Annual Report 2004

The Bi r d s of e r e f o r d s h i r e H 2004

He r e f o r d s h i r e Or n i t h o l o g i c a l Cl u b

1 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

Founded 1950 Registered Charity No 1068608

www.herefordshirebirds.org

Officers and Committee 2006

President I B Evans

Vice-President K A Mason

Chairman N A Smith

Vice-Chairman J R Pullen

Hon Secretary T M Weale

Hon Treasurer and Membership Secretary R G D Morgan

Recorder and Conservation Liaison Officer S P Coney

Annual Report Editor W J Marler

Education Officer B C Willder

‘HOC News’ Editor P Gardner

Meetings Secretary J R Pullen assisted by K A Mason

Strategy Officer P Williams

Committee

P H Downes Miss N J Perry Mrs S Taylor

2 BTO Representative – S P Coney RSPB Representative – I B Evans THE BIRDS OF HEREFORDSHIRE 2004

The 54th Annual Report of Herefordshire Ornithological Club ( Founded 1950 )

ISBN 0 9554157 0 5

Volume 6 Number 4 Edited by WJM Published 2006 ( revised 30 May 2010 )

ISBN 0 9554157 0 5 ( ISBN 978 0 9554157 0 8 - 13 digits from 1 January 2007 )

All rights strictly reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the Committee of Herefordshire Ornithological Club

Herefordshire Ornithological Club is a Registered Charity No 1068608 www.herefordshirebirds.org

Front Cover Illustration : Barn Owl in North Herefordshire © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Back Cover Illustration : A Herefordshire Cider Orchard at Knapton © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Cock Redstart at Croft Ambrey, Herefordshire © 2006 George Ewart ( HOC ) Inside Front Cover Illustration : The Herefordshire Teme at Criftin Ford Bridge © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Frontispiece Illustration : A Little Egret on the Herefordshire Teme at Buckton © 2006 WJM ( HOC )

Printed by : The Orphan’s Press, Hereford Road, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 8JT CONTENTS 2004 i.f.c. HOC OFFICERS & COMMITTEE 2006 28 HEREFORDSHIRE COUNTY RARITIES 4 OBITUARY - Ray Mellish 1930 - 2004 29 HEREFORDSHIRE COUNTY BIRD LIST 2004 5 HOC OFFICERS & COMMITTEE 2004 30 WINTER MIGRANTS 2004 - LAST & FIRST DATES 6 WEATHER REPORT 2004 - by John Pullen 31 SUMMER MIGRANTS 2004 - FIRST & LAST DATES 8 HNT NESTBOX SCHEME 2004 33 THE BIRDS OF GARWAY HILL - by John Pullen 10 HOC FIELD MEETINGS 2004 37 HOC GARDEN BIRDWATCH 2004 11 HOC EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT 2004 38 GREEN SANDPIPERS ON THE RIVER TEME 11 HOC INDOOR MEETINGS 2004 41 ADDENDA 2003 12 HOC ATLAS STEERING COMMITTEE REPORT 42 INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMATIC LIST 2004 16 INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 2004 43 SYSTEMATIC LIST 2004 17 ACCUMULATED FUNDS 2004 & AUDITOR’S REPORT 193 RINGING RECOVERIES 2004 18 2004 praecidium ( in brief ) 194 EXOTICA & ESCAPEES 2004 19 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2004 199 CONTRIBUTORS TO HOC SYSTEMATIC LIST 2004 21 HOC STRATEGY SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT 2004 201 INDEX OF SPECIES 2004 26 EDITORIAL 208 HOC GAZETTEER OF SIXTY SITES 27 HOC RARITIES COMMITTEE - Accepted Rarities 2004 i.b.c. MAP OF SITES IN HEREFORDSHIRE

Illustrations within the Text :

Page 5 : Grey Heron on the River Teme at Buckton © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Page 18 : Chiffchaff at Walford, Leintwardine © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Page 21 : Long-tailed Tit at Criftin Ford Bridge © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Page 22 : Kingfisher at Criftin Ford Bridge © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Page 23 : Common Sandpiper bathing at Criftin Ford Bridge © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Page 24 : Blue Tit preening at Walford © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Page 25 : Grey Wagtail at Stocken Farm Pond © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Page 26 : Kingfisher at Burrington Bridge © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Page 28 : Little Egret on the River Teme at Buckton © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Page 83 : Moorhen Family at Stocken Farm Pond © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) Page 165 : Long-tailed Tit on the River Clun at Marlow © 2006 WJM ( HOC ) OBITU ARY

Ray Mellish 1930 – 2004

It was with great sadness that we heard that the Club’s Hon Treasurer, Ray Mellish, had died on the 20th January. Ray was a professional soldier who had served in Malaya and Germany. On his retirement he and his wife June came to live in Hereford to manage an Esso garage at Belmont. They bought a bungalow overlooking the River Wye at Putson, an ideal situation for watching birds. In 1992 Ray and June became members of the HOC. Ray was a very cheerful and friendly person who was also most helpful and generous. He introduced me to computers and taught me how to use them. He and June loved to travel and visited many far-away places such as the Galapagos Islands and Borneo. At the Club’s AGM on the 2nd March 1995 Ray was elected as the Club’s Hon Treasurer, and he proved to be an extremely efficient, hard working and popular Treasurer. In October 1997 he was asked to look into the possibility of the Club seeking Charity Status. At the AGM of March 1998 Ray announced that the HOC’s application for Charity Status had been granted by the Charity Commissioners. His efforts on behalf of the Club continued to be productive and in the Autumn of 1999, on his own initiative, he devised and organised the setting up of the Club’s Garden Bird Watch Scheme, and published a quarterly newsletter which he named ‘The Birdfeeder’. This proved very popular - with over 50 members joining the scheme. Another considerable achievement was the creation of the Club’s first Website. At a Committee meeting in October 1999 he showed members his plans for the Website. By December the site was operational.

With the passing of Ray the Club has lost a valuable and outstanding Treasurer and friend. He is sadly missed. Our sympathy goes to June and to his sons and daughter.

I B Evans 16 December 2005

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4 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

Founded 1950 Registered Charity No 1068608

www.herefordshirebirds.org

Officers and Committee 2004

President I B Evans

Vice-President K A Mason

Chairman G R Parker

Vice-Chairman & Strategy Officer N A Smith

Hon Secretary T M Weale

Hon Treasurer and Membership Secretary R G D Morgan

Recorder S P Coney

Annual Report Editor I B Evans

Education Liaison Officer Mrs V Jermy

Meetings Secretary J R Pullen assisted by K A Mason

‘HOC News’ Editor P Gardner

Conservation Liaison Officer T W Downes

Committee W J Marler Miss N J Perry P Williams B C Willder ( co-opted )

BTO Representative – S P Coney 5 RSPB Representative – I B Evans Weather Report 2004 by John Pullen JANUARY MARCH MAY

This was a wet month - with 84mm of The first two days had severe overnight The month began with storms, followed rainfall, 17% above the long-term average. frosts, with -6°C on the 2nd making the by a very hot, dry spell from the 12th to Snow was recorded on the 3rd - with 3cms ground hard and even freezing over the 26th - the temperature reaching 23°C falling. Frost was recorded on seven nights the larger ponds. The total rainfall of on the 17th, 18th and 20th. The rainfall towards the end of the month - the coldest 41mm was well below the long-term recorded was 34mm - being 50% of the of which was the 29th at -4°C. Large average. The end of the month saw long-term average. Frosts were recorded numbers of Brambling remained in the warm, sunny days - with 16°C recorded on the 7th, 22nd and 23rd. Above average County - along with flocks of Redpoll. Up on the 31st. Tortoiseshell butterflies broods of Tits and Flycatchers were to 30 were noted at Garway on the 3rd. By were seen flying. Waders returned to hatched, taking advantage of the drier the 17th, Goldcrest, Great Tit and Song the County, Little Ringed Plover on weather. Turtle Doves were heard calling Thrush were singing, and Rooks were the 17th and Redshank on the 28th. on the 3rd on Ewyas Harold Common. noted at their nests at St. Weonard’s on the 27th. Large groups of gulls were recorded in the South of the County - including 300 Black-headed Gulls at Garway on the JUNE 15th and 200 Common Gulls on the Lugg APRIL Meadows on the 18th. A long, dry spell from the 5th to the 18th Although 76mm ( an above average was noted. Rainfall for the month was rainfall ) was recorded, there were spells of only 34mm - well below the average. Hot FEBRUARY dry weather from the 8th to the 15th and days were recorded from the 13th to the from the 23rd to the 26th. One night of 17th with a maximum temperature of 25°C. An interesting sighting came from This was a drier month than usual with frost with -2°C was recorded on the 9th, Lyonshall where 13 Mistle Thrushes were 33mm of rainfall - around 50% of the long- while on the 24th and 25th temperatures seen feeding on cherries on the 19th. term average. Warm days were recorded of 17°C were recorded. The rain of the during the first week - especially on the 14th brought migrants into the County - 5th, with a temperature of 15°C - one of with Dunlin, Whimbrel and Black-necked the warmest February days on record. A Grebe noted at Wellington Gravel Pits. mainly dry period with overnight frosts Swallows and Martins were seen early in was experienced from the 19th to the 25th. the month by the 4th. This was followed on the 26th by strong Easterly winds bringing 75mm of snow which remained until the end of the month. 150 Lapwings were seen at Lyonshall on the 5th and 200 in Hereford on the 15th. � �

6 JULY SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER

A hot, dry, sunny month - 19 days being The month began with warm, dry This was a drier month with 30mm of dry. Of the 39mm of rainfall recorded weather, the temperature reaching 25°C rainfall recorded, 40% of the long-term 26mm occurred on the 8th. The daily on the 5th and 9th. The rainfall was average. There was a dry spell from the temperature was often 20°C or more, below average at 53mm. By the middle of 11th to the 17th, and frost was recorded on the warmest being 25°C on the 30th. A the month Swallows and House Martins the 13th and 14th. A passage of Skylarks, Quail was heard calling at Bromsash on were gathering on telegraph wires - moving South, was noted from the 16th the 12th. with a big passage noted on the 23rd of to the 23rd. A Mistle Thrush was heard Skylarks, Swallows and House Martins. singing on the 24th. Three Golden Plovers were heard calling over the Gamber Meadows on the 22nd. AUGUST Blackcaps were still feeding in the garden until the 22nd. DECEMBER This month will be remembered as an extremely wet month with 86mm of A cold and drier than average month, with rainfall recorded, 27% more than the long 36mm of rainfall - around 50% of the long- term average. The one dry spell was from OCTOBER term average. For the first eleven days it the 4th to the 8th. Many days experienced was dry. There were five nights of frost. short, sharp showers. The only returning This was an extremely wet month with 140 The coldest recorded at -4°C was the 27th. wader noted was a Green Sandpiper at mm of rain, 210% of the long-term average A large flock of 300 Starlings was noted at Leominster on the 18th. - six days only had no rain. Very few days Newton on the 18th. No large finch flocks were sunny and only the 4th and 10th had were seen in the County. Two Waxwings seven hours or more of sunshine. As usual were noted at Ledbury on the 27th. Stock Doves were in large flocks, 55 being noted at the Gamber Meadows on the 15th. An unusual bird for Herefordshire was a Black-winged Stilt noted at Titley Court Farm from the 12th to the 17th.

The Club wishes to record its thanks to the Ross Observatory for access to its records

which, with my own daily observations, form the basis of this report

J R Pullen

7 HEREFORDSHIRE NATURE TRUST

NEST BOX SCHEME 2004

SITE RECORDER BOXES OCCUPIED UPTAKE Badnage Wood Bryn Jones 30 9 30 % Brockhampton Dr David Boddington 12 4 33 % Clay Vallets, Lingen HNT John Voysey 16 13 81 % Crampton Wood Graham Wren 8 4 50 % Crow Wood HNT Bryn Jones 40 25 63 % Coughton Marsh HNT Pete Barley 20 7 35 % Gatley Park Dr David Boddington 48 35 73 % Lea & Pagets Wood HNT Betty Winser 30 15 50 % Leeping Stocks HNT Graham Wren 47 14 30 % Mary Knoll Peter & Joan Gardner 104 62 60 % Merryhill, Mansell Lacey John Holland 102 34 33 % Miners’ Rest HNT Graham Wren 15 8 53 % Moccas Park Alan Marchant 70 26 37 % Motlins Hole & Romers Wood HNT Dr David Boddington 30 5 17 % Nupend HNT Leslie Smith 20 12 60 % Shobdon Hill Wood Dr David Boddington 40 22 55 % St Wulstan’s Wood Sue Parkinson 20 14 70 % Titley Pool HNT Dr David Boddington 16 11 69 % Wellington Wood Felicity Burge 20 20 100 % White Rocks HNT Sarah Thomas 25 16 64 % Whitfield Estate John Pullen 30 12 40 % Wigmore Rolls John Eicke 79 31 39 % Woodside HNT Graham Wren 27 14 52 % Yatton Dr David Boddington 17 11 65 % Yoke Wood Felicity Burge 12 6 50 %

8 NEST BOX SUMMARY 2004

NESTBOX SITES RECORDERS BOXES AVAILABLE BOXES OCCUPIED % UPTAKE

25 26 878 430 49 %

SPECIES SUMMARY 2004

SPECIES SITES NESTS LAID HATCHED FLEDGED Average Tawny Owl 1 1 � � � � Wren 3 8 c. 47 c. 37 c. 37 4.6 Pied Flycatcher 15 104 c. 666 c. 555 472 4.5 Blue Tit 25 194 c. 1675 c. 1259 1077 5.6 Great Tit 22 110 c. 797 c. 655 532 4.8 Coal Tit 1 2 19 19 19 9.5 Marsh Tit 1 1 7 7 7 7 Nuthatch 6 12 � � � �

KEY:

= Data unknown or insufficient for calculation a v e r a g� e = Average number of y o u n g f l e d g e d p e r n e s t overall Figures in cells shaded darker grey are s u b j e c t t o e r r o r as follows : Figures prefaced with c. ( circa ) include a small percentage of estimated or calculated results for sites where figures for occupied nests and fledged young only were received. These estimates are based on average clutch sizes and hatching figures recorded over the HNT Nestbox scheme as a whole in 2004

This Report is based on data received from: Dr David Boddington, Felicity Burge, Peter & Joan Gardner, Alan Marchant John Pullen, John Voysey - and other reports collated by Beryl Harding of Herefordshire Nature Trust Ou r t h a n k s t o t h e m a n d t o a l l t h e d e d i c a t e d s i t e w o r k e r s a n d r e c o r d e r s f o r t h e i r s p l e n d i d w o r k

Please see individual Species Accounts in the 2004 Systematic List for full Site Data for each Species

9 HOC FIELD MEETINGS 2004

� � � Date Venue Leader Sunday 11th January CREDENHILL PARK WOOD Gerald Parker Saturday 24th January TALYBONT RESERVOIR & LLANGORSE LAKE John Pullen Saturday 7th February WAPLEY HILL & TITLEY POOL HNT RESERVE Keith Mason Tuesday 24th February LEDBURY TOWN WALK Gareth Morgan Saturday 13th March FOREST OF DEAN Tony Eveleigh Tuesday 30th March RIVER WYE, HAMPTON BISHOP Dr Terry Foxton Saturday 17th April LLYNHEILYN LAKE & BRADNOR HILL Peter Eldridge Tuesday 4th May FOREST OF DEAN John Pullen Saturday 15th May WESTON’S CIDER, REED & WILLOW BED Steve Dodd Saturday 5th June AMESBURY & MARTIN DOWN NCC RESERVE John Vickerman Saturday 19th June MAY HILL John Pullen & Tony Eveleigh Monday 28th June HOUGHTON COURT, BODENHAM John Pullen Sunday 11th July HERGEST RIDGE Gerald Parker Saturday 21st August BODENHAM LAKE AREA John Pullen Wednesday 8th September SHOBDON AREA & TITLEY POOL HNT RESERVE John Pullen Sunday 19th September MALVERN HILLS Mick Parry Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd October GIBRALTAR POINT Sheila Taylor Saturday 16th October LEINTWARDINE & CRIFTIN FORD BRIDGE William Marler Sunday 7th November CREDENHILL PARK WOOD Gerald Parker Monday 22nd November ASHLEWORTH, BREDON’S HARDWICK & KINSHAM Chas Lankester Tuesday 7th December SLIMBRIDGE WWT Sheila Taylor

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10 HOC EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT 2004 Chairman : Val Jermy Sub-Committee Members : Christine Mason, June Mellish, Norma Perry John Pullen & Brian Willder

The Sub-Committee organised a number of successful “Family Days”. One was held on Th e Le e n Fa r m at Pe m b r i d g e and included among the activities a bird ringing demonstration, pond-dipping and a very informative farm walk. The other was held at the Telecommunication Ce n t r e a t Ma d l e y where in addition to pond-dipping and listening to bird song a craft afternoon was held. Both of these events included a picnic lunch. The “Drop-in-Day” held at He r e f o r d Mu s e u m attracted over 200 children and their parents. The Committee reorganised the distribution of posters advertising the Club’s activities. These are distributed around the County and usually displayed in Libraries and places of public interest.

HOC INDOOR MEETINGS 2004

Date Venue Speaker 8th January MEMBERS’ EVENING & DUTCH SUPPER Organiser : Keith Mason 29th January WILD IN WEST WALES Les Kedward 12th February DR WALKER MEMORIAL LECTURE Nicholas Reuss 11th March ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2004 AGM Business 11th March RIVER BIRDS OF THE MONNOW Dr Stephanie Tyler 9th September BIRDS & NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FALKLANDS Dr Ann Caunt 30th September BIRDS OF INDIA Nicholas Reuss 14th October WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY Helen Williams 11th November MEDITERRANEAN SPRING Brayton Holt 9th December DIGGING HOLES & FILLING THEM IN Gareth Thomas

11 HOC ATLAS STEERING COMMITTEE REPORT

Th e f i r s t m e e t i n g o f t h e HOC At l a s St e e r i n g Co m m i t t e e t o o k p l a c e o n 17 Ju n e 2004 It s recommendations w e r e s u b s e q u e n t l y a c c e p t e d b y t h e Ma i n Co m m i t t e e o f t h e Cl u b w i t h a p o s i t i v e d e c i s i o n t o p r o c e e d w i t h t h e p r o j e c t . Th e m i n u t e s o f t h i s c r u c i a l f i r s t At l a s St e e r i n g Co m m i t t e e m e e t i n g a r e r e p r o d u c e d i n f u l l a s f o l l o w s :

1s t Re p o r t o f t h e St e e r i n g Co m m i t t e e HOC At l a s - Th e Br e e d i n g Bi r d s o f He r e f o r d s h i r e

Te r m s o f Re f e r e n c e f r o m t h e Ma i n Co m m i t t e e - agreed by the Main Committee on 27 May 2004 :

“ The Steering Committee shall initiate the production of a ‘Herefordshire Breeding Bird Atlas’. Members appointed : Steve Coney, John Pullen, William Marler, Nick Smith & Phil Williams ”

First Meeting of the Steering Committee : 17 June 2004 Present were: Nick Smith, John Pullen, William Marler & Phil Williams

THE STEERING COMMITTEE HAS THE HONOUR TO REPORT AS FOLLOWS :

First Stage Decisions

“IF, WHEN & WHAT ?”

1 Decision to Proceed

The Steering Committee agrees that it is both desirable and feasible to undertake the Atlas Project, but nevertheless feels duty bound at the very outset to stress the magnitude of the task facing the Club. The work must be done correctly, and sufficient time must be allowed for planning, organisation, preparation of material, recruitment - especially in areas of low membership - and very importantly - training. The Steering Committee feels that if the Atlas is not well organised and correctly run, it will probably fail - to the discredit of the Club and everyone concerned. Considerable devotion to duty will be required - of very many individuals - for a concentrated period lasting almost a decade.

12 2

Decision on Timing

The Steering Committee felt that its first step should be to confirm as follows the timing of the forthcoming BTO National Atlas :

Breeding Season Fieldwork : Summer 2008 - Summer 2011 ( Limited preparatory fieldwork : Summer 2006 - Summer 2007 ) Winter Fieldwork : Winter 2007/8 - Winter 2010-2011 ( Preparatory work : Commencing 2005 )

BTO Staff Member in charge : Rob Fuller ( Appointment of BTO Project Organiser - early 2007 ) Publication of Atlas - Scheduled for 2013

HOC ATLAS

The Steering Committee feels that the HOC Atlas should run concurrently with the BTO Atlas. This would mean full-scale fieldwork in the Spring / Summers of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 - with trial work in the Spring & Summer of 2007 to test recording sheets/cards and IT software for data collection and recording.

Survey Area Defined

Where tetrads straddle the Herefordshire border, it is proposed to survey only those where more than 50% of the land space falls within Herefordshire. The number of tetrads to be surveyed is therefore 540. This includes 66 squares with 50% or more overlapping into Herefordshire. There are 25 tetrads in each 10 km square. The 540 tetrads to be surveyed fall within 33 different 10 km squares.

Possible Breeding Species Defined

A base list of Herefordshire breeding species has been produced showing a total of 132 species which have bred in Herefordshire since the mid-1850’s ( some of which are now extinct in the County ) - and including some such as Osprey which might breed in the County by the end of the Atlas period. This list will need to be refined over time - and any necessary corrections will be incorporated. This base list will enable species - e.g. Water Rail & Spotted Crake - where special survey techniques are required, to be identified, and will assist generally in the planning and design of recording cards, sheets, or screens.

13 B.

Second Stage Planning “WHO, HOW & HOW MUCH ?”

Identify Possible Recorders - Map the HOC Membership

HOC Membership currently ( June 2004 ) is circa 385 - 400 . The Steering Committee proposes that we plot Membership by grid reference - to see exactly where Club Members are - and where extra help might be required. This should be done as soon as possible - and then be kept updated. It will be possible to do this using existing software.

Data Input Requirement Estimated

From the provisional list of Breeding species mentioned above, a very crude initial estimate has been made of the data input requirement. A final data input estimate of 30,569 actual dots has been arrived at. This ( very crudely ) is the total number of dots likely to be printed in the final Atlas.

It is not yet known whether it will be possible for recorders to input their data on-line, but this is a matter which Steering Committee Members will take up actively with the BTO shortly when plans are more advanced and it is known what data systems are to be employed.

Collate and Cost other County Atlases

The Club should obtain copies of other County Atlases - to compare methods, treatment of species, format, layout, design, illustrations, maps, size etc. Where Members already own copies of such Atlases, they should obviously make them available - and no purchase would then be necessary. The Steering Committee will then be in a position to obtain estimates and costings for the various possible options for the final printed Atlas.

The Club will also need to acquire the RSPB Manual of Survey Techniques - which includes, for example, instructions for locating Water Rails or Spotted Crakes by means of tape lures.

14 SUMMARY SO FAR

If the Main Committee approve all the decisions listed above, the initial phases of the operation will be complete. We shall know if we are to proceed, when survey work will take place, and exactly which Herefordshire tetrads we shall be covering. We shall also have a base list of Herefordshire breeding species upon which to base survey work and record cards and screens, and a rough idea of the data input requirement. We shall also have within a very short time a good idea of the final printing cost of the finished Atlas.

THE NEXT STEP

The next phase will require the Steering Committee to produce a Dr a f t Ba t t l e Pl a n f o r t h e At l a s . This will include such matters as: components, segments or modules within the Atlas Project; manpower; organisation; literature; publicity; survey methods and techniques; software and hardware requirements; BTO liaison and so on.

The Steering Committee should also produce a Draft Budget for the entire project for examination by the Main Committee. This will assist approaches to outside bodies for funding.

The Steering Committee will prepare a database of individuals and organisations who may be able to fund various segments of the Atlas, or help with the preparation of funding approaches.

It i s a b s o l u t e l y v i t a l t h a t t h e t i m e b e t w e e n NOW a n d t h e At l a s i s u s e d t o i n c r e a s e HOC Me m b e r s h i p a n d t o i n c r e a s e a n d f o s t e r l i n k s w i t h Fa r m e r s , La n d o w n e r s a n d o t h e r He r e f o r d s h i r e organisations i n v o l v e d i n Conservation a n d t h e countryside , s o t h a t w h e n t h e At l a s f i n a l l y k i c k s o f f , w e s h a l l b e i n a b e t t e r - r a t h e r t h a n p o o r e r - p o s i t i o n t o u n d e r t a k e i t.

Regional Meetings in Village Halls, Open Days, Joint Meetings with other organisations and substantial media coverage will all be required to motivate Members, recruit new ones, and involve the general public.

The Steering Committee has pleasure in submitting its first Report to the Main Committee of the Club.

7 October 2004

Si n c e t h e a b o v e r e p o r t w a s w r i t t e n , m a n y m o r e m e e t i n g s h a v e t a k e n p l a c e a n d d e t a i l e d d i s c u s s i o n p a p e r s h a v e b e e n w r i t t e n a n d distributed . Fu r t h e r information w i l l b e distributed t h r o u g h t h e HOC We b s i t e , t h e ‘HOC News’ a n d t h e 2005 An n u a l Re p o r t . Th e Cl u b i s t o t a l l y c o m m i t t e d t o t h i s w o n d e r f u l p r o j e c t , a n d t h e p o s i t i v e h e l p o f e v e r y s i n g l e HOC Me m b e r & f r i e n d - w h e t h e r a s s u r v e y o r , v i l l a g e o r g a n i s e r , f u n d r a i s e r o r k i n d b e n e f a c t o r - i s e a r n e s t l y s o l i c i t e d b y t h e Cl u b .

22 Ju l y 2006

15 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT - YEAR ENDED 30th NOVEMBER 2004 Accumulated Funds as at 30th NOVEMBER 2004

£ 2003 INCOME £ 2004

2,772 Subscriptions 2,657 - 2005 Subscriptions ( in advance ) 200 - Annual Report Sponsorship ( Baker Tilley ) 1,800 552 Income from Meetings 632 - Survey Fees & Nestboxes 312 53 Sale of Publications 274 108 Donations 67 376 Gift Aid Refund 378 20 Advertising - 113 Other Income 74 781 Bank Interest ( gross ) 1,202 - Members Weekend Away Income 1,216 Less Expenditure ( 1,200 ) 16 4,775 7,612 DEDUCT EXPENDITURE

3,370 Annual Reports ( 2000, 2001 ) - 1,514 Printing & Stationery 1,106 928 Postage & Telephone 627 14 Survey & Education Expenses 520 690 Meeting Expenses 443 328 Purchases 178 144 Insurance 157 70 Affiliation Subscriptions 73 1,280 Donations ( Athene & Woodland Trust ) - 125 Repairs to Projector - - HOC 50 Year History - cost of printing ( 2,520 ) Less provision 2,500 20 8,463 3,124 DEDUCT PROVISIONS

2,500 Provision for HOC 50 Year History - 375 2,875 Provision for 2004 Annual Report 1,800 1,800

£ ( 6,563 ) SURPLUS / ( DEFICIT ) FOR YEAR £ 2,688

23,387 Surplus at 1st December 2003 16,824 - Add: Surplus for year 2004 2,688 ( 6,563 ) Less: Deficit for year 2003 - 16,824 General Funds as at 30th November 2004 19,512 3,400 Add: Special Funds carried forward 11,4 00

£ 20,224 Total Accumulated Funds AT YEAR END £ 30,912

16 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT - YEAR ENDED 30th NOVEMBER 2004 Accumulated Funds as at 30th NOVEMBER 2004

2003 2004 £ £ £ £ £20,224 Total Accumulated Funds as at 30th November 2004 £30,912

[ Note: Special Funds have increased by a generous Legacy of £8,000 from the Estate of Miss Jean Davies ( dec‘d ) ]

£ £ Accumulated funds represented as follows :- £ £ 20,000 HSBC Quarterly Bonds 20,000 6,026 HSBC Deposit Account 7,213 298 HSBC Current Account 9,099 26,324 TOTAL CASH INVESTMENTS 36,312

( 3,600 ) Less: - Provision for Annual Reports ( 2002-3-4 ) ( 5,400 ) ( 2,500 ) ( 6,100 ) Provision for HOC 50 Year History - ( 5,400 )

£20,224 YEAR END BALANCE £30,912 ======

G. Morgan ( Hon 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 30th November 2004

Signed E.C. Aplin E.C. Aplin F.C.A., F.C.M.A.

Date : 4th January 2005

1717 2004 praecidium (in brief)

A pair of Red Kites nested successfully in Herefordshire -

rearing one chick - the first young Kite known to have been born and reared in the County since the mid-1870’s

The rarest birds recorded in Herefordshire in 2004 were a

Black-winged Stilt (First ever County Record)

and a Temminck’s Stint (3rd County Record )

There were 379 fully paid-up Members of the HOC

at the end of 2004

The Club was deeply appreciative of a most generous legacy of

£8,000 from the Estate of a late Member,

Miss Jean Rosetta Davies of Hereford

Following the loss of Sponsorship for the HOC Annual Report

the Club’s Hon Treasurer and Hon Auditor appealed for

a new Sponsor for the Annual Report

The HOC Committee made the momentous decision to go-ahead

with an Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Herefordshire to coincide

with the BTO National Atlas during the breeding seasons

2008 - 2011

�

18 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

CHAIR MAN’S REPORT 2004 Each new year brings with it a new set of highlights and challenges for any Bird Club, and 2004 was no different from past years for the HOC - with a very full agenda for the Main Committee to discuss - covering many different aspects of steering a dedicated band of volunteers - some of the highlights are outlined as follows :

HOC Public Early discussions were held with other Bird Clubs to see how the We had very successful Fa m i l y Aw a r e n e s s Da y s on birds - run by HOC could best start to develop its own Br e e d i n g At l a s Su r v e y our Ed u c a t i o n C o m m i t t e e at Madley BT Centre and Leen Farm, for Herefordshire - to run parallel with the forthcoming BTO Pembridge. The Club also renewed its main Di s p l a y Bo a r d s Summer Survey starting in 2008. The Club also published ‘The and was able to circulate them through different Libraries. We First Fifty Years’ by Ifor Evans - giving an excellent history of were involved with several Herefordshire Council Pl a n n i n g the Club’s activities over those years. We held all our i n d o o r and Applications where we were able to make strong representation outdoor Fi e l d Me e t i n g s with a very good attendance and interest on the preservation of breeding habitats at the planning stages. to all. The 2003 HOC Questionnaire was discussed at a special Th e HOC We b s i t e continued to be redeveloped and was a benefit Committee meeting and the results were published in the HOC to all Internet users. Bulletin. An edited summary of the main conclusions is included in this Annual Report.

REPRESENT ATION We were able to send Members to several important meetings PROJ E CT S e.g. Bodenham Lakes, Mortimer Raptor Panel and We undertook surveys in Herefordshire churchyards for the Herefordshire Nature Trust - along with all our other contacts “Go d ’s Ac r e ” project, and produced reports on how best to such as the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group ( FWAG ). maximise their potential. We successfully obtained fifteen new Ba r n Ow l n e s t -b o x e s after receiving a grant to purchase As you can see, the Club does not rest on its laurels them via the Herefordshire Biodiversity Partnership, and and goes from strength to strength each year dealing worked with Herefordshire Farming & Wildlife Advisory with bird conservation issues near to the heart of every Group to choose the best locations for Barn Owl Boxes across Member. I must applaud and thank all of those Members the County. A “Le a d e r +” conservation project was started - who are too many to name - who work tirelessly behind around Letton Lakes and involved the HOC in survey work with the scenes to make this Club a body to be seen and heard a partnership of English Nature, Herefordshire Nature Trust across the County. and Herefordshire Council. A Di p p e r Pr o j e c t was started in the North of the County with the enthusiasm of two Club Members - trying to establish new artificial nesting boxes under suitable bridges and working with The Environment Agency Gerald Parker and Herefordshire Council. Ch a i r m a n 2004

19 Above : A House Martin over Wellington Gravel Pits- 28th August 2005

20 There was an even spread between male and female Members - with 4% HOC Strategy ‘Less than 1 year’, 30% ‘Less than 5 years’, 24% ‘Less than 10 years’, 22% Sub-Committee ‘Less than 20 years’, 7% ‘Less than 30 years’, 6% ‘Less than 40 years’ and Report 2004 7% ‘Over 40 years’ Membership This Sub-Committee works with a small group of dedicated Members 2. Which age group do you fall into ? looking at the main functions and policy 65% of Members responding were in of the HOC in striving to improve the ‘41 to 65’ age class, 33% were in the the maximum potential we can offer, ‘Over 65 years’ age class and only 2% working with others within the County in the ‘Less than 40 years’ age class who are interested in the Conservation of birds. The main work of the Sub- Committee over the last twelve months 3. Male or Female ? involved analysis of the 2003 HOC The ratio of males to females among Membership Questionnaire - which had those Members responding to the a return deadline of 1st December 2003. Questionnaire was 65% male to 35% female

4. Why did you join HOC ? ummar y of the S 26% of Members responding cited Results of the 2003 ‘General interest in birds’, and all the Questionnaire other categories were evenly spread This is an edited summary of the results between 11% and 17% - including of the HOC Questionnaire. Comments ‘Concern for Conservation issues’ made by Members are shown in italics. and ‘Taking part in Survey work’ Responses from the main Committee of the HOC are shown in brackets. 5. Are you a Member of any other 405 questionnaire forms were sent out Conservation bodies ? and 83 were returned - a response rate HOC Members who responded belong of 20.5%. Not all the questions were to many other Conservation bodies, answered fully by individual Members with 38% belonging to ‘National’ but the results overall are as follows : bodies, 30% to ‘Herefordshire’ organisations, 12% to ‘International’ 1. How long have you been an HOC organisations and 20% to other Member ? ‘Environmental’ bodies

21 6. Does HOC meet your strategy will not easily be undertaken - expectations ? but now that the HOC Membership has The overall feedback was very positive given approval to such a plan it would - with 85% replying that the Club had be a joint effort by all to see as many as ‘Fully’ met their expectations. We did possible of the actions listed carried to not have one response of ‘Not at all’. completion by all the Membership ). Among the 15% stating that we had ‘Partly’ met their expectations, the 8. What do you feel are the top range of issues raised cross over into priorities for the HOC in the many of the later questions, but some next 5 years ? are : “Closer links with RSPB and HNT” This question was one of the hardest ( We already have representatives on to analyse, as the spectrum of top various Committees ), “Develop service priorities ranged over many headings. level agreements with different authorities” 81% responded with feedback and ( Presently the exchange of information 19% made no comment. The Main is done on a selected basis but if the Committee asked the Strategy opportunity arose this would be Sub-Committee to respond. developed ). The feedback was collated into 18 topic headings. 25% of responses suggested 7. Members were asked to read ‘Survey and Atlas work’ as the top priority; the HOC Birding Strategy Plan followed by ‘Conservation’ 16%; ‘HOC which was attached. This had working with other bodies’ 13%; ‘HOC been compiled as a framework for to develop greater links with Landowners’ developing HOC’s role over 10%; ‘Education ( general )’ 9%; ‘HOC the next few years recruitment’ 8%; ‘Raise HOC profile’ 7%; The Strategy Plan was developed by the ‘The importance of Youth’ 3%; ‘Management Committee as a direction in which to of bird habitats’ 2%; ‘HOC Meetings’ 2% focus the Club’s efforts over the next five - and then 5% single responses on different years and give clearer objectives. topics without headings but overlapping The Membership responded that 78% many of the subjects listed already. ‘Fully’ backed us; 4% did not respond It was generally felt that - with so to this question; and not a single many headings - all subjects deserved Member responded ‘Not at all’. appraisal. Some would inter-link with 18% gave the answer ‘Partly’ and a others without having to be single issues wide range of views were expressed. in their own right. The main “Su r v e y Comments included “Ambitious”, a n d At l a s ” priority will overlap into “Dedication, effort and manpower required to many of the other topic headings achieve” and concern over like “Ed u c a t i o n ” and “Ra i s e HOC “Financial implications” Pr o f i l e ” - which will develop alongside ( The Committee fully accepts that this the overall aims of surveys.

22 9. Do you attend field Meetings and Some of the issues raised included : which Meetings do you prefer ? “Driving at night”, “Mobility”, “Public The first part of the question ‘Do Transport”, “Poor parking” you attend Field Meetings?’ had the ( The Committee would consider these following responses : 19% ‘Regularly’ issues and see if better arrangements attend, compared with 34% who said could be developed - either at Holmer ‘Occasionally’, 27% ‘Rarely’ and 20% or a different hall if one was available ). who ‘Never’ attend field Meetings We seem to have Field Meetings that 11. Would you like to see new bird cater for most Members at different or Conservation topics covered at times, but the Committee will not indoor Meetings ? rest with the perceived arrangements Only 28% replied with suggestions - but will adopt new ideas that would and 72% made no comment attract more activity from other This would indicate that Members Members. Another comment was were generally happy with the present made about “Assisting disabled Members” balance of subjects and talks, but among [ This is difficult to cater for until the comments made were a desire for the type of disability is known ( and speakers from “Bodies like NGOs”; topics a demand is positively established ), such as “Research”, “Holiday locations”, but the Committee would respond “ID classes” ( The Main Committee will appropriately with a caring policy ]. investigate to see if suitable speakers The second part of the question ‘Which could be found for future indoor talks ); Meetings do you prefer?’ produced a and “Club news items” ( this has partly 27% preference for those held started at indoor Meetings already ‘In Herefordshire’; 11% for ‘Outside but will be expanded to keep the Herefordshire’; 18% for ‘Weekdays’; Membership informed ). 13% for ‘Weekends’; 8% for ‘Short breaks’; 5% for ‘Long breaks’; 12. Do you visit the HOC Website ? 18% ‘No Answer’ The response to this question varied As the responses were evenly spread, as follows : 13% ‘Regularly’ visited; the Committee would assume that the 23% ‘Occasionally’; 12% ‘Rarely’; current arrangements would suit most 48% ‘Never’; 4% ‘No Answer’ Members’ circumstances and wishes. We received no comments and can only presume that this service is useful for 10. Do you attend indoor Meetings ? Members with Internet access, but feel The reply was that : 37% ‘Regularly’ that perhaps it serves a greater role in attended - with 11% ‘Occasionally’; advertising our Club to a wider external 28% ‘Rarely’; 23% ‘Never’; group of interested birding people 1% ‘No Answer’ wanting to know about Herefordshire.

23 13. Would you use an e-mail from Members the ‘News’ would evolve service from the HOC ? accordingly.

This question produced a very even split 15. Have HOC Annual Reports met - with 48% saying ‘Yes’ and 48% ‘No’, your expectations ? with 4% ‘No Answer’ Again, the responses were very good No additional comments were received, with 84% saying ‘Fully’ and the Committee felt that this issue and 16% ‘Partly’ should be revisited at a later date via We had many different comments, and the ‘HOC News’. Members should be split these into two categories - general encouraged to offer ideas about the type and specific. of service that would interest them. General issues included presentation, funding, delays, articles and records 14. Has ‘HOC News’ met your ( Presentation : The Editorial Sub- expectations ? Committee is examining other bird

reports to help keep the standard high. We had a very good response to this Funding : this is now very important. question with 87% saying ‘Fully’; Delays : efforts are being made to 12% ‘Partly’; 1% ‘No Answer’ reduce delays in publication. Members’ Comments and suggestions made articles are always welcome - along with included “Too many holiday articles” more bird records - as early as possible ). and “Some rambling / long articles” ( other bird articles are always well The more specific issues were : received ); “Would like to see more on The removal of Observers’ initials in the habitats, survey data & species analyses” Systematic List; local bird sites; proof-reading ( These articles would normally be ( We are studying other ways to present held over for the Annual Report, and Observers names. We will consider ways the ‘HOC News’ is used for ‘Snippets’ of including local sites where public and recent information for Members ); access is permitted. There will also be “Would like some Twitcher articles” ( Events tighter controls on proof reading ). happen all too quickly with rare birds, but if a Member was willing to submit 16. Are you able to assist the HOC interesting articles, the ‘News’ would in any of the following ways ? give space ); “Would like more feedback from the Committee” ( We have recently This question gave a very mixed been including reports of Committee response : with 72% saying ‘Yes’ and discussions in the ‘News’ ); “More graphics 28% ‘No Answer’. The largest group and improved format to the ‘News’ ( We willing to help was 46% with ‘Surveys’; have limited space for graphics in the and 12 - 16% ‘Serving on Committees’. ‘News’, but if we received more articles All other groups were below 10%.

24 The feedback under ‘Comments’ was ( Many of these comments could well excellent, with many Members coming fit other questions already discussed forward to offer help. Most of these and the Committee will investigate will already have been contacted, but opportunities to see if any of these as ‘Survey work’ produced the largest points would be of benefit ). response it will be hoped to enrol as many people as possible into future survey work including the Atlas. Conclusions

17. Do you send in records ? The Committee would like to thank all those Members who This question produced the following participated in the Questionnaire results: 38% said ‘Regularly’, 26% for the above feedback. The ‘Occasionally’, 10% ‘Rarely’, 22% summary of results and ‘Never’ and 4% ‘No Answer’ conclusions reached will help provide the Committee with insight Comments made and issues raised into your thoughts on many issues were : “Lack of time and ID skills”, and assist in planning as the Club “Bureaucracy”, “Record cards” endeavours to stride forward ( The Club’s Recorder is willing to with the cooperation of all its discuss with individuals methods of Membership improving the record cards or other methods of submitting them - and regular information about record cards is given in the ‘News’, but Nick Smith the Committee will look at ways of Ch a i r m a n o f t h e improving field Meetings and will HOC St r a t e g y Su b -Co m m i t t e e institute talks on ID skills ). Sub-Committee Members : 18. We welcome any additional John Vickerman, Janet Parry, comments Keith Mason, Felicity Burge, We had a very low response to this item Norma Perry, Steve Coney and with 31% responding and 69% Christine Williams ( co-opted ) making no comment It was still very positive with seven Members commenting on how helpful and friendly they thought the Club was. Other issues raised included “Raising the HOC profile”, “Purchase of a bird habitat”, � “Sponsorship”, “Regional bird representative”, “Well known public bird speaker”

EDITOR IA L Dear Members

I do hope that you will enjoy the “new-look” HOC Annual Report !

I a m i m m e n s e l y g r a t e f u l t o t h e Th e 2004 An n u a l Re p o r t h a s b e e n Th a n k y o u a l s o t o If o r Ev a n s , m a i n Co m m i t t e e o f t h e Cl u b f o r i t s p r o d u c e d b y t h e 2006 Ed i t o r i a l Ch a s La n k e s t e r , Ga r e t h Mo r g a n s u p p o r t i n c a r r y i n g t h r o u g h t h e s e m a n y Su b -Co m m i t t e e : a n d Ch r i s t i n e Wi l l i a m s f o r t h e i r c h a n g e s - w h ic h i t i s h o p e d w i l l r e s u l t preparatory w o r k i n t h e e a r l y s t a g e s . h a i r m a n h e d i t o r i n a m u c h m o r e r e a d a b l e a n d e n j o y a b l e C : T E p u b l ic a t i o n f o r a l l o u r Me m b e r s , Me m b e r s : Wo r k o n t h e 2005 An n u a l Re p o r t i s a n d a m o r e v a l u a b l e a n d i n f o r m a t i v e n o w u n d e r w a y a n d t h i s w i l l i n c l u d e h i s t o r ic a l r e c o r d f o r f u t u r e St e v e Co n e y a s p e ci a l c o m m e m o r a t i o n o f t h e n e s t i n g g e n e r a t i o n s . Ge o r g e Ew a r t Be e -e a t e r s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e - a n d Ga r e t h Mo r g a n t h e e q u a l l y s e n s a t i o n a l i n v a s i o n o f Nic k Sm i t h ( e x o f f ici o ) I w o u l d l i k e t o t h a n k t h e m a n y Wa x w i n g s i n e a r l y 2005. To m We a l e ( e x o f f ici o ) h u n d r e d s o f Me m b e r s a n d f r i e n d s Ch r i s t i n e Wi l l i a m s w h o h a v e s e n t i n r e c o r d s t o o u r It i s h o p e d t h a t a Sp o n s o r f o r t h i s ( c o -o p t e d ) i n d e f a t i g a b l e Co u n t y Bi r d a n d f u t u r e An n u a l Re p o r t s w i l l b e Re c o r d e r , St e v e Co n e y . f o r t h c o m i n g - i f y o u a r e a b l e t o h e l p I a m m o s t Gr a t e f u l t o Ge o r g e Ew a r t i n a n y w a y i n t h i s r e s p e c t w e s h o u l d b e f o r h i s h e l p w i t h photography , t o Dr m o r e t h a n k e e n t o h e a r f r o m y o u . n t h e s e i n c l u d e d t h e f i r s t e v e r I 2004 - Te r r y Fo x t o n f o r d e s i g n i n g t h e n e w He r e f o r d s h i r e r e c o r d o f a Ma p , t o Ga r e t h Mo r g a n f o r w r i t i n g HAPPY BIRDING IN THE YEAR Bl a c k -w i n g e d St i l t . t h e i n t er est i ng d e s c r i p t i o n s o f Ex o t ic a AHEAD, AND MANY THANKS FOR a n d Es c a p e e s , t o Jo h n Pu l l e n f o r YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT ! Ma n y d e d ic a t e d HOC Me m b e r s h a v e h i s We a t h e r Re p o r t a n d i n t er est i ng w o r k e d l o n g a n d h a r d f o r t h e Cl u b a n d a r t ic l e o n Ga r w a y Hi l l a n d t o Pe t e r m u c h o f t h e i r w o r k i s r e f l e c t e d w i t h i n Ga r d n e r , St e v e Co n e y a n d Nic k Sm i t h WJM t h e s e p a g e s . f o r t h e i r i n v a l u a b l e h e l p a n d a d v ic e . An n u a l Re p o r t Ed i t o r

26 HOC R ARITIES COMMITTEE

Accepted Rarities - Decisions finalised in 2004 Date BIRDS SPECIES Location OBSERVER NOTES 4 Jan 1 Siberian Chiffchaff River Wye - Putson Tim Wright 6 Feb 3 Scandinavian Herring Gull Tidnor Mill Gerry Bilbao 13 Mar 3 Common Redpoll Bodenham Lake Paul & Terry Downes Mealy Race 17 Mar 1 Kittiwake Bodenham Lake Gerry Bilbao 5 Apr 1 Marsh Harrier Brampton Bryan Paul Downes 4th County Record 13 Apr 1 Black-necked Grebe Wellington Gravel Pits Gerry Bilbao 11th County Record 4 May 1 Bar-tailed Godwit Brockhall Gravel Pit Paul Downes 15th County Record 4 May 1 Knot Brockhall Gravel Pit Paul Downes 17th County Record 15 May 1 Black-tailed Godwit Brockhall Gravel Pit Paul Downes 20 May 1 Sanderling Brockhall Gravel Pit Paul Downes 12th County Record 6 Jul 1 Black-tailed Godwit Wellington Gravel Pits Gerry Bilbao 9 Jul 1 Temminck’s Stint Wellington Gravel Pits Gerry Bilbao 3rd County Record 11 Jul 1 Mediterranean Gull Wellington Gravel Pits Gerry Bilbao 10 Aug 2 Wood Sandpiper Wellington Gravel Pits Gerry Bilbao 11 Aug 1 Wood Sandpiper Kenchester Pools Gerald Parker 23 Aug 1 “Eared” Owl Little Mountain Common Mrs J Linklater Accepted as “Eared” 29 Aug 1 Knot Wellington Gravel Pits Gerry Bilbao 18th County Record 16 Sep 1 Manx Shearwater South Street, Leominster RSPCA 25 Sep 1 Pink-footed Goose Wellington Gravel Pits Phil Parsons 14th County Record 26 Sep 1 Wood Lark Wellington Gravel Pits Phil Parsons First since 1988 26 Sep 1 Gannet Eardisland John Kedward 13th County Record 15 Oct 1 Black-winged Stilt Titley Court Farm P J Eldridge et al First County Record 16 Oct 1 Arctic Tern Bodenham Lake Paul Downes 17th County Record 20 Nov 2 Kittiwake Wellington Gravel Pits Paul Downes

27 Scaup Red-footed Falcon Ring Ouzel ( not Black Mountains ) HEREFORDSHIRE Eider Spotted Crake Warblers ( Cetti’s, Aquatic, Marsh, Long-tailed Duck Corncrake Icterine, Melodious, Barred, COUNTY R ARITIES All Scoters Crane Dartford, Subalpine, Greenish, Red-breasted Merganser Waders (all except Oystercatcher, Pallas’s, Yellow-browed, The following require field-notes Red Grouse ( not Black Mountains ) Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Radde’s and Dusky ) and supportive description before Black Grouse Golden Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Firecrest being considered for use in the HOC Quail ( if not heard ) Dunlin, Ruff, Jack Snipe, Snipe, Red-breasted Flycatcher Annual Report ( unless observed by Golden Pheasant Woodcock, Whimbrel ( if heard ), Bearded Tit 5+ observers ) : Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Crested Tit Divers ( all species ) Green Sandpiper, Common Golden Oriole Al l Na t i o n a l Ra r i t i e s Grebes ( all except Little and Sandpiper ) Shrikes ( all species ) ( to be forwarded to the British Birds Great Crested ) Skuas ( all species ) Chough Rarities Committee for assessment ) Fulmar Gulls ( Mediterranean, Little, Hooded Crow Al l u n u s u a l r a c e s o f a Sp e c i e s Shearwaters ( all species ) Sabine’s, Ring-billed, Iceland, Rose-coloured Starling ( except White Wagtail in Spring ) Petrels ( all species ) Glaucous and Kittiwake ) Finches ( Serin, Twite, Common Al l ‘o u t o f s e a s o n ’ Mi g r a n t s Gannet Terns ( all except Black & Common ) Redpoll, Arctic Redpoll and Shag Auks ( all species ) Common Rosefinch ) Th e f o l l o w i n g r a r e Bittern Ring-necked Parakeet Buntings ( all except Yellowhammer Co u n t y Sp e c i e s : Night Heron Owls ( Long-eared & Short-eared ) and Reed Bunting ) Great White Egret Nightjar Corn Bunting ( except at Geese ( Bean, Pink-footed and Brent ) Purple Heron Alpine Swift Bromsash or Tretire ) Ruddy Shelduck White Stork Bee-eater American Wigeon Spoonbill Wryneck The Rarities Sub-Committee Green-winged Teal Honey Buzzard Larks ( all except Skylark ) reserves the right to request further Garganey ( not breeding-plumage Black Kite Red-rumped Swallow information in order to assess any male ) White-tailed Eagle Pipits ( except Tree and Meadow ) record. Unsubstantiated records Red-crested Pochard All Harriers Nightingale ( if not heard ) will not be published. Ring-necked Duck Rough-legged Buzzard Bluethroat Ferruginous Duck Golden Eagle Black Redstart

HEREFORDSHIREThe number in brackets after certain species COUNTY indicates the number of accepted BIRD sightings in LIST the County to the end of 2004 and is only included if there are twenty or fewer records

Mute Swan Leach’s Petrel ( 9 ) Curlew Sandpiper ( 4 ) Short-eared Owl Dartford Warbler ( 1 ) Bewick’s Swan Gannet ( 13 ) Dunlin Nightjar Wood Warbler Whooper Swan Cormorant Ruff Swift Chiffchaff Bean Goose ( 4 ) Shag ( 6 ) Jack Snipe Alpine Swift ( 2 ) Willow Warbler Pink-footed Goose ( 15 + ) Bittern Common Snipe Kingfisher Goldcrest White-fronted Goose Night Heron ( 3 ) Great Snipe ( 2 ) Bee-eater ( 3 ) Firecrest ( 9 ) Greylag Goose Cattle Egret ( 1 ) Woodcock Roller ( 1 ) Spotted Flycatcher Canada Goose Little Egret Black-tailed Godwit Hoopoe Pied Flycatcher Barnacle Goose Grey Heron Bar-tailed Godwit ( 15 ) Wryneck Long-tailed Tit Brent Goose ( 11 ) White Stork ( 1 ) Whimbrel Green Woodpecker Blue Tit Egyptian Goose ( 5 ) Glossy Ibis ( 2 ) Curlew Great Spotted Woodpecker Great Tit Ruddy Shelduck ( 1 ) Honey Buzzard Spotted Redshank ( 8 ) Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Coal Tit Shelduck Black Kite ( 1 ) Redshank Woodlark Willow Tit Mandarin Red Kite Greenshank Skylark Marsh Tit Wigeon White-tailed Eagle ( 1 ) Green Sandpiper Sand Martin Nuthatch Gadwall Marsh Harrier ( 4 ) Wood Sandpiper Swallow Treecreeper Teal Hen Harrier Common Sandpiper House Martin Golden Oriole Mallard Montagu’s Harrier ( 3 ) Turnstone ( 9 ) Red-rumped Swallow ( 2 ) Red-backed Shrike Pintail Goshawk Red-necked Phalarope ( 1 ) Tree Pipit Great Grey Shrike Garganey Sparrowhawk Grey Phalarope ( 18 ) Meadow Pipit Jay Shoveler Buzzard Pomarine Skua ( 1 ) Rock Pipit ( 1 ) Magpie Red-crested Pochard ( 6 ) Rough-legged Buzzard ( 2 ) Arctic Skua ( 2 ) Water Pipit ( 9 ) Nutcracker ( 2 ) Pochard Spotted Eagle ( 1 ) Great Skua ( 2 ) Yellow / Blue-headed Wagtail Jackdaw Ring-necked Duck ( 2 ) Osprey Mediterranean Gull Grey Wagtail Rook Ferruginous Duck ( 1 ) Kestrel Little Gull ( 18 ) White / Pied Wagtail Carrion Crow Tufted Duck Merlin Sabine’s Gull ( 1 ) Waxwing Hooded Crow ( 19 ) Scaup Hobby Black-headed Gull Dipper Raven Eider ( 2 ) Peregrine Ring-billed Gull ( 3 ) Wren Starling Long-tailed Duck ( 3 ) Water Rail Common Gull Dunnock Rose-coloured Starling ( 4 ) Common Scoter Spotted Crake Lesser Black-backed Gull Robin House Sparrow Velvet Scoter ( 2 ) Corncrake Yellow-legged Gull Nightingale Tree Sparrow Goldeneye Moorhen Herring Gull Black Redstart Chaffinch Smew ( 19 ) Coot Iceland Gull ( 3 ) Redstart Brambling Red-breasted Merganser ( 18 ) Common Crane ( 5 ) Great Black-backed Gull Whinchat Greenfinch Goosander Little Bustard ( 1 ) Kittiwake Stonechat Goldfinch Ruddy Duck Oystercatcher Little Tern ( 5 ) Wheatear Siskin Red Grouse Black-winged Stilt ( 1 ) Black Tern Desert Wheatear ( 1 ) Linnet Black Grouse Avocet ( 2 ) Sandwich Tern ( 2 ) Ring Ouzel Twite Red-legged Partridge Stone-Curlew ( 2 ) Common Tern Blackbird Lesser Redpoll Grey Partridge Cream-coloured Courser ( 1 ) Arctic Tern ( 17 ) Fieldfare Common Redpoll ( 12 ) Quail Collared Pratincole ( 2 ) Little Auk ( 2 ) Song Thrush Crossbill Pheasant Little Ringed Plover Puffin ( 2 ) Redwing Bullfinch Red-throated Diver ( 5 ) Ringed Plover Feral Pigeon ( Rock Dove ) Mistle Thrush Hawfinch Black-throated Diver ( 4 ) Killdeer ( 1 ) Stock Dove Cetti’s Warbler ( 1 ) Ovenbird ( 1 ) Great Northern Diver ( 6 ) Dotterel ( 8 ) Wood Pigeon Grasshopper Warbler Snow Bunting ( 10 ) Little Grebe Golden Plover Collared Dove Sedge Warbler Yellowhammer Great Crested Grebe Grey Plover ( 13 ) Turtle Dove Marsh Warbler Cirl Bunting Red-necked Grebe ( 4 ) Lapwing Ring-necked Parakeet ( 7 ) Reed Warbler Reed Bunting Slavonian Grebe ( 6 ) Knot ( 18 ) Cuckoo Melodious Warbler ( 1 ) Corn Bunting Black-necked Grebe ( 10 ) Sanderling ( 12 ) Barn Owl Blackcap Fulmar ( 1 ) Little Stint ( 18 ) Little Owl Garden Warbler Manx Shearwater Temminck’s Stint ( 3 ) Tawny Owl Lesser Whitethroat Storm Petrel ( 5 ) Pectoral Sandpiper ( 1 ) Long-eared Owl Whitethroat

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29 WINTER MIGR ANTS

LATEST & EARLIEST DATES 2004

Species Latest 2004 Location Earliest 2004 Location Bewick’s Swan 22 February Letton Irrigation Lake � � Whooper Swan 13 November Wellington Gravel Pits � � Wigeon 14 April Wellington Gravel Pits 11 September Wellington Gravel Pits Teal 26 April Bodenham Lake & Leech Pool 5 August Wellington Gravel Pits Pintail 20 January Bodenham Lake 9 October Wellington Gravel Pits Pochard 16 April Wellington Gravel Pits 1 August Wellington Gravel Pits Scaup 1 May Wellington Gravel Pits � � Goldeneye 11 Apr Bodenham Lake 23 October Bodenham Lake Golden Plover 28 April Shenmore 22 September Gamber Meadows Jack Snipe 29 February River Wye, Wilton � � Common Snipe 17 April Brockhall Gravel Pit 25 June Much Marcle Waxwing 22 November Bishopstone � � Fieldfare 20 April Weston near Pembridge 9 October Four different Locations Redwing 28 March Castleton & Winforton Wye 9 October Four different Locations Brambling 20 April Tupsley October ( n.d. ) Haugh Wood

k e y : = n o r e c o r d n.d. = p r e c i s e d a t e u n k n o w n

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EARLIEST & LATEST DATES 2004

30 SUMMER MIGR ANTS

Species Earliest 2004 Location Latest 2004 Location Quail June ( n.d. ) Bishopstone 3 August Marlbrook Farm, Leominster Osprey 19 May Kentchurch Estate 22 September Humber Marsh Hobby 23 April Bodenham Lake 23 September Wyevale Wood Little Ringed Plover 17 March Brockhall GP & Wellington GP 12 July Castleton & Winforton Wye Common Sandpiper 10 March River Wye, Eign 12 December River Arrow, Lawton Turtle Dove 25 April Downton Brakes 15 August Much Marcle Cuckoo 2 April Winthill 17 June Backney Swift 20 April 3 Locations 29 August Wellington Gravel Pits Sand Martin 17 March Bodenham Lake 18 September Turner’s Boat Swallow 17 March Bodenham Lake 1 November Ledbury House Martin 17 March Wellington Gravel Pits 20 October Little Birch Tree Pipit 10 April Garway Hill 13 July Garway Hill Yellow Wagtail 10 April Leech Pool 24 September Castleton & Winforton Wye Redstart 10 April Garway Hill 15 September Garway Hill Whinchat 12 May Red Daren October ( n.d. ) The Darens Wheatear 18 March Lower Pedwardine 3 October Wellington Gravel Pits Ring Ouzel 17 April Black Daren 12 May Black Daren Grasshopper Warbler 21 April Mathon 12 July Mathon Sedge Warbler 6 April Gamber Meadows 22 August Much Marcle Reed Warbler 2 May Much Marcle 8 September Pearl Lake, Shobdon Garden Warbler 5 April The Flitts 22 August Much Marcle Lesser Whitethroat 23 April Moreton Farm 5 September Lion’s Den, Bredwardine Whitethroat 5 April The Flitts September ( n.d. ) Credenhill Park Wood Wood Warbler 23 April Pedwardine Wood 29 July Wyevale Wood Chiffchaff 16 March Queen’s Wood, Dinmore ( wintering birds ) � Willow Warbler 23 March Walnut Gardens September ( n.d. ) Bircher Common / Credenhill Spotted Flycatcher 6 May Wyevale Wood 9 September Llanerch-y-coed Farm Pied Flycatcher 2 April Newton Coppice 23 July Wapley Hill

31 Above : A Swallow over Garway Hill, Herefordshire - 9th August 2006

32 The Birds of

arway Hill G by

John Pullen ost of Garway Hill is Common Land of some The Hill has a good variety of habitat for birds including 84.58 hectares with the lower slopes woodland patches of gorse, short turf, areas of trees and grassland, Mor farmland. The adjacent land has not been wetter areas around out-flowing springs and an area of more intensively farmed and so supports a varied bird population. mature trees with holes. However the largest area is bracken The Common in recent years has been in the guardianship of which covers 87% of the Common - with only 5% grassland. Garway Parish Council and the Lords of the Manor are the de The bracken, until recent years, was regularly cut and used la Billière family. There are Commoners with rights - many of for animal bedding while other areas of bracken were swiped which are not exercised - so allowing large areas of bracken to to encourage grass growth to maintain better grazing. encroach. The Commoners have rights of : Pasture, Estovers (the right to cut brushwood, gorse or bracken), Turbary (the right to dig turf for fuel), Herbage and a Sheep Walk. Garway Hill is rarely mentioned� in earlier bird books on Garway Hill rises to 366 metres and is the highest land mass Herefordshire. Bull (1888) writes (according to a Mr Lingwood) in South Herefordshire. It is flanked on its steep Western of a Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) as occurring at side by the Southerly flowing River Monnow and its Eastern Garway. Horne (1889) notes that a specimen of the Rose- slope acts as the rim to the Orcop Bowl. Geologically the coloured Starling (Sturnus roseus) in Hereford Museum is rocks of Garway Hill belong to the Old Red Sandstone, labelled “Garway, 1858” but no proof that it is correct, though or Devonian Period, and are mostly of the Dittonian E Cambridge Phillips (1908) states “There is only one record series sandstone. The Dittonian series sits on a thin layer of this rare and beautiful visitor in Herefordshire, and that is of Psammosteus Limestone which has been quarried and the specimen in the Hereford Museum labelled Garway, 1858, burnt to make quick lime to put on the fields. This rock and undoubtedly obtained there. M.G. Watkins in Bi r d s o f a forms the division between the Downtonian series which He r e f o r d s h i r e Pa r i s h (1898) wrote of Ravens (Corvus corax): is mainly red marl (clayey, silty sandstone). This division is “Until about twelve years ago a nest existed in some marked by a series of springs and patches of marshy ground tall fir-trees on Garway Hill. The old birds were shot which are used as a source of drinking water by various by the keepers, and probably the last pair of Ravens birds including wintering Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola). that bred on trees in Herefordshire was destroyed.”

33 Hutchinson (1900) wrote of the Hairy Woodpecker flammeus) have been recorded on the Hill. In Winter, flocks (Dendrocopus villosus): “There is a specimen in the Hereford of Redwing (Turdus iliacus) and Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) Museum labelled ‘Ga r w a y , 1845.’ It is recorded that two regularly feed on the many hawthorn berries, small flocks specimens are said to have been found in Yorkshire, but the of Siskin and of Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) are seen on the species is not admitted to be a British one - Saunders. Very woodland fringe, and migrant Woodcock join resident ones doubtful”! in the damper areas.

Walker and Smith (1975) state that Stonechats (Saxicola Flocks of migrating birds are regularly recorded in season torquata) were breeding on the upland Commons of Garway especially passerines, waders and Wood Pigeons (Columba and Orcop - but that they vanished after the great frost of palumbus). In most years Wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe) are 1947. They would be pleased to know that the Stonechat has reported as being present for a few days, usually in Spring. returned to breed again - in 2004 there were two breeding Occasionally rarities have occurred, Long-eared Owl in pairs on the Hill. Nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos) could May 1994, Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) in July 1997, be heard singing in Burnt Wood up until the 1950s. In 1994 Grasshopper Warbler in 1997, 1998 & 2000 and Water Rail Paul Scrivens led a group of bird ringers in the White Rocks (Rallus aquaticus) in December 1997. area of the Common. He remarked how difficult it was to catch even the most common of breeding birds and only 49 In the Summer months a walk on Garway Hill will quickly birds of 12 species were caught. The only unusual bird was a make you aware of Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) and Skylark Siskin (Carduelis spinus) feeding on ivy berries. using the short grassy areas and with careful searching Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), Redstart and Tree Garway Hill has a breeding record of 51 species - 11 are Pipit can be found on the woodland fringe; and Stonechat, BCC Red List birds: Skylark (Alauda arvensis), Song Thrush Yellowhammer and Linnet amongst the gorse and bracken. (Turdus philomelos), Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia), Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris), Willow Tit (Poecile montanus), Starling (Sturnus Since the ‘Foot & Mouth’ outbreak in 2001 the numbers of vulgaris), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Linnet (Carduelis grazing animals, mainly sheep, have been greatly reduced cannabina), Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) and Yellowhammer and as a result the encroachment of bracken has been greater. (Emberiza citrinella). There are 13 BCC Amber List species It is pleasing to note that a group of Commoners, plus - including Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), Tree Pipit (Anthus interested residents, have formed a Management Committee trivialis), Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) and Stonechat and they, along with Herefordshire Nature Trust, are (Saxicola torquatus). The Hill is a good area for raptors and drawing up a Management Plan and have applied for funds Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), so that work can be undertaken to control the bracken so Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) as to enhance the wildlife of the Hill. It is hoped to cut the are frequently recorded. Red Kites (Milvus milvus) are also bracken so increasing the grass area, plant hedges along recorded and Hobbies (Falco subbuteo) are seen in Summer the boundary, plant berry-bearing shrubs and put up nest- attacking the House Martin (Delichon urbicum) flock. Both boxes for breeding birds and especially to encourage Pied Long-eared Owls (Asio otus) and Short-eared Owls (Asio Flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca).

34 MONTHLY BIRD COUNTS ON THE PRESCRIBED ROUTE

around GARWAY HILL - April - July & September 2004 Key : = none seen during count

� Species Apr May Jun Jul Sep Species Apr May Jun Jul Sep Pheasant 1 3 1 1 Blackcap 2 3

� � � � Buzzard 2 2 1 1 4 Garden Warbler 1

� � � � Kestrel 1 1 Common Whitethroat 2

� � � � � � � Peregrine 1 Chiffchaff 5 4 5 4 17

� � � � Stock Dove 2 4 2 Willow Warbler 9 17 15 8

� � � Wood Pigeon 10 4 6 6 6 Goldcrest 6 2 2

� � Collared Dove 2 Spotted Flycatcher 2

� � � � � � � � Cuckoo 2 Long-tailed Tit 10 4

� � � � � � � Green Woodpecker 2 1 1 2 1 Blue Tit 14 15 23 28 16 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 1 Great Tit 9 7 11 21 18

� � � Sky Lark 11 5 5 5 2 Coal Tit 2 � � � � Sand Martin 3 Nuthatch 1 2 1 � � � � � � Swallow 6 2 6 8 Jay 1 2 � � � � House Martin 30 20 25 15 Magpie 1 1 2 3 � � Tree Pipit 5 3 2 2 Carrion Crow 8 5 4 7 7 � Meadow Pipit 20 14 25 31 28 Raven 1 1 2 � � Pied Wagtail 1 Starling 3 1 5 � � � � � � Wren 15 23 18 19 14 House Sparrow 3 2 2 2 � Dunnock 5 6 6 11 Chaffinch 11 10 10 14 18 � Robin 21 17 5 16 24 Greenfinch 5 5 2 1 � Redstart 3 3 1 5 1 Goldfinch 3 6 10 � � Stonechat 1 2 3 2 Linnet 8 17 40 14 � � Blackbird 16 18 15 12 8 Bullfinch 2 4 2 � � Song Thrush 5 5 10 6 3 Yellowhammer 7 2 2 6 6 Mistle Thrush 2 � � � �

35 Finall y m y grateful than k s to Mr K Ruc k who v er y k indl y allowed me access to his bird records

Re f e r e n c e s :

Bu l l , He n r y Gr a v e s , M.D. 1888. Notes on the Birds of Herefordshire. Ca m b r i d g e Ph i l l i p s , E. 1908. Herefordshire Birds ( The Victoria History of the Counties of England ) El l i o t , N. e t a l . 1980. Ewyas Harold Common. A Local Study. Ev a n s , I.B. (Ed.) e t a l . 1995. Annual Report 1994. Herefordshire Ornithological Club. H.M.S.O. 1948. British Regional Geology. Welsh Borderland 1948. Ho r n e , G. 1889. Birds of Herefordshire. Hu t c h i n s o n , T. 1900. Birds of Herefordshire ( Woolhope Naturalists’ Field Club - Transactions for 1899 ) Wa l k e r , C.W. and Sm i t h , A.J. 1975. Herefordshire Birds. Wa t k i n s M.G. 1898. Birds of a Herefordshire Parish. From Temple Bar – April 1898.

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36 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

GARDEN BIRDWATCH 2004

The Garden Birdwatch scheme was started by Ray Mellish in 1998 to give Members the opportunity to take part in a bird survey carried out in their own gardens. Ray also introduced a newsletter so as to add to the interest and enjoyment of the observers. It was first called “Garden Birdwatch letter” but was renamed “The Birdfeeder” in March 2000. By December 2000 there were fifty regular contributors taking part in the scheme. The December 2003 issue of “The Birdfeeder” was the last to be written by Ray, who very sadly died in January 2004.

2004 SUMMARY

The first quarter returns for 2004 were received from 57 gardens which fell to 46 gardens by the end of the year. During 2004 over 10,000 records were received with 65 species recorded. The Top Ten for 2004 were :

1 House Sparrow 6 Blackbird 2 Starling 7 Goldfinch 3 Greenfinch 8 Collared Dove 4 Blue Tit 9 Dunnock 5 Chaffinch 10 Great Tit

The more unusual species recorded were Red-legged Partridge, Little Owl, Grey Wagtail, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Racing Pigeon. Several albinistic birds were noted during the year including Blackbird and House Sparrow.

It is hoped that the HOC’s Garden Bird Watch will continue to be popular and that more Members will take part in this enjoyable, valuable and rewarding survey.

Ifor & Elaine Evans Ju l y 2006

37 An informal Survey of

Green Sandpipers and King fishers on the Leintwardine Teme - 25 August - 3 September 2003

INTRODUCTION

It was I think around 1965 ( with a class-mate from School - the brother of my very first girlfriend! ) that as a teenage ornithologist I determined to undertake a mammoth trek from Ludlow along Bringewood Chase on a particularly hot late-Summer day in the School holidays. The secret upper- reaches of the Herefordshire Teme beckoned and now seemed irresistible! Never shall I forget that first sight from the high meadow ( above the long- abandoned Hunstay Cottage ) of Downton Castle majestic across the valley in the Summer sun. Climbing up to Burrington Common we descended eventually to Burrington Village with its quaint wooden Herefordshire Church tower, and after surveying Burrington Pool - which was still visible in those days and held Tufted Duck and impressive numbers of Coot - we reached Burrington Bridge and climbing over the stile set off along the River Teme upstream towards Criftin Ford Bridge. I distinctly recall the magical sound of a Green Woodpecker “yaffling” on the hawthorn ridge above the stream - perhaps there are ant-hills there - for more than forty years later this is still a favourite spot for this glorious species.

After a couple of miles the Teme began to meander and its sandy banks here and there were punctuated by small colonies of nesting Sand Martins.

Suddenly a haunting call pierced the serene afternoon - and a mysterious wading-bird with dark wings and a brilliant white rump took flight - “whiffling” erratically as it continued its flight upstream uttering its magical piping call! The battered Peterson guide was extracted rapidly from an ancient fishing bag which contained lunch and other essentials - and we quickly decided that it could be nothing other than a Green Sandpiper! If I had at that moment seen an Ivory-billed Woodpecker in the Arkansas Big Woods I doubt if my excitement could have been any greater ! I thought it was one of the most magical birds I had ever seen and never ever have I forgotten the moment !

Nearly forty years later destiny brought me back to a new home by the River Teme in the Vale of Wigmore - and the Green Sandpipers were still there. I have now seen them on almost seventy separate days since late 2002 - and in eight different months of the year. In August 2003 numbers seemed to be building up and I began to wonder exactly how many individuals were present on these sandy banks of the River Teme. As young Kingfishers were also now highly visible it seemed to be a good idea to count both species at the same time. I divided the River up into manageable and logical sections and with the generous permission of Landowners walked each stretch carefully - counting as I went. This very informal survey began just above Lingen Bridge, Bucknell - on the joint County border with Shropshire - and ended just below Burrington Cottage at the beginning of Downton Gorge.

38 The total length of River surveyed for Green Sandpipers - including meanders - was 13.4 kilometres - or just over 8¼ miles. I was particularly anxious to discover if Green Sandpipers were present along the whole length of the River in the Survey area, or merely concentrated in the meanders. The best stretches were counted several times on different days. Green Sandpipers were easier to count on some days than others - and the more secret stretches of the River were extraordinarily overgrown and difficult to reach and at the same time maintain visibility at all times. Birds doubling back or “whiffling” from bank to bank at the end of sections and suddenly becoming invisible made some section counts problematic - but a maximum and minimum range was substantially established. The task was undertaken with determination and by making repeated counts it was possible to come to some useful conclusions - but it was a one-man effort conducted over quite a number of different days.

A superbly organised HOC Survey of the River Wye a few years ago employed a larger number of observers - teams walking each small section simultaneously - all in the same direction - and adding or subtracting numbers as birds moved from one section to another - and observers were in contact with one another by mobile telephone. This ad-hoc River Teme survey was much more informal !

Th e s e c t i o n s o f t h e Ri v e r Te m e c o u n t e d f o r Gr e e n Sa n d p i p e r s a n d Ki n g f i s h e r s w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Section Location Section Length

1 Above Lingen Bridge 0.1 kilometres 2 Lingen Bridge - Parson’s Pole Bridge 1.5 kilometres 3 Parson’s Pole Bridge - Buckton Bridge 1.9 kilometres 4 Buckton Bridge - Leintwardine Bridge 2.0 kilometres 5 Leintwardine Bridge - Criftin Ford Bridge 3.7 kilometres 6 Criftin Ford Bridge - Burrington Bridge 3.8 kilometres 7 Below Burrington Bridge 0.4 kilometres TOTAL LENGTH OF RIVER TEME SURVEYED 13.4 kilometres

2002 - 2006 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

TOTAL NO OF SIGHTINGS 9 6 12 6 8 7 11 7

� � � �

above : Au t h o r ’s To t a l Si g h t i n g s o f Gr e e n s a n d p i p e r s o n t h e Leintwardine Te m e b y Mo n t h : Fe b r u a r y 2003 - Ju l y 2006

39 Section Counts and mean Totals for

Green Sandpipers and King fishers on the Leintwardine Teme 25 August - 3 September 2003

GREEN SANDPIPERS Sect 1 Sect 2 Sect 3 Sect 4 Sect 5 Sect 6 Sect 7 TOTAL MEAN Min 1 1 9 8 19 22 Max � � 1 1 9 14 � 25

� � �

KINGFISHERS Sect 1 Sect 2 Sect 3 Sect 4 Sect 5 Sect 6 Sect 7 TOTAL MEAN Min 1 3 2 5 2 13 14 Max � 1 4 3 5 2 � 15

� �

CONCLUSIONS Green Sandpipers were recorded from near Bucton Park to just below Burrington Bridge - a continuous span of 9.3 kilometres out of the total 13.4 kilometres - the greatest density occurring in Leintwardine Fishery below Leintwardine Bridge - down as far as Burrington Bridge. No birds were seen upstream on the faster water from Lingen Bridge, Bucknell down to Buckton Bridge. Several groups of six birds together were seen. Somewhere between nineteen and twenty-five Green Sandpipers were thought to be present overall during the Survey period.

Kingfishers had bred successfully and adults and young were seen along more or less the whole length of the River surveyed. The number of birds counted including juveniles was between thirteen and fifteen - equating roughly to one Kingfisher per kilometre of River surveyed.

WJ M

2nd August 2006

40 Addenda 2003

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Downton Castle Estate

Me l a n i s t i c Mu t a n t s a n d Bl a c k Ph e a s a n t s

On 13t h Oc t o b e r 2003 s e v e r a l h u n d r e d Me l a n i s t i c Mu t a n t s a n d a f e w Bl a c k Ph e a s a n t s w e r e s e e n a m o n g t h e m a n y t h o u s a n d s o f Ph e a s a n t s r e l e a s e d o n t h e Do w n t o n Ca s t l e Es t a t e . Th i s r e l e a s e m a y p o s s i b l y h a v e b e e n unprecedented i n He r e f o r d s h i r e , b u t c h i c k s a r e n o w r e a d i l y a v a i l a b l e f r o m Ga m e Fa r m s . Ho w e v e r n u m b e r s q u i c k l y d w i n d l e d a w a y a n d f e w r e m a i n e d b y Wi n t e r ’s e n d

( William Marler )

Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Brampton Bryan Park

5 Males + 5 Females on 20 April 2003 8 on 22 April 2003 - several Males approached to within 20 feet in Beech saplings 26+ on 4 May 2003 9 on 6 July 2003

( William Marler )

41 Systematic List 2004 his 2004 Annual Report of Herefordshire Ornithological Club incorporates the very many changes made in recent times to the order Tand sequence of Species, to Latin names and to the Red and Amber Lists of Birds of Conservation Concern.

he sequence of Species and the Latin names used are the absolute latest at the time of writing and follow exactly “Th e Br i t i s h Li s t To f b i r d s p e c i e s r e c o r d e d i n Gr e a t Br i t a i n ” as updated on 31 July 2006 by The British Ornithologist’s Union. Many of the Latin names which we have known since childhood have changed - some are completely different and others have undergone tiny changes. These changes follow a continuing taxonomic review by the BOU.

he nomenclature of English bird names used in this Report is different from both the British Ornithologist’s Union Br i t i s h Li s t Tand the British Birds Br i t i s h Li s t . Both of these modern lists seem to have their idiosyncrasies, inconsistencies and imperfections, and we have elected to use instead Co m m o n En g l i s h n a m e s - e.g. Bewick’s Swan, Teal, Red Grouse, Knot, Dunnock and Dipper. A comprehensive index of species is printed at the end of this Report. The latest BOU English names are included where they are different.

he abbreviations for sites employed in previous Annual Reports have been entirely abandoned. All names and places are now printed Tin full for the sake of clarity and readability. Punctuation has been reduced to absolute essentials in accordance with current English scholarship and modern business practice. Additional capitalisation is employed for important names, categories and groups in order to provide extra visual emphasis where it is especially needed. For example : the Seasons of the Year, Points of the Compass and the sexes of birds described in the Systematic List are all capitalised. Full stops are used at the end of sentences, but not at the end of lists. Large italic fonts have been abandoned for the Latin names. A number of layout styles have been employed and combined to provide visual variety - some passages are justified, and others are centred. We do hope that you will find the end result pleasing to your own eye and taste.

BBS = Breeding Bird Survey ( BTOAbbreviations ); BCC = Birds of Conservation used in Concern; the text: BOU = British Ornithologists’ Union; BTO = British Trust for Ornithology; CBS = Common Bird Census ( BTO ); c. = “circa” ( Latin ) = approximately; cf. = “confer” ( Latin ) = compare with; Ed. = Editor; et al = “et alia” ( Latin ) = and other people; HNT = Herefordshire Nature Trust; incl = including; JNCC = Joint Nature Conservation Committee; Juv/s = Juvenile/s; max = maximum; NB = “nota bene” ( Latin ) = note well; n.d. = no date; sp. = Species; RBBP = Rare Breeding Birds Panel; Vide = “vide” ( Latin ) = see

= nil, zero, no count made, or no information

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42 Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Common breeding resident on rivers, lakes and ponds. BCC Amber List species.

Large herds can gather in Winter. A most notable gathering of 160 was counted at Ballingham on the River Wye on 1 December 2004. Smaller herds of non-breeding birds occur in some places in early Summer.

217 reports were received in 2004 - from 72 widespread locations. Most large counts came from the River Wye.

Si x t e e n Br e e d i n g Pa i r s w e r e r e c o r d e d a t a t o t a l o f Fo u r t e e n Lo c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Aymestrey Ponds; Berrington Hall Pool; Castleton & Winforton Wye ( 2 Pairs ); Criftin Ford Bridge; Fowden Farm, Kingsland; Kilbreece Lake; Little Berrington; River Monnow - Great Goytre; River Monnow - Llangua Church; Rudhall ( Lake towards Linton ); Tretire / Michaelchurch; Turner’s Boat and Wellington Gravel Pits ( 2 Pairs )

La r g e r c o u n t s f r o m t h e p r i n c i p a l s i t e s w e r e a s f o l l o w s ( Ri v e r Wy e r e p o r t s a r e i n u p s t r e a m - d o w n s t r e a m o r d e r ) :

Bellamore, Wellington Gravel RIVER WYE Bridge Sollers How Caple Preston-on- Wye Pits 36 on 27 Jul 48 on 14 Apr 23 incl 6 Juvs on 13 Nov 50 on flood-water by Castleton / 44 on 11 Dec A49 on 7 Feb Winforton Holme Lacy Berrington Hall Pool 43 on 3 Apr 32 on 25 Apr 80 on 7 Feb Foy 11 on 25 Jan 31 on 8 Apr 30 on 23 Mar 12 on 22 Feb 35 on 31 May Lion’s Den, Hightrees c.80 on 14 Apr 14 in Dec 30 on 4 Aug Bredwardine 18 on 11 Sep 34 Adults + 4 Juvs 44 on 1 Jan Backney on 20 Aug Bodenham Lake 40 on 17 Jan Fownhope c.65 on 2 Jan 35 Adults + 4 Juvs 33 on 25 Feb 25 on 24 Jan on 23 Sep c.80 on 30 Oct 13 in Aug 44 on 31 Jan Ross-on-Wye 19 on 2 Oct 68 on 14 Dec 16 on 19 Dec c.20 on 25 May Brockhall Gravel Pit Letton Ballingham 17 on 26 Aug 15 on 1 Jan 160 on 1 Dec Glewstone 18 on 5 & 19 Sep 11 on 24 Jan 25 on 21 Mar

�

43 Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii

Uncommon Winter visitor and passage migrant. BCC Amber List species.

There were three records in the 1st Winter Period and none in the 2nd Winter Period.

Al l r e c o r d s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

6 Adults + 2 Juveniles with a flock of Mute Swans on the river bank at The River Wye - Lion’s Den, Bredwardine on 1 January 2004 ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney )

2 Adults at The River Wye - Lion’s Den, Bredwardine on 17 January 2004 ( Paul Downes )

5 at Letton Irrigation Lake on 22 February 2004 ( A L Smith )

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

A scarce Winter visitor. BCC Amber List species.

A s i n g l e r e c o r d o n l y i n t h e 2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d :

A Pair + 4 Juveniles at Wellington Gravel Pits on 13 November 2004 ( Paul Downes, Terry Downes & Steve Coney )

44 Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus

Scarce Winter visitor. BCC Amber List species.

Tw o r e p o r t s i n t h e 2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d w e r e t h e 14t h & 15t h Co u n t y Re c o r d s f o r He r e f o r d s h i r e :

1 Juvenile at Wellington Gravel Pits on 25 September 2004 ( 14th County Record ) ( Mr and Mrs P Parsons, Paul Downes, Terry Downes & Steve Coney )

1 at Bodenham Lake on 27 November 2004 ( 15th County Record ) ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes )

Greylag Goose Anser anser

A rather scarce visitor and occasional feral breeding species, which has been recorded in Herefordshire in every month of the year. BCC Amber List species. The UK population has increased by 179% between 1994 and 2004 ( BTO Br e e d i n g Bi r d Su r v e y - UK 10 Ye a r Tr e n d ). Some Herefordshire birds must have originated from the feral population in the Severn Valley, while others in North Herefordshire may well be strays from the feral population in neighbouring Shropshire. With one Shropshire flock alone containing 200 - 250 birds it is quite strange that Herefordshire numbers have not increased. Control measures such as the pricking of eggs may be a possible explanation.

There were 20 reports in 2004 - from 6 locations - but these involved probably no more than a handful of birds in total :

1 at The River Wye - Foy on 2 January 2004 1 at Titley Pool on 24 January 2004 1 with Canada Geese at Criftin Ford Bridge on 5 February & 1 November 2004 1 at Letton Irrigation Lake on 22 February 2004 1 - 2 max at Hartleton Lake - with 14 reports from February - December 2004 1 at The River Wye - Hoarwithy on 15 August 2004

45 Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Common breeding resident on rivers, lakes and ponds. Introduced to Britain in the 17th Century or earlier.

145 reports were received in 2004 - from 31 widespread locations. The largest single flock seen in 2004 contained 442 birds.

Br e e d i n g w a s v e r y s p a r s e l y r e c o r d e d a t a t o t a l o f n i n e l o c a t i o n s ( b u t w i t h s e v e r a l p a i r s i n s o m e ) a s f o l l o w s :

Berrington Hall Pool; Bodenham Lake; Buckton Marl Pit; Gamber Meadows; Hartleton Lakes; Letton Irrigation Lake; River Monnow - Great Goytre; Wellington Gravel Pits & Weston’s Cider

La r g e r c o u n t s f r o m t h e p r i n c i p a l s i t e s w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Berrington Hall Pool Brockhall Gravel Pit Devereux Wootton, River Wye, Foy 53 on 25 Jan 129 on 10 Jan Norton Canon c.70 on 20 Jan 69 on 22 Feb 180 on 26 Aug 230 flying on 17 Oct 82 on 21 Mar 204 on 19 Sep River Wye, Backney 58 on 25 Apr 442 on 27 Sep Eastnor Park 39 on 9 Feb 49 incl Juvs on 23 May 104 on 14 Oct 18 on 19 Apr c.80 on 8 Aug 34 in Jun - Jul 21 on 4 Nov c.200 on 30 Aug 36 in Aug Hartleton Lakes 327 on 25 Sep Castleton /Winforton Wye 49 on 22 Feb Titley Pool 43 in Oct 43 on 25 Jan 21 on 17 Mar c.50 on 1 Jan 100 in Nov 36 in May c.150 on 24 Jan 61 in Dec Criftin Ford Bridge 23 incl 15 Juvs on 2 Jun c.60 on 8 Sep 34 on 25 Jan 35 in Jun 50 on 12 Dec Bodenham Lake c.50 on 29 Jan 41 on 14 & 21 Jul c.112 on 1 Jan 60 on 5 Feb 42 in Nov Tyberton Pools 64 in Feb 80 on 20 Feb 37 in Dec c.150 on 21 Sep 79 in Mar 53 on 27 Feb 38 in Apr 33 on 8 Mar Letton Irrigation Lake Wellington Gravel Pits 15 in May incl 9 Juvs 19 on 11 Apr 105 on 22 Feb 32 in Jun c.60 on 2 Jan 51 on 28 Oct 27 on 25 Apr 61 in Sep 129 on 20 Aug 57 on 1 Nov 10 Adults + 28 Juvs 93 in Oct c.100 on 30 Aug 84 on 3 Nov on 18 Jul 102 in Nov c.40 on 11 Sep 103 on 4 Nov 110 on 4 Sep 47 in Dec 98 on 7 Dec 105 on 12 Dec

46 Locations ( North - South ) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Criftin Ford Bridge 50 80 33 19 51 84 103

� � � � � Berrington Hall Pool 53 69 82 58 49 34 34 36 327 43 100 61 Titley Pool 150 60 50

� � � � � � � � � Bodenham Lake 112 64 79 38 15 32 61 93 102 47

� � Devereux Wootton, Norton Canon 230

� � � � � � � � � � � Castleton / Winforton Wye 43

� � � � � � � � � � � Letton Irrigation Lake 105 22 27 22 24 38 110

� � � � � Wellington Gravel Pits 60 23 24 129 40 26 105

� � � � � Brockhall Gravel Pit 129 7 12 17 180 442 104 21

� � � � Tyberton Pools 12 12 12 150

� � � � � � � � Eastnor Park 18

� � � � � � � � � � � River Wye - Backney / Foy 70 39 200

� � � � � � � � � Hartleton Lakes 49 21 9 36 35 41 42 37

� � � �

a b o v e : Ca n a d a Go o s e - m o n t h l y m a x i m a f r o m t h e p r i n c i p a l l o c a t i o n s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e d u r i n g 2004 k e y : = n o c o u n t o r n o substantial n u m b e r s r e p o r t e d

�

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

Uncommon Winter visitor and breeding resident almost certainly from escaped origins. BCC Amber List species. There were thirteen records from four different locations. Two pairs bred at Leech Pool.

Al l r e c o r d s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Bodenham Lake Brockhall Gravel Pit Leech Pool Wellington Gravel Pits 2 Adults from 1 - 8 Jan 5 on 5 Aug & 10 on 10 Apr, 5 incl 2 Pairs 1 on 2 Jan & 5 on 28 Feb, 1 in Apr from 5 - 19 Sep breeding on 26 Apr 17 Apr

( Gerry Bilbao, J H Martin, Paul Downes, Terry Downes, Trevor Hulme, Peter Eldridge, Steve Coney & Gerald Parker )

47 Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla

A scarce vagrant in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species. A first Winter bird was discovered at Wellington Gravel Pits on 14 November 2004 ( 11th County Record ) ( Steve Coney ) The same bird was seen on 4th, 7th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th & 28th December 2004 ( Paul Downes, Terry Downes, Gerry Bilbao, Steve Coney, A C Jones & Steve Whitehouse )

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

A r a r e f e r a l v i s i t o r t o He r e f o r d s h i r e . Th e r e w e r e f i f t e e n r e p o r t s i n 2004, f r o m t h r e e d i f f e r e n t l o c a t i o n s . Th e f i r s t Co u n t y Re c o r d w a s o f a s i n g l e b i r d s e e n o n 31 Oc t o b e r 1988 ( s e e Hi s t o r i c a l No t e b e l o w )

Al l 2004 r e p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Leech Pool 1 on 10 April 2004 ( Steve Coney )

1 at Kenchester Pools on 1 & 16 May - with 2 there on 14 July, 26 August and 5 & 11 September and 1 on 19 & 21 September, 25 October & 27 November ( Paul Downes, Terry Downes, Tim Wright, John Pullen & Peter Eldridge )

1 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 15, 18 & 31 May and 14 October 2004 ( Paul Downes, Steve Coney & Peter Eldridge )

Hi s t o r i c a l No t e : A s i n g l e Eg y p t i a n Go o s e w a s s e e n o n 31s t Oc t o b e r 1988 o n t h e Ri v e r Wy e a t Ha m p t o n Bi s h o p ( C R Ga r f i t t p e r J L Fo x ) Th e b i r d w a s w e l l s e e n o n t h e g r o u n d a n d i n f l i g h t . Th i s w a s t h e f i r s t r e c o r d f o r t h e Co u n t y o f t h i s i n t r o d u c e d s p e c i e s w h i c h w a s a d m i t t e d t o t h e Br i t i s h a n d Ir i s h Li s t s i n 1971 ( HOC An n u a l Re p o r t 1988 )

48 Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

An uncommon passage migrant - not so far known to have nested in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species.

Nationally there has been a great increase in the number of Shelduck breeding inland - with more than 100 new 10 km squares occupied during the years between the BTO Atlases of 1968-72 and 1988-91. Breeding has occurred in neighbouring Shropshire, and it is surprising that we have still to add the Shelduck to the list of birds to have bred in Herefordshire. Perhaps during fieldwork for the forthcoming Atlas of 2007-11 this handsome species may at last be discovered nesting in our County!

Th e r e w e r e f o u r t e e n r e c o r d s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e d u r i n g 2004 f r o m f o u r d i f f e r e n t l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Brockhall Gravel Pit 1 Female on 18 May 2004 ( Paul Downes )

Kenchester Pools 3 on 30 March 2004 ( Tony Eveleigh ) 1 on 1 April 2004 ( Gerald Parker ) 1 on 3 April ( Steve Coney, Paul Downes & Terry Downes ) 2 on 10 April & 22 April 2004 ( Peter Eldridge ) 1 flying South on 16 May ( Tim Wright ) 1 on 18 May ( Paul Downes & Gerald Parker ) 2 Males + 1 Female on 22 May ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes )

Letton Irrigation Lake 1 on 2 March 2004 ( John Pullen & Peter Eldridge ) 3 on 21 March ( A L Smith ) and 1 on 25 Apr ( A L Smith )

Wellington Gravel Pits 1 Male on 24 April 2004 ( Paul Downes ) 1 on 26 May ( Gerry Bilbao )

49 Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

A still scarce and very local breeding resident in Herefordshire, from introduced origins in the South of England - a few apparently prior to 1745, but the majority since the early 20th Century in the Home Counties. This magnificent species may well be under-recorded in remote places in Herefordshire, but there is no evidence yet of any dramatic take-off in numbers, and the local population may well be struggling to maintain a sustainable breeding base.

There were 18 reports of Mandarins in Herefordshire in 2004 from a total of 16 locations - although several of these sites were practically adjacent to one-another. These sites have been grouped together in the ensuing summary. The total number of birds in the County is probably still very small, but breeding was nevertheless confirmed at two locations in 2004 : Lower Foxhall Ponds along the River Wye and Turnastone Court along the River Dore in the Golden Valley.

The Mandarins on Castle Pool in the middle of Hereford are so confiding that they can be admired at the closest possible quarters. Other birds in our County in contrast have reverted to a genuinely wild state, and small populations inhabit at least one secret wooded section of the River Teme, and a few remote pools on private Estates in the County. These birds are so incredibly shy that they will take flight at the least sight of a human being. How magical these wild Mandarins seem : as if they inhabited some ancient ancestral wilderness in Japan, Korea or the former USSR.

Al l Re p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d - w i t h La k e s , Po o l s & Po n d s g r o u p e d u n d e r t h e i r As s o c i a t e d Ri v e r s :

Ri v e r Te m e Hereford Sewage Glewstone Lower Foxhall Ponds Ri v e r Do r e Works Downton Gorge 1 Male on 22 Mar 4 on 8 Apr & 1 Adult ( Turnastone Court ) 1 Male on 24 May Female + 7 Juveniles Pair flushed from Female + 2 Juvs on 10 Jul ( confirmed just upstream of Courtfield ( near on 26 May Ballingham breeding record ) Bringewood House Welsh Bicknor ) ( confirmed breeding ) on 26 Apr 1 Female in Aug 3 on 18 Apr Rudhall u d h a l l r o o k Ri v e r Wy e Backney R B 1 Pair on 20 May Es c l e y Br o o k ( Tr i b u t a r y o f Castle Pool Pair on 15 May 3 Males + 1 Female Ri v e r Wy e ) ( He r e f o r d Ci t y ) ( Ri v e r Le a d o n ) flying on 27 Dec Wilton Bromsash 1 Male on 5 Jan & Eastnor Park 2 Males + 1 Female 2 Males on 9 Jan Pair flying towards 3 on 19 Apr on 6 Jan Weston-under-Penyard on 20 May

50 Wigeon Anas penelope

A common Winter visitor to Lakes and flooded River valleys. BCC Amber List species. There were 62 records in 2004 from 12 different locations.

The latest birds of Spring were two at Wellington Gravel Pits on 14 April 2004 - and the first arrivals of Autumn were 3 Eclipse Males also atWellington Gravel Pits on 11 September 2004

Al l r e c o r d s a r e s u m m a r i s e d a s f o l l o w s :

Bodenham Lake Criftin Ford Bridge Leech Pool Wellington Gravel Pits Jan : max c.180 on 2 & 3 Jan 4 on 2 Jan 10 on 10 Dec Jan : max 125 on 3 Jan Feb : max 154 on 12 Feb 14 on 20 Feb Feb : max 169 on 28 Feb Mar : max 58 on 1 Mar 3 Males + 10 Females Letton Irrigation Lake Mar : max 124 on 1 Mar Apr : 1 Male on 3 Apr on 25 Nov 36 on 22 Feb Apr : max 39 on 2 Apr - Oct : max 60 5+ on 29 Nov 12 on 21 Mar with 2 present on 14 Apr Nov : max - 137 on 5 Nov c.14 on 30 Dec 3 Eclipse Males on 11 Sep Dec : max 159 River Wye, Backney Oct : max 14 on 3 Oct Hereford Quarry, Nov : max 58 on 10 Nov 6 Males + 2 Females Brockhall Gravel Pit Bromyard Road Dec : max c.50 on 19 Dec on River with Mallard 2 on 17 Mar 1 Male on 12 Apr during freeze on 27 Dec 16 on 14 Oct 7 on 27 Nov Kenchester Pool Tidnor Mill 12 on 18 Dec 8 Males + 12 Females 37 on 6 Feb on 29 Mar Castleton & Winforton 30 on 1 Apr Titley Pool � Wye 4 on 3 Apr 9 on 1 Jan 13 on 25 Jan

2004 maxima Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 180 154 58 1 60 137 159

� � � � � Wellington Gravel Pits 125 169 124 39 3 14 58 50

� � � �

k e y : = n o b i r d s r e p o r t e d

�

51 Gadwall Anas strepera

A very occasional breeding resident and annual passage migrant in small numbers. BCC Amber List species.

There were 51 records in 2004 from just 6 locations - and more Males were reported than Females. The largest count where individual sexes were identified was of 4 Males and 2 Females at Wellington Gravel Pits on 23 December 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao )

There were no confirmed records of breeding but birds of both sexes were present at Hartleton Lakes and Wellington Gravel Pits throughout March, April and May and at Brockhall Gravel Pits in April & May 2004

Th e m a x i m u m c o u n t s e a c h m o n t h a t e a c h o f t h e s i x s i t e s w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 1 � � � � � � � � � � � Brockhall Gravel Pits 3 3 2 � � � � � � � � � Bromsash 1 � � � � � � � � � � � Hartleton Lakes 3 4 6 5 4 � � � � � � � Tidnor Mill 2 � � � � � � � � � � � Wellington Gravel Pits 3 3 2 2 2 2 4 6 � � � �

k e y : = n o b i r d s r e p o r t e d

�

Hi s t o r i c a l No t e :

A l o n e Fe m a l e o f t h i s s p e c i e s w a s s h o t a t Mu c h Ma r c l e o n 31 De c e m b e r 1953. On 12 Ma y 1957 R H Ba i l l i e a n d f r i e n d s w a t c h e d o n e i n c o m p a n y w i t h Ma l l a r d a n d o t h e r s p e c i e s o n f l o o d e d m e a d o w s a t Wi g m o r e Mo o r . In Ma y 1966 a p a i r n e s t e d o n a p o o l a t We s t o n -u n d e r -Pe n y a r d . Th e b i r d s o r i g i n a t e d f r o m Ru d h a l l Po o l s w h e r e t h e s p e c i e s h a d b r e d f o r a n u m b e r o f y e a r s , b e i n g t h e descendants o f p i n i o n e d b i r d s i n t r o d u c e d t h e r e b y a p r e v i o u s o w n e r .

( Wa l k e r , C W and Sm i t h , A J : He r e f o r d s h i r e Bi r d s : Wo o l h o p e Na t u r a l i s t s ’ Fi e l d Cl u b 1975 )

52 Teal Anas crecca

Common Winter visitor. Last confirmed breeding in Herefordshire in 1984. BCC Amber List Species. 108 reports were received in 2004 - from 16 locations. The largest single flock in 2004 was of c.100 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 7 February

Mo n t h l y m a x i m a f r o m t h e p r i n c i p a l s i t e s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 47 52 2 20 2 14 12 21 25 � � � Brockhall Gravel Pits 13 4 21 14 11 12 48 33 � � � � Criftin Ford Bridge 60 100 9 50 12 60 � � � � � � Hartleton Lakes 2 15 13 2 2 8 10 � � � � � Titley Pool 50 20 6 10 � � � � � � � � Wellington Gravel Pits 30 25 15 2 9 12 14 20 � � � �

k e y : = n o b i r d s r e p o r t e d

�

Sm a l l e r n u m b e r s o f Te a l i n 2004 w e r e r e p o r t e d a t t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s : 10 were at Letton Irrigation Lake on 21 Mar and 17 at Kenchester Pools on 18 April From 1 - 6 birds were reported from : Berrington Hall Pool; Castleton & Winforton Wye; Coke’s Yeld Pool; Gamber Meadows; Leech Pool; Norton Wood; Walford “Tumulus”, Leintwardine and Whitfield Estate

De p a r t u r e s & Ar r i v a l s : The last birds of Spring were two at Bodenham Lake and one Female at Leech Pool - both on 26 April 2004 There were no reports at all of Summer birds - May, June and July were entirely blank. The first birds of Autumn were four at Wellington Gravel Pits on 5 August 2004

53 Hi s t o r i c a l No t e : Br e e d i n g Re c o r d s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e f o r t h e Te a l ( An a s c r e c c a )

A c a r e f u l examination o f p r e v i o u s An n u a l Re p o r t s r e v e a l s f e w b r e e d i n g r e c o r d s f o r t h e Te a l s i n c e t h e f o u n d a t i o n o f t h e Cl u b i n 1950. Th e l a s t r e p o r t e d b r e e d i n g r e c o r d s w e r e i n 1984 - w h e n s i n g l e p a i r s b r e d a t Kenche s te r a n d The Lu g g Mea d ow s . Th r e e n e s t s w e r e r e c o r d e d i n 1967 a t Mocca s Pa r k - w i t h t w o n e s t s t h e r e i n 1965. In 1964 t h r e e n e s t s w e r e f o u n d b y a h i g h l y -s k i l l e d n e s t - f i n d e r a t Cr iftin Fo r d Br i d g e . In 1958 b r e e d i n g w a s s u s p e c t e d a t Br e d wa r d ine - a n d i n 1954 a n e s t w a s f o u n d o n Wi g mo r e Moo r .

[ HOC An n u a l Re p o r t s ( 1951 - 2003 ) ]

Wa l k e r a n d Sm i t h s t a t e d i n 1975 : “Th e Te a l h a s b r e d a t Br ampton Br y an ; Sa r ne s fiel d ; Mocca s ; Allen s mo r e ; Br ockhampton , nea r Br om y a r d ; Letton ; Br e d wa r d ine ; Wi g mo r e Moo r a n d By ton Moo r ” [ So m e o f t h e s e r e c o r d s m a y w e l l d a t e t o t h e 1930’s a n d 1940’s p r i o r t o t h e f o u n d a t i o n o f t h e HOC ( Ed.) ]

( Wa l k e r , C W and Sm i t h , A J : He r e f o r d s h i r e Bi r d s : Wo o l h o p e Na t u r a l i s t s ’ Fi e l d Cl u b 1975 )

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Common breeding resident and Winter visitor. 199 reports were received in 2004 - from 52 locations.

Breeding was confirmed at twelve widespread locations as follows : Aymestrey Ponds; Berrington Hall Pool; Bodenham Lake; Castleton & Winforton Wye; Fowden Farm, Kingsland; Hartleton Lakes; Letton Irrigation Lake; Little Berrington; Lower Brockhampton; Lion’s Den, Bredwardine; Tyberton and Wellington Gravel Pits. Many large broods were counted.

Mo n t h l y m a x i m a f r o m t h e p r i n c i p a l s i t e s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Hall Pool 12 12 5 5 43 18 9 29 32 78 19 21 Bodenham Lake 50 68 39 17 7 15 73 44 26 42 19 29 Brockhall Gravel Pits 23 10 35 10 25 52 20 42 9 � � � Hartleton Lakes 21 31 28 27 27 52 43 23 16 32 � � Titley Pool 100 24 100 � � � � � � � � � Walford “Tumulus” 70 25 40 42 14 � � � � � � � Wellington Gravel Pits 103 22 11 9 71 137 80 150 138 � � �

k e y : = n o b i r d s r e p o r t e d

�

54 OTHER NOTABLE COUNTS RECEIVED IN 2004 INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING :

30 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 2 Jan; 25 at River Wye, Putson on 4 Jan; 8 Males + 9 Females at Castle Pool, Hereford City on 6 Jan; 21 at Eastnor Park on 15 Jan; 21 at Letton Irrigation Lake and 20 at Tyberton Pools - both on 25 Jan; 20 at Gamber Meadows on 16 Feb; 26 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 22 Feb; 20 at Norton Wood on 26 Feb; 10 at Leech Pool on 10 Apr; 18 at Letton Irrigation Lake on 23 May; c.20 at Turner’s Boat on 24 Aug; c.50 at Withy Pool, Weston Farm on 30 Aug; c.50 at River Wye, Backney on 10 Dec and 27 at River Wye, How Caple on 11 Dec

Some large flocks inhabiting secret places such as old decoy pools on private Estates must go uncounted. Nevertheless it is surprising that only ten three-figure counts were received in 2004 - the largest of all being of c.150 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 2 October 2004.

Pintail Anas acuta

Scarce Winter visitor and passage migrant. BCC Amber List species. One of the most beautiful of all our Ducks. The sight of a drake Pintail sailing in stately fashion on a flooded flash with his white plumage gleaming in the Winter sun is one of the most glorious spectacles - sadly all too rare in Herefordshire.

There was one record in the 1st Winter Period and two in the 2nd Winter Period

Al l r e c o r d s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

2 Males + 5 Females at Bodenham Lake on 20 January 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao )

1 Eclipse Male + 1 Female at Wellington Gravel Pits on 9 October 2004 ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes )

5 Juveniles at Wellington Gravel Pits on 10 October 2004 ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney )

55 Shoveler Anas clypeata

Uncommon Winter visitor. Last positively known breeding date in Herefordshire is 1944. BCC Amber List Species. 45 reports were received in 2004 - from 7 locations. The largest single flock in 2004 was of 13 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 16 October.

Mo n t h l y m a x i m a f r o m a l l s i t e s w h e r e Sh o v e l e r w e r e r e c o r d e d i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 5 1 2 � � � � � � � � � Brockhall Gravel Pits 4 4 � � � � � � � � � � Kenchester Pools 1 � � � � � � � � � � � River Wye, Ballingham 1 � � � � � � � � � � � Titley Pool 1 1 1 � � � � � � � � � Upper Lugg Meadows 3 � � � � � � � � � � � Wellington Gravel Pits 9 5 4 2 4 5 13 6 9 � � �

k e y : = n o b i r d s r e p o r t e d

�

Th r e e Hi s t o r i c a l No t e s - Th e Sh o v e l e r i n He r e f o r d s h i r e : Br e e d i n g , Wi n t e r i ng & Wi g m o r e Mo o r

Wa l k e r a n d Sm i t h s t a t e d i n 1975 : “Fo r s o m e y e a r s t w o o r t h r e e p a i r s o f Sh o v e l e r b r e d a t Br ampton Br y an ”. [ t h e s e u n d a t e d r e c o r d s m a y w e l l d a t e t o t h e 1930’s a n d 1940’s - p r i o r t o t h e f o u n d a t i o n o f t h e HOC ( Ed.) ] “A n e s t w a s f o u n d a t Bu c k t o n Ma r s h i n 1944 b y A E W Bo l t .” ( Wa l k e r , C W and Sm i t h , A J : He r e f o r d s h i r e Bi r d s : Wo o l h o p e Na t u r a l i s t s ’ Fi e l d Cl u b 1975 )

Ex a m i n a t i o n o f p r e v i o u s An n u a l Re p o r t s s u g g e s t s t h a t t h e l a r g e s t Wi n t e r f l o c k o f Sh o v e l e r r e c o r d e d i n He r e f o r d s h i r e i n m o d e r n t i m e s w a s o f a n o t a b l e 43 b i r d s a t Bo d enham Lake o n 3 Fe b r u a r y 1988. 14 Ma l e s a n d 8 Fe m a l e s w e r e s e e n a t Shob d on o n 7 Ma r c h 1969. Pr i o r t o t h e unfortunate dr a i n i ng o f Wi g mo r e Moo r i n 1958 t h e a r e a w a s f a v o u r e d b y m a n y w i l d f o w l i nclu di ng Sh o v e l e r - 15-20 b i r d s w e r e s e e n t h e r e o n 11 Ja n u a r y 1957, c.20 o n 6 Fe b r u a r y 1955 a n d 20 - 30 ( m o s t l y d r a k e s ) o n 28 Ma r c h 1954. [ HOC An n u a l Re p o r t s ( 1951 - 2003 ) ]

“Me m b e r s w i l l b e s o r r y t o h e a r t h a t a t t h e Cl u b Ou t i n g t o Wi g m o r e Mo o r o n 26t h Ap r i l (1958 ), i t w a s f o u n d t h a t t h e a r e a h a d b e e n d r a i n e d a n d w a s n o w b e i n g p l o u g h e d . Th i s w a s a b o u t t h e b e s t a r e a f o r b i r d s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e .” ( HOC Ma y Bu l l e t i n 1958 )

56 Pochard Aythya ferina

A common Winter visitor and passage migrant. BCC Amber List Species. The UK wintering population of Pochard has declined by 10% during the short-term survey period ( 1994 - 2004 ) ( Th e St a t e o f t h e U.K.’s Bi r d s 2004 )

46 reports were received in 2004. These came from four locations only - the larger waters in the County. The largest single flock in 2004 was of 79 birds at Wellington Gravel Pits on 7 February

Mo n t h l y m a x i m a f r o m a l l s i t e s w h e r e Po c h a r d w e r e r e c o r d e d i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 18 17 8 1 2 � � � � � � � Brockhall Gravel Pits 2 8 6 2 � � � � � � � � Titley Pool 6 2 � � � � � � � � � � Wellington Gravel Pits 60 79 42 1 3 3 45 31 30 � � �

k e y : = n o b i r d s r e p o r t e d

�

De p a r t u r e s : The last birds of Spring were single Males at Bodenham Lake on 4 April and Wellington Gravel Pits on 16 April 2004 - the final report of the 1st Winter period

Ar r i v a l s : The first bird of Autumn was a single Male at Wellington Gravel Pits on 1 August 2004 - and by 5 August 3 Males were present

57 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

A common breeding resident, Winter visitor and passage migrant. 101 reports were received in 2004 from 20 widespread locations : principally lakes and ponds - large and small. The largest single Winter flock in 2004 was of c.300 birds at Wellington Gravel Pits on 7 February.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d i n 2004 a t s e v e n l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Brockhall Gravel Pit Foxhall Ponds Wellington Gravel Pits 1 Adult + 3 Juvs on 14 Jul 3 Females + 11 Juvs on 10 Jul 2 Broods ( 8 & 6 Juvs ) ( breeding confirmed ) (3 broods - breeding confirmed ) located on 8 Jul ( breeding confirmed ) Elton’s Marsh Kenchester Pools 3 broods ( 7, 6 & 1 Juvs ) 10 Adults + 35 Juvs on 7 Aug 1 Adult + 2 Juvs on 14 Jul located on 11 Jul ( breeding confirmed ) ( breeding confirmed ) ( breeding confirmed )

Fowden Farm, Kingsland Leech Pool Confirmed breeding 2 Pairs + 10 Juvs on 1 Aug on 2 July ( breeding confirmed )

Mo n t h l y m a x i m a f r o m t h e p r i n c i p a l w i n t e r i ng s i t e s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 147 91 66 60 22 16 9 42 9 46 173 147 Brockhall Gravel Pits 8 16 17 35 4 44 35 9 43 14 � � Wellington Gravel Pits 130 300 168 36 39 112 93 100 189 190 � �

k e y : = n o c o u n t o r n o b i r d s r e p o r t e d

�

58 OTHER SITE COUNTS IN 2004

It i s m o s t interesting t h a t n u m b e r s e l s e w h e r e w e r e s o s m a l l : Be t w e e n 1 & 10 Tu f t e d Du c k w e r e r e c o r d e d a t t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s ( b u t m u s t h a v e o c c u r r e d i n m a n y m o r e ) :

Berrington Hall Pool : max 4 in Apr Lyonshall Park Wood : 2 Males + 3 Females on 3 Mar Bringsty Common : 1 in Mar Mathon Gravel Pit : max 5 in May Brinshope Barns, Wigmore : 1 on 18 Oct Queen’s Wood, Dymock : 1 Male on 22 May Hartleton Lakes : max 6 in Jun River Wye, Putson : 2 on 4 Jan Hereford City : 1 in Apr Titley Pool : 8 on 20 Feb Kenchester Pools : max 10 on 3 Apr Tyberton Pools : max 6 on 21 Mar Letton Irrigation Lake : max 4 Pairs on 29 Apr

Scaup Aythya marila

Rare passage migrant and Winter visitor. BCC Amber List species. Between 1 January and 1 May 2004 : twenty-two reports came from Bodenham Lake - and one from Wellington Gravel Pits - of a single Male Scaup [ all refer to the same 1st Winter Male first located at Bodenham Lake on 22 November 2003 ]

Observers : ( Paul Downes, Steve Coney, Gerry Bilbao, J H Martin, Terry Downes, Chas & Annette Lankester, Gerald Parker, Ifor & Elaine Evans & D Wright )

Hi s t o r i c a l No t e :

Th e Wo o l h o p e Cl u b Transactions c i t e h a l f -a-d o z e n r e c o r d s o f Sc a u p s h o t i n Wi n t e r o n t h e He r e f o r d s h i r e Wy e - i n 1851, 1855, 1890, 1892, 1894 & 1895. “Th e Re v Co r n i s h Wa t k i n s s a w s e v e r a l Sc a u p a t Sh o b d o n i n e a r l y Ja n u a r y , 1917”

( Wa l k e r , C W and Sm i t h , A J : He r e f o r d s h i r e Bi r d s : Wo o l h o p e Na t u r a l i s t s ’ Fi e l d Cl u b 1975 )

59 Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

Rare Winter visitor from Iceland and Northern Europe, although a few nest in Northern Scotland and Northern Ireland. BCC Red List species.

A s i n g l e r e c o r d f o r 2004 :

A single Male at Brockhall Gravel Pits on 27 March ( Steve Coney )

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Regular but specialised and very local Winter visitor to Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species. Thirty-one out of thirty-three records received in 2004 were from Bodenham Lake. Mo n t h l y m a x i m a f o r Go l d e n e y e o n Bo d e n h a m La k e i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bodenham Lake 14 12 9 5 1 7 18 � � � � �

k e y : = n o b i r d s r e p o r t e d

�

The other records were of single Females - the first on floodwater by the A49 atWellington on 7 February 2004 - and the other at Wellington Gravel Pits on 11 December 2004. There were no records from The River Wye or other Herefordshire Rivers.

60 Smew Mergellus albellus

Rare Winter visitor.

A s i n g l e r e c o r d f o r 2004 : A single “Redhead” at Wellington Gravel Pits was discovered on 11 December 2004 ( 19th County Record ) ( Paul Downes, Terry Downes & Steve Coney )

This bird was seen subsequently on 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th & 31st December 2004 ( Steve Whitehouse, Paul Downes, Steve Coney, Gerry Bilbao & Terry Downes )

Goosander Mergus merganser

Fairly common but local and specialised breeding resident - and Winter visitor to Herefordshire. This tree-nesting species was first confirmed breeding in Herefordshire as recently in 1988. It is now to be found nesting along many of our Rivers and Streams, both slow and fast running, and has increased to such an extent that control methods - such as shooting and driving broods into nets strung across rivers - are now being employed on several Rivers. The Goosander’s colonisation of Britain is one the most extraordinary by any bird species during the last Century - the first British breeding record was in Perthshire in 1871. The first Welsh breeding record was during the first BTO Atlas of 1968 - 72.

101 records were received during 2004 - from 41 widespread locations in the County.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d i n f i v e l o c a t i o n s i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

Ri v e r Te m e Ri v e r Wy e Whitney Castleton & Lion’s Den, 1 Female + 9 Juvs Winforton Wye Bredwardine Burrington Hay-on-Wye on 13 May 1 Female + 10 Juvs 3 Females + 23 Juvs 1 Female + 5 Juvs 7 on 12 Jul on 24 Apr ( broods of 11, 8 & 4 ) on 18 Jun ( breeding confirmed ) 1 Female + 4 Juvs from 9 - 11 May on 9 May �

61 Ot h e r Si t e Co u n t s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s : La k e s & Po o l s a r e l i s t e d f r o m No r t h - So u t h & Ri v e r s i g h t i n g s a r e l i s t e d a l p h a b e t i c a l l y b y Ri v e r i n u p s t r e a m - d o w n s t r e a m o r d e r :

LAKES Ri v e r Lu g g Buckton Bridge Castleton /Winforton 1 on 18 Apr 16 reports Jan - Oct Boultibrooke Bridge, Brakes Farm Pool, ( max 17 on 24 Jan & 24 May ) Downton Presteigne Leintwardine Bridge see breeding records 2 reports Jan - Dec 1 Male on 18 Apr flew 2 reports Feb - Nov ( max 3 on 5 Jan ) into Radnorshire ( max 1 Pair on 15 Feb ) Lion’s Den Croft Sned Wood Criftin Ford Bridge 3 reports Sep - Dec ( max 3 Females + 23 Juvs Pair on 20 Mar 2 “Redheads” on 23 Sep 16 reports Jan - Dec from 9 - 11 May ) ( max 14 on 4 - 6 Jan ) Berrington Hall Pool Tidnor Mill see breeding records 3 reports Jan - Nov 3 Males + 3 Females Burrington Bridge ( max 4 on 1 & 25 Jan ) on 6 Feb 3 reports Jan - Jun Turner’s Boat ( max 6 on 18 Jun ) 2 reports Mar - Aug Titley Pool see breeding records ( max 2 Males + 2 Females 4 reports Jan - Dec on 7 Mar ) ( max 16 on 24 Jan ) Ri v e r Mo n n o w Castle Bridge, Letton Llancillo Downton Gorge Bodenham Lake Pair on 19 Feb & 8 Mar 1 Adult Male on 23 Apr 1 Female on 26 Apr 3 reports Jan - Apr ( max 3 on 3 Jan ) Bredwardine Tregate Bridge 1 Pair on 3 Apr 1 Adult Female on 30 Apr Hartleton Lakes Brobury House 7 reports Jan - Dec � ( max 10 on 2 Dec ) Ri v e r Wy e 1 on 26 May

Ri v e r Te m e Breinton Common Hay-on -Wye 1 Adult Male on 11 Apr 7 on 12 Jul RIVERS Coxall Mill see breeding records 1 Male + 2 Females on 1 Mar Ruckhall Ri v e r Cl u n 3 Males on 28 Mar Parson’s Pole Bridge Whitney-on-Wye Jay Bridge, Leintwardine 5 reports Feb - Apr 1 Female + 9 Juvs on 13 May Hunderton Pair on 10 Apr ( max 2 Pairs on 5 Apr ) see breeding records 11 on 31 Jan & 12 on 26 Dec

62 Old Bridge, Hereford Hampton Bishop 12 Males + 2 females 4 “Redheads” on 24 Aug Backney Courtfield, on 13 Dec 8 reports Apr - Dec Welsh Bicknor Holme Lacy ( max 14 on 28 Nov ) 1 on 19 Dec Hampton Park 3 reports Jan - Sep 2 Males + 4 Females on 7 Apr ( max 4 on 6 Sep ) Wilton 5 reports Jan - Feb Litley Court - Hole-in-the-Wall ( max 17 on 25 Jan ) Bunch of Carrots 2 Males + 2 Females 4 Males + 3 Females on 12 Jan on 23 Mar �

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

Rare feral visitor from escaped origins in the 1950’s and 1960’s - which has bred occasionally in the County. The first breeding record in Herefordshire came from Staunton-on-Arrow in 1985 - where it bred again in 1986. Feral birds in Europe are considered a threat to the similar White-headed Duck of Andalucia - with which it can inter-breed and over which it is dominant. In consequence an attempt is being made by European Government agencies to eradicate the feral population of Ruddy Ducks.

Al l r e c o r d s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

1 Adult Male at Berrington Hall Pool on 23 May 1 Male + 1 Female on 20 June & 18 July 1 Female on 25 July ( T C Cooke )

1 Female at Bodenham Lake on 12 February ( Gerry Bilbao )

1 at Brockhall Gravel Pits on 2 May ( Steve Coney )

1 Male at Wellington Gravel Pits on 9 June & 1 Male + 1 Female on 30 July ( Gerry Bilbao )

63 Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus

An uncommon breeding resident in the Herefordshire Black Mountains. BCC Amber List species. This remote, inaccessible and poorly recorded outpost is on the extreme Eastern edge of the range of the Red Grouse in Southern Britain - South of Cardigan Bay and the Shropshire hills.

Al l r e c o r d s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

1 Adult Male at Hatterrall Hill on 24 April ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes ) 1 heard at Olchon Valley on 28 March - also in April & May ( J R W Paige ) 1 at The Darens on 24 April ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes )

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

A Common and widespread breeding resident introduced to Britain in the 18th Century. Large-scale releases of birds reared on Game Farms continue on sporting Estates today. Substantial numbers can be found where these occur, but these releases may not occur every year and covey sizes seem to dwindle between releases. The “Frenchman” is much less sedentary than the “English” or Grey Partridge - and in Spring Pairs disperse well beyond Estate boundaries. Like the English Partridge, the “Frenchman” struggles to survive - and it is tragic to see broods of twelve or thirteen tiny chicks dwindle to one or two in the space of a few days or even hours.

Surprisingly, this species is said to be sub-dominant to the Grey Partridge in territorial disputes : ( Po t t s , G R : Th e Ne w At l a s o f Br e e d i n g Bi r d s i n Br i t a i n & Ir e l a n d : 1988 - 1991 : BTO 1993 )

65 records were received in 2004 from around 40 widespread locations, but numbers reported were very small. The largest covey was of c.15 birds at Gatsford, Ross-on-Wye on 4 November & 17 December 2004. Breeding was confirmed at Longworth Lane on 5 July; Canon Pyon on 30 July; and Rhyse Villa on 8 & 13 August 2004

64 Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

An increasingly uncommon breeding resident. BCC Red List species. The “English” Partridge has all but disappeared over the last 50 years from many of its ancient haunts. This retreat seems to be relentless - with Ireland and Western Britain now hugely abandoned. Reports this year from Herefordshire almost certainly refer to released birds which have somehow managed to survive and breed.

A mere 11 reports were received from 9 locations in 2004. Still more former haunts were positively deserted.

Al l r e p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Ashe Ingham Court Lion’s Den, Bredwardine Shobdon Industrial Estate Thinghill Court 1 Pair in Jun 1 on 12 Apr A Pair on 24 Jan & 3 Apr Covey of 10 in Jan 1 Male on 31 May Croward’s Mill Milton Cross 2 on 6 Jun Pair on 3 Apr St Owen’s Cross 2 in Garden on 12 Mar Ledicot Pembridge 3 on 2 Jan Female on 24 Jan �

Quail Coturnix coturnix

A scarce Summer visitor which breeds occasionally in Herefordshire. BCC Red List species.

Th r e e r e p o r t s w e r e r e c e i v e d i n 2004 a n d a l l a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

1 calling at Bishopstone in June 2004 ( Peter Eldridge ) 1 calling at Bromsash on 12 July 2004 ( Tony Eveleigh ) 1 calling at Marlbrook Farm on 3 August 2004 ( Steve Coney & Rebecca Collins )

65 Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Abundant breeding resident. 147 reports were received from 62 locations in 2004. The gorgeous Pheasant, introduced to Britain by the Normans - or possibly by the Romans, is admired but not reported by many observers. No really large counts were received during 2004 - although thousands of birds were known to have been released on sporting Estates.

Breeding was confirmed atLion’s Den, Bredwardine on 4 September and Yarkhill Court on 26 July 2004

La r g e r n u m b e r s w e r e r e p o r t e d a s f o l l o w s :

40 at Wapley Hill in Oct; 49 at Burrington Bridge on 26 Nov and c.30 at Leech Pool on 10 Dec

Me l a n i s t i c Mu t a n t s a n d Bl a c k Ph e a s a n t s

On 13 October 2003 several hundred Melanistic Mutants and a few Black Pheasants were seen among the thousands of Pheasants released on the Downton Castle Estate. This release may possibly have been unprecedented in Herefordshire, but chicks are now readily available from Game Farms. The many hundreds seemed to have dwindled to a very few remarkably quickly. During 2004 the only Melanistic birds reported were as follows:

2 Males ( Melanistic Mutants ) at Nacklestone Farm, Criftin Ford Bridge on 31 March 1 Adult Male ( almost black ) at The Pools Farm, Downton on 11 April 1 Male ( almost black ) at Canon Pyon on 10 September

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Common breeding resident on Lakes and Ponds - which in Winter resorts to many of our Rivers. The U.K. Population of the Little Grebe increased by 24% during the period 1994 - 2004 ( Th e St a t e o f t h e U.K.’s Bi r d s 2004 )

112 reports were received from 29 locations in Herefordshire in 2004.

66 Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t f i v e l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Berrington Hall Pool Fairtree Farm, Ledbury Fowden Farm, Kingsland Little Berrington 1 Pair + 4 Juvs on 20 Jun 1 Pair had two broods 1 Immature on 2 Jul 1 on 26 Apr 1 Pair + 2 Juvs on 18 Jul from May - Jul ( breeding confirmed ) 3 Adults + 2 Juvs Leech Pool 4 on 22 Aug on 21 Aug 1 Pair + 1 Juv on 1 Aug

An Immature was seen at Aulden on 3 Aug. Two Juveniles were seen at Wellington Gravel Pits on 28 Jul; and an Adult + 2 Juvs were again seen on 8 Aug. 9 birds were counted here on 27 & 30 Aug

Further breeding season records without confirmation of breeding came from: Aymestrey Ponds; Brockhall Gravel Pit ( 5 counted on 26 Aug ); Downton Brakes; Marl Pit, Buckton and Mathon Gravel Pit

La r g e r Wi n t e r Co u n t s i n c l u d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g :

1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d

6 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 20 Jan; 5 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 25 Jan; 4 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 27 Jan; 4 on the River Teme, Criftin Ford Bridge on 29 Jan; 3 at Upper Lugg Meadows on 29 Jan; 3 at River Wye, Wilton on 4 & 6 Feb; 6 on the River Lugg, Tidnor Mill on 6 Feb; and 2 at Berrington Hall Pool on 21 Mar

2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d

5 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 11 & 23 Sep; 2 at Berrington Hall Pool on 25 Sep; 4 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 25 Oct; 6+ on the River Teme, Criftin Ford Bridge on 26 Oct; and 3 at Bodenham Lake on 14 Dec

Li t t l e Gr e b e s w e r e a l s o r e p o r t e d f r o m t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s i n 2004 :

Almeley; Batch Cottage Pool; Coke’s Yeld Pool; Croose Farm; Gatsford Pool, Ross - on-Wye; Hartleton Lakes; Kenchester Pools; River Wye, Hereford; River Wye, Putson; Ross-on-Wye; and Shobdon Industrial Estate

67 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Scarce breeding resident in Herefordshire on a small number of Lakes and Pools. A few old sites are now inaccessible, over-grown, disturbed or unreported - but new gravel workings have created alternatives. Since 1981 a tiny number of breeding records have also come from the slower reaches of the River Wye. Larger numbers of Grebes can gather in Winter on our larger Lakes and Pits.

The U.K. Population has increased by 38% during the period 1994 - 2004 ( The State of the U.K.’s Birds 2004 )

84 reports were received from 7 locations in Herefordshire in 2004. Breeding was confirmed at 4 locations.

Al l b r e e d i n g r e c o r d s a r e d e t a i l e d a s f o l l o w s :

Bodenham Lake Hartleton Lakes Wellington Gravel Pits 2 Pairs present on 20 & 26 Apr 4 present in Apr 7 present on 2 May 1 Pair confirmed breeding on 3 Jun 1 Pair confirmed breeding in May 5 present on 27 Jun 2 in Jul 2 Pairs confirmed breeding in Jun Pair + 1 Juv on 16 Jul 2 Pairs + 3 Juvs on 11 Jul ( confirmed breeding ) Brockhall Gravel Pit 12 present on 14 Jul also 4 non-breeding Adults 8 present on 28 Jul 1 Pair + 2 Juvs on 15, 16, 18 & 22 May Pair + 1 Juv on 17 Aug ( confirmed breeding ) 6 Adults + 1 Juv on 20 & 30 Aug �

A Pair were present at another traditional breeding site - Titley Pool on 17 April - and 1 Adult + 2 Juvs were seen during a Club Outing here on 8 September. There were reports from two other sites during the breeding season : a single bird seen at Hereford Quarry, Bromyard Road on 12 April - and a most unusual record of 3 birds “resting” for ten minutes on the roof of a house at Gatsford, Ross on Wye on 30 April ( Doug Brett )

The largest Winter counts were of 10 birds at Wellington Gravel Pits on 1 January and 11 December 2004

68 Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

Ra r e p a s s a g e m i g r a n t . A s i n g l e r e c o r d f o r 2004 :

A single Adult Summer at Wellington Gravel Pits was discovered on 13 April 2004 ( 11th County Record ) ( Gerry Bilbao, Steve Coney, Miss H E Coney, A & N Forrest & Gerald Parker )

This bird was seen subsequently on 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th & 19th April 2004 ( Dr Terry Foxton, Paul Downes, Steve Coney, T Dixon, Ifor & Elaine Evans & P J Cornell )

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus

A r a r e s t o r m -b l o w n v a g r a n t . A s i n g l e r e c o r d f o r 2004 :

A single bird was picked up by the RSPCA outside a pub in South Street, Leominster on 16 September 2004. Its lower mandible was broken - and it was taken by the RSPCA to Caun House Wildlife Rescue Centre in Much Wenlock, Shropshire. Sadly it did not survive ( RSPCA )

Gannet Morus bassanus

A r a r e s t o r m -b l o w n v a g r a n t . A s i n g l e r e c o r d f o r 2004 :

1 found dead by the River Arrow, Eardisland on 26 September 2004 ( John Kedward ) ( 13th County Record ) This specimen was preserved - and subsequently mounted and stuffed

69 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

A locally common visitor recorded in every month of the year, but more numerous from October - March.

The U.K. population of Cormorants has increased by 40% during the short-term survey period ( 1994 - 2004 ) ( Th e St a t e o f t h e U.K.’s Bi r d s 2004 )

130 reports were received in 2004 from 27 widespread locations. These included lakes and pools of various sizes, and Rivers - notably the Teme and the Wye. The largest count of the year was of 50 in the regular roosting tree at Criftin Ford Bridge on 2 January 2004. Here numbers generally build up steadily during the afternoon, with some birds standing in ranks on the shingle bank hanging their wings out to dry and others from far and wide flying in right up until dusk.

Mo n t h l y m a x i m a f r o m p r i n c i p a l s i t e s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

2004 ( North - South ) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Criftin Ford Bridge 50 31 22 6 22 32 35 � � � � � Berrington Hall Pool 1 2 2 11 1 3 � � � � � � Bodenham Lake 24 4 9 5 4 5 9 11 27 9 29 � Wellington Gravel Pits 1 3 2 3 4 9 8 7 2 13 � � Castleton & Winforton Wye 3 6 3 1 2 3 � � � � � � Turner’s Boat 32 � � � � � � � � � � � Letton 7 � � � � � � � � � � � Brockhall Gravel Pit 2 13 1 1 3 1 1 3 � � � � Eastnor Park 9 � � � � � � � � � � � River Wye - Holme Lacy 8 10 � � � � � � � � � �

k e y : = n o c o u n t o r n o b i r d s r e p o r t e d

� Small groups of 1 - 3 birds were reported from Gamber Meadows, Hartleton Lakes, Leech Pool, Letton Irrigation Lake, Tyberton Pools and several other stretches of the River Teme, River Wye and River Lugg

70 Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Uncommon but increasing passage migrant in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List Species.

This magnificent addition to the avifauna of our County was first recorded in Herefordshire in 1988 - on the River Wye at Sink Green on 15 May 1988 - by our late lamented President Mr J L Fox. The Little Egret first appeared in the U.K. in significant numbers the following year - 1989 - and the first British breeding record was on Brownsea Island, Dorset in 1996. This colonisation has continued at an astonishing pace, and breeding has already occurred as far North as Cheshire ( BTO ).

In Herefordshire 31 reports were received during 2004 - from 15 locations in the County - although several of these were practically adjacent.

Al l r e p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

LAKES Ri v e r Te m e Ri v e r Wy e Ri v e r Wy e

Wellington Gravel Pits Leintwardine Fishery, Lion’s Den Holme Lacy 1 on 2, 3, 6 & 8 Jan Trippleton 1 on 11, 12 & 31 Aug & 9 Sep 1 on 6 September 1 on 7 Jun A late report of one seen 1 on 1, 9 & 11 Jul here in January Castleton & Winforton Sellack Boat 3 on 29 Aug 2 on 18 October 1 on 21 September Criftin Ford Bridge Brockhall Gravel Pit 1 Adult on 16 October Turner’s Boat Hole-in-the-Wall 1 on 26 Aug ( Club Outing ) 1 on 5 & 12 August 2 Adults + 3 Juvs & 2 on 24 Aug on 17 September Brockley Meadows, Leintwardine Eign Backney 1 discovered here 1 on 23 September 1 on 30 July & 12 August at the very end of December 2004 Hampton Bishop Pencraig - Kerne Bridge ( stayed into 2005 ) RIVERS� 3 on 11 Aug 1 followed downstream 2 on 24 Aug & 11 Sep on 19 August

71 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

A fairly common breeding resident, found in all parts of the County and breeding in just a few secluded sites.

Breeding records came from just four heronries in Herefordshire in 2004. Unfortunately, there was no information from Bewdley Bank ( 20 nests in 2003 ) and no detailed count from Weston Farm, Bredwardine ( 35 nests in 2000 ) - but the three heronries which were counted in both years ( 2003 & 2004 ) showed an overall increase in numbers from 39 nests in 2003 to 54 nests in 2004 - an increase of 38.4 %.

Last Counted Nests Heronries ( North - South ) Nests 2003 Nests 2004 % + / -

2004 20 Marl Pit, Buckton 13 20 + 54% 2004 29 Berrington Hall Pool 23 29 + 26% 2000 35 Weston Farm, Bredwardine √ ? � 2004 5 Leech Pool 3 5 + 67% 2003 20 Bewdley Bank 20 ? �

Ab o v e : He r e f o r d s h i r e He r o n r i e s 2004 k e y : = n o information : √ = o c c u p i e d b u t n o t c o u n t e d

�

Ot h e r n o t a b l e c o u n t s i n 2004 i n c l u d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g :

Hartleton Lake Leech Pool Wellington RIVERS Ri v e r Wy e Backney 4 in Jun 13 on 7 Jan Gravel Pits 6 on 9 Feb & Ri v e r Lu g g Hightrees 7 in Jul 10 on 10 Dec 5 on 29 Jun 5 on 22 Oct 8 on 6 Jul Tidnor Mill 5 on 11 Sep 7 on 11 Jul 4 on 10 Feb 9 on 30 Aug

� �

72 Red Kite Milvus milvus

An increasing regular visitor to all parts of the County - which momentously bred successfully in Herefordshire in 2004. BCC Amber List Species. A Pair of Red Kites reared one chick at a nest-site in Herefordshire in 2004. This was the first young Red Kite positively known to have been born and reared in Herefordshire since the 1870’s at least. A Pair had been seen in the same area in the previous year, and one bird was seen carrying sticks in April 2003 - but the birds are not thought to have succeeded. In early 2004 excitement mounted again - with a great number of sightings and reports from the general area. All sightings were carefully logged and plotted by the HOC. The Welsh Kite Trust was then contacted to assist in locating the possible nest site. On 6 April 2004 an HOC Committee Member together with The Welsh Kite Trust succeeded in locating the nesting territory, and following further visits and long hours of watching the nest was eventually discovered on 12 April by the Welsh Kite Trust, acting under Licence - with the full consent and co-operation of the Landowner. The nest site was about 50 feet from the ground - in a Sitka Spruce. In June 2004 the single chick was photographed, ringed and tagged by Tony Cross of the Welsh Kite Trust. On 16 July 2004 the Juvenile Kite was observed to be in excellent condition - and was seen flying - as its parents soared high above - keeping careful watch. The parents appeared to be un-tagged. The Club would like to express particular thanks to the Landowners and to many local people for their most kind help and outstanding co-operation, and also to the Welsh Kite Trust and their staff for sterling and arduous work. The site must of course remain confidential.

A t o t a l o f 60 r e p o r t s w e r e r e c e i v e d i n 2004 f r o m 10 d i f f e r e n t 10 k m Sq u a r e s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e

Lo c a t i o n s i n c l u d e d :

Avenbury; Criftin Ford Bridge; Devereux Wootton; Docklow; Eastnor Park; Garway Hill ( 2 birds ); Killbreece Bridge, Tretire; Llanerchy-y-Coed Farm; Leintwardine; Lugg Meadows; Presteigne; Rattle Hill ( 2 birds ); Sollers Hope ( Tagged ); Stansbatch; Trippleton ( 2 birds ); Weobley Marsh; Witney Wood, Dulas & Woolhope ( 2 birds )

A Kite at Criftin Ford Bridge on 2 March attempted unsuccessfully to catch a Teal; one at Docklow on 8 March was feeding on worms behind a tractor - and a bird at Leintwardine on 22 September was feeding on a road kill. At the confirmed nest site, the nest itself was found to contain the remains of several rats brought in by the adults.

Herefordshire Kites 2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Reports 1 4 16 16 2 1 7 2 7 2 2 � 10 km Squares ( 10 different ) 1 2 5 3 2 1 3 2 3 1 2 �

73 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

A very rare passage migrant in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species. Th e s i n g l e r e c o r d i n 2004 w a s o n l y t h e 4t h Co u n t y Re c o r d : 1 Male at Brampton Bryan on 5 April 2004 ( Paul Downes )

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

A fairly scarce but increasing breeding resident in Herefordshire. The Goshawk may now be found in larger woods and plantations throughout the County. 32 reports were received in 2004 from upwards of 25 widespread sites.

Br e e d i n g Re c o r d s :

At undisclosed sites in the North of the County six Pairs fledged 11 young in 2004 In the South-East of the County another two Pairs fledged 4 young in 2004

Th e Go s h a w k i n Br i t a i n - Hi s t o r i c a l No t e :

Th e r e a p p e a r s t o b e n o d o c u m e n t e d e v i d e n c e o f t h e Go s h a w k o c c u r r i n g i n He r e f o r d s h i r e b e f o r e 1966. Wh e t h e r i t o c c u r r e d n a t u r a l l y i n t h e Co u n t y i n h i s t o r i c a l t i m e s i s unfortunately i m p o s s i b l e t o s a y . As a n a t i v e Br i t i s h s p e c i e s t h e Go s h a w k d i d p e r s i s t i n Br i t a i n i n No r t h e r n Sc o t l a n d u n t i l 1883, w h i l e t h e l a s t Br i t i s h r e c o r d w a s o f a b i r d s h o t o n i t s n e s t c o n t a i n i n g f o u r e g g s a t We s t e r d a l e , Cl e v e l a n d i n Ma y 1893. Th e Go s h a w k a t t h a t m o m e n t b e c a m e e x t i n c t a s a Na t i v e Br e e d i n g Bi r d i n Gr e a t Br i t a i n .

( Ho l l o w a y , Si m o n : Th e Hi s t o r i c a l At l a s o f t h e Br e e d i n g Bi r d s o f Br i t a i n & Ir e l a n d 1875 - 1900 : Po y s e r 1993 )

A t i n y p o c k e t o f u p t o t h r e e p a i r s b r e d i n Su s s e x f r o m a t l e a s t 1938 ( p o s s i b l y a s e a r l y a s 1921 ) u n t i l 1951. Du r i n g m u c h o f t h i s t i m e t h e i r e x i s t e n c e w a s k n o w n o n l y t o f a l c o n e r s .

( Sh a r r o c k , J T R ( Ed. ) : Th e At l a s o f Br e e d i n g b i r d s i n Br i t a i n & Ir e l a n d : BTO 1976 )

74 Th e Go s h a w k i n He r e f o r d s h i r e

Th e f i r s t e v e r p u b l i s h e d s i g h t i n g f r o m He r e f o r d s h i r e a p p e a r s t o h a v e b e e n a t Ly e p o l e i n 1966 :

“On 20 Au g u s t 1966, Mi s s M L Ev e r s h e d a n d h e r b r o t h e r Ad m i r a l Wa l t e r Ev e r s h e d h a d g o o d v i e w s o f a l a r g e h a w k t h r o u g h f i e l d g l a s s e s , w h i c h t h e y w e r e q u i t e s u r e w a s o f t h i s s p e c i e s . Du r i n g Ma y - Ju n e T R H Ow e n s a w w h a t m a y h a v e b e e n t h e s a m e b i r d t h e r e , b u t i t w a s e x t r e m e l y h i g h , a n d a p a r t f r o m t h e f a c t t h a t i t w a s n o t a Bu z z a r d , h e c o u l d n o t i d e n t i f y i t . It i s o f i n t e r e s t t o n o t e , p e r h a p s , t h a t a d e a d Go s h a w k , w i t h t h e r e m a i n s o f t h o n g s o n b o t h l e g s , w a s p i c k e d u p a b o u t a m i l e Ea s t w a r d s , f o u r m o n t h s e a r l i e r , d u r i n g Ap r i l a n d h a n d e d t o T R Am m o n d s .”

( HOC An n u a l Re p o r t 1966 )

[ N.B. An o t h e r b i r d w i t h j e s s e s , a Fe m a l e , w a s f o u n d d e a d i n t h e Co u n t y t e n y e a r s l a t e r i n 1976 (Ed.) ]

Th e f i r s t r e p o r t e d b r e e d i n g o f t h e Go s h a w k i n He r e f o r d s h i r e a p p e a r s t o h a v e b e e n i n 1989

( HOC An n u a l Re p o r t 1989 )

� Th e Pr o v e n a n c e o f Br i t i s h Go s h a w k s

“A n i m p o r t a n t a s p e c t o f b o t h a c a d e m i c a n d a p p l i e d i n t e r e s t c o n c e r n s t h e p r o v e n a n c e o f p r e s e n t d a y Br i t i s h Go s h a w k s . Th e y w e r e l a r g e l y , i f n o t w h o l l y , d e r i v e d f r o m i m p o r t e d b i r d s w h i c h e s c a p e d f r o m h a w k k e e p e r s o r w e r e deliberately r e l e a s e d . Th e Go s h a w k s w h i c h s t a r t e d b r e e d i n g i n t h e m i d 1960’s w e r e m a i n l y s m a l l b i r d s f r o m c e n t r a l Eu r o p e , w h e r e a s t h o s e e s t a b l i s h e d i n t h e e a r l y 1970’s w e r e m u c h l a r g e r a n d p a l e r b i r d s , m a i n l y f r o m Fi n l a n d ( Ma r q u i s s 1981 ). In p l a c e s t h e s e populations a r e n o w c l o s e e n o u g h t o m i x a n d t h e o u t c o m e , l a r g e , s m a l l , o r intermediate , s h o u l d b e o f g e n e r a l i n t e r e s t b o t h f o r t a x o n o m y , a n d t h e application o f a n i m a l reintroduction s c h e m e s .

( Ma r q u i s s , M : Th e Go s h a w k : Th e Ne w At l a s o f Br e e d i n g Bi r d s i n Br i ta i n a n d Ir e l a n d 1988 - 1991 : BTO 1993 )

“Si n c e t h e Go s h a w k i s k n o w t o b e d e c r e a s i n g o n t h e Co n t i n e n t , n a t u r a l r e -colonisation i s u n l i k e l y . So m e b r e e d i n g r e c o r d s a r e k n o w n t o h a v e r e s u l t e d f r o m Fa l c o n e r s ’ b i r d s w h i c h h a d e s c a p e d o r h a d b e e n deliberately r e l e a s e d s o t h a t t h e y o u n g c o u l d b e t a k e n l a t e r f r o m n e s t s . A s a m p l e s u g g e s t s t h a t 50% o f a l l Go s h a w k s k e p t b y m e m b e r s o f t h e Br i t i s h Fa l c o n e r s ’ Cl u b a r e l o s t o r r e l e a s e d ....”

( Sh a r r o c k , J T R ( Ed. ) : Th e At l a s o f Br e e d i n g b i r d s i n Br i t a i n & Ir e l a n d : BTO 1976 )

75 Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

A common breeding resident in Herefordshire. 138 reports were received in 2004 from 82 widespread locations in the County. The UK Population has decreased by 21% during the short-term survey period 1994 - 2004 ( Th e St a t e o f t h e UK’s Bi r d s 2004 )

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t t w o l o c a t i o n s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s : A Pair nested in a small patch of wood at Three Elms Road, Hereford and Juveniles were heard calling off and on all day one day in August 2004 A Pair and 2 Juveniles at Holmer on 27 September 2004 Additionally a Pair were seen displaying at Hampton Court on 17 March indicating possible breeding

Hu n t i n g Observations 2004

A Male was seen to catch a Re d w i n g during a Club Outing to Credenhill Park Wood on 11 Jan One caught a Fi e l d f a r e from a large flock atBowburnet , Burrington on 7 Feb A 1st Summer Male was observed plucking a Wo o d Pi g e o n on the lane-side verge at Blackthorn Wood, Mortimer’s Cross on 18 Apr One killed a young Bl a c k b i r d at Holmer on 30 Jul One pursued Pi e d Wa g t a i l s along the Ring Road, Hereford City on 29 Sep 1 chased ( unsuccessfully ) a Ki n g f i s h e r on the River Wye, Ballingham on 1 Dec

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76 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

An abundant breeding resident in Herefordshire. The UK population of the Common Buzzard increased by 53% during the period 1994 - 2004 ( Th e St a t e o f t h e UK’s Bi r d s 2004 ) 353 reports were received during 2004 - from 113 locations in Herefordshire

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t n i n e l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s : Coldborough; Frith Wood, Ledbury; Holmer; Little Mountain Common; St Margarets; The Darens; Timberline Wood; Winforton and Wyevale Wood

Am o n g l a r g e r n u m b e r s r e p o r t e d w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g : 10 at Ledicot on 9 Jan; 7 at Checkley on 11 Feb; 7 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 2 Mar; 12 at Fiddler’s Elbow on 2 Mar; c.15 at Bodenham Lake on 13 Mar; 8 at Brampton Bryan Park on 18 Mar; 11 at Wellington on 23 Mar; 8 at Wyevale Wood on 26 Mar; 7 at Frith Wood, Ledbury in Aug and 10 at Nacklestone Farm / Burrington Bridge on 8 Oct

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

A s c a r c e p a s s a g e m i g r a n t i n He r e f o r d s h i r e . BCC Am b e r Li s t Sp e c i e s . Ge n e r a l l y s e e n o n Sp r i n g a n d Au t u m n m i g r a t i o n , t h e r e w a s a m o s t interesting Su m m e r r e c o r d o f t w o b i r d s i n 2004. In t o t a l d u r i n g 2004 Fi v e r e p o r t s w e r e r e c e i v e d f r o m Fo u r l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Bodenham Lake Kentchurch Estate 1 caught and ate a fish on 31 August 2004 1 Adult + 1 Immature feeding and roosting at fish pools ( M Low ) from 19 May - 25 June 2004 ( S Shepherd )

Turner’s Boat 1 at Humber Marsh on 22 September 2004 1 Adult bathing before flying upstream ( Mrs S J Hind ) on 27 May 2004 ( C & Mrs J Chapman ) One on 10 September 2004 ( C Chapman )

77 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

A common breeding resident in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species. 163 reports were received during 2004 - from 100 widespread locations

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t t w o l o c a t i o n s o n l y : A Pair nesting at Mathon Lodge on 21 April A Pair with 3 Juveniles in an Owl box at Yarkhill Court on 26 July

An Adult and a Juvenile were seen at Spring Lake N R on 22 August - indicating possible breeding here also. Altogether in 2004 there were nine records of two birds seen together - and one of a family of five birds. The remaining 153 reports were of single birds

Merlin Falco columbarius

A rare breeding resident in Herefordshire - and regular passage migrant in Winter in small numbers. During the Winter, Merlins may often be found in the vicinity of large Finch flocks. BCC Amber List species.

Hi s t o r i c a l No t e - Me r l i n s Br e e d i n g i n He r e f o r d s h i r e

As t o n i s h i n g l y , c a r e f u l examination o f HOC An n u a l Re p o r t s f o r t h e y e a r s 1951 - 2003 s u g g e s t s t h a t t h e Me r l i n h a s o n l y o n c e b e e n c o n f i r m e d b r e e d i n g i n He r e f o r d s h i r e - i n 1989 - b u t n o p r e c i s e d e t a i l s a r e g i v e n . Th e r e h a v e b e e n m a n y Su m m e r s i g h t i n g s o v e r v e r y m a n y y e a r s f r o m t h e He r e f o r d s h i r e Bl a c k Mo u n t a i n s - i nclu di ng a particularly interesting r e p o r t o f t w o Ma l e o r “Ja c k ” Me r l i n s f i g h t i n g i n t h e Ol c h o n Va l l e y o n 2 Ju n e 1972 - b u t t h e p r e c i s e b r e e d i n g s t a t u s o f t h i s a t t r a c t i v e l i t t l e Fa l c o n i n o u r Co u n t y o f He r e f o r d s h i r e i s d e f i n i t e l y c l o u d e d w i t h m y s t e r y . It i s v e r y m u c h t o b e h o p e d t h a t Fi e l d w o r k f o r t h e p r o j e c t e d At l a s o f t h e Br e e d i n g Bi r d s o f He r e f o r d s h i r e d u r i n g 2008 - 2011 w i l l p a i n t a c l e a r e r p i c t u r e t h a n h a s e v e r b e e n a v a i l a b l e b e f o r e .

78 11 r e p o r t s o f Me r l i n s w e r e r e c e i v e d d u r i n g 2004 - f r o m 8 w i d e s p r e a d l o c a t i o n s Th e r e w e r e s a d l y n o r e p o r t s f r o m p o s s i b l e b r e e d i n g a r e a s i n 2004

Al l Re p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d :

Wapley Hill Hereford City Shirlheath 1 hunting Finches 1 chasing Starlings 1 on 15 Apr over Winter game-crop on 1 Jan at roof height on their ( Marie Kedward ) ( Steve Coney & Paul Downes ) way to roost on 13 Jan ( Terry Downes ) Sainsbury’s, Hereford City Bodenham Church 1 Circling with 1 chasing Thrushes and Finches Lea a Buzzard and Gulls over near the Church on 3 Jan 1 attacking finch flock on 2 Feb Sainsbury’s on 12 May ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes ) ( Rob Husbands ) ( Tim Wright )

2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d :

Hobby Bridge Milton Cross Shirlheath 1 Immature Male 1 Immature Male 1 Male on 21 & 30 Nov on 24 & 28 Nov on 17 Oct ( Marie Kedward ) ( Mrs M E Hodgson ) ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney )

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79 Hobby Falco subbuteo

A scarce breeding Summer visitor in Herefordshire - and a passage migrant in Spring and Autumn.

The dashing Hobby arrives in Herefordshire in late-April or during May - and leaves us in mid-September to spend the Winter in Africa - South of the Sahara. Hobbies feed extensively on dragonflies caught on the wing, and in late Summer and Autumn - when they are feeding young - prey particularly on recently fledged House Martins. The sound of a Swallow alarming is often the best clue to the presence of a Hobby. When the alarm is heard a glance upwards is often enough to reveal the flash of a Hobby dashing by at high speed. Hobbies are so swift and skilful that they can take young House Martins on the wing with little more than a movement of the foot, rather than total extension of the tarsus as employed by the Sparrowhawk. A Hobby was seen pursuing a Swift at high speed across Hereford Racecourse on 27 May 2004.

Breeding is extraordinarily difficult to prove unless one happens by accident to stumble on a nest-site - for Hobbies tend to nest in astonishingly secret places and their territories are so large, and are possibly so few and far between - that tracking of birds is virtually impossible. Obvious nesting in farmland Oaks does occur in some Counties, and probably does in Herefordshire too - but positive evidence is hard to come by. When discovered, breeding pairs and their young in the nest are unbelievably noisy - and the small number of nesting reports in our County may well indicate a smaller breeding population than we have perhaps been tempted to imagine of late. Nevertheless breeding is documented in Herefordshire from the 19th Century, and the County was obviously a Northern outpost for this species long before its well-documented expansion in the 20th century and beyond. Our forthcoming Atlas in 2008 - 2011 will no doubt provide us with a much more detailed and focussed view.

In late Summer and Autumn Hobbies “target” gathering flocks of House Martins - and migrate Southwards with them. Sky- watching in mid-September can be most rewarding. It is not unknown for Hobbies to be seen in and around Hereford City itself.

49 sightings were reported during 2004 - from 34 widespread locations in 18 different 10 km squares in the County.

Ar r i v a l s a� n d De p a r t u r e s

The first bird of the year was a single bird at Bodenham Lake on 23 April 2004 The last was also a single bird at Wyevale Wood on 23 September 2004

80 Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t t h r e e l o c a t i o n s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e i n 2004 a n d w a s p r o b a b l e a t a f o u r t h :

Confirmed Breeding : Young ringed at a site inSouth East Herefordshire in July 2004 Confirmed Breeding : 2 Juveniles at another site in South East Herefordshire on 20 August 2004 Confirmed Breeding : 3 Juveniles at a third site inSouth East Herefordshire on 2 September 2004 Probable Breeding : Pair in North Central Herefordshire probably bred in May - August 2004

t h e p r e s e n c e o f c l u s t e r s o f s i g h t i n g s i n s e v e r a l o t h e r a r e a s o v e r s e v e r a l m o n t h s s u g g e s t s t h a t s e v e r a l m o r e Pa i r s a r e l i k e l y t o h a v e b r e d i n 2004

Herefordshire Hobbies 2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Sightings 2 8 7 13 13 6 � � � � � � 10 km Squares ( 18 different ) 2 5 5 9 10 6 � � � � � �

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

A scarce breeding resident and Winter visitor to Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species. 68 reports were received during 2004 - from 36 widespread locations in Herefordshire.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d i n 2004 i n Fo u r w i d e l y -s e p a r a t e d Lo c a t i o n s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e a n d w a s p r o b a b l e i n Se v e r a l Mo r e

At a nest site in South West Herefordshire on 19 May 2004 A Pair of Peregrines were seen performing a food-pass

Wi n t e r Re c o r d s o f 1 o r 2 Bi r d s c a m e f r o m Man y Location s - e s p e c i a l l y t h o s e c l o s e t o La k e s a n d Ri v e r s

A Female was picked up injured - in woods at Holme Lacy in January - and was taken to the At h e n e Bi r d Ho s p i t a l An Immature Female at Bodenham Lake on 31 January 2004 was seen hunting Wi g e o n

81 Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

A scarce breeding resident and Winter visitor. BCC Amber List Species.

This skulking bird inhabits boggy places - where its blood-curdling squeal ( often at night ) is perhaps the only clue to its presence. The Water Rail may be more numerous in Herefordshire than we realise - it is a species which has been singled out for an extra-special effort during fieldwork for our forthcoming Atlas in 2008 - 2011.

A s i n g l e r e c o r d o n l y i n 2004 :

1 heard at Bodenham Lake on 18 June 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao )

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

A c o m m o n b r e e d i n g r e s i d e n t i n He r e f o r d s h i r e o n Ri v e r s , La k e s a n d Po n d s . 178 Reports were received in 2004 - from 49 widespread locations in Herefordshire.

Fewer than 50 years ago Moorhen’s eggs were still taken regularly from the River Teme and elsewhere for the table, and every schoolboy had a Moorhen’s egg in his collection. The predations of the Mink in the 1960’s and 70’s undoubtedly reduced the population of this delightful bird, but with the recent welcome decline of the Mink and the re-establishment by Conservation agencies of farm ponds - the Moorhen appears now to be staging a comeback. Along rivers it survives better in secluded rushy backwaters.

But still Moorhens nest in exposed places under bridges - where their nests continue to be obliterated by delinquent youths. And still Moorhens nest on islands in faster stretches of water - where they lose many young swept downstream by the rapids - never to be seen again.

82 De s p i t e a l l t h e s e Pr o b l e m s ... Mo o r h e n s w e r e Co n f i r m e d Br e e d i n g a t t h e Fo l l o w i n g Tw e l v e Lo c a t i o n s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e i n 2004 :

Berrington Hall Pool : 1 Pair + 1 Juv on 18 July Gamber Meadows : 1 Pair on 6 May & 1 Pair + 1 Juv on 14 July Hartleton Lakes : 3 Pairs + 2 Juvs in April Holmer Pool : breeding in March Laddin Farm, Little Marcle : 2 Juvs on 5 June Lion’s Den, Bredwardine : confirmed breeding in July Little Berrington : 1 Pair + 2 Juvs on 18 June Moccas Park : 1 Adult + 6 Juvs on 8 September Newton Coppice : 1 Pair + 3 Juvs on 20 June Norton Wood : 6 Juvs in garden pond on 20 April & 6 June & 1 bird sitting on 2 eggs in nest by pond on 5 August Stocken Farm Pond : Pair + 1 Juv ¼ grown on 21 Jun & Pair & 1 Imm ( fully grown ) + 2 tiny chicks on 5 August Weston’s Cider, Much Marcle : 2 Pairs nesting on 15 May

AMONG LARGER COUNTS IN 2004 WERE THE FOLLOWING :

9 at Hartleton Lakes on 21 Jan; 8 at Berrington Hall Pool on 25 Jan; 6 at Tyberton Pools from Jan - Mar; 9 at Bodenham Lake in Feb; 7 at Upper Lugg Meadows on 16 Feb; 5 in a ditch at Brandon Camp on 27 Feb; 11 at Hartleton Lake on 17 Mar; 12 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 3 Apr; c.8 at Holmer Pool from Jul - Oct; 7 at Elton’s Marsh on 7 Aug; 8 at Berrington Hall Pool on 21 Aug; 5 at Moccas on 27 Oct; 6 at Gamber Meadows on 30 Nov & 15 Dec; 12 at Hartleton Lakes on 2 Dec; 5 at Leech Pool on 10 Dec; and 9 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 18 Dec

83 Coot Fulica atra

A common breeding resident and Winter visitor. The UK population of Coots increased by an astonishing 77% during the period 1994 - 2004 ( Th e St a t e o f t h e UK’s Bi r d s 2004 )

135 reports were received in 2004 from 26 locations. The largest single flock in 2004 was of 253 birds at Wellington Gravel Pits on 22 August.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t Se v e n Lo c a t i o n s i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

1 Pair at Titley Pool on 25 Apr; 1 Pair at Holmer Pool in April; 3 Pairs at Tyberton Pools from Apr - Jul 1 Pair at Aymestrey Ponds on 24 May; 3 Pairs at Hartleton Lakes in May; 3 Pairs at Little Berrington, Litmarsh on 18 Jun 3 Pairs at Berrington Hall Pool on 20 Jun

Mo n t h l y m a x i m a f r o m s i t e s w h e r e 10 o r� m o r e b i r d s w e r e r e c o r d e d w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

2004 ( North - South ) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Berrington Hall Pool 2 3 9 12 6 15 14 19 17 4 � � Titley Pool 20 2 20 � � � � � � � � � Bodenham Lake 60 17 9 8 3 6 2 10 3 50 9 31 Wellington Gravel Pits 60 29 12 86 171 253 200 200 100 � � � Leech Pool 6 17 4 � � � � � � � � � Brockhall Gravel Pits 17 8 12 20 30 51 9 35 11 � � � Hartleton Lake 13 16 17 11 11 15 13 4 2 6 � �

k e y : = n o c o u n t o r n o b i r d s r e p o r t e d

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84 Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

A rare and very local breeding Summer visitor in Herefordshire, and a scarce passage migrant in Spring and late-Summer. BCC Amber List species. Winter records are extremely rare. The first confirmed breeding record in the County was in 1996.

34 reports were received in 2004 from 5 different locations in the County.

Breeding was confirmed atBrockhall Gravel Pit - where a Pair nested in May. Sadly they were not thought to have been successful.

Al l r e p o r t s i n 2004 a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Brockhall Gravel Pit RIVER WYE

14 reports of a Pair from 3 April - 31 May Castleton & Winforton Wye 3 Adults present on 22 April Pair confirmed breeding on 2 on 28 March 8, 9, 11, 15, 16 & 18 May A Pair on 1 May 1 Adult on 4 June 1 on 25 June 4 Adults on 12 July Kenchester Pools

2 on 30 Mar & 3 on 1 Apr Turner’s Boat 1 on 4 Apr & 8 Apr & 2 on 13 Apr 1 on 16, 18 & 22 May 2 on 25 July

Wellington Gravel Pits

2 on 29 March 4 Adults on 22 June 1 Adult + 1 Immature on 24 June 1 on 6 July �

85 Th e Oy s t e r c a t c h e r i n He r e f o r d s h i r e

This stunning bird with its bright “carrot” bill, black and white plumage, brilliant pink legs and loud piping call has long been recorded as a rare visitor to Herefordshire - indeed since regular records began in the 19th Century. Since the foundation of the Club in 1950 the total number of sightings reported in Herefordshire in each decade has been as follows :

1950’s = 2 1960’s = 9 1970’s = 10 1980’s = 7 1990’s = 52 2000’s = 93

The largest number of birds ever seen together in Herefordshire was eight - seen by the late Mr J L Fox at Holme Lacy on 3 March 1983 - closely followed by a flock of seven seen by Peter Eldridge at Whitney-on-Wye on 6 August 1988.

Some birds have been heard at night - “piping” as they flew along the River Wye or the River Teme ( a few decades ago ) or more rarely across Country. Many reports have come from the River Wye - and from our small number of gravel workings - one such at Aymestrey in the North of the County provided records in 1972 and 1981 but ceased to exist when it was filled-in and landscaped some years ago ( F W Marston ). There has been no report since that date from the Vale of Wigmore or from the nearby River Teme - despite the presence of shingle banks by the River.

There has been an exponential increase in sightings in Herefordshire since the 1990’s. Reports have come from more locations - and many observers have had an opportunity to see and to report the summering and breeding birds. The Oystercatcher in Britain has increasingly expanded its range inland - moving Eastwards inland from the Coast in East Anglia, and continuing its advance Southwards from Northern Britain. By the time of the BTO Atlas of 1998-1991 many new sites down to a line drawn roughly from Aberystwyth in the West to Cambridge in the East had been occupied by breeding pairs of Oystercatchers.

1950 - 2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

TOTAL SIGHTINGS 1 9 18 41 43 22 16 18 2 1 1 1

above : Si g h t i n g s o f Oy s t e r c a t c h e r s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e b y Mo n t h : 1950 - 2004 ( HOC An n u a l Re p o r t s 1951 - 2004 )

86 below : Po p u l a t i o n i n c r e a s e o f t h e Oy s t e r c a t c h e r i n Th e U.K. ( BTO Po p u l a t i o n Tr e n d s 2004 )

SOURCE TIMESPAN PERIOD INCREASE

WBS waterways 1975 - 2003 28 yrs 114% WBS waterways 1978 - 2003 25 yrs 69% WBS waterways 1993 - 2003 10 yrs 10% WBS waterways 1998 - 2003 5 yrs 5% BBS - England 1994-2004 10 yrs 36%

Th e Oy s t e r c a t c h�e r i n He r e f o r d s h i r e Th e r e h a v e b e e n s i x c o n f i r m e d b r e e d i n g a t t e m p t s i n a l l ( Fi r s t Br e e d i n g Re c o r d 1996 )

YEAR PLACE EVIDENCE OUTCOME NOTES BREEDING RECORD

1996 River Wye - West Herefordshire 2 YOUNG SUCCESSFUL 2 Young Reared 1st 1997 River Wye - West Herefordshire NEST FAILED Flooding & Disturbance 2nd 1999 River Wye - West Herefordshire 2 CLUTCHES OF EGGS FAILED Flooding & Disturbance 3rd 2000 River Wye - West Herefordshire NEST FAILED 4th � 2001 Brockhall Gravel Pit ON TERRITORY ? � � 2002 River Wye - West Herefordshire NEST FAILED 5th � 2004 Brockhall Gravel Pit NEST FAILED Predation ? 6th

above : Br e e d i n g At t e m p t s b y t h e Oy s t e r c a t c h e r i n He r e f o r d s h i r e ( HOC An n u a l Re p o r t s 1951- 2004 )

87 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

A v e r y r a r e v i s i t o r - a s i n g l e r e c o r d i n 2004 Th e Fi r s t Co u n t y Re c o r d f o r He r e f o r d s h i r e

Titley Court Farm

A single bird, an immature, was discovered here on 12 October 2004 ( D Forbes ) It was seen again on 15 October 2004 ( Peter & Joan Eldridge, John Pullen & Dr Terry Foxton ) and was seen finally on 16 October 2004 ( John Pullen & Dr Terry Foxton )

Th i s r e c o r d , t h e f i r s t f o r He r e f o r d s h i r e , w a s a c c e p t e d b y t h e Ra r i t i e s Co m m i t t e e o f Br i t i s h Bi r d s o n 19 De c e m b e r 2004 ( Ed. )

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

A fairly scarce, local and specialised breeding Summer visitor and passage migrant.

The Little Ringed Plover was first recorded in Herefordshire in 1959 and the first confirmed breeding record in the County was in 1980

53 reports were received in 2004 from 5 different locations in the County with breeding confirmed at : Brockhall Gravel Pit, Wellington Gravel Pits, and on the River Wye at Castleton - Winforton and Whitney

Al l r e p o r t s i n 2004 a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

88 Brockhall Gravel Pit Wellington Gravel Pits RIVER WYE 16 reports from 17 Mar - 29 Jun 21 reports from 17 Mar - 11 Jul Whitney-on-Wye ( Breeding confirmed 11 May & 29 Jun ) ( 2 Pairs confirmed breeding ) Max count : 8 on 8, 9, 16 & 18 May Max count : 10 on 6 Jul 8 Pairs confirmed breeding in Jun First report : 1 Adult on 17 Mar Female sitting on nest on Last report : I Juv on 29 Jun 9 Jun had 3 Juvs on 24 Jun Castleton & Winforton Wye 2nd Pair had 1 Juv on 22 Jun First report : 1 Adult on 17 Mar 10 reports from 28 Mar - 12 Jul Kenchester Pools ( 2 Pairs confirmed breeding ) Last report : 2 Adults + 2 Juvs on 11 Jul 1 on 1 Apr & 1 Pair on 18 Apr ( 1 Adult was wearing a BTO ring ) Max count : 8 on 9 & 24 May 1 Adult on 1 May & 2 on 18 May First report : 1 heard on 28 Mar 1 on 22 May Last report : 2 Pairs + 2 Juvs on 12 Jul

Ar r i v a l s a n d De p a r t u r e s : The first birds of 2004 were single birds at Brockhall Gravel Pit and Wellington Gravel Pits - both on 17 March. The final report of the year was of 2 Pairs + 2 Juveniles at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 12 July 2004.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

An uncommon passage migrant in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species. 11 reports were received in 2004 from 4 different locations in the County

Al l r e p o r t s i n 2004 a r e s u m m a r i s e d a s f o l l o w s :

Brockhall Gravel Pit Castleton & Winforton Wye Wellington Gravel Pits 5 reports from 11 - 22 May : 2 Adults on 1 May 4 reports from 16 Apr - 17 Aug : ( 1 nominate race + 1 tundrae race ) 1 Adult Summer on 11 May 1 Adult 1st Summer on 16 Apr 2 Adults on 16 May 1 Adult on 22 Apr 1 Adult on 18 May River Teme, Buckton 1 Adult ( tundrae race ) on 21 May 2 on 17 Aug 7 Adults on 20 May 1 on 18 Apr ( 2 nominate race + 5 tundrae race ) 3 Adults on 22 May

89 Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

A fairly common but local Winter visitor and passage migrant in Herefordshire. 17 reports were received in 2004 from 13 locations in the County - although many of these are practically adjacent to one another and might more properly be described as sub-sites. There are really only six different and distinct areas providing sightings - in six different 10 km squares in total.

The largest flock reported in 2004 was of 250 birds at Burghill on 13 December 2004 closely followed by another flock of 226 atMilton Cross on 3 April 2004

1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d - De p a r t u r e s 2004 The last sighting of the 1st Winter Period was of c.50 birds at Shenmore on 28 April 2004

2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d - Ar r i v a l s 2004 The first report of the 2nd Winter Period was of 3 birds at Gamber Meadows on 22 September 2004

Al l r e p o r t s i n 2004 a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

10 Km Sq u a r e SO25 10 Km Sq u a r e SO36 Elton’s Marsh 10 Km Sq u a r e SO59 c.60 on 5 Feb Hergest Ridge Milton Cross, Shobdon Gamber Meadows c.60 on 4 Jan c.100 on 27 Mar Canon Pyon Road 3 on 22 Sep 226 on 3 Apr c.40 in restless flock 10 Km Sq u a r e SO33 on ploughed field Harewood End 10 Km Sq u a r e SO44 on 7 Feb Shenmore 3 flying on 24 Sep c.60 in Potato Field King’s Acre Road Portway by the B4352 on 18 Apr 7 on 25 Jan c.8 on 29 Sep c.50 on 28 Apr Derndale, Wellington Burghill 10 Km Sq u a r e SO34 5 on 29 Jan 250 on 13 Dec

Letton Canon Pyon Road Huntington Lane � c.70 on 2 Mar 4 on 3 Feb 50 on 27 & 28 Dec

90 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

A fairly common but sadly much declined and threatened breeding resident in Herefordshire and a Winter visitor to the County in larger numbers. BCC Amber List species.

134 reports were received in 2004 from 66 locations in Herefordshire.

Breeding was positively confirmed at three well-watched sites : Brockhall Gravel Pits, Shobdon Industrial Estate and Wellington Gravel Pits and although territorial pairs were reported in sixteen more there is little evidence that any were successful - with constant predations by Corvidae described in detail by several Observers.

The largest flock reported in 2004 was of 262 birds at Wellington Gravel Pits on 3 November

La r g e r Wi n t e r Fl o c k s r e p o r t e d i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d : c.80 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 1 Jan; 40 at Little Mountain Common on 6 Jan; 50 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 6 Jan - with 120 there on 8 Jan; 54 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 10 Jan; c.200 at Staunton-on-Arrow on 17 Jan; c.250 at River Wye, Wilton on 20 Jan; 45 on arable at Moccas on 20 Jan; c.50 at Eardisland on 24 Jan; c.110 at Mortimer’s Cross on 24 Jan; 41 at Gamber Meadows on 27 Jan; 125 at Derndale, Wellington Marsh on 29 Jan; 50 at Kenchester Pools on 30 Jan; c.250 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 31 Jan & 1 Feb; 27 at Monkland on 1 Feb; c.70 at Backney on 4 Feb; c.150 at Rhyse Villa on 5 Feb; 41 at Leominster By-Pass on 7 Feb; 17 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 7 Feb; 167 at Tidnor Mill on 11 Feb; c.200 at Upper Lugg Meadows on 16 Feb; and 50 at Shobdon Industrial Estate on 13 Mar - with 27 there on 20 Mar

2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d :

77 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 14 Aug; c.40 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 22 Aug - with 40 there on 2 Oct & 90 on 3 Oct; 30 at Lower Chadnor on 17 Oct; 24 at Gatsford on 18 Oct; 262 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 3 Nov; 45 at Monkland on 28 Nov; 80 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 12 Dec; c.50 at Stoke Lacy on 14 Dec; c.50 at Allensmore on 14 Dec; c.50 at Backney on 17 Dec; 52 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 18 Dec; and 200 at Broad Oak on 20 Dec

91 Knot Calidris canutus

A rare passage migrant in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species.

Th e r e w e r e t w o r e p o r t s i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

1 at Brockhall Gravel Pit from 2 - 4 May 2004 ( 17th County Record ) ( Steve Coney & Paul Downes )

1 at Wellington Gravel Pits from 29 - 30 August 2004 ( 18th County Record ) ( Gerry Bilbao, Steve Coney, Dr Terry Foxton, Mr & Mrs P Parsons, Mrs O M Bilbao & Paul Downes )

Sanderling Calidris alba

A rare passage migrant in Herefordshire.

A Si n g l e r e c o r d i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

1 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 20 May 2004 ( 12th County Record ) ( Steve Coney & Paul Downes )

Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii

A very rare passage migrant in Herefordshire.

A Si n g l e r e c o r d i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

1 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 9 July 2004 ( 3rd County Record ) ( Gerry Bilbao & Steve Coney )

92 Dunlin Calidris alpina

A rare passage migrant and visitor in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species.

Th e r e w e r e 28 r e p o r t s i n 2004 f r o m 4 l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Brockhall Gravel Pit Castleton & Winforton Wye Wellington Gravel Pits

1 on 11 Jan 1 Adult Summer on 1 May 1 on 11 & 25 March 2 on 22 April 3 Adults Summer on 16 Apr 4 Adults Summer on 8 May 1 on 17 Apr & 4 on 19 May 6 Adults Summer on 9 May 2 Adults Summer on 21 May Noted on 11 May 1 on 19 Jun & 6 & 25 Jul 1 Adult Summer on 15 May 3 on 27 Jul & 4 on 30 Jul 3 Adults Summer on 16 May Little Mountain� Common 1 from 20 - 22 Aug 1 Adult Summer on 18 May 3 Juveniles ( one with Noted on 20 May 1 Adult Summer on 10 May very long bill ) on 1 Sep 1 Adult Summer on 22 May 8 on 2 Dec 1 Juvenile on 11 Sep

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

An uncommon Winter visitor and passage migrant in Herefordshire.

A Si n g l e r e c o r d i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

1 at River Wye, Wilton on 29 February 2004 ( Nick Hopkinson )

�

93 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

A fairly common Winter visitor and Passage Migrant - which bred regularly in Herefordshire until about 1980 - the date of the last published report of Snipe “drumming” in the County. There has only been one confirmed breeding record since that date - at Humber Marsh, Stoke Prior in 1990.

The largest Winter count in Herefordshire in 2004 was of 24 birds at The Flitts on 26 March.

Th e r e w e r e 63 r e p o r t s i n 2004 f r o m 18 l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Berrington Hall Pool Duck Street Much Marcle 1 on 22 Feb 1 on 24 Feb 1 on 25 Jun

Bodenham Lake The Flitts Norton Wood Singles on 22 & 31 Jan & 20 Mar 6 on 23 Jan, 5 on 20 Feb 5 on Winter cereal on 15 Nov one date in Nov & 14 & 19 Dec 24 on 26 Mar, 10 on 13 Apr 5 on edge of pond in potato-field 1 on 5 Oct, 22 on 13 Nov on 6 Dec The Broad, Leominster Gamber Meadows 1 on 29 Feb River Wye, Backney 7 on 27 Jan, 10 on 16 Feb 3 on 2 Dec & 2 on 10 Dec Brockhall Gravel Pit 16 on 10 Mar, 12 on 10 Apr 2 on 15 Oct, 17 on 30 Nov 3 on 28 Feb & 6 on 2 Mar Wellington Gravel Pits 14 on 15 Dec 3 on 17 Apr 1 on 1 & 3 Jan 7 on 10 & 11 Jan, 4 on 17 Jan Leech Pool Buckton Bog 2 on 15 Feb, 1 on 28 Feb 2 on 10 Dec 14 on 10 Apr 3 on 1 Mar & 4 on 13 Mar, 1 on 20 Mar, 1 on 25 Jul Letton Lakes Castleton & Winforton Wye 3 on 1 Aug & 1 on 11 & 29 Aug 1 on 25 Jan & 17 on 2 Mar c.7 on 11 Sep, 1 on 17 Nov 2 on 24 Jan & 4 on 14 Nov 16 on 11 & 19 Dec Little Mountain Common Criftin Ford Bridge Singles on 17 Oct, 10 Nov & 1 Dec Wyevale Wood 2 on 3 Mar & 1 on 9 Mar 10 on 11 Dec 1 on 13 Mar 1 on 14 & 28 Nov

94 Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

A less common breeding resident and Winter visitor in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species. Breeding was confirmed at one location - an Adult and a Juvenile were seen at Haugh Wood on 30 June 2004. 6 territorial Males were seen and heard “roding” at Wigmore Rolls on 22 May 2004.

Th e r e w e r e 21 r e p o r t s i n 2004 f r o m 10 l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Credenhill Park Wood Homend, Whitfield Estate 1 in Mar & 1 on 16 Dec Stretton Grandison 1 on 5 Mar 1 in Jan Garway Hill Wigmore Rolls Kiln Ground Wood, Whitney Singles on 11 Jul, 5 Aug 6 “roding” on 30 May 9 Oct, 6 Dec & 27 Dec 1 on 22 & 24 Dec

Witney Wood, Dulas Haugh Wood Llanerch-y-Coed Farm 1 on 17 & 23 Jan 1 Adult & 1 Juv on 30 Jun 1 on 28 Nov 2 on 6 Feb ( breeding confirmed ) 1 on 14 & 25 Dec 2 on 15 Dec Queen’s Wood, Dymock 2 “roding” on 22 May

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

A rare passage Migrant in Herefordshire. BCC Red List species.

Th e r e w e r e t w o r e c o r d s i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

1 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 15 May 2004 ( Steve Coney & Paul Downes ) 1 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 6 July 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao et al )

95 Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

A rare passage migrant in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species

Th e r e w a s o n e r e c o r d i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

1 Adult Winter at Brockhall Gravel Pit from 2 - 4 May 2004 ( 15th County Record ) ( Steve Coney & Paul Downes )

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

A rare Passage Migrant in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species

Th e r e w e r e f i v e r e c o r d s i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

2 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 16 April 2004 ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney ) These birds were seen again in the same location on 17 April 2004 ( Chas & Annette Lankester, Paul Downes, Terry Downes, Steve Coney Ifor & Elaine Evans & Gerald Parker )

1 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 18 April 2004 ( Tim Wright )

1 flying South atKenchester Pools on 18 Apr 2004 ( Tim Wright )

1 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 3 May ( Gerry Bilbao )

�

96 Curlew Numenius arquata

A fairly common but declining breeding resident and passage migrant. BCC Amber List species. The UK Population of the Curlew decreased by 34% in the period 1994 - 2004 ( Th e St a t e o f t h e UK’s Bi r d s 2004 )

Th e r e w e r e 93 r e p o r t s f r o m 41 w i d e s p r e a d l o c a t i o n s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e i n 2004. Th e v a s t m a j o r i t y o f r e p o r t s w e r e o f 1 - 3 b i r d s s i n g i n g & d i s p l a y i n g i n t h e b r e e d i n g s e a s o n - g e n e r a l l y i n Ap r i l & Ma y : r e p o r t s o f t h i s n a t u r e w e r e r e c e i v e d f r o m t h e f o l l o w i n g d i s t r i c t s i n t h e Co u n t y :

10 Km Sq� u a r e SO37 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO45 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO34

Coxall Farm, Adleymoor Little Dilwyn Hurstley Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan Stretford Bridge Letton Irrigation Lake Brampton Marsh Letton Lakes Buckton Bridge Norton Wood Upper Pedwardine

10 Km Sq� u a r e SO55

Bodenham Lake 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO44 Hegdon Hill 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO47 Brockhall Gravel Pit Brandon Camp Kenchester Ponds Criftin Ford Bridge Lyde Arundel Hollows Farm, Downton Wyevale Wood 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO65 Avenbury, Bromyard Little Burley Farm 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO54 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO36 Lugg Meadows Hindwell Brook, Rodd Lyde Roman Hill, Presteigne Wellington Gravel Pits �

97 10 Km S�q u a r e SO24 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO43 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO22

Llanerch-y-Coed Farm Belmont Meadow The Darens Castleton & Winforton Wye Breinton Common Hill Hole Farm

10 Km Sq� u a r e SO42 m q u a r e 10 K S � SO63 Garway Hill 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO33 Ludstock

Newton St Margaret’s Turnastone 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO51 10 Km Sq� u a r e SO73

Clencher’s Mill, Eastnor Welsh Newton Common

Th e r e w e r e t w o c o n f i r m e d r e p o r t s o f b r e e d i n g a s f o l l o w s : At Little Dilwyn on 6 June an adult carrying food flew across the A4110 from West to East but at Llanerch-y-Coed Farm on 27 June the breeding Pair were presumed to have been unsuccessful as a result of extensive sileaging in the area.

Re p o r t s o f l a r g e r n u m b e r s i n 2004 : The only larger numbers reported were at Wellington Gravel Pits - with 4 on 7 Mar; 11 on 11 Mar; 14 on 13 Mar; 10 on 15 Mar; 12 on 17 Mar; and 8 on 20 March

2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

SIGHTINGS 5 26 30 17 4 2 3 5 1 � � �

above : Re p o r t s o f Cu r l e w ( Nu m e n i u s a r q u a t a ) i n He r e f o r d s h i r e b y Mo n t h i n 2004

98 Redshank Tringa totanus

An uncommon passage migrant which has bred in the County. BCC Amber List species. 27 reports were received in 2004 from 4 different locations in the County.

Birds were present at Brockhall Gravel Pit throughout the breeding season and a Pair were seen copulating on 3 April - indicating that breeding may conceivably have occurred.

Al l r e p o r t s i n 2004 a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Brockhall Gravel Pit Castleton & Winforton Wye Wellington Gravel Pits 3 on 28 Mar & 1 on 29 Mar 1 on 28 Mar 2 on 27 Mar 3 incl Pair copulating on 3 Apr 1 on 2 & 3 Apr 2 on 9 & 17 Apr 1 on 22 & 29 Jun Noted on 18 Apr 1 from 14 - 18 Jul 4 on 22 Apr & 3 on 26 Apr 1 Juv from 27 - 29 Aug 2 on 8 May & 3 on 9 May 1 on 29 & 30 Aug c.4 on 11 May & 3 on 16 May � 1 on 17 Oct 2 on 18, 20 & 22 May Kenchester Pools 1 on 4 June 1 on 3 Apr

Hi s t o r i c a l No t e : Re d s h a n k Br e e d i n g i n He r e f o r d s h i r e

Si n c e t h e f o u n d a t i o n o f t h e Cl u b i n 1950 b r e e d i n g a l m o s t c e r t a i n l y o c c u r r e d a t By t o n M a r s h i n 1952 a n d 1953 a n d w a s p o s i t i v e l y c o n f i r m e d a t Lo w e r Lu g g Me a d o w s i n 1951, Wi g m o r e Mo o r i n 1954 a n d 1956 a n d Leintwardine i n 1961 a n d 1974. Se v e r a l n e s t s w i t h e g g s w e r e f o u n d a t Wi g m o r e Mo o r a n d Leintwardine b y Cl u b Me m b e r s w h o w e r e e x p e r t n e s t -f i n d e r s . Br e e d i n g s e a s o n r e c o r d s w e r e f r e q u e n t i n m o s t o f t h e s e l o c a t i o n s u n t i l t h e 1970’s a n d b r e e d i n g w a s p r o b a b l y r e g u l a r u n t i l t h e n .

Fr o m t h e HOC An n u a l Re p o r t 1954 :

“ Fe b r u a r y 21s t : A f l o c k o f Tw e l v e s e e n t o p i t c h a n d h e a r d c a l l i n g a t By t o n Ma r s h ( A B & L S ). Ap r i l 14t h : Ab o u t Th r e e Pa i r s p r e s e n t Wi g m o r e ( R H B & C G C ). On Ma y 2n d Fi v e Pa i r s w e r e s e e n a n d o t h e r s h e a r d a n d a d e a d b i r d ( s h o t ) p i c k e d u p ( F W M ). On 16t h a n e s t c o n t a i n i n g f o u r e g g s w a s f o u n d b y J C a n d F W M a n d o n 23r d a n o t h e r n e s t o f f o u r e g g s w a s f o u n d b y P W H a n d F W M, w h o t h i n k t h a t a t h i r d Pa i r m a y h a v e n e s t e d o n Wi g m o r e ...... ”

99 Greenshank Tringa nebularia

An uncommon passage migrant in Herefordshire.

Th e r e w e r e 11 r e c o r d s i n 2004 f r o m 3 l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Brockhall Gravel Pit Harewood End Wellington Gravel Pits 3 on 4 May 2004 1 heard from 25 - 26 September 2004 1 on 1, 2 & 3 May 2004 1 on 27 Jun & 2 on 9 Jul 1 on 13 Jul & 2 & 11 Aug 1 Adult Summer on 11 Sep

� �

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

A fairly common passage migrant and Winter visitor in Herefordshire which has been recorded in the County in every month of the year. BCC Amber List species. Th e r e w e r e 84 r e c o r d s i n 2004 f r o m 16 l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

La k e s & Gr a v e l Pi t s

Bodenham Lake Leech Pool Wellington Gravel Pits Max : 4 on 12 Jan 1 on 10 Apr & 24 Aug 31 Reports Jan - Dec 8 reports of singles Max : 7 on 11 Aug Jan - Aug Pencoyd 15 reports of singles Jan - Dec 1 on 5 Jan 8 reports of two birds Brockhall Gravel Pit 3 birds on 17 Mar, 30 Jul Max : 2 on 3 & 17 Apr & 26 Aug Titley Pool 13, 14 & 17 Aug 7 reports of singles 1 on 28 Dec ( Feb, May, Jun, Sep Jan - Nov & Nov were all blank )

100 RIVERS Mo n n o w Wy e Ar r o w Llangua Castleton & Winforton The Leen, Pembridge 1 on 1 Jul 1 on 25 Jan, 22 Feb 28 Mar & 2 Apr 1 on 28 Jul 2 on 25 Apr Te m e Lu g g Criftin Ford Bridge Lion’s Den, Bredwardine Grove Golf Course, Stoke Prior 14 Reports Jan - Dec 8 on 14 Aug 1 on 18 Aug ( mainly singles ) 2 birds on 13 Feb Mordiford New Farm Scrape, Marden 16 Oct & 30 Dec 1 on 30 Mar 1 on 31 Aug Burrington Bridge Upper Lugg Meadows 1 on 16 Mar 1 on 29 Jan 2 on 24 Aug 1 by pool on 5 Aug 1 on 25 & 26 Sep �

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

A scarce passage migrant in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species.

Af t e r t w o b l a n k y e a r s ( 2002 & 2003 ) t h e r e w e r e t w o r e p o r t s o f t h i s a t t r a c t i v e s p e c i e s i n 2004 :

1 at Wellington Gravel Pits from 10 - 13 August 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao, Steve Coney, Paul Downes, Terry Downes & Dr Terry Foxton )

1 at Kenchester Pools on 11 August 2004 ( Gerald Parker & Peter Eldridge )

101 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

A fairly common but local and specialised breeding Summer visitor to shingle banks along our Rivers and also a passage migrant in Herefordshire. There is increasing evidence that a few may over-Winter. The UK Population of Common Sandpipers declined by 15% between 1994 and 2004 ( BTO BBS ). Breeding was confirmed at two locations in 2004 : 2 Pairs at Castleton & Winforton Wye in July; and 3 Pairs on the River Monnow at Llangua / Llancillo from April - July

Ar r i v a l s & De p a r t u r e s The first bird of 2004 was a single bird at The River Wye - Eign on 10 March 2004. There were two October records of late birds - one at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 18 October and one at Wellington Gravel Pits on 23 October. A Winter record was received of a bird seen on the River Arrow at Lawton on 12 December 2004.

Th e r e w e r e 62 r e p o r t s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e i n 2004 f r o m 17 l o c a t i o n s i nclu di ng t h e f o l l o w i n g :

La k e s & Gr a v e l Pi t s Brockhall Gravel Pit Te m e Eign 1 on 17, 18 & 22 Apr Criftin Ford Bridge 1 on 10 Mar Bodenham Lake 1 on 11 May & 2 on 16 May 2 on 25 Apr & 1 on 16 Aug 1 on 17 Apr 1 on 18 & 22 May Hampton Bishop 7 on 14 Aug 1 on 9 Aug Burrington Bridge 1 on 11 Aug 1 on 23 Apr Wellington Gravel Pits Kenchester Pools Hightrees 27 reports Apr - Oct 1 on 11 Aug 1 on 11 Sep Max: 13 birds on 17 Apr Wy e Castleton & Winforton Hoarwithy The larger Counts were : RIVERS 6 on 18 Apr, 2 on 25 Apr 1 on 15 Aug 11 on 16 Apr, 13 on 17 Apr Ar r o w 6 on 1 May, 2 on 9 May 7 on 18 Apr, 6 on 22 Apr Lawton 1 on 24 May & 25 Jun Backney 4 on 1 May, 5 on 4 Jul 2 Pairs breeding + 1 Juv in Jul 1 on 12 Dec 2 on 30 Jul c.6 on 11 Jul, 10 on 16 Jul 2 on 20 Aug & 1 on 29 Aug 5 on 31 Jul, 4 on 13 Aug 1 on 18 Oct 4 on 20 Aug Mo n n o w Wilton Llangua / Llancillo Lion’s Den, Bredwardine 2 on 25 Jul 3 Pairs breeding Apr - Jul 1 on 4 Jul & 4 Sep

102 Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus

A scarce passage migrant in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species.

Th e r e w a s a s i n g l e r e p o r t i n 2004 :

1 Juvenile at Wellington Gravel Pits on 11 July ( Gerry Bilbao )

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

A rare breeding resident but a common Winter visitor to many parts of Herefordshire - although strangely rare along the Teme Valley in the Vale of Wigmore - where it is definitely a notable bird. BCC Amber List species.

There was an excellent and welcome breeding report in 2004 - with c.75 Pairs discovered nesting at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 4 May ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney )

Am o n g r e p o r t s r e c e i v e d i n 2004 w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :

Berrington Hall Pool The larger Counts were : Brockhampton 4 on 18 Jul 170 on 2 Mar, 84 on 17 Mar c.50 on 23 Mar 150 on 28 Mar, 250 on 3 Apr 119 on 12 Apr, c.120 on 18 Apr Castle Pool, Hereford Brockhall Gravel Pit 150 on 22 Apr 3 on 6 Jan 14 reports Jan - Nov c.200 incl c.75 Pairs nesting on 4 May Castleton & Winforton Wye Max : 250 birds on 3 Apr 5 on 22 Feb 13 on 19 Sep, 21 on 21 Sep 73 on 14 Oct, 32 on 27 Nov

103 Courtfield Kenchester Pools Wellington Gravel Pits 5 on 12 Dec 30 on 3 Apr 18 reports Jan - Dec Max : c.600 birds on Hartleton Lakes River Monnow, Garway 31 Jan & 13 Mar 21 on 9 Feb, 63 on 1 Mar 300 on 15 Jan The larger Counts were : 14 on 17 Mar, 26 in Nov 20 on 2 Dec, 31 in Dec Upper Lugg Meadows c.200 on 1 Jan, c.500 on 2 Jan c.600 on 31 Jan, c.500 on 7 Feb 19 on 1 Mar Kingsland c.600 on 13 Mar, 21 on 17 Mar 2 on 25 Aug 64 on 14 Aug, c.30 on 20 Aug Walford, Leintwardine c.100 on 2 Oct, c.300 on 17 Oct Leech Pool 4 flying east on 23 Feb 20 on 11 Dec, c.250 on 19 Dec 2 on 10 Apr

Common Gull � Larus canus

A common Winter visitor to the Southern parts of Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species.

Am o n g r e p o r t s r e c e i v e d i n 2004 w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :

Ballingham Gamber Meadows Wellington Gravel Pits c.200 on 7 Feb 200 on 10 Mar 1 x 1st Winter on 2 Jan 1 on 13 Mar Bodenham Lake Gatsford Farm 2 Adults on 27 Mar 1 x 1st Winter on 2 Jan 20 on 14 Feb 1 Juv on 11 Aug 2 on 3 Oct Brockhall Gravel Pit Llanwarne 1 x 2nd Winter on 17 Oct 20 on 2 Mar 100 on 3 Mar 1 Adult Winter on 11 Dec 2 on 19 Dec Courtfield Lugg Meadows Noted on 7, 14 & 21 Mar 204 on 18 Jan

104 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

A breeding resident in small numbers in Hereford City and a common Winter visitor to Herefordshire.

There was one breeding report only in 2004 - 2 Pairs and one Juvenile were discovered at Holmer Trading Estate on 29 June

River Teme, Trippleton Gamber Meadows Milton Cross Wellington Gravel Pits 11 flying West on 24 Sep 12 on 10 March 20 on 17 Oct c.20 on 17 Jan 15 on 11 Jul Brockhall Gravel Pit Garway Monkland 14 on 14 Aug c.100 on 20 Aug 58 on 21 Sep c.100 flying along 25 on 1 Feb 25 on 2 Oct 8 on 14 October River Monnow on 15 Jan c.100 on 26 Oct c.1500 on 17 Oct

� Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

An uncommon passage migrant in Herefordshire.

Th e r e w e r e f i v e r e p o r t s i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

1 Adult Winter at Wellington Gravel Pits on 2 January 2004 ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney ) 1 x 3rd Winter at Wellington Gravel Pits on 7 June ( Gerry Bilbao ) 1 x 1st Winter at Wellington Gravel Pits on 27 June ( Gerry Bilbao ) 1 x 2nd Winter + 1 Adult Winter at Wellington Gravel Pits on 17 October ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney ) 1 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 20 November ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes )

105 Herring Gull Larus argentatus argenteus

An uncommon visitor to Herefordshire in very small numbers.

Most reports in 2004 came from the period January - April - with a few more in October and December.

There was one Summer record only - a 3rd Winter bird at Wellington Gravel Pits on 27 June 2004.

Al l r e p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Courtfield Lugg Meadows 1 on 4 Apr 6 ( 3 Adults + 3 x 3rd Winter ) on 18 Jan Wellington Gravel Pits 2 Adults Winter on 10 Jan Hartleton Lakes River Wye, Holme Lacy 2 on 11 Jan, 1 x 2nd Winter on 17 Jan 3 on 8 Apr 2 ( 1 Adult + 1 x 1st Winter ) on 7 Feb 1 Adult Winter on 11 Mar 1 on 2 Dec 1 x 1st Winter on 13 Mar River Wye, Mordiford 2 ( 1 x 1st Summer + 1 x 2nd Summer ) on 27 Mar Hereford City 1 x 1st Winter on 7 Feb 1 x 3rd Winter on 27 Jun 1 Adult at Hereford 1 x 1st Winter on 2 Oct Tidnor Mill Racecourse on 30 Jan 1 on 3 Oct 3 Adults flying West at Hereford 3 on 7 Jan; 3 ( 1 Adult + 1 x 1st Winter 1 Adult Winter on 11 Dec County Hospital on 5 Feb + 1 x 2nd Winter ) on 6 Feb 1 on 19 Dec

Scandinavian Herring Gull � Larus argentatus argentatus

A scarce Winter visitor - mainly to the East Coast of Britain - departing usually at the beginning of February.

3 Adults Winter were seen at Tidnor Mill on 6 February 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao )

106 Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Scarce Winter visitor and passage migrant. Three reports were received in 2004 from two sites as follows :

2 at Bodenham Lake on 22 March 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao ) 2 Adults at Wellington Gravel Pits on 20 March 2004 ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes ) 1 Adult at Wellington Gravel Pits on 19 December 2004 ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney )

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

Scarce passage migrant and storm-blown visitor. BCC Amber List species. Two reports were received in 2004 - one each in March and November :

1 Adult at Bodenham Lake on 17 March 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao, Chas & Annette Lankester, N F Bird & R Stott ) 2 Adults at Wellington Gravel Pits on 20 November 2004 ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes )

Black Tern Chlidonias niger

Scarce passage migrant. Four Autumn reports were received in 2004 - all from Wellington Gravel Pits and all of the birds reported were Juveniles - as follows :

3 Juveniles on 11 September 2004 ( Paul Downes, Terry Downes & Steve Coney ) 2 Juveniles on 2 October 2004 ( A L Smith, Paul Downes & Steve Coney ) 2 Juveniles on 3 October 2004 ( Paul Downes ) 1 Juvenile on 17 October 2004 ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney )

107 Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Scarce passage migrant. There were two records in 2004 - both from Wellington Gravel Pits :

1 on 7 July 2004 ( Dr Terry Foxton )

1 balancing on plastic containers in Fishing Lake on 23 August 2004 ( John Kedward )

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

Scarce passage migrant. BCC Amber List species. One report only in 2004 :

1 Juvenile at Bodenham Lake on 16 October 2004 17th County Record

( Paul Downes, Terry Downes & Steve Coney )

Feral Pigeon Columba livia ‘feral’

Common breeding resident from escaped origins - and very numerous in Towns such as Leominster and especially in Hereford City - also on farms where grain is stored or spilt. All British domestic and racing pigeons, including ornamental varieties such as “Fan-tailed Pigeons”, are said to be descended from the native Rock Dove ( Columbia livia ) - and apart from white Domestic Doves attached to a particular roof or loft, most are escapee racing pigeons. This feral species was very poorly recorded by the Club in 2004. All reports received are published as follows :

Bringsty Common He r efo r d Cit y Leomin s te r Stretford Bridge 6 in Mar 22 at Castle Pool on 6 Jan 2 on 1 Jan - 1 feeding on plough with 9 2 at County Hospital on 1 Jul ( but more than 130 Stock Doves on 12 May Brampton Bryan Village 82 at High Town on 16 Nov thought to be present 2 flying around the village & 1 at Conningsby Street and were counted Walford, Leintwardine on thatched roof on 14 Sep on 19 Dec in early Jan 2005 ) 1 on 21 Jul

108 Stock Dove Columba oenas

A common breeding resident. BCC Amber List species. 124 reports were received from 58 widespread locations in the County in 2004.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d i n 2004 a t f o u r l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Bromsash Gamber Meadows Monnow - Great Goytre Tregate Bridge Family group on 21 Jul Pair breeding on 6 May Pair breeding on 7 May Pair breeding on 31 Mar

The largest flock of Stock Doves recorded in the County during 2004 was of 90 birds at Gamber Meadows on 22 September. Several notable counts were also received from other areas.

Co u n t s o f t e n b i r d s o r m o r e w e r e r e c o r d e d a s f o l l o w s :

Berrington Hall Pool Gamber Meadows Michaelchurch Upper Pedwardine 16 in Oct 58 on 27 Jan, 38 on 16 Feb 20 on 7 Jul 12 on 30 Mar 15 on 10 Mar, 10 on 6 May Brockhall Gravel Pit 35 on 22 Jun, 30 on 23 Jun Shobdon Industrial Estate Wellington Gravel Pits 40 on 14 Jul 35 on 14 Jul, 60 on 28 Aug 15 on 24 Jan 14 on 18 Apr 90 on 22 Sep, 55 on 15 Oct 12 on 9 May Burrington Bridge 30 on 30 Nov & 15 Dec The Warren, 13 on 27 Jun 50 on 12 Apr Stonewall Hill Houghton Court 18 on 16 May 10 on 28 Jun

Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus

An abundant breeding resident and Winter visitor. 241 reports were received during 2004 from 58 widespread locations.

Breeding was confirmed at four sites -Breinton Springs, Brobury House Gardens, Holmer and Upton Bishop Church - but it undoubtedly occurred almost everywhere else in the County.

109 Fl o c k s o f 30 o r m o r e b i r d s w e r e r e c o r d e d a s f o l l o w s :

c.300 birds at Wapley Hill on 24 January made up by far the largest flock recorded in the County during the year - a very small maximum flock size indeed for any year! Larger flocks may well go unrecorded in other parts of Herefordshire!

Bircher Common Croward’s Mill Leech Pool Wapley Hill 40 in Dec 34 on 6 Jun 30 on 10 Apr c.100 on 1 Jan 160 in Jan Bow Bridge, Downton Gamber Meadows The Flitts c.300 on 24 Jan 200 in Feb c.100 on 4 Jan 54 on 10 Mar & c.55 on 23 Jan 150 in Mar 32 on 10 Apr c.30 on 20 Feb 65 in Dec Bromsash c.32 on 13 Apr 170 on 14 Jan Hartleton Lakes c.40 on 21 Aug Wellington ( A49 ) 31 on 19 Jan c.40 on 5 Oct Burrington Bridge c.200 on stubble Holmer by A49 on 27 Jan 217 on newly sown Tretire c.50 from Jan - Apr crops on 12 Apr c.150 on 6 Feb & c.30 from Jul - Oct Wyevale Wood 60 on 5 Mar Criftin Ford Bridge Walford, Leintwardine Jay, Leintwardine 65 on 8 Apr 45 on 4 Apr c.30 on 10 Apr

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Common breeding resident especially among farmyards, churchyards, large gardens, towns and villages. 59 reports only were received from 40 widespread locations in 2004 - and with a few exceptions flock sizes were very small.

The first occurrence of this species in Herefordshire was apparently at Ivington on 7 May 1963. Now the Collared Dove may be found in virtually every tiny hamlet. Most sightings are of 1 - 6 birds - and the species regularly visits garden feeding stations. However much larger numbers can and do occur, especially in the vicinity of farms where grain is stored or spilt. A remarkable flock of 86 birds was counted on telegraph wires at Titley on 23 October 2004 ( Paul Downes ). Is this the largest assembly yet recorded in Herefordshire?

Elsewhere in the County the Collared Dove was very poorly reported in 2004.

110 Co l l a r e d Do v e s w e r e c o n f i r m e d b r e e d i n g i n He r e f o r d s h i r e i n 2004 a t t h r e e s i t e s a s f o l l o w s :

Holmer from Jan - Apr; Kirkham Gardens - with 1 Adult & 1 Juv on 14 Jul; and a Pair at Upton Bishop on 29 May

La r g e r f l o c k s - f r o m 5 u p t o a m a x i m u m o f 86 b i r d s - w e r e r e c o r d e d d u r i n g 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

6 at Wootton on 29 Jan; 8 at Holmer from Jan - Apr - with 7 there from Jul - Oct; 10 at Broadward Lodge, Leominster on 4 Feb; c.6 at Leintwardine on 10 Mar; 8 max at Tupsley from 26 Sep - 31 Dec; 9 at Walford, Leintwardine on 12 Oct; 86 on telegraph wires at Titley on 23 Oct; 17 at Shirlheath on 31 Oct; and 20 at Brampton Abbotts on 10 Dec

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

A very scarce, local and declining breeding Summer visitor and passage migrant. BCC Red List species.

Despite the seemingly inexorable continuation in the withdrawal Eastwards and Southwards of the range of this delightful Summer visitor, thirteen records were received from eleven different locations in Herefordshire in 2004. However, the outlook remains bleak for the survival of the Turtle Dove in our County.

The earliest report of the year was of a single bird singing at Downton Brakes on 25 April 2004; and the final report was also of a single bird at Much Marcle on 15 August 2004. Breeding was confirmed at one location only - Gorsley

Al l Tu r t l e Do v e r e c o r d s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Backbury Hill Dulas Madley Aerodrome Much Marcle 1 heard on 11 May 1 on 23 May 1 on 30 Jul 1 from 15 May - 15 Aug

Birchwood, Storridge Ewyas Harold Common May Hill Weston’s Cider 1 on 29 May 1 heard on 3 May 1 heard on 19 Jun 2 heard on 15 May c.2 on 24 Jul Downton Brakes Mowley Wood 1 singing on 25 Apr Gorsley 1 Adult Male singing on 2 Juveniles in July 10 May & 9 Jul ( breeding confirmed ) �

111 Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Less common and declining breeding Summer visitor. BCC Amber List species.

81 records were received during the year, from 55 widespread locations. The number of locations has remained remarkably constant over the period of three years ( 2002 - 2004 ) - at 55 or 56 a year. However, there were more multiple sightings in 2004 than in recent years - with two reports of c.4 birds in one place, and two reports of 3 birds. Six reports referred to sightings of 2 birds together, and the remaining 71 reports referred to single birds.

A Cuckoo was seen being pursued by a Meadow Pipit at Garway Hill on 10 May, and an Adult Male at Newton on 20 May called two hundred and twelve times in a row !

ARRIVALS

The earliest Cuckoo of 2004 was at Winthill on 2 April. This was followed by another bird at The Flitts on 5 April and a third at Eastnor Park on 11 and 12 April. Most observers, however, had to wait well into May to encounter their first Cuckoo of the year.

BREEDING

There was one confirmed report of breeding - 2 birds were at Gamber Meadows on 6 May - and the Female was seen to remove an egg from the host bird’s nest.

MULTIPLE SIGHTINGS

There were two reports of c.4 birds together: c.4 at Weston’s Cider on 15 May; and c.4 at Ewyas Harold Common on 23 May. There were two sightings of 3 birds together : 3 at Bodenham Lake on 26 Apr; and 3 at Avenbury on 13 May

There were six reports referring to two birds together : 2 at Wyevale Wood on 22 April & 6 May; the above-mentioned 2 birds at Gamber Meadows on 6 May; 2 displaying at Llanerch-y-coed Farm on 13 May; a Pair at Newton on 15 May; and 2 at Garway Hill on 28 May

Departures

The final report of the year was of a single bird at Backney on 17 June 2004

112 20

0 2nd APRIL MAY JUNE 17th

Above: Reports of Cuckoos in Herefordshire by week in 2004

� Barn Owl Tyto alba

Fairly common breeding resident. BCC Amber List species.

There were slightly fewer reports in 2004 - with 142 records received from 103 locations ( cf. 122 locations in 2003 ).

Breeding was confirmed at two locations only : A Pair at Batchley from Jan - Jun and breeding; and a Pair found nesting in an old Willow tree at Tudor House and which had a first brood of 3 Juvs in May - and a 2nd brood of 2 Juvs in August. Birds were seen flying the “figure of eight” display-flight at Staunton-on-Wye on 18 May and Capler Hill on 25 May.

Mu l t i p l e Si g h t i n g s

Two Pairs were at Woonton - Norton Canon in January and February; and three birds were on the A480 from Yazor - Woonton from July - October.

Sightings of two birds came from another nine locations in addition to the breeding locations reported above. These additional locations were as follows: Bury House; Capler Hill; Hinton Manor; Lower Monkton Farm; Newhouse Farm, Kinnersley; Preston Wynne; Walford, Leintwardine; Wessington Pasture and Westhide

113 Little Owl Athene noctua

Less common breeding resident. A disappointing year - with 43 records only being received from a mere 29 locations. The Northern-most reports in 2004 came from locations slightly further South than Leominster. Members are asked to search for this species and to send in all records. The North-East portion of the County near Tenbury Wells was formerly much favoured, but our old Orchard Country on the Worcestershire border is hardly recorded now.

Breeding was confirmed at one location only -The Cross - where 1 Adult & 2 Juveniles were seen on 6 August

Th e r e w e r e t h r e e o t h e r r e p o r t s o f m o r e t h a n o n e b i r d s e e n t o g e t h e r :

Avenbury, Bromyard Holmer Kilkington Farm, Staunton-on-Wye 2 on 13 Mar 2 from Jan - Apr 2 on 25 Jun

Si n g l e b i r d s w e r e r e p o r t e d f r o m t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s :

Brampton Abbotts; Brierley Court Barn; Brobury House Gardens; Credenhill Park Wood; Docklow; Dunswater; Eardisland; Eastnor Park; Garnons Estate; Gatsford; Hartleton Lakes; Huntsham Court; Jury Cottage Farm, Wormbridge; Kenchester; Lea; Litmarsh, Marden; Mathon; Moccas; Netherton Farm; Norton Canon; Petty France; Pipe and Lyde; River Wye, Fownhope; Upper Maund and Withington

� Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Fairly common breeding resident. 47 reports were received during the year from 36 widespread locations. Despite the small number of reports and especially of locations, the Tawny Owl was nevertheless reported to be reasonably numerous in some areas, and there can be little doubt that under-recording was to blame for the poor overall result. Many more reports would be appreciated from Members. The Tawny Owl has proved extremely loyal to certain sites over many decades, and many breeding territories are probably therefore ancient and traditional.

114 Br e e d i n g Re c o r d s :

Breeding was unfortunately very poorly recorded indeed, which is extraordinary in view of the readiness with which the species takes to artificial nestboxes in gardens and on reserves - four confirmed reports only being received as follows :

Coughton Marsh Garway Hill Old Country Wood River Monnow, Tregate 1 Pair from Mar - Jun 1 Adult & 2 Juvs on 31 Aug 2 Pairs & 1 Juv on 15 May Bridge & breeding confirmed 1 Adult & 1 Juv on 17 May

El s e w h e r e , r e p o r t s o f t w o o r m o r e b i r d s s e e n o r h e a r d t o g e t h e r c a m e f r o m a f u r t h e r s e v e n l o c a t i o n s :

2 at Norton Canon in Jan & Feb; 2 at Bircher Common in Feb; Pair calling in daylight at Owney Wood, Downton on 25 Apr; 2 Pairs heard at Mathon on 8 May; Pair at Walford, Leintwardine on 18 May; 2 territorial males at Broadmoor Common, Woolhope on 20 May and a Pair at Pencoyd in Nov

� Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Scarce Resident - probably breeding. The exact status in the County of this elusive nocturnal species remains an unsolved mystery! Fieldwork for the forthcoming Atlas in 2008 - 2011 will hopefully provide some much needed illumination. A single record in November 2001 was the only previous record since the turn of the Millennium. Further nocturnal research is obviously required!

The single record in 2004 was of a bird sadly found dead in the road ½ mile North of the village of Lingen on 20 December 2004

( T M Meldrum & Steve Coney )

115 Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

A scarce Winter visitor and passage migrant in Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species.

Wellington Gravel Pits Fresh pellets found regularly around site from Jan - Feb but the bird remained elusive ! ( Paul Downes, Terry Downes & Steve Coney )

‘Eared Owl’ Asio sp.

Little Mountain Common

1 on 23 August 2004 - accepted by the Rarities Committee as an “Ea r e d Ow l ” only

( J Linklater & Mrs G Linklater )

Swift Apus apus

Common breeding Summer visitor in towns and villages. 77 reports were received in 2004 from 57 widespread locations.

Ar r i v a l s

The first reports of the year were of single birds recorded atBuckfield Road, Leominster; Wellington Gravel Pits and Phocle Green, Ross on Wye - all on 20 Apr. Two birds were then reported at Ridge Hill and a single bird at Wyevale Wood both on 22 Apr - and three birds were at Hereford Blind College on 24 Apr. 22 separate reports had been received from various parts of Herefordshire by 30 Apr - with a maximum count for the month of c.20 at Bodenham Lake on 29 Apr

Br e e d i n g

Breeding was once again very poorly documented, with two reports only indicating definite nesting. These were from Ballingham - where a pair was reported nesting in the Village Hall in July; and Court Barn, Mansell Gamage where three single birds were seen emerging from the eaves of a building on 30 July

116 De p a r t u r e s

There were five reports only in August 2004 - of which three were in the period 1 - 6 Aug. Subsequently there were two reports from Wellington Gravel Pits - where three birds were recorded on 17 Aug. Another three in the same location on 29 Aug were the latest birds of the year for Herefordshire in 2004

Co u n t s o f 10 b i r d s o r m o r e d u r i n g 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Bodenham Lake Ledbury River Monnow - St Margaret’s c.20 on 29 Apr; c.150 c.40 on 20 Jul Tregate Bridge 30 in Jul on 8 May & 17 in Jun c.12 on 30 Apr Leominster Turner’s Boat Bromyard c.50 on 5 May - with 30 River Wye - Backney c.12 on 30 Apr 5 Pairs in May on 19 Jun c.200 on 14 Jul Wellington Gravel Pits Croward’s Mill Merbach Hill Ross-on-Wye c.35 on 3 May; c.150 on 10 on 6 Jun 30 on 15 Jun c.12 on 26 Apr 8 May

Houghton Court Winforton 12 on 28 Jun 50 on 12 Jul

� �

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Fairly common but specialised breeding resident. BCC Amber List species. RBBP monitored species. Fewer records were received in 2004 - 147 reports coming from 83 very widespread locations ( cf. 218 reports originating from 113 locations in 2003 ).

In 2004 b r e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t s e v e n l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s : Burrington Bridge; The Leen, Pembridge ( 3 Juvs ringed ); Lower Lugg Meadows; Much Marcle ( 5 Juvs ringed ); River Monnow - Ruthin Mill; River Wye - Wilton; and River Wye - Turner’s Boat

“ A Kingfisher was chased by a Sparrowhawk on the River Wye at Ballingham on 1 December 2004 and escaped by diving repeatedly into the water” ( John Pullen, Peter Eldridge & Dr Terry Foxton )

117 Hoopoe Upupa epops

Ra r e p a s s a g e m i g r a n t a n d Su m m e r v i s i t o r - w h i c h h a s o n c e n e s t e d i n He r e f o r d s h i r e , a t Ly o n s h a l l i n Ma y /Ju n e 1955. Si n g l e b i r d s h a v e o c c u r r e d i n t h e Co u n t y e v e r y y e a r s i n c e 1998 - t h e l a s t b l a n k y e a r .

A single bird was seen in a garden at Hope-under-Dinmore for 15 minutes in the early morning of 23 January 2004

( W & Mrs J Clarke )

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Fa i r l y c o m m o n b u t l o c a l b r e e d i n g r e s i d e n t i n He r e f o r d s h i r e - m u c h c o m m o n e r i n s o m e p a r t s o f t h e Co u n t y t h a n i n o t h e r s . BCC Am b e r Li s t s p e c i e s .

138 records were received in 2004 ( cf. 180 in 2003 ) - originating from 63 widespread locations - exactly the same number of locations as in 2003. Fewer reports came from the Northern third of the County, and there were no counts anywhere during the year of more than three birds seen together. Members are earnestly requested to seek out this magical species, and to send in all records! The Green Woodpecker may be found especially where there are ant-hills; is a bird famously fond of old parkland; and may occur even at the very highest altitudes! The reluctance of some Green Woodpeckers to advertise their presence may possibly be a response to predation by the Goshawk - an emerging factor documented by the Forestry Commission in the Welsh Marches. Twenty-five Green Woodpeckers were recorded as prey remains at Goshawk nest sites in the Marches Forest during the years 1988-2001 - a small number annually no doubt - but when one considers that these were only the corpses discovered by researchers in Goshawk nests while chicks were being fed it is reasonable to assume that the total number of Green Woodpeckers predated during this period must have been far greater ( Vide: Th e Sh r o p s h i r e Bi r d Re p o r t 2001 : pp 3-7 : SMOUT, C. : Goshawk and the Forestry Commission in South Shropshire ).

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d i n 2004 i n f o u r l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Houghton Court Lions Den, Bredwardine Merry Hill Newton Breeding & 2 Juvs heard on Present & confirmed breeding Female & 2 Juvs in garden c.2 Juvs in garden on 8 Jul 28 Jun in Jul on 20 Jul

118 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Common breeding resident. An impressive total of 229 records were received from 94 locations during 2004. This species is easily the most numerous and widespread member of the Woodpecker family occurring in Herefordshire, and may be seen virtually anywhere. It is a regular visitor to most garden feeding stations - and many reports involved recently fledged young being brought by their parents to peanut feeders in particular.

In 2004 breeding was confirmed in 9 locations, as follows :

Aston Ingham; Avenbury; Canon Pyon; Credenhill Park Wood; Lea; Shirlheath; St Margaret’s; Turner’s Boat & Weston’s Cider

� Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor

Less common and elusive breeding resident. BCC Red List Species. All records are published below.

A disappointing total of 16 reports only was received in 2004 from a meagre 13 locations ( cf. 22 locations in 2003, and 23 in 2002 ). This is a desperate result - highlighting the continuing decline of this special Herefordshire bird. No reports at all were received from the Northern-most portion of the County.

This delightful little Woodpecker is an elusive tree-canopy feeder. It also favours Alder-fringed streams. Observers familiar with its distinctive call are much more likely to locate it, nevertheless it almost certainly remains very far from common.

The disappearance of ancient fruit orchards is thought to have had a particular impact on this species. Some large-scale re- planting, however, has recently taken place in a number of districts. Ordnance Survey Maps of Herefordshire dating from 1884 and 1889 - in which all the old orchards are beautifully delineated - may now be viewed on the Internet, and comparison between these and the most recent maps demonstrates the scale of the loss over little more than a Century - accelerating most dramatically since the early 1960’s. The re-planting of orchards in Herefordshire - especially of ancient, rare and “heritage” fruit varieties - is therefore, from every point of view, enormously to be encouraged. Several organisations are thankfully now active in this field, but much more needs urgently to be done to reinstate derelict and “grubbed-up” orchards in our County.

119 Br e e d i n g Re c o r d s :

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t Lea - w h e r e 2 Ju v e n i l e s w e r e s e e n o n 1 Ju n e ; a n d w a s s u s p e c t e d a t Much Ma r cle - w h e r e a Ju v e n i l e a n d a n Ad u l t Ma l e w e r e c a u g h t a n d r i n g e d o n 13 Ju n e 2004

Al l s i x t e e n r e c o r d s f o r 2004 a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Bear’s Wood, Mordiford Frith Wood, Ledbury Lea Shirlheath 3 on 10 May 1 in Mar Breeding - 2 Juvs on 1 Jun 1 on 1 Feb

Byford Gorsley Monkland Stretford Bridge 1 Adult Male in garden 1 on 24 Feb 1 on 11 Jan 1 on 27 Sep on 27 Dec Court of Noke, Pembridge King’s Acre Road, Much Marcle Hereford Wyevale Wood 1 heard on 13 Mar 1 Adult Male & 1 Juv 1 Female in firs by ringed on 13 Jun 1 on 10 Sep Egleton Court bridle path on 22 Jan 1 on 25 Jun & 22 Aug & 2 on 5 Sep 1 drumming on 26 Apr

Wood Lark Lullula arborea

Former breeding Resident in Herefordshire, but now a very rare passage migrant. BCC Red List species.

A single bird was seen at Wellington Gravel Pits on 26 September 2004

( Mr and Mrs P Parsons )

Hi s t o r i c a l No t e

Th i s r e c o r d i s t h e f i r s t s i n c e a s i n g l e b i r d w a s n o t e d f l y i n g We s t a t Ew y a s Ha r o l d o n 8 Ju l y 1988 ( B J Gr e g o r y ). Pr i o r t o t h a t t h e r e w e r e t w o r e p o r t s i n 1978 - f r o m Sn o d h i l l n e a r Do r s t o n e o n Ma y 1s t 1978 ( Dr R N Ov e n d e n ) & Th e Up p e r Te m e Va l l e y - a l s o i n 1978 ( T R Am m o n d s ). In t h e p r e v i o u s y e a r ( 1977 ) t h r e e p a i r s w e r e r e c o r d e d b r e e d i n g i n So u t h He r e f o r d s h i r e - t h e l a s t b r e e d i n g r e c o r d i n t h e Co u n t y ( HOC An n u a l Re p o r t s - 1977 & 1978 )

120 Skylark Alauda arvensis

Common breeding resident and Winter visitor. BCC Red List species.

126 reports were received from 63 widespread locations during 2004. The vast majority of these came from a remarkably small group of dedicated observers. Despite their valiant efforts, there was virtually no coverage at all in many parts of Herefordshire. Many beautiful parts of our County remains seriously under-visited - a very great pity when so much useful work remains to be done there.

The largest number of Skylarks reported singing in one place was a chorus of 20 singing males at Bradnor Hill - on 1 May. However there were very many other reports of singing birds throughout the County at much lower densities, and encouraging reports came from set-aside fields and stewardship farms.

The largest winter flock recorded was of c.100 birds at Strangford, near Foy on 25 January.

1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d Fl o c k s

c.15 at Hergest Ridge on 4 Jan; 5 at Staunton-on-Arrow on 17 Jan; 12 at Shobdon Industrial Estate and 48 at Castleton & Winforton Wye - both on 24 Jan; c.100 at Strangford, near Foy on 25 Jan; 5 at Gamber Meadows on 16 Feb - with 6 there on 10 Mar; and 17 at Bradnor Hill on 24 Mar

Br e e d i n g

Two Pairs were found nesting at Bradnor Hill on 16 Jun and 13 Jul; and two birds were seen displaying at Wellington Gravel Pits on 2 Apr. Singing birds were found in very many places, indicating probable breeding throughout the County.

Am o n g Br e e d i n g Se a s o n Re c o r d s w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :

Bradnor Hill Brampton Marsh Bromsash 17 on 24 Mar; 20 on 23 Apr 3 singing Males on 18 Mar 7 singing Males from Apr - Jul 10 Males on 25 Apr; 20 Males on 1 May; 27 on 18 May Brockhall Gravel Pit Castleton & Winforton Wye 39 ( incl 2 Pairs breeding ) on 16 Jun 6 on 3 Apr & 4 on 22 Apr 12 singing Males from Apr - Jul & 12 ( incl 2 Pairs breeding ) on 13 Jul

121 Criftin Ford Bridge Harewood End Letton Irrigation Lake Shobdon Industrial Estate 3 singing Males on 11 Apr 5 singing Males on 29 Apr 4 singing Males - Apr - Jul 4 singing Males - Apr - Jul 5 on 25 Apr Dulas Hergest Ridge The Darens c.5 Adult Males on 23 May 6 on 15 May Nacklestone Farm 3 singing Males in Apr 6 singing on 8 Apr Gamber Meadows Hole-in-the-Wall The Warren 6 on 10 Mar; 5 on 10 Apr c.10 on 12 Apr Olchon Valley 3 singing on 16 May & 6 May; 4 on 22 Jun 3 in May Leinthall Moor Wellington Gravel Pits Garway Hill 3 singing on 26 Apr Paytoe Lane 2 displaying on 2 Apr 5 on 13 Jul 3 singing on 11 Apr

2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d Fl o c k s

7 at Berrington Hall Pool and 10 at Bircher Common in Oct; 13 flying North to South in small flocks at Gamber Meadows on 15 Oct; 10 at Milton Cross on 17 Oct; 20 at Bradnor Hill on 25 Oct; 22 on stubbles by the A49 at Callow on 8 Nov; c.30 at Three Elms Meadow on 29 Nov and 40 at Huntington Lane on 27 Dec

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Common but local and specialised breeding Summer visitor. BCC Amber List species.

This most delightful and cheery little bird was unbelievably poorly recorded by the Club in 2004. 52 records only were received from 24 locations, and almost all Sand Martin breeding colonies went totally unreported.

Ar r i v a l s

The first birds of the year were 4 atBodenham Lake on 17 March 2004. These were followed by a single bird at Wellington Gravel Pits on 21 March and 5 there on 22 March - with 9 at Bodenham Lake also on 22 March.

De p a r t u r e s

The last birds of the year were c.50 at Turner’s Boat on 18 September 2004

122 m a i n s p r i n g p a s s a g e

Arrow Green Brandon Camp, Paytoe Leech Pool c.10 on 3 Apr c.40 on small pool on 8 Apr c.200 on 26 Apr

Castleton & Winforton Wye Berrington Hall Pool Wellington Gravel Pits c.40 on 6 Apr; c.50 on 10 Apr 16 in Mar ( exact date unknown ) c.40 on 3 Apr & c.200 c.150 on 18 Apr; c.40 on 25 Apr on 16 Apr Bodenham Lake Hampton Bishop c.40 on 11 Apr & c.200 on 29 Apr 10 on 30 Mar

BREEDING SEASON AND NESTING REPORTS

A number of breeding colonies appear not to have been visited at all in 2004, which is hugely disappointing. Members are particularly requested to seek out this species, and to send detailed counts from nesting colonies to our County Bird Recorder. Members should note that some colonies contain large numbers of old and abandoned nest holes and test diggings, and so the counting of nest holes is not a satisfactory method for estimating the number of active nests within a colony. Just count the birds - and hopefully their growing families in late Summer!

Brockhall Gravel Pit Castleton & Winforton Wye River Wye, Rotherwas c.100 on 4 May c.22 on 24 May; 12 on 25 Jun c.20 on 7 Apr & c.250 on 12 Jul Buckton Bridge Turner’s Boat 4 on 8 Apr Criftin Ford Bridge c.20 on 18 Apr & 20 on 16 Aug c.50 on 18 Sep Bodenham Lake River Monnow, Llangua 14 in Jun c.30 Pairs breeding Apr - Jun

Burrington Bridge River Wye, Backney 17 on 20 May and several c.20 on 12 Apr & c.100 and nest holes occupied � breeding confirmed on 2 May 28 on 21 Jul ( alarmed by Sparrowhawk ) & c.12 on 18 Jun

123 Swallow Hirundo rustica

Common breeding Summer visitor. BCC Amber List species.

A splendid total of 275 reports were received during 2004. These came from most parts of the County.

Ar r i v a l s & Sp r i n g Pa s s a g e

The first birds of the year were c.2 seen at Bodenham Lake on 17 March 2004. A single bird at Llangua on 24 Mar was the only other March record. Next came a single bird at Church Road, Eardisley on 1 Apr. Four reports then followed all on 3 April - 12 birds at Glewstone, 2 at Kenchester Pools, 1 at Bringsty Common and 1 at Wellington Gravel Pits

There were no really notable Spring counts - but among the larger numbers reported were: 12 at Glewstone on 3 Apr; 32 at Hartleton Lake and c.20 at Old Forge Nursery - both on 8 Apr; c.40 at Kenchester Ponds on 10 Apr; c.20 at Eau Withington on 13 Apr; 40 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 16 Apr - with 18 on 17 Apr; 31 at Bodenham Lake on 17 Apr; 10 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 18 Apr; 12 at Whitestone on 22 Apr; c.20 at Uphampton, Shobdon on 23 Apr; and c.12 at Hoarwithy on 29 Apr

b r e e d i n g r e c o r d s

The Club received a remarkable 34 reports of Swallows breeding in 2004 - involving a minimum of 86 Pairs with nests or young. Among them were two Pairs which built in a bus-shelter in Monkland - one had a second brood in its nest on 30 Aug

p o s t b r e e d i n g r e c o r d s

36 at Goodrich in Jun; 40 at Lugwardine from Aug - Sep; 30 at Haugh Wood in Aug; 75 at Bringsty Common in Aug; 30 at Much Marcle on 15 Aug; 20 at Merbach Hill on 25 Aug; 77 incl. twelve pairs at Church Road, Eardisley on 30 Aug - with c.80 there on 5 Sep; c.20 at Staunton-on-Wye on 3 Sep; c.20 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 11 Sep; 23 at Eastnor Park on 18 Sep; and c.30 at Avenbury Court until 28 Sep

d e p a r t u r e s

5 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 2 Oct; c.8 at The Flitts on 5 Oct; 2 at Bishopstone on 12 Oct; and the very last birds of the year - two very late birds indeed at Ledbury on 1 Nov ( M Coleman )

124 House Martin Delichon urbicum

Common breeding Summer visitor. BCC Amber List species. 132 records were received during 2004 from 60 widespread locations.

Ar r i v a l s

Six extremely early birds reported at Wellington Gravel Pits on 17 March 2004 were by far the earliest arrivals of the year, and the only ones reported in March. The next sightings did not come until 3 April - where 2 were seen - also at Wellington Gravel Pits - and c.10 more birds were spotted on the River Wye, Backney

Sp r i n g Pa s s a g e c. 100 were at Bodenham Lake on 29 Apr; 300 were at the same location - Bodenham Lake on 8 May and c.100 were at Wellington Gravel Pits - also on 8 May. These were the only appreciable flocks reported during Spring migration.

d e p a r t u r e s c.20 were at Wellington Gravel Pits on 2 Oct; 2 were still roosting in an old nest at Little Birch on 9 Oct; 3 were at Walford, Leintwardine on the same day - 9 Oct; and the very last report of the year was of a single bird at Little Birch on 20 Oct 2004

SOURCE TIMESPAN PERIOD + / -

CBC/BBS England 1967 - 2003 36yrs - 55% CBC/BBS England 1978 - 2003 25 yrs - 58% CBC/BBS England 1993 - 2003 10 yrs - 2% CBC/BBS England 1998 - 2003 5 yrs + 11% BBS - England 1994-2004 10 yrs + 16%

above : Po p u l a t i o n c h a n g e s f o r t h e Ho u s e Ma r t i n i n En g l a n d ( BTO Po p u l a t i o n Tr e n d s 2004 )

125 Ne s t i n g a n d Br e e d i n g Se a s o n Re p o r t s

Ballingham Kirkham Gardens Monkland Staunton-on-Wye 2 Pairs nesting in Jul Nesting on 30 Jun Pair reared 3 young 40 around School on 3 Aug c.8 on 14 Jul in first brood and Brobury House Gardens c.6 on 3 Aug 2nd brood also Turnastone Court Nesting on 26 May successful c.4 nesting on 17 Apr Llanerch-y-Coed Farm Bromyard 1 Pair in nestbox on Springfield Road Upton Bishop Church 10 Pairs from Apr - Jul 6 May & 4 Pairs in 2 Pairs breeding on 14 May c.15 on 29 May nestboxes on 27 Jun 10 on 2 Aug; 12 on 5 Aug Clifford c.16 on 16 Aug; c.60 on 17 Walford, Leintwardine Lower Hill Farm Aug; c.10 on 30 Aug 2 Pairs nesting on 24 Aug 1 entering last year’s nest on 5 Pairs nesting on 3 Aug 28 Apr - the birds repaired the St Margaret’s Goodrich ( cf. 2 Pairs in 2003 ) nest but they were evicted by c.16 in Jul & c.10 in Aug Nesting in Jul House Sparrows

�

p o s t b r e e d i n g f l o c k s a n d a u t u m n g a t h e r i n g s

A flock of c.800 on overhead wires atLittle Birch on 6 September 2004 was particularly notable

Aston Crews Castleton & Lea Bailey Inclosure Stoke Prior c.150 on 10 Sep Winforton Wye c.100 on 1 Oct c.40 on 19 Sep c.55 on 24 Sep Bircher Common Letton Irrigation Lake Westhope c.20 on 19 Sep 25 in Aug The Darens c.200 on 10 Sep c.50 in Aug c.50 on 29 Sep Bringsty Common Little Birch c.250 on 7 Sep Eastnor Park c.800 on overhead 36 on 18 Sep wires on 6 Sep

126 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Less Common, local and declining breeding Summer visitor. BCC Amber List species. 2004 was a very poor year indeed for this species in Herefordshire, with yet another reduction in the number of records and locations. 19 reports only were received from a total of 10 locations.

The earliest report of the year was of three singing males at Garway Hill on 10 April 2004 and the final report was of two birds also atGarway Hill on 13 July 2004

All reports are published as follows :

Bircher Common Haye Park Woods Queen’s Wood, Dymock 2 on 9 May & 3 singing 1 on 24 Apr 1 singing Male on 22 May males on 13 Jun Little Mountain Common Wapley Hill The Darens 2 singing Males on 3 May 2 in May 2 on 24 Apr 3 Males on 12 May 1 singing Male on 12 May May Hill 1 Male on 16 May 1 on 12 Apr Garway Hill 2 singing Males on 19 Jun Wigmore Rolls 4 incl 3 singing Males on 13 Apr 1 on 30 May 2 singing Males on 24 Jun Mowley Wood 1 singing Male on 3 Jul 2 on 13 Jul 1 territorial Male from Jul - Aug

SOURCE TIMESPAN PERIOD + / - CBC/BBS England 1967 - 2003 36yrs - 80% CBC/BBS England 1978 - 2003 25 yrs - 80% CBC/BBS England 1993 - 2003 10 yrs - 47%

Above : Po p u l a t i o n d e c r e a s e o f t h e Tr e e Pi p i t i n En g l a n d . ( BTO Po p u l a t i o n Tr e n d s 2004 )

127 Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

A fairly common breeding resident and Winter migrant - but in much smaller numbers than formerly. BCC Amber List species. Breeding was confirmed in two locations in 2004 - The Darens and The Warren, Stonewall Hill

Br e e d i n g Se a s o n & Br e e d i n g Ar e a Re c o r d s

Bircher Common Hatterrall Hill Olchon Valley The Warren, 6 in May; 10 in July c.40 on 24 Apr 82 in Apr; 17 in May Stonewall Hill 45 in Jun Breeding confirmed - Bradnor Hill Hergest Ridge Pair carrying The Darens c.20 on 25 Apr c.30 on 15 May food on 6 Jun 5 on 18 May; 8 on 16 Jun; 10 Males on territory on 10 on 13 Jul Merbach Hill 17 Apr; c.40 on 24 Apr 1 Breeding Pair & 6 Juvs 4 on 15 Jun & 16 Jul Garway Hill in May; 13 in Jun 15 in Jul; 6 in Aug 31 on 13 Jul �

1s t Wi n t e r p e r i o d f l o c k s

18 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 10 Jan - with 10 there on 27 Jan; 14 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 24 Jan; 35 at Bircher Common in Feb - with 15 there in Mar; 19 at Lower Lugg Meadows on 7 Feb; c.120 roosting in bracken at Bringsty Common on 15 Feb - with 60 there in March and 45 again roosting in bracken on 8 Mar; 35 at Titley Court Farm on 2 Mar; c.20 at St Margaret’s in Mar; 10 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 3 Apr; 7 flying East at Buckton Bog on 10 Apr with 7 at Gamber Meadows - also on 10 Apr; 30 at Bircher Common in Apr; and 10 in a newly seeded field by the entrance of Wellington Gravel Pits on 17 Apr

2n d Wi n t e r p e r i o d f l o c k s

20 at Bradnor Hill on 15 Sep - with 28 at Garway Hill on the same day - 15 Sep; 7 on stubble North of Wyevale Wood on 16 Sep; 23 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 24 Sep - with 13 there on 18 Oct & 7 on 14 Nov; c.10 with Linnets at Nacklestone Farm on 24 Sep - and 20 in the same place on 25 Sep; 8 at Bircher Common in Oct; 100 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 3 Oct; 70 at Bringsty Common on 12 Oct; and c.10 at Bridstow on 10 Nov

128 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima

Local and declining breeding Summer visitor and passage migrant. BCC Amber List species.

45 records were received during 2004 from 24 widespread locations. Breeding was confirmed at six locations : Ashe Ingham Court Farm, Bromsash, Castleton & Winforton Wye, Dewsall, Stansbatch and Witherstone Farm

A huge movement of c.200 birds on passage ( including many Juveniles ) was observed at Wellington Gravel Pits on 14 August 2004

Ar r i v a l s : The first bird of the year was a single bird atLeech Pool on 10 April 2004

Al l r e p o r t s a r e s u m m a r i s e d a s f o l l o w s :

Ashe Ingham Court Farm Canon Pyon Gatsford Old Lilly Hall Breeding in Aug 1 Male singing on 9 May 2 on 24 Apr 1 on 16 Apr

Backney Castleton & Winforton Leech Pool Rhyse Villa 3 on 25 Aug Wye 1 Male on 10 Apr 1 on 19 Apr 5 on 13 Apr; 2 on 18 Apr Brampton Abbotts 1 on 25 Apr; 4 on 1 May Llandruchan Farm St Owen’s Cross 1 on 30 Jul c.12 on 9 May; 5 on 24 May; 1 Adult Male in May 1 on 24 Apr 8 on 25 Jun; c.40 incl Brockhall Gravel Pit 14 breeding Pairs on 12 July Marden Shobdon Industrial Estate 2 on 29 Aug & 3 on 24 Sep 2 on 9 May 2 on 31 Aug 1 on 1 May Dewsall Bromsash Michaelchurch Stansbatch 2 Pairs breeding on 13 May 1 on 15 May; 4 Males on 1 on 7 Jul 2 from 25 Apr until Aug 20 May; c.7 Pairs breeding & confirmed breeding Gamber Meadows on 21 Jul Milton Cross 1 on 22 Sep 1 Male on 8 May

129 Tyberton Wellington Gravel Pits huge movement of c.200 Whitehouse Farm 3 Territorial Males in Jul 3 on 16 Apr; 1 Male on 2 May passage birds ( incl. many 2 Males singing on 11 Aug 2 Males on 9 May; 1 Male + Juvs ) on 14 Aug; 1 on 17 Aug 1 Female on 21 May 2 on 20 Aug; 3 on 29 Aug Witherstone Farm 2 on 30 Aug c.5 on 11 Aug Pair confirmed breeding on 8 Jun

� De p a r t u r e s A single bird was seen at Gamber Meadows on 22 September - and finally three birds at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 24 September were the last birds of 2004

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Common breeding resident on our streams and rivers. BCC Amber List species. 131 records were received during 2004 from 43 widespread locations - with territorial pairs in many. Favourite nest sites include ledges on beams under iron bridges, holes in riverside walls and dry drainage pipes. Two and occasionally three broods may be reared in a year, and fledglings may be found typically from April to August.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t Fo u r t e e n Si t e s a s f o l l o w s :

Alltyrynys Leominster River Monnow, Craswall River Monnow, Female building nest under Pair breeding in Jul Pair + 4 young from Llancillo railway bridge on 1 Apr 23 - 29 Apr Pair feeding young on 7 May 3 nesting attempts Apr - Jul Longtown ( young ringed ) Pair breeding on 17 Apr River Monnow, Alltyrynys Country House River Monnow, Ruinsford Pair + 4 eggs in nest on 23 Apr Maerdy Great Goytre Pair & newly hatched young Female on nest on 7 May Pair feeding young on 7 May on 29 Apr - 5 young ringed Buckton Bridge on 5 May Pair + 5 small young in nest Lower Kinsham River Monnow, River Monnow, on 2 May - young ringed Male & new nest on 2 May Kentchurch Upper Craswall Lined nest on 15 Apr Hartleton Lakes Pair + 5 young on 29 Apr Pair breeding in Jul ( young ringed )

130 El s e w h e r e p a i r s w e r e a l s o r e c o r d e d a t t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s : Berrington Hall Pool, College Green, Criftin Ford Bridge, Cusop, Garway Hill, Hartleton Lakes, Holmer Church, Noke Bridge, Olchon Valley, Kington, Leintwardine, River Wye - Putson, Rodd, Shirlheath and Upper Lugg Meadows

�

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba

An uncommon passage migrant in Herefordshire.

The White Wagtail is the Continental race of the British Pied Wagtail.

Six records were received in 2004 - from two different locations.

Four records were in April - including a splendid flock of nineteen in a newly seeded field opposite the entrance of Wellington Gravel Pits on 17 April. The other two records were in early August.

Al l r e p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Castleton & Winforton Wye Wellington Gravel Pits Wellington Gravel Pits 9 on 18 April 9 on 16 April 1 on 1 Aug ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney ) ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney ) ( Gerry Bilbao )

Wellington Gravel Pits Wellington Gravel Pits Wellington Gravel Pits 1 Adult Male on 2 April 19 in newly seeded field just opposite 1 Adult Female on 11 Aug ( Gerry Bilbao ) main entrance on 17 April ( Gerry Bilbao ) ( Paul & Terry Downes, Steve Coney Chas & Annette Lankester )

131 Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii

Common breeding resident and passage migrant. 124 records were received in 2004 from 59 widespread locations. Among nesting sites favoured by the Pied Wagtail are the eaves of old stone farmhouses and farm buildings, garages and old stone walls - frequently near water. The largest count was of c.230 birds in a maize field at Bleathwood on 9 November. Most large roosts and pre-roosts - including those on many a supermarket roof - sadly went uncounted in 2004. Again few details of nest sites were submitted in 2004, but breeding undoubtedly occurred in very many places. By Mid-Summer, large numbers of Juveniles were to be seen in many places.

Br e e d i n g r e c o r d s w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Aston Crews Lion’s Den, Bredwardine Walford, Leintwardine Pair nested - 4 Juvs on 12 Jun 1 Pair on 21 Apr Pair feeding young in nest 2 Pairs nesting in Jul under garage eaves on 13 July Brobury House & Female feeding 2 recently fledged Pair nesting 26 May Shobdon Park young on lawn on 30 July Female feeding recently fledged The Darens young on barn roof on 22 July 2 Pairs nesting in Apr �

Am o n g t h e l a r g e r l a t e -Su m m e r c o u n t s w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :

c.10 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 11 August

1s t Wi n t e r p e r i o d g a t h e r i n g s a n d r o o s t s :

c.50 at Noke Bridge on 1 Jan; 34 at Haywood High School on 8 Feb; 11 at Leintwardine Sewage Farm on 9 Mar; c.30 going to roost at Tesco’s Supermarket, Belmont on 19 Mar; and c.100 going to roost in trees by the Garage at Hope- under-Dinmore on 28 Mar

2n d Wi n t e r p e r i o d g a t h e r i n g s a n d r o o s t s :

c.60 flying to roost were pursued along the ring-road by a Sparrowhawk at Hereford City on 29 Sep - and c.50 were in the same location on 17 Nov; c.20 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 2 Oct; and c.230 in a maize-field atBleathwood on 9 Nov

132 Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

Uncommon Winter visitor. Two reports only were received during 2004 - from two different locations. The largest number of birds seen together was three.

Al l r e p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Bishopstone Hillfield Drive, Ledbury 3 on 22 November 2004 2 on 27 December 2004

( J Allsopp ) ( R W Roseveare )

Dipper � Cinclus cinclus

A locally common but specialised breeding resident on fast running streams.

96 reports were received in 2004 from 40 locations. Breeding was confirmed in well over twenty locations.

Following recent concerns that Dippers were experiencing difficulties along some stretches of our Rivers, early in 2004 a small Group of HOC Members began work surveying Dipper streams in North Herefordshire. The principal aim of the HOC Dipper Group was to locate and monitor Dipper nest sites, establish reasons for nest failure, establish the exact breeding range of the Dipper in Herefordshire, and provide nesting opportunities where none at present exist by installing nest-boxes under bridges which have no suitable ledges or cavities. Adult and young Dippers in the nest are being ringed, and this study is being undertaken in conjunction with the long-term study in the Black Mountains of Herefordshire organised by Dr Stephanie Tyler and Felicity Burge. It is hoped that all Dipper nest sites in the County will have been mapped by 2011 - when field work for the forthcoming Atlas will come to an end.

Al l r e p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

( Ri v e r s a r e l i s t e d a l p h a b e t i c a l l y a n d Di p p e r l o c a t i o n s o n i n d i v i d ua l Ri v e r s a r e l i s t e d i n u p s t r e a m t o d o w n s t r e a m o r d e r )

133 Ri v e r Ar r o w Ri v e r Do r e Ri v e r Lu g g Hergest Bridge Pontrilas Boultibrooke Bridge, Presteigne 1 on 6 Dec 1 on 9 Mar; 1 Adult + empty nest Old nest found on steel piles about on 1 Apr; nest with 4 eggs on 50 yards on Radnorshire side of Kington 14 Apr; Pair + nest with 4 eggs border - territory downstream 1 on 10 Mar; Pair on 26 Mar on 23 Apr; 1 on 19 May partly in Herefordshire & recent & 28 May; 1 on 25 Oct; Adult Dipper sightings on 18 Apr + old nest on 6 Dec; 2 on 14 Dec Lower Kinsham Du l a s Br o o k Hunton Bridge, Shawl 1 Adult + 1 recent nest on 2 May (Tr i b u t a r y o f Ri v e r Do r e ) 1 on 18 Nov Dulas Deerfold Bridge Noke Bridge 1 on 23 May 1 recent nest on 11 Oct 1 on 8 & 16 May Ewyas Harold Lyepole Bridge 1 Juv on 2 Aug 1 on 1 Sep Ba c k Br o o k (Tr i b u t a r y o f Ri v e r Ar r o w ) Watermill, Mortimer’s Cross 1 recent ( 2004 ) nest Kington Ri v e r Fr o m e c.3 on 8 Mar; 1 on 1 Apr under sluice on 30 Sep 4 Oct, 18 Oct & 22 Nov Littlestone Bridge Mortimer’s Cross Bridge 2 on 6 Dec 1 in Feb Pair ( 1 bird singing ) on 29 Jan & 1 Adult on 30 Sep

Ri v e r Cl u n Hi n d w e l l Br o o k Kenwater, Leominster ( Tr i b u t a r y o f Ri v e r Lu g g ) 1 Adult on 5 November Mill Lane, Leintwardine Nash Ford Pair nested under footbridge 2 recent nests - one ¾ finished + 1 finished but unlined - found on 1 Sep Ri v e r Mo n n o w Da r e n Br o o k Old Post Office, Craswall ( Tr i b u t a r y o f Ri v e r Mo n n o w ) 1 Adult + newly-lined nest on 9 Apr Daren Cottage ( near ) Pair + 5 eggs in nest on 23 Apr 3 incl Pair on 16 Mar 1 on 1 May 5 young ringed on 12 May Ring Nos RT10748-52 �

134 Ri v e r Mo n n o w ( c o n t i n u e d ) Great Goytre 1 Adult singing on 14 & 16 Feb Adult + nest on 1 Apr Pair ( 1 bird singing ) on 20 Feb & 4 & 5 Mar, 1 on 18 & 30 Mar Rockyfold Farm Bridge Llancillo Adult emerging from nest under Pair nesting on 29 Apr - large construction + 1 old nest on 8 Apr 1 Female + nest + 5 eggs on 1 Apr, young in nest were too big 1 Adult on 12 Apr, nest almost 3 Juvs in nest + 2 eggs on 14 Apr to disturb & ring complete ( cup & hole formed - Female on 3 young on 1st Jun untidy bits hanging down ) on Llangua 3 young ringed on 8 Jun 17 Apr - was found collapsed or ( Ring Nos RT10756, ..59 &..60 ) 1 Female + empty nest on 1 Apr, destroyed on 2 May Nest + 3 eggs on 14 Apr ( no new attempt was made here ) Cwm Farm Bridge 1 Adult on 13 Jul, Pair on Female + nest + 5 eggs on 24 Mar Cwm Madoc Farm 7 May, 1 Adult on 19 Oct & 3 Juvs + 2 eggs in nest on 9 Apr 1 Adult on 31 Mar Pair ( 1 bird singing ) on 15 Nov 4 Young ringed on 1 Jun ( on tiny un-named Tributary ) ( + 1 young dead in nest ) Buckton Bridge ( Ring Nos RT10753, ..55, ..57 & ..58 ) Territory seemingly remained unoccupied in breeding season Llanwonog Farm Bridge Ol c h o n Br o o k 1 Adult on 28 Oct & 12 Dec Female + nest + 2 eggs on 24 Mar, Upper Olchon Valley Female + nest + 5 eggs on 9 Apr Leintwardine Bridge + Pair + 4 Juvs on 23 Apr & Nest 1 egg on 9 Apr 1 Adult on 2 & 16 Feb, 2 on 16 Oct the 4 young were ringed ( Ring Nos RT10744 - 47 ) Mid Olchon 1 Female + nest + 5 eggs on 24 Mar Criftin Ford Bridge Longtown 1 Adult re-lining nest on 9 Apr Territory seemingly remained 1 on 1 May, 1 ringed bird on 14 May unoccupied in breeding season 1 Adult on 16 Oct was observer’s Clodock first record here in two years Ri v e r Te m e 1 Adult singing on 11 Dec 1 Female + nest + 5 eggs on 24 Mar 2 Juvs on 23 Apr, 1 on 19 May Coxall Mill Burrington Bridge Walterstone Pair + 4 Juvs in nest on 2 May Territory seemingly remained just upstream at Lingen Bridge Pair nesting near waterfall on 17 Jun unoccupied in breeding season ( Shropshire ) have part of their 1 Adult on 16 & 19 Oct & again territory here in Herefordshire Alltyrynys on 3, 5, 12, 16 & 28 Nov 1 Adult Female + nest + 5 eggs Parson’s Pole Bridge Castle Bridge, Downton Gorge under railway bridge on 1 Apr 1 Adult on 3 Feb, 2 Juvs + 2 eggs on 14 Apr 1 Adult on 26 Apr 3 incl 2 birds singing & territorial dispute on 13 Feb

135 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

An a b u n d a n t b r e e d i n g r e s i d e n t i n He r e f o r d s h i r e . 254 reports were received in 2004 from 68 widespread locations.

Br e e d i n g w a s v e r y s p a r s e l y r e p o r t e d f r o m f i v e l o c a t i o n s o n l y a s f o l l o w s :

Bradnor Hill Brobury House Gatley Park Merryhill Nupend Breeding on 17 Aug Breeding on 26 May Pair nested - 7 eggs 6 Pairs nested - 34 eggs, Pair confirmed but failed 32 hatched, 32 fledged nesting Apr- Jun

� So m e o f t h e l a r g e r s i t e c o u n t s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Bircher Common Frith Wood, Ledbury Merbach Hill St Margaret’s 7 in Mar & Oct 14 in Apr, 8 in May 8 on 13 Jan & 6 on 15 Jun 8 in Jul & 8 in Oct 10 in Jul, 9 in Sep Bodenham Lake Newton Coppice The Darens 8 on 14 Aug Gamber Meadows 6 singing in Mar, 10 in Apr 7 in Apr, 11 in May 10 on 27 Jan, 13 on 16 Feb 12 in May, 17 in Jun 8 in Jun, 6 in Jul, Aug Bringsty Common 9 on 10 Mar, 17 on 10 Apr 11 in Aug Sep & Nov 13 in Mar, 11 in May 10 on 6 May, 19 on 22 Jun Queen’s Wood ( Dinmore ) 10 in Jun & 9 in Oct 20 on 14 Jul, 12 on 28 Aug The Flitts 9 on 22 Sep, 14 on 15 Oct 21 on 26 Apr, 19 on 18 May 10 on 20 Feb, 8 on 5 Apr Credenhill Park Wood 22 on 30 Nov, 14 on 15 Dec 20 on 9 Jun, 11 on 7 Jul & 17 on 13 Apr, 8 on 21 Aug 10 Aug, 7 on 21 Sep 14 in Apr & 10 in May 8 on 13 Nov, 17 on 10 Dec Garway Hill River Wye, How Caple Croward’s Mill 14 on 13 Jul & 15 Sep Wapley Hill 9 on 14 Apr & 5 on 11 Dec 5 on 25 Apr & 14 on 6 Jun 7 in Oct & 5 in Nov Hartleton Lakes 10 on 1 Mar, 9 on 8 Apr Wyevale Wood & 8 on 2 Dec 4 in Mar

136 SOURCE TIMESPAN PERIOD INCREASE CBC/BBS England 1967 - 2003 36 yrs 94 % CBC/BBS England 1978 - 2003 25 yrs 36 % CBC/BBS England 1993 - 2003 10 yrs 15 % CBC/BBS England 1998 - 2003 5 yrs 19 %

Above : Po p u l a t i o n In c r e a s e o f t h e Wr e n i n En g l a n d ( BTO Po p u l a t i o n Tr e n d s 2004 )

� Dunnock Prunella modularis

A very common breeding resident in hedgerows, gardens and woods. BCC Amber List species.

193 reports were received during 2004 from 49 locations. Breeding was confirmed at seven : Broomy Hill; Frith Wood, Ledbury; Lion’s Den, Bredwardine; Madley Aerodrome; St Margaret’s; The Darens and Wapley Hill

s o m e o f t h e l a r g e r s i t e c o u n t s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Croward’s Mill Gamber Meadows Hartleton Lakes St Owen’s Cross 6 on 25 Apr 12 on 27 Jan, 9 on 16 Feb 7 on 8 Apr 7 on 24 Apr 9 on 10 Mar, 10 on 10 Apr The Flitts 12 on 15 Oct, 17 on 30 Nov Holmer Wapley Hill 7 on 13 Apr & 6 on 13 Nov 14 on 15 Dec c.10 from Jul - Oct 5 in Sep

Frith Wood, Ledbury Garway Hill Lion’s Den, Bredwardine Wyevale Wood 7 in Sep 11 on 15 Sep 6 from Jan - Mar 7 on 8 Apr

137 SOURCE TIMESPAN PERIOD + / - CBC/BBS England 1967 - 2003 36 yrs - 39 % CBC/BBS England 1978 - 2003 25 yrs - 27 % CBC/BBS England 1993 - 2003 10 yrs + 17 % CBC/BBS England 1998 - 2003 5 yrs + 15 %

Above : Po p u l a t i o n c h a n g e s o f t h e Du n n o c k i n En g l a n d ( BTO Po p u l a t i o n Tr e n d s 2004 )

Robin Erithacus rubecula

An abundant breeding resident in Herefordshire. 259 reports were received during 2004 from 62 locations - and breeding was confirmed at nine : Brobury House Gardens; The Darens; The Flitts; Frith Wood, Ledbury; Lilly Hall Farm; Lion’s Den, Bredwardine; Reeves Farm, Brampton Bryan; Upton Bishop Church and Wapley Hill

s o m e o f t h e l a r g e r s i t e c o u n t s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Bringsty Common Gamber Meadows Olchon Valley 16 in Jan, 15 in Mar & Apr 15 on 27 Jan, 10 on 6 Feb 18 in Apr, 10 in May 14 on 28 Aug, 21 on 15 Oct Credenhill Park Wood 11 on 30 Nov Queen’s Wood, Dimore 10 in Mar 10 on 22 Mar, 13 on 26 Apr Garway Hill 12 on 18 May, 11 on 7 Jul Croward’s Mill 16 on 13 Jul, 24 on 15 Sep 12 on 8 Oct 12 on 25 Apr Hartleton Lakes St Margaret’s The Flitts 10 on 8 Apr 10 in Feb, 12 in Aug 12 on 13 Apr 14 in Sep, 11 in Oct Newton Coppice Frith Wood, Ledbury 10 in Jan 10 in Feb, 16 in Apr 15 in May, 13 in Sep �

138 Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos

A rare and now very local breeding Summer visitor to Herefordshire just West of the Malvern Hills. BCC Amber List Species.

There were six reports in 2004 from three different sites - all of which were notably restricted to one small triangle of East Herefordshire - just to the West of the Malvern Hills and to the North of Ledbury. Although the number of sites was down ( cf. 5 sites in 2003 ) the total number of singing birds in 2004 was possibly as high as 8 or 9 ! We have to go back to 1965 for a larger number of singing birds recorded in our County in any one year ! Congratulations to our dedicated observers ! On the negative side, the reports in 2004 seem to confirm the continuing reduction in the Nightingale’s range in Herefordshire, and reports from old traditional sites further afield to the North or West are notably absent. It is extraordinary to note that the last report from Haugh Wood, a well-known former stronghold quite near to Hereford, was received as long ago as 1981.

Al l r e p o r t s f o r 2004 a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Colwall Gravel Pits Mathon Old Country Wood One heard in May One at grid reference One heard on 2 May ( English Nature ) SO 752 449 on 7 May 4 or possibly 5 Males ( Cherry Greenway ) singing on 14 May ( Peter Garner ) Two heard at Mathon “set-aside” on 14 May One heard - started singing at 11.15 pm - on 15 May ( Peter Garner ) ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney ) �

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

Scarce passage migrant and Winter visitor. BCC Amber List species - which notably bred in Hereford City in 1988.

A Female was present at the popular and traditional site of Hereford Cathedral from 28 - 31 December 2004

( A R Mountford, Paul Downes, Gerald Parker, Dr Terry Foxton & Steve Coney )

139 Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Common breeding Summer visitor wherever Oak trees are plentiful. BCC Amber List species.

48 reports only were received during 2004, from 27 locations in the County. This is one of the Club’s poorer results in 2004 - attributable essentially to a lack of reporting from upland woodland sites - but also to a general lack of familiarity with the Redstart’s charming little song. Observers familiar with this song are much more successful at locating Redstarts in the breeding season.

The first report of the year was of three Males singing at Garway Hill on 10 April. Late Summer & Autumn reports included sightings of two birds at Eastnor Park on 21 Aug; and of 2 Adults & 2 Juvs at Gamber Meadows on 28 Aug. The very last report of the year was of a single bird at Garway Hill on 15 September 2004.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d i n 2004 a t e i g h t l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Bircher Common Clay Vallets, Lingen Ewyas Harold Common Olchon Valley Breeding confirmed in Jun Pair in nest-box - 6 eggs laid Pair nesting from 4 in Apr, 1 on 19 Apr 1 Male on 13 Jun 6 eggs hatched, 6 young fledged 17 Apr - 12 May 3 in May, 1 on 15 May 2 on 19 May, Pair & Bradnor Hill The Darens 1 Juv at Blaen on 4 Jul Llanerch-y-Coed Farm Pair & 2 Juvs on 16 Jun 5 in Apr, 3 Males on 4 Pairs nesting from 24 Apr, 4 in May, 3 on The Old Man Apr - Jun 19 May, 3 in Jun & Jul Pair nesting Apr - Jun Pair breeding in Aug

Si n g i n g b i r d s h e a r d & o t h e r s i g h t i n g s i n t h e b r e e d i n g s e a s o n w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

3 Males singing at Garway Hill on 10 Apr - with 2 Males singing there on 13 Apr & 5 birds on 13 Jul; 1 at Ashe Ingham Court Farm and 1 at Sellack - both on 16 Apr; 1 Male singing at Titley Court Farm on 20 Apr; Pair at Aston Crews on 25 Apr; 2 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 25 Apr 2004 & 25 Jun; 3 singing Males at Owney Wood, Downton on 25 Apr & 9 May; c.2 singing Males at Castle Bridge, Downton on 26 Apr; 1 Male at Parsonage Farm on 30 Apr; 1 Female at Black Hill on 1 May; 1 Male at Brockhampton on 15 May; 1 at St Margaret’s in May; 1 Male at Berrington Hall Pool on 23 May & 1 in Jun; 1 Male at May Hill on 19 Jun; Pair in hedgerow at Goat House, Stonewall Hill on 21 Jun and 1 Male at Letton Lakes on 7 Jul

140 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

Uncommon, local and declining breeding Summer visitor and passage migrant. Bizarrely, neither Red or Amber listed yet. 2004 was another very poor year indeed for this species in Herefordshire. A grand total of twenty reports were received - from a disappointing total of nine locations. Five pairs were confirmed to be nesting in traditional upland breeding areas in Herefordshire - but many other sightings would appear to be of birds on passage.

The earliest report of the year was of a singing Male at Red Daren on 12 May 2004; and the final reports were of a single Juvenile at Wellington Gravel Pits on 23 September 2004; and of a Male and Female at the Darens on a date in October sadly unspecified.

Al l r e c o r d s r e c e i v e d a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Bradnor Hill Olchon Valley Wellington Gravel Pits Whitehouse Farm Pair & 2 Juvs on 13 Jul 2 on 19 May 1 Male on 19 May 1 on 5 Jul ( breeding confirmed ) 2 Pairs breeding on 5 July 1 Juv on 17, 20, 22, 23 Pair & 3 Juvs in Aug & 30 Aug & 23 Sep ( breeding confirmed ) Gamber Meadows The Darens 1 Adult & 1 Juv on 28 Aug 1 singing Male at Red Daren Weobley 3 on 22 Sep on 12 May; Pair and 4 Juvs 4 on muck-heap Wyevale Wood in Aug ( breeding confirmed ) on 24 Aug 1 Female in stubble North Hergest Ridge 1 Male & 1 Female in Oct of wood on 16 Sep 2 Males + 1 Female on 15 May

SOURCE TIMESPAN PERIOD + / - BBS UK 1994 - 2004 10 yrs - 15 % BBS England 1994 - 2004 10 yrs - 32%

Above : Po p u l a t i o n d e c l i n e o f t h e Wh i n c h a t ( BTO Po p u l a t i o n Tr e n d s 2004 )

141 Stonechat Saxicola torquata

Uncommon and local breeding resident and passage migrant. BCC Amber List species.

37 reports were received during 2003 from a total of 12 locations, with breeding confirmed at a mere four. Many sightings outside the breeding season are of birds on passage - or dispersing from upland breeding areas. At such times birds can be seen almost anywhere - even in lowland hedgerows. Natural funnels in the landscape form ancient migration highways, and at certain points along these routes exposed barbed wire fences provide temporary insect-hawking posts. Stonechats may turn up annually in such favoured places, though few stay for more than a few hours.

There are many areas of gorse-covered hillside in upland Herefordshire which might hold this species, but these remain substantially un-surveyed. Many gorse thickets are remote, inaccessible and almost impenetrable! Who knows what these “gorses” may hold ! More field work is necessary to discover the true breeding status in Herefordshire of this delightful little bird - the Stonechat - which is currently enjoying one of the most spectacular population increases of any breeding species in Great Britain.

b r e e d i n g s e a s o n r e p o r t s a n d r e p o r t s f r o m traditional b r e e d i n g a r e a s w e r e r e c e i v e d a s f o l l o w s :

Bircher Common Bradnor Hill Hergest Ridge Pair on 28 Mar & 4 Apr 3 on 18 May; Male on 24 May 3 Males + 2 Females on 15 May 1 Male on 18 Apr; 1 Female 2 on 16 Jun; Pair + 1 Juv on 13 Jul ( breeding confirmed ) on 9 May; Pair on 31 May & ( breeding confirmed ); 1 on 15 Sep 13 Jun. Clearance of mature Olchon Valley gorse from the upper heath Garway Hill 3 Males on 19 May may have curtailed breeding 1 Male on 10 May 3 in Jun; 1 Male on 5 Jul Pair + 5 Juvs on 24 Jun Black Hill ( breeding confirmed ) The Darens Pair on 1 May 2 on 13 Jul 2 Pairs on 12 May ( breeding confirmed )

El s e w h e r e b i r d s o n Sp r i n g p a s s a g e o r d i s p e r s i n g a f t e r b r e e d i n g w e r e r e p o r t e d a s f o l l o w s :

1 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 17 Mar; 2 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 18 Oct; 2 at Brampton Abbotts on 22 & 25 Oct - with 1 Juv there on 19 Nov, 2 Males + 2 Females on 2 Dec, 1 Male on 5 Dec & 1 Male + 1 Female on 10 Dec; 1 at Gatsford on 4 Nov - with 1 Female on 9 Dec, 1 Male + 1 Female on 17 Dec & 1 on 26 Dec; and 1 Male + 1 Female at Gamber Meadows on 15 Dec

142 Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Less common, local and declining breeding Summer visitor, and passage migrant.

Although 49 separate reports were received from 21 widespread locations, there can be little doubt that the majority of reports - including a number from seemingly suitable breeding habitat on higher ground - referred to birds on passage.

At the traditional breeding stronghold on the Herefordshire portion of the Black Mountains - also on Bradnor Hill and Hergest Ridge - there were several confirmed nests with young seen, but the largest count of the year was of a mere twelve birds - well short of the figures recorded ten years ago. Perhaps under-recording is part of the problem.

A good deal of suitable but remote hill country in the West of the County has remained almost entirely neglected by observers in recent times - a sad situation which all Members of the Club are vigorously encouraged to address! If enticement were needed, here too are some of the finest views in Europe!

The earliest report of the year was of a single Male flitting along a hedge at Lower Pedwardine on 18 March 2004; and the final report was of a single bird at Wellington Gravel Pits on 3 October 2004.

b r e e d i n g s e a s o n r e p o r t s f r o m traditional b r e e d i n g a r e a s w e r e r e c e i v e d a s f o l l o w s :

Bl a c k Mo u n t a i n s The Darens Br a d n o r Hi l l Black Daren c.12 on 24 Apr 1 on 23 Apr; 6 on 25 Apr 4 Males + 3 Females on 19 May 1 Female on 1 May 3 Adult Males on 17 Apr 5 incl two breeding Pairs in Jun 1 on 18 May & 16 Jun 3 Pairs ( breeding confirmed ) Pair + 3 Juvs on 13 Jul on 12 May Black Hill ( breeding confirmed ) 1 Male + 1 Female on 1 May Red Daren Olchon Valley Pair ( breeding confirmed ) He r g e s t Ri d g e on 12 May 1 in Apr Family Group on 5 Jul 3 Males + 1 Female on 15 May ( breeding confirmed )

143 Bi r d s o n Sp r i n g a n d Au t u m n p a s s a g e w e r e r e c o r d e d a s f o l l o w s :

Sp r i n g

1 Male + 1 Female at Marcle Hill on 23 Mar; 1 at Garnons Estate on 31 Mar; 1 Male at Kentchester Pools on 12 & 13 Apr; 1 Male at Ashe Ingham Court Farm on 16 Apr; 4 in newly-seeded field opposite Wellington Gravel Pits on 17 Apr; 12 at Kentchester Pools & 1 at Brockhall Gravel Pit - both on 18 Apr; 1 at Eastnor Park on 19 Apr; 1 at Stansbatch on 20 & 25 Apr; 1 Male at Little Mountain Common on 23 Apr; 2 at Stonewall Hill on 26 Apr; 1 at Gatsford on 28 Apr; 1 Female at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 1 May - with 3 on 9 May; 2 at Stansbatch & 1 at Stonewall Hill - both on 3 May; and 1 Female at Little Mountain Common on 9 May

Au t u m n 1 Juv at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 12 July; 1 at Eastnor Park on 21 Aug; 1 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 29 Aug - with 2 Juvs there on 30 Aug; 1 Adult Female at Llanerch-y-coed Farm on 1 Sep; 1 at Bircher Common on 5 Sep; 1 at Brampton Abbots on 7 Sep; and 1 Adult Summer + 2 Juvs at Wellington Gravel Pits on 11 Sep - with 1 there on 3 Oct

Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa

There is one report of birds positively identified as being of the Greenland race of the Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa. Birds of this race are larger and brighter in colouring and are said to have a slightly broader black terminal band on the tail. Although native British Wheatears may return to their breeding grounds quite early in March, Greenland Wheatears may be seen on passage well into May.

Th e s i n g l e r e p o r t i n 2004 w a s a s f o l l o w s :

Milton Cross

2 Males on 8 May 2004

( Paul Downes )

144 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

Rare and very local and specialised breeding Summer visitor and passage migrant. BCC Red List species.

Only four reports were received this year - all from The Darens, in the Herefordshire portion of the Black Mountains.

Al l Re p o r t s f o r 2004 a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

The Darens

1 Pair ( with Male in song ) at Black Daren on 17 Apr and breeding confirmed 1 Male + 1 Female at The Darens on 24 Apr 1 Male at Red Daren on 2 May 1 Singing Male at Black Daren on 12 May

( M F Peers, Steve Coney, Paul Downes & Terry Downes )

Blackbird Turdus merula

Abundant breeding resident, passage migrant and Winter visitor.

302 reports were received in 2004 - from 79 locations representing every part of the County.

So familiar is this species that comparatively few observers seem to record breeding - there were only nine confirmed records of breeding in the County in 2004. These included a Female flushed from her nest containing three eggs at Leinthall Moor on 26 Apr - and a number of reports of birds feeding young in other places.

Many Members kindly send in monthly site counts, which can be surprisingly large.

However, Blackbirds are most likely to be found in larger assemblies when they congregate to feed on fallen apples, almost always when the ground is completely frozen in January and February and worms are quite unreachable. Our Herefordshire orchards can therefore be a real life-saver for them at such times.

145 Am o n g m a n y n o t a b l e s i t e c o u n t s i n 2004 w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :

12 at Withington on 2 Jan; 38 at Bringsty Common in Jan; 20 at Gamber Meadows on 16 Feb; c.45 feeding on fallen cider-apples in an orchard at Walford, Leintwardine on 26 Feb; 10 at Wyevale Wood on 26 Mar; 12 at Hartleton Lakes on 8 Apr; 14 at The Flitts on 13 Apr; 13 at Queen’s Wood, Dinmore on 26 Apr; 17 at Frith Wood, Ledbury in May; 11 at Croward’s Mill on 6 Jun; 14 at Bodenham Lake in Jun; 10 at Credenhill Park Wood in Jun; 16 at St Margarets in Jun; 12 at The Darens in Jun; 12 at Garway Hill on 13 Jul; c. 18 at Holmer from Jul - Oct; 17 at Shirlheath on 31 Oct; 10 at Leech Pool on 10 Dec; 20 at Orchard Lane on 13 Dec; and 10 at Wapley Hill in Dec

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Abundant Winter visitor. BCC Amber List species.

137 reports were received in 2004 - from most parts of the County. Flocks were generally small - the largest recorded being of c.500 birds at Shobdon Industrial Estate on 24 January; and c.500 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 19 December 2004.

1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d Fl o c k s :

c.150 at Bodenham Lake on 1 Jan; c.200 at Litley Court - Bunch of Carrots on 10 Jan; 112 at Hall Wood, Elton on 15 Jan; c.200 at Avenbury and 60 at Bringsty Common - both in Jan; c.200 at Staunton-on-Arrow on 17 Jan; 200 at Munsley on 17 Jan; 60 at Checkley Common on 19 Jan; 52 at Hartleton Lake on 19 Jan; 200 at Paytoe Lane, Leintwardine on 5 Feb; c.100 at Burrington on 7 Feb; 120 at Hartleton Lake on 9 Feb; 120 at Merbach Hill on 10 Feb; c.200 at Avenbury, 380 at Berrington Hall Pool and 150 at Holmer - all in Feb; 90 at Gamber Meadows and 40 at Wyevale Wood - both on 16 Feb; 65 at Walford, Leintwardine on 27 Feb; 250 at Ocle Pychard on 28 Feb; 50 at Hartleton Lake on 1 Mar; 325 at Letton Lakes on 2 Mar; 100 at Wyevale Wood on 5 Mar; 50 at Holmer on 8 Mar; 90 at Burrington on 9 Mar; 50 at Kings Acre on 10 Mar; 50 at Bodenham Lake on 13 Mar; 200 at Wyevale Wood on 13 Mar - with 100 there on 19 Mar, 80 on 23 Mar & 40 on 26 Mar; and 100 at Jay Bridge, Leintwardine on 10 Apr

De p a r t u r e s

The last birds of the Spring were : 10 at Wyevale Wood on 1 Apr; 100 at Jay Bridge, Leintwardine and 8 at Wyevale Wood - both on 10 Apr; and finally, 35 were seen atWeston , Pembridge on 20 April 2004 - this being the very last report of the 1st Winter Period

146 Ar r i v a l s

These began abruptly on 9 October - with evidence of a major passage at Pembridge, c.60 noted at Wyevale Wood, c.8 at Monkland and c.20 seen flying over Buckfield Road, Leominster - these sightings all on the same day - 9 October 2004. The next report did not come until 15 Oct, and following this there were only three more October sightings of quite small flocks - on 19th, 24th & 25th. The main influx probably came later.

2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d Fl o c k s : c.60 at Wyevale Wood on 9 October - and a “major passage” at Pembridge the same day; c.100 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 1 Nov; c.100 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 14 Nov; 60 max at Avenbury in Nov; 100 in Olchon Valley in Nov; 100 at Monkland on 28 Nov; c.100 at Turner’s Boat on 1 Dec; 90 at Hartleton Lakes on 2 Dec; 100 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 11 Dec; c.100 at Bodenham Lake on 14 Dec; 40 max. at Avenbury in Dec; 60 at Credenhill Park Wood in Dec; 70 at Wapley Hill in Dec; and 500 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 19 Dec

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Fairly common breeding resident and passage migrant. BCC Red List species.

192 reports were received in 2004 from 76 widespread locations. This is a substantial and worrying reduction both in reports and locations compared with the previous year : ( cf. 274 reports from 91 locations in 2003 ). Confirmed breeding records came from seven locations only in 2004.

Early singing was noted at Donnington on 21 Jan, Gullett Wood on 4 Feb and Walford, Leintwardine on 11 Feb.

Perhaps the Song Thrush is evolving to be a bird of more skulking habits. Many pairs now seem to hide in dense thickets, while incautious birds exposing themselves too readily to view appear not to live long enough to make a habit of it. Such careless birds seem to fall prey immediately to the Sparrowhawk.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a s f o l l o w s :

Various Adults + Juvs at Canon Pyon from 24 Apr - 18 Jul; 4 Juvs at Lea on 1 May; Pair + 2 Juvs at Bircher Common in May; Pair nesting at Brobury House Gardens on 26 May; Pair + 5 Juvs at Bodenham Lake in Jun; Pair breeding at Wapley Hill in Jun; and a Pair + 2 Juvs at Brimfield on 24 Jun

147 La r g e r c o u n t s a m o n g m a n y i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

5 at Credenhill Park Wood in Feb; 6 at Wyevale Wood on 17 Feb; c.10 at The Flitts on 20 Feb; 7 at Hartleton Lakes on 1 Mar & 8 Apr; 10 singing Males at Brockhampton from Apr - Jul; 6 singing Males at Ewyas Harold Common from Apr - Jul; c.6 singing at Ham Green on 11 May; 15 Males at Wapley Hill on 16 May; 10 at Frith Wood, Ledbury in May; 6 at Haugh Wood in May; 5 at Gamber Meadows in Jun, Jul & Oct; 6 at Garway Hill on 13 Jul; and 5 at Leech Pool on 10 Dec

Redwing Turdus iliacus

Common Winter visitor. BCC Amber List species.

112 reports were received in 2004 from 60 widespread locations.

The largest flock reported in 2004 was of 200 birds at Wellington Gravel Pits on 19 December. Although widespread, flocks were generally small - there was one report only of another containing as many as 100 birds.

The Redwing migrates at night, and large numbers fly over the County unseen, though they can be heard whistling in the dark as they pass overhead.

Fl o c k s o f 40 o r m o r e b i r d s w e r e r e c o r d e d a s f o l l o w s :

1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d

c.60 at Hartleton Lakes on 1 Jan; 50 at Avenbury in Jan & Feb 50 at Berrington Hall Pool in Feb 90 at Merbach Hill on 10 Feb

De p a r t u r e s The last birds seen in the Spring of 2004 were : 25 at Wyevale Wood on 23 Mar 3 at Merbach Hill on 24 Mar - and finally one at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 28 March 2004

148 Au t u m n Ar r i v a l s

The first Autumn Redwings arrived on the same day - 9 October 2004 in four separate Herefordshire locations :

A “major passage” at Pembridge, another “major passage” at St Owen’s Cross c.100 at Titley Pool and c.60 at Wyevale Wood on 9 October 2004

2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d Fl o c k s ( m o r e t h a n 40 b i r d s ) :

c.50 in Orchards at Stockingfield from Oct - Dec; c.90 at Pipe Aston on 14 Oct; 67 at Gamber Meadows on 15 Oct; 50 at Bodenham Lake on 19 Oct; 44 at Burrington Bridge on 28 Oct; 56 at Queen’s Wood, Dinmore on 22 Nov; 50 at Monkland on 28 Nov; 50 at Courtfield & c.200 at Wellington Gravel Pits - both on 19 Dec

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Less common and declining breeding resident. BCC Amber List species.

The old country name for the Mistle Thrush is “The Storm Cock”. As its traditional name implies, the Mistle Thrush starts to sing well before Christmas, even from topmost branches in the midst of raging November gales, and is a species forever associated with Orchards and Mistletoe! The Mistle Thrush is actually fond of berries of all kinds - including Cherries, Rowan, Whinberries, and even Grapes - if they are available or better still provided! Small flocks of Mistle Thrushes will gather at times when these fruits are to be found in profusion : 13 were feeding on Cherries at Rhyse Villa on 19 June and a flock of c.30 was seen atLlanerch-y-coed Farm on 29 August.

126 reports were received in 2004 - from 67 widespread locations.

Co n f i r m e d b r e e d i n g r e p o r t s w e r e r e c e i v e d a s f o l l o w s :

Pairs nesting at Garway Hill & Wyevale Wood on 19 Apr; 1 Adult & 1 Juv at Breinton Springs on 10 May; and breeding confirmed atBrobury House Gardens on 26 May

149 Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Scarce and declining breeding Summer visitor. BCC Red List species. Nine reports involving a total of six “reeling” birds were received in 2004 from four different locations. Most notably in 2004 a Pair nested at Mathon “Set-Aside” - successfully rearing six young in May.

This crepuscular species likes to deliver its characteristic “reeling” song on hot Summer evenings, and some considerable effort and dedication is required to survey suitable habitat at dusk. Extensive bramble patches bordering bright open forest tracks in Mortimer Forest were a much favoured habitat for this species in the mid-1960’s - probably few such places exist in Herefordshire today. Overgrown disused railway lines may perhaps be worth searching at dusk.

Al l 2004 Re p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d b e l o w :

Mathon “Set-Aside” Stocking Wood Whitehouse Farm 2 “reeling” on 21 Apr; 3 “reeling” 1 “reeling” from scrub in Jul 1 “reeling” on 26 Apr on 2 May; Pair & 7 Juvs on 27 May 1 on 5 May Pair & 6 Juvs on 30 May - Pulli ringed Wellington Gravel Pits 1 “reeling” on 12 Jul 1 “reeling” on 1 May

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

A fairly common breeding Summer visitor - mainly confined to sedge-fringed places near bogs, rivers, lakes and pools.

The harsh scratching song, display flights and bold eye-stripe of the Sedge Warbler should guarantee instant recognition, but this is a species infrequently recorded - even in well-watched locations. Perhaps in secret places it exists completely unnoticed and unrecorded.

41 reports were received in 2004 from 15 different locations. The first report of the year in 2004 was of two Males singing at Gamber Meadows on 6 April - and the last sighting was of a Juv caught and ringed at Much Marcle on 22 August.

150 Breeding was confirmed at three locations : Berrington Hall Pool, Castleton & Winforton Wye and Wellington Gravel Pits but undoubtedly occurred in many more

Berrington Hall Pool Gamber Meadows Lower Lugg Meadows Upper Lugg Meadows 1 on 24 Apr 2 singing Males on 6 Apr 1 on 24 Apr 2 on 4 Jul 3 on 23 May 4 on 6 May, 2 on 22 Jun Pair + 4 Juvs on 20 Jun 1 Pair on 23 Jun Mathon Gravel Pit Wellington Gravel Pits ( breeding confirmed ) 1 on 14 Jul 1 singing Male on 23 May 3 Males on 1 May 4 on 18 Jul 4 singing Males on 2 May 1 on 25 Jul & 3 on 21 Aug Hartleton Lakes 2 Males on 8 May Much Marcle 1 singing Male on 24 Apr 1 Pair on 16 May Bodenham Lake 1 Adult + 1 Juv ringed 2 singing Males in May 1 Male on 21 May on 22 Aug 1 on 2 May 2 singing Males in Jun Pair confirmed breeding on 22 May, 3 on 14 Aug Castleton & Winforton River Wye - Callow Farm 1 on 20 Aug Letton Irrigation Lake Wye 1 singing Male on 9 Jun 1 on 25 Apr 4 on 25 Apr Weston’s Cider 1 singing Male on 29 Apr 2 Males on 1 May 1 on 15 May 1 on 18 Jul Shobdon Industrial Estate 7 Males + 1 Female on 9 May 1 singing Male in oil-seed 4 on 24 May, 2 on 25 Jun Weston Farm, rape on 1 May 7 Males + c.3 Juvs on 12 Jul Letton Lakes Bredwardine ( breeding confirmed ) 1 singing Male on 7 Jul 2 heard on 26 Apr

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

Less common and very local breeding Summer visitor. The Reed Warbler is found almost exclusively in areas with established beds of Common Reed ( Phragmites australis ).

15 reports were received in 2004 from 8 different locations - but the species is undoubtedly under-recorded in the County.

The first report was of a Male singing at Much Marcle on 2 May 2004 and the last was of two birds at Pearl Lake, Shobdon on 8 September 2004

151 Al l 2004 Re p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Gamber Meadows Much Marcle Upper Lugg Meadows 2 on 22 Jun 1 Male singing on 2 May 3 Males singing on 25 May 1 Pair confirmed 3 Juvs caught & ringed on 5 Jul 1 Male singing on 4 Jul breeding on 29 Jun ( breeding confirmed ) 1 on 14 Jul Wellington Gravel Pits Pearl Lake, Shobdon 1 Male on 22 May Madley Earth Station 2 on 8 Sep 1 on 26 May 2 Adult Males + c.2 Juvs in 1 heard on 9 Jul reed-bed by Education Centre River Wye, Backney on 27 Jul ( breeding confirmed ) 1 on 5 Jun Weston’s Cider 2 on 30 Jul 3 Males on 15 May

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

Common breeding Summer visitor and increasing Winter visitor.

The Blackcap has enjoyed perhaps the greatest success in the last 50 years of any migrant Warbler in Britain - achieving a substantial expansion both in range and population. A possible reason for this happy event may be the fact that good numbers of Blackcaps, by spending the Winter North of the Sahara, have avoided the extraordinary disasters which have befallen the Whitethroat and other migrants wintering in the Sahel, South of the Sahara. Here, for the last three decades, the vast and previously verdant terrain upon which so many wintering migrants utterly depend, has been devastated by repeated droughts and increasing desertification. The Blackcap is now thought to be genetically structured to be able to modify its migration in response to environmental change ( Be r t h o l t e t a l 1990 ).

During this same period there has also been a rapid increase in the number of Blackcaps wintering in Britain, although these birds are thought to be individuals from Central European breeding populations.

In Herefordshire, 138 reports were received in 2004 from 74 different locations in many parts of the County - and the species was seen in every single month of the year.

Breeding was confirmed at one site only -Haugh Wood - where 3 Pairs and 6 Juveniles were seen on 28 June

152 La r g e r b r e e d i n g s e a s o n c o u n t s & c o n f i r m e d b r e e d i n g r e c o r d s w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Bodenham Lake Ewyas Harold Common Queen’s Wood, Dinmore 13 in Apr - with 17 on 26 Apr 7 in May 15 on 26 Apr, 13 on 18 May 7 in Jun 8 on 9 Jun, 5 on 7 Jul Frith Wood, Ledbury Bringsty Common 7 in May, 12 in Jul Titley Pool 6 in Jun c.5 Males on 25 Apr Haugh Wood 4 Males + 2 Females on 1 May Brockhampton 3 Pairs + 6 Juvs on 28 Jun 9 in May ( breeding confirmed ) Wapley Hill 8 Males on 12 May Credenhill Park Wood Herefordshire ( County ) 8 in Apr, 10 in May c.40 singing males counted Apr - Jul 5 in Jun, 9 in Jul ( M F Peers )

o t h e r b r e e d i n g s e a s o n c o u n t s o f o n e o r m o r e p a i r s w e r e r e c e i v e d f r o m t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s :

Berrington Hall Pool, Bircher Common, Castle Green, Castleton & Winforton Wye, Croward’s Mill, Downton Gorge, Gamber Meadows, Garway, Newton Coppice, Rocky Lane, St Margarets, St Owen’s Cross, The Flitts, Wellington Gravel Pits and Wyevale Wood

Wi n t e r i ng Bl a c k c a p s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e - 1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d 2004 :

1 Female at River Wye - Putson on 4 Jan; 2 at Tupsley on 12 & 25 Jan; 1 at Ross Road on 14 Jan; 1 Male + 1 Female at Rushall in Jan; c.2 at Belmont from Jan - Feb; 1 Male at Hereford Cemetery on 16 Jan; 1 heard at Bringsty Common on 17 Jan; 2 Males at Holmer from Jan - Mar - with 1 Male + 1 Female on 24 Feb; 1 Female in garden at St Margarets from Jan - Mar; Female at Dog Hill, Ledbury on 20 Feb; 1 Male at Hampton Dene on 26 Feb; 1 Male singing in garden at Credenhill on 16 Mar; and a Male & Female in a garden at Kingsway on 3 April

Wi n t e r i ng Bl a c k c a p s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e - 2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d 2004 :

3 Males at Bringsty Common on 11 Oct; 1 Male at Ross on Wye on 22 Oct; 1 Adult Female at Madley on 9 Nov; 2 Males + 1 Female at Shirlheath on 16 Nov; 1 Female at Pencoyd on 17 Nov; 1 Adult Male + 1 Adult Female feeding on grapes in garden at Brockington Drive, Hereford on 20 Nov; 1 Male at Stockingfield on 1 & 26 Dec; 1 Adult Female + 1 Adult Male at Stretford Bridge on 7 Dec; 1 Female at Newton on 10 Dec; 1 at Courtfield on 12 Dec; 1 Male at Quay Close on 15 Dec; and 3 Males + 1 Female at Springfield Road on 24 Dec

153 200

100100

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 14 9 4 94 103 69 37 6 6 4 7 11

Ab o v e : Mo n t h l y t o t a l s o f b l a c k c a p s r e p o r t e d i n He r e f o r d s h i r e 2004

� Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Fairly common breeding Summer visitor.

A total of 47 reports were received in 2004 - from 28 widespread locations - ( cf. 42 locations in 2003 ).

There were no confirmed records of nesting, but a family party was seen at Hartleton Lakes on 21 July and 2 Juveniles were ringed at Much Marcle on 22 August.

Here is the classic lbj - “little brown job!” - which despite its melodious song, frequently goes unnoticed! Unquestionably under-recorded, the Garden Warbler is nevertheless scarcer than the Blackcap. Its population is thought to be relatively stable in the long term, with large short term fluctuations. The short term trend at present is downwards.

The first Garden Warblers of the year were two at The Flitts on 5 April 2004, and the last report was of the above mentioned Juveniles ringed at Much Marcle on 22 August 2004.

So m e o f t h e b e t t e r c o u n t s i n c l u d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g :

6 at Olchon Valley in Apr; 3 at Gamber Meadows and 4 at Wyevale Wood - both on 6 May; 4 Males at Bodenham Lake on 8 May; 2 territorial Males at Dorstone and 5 Males at Wapley Hill - both on 12 May; 3 territorial Males at Bromyard Downs on 15 May; 5 territorial Males at Ewyas Harold Common in May; 3 at Frith Wood, Ledbury and 2 Males at Newton Coppice - both in May; 3 at Queen’s Wood, Dinmore on 18 May; 2 at Dulas on 23 May; and 5 at Merbach Hill on 28 May - with 3 there on 15 June

154 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

Fairly common but declining breeding Summer visitor. The characteristic and rather beautiful rattling song of this attractive little Warbler is readily identifiable with practice, but as a species the Lesser Whitethroat almost certainly remains under-recorded in Herefordshire.

The first bird of the year in Herefordshire was at Moreton Farm on 23 April 2004, and the last was a Male at Lion’s Den, Bredwardine on 5 September 2004.

27 reports were received in 2004 from 19 different locations in many parts of the County. There was one confirmed report of breeding - from Brockhall Gravel Pit on 4 May - but there can be little doubt that it occurred in many locations. Four Juveniles were caught and ringed at Much Marcle on 3 July.

La r g e r c o u n t s w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

4 singing males at Letton Irrigation Lake on 29 Apr; 3 Males at Wellington Gravel Pits on 8 May and 3 singing males at Ewyas Harold Common on 23 May

Si n g i n g Ma l e s o r Pa i r s w e r e a l s o r e c o r d e d a t t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s :

Abbeydore; Bodenham Lake; Bolstone Wood; Bringsty Common; Church Walk Bridlepath; Deerfold, Lingen; Kenchester Pools; Lion’s Den, Bredwardine; Llanveynoe; Magna Castra Farm; Merbach Hill; Moreton Farm; St Owen’s Cross and Tyberton

SOURCE TIMESPAN PERIOD + / - CBC/BBS England 1967 - 2003 36 yrs - 24 % CBC/BBS England 1978 - 2003 25 yrs - 34 % CBC/BBS England 1993 - 2003 10 yrs - 19 % BBS England 1994 - 2004 10 yrs - 32 % CBC/BBS England 1998 - 2003 5 yrs + 8 %

Above : Po p u l a t i o n c h a n g e s o f t h e Le s s e r Wh i t e t h r o a t i n En g l a n d ( BTO Po p u l a t i o n Tr e n d s 2004 )

155 Whitethroat Sylvia communis

A common breeding Summer visitor.

The first Whitethroat of the year in 2004 was at The Flitts on 5 April and the last was at Credenhill Park Wood on an unspecified date in September.

60 reports were received in 2004 from 35 different locations in many parts of the County. Members who remember the catastrophic collapse in the Whitethroat’s population following the Winter of 1968/9 will be more than encouraged to see some of the very good counts reported during the Summer of 2004.

Breeding was confirmed atMadley Aerodrome on 30 July but undoubtedly occurred in many other locations.

So m e o f t h e l a r g e r c o u n t s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Bodenham Lake Dulas Letton Irrigtion Lake Tyberton 4 in Apr 3 Males on 23 May 3 on 25 Apr 7 territorial Males from May - Jul Bringsty Common Ewyas Harold Common Little Brampton 7 in May & 6 in Jun 3 territorial Males May - Jul 3 territorial Males Wellington Gravel Pits from May - Jul 4 on 29 Apr Bromsash Gamber Meadows 10 singing Males on 2 May 2 Pairs on 20 May 13 on 6 May, 24 on 22 Jun Madley Aerodrome 5 Males on 9 May 20 on 14 Jul & 28 Aug 4 on 30 Jul 10 Males on 16 May Bury Hill ( breeding confirmed ) 8 Males on 21 May 3 territorial Males Harewood End Wyevale Wood from May - Jul 3 singing Males on 23 Apr 4 on 6 May

r e p o r t s o f 1 - 2 b i r d s w e r e a l s o r e c e i v e d f r o m t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s :

Backney; Breinton Springs; Brobury House Gardens; Brockhall Gravel Pit; Burrington Bridge; Canon Pyon; Castleton & Winforton Wye; Credenhill Park Wood; The Darens; Frith Wood, Ledbury; Hampton Court; Hartleton Lakes; Haugh Wood; Leominster; Mathon Lodge; Merbach Hill; Phocle Green; Tanhouse Lane; The Flitts; Wapley Hill and Weston Farm, Bredwardine

156 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Less common and very seriously declining breeding Summer visitor. BCC Amber List species at present. Statistical indicators point to a very serious decline, and the UK population appears to have fallen by 52% between 1994 and 2004 ( Th e St a t e o f t h e UK’s Bi r d s 2004 ). There is apparently insufficient data for the BTO to produce figures for the longer term and the Trust has published short term figures only. It is possible that this species may be added to the BCC Red List.

A total of 19 reports were received in 2004 - from 13 widespread locations in Herefordshire. Under-recording of breeding woodland species such as the Wood Warbler and the Pied Flycatcher in the large expanses of deciduous woodland in our County is an issue brought into focus elsewhere in this Report. The forthcoming Atlas will certainly provide an opportunity for the Club to make a real contribution to our knowledge of this lovely Warbler.

It is encouraging that counts of singing Wood Warblers were made in several Herefordshire woodlands in 2004, and revealed really splendid numbers in two woods in particular - with c.30 singing Males in Barnett Wood on 13 May and c.25 in Woodhampton Wood on 12 May. Altogether 77 singing Males were counted in Herefordshire in 2004. This is the highest number ever reported to the Club in a single year. Congratulations to everyone who sent in records!

However, much more work urgently needs to be done to survey the large expanses of suitable woodland in the County and everyone is urged to help by seeking out this beautiful species.

Al l r e p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Bacton Lea Bailey Inclosure Park Wood, Kington Wapley Hill 1 on 30 Apr 2 on 8 May 1 Male singing on 28 May 1 on 12 May 1 ( different bird ) on 16 May Barnett Wood Moccas Park Pedwardine Wood 2 on 23 May, 1 in Jun c.30 singing Males on 13 May c.5 singing Males on 1 May 2 on 23 Apr 2 on 12 Jun 5 Males on 26 Apr Brockhampton Wood Newhouse Wood Woodhampton Wood 1 on 9 May 1 first heard on 11 May Queen’s Wood, Dinmore c.25 singing Males on 12 May ( followed by others ) 1 on 18 May Garnstone Wood 2 on 9 Jun Wyevale Wood 1 on 15 May 1 on 29 Jul

157 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

Common and increasing breeding Summer visitor, and rare Winter visitor.

240 reports were received in 2004 from 99 different locations in many parts of the County. Breeding was confirmed at three locations : Haugh Wood, Holmer and The Flitts - but undoubtedly occurred in very many other locations.

WINTERING CHIFFCHAFFS IN HEREFORDSHIRE

A careful examination of the 240 Chiffchaff records received by the Club in 2004 is most revealing :

1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d

There were only four true 1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d reports of Chiffchaffs in 2004 - all notably were in January. A single bird in a garden at New Street on 2 & 3 January; a single bird of the Siberian race Pylloscopus collybita tristis seen at The River Wye, Putson on 4 January; another single bird at The Flitts on 23 January and a fourth at Whitecross on 25 January. There were no February records at all, and early March was similarly blank - until the sighting of the first migrant Chiffchaff on 16 March 2004. Does this suggest that true wintering in this County is in reality extremely rare? And what became of the birds seen the previous October - November 2003, and in January 2004 - did they depart elsewhere, fail to survive the Winter or remain unobserved throughout February and early March? As so often in the world of Ornithology every question for which an explanation is found stimulates half a dozen new ones demanding examination!

2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d

There were four October reports - from four different locations - Little Mountain Common on 3rd, Gamber Meadows on 15th, Mill Lane, Leintwardine on 16th and Brockhampton Wood on 18th October. There were four November reports from four locations - these were: Pencoyd on 1st, Newton on 12th, and Hartleton Lakes and Monkland - both on 28th November. Chiffchaffs were heard singing at Pipe Aston on 29th September and at Newton on 12th November, and the birds on 29 September and 16th October were associating with Autumn flocks of Titmice.

There were no December records at all of Chiffchaffs in Herefordshire in 2004.

158 SPRING ARRIVALS

The first bird of Spring was at Queen’s Wood, Dinmore on 16 March 2004. A total of five reports the following day 17 March from : Bishop’s Frome; Bodenham Lake; St Owen’s Cross; Wellington Gravel Pits ( 3 birds ) and Witney Wood, Dulas once again seems to indicate a tremendous influx of migrant birds over a very short period.

As there were only four single 1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d records of wintering Chiffchaffs in Herefordshire in 2004 - on 2nd - 3rd, 4th, 23rd & 25th January, and there were no reports in February or the first fifteen days of March, the Annual Report Editor feels that it is safe for the moment to re-instate the Chiffchaff to the Ar r i v a l s section of the Ar r i v a l s & De p a r t u r e s chart at the beginning of the HOC Annual Report.

6 6 Series 1 5 4 3 3 2 1 0 0 1st 7th 16th 24th 31st

above: Ar r i v a l o f t h e Ch i f f c h a f f i n He r e f o r d s h i r e - Ma r c h 2004 Number of Reports by day

Am o n g t h e l a r g e r Sp r i n g & Su m m e r c o u n t s w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g : c.15 at Bodenham Lake on 27 Mar - with c.10 there on 3 Apr; 10 singing Males at Highmoor Wood on 30 Mar; 21 at The Flitts ( incl 1 breeding Pair ) on 13 Apr; 18 at Credenhill Park Wood in Apr - with 11 there in May; 24 at Ewyas Harold Common from Apr - May; 14 at Frith Wood, Ledbury from Apr - May; 12 at Queen’s Wood, Dinmore on 20 & 26 Apr & 18 May; c.80 Singing Males counted in Herefordshire ( County ) from Apr - Jul ( M F Peers ); and c.10 at Haugh Wood on 28 Jun - and breeding confirmed

La r g e r p o s t -b r e e d i n g c o u n t s i n c l u d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g :

10 at Bringsty Common in Aug; 18 at Gamber Meadows on 28 Aug; and 17 at Garway Hill on 15 Sep

159 Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita tristis

One was by the River Wye, Putson on 4th January 2004

( Tim Wright )

( Birds of this Eastern race of Chiffchaff are seen annually in Western Europe in Autumn )

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Common but decreasing breeding Summer visitor. BCC Amber List species.

104 reports were received in 2004 from 52 different locations in many parts of the County.

The first bird of the year was atWalnut Gardens on 23 March 2004. Departures were marked by very few September records - one was at Bircher Common and the other at Credenhill Park Wood - both reports unfortunately were non-specific as to the precise date in September.

Breeding was confirmed at two locations in July -Holmer and St Margarets - but it undoubtedly occurred in many others.

Am o n g t h e l a r g e r b r e e d i n g s e a s o n c o u n t s w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :

5 in garden at Kingsway on 3 Apr; 6 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 12 Apr; 5 ( incl 4 singing ) at The Flitts on 13 Apr - with 5 Males singing there on 5 May & 18 Jun; 6 at Bircher Common in Apr - with 6 there in Jun and 7 in Aug; 4 at Bodenham Lake on 17 Apr; 4 at Bradnor Hill on 23 Apr; 6 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 25 Apr; 8 Males at Titley Pool on 1 May; 12 at Bringsty Common in May - with 6 there in Jun & Aug; 4 singing at Camp Coppice in May; 4 at Wapley Hill in May; 6 at Credenhill Park Wood in Aug - with 5 there in Sep; 17 singing Males at Ewyas Harold Common in May; 12 at Merbach Hill on 28 May - with 13 there on 15 Jun; 6 at St Margarets in May & Jun - with 10 there & breeding confirmed in Jul; 15 atThe Darens in Apr - with 10 singing Males there on 24 Apr and 15 birds in May, 8 in Jun and 5 in Jul; and 8 at Garway Hill on 13 Jul

160 Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Common and increasing breeding resident. BCC Amber List species. 159 reports were received in 2004 from 62 different locations in many parts of the County.

Many reports were of singing birds - the earliest was a Male singing at Garway on 17th January. There were several reports of small groups consorting with Titmice and Warblers in mixed flocks in Autumn. Breeding was confirmed at Newton Coppice in April, Brobury House Gardens on 26 May, St Margarets in June and Frith Wood, Ledbury in July. There can be no doubt that breeding occurred widely in woodlands and gardens throughout the County.

Am o n g t h e m a x i m u m s i t e c o u n t s r e c e i v e d d u r i n g 2004 w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :

6 at Newton Coppice on 20 Jun; 14 at Queen’s Wood, Dinmore on 10 Aug; 10 at Wapley Hill in Sep; and 13 at Bringsty Common, 9 at Bircher Common and 15 at Credenhill Park Wood - all in Oct

There was a 63% increase in the UK population of Goldcrests between 1993-2003 ( BTO : Br e e d i n g Bi r d s i n t h e Wi d e r Co u n t r y s i d e 2004 )

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Fairly common but much declined breeding Summer visitor. BCC Red List species.

The latest published research in “Th e St a t e o f t h e UK’s Bi r d s 2004” shows a long-term decline ( 1970 - 2003 ) of 84% in the UK population of the Spotted Flycatcher, and the figure for the 10-year trend ( 1994-2004 ) is a decline of 35%. The population of this delightful species has declined to perhaps an eighth of its 1966 level.

76 reports were received during 2004 from 45 widespread locations throughout the County. Nevertheless, the Spotted Flycatcher remains under-recorded in Herefordshire. Members are urged to search their immediate localities and to send in records of this delightful - once so common, and now so threatened - species, which favours s h a d y p l a c e s in woodland clearings, parks, gardens and churchyards - especially near water.

161 Ar r i v a l s The Spotted Flycatcher is one of the latest migrants to arrive in Spring. The first birds of 2004 were two at Wyevale Wood on 6 May

De p a r t u r e s There was an excellent count of 16 at Eastnor Park on 21 August. There were six September records - including a notable passage of c.10 birds at Clutter’s Cave on 2 September. The final report was of a single bird at Llanerch-y-coed Farm on 9 September 2004

Co n f i r m e d a n d p r o b a b l e Br e e d i n g i n 2004 w a s r e p o r t e d a s f o l l o w s :

Aston Crews Hartleton Lakes Much Marcle 5 Juvs on 20 Jun Family group on 21 Jul 3 Adults + 3 Juvs ringed 13 Jun - 22 Aug

Brobury House Gardens Home Farm, Bircher Newton Pair breeding on 26 May Pair breeding on 1 Jul Adult feeding young on 4 Jul

Gamber Meadows Houghton Court St Margarets Pair + 2 Juvs on 14 Jul 1 nesting on 28 Jun 1 Pair nesting in Jul

Garway Hill Llanerch-y-coed Farm The Darens Pair + 3 Juvs on 4 Aug 3 Pairs - at least one Pair fledged young Pair + 1 Juv in July

SOURCE TIMESPAN PERIOD + / - CBC/BBS England 1967 - 2003 36 yrs - 86 % CBC/BBS England 1978 - 2003 25 yrs - 82 % CBC/BBS England 1993 - 2003 10 yrs - 34 % CBC/BBS England 1998 - 2003 5 yrs - 21 %

Above : Po p u l a t i o n d e c r e a s e o f t h e Sp o t t e d Fl y c a t c h e r i n En g l a n d ( BTO Po p u l a t i o n Tr e n d s 2004 )

162 Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Fairly common but specialised and local breeding Summer visitor - a special Herefordshire species.

There is evidence of a substantial decline since 1990. The Pied Flycatcher seems to be yet another in the catalogue of migrant species devastated by the continued degradation of habitat in the Sahel, South of the Sahara Desert, where so many of our Summer visitors over-winter. Here in our native woodlands, insect and caterpillar famines resulting from dry Spring weather or prolonged downpours can also have a disastrous effect on nesting success.

During 2004, 45 reports only were received from 30 locations in Herefordshire.

The first bird of the year was a Male at Newton Coppice on the very early date of 2 April 2004. This was followed by another Male at Whitfield Estate on 4 April. Two single Males on Spring migration were seen away from traditional breeding areas - these were at Bodenham Lake on 17 April and at Hereford Blind College on 24 April.

The last bird of the year was a Female seen at Wapley Hill on 23 July 2004

Re p o r t s f r o m traditional b r e e d i n g a r e a s i n 2004 a r e s u m m a r i s e d a s f o l l o w s :

Badnage Wood, Tillington Crow Wood Mary Knoll 1 Pair bred in nest-box 12 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 11 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 7 eggs laid, 7 hatched & ( 80 eggs laid, 65 hatched & ( 77 eggs laid, 68 hatched & 7 young fledged ) 47 young fledged ) 62 young fledged )

Brockhampton Wood, Bromyard Gatley Park Merry Hill, Mansell Lacy 1 Pair bred in nest-box 15 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 5 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 7 eggs laid, 7 hatched & ( 96 eggs laid, 73 hatched & ( 32 eggs laid, 23 hatched & 7 young fledged ) 42 young fledged ) 15 young fledged )

Clay Vallets, Lingen Haye Park Woods Moccas Park 4 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 4 on 24 Apr 14 Pairs bred in nest-boxes & 13 young fledged ( 95 eggs laid, 69 hatched & Lea and Paget’s Wood 67 young fledged ) 3 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 21 eggs laid, 18 hatched & 11 young fledged )

163 Newhouse Wood Ri v e r Mo n n o w Wapley Hill 1 Pair on 24 May 1 Female on 23 Jul 1 Pair feeding young on 7 Jun Craswall 2 Males on 29 Apr Wellington Wood Ol c h o n Va l l e y Nests built in 4 nest-boxes Near Duke’s Farm ( 8 eggs laid, 4 hatched & The Darens 1 Adult Female in nest box 4 young fledged ) 1 Pair breeding in April & May was ringed on 1 Jun - young 2 Males on 24 Apr later found dead in box Whitfield Estate 1 singing Male on 12 May 2 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 12 eggs laid, 12 hatched & Llanveynoe 12 young fledged ) � 1 Pair on 24 Apr Sapey Brook Wigmore Rolls Mid-Olchon 1 Male on 17 Jul 12 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 1 Male singing on 9 Apr & 73 young fledged Shobdon Hill Wood Olchon Valley 10 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Witney Wood, Dulas 2 in Apr & May ( 76 eggs laid, 75 hatched & 1 Pair on 24 Apr & 31 May 74 young fledged ) ( young fledged on 21 Jun )

Titley Pool Yatton Wood 5 Pairs bred in nest-boxes � 5 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Queen’s Wood, Dinmore ( 16 eggs laid, 12 hatched & ( 35 eggs laid, 26 hatched & 12 young fledged ) 1 singing Male on 20 Apr 26 young fledged ) 2 on 26 Apr & 3 on 18 May

SOURCE TIMESPAN PERIOD CHANGE Mary Knoll Nest-box Scheme ( Herefordshire ) 1990 - 2004 14 yrs - 72.5 % The State of the UK’s Birds 2004 - UK 1994 - 2004 10 yrs - 35 %

above : Po p u l a t i o n De c r e a s e o f t h e Pi e d Fl y c a t c h e r ( Th e St a t e o f t h e UK’s Bi r d s 2004 & He r e f o r d s h i r e Ne s t -Bo x Da t a 1990-2004 )

164 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

A common and widespread breeding resident among copses, thickets, tall hedgerows and large gardens - and a species which is learning, very gradually, to visit garden feeding stations. The miraculous ovoid nest - with an exterior covered with spiders’ webs, moss, bark and lichens, felted ingeniously together - and an interior lined with up to two thousand or more feathers - is home to broods of six to eleven tiny young, sometimes even more.

When young leave the nest extended family parties join together in larger flocks with other Titmice, Goldcrests, Treecreepers and sometimes leaf Warblers to roam through hedgerows, orchards and woodlands. These mixed flocks can easily number a hundred birds or more.

Breeding was confirmed during 2004 at :Brockhampton , Brockhampton Wood, Canon Pyon, Credenhill Park Wood, Letton and Wigmore Rolls. Family parties including Juveniles were seen in numerous other places.

The largest flock was of c.100 around the entrance to Maylord’s Orchard ( by the Ringroad ) on 16 December 2004.

165 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

A most abundant breeding resident everywhere, and a visitor in large numbers to garden feeding stations. The UK Population of the Blue Tit increased by 35% during the 36 years from 1967 - 2004 but clutch size and brood size have both declined during the same period ( BTO : Br e e d i n g Bi r d s i n t h e Wi d e r Co u n t r y s i d e 2004 )

La r g e r c o u n t s a n d n e s t -b o x r e s u l t s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Badnage Wood, Tillington Crampton Wood Haugh Wood 8 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 2 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 40 in Oct ( 47 eggs laid, but only one hatched ( 18 eggs laid, 8 hatched & & no young were fledged - all 3 young fledged ) Lea and Paget’s Wood sadly predated by mice ) 7 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Credenhill Park Wood ( 40 eggs laid, 40 hatched & Bodenham Lake 26 in Sep 33 young fledged ) c.30 on 3 Apr Crow Wood Leeping Stocks HNT Bringsty Common 8 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 5 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 30 in Mar ( 79 eggs laid, 62 hatched & ( 42 eggs laid, 27 hatched & 60 young fledged ) 25 young fledged ) Brockhampton Wood, Bromyard 1 Pair bred in nest-box Frith Wood, Ledbury Lion’s Den, Bredwardine ( 8 eggs laid, 8 hatched & 25 in Jan 50 on 25 Dec 8 young fledged ) Gamber Meadows Mary Knoll Clay Vallets, Lingen 33 on 15 Dec 26 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 8 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 243 eggs laid, 208 hatched & & 38 young fledged Garway Hill 200 young fledged ) 28 on 13 Jul Coughton Marsh Merryhill, Belmont 4 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Gatley Park Pair fledged 9 young ( 22 eggs laid, 22 hatched & 12 Pairs bred in nest-boxes from nest-box on 2 Jun 15 young fledged ) ( 94 eggs laid, 74 hatched & 49 young fledged )

166 Merry Hill, Mansell Lacy Shobdon Hill Wood Wellington Wood 14 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 4 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 10 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 162 eggs laid, 138 hatched & ( 30 eggs laid, 27 hatched & ( 109+ eggs laid, 86+ hatched & 132 young fledged ) 12 young fledged ) 86 young fledged )

Miner’s Rest HNT St Margaret’s White Rocks HNT 4 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 22 in Jun 5 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 27 eggs laid, 8 hatched & ( 33 eggs laid, 28 hatched & 8 young fledged ) St Wulstan’s Wood 28 young fledged ) 13 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Whitfield Estate Moccas Park ( 52+ eggs laid, 52 hatched & 33 young fledged ) 6 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 9 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 50 eggs laid, 42 hatched & ( 73 eggs laid, 55 hatched & The Flitts 39 young fledged ) 52 young fledged ) 37 on 23 Oct Wigmore Rolls Motlins & Romer’s Wood Titley Pool 18 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 2 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 3 Pairs bred in nest-boxes & 69 young fledged ( 21 eggs laid, 17 hatched & ( 24 eggs laid, 17 hatched & 17 young fledged ) 17 young fledged ) Woodside HNT 10 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Nupend Upton Bishop Church ( 87 eggs laid, 73 hatched & 6 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 2 Pairs breeding on 29 May 69 young fledged ) ( 26 eggs hatched & 24 young fledged ) Yatton Wood Wapley Hill 4 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Queen’s Wood, Dinmore Pair breeding in Jun ( 35 eggs laid, 28 hatched & 23 on 9 Feb 28 young fledged )

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167 Great Tit Parus major

An abundant breeding resident everywhere, and a visitor in good numbers to garden feeding stations. The UK Population of the Great Tit increased by 74% during the 36 years from 1967 - 2003. ( BTO : Br e e d i n g Bi r d s i n t h e Wi d e r Co u n t r y s i d e 2004 )

La r g e r c o u n t s a n d b r e e d i n g r e c o r d s i n 2004 i n c l u d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g :

Backney Credenhill Park Wood Lea and Paget’s Wood c.10 on 13 Oct Pair & 3 Juvs in Jun 4 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 19 eggs laid, 13 hatched & Bodenham Lake Crow Wood 13 young fledged ) c.25 on 3 Apr 5 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 41 eggs laid, 41 hatched & Leeping Stocks HNT Bringsty Common 39 young fledged ) 9 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 21 in Jan & 17 in Jun ( 49 eggs laid, 38 hatched & Frith Wood, Ledbury 35 young fledged ) Brockhampton Wood, Bromyard 11 incl 2 Pairs breeding in Jul Lion’s Den, Bredwardine 1 Pair bred in nest-boxes ( 6 eggs laid, 6 hatched & Gamber Meadows Pair breeding in Jul 6 young fledged ) 11 on 27 Jan, 16 Feb & 10 Apr Mary Knoll Canon Pyon Garway Hill 20 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Pair fledged 3 Juvs in 2nd brood 21 on 13 Jul & 18 on 15 Sep ( 181 eggs laid, 145 hatched & around 15 Jul 145 young fledged ) ( 1st brood did not survive ) Merry Hill, Mansell Lacy Coughton Marsh 7 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 2 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 54 eggs laid, 50 hatched & Gatley� Park ( 27 eggs laid, 27 hatched & 50 young fledged ) 18 young fledged ) 7 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 54 eggs laid, 27 hatched & Miner’s Rest HNT Crampton Wood 8 young fledged ) 4 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 2 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 24 eggs laid, 19 hatched & Holmer ( 12 eggs laid, 10 hatched & 18 young fledged ) 10 young fledged ) c.12 from Jul - Oct

168 Moccas Park St Margarets White Rocks HNT 3 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 12 in Jan 9 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 24 eggs laid, 22 hatched & ( 53 eggs laid, 48 hatched & 15 young fledged ) Stockingfield 42 young fledged ) 12 max from Oct - Dec Motlins & Romer’s Wood Whitfield Estate 3 Pairs bred in nest-boxes The Darens 2 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 4 young fledged ) 2 Pairs + 7 Juvs in Jun ( 19 eggs laid, 17 hatched & 17 young fledged ) Newton Coppice The Flitts Wigmore Rolls 10 in Jan Pair + 6 Juvs on 18 Jun 13 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Nupend Titley Pool ( 25 young fledged ) 4 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 3 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Woodside HNT ( 25 young fledged ) ( 16 eggs laid, 10 hatched & 10 young fledged ) 4 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Queen’s Wood, Dinmore ( 31 eggs laid, 29 hatched & 18 on 22 Mar Wapley Hill 14 young fledged ) 1 Pair breeding in Jun Shirlheath Yatton Wood Pair + 5 Juvs on 6 May Wellington 2 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 11 eggs laid, 10 hatched & 10 on 12 Sep 12 on 22 Nov 10 young fledged ) Shobdon Hill Wood Wellington Wood Yoke Wood, Bushbank 3 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 2 Pairs bred in nest-boxes 1 Pair bred in nest-boxes ( 18 eggs laid, 11 hatched & ( 19 eggs laid, 14 hatched & ( 8 eggs laid, 3+ hatched & 11 young fledged ) 14 young fledged ) 3 young fledged )

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169 Coal Tit Periparus ater

Common and apparently increasing breeding resident - and a regular visitor to garden feeding stations. 115 reports were received in 2004 from 41 widespread locations, but very few large counts were received.

Breeding was reported from three locations only as follows : A bird was seen carrying nesting material to a nest-site beneath a ground-floor window of the Keeper’s Cottage in Brampton Bryan Park on 12 April; 2 Pairs bred in nestboxes at Merryhill, Mansell Lacey - with a total of 19 eggs laid, 19 eggs hatched and 19 young fledged; and finally breeding was confirmed atWapley Hill on 12 June.

Th e l a r g e r f l o c k s a n d s i t e c o u n t s r e c o r d e d i n 2004 i n c l u d e d :

Berrington Hall Pool Credenhill Park Wood Haugh Wood Wapley Hill 5 in Dec 20 in Jul & 16 in Aug 5 in Feb 12 in Aug 7 in Oct Capler Hill Frith Wood, Ledbury Queen’s Wood, Dinmore 8 in Nov 5 on 30 Oct 5 in Aug 7 on 10 Aug & 21 Sep 7 in Dec

Willow Tit Poecile montanus

Uncommon and declining breeding resident. BCC Red List species.

The Willow Tit population in the UK has declined by 65% during the period 1994-2004.

This species requires rotting tree stumps - such as Alder or Birch - in which to excavate its nest holes, and consequently should be sought out in the breeding season in very damp places where there are lots of dead trees. Predation by Great Spotted Woodpeckers is thought to be a likely factor in the decline of the Willow Tit in the UK.

23 reports were received in 2004 from 11 widespread locations in the County

Al l r e p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

170 Aconbury Wood Haugh Wood The Darens Wapley Hill 2 on 1 Dec 1 in Feb & 1 in Jul 1 in Mar 1 on 1 Jan 2 on 21 Jan Bircher Common Mortimer’s Cross The Flitts 1 in Mar & 1 in Apr 1 on 5 Dec 2 on 18 Nov 1 on 26 Mar, 1 on 21 Aug Pair confirmed breeding 1 on 5 Oct on 12 Jun, 1 in Oct Credenhill Park Wood St Margarets Wigmore Rolls 1 on 9 & 11 Jan, 1 on 29 Feb 1 in Feb Titley Pool 1 in Jul & 5 on 8 Aug 1 Pair on 1 May 1 on 7 Mar

Marsh Tit Poecile palustris

Fairly common breeding resident. BCC Red List species The Marsh Tit population in the UK has increased by 26% during the period 1994-2004. It is a fairly frequent visitor to garden feeding stations and occasionally nests in artificial nest boxes.

90 reports were received in 2004 from 33 widespread locations in the County

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t f o u r l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Brockhampton Wood Credenhill Park Wood Frith Wood, Ledbury Turner’s Boat Pair bred in nest-box 1 Adult & 5 Juvs on 8 Aug Pair & 3 Juvs in Jul Pair & 2 Juvs on 25 Jun ( 7 eggs laid, 7 hatched & 7 young fledged )

El s e w h e r e 1 - 5 b i r d s w e r e r e p o r t e d f r o m t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s :

Berrington Hall Pool; Bircher Common; Bodenham Lake ( incl 1 Juv ); Bradlow; Bringsty Common; Brobury House Gardens; Castleton & Winforton Wye; Coke’s Yeld Dingle; Courtfield; Gamber Meadows; Highmoor Wood; King’s Acre; Leech Pool; Lion’s Den, Bredwardine; Merbach Hill; Midsummer Hill; Newton; Newton Coppice; Queen’s Wood, Dinmore; River Lugg, Lyepole; River Monnow, Garway; River Monnow, Ruthin Mill; Rocky Lane; The Flitts; The Glyn; Titley Court Farm; Titley Pool; Wapley Hill; Whitfield Estate and Wyevale Wood

171 Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Common breeding resident and one of the most frequent visitors to garden feeding stations. 189 reports were received in 2004 from 58 widespread locations in the County. There were very many counts of 1 - 4 birds - and the maximum site count in 2004 was of 7 at St Margarets in August.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t s e v e n l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Lea and Pagets Wood River Arrow, Kington St Wulstan’s Wood White Rocks HNT Pair bred in nest-box Pair breeding on 26 Mar Pair bred in nest-box 2 Pairs bred in nest-boxes ( 5 eggs laid, 3+ hatched ( 6 eggs laid, 6 hatched Maryknoll Shobdon Hill Wood & 2 young fledged ) & 6 young fledged ) 4 Pairs bred in nest-boxes Pair bred in nest-box ( 29 eggs laid, 22 hatched ( 7 eggs laid, 7 hatched Wigmore Rolls & 22 young fledged ) & 7 young fledged ) 3 Pairs bred in Nest-boxes

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Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Common breeding resident in woodlands, orchards, large gardens and along Alder-fringed streams. The Treecreeper occasionally nests in special Treecreeper nestboxes, and in some parts of Britain has started to visit garden feeding stations. It is frequently to be found among large flocks of Titmice during late Summer and Autumn, often in company with leaf Warblers and Goldcrests.

94 reports were received in 2004 from 42 widespread locations in the County. There were very many counts of 1 - 3 birds - and the maximum site count in 2004 was of 4 at Gamber Meadows on 16 February.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t f o u r l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Lane Cottage, Bredwardine Hill; Credenhill Park Wood and Haugh Wood

172 Jay Garrulus glandarius

Common breeding resident in woodlands.

During 2004, 151 reports were received of this colourful species - from 67 widespread locations in Herefordshire.

Three Pairs were confirmed breeding during 2004 along theRiver Monnow between Tregate Bridge and Skenfrith.

During the breeding season the Jay is very shy - but its raucous alarm call echoes through many a woodland in the County - betraying its presence in the wood. The Jay is a fairly frequent prey item for the Goshawk - which is almost certainly attracted to the Jay’s presence by its screams. During late Summer and Autumn Jays may be seen flying over open country wherever there are Oak trees - in their frantic search for Acorns which they plunder in great numbers and bury in the ground.

The Jay is a notorious egg-thief, and is still �much persecuted for this reason. A Jay was seen eating an egg in a sunken lane at Adforton on 10 June, and another was seen predating Blue Tits in a nest-box at Canon Pyon on 17 June

So m e o f t h e l a r g e r s i t e c o u n t s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Bodenham Lake Gamber Meadows River Wye, How Caple 4 in Mar & May 3 on 16 Feb 4 on 14 Apr

Credenhill Park Wood Haugh Wood Wapley Hill 4 in Feb, Oct & Nov 5 in Jan & Mar 4 in Sep

Frith Wood, Ledbury Queen’s Wood, Dinmore Wyevale Wood 5 in Sep 4 on 9 Dec 5 on 5 Mar

173 Magpie Pica pica

Very common breeding resident everywhere.

164 reports were received during 2004 from 62 widespread locations in Herefordshire, and breeding was reported at four of these - though nesting undoubtedly occurred in every part of the County.

The Magpie builds an amazing fortress of a nest - with a domed roof constructed of vicious thorn-sticks making it quite impenetrable to predators. The site chosen is usually a tall thick hedge or thorn bush, but Magpies are just as likely to nest in a large town or City as they are to build in open countryside. When the young Magpies start to grow they become ravenous and quite insatiable, and their noisy and aggressive demands for more and more food drive the adult birds into a desperate frenzy of nest-robbing. Fully grown baby Thrushes and Blackbirds, almost ready to fledge, are taken without mercy until the nest is empty. Every nest in the vicinity will be plundered, and in districts where Magpies are particularly numerous the destruction is total. The writer has seen Magpies trying to peck through brick-work in a Chimney to reach young Starlings.

Larsen traps are employed extensively by Farmers and Landowners specifically to control Magpies and Carrion Crows, and in Herefordshire hundreds of Magpies are taken out of circulation in this way every year.

Larger assemblies or “Parliaments” of Magpies can occur in favoured trees at certain times of the year. The largest assembly reported in Herefordshire in 2004 was of fifteen birds at Gatsford on 9 December.

La r g e r s i t e c o u n t s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Bircher Common Credenhill Park Wood Holmer The Flitts 4 in Jan 6 in Sep 7 from Jan - Apr 5 on 20 Feb

Bodenham Lake Croward’s Mill Letton Wellington Gravel Pits 5 in Jan 5 on 6 Jun 6 on 19 Feb & 8 Mar 5 on 17 Mar

Bringsty Common Gamber Meadows Pipe and Lyde 11 in Jun 7 on 14 Jul 8 on 1 Mar

Brockington Drive, Gatsford St Margarets Hereford 15 on 9 Dec 5 in Oct � 12 on roof on 18 Oct

174 Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Abundant breeding resident. 152 reports were received during 2004 from 53 widespread locations in Herefordshire.

Br e e d i n g w a s r e p o r t e d i n f i v e l o c a t i o n s i n 2004 : Brobury House Gardens, Brockhampton Wood, Gamber Meadows, Laddin Farm and Upton Bishop Church.

The Jackdaw prefers to build its nest of sticks in cavities within ruined Castle walls and ancient Church towers; among crevices in cliffs; in holes in venerable parkland Oaks; and perhaps most famously in domestic chimney-pots - and sometimes even in the fire-grate if the house is left deserted for any time at all! The species has recently added to its nest- site repertoire the secret spaces above the beams of concrete road-bridges spanning by-passes and motorways! And finally there are reports locally that Jackdaws are building tree-nests alongside Rooks in Rookeries - but we have not yet confirmed this by photographic evidence - although many rather small nests have been noted within Rookeries.

The Jackdaw is yet another notorious egg-thief which has increased greatly in numbers in recent years. It forages in the countryside in large mixed flocks with Rooks - among pasture, cornfield and stubble; and at long-range - without the aid of a telescope - it is sometimes difficult even to contemplate undertaking separate counts for the two species.

Jackdaws roost communally - the largest roost recorded in 2004 was at Brockley Lodge, Leintwardine on 1st January - when against a flaming orange sky more than 600 flew in to their roost among the towering firs and pines.

Am o n g l a r g e r s i t e c o u n t s i n 2004 w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :

Berrington Hall Pool Dewsall Garway Leintwardine c.55 in Jul 70 on 1 Dec 90 on 4 Jan 600+ roosted in firs at Brockley Lodge on 1 Jan Bringsty Common Eastnor Park Hartleton Lakes 33 in Oct 60 on 21 Aug 32 on 25 Oct Nash Quarry, Knill 50 on 26 Jul Brockhall Gravel Pit Gamber Meadows Knapton Wellington Gravel Pits 50 on 10 Jan 90 on 15 Dec 300 flying West to roost on 3 Feb c.200 on 2 Jan

175 Rook Corvus frugilegus

Abundant breeding resident throughout Herefordshire.

107 reports were received during 2004 from 59 widespread locations in Herefordshire, and breeding was confirmed in 25 locations throughout the County. The Club is actively mapping Rookeries, and it is hoped that fieldwork for the forthcoming Atlas to take place during the Breeding Seasons of 2008 - 2011 will confirm the exact breeding distribution and population of the Rook in Herefordshire - and in particular the location and altitude of any upland Rookeries. Rookeries are thought to be absent from the highest moorland tops, but to be present on the lower wooded slopes.

Ro o k e r i e s w e r e r e p o r t e d i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

Allensmore Castleton & Winforton Kingsland Llanwonog c.15 Pairs nesting on 2 Apr Wye 3 active nests on 3 Mar 23 Pairs nesting on 9 Apr c.30 Pairs nesting on 25 Apr Kington Church Lyonshall Fiddler’s Elbow, Loose Rookery noted behind Br ampton� Br y an 50 Pairs nesting Mocktree Church on 6 Dec on 30 Mar Brampton Bryan Hall 37 Pairs nesting on 31 Mar At least 1 nest on 18 Mar Oldcastle Gamber Meadows � 13 Pairs nesting Manor Farm 30 Pairs nesting on 27 Jan Leintwa r d ine on 9 Apr At least 1 nest on 18 Mar Dark Lane Goodrich 9 Pairs nesting on 9 Mar River Monnow, 30 Pairs nesting on 1 Apr Skenfrith High Street 20 Pairs nesting on 15 Apr Bromyard� Huntington 3 Pairs nesting on 9 Mar Rodd c.30 Pairs nesting on 5 Apr 10 Pairs nesting on 30 Mar Leintwardine Church Rookery on 18 Apr 2 Pairs nesting on 9 Mar Burrington Humber Brook, ( The Willows Farm ) Hampton Court Ruinsford Farm 23+ nests on 9 Mar c.20 nests noted in Alders 5 Pairs nesting on 9 Apr on 23 Dec Llangrove� Callow Upcott 28 Pairs nesting on 17 Apr 35 nests on 26 Mar 35 nests on 25 Mar

176 Ot h e r l a r g e c o u n t s i n 2004 i n c l u d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g : c.50 at Leominster By-Pass on 1 Jan; 150 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 10 Jan; 45 at Frith Wood, Ledbury in Jan; 40 at Hartleton Lakes on 1 Mar - with 110 there on 2 Dec; 40 at Wickestry Wood, Leinthall Earls on 14 May; c.300 in newly-mown sileage field atLinton on 21 Jul; 60 at Gamber Meadows on 22 Sep; and c.30 at Backney on 13 Oct

Corvidae

Th e l a r g e r s i t e c o u n t s o f unseparated o r unspecified Co r v i d s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

500+ ( Ro o k s a n d Ja c k d a w s ) at Nacklestone Farm, Criftin Ford Bridge on 21 July; and 200+ ( Ro o k s a n d Ja c k d a w s ) at Bowley, near Bodenham on 30 July

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

An abundant breeding resident everywhere, and almost certainly the most widely distributed bird species in Herefordshire. 271 reports were received during 2004 from every part of Herefordshire, and breeding was reported in several locations. The Crow’s nest-sites can be traditional - for instance in some ancient hedgerow Holly over-grown with Ivy - and occupied for year after year as far back as memory can take one. A most interesting species, the Crow spends a large portion of its life pecking about in fields - seemingly doing little harm, and shows particular and quite touching devotion to its young and to its mate. It is nevertheless detested by Gamekeepers even more than the Magpie - for it is a notorious egg-thief - but it is now so numerous that control measures can only have a very limited local effect. Particularly in the hilly Sheep-Country of Herefordshire, Carrion Crows can be found in considerable flocks at certain times of the year, but care needs to be taken to avoid confusion with young Rooks when the latter have fledged.

La r g e r s i t e c o u n t s i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

30 at Turnastone Court on 7 Jan; c.40 at Pudleston on 23 Jan; c.50 at Paytoe Lane, Leintwardine on 5 Feb; 15 at Bowburnet, Burrington on 7 Feb; 80 at Wapley Hill in Mar; 18 at Bodenham Lake in Mar; 20 at Kenchester Pools on 3 Apr; 30 at Leech Pool on 10 Apr; 26 at Bradnor Hill on 18 May; 22 at Croward’s Mill on 6 Jun; 43 at Letton Irrigation Lake on 18 Jul and c.30 at Backney on 13 Oct

177 Raven Corvus corax

Fairly common and increasing breeding resident throughout Herefordshire.

A remarkable 186 reports were received during 2004 from 92 widespread locations in the County. Ravens may now be seen displaying, and even taking up territories, in towns and villages throughout the County - and it is rumoured that the species may even now nest within Hereford City itself. Elsewhere large flocks of non-breeding birds roam the Herefordshire uplands. Here they croak, perform incredible aerobatics, pull the legs of Buzzards and generally amuse themselves. Their whistling wing-beats betray their presence even if one happens to be looking in the wrong direction!

Br e e d i n g i n He r e f o r d s h i r e w a s c o n f i r m e d i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

Nesting at Garway Hill on 11 Feb; Pair nesting at Kinton, Leintwardine in Feb; Pair nesting on pylon at Llanrothal Farm on 31 Mar; Pair in traditional site in tall conifer on edge of Monstay Rough, Pipe Aston on 8 Apr - nest in continuous occupation since the mid-1960’s; Pair breeding at Ewyas Harold Common from Apr - Jun; Pair breeding at Letton Irrigation Lake from Apr - Jun; Family group at Brockhampton in May; Pair teaching 3 young to perform aerobatics at Upper Woodbatch Farm, Deerfold on 16 May; Pair breeding at the Red Daren from Apr - May; and 4 in family group at Black Hill on 4 Jul

La r g e r n o n -b r e e d i n g f l o c k s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e i n 2004 w e r e r e c o r d e d a s f o l l o w s :

6 at Hergest Ridge on 4 Jan; 5 at Checkley on 19 Jan; 14 at Gamber Meadows on 27 Jan; 25 at Titley Court Farm on 2 Mar; c.40 at The Warren, Stonewall Hill on 30 Mar; c.10 displaying at Willey Lodge, Harley’s Mountain on 3 May; 5 at Canon Pyon on 30 Jul; 19 at Tatteridge Hill on 22 Aug; 21 at Little Mountain Common on 23 Sep; 19 at Alt Woods on 25 Sep; c.20 at Cefn Hill on 2 Oct; 12 at Standledene Wood, Trippleton on 4 Nov; 12 at Olchon Valley in Nov; 10 at Willey Lodge, Harley’s Mountain on 15 Nov; 16+ at Brockley Meadows, Leintwardine on 10 Dec; and c.40 at Mynydd Merddin on 27 Dec

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178 Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Common breeding resident and Winter visitor. BCC Red List species.

107 reports were received during 2004 from 59 widespread locations in Herefordshire, and breeding was reported at four of these - though undoubtedly it occurred in every part of the County. The largest Winter flock was of 150,000 birds ( pre-roost ) at Hereford City on 2 January 2004

Co u n t s o f Fl o c k s o f 30 o r m o r e St a r l i n g s i n He r e f o r d s h i r e i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Berrington Hall Pool Gamber Meadows Newton St Margarets 40 in Feb 32 on 16 Feb c.300 on 18 Dec 34 in Nov 50 in Dec Brampton Marsh, Hereford City Norton Wood Brampton Bryan 150,000 pre-roost on 2 Jan 150 on 16 Nov Staunton-on-Arrow 500+ with Fieldfares c.400 on 17 Jan on 15 Nov Hergest Ridge Olchon Valley c.100 on 4 Jan c.50 in Nov Stoke Lacey Broadward Bridge, c.1,500 flying to roost Leominster Jay Bridge, Paytoe Lane, on 8 Dec 130+ on 29 Jan Leintwardine Leintwardine Tarrington c.200 on 10 Apr c.30 on 8 Mar Castleton & Winforton c.2,000 on 4 Jan Wye Leominster By-Pass Portway Wellington Gravel Pits 39 on 25 Jan c.600 on 7 Feb c.50,000 in 2 main 100 on 4 Nov flocks on 5 & 6 Feb c.500 on 7 Feb Merbach Hill c.100 on 17 Oct Criftin Ford Bridge Reeves Hill 80 on 10 Feb 150 flying West on 1 Nov c.80 on 18 Mar Walford, Leintwardine 150 with Fieldfares on 7 Nov Mortimer’s Cross 40 on 11 Dec & 60 on 14 Dec Shobdon Industrial c.500 on 24 Jan Derndale Estate Wyevale Wood c.30 on 29 Jan c.250 on 29 Jan c.200 on 24 Jan 200 on 18 Mar

179 House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Abundant breeding resident especially around Farms where grain is stored or spilt. BCC Red List species. 203 reports were received during 2004 from 128 widespread locations in Herefordshire.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t n i n e s i t e s a s f o l l o w s :

Bircher Common; Bridstow; Brobury House Gardens; Goldhill; Monkland; Old Forge Nursery; Ruckhall; Turner’s Boat and Walford, Leintwardine.

Co u n t s o f 15 Bi r d s o r m o r e w e r e m a d e i n t h e f o l l o w i n g Lo c a t i o n s :

Almeley Cottage Farm Ivy Green Farm Marden c.30 ( Jan - Oct ) c.20 ( Jan - Mar ) c.50 ( Jan - Jun ) c.50 on 30 Aug c.80 on 1 Sep Avenbury Coxall Farm Knockerhill Farm c.50 on 11 Sep c.40 ( Jan - Nov ) 25 on 21 Mar 55 in Aug Monkland Bodenham Lake Dairyhouse Farm, Lingen Little Moor Court 20 on 28 Nov 20 on 14 Aug 70+ on 1 Sep “Lots” ( Apr - Aug ) Munstone Road Buckton Fairmile Longtown 20 ( Jan - Nov ) 20+ on 2 Sep c.15 in Jan c.25 ( Jan - Mar ) Nacklestone Farm Burgess Farm Hall Farm, Brampton Lower Egleton c.85 on 25 Sep Bryan c.15 on 17 Jul c.30 on 23 Sep 40+ on 24 Aug New Barnes Burycourt Farm House Luntley, Pembridge c.18 in Jan c.40 ( Jan - Apr ) Hartleton Lakes 15 in Jan Newport Street c.30 on 4 Sep Clifford Madley 15 ( Jan - Feb ) 20 on 24 Aug Holmer c.80 on 17 Aug c.18 ( Jul - Oct )

180 Norton Wood Priorsfield The Leen, Pembridge Walford, Leintwardine c.25 around bird-table 15 ( Jan - Feb ) c.20 ( Jan - Mar ) ( Buckton end ) on 25 Jun 40+ on 27 Aug Quarry Road The Maltings, Old Forge Nursery 18 in Jan Woodend Lane Wellington Gravel Pits c.25 ( Jan - Dec ) c.20 ( Jan - May ) c.50 on 1 & 11 Sep St Owen’s Cross Paytoe Lane, 20 on 24 Apr Tillington Road Westhope Leintwardine c.20 ( Jan - Mar ) c.30 ( Jan - Dec ) 120+ ( mainly Juvs ) Shirlheath on 22 Aug c.25 on 29 Sep Trippleton Farm Wigmore c.40 on 25 Sep 40+ on 16 Sep 20+ on 25 Aug Southwell Close Penrhewy Farm c.20 ( Jan - Mar ) Twyn-y-Corras Withington c.20 ( Jan - May ) c.20 ( Jan - Feb ) c.30 on 30 Aug Springfield Road c.50 on 2 & 11 Sep Pig Street 30 on 16 Aug Upton Bishop 30 on 7 Jul c.30 on 3 Sep Wyatt Road St James Road c.50 on 1 Sep Pipe and Lyde c.20 in Dec Walford, Leintwardine 38 max in Jan ( Adforton end ) Wyson Lane St Margarets 40+ on 25 Aug 15 in Jan Poplands Cottage 17 in Oct c.20 ( Jan - Feb )

SOURCE TIMESPAN PERIOD House Sparrow + / - Tree Sparrow + / - CBC/BBS England 1977 - 2003 26 yrs - 69 % - 97 % CBC/BBS England 1978 - 2003 25 yrs - 68 % - 96 % CBC/BBS England 1993 - 2003 10 yrs - 16 % + 10 % CBC/BBS England 1998 - 2003 5 yrs - 4 % + 27 % BBS England 1994 - 2004 10 yrs - 10 % + 30 % BBS Wales 1994 - 2004 10 yrs + 100 %

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Above : THE HOUSE SPARROW & TREE SPARROW COMPARED

Th e Po p u l a t i o n c h a n g e s o f o u r t w o b r e e d i n g Sp a r r o w s ( BTO Po p u l a t i o n Tr e n d s 2004 )

181 Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Less common and rather local breeding resident. BCC Red List species. A disappointing total of 44 reports were received during 2004 from 16 widespread locations in Herefordshire.

The largest single count however was of a most encouraging 90+ birds in a bean-field adjoining a hedgerow and cornfields at The Tumulus, Walford on 22 August 2004.

There were two confirmed reports of breeding - from Castleton & Winforton Wye in May & July.

The Tree Sparrow is still seriously under-recorded in Herefordshire, but is staging something of a come-back nationally - and the total UK population increased by 48% between 1994 and 2004 ( Th e St a t e o f t h e UK’s Bi r d s 2004 ).

Al l Re p o r t s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Abbeydore Hurstley Stansbatch Wa l f o r d , Leintwardine 1 on 24 Apr 1 on 11 Mar Present in Jul Cherry Tree House 2 on garden feeder on 3 Apr 1 flying West on 5 Mar Bringsty Common 1 on 4 Apr, 2 on 6 Apr Staunton Common 1 on garden feeder on 30 Apr 1 - new to Garden after 3 on 22 Apr, 1 on 2 May 3 possibly nesting in Poplars 2 on 6 Jun 2 on 2 & 3 May 12 years ! - on 9 Oct on 7 Jul 4 on 9 May 1 on 7 Oct & Letton Lakes Castleton & Winforton Stretford Bridge 16 & 28 Dec Wye 3 on 2 Mar 1 in garden from 4 on 13 Apr 18 Jan - 27 Feb Tumulus 1 Pair nesting in roof of Magna Castra Farm 2 from 28 Feb - 31 Mar Flock of 50-70 in fishing-hut on 1 & 9 May 4 on 1 Apr max 3 from 1 Apr -13 Jun bean-field on 6 Aug 2 on 25 Jun 2 on 16 & 23 Oct & 90+ on 22 Aug 3 Pairs + 2 Juvs on 12 Jul Moreton Farm 2 on 18 Oct Present in Jul Turner’s Boat 3 on 1 Jan, 10 on 10 Apr The Flitts Noke Bridge 5 on 13 May, 2 on 14 Jul � 1 on 13 Apr Pair entering hole in tree 1 on 25 Jul, 2 on 1 Aug Wellington Gravel Pits on 3 Apr & 1 on 1 May 2 on 23 & 24 Aug 1 on 19 May 12 on 10 Nov

182 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

An abundant breeding resident - one of the most widespread and numerous species in Herefordshire, and an abundant Winter visitor in flocks with other finches. Considerable numbers visit garden feeding stations. In April our orchards are filled with the song of Chaffinches and everywhere there are dashing aerial chases between rival Males - with much sparring and flashing of white wing bars and outer tail feathers - providing the most delightful spectacle.

242 reports were received during 2004 from 72 widespread locations in Herefordshire. There were three confirmed report of breeding - from The Flitts on 13 April, Brobury House Gardens on 26 May and from Garway Hill on 24 June.

La r g e r Fl o c k s r e c o r d e d i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s : c.300 at Wapley Hill on 2 & 24 Jan - with 70 there in Feb, 150 in Mar, 200 in Sep, 150 in Oct, 125 in Nov & 60 in Dec; c.100 ( with c.100 Yellowhammers ) during severe frost at Burrington Bridge on 29 Jan; c.100 ( with c.40 Bramblings ) near Lingen Bridge, Bucknell ( Herefordshire side ) on 20 Feb; 40 at Haugh Wood in Oct; 40 at Bircher Common in Dec; and 50 at Lion’s Den, Bredwardine on 25 Dec

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

Fairly common Winter visitor - occasionally in quite substantial numbers. 63 reports were received in 2004 from 28 locations. Of these 63 Reports - 59 came from the 1st Winter Period - and only four from the 2nd Winter Period.

De p a r t u r e s a n d Ar r i v a l s :

The latest report in Spring was of a single Male at Tupsley on 20 April 2004 and the first Autumn Arrivals were 5 atHaugh Wood on a date ( sadly unspecified ) in October 2004

The Brambling is an increasing visitor to garden feeding stations, but is found in vastly greater numbers in Beech Woods and among Game-feed strips. Currant fields on Fruit Farms just over the County border in Worcestershire were known to attract large flocks of Bramblings in the 1960’s. Today there are several very large Currant fields in Herefordshire and these must be well worth searching for flocks of this handsome species.

183 La r g e r Fl o c k s r e c o r d e d i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

1s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d

c.50 in large mixed finch flock on Winter bird feed atAconbury on 1 Jan; c.50 in mixed finch flock on Winter game feed at Nether Wood - also on 1 Jan - with c.200 there on 4 Jan; c.40 ( with c.100 Chaffinches ) nearLingen Bridge, Bucknell ( Herefordshire side ) on 20 Feb, c.20 at Wapley Hill on 17 Mar and a peak count at Tupsley of 27 on 31 Mar

2n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d

5 at Haugh Wood in Oct

� Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

A common breeding resident. Considerable numbers visit garden feeding stations. Greenfinches will often nest in rambling Roses around cottage doors - and in such places their eggs and young are unfortunately much predated by Jackdaws and other members of the Crow family.

168 reports were received during 2004 from 69 widespread locations in Herefordshire. Two partial albino Greenfinches came to feed in a garden at St Weonard’s in November - December 2004.

There were four confirmed reports of breeding - from Canon Pyon on 27 May; Walford, Leintwardine on 30 Jul; Turner’s Boat on 23 Aug and from Belmont Abbey in Sep

The largest flock recorded in 2004 was of c.200 in fields adjoining Wellington Gravel Pits on 23 September

Th e l a r g e r Fl o c k s r e c o r d e d i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

16 at Bodenham Lake in Apr; 43 in garden at Garway on 5 Sep; 32 at Bringsty Common in Sep; 30 at Wapley Hill in Sep; 30 at Gamber Meadows on 22 Sep; c.200 in fields adjoining Wellington Gravel Pits on 23 Sep; and 30 at Monkland on 28 Nov

184 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Common breeding resident - especially in orchards and large gardens. The Goldfinch may be found in quite large flocks in fields of thistles and set-aside weeds in late Summer, and in Winter in smaller numbers with Siskins feeding in riverside Alders. It is increasingly a visitor to garden seed feeders.

The Goldfinch builds a most beautiful nest which it weaves together with spiders’ webs and which it has even been known to decorate with Forget-me-nots. The site chosen is often in the outermost branches of an Apple tree, and the bird and its nest sway up and down delightfully with the breeze.

166 reports were received during 2004 from 70 widespread locations in Herefordshire.

Br e e d i n g w a s v e r y p o o r l y r e c o r d e d i n 2004 a t f o u r l o c a t i o n s o n l y a s f o l l o w s :

Holmer; Houghton Court; Laddin Farm and King’s Acre Road.

La r g e r f l o c k s i n 2004 w e r e r e p o r t e d a s f o l l o w s :

Backney Castleton & Winforton Holme Lacy St Margarets c.15 on 15 Oct & 10 Dec Wye 18 on 21 Jan c.20 on 22 Sep 16 on 29 Aug Bircher Common Lingen Bridge, Bucknell Wapley Hill 22 in Jan Churchill Road ( Herefordshire side ) 17 on 2 Jan 15 in garden on 25 Mar c.100 in Thistles on 11 Oct 20 in Sep Bodenham Lake 16 on 8 Apr Gamber Meadows Norton Canon Wellington Gravel Pits 21 on 22 Sep 27 in wild-bird mix planted 42 on 24 Aug Brockhall Gravel Pit 25 on 30 Nov in field on 20 Mar c.20 on 30 Aug 80 on 14 Oct 30 on 15 Dec c.50 on 11 Sep Norton Wood Brockington Drive Hartleton Lakes c.40 in hayfield on 3 Aug 30 max Oct - Dec 20 on 19 Jan 50 on 31 Aug 16 on 25 Oct �

185 Siskin Carduelis spinus

Uncommon breeding resident and common Winter visitor. Once again there were no confirmed reports of breeding. The UK Population of the Siskin had declined by 40% in the period 1994 - 2004 ( Br e e d i n g Bi r d s i n t h e Wi d e r Co u n t r y s i d e : BTO & JNCC : 2006 )

The Siskin may be found in coniferous woodlands, large gardens and frequently feeding in Alders along our Rivers and streams, however the population of migrant birds can vary considerably from year to year. The Siskin increasingly is a visitor to garden feeding stations, even in large towns. The Males have an attractive butterfly like display flight in Spring - which may sometimes be a clue to possible breeding.

72 reports were received during 2004 from 37 widespread locations in Herefordshire.

t h e r e w e r e s e v e r a l b r e e d i n g s e a s o n r e c o r d s a s f o l l o w s :

1 at Bircher Common in Apr; 1 heard in Haugh Wood on 3 Apr; 1 in garden at Birchwood, Storridge on 6 Apr; 2 in garden at Norton Wood also on 6 Apr; Adult Male and Adult Female at Lion’s Den, Bredwardine on 9 Apr; 5 at Wapley Hill in Apr; 1 Adult Male at Wren’s Nest on 2 May; Male in garden at Bringsty Common on 9 May - with a Female there on 11 May; 2 at Wapley Hill on 12 May - with 1 there on 12 June

The largest flock by far recorded in 2004 was of 200 birds at Bodenham Lake on 31 January

Am o n g t h e l a r g e r f l o c k s r e p o r t e d i n 2004 w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :

Bodenham Lake Burrington Bridge The Flitts Parson’s Pole Bridge Wapley Hill 16 on 12 Jan & c.200 20 in Alders c.30 on 23 Jan c.10 in Alders on 25 Jan 10 in Dec on 31 Jan on 8 Oct River Wye, Bringsty Common Coneygree Wood Letton Lake Brook Monnington 10 in Mar 15 on 28 Feb 30 on 6 Dec 30 in Alders on 20 Jan

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Ri n g i n g Re c o v e r y :

A Ma l e f o u n d d e a d a t Fownhope o n 16 Fe b r u a r y 2004 h a d b e e n r i n g e d a t Ran d em , Ve s tb y , Ake r hu s , Ea s te r n No r wa y ( Da t e Ri n g e d 4 Ma y 2003 - Re c o v e r y Di s t a n c e f r o m Ri n g i n g Si t e 1,185 k m - Ti m e El a p s e d 288 Da y s )

186 Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Common breeding resident, Winter visitor and passage migrant. BCC Red List species. The 2004 total of a mere 130 reports received from 60 locations in Herefordshire indicates substantial under-recording in the County - which is a great pity.

The Linnet can gather in great flocks in set-aside fields, strips of Game-feed and plantations of wild-bird mix. These flocks stay together as the Spring progresses, and can be located even in dense fields of flowering weeds by their deafening mass choruses. The excellent reports this year of large flocks from Stewardship Farms are a tribute to the great work being undertaken behind the scenes to help farmland birds in Herefordshire.

Linnets often start to nest late - incidentally avoiding the worst attentions of the Magpie - and end late - when some broods become rudely exposed to predators by excessively early hedge-trimming in late Summer. Male Linnets vary in intensity of colouring. This is thought to be a function of age and diet! A really superb Male Linnet with his gorgeous crimson breast is one of the most beautiful sights of Summer in the Herefordshire countryside - a real joy to behold.

Br e e d i n g w a s c o n f i r m e d a t f o u r l o c a t i o n s i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

3 Pairs nesting at Dewsall on 30 April; 5 Pairs nesting at The Darens in May; 3 family parties at Shenmore in July; and 4 family parties at Castleton & Winforton Wye - also in July

La r g e r f l o c k s i n 2004 w e r e r e p o r t e d a s f o l l o w s : c.400 at Milton Cross & c.100 at Shobdon Industrial Estate - both on 1 Jan; c.300 at Wapley Hill also on 1 Jan - with c.500 there on 2 Jan & 80 on 24 Jan ; c.350 at Hergest Ridge on 4 Jan; 100 at Wyevale Garden Centre on 31 Jan; c.130 at Monkland on 1 Feb; 30 at Merbach Hill on 10 Feb; 40 at Wyevale Wood on 16 Feb - with 60 there on 18 Feb & 1 Mar, and 70 on 13 Mar; c.80 at Letton on 19 Feb - with c.60 there on 2 Mar & c.40 on 16 Mar; c.85 at King’s Acre Road on 21 & 24 Feb; c.40 roosting at Bringsty Common on 8 Mar - with 30 in Apr & 50 in Jul; c.30 at Buckton Bridge on 10 Mar; c.50 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 31 Mar - with c.70 on plough there on 8 Apr and c.66 on 11 Apr; 26 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 18 Apr; c.100 in mass chorus at Downsell Wood, Kinsham on 18 Apr; 60 at Shobdon Industrial Estate on 20 Apr; 40 at Garway Hill on 13 Jul; 40 at Bromsash on 21 Jul; 60 on Oil-seed Rape at Shenmore on 21 Jul; 100 at Red Cottage on 24 Sep; 28 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 24 Sep; 50 at Hackney Cross on 4 Nov; and c.50 at Backney on 10 Dec

187 Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea

A r a r e p a s s a g e m i g r a n t a n d Wi n t e r v i s i t o r . 1 - 3 b i r d s o f t h e Me a l y Ra c e ( Carduelis flammea flammea ) s e e n a t Bo d e n h a m La k e f r o m 13 - 24 Ma r c h 2004 p r o v i d e d t h e 12t h Co u n t y Re c o r d f o r He r e f o r d s h i r e :

2 at Bodenham Lake on 13 March 2004 ( 12th County Record ) ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes ) 1 at Bodenham Lake on 17th March 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao & Chas & Annette Lankester ) 1 Male and 2 Females at Bodenham Lake on 27 March 2004 ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes ) 1 at Bodenham Lake on 24 April 2004 ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes )

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

Rare breeding resident, and fairly common Winter visitor and passage migrant. BCC Amber List species. The UK Population of Lesser Redpolls had declined by 21% in the period 1994 - 2004 ( Br e e d i n g Bi r d s i n t h e Wi d e r Co u n t r y s i d e : BTO & JNCC : 2005 )

There were no breeding records at all in 2004. There were seven April records up to 27 April - when three were seen at Wyevale Wood; and one May record of c.40 at Wyevale Wood on 6 May. The Months of June - September 2004 were entirely blank for the species in Herefordshire. The first birds reported in the Autumn were : 13 seen at Bringsty Common on 12 October

La r g e r Fl o c k s r e c o r d e d i n 2004 w e r e a s f o l l o w s :

Fi r s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d : 11 at Titley Pool on 1 Jan; c.90 in garden at Garway on 3 Jan; c.25 at Bodenham Lake on 10 Jan - with c.75 there on 17 Jan, c.50 on 31 Jan, 12 in Mar & 24 on 8 Apr; c.60 at Bringsty Common on 18 Jan - with 30 there in Feb, 70 on 11 Mar and c.30 on 16 & 18 Apr; 5 at Berrington Hall Pool in Feb; 6 at Gamber Meadows on 16 Feb; c.8 at Almeley on 7 Mar; c.20 feeding in mixed finch flock at Wapley Hill on 12 Mar; 8 at Haye Park Woods on 24 Apr; and c.40 at Wyevale Wood on 6 May

Se c o n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d : 90 at Bringsty Common in Oct & 12 in Nov; 30 at Shirlheath on 10 Dec; and c.10 at Bodenham Lake on 19 Dec

188 Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Scarce breeding resident and irruptive migrant. 2004 was an extremely poor year for records of this irruptive species - with just three records from two locations and a maximum flock size of six birds only.

Al l r e c o r d s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Old Lilly Hall, Little Marcle 6 flying East on 6 May 2004 (D Wright )

Wigmore Rolls 6 on 26 October 2004 ( John Voysey ) 1 on 14 November 2004 ( Paul Downes & Steve Coney )

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Common breeding resident. BCC Red List species.

189 reports were received during 2004 from 70 widespread locations in Herefordshire.

The UK Population of Bullfinches had declined by 9% in the period 1994 - 2004 ( Br e e d i n g Bi r d s i n t h e Wi d e r Co u n t r y s i d e : BTO & JNCC : 2005 )

The Bullfinch favours orchards, large gardens, dense scrub with thorn bushes, coniferous woodland and especially tall overgrown hedgerows. Here its quiet call - like a gently squeaking gate - quickly draws attention to its presence. The Bullfinch is an expert flycatcher - and young in the nest are fed almost exclusively on insects. The sight of a gorgeous Cock Bullfinch hovering over a sea of Cow Parsley in a Herefordshire Orchard is one which will not easily be forgotten. The Bullfinch’s white rump is an excellent identification marker as these handsome birds flit along the Herefordshire lanes.

189 Br e e d i n g w a s r e c o r d e d a t s i x l o c a t i o n s a s f o l l o w s :

Bromyard Downs Garway Hill Newton Pair nesting in Apr Pair + 3 Juvs on 24 Jun Pair + 1 Juv on 4 Jul

Ewyas Harold Common Letton Irrigation Lake Queen’s Wood, Dinmore Pair nesting in April Pair nesting in Apr Pair nesting in Apr

Am o n g t h e l a r g e r s i t e c o u n t s w e r e t h e f o l l o w i n g :

6 at Berrington Hall Pool in Jan; 11 at Credenhill Park Wood in Jan; 4 Males + 6 Females at Stretton Sugwas on 8 Feb; 5 at Bringsty Common in Mar; 6 at Courtfield on 21 Mar; 5 at Frith Wood, Ledbury in Sep; 5 at Queen’s Wood, Dinmore on 8 Oct; max 9 at Garway Hill from Oct - Dec; 5 at Gamber Meadows on 30 Nov; 5 at Olchon Valley in Nov; 6 at Haugh Wood in Dec; and 6 at Wapley Hill in Dec

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes

A scarce breeding resident, Winter visitor and passage migrant. BCC Amber List species.

The Hawfinch is one of our most mysterious birds - shy, elusive and increasingly scarce. Predation of their nests by Grey Squirrels is thought to have had a serious effect on their population. Their Robin like calls are often the only indication of their presence. In Winter they may often be found feeding on the ground on Hornbeam seeds, Beech-mast or Yew berries. They are also passionately fond of Cherry stones - which they crack with their massive bills - but they also eat buds and insects.

Al l r e c o r d s a r e p u b l i s h e d a s f o l l o w s :

Coneygree Wood, Ledbury 2 on 26 February 2004 ( Steve Coney ) 2 on 28 February 2004 ( Paul Downes & Terry Downes )

Riverside, Aymestrey 1 in small orchard from Jun - Jul 2004 ( Chris Griffiths )

190 Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

A rare Winter visitor to Herefordshire. BCC Amber List species.

2 birds ( 1 x 1st Winter Male + 1 Juvenile ) were seen at The British Camp, Malvern Hills on 3 December 2004

( Th e 10t h Co u n t y Re c o r d f o r He r e f o r d s h i r e )

( S Keane )

Th e s e b i r d s h a d p r e v i o u s l y b e e n r e p o r t e d j u s t a c r o s s t h e b o r d e r i n Wo r c e s t e r s h i r e w h e r e t h e y w e r e p r e s e n t f o r s e v e r a l d a y s

Yellowhammer Emberiza cintrinella

Common but apparently declining breeding resident. BCC Red List species. 153 reports were received during 2004 from 73 widespread locations in Herefordshire.

Th e r e w e r e t w o r e p o r t s o f b r e e d i n g a s f o l l o w s :

A pair were seen mating on Stonewall Hill on 3 May; and A Pair + 5 Juvs were seen at Bradnor Hill on 13 July

La r g e r b r e e d i n g s e a s o n c o u n t s i n c l u d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g :

Bradnor Hill Dulas Gamber Meadows Merbach Hill c.20 on 1 May 12 ( 8 singing Males ) on 23 May 8 on 22 Jun 9 on 28 May

Bromsash Ewyas Harold Common Hergest Ridge Tyberton 9 singing Males in May 10 singing Males in May 10 on 15 May 14 singing Males in May

191 La r g e r Au t u m n , Wi n t e r & Sp r i n g Fl o c k s i n c l u d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g :

Fi r s t Wi n t e r Pe r i o d :

c.15 at Hergest Ridge on 4 Jan; 14 at Calver Hill on 17 Jan; c.30 at Huntington Lane from 17 - 19 Jan - with 40 there on 1 Feb; c.100 at Burrington Bridge on 29 Jan - with c.100 Chaffinches - during very severe freeze; 49 in stubble atNorton Wood - also on 24 Jan; c.40 at Stretford Bridge - again in hard frost on 24 Jan; 18 at Highmoor Farm on 31 Jan; c.20 at Monkland on 1 Feb; 24 at Duck Street on 24 Feb; c.25 at Rhydimoor, Monkland on 25 Feb 2004; 14 at Wyevale Wood on 31 Mar; 12 at Hurstley on 4 Apr; and c.25 at Rhydimoor, Monkland on 28 Apr

Se c o n d Wi n t e r Pe r i o d :

20 at Norton Canon on 17 Oct; 20 on stubble at Kitty’s Lane on 15 Nov; 20 at Dewsall on 1 Dec c.60 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 3 Dec; and 20 at Huntington Lane on 27 Dec

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Fairly common but declining, local and specialised breeding resident. BCC Red List species.

75 reports were received during 2004 from 28 locations in Herefordshire. The Reed Bunting is found most commonly as a breeding bird in Herefordshire in the few remaining boggy places in the County - moors, marshes, bogs, riverside inlets and damp reedy patches around ponds and lakes. In Winter it joins together with other finches and buntings, especially in game- feed strips and fields of wild-bird mix. In extremely hard weather it has been known to visit garden feeding stations.

Th e r e w e r e t w o r e p o r t s o f b r e e d i n g i n 2004 a s f o l l o w s :

Adult Male + 4 Juvs at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 12 July; and a Pair nesting at Gamber Meadows on 6 May

La r g e r c o u n t s i n 2004 i n c l u d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g :

6 at Hartleton Lakes on 19 Jan; 5 at Castleton & Winforton Wye on 24 Jan; 5 at Huntington Lane on 1 Feb; 8 at Duck Street on 24 Feb; c.12 at Wapley Hill on 13 Mar; c.6 at Bodenham Lake on 27 Mar - with 4 Females on 29th; 2 Adult Females + 4 Adult Females caught and ringed at Much Marcle on 2 May; 4 at Upper Lugg Meadows on 4 Jul; and 4 at Wellington Gravel Pits on 3 Apr & 11 Jul

192 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra

Very scarce and local breeding resident. BCC Red List species. All reports are published follows :

Bromsash 2 singing Males on 11 May; 1 Adult Male on 20 May; 1 singing Male on 1 July and c.3 territories on 21 July 2004

Tretire 1 Male singing from telegraph-wire opposite Michaelchurch Church on 18 May 2004

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Ringing Recoveries 2004 Long-tailed Tit ( Aegithalos caudatus ) An Adult found dead at Newtown on 19 April 2004 had been ringed as a 1st Year Bird at Grimley, Worcestershire ( Date Ringed 24 August 2003 - Recovery Distance from Ringing Site 28 km - Time Elapsed 239 Days ) ( Mrs L Turnball )

Chiffchaff ( Phylloscopus collybita ) An Adult Female found dead at Merbach on 7 August 2004 had been ringed at Portland Bird Observatory ( Date Ringed 10 April 2004 - Recovery Distance from Ringing Site 181 km - Time Elapsed 119 Days ) ( G Powell )

Siskin ( Carduelis spinus ) A Male found dead at Fownhope on 16 February 2004 had been ringed at Randem, Vestby, Akerhus, Eastern Norway ( Date Ringed 4 May 2003 - Recovery Distance from Ringing Site 1,185 km - Time Elapsed 288 Days ) ( B & Mrs E Kinloch )

193 Exotica and Escapees 2004

Black Swan Cygnus atratus

BOU Category E * ( Australia, New Zealand ) A highly ornamental species which was introduced to New Zealand, where it has devastated other wildfowl

1 at Woodside paired with Mute Swan from 16 - 31 Mar ( Dr Stephanie Tyler ) 3 at Criftin Ford Bridge on 1 May 2004 ( Ifor and Elaine Evans )

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus

BOU Category E * ( Central Asia ) An attractive looking goose that breeds in mountainous regions of Central Asia North of the Himalayas and winters in India and Pakistan. Escapees were seen at 7 locations in 2004 :

1 at Bodenham Lake on 4 & 15 Apr - with 2 reported on 22 Apr; and 1 on 8 May, 5 Aug and 5, 11 & 21 Sep 2004 ( Steve Coney, Gerry Bilbao, Ifor & Elaine Evans & Paul Downes ) 1 at Brockhall Gravel Pit on 5 Aug and 5, 11 & 21 September 2004 ( Peter Eldridge ) 1 at Hartleton Lakes in Apr ( Miss W O Davies )

RIVER WYE ( Be t w e e n Ho a r w i t h y & Ba c k n e y ) : 1 at Foy on 2 Jan; 1 at Backney on 9 Feb; 1 at Hoarwithy on 15 Aug; 1 at Backney on 6 Oct; 1 at Hole-in-the-Wall on 5 Dec; and 1 at Backney on 10 Dec ( Nick Hopkinson, Miss W O Davies & Doug Brett )

194 Snow Goose Anser caerulescens

BOU Category AE * ( North America & Greenland ) A rare feral vagrant. There have been 6 previous records in the County, all of which are considered to have been escapees - possibly from the captive flock at Slimbridge 1 at Kenchester Pools on 28 March 2004 ( John Pullen, Dr Terry Foxton & Peter Eldridge )

Hi s t o r i c a l No t e :

Th e p r e v i o u s r e c o r d s w e r e : 2 f l y i n g No r t h o v e r f l o o d e d m e a d o w l a n d a t Shelwick o n 28 Ja n u a r y 1937 ( Dr C W Wa l k e r ); 1 a t Ti d no r , Lowe r Lu g g Mea d ow s f r o m 5 Ma r c h - 15 Ap r i l 1984 ( J L Fo x e t a l ); 1 o f t h e r a c e Anser caerulescens atlanticus ( Gr e a t e r Sn o w Go o s e ) w i t h a f l o c k o f Ca n a d a Ge e s e a t Leintwa r d ine f r o m 14 - 17 Ma r c h 1984; 1 - a c o n f i d i n g b i r d - w i t h 3 Mu t e Sw a n s a t Ca s tleton o n 24 Ma r c h 1984 ( A J Sm i t h e t a l ); 1 f l y i n g We s t w i t h Ca n a d a Ge e s e a t Sink Gr een o n 21 Ap r i l 1985 ( J L Fo x ); a n d 1 w i t h Ca n a d a Ge e s e a t Mocca s Pa r k o n 10 Ma y 1986 ( Al a n Ma r c h a n t )

Ross’s Goose Anser rossii

BOU Category E * ( Central Canada, winters Southern USA ) The least numerous of the Snow Geese - it breeds in several areas of arctic Canada and winters in California and the Gulf areas of Texas and Louisiana

1 at Wellington Gravel Pits from 29 August until 1 September 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao & Steve Coney )

Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis

BOU Category AE ( North Central Siberia ) This smallest and rarest of the European Geese has a limited breeding range in Northern Siberia and winters in Eastern Romania close to the Black Sea

1 at Tyberton Pools on 21 March 2004 ( Mrs J Hourahane, J Fletcher & Steve Coney )

195 Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata

BOU Category E * ( Central & South America ) A large and most unusual duck from Central and South America - the drake having a large red boss on the base of its bill. The Muscovy duck is reared in Britain for the table - being large and providing excellent fare! It is genetically incapable of inter-breeding with Mallard and other domestic duck. In Britain Muscovy Ducks vary in plumage - they can be green and black, or black and white or grey and white. Occasionally old Males can be extremely aggressive and are as big as geese. 1 on reservoir by the A438 at Staunton on Wye on 10 November 2004 ( Steve Coney ) 1 at Belmont Pond on 14 November 2004 - and seen again ( in poor condition ) on 24 December 2004 ( H R Evans )

Carolina Wood Duck Aix sponsa

BOU Category E * ( North America ) Also known as the North American Wood Duck, this is a hole-nesting species which breeds in the Eastern half of North America. A small breeding population exists in Sussex but the Carolina has so far failed to fill the ecological niche for another hole-nesting duck in Britain as successfully as its cousin the Mandarin, which is far better adapted to life in a cold climate !

1 Male at Bodenham Lake on 12 February 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao )

Aix hybrid Aix

BOU Category E * ( North America ) 1 Male Wood Duck hybrid at Wellington Gravel Pits on 6 January 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao )

196 Chilöe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix

BOU Category E ( South America )

The Chiloë Wigeon as its name suggests is common in Chile, and breeds from Tierra del Fuego to Southern Brazil. It winters further North to Paraguay and Northern Brazil.

1 Male at Bodenham Lake on 9 January 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao ) 1 Male at Wellington Gravel Pits from 4 - 8 August, 3 Males on 16 August 1 Male on 17 & 20 August, and 3 on 30 August & 17 October 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao, Paul Downes & Steve Coney )

Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera

BOU Category E * ( Americas )

There are five subspecies of the Cinnamon Teal, all native to the New World. The only subspecies native to North America is the Northern Cinnamon Teal ( Anas cyanoptera septentrionalium ). The Northern Cinnamon Teal breeds in Western North America from British Columbia South to California and winters in the South-Western States and Mexico. The remainder of the subspecies are native to South America. The Argentine Cinnamon Teal ( Anas cyanoptera cyanoptera ) breeds from Southern Peru South into Argentina and the Falkland Islands. The largest subspecies, the Andean Cinnamon Teal ( Anas cyanoptera orinomus ), is located in the high elevation areas of Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The smallest subspecies is the Tropical Cinnamon Teal ( Anas cyanoptera tropica ) from the lowlands of Columbia. The rarest subspecies, the Borrero’s Cinnamon Teal ( Anas cyanoptera borreroi ) is located only in the highlands of Columbia (Wescott, 1998 )

2 Females at Wellington Gravel Pits on 24 August 2004 ( Gerry Bilbao )

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197 Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus

BOU Category CE * ( China )

This secretive and elusive species became established in Britain through a series of introductions in the 19th and 20th Centuries in a few sites in Britain - such as Thetford Forest in Norfolk and Suffolk, the South Downs of Hampshire and West Sussex, on Anglesey and in parts of Galloway in S W Scotland.

Some of these populations seem to be self-sustaining in secret wooded places.

Elsewhere a few pairs are kept as ornamental fowl, but the species is noted for being disagreeable ! Many such birds escape - or are sent into the wilderness !

1 escaped bird was seen in a garden at Birchwood, Storridge from 6 - 10 April 2004 ( Cherry Greenway )

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis

BOU Category E ( North & Central America )

The Red-tailed Hawk ranges throughout North America to the Northern limit of the tree line in Alaska and Canada, and South as far as the mountains of Panama. It is also present in much of the West Indies. Throughout most of its range it is a most adaptable bird, being equally at home in deserts and forests, and at varying heights above sea level. In the Southern parts of its range, however, it is a bird of the mountains, in pine and oak forest.

It is a popular raptor with Falconers, and is captive in Zoos and Wildlife Parks.

Single escapees were seen in three locations in Herefordshire during 2004 :

1 at Credenhill Park Wood on 11 January 2004 ( Club Outing ) 1 at Llangrove on 29 February 2004 ( S M Whitehouse ) 1 at Stretford Bridge on 18 December 2004 ( T C Cooke )

198 Contributors to HOC Systematic List 2004

Mrs S M Adams Mrs F S Burge T W Downes K Hammond P Jennings Mrs J Allen A J Buttriss Ms S Downson G Hancock Mrs V Jermy J Allsopp Mrs D E Bytheway J Edwards J D Hanks Ms A Jones P Allsopp P Cannings Mrs R Edwards Mrs B Harding A C Jones R Andrew Mrs P Cartwright J Eike L E Hardy C Jones Miss J Andrews C Cauder P Eldridge Dr M Harper Mrs C M Jones S Apps Dr A E Caunt Mrs E English R J Harrington D Jones J Archdale J J Cebo W D Emrys Evans C Harris Miss M Jones Ms C Arthur Mrs A Chambers H Evans R A Harris Ms M I A Jones Mrs R Athay C Chapman H R Evans F G Harrison R E Jones T J Baker C & Mrs J Chapman I B Evans Mrs D Hart T B Jones A Baldry Mrs J Chapman I & Mrs E Evans I Hart Mrs E Jordan M & L Barclay B Chester-Master Dr J A F Evans I & Mrs D Hart Mrs G M Joy P Barley Mrs E S Childs J & S Evans Mrs S Hart M July D Barnes J R Chrimes Mrs P Evans R Havard D M H Jury M Bastin D & Mrs M Clark R Evans D Henderson S Keane Miss B Bayliss W & Mrs J Clarke A H Eveleigh Hereford and Worcester J Kedward Dr H Beach Club Outing G Ewart Swan Aid Miss M Kedward Dr A J Beasley Ms A M Coda T Fairfield R Heskett Miss P C Key R W Beasley J M Cole Ms K Felus L & B Hicks Mrs C M Kibblewhites P Beaumont M Coleman J Fletcher Mrs H T Hillier D W Kilgour Ms F Bellamy J Colley D Forbes P & C Hingston Mrs P King M Bellamy Mrs J Collins A & Mrs N Forrest G B Hodgetts V A King P G Beresford Ms R Collins P Fowler J C Holland Mr & Mrs E Kinloch G & Mrs M Bilbao Mr & Mrs R Combe Dr A T Foxton M Hookings M Kirkbride G S Bilbao Miss E R Coney Mrs B Freeland P J Hopkins Mrs D H Klein A Binns Miss H E Coney Mrs M Freeman Ms L Horseman M Kyle N F Bird S Coney A & A Fryer V Housley P Lane Birdguides Ms S Contardi P Gardner R & F Howard C & Mrs A Lankester D & Mrs E Blackman C Cook P & Mrs J Gardner R K Howard M Latchem Mr & Mrs J E Blows T & Mrs A Cooke Mrs M Garland A T Howell Mrs J Lawes Mrs A G Boase T C Cooke Mrs S Garland N J Howes Ms J Layton Dr D G Boddington A Cookney P G Garner Mrs N A Howles Mrs M Leat D Bows P Cornell Mrs S Garrett Ms S Hubbard R Ledlie P & Mrs F Bradley P J Cox W Gaskins I & M Hughes D Leitch R A Bradstock C Daniels A Glover Mrs B Hunt J K Lewis P G Brady Ms B Davies Mrs C Greenway G Hunt M Lewis R J Bray D Davies Ms D Greeves C W Hunter Mrs Leyshon-James T Bray J C Davies W H Gregory R Husbands J Linklater D C Brett Miss W O Davies C Griffiths J W H Icke Mrs G Linklater Mrs J M Bridges N Devereux N F Griffiths Mrs J James Mrs J Lissimore P Bristow Mrs A Dew T Griffiths M James Mrs K Little A W Bromley Mrs S Diamond Mrs P A Groves V James Ms M Locock T J Brooke T Dixon A Gyford S Jarrett G & Mrs P Lowe Ms J Brown S G Dodd Mrs A Haig Ms C Jeeves R Lowery Mrs J P Bryan P H Downes A Hall D Jeffreys G & V Luscombe L C Bullock P & T Downes R Hall R Jeffries Mrs E MacKay L Bunce T A Downes Mrs B A Hammond P B Jenkins J Macleod

199 J W Malet R J Nix Mrs J E Rees J Speake P M Watson P J R Manson A Nixon M Reeves Mrs A Spoors R L Watts A Marchant Ms H Nock Ms R Rice C Spurling T & Mrs J Weale Mrs C B Marler Dr M H Oakland V Richards A A Starkey Mrs K Weaver W J Marler J Ockenden Mrs F Riddell Mrs D Stebbings P Weaver J H Marsden Mrs R Oliver Mrs A S Ridoutt Mrs J Stevenson Welsh Kite Trust R & M Marsland J R W Paige L T Riley Mrs J Stokes Mrs M West Mrs F Martin G R Parker J M Robinson R Stokes T & Mrs E Weston J H Martin Mrs V W Parker M A Robinson R Stott T Wetherill D V Mash Ms S Parkinson P Robinson Mrs M Streatfield Mrs F Whall H Mason A S Parry S Roe M J Summer Mrs G White K & Mrs C Mason B Parry M J Rogers P Sutton Mr & Mrs C Whitear K A Mason Miss J Parry R W Roseveare E & Mrs L Taylor S M Whitehouse S Mason Mr & Mrs P Parsons J F Rowe H Taylor R & J Whittle Mrs S Mason C Pavey RSPCA Mrs M Taylor D Wichbold P O Matthews Mrs P Paxton Mrs G Rumsey S J Taylor Mrs C Wichbold Mrs R Maud C J Peacock Ms J Russ D & Mrs P Theakston M & Mrs K Wigmore B A May A R Pearce Mrs F J Russell Mr & Mrs D Thomas M J Wilkinson I McCulloch M F Peers J L Russell Ms S Thomas Mrs A Wilkinson R W Meddings J Penny R & A Russell N Thomas A Williams T M Meldrum Ms J Pennywhite R C Russell C S Thompson G & S Williams Mrs J Mellish J Penrice V & Mrs A Russell P Thompson Mrs J Williams R & Mrs J Mellish Mrs M Percy Ms C Sadler R & J Thomson Mrs K Williams C C Meneaud Miss N Perry J Sands M Thornhill M J Williams A Meredith Mrs P Petters J A Sands P Thornley P & Mrs C Williams P Merriam G & E Phillips Ms V Sargent R O Thrupp R N Williams Mrs J Mesdag R Pickering Mrs L Scaramanga R J Tingley R Williamson P Midgley V E Poiner Ms G Schroder J Tisdall A K Wilson Ms N Mifflin J & Mrs C Port R E Scott Ms L Tomlinson J Wilson R G Miller N & Mrs R Potter Ms D Seamer Mr & Mrs C Treuttens J Wingfield-Digby G L Mitchell S Potter Ms R Sharp Mrs G Tuchfeld M E Winter M K Moore B Powell A N Shave J Tunbridge Mr & Mrs J Winter E A & Mrs J Morgan G A Powell Mrs F Shaw Mrs L Turnball B Wood G Morgan Dr C W M Pratt S Shepherd B Turner Ms A Wood G & Mrs E Morgan Mrs N Preece Mrs I Skellam Dr S Tyler D & Mrs A Wood Capt R W Morgan Mrs S Preece Mrs R E Skelton Mrs E Vockins Mrs M Wood R Morley E Price Mrs V Skerratt Mrs A Vooden Mrs P Wood A L Morris R W Price D Slight J Voysey M Woodward Mrs M Morris W Pridie A Smith Mrs G Wall I Wrenn V Morris C Prior Ms D D F Smith L Ward J Wyatt A R Mountford M Prosser H Smith D Warren Mrs J Wynne-Jones G Mussell Ms J Pudge L J Smith E Watchurst R Yeates T Nellist G Pugh N Smith Mrs A E Watkins Ms J Yule Mrs M G Nicholas J R Pullen Miss R Smith S E Watkins S Nicholl Mrs P Ransome J & K Soulsby T & A Watkins

A Very Big Thank You to all our Contributors !

( If your name should appear on the list of Contributors but we have omitted

inadvertently to include it we ask you to accept our most sincere apologies )

200 Index of Species recorded in Herefordshire in 2004

Key to Index

Breeds = Breeding Status in Herefordshire A = Annual

PA = Possibly Annual , 0 = Never , L 1931 = Last bred 1931

B 1955 = Bred in 1955 F 1996 = First Bred 1996 OC = Occasionally E = Extinct

BCC = Species listed in Birds of Conservation Concern Amber or Red Lists

PAGE Species BREEDS BCC LATIN NAME BOU NAME ( if different ) 43 Mute Swan A Amber Cygnus olor 44 Bewick’s Swan 0 Amber Cygnus columbianus bewickii Tundra Swan 44 Whooper Swan 0 Amber Cygnus cygnus 45 Pink-footed Goose 0 Amber Anser brachyrhynchus 45 Greylag Goose OC Amber Anser anser 46 Canada Goose A Branta canadensis Greater Canada Goose 47 Barnacle Goose B 2004 Amber Branta leucopsis 48 Dark-bellied Brent Goose 0 Amber Branta bernicla Brent Goose 48 Egyptian Goose 0 Alopochen aegyptiaca 49 Shelduck 0 Amber Tadorna tadorna Common Shelduck 50 Mandarin Duck A Aix galericulata 51 Wigeon 0 Amber Anas penelope Eurasian Wigeon 52 Gadwall OC Amber Anas strepera 53 Teal L 1984 Amber Anas crecca Eurasian Teal

201 PAGE Species BREEDS BCC LATIN NAME BOU NAME ( if different ) 54 Mallard A Anas platyrhynchos 55 Pintail 0 Amber Anas acuta Northern Pintail 56 Shoveler L 1944 Amber Anas clypeata Northern Shoveler 57 Pochard 0 Amber Aythya ferina Common Pochard 58 Tufted Duck A Aythya fuligula 59 Scaup 0 Amber Aythya marila Greater Scaup 60 Common Scoter 0 Red Melanitta negra 60 Goldeneye 0 Amber Bucephala clangula Common Goldeneye 61 Smew 0 Mergellus albellus 61 Goosander A Mergus merganser 63 Ruddy Duck OC Oxyura jamaicensis 64 Red Grouse PA Lagopus lagopus Willow Ptarmigan ( Red Grouse ) 64 Red-legged Partridge A Alectoris rufa 65 Grey Partridge A Red Perdix perdix 65 Quail Red Coturnix coturnix Common Quail 66 Pheasant A Phasianus colchicus Common Pheasant 66 Little Grebe A Tachybaptus ruficollis 68 Great Crested Grebe A Podiceps cristatus 69 Black-necked Grebe 0 Amber Podiceps nigricollis 69 Manx Shearwater 0 Amber Puffinus puffinus 69 Gannet 0 Amber Morus bassanus Northern Gannet 70 Cormorant 0 Amber Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant 71 Little Egret 0 Amber Egretta garzetta 72 Grey Heron A Ardea cinerea 73 Red Kite B 2004 Amber Milvus milvus 74 Marsh Harrier 0 Amber Circus aeruginosus Eurasian Marsh Harrier 74 Goshawk A Accipiter gentilis Northern Goshawk 76 Sparrowhawk A Accipiter nisus Eurasian Sparrowhawk 77 Common Buzzard A Buteo buteo 77 Osprey 0 Amber Pandion haliaetus

202 PAGE Species BREEDS BCC LATIN NAME BOU NAME ( if different ) 78 Kestrel A Amber Falco tinninculus Common Kestrel 78 Merlin B 1989 Amber Falco columbarius 80 Hobby A Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobby 81 Peregrine A Amber Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 82 Water Rail PA Amber Rallus aquaticus 82 Moorhen A Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen 84 Coot A Fulica atra Common Coot 85 Oystercatcher F 1966 Amber Haematopus ostralegus Eurasian Oystercatcher 88 Black-winged Stilt 0 Himantopus himantopus 88 Little Ringed Plover A Charadrius dubius Little Plover 89 Ringed Plover 0 Amber Charadrius hiaticula 90 Golden Plover ? 19th C Pluvialis apricaria European Golden Plover 91 Lapwing A Amber Vanellus vanellus Northern Lapwing 92 Knot 0 Amber Calidris canutus Red Knot 92 Sanderling 0 Calidris alba 92 Temminck’s Stint 0 Amber Calidris temminckii 93 Dunlin 0 Amber Calidris alpina 93 Jack Snipe 0 Lymnocryptes minimus 94 Common Snipe L 1990 Amber Gallinago gallinago 95 Woodcock A Amber Scolopax rusticola Eurasian Woodcock 95 Black-tailed Godwit 0 Red Limosa limosa 96 Bar-tailed Godwit 0 Amber Limosa lapponica 96 Whimbrel 0 Amber Numenius phaeopus 97 Curlew A Amber Numenius arquata Eurasian Curlew 99 Redshank L 1974 Amber Tringa totanus Common Redshank 100 Greenshank 0 Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank 100 Green Sandpiper 0 Amber Tringa ochropus 101 Wood Sandpiper 0 Amber Tringa glareola 102 Common Sandpiper A Actitis hypoleucos 103 Mediterranean Gull 0 Amber Larus melanocephalus

203 PAGE Species BREEDS BCC LATIN NAME BOU NAME ( if different ) 103 Black-headed Gull OC B 2004 Amber Larus ridibundus 104 Common Gull 0 Amber Larus canus Mew Gull 105 Lesser Black-backed Gull PA B 2004 Amber Larus fuscus 105 Yellow-legged Gull 0 Larus michahellis 106 Herring Gull 0 Amber Larus argentatus argenteus 106 Scandinavian Herring Gull 0 Larus argentatus argentatus 107 Great Black-backed Gull 0 Larus marinus 107 Kittiwake 0 Amber Rissa tridactyla Black-legged Kittiwake 107 Black Tern 0 Chlidonias niger 108 Common Tern 0 Sterna hirundo 108 Arctic Tern 0 Amber Sterna paradisaea 108 Feral Pigeon A Columbia livia ‘feral’ Rock Pigeon 109 Stock Dove A Amber Columba oenas Stock Pigeon 109 Wood Pigeon A Columba palumbus Common Wood Pigeon 110 Collared Dove A Streptopelia decaocto Eurasian Collared Dove 111 Turtle Dove A Red Streptopelia turtur European Turtle Dove 112 Cuckoo A Amber Cuculus canorus Common Cuckoo 113 Barn Owl A Amber Tyto alba 114 Little Owl A Athene noctua 114 Tawny Owl A Strix aluco 115 Long-eared Owl PA Asio otus 116 Short-eared Owl 0 Amber Asio flammeus 116 Swift A Apus apus Common Swift 117 Kingfisher A Amber Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher 118 Hoopoe B 1955 Upupa epops 118 Green Woodpecker A Amber Picus viridis 119 Great Spotted Woodpecker A Dendrocopus major 119 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker A Red Dendrocopus minor 120 Wood Lark L 1977 Red Lullula arborea 121 Skylark A Red Alauda arvensis Sky Lark

204 PAGE Species BREEDS BCC LATIN NAME BOU NAME ( if different ) 122 Sand Martin A Amber Riparia riparia 124 Swallow A Amber Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow 125 House Martin A Amber Delichon urbicum 127 Tree Pipit A Amber Anthus trivialis 128 Meadow Pipit A Amber Anthus pratensis 129 Yellow Wagtail A Amber Motacilla flava flavissima 130 Grey Wagtail A Amber Motacilla cinerea 131 White Wagtail 0 Motacilla alba alba 132 Pied Wagtail A Motacilla alba yarrellii 133 Waxwing 0 Bombycilla garrulus Bohemian Waxwing 133 Dipper A Cinclus cinclus White-throated Dipper 136 Wren A Troglodytes troglodytes Winter Wren 137 Dunnock A Amber Prunella modularis Hedge Accentor 138 Robin A Erithacus rubecula European Robin 139 Nightingale PA Amber Luscinia megarhynchos Common Nightingale 139 Black Redstart B 1988 Amber Phoenicurus ochruros 140 Redstart A Amber Phoenicurus phoenicurus Common Redstart 141 Whinchat A Saxicola rubetra 142 Stonechat A Amber Saxicola torquata 143 Wheatear A Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear 144 Greenland Wheatear 0 Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa 145 Ring Ouzel A Red Turdus torquatus 145 Blackbird A Turdus merula Common Blackbird 146 Fieldfare 0 Amber Turdus pilaris 147 Song Thrush A Red Turdus philomelos 148 Redwing 0 Amber Turdus iliacus 149 Mistle Thrush A Amber Turdus viscivorus 150 Grasshopper Warbler A Red Locustella naevia Common Grasshopper Warbler 150 Sedge Warbler A Acrocephalus schoenobaenus 151 Reed Warbler A Acrocephalus scirpaceus Eurasian Reed Warbler

205 PAGE Species BREEDS BCC LATIN NAME BOU NAME ( if different ) 152 Blackcap A Sylvia atricapilla 154 Garden Warbler A Sylvia borin 155 Lesser Whitethroat A Sylvia curruca 156 Whitethroat A Sylvia communis Common Whitethroat 157 Wood Warbler A Amber Phylloscopus sibilatrix 158 Chiffchaff A Phylloscopus collybita Common Chiffchaff 160 Siberian Chiffchaff 0 Phylloscopus collybita tristis 160 Willow Warbler A Amber Phylloscopus trochilus 161 Goldcrest A Amber Regulus regulus 161 Spotted Flycatcher A Red Muscicapa striata 163 Pied Flycatcher A Ficedula hypoleuca 165 Long-tailed Tit A Aegithalos caudatus 166 Blue Tit A Cyanistes caeruleus 168 Great Tit A Parus major 170 Coal Tit A Periparus ater 170 Willow Tit A Red Poecile montanus 171 Marsh Tit A Red Poecile palustris 172 Nuthatch A Sitta europaea Wood Nuthatch 172 Treecreeper A Certhia familiaris Eurasian Treecreeper 173 Jay A Garrulus glandarius Eurasian Jay 174 Magpie A Pica pica Black-billed Magpie 175 Jackdaw A Corvus monedula Eurasian Jackdaw 176 Rook A Corvus frugilegus 177 Carrion Crow A Corvus corone 178 Raven A Corvus corax Common Raven 179 Starling A Red Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling 180 House Sparrow A Red Passer domesticus 182 Tree Sparrow A Red Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow 183 Chaffinch A Fringilla coelebs 183 Brambling 0 Fringilla montifringilla

206 PAGE Species BREEDS BCC LATIN NAME BOU NAME ( if different ) 184 Greenfinch A Carduelis chloris European Greenfinch 185 Goldfinch A Carduelis carduelis European Goldfinch 186 Siskin PA / OCC Carduelis spinus Eurasian Siskin 187 Linnet A Red Carduelis cannabina Common Linnet 188 Common ( Mealy ) Redpoll 0 Carduelis flammea flammea Common Redpoll 188 Lesser Redpoll PA / OCC Carduelis cabaret 189 Crossbill PA / OCC Loxia curvirostra Common Crossbill 189 Bullfinch A Red Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common Bullfinch 190 Hawfinch PA / OCC Amber Coccothraustes coccothraustes 191 Snow Bunting 0 Amber Plectophenax nivalis 191 Yellowhammer A Red Emberiza citrinella 192 Reed Bunting A Red Emberiza schoeniclus 193 Corn Bunting A Red Emberiza calandra

194 Black Swan 0 Cygnus atratus 194 Bar-headed Goose 0 Anser indicus 195 Snow Goose 0 Anser caerulescens 195 Ross’s Goose 0 Anser rossii 195 Red-breasted Goose 0 Branta ruficollis 196 Muscovy Duck PA Cairina moschata 196 Carolina Wood Duck 0 Aix sponsa 196 Aix hybrid 0 Aix 197 Chilöe Wigeon 0 Anas sibilatrix 197 Cinnamon Teal 0 Anas cyanoptera 198 Golden Pheasant 0 Chrysolophus pictus 198 Red-tailed Hawk 0 Buteo jamaicensis

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207 HOC Gazetteer of Sixty Interesting Ornithological Sites

KEY Location NGR ACS KEY Location NGR ACS 1 Downton Gorge NNR SO 444 742 Permit 31 Weston Farm Ponds SO 325 455 VRO 2 Brockley Meadows, Leintwardine SO 402 737 PF EW 32 Mathon Gravel Pits SO 733 455 PF 3 High Vinnals SO 474 731 CP FW 33 Moccas Deer Park NNR SO 339 423 VRO 4 Maryknoll Valley SO 491 727 FT 34 Merbach Hill SO 304 447 WVW 5 Criftin Ford Bridge SO 419 720 VRO 35 Credenhill Park Wood SO 450 445 FT 6 Harley’s Mountain SO 345 690 S CLI 36 Kenchester Pools SO 432 428 R + F 7 Wigmore Rolls SO 396 688 FT 37 Brockhall Gravel Pit SO 450 422 PF XX 8 The Warren, Stonewall Hill SO 318 685 R + F 38 Huntington Lane SO 484 419 VRO 9 Little Hereford Teme Walk SO 546 681 PF 39 Lugg Meadows SO 539 405 R + F 10 Croft Ambrey Iron Age Fort SO 444 668 M CLI 40 Castle Pool, Hereford City SO 512 396 R + F 11 Bircher Common SO 465 661 CP W 41 Bartonsham Meadows SO 514 387 R + F 12 Croft Castle SO 451 657 NT 42 River Wye, Sink Green SO 544 376 R + F 13 Combe Moor SO 362 633 PF 43 Newton Coppice SO 484 378 R + F 14 Berrington Hall Pool SO 509 630 NT 44 Eastnor Deer Park SO 735 373 R + F 15 Shobdon Court Pools SO 397 623 PF 45 Coneygree Wood, Ledbury SO 720 371 FT 16 Wapley Hill SO 358 621 CP FT 46 Midsummer Hill & Hollybush SO 758 368 CP W 17 Milton Cross & Shobdon Ind Est SO 388 602 R + F 47 Haugh Wood SO 590 365 CP W 18 Titley Pool HNT SO 324 594 CP EW 48 Crow Wood & Meadow HNT SO 340 359 R + F 19 Bradnor Hill SO 282 584 R + F 49 River Wye, Holme Lacy SO 568 347 PF 20 Leominster By-Pass SO 507 568 R + F 50 St Margarets SO 353 337 R + F 21 Hergest Ridge SO 255 565 S CLI 51 Olchon Valley SO 288 328 CP W 22 Bringsty Common SO 705 551 PF 52 Red Daren & Black Daren SO 297 299 CP W 23 Brockhampton SO 693 550 NT 53 Ewyas Harold Common SO 385 297 PF 24 Queen’s Wood Country Park SO 506 514 CP EW 54 River Wye, Sellack SO 566 276 PF 25 Holywell Dingle, Eardisley SO 311 512 PF 55 Hartleton Lakes SO 648 258 R + F 26 Bodenham Lake SO 525 512 CP HI 56 Garway Hill SO 436 250 Tracks 27 Wellington Gravel Pits SO 509 481 CP XX 57 River Wye, Wilton SO 589 243 WVW 28 Letton Lakes Area SO 340 474 PF 58 Bromsash SO 648 242 R + F 29 Sutton Walls Fort SO 526 463 PF 59 Welsh Newton Common SO 511 178 PF 30 Castleton & Winforton Wye SO 275 460 WVW 60 Coppet Hill SO 573 175 M CLI

208 The County of HEREFORDSHIRE

2 1 LUDLOW

5 3 4

6 7 TENBURY WELLS 8 9

PRESTEIGNE 10 11 12 13 16 15 14 17 18 19 LEOMINSTER 20 21 KINGTON 23 22 BROMYARD 25 24 26

30 28 27 29

34 31 35 32 36 HEREFORD HAY-ON-WYE 33 37 38 40 39

41 LEDBURY 43 42 44 47 45 46 48 49 51 50

52 53

54 56 55 ROSS-ON-WYE 58 57

59 0 Kilometres 10 20 60 Map © Dr A T Foxton (HOC) Based on the 1929 Ordnance Survey Map Survey 1929 the on Ordnance Based (HOC) A T Foxton © Dr Map

Key to Access Codes on Page 208 opposite :

CP = Car Park AC = Admission Charge FW = Forest Walks HI = Hide EW = Easy Walk FT = Forest Track M CLI = Moderate Climb

N T = National Trust ( Admission Charge ) Permit = Strictly Permit Only or View from Permissive Footpath PF = Permissive or Public Footpath 209 R + F = Roads & Footpaths S CLI = Strenuous Climb VRO = View From Road Only W = Walk

WVW = Wye Valley Walk XX = Follow Strict Conditions & Instructions - do not stray from marked Paths www.herefordshirebirds.org

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