.7 58.7 61.8 60.9 52.3 49.7 50.2 95 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:09 Page 96

Species Results for 2009: Species Sites Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Pied Flycatcher 13 93 525 434 353 67.2% Blue Tit 29 148 1736+ 1473+ 1270+ 73.1% + Great Tit 30 200 1320 1190+ 994+ 75.3% + Coal Tit 1 1 6 6 6 100% Nuthatch ** 7 14 58 56 51 87.9% Redstart 4 7 35 29 28 80% Wren 1 ? ? ? ? No access Recorders could not always visit the nests in time to record all the changes – hence the + sign ** 3 further Nuthatch nests were taken up in Lea & Pagets but were not monitored so the total number of sites were 10 with 17 nests. Comparative annual success rate in fledging for the various species Year 2009 2008 2007 2006 Species % Sites % Sites % Sites % Sites Pied Flycatcher 67.2% 13 63% 13 41.4% 12 96.7% 16 Blue Tit 73.1% 29 64.7% 29 63.6% 33 90.5% 30 Great Tit 75.3% 30 68.1% 29 61.2% 32 85.5% 30 Marsh Tit - - - - 50% 1 100% 4 Coal Tit 100% 1 56.2% 2 100% 1 - - Nuthatch 87.9% 7 73.2% 8 77.9% 11 87.0% 9 Redstart 80% 4 63.1% 2 85.7% 3 100% 2 Wren - 1 - 1 Failed 1 50% 1 Tree Creeper - - - - 100% 1 100% 1 Pied Flycatcher only Results Year Sites Nests Eggs Fledged Success 2000 24 140 669 494 73.8% 2002 14 96 685 263 38.3% 2003 14 109 708 376 53.1% 2004 14 89 620 443 71.4% 2005 14 85 574 423 73.6% 2006 16 88 520 503 96.6% 2007 12 107 636 263 41.3% 2008 13 81 582 367 63% 2009 13 93 525 353 67.2%

96 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:09 Page 97

Both the number of flycatcher sites and nests are becoming reduced since 2007 which implies that fewer birds are returning from their wintering grounds – whether due to difficulties there or during their flight en-route is uncertain. The BTO is now beginning more detailed survey work in West African countries to monitor results at that end which should help towards our future understanding of the problem. Overall Summary for 2009 Early winter in 2009 was unusually cold, windy and wet. January began cold with night temperatures within the county dropping well below -5C. Even on the sunniest days cold winds persisted. The 60mm. of rain was spread evenly throughout the month. It was followed by the coldest February for 20 years with the first half of the month having frost, snow and cold winds. The latter half was milder and dry with tempera- tures even rising to 20C. The first two weeks of March were dry and sunny with Chiffchaffs heard calling and giving promise of approaching spring – although they may have been those over- wintering here from eastern Europe rather than the first migrant. Also, one or two swallows were recorded by HOC members in mid-month. April was average in temperature but drier than usual. In the first half of May temperatures rose with a maximum of 24C by the end of the month. But two weeks of mid-May had heavy rain which badly affected birds in both open nests and bird boxes. Wet parents could chill the hatchlings when brooding them, so if the chicks were not sufficiently feathered subsequent deaths occurred. June continued May’s warm spell with temperatures rising to 27C, which gave much improved conditions for birds trying for later or second broods. As in last year, the summer continued disappointingly overcast, cool and wet so the prospective caterpillar crop for next year will again be adversely affected. Some Recorders considered that there were poorer Great Tit results this year com- pared with Blue Tits, but others seemed to find both producing average results. At Nupend it was noted that there were twenty-two eggs in one box and that both Blue and Great Tit parents were bringing in food. Finally, six Great Tit and four Blue Tit young flew. One wonders how they all found room in a single next box. The Pied Flycatcher results for those nesting seemed average. However, there were cases of bigamous males which fertilised females who then laid eggs but subsequently lacked full feeding support from their partner, so that the nest was later abandoned, or the chicks died from lack of food. At Whitney Wood one ringed male pied flycatcher was observed ‘serving’ two nests with apparently more success. Of the other recaptured Pied Flycatchers at Whitney Wood, one was ringed in May 2008 as a breeding adult at Brilley Green (c.1km. away) and another was ringed at Merryhill, Mansell Lacy in 2006 as a nestling, even further away, but still near enough to be considered as returning to their home territory. It is to be hoped that 2010 will have a milder spring and early summer so that those birds that survived this cold winter or their return migration can breed successfully. Our thanks go to these recorders for their work. Beryl Harding 97 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:09 Page 98

Interesting ornithogical sites

Key Location NGR Type of habitat Access 1 Berrington Hall S0510638 Lake, wood & farmland National Trust 2 Bircher Common S0460670 Common & woodland Public access 3 Bodenham Lake S0527511 Lake & Wetland Public access 4 Bradnor Hill NT S0282584 Hill & common Road and PRW 5 Bringsty Common S0702550 Common & woodland Public access 6 Brockhampton NT S0684549 Farmland, woods, parkland National Trust & PRW 7 Brockhall Gravel Pit S0451423 Gravel pits PRW 8 Bromsash S0643241 Farmland Road & PRW 9 Castle Pool, Hereford City S0513397 Pool Road & PRW 10 Credenhill Park Wood S0454441 Woodland Public access 11 Coneygree Wood, Ledbury S0718375 Woodland Public access 12 Coppett Hill S0573178 Common & woodland Public access 13 Croft Ambrey Fort S0445667 Hill Fort & woodland National trust & PRW 14 Croft Castle S0451657 Parkland & woodland National Trust & PRW 15 Downton Gorge NNR S0444743 River & woodland Natural England 16 Eastnor Deer park S0745378 Parkland PRW 17 Ewyas Harold Common S0385300 Common Public access 18 Frith Wood S0718395 Woodland Public access 19 Garway Hill S0437251 Common Public access 20 Harley’s Mountain S0345690 Open farmland & Hill Public footpaths 21 Hartleton Lakes S0652254 Lakes PRW 22 Haugh Wood S0593365 Woodland Public access 23 Holme Lacy, River Wye S0567347 River & farmland PRW 24 Hergest Ridge S0255562 HNT& common Public access 25 HighVinnals S0472731 Woodland Public access 26 Kenchester Pools S0432427 Farmland & pools Road & PRW 27 Leominster By-pass S0505585 Farmland & River Road and PRW 28 Letton Lakes S0354477 Farmland & wetland PRW 29 Lugg Meadows S0532418 Farmland & wetland PRW 30 Mary Knoll Valley S0497718 Woodland Public access 31 Mathon Gravel Pits S0739454 Gravel pits PRW 32 Merbach Hill S0304447 Common & woodland PRW 33 Midsummer Hill & Hollybush S0760375 Hill & woodland Public access 34 Milton Cross & Shobdon Ind Est S0382606 Farmland & Industrial est Road only 35 Moccas Deer Park NNR S0344431 Parkland Road or Natural England 36 Newton Coppice S0485377 Woodland Public access 37 Olchon Valley S0288317 Farmland PRW 38 Queens Wood Country Park S0506514 Woodland Public access 39 Red Daren and Black Daren S0297300 Moorland Public access 40 Sellack, River Wye S0565277 River & farmland PRW 41 Shobdon Court Pools S0401626 Lake, woods, farmland PRW 42 Sink Green, River Wye S0545376 River & farmland PRW 43 Sutton Walls Fort S0525464 Fort & farmland PRW 44 Titley Pool HNT S0324594 Pool & wetland Public access 45 Wapley Hill S0358623 Woodland Public access 46 Wellington Gravel Pits S0509480 Gravel pits PRW 47 Welsh Newton Common S0515175 Common & woodland Public access 48 Wigmore Rolls S0397688 Woodland Public access 49 Wilton, River Wye S0590242 Farmland & river PRW 50 Winforton River Wye S0293462 Farmland & river PRW 98 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:09 Page 99

Key to access abbreviations PRW = Public footpaths; NE = Natural England; HNT = Herefordshire Nature Trust; NNR = National Nature Reserve; NT= National Trust. Please remember the Bird Watchers’ Code concerning access on land and disturbance of birds. 99 84878 HOC 2009 fonts changed_Hoc 2009 12/07/2012 15:09 Page 100

William Marler

www.herefordshirebirds.org

Top: Raucous Ravens at sunset; left, a Mick Colquhoun Red-Legged Partridge in the frost; right, a Lesser

Redpoll Mick Colquhoun