The Birds of 2013

Herefordshire Ornithological Club Annual Report Typical Herefordshire farming country near Ross-on-Wye (Photo: Mick Colquhoun) Editorial Welcome to the 2013 edition of ‘The Birds of Herefordshire’; this is the 63rd annual report of the Herefordshire Ornithological Club (HOC). This edition includes some minor changes in presentation style and illustrative material. I hope you, the members, enjoy reading it. As usual, there have been adjustments in the taxonomic classification of some species during the year and hence in the systematic list sequence presented here, based on all changes to the British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) List up to the end of 2013. The falcons now appear immediately after the woodpeckers rather than with the other raptors, the terns precede the gulls and there are some minor sequence changes within the waders and a few other taxa. To help readers locate individual species information, an alphabetic list is included on pages 134 – 135. This is my first year as Editor and I am pleased to include an additional technical article on the BTO Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) and its operation within the county on pages 97 – 103. I am keen to broaden the range of material and information available to members and would welcome more technical articles in future editions, so please come forward with suggestions for survey-based articles, reviews of important county sites or presentations of species’ trends to enhance our publication. During 2013, a total of 177 species were recorded in the county, details of which are presented in the systematic list section on pages 20 – 91. This section includes three species that were seen for the first time in Herefordshire – Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup and Parrot Crossbill – and a further seven rarities with less than 20 previous county records – American Wigeon, Red-crested Pochard, Red-necked Grebe, Turnstone, Curlew Sandpiper, Caspian Gull and Cetti’s Warbler. The Annual Report is an important output of HOC, placing on record the birds present and providing an up-to-date list of the species seen in the county. So please continue to avidly spot and record the species you see around your home and as you travel around the county to ensure our continually updated list of bird species is complete. Importantly, ensure you note the locations where they are found. We are short on records of breeding evidence for many species, so please also record this conscientiously whenever possible. The main HOC Committee wishes to thank the County Recorder, Steve Coney (2013 was his last of 13 years in the role), for compiling and checking a staggering 16,580 records gathered by some 271 observers during the year. The effort and commitment of authors of the systematic list and the other sections, identified by name on the ‘Contents’ page and at the end of each section, is gratefully acknowledged. I must also thank Tony Eveleigh and John Pullen for their meticulous checking of the systematic list, Mick Colquhoun for co-ordinating the photographs, Gerald Parker for his usual quality drawings and Gerald Wells for proof-reading. Mervyn Davies

1 Herefordshire Ornithological Club Founded 1950 Registered charity No. 1068608

Committee March 2013 – March 2014 President ...... Keith Mason Vice President ...... Peter Eldridge Vice President ...... Nick Smith Chairman ...... Gareth Morgan Vice Chairman ...... Gerald Wells Secretary ...... Tom Weale Treasurer & Membership Secretary ...... Jim Wilkinson Recorder ...... Steve Coney Annual Report Editor ...... Hilary Jones HOC News Editor ...... Nicky Davies Meetings Secretary ...... Gerald Parker Publicity Officer ...... Susanna Grunsell Other Committee Members ...... Dave Coker; John Pullen; Brian Willder

ISBN 978-0-9554157-9-1 Copyright © 2015 Herefordshire Ornithological Club www.herefordshirebirds.org Edited by Mervyn Davies Printed by Charlesworth Press (www.charlesworth.com)

Front cover: Tree Pipit at Garway Hill (Photo: Mick Colquhoun) Back cover: Reed Bunting on reed mast at Wellington GP (Photo: Mick Colquhoun)

2 Contents Chairman’s report for 2013 – Gareth Morgan ...... 4 Obituary ...... 6 Weather and review of the year (2013) – John Pullen ………………...... 7 HOC accounts – Jim Wilkinson ……………………...... …………... 10 Meetings 2013 …………...... …………………………………………...... 12 County bird list 2013 …………………………………………………...... 13 Herefordshire county rarities ………………………………...... 16 Accepted rarities 2013 …………………………………………………...... 18 Systematic list 2013: ……………………………………………………...... 20 Mute Swan to Ruddy Duck – Gerald Parker …………….…...... 21 Red-legged Partridge to Osprey – Gerald Wells ………..…...... 36 Water Rail to Snipe – Peter Eldridge ………………………...... 42 Black Tern to Peregrine – Gerald Wells ……………………...... 53 Great Grey Shrike to House Martin – Gareth & Una Morgan …... 66 Cetti’s Warbler to Treecreeper – Tony Eveleigh ………………...... 71 Wren to Greenland Wheatear – John Pullen ……………...... … 79 Dunnock to Reed Bunting – Brian Willder ……………...... … 84 Exotica & escapes – Tony Eveleigh ………………………...... 91 Observers 2013………………………………………………………...... 92 Summer and winter migrants 2013 ………………………………………...... 95 Wetland Bird Survey in Herefordshire, 2008-2013 – Chris Robinson …... 97 Bird ringing in Herefordshire 2013 – David Coker ……………...... 104 Herefordshire Nature Trust Nestbox Recording Scheme 2013 – Beryl Harding ………...... 120 Garden Birdwatch report 2013 – Ian & Natalie Buttriss ……………...... 130 Index to systematic list ...... 134 Special ornithological sites in Herefordshire ...... 136

3 Chairman’s report for 2013 As in every year since the creation of the Club, your Committee has endeavoured to meet the requirements of the entire membership in all matters relevant to our objectives. During 2013 we have responded positively to requests for advice and assistance from a number of publicly-funded and charitable organisations in addition to requests from individual county residents. We have approved new publicity material for the Club, including a new logo, display boards and leaflets. These were placed in the public domain at the Herefordshire County Fair at Hampton Court, which was mostly remembered for being one of the wettest days in recent times. All of us are indebted to members of the Committee who have devoted many hours to what may appear mundane tasks, but which are in reality essential for the smooth running of the Club. Meetings Our meetings secretariat continued to provide us with an excellent range of topics and venues throughout the year. We were treated to discourses indoors on Owls, Shearwaters, photographic techniques, interspersed with outdoor meetings by rivers and gravel pits, at special nature reserves and in forests. Our thanks go to Gerald Parker, President Keith and Chris for arranging such an inspirational programme and to Chris and Pam Bartlett for leading us during the visit to the Faversham area of Kent. Newsletter and website We welcomed a new webmaster, Dr Michael Colquhoun, in succession to William Marler, and it is already apparent that the quality and integrity of the site remain at the highest level. The HOC News continues to be a major source of interest to the members and the Editor appreciates receiving the articles and photographs which members submit for publication. The Birds of Herefordshire Work on this flagship book is nearing completion and should be published in 2014. Vice President Nick Smith and all members of the team, especially Mervyn Davies, the Editor, have spent hundreds of hours preparing the material and are confident that it will prove to be a great success. We are all looking forward to acquiring our own copy. HOC records Throughout the year many members, and some visitors to the county, have sent in numerous records of sightings, all of which are invaluable for the constant maintenance of data. Without the recognition skills of the observers, we would have been deprived of the thrill of knowing that our county has been host to American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Waxwing, Whimbrel, Parrot Crossbill, Osprey and many other species. Our thanks go to all observers who are content to share their knowledge with all members. Please give them every encouragement.

4 General news At the request of BBC and Worcester, past chairman John Pullen gave a series of well-received interviews on the radio about the birds in his locality. John also spoke of the need for Club members to continue or recommence the Constant Site Surveys on around 40 selected sites. As a mark of our appreciation of John’s dedication to the Club, we published a potted life history in the August edition of HOC News. Club members responded to an invitation from the Herefordshire Parklands Project to assist with a year round survey in the Hergest Croft estate, near Kington. The Club had a display stand at the Queenswood Diamond Jubilee event, and past chairman Gerald Parker led two walks around one of the trails. Gerald, with help from Jim Wilkinson, John Sumner, Mervyn Davies and the ubiquitous John Pullen, did a lot of useful work making nests for Sand Martins in very large barrels to replace those lost when the Sustrans Cycleway was created in Hereford. Chris Robinson, the BTO representative, organised the local Winter Thrushes Survey and several members volunteered to participate. And so it has been another successful year for the Club. Many thanks to all members who have made a personal contribution to the work of HOC. Best wishes for the continued enjoyment of birding in 2014. Gareth Morgan Gerald Parker Male Hen Harrier

5 Obituary Peter McDougall Peter McDougall died on 27 January 2012 and a short obituary was reported in the HOC Annual Report 2012. This is supplemented here with an extended account of Peter’s life. Peter had his further education halted at the onset of the war by volunteering while in . He was posted to the Black Watch of the Royal Highland Regiment on account of his name and did his infantry training in the Western Highlands and the Orkneys, which stood him in good stead when, after their rearguard action at Dunkirk, they marched south to get to another evacuation point. He crossed the North African desert in the British 8th Army and was made a POW while advancing up Italy. This was good training for his ornithological studies which started with the HOC while he was a primary school teacher. He and Allan Smith carried and erected many nestboxes up the hill in Moccas Park when, with Dr Charlie Walker’s formation of the Nature Trust in the early ’60s, the Scheme, which is now the longest-running BTO Retrapping Adults for Survival (RAS) site, was set up. He had a great way with children at school when nature walks were taken during school hours and this gift of being able to make ecology interesting has been remembered by many Aberdeen students. In later years, they idolised him for his academic maturity which he built up from a late post-war start at Higher School certificates in Hereford, to a biological degree at Aberdeen and then onto the Education Department at Durham University. His studies on montane crows and goats could only have been done by someone who only enjoyed bird watching if it provided plenty of tough exercise; which is why one so rarely found him at a reservoir. David Boddington

6 Weather and review of the year (2013)

January The month started with mild temperatures and dry sunny days before turning much colder with nightly frosts reaching -5°C on 15th and 24th. Snow fell on 13th and again on 21st and 22nd, when 30 mm was recorded, then the end of the month became generally wet with below average rainfall for the month as a whole. The Great White Egret was still present in the county; a Kittiwake was at Wergins Bridge during 8th – 14th, a Red-necked Grebe at Wellington GP 16th – 25th and a Short- eared Owl was there on 5th. Bewick’s and Whooper Swans were also found mostly on pasture along the . The cold snap signalled a jump in the number of birds visiting gardens. February The cold weather continued with frosts recorded on 15 nights and a below average long-term rainfall total of 22 mm. The Great White Egret and the Bewick’s and Whooper Swans were still present in the county, three Jack Snipes were at Hereford Quarry and Waxwings were at various county locations, also Crossbills and Hawfinches were noted feeding. March This was generally a cold month, probably the coldest March since 1963, being 3°C less than the long-term average and colder than the preceding two months. It thus resulted in a delay in the arrival of the usual early spring migrants: Sand Martins not appearing until 23rd and Wheatears until 22nd. A Lesser Scaup, a first county record, was at Wellington GP from 16th, the Great White Egret remained until 9th, Waxwings reached a peak with a flock of 64 in Cleeve Orchard, Ross-on-Wye and a Great Grey Shrike was at Climbing Jack Common during 2nd – 5th. April April started cold with night frosts until 6th; later in the month the daily temperature increased to 10°C and higher and it was mainly dry. The total monthly rainfall was 24 mm, or less than 50% of the long-term average. The BTO Nest Box Scheme revealed that nesting had reverted back to the 1960 dates; for Blue Tits and Chaffinches these were 12 days later. Willow Warblers and Whitethroats were much later returning and, with continuing cold weather, probably had difficulty finding food. The Lesser Scaup remained until 28th and Mediterranean Gulls were at Wellington GP and Brockhall GP. Ospreys migrated through the county and there were two reports of fly-over Hen Harriers.

7 A pair of Oystercatchers

May This was a much colder month than usual, the coldest since 1996, thus restricting further summer migrants’ presence, especially Reed Warblers who found the reed mace not fully grown due to the cold spring. A rainfall total of 55 mm was near the long-term average; over half of the total (28 mm) fell on the 14th. Wheatears continued to pass though the county in early May while a Greenshank on 15th – 19th and a Turnstone on 12th were seen at Brockhall GP. A Cetti’s Warbler was singing at Marsh on 25th – 27th. June The first nine days were dry and hot with rain recorded on 13 days during the month, but the end of the month was again dry and sunny. The total rainfall was 24 mm, 50% of the long- term average. Seven Black-tailed Godwits were at Wellington GP on 29th. July The hot, sunny weather continued for most of the month with temperatures reaching 26°C on 13th, 14th, 18th and 19th. Rain was recorded on only seven days; a total of 40 mm was well below the long-term monthly average. The summer weather arrived too late for successful breeding, the BTO Nest Record Scheme highlighted that many

8 birds had a poor breeding season. A Common Scoter was at Wellington GP on 27th and Black-tailed Godwits were also recorded there. August A mostly hot, sunny and dry month with a near average rainfall of 60 mm, 23 mm falling on 4th; a contrast to the wet August of 2012. A Spotted Crake was found at Wellington 5th – 6th and a Curlew Sandpiper was there on 24th; while a Black Kite was viewed at on 3rd. September September was hot and sunny reaching 22°C on 2nd and 3rd while the monthly rainfall was slightly less than average. A female American Wigeon was at Wellington GP on 14th, 21st and 22nd and Garganey at Brockhall GP and Kenchester Pools. October A very wet month, the wettest since 1925; a total of 152 mm was recorded, which was nearly twice the long-term average with 26 mm falling on 3rd. A late Hobby was recorded on 10th in Hereford City and a Wheatear on 24th at Bromsash. A male and a female Red-crested Pochard were at Wellington GP on 19th, while Caspian Gulls were seen in the gull roost there on 13th and 20th. November A drier month than usual with a rainfall total of 46 mm, about 50% of the long term average; the last nine days of the month were dry with frosts on five of the nights. A Blue-winged Teal was with the Shoveler flock at Wellington GP on 10th; this was a new County Record. Two White-fronted Geese were at Wellington GP on 3rd and at Hereford Quarry on 10th. December This was generally a month of mild temperatures with a few frosts, being -4°C on 28th. There was a total rainfall of 99 mm with 20 mm falling on 23rd. A Parrot Crossbill was found among the Crossbill flock at Wapley Hill on 22nd, a first County Record. Bewick’s and Whooper Swans were present in the county and flocks of Golden Plover at Milton Cross and Hergest Ridge.

John Pullen

9 HOC accounts Income & expenditure account

2012 2013 £ £ £ Income £ £ £ 4,198 Subscriptions 4,053 1,188 Income from meetings 1,137 115 Sale of publications 17 231 Donations 296 970 Gift aid refund 843 50 Other income - 1,064 Building Society interest (gross) 1,055 225 Members weekend away - income 220 -225 - Members weekend away - expenditure -220 - 7,816 7,401

£ £ £ Expenditure £ £ £ 957 2009 / 2010 & 2011 Annual Reports 1653 840 Printing & stationery 547 717 Postage & telephone 678 360 Publicity expenses 79 533 Meeting expenses 717 18 Travelling expenses - 69 Purchases/owl boxes 510 545 Insurance 468 38 Subscriptions 39 210 Computer software & website 151 4,287 4,842

3,529 Surplus 2012 / 2013 2,559

Breeding Bird Atlas 7,729 Less: sponsorship 5,780 1,949

10 Year ended 30 November 2013

2012 2013 £ £ £ £ £ £ 15,711 General funds as at 1 December 2012 19,240 3,529 Add: surplus 2012 / 2013 2,559 - Less: Breeding Bird Atlas -1,949 19,240 General funds as at 30 November 2013 19,850 -1,000 Add: write-back of provision for 2,000 Breeding Bird Atlas 11,400 Add: Special Funds carried forward 11,400 29,640 Total accumulated funds as at 30 33,250 November 2013

Represented by:- 30,978 Principality Building Society Bond - 15,000 Monmouthshire Building Society 46,212 2,662 HSBC: Current account 3,038 48,640 49,250 3,000 Less: Provision for Annual 2,000 Reports 2012 & 2013 8,000 Provision for Breeding Bird Atlas 6,000 - 2013 8,000 19,000 Provision for Breeding Bird Atlas 8,000 16,000 - 2014 29,640 33,250

M. J. Wilkinson, Treasurer Auditor’s certificate: I have examined the above Income and Expenditure Account together with the relevant spreadsheets and 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 30 November 2013. E.C. Aplin FCA, FCMA 04 March 2014

11 Meetings 2013 Indoor meetings: Date Topic Speaker Jan 10 Iceland: Land of fire and brilliant birds Phil Muggeridge Feb 14 Conservation of British Owls (Dr Walker Ian McGuire Memorial Lecture) Mar 14 AGM & Members’ Evening Keith Mason Sep 13 Barn Owls in Herefordshire Denise Foster & Chris Robinson Oct 10 Shearwaters Andrew Ramsay Nov 14 Wildlife of Trinidad and Tobago Roger Beck Dec 12 Discovering birds through photography Ted St George Field meetings: Date Venue Leader Jan 8 Slimbridge WWT John Pullen Jan 26 Credenhill Park Wood & Brockhall GP Gerald Parker Feb 12 Forest of Dean Tony Eveleigh Feb 23 Coneygree Wood, Gareth Morgan & Mike Pullen Mar 13 Somerset Levels John Pullen Apr 13 Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve, Thelwall Gerald Parker Apr 25 Holme Lacy R Wye Tony Eveleigh May 13 Sutton St Nicholas (Dawn Chorus meeting) Tom & Jenny Weale May 19 Moccas & Monnington Gerald Parker May 23 Forest of Dean (Nightjars) Nick Smith Jun 18 Kings Caple & Sellack (Hereford Walking Festival) Phil & Chris Williams Jun 25 Canon Frome Brian Willder Jul 6 High Vinnals & Mortimer Forest Nick Smith Jul 24 May Hill & Hartleton Lakes Chris Bartlett Aug 3 Rutland Water Nature Reserve Gerald Parker Sep 12 Hampton Bishop R Wye Gerald Parker Sep 22 Wellington GP & Bodenham Lake Gerald Parker Oct 11-14 Kent weekend Chris & Pam Bartlett Oct 23 Collister Pill/Newport Wetlands John Pullen Nov 21 Hollybush Gerald Wells Dec 5 Slimbridge WWT Tony Eveleigh

12 County bird list 2013 The numbers in brackets after certain species indicate the number of accepted sightings in the county and is only included if there are twenty or fewer records.

Mute Swan Scaup Cattle Egret (1) Bewick’s Swan Lesser Scaup (1) Little Egret Whooper Swan Eider (2) Great White Egret (1) Bean Goose (4) Long-tailed Duck (3) Grey Heron Pink-footed Goose Common Scoter Purple Heron (1) White-fronted Goose Velvet Scoter (2) White Stork (6) Greylag Goose Goldeneye Glossy Ibis (3) Canada Goose Smew Little Grebe Barnacle Goose Red-breasted Merganser (19) Great Crested Grebe Brent Goose (14) Goosander Red-necked Grebe (6) Egyptian Goose (6) Ruddy Duck Slavonian Grebe (8) Ruddy Shelduck (2) Quail Black-necked Grebe (15) Shelduck Red-legged Partridge Honey-buzzard Mandarin Red Grouse Black Kite (2) Wigeon Black Grouse Red Kite American Wigeon (3) Grey Partridge White-tailed Eagle (1) Gadwall Pheasant Marsh Harrier (6) Teal Red-throated Diver (5) Hen Harrier Green-winged Teal (1) Black-throated Diver (4) Montagu’s Harrier (3) Mallard Great Northern Diver (9) Goshawk Pintail Fulmar (1) Sparrowhawk Garganey Manx Shearwater Buzzard Blue-winged Teal (1) Storm Petrel (5) Rough-legged Buzzard (2) Shoveler Leach’s Petrel (9) Spotted Eagle (1) Red-crested Pochard (10) Gannet (14) Osprey Pochard Cormorant Water Rail Ring-necked Duck (2) Shag (6) Spotted Crake Ferruginous Duck (1) Bittern Corncrake Tufted Duck Night Heron (3) Moorhen

13 Coot Greenshank Caspian Gull (6) Crane (5) Lesser Yellowlegs (2) Iceland Gull (3) Little Bustard (1) Wood Sandpiper Great Black-backed Gull Stone-curlew (3) Redshank Feral Pigeon Black-winged Stilt (1) Jack Snipe Stock Dove Avocet (3) Woodcock Woodpigeon Oystercatcher Snipe Collared Dove Golden Plover Great Snipe (2) Turtle Dove Grey Plover (15) Collared Pratincole (2) Cuckoo Lapwing Cream-coloured Courser (2) Barn Owl Little Ringed Plover Pomarine Skua (1) Little Owl Ringed Plover Arctic Skua (2) Tawny Owl Killdeer (1) Great Skua (3) Long-eared Owl Dotterel (12) Puffin (2) Short-eared Owl Whimbrel Little Auk (2) Nightjar Curlew Little Tern (5) Swift Black-tailed Godwit Whiskered Tern (1) Alpine Swift (1) Bar-tailed Godwit (18) Black Tern Hoopoe Turnstone (15) Cabot’s Tern (1) Bee-eater (3) Knot Sandwich Tern (1) Roller (1) Ruff Common Tern Kingfisher Curlew Sandpiper (9) Arctic Tern Wryneck Temminck’s Stint (4) Sabine’s Gull (1) Green Woodpecker Sanderling Kittiwake Great Spotted Woodpecker Dunlin Black-headed Gull Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Little Stint Little Gull Kestrel Pectoral Sandpiper (2) Mediterranean Gull Red-footed Falcon (1) Red-necked Phalarope (1) Common Gull Merlin Grey Phalarope (20) Ring-billed Gull (3) Hobby Common Sandpiper Lesser Black-backed Gull Peregrine Green Sandpiper Herring Gull Ring-necked Parakeet (13) Spotted Redshank (9) Yellow-legged Gull Golden Oriole

14 Red-backed Shrike Whitethroat House Sparrow Great Grey Shrike Dartford Warbler (2) Tree Sparrow Magpie Grasshopper Warbler Yellow/Blue-headed Wagtail Jay Melodious Warbler (2) Grey Wagtail Nutcracker (2) Sedge Warbler Pied/White Wagtail Jackdaw Marsh Warbler Tawny Pipit (1) Rook Reed Warbler Tree Pipit Carrion Crow Waxwing Meadow Pipit Hooded Crow (19) Nuthatch Red-throated Pipit (1) Raven Treecreeper Rock Pipit (2) Goldcrest Wren Water Pipit (12) Firecrest Starling Brambling Blue Tit Rose-coloured Starling (4) Chaffinch Great Tit Dipper Hawfinch Coal Tit Ring Ouzel Bullfinch Willow Tit Blackbird Greenfinch Marsh Tit Fieldfare Linnet Woodlark Song Thrush Twite Skylark Redwing Lesser Redpoll Sand Martin Mistle Thrush Common Redpoll (16) Swallow Spotted Flycatcher Crossbill House Martin Robin Parrot Crossbill (1) Red-rumped Swallow (2) Nightingale Goldfinch Cetti’s Warbler (5) Pied Flycatcher Siskin Long-tailed Tit Black Redstart Snow Bunting (13) Yellow-browed Warbler (1) Redstart Yellowhammer Wood Warbler Whinchat Cirl Bunting Chiffchaff Siberian Stonechat (1) Little Bunting (1) Willow Warbler Stonechat Reed Bunting Blackcap Wheatear Corn Bunting Garden Warbler Desert Wheatear (1) Ovenbird (1) Lesser Whitethroat Dunnock

15 Herefordshire county rarities

The following species require field notes and supportive description before being considered for inclusion in the HOC Annual Report (unless the sighting is agreed by five or more observers for county rarities). 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 and the following rare county species:

Geese (Bean, Pink-footed, Brent and All Shearwaters Egyptian) All Petrels Ruddy Shelduck Gannet American Wigeon Shag Green-winged Teal Bittern Garganey (except breeding male) Night Heron Red-crested Pochard Cattle Egret Ring-necked Duck Great White Egret Ferruginous Duck Purple Heron Scaup White Stork Eider Glossy Ibis Long-tailed Duck Spoonbill All Scoters Grebes (all except Little and Great Crested) Red-breasted Merganser Quail (if not heard) Honey-buzzard Red Grouse (except on Black Mountains) Black Kite Ptarmigan White-tailed Eagle Black Grouse All Harriers Capercaillie Rough-legged Buzzard Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Golden Eagle Golden Pheasant Spotted Crake All Divers Corncrake Fulmar Crane

16 Waders (all except Oystercatcher, Rose-coloured Starling Golden Plover, Lapwing, Little Ringed Ring Ouzel (not Black Mountains) Plover, Ringed Plover, Whimbrel (if heard), Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Nightingale (if not heard) Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Green Bluethroat Sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank, Jack Snipe, Woodcock and Snipe) Red-breasted Flycatcher All Skuas Black Redstart All Auks Pipits (except Tree and Meadow) Terns (except Black and Common) Finches (Serin, Twite, Common Redpoll, and Common Rosefinch) Gulls (Sabine’s, Kittiwake, Little, Mediterranean, Ring-billed, Yellow- Parrot Crossbill legged, Caspian, Iceland and Glaucous) Buntings (all except Yellowhammer and Owls (Long-eared and Short-eared) Reed Bunting) Nightjar Alpine Swift Bee-eater Wryneck Red-footed Falcon Ring-necked Parakeet Golden Oriole All Shrikes Chough Hooded Crow Firecrest Crested Tit Bearded Tit Larks (except Skylark) Red-rumped Swallow Warblers (Cetti’s, Greenish, Pallas’s, Yellow-browed, Radde’s, Dusky, Barred, Dartford, Subalpine, Icterine, Melodious, Aquatic and Marsh)

17 Accepted rarities 2013

Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Wellington GP on 1 Jan (P.H. Downes) Adult and juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls on Upper Lugg Meadows on 5 Jan (G.S. Bilbao) Short-eared Owl at Wellington GP on 5 Jan (P. & C. Downes) Winter adult Kittiwake on flood water at Wergins Bridge from 8 – 14 Jan (G.S. Bilbao) Red-necked Grebe at Wellington GP from 16 – 25 Jan (G.S. Bilbao) Great Grey Shrike at Climbing Jack Common on 2 Mar (B. Daniels) Pink-footed Goose at Criftin Ford Bridge from 3 Mar – 11 Apr (S.P. Coney; P.H. Downes) Two adult Yellow-legged Gulls at Hereford Hospital on 11 Mar (T.W. Downes) Male Lesser Scaup at Wellington GP from 16 Mar – 28 Apr (P. & T. Downes) Two adult Yellow-legged Gulls at Wellington GP on 5 Apr (I. Roe) Ring Ouzel at Kenchester Pools on 6 Apr (A.H. Eveleigh; A. Marchant) 1st winter Mediterranean Gull at Wellington GP on 7 Apr (G.S. Bilbao) 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull at Wellington GP on 12 Apr (P.H. Downes; T.W. Downes) Sanderling at Brockhall GP on 12 Apr (N.C. Pegler) Sanderling at Brockhall GP on 14 Apr (N.C. Pegler) Arctic Tern at Wellington GP on 14 Apr (P. & T. Downes) Male Hen Harrier at Symonds Yat on 15 Apr (G. Black) Adult Mediterranean Gull at Brockhall GP on 16 Apr (N.C. Pegler) Adult Mediterranean Gull at Brockhall GP on 20 Apr (P.H. Downes) Adult Mediterranean Gull at Kenchester Pools on 20 Apr (P.H. Downes) Adult Mediterranean Gull at Green Lane, Breinton on 26 Apr (J.W. Birkinshaw) “Channel” Wagtail at Backney Common on 26 Apr (I. Draycott) Male Hen Harrier at Hergest Ridge on 27 Apr (G.R. & M. Parker) “Channel” Wagtail at Brockhall GP on 28 Apr (P.H. Downes) “Channel” Wagtail at Brockhall GP on 30 Apr (N.C. Pegler; J. Tilby) 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull at Brockhall GP on 5 May (P.H. Downes) Two males and one female Firecrest probably breeding in woodland in the north-west of the county in May (P. & T. Downes) Arctic Tern at Brockhall GP on 9 May (G.M. Davis) Turnstone at Brockhall GP on 12 May (N.C. Pegler) Arctic Tern at Brockhall GP 16 May (P.H. Downes) Sanderling at Wellington GP on 21 May (T.W. Downes) Cetti’s Warbler at Sellack Boat on 25 May (D. Webb)

18 Arctic Tern at Brockhall GP on 26 May (G.R. Parker) 2nd winter Little Gull at Brockhall GP on 30 May (N.C. Pegler) Juvenile Garganey at Brockhall GP on 29 Jun (N.C. Pegler) Two juvenile Garganey at Wellington GP on 27 Jul (P.H. Downes) Female Common Scoter at Wellington GP on 27 Jul (P.H. Downes) Black Kite at Upper Lyde on 3 Aug (G.S. Bilbao) Juvenile Spotted Crake at Wellington GP on 5 – 6 Aug (T. Ellery) Female Garganey at Brockhall GP on 10 Aug (N.C. Pegler) Honey-buzzard at Symonds Yat on 11 Aug (R. & S. Peacey) Adult Mediterranean Gull at Wellington GP on 18 Aug (N.C. Pegler) Curlew Sandpiper at Wellington GP on 24 Aug (P. & T. Downes; N.C. Pegler) Juvenile Yellow-legged Gull at Wellington GP on 24 Aug (P.H. Downes) 3rd summer Yellow-legged Gull at Wellington GP on 25 Aug (P.H. Downes; N.C. Pegler) Juvenile Ruff at Brockhall GP on 25 Aug (N.C. Pegler) Female and juvenile Garganey at Brockhall GP on 29 Aug (N.C. Pegler) Two 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gulls at Wellington GP on 31 Aug (P. & T. Downes) Female American Wigeon at Wellington GP from 14 – 22 Sep (P.H. Downes) Four Garganey at Kenchester Pools on 21 Sep (P. & T. Downes) Arctic Tern at Wellington GP on 21 Sep (G.S. Bilbao) Three female Garganey at Brockhall GP on 6 Oct (N.C. Pegler) 1st winter Caspian Gull at Wellington GP on 13 Oct (P.H. Downes) Male and female Red-crested Pochard at Wellington GP on 19 Oct (P. & T. Downes) 1st winter Mediterranean Gull was at Wellington GP on 20 Oct (P.H. Downes) 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull at Wellington GP on 20 Oct (P.H. Downes) 1st winter Caspian Gull at Wellington GP on 20 Oct (P.H. Downes) 1st winter Mediterranean Gull at Tidnor Mill on 26 Oct (P. & T. Downes) Three adult and two 1st winter Yellow-legged Gulls at Wellington GP on 26 Oct (P. & T. Downes) Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Lower Lugg Meadows on 26 Oct (P.H. Downes) 1st winter Caspian Gull at Tidnor Mill on 26 Oct (P. & T. Downes) Adult and 1st winter Yellow-legged Gulls at Wellington GP on 27 Oct (P.H. Downes) Adult and 1st winter Yellow-legged Gulls at Lower Lugg Meadows on 27 Oct (P.H. Downes) Male Blue-winged Teal at Wellington GP on 10 Nov (J. Tilby) Female Parrot Crossbill at Wapley Hill on 22 Dec (P.H. Downes)

19 Systematic list 2013 Introduction The Systematic List is a summary of the records submitted to the Club, or extracted from other sources, detailing all species encountered in Herefordshire over the course of the year. Contributors are urged to follow the instructions on the HOC website for submission of records (http://www.herefordshirebirds.org/HOC/Records.html), but for those who wish to continue to submit paper records, these too can be converted to spreadsheet form with help from willing hands. There is always room for improvement in the submission of annual records so that the Club’s Annual Reports will have enhanced scientific value, and it is hoped in future that this can be achieved with better guidelines and greater use of electronic sources of information. The sequence of species listed, species names, and the taxonomy follows the online version of the British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) List (18 January 2014 update) (BOU, 2014). The English common or vernacular name from the British List is given first, followed by the scientific name. Where the agreed IOC international English name (Gill & Donsker, 2013) and the vernacular name differ, the IOC English name is shown in brackets. An alphabetical index (pages 134 – 135) of common names is provided to assist the reader to locate species. In addition to the brief phrase describing the occurrence and status of each species, the national (UK) status of those species which are of conservation concern: Birds of Conservation Concern 3 (BoCC3) (Eaton et al., 2009), is given in terms of their Red or Amber listings. Gerald Wells References: BOU (2014). British List: http://www.bou.org.uk/thebritishlist/British-List-2014-01- 18.pdf Eaton, M.A., Brown, A.F., Noble, D.G., Musgrove, A.J., Hearn, R., Aebischer, N.J., Gibbons, D.W., Evans, A. & Gregory, R.D. (2009). Birds of Conservation Concern 3: the population status of birds in the , Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Birds, 102: 296 – 341. Gill, F. & Donsker, D. (eds) (2013). IOC World Bird List (version 3.3). Available at: http://www.worldbirdnames.org (accessed 14 April 2013).

20 Records for 2013

Abbreviations used in text: GP: Gravel Pits; NR: Nature Reserve; R: River; - : no records (in tables)

Mute Swan Cygnus olor Common resident breeder and common winter visitor 244 records from 76 sites The highest counts were: 102 at R Wye Clifford on 1 Jan; 91 at R Wye Sellack on 4 Jan; 177 at Hole-in-the-Wall on 27 Jan; 62 at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 27 Feb; 62 at R Wye Bunch of Carrots on 1 Apr; 60 at R Wye Sink Green on 31 May; 101 at R Wye Wilton on 29 Sep; 75 at Wellington GP on 9 Nov and 135 at R Wye Letton on 30 Dec. Breeding was confirmed at 20 sites, which is an increase from last year. These were at: Andy’s Fishery Pencoyd, Berrington Hall Pool, Bodenham Lake, Brockhall GP, Kenchester Pools, Falcon Lane Ledbury, Flintsham, Gamber Meadows, Hartleton Lakes, Lower Foxhall Lake, Mathon GP, Phocle Green, R Monnow below Monmouth Cap, R Teme Nacklestone Oxbow, R Wye Castleton and Winforton, R Wye Hereford, R Wye Mordiford to Bunch of Carrots, R Wye Victoria Bridge, Wellington GP (including Orange J7G) and Weston Farm Bredwardine.

Bewick’s Swan (Tundra Swan) Cygnus columbianus Scarce winter visitor and rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 8 records from 4 sites Sightings were: four adults came in to roost on the roadside pit at Wellington GP on 26 Jan; four adults on floodwater at Oxpasture on 27 Jan; four adults on Lower Lugg Meadows on 30 Jan, 2 Feb and 3 Feb; two adults flying south over Wellington GP on 28 Dec and two adults at R Wye Letton on 30 and 31 Dec.

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Scarce winter visitor and rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 40 records from 15 sites Sightings were: five adults and one immature at Letton on 1 Jan and these relocated to Willersley on 2 Jan; one adult flying at Clehonger on 4 Jan; one adult in the Lower Lugg/Mordiford area intermittently from 12 Jan to 21 Mar; one adult at Trippleton on 26 Jan; one adult at Golden Cross from 8 Feb until 2 Mar and then joined by another adult on 3 and 4 March; one at Wellington GP on 29 Mar; two adults at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 5 Nov; one adult at Milton Cross with Mute Swans in a field of kale on 22 and 25 Dec and five adults at R Wye Letton on 30 and 31 Dec.

21 Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Rare winter visitor and rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 12 records from 1 site All records were of a single at Criftin Ford Bridge intermittently from 3 Mar until 11 Apr (S.P. Coney; P.H. Downes).

White-fronted Goose (Greater White-fronted Goose) Anser albifrons Scarce winter visitor and rare passage migrant 4 records from 2 sites Sightings were: one juvenile at Wellington GP on 26 and 27 October; two with Canada Geese at Wellington GP on 3 Nov and two juveniles at Hereford Quarry on 10 Nov.

Greylag Goose Anser anser Rare resident introduced breeder and scarce winter visitor BoCC listed: Amber 72 records from 16 sites Monthly maxima for the main recorded sites:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Pool 29 30 10 7* 5* 2* 3 - - 3 - 2 Bodenham Lake ------8 - - - 3 - Brockhall GP 2 - 2 3 2 2 2 - 3 1 1 - Golden Cross 1 1 1 ------Hereford Quarry ------2 - - Wellington GP 22 1 - 1 - - - - 5* - - - * includes juveniles

Other counts included: five at Letton Lakes on 7 Jan; one at R Wye Monnington on 19 Jan; two at Criftin Ford Bridge on 7 Mar and one there on 16 and 29 Mar; four at Hartleton Lakes on 11 Apr; one at R Wye Mordiford to Bunch of Carrots on 14 Apr; one at Stocklow on 24 Apr flying towards Titley and a pair there on 28 Apr flying towards Shobdon; one at R Teme Downton Bridge on 29 Apr and one at R Wye Mordiford on 28 Nov. Breeding was confirmed at Berrington Hall only, where one pair and up to five juveniles were seen in April. Greater Canada Goose (Canada Goose) Branta canadensis Common resident introduced breeder 214 records from 46 sites

22 Monthly maxima for the main recorded sites:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Pool - 39 20 20 3* - - - 5 - - 7 Bodenham Lake 80 14 25 16 42 146 256 - 68 1 177 321 Brockhall GP 600 415 32* 37* 82* 180* 210* 500 1000 800 800 750 Hartleton Lakes 76 22 29 18 30* 16 11 18 2 - 6 4 Hereford Quarry 185 9 25 6 4* 9* 9* - - 127 297 196 Kenchester Pools - - 40 10* 21* - - 250 - - 100 - Letton Lakes 9 26 60 29 24 5 - 24 - 6 - 201 R Wye Castleton - 6 - - 9* 15 20 - - - 44 11 & Winforton Stocklow ------127 70 90 - - Wellington GP 181 - 12 - - - - 114 400 120 300 300 *includes juveniles Other large counts were: 300 at Magna Castra Farm on 20 Jan; 100 at Marden Church on 21 Jan; 326 at R Wye Wilton on 29 Aug; 330 on stubble at Brinsop on 22 Sep; 100 at Pearl Lake Shobdon in Oct; 200 at Gamber Meadows on 7 Dec; 120 at Moccas on 7 Dec and 120 on floodwater at R Arrow Monkland on 29 Dec. Breeding was confirmed at three additional sites: one pair with three juveniles at Phocle Green on 3 May; one pair with four juveniles at Lower Foxhall Lake on 3 May and eight adults with broods of four and five at R Teme Downton Bridge on 13 Jun.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis Rare resident introduced breeder and rare winter visitor BoCC listed: Amber 57 records from 8 sites Monthly maxima for all sites:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Pool - - 1 ------Bodenham Lake - - - 5 - - 2 - - - - - Brockhall GP 3 3 3 2 2 - - 2 5 8 8 8 Hope under --2------Dinmore Kenchester Pools ------2--- R Wye Fownhope ------6--- Wellington GP 5 5 ------5 - - -

23 Five birds were seen at Wellington GP through most of January and again on 26 Feb, but Brockhall GP proved to be the most popular location in 2014 with records in 10 months of the year. Shelduck (Common Shelduck) Tadorna tadorna Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 34 records from 11 sites Monthly maxima for sites with counts in two or more months:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall GP - 1 2 2 3 ------Hereford Quarry 21------Letton Lakes - - 8 4 ------Tidnor Mill 9 2 ------Wellington GP 1 2 1 3 ------1 Sightings were also recorded at: Lower Lugg Meadows, Wergins Bridge and on floodwater at Wharton in Jan; Norton Wood in Mar; Kenchester Pools in Apr and Hampton Meadow in Dec. Mandarin Aix galericulata Scarce introduced breeder 79 records from 43 sites There have been year-on-year increases in numbers during the past five years, from 24 records at 10 locations in 2008. Some of this increase may perhaps be attributed to more intensive monitoring during the Atlas years. Mick Colquhoun Mick

24 The majority of the sightings were on the R Wye, especially on the middle stretches from Breinton to Fownhope during spring and autumn, but with increasing numbers on the lower stretches of the R Wye at Ballingham and Backney Bridge in mid-summer. The highest counts were: 25 at R Wye Holme Lacy on 7 Apr and 7 Sep; 30 at R Wye Ballingham on 17 Jun; 25 at R Wye Fownhope on 14 Sep and 22 at Warner’s Farm Mathon on 7 Oct. Counts of five or more were also recorded at: Eastnor Castle, R Monnow Ruthlin Mill, R Teme Downton Bridge, R Wye Baysham, R Wye Capler, R Wye Hole-in-the-Wall and Rudhall Manor. Monthly maxima for sites with counts in three or more months: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Backney Bridge - - - 2 - - 16 10 - - - - Bodenham Lake ------10 12 4 Hartleton Lakes 3 - 2 2 4* 2* 2 1 3 - - - Huntington Court 8 3 ------1 - Phocle Green 16 - - - 8 ------5 R Wye Hampton - - 8 3 1 11* 8 4 6 15 - - Bishop - Mordiford R Wye Holme Lacy - - - 5 1 20* - 5 25 - - - * includes juveniles Breeding was confirmed at six additional sites with females sitting or juveniles present: Brockhampton (where a pair nested in an Owl box), Phocle Green, R Monnow Ruthlin Mill, R Teme Downton Bridge, R Wye Capler and R Wye Letton. Wigeon (Eurasian Wigeon) Anas penelope Very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 152 records from 19 sites Monthly maxima from the main recorded sites: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 201 272 78 38 ------200 239 Brockhall GP 250 200 90 80 - - - 8 104 100 142 210 Hereford Quarry 94 166 68 - - - 1 2 29 63 109 78 Letton Lakes 10 16 5 ------38 46 20 Wellington GP 234 300 6 - - - 1 7 17 1 16 11 The only other large count was of 112 on floodwater at Tidnor Mill on 17 Feb. American Wigeon Anas Americana Vagrant from North America 3 records from 1 site A single adult female at Wellington GP on 14, 21 and 22 Sep was the 3rd County Record (P.H. Downes).

25 Gadwall Anas strepera Scarce resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 125 records from 9 sites Monthly maxima for the main recorded sites: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall GP 16 10 25 7 4 12* 12 4 2 1 5 4 Hartleton Lakes - 2 2 6 9 4* - 3 11 5 - - Hereford Quarry - - - 2 ------3 Kenchester Pools - - - 4 - - - 6 - 1 - - Lower Foxhall - - - - - 6 - - - - 7 - Lake Wellington GP 7 23 16 10 2 - - - 4 1 3 3 * includes juveniles

A record of four at R Wye Mordiford/Bunch of Carrots on 24 Jan was unusual as Gadwall usually prefer still water. Evidence of breeding came from two sites: a female and 11 juveniles were regularly recorded at Brockhall GP between 13 Jun and 30 Jul and a pair and two juveniles were seen at Hartleton Lakes on 22 Jun.

Teal (Eurasian Teal) Anas crecca Very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 163 records from 24 sites Monthly maxima for the main recorded sites: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 8 8 5 - - - 1 - 2 - - 22 Brockhall GP 189 100 92 100 3 3 1 9 12 30 30 64 Hartleton Lakes 2 2 1 - - - - - 5 6 3 5 Hereford Quarry 139 184 118 26 - - - 13 31 43 172 130 Kenchester Pools - - - 5 - - - - 12 - - - Letton Lakes - 9 17 102 ------60 Norton Wood 18 10 10 ------R Wye Castleton ------4-86 & Winforton Wellington GP 182 216 30 - - - 2 4 40 40 49 30

Additional records were: 20 at R Teme Downton Bridge on 1 Apr; 13 on a small pond at Staunton Green on 7 Sep; 12 at Warner’s Farm Mathon on 7 Oct; 60 at Tidnor Mill on 27 Oct and 60 at Titley Pool on 26 Dec.

26 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 244 records from 70 sites Monthly maxima for the main recorded sites: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Pool - 7 - 9* 11* 4* 42 45 14 32 26 54 Bodenham Lake 100 4 7 9 10 27 59 24 42 35 15 16 Brockhall GP 35 47 21 21* 20* 12* 25* 39 54 29 30 64 Hartleton Lakes 100 83 29 27 38* 90* 127* 83 83 87 86 77 Hereford Quarry 99 72 28 21 17 13* 36* 44 68 17 86 41 Letton Lakes 13 18 29 25 17 4 13 26 77 13 52 44 R Wye Castleton - - - - 15 7 2 2 - 23 31 20 & Winforton Warner’s Farm 9 20 - 3 - - - - 20 20 - - Weir Garden - - - 4* 6* 10* - - - 3 15 - Kenchester Wellington GP 229 - 100 - - - - 34 - - 64 76 * includes juveniles Additional large counts were: 250 maximum at Eastnor Park in Jan; 28 at R Wye Eign on 13 Jan; 30 at St Mary’s Pool in Feb; 50 at Amberley Court on 4 and 21 Nov; 45 at R Wye Eign on 7 Dec; 274 at R Wye Fownhope on 7 Dec; 39 at Ross-on-Wye Sewage Works on 12 Dec and 28 at Phocle Green on 14 Dec. Breeding was confirmed at the following additional sites: Aylestone Park, Burghill cricket ground, Eastnor Castle Lake, Falcon Lane Ledbury, Huntingdon Court, Madley Earth Station, Marden, Merrivale Ross-on-Wye, Mordiford, Old Colwall, R Teme Downton Bridge, R Wye Bunch of Carrots, R Wye Holme Lacy and St Mary’s Park. Pintail (Northern Pintail) Anas acuta Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 67 records from 7 sites Monthly maxima for sites with counts in two or more months: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall GP 2 ------6 1 1 2 Hereford Quarry - 5 6 4 ------Kenchester Pools ------2 1 - - Wellington GP 1 8 ------9 - 1 -

27 Singles were also recorded at: Bodenham Lake, Letton Lakes and Tidnor Mill. Most sightings were of ones or twos only, but with a maximum of nine juveniles seen at Wellington GP on 22 Sep. Juveniles were also seen at Brockhall GP and Kenchester Pools in Sep and Oct respectively. Garganey Anas querquedula Rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 61 records from 7 sites Early season sightings were mainly at Brockhall GP and Wellington GP. At Brockhall GP, there were 13 records between 28 Feb and 20 Apr with a maximum of two males and one female seen. At Wellington GP, there were 12 records between 28 Mar and 8 May with a maximum of two males and one female present. Other early sightings included: single males during April at Hereford Quarry, Kenchester Pools, R Wye Mordiford to Bunch of Carrots, R Wye Sink Green and one male plus a female at Eardisland during 5 – 9 Apr. Later season records included: one juvenile at Brockhall GP on 29 Jun (N.C. Pegler); two juveniles at Wellington GP on 27 Jul (P.H. Downes); one female at Brockhall GP on 10 Aug (N.C. Pegler) and a female with a juvenile there on 29 Aug (N.C. Pegler); four at Kenchester Pools on 21 Sep (P. & T. Downes) and three females at Brockhall GP on 6 Oct (N.C. Pegler). Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Vagrant from North America 1 record A male was at Wellington GP on 10 Nov on the new workings, which was the 1st County Record (J. Tilby), and was viewed by many other observers that day. It was associating with a flock of Shovelers but unfortunately left overnight. Shoveler (Northern Shoveler) Anas clypeata Scarce summer visitor, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 127 records from 7 sites Monthly maxima for the main recorded sites: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall GP 2 ------6 1 1 2 Hereford Quarry - 5 6 4 ------Kenchester Pools ------2 1 - - Wellington GP 1 8 ------9 - 1 - Additional sightings were: two at Letton Lakes on 11 Mar; one at Bodenham Lake on 1 Apr and 18 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 26 Oct.

28 Mick Colquhoun Mick Great Crested Grebe at Wellington GP in March 2013 Phil Parsons Blue-winged Teal at Wellington GP in November 2013 – the first record for Herefordshire

29 Mick Colquhoun Mick Lesser Scaup at Wellington GP in March 2013 – the first record for Herefordshire Phil Parsons Spotted Crake at Wellington GP in August 2013

30 Mick Colquhoun Mick A Whooper Swan overwintered near Mordiford during Jan – Mar 2013 spending much of its time on the lower Lugg and Wye

31 Mick Colquhoun Mick Red-necked Grebe – a county rarity photographed at long range on the new workings at Wellington GP in January 2013 Mick Colquhoun Mick Pair of Oystercatchers at Wellington GP in March 2013 – the ringed bird on the right might be one that has visited the county for a few years

32 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Very rare passage migrant, with some records from introduced origins 1 record The only record, one male and one female at Wellington GP on 19 Oct, was the 10th County Record (P. & T. Downes). Pochard (Common Pochard) Aythya ferina Very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 81 records from 5 sites Monthly maxima for the main recorded sites: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake ------1 - - - 1 - Brockhall GP 13 5 7 ------1 9 13 Hereford Quarry 2 - 3 ------1 Kenchester Pools - - 3 ------4 4 Wellington GP 9 21 20 8 - - 2 2 2 - 6 9 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Uncommon resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 121 records from 16 sites Monthly maxima for the main recorded sites: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Pool - - - - - 2 - 8* - 1 - - Bodenham Lake 8 14 35 12 5 7 9 5 1 2 12 6 Brockhall GP 25 24 30 30 35 55* 29* 40 28 30 30 50 Hereford Quarry 28 30 59 26 10 6 4 18 27 31 27 37 Kenchester Pools - - 6 5 12 - - - - - 6 4 Warner’s Farm 1 7 - 16 - - - - 6 14 - - Wellington GP 94 - 88 - - - 7* 11 - 48 31 57 *includes juveniles Other recorded sites were: Burtons Lane Ledbury, Dewsall, Eastnor Park, Hartleton Lakes, Letton Lakes, Pearl Lake Shobdon, R Wye Bunch of Carrots and The Brays Mathon. In addition to the sites indicated in the table above, breeding was also confirmed at Dewsall on 29 Jul. Aythya hybrid A male Tufted Duck/Ring-necked Duck hybrid was seen at R Wye Backney on 27 Mar.

33 Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Vagrant from North America 35 records from 2 sites One male at Wellington GP was first located on the fly fishing lake, then went to the railway lake and finally onto the main lake on 16 Mar. This was the 1st County Record (P. & T. Downes). It was seen throughout March and up to 26 Apr when it moved to Hereford Quarry on 27 Apr, finally relocating back to Wellington GP for one day only on 28 Apr. During this period there was a small influx throughout the United Kingdom. Gerald Parker

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Rare winter visitor and rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 1 record One female was recorded on the roadside pit at Wellington GP on 27 Jul (P.H. Downes).

Goldeneye (Common Goldeneye) Bucephala clangula Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 63 records from 5 sites Monthly maxima for the main recorded sites:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 1 9 10 13 ------10 11 Brockhall GP 1 - 1 ------2 1 Wellington GP 17 11 9 4 - - - - - 1 2 -

34 Other records were: one male and one female at Hereford Quarry on 19 Jan and one at Tidnor Mill on 27 Oct. Goosander (Common Merganser) Mergus merganser Uncommon resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant 153 records from 57 sites Monthly maxima from the main recorded sites: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall GP 20 4 4 - 2 - - - - 4 18 30 Hartleton Lakes 2 17 ------Hereford Quarry 2 - 2 1 ------2 R Wye Castleton 5 1 1 5 1 3 7 - 4 - - 2 & Winforton R Wye Eign 6 8 3 - - - 17 - - - - 8 R Wye Hampton 11 10 7 11 19 27 18 6 3 6 19 - Bishop - Mordiford R Wye Old Bridge 9567----2--- R Wye Sink Green 6 - - 5 1 ------Weir Garden - - 1 2 3* - - - - - 2 - Kenchester Wellington GP 15 10 10 2 - - - 15* - - 2 1 *includes juveniles Additional records of note were: 21 at Upper Lugg Meadows on 5 Jan; 25 at Pearl Lake Shobdon on 13 Jan; 38 at R Wye Hereford Sewage Works on 19 Jan; 30 at R Wye Bartonsham on 20 Jan; 11 at R Wye Holme Lacy on 7 Apr; 12 at R Wye Fownhope on 28 Sep; 11 at R Wye How Caple on 10 Oct; 12 at R Wye Hoarwithy on 10 Dec and 19 at Swan Lake Shobdon on 20 Dec. Breeding was also confirmed at the following sites: three broods (the largest being 10) at R Teme Downton Bridge between 1 Apr and 21 Jun; one female with nine juveniles at R Wye Capler on 27 Apr; one female with nine juveniles at R Wye Hoarwithy on 1 Jun; one female with nine juveniles at Black Barns on 2 Jun; one female with three juveniles at R Wye Victoria Bridge on 7 Jul and one female with 16 juveniles at R Lugg Bodenham on 21 Aug. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Extinct resident breeder from introduced origins, uncommon winter and uncommon passage migrant 1 record One male was seen at a location west of Hereford on 10 Aug.

35 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Common introduced breeding resident 22 records from 13 sites Records occurred through most months, with the larger counts mainly in autumn and winter and in all probability related to releases for shooting. Groups of 10 or more were: 20 at Milton Cross on 1 Jan and 18 on 1 Dec; 10 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 30 Jan; 15 at Bridge End Farm on 3 Feb and 14 on 14 Feb and 41 at Hole-in-the- Wall on 1 Sep. Breeding was confirmed with a pair and eight juveniles at Kentchurch on 27 Jul. Also three adults and four juveniles were noted at Milton Cross on 24 Aug. Red Grouse (Willow Ptarmigan) Lagopus lagopus Scarce resident breeder BoCC listed: Amber 2 records from 1 site Records were sparse with one male reported at Hatterall Hill on 5 May and a single there on 11 Sep. Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Uncommon resident breeder BoCC listed: Red 7 records from 5 sites There were no confirmed breeding records, but two pairs were at Dippersmoor Farm Kilpeck on 14 Mar and single pairs were at Criftin Ford Bridge on 3 Mar and 5 Apr and at Amberley Court on 23 Apr. Remaining records were: four at Fawley Chapel on 4 Jan; a male at Paytoe Meadows Leintwardine on 19 Apr; two at Amberley Court on 18 Jun and 50, doubtless a released group, close to the disused railway track at Brampton Abbotts on 2 Dec. Pheasant (Common Pheasant) Phasianus colchicus Abundant introduced resident breeder 118 records from 52 sites For most sites counts were in single figures, including those for which records were submitted for at least one day in each of six months of the year or more (Hartleton Lakes, Hereford Quarry, Letton Lakes, Queenswood Dinmore and R Wye Castleton and Winforton). The one exception for these sites was Letton Lakes where there was a maximum of 14 on 9 Feb. Maximum counts of 20 or more were: 20 at Milton Cross on 1 Jan; 30 at Eastnor Park 1 Jan – 31 March; 30 at Wapley Hill on 16 Feb; 20 at Forest Green Walford on 26 Mar and 26 on the disused railway track at Brampton Abbotts on 2 Dec. Other records were from widely distributed sites throughout the year, but no confirmed breeding records were received.

36 Cormorant (Great Cormorant) Phalacrocorax carbo Non-breeding common resident and very common winter visitor 153 records from 38 sites A pair built a nest, but with no sign of eggs or prolonged sitting at Bodenham Lake (noted on 17 May). This is the first breeding record of the species in the county. Monthly maxima for the most visited sites (excluding birds flying over) were:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Pool - 1 1 - - - - 7 4 3 3 3 Bodenham Lake 37 42 28 24 8 17 6 13 43 36 35 15 Brockhall GP 1 1 - 1 1 - 1 2 3 25 40 42 Hartleton Lakes - 2 1 - - - - 2 - 3 5 4 Hereford Quarry 4 6 2 - 1 1 3 5 8 6 6 15 Letton Lakes 15 7 3 ------8 1 R Wye Castleton -12-2-23-418 & Winforton Wellington GP 30 - 5 - - - 26 2 8 3 9 25

Records (including birds flying over) of 10 or more from other sites were: 17 (flying SW) at Stocklow on 26 Sep; 30 at Leintwardine Fishery on 30 Nov and 14 viewed from Coppet Hill Common on 7 Dec. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 44 records from 18 sites The number of records and sites was almost identical to the values in 2011, whereas records in 2012 were from fewer locations. In contrast to last year when almost 70% of records were from the well-monitored site of Wellington GP, there were only five records from there this year. Sightings, mainly of singletons, were scattered through most months:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Number of records 8 1 - 2 1 1 6 12 9 2 1 1

Records of more than two birds were: three at R Wye Mordiford/Bunch of Carrots during 16 – 24 Jul and 14 – 29 Aug; four at R Wye Bunch of Carrots on 17 Jul; three at Wellington GP on 21 Jul and three at Bodenham Lake on 22 Jul. Remaining records were from other riverine locations or GP sites. Two birds were noted roosting at Brockhall GP on 26 Aug.

37 Great White Egret (Great Egret) Ardea Alba Vagrant from Europe 30 records from 1 site The long-staying adult first recorded at Brockhall GP on 25 Nov 2012 (1st County Record) and subsequently at Wellington GP on several dates in Dec 2012, remained at Wellington GP and was recorded there on 15 days in Jan, 12 days in Feb and three days in Mar, the 9 Mar being the last. Mick Colquhoun Mick Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Uncommon resident breeder 198 records from 77 sites Breeding was recorded at three locations: eleven pairs were noted at Hindwell Brook Knill on 1 Mar; a maximum of four pairs were at Eccleswall Court on 2 Mar, four nests but only two pairs were there on 21 May, two pairs with two juveniles (one from each of the two active nests) on 6 Jun and the two pairs were accompanied by a single juvenile on 22 Jun and, lastly, a maximum of 16 pairs were recorded at Berrington Hall Pool in Apr. In 2012 breeding was recorded at a total of seven sites, which included those above, but no records were received this year from the remaining four breeding locations recorded in 2012. Single juveniles accompanied by an adult were noted at Hartleton Lakes on 10 Jul; at Hereford Quarry on 21 Jul and 3 Aug and at Andy’s Fishery Pencoyd on 6 Aug. A great majority of non-breeding records, spread over all months were of one or two adults, but maxima of seven were recorded at Letton Lakes and R Wye Mordiford/Bunch of Carrots.

38 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Uncommon resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 98 records from 31 sites

Breeding was confirmed at two sites. One pair was noted at Kenchester Pools on 6, 11 and 19 May and on 7 Jul, when eight juveniles (considered to comprise separate broods of five and three) were present. Also at this site an adult with six juveniles was noted on 8 Sep. A total of 19 birds were recorded here on 18 Aug. The other confirmed breeding was an adult with two juveniles at Shobdon Court Lakes on 31 Jul. Two pairs were also seen at Burrington Pool on 7 Apr.

The majority of remaining records were of one to two adults and reports were marginally more numerous in winter months. At sites from which records were more frequently received, monthly maxima were:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Pool - - - 1 1 - - 2 1 1 2 - Bodenham Lake 1 - 2 2 ------Brockhall GP - - 1 - 2 1 3 3 - 3 1 6 Hereford Quarry - - 1 1 - - - 1 2 - 1 1 R Wye Mordiford 531------244 - Bunch of Carrots Wellington GP 1 - 1 - - - 4 4 5 2 2 1

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Scarce resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant 129 records from 7 sites

Breeding evidence was reported from five sites: one pair displaying and nest building at Hartleton Lakes on 20 Mar, on a nest on 23 Apr and with one juvenile on 22 Jun; a maximum of three pairs at Eastnor Castle Lake during 23 – 27 Mar and 12 – 30 Apr and one pair with four juveniles on 7 Jun; one pair displaying at Brockhall GP on 13 Apr and a maximum of four pairs and 10 juveniles on 31 Aug; one pair at Kenchester Pools on 22 May; one pair and a nest at Hereford Quarry on 27 May and one pair and two juveniles on several dates there during Jun – Aug.

Breeding was not recorded this year at Wellington GP, but, in general in the county, records suggest that this species bred with rather more success this year than in 2012.

39 Monthly maxima for the more frequently monitored sites:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake - - 4 2 - - - - 1 1 - - Brockhall GP 1 1 2 4 4 9* 10* 18* 10 17 20 30 Hereford Quarry 1 4 4 2 2 5* 4* 4* 2 2 - - Wellington GP 10 - 18 10 4 - - 4 1 - 5 - * includes juveniles Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Very rare winter visitor and very rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 7 records from 1 site A single was reported at Wellington GP on 16 Jan (G.S. Bilbao) and subsequently on 17 – 20 and 24 and 25 Jan. This is the 6th County Record. Honey-buzzard (European Honey Buzzard) Pernis apivorus Extinct breeder and rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 1 record A single was reported at Symonds Yat East on 11 Aug (R. & S. Peacey). Black Kite Milvus migrans Vagrant from Europe 1 record A single was recorded over houses at Upper Lyde on 3 Aug, flying at a height of 50 metres and subsequently flew off high to the west (G.S. Bilbao). This is the 2nd County Record; the first was at Symonds Yat in May 1985. Red Kite Milvus milvus Rare resident breeder, scarce winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 209 records from 138 sites This represents a 27% increase in records and a 30% increase in sites compared to 2012, further confirming the ongoing trend of recent years. Sites were, as previous, concentrated mainly in the north and west of the county. Records were received in all months; distribution by month peaked in April, but was variable with no significant seasonal bias:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Number of records 23 12 26 32 12 25 12 6 12 21 12 16

40 Evidence of breeding was obtained from four sites. Two of these sites, where pairs were holding territories in April and May respectively, were in the eastern half of the county. There were also reports of single pairs in three other locations in Feb, Mar, Apr, May and Jul.

Reports of singles accounted for 75% of records, while reports of two birds (apart from pairs) represented 14%. Two seen at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 7 Sep following the plough, had red wing tags. An adult with a juvenile was at Milton Cross on 5 Oct. There were 12 records of three to eight birds, distributed Mar – Dec. Six seen at Eastnor church and at Eastnor Hill on 29 Mar were almost certainly the same birds. The highest count, of eight, was at Weobley on 8 Oct.

Hen Harrier (Hen Harrier and Northern Harrier) Circus cyaneus Scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 2 records from 2 sites A male was at R Wye Symonds Yat on 15 Apr (G. Black) and another at Hergest Ridge on 27 Apr (G.R. & M. Parker).

Goshawk (Northern Goshawk) Accipiter gentilis Resident and introduced uncommon breeder 51 records from 31 sites There were records from all months except Jul. Evidence of breeding was reported from two locations. All records were of singles apart from three at two locations and two at four locations, all in the south of the county.

Sparrowhawk (Eurasian Sparrowhawk) Accipiter nisus Common resident breeder 154 records from 54 sites

This was a similar number of records to that of 2012, but from fewer sites. These were widely dispersed and from all months. Breeding was confirmed at Hartleton Lakes, where an adult was carrying food on 4 Apr and at Sandown Road Hereford, where a juvenile accompanied an adult on 23 Jul. Other records were of singles, identified as male or female adults in many instances, but two adults were recorded at: R Wye Eign on 19 Mar; Sellack Boat on 9 Jun and 28 Sep; Fownhope on 12 Oct; Trippleton on 3 Nov and Wellington GP on 30 Dec. Five records were associated with gardens and included a female concussed after flying into a window while in pursuit of prey. Other reports of specific prey pursued included: Starling, at roost, House Sparrow and Chiffchaff.

41 Buzzard (Common Buzzard) Buteo buteo Abundant resident breeder 277 records from 101 sites Records were widely distributed both geographically and throughout the year with a slight increase in the numbers of records and sites compared to 2012. Breeding evidence included: one pair with a juvenile at St Mary’s Park Burghill on 13 Mar; one pair at Brockhall GP on 24 Mar; an adult carrying food at Garway Hill on 4 Jul; an adult with a juvenile at Aconbury on 12 Jul; a juvenile at on 16 Jul; an adult with three juveniles at R Wye Bunch of Carrots on 17 Jul and a juvenile at Brockhampton on 22 Jul. Also, one was noted on territory at Newton St Margarets on 14 Feb. Juveniles, sometimes accompanied by an adult, were also recorded at: Hereford Quarry on 19 Jun; Madley Earth Station on 26 Jun; Fownhope on 9 Aug; Ocle Pychard on 11 Aug; Breinton on 15 Aug; Tupsley on 20 Aug; Weir Garden Kenchester on 21 Aug; R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 22 Aug; Sutton Rhea on 25 Aug; Burghill on 27 Aug; Bodenham on 3 Sep; Tillington Road Hereford on 3 Sep; Holmer on 6 Sep and Eaton Bishop on 8 Sep. The majority of records were of one or two adults but maximum counts in excess of 20 on a single date were: 21 following the plough at Kinnersley on 6 Apr; 21 following the plough at Batchley Farm Bredenbury on 2 May; 29 at Wellington GP on 2 May; 32 at Old Gore on 5 May; 30 at Milton Cross on 5 Oct and 25 Dec and 32 at Stockley Cross on 30 Oct. Osprey (Western Osprey) Pandion haliaetus Uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 8 records from 8 sites The earliest record was one at Bodenham Lake on 28 Mar. Singles were also reported at: R Wye Hampton Park on 29 Mar; R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 6 Apr; Upper Maund on 7 Apr; Wellington GP, where there were two records, one at 08.55 hrs and one at 11.45 hrs, flying north on 15 Apr; R Wye Wilton on 7 May; Ledbury on 4 Jun and the latest record at R Arrow Eardisland on 23 Sep. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant. Has bred 37 records from 11 sites Most records were of ones and twos but there were three at Wellington GP on 9 Nov and four seen there on the 30 Nov. Birds were mostly seen during the two winter periods but singles were recorded at Wellington GP in Apr with a juvenile there on 24 Aug. Singles were also recorded at Hereford Quarry in May and at Berrington Hall Pool and Hartleton Lakes in Sep.

42 Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant. Has bred BoCC listed: Amber 2 records from 1 site A juvenile was recorded at Wellington GP on 5 and 6 Aug (T. Ellery). Gerald Parker

Moorhen (Common Moorhen) Gallinula chloropus Common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant 146 records from 43 sites Monthly maxima at major sites were: Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall GP 1 1 - - 2 2 10* 10 3 3 1 - Hartleton Lakes 12 6 10 7 7 4* 3 8* 15 17 9 8 Hereford Quarry - 2 1 2 1 1 3* 3* 5 3 1 - Wellington GP 2 - 6 - - - - 4* 1 1 3 5 * includes juveniles

Breeding was also confirmed at: Aylestone Park Hereford, Berrington Hall, Falcon Lane Ledbury, Gamber Meadows, Lower Foxhall Lakes, Madley Earth Station, Norton Wood and Wilmaston Farm Peterchurch.

43 Coot (Eurasian Coot) Fulica atra Common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant 113 records from 17 sites Monthly maxima at major sites were:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 7 7 4 2 6 3 1 - 9 - 4 15 Brockhall GP 21 30 39 29 25 48* 60* 100 38 100 87 92 Hereford Quarry 8 4 10 9 14* 6* 3 10 37 57 23 31 Wellington GP 100 - 84 - - - 70 - 1 2 14 19 * includes juveniles Records were also received from: Berrington Hall, Falcon Lane Ledbury, Hartleton Lakes, , Letton Lakes, Mathon GP, Vroe Llangua, Warner’s Farm Mathon and Wigmore scrape. Breeding was also confirmed at: Eastnor Castle, Kenchester Pools and Mathon GP. Oystercatcher (Eurasian Oystercatcher) Haematopus ostralegus Rare breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 127 records from 15 sites This species is rapidly making Herefordshire an inland hotspot. From only two sightings in 1950, its first breeding confirmation was in 1996 and since then the numbers of sites and birds has increased rapidly. In 2013, breeding was confirmed at four sites: Brockhall GP, Hereford Quarry, R Wye Castleton and Winforton and Wellington GP. The earliest record was a single at Brockhall GP on 8 Feb, where half the total number of records came from, and numbers had risen to six there by 21 Feb. There were up to eight adults by the end of Mar and breeding was confirmed on 24 Mar. Breeding continued throughout Mar, Apr and May with 11 adults and three juveniles on 28 Apr and seven adults and six juveniles on 11 May. By 30 May, three pairs with broods of three, three and two were noted. There were up to 11 seen there during Jun with birds remaining through Jul and the last record for the period was 3 Aug. At Wellington GP, breeding was confirmed on 19 May with one pair and one juvenile noted on 24 May. Breeding was confirmed at Hereford Quarry on 28 Feb and at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 5 May. Birds were also observed at: Criftin Ford Bridge, Downton, Golden Cross, Kenchester Pools, Letton Lakes, R Wye Bunch of Carrots, Stocklow and Trippleton. Golden Plover (European Golden Plover) Pluvialis apricaria Common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 14 records from 7 sites

44 During the first winter period, there were two on Hergest Ridge on 1 Jan, nine on Bradnor Hill on 2 Jan and 30 at Breinton on 16 Jan. The latest sighting was of 32 late returning birds on Hergest Ridge on 27 Apr. In the second winter period, the earliest sighting was of 45 birds at Hergest Ridge on 5 Oct and this was followed by 100 there on 6 Nov and 150 on 26 Dec. Other high counts were: 35 at Stocklow on 26 Nov and 55 at Milton Cross on 1 Dec. Lapwing (Northern Lapwing) Vanellus vanellus Uncommon resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 137 records from 50 sites Monthly maxima at some major sites were:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall GP 1 48 4 8 1 1 9 12 - - 150 - Kenchester Pools - 65 - - 3 5 - 2 1 - 150 - Wellington GP 464 200 - 2 4 - 20 40 18 60 106 130

Other large flocks were: 150 at Golden Cross on 2 Jan; 300 at Garway on 15 Jan; 100 at Winnal Common on 7 Feb; 151 at Letton on 9 Feb; 120 at Thruxton on 25 Feb; 1,000 at Oxpasture on 9 Mar; 110 at Lugg Bridge on 26 Oct; 217 at Stocklow on 30 Nov; 300 at Dinmore on 7 Dec; 250 at Chilstone Madley on 21 Dec and 190 at Milton Cross on 26 Dec. Breeding was confirmed at three sites only: Hereford Quarry, Kenchester Pools and Kilbreece Tretire. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Uncommon migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant 67 records from 9 sites The earliest record was at Brockhall GP on 15 Mar and the last sighting was at the same location on 25 Aug. Most sightings were of ones and twos, but there were four at Brockhall GP on 23 Mar, five at Hereford Quarry on 11 May and 3 Aug and seven at Wellington GP on 26 May. Breeding was confirmed at: Brockhall GP, Hereford Quarry and Wellington GP. Ringed Plover (Common Ringed Plover) Charadrius hiaticula Scarce winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 28 records from 3 sites All records were of ones and twos except three at Brockhall GP on 25 Apr and four at Wellington GP on 27 May. A single of the tundrae race was noted at Wellington GP on 21 Apr. The last record of the year was of two juveniles at Brockhall GP on 23 Sep.

45 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Scarce passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 5 records from 2 sites

Up to three birds were seen at Brockhall GP during late Apr to mid-May and a single was present at Wellington GP on 20 Apr. Gerald Parker

Curlew (Eurasian Curlew) Numenius arquata Uncommon resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 79 records from 33 sites The earliest record was a single bird at Wellington GP on 24 Jan with 13 seen there on 9 Mar. Further records were: five displaying at R Wye Sink Green on 13 Mar; nine at Norton Wood on 21 Mar; three at Kenchester Pools on 24 Mar; seven displaying at Trippleton on 29 Mar with 19 there on 31 Mar; seven at Lower Moccas on 6 Apr and five at Letton Lakes on 2 May. There was no confirmation of breeding this year. The last sighting was of three birds at Wellington GP on 24 Aug. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Scarce passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 9 records from 4 sites There were five birds seen at Brockhall GP on 21 Mar and seven at Wellington GP on 29 Jun. Sightings of single birds came from Hereford Quarry and Upper Lugg Meadows.

46 Turnstone (Ruddy Turnstone) Arenaria interpres Very rare passage migrant BoCC listed Amber 1 record A summer adult recorded at Brockhall GP on 12 May (N.C. Pegler) was the 15th County Record. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 1 record A juvenile dropped in at Brockhall GP for 15 minutes on 25 Aug (N.C. Pegler). Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Very rare passage migrant 1 record A juvenile was briefly on the new workings at Wellington GP on 24 Aug (P. & T. Downes; N.C. Pegler), which was the 9th County Record. Sanderling Calidris alba Rare passage migrant 3 records from 2 sites The earliest record was of a single at Brockhall GP on 12 Apr, then another there on 14 Apr (both N.C. Pegler) and this was followed by one at Wellington GP on 21 May (T.W. Downes). Dunlin Calidris alpina Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 45 records from 6 sites The first record for the year was of three birds at Wergins Bridge on 9 Jan. Passage birds in ones and twos were then recorded in every month of the year except Feb and Oct. Interesting records include: a single at Oxpasture on 9 Mar; a maximum of 13 adults at Wellington GP on 15 May; three juveniles at Kenchester Pools on 15 Sep; five adults at Brockhall GP on 23 Sep and four at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 5 Nov. Juveniles were also seen at Wellington GP during Aug and Sep and at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 28 Sep. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Uncommon migrant breeder, very rare winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 96 records from 22 sites This species is widely distributed along the R Wye and the major inland water sites. The earliest sighting was a single at Brockhall GP on 6 Apr. Fours and fives

47 occurred regularly at Brockhall GP during Apr with 18 there on 25 Apr. Other records included: six on the R Wye between Bunch of Carrots and Mordiford on 24 Apr; 10 at Wellington GP on 27 Apr, with up to four regularly noted there during May and Jun, and five at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 1 Jul. Breeding was confirmed at Brockhall GP on 4 Jun with two downy chicks predated by Magpies (Pica pica). A breeding pair was noted at R Teme Downton Bridge on 16 May. The latest record was a single at R Wye Mordiford to Bunch of Carrots on 31 Oct

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 83 records from 21 sites For the second consecutive year records were received, mostly of ones and twos, in all months except May. Sightings of more than two birds were: three at Hereford Quarry on 3 Feb, 2 Mar and 21 Jul and five there on 25 Aug; three at R Wye Mordiford/Bunch of Carrots on 14 Mar and three at Brockhall GP on 6 Jul. Other records came from widespread locations in the county including: Criftin Ford Bridge, Milton Cross, Noke Bridge, R Monnow Kentchurch, R Wye Castleton and Winforton, Stocklow and Upper Lugg Meadows.

Greenshank (Common Greenshank) Tringa nebularia Uncommon passage migrant 16 records from 5 sites All records were of singles on passage in May, Aug and Sep. The sightings were from: Brockhall GP, Hereford Quarry, Kenchester Pools, R Wye Castleton and Winforton and Wellington GP. The earliest was at Brockhall GP on 15 May and the last was at Hereford Quarry on 22 Sep.

Redshank (Common Redshank) Tringa totanus Rare breeder, uncommon winter visitor BoCC listed: Amber 40 records from 6 sites The earliest record for the year was of two at Wellington GP on 9 Mar and the latest was a single at Brockhall GP on 31 Dec. All records were of ones and twos, except for: three at Brockhall GP on 20 Mar and 30 Jul; three at Kenchester Pools on 8 Apr and four at Hereford Quarry on 13 Apr.

It should be noted that the number of records are not an indication of abundance, for example, the 11 records from Brockhall GP in Dec are almost certainly of the same bird.

48 Mick Colquhoun Mick Little Ringed Plover at Wellington GP in April 2013 Phil Parsons Arctic Tern at Wellington GP in September 2013

49 Mick Colquhoun Mick House Martins nesting at Old Gore – September 2013 Nick Pegler Nick A Dunlin at Wellington GP in August 2013

50 Mick Colquhoun Mick

A buzzard in flight at Coldborough Farm, near Ross in May 2013 - one of at least 30 (and two Red Kites) following a plough preparing a field for potatoes

51 Mick Colquhoun Mick A Blue Tit photographed at Old Gore in January 2013 Mick Colquhoun Mick Sand Martin photographed on the River Teme at Criftin Ford Bridge

52 Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 21 records from 5 sites Sightings included: four at Wellington GP on 12 Jan, with five seen there on 26 Jan, and three at Hereford Quarry on 23 Feb. The latest sighting during the first winter period was a single at Warner’s Farm Mathon on 11 Apr. During the second winter period the earliest record was a single at Wellington GP on 6 Oct. Singles were also noted at Brockhall GP and Letton Lakes. Woodcock (Eurasian Woodcock) Scolopax rusticola Uncommon resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 49 records from 28 sites This is a considerable increase in the number of records and sites for this elusive species compared to previous years. All sightings were of ones and twos and although there were no records of confirmed breeding, ‘roding’ was observed at Haugh Wood on 2 Jun and at Wigmore Rolls on 19 Jun. Snipe (Common Snipe) Gallinago gallinago Common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 121 records from 24 sites Monthly maxima at major sites were:

Site Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Brockhall GP 20 4 16 4 1 - 1 1 - 2 13 18 Hereford Quarry 10 6 5 17 - - - - 4 1 1 18 Letton Lakes 73 10 69 76 - - - - - 9 24 22 Wellington GP 70 6 5 6 - - - 1 6 20 10 6

Other high counts included: 10 at Moreton Eye on 6 Feb; 22 at The Sturts on 24 Feb; 12 at Norton Wood on 24 Feb; seven at Newton St Margarets on 4 Mar; 17 at Backney Bridge on 16 Mar and 14 at the same location on 27 Mar.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger Scarce passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 1 record Whereas in 2012 there were 12 records, this year just two juveniles were noted at Wellington GP on 24 Aug.

53 Common Tern Sterna hirundo Uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 3 records from 2 sites Singletons were at Brockhall GP on 15 May and 16 Jul and an adult with a first summer immature was seen at Wellington GP on 21 May. Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 6 records from 2 sites Single adults were at Wellington GP on 14 Apr (P. & T. Downes); at Brockhall GP on 9 May (G.M. Davis), 16 May (P.H. Downes) and 26 May (G.R. Parker) and a non- breeding adult was at Wellington GP on 21 Sep (G.S. Bilbao), observed from 14.05 hrs to dusk, and again on 22 Sep. Kittiwake (Black-legged Kittiwake) Rissa tridactyla Storm blown and rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 7 records from 1 site A winter adult was recorded on floodwater at Wergins Bridge on 8 Jan (G.S. Bilbao) and was seen by other observers each day subsequently until 14 Jan. Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Very common winter visitor. Has bred in colonies BoCC listed: Amber 137 records from 39 sites This represents a 20% increase in records compared to 2012. First winter period (Jan – Mar): flocks of 100 or more included a maximum of 500 in the main lake roost at Wellington GP on 1 Jan, with 300 there also on 12, 19 and 20 Jan and 360 on 29 Mar; 200 on floodwater at Lower Lugg Meadows on 6 Jan; 350 at R Wye Wilton on 28 Feb; 100 at Roman Road on 28 Feb and 500 roosting at Brockhall GP on 21 Mar. Double figure counts were recorded at 10 other sites during the period. Summer period (Apr – Sep): breeding was established on the island at Brockhall GP with 22 pairs recorded on 29 May and 20 pairs on 2 and 15 Jun. Three juveniles were noted on 15 Jun, five on 22 Jun, six on 29 Jun and 13 on 14 Jul. The largest counts at this site were 65 on 25 Apr and 60 on 27 Sep. Small numbers were present at 16 other sites in the period, the larger counts from which were 40 at Wellington GP on 12 Apr; 30 at Pontshill on 30 Aug and 40 at R Wye Hampton Bishop on 12 Sep. Second winter period (Oct – Dec): the larger counts were 120 at Lugg Meadows/Lugg Bridge on 26 Oct; 500 in the roost at Wellington GP on 3 Nov; 150 at Kenchester Pools on 16 Nov; 200 at Ross-on-Wye Sewage Works on 12 Dec and 162 at Hartleton Lakes on 14 Dec. Records came from an additional 12 sites in the period.

54 Little Gull Hydocoloeus minutus Very rare winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 1 record A second winter bird was observed at Brockhall GP for 30 minutes (07:45 – 08:15 hrs) on 30 May (N.C. Pegler). Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus Rare winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 9 records from 5 sites Gerald Parker

A first winter bird was at Wellington GP on 7 Apr (G.S. Bilbao) and a second summer bird was there on 12 Apr (P. & T. Downes). A single adult was at Brockhall GP on 16 Apr (N.C. Pegler) and on 20 Apr (P.H. Downes) when it was seen to fly off toward Kenchester Pools, where it was recorded again on 20 Apr (P. H. Downes). An adult was in an arable field at Green Lane Breinton on 26 Apr (J.W. Birkinshaw). One was at Wellington GP on 18 Aug (N.C. Pegler) and a first winter bird was there, in the roost, on 20 Oct (P.H. Downes). A first winter bird was also seen at Tidnor Mill on 26 Oct (P. & T. Downes). Common Gull (Mew Gull) Larus canus Common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 25 records from 13 sites

55 First winter period (Jan – Mar): the larger counts were 200 on floodwater at Lower Lugg Meadows on 6 Jan; 97 at R Wye Sink Green on 17 Jan; 50 at Hartleton Lakes on 20 Mar and 130 at Gamber Meadows on 28 and 29 Mar. A maximum of 20 were in the Wellington GP roost on 20 Jan and a maximum of 30 at the Brockhall GP roost on 21 Mar.

Passage/summer period (Apr – Sep): the largest flock recorded in the year was of 360 following the plough at Bromsash on 9 Apr. Fifty were also seen on a ploughed field there on 27 Aug. There were no other records for the May – Sep period.

Second winter period (Oct – Dec): notable numbers included 64 at Lugg Meadows on 26 Oct and 40 at Hartleton Lakes on 27 Nov. There were 20 in the Wellington GP roost on 20 Oct.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Uncommon resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 145 records from 58 sites First winter period (Jan – Mar): notable numbers were 3,400 on floodwater at Lugg Meadows on 5 Jan and 600 there on the 7 Jan; 240 at Bodenham on 5 Jan; 200 in the roost at Wellington GP on 12 Jan and 100 there on 9 Mar. Fifty were recorded in Hereford City through the period. Small numbers were reported from a further 16 sites. Summer period (Apr – Sep): breeding evidence came from locations in Hereford City with three juveniles at High Town on 20 Jul; seven adults and a juvenile at Bulmers Plough Lane on 23 Jul. Two juveniles were at the latter site on 21 Aug and three adults and three juveniles at Hereford Cathedral on 26 Aug. A total of 50 adults were recorded in the city Apr – Jun. Flocks greater than 100 in the period were: 132 at Kenchester Pools on 29 May; 250 on fresh ploughed land at Milton Cross on 9 Aug with 480 there on a newly harrowed field on 13 Aug and 410 on 17 Sep; 400 at Wellington GP on 24 Aug and 200 at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 7 Sep. Small numbers, mostly in single figures were reported through the period at the well-recorded sites of Brockhall GP, Hartleton Lakes and Hereford Quarry. Other records came from 33 additional sites. Second winter period (Oct – Dec): the greatest numbers were associated with the roost at Wellington GP where 500 were present on 13 Oct, 1,500 by 26 Oct and 1,200 on 3 Nov. Also, there were 190 at Stockley Cross on 30 Oct and 250 at Milton Cross on 26 Dec. There were records from nine other sites, all with single figure counts except for 22 at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 14 Oct and 18 at Bodenham Lake on 21 Dec.

Herring Gull (European Herring Gull) Larus argentatus Rare resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 58 records from 27 sites

56 There were some 30% fewer records submitted compared to 2012. First winter period (Jan – Mar): the largest count was of 58 on floodwater beside the A438 at Lugg Meadows on 5 Jan. A maximum of nine for Jan were at Wellington GP on 6 Jan. Of the remaining 10 records for the period, all were of one to five adults or immatures except for seven at Hereford Quarry on 9 Feb. Summer period (Apr – Sep): breeding was established with two pairs recorded at Castle Pool on 27 Jun. Other reports for the period were mainly of ones or twos in 17 different locations, but 11 were following the plough at Bromsash on 9 Apr and 44 were there on ploughed land on 27 Aug and 15 were at R Wye Holme Lacy on 9 Sep. Second winter period (Oct – Dec): reports were from nine sites; most from Wellington GP where there was a maximum of seven on 26 Oct; with adults and first and second winter individuals noted in the roost at this site. One to seven adults and sub-adults featured at eight other sites. A Scandinavian variant in third summer plumage was reported at Wellington GP on 14 Sep. Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis Rare winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 13 records from 5 sites First winter period (Jan – Mar): an adult was in the main lake roost at Wellington GP on 1 Jan (P.H. Downes); an adult and a juvenile were on floodwater by Lugwardine Bridge on Upper Lugg Meadows on 5 Jan (G.S. Bilbao) and two adults feeding on discarded chips were at Hereford Hospital on 11 Mar (T.W. Downes). Summer period (Apr – Sep): two adults were at Wellington GP on 5 Apr (I. Roe); a second summer bird was at Brockhall GP on 5 May (P.H. Downes) and at Wellington GP, there was a juvenile on 24 Aug (P.H. Downes), a third summer bird on 25 Aug (P.H. Downes; N.C. Pegler) and two second winter birds on 31 Aug (P. & T. Downes). Second winter period (Oct – Dec): there were three records from the Wellington GP gull roost; a first winter bird on 20 Oct (P.H. Downes), three adults and two first winter birds on 26 Oct (P. & T. Downes) and one adult and a first winter bird on 27 Oct (P.H. Downes). There was also an adult at Lower Lugg Meadows on 26 Oct (P.H. Downes) and an adult and a first winter bird there on 27 Oct (P.H. Downes). Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans Rare winter visitor and rare passage migrant 3 records from 2 sites Single first winter birds were seen at Wellington GP on 13 Oct (4th County Record – P.H. Downes) and in the gull roost there on 20 Oct (5th County Record – P.H. Downes) and at Tidnor Mill on 26 Oct (6th County Record – P. & T. Downes).

57 Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 8 records from 5 sites Two adults were at R Wye Castleton and Winforton and a single at Tidnor Mill on 2 Jan; a juvenile at Pipe-cum-Lyde on 12 Mar; one at Wellington GP on 9 Apr and an adult perched on a house roof at Oak Crescent Clehonger on 29 May. Later in the year, a second winter bird was following the plough at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 7 Sep; an adult and a juvenile were at Wellington GP, but did not land and flew off east, on the evening of 9 Sep and two were at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 8 Dec.

Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove) Columba livia Very common resident breeder 7 records from 5 sites Breeding was established in High Town, Hereford City and the only larger count recorded was 100 there on 6 Jan.

Stock Dove Columba oenas Abundant resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 265 records from 104 sites This is a substantial 55% increase in records submitted compared to 2012. As previously, these were throughout all months and sites were widespread.

Breeding was confirmed at the following sites: a pair using a nestbox at Gamber Meadows on 13 Apr with seven adults and three juveniles there on 5 Jun; two pairs at Fishpool Cottage Pencoyd on 10 Jun; six adults at Madley Earth Station on 26 Jun; a female and two juveniles, using a nest box, at Old Country Wood Coddington on 9 May and 29 Jun; one pair at Orcop on 30 Jun; a female and two juveniles at Donnington on 5 Jul and two juveniles which were ringed at the nest site at Old Country House on 28 Sep. The majority of records were of single figure counts, but from a few locations there were numbers in excess of 50 birds. Grain store waste attracted 66 at Stocklow on 16 Jul, 92 by 18 Jul, 110 on 20 Jul and a peak of 135 on 25 Jul; 58 were also at Stocklow on a barley stubble on 5 Aug, 64 on a barley and rape stubble on 12 Aug and 90 around a grain store there on 30 Oct. Increasing numbers were recorded from 35 at Gamber Meadows on 15 Jul to a maximum of 172 there on 4 Nov; 51 were feeding on a rape stubble at Staunton-on-Arrow on 16 Sep and a maximum of 139 were at Stockley Cross on a cultivated field on 7 Nov.

58 Woodpigeon (Common Wood Pigeon) Columba palumbus Abundant resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant 244 records from 77 sites

Larger counts in the first winter period and spring were: 150 at Bullinghope Dinedor Camp on 12 Jan and 200 there on 19 Jan; 130 at Berrington Hall Pool in Feb; 200 at Dulas on 14 Feb; 110 at Bridge End Farm Much Cowarne on 22 Feb; 300 at R Wye Sink Green on 6 Apr and 120 at Hampton Meadow on 11 Apr.

Breeding was clearly under-recorded: one pair at Eastnor Park between 21 Apr and 20 May; a pair at Hillfield Drive Ledbury in May; a pair at Falcon Lane Ledbury on 22 May; a pair at Old Colwall and a juvenile at Munsley on 27 May; two juveniles at Munstone Road Holmer on 23 Jun and two pairs sitting on eggs at Madley Earth Station on 26 Jun.

The largest autumn/second winter period passage was 2,420 at Stocklow, flying west in flocks mainly of 15 – 80, but with one of 1,100, on 1 Nov. A large westerly passage was noted at Brockhall GP on 3 Nov. Other three figure counts in the period were: 120 flying south at Weir Garden Kenchester on 30 Oct; 160 at Berrington Hall Pool in Nov and 131 at Letton Lakes on 25 Nov.

Collared Dove (Eurasian Collared Dove) Streptopelia decaocto Common resident breeder 73 records from 37 sites

Although distributed throughout all months, when compared with Atlas data 2007 – 2012, these annual records almost certainly indicate a marked under-recording of the species. Breeding was established at only one site: a single dead juvenile was found beneath a nest at Stretford Bridge on 2 Oct.

The majority of records detailed one to three birds. Quarterly maxima were submitted for certain locations: five at Munstone Road Holmer (1 Jan – 31 Mar); seven at Pipe- cum-Lyde (23 Jun – 21 Sep) and four at Copper Beeches Close Much Dewchurch (1 Jul – 30 Sep). Double figure counts were confined to: 29 at Walford Leintwardine on 27 Nov and 13 at Garway on 6 Dec.

Turtle Dove (European Turtle Dove) Streptopelia turtur Scarce migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 2 records from 2 sites One was seen in a garden in Hope Mansell on 3 Jul and one was heard at Copper Beeches Close Much Dewchurch on 2 Aug. There were no confirmed breeding records.

59 Cuckoo (Common Cuckoo) Cuculus canorus Uncommon migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 130 records from 91 sites

The first spring record was one at R Wye Bunch of Carrots on 17 Apr, followed by one at Burghill golf course on 18 Apr and two at King’s Pyon on 19 Apr. The latest record was one at Backney Bridge on 12 Jul. There were no confirmed breeding reports, but a pair was noted at The Flits Preston on Wye on 19 Jun and singles, possibly on territory, were reported at Bridge End Farm Much Cowarne (25 Apr – 27 Jun) Bringsty Common (1 May – 15 Jun) and Canon Pyon (6 May – 16 Jun). All other records were of singles, apart from three at Gregg’s Pit and Orchard Much Marcle on 16 Jun and twos at: Sellack Boat on 5 May; Westons Cider on 17 May; Moccas Park on 13 Jun; R Wye Backney on 23 Jun; R Wye Mordiford/Carrots on 5 Jun, 19 Jun and 3 Jul; Old Country Farm Bosbury on 30 Jun and 1 July and nearby Pow Green on 5 Jul.

Barn Owl (Western Barn Owl) Tyto alba Uncommon resident breeder and uncommon winter visitor BoCC listed: Amber 96 records from 69 sites

The number of records represents a marginal increase compared to 2012. Breeding was confirmed at two sites: a pair with two juveniles at Linton Ross-on-Wye on 22 Aug (an earlier brood had succumbed during adverse weather) and at Tretire Farm where 85, mostly fresh, pellets were found in a barn on 28 Aug. All records were of singles except for twos at: Pigeon House Farm Upper Hill on 8 Feb; Little Rock Lugwardine on 24 Feb; The Sturts on 24 Feb; Parkway near Ledbury on 22 Mar and Coddington on 25 Jul. Mortalities of singles, mainly associated with road traffic accidents, were reported from: Allensmore (A465) on 28 Feb; Parkway on 22 Mar; New Livestock market on 30 Mar; Wyatt Road Withington on 4 Apr; Tarrington (A438) on 7 Apr and Yazor Church on 12 May.

Little Owl Athene noctua Uncommon resident breeder 60 records from 34 sites The numbers of reports were distributed fairly evenly through all months and were widespread. Breeding was established at just one location: a pair at Yarkhill on 5 May. Reports were of singles, apart from two at Wellington GP on 12 Jan and 12 Apr; five at R Wye Baysham on 15 Jul and two, heard over several nights, at Oakland Drive Ledbury in Aug. At Wellington GP there was a total of 15 sightings, Jan – May and Nov/Dec.

60 Mick Colquhoun Mick Tawny Owl Strix aluco Common resident breeder 83 records from 61 sites The number of records is similar to that for last year and the highest for six years. Breeding was confirmed from five locations: a pair with two juveniles at Wellington Heath in Apr; a juvenile at Marden on 27 Apr; a pair with one juvenile at Gatchapen Cottage Rushall on 17 May; an adult with one juvenile at Wigmore Rolls on 25 May and an adult with one juvenile at Leighton Court on 11 Jul. Twenty-one records refer to birds heard, rather than seen, and occasionally this was over extended periods: at Forest Green Walford all year round, at Ginhall Lane Feb – Oct and at Bridge End Farm Much Cowarne during 1 Aug – 12 Sep. The majority of records were of singles or twos (four records) but three were reported at: Little Rock Lugwardine on 11 Feb; Haugh Wood on 2 Mar; Sellack Boat on 23 Apr and Kingsthorne on 19 May. Five were noted at Moccas on 11 Oct, three were there on 3 Dec and four were heard at Newton St Margarets on 11 Nov. The only mortality recorded was one found in a house fireplace at Norton Wood on 20 Sep. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 1 record One was noted at Wellington GP on 5 Jan (P. & C. Downes).

61 Swift (Common Swift) Apus apus Common migrant breeder and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 176 records from 102 sites

The earliest record was of one at Bishop’s School Tupsley on 16 Apr. The larger spring passage movements recorded were: 50 at Hampton Park on 9 May; 50 at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 17 May; a maximum of 300 at Wellington on 12 May and a maximum of 100 at Brockhall GP on 30 May.

Fourteen locations provided breeding evidence: two pairs at Orcop Bottom, 1 May – 20 Jul; 12 at Ledbury in May; one pair at King’s Caple church on 18 May; one pair at Gravel Farm Downton on 1 Jun; one pair at Downton Walls on 17 Jun; three pairs at Garway church on 30 Jun; one pair at Upper Letton Cottages on 1 Jul; 10 adults at Clehonger church on 6 Jul; one pair at Rosemary Lane Leintwardine on 16 Jul; one pair at Church Street Leintwardine on 16 Jul; three pairs at Manor Farm Brampton Bryan on 27 Jul; 16 pairs at Wigmore church on 29 Jul; three at Walford Leintwardine on 19 Aug and one at Moor Farm Lane Hereford on 27 Aug. Ten adults and four juveniles were also seen at Clehonger on 2 Aug. From many other sites, including Hereford City and Leominster, double figure counts were received during the breeding period and probably reflect breeding and non-breeding birds. Possible autumn passage records were very few and did not exceed single figure counts apart from 30 at Donnington on 1 Aug. The latest record of the year was that from Moor Farm Lane on 27 Aug.

Kingfisher (Common Kingfisher) Alcedo atthis Common resident breeder and uncommon winter visitor BoCC listed: Amber 137 records from 63 sites These data cannot tell us whether the recent trend of increasing numbers of records and sites which continues (21% more records and 50% more sites than 2012), is related to observer effort or population change, but it is a welcome statistic. Records were distributed throughout all months and were from all major rivers of the county and the lakes and gravel pits.

From the well-recorded sites of Brockhall GP, Hartleton Lakes, Hereford Quarry and Wellington GP, there were records from 6 – 12 months of the year. Four sites provided confirmed breeding evidence: an adult with a nest burrow on the new workings at Wellington GP on 14 Apr; an adult carrying food at Canon Frome Court on 24 Jun; two carrying food at Hartleton Lakes on 4 Jun and three, including one juvenile, there, on 26 Aug and one pair (and possibly more) on R Teme between Downton and Criftin Ford bridges. Other records were mainly of one or two adults, but four were at Mathon Court on 4 Aug and six at Brockhall GP on 23 Nov.

62 Green Woodpecker (European Green Woodpecker) Picus viridis Common resident breeder BoCC listed: Amber 169 records from 78 sites This is a decrease in the number of records compared with 2012 but is similar to previous years. Breeding was confirmed from six locations: a pair at Gorsley on 26 Jun; a pair with two juveniles at Cagebrook Bridge Clehonger on 29 Jun; an adult with a juvenile at Hartleton Lakes on 10 Jul; an adult with one juvenile at Wyson Common on 18 Jul; an adult with two juveniles at Pipe and Lyde on 20 Jul and a juvenile at Weir Garden Kenchester on 24 Jul. Males on territory were seen at: Sutton Walls on 17 Apr; Hentland on 24 Apr; Brinsop on 1 May and Tupsley on 15 May. Twenty-one percent of the remaining records were in Apr/May and may also refer to breeding birds. The majority of records were of singles seen or heard, although three were noted at Coneygree Wood on 2 Mar, five at Wellington GP on 9 Nov and two at 10 additional sites on various dates. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Very common resident breeder 229 records from 92 sites There were fewer records this year than in 2012 and just seven confirmed breeding reports, suggesting marked under-reporting of this, our most abundant woodpecker. Drumming was first reported at Wolf Cottage Egleton on 4 Jan and at Breinton where two males were heard on 16 Jan. Drumming was also later reported from Weir Garden Kenchester on 8 Apr. Reports of breeding were: a pair at Weir Garden Kenchester on 25 Apr; an adult with a juvenile in a garden at Forest Green Walford on 7 Jun; an immature at Breinton on 18 Jul; a female with three juveniles at Pipe and Lyde on 24 Jul; an adult with two juveniles at Madley Earth Station on 26 Jun; a male with two juveniles at Hatfield on 6 Jul and a juvenile at Copper Beeches Close Much Dewchurch on 29 Aug. At 13 well-recorded sites, adults were seen or heard in most months. While the majority of records were of singles there were, apart from family parties, eight at Haugh Wood on 21 Jan, 11 on 5 Mar, six on 8 Apr and nine on 2 Oct. Four were noted at two sites, three at seven sites and two at 44 sites. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor Uncommon resident breeder BoCC listed: Red 31 records from 16 sites The number of records this year, compared to 2012, has diminished by 50% but is similar to pre-2011 numbers. All reports were of singletons and distributed through all months except Feb, with marginally more records during Mar – May.

63 Breeding was confirmed only at Warham Wood Breinton where a pair was noted on 4 May and parent birds were seen feeding young on 10 Jun. Twelve records, spread throughout the year, came from Haugh Wood. Other records were: Graham’s Cottage bridge Leintwardine on 3 Jan (the only Jan report); a male at R Lugg Bodenham on 2 and 4 Mar; R Monnow Ruthlin Mill on 29 Mar; Checkley on 4 Apr; Coneygree Wood on 5 Apr; R Wye Holme Lacy on 7 Apr; a male at Marden on 27 Apr and a female on 10 May; Lord’s Wood (The Doward) on 7 May; one heard at Canon Pyon on 4 Jun; Joan’s Hill Farm Checkley on 7 Aug and 24 Sep; Leadon Valley on 27 Aug; a male at Sutton Walls on 17 Nov; Copper Beeches Close Much Dewchurch on 26 Dec and a female came to garden feeders at Brilley on 28 Dec. Kestrel (Common Kestrel) Falco tinnunculus Common resident breeder BoCC listed: Amber 151 records from 94 sites This is a similar number of records to last year, spread fairly evenly through all months and all were of singles, apart from 10 records of two birds. Breeding evidence was: a female at a nestbox at Wessington Pasture Woolhope on 19 Jun; a pair with two juveniles at Orcop on 30 Jun and an adult with two juveniles at Eastnor Park on 5 Jul. At Bridge End Farm Much Cowarne a female regularly roosted in a garden (1 Jan – 26 Mar), on the top of a tit nest box under the eaves of a garage roof and during short periods of snow also utilized the entrance to a Barn Owl box in the garage loft. Merlin Falco columbarius Rare resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 17 records from 12 sites This represents more than twice the records received in 2012. All were of singles; five came from Wellington GP on 2, 20, 21 Oct and 2 and 17 Nov, the last a female. Others were: Leominster on 12 Jan; Brockhall GP on 20 Jan; Ledbury cricket ground on 22 Jan; a male pursued by corvids at Withington on 27 Jan; Eaton Bishop on 2 Feb; Stretton Sugwas on 9 Feb; Golden Cross on 7 Apr; Leominster bypass on 8 Apr; Stocklow on 1 Sep; a male eating a sparrow on a garden fence at Browning Road Ledbury on 24 Sep; a male at Brockhall GP on 3 Oct and Sellack Boat on 28 Dec. Hobby (Eurasian Hobby) Falco subbuteo Scarce migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant 70 records from 36 sites The number of records is 27% down on last year. The earliest records were one

64 at Howle Hill and one at Kiln Green on 18 Apr and the latest record was one at Hereford City on 10 Oct. The highest monthly number of records was 20 in May. Breeding evidence came from three locations: one pair with young at Garway, Jun – Sep, three juveniles on 7 Aug and 4 Sep, two juveniles on 8 Oct and one on 9 Oct; one pair with two juveniles at Staunton-on-Arrow, Jun – Sep and one pair at Yatton, 16 Jun – 8 Aug, but breeding was unsuccessful. A pair was also noted at Yatton Marsh on 18 May and a juvenile seen at Clehonger on 14 Sep. Most other records were of singles, but seven were at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 17 May and there were eight records of two birds. A ringed adult was found dead at Walford Leintwardine on 10 Jun; ringed EW36355 at Hasfield Ham, Gloucestershire on 1 Aug 2010. Peregrine (Peregrine Falcon) Falco peregrinus Scarce resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant 101 records from 46 sites Mick Colquhoun Mick

Although breeding was not confirmed, pairs were noted at seven locations. Twenty- four sightings of single males, a female, or a pair related to the closely associated sites of High Town, All Saints Church and Hereford Cathedral and almost certainly represent the same birds. Peregrines were seen at one or more of these locations, sometimes with marked activity through the city centre in Jan – Apr, Jun and Nov/Dec. Prey remains, comprising four Feral Pigeon, two Blackbird, two Woodcock, one Jay, one Snipe, one Teal and one racing pigeon were found on Hereford Cathedral in Apr and a pair were seen to mate at All Saints Church on 2 Jun. It seems therefore that, as in many other cities in the country, a pair has adopted Hereford city centre as a breeding territory.

65 Otherwise, records were mainly of singles and were from all months. The most recorded at a single site was four at Checkley on 10 Jul and three there on 13 Jul; three also at Backbury Hill on 21 Jun and 3 Sep. Multiple records at R Wye Mordiford/Bunch of Carrots (nine records) and Wellington GP (six records) were mainly in winter months. Prey pursuits noted included Jackdaw and Starling, during their movements to roosts, and Lapwing and pigeons. Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant 3 records from 1 site. The records were all from Climbing Jack Common during 2 – 5 Mar (B. Daniels). Magpie (Eurasian Magpie) Pica pica Abundant resident breeder 184 records from 66 sites This is a significant increase in the number of records and sites compared with previous years. Breeding records were received from: Bishopstone, Breinton, Burghill cricket ground, Credenhill Park Wood, Madley Earth Station, Merrivale Ross-on-Wye, Munsley, Munstone Road Holmer, Oakland Drive Ledbury, Tillington Road Hereford and Weir Garden Kenchester. Larger groups were: 12 at Roman Road Hereford on 28 Feb; 12 at Pipe and Lyde on 6 Mar; 15 at Holmer on 6 Sep and 16 at Belmont on 12 Dec. Jay (Eurasian Jay) Garrulus glandarius Common resident breeder and common winter visitor 138 records from 67 sites There was only one breeding record received of a pair with two juveniles at Madley Earth Station on 26 Jun. Larger counts were: five at Queenswood in both Jan and Dec; four at Clodock on 27 Feb; four at Breinton on 13 Mar; eight at Newton St Margarets on 2 Apr; four at Letton Lakes on 6 Apr and five at Witney Wood Dulas on 25 Nov. There were two records from gardens at Canon Pyon and Tillington Road Hereford, both during Apr. Jackdaw (Western Jackdaw) Corvus monedula Abundant resident breeder and very common winter visitor 159 records from 68 sites This is a significant increase on previous reporting of this species. Breeding records were received from: Gatchapen Cottage Rushall on 13 Apr; Hartleton Lakes on 23 Apr and 8 May; Hollybush Quarry on 30 Apr; Bircher Common in Jun;

66 Tarrington on 3 Jun; Oakland Drive Ledbury and Snodhill Castle on 7 Jun; Little Marcle on 9 Jun and Dormington on 18 Jun. Larger flocks were: 200 at Bradnor Hill on 4 Jan; 150 at Leintwardine on 27 Jan; 310 at Stocklow on 5 Aug, 330 there on 12 Aug and 370 on 18 Sep. Rook Corvus frugilegus Abundant resident breeder and very common winter visitor 162 records from 92 sites The numbers of records and sites were double those received in previous years. Breeding reports were received as follows: 57 pairs at two linked rookeries at Weir Garden Kenchester on 13 Mar, increasing to 103 pairs by 25 Apr; Beggars Ash, Bosbury, Castle Frome, Catley and Petty France Wellington Heath, all on 27 Mar; Upper Mitchell Farm Ledbury on 7 Apr; 80 pairs at and 35 pairs at Old Pike St Weonards, both on 13 Apr; 12 pairs at Little Tarrington on 22 Apr; a report from Allensmore on 27 Apr that the rookery had moved 400 metres and eight pairs and two juveniles at Hartleton Lakes on 8 May. The larger flock counts were: 174 at Stocklow on 5 Aug; 160 at Brockhall GP in Aug and 200 at Pinford Lane Bromsash on 15 Dec. Carrion Crow Corvus corone Abundant resident breeder 241 records from 74 sites Breeding records were received from: Brockhall GP on 6 May; Hartleton Lakes on 18 May and 14 Jun; Eastnor Park on 20 and 30 May; Little Marcle on 26 May; Burtons Lane Wellington Heath on 27 May; Oakland Drive Ledbury on 9 Jun; Hollybush Quarry on 19 Jun; Madley Earth Station on 26 Jun; Tillington Road Hereford in Jun and R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 20 Jul. The largest group was 180 on stubble at Stocklow on 12 Aug. Raven (Northern Raven) Corvus corax Common resident breeder and common winter visitor 255 records from 113 sites The number of records received continues to increase year on year. Breeding records were received from: Gullet Quarry in The Malverns from Mar to May; Batch Wood Wellington Heath on 19 Mar; Crews Hill on 26 Mar (returned to nest on a pylon after several years gap); Brockhall GP in Apr; Credenhill Park Wood on 20 Apr and in May; Walford Lodge on 25 May and Garway Hill on 4 Jun. The larger counts were: 15 at Mortimer Trail Kington on 4 Jan; 21 at Mordiford on 26 Jul (feeding on cherries); 60 at Forest Green Walford on 24 Aug and 22 at Backbury Hill on 3 Sep.

67 Goldcrest Regulus regulus Abundant resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant 95 records from 49 sites There were fewer records than in the previous year. Only one breeding record was received from Weir Garden Kenchester on 26 Jun. The larger numbers reported were: 12 at R Wye Hereford Sewage Works on 3 Feb; 30 at Shobdon Hill Wood on 7 Dec; 10 at Coppett Hill Common on 7 Dec; 20 throughout Haugh Wood on 8 Dec and nine at Queenswood Dinmore in Dec. Mick Colquhoun Mick Firecrest (Common Firecrest) Regulus ignicapilla Rare passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 4 records from 1 site Two males and one female were probably breeding in woodland in the north-west of the county in May (P. & T. Downes). Blue Tit (Eurasian Blue Tit) Cyanistes caeruleus Abundant resident breeder 255 records from 87 sites Breeding records were received from 18 locations: Bircher Common, Bishopstone, Brockhall GP, Coldborough Park Yatton, Copper Beeches Close Much Dewchurch, Credenhill Park Wood, Forest Green Walford, Hartleton Lakes, Hereford Quarry, Hollybush Quarry, Ledbury, Lower Foxhole Lakes Rudhall, Madley Earth Station, Munstone Road Holmer, Oakland Drive Ledbury, Old Colwall, Quarry Road Tupsley and Weir Garden Kenchester. See also the Herefordshire Nature Trust Nestbox Recording Scheme report (pages 120 – 129).

68 Larger groups seen were: 47 on 18 Feb, 57 on 5 Mar, 42 on 13 Mar and 43 on 29 Apr, all in Haugh Wood; 21 at Hartleton Lakes on 14 Jun; 20 at Weir Garden Kenchester on 30 Oct and 20 at Coppet Hill Common on 7 Dec. Great Tit Parus major Abundant resident breeder 216 records from 78 sites Many more records were received than in previous years.

Breeding was recorded at: Donnington on 21 May; Old Colwall on 29 May; Merrivale Ross on Wye on 13 Jun; Hartleton Lakes on 14 Jun; Munsley on 25 Jun; Madley Earth Station on 26 Jun; Weir Garden Kenchester on 26 Jun; Copper Beeches Close Much Dewchurch during Jul – Sep and Munstone Road Holmer on 5 Aug. See also the Herefordshire Nature Trust Nestbox Recording Scheme report (pages 120 – 129). The only large count noted was 18 birds throughout Haugh Wood on 8 Dec. Coal Tit Periparus ater Very common resident breeder and uncommon winter visitor 87 records from 35 sites

Breeding records were received from: Bircher Common in May; Weir Garden Kenchester on 26 Jun; Brockhall GP on 6 Jul; Garway on 20 Jul and The Mynde Much Dewchurch on 29 Jul.

Numbers were mostly four birds or less except for: five at Queenswood Dinmore in Jul; seven at Aconbury on 12 Jul; six at Bolstone on 14 Jul and 21 throughout Haugh Wood on 8 Dec. Willow Tit Poecile montana Uncommon resident breeder BoCC listed: Red 15 records from 10 sites

No confirmed breeding was recorded but two pairs were seen at Wapley Hill on 18 Jun. Most records were of ones and twos, the exception was four at Wapley Hill on 16 Nov. A single was noted on a garden feeder on the Downs on 5 Aug. Marsh Tit Poecile palustris Common resident breeder BoCC listed: Red 93 records from 47 sites. No confirmed breeding reports were received but two pairs were seen at Mowley Wood Titley on 21 May. The largest count was seven throughout Haugh Wood on 17 Jun. An interesting sighting was of two birds feeding on honeysuckle berries at Staunton-on-Arrow on 19 Sep.

69 Skylark (Eurasian Skylark) Alauda arvensis Abundant resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 159 records from 71 sites Breeding evidence was received from: R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 4 Jun and 1 Jul and Clehonger on 13 Jul. The larger flocks noted were: 200 at Brampton Abbots on 13 Jan; 400 at Milton Cross on 19 Jan and 185 there in two flocks on 24 Mar. Small passage flocks noted during autumn were: 127 at Gamber Meadows on 9 Oct and 140 at Stocklow on 19 Oct. Sand Martin Riparia riparia Common migrant breeder and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 98 records from 35 sites There were more records than last year but a similar number to 2011. The earliest sighting was at Wellington GP on 23 Mar and the last was from Backney Bridge on 22 Sep. Breeding records were received from: R Wye Bunch of Carrots on 15 Apr and 14 Jun; R Teme Downton Bridge to Criftin Ford Bridge on 18 Apr (three colonies) and 6 Jul; R Wye Bredwardine on 26 Apr; R Monnow Ruthlin Mill on 8 May; R Wye Sellack on 18 Jun; R Wye Backney on 23 Jun and R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 1 Jul. The larger flocks noted were: 100 at R Wye Sink Green on 14 Apr; 110 at Wellington GP on 15 Apr, 100 at R Wye Bunch of Carrots on 17 Apr and 80 at R Wye Backney on 23 Jun. Swallow (Barn Swallow) Hirundo rustica Abundant migrant breeder and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 338 records from 149 sites There were nearly double the number of records compared to previous years. The earliest sighting was from Gregg’s Pit Much Marcle on 21 Mar and the latest was from Wellington GP on 1 Nov. Records of breeding pairs were received from: Bridge End Farm Much Cowarne on 14 Apr and 1 Jun; Copper Beeches Close Much Dewchurch on 16 Jun (with up to 20 birds and nests in a barn reported during Jul – Sep) and Madley Earth Station on 26 Jun. Juveniles were reported at: Bishopstone on 1 Jul; Hartleton Lakes on 7 Aug and R Wye Wilton on 29 Sep. The larger counts reported were: 200 at Brockhall GP on 25 Apr; 200 at Wellington GP on 8 May and 28 Sep; 200 at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 7 Sep; 500 on passage in a mixed flock with House Martins at R Wye Holme Lacy on 1 Oct and 200 on passage with House Martins at Hope Mansell Valley on the same date.

70 House Martin (Common House Martin) Delichon urbicum Very common migrant breeder and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 228 records from 119 sites

There was a large increase in records compared with previous years. The earliest sighting was at Hereford Quarry on 11 Apr and the last sighting was at Bromsash on 10 Oct.

Breeding evidence was received from the following locations: Bridge End Farm Much Cowarne during Apr – Aug (maximum 21 pairs); Bromsash on 4 May and 5 Oct; Felton on 29 May (13 pairs); Canon Frome Court on 2 Jun (8 pairs); Hartleton Lakes on 4 and 14 Jun; Merrivale Ross on Wye on 13 Jun; ’s Gate Bodenham on 15 Jun; Copper Beeches Close Much Dewchurch during Jun – Sep; Hurdle Hall Cottages Canon Pyon on 12 Jul; Burghill in Jul; Bishopstone on 13 Jul and 11 Sep; St Mary’s Park Burghill on 21 Jul; Ross Road Ledbury on 2 Aug and Tillington Road Hereford on 15 Aug. An unusual record was of hatched juveniles that were removed from the nest by House Sparrows at Bishopstone on 13 Jul.

The larger flocks recorded were: 120 at Bridge End Farm on 22 Aug; 120 at Forest Green Walford on 4 Sep; 200 at Winforton on 7 Sep; 300 at Wellington GP on 7 Sep and 130 at Milton Cross on 17 Sep.

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Very rare passage migrant 3 records from 1 site

A male was at Sellack Marsh on 25 May and stayed until 27 May. This is the 5th County Record (D. Webb) but unfortunately it was on private land with no access. It was singing well, but remained very elusive during its stay.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Common resident breeder and very common winter visitor 163 records from 68 sites Breeding was confirmed at five locations: Bishopstone, Gatchapen Cottage Rushall, Ledbury, Madley Earth Station and Merrivale Ross-on-Wye. The larger counts were: 15 at Burghill on 27 Aug; 17 at Stocklow on 6 Sep; 18 at Mordiford on 1 Nov; 20 at Wellington GP on 3 Nov; 20 at Coppet Hill Common on 7 Dec; 15 at Belmont on 12 Dec and 20 at Hampton Bishop on 18 Dec.

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 38 records from 19 sites

71 The first sighting for the year was recorded at The Orchards Allensmore on 15 April and the last was of a single at Haugh Wood on 24 Jun. The larger counts were: six at Parkwood Kington on 2 May; four at Downton Gorge on 14 May and four at Moccas Park on 13 Jun. No breeding records were received for the year. There has been no recorded evidence of breeding during the last seven years, but with several pairs in the north-west of the county, breeding has probably taken place.

Chiffchaff (Common Chiffchaff) Phylloscopus collybita Very common migrant breeder, uncommon winter visitor and common passage migrant 233 records from 96 sites

During the first winter period (Jan/Feb), there were only three sightings received: two at Wellington GP on 5 Jan; two at Ross Sewage Works on 7 Jan and one at Hereford Sewage Works on 3 Feb. The first of the main influx of migratory birds was seen at Wellington GP on 9 Mar. There were records in each month of the year.

Breeding was confirmed at seven locations: Credenhill Park Wood, Hartleton Lakes, Little Doward, Madley Earth Station, Munsley, Weir Garden Kenchester and Welsh Newton Common. Larger numbers were: 15 at Gamber Meadows on 13 Apr; 39 at Haugh Wood on 6 May; 21 at Backbury Hill on 22 May; 12 at Lower Foxhall Lake on 7 Aug; 25 at Hartleton Lakes on 21 Aug; 10 at Brockhall GP on 24 Aug and 18 at Hereford Quarry on 25 Aug.

For the second winter period (Nov/Dec), there were four records received: one at Hartleton Lakes on 25 Nov; one at Wellington GP on 1 Dec; one at Ross Sewage Works on 12 Dec and one at Wellington GP on 30 Dec. A single of the tristis race was seen at Wellington GP on 7, 14 and 21 Dec.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Abundant migrant breeder and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 168 records from 78 sites

The first record received for the year was of one singing at Down House Bromyard on 20 Mar and the last was one seen at The Orchards Allensmore on 1 Oct. Breeding was confirmed at seven locations: Eastnor Park, Garway Hill, Hereford Quarry, Ledbury, Madley Earth Station, Weir Garden Kenchester and Welsh Newton Common. Larger numbers reported were: 50 at Titley Pool and 30 at Wellington GP, both on 13 Apr; 19 at Haugh Wood on 22 Apr; 20 at Ewyas Harold Common on 23 Apr; 20 at Hollybush/British Camp on 2 Jun and 17 at Garway Hill on 7 Aug.

72 Mick Colquhoun Mick Mistle Thrush feeding on yew berries at Old Gore in January 2013 Mick Colquhoun Mick A Whitethroat photographed in Wellington village in May 2013

73 Mick Colquhoun Mick A male Great Spotted Woodpecker photographed in January 2013

74 Mick Colquhoun Mick A Redwing feeding on yew berries in December 2013 Mick Colquhoun Mick A male Greenfinch photographed at Old Gore in December 2013

75 Mick Colquhoun Mick Female Brambling photographed on snow in January 2013 Gerald Wells A female Wheatear with an insect at Much Cowarne in September 2013

76 Blackcap (Eurasian Blackcap) Sylvia atricapilla Very common migrant breeder, uncommon winter visitor and common passage migrant 198 records from 87 sites During the first winter period (Jan/Feb), there were birds recorded at 21 locations spread throughout the county; at six of these sites they were seen regularly from early Jan to late Mar. Late Mar/Apr saw the main arrival of the migratory birds and breeding was confirmed at eight locations: Credenhill Park Wood, Gamber Meadows, Garway, Garway Hill, Hartleton Lakes, Hollybush Quarry, Lower Foxhall Lake and Weir Garden Kenchester. Larger numbers were: 25 at Brockhall GP on 23 Apr; 14 at Titley Pool NR and 18 at Wellington GP, both on 27 Apr; 12 at Hartleton Lakes on 8 May; 12 at Mowley Wood on 21 May; 11 at Wapley on 18 Jun and 10 at Queenswood Dinmore in Jun. For the second winter period (Nov/Dec), there were records received from four locations: one at Newton St Margarets on 16 Nov, also on 4 and 30 Dec; one at Gatchapan Cottage Rushall on 24 Nov; one at Munstone Road Holmer on 26 Nov and one at Bromsash on 15 Dec. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant 88 records from 50 sites The earliest sighting was at Cleeve Orchard Ross-on-Wye on 26 Apr and the last was at Mawfield Farm Clehonger on 16 Aug. Breeding was confirmed at one location: Symonds Yat West on 10 Jun. Large groups were: four at Ragged Stone Hill on 16 May; eight at Hollybush/British Camp on 2 Jun; nine at Haugh Wood on 3 Jun; four at R Wye Wilton on 9 Jun and seven at Symonds Yat West on 10 Jun. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant 39 records from 26 sites The first record for the year was of a single singing at Kenchester Pools on 20 Apr and the last was one seen at Hereford Quarry on 22 Sep, a late date. Large groups were: four at Wellington GP on 27 Apr; three at Moorend Farm Much Cowarne on 31 Jul and five at Hereford Quarry on 25 Aug. No breeding records were received for the year, but breeding could have taken place at these three locations. Whitethroat (Common Whitethroat) Sylvia communis Very common migrant breeder and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 86 records from 47 sites

77 The first sighting for the year was of two birds heard singing and seen at Wellington GP on 14 Apr and the last was a male seen at Bodenham Lake on 22 Sep. Breeding was confirmed at: Eastnor Park, Gamber Meadows, Gethenfield Farm Clehonger, Hartleton Lakes, Stocklow and Tretire. Larger numbers were: 10 at Brockhall GP on 6 May; 26 at Gamber Meadows on 5 Jun; 26 (13 pairs) at Stocklow on 1 Jul and 15 juveniles at Wellington GP on 7 Sep. Grasshopper Warbler (Common Grasshopper Warbler) Locustella naevia Rare migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 2 records from 2 sites The two records were: one at Wellington GP on 21 Apr and one at Ragged Stone Hill on 28 Apr. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant 40 records from 16 sites The first record received was one at Wellington GP on 16 Apr and the last was one at Stocklow on 10 Sep. Breeding was recorded at: Pencoyd and R Teme Downton/ Criftin Ford Bridge. Larger counts were: 20 at Wellington GP on 28 Apr; six at Downton/Criftin Ford Bridge on 8 May; 14 at R Wye Holme Lacy and four at Hereford Quarry, both on 1 Jun, and four at Pencoyd on 11 Jun. Reed Warbler (Eurasian Reed Warbler) Acrocephalus scirpaceus Uncommon migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant 34 records from 10 sites The first record received was one at Wellington GP on 25 Apr and the last was of one at Pencoyd on 4 Sep. Breeding was recorded at: Hereford Quarry on 21 Jul (one adult was BTO ringed) and Pencoyd on 29 Jul. Larger numbers were: four at Wellington GP on 2 May; five at Berrington Hall Pool in June and five at Pencoyd on 6 Aug. Waxwing (Bohemian Waxwing) Bombycilla garrulas Scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant 44 records from 22 sites After the very large influx of numbers seen in late 2012, birds were recorded in early January 2013 as follows: five at Queenswood Dinmore on 1 Jan; 15 at Aldi Superstore Hereford on 2 Jan; 6 at Little Gorsley on 11 Jan and 18 at Old Luctonians Rugby Club on 13 Jan. Sightings continued through late Jan, Feb and Mar and the last sighting for the year was of 20 at Walford Church Ross-on-Wye on 14 Apr.

78 Large counts were: 45 at Aldi Superstore Hereford on 31 Jan; 64 at Cleeve Orchard Ross- on-Wye on 6 Mar; 30 at Walford and 30 at Chase Wood Ross-on-Wye, both on 24 Mar. Nuthatch (Eurasian Nuthatch) Sitta europaea Common resident breeder 136 records from 54 sites Breeding was confirmed at: Canon Frome Court, Donnington, Eastnor Castle Lake, Forest Green Walford, Old Colwall; Pudleston and Weir Garden Kenchester. Larger counts were: five at Queenswood Dinmore in Jan; 16 at Haugh Wood on 18 Feb; six at Aconbury on 12 Jul; five at Mordiford on 4 Sep and six at Coppet Hill Common on 7 Dec. Mick Colquhoun Mick Treecreeper (Eurasian Treecreeper) Certhia familiaris Very common resident breeder 120 records from 59 sites No breeding records were received this year. Three birds were seen at the following locations: Checkley on 20 Mar; Oyster Hill on 19 Apr; Haugh Wood on 22 Apr; Mordiford on 10 Jul; Brockhampton on 22 Jul and Coppet Hill Common on 7 Dec. All other records were of singles and pairs. Wren (Eurasian Wren) Troglodytes troglodytes Abundant resident breeder 253 records from 78 sites Although the number of reported sites was similar to last year’s total, the number of records showed an increase from 220 in 2012. Breeding was recorded at: Brockhall

79 GP, Credenhill Park Wood, Gamber Meadows, Garway, Hartleton Lakes, Hollybush, Madley Earth Station, Snodhill Castle and the Weir Garden Kenchester. Higher counts were: 21 at Gamber Meadows on 19 Feb and 18 there on both 29 Mar and 5 Jun; 51 in Haugh Woods on 5 Apr and 56 there on both 6 and 20 May. Two Wrens were reported roosting in an old Swallow’s nest at Newton St Margarets on 31 Dec. Starling (Common Starling) Sturnus vulgaris Very common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 235 records from 110 sites There was a 50% increase in the numbers of records and sites reported compared with 2012. Breeding was confirmed at: Brockhall GP, Flight’s Farm and Oakland Drive Ledbury, Letton Lakes, Little Marcle, Munsley, Munstone Road, Snodhill Castle and Staplow. Larger flocks reported were: 5,200 roosting at Wellington GP on 29 Mar and also 5,000 there on 2 Nov; 5,000 at Garway on 29 Mar; 40,000 at Eaton Hill Leominster on 30 Mar and 3,409 at Stocklow on passage in groups of 5 – 40 on 24 Oct. A flock of 250 was reported at Newton St Margaret feeding on leatherjackets on 1 Apr. Dipper (White-throated Dipper) Cinclus cinclus Common resident breeder 34 records from 25 sites There was a reduction in the number of records and sites received compared with recent years, maybe because of the more extensive coverage for the county Atlas. Breeding was confirmed at: Alltyrynys (two broods), Broad Oak Monnow tributary, Clodock (two broods), Craswell Old Post Office and Old School, Cwm Farm Llanveynoe (two broods), Escley Brook, Kinsham, Llangua (two broods), Llanwonog (two broods), Olchon House, Upper Craswall and Walterstone. All sightings were of ones or twos. Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Rare migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 2 records from 1 site The two records were of a single at Kenchester Pools on 6 Apr (A.H. Eveleigh; A. Marchant). It remained there the next day. Blackbird (Common Blackbird) Turdus merula Abundant resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant 296 records from 98 sites

80 There is a small increase in the number of records and sites compared to last year. Breeding was confirmed from 27 sites spread throughout the county. Larger counts were: 24 feeding on fallen apples at Tillington on 3 Jan; 26 at Newton St Margarets on 19 Jan; 20 at Queenswood on 20 Jan; 19 at Gamber Meadows on 29 Jan; 46 at Holme Lacy on 7 Apr; 25 at Ledbury on 14 Apr; 40 at Stocklow on 6 Nov and 30 in orchards at on 29 Nov. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 139 records from 81 sites The latest record for the first winter period was from Moccas on 28 Apr and the earliest record for the second winter period was from Staunton on Arrow on 11 Oct. For the first winter period the large counts were: 1,000 roosting at Wellington GP on 1 Jan; 700 on the Lugg Meadows on 7 Jan and 1,000 at Wergins Bridge on 12 Jan. The only large flock noted in the second winter period was of 1,250 at Staunton on Arrow on 29 Nov. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Abundant resident breeder, common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 364 records from 138 sites Again this year there were large increases in both the number of records and the number of sites. Breeding was confirmed at: Brimfield, School Wood Croft Castle and Weir Garden Kenchester; this is a disappointing number of confirmed breeding reports considering the increase in the number of sightings spread throughout the county. Larger numbers were: 11 at R Wye Mordiford/Bunch of Carrots on 24 Jan; 21 at Haugh Wood on 5 Mar, 23 there on 20 May and 19 on 17 Jun and 24 at Stocklow on 6 Oct. Redwing Turdus iliacus Very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 134 records from 77 sites This year many more records were received from more sites. The latest record for the first winter period was from Forest Green Walford on 12 Apr and the earliest record for the second winter period was from Stocklow on 6 Oct. There was only one record of a large sighting of 1,700 birds, flying over in flocks of 30 – 100, seen at Stocklow on 12 Oct. Other large flocks during the second winter period were: 330 at Stocklow on 19 Oct; 200 at Wergins Bridge on 26 Oct; 150 at Wellington GP on 17 Nov; 162 at Hereford Quarry on 21 Nov; 200 at Brockhall GP on 29 Nov and 380 at Staunton on Arrow on 29 Nov.

81 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Very common resident breeder BoCC listed: Amber 177 records from 74 sites Breeding was confirmed at: Brockhall GP, Cold Green Bosbury, Eastnor Park, Fishpool Cottage, Garway Hill, Hartleton Lakes, Hereford Quarry, Munstone Road Holmer and Old Colwall. The larger counts were: 22 feeding on wild cherries at Staunton on Arrow on 30 July; 20 at Moorend Farm Much Cowarne on 31 Jul; 31 at Hereford Quarry on 16 Aug and 32 at Hartleton Lakes on 21 Aug. A Mistle Thrush was noted repelling Waxwings off mistletoe berries at Walford Leintwardine on 17 Feb, while eight birds were seen feeding on yew berries at Weir Garden Kenchester on 25 Sep and again on 30 Oct. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 91 records from 63 sites The earliest record was from Eastnor Park on 30 Apr and the last was from Cleeve Orchard Ross-on-Wye on 29 Sep. Breeding was confirmed at: Castleton, Clehonger Church, Dinmore Hill, Gamber Meadows, Hartleton Lakes, Mynde Much Dewchurch, Norton Wood, Shirlheath, Weir Garden and Wyson Common. Most records were of one or two and occasionally three; larger counts were: four at Brockhampton Bromyard on 2 Jun; a pair plus two juveniles at the Mynde Much Dewchurch on 29 Jul; four at Checkley on 13 Aug and a pair plus three juveniles at Weir Garden Kenchester on 21 August. Robin (European Robin) Erithacus rubecula Abundant resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant 272 records from 93 sites Breeding was confirmed from 21 sites spread throughout the county; this was an increase from the eight reports of last year. The larger numbers were: 42 at Ashperton on 2 Apr; 49 at Kilpeck (spread throughout the village) on 13 Apr; 51 at Backbury Hill on 22 May; 25 on Garway Hill on 18 Sep; 20 at Hartleton Lakes on 27 Sep and 19 at Letton Lakes on 27 Sep. At Haugh Wood most of the monthly counts exceeded 40, the highest being 74 on 6 May. At Moccas on 15 Oct, a Robin was found dead that had been ringed at Moccas as a juvenile (BTO ring number D226321). Pied Flycatcher (European Pied Flycatcher) Ficedula hypoleuca Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 21 records from 13 sites The earliest record was from Tregate Farm Llanrothal on 16 Apr and the last from Wapley Hill on 18 June. Breeding was confirmed at: Kiln Grove Wood Whitney-

82 on-Wye, Moccas Park, Witney Wood Dulas and Wigmore Rolls, but see also the Herefordshire Nature Trust Nestbox Recording Scheme report (pages 120 – 129). The highest numbers were: five at Witney Wood Dulas on 23 April; five at Wigmore Rolls on 28 Apr; five at Mary Knoll on 7 May and 23 at Moccas Park on 13 Jun. Redstart (Common Redstart) Phoenicurus phoenicurus Common migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 97 records from 70 sites Although the number of sites remained similar the number of sightings has decreased from 127 last year. The earliest sighting was from Stocklow on 28 Mar and the latest from Sellack Boat on 14 Sep. Breeding was confirmed at: Garway Hill, Hereford Quarry, Hollybush Common, School Wood Croft Castle, Sellack, Tedstone Delamere and Weir Garden Kenchester, but see also the Herefordshire Nature Trust Nestbox Recording Scheme report (pages 120 – 129). Higher counts were: 10 at the Darens on 5 May; eight at Hergest Gardens on 1 May; eight at Garway Hill on 13 May and six at Hollybush/British Camp on 2 Jun. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Scarce migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 4 records from 3 sites The records were: three at Wilmaston Farm Peterchurch on 24 Apr; one at Forest Green Walford on 4 Sep; one at R Wye Castleton on 5 Sep and two juveniles there on 28 Sept. Mick Colquhoun Mick

83 Stonechat (European Stonechat) Saxicola rubicola Uncommon resident breeder, common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant 9 records from 6 sites There were no breeding evidence received. Three records were received from Wellington GP, two from Credenhill Park Wood and singles from Climbing Jack Common, Hereford Quarry, Parky Meadow Wigmore and Weston Farm Bredwardine. No doubt this is not a true reflection of the Stonechat’s distribution as there are no records from the Black Mountains, Hergest Ridge or Bradnor Hill, all known sites for this species. Wheatear (Northern Wheatear) Oenanthe oenanthe Common migrant breeder and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 58 records from 33 sites There is a significant increase in the number of reports received this year, sadly however, there was only one confirmed breeding record, from Bradnor Hill. The earliest record was from Brockhall on 22 Mar and the latest from Eccleswall Court on 24 Oct. Larger counts were: eight at Wellington GP on 15 Apr; six at Rotherwas on 16 Apr; eight at Holme Lacy on 25 Apr; 10 at the Black Darren on 5 May and six on the Black Hill on 10 Sep. Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa Scarce passage migrant 3 records from 1 site The records were all from one site, Stocklow: five on 23 Apr; eight on 25 Apr and one on 10 Sep. Dunnock Prunella modularis Abundant resident breeder BoCC listed: Amber 186 records from 69 sites

Ten breeding reports were received from widely distributed locations throughout the county from 25 Apr to 22 Aug. The species was recorded in every month of the year at Bircher Common, Hereford Quarry and Letton Lakes. A count of 12 was noted at Rotherwas on 16 Apr.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus Very common resident breeder BoCC listed: Red 248 records from 113 sites

This was a significant increase in recording over previous years. There were 14 breeding records received, mainly from the centre of the county, for the period 26 Apr – 10 Jul. The largest flocks recorded were: 40 at Hergest Ridge on 1 Jan and 40 at Redhill Hereford on 2 Nov.

84 Tree Sparrow (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) Passer montanus Uncommon resident breeder BoCC listed: Red 20 records from 10 sites The only breeding record this year was once again from R Wye Castleton & Winforton when four juveniles were noted on 26 Aug. The species was seen in a garden at Stretford Bridge on four occasions in Jan, Apr and Dec with a maximum of four birds. Seven were noted in a barley field ‘towards Brampton Bryan’ on 12 July. Yellow Wagtail (Western and Eastern Yellow Wagtail) Motacilla flava Uncommon migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant 94 records from 33 sites The first record was from Stocklow on 28 Mar and the latest from Golf Course and Stocklow, both on 26 Sep. The largest flock seen was 30 at Wellington GP on the 28 Apr. There were three breeding records: one from Broad Oak on 26 Jun and two from R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 1 Jul and 20 Jul. There has been a steady increase in the recording of this species over the last seven years. While the maximum number of confirmed breeding records have only reached five, during this period, the numbers of pairs and juveniles observed would suggest that this species is becoming more successful in the county, or alternatively the Atlas survey has encouraged better coverage of the county. Blue-headed Wagtail Montacilla flava flava Very rare passage migrant 3 records from 2 sites All three records were of singles. The first was at Backney Common on 26 Apr (I. Draycott), an immature bird was at Brockhall GP on 28 Apr (P.H. Downes) and another was present also at Brockhall GP on 30 Apr (N.C. Pegler; J. Tilby). All birds were considered to be “Channel Wagtails”, that is M. f. flava x M. f. flavissima hybrids. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Common resident breeder BoCC listed: Amber 91 records from 56 sites This was a significant increase in reporting over previous years. There were seven breeding records at the following locations: Craswall and Alltyrynys Railway Bridge in April; at Llangua/Monmouth Gap during Apr – Jun (two broods); R Wye Hereford Left Bank on 1 Jun; Canon Frome on 26 Jun; Criftin Ford Bridge on 6 Jul and R Wye Victoria Bridge on 7 Jul. The only significant count was of six at Brockhampton Bromyard on 2 Jun.

85 Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii Abundant resident breeder, common winter visitor and common passage migrant 160 records from 60 sites There were seven breeding records from the following sites: Leighton Court on 13 Apr; Hartleton Lakes on 23 Apr; Burghill cricket ground on 17 May; Brockhall GP on 2 Jun; Whitchurch on 10 Jun; The Orchards Allensmore on 13 Aug and Walford Leintwardine on 13 Aug. A large flock of 200 was noted at Sainsbury’s in Hereford on 17 Jan. White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba Uncommon passage migrant 19 records from 5 sites.

The records submitted this year are more numerous than previous years. The earliest bird was seen on 19 Mar and the latest record was on 4 May, both at Wellington GP that produced 13 of the records. There were two sightings from each of Brockhall GP and Kenchester and the other sites were Golden Cross and Stocklow. The highest number of birds seen was 18 at Wellington GP on 14 Apr.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Uncommon migrant breeder and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 57 records from 27 sites There were no confirmed breeding records this year, although singing or displaying males were noted at: Garway Hill, High Vinnals, Park Wood Newton, Wigmore Rolls, Wilmaston Farm Peterchurch and Yatton Marsh. Breeding records have been confirmed, infrequently, in previous years.

The earliest record was a single in Haugh Wood on 15 Apr was the latest was two at Credenhill Park Wood on 28 Sep. Six were noted at Wigmore Rolls on 28 Apr and at Garway Hill on 4 Jul. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 177 records from 67 sites There has been a substantial increase in the number of records submitted over the last two years. There were 11 displaying birds on Garway Hill on 18 Apr and the only breeding record also came from there on 17 Aug, when 19 birds were counted ‘plus young’.

The higher counts reported were: spring flocks of 100 both at Wellington GP on 23 Mar and at Brockhall GP on 24 Mar. At the end of the summer, a flock of 100 was recorded at Bradnor Hill on 31 Aug and 92 were counted at Forest Green Walford on 4 Oct.

86 Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant 92 records from 48 sites This was not a high influx year for this species. The highest count was of 60 on Bodenham Moor on 25 Mar and although greater than in the last two years it does not match the counts of 2007 and 2008 when flocks of 200 were recorded. The latest record for the first winter period was one in a garden at Lyonshall on 6 May and the earliest arrival in the autumn was at Wapley Hill on 15 Oct. During this second period, the highest count was of 30 at Oaker Coppice Bircher Common on 21 Dec. Chaffinch (Common Chaffinch) Fringilla coelebs Abundant resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant 229 records from 86 sites Although the numbers of records received for this species have increased over the last six years, the numbers seen at any one time have fallen. The exception was 2012 when a flock of 300 was noted. The largest flock recorded this year was of 70 at Priors Frome on 23 Mar and in Coneygree Wood where ‘big numbers’ were noted on 18 Mar. Only three breeding records were confirmed this year: a pair and one juvenile seen at Donnington on 19 Jun; a pair and two juveniles at Weir Garden Kenchester on 26 Jun and one juvenile at Eastnor Park on 5 July. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Rare resident breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 65 records from 16 sites There were no breeding evidence reported. This year 80% of the records came from the Ledbury/Checkley areas. On four occasions during March, 20 were recorded in the Coneygree Wood and Underdown House area on the outskirts of Ledbury and 40 were seen at Ledbury Tennis Club on 21 Mar.

Bullfinch (Eurasian Bullfinch) Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common resident breeder and common winter visitor BoCC listed: Amber 312 records from 110 sites The number of records has nearly doubled and the number of sites increased by 50% this year compared with the previous six years. This species was observed throughout the county with the exception of the uplands in the west. Two breeding records were received: a male with a juvenile was seen in Brimfield on 21 Jun and a juvenile was noted at Forest Green Walford on 26 Aug. The species

87 was recorded in every month of the year in Haugh Wood with as many as 11 counted during one visit on 8 Dec. Other high counts were: 13 at Staunton on Arrow on 1 Nov and 11 at Hollybush/British Camp on 15 Nov. Greenfinch (European Greenfinch) Chloris chloris Very common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant 128 records from 59 sites It is pleasing to report the continued increase in the number of records again this year, showing the steady upward trend in this species since the ‘low year’ of 2009 when only 66 records were received from 31 sites. However, this year is still significantly lower than the 204 records reported in the county in 2005, before the outbreak of trichomonosis. Three breeding records were received: an adult and three juveniles at Garway Hill on 19 Jun; a breeding pair in a garden at Forest Green Walford on 29 Jun and four adults and three juveniles at Tupsley on 30 Jul. A large flock of 500 roosting birds were at Little Birch on 1 Jan. Linnet (Common Linnet) Linaria cannabina Common resident breeder, very common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 127 records from 68 sites One breeding record was received from Garway Hill on 19 Jun when seven adults ‘plus young’ were noted. A large flock of 200 was counted on a stubble field at Cock Croft Leominster on 17 Jan; smaller flocks of 160 at Milton Cross on 4 Oct and 111 at Bromsash on 3 Dec were also reported. Lesser Redpoll (Common Redpoll) Acanthis cabaret Common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Red 92 records from 46 sites In relation to the first winter period, the latest record was at Haugh Wood on 6 May and the earliest record in the second winter period was at Moccas Park on 11 Oct. The largest flock found this year was of 60 in a mixed flock of finches feeding in alders on the R Lugg at Bodenham Church on 1 Feb. Crossbill (Red Crossbill) Loxia curvirostra Scarce breeder, uncommon winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant. Prone to irruption 82 records from 29 sites No breeding records were received. The species was recorded in every month except Mar and with 87% of records during Aug – Dec. There was a strong population present

88 in Haugh Wood during this Aug – Dec period, peaking at 60 on 21 Oct. Other large counts were: 37 at Wapley Hill on 18 Oct and 50 there on 1 Dec and 30 at High Vinnals on 8 Dec. Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus Rare passage migrant prone to irruption BoCC listed: Amber 1 record A female was identified feeding with Crossbills at Wapley Hill on 22 Dec (P.H. Downes). This was the 1st County Record for this species. At this time, there was a major irruption of both Parrot and Two-barred Crossbills in the UK. Gerald Parker

Goldfinch (European Goldfinch) Carduelis carduelis Common resident breeder and very common winter visitor 190 records from 75 sites Six breeding records were received from five sites: Oakland Drive Ledbury on the 9 Jun; Munstone Road Holmer on 20 Jun; Eastnor Park on 24 Jun; Weir Garden, Kenchester on 21 Aug and 25 Sep and Bishopstone on 11 Sep. Juveniles were also noted at Hereford Quarry on 19 Jun and at Hartleton Lakes on 7 Aug. The larger counts were: 50 at Trippleton on 3 Jan; 50 at Bodenham Moor on 16 Jan; 55 at Deer Park Estate Ledbury on 6 Feb; 70 at Hartleton Lakes on 27 Sep; 60 at Wergins Bridge on 26 Oct and 45 in a game crop at Wapley Hill on 16 Nov.

89 Siskin (Eurasian Siskin) Spinus spinus Uncommon resident breeder, very common winter visitor and common passage migrant 230 records from 95 sites The number of records for this species has been increasing since 2010. There were three breeding records at: Hampton Bishop on 19 May; Symonds Yat West on 10 Jun and Little Birch during Jun/Jul. Juveniles were also seen at Whitchurch on 10 Jun. Three flocks of 100 or more were reported: 100 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 8 Jan; 200 at Down House on the Bromyard Downs on 20 Mar and 100 feeding on sunflower hearts in a garden at Luston on 21 Mar. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Abundant resident breeder and very common winter visitor BoCC listed: Red 144 records from 80 sites The number of records has shown a steady increase over the last four years. There were two breeding records: a pair with two juveniles at Munsley on 7 Jun and a pair feeding young at Madley Earth Station on 26 Jun. In addition, a pair was seen ‘on territory’ at Dulas on 4 May and a group of 12, including juveniles, was seen at R Wye Castleton and Winforton on 26 Aug. A large flock of 130 was seen on the Mortimer Trail at Kington on 4 Jan. Reed Bunting (Common Reed Bunting) Emberiza schoeniclus Common resident breeder, common winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant BoCC listed: Amber 108 records from 55 sites There were five breeding records: two breeding pairs at R Teme Downton Bridge on 18 Apr – 20 May; an adult carrying food at Whitchurch on 10 Jun; a pair with two juveniles at Gamber Meadows on 20 Aug and four adults and three juveniles there on 4 Sep and two juveniles at Hampton Bishop on 12 Sep. A flock of 30 was noted at Wellington GP on 17 Mar.

[The systematic list scripts were written by the following authors: Peter Eldridge, Tony Eveleigh, Gareth & Una Morgan, Gerald Parker, John Pullen, Gerald Wells and Brian Willder]

90 Exotica & escapes Reeves Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii 1 record A male was seen at Bodenham on 1 Apr together with Pheasants. Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus 1 record A male was seen at Backbury Hill on 21 Jun. Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo 1 record A male and five females were seen at Wapley Hill on 16 Feb: they had been released for shooting. Black Swan Cygnus atratus 2 records from 2 sites One was seen at Titley Pool NR on 22 Apr and possibly the same individual was seen at Flintsham on 30 Jul. Small (Ridgway’s) Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii minima 28 records from 8 sites Cackling Goose was formerly treated as conspecific with Canada Goose, but was split in 2004. The taxonomy of the group is still in a state of flux, but at the time of writing four sub-species of B. hutchinsii are recognised, of which minima is the smallest, only half the size of the Canada Goose commonly naturalised in Europe. While there have been recoveries this side of the Atlantic of North American-ringed Cackling Geese, the species is kept widely in captivity and it remains in category E of the BOU list at present. It is believed that two adult individuals were present in the county during the year 2013. The first individual was at Wellington GP on 22 Mar and then seen regularly at Brockhall GP during the months of Jul, Aug and Sep. It was also at Kenchester Pools on 10 Aug, Bodenham Lake on 15 Nov, Hereford Quarry on 16 Nov, Bodenham Lake again on 6 Dec and finally at Hereford Quarry on 29 Dec. The second individual was seen at Eccleswall Court on 24 Apr and 23 May and then seen regularly on the R Wye at Wilton during the months of Aug and Sep and on 13 Nov. Also one of the two birds was seen at R Wye Mordiford/Bunch of Carrots on 26 Dec.

91 Observers 2013

Mrs J Allen I Buttriss J C Davies K Anderson J Chamberlain M H Davies Ms J Arnsby N Chapman Miss N Davies S R Baillie C R Cheesman Paul Davies Michelle & Mike Barrett A P Chick R Davies P Beasley Graham Clarkson S Davies M Becker Andy Clements G M Davis Ms J Bennett F A Clements A Dawson Gail Bellville Mrs Lucy Clothier Mrs F Di Marco G S Bilbao Club Outing J A Dix BirdGuides Mrs M Clucas Mrs C Downes J W Birkinshaw Ed Coleman P H Downes Maggie Biss Miss R J Collins P & T Downes G Black Richard Collins T W Downes J Blair M Colquhoun Ian Draycott D G Boddington M Condon N Duggan D J Bowen S Coney Trevor Ellery E Bowen-Jones Mrs P Constance Ms S Evans Brigid Bowerman T C Cooke A H Eveleigh P & F Bradley T & V Cooke G W Ewart P G Bradley A R Cookney T Eyles Peter Bridge S Cooter T Fairfield P Bristow Catherine Coulson Mrs J Field C Brooks K Coupland Norman Fincham G D Brown Richard Cowell Martin Flavell Mike Brown Peter H Crispin Denise Foster Ms F S Burge D J Crook A T Foxton J S Butcher G Cundale T Freeston A Buttriss Barbara Daniels J Gale

92 Z Gallamore L Ison Archie Miles P G Garner Ginny James K E Miles J Gascoyne M James T & A Millard Ms V Geen Rachel Jenkins R G Miller M Gitsham P Jennings Mrs Joan Mills John Golden Ceri Jones Jonathan Milton W H Gregory C M Jones K Mitchell David Griffith Hilary M Jones K A McGee Rob Guest Innes Jones J Mclellan Bob Hall Mrs B Kedward Joan Mills S Hall J Kedward G Morgan Louise Hamilton G King-Salter N Morris I Hart P S E Lack H Morton R F W Hemming Miss E La Monica Julie Morton G Henderson Justin Lane A R Mountford Herefordshire Barn Owl D Langford G Mowe Group C E Lankester D Mullin K Hewitt C E Laurie Dorothy Newsholme S Hicks Mrs F Leathart S Nickols M P Hobson Gillian Linscott C P Overton S V Holloway Garth Lowe Mrs S Page P J Hopkins David Ludlow J Paige N Hopkinson Ludlow Swift Group J Palfery Carrie House A Marchant G & M Parker Gary House W J Marler G R Parker Joy House Robert Martin D Parkinson Jack Hughes H Mason C Parr Ms C Hulme K & C Mason P Parsons T Hulme P D Masters P & J Parsons R Husbands Jane Matthews R Peacey Ruach Ingham A J Mercer S Peacey 93 A R Pearce I Roe R Tushingham N C Pegler I Rose S J Tyler N & L Pegler R W Roseveare P Venvil M J Penford Robert Rowley T Wall J Penrice Ms Peta Sams Andrew Walton Mr Percy P M Seligman Caroline Watkins B Phillips M Shurmer S E Watkins D J Phillips D Skidmore W Watson J B Phillips A P J Skull Mrs J Weale R Phillips Ann Smith D Webb Eric Pilcher D Smith E D Wells Roger Platt Dave & Ann Smith G A H Wells R Pote Les Smith Mike J Wheeler S Potter P J Smith Phil Whittaker J Potts Stuart Smith Ms C Wichbold G J Poulton Clive Stainton B & A Wildey J R Powell Richard Stallard J Wilkinson Gavin Price J Sutton Mrs A Willder Ned Price M F Taylor B Willder J R Pullen R Taylor T Willder M Pullen Mrs S J Taylor C Williams S Pullen Will Teiser J Williams Vivien Quinn A Thomas M J Williams E Quinto-Ashman D J Thompson R T Williams Andrew Ramsay Lewis Thomson Hugh Wood R Relph John Tilby J S Woodhall Miss F Riddell K P Tillett Ms H Woodman David Rippe Ralph Tucker Dennis Woodward David Roberts J J Tucker C Worlock C M Robinson David Tuckett-Good Ms J Wynne-Jones Miss M L Robinson C E Tudge

94 Summer and winter migrants 2013 Summer migrants - earliest and latest dates

Species Earliest Location Latest in Location in 2013 2013 Garganey 28 Feb Brockhall GP 19 Oct Brockhall GP Osprey 28 Mar Bodenham 23 Sep R Arrow Eardisland Little Ringed 15 Mar Brockhall GP 25 Aug Brockhall GP Plover Common 06 Apr Brockhall GP 31 Oct R Wye Mordiford – Sandpiper Bunch of Carrots Greenshank 15 May Brockhall GP 22 Sep Hereford Quarry Turtle Dove 03 Jul Hope Mansell 02 Aug Much Dewchurch Cuckoo 17 Apr R Wye Bunch of 12 Jul Backney Carrots Swift 16 Apr Bishop’s School 27 Aug Moor Farm Lane Tupsley Hereford Hobby 18 Apr Kiln Green and 10 Oct Hereford City Howle Hill Sand Martin 23 Mar Wellington GP 22 Sep R Wye Backney Bridge Swallow 21 Mar Gregg’s Pit Much 01 Nov Wellington GP Marcle House Martin 11 Apr Hereford Quarry 10 Oct Bromsash Wood Warbler 15 Apr The Orchards 24 Jun Haugh Wood Allensmore Willow 20 Mar Down House 01 Oct The Orchards Warbler Bromyard Allensmore Garden 26 Apr Cleeve Orchard 16 Aug Mawfield Farm Warbler Ross-on-Wye Clehonger Lesser 20 Apr Kenchester Pools 22 Sep Hereford Quarry Whitethroat Whitethroat 14 Apr Wellington GP 22 Sep Bodenham Lake Grasshopper 21 Apr Wellington GP 28 Apr Ragged Stone Hill Warbler Sedge Warbler 16 Apr Wellington GP 10 Sep Stocklow Reed Warbler 25 Apr Wellington GP 04 Sep Pencoyd Ring Ouzel 06 Apr Kenchester Pools - - Spotted 30 Apr Eastnor Park 29 Sep Cleeve Orchard Flycatcher Ross-on-Wye

95 Species Earliest Location Latest in Location in 2013 2013 Pied 16 Apr Tregate Farm 18 Jun Wapley Hill Flycatcher Llanrothal Redstart 28 Mar Stocklow 14 Sep Sellack Boat Whinchat 24 Apr Wilmaston Farm 28 Sep R Wye Castleton and Peterchurch Winforton Wheatear 22 Mar Brockhall GP 24 Oct Eccleswall Court Yellow Wagtail 28 Mar Stocklow 26 Sep S. Herefordshire Golf Course and Stocklow Tree Pipit 15 Apr Haugh Wood 28 Sep Credenhill Park Wood

Winter migrants - latest and earliest dates

Species 1st winter Location 2nd winter Location period in period in 2013 2013 Bewick’s Swan 03 Feb Lower Lugg 28 Dec Wellington GP Meadows Whooper 29 Mar Wellington GP 05 Nov R Wye Castleton and Swan Winforton Pink-footed 11 Apr Criftin Ford - - Goose Bridge Wigeon 26 Apr Brockhall GP 16 Jul Wellington GP Teal 29 Jun Brockhall GP 16 Jul Wellington GP Pintail 06 Apr Letton Lakes 05 Sep Brockhall GP Pochard 02 Apr Wellington GP 20 Jul Wellington GP Goldeneye 28 Apr Wellington GP 02 Oct Wellington GP Golden Plover 27 Apr Hergest Ridge 05 Oct Hergest Ridge Jack Snipe 11 Apr Warner’s Farm 06 Oct Wellington GP Mathon Great Grey 05 Mar Climbing Jack - - Shrike Common Waxwing 14 Apr Walford - - Fieldfare 28 Apr Moccas 11 Oct Staunton on Arrow Redwing 12 Apr Forest Green 06 Oct Stocklow Brambling 06 May Lyonshall 15 Oct Wapley Hill

96 Wetland Bird Survey in Herefordshire, 2008–2013 The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) is an important and long-running project which had its beginnings in 1947. Over the years it has widened its scope and it is now run by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) in partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) in association with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT). WeBS is the monitoring scheme for non-breeding waterbirds in the UK, which aims to provide the principal data for the conservation of their populations and wetland habitats. Although the main WeBS focus is on the winter months when waterbird populations are at their highest, many surveyors carry out their counts all year round and this is the case for all of the sites surveyed in Herefordshire. As its name implies the survey concentrates on wetland bird species, but all species can be (and are) recorded by most surveyors. In common with most other UK counties, Herefordshire conducts monthly WeBS counts on all of its major open water sites and there are number of other surveys along stretches of the River Wye. This report presents data on the major waterfowl which occur at the five largest open water bodies in the county: Bodenham, Wellington and Brockhall Gravel Pits; Hereford Quarry and Hartleton Water. Data from a sixth site (Berrington Pool) is also used in some cases, although being a small water it does not attract every species in large enough numbers to provide usable counts. WeBS reporting periods are centred around the six autumn and winter months (October to March) so the winter of 2012, for example, is described as 2012/13. This report examines winter population changes over five winter periods from winter 2008/09 to winter 2012/13, the period for which the dataset from all six sites is more or less complete. Numbers of wildfowl vary each year due to naturally occurring effects, weather being a prime factor, and it is therefore sensible to view changes over a longer period than just one year. Figure 1 showing the typical monthly population change for one migrant duck species (Wigeon) over one year at one site illustrates this point. By contrast, note the relatively flat variance in numbers of a typical resident species (Tufted Duck). The four most numerous duck species recorded in Herefordshire are Mallard, Wigeon, Teal and Tufted Duck with smaller numbers of Pochard, Shoveler and Gadwall. It is these seven species whose counts, either separately or combined in various ways, are examined in this report.

97 Brockhall Gravel Pits 2013 200 180 160 140 120 100 Wigeon

Number 80 Tufted Duck 60 40 20 0 Jul Jan Jun Sep Feb Oct Dec Apr Aug Mar Nov May

Figure 1: Monthly Wigeon and Tufted Duck numbers at Brockhall Gravel Pits, 2013

Before examining number variation at individual sites it is instructive to look at the variation in the total number of all duck species from all six major wetland sites over the five-year period under review. Figure 2 shows the annual variation in the total numbers of the four commonest duck species at all six sites and a fifth trend for a combined group of the three less common ducks (Gadwall, Pochard and Shoveler) is shown as ‘Other ducks’.

Combined annual duck count totals for six sites 3000 Species 2500 Mallard 2000 Tufted Duck

1500 Teal Wigeon Total count Total 1000 Other ducks 500 All ducks

0 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Figure 2: Annual variations in duck numbers at six sites

98 The top (black) line shows the annual variation in total number of all these duck species and clearly shows two peaks, one in 2009/10 and another even higher in 2012/13. Both of these were notably cold winters by recent standards and the graph shows the effect this had on the two migratory species Teal and Wigeon. The dip in Mallard numbers during 2009/10 winter is slightly puzzling but might be explained by missed WeBS counts at Wellington GP during January, February and March 2010. Even with combined counts the numbers of the three lesser species are so small that annual variations are barely noticeable at this scale.

Looking at the data on a species by site basis reveals some variation to this somewhat generalised conclusion. Figure 3 shows Teal and it can be seen that there is a much more varied distribution of “peak years” across sites with only Brockhall conforming to the previously mentioned pattern. It also highlights the importance of Hereford Quarry for this species in the county.

Teal 200 180 160 Site 140 Bodenham GP 120 Brockhall GP 100 Hartleton Water 80 Hereford Quarry

Maximum count 60 40 Wellington GP 20 0 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Figure 3: Annual variations in Teal numbers at five sites

Wigeon regularly occur at only four of the sites and as may be seen in Figure 4 the two peak years previously noted for Brockhall are largely replicated at two of the three other sites with only Hereford Quarry being the exception. Interestingly, this site seems instead to be showing a gradual increase in Wigeon numbers over the five-year period.

99 Wigeon 250

200 Site

Bodenham GP 150 Brockhall GP 100 Hereford Quarry

Maximum count Wellington GP 50

0 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Figure 4: Annual variations in Wigeon numbers at four sites Looking now at the first of the two resident duck species shows Mallard (Figure 5) with a generally flatter annual variance with the two obvious exceptions of over 400 birds at Wellington GP in 2008/09 and again in 2012/13, nearly three times the maximum counts of other years.

Mallard 500 450 Site 400 Berrington Pool 350 Bodenham GP 300 250 Brockhall GP 200 Hartleton Water

Maximum count 150 Hereford Quarry 100 Wellington GP 50 0 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Figure 5: Annual variations in Mallard numbers at six sites Similar uniformity is apparent for Tufted Duck (see Figure 6) but with Wellington GP again being something of an exception. A peak count of 215 occurred here in 2009/10 but was not repeated in the other cold winter, 2012/13, and there appears to have been an ongoing decline in numbers over the five-year period. Tufted Duck only occurs in very low numbers on Hartleton Water and Berrington Pool so counts are not shown but the other three sites show no significant fluctuations over the

100 Tufted Duck 250

200 Site

Bodenham GP 150 Brockhall GP 100 Hereford Quarry

Maximum count Wellington GP 50

0 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Figure 6: Annual variations in Tufted Duck numbers at four sites five years. All these sites have far fewer numbers than Wellington GP and it is evident that this site is the most important in the county for this species. None of the foregoing reveals any significant upward or downward trend in duck numbers over five years which is perhaps an indication that what wetland habitat there is in Herefordshire remains in a suitable condition for waterbirds. A further indication of this might be seen by looking at the five-year status of Great Crested Grebe. Numbers are small but the trend is virtually flat for three sites with only Brockhall and Wellington GPs showing downward and upward trends respectively (see Figure 7), effectively cancelling each other if viewed in terms of combined numbers.

Great Crested Grebe 25 Site

20 Bodenham GP Brockhall GP 15 Hartleton Water Hereford Quarry 10 Wellington GP

Maximum Count Maximum Trend (Brockhall GP) 5 Trend (Wellington GP)

0 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Figure 7: Annual variations in Great Crested Grebe numbers at five sites

101 Coot provides an interesting but somewhat similar comparison (see Figure 8), although for this species all sites bar one show flat five-year trend lines. In the interests of clarity only the exception, Brockhall GP, is shown on the chart revealing a significant and somewhat puzzling decline. Note that Hartleton Water holds very small numbers of Coot so is not included.

Coot 300

250 Site

200 Bodenham GP Brockhall GP 150 Hereford Quarry 100 Wellington GP Maximum count Trend (Brockhall) 50

0 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Figure 8: Annual variations in Coot numbers at four sites

One should perhaps be cautious before drawing firm conclusions from Herefordshire WeBS data. The county has relatively small numbers of wildfowl spread over just a few sites and as shown most species occur in very low numbers at some sites meaning that comparison between them at a species level might not be totally reliable. Pochard,

Pochard 40

35

30 Site

25 Bodenham GP

20 Brockhall GP

15 Hereford Quarry

Maximum count 10 Wellington GP

5

0 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Figure 9: Annual variations in Pochard numbers at four sites

102 for example, only occur regularly at four sites with only Hereford Quarry and Wellington GP ever holding double figure counts (see Figure 9).

Shoveler numbers are even more varied (see Figure 10). The massive peak of over 80 at Wellington GP in 2012/13 provides further evidence of the effect of weather (although other sites did not experience this), but the species is absent in some years from Bodenham and Brockhall GPs.

Shoveler 90 80

70 Site 60 Bodenham GP 50 Brockhall GP 40 Hereford Quarry 30

Maximum count Wellington GP 20 10 0 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Figure 10: Annual variations in Shoveler numbers at four sites

Despite the occasional inconsistencies between species or sites within some of the preceding data, there is a general and encouraging consistency in Herefordshire wildfowl numbers by site over the five-year period of this study. At a national level, three of the species considered here (Gadwall, Mallard and Shoveler) have maintained relatively stable numbers over the same period, although there is a longer term decline in Mallard numbers. Teal and Tufted Duck numbers have increased slightly and another four (Coot, Pochard, Wigeon and Great Crested Grebe) have shown declines with Great Crested Grebe being the most dramatic. Herefordshire wetland sites may not be hugely significant in national terms but it is encouraging that these trends are not necessarily replicated in this county and they remain stable and inviting habitats which are attractive to a good range of species. Without the WeBS counts this study would not have been possible and I would like to thank all the Herefordshire WeBS counters for their enthusiasm and dedication in carrying out their surveys. Chris Robinson

103 Bird ringing in Herefordshire 2013 This is a summary of birds ringed in Herefordshire in 2013 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) Red Kite 12 12 Goshawk 18 18 Buzzard 5 5 Moorhen 1 1 Stock Dove 1 8 9 Collared Dove 1 1 Cuckoo 1 1 Tawny Owl 1 1 Kingfisher 1 1 Green Woodpecker 1 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 40 40 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 2 2 Kestrel 2 2 Hobby 3 3 Magpie 7 5 12 Jay 15 15 Jackdaw 3 3 Goldcrest 33 33 Blue Tit 816 397 1213 Great Tit 305 161 466 Coal Tit 51 17 68 Willow Tit 2 2 Marsh Tit 11 7 18 Sand Martin 164 164 Swallow 3 38 41 House Martin 6 6

104 Species Adults Pulli Total ringed (nestlings/chicks) Long-tailed Tit 115 115 Chiffchaff 310 310 Willow Warbler 32 32 Blackcap 160 160 Garden Warbler 11 11 Lesser Whitethroat 3 3 Whitethroat 7 7 Sedge Warbler 7 7 Reed Warbler 72 6 78 Nuthatch 13 8 21 Treecreeper 24 24 Wren 68 68 Starling 6 6 Dipper 18 139 157 Blackbird 414 8 422 Fieldfare 25 25 Song Thrush 51 9 60 Redwing 47 47 Mistle Thrush 32 4 36 Spotted Flycatcher 7 7 Robin 249 9 258 Pied Flycatcher 78 546 624 Redstart 31 88 119 Wheatear 1 1 Dunnock 88 88 House Sparrow 53 53 Grey Wagtail 2 17 19 Pied Wagtail 21 8 29 Brambling 5 5 Chaffinch 97 5 102 Bullfinch 45 45 Greenfinch 27 5 32 Linnet 1 1 Lesser Redpoll 135 135 Goldfinch 169 3 172 Siskin 571 571 Reed Bunting 6 6 Grand Totals (63 species) 4463 1531 5994

105 The overall ringing total for the county is notably higher (+30%) than that reported for 2012. Some of this may be attributable to changes in ringing effort, rather than numbers of birds. For example, considerably more Blue and Great Tit chicks were ringed this year than in 2012, and the total for Siskin is more than 12 times that of the previous year – but Siskin is a notoriously mobile species. BTO monitoring schemes CES: Some 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 breeding success and on adult survival rates for 24 species of common songbird. Each year the same ‘mist nets’ (special nets for catching birds safely) are operated in the same locations and over a standard length of time in each session, every 10 –11 days through the breeding season from the beginning of May to the end of August. Thus the annual catching effort is constant, and variations in numbers of birds caught should relate to actual changes in the avian population. RAS: Some ringing of Pied Flycatchers 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 national results of both these ongoing surveys can be found on the BTO website (http://www.bto. org/volunteer-surveys/ringing/surveys/ces and http://www.bto.org/volunteer- surveys/ringing/surveys/ras). NRS: The ringing of nestlings often also generates complete nest histories which are submitted to the BTO’s Nest Record Scheme (NRS), enabling monitoring of nest success and productivity of nesting birds – see http://www.bto.org/volunteer- surveys/nrs. The 2013 season For the second year running the spring was unusual: this time it was very late (and the coldest since 1962). Sustained cold weather throughout April continued into early May, delaying nesting for many species. The development of vegetation (and hence availability of insects which eat such vegetation) was so retarded (by as much as a month in some areas) that early-hatching broods were at significant risk of starving. Later-hatching birds fared much better, especially when a prolonged warm spell developed in July (the warmest summer since 2006). However, productivity of young birds in the previous breeding season (2012) was generally poor, for both summer migrants (warblers) and for resident birds. For example, Chiffchaff productivity in 2012 was 41% down on the five-year average for 2007–11, and for Blackcap it was 62% down. This will have reduced the numbers of birds potentially available for capture during 2013, and this, coupled with the weather during 2013 itself, may explain the marked reduction in the totals for such species.

106 Summary of Much Marcle CES results At Much Marcle, a total of 808 individuals were captured, of 30 different species. Of these, 694 were unringed when caught (including six nestlings ringed before fledging), while 114 were recaptures of birds ringed at the site in earlier years. In addition, during the year there were 255 other recaptures of some of these 808 birds, giving a grand total of 1063 records for the year. This is significantly lower than the corresponding totals for 2012 (1286 individuals plus 461 additional recaptures and a total of 1747 records). This probably reflects the weather and productivity issues noted above. Noteworthy points included: • Warblers were severely down in numbers (figures in parentheses show comparable numbers for 2012): for Chiffchaff, 178 individuals were caught, of which only six were recaptures from earlier years (342, which was an all-time high); 163 of the 178 were hatched in 2013. Willow Warbler did very poorly with just nine individuals this year (113). Sylvia warblers were also well down: only two Lesser Whitethroats (10) were caught; four Whitethroats (6), though this species has been much less numerous since 2003 when the site became wetter; no Garden Warblers at all (7) and 52 Blackcaps (144, though this was exceptionally high). In contrast, Reed Warbler numbers held up, at 110 individuals (122), including six chicks, 54 juveniles and 33 recaptures from earlier years; but Sedge Warbler declined somewhat to six (15) – like Whitethroat this species has occurred here much less post-2003. • Another summer migrant, the Spotted Flycatcher, also fared rather badly, with just seven individuals this year, compared to 27 in 2012, which again was a particularly high total. • After catching the first Green Woodpeckers at the site in 2012, a fourth was caught in 2013. • Four more Great Spotted Woodpeckers. • Amongst other resident species: 21 Wrens (28) and 31 Long-tailed Tits (51). • Only eight Greenfinches, just a little higher than 2012 (4). • On a more positive note, the seventh Moorhen (first since 2007) and eleventh Grey Wagtail (last one in 2009) were caught. Recoveries and controls This section gives details of birds ringed or subsequently encountered in Herefordshire 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

107 ringing information on the first line and one or more subsequent recoveries below. The symbols and conventions used are as follows: (i) 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) • Juv.: caught in the calendar year of hatching, not yet completed ‘post-juvenile’ 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-yr: caught in the calendar year of hatching, after post-juvenile moult (Euring age code 3) • F-grown: full-grown, year of hatching not determined – bird has reached full size, but could have hatched in current or an earlier year (Euring age code 2) • 2nd-yr: 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.) (ii) Sex: M = Male, F = Female (iii) Circumstances of recovery – mostly self-explanatory, but in particular: • Ct. alive: caught and released by a ringer, some distance from the site of ringing (in most cases more than 5 km) • Recap’d: caught and released by a ringer at the site of original ringing • Fnd. dead: freshly dead • Read in field: ring read in the field (e.g. with binoculars or telescope) 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. ‘Much Marcle’ refers to CES discussed above, at grid reference SO6533. ‘Glos.’ is used as an abbreviation for Gloucestershire.

108 Canada Goose 5246670 Adult 01-07-2007 Llangorse Lake, Powys Dead – 01-04-2013 Norton Canon 5y 9m 0d 34 km NE leg only 5246942 Adult 29-06-2008 Llangorse Lake, Powys Fnd. dead 29-11-2013 River Wye, nr 5y 5m 0d 26 km NNE Whitney-on-Wye

These represent two more recoveries illustrating the continued movement of Canada Geese from Llangorse Lake to Herefordshire.

Mandarin FH69269 Adult: F 03-08-2012 nr Parkend, Glos. Alive 28-03-2013 Fownhope (read in 0y 7m 25d 27 km N field)

Woodcock EY38102 1st-yr 28-12-2012 Holmsley, New Forest, Hampshire Fnd. dead 07-12-2013 Copse Wood, 0y 11m 9d 150 km NNW (shot) Kentchurch

Lesser Black-backed Gull GG61709 2nd-yr 07-08-1989 nr Hempsted, Glos. Recap’d 08-08-1989 Stretton Sugwas, 0y 0m 1d 43 km NW Hereford Dead 03-04-2013 Northside, 23y 7m 27d 322 km NNW Workington, Cumbria

Woodpigeon FH08574 2nd-yr 26-07-2010 Beckingham, nr Retford, Nottinghamshire Alive 20-07-2013 Moreton-on-Lugg 2y 11m 24d 193 km SW (colour rings seen)

109 Kestrel EL30024 Nestling 16-06-2011 Ashmead, nr Dursley, Glos. Fnd. dead 04-03-2013 Stoke Prior, nr 1y 8m 16d 61 km NNW Leominster

Hobby EW36355 Nestling 01-08-2010 Hasfield Ham, Glos. Fnd. dead 10-06-2013 Walford, nr 2y 10m 9d 63 km NW Leintwardine

Blue Tit X258442 Juv. 14-06-2009 Much Marcle Recaptured in 2010, 2011, 2012 and most recently on 02-06-2013 (3y 11m 19d after ringing) X808542 1st-yr: M 30-08-2009 Much Marcle Recaptured in 2010, 2011, 2012 and most recently on 02-06-2013 (3y 9m 3d after ringing) In addition, at Much Marcle four were recaptured from among those ringed in 2011, and another 15 from 2012.

Coal Tit Y861591 1st-yr 15-09-2012 Woorgreen Lake, Glos. Dead 17-02-2013 Tupsley, Hereford 0y 5m 2d 30 km NNW

Sand Martin X698678 Adult: F 21-06-2009 Backney Common Recap’d 11-08-2013 Backney 4y 1m 21d 0 km L079294 Juv.: F 02-07-2010 Backney Common Recap’d 02-08-2013 Backney 3y 1m 0d 0 km D251572 Juv. 26-07-2013 Backney Ct. alive 14-08-2013 Pett Level, Sussex 0y 0m 19d 255 km ESE D251670 Juv. 02-08-2013 Backney Ct. alive 26-08-2013 Roseliere, Chenac- 0y 0m 24d 725 km S Saint-Seurin-D’uzet, Charente-Maritime, France

110 The last two Sand Martins illustrate the rapid journeys that migrants undertake once they begin their seasonal movement.

Swallow X205228 Nestling 12-06-2013 Sellack, nr Ross- on-Wye Ct. alive 20-09-2013 Haseley Manor, 0y 3m 8d 172 km SE Arreton, Isle of Wight

Long-tailed Tit ECB109 F-grown 23-02-2013 Highley, M Ct. alive 22-04-2013 Portway, nr 0y 1m 30d 55 km SSW Richard’s Castle BXD055 Juv. 20-05-2007 Much Marcle Recaptured in 2008, 2011, 2012 and most recently on 05-05-2013 (5y 11m 15d after ringing)

In addition, at Much Marcle two were re-caught that had been ringed there during 2011, and two that were ringed during 2012.

Chiffchaff ECC782 Juv. 15-07-2012 Much Marcle Fnd. dead 25-03-2013 St Anne, Alderney, 0y 8m 10d 257 km S (cat) Channel Islands

This bird was presumably attempting to head back north after spending the winter in Africa. The Much Marcle Chiffchaff data can be summarised by tabulating for all the birds caught this year and how many were ringed this year or in each preceding year (the first column shows the total captures this year):

Total 2013 2012 2011 2010 178 172 3 1 2 Adult when ringed * 8 Juv. when ringed 163 3 1** 2*** * One bird ringed in 2013 was not aged ** One of the juvenile 2011 birds, DRN422, was also caught there in 2012 *** One of the birds ringed as a juvenile in 2010, DCL279, was also caught at the site in 2012

111 Blackcap D474247 Juv.: M 10-07-2013 Weobley Ct. alive 22-09-2013 New Earswick, York, 0y 2m 12d 235 km NNE North Yorkshire The Much Marcle Blackcap data can be summarised by tabulating for all the birds caught this year and how many were ringed this year or in each preceding year (the first column shows the total captures this year):

Total 2013 2012 2011 2010 52 51 1 - -

Garden Warbler V601594 1st-yr: 31-07-2011 Hope under M Dinmore, Leominster Ct. alive 16-05-2013 West Down Plantation, 1y 9m 16d 117 km SSE nr Tilshead, Wiltshire

Sedge Warbler D639756 1st-yr 21-08-2013 Much Marcle Ct. alive 07-09-2013 Titchfield Haven, Hill 0y 0m 17d 159 km SSE Head, Fareham, Hants

Reed Warbler The recent Reed Warbler capture histories for Much Marcle are summarised below, showing the years in which each bird was encountered and the interval between first ringing (indicated by N) and the most recent recapture. Other ringing sites have similar sets of records. The maximum recorded age for British ringed Reed Warblers is just under 13 years.

Ring No. 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Interval V377176 M N X X X X X 6 yrs 322 days X258001 F N XX X 5 yrs 0 days X258491 M NXX X 4 yrs 17 days L049242 N X 3 yrs 33 days L358516 * N X X X 3 yrs 10 days L358522 N X X 3 yrs 2 days L358793 N X X 3 yrs 42 days L358923 N X 3 yrs 4 days L518080 N X X 3 yrs 15 days * L358516 was ringed in 2010 as a nestling, and has returned to breed here every year since

112 Another way of summarising the Much Marcle data is to tabulate for all the Reed Warblers caught this year and how many were ringed this year or in each preceding year (the first column shows the total captures this year):

Total 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 110 77 12 9 9 1 1 - 1

Wren DBV942 Juv. 16-08-2009 Much Marcle Recaptured at the site in 2010, 2012 and most recently on 26-05-2013 (3y 9m 10d after ringing). The Much Marcle Wren data can be summarised by tabulating for all the birds caught this year and how many were ringed this year or in each preceding year (the first column shows the total captures this year):

Total 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 21 14 4 2 - 1

Dipper RF54191 Nestling: 06-06-2010 Lower Hergest, F Kington Ct. alive 22-05-2013 Shirley, nr Upper 2y 11m 16d 16 km NE Kinsham RL18510 Nestling: 08-04-2012 Old Post Office, F Craswall Ct. alive 13-04-2013 Altyrynys, nr 1y 0m 5d 12 km SSE Pandy, Gwent RL18822 Nestling: 03-05-2013 Back Brook, F Kington Ct. alive 01-10-2013 Milebrook, 0y 4m 28d 15 km N Knighton, Powys RL18653 Nestling: 08-05-2013 Troy Bridge, F Monmouth, Gwent Ct. alive 30-11-2013 Pontrilas 0y 6m 22d 19 km NW

Blackbird CW95392 Juv.: M 15-07-2006 Much Marcle Recap’d 21-07-2013 Much Marcle 7y 0m 6d

113 LA95770 Juv.: M 27-07-2008 Much Marcle Recap’d 02-08-2013 Much Marcle 5y 0m 6d LB61379 Juv.: M 04-07-2009 Much Marcle Recaptured at the site twice in 2011 and then on 02-08-2013 (4y 0m 29d after ringing) LC02598 Juv.: F 04-06-2010 Much Marcle Recap’d 07-09-2013 Much Marcle 3y 3m 3d LC52037 Juv.: F 29-07-2010 Much Marcle Recap’d 02-08-2013 Much Marcle 3y 0m 4d LC52052 Juv.: M 29-08-2010 Much Marcle Recap’d 18-08-2013 Much Marcle 2y 11m 20d LC52055 Juv.: F 05-09-2010 Much Marcle Recaptured at the site in 2012 and on 02-08-2013 (2y 11m 13d after ringing) LE81099 1st-yr: M 18-10-2013 Kilnsea, Humberside Ct. alive 15-12-2013 Moccas 0y 1m 27d 270 km SW

Although the individuals involved are again different, there is a repetition of the intriguing pattern seen in 2011 and 2012, with significant gaps between dates of ringing and of subsequent recapture. Another way of summarising the Much Marcle Blackbird data is to tabulate for all the birds caught this year and how many were ringed this year or in each preceding year (the first column shows the total captures this year):

Total 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 88 68 11 2 4 1 1 - 1

Robin L049281 Adult: M 12-06-2010 Much Marcle Recap’d 21-07-2013 Much Marcle 3y 1m 9d L618266 Adult: M 09-04-2011 Much Marcle Recaptured at the site seven times in 2011, in 2012 and most recently on 07-07-2013 (2y 2m 28d) L618474 Juv. 04-06-2011 Much Marcle Ct. alive 03-04-2012 Putley, Ledbury Ct. alive 05-07-2013 Putley 2y 1m 1d 4 km N

114 The Much Marcle Robin data can be summarised by tabulating for all the birds caught this year and how many were ringed this year or in each preceding year (the first column shows the total captures this year):

Total 2013 2012 2011 2010 50 44 3 2 1

Pied Flycatcher L329553 Nestling 07-06-2010 Bucknell Wood, Shropshire Ct. alive: 05-06-2013 Mary Knoll, nr 2y 11m 29d 15 km E F Ludlow (box 126) L985145 Adult: F 19-05-2011 The Gogin, nr Newcastle, Shrops Ct. alive 29-05-2013 Mary Knoll, nr 2y 0m 10d 27 km ESE Ludlow (box 23) R541936 Nestling 04-06-2007 Gatley Park, Wigmore, Leominster Ct. alive: 19-05-2008 Shobdon Hill 0y 11m 15d 8 km WSW F Wood, Leominster Ct. alive 25-05-2013 Hurst, , 5y 11m 21d 20 km NW Shropshire R541998 Adult 23-05-2008 Brilley Green Ct. alive: 02-06-2010 Whitney Sawmill F (box TP1) Ct. alive 21-05-2012 Yatton Court, 3y 11m 29d 24 km NE Aymestrey Ct. alive 01-06-2013 Whitney Court 5y 0m 9d 0 km (box 21) T600221 Adult: M 26-05-2007 Mansel Lacy (box 49A) Recaptured in 2008 (box 28), 2009 (box 10) and 2011 (box 29), and most recently on 09-06-2013 in box 30 (6y 0m 14d after ringing) T600922 Adult: F 02-06-2009 Crow Wood, Turnastone (box 21) Recaptured in 2010 (box 42) and 2011 (box 13), and most recently in 2013: first in box 36 where the young died of starvation, and then (successfully raising four chicks) in box 30 (last caught on 20-06-2013, 4y 0m 18d after ringing)

115 T613666 Nestling 03-06-2010 Court Wood, Bredwardine Ct. alive: 27-05-2011 Mary Knoll, nr F Ludlow (box 76) Ct. alive: 05-06-2013 Mary Knoll (box 3y 0m 2d 34 km NNE F 89) X331284 Nestling 06-06-2009 The Wrekin, Wellington, Telford & Wrekin Ct. alive: 25-05-2013 Wigmore Rolls 3y 11m 19d 46 km SSW F X710153 Nestling 29-05-2011 Upper Bryn, Longtown Ct. alive: 24-06-2013 Mansel Lacy (box 2y 0m 26d 19 km NNE M 98) X760053 2nd-yr: 13-06-2009 Whitney Sawmill M (box Y) Recaptured in 2010 (box TP1), 2011 (box Z) and 2012 (box TP1 again), and most recently on 08 06 2013 (box TP1 again), 3y 11m 26d after ringing X760100 2nd-yr: F 17-05-2010 Whitney Court (box 14A) Recaptured in 2011 (box 25) and 2012 (box 14A again), and most recently on 25-05-2013 (box 14A again), 3y 0m 8d after ringing X760152 Nestling 30-05-2010 Crow Wood (box 42) Recap’d: 01-06-2013 Crow Wood 3y 0m 2d F (box 3) X760153 Nestling 30-05-2010 Crow Wood (box 42) Ct. alive: 25-05-2013 Whitney Court 2y 11m 25d 15 km NNW F (box 12A) X760354 Nestling 06-06-2010 Whitney Sawmills (box TP1) Recaptured subsequently as a breeding male at Whitney Court: in 2011 (box 3) and 2012 (box 12A), and most recently on 08-06-2013 (box 1), 3y 0m 2d after ringing X760403 Nestling 10-06-2010 Whitney Sawmills (box W) Recaptured subsequently as a breeding male at Whitney Court: in 2012 (box 11), and most recently on 08-06-2013 (box 30), 2y 11m 29d after ringing

116 X760411 2nd-yr: M 14-06-2010 Whitney Court (box 31) Recaptured subsequently at Whitney Sawmills: in box Q in both 2011 and 2012, and most recently on 08-06-2013 in box R (2y 11m 25d after ringing) Y148001 Nestling 06-06-2011 nr Rhos-y-Meirch, Knighton, Powys Ct. alive: 12-06-2012 Mansel Lacy F (box 47) Ct. alive: 01-06-2013 Mansel Lacy 1y 11m 26d 29 km SSE F (box 17) Y190073 Nestling 06-06-2012 Paradise Farm, , Powys (box 22) Ct. alive: 26-05-2013 Moccas Park, 0y 11m 20d 23 km SSE F Bredwardine Y190119 Nestling 09-06-2012 Whitney Court (box 14A) Ct. alive: 27-05-2013 Paradise Farm, 0y 11m 16d 17 km N F Presteigne, Powys (box 13A) Y190664* Adult: M 09-06-2013 Mansel Lacy (box 44) “ “ Mansel Lacy (box 17) Y770601 Nestling 05-06-2012 Woodhampton Wood, nr Wigmore Ct. alive: 25-05-2013 Wigmore Rolls 0y 11m 20d 3 km NNW F Y842354 Nestling 12-06-2012 Craig Alltyberau, Carmarthenshire Ct. alive: 25-05-2013 Crow Wood, 0y 11m 13d 59 km E F Turnastone (box 15) Y990035 Nestling 10-06-2012 Wigmore Rolls Ct. alive: 14-06-2013 Mary Knoll, 1y 0m 4d 10 km ENE M nr Ludlow (box 39) * Y190664 is included as an example of a male Pied Flycatcher attending two nests simultaneously – these captures were made within an hour or so of one another.

117 Dunnock D157041 Juv. 06-06-2013 Cradley Fnd. dead 12-06-2013 Cradley 0y 0m 6d 0 km (cat) X808115 Adult 22-07-2009 Much Marcle Recaptured at the site in 2011, 2012 and most recently on 21-07-2013 (3y 11m 29d after ringing).

The Much Marcle Dunnock data can be summarised by tabulating for all the birds caught this year and how many were ringed this year or in each preceding year (the first column shows the total captures this year):

Total 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 35 30 4 - - 1

Chaffinch V094701 Adult: F 05-11-2006 Hillaston Fnd. dead 27-02-2013 Balrothery, Dublin, 6y 3m 22d 312 km NW (hit glass) Ireland

Lesser Redpoll D045860 Adult: F 17-03-2013 Queenswood, Hope under Dinmore, Leominster Ct. alive 11-10-2013 Greystoke Forest, 0y 6m 24d 282 km N Cumbria Y310545 Adult 17-03-2012 Hope under Dinmore, Leominster Ct. alive 25-02-2013 Crossgates, 0y 11m 8d 44 km WNW Llandrindod Wells, Powys

Goldfinch L912312 1st-yr: M 22-03-2011 Greenham, Berkshire Ct. alive 10-04-2013 Cradley 2y 0m 19d 112 km NW

118 Siskin Y628976 1st-yr: M 07-02-2013 Cradley Ct. alive 25-04 to Shebster, Highland 0y 2m 18d 720 km N 28-05-2013 Region 0y 3m 21d D156025 1st-yr: F 01-03-2013 Cradley Sick 12-05-2013 Tain, Highland 0y 2m 11d 641 km N (disease) Region D156075 1st-yr: F 08-03-2013 Cradley Fnd. dead 12-05-2013 Lockawe, Dalmally, 0y 2m 4d 506 km NNW (hit glass) Strathclyde D156590 2nd-yr: F 21-03-2013 Cradley Fnd. dead 01-04-2013 Bishops Frome 0y 0m 11d 6 km W (taken by Sparrow- hawk) These represent more examples of the well-known itinerant behaviour of this species, all movements taking place in less than a year.

Reed Bunting L049093 Adult: M 21-03-2010 Much Marcle Recaptured in 2011, 2012 and most recently on 26-05-2013 (3y 2m 5d after ringing)

Acknowledgements The following ringers contributed information for this summary – we appreciate their assistance: Dominic Ash; Dr David Boddington; Felicity Burge; Roger Clay; David Coker; Tony Cross; Maurice Durham (Severn Estuary Gull Group); Dr Graham Geen (Llancillo Ringing Group); Mervyn Greening (Much Marcle CES); John Hodson (Wychavon Ringing Group); Rob Husbands; Paul Leafe; Alan Marchant; John & Ros Matthews; Andrew Ramsay; 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

119 Herefordshire Nature Trust Nestbox Recording Scheme 2013 The history of the Scheme The Nestbox Recording Scheme (NRS) started when the Herefordshire Nature Trust (HNT) came into being in 1962 via the Woolhope Club. A member, Dr Charles Walker, with others set up the Trust – at first merged with Radnorshire. The logo adopted was the Pied Flycatcher as one aim was to erect nestboxes in suitable oak woodlands and so encourage Pied Flycatchers to move eastward from . Over the years this movement has occurred though some BTO reports now consider that it is reverting. In the following year, 60 nestboxes were made by pupils of Whitecross School under the supervision of Dr Walker. As this was before any reserves had been acquired by HNT, they were set up in promising hilly woodlands such as Moccas, Mary Knoll and Shobdon. The first volunteer recorders were HOC members who had joined HNT and had the expertise. Therefore, some of the early woodlands have long-term records with equally long-term recorders and ringers, some of whom have been involved for 40 years and their dedication is much appreciated. The duties of recorders are to maintain the boxes, provided by HNT, to clear them ready for occupation and, once nesting has started in April, to make as near weekly visits as possible recording the species nesting, their eggs, hatching and fledging numbers which are passed on to the HNT Co-ordinator for collating. They also notify named ringers for certain species, such as Pied Flycatchers, Nuthatches and Redstarts. Detailed site and species figures are returned to HNT with annual and comparative totals sent to HOC and the Woolhope Club. Ringing results are sent to BTO. Please contact Beryl Harding if you feel inspired to become a volunteer in the Nestbox Recording Scheme, as she is always looking for help with either existing locations or new sites. Her email address is: [email protected]

Non-HNT Reserve sites: Coppet Hill, Welsh Bicknor Recorders: Mike Thompson & Chris Crane (20 boxes: occupation 50.0%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 2 10 10 9 90.0 Great Tit 5 14 11 9 64.3 Tit species 3 17 11 0 0.0

120 Devereux Park, Woolhope Recorders: Robert & Penny Hall (12 boxes: occupation 50.0%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 5 36 32 25 69.4 Great Tit 1 6 6 6 100.0

This is a new site. Unusually, one box was sited in a pine tree and one in a holly, both of which had 100% success in breeding – both tree types could act as a deterrent to many predators.

Mary Knoll Recorder: Dave Coker (89 conventional boxes + one Owl and two Treecreeper types: occupation 58.4%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 22 162 123 121 74.7 Great Tit 9 64 58 53 82.8 Nuthatch 4 32 24 8 25.0 Marsh Tit 1 5 4 4 80.0 Coal Tit 1 9 9 9 100.0 Redstart 1 6 5 5 83.3 Pied Flycatcher 14 68 57 51 75.0

Three Pied Flycatcher nests were completed but no eggs laid: one female was found dead in the nest during egg laying – egg bound? The remaining Pied Flycatchers and two Redstarts were ringed.

Merryhill, Mansell Lacy Recorders Dave Coker & Felicity Burge (102 boxes: occupation 57.8%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 36 144 128 114 79.2 Great Tit 15 54 48 41 75.9 Pied Flycatcher 8 45 37 37 82.2

For the Pied Flycatchers – of the seven boxes with fledglings ringing took place. One box was usurped by a Blue Tit before any eggs were laid – the parents moved to another nest and the female was ringed. Two Blue Tit boxes had dead young while still small and one successful brood had 17 engorged ticks in the box when it was cleared out.

121 Moccas Park Recorders: Rachel Jenkins & Andrew Ramsay (70 boxes: occupation 41.4%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 1 7 7 7 100.0 Great Tit 4 29 27 27 93.1 Pied Flycatcher 20 122 103 94 70.1 Redstart 3 19 18 17 94.4 Redstart* 1 6 3 3 50.0 * One Redstart used the same box to raise a second brood with 50% success! This is a good site for Pied Flycatchers; 20 nests were completed and used with three others started but unused – all birds were ringed. One bigamous male raised all six young in one box, but of five eggs in another box only one fledged successfully. St. Wulstan’s Wood, Welsh Newton Recorder: Sue Parkinson (19 boxes: occupation 84.2%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 10 72 54 33 48.9 Great Tit 3 15 11 11 73.3 Nuthatch 3 21 19 11 52.4 One Nuthatch nest had six young hatched but unfortunately six were predated by a Woodpecker. One other type of box was used by a mouse. Shobdon Hill Wood Recorder: Dr David Boddington (41 boxes: occupation 53.6%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 7 52 49 47 95.6 Great Tit 3 19 9 ? ? Pied Flycatcher 12 68 58 56 96.5 44 young Pied Flycatchers were ringed. ‘The Leathers’, Aymestrey Recorder: Rodd Symondson (33 boxes: occupation 63.6%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 10 68 56 56 82.3 Great Tit 2 8 5 5 62.5 Pied Flycatcher 9 57 46 40 70.2 One previously ringed female Pied Flycatcher used the same nest last year. All Pied Flycatcher fledglings were ringed.

122 Tidnor Wood Orchard Recorder: Felicity Burge (29 boxes: occupation 58.6%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 10 94 86 82 87.2 Great Tit 7 44 33 31 70.5 With this orchard site most trees are apple, but the birds are avoiding nesting in the hawthorns - perhaps too prickly, though they may keep some predators at bay?

Wellington Wood Recorder: Felicity Burge (20 boxes: occupation 65.0%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 8 86 72 72 83.7 Great Tit 5 33 29 29 87.9

Whitman’s Hill, Storridge Recorder: Janet Parry (12 boxes: occupation 58.3%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 3 23 21 21 91.3 Great Tit 3 17 14 13 76.5 Pied Flycatcher 1 6 5 5 83.3

Three of the six dormouse boxes on site were used by Blue Tits and yielded 19 fully fledged young. Two other boxes showed signs of Pied Flycatcher nesting material – the one successful brood had different parents shown to be previously breeding on Midsummer Hill last year. All Pied Flycatcher fledglings were ringed.

Whitney Court (Wood & Sawmills) Recorders: Dave Bennett & Dave Coker (72 boxes on the two sites: occupation 55.6%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 20 165 134 125 75.8 Great Tit 6 38 28 19 50.0 Pied Flycatcher 14 86 64 45 52.3

Twenty out of 22 ringed or re-trapped Pied Flycatchers had been previously ringed at either Sawmills or the Woodland site, with one caught in the same box for three out of four years.

123 Yatton Court Recorder: Dr David Boddington (17 boxes: occupation 35.3%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 2 10 8 8 80.0 Great Tit 2 14 11 11 78.6 Pied Flycatcher 2 13 13 13 100.0 All Pied Flycatcher fledglings were ringed. Yoke Wood Recorder: Felicity Burge (16 boxes: occupation 62.5%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 4 34 26 16 47.1 Great Tit 5 34 21 17 50.0 Pied Flycatcher 1 5 5 5 100.0 All Pied Flycatcher fledglings were ringed. Mick Colquhoun Colquhoun Mick A male Pied Flycatcher

124 HNT Reserve sites: Brilley Dingle Recorder: Rod Symondson (17 boxes: occupation 76.5%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 2 16 15 15 93.8 Great Tit 8 45 44 44 97.8 Pied Flycatcher 3 21 21 21 100.0 All Pied Flycatcher fledglings were ringed. Clifford Common Recorder: David Smith (13 boxes: occupation 84.6%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 7 35 30 29 82.8 Great Tit 4 20 19 14 70.0 Four nests were started, but then abandoned. Compared with last year, more good nests were abandoned generally. Coughton Marsh, near Ross Recorder: Pete Barley (21 boxes: occupation 28.6%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 2 14 14 7 50.0 Great Tit 4 26 26 11 42.3 Most chicks seem to die in the cold at the end of May due to the poor weather. As usual, dormouse boxes were used by birds but not included in these results. Court Wood Recorder: Felicity Burge (20 boxes: Occupation 70.0%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 8 67 60 52 77.6 Great Tit 5 30 19 15 50.0 Redstart 1 6 - - Abandoned Crampton Lower Wood, Doward Recorder: Graham Wren (8 boxes: occupation 100.0%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 5 34 15 13 38.2 Great Tit 2 8 7 5 62.5 Nuthatch 1 5 - - Failed

125 Crow Wood, Turnstone Recorder: Dave Coker (42 boxes: occupation 59.5%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 7 58 32 26 44.8 Great Tit 8 47 29 14 29.8 Redstart 1 6 6 6 100.0 Pied Flycatcher 9 47 31 14 29.8 Not a good year for Crow Wood – only three boxes of Pied Flycatchers fledged successfully. One female had her nest usurped by a Great Tit, before the eggs were laid and she moved to another box, but was not successful. Of the eight ringed or re-trapped all were from Crow Wood. Food was a problem as spring was delayed, so later broods fared better, as in the case of the usurping Great Tit mentioned above. Lea & Pagets Wood Recorder: David Phelps (45 boxes: Occupation 22.2%)

Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 3 20 6 6 30.0 Great Tit 5 40 37 36 90.0 Wren 2 Unknown - - - Leeping Stocks Recorder: John Sumner (23 boxes: occupation 65.2%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 8 57 30 21 36.8 Great Tit 5 23 16 10 43.5 Nuthatch 2 10 10 8 80.0 Miners Rest, Doward Recorder: Graham Wren (15 boxes: occupation 73.3%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 5 37 16 11 29.7 Great Tit 5 30 16 13 43.3 Nuthatch 1 7 3 3 42.9 Mowley Wood, Staunton on Arrow Recorder: Sarah Cadwallader (12 boxes: occupation 83.3%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 7 64 48 48 75.0 Great Tit 3 22 22 22 100.0

126 Sarah has kindly become the new recorder for this site. Note: Mowley Wood is no longer a HNT reserve. Nupend Recorder: Leslie Smith (20 boxes: occupation 35.0%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 4 18+ 12 6 33.3 Great Tit 3 14 9 9 64.3 Two female Blue Tits were always sitting when visited which rather obscured the results. A very poor year with low box uptake and nests deserted or hatchlings died before fledging. After many years of recording at Nupend, Leslie is retiring this year. We are grateful to him for all his hard work during his time monitoring this site. White Rocks, Doward Recorder: Sarah Thomas (25 boxes: occupation 72.0%) Species Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success Blue Tit 11 61 56 51 83.6 Great Tit 6 25 24 24 96.0 Nuthatch 1 5 5 5 100.0 Two very late broods of Great Tits gave better results as incubation was delayed. Woodside, Doward Recorder: Barrie Jones (18 boxes: not recorded) Previously, several trees had been cut down with the consequent loss of nine boxes. Unfortunately, Mr Jones was unable to record any nestboxes this year. Overall results for 2013 compared with previous years Results for the last nine years are as follows:

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 Sites recorded 26 26 26 29 30 29 33 30 27 Boxes available 741 805 820 818 939 961 943 983 825 Boxes used 453 478 521 510 508 519 639 578 510 % used 61.1 59.3 63.5 62.3 54.1 54.0 67.8 58.7 61.8

Take up of the boxes available was the lowest ever in 2013 due to the cold, wet start to the breeding season. A new site and recorder has been gained on private land at Devereux Wood, Woolhope, but one site remained unrecorded so the overall site number was unchanged. Two recorders on reserve sites have now retired or moved away, but it is hoped that new volunteers will be found for next year.

127 Species results for 2013 compared with 2012:

Species Sites Nests Eggs Hatched Fledged % Success 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 Pied 14 9 135 75 773 477 637 425 563 304 72.8 63.7 Flycatcher Blue Tit 26 26 209 210 1,474 1,613 1,140 1,200 1,019 948 69.1 58.7 Great Tit 26 26 98 141 719 852 579 735 489 574 68.0 67.4 Coal Tit 1 0 1 0 9 0 9 0 9 0 100.0 0.0 Marsh Tit 1 1 1 1 5 6 4 0 4 0 80.0 0.0 Redstart 4 1 7 1 43 6 32 6 31 6 72.1 100.0 Nuthatch 5 9 11 11 70 65 56 37 30 27 42.8 41.5

A poor year for the Nuthatch again as in 2012; they usually have 80-100% fledging results. This is probably because they tend to start nesting early and were again consequently hit by the poor, wet spring while those birds that delayed laying had better results. Comparative success rates in fledglings for various species:

Species 2013 2012 2011 2010 Sites % Sites % Sites % Sites % Success Success Success Success Pied 14 72.8 9 63.7 11 65.2 12 74.9 Flycatcher Blue Tit 26 69.1 26 58.7 26 68.0 28 61.7 Great Tit 26 68.0 26 67.4 26 60.3 28 72.9 Marsh Tit 1 80.0 1 0.0 1 62.5 3 37.5 Coal Tit 1 100.0 - - - - 1 100.0 Nuthatch 5 42.8 9 41.5 8 81.5 7 89.7 Redstart 4 72.1 1 100.0 3 ? 3 51.6 Wren 1 ? 1 58.3 - - - - Wrens nests conform in shape to the surrounding cavity within tree holes or nestboxes and with the entrance hole to one side, so it is difficult to record activity within the nest. Consequently, the record only shows the presence of a nest with no further detail. Wrens also raise a later second brood, but this is usually beyond the time that recorders are monitoring sites so will not be included in the figures, nor will the results include whether they re-used nestboxes.

128 Pied Flycatcher results summary:

Year Sites Nests Eggs Fledged % Success 2013 14 135 773 563 72.8 2012 9 75 477 304 63.7 2011 11 87 543 354 65.2 2010 12 82 539 404 74.9 2009 13 93 525 353 67.2 2008 13 81 582 367 63.0 2007 12 107 636 263 41.4 2006 16 88 520 503 96.7 2005 14 85 574 423 73.7 2004 14 89 620 443 71.4 2003 14 109 708 376 53.1 2002 14 96 685 263 38.4 2000 24 140 669 494 73.8 [N.B. In 2001 there was no recording due to Foot & Mouth restrictions] Fewer sites were taken up in 2012 due to the cold, wet April weather. The number of sites increased in 2013 and could have been more, despite the wet spring, as males were heard calling but nesting did not always follow. Acknowledgements As usual, our thanks go to the recorders who visited their sites regularly during April and May to obtain results. Regular visits were again hampered by the continuous wet weather in 2013 and nests were often found to have some eggs but incubation was delayed, which involved extra recording visits. It was also disheartening to find that many broods eventually failed. Our thanks also go to the ringers who keep the detailed records, which are supplied to the BTO. Ringing requires careful timing from mid-May onwards to both ring the young before they leave the nest and also check the previous ringing of the parents. Co-ordinator: Beryl Harding

129 Garden Birdwatch report 2013

The Garden Birdwatch scheme is HOC’s own design to monitor the number of species appearing in the gardens of participants living in Herefordshire, as well as to record the maximum number of each species seen at the any one time. As such, it is very similar to the RSPB Garden Birdwatch carried out in January each year, but rather than just one weekend, this survey aims to record each week throughout the year which is split into four quarters each of 13 weeks. Only birds seen within the confines of a participant’s garden, including on their house and outbuildings, are included. ‘Garden’ also means any yard, balcony or structure attached to the house or flat, as well as overhead service cables and branches from trees overhanging the household boundary. Birds feeding in the airspace over participants’ properties, such as House Martins, are eligible, but not birds flying over, such as Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Recorders are provided with a two-page form divided into 13 week-columns which list all usual garden species (with an ‘other’ section for rarities). The maximum number of each species seen at any one time is entered in the appropriate week. For example, if in one week a Blackbird is seen on its own every day except one day when three different Blackbirds are seen at the same time, the entry for that week will be three (not nine which would be the total seen over the whole week). The premise of the survey is that the total acreage of all gardens taking part in the Garden Birdwatch is considerable and of immense benefit to birds in terms of the food, water, shelter and nesting sites provided by such man-made habitats. The survey was not set up to produce robust scientific data; its biggest weakness is the inability to provide species trends over time because the numbers of gardens and participants is continually changing. However, with the dedicated volunteer effort involved, it does give a strong indication of how species are faring in garden environments throughout the county. Overview of results The overview of collated results from 2013 (with numbers in brackets from 2012 for comparison) is shown below:

Quarter Number of Number of Maximum number gardens recording species recorded of birds recorded Q1 (Jan – Mar) 28 (36) 60 (59) 3,618 (3,910) Q2 (Apr – Jun) 26 (37) 69 (68) 2,914 (3,269) Q3 (Jul – Sep) 27 (32) 66 (64) 2,938 (2,483) Q4 (Oct – Dec) 34 (29) 56 (59) 3,710 (3,249) There were less gardens participating in 2013 than 2012, apart from Q4. The number of species recorded was fairly consistent between the two years with Q2

130 (spring) being the highest, which is to be expected. Obviously weather and other factors influence the quarterly records obtained. The maximum numbers of birds recorded per species at any one time clearly shows a bias towards the autumn (Oct – Dec) and winter (Jan – Mar) quarters, when gardens provide greater levels of feeding to supplement that available from the natural environment. Species data Each quarter, a newsletter is provided which shows a league table of the top 10 species seen as measured by the greatest numbers (not necessarily frequency). For 2013 these data were as follows:

Rank Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Species No. Species No. Species No. Species No. 1st Fieldfare 301 Starling 376 House 498 House 567 Sparrow Sparrow 2nd House 293 House 307 Starling 356 Starling 252 Sparrow Sparrow 3rd Starling 292 Chaffinch 154 House 290 Goldfinch 236 Martin 4th Siskin 289 Goldfinch 153 Swallow 192 Blue Tit 215 5th Chaffinch 282 Blue Tit 142 Blue Tit 159 Blackbird 194 6th Blue Tit 204 Blackbird 142 Swift 109 Redwing 182 7th Goldfinch 188 Woodpigeon 121 Blackbird 107 Long-tailed 164 Tit 8th Blackbird 187 Collared 87 Goldfinch 100 Fieldfare 154 Dove 9th Long-tailed 185 Great Tit 86 Collared 100 Woodpigeon 132 Tit Dove 10th Woodpigeon 121 Siskin 84 Woodpigeon 97 Linnet 120

House Sparrow and Starling top the list for each quarter, apart from Q1 when many Fieldfares were seen in gardens. Most of the other species wrestle for ranking from quarter to quarter but by and large stay consistently in the top 10. A few notable exceptions are the Chaffinch and Siskin (not seen in the top 10 in Q3 and Q4) and Long-tailed Tit whose appearance in the high ranks is limited to Q1 and Q4, the opposite of Collared Dove which shows up in Q2 and Q3. The summer migrants, House Martin, Swallow and Swift, show up in Q3, while Redwing is present in Q4.

131 Unusual species Participants in 2013 highlighted a few unusual bird visitors to gardens:

Quarter Species Location Q1 Water Rail Moreton Eye Greater Black-backed Gull Pipe-cum-Lyde Q2 Lesser Whitethroat Stretford Bridge Greater Black-backed Gull Clehonger Mandarin (2) Colwall Stonechat Much Dewchurch Red Kite Moreton Eye Q3 Common Gull (4) Holmer Lesser Whitethroat & Redstart Stretford Bridge Redstart Much Dewchurch Q4 White Wagtail Clehonger Black-headed Gull Ledbury

Garden data Clearly the size of the garden coupled with the variety of habitats will influence the number of different species seen in a garden, however, these factors are not recorded or investigated in this survey. In 2013, the greatest number of species recorded in each quarter was provided from two households: Archie Buttriss at Pencoyd with 42 species in Q1 and 40 in Q4 and Guy Poulton and Sue Evans at Moreton Eye with a whopping 50 in Q2 and 46 species in Q3. Both these properties are several acres in size and in rural areas, but it is also important to gather records from urban areas and smaller gardens to complete the ‘garden’ picture for the county as a whole. Although there is a column on the survey form to record evidence of species breeding in gardens, this has not been analysed this year but will be in future years. Interesting observations Q1: Blackcaps and Bramblings were seen regularly in Bromsash and Hereford. One recorder observed more Chaffinches, Coal Tits and Siskins than usual and there were two reports of large flocks of Siskins (60 and 100+). Nine Reed Buntings were recorded in four gardens compared to none in the same quarter of 2012. Q2: Lesser Black-backed Gulls were picking off juvenile Starlings on one recorder’s house roof. A regular survey participant commented that there were no Spotted

132 Flycatchers for the first time in 20 years, but another two were lucky to have four fledgling Spotted Flycatchers in their garden. Swallows arrived five days earlier this year in a garden at Pipe-cum-Lyde. Q3: Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches and Great Tits were absent from a garden in Hereford this quarter and similarly there were fewer birds reported from a Ledbury garden at the end of this quarter. However, in a Bishopstone garden this was a good quarter for fledglings: Blackbird, House Sparrow, House Martin and Goldfinch. Sixteen gardens had Sparrowhawk visits recorded and, consistent with 2012, eight gardens were fortunate to have Tawny Owls present. Q4: There were several comments about the lack of birds due to the mild weather; finches and tits were down in particular. A recorder from Breinton saw three Green Woodpeckers on the lawn and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers on the peanut feeder at the same time. Another unusual sighting was a Tawny Owl on a TV aerial at Luston and more than 120 Linnets in a garden at Moreton Eye. Further information Forms and newsletters for the Garden Birdwatch survey are available in both paper form (posted when a S.A.E. is provided) and electronically. If new participants are interested in becoming involved (or indeed past participants that wish to rejoin), please email [email protected] or inform Ian Buttriss at HOC meetings. Finally, thanks to all Garden Birdwatch recorders in 2013 – both for your records and your interesting and often amusing comments, which make the job of results collation so much more enjoyable. Ian and Natalie Buttriss

133 Index to systematic list

Aythya hybrid ...... 33 Grebe, Great Crested ...... 39 Blackbird ...... 80 Little ...... 39 Blackcap ...... 77 Red-necked ...... 40 Brambling ...... 87 Greenfinch ...... 88 Bullfinch ...... 87 Greenshank ...... 48 Bunting, Reed ...... 90 Grouse, Red ...... 36 Buzzard ...... 42 Gull, Black-headed ...... 54 Chaffinch ...... 87 Caspian ...... 57 Chiffchaff ...... 72 Common ...... 55 Coot ...... 44 Great Black-backed ...... 58 Cormorant ...... 37 Herring ...... 56 Crake, Spotted ...... 43 Lesser Black-backed ...... 56 Crossbill ...... 88 Little ...... 55 Parrot ...... 89 Mediterranean ...... 55 Crow, Carrion ...... 67 Yellow-legged ...... 57 Cuckoo ...... 60 Harrier, Hen ...... 41 Curlew ...... 46 Hawfinch ...... 87 Dipper ...... 80 Heron, Grey ...... 38 Dove, Collared ...... 59 Hobby ...... 64 Stock ...... 58 Honey-buzzard ...... 40 Turtle ...... 59 Jackdaw ...... 66 Duck, Ruddy ...... 35 Jay ...... 66 Tufted ...... 33 Kestrel ...... 64 Dunlin ...... 47 Kingfisher ...... 62 Dunnock ...... 84 Kite, Black ...... 40 Egret, Great White ...... 38 Red ...... 40 Little ...... 37 Kittiwake ...... 54 Fieldfare ...... 81 Lapwing ...... 45 Firecrest ...... 68 Linnet ...... 88 Flycatcher, Pied ...... 82 Magpie ...... 66 Spotted ...... 82 Mallard ...... 27 Gadwall ...... 26 Mandarin ...... 24 Garganey ...... 28 Martin, House ...... 71 Godwit, Black-tailed ...... 46 Sand ...... 70 Goldcrest ...... 68 Merlin ...... 64 Goldeneye ...... 34 Moorhen ...... 43 Goldfinch ...... 89 Nuthatch ...... 79 Goosander ...... 35 Osprey ...... 42 Goose, Barnacle ...... 23 Ouzel, Ring ...... 80 Greater Canada ...... 22 Owl, Barn ...... 60 Greylag ...... 22 Little ...... 60 Pink-footed ...... 22 Short-eared ...... 61 White-fronted ...... 22 Tawny ...... 61 Goshawk ...... 41 Oystercatcher ...... 44

134 Partridge, Grey ...... 36 Teal ...... 26 Red-legged ...... 36 Blue-winged ...... 28 Peregrine ...... 65 Tern, Arctic ...... 54 Pheasant ...... 36 Black ...... 53 Pigeon, Feral ...... 58 Common ...... 54 Pintail ...... 27 Thrush, Mistle ...... 82 Pipit, Meadow ...... 86 Song ...... 81 Tree ...... 86 Tit, Blue ...... 68 Plover, Golden ...... 44 Coal ...... 69 Little Ringed ...... 45 Great ...... 69 Ringed ...... 45 Long-tailed ...... 71 Pochard ...... 33 Marsh ...... 69 Red-crested ...... 33 Willow ...... 69 Rail, Water ...... 42 Raven ...... 67 Treecreeper ...... 79 Redpoll, Lesser ...... 88 Turnstone ...... 47 Redshank ...... 48 Wagtail, Blue-headed ...... 85 Redstart ...... 83 Grey ...... 85 Redwing ...... 81 Pied ...... 86 Robin ...... 82 White ...... 86 Rook ...... 67 Yellow ...... 85 Ruff ...... 47 Warbler, Cetti’s ...... 71 Sanderling ...... 47 Garden ...... 77 Sandpiper, Common ...... 47 Grasshopper ...... 78 Curlew ...... 47 Reed ...... 78 Green ...... 48 Sedge ...... 78 Scaup, Lesser ...... 34 Willow ...... 72 Scoter, Common ...... 34 Wood ...... 71 Shelduck ...... 24 Waxwing ...... 78 Shoveler ...... 28 Wheatear ...... 84 Shrike, Great Grey ...... 66 Greenland ...... 84 Siskin ...... 90 Whimbrel ...... 46 Skylark ...... 70 Whinchat ...... 83 Snipe ...... 53 Whitethroat ...... 77 Jack ...... 53 Lesser ...... 77 Sparrow, House ...... 84 Tree ...... 85 Wigeon ...... 25 Sparrowhawk ...... 41 American ...... 25 Starling ...... 80 Woodcock ...... 53 Stonechat ...... 84 Woodpecker, Great Spotted ...... 63 Swallow ...... 70 Green ...... 63 Swan, Bewick’s ...... 21 Lesser Spotted ...... 63 Mute ...... 21 Woodpigeon ...... 59 Whooper ...... 21 Wren ...... 79 Swift ...... 62 Yellowhammer ...... 90

135 Special ornithological sites in Herefordshire

Key Location NGR Type of Habitat Access 1 Berrington Hall SO510638 Lake, woodland & farmland National Trust 2 Bircher Common SO460670 Common & woodland Public access 3 Bodenham Gravel Pits SO527511 Lake & wetland Public access 4 Bradnor Hill NT SO282584 Hill & common Road & PRW 5 Bringsty Common SO702550 Common & woodland Public access 6 Brockhampton NT SO684549 Farmland, woodland, parkland National Trust & PRW 7 Brockhall Gravel Pits SO451423 Gravel pits PRW 8 Bromsash SO643241 Farmland Road & PRW 9 Castle Pool, Hereford City SO513397 Pool Road & PRW 10 Credenhill Park Wood SO454441 Woodland Public access 11 Coneygree Wood, Ledbury SO718375 Woodland Public access 12 Coppet Hill SO573178 Common & woodland Public access 13 Croft Ambrey Fort SO445667 Hill Fort & woodland National Trust & PRW 14 Croft Castle SO451657 Parkland & woodland National Trust & PRW 15 Downton Gorge NNR SO444743 River & woodland Natural England only 16 Eastnor Deer Park SO745378 Parkland PRW 17 Ewyas Harold Common SO385300 Common Public access 18 Frith Wood SO718395 Woodland Public access 19 Garway Hill SO437251 Common Public access 20 Harley’s Mountain SO345690 Open farmland & hill Public footpaths 21 Hartleton Lakes SO652254 Lakes PRW 22 Haugh Wood SO593365 Woodland Public access 23 Holme Lacy, River Wye SO567347 River & farmland PRW 24 Hergest Ridge SO255562 Hill & common Public access 25 High Vinnals SO472731 Woodland Public access 26 Kenchester Pools SO432427 Farmland & pools Road & PRW 27 Leominster by-pass SO505585 Farmland & river Road & PRW 28 Letton Lakes SO354477 Farmland & wetland PRW 29 Lugg Meadows SO532418 Farmland & wetland PRW 30 Mary Knoll Valley SO497718 Woodland Public access 31 Mathon Gravel Pits SO739454 Gravel pits PRW 32 Merbach Hill SO304447 Common & woodland PRW 33 Midsummer Hill & Hollybush SO760375 Hill & woodland Public access 34 Milton Cross & Shobdon Ind. Est. SO382606 Farmland & industrial estate Road only 35 Moccas Deer Park NNR SO344431 Parkland Natural England only 36 Newton Coppice SO485377 Woodland Public access 37 Olchon Valley SO288317 Farmland PRW 38 Queenswood Country Park SO506514 Woodland Public access 39 Red Daren & Black Darren SO297300 Moorland Public access 40 Sellack, River Wye SO565277 River & farmland PRW 41 Shobdon Court Pools SO401626 Lake, woodland & farmland PRW 42 Sink Green, River Wye SO545376 River & farmland PRW 43 Sutton Walls Fort SO525464 Fort & farmland PRW 44 Titley Pool HNT SO324594 Pool & wetland Public access 45 Wapley Hill SO358623 Woodland Public access

136 Key Location NGR Type of Habitat Access 46 Wellington Gravel Pits SO509480 Gravel pits PRW 47 Welsh Newton Common SO515175 Common & woodland Public access 48 Wigmore Rolls SO397688 Woodland Public access 49 Wilton, River Wye SO590242 River & farmland PRW 50 Winforton River Wye SO293462 Farmland & river PRW Key to abbreviations: HNT = Herefordshire Nature Trust; NNR = National Nature Reserve; PRW = Public Rights of Way Please respect the access to some of these areas because they may be on private land for which the landowner’s permission must be sought. Please also remember the Birdwatchers’ code concerning access on land and disturbance of birds. www.herefordshirebirds.org