BAR~ OWl WII H PREY

HEREFORDSIDRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB No. 5. Vol. 3

OFFICERS AND COMMITfEE, 1975

President: R. H. BAILLIE

Vice-Presidents: BRIGADIER SIR MICHAEL VENABLES-LLEWELYN, BART., M.V.O. P. W. HINDE, M.B.O.U. DR. C. W. WALKER, M.C.

Chairman: T. R. AMMONDS

Hon. Treasurer: B. C.ALLAN

Hon. Editor: T. R. H. OWEN, C.B.E.

Recorder: A. J. SMITH

Hon. Secretary: MRS. J. BROMLEY

Committee: MISS W. M. GIBSON P. GARDNER MRS. J. Fox K. A. MASON MISS M. A. RIGBY W. H. MEADHAM I. B. EVANS A. MARCHANT A. G. FYSHE J. H. WATKINS B. F. GILBERT 211 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

HEREFORDsmRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB RULES 1. NAME. The Oub shall be called the Herefordshire Ornithological Oub. 2. OBJECTS. The objects of the Club shall be (a) to further the study of birds in the field, and (b) to assist in their preservation. 3. MEMBERSHIP. The Oub shall consist of a President, a Chairman, a Secretary, a Field Secretary, a Treasurer, an Editor, a Recorder, and Ten Committee Members and Ordinary Members. The President and the Chairman to retire after serving a term of three years. The Secretaries, the Treasurer, the Recorder and the Editor shall be elected annually. The three senior of the ten Ordinary Members of the Com­ mittee shall retire annually and they shall not be eligible for re-election for a period of 12 months. The Officers and Ordinary Members of the Committee shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and the Officers shall be eligible for re-election. Nominations for the Commit­ tee must be received in writing by the Hon. Secretary by March 31st. 4. CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP. Members shall be required to support and keep the provisions of the Protection of Birds Act, 1954. Any members failing to support and keep this law shall be required to resign. Members may not divulge to unauthorised persons (e.g. known collectors of skins and/or eggs) information in a manner likely to be detrimental to the objects of the Oub. 5. SUBSCRIPTIONS. (a) Ordinary Members: 18 years of age or over 75 pence, payable on January 1st or on election to membership. Any additional members of a household after the first, 50 pence; such members receiving all privileges of full membership. Junior Members (under 18 but over 12 years of age), 37 pence per annum, payable as above. Corporate Members: Kindred bodies. Schools, etc.: Subscription one pound and 5 pence per annum. Honorary Members: As approved by the majority present at the Annual General Meeting. (b) All subscriptions subsequent to those paid on admission, shall be due on Jan. 1st each year. Where a member has been elected on or after 1st September in any year, there will be no further liability to subscribe in the year immediately following that of his or her election. Any Member whose subscription is six months in arrears shall cease to receive the Oub's publications and, should the subscription not be paid by December 31st, his or her name shall be deleted from the list of Members. 6. MANAGEMENT. The Secretary shall keep Minutes of the meetings and prepare such literature as shall keep Members informed of the Club's activities. 7. MEETINGS shall be held as often as deemed desirable at the discretion of the Officers. 8. REPORT. There shall be an Editorial Committee of at least three Members including the Secretary, appointed at an ordinary Committee Meeting. These shall prepare awl present an Annual Report and such special reports as may be decided upon. 9. ALTERATION OF RULES. An alteration of the Rules may be made only if proposed at onc meeting. printed on the agenda for the following meeting. and passed by a two-thirds majority of those present. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 212

EDITORIAL NOTE

Before going to press we have heard the very sad news of the death of our President, Mr. R. H. Baillie. With him goes one of the great figures of the Club from its first inception.

During the year Mr. W. H. Meadham was elected an Honorary Member, in recognition of his long and signal servIces to the Club.

The year 1975, according to present ,pattern, gave us an easy late­ winter, followed by a chilly spring (frost up to June). This in turn led to a fine, hot summer and mild autumn. But the main feature has been sustained drought (e.g. Madley 17-year average rainfall 28.08ins., this year only 18.05ins.).

There has been both loss and profit, some of it accountable, some mysterious. All birds which need marsh or static water have suffered. The cold spring delayed the Swallow tribe, and few second broods were reared. Loss of timber affects Nuthatch and Treecreeper. Less accountably the Redstart remains 'at a low ebb and Sand~artin at very low ebb. Turtle Doves recede. Yet Whitethroats show an upward trend. Most insect-eating species have done well, especially the game birds. Stonechats contnue upwards. Raptors have flourished. Any evidence and any thought-out theories are welcome.

There is one "first", Wilson's Phalarope, and one second, Ruddy Duck. Nightjar, Woodlark, Corncrake, Quail all just keep their name on the books, and Corn Bunting widens its territory. Altogether a fair year for the bird-watcher. T.R.H.O.

PUBLICATIONS. Copies of "Herefordshire Birds" (Captain H. A. Gilbert and Dr. C. W. Walker) are no longer available; but "Birds of Radnorshire" (G. C. S. Ingram and Colonel Money Salmon) can be obtained, as can most past Reports, from the Secretary at 50 pence a copy, which covers postage. Both the above publications are under review.

NUMBERS of the Club have now topped the 600 and stand at 610.

Our THANKS are due, as usual, to all organizers of Club activ­ ities; to the Editorial Committee-Dr. C. W. Walker, Colonel Morrey Salmon, Mr. P. W. Hinde, Mr. A. J. Smith and Mrs. Bromley, and to every contributor who has made this Report possible. 213 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

CLUB ACTIVITIES have been as follows:- FIELD MEETINGS January Bircher-Fishpools Valley February Coach outing to Slimbridge and Belvide Reservoir March Maelienydd .. Gower April Haugh Wood May Newbridge-on-Wye .. Haugh Wood (evening) Dawn Chorus Meetings at Haugh Wood and Eywood June Merbach Hill .. Bwch-y-Sarnau .. Skomer week-end July Cwm Oergwyn Valley, Brecon .. Leach Pool and the Wye August Ynys Hir by coach September Stanner Old Station Dee Estuary by coach October Felindre November Malvern Hills

INDOOR MEETINGS January Members' Meeting February Any Questions March H. Williamson showed his film "The Wye" May A.G.M. with Film September A Naturalist in the Elan Valley- R. O. B. Garnett October Birds of Upland Streams-Dr. P. Schofield November The early slides of H. A. Gilbert and Arthur Brook, presented by Lt.-Col. E. Gilbert Greenland Revisited-G. H. Green " October Town Hall-Wildfowl Trust Film Show November R.S.P.B. Film Show HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 214

WOODLAND NESTBOX SCHEME - 1975

Our County Trust for Nature Conservation relies on 30 members of the Herefordshire Ornithological Club for assistance in running the 'nestbox' scheme on 36 woodland sites. Our thanks are due to these members, and to the landowners who give facilities in their woods. 897 boxes were recorded-the occupation rate was 62%. Blue Tits accounted for 241 nests, Great Tits 156 and Pied Flycatchers 104 (94 in 1974). 458 young Pied Flycatchers left the boxes; in contrast only four Redstarts fledged from 4 nests. WREN. 15 nests, and making increasing use of the standard type box. NUTHATCH. 7 nests, an aB time 'high'. MARSH TIT. Consistently successful at Brockhampton, and very 'attached' to their territories. REDSTART. 4 nests. A quarter of the number in the mid-sixties. TAWNY OWL. 2 nests. Remains of Woodpigeons in one of the nests. PIED FLYCATCHER. ]n the Titley area was a bird which was ringed locally as an adult in 1970 and still breeding there in 1975. The male of a pair at Whitney was found dead bes:de the female who was still sitting on eggs. The female reared six young, presumably single handed. But this was in a very favourable year for temperatures and food.

Mr. and Mrs. P. Gardner ran the most successful Pied Flycatcher site, near Ludlow. With 15 nests, they were followed by Mr. A. Mar­ chant (13), Mr. J. H. Watkins (12) and Mr. J. J. Smith (11). Owing to severe vandalism on one site, it seems unwise, regretfully, to mention locations. We had hoped, indeed believed, that creosote applied in early April to the bottom and edges of boxes was a complete deterrent to the Wood Mouse, the main predator on the nests in Herefordshire. But this is only partly true. The Nature Trust is now experimenting with two other repellents. Apart from casualties amongst Tits' nests at the end of May owing to frost and cold winds, the season appeared to be very favourable for breeding purposes, and most young birds fledged in good weather and with ample insect food at hand. J. L. Fox. 215 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

RINGING REPORT FOR 1975 Key: Pull-Nestling. lY-Bird in first year. Ad-Adult. B-Breeding. +-Recovered dead. X--Glught alive and released.

Ringing details are given on first line and recovery details on second

CORMORANT 5034223 Pull 02.06.68 Puffin Island, Anglesey (IMcL). + 28.12.73 Bredwardine, Hereford (LIS). (160 Km. S.E.).

MALLARD GP392% I Y. 06.10.70 Slimbridge, Gloucester (WT). + 16.09.75 Moccas Park, Herefordshire (LIS). (125 Km. N.N.W.).

BLACK-HEADED GULL 389874 Pull 18.06.61 Rhosgoch, Radnor (PlC). + 09.09.75 Moccas Park (LIS). (16 Km. E.S.E.).

GREAT TIT BN70632 Ad. 03.02.75 Kingsland (SHR). + 13.05.75 Far Forest, Bewdley. (29 Km. N.E.).

BLUE TIT IR03051 Pull 31.05.74 Moccas Park (DGB). + 16.02.75 Tupsley, Hereford. (l9Km. E.).

PIED FLYCATCHER JH50935 Pull ?06.74 Lanafa Fawr (CJM). XM.B. 14.06.75 Whitney-on-Wye (OM). (28 Km. W.N.W.). HS43045 Pull 09.06.69 Whitfield (OM). 13.04.73 Alnif, Morocco (31 0 10' N. 040 59' W.) (2,400 Km. S.). JA47575 Pull 06.06.71 Yazor, Hereford (CJM). M.B. 08.06.75 Moccas (DGB). (8 Km. S.W.). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIlOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 216

JA45507 Pull 09.06.70 Whitfield (CJM). F.B. 17.05.75 Moccas (DGB). (12 Km. N.W.). JV20208 Pull 09.06.74 Globe Wood, Wiley (RJM). M.B. 16.06.75 Gatley, Ludlow (DGB). (12 Km. N.E.). JH51410 Pull 16.06.74 Mary Knoll, Ludlow (CJM). F.B. 10.06.75 Gatley, Ludlow (DGB). (7 Km. S.W.).

JH50890 Pull 15.06.74 Badnage Wood (CJM). M.B. 15.06.75 Shobdon Wood (DGB). (19 Km. N.N.W.). JA44360 Pull 10.06.73 Brockhampton, Bromyard (DGB). M.B. 18.06.75 Moccas Park (DGB). (37 Km. S.W.).

JH53348 Pull 17.06.72 Gatley (CJM). M.B. 15.06.75 Shobdon (DGB). (6 Km. S.W.). SE78779 Ad.F.B. 24.05.70 Mowley Wood, Kington (RHB). 23.05.75 Mowley Wood, Kington (DGB).

Key to Initials : R. H. Baillie, D. G. Boddington, P. J. Chadwick, 1. McLean, C. J. Mead, R. J. Mountford, S. H. Robbins, L. J. Slaney, Wildfowl Trust.

The programme of Pied Flycatcher studies using Herefordshire and Radnorshire Nature Trust Nest Box Scheme continues and although the above records oInit many instances of repeated breeding in the same locality in subsequent years, it can be seen from all records available that, considering female Pied Flycatcher nestlings; when these were caught later as breeding adults there had been a change of locality in ten out of fifteen instances and in the case of males, five out of six.

However many more females are caught as adults and have a higher subsequent retrap ratio, and from this it appears that once a change of locality has been made it is nearly always adhered to.

In addition our birds seldom nest outside their region of birth, and it is only on rare occasions that birds found breeding have been hatched more than 40 Km. away, a more usual movement being between local sites. D. G. BODDINGTON. 217 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY NATIONAL ROOK SURVEY 1975 Throughout the history of these islands members of the crow family, and particularly the rook (corvus frugilegus), have been need­ lessly persecuted without realising their value as destroyers of harmful insects. There have been many ancient laws dealing with wild birds, especially falcons and hawks, but the more important mediaeval laws were concerned with the protection of grain and the destruction of wild birds. The Act of 1533 in the reign of Henry VIII was passed to destroy crows, choughs (jackdaws) and rooks. The Act ordered that every owner and occupier of land should kill and utterly destroy all choughs, crows and rooks. Parts of this Act were repealed in the reign of Elizabeth I but further provisions were made for the destruction of crows and other birds. Distributors were appointed and authorised to pay one penny for the heads of every three old crows, choughs, pies or rooks and one penny for the heads of every six young ones. It is interesting to note that a penny was paid for the head of a kite and twopence for other hawks while the heads of irons (eagles) and ospreys gained the large sum of fourpence. These Acts were finally repealed in 1863.

Rooks are still persecuted to this day and many farmers and others are ignorant of the value of rooks as pest destroyers. It has been recorded this year (1975) that rookeries have been persecuted and even the National Trust felled some trees with young rooks still In their nests and eight nests were destroyed before instant objections prevented further destruction.

Whether the decline of the rook has been brought about by per­ secution or by other causes there have been, since the Second World War, great changes in the size and'distribution of rookeries through­ out the country. (See 'Historical Note On The Rook in Shobdon Parish' in the 1973 Annual Report of the Herefordshire Ornithological Club). It is 'because of these changes that the RT.O. considers the National Rook Survey of 1975 to be one of the most important sur­ veys so far carried out by the Trust.

The main object of the survey was to record the location and size of rookeries in the British Isles in 1975. The information collected will be used to show the changes that have taken place since the last census in 1945 and to form the baseline against which future changes in the distribution and size of rookeries can be measured. The table shows the coverage of rookeries in Herefordshire. There are inevitable gaps but it is hoped that these will be filled in the Spring of 1976. The grateful thanks of the organisers go to all those members who freely gave of their time to ensure the success of the project. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITIIOLOGICAL REPORT. 1975 218

DISTRIBUTION OF ROOKERIES IN HEREFORDSHIRE

Square No. of Total No. Square No. of Total No. SO Rookeries of Nests SO Rookeries of Nests 25 1 7 51 2 26 2 24 52 2 32 33 12 340 53 9 206 34 54 10 172 35 12 314 55 10 202 36 3 130 56 19 425 37 3 48 62 6 83 42 13 219 63 12 99 43 1 2 64 21 383 44 65 4 83 45 2 90 73 8 121 46 6 185 74 16 194 47 10 27

FACTS AND FIGURES Total number of rookeries 204 Total number of nests 4154 Largest rookery 70 nests Highest altitude of rookery 950 feet Lowest altitude of rookery 100 feet

TREEs USED Mixed 58 rookeries Oak 33 Ash 7 Elm 5 Beech 4 " Larch 2 Birch 1 rookery Scots Pine 1 Sycamore 1 219 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

Distribution of Rookeries in Herefordshire 1975

So tot

••• • •_...••• • •• •• • • • .- •••• • • • • • •• •••• I • ••• •_fl. • • •••• • • -., • ., • •

So So 21 81 Key: H - Hereford City . - 1 Rookery. (At least one entry remains to be made in the square west of Hereford).

ROOK INVESTIGATION 1945 The wartime investigation into the economic importance of the rook was carried out by the RT.a. as the resuH of a request by the Agricultural Research Council. The investigation was organised by lames Fisher and although over six hundred voluntary helpers gath­ ered information from England, Wales and Scotland the survey was incomplete for most counties but especially so in remote areas. There were no counts from Radnorshire and the survey in Herefordshire covered a narrow strip running approximately north from Hereford City to the border. A few odd counts were also made near Leomlnster and one from Kilpeck. The count for Herefordshire was carried out in the Spring of 1945 by Bruce Campbell. My grateful thanks go to Robert Hudson of the B.T.a. who supplied photo copies of the 1945 Rook Investigation in Herefordshire. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 220

Summary 0( 1945 Rook Investigation Locality Number of Nests Species of Jrrees Hereford Station 9 Elm Hereford "Bull's Head" 13 Beech Opp. Holmer Church 2 Elm Opp. Lyde Church 3 Elm Burghill Lodge 19 Elm Canon Pyon 31 Elm and Oak Knapton Green, Birley 106 Ash, Oak & Spruce West Town, Kingsland 30 Scots Pine, 1 in Elm Yatton Court Woods, Aymestrey U8 Scots Pine, Ash Sycamore & Oak Wigmore 29 Ash, Oak, Sycamore Sweet Chestnut and Horse Chestnut Adforton 20 Ash Walford Lodge, Brampton Bryan 12 Mixed Lingen Bridge 10 Oak Herefordshire-odd counts Kilpeck 158 Oak (Jackdaws nesting in 'storeys' on 20ft. inclined stump. Pellets very numerous. Probably the densest rookery vis:,ted) Berrington Pool, Leominster 96 Mixed (Heronry of 46 nests on island. Rooks on east and herons on west (secluded) side) Eaton HilI, Leominster 13 Elm, Oak and Scots Pine References Bruce Campbell, Rook Investigation Schedule 1945. David Saunders, A Pembrokeshire Rook Survey 1971. Nature in Wales. Vol. 14 No. 3. John R. B. Masefield, M.A. Wild Bird Protection and Nesting Boxes. (1897). Robert Hudson, The British Trust For Ornithology.

1. B. EVANs. December 1975. 221 HEREFORDSIDRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

TIlE CORN BUNTING IN HEREFORDSHIRE

This species has shown a remarkable expansion in the county recently, and this article traces the birds' spread and discusses their possible source.

HISTORY In "Herefordshire Birds", published in 1954, Captain H. A. Gilbert and Dr. C. W. Walker described the species as "Very local. Has bred". The 19th century Herefordian ornithologists described the bird as, for instance, "not infrequent" (Bull) or "rare resident" (Hutchinson). In the 20th century, the bird had bred only twice-at Eardisland; and at Bodenham in 1945. There were only three records between 1945 and 1968, all outside the breeding season..

REcENT DEVELOPMENT In 1971, the Upton Bishop site again held a singing bird, while at Stretton Sugwas I discovered at least three males singing from May onwards and breeding was proved. Breeding success was not deter­ mined although I later saw winter flocks of up to 40 birds in the area. Derek Barnes now believes that birds he saw here a few years before 1971 were corn buntings. This breeding site is, remarkablY, within Hereford City boundary on open arable land west of Three Elms Road. The site has been variously called Huntington, Three Elms, King's Acre, and Stretton Sugwas. Other sites recorded since 1971 include Madley Airfield in 1972 and 1973, and the records for 1975 which appear in this report include several new sites.

DISTRIBUTION I believe that the species has not been chronically overlooked in Hereford, but that it has spread into the county. The bird is very rare to the west of Herefordshire, and even in Gwent it "must now be considered a vagrant" (Mr. Sarson, Gwent County Recorder). But in Worcestershire the species has spread since the mid 1950s and is now "so common that all records can no longer be reported in the annual report". (Mr. Dean of the West Midland Bird Club). In Shropshire, too, the species has apparently spread north-east and south-east from a concentration near Shrewsbury (Mr. Wright, County Recorder). In Gloucestershire, the bird is widespread and locally common in the Cotswolds and also occurs in the Severn Valley near Tewkesbury. The reasons behind the bunting's increase in some areas have, as far as I know, not been determined. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNlTIIOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 222

CoMMENT It seems that the Ross and Upton Bishop birds may have come from the Gloucester population, and the others from Worcester and poss:bly Shropshire. The distribution near the borders with Here­ fordshire is imperfectly known, and there is scope for Club members to find new sites, especially in the eastern half of Herefordshire. The corn bunting has shown its ability to breed 10 the county, and its song should be listened for, mostly between April and August. Let us hope that this nondescript but fascinating species has found a stable home in Herefordshire. A. R. MOUNIFORD.

ODDITY AND ANECDOTE

VAGARIES OF COLOUR 1. A cream coloured sparrow is recorded at Titley (JLF); while at Preston-on-Wye two melanistic sparrows have been watched by many, one of them almost totally black, save a wing-bar (TRHO)..

2. A robin with white wings and tail (save central feather) is reported from Aston Ingham (Mr. and Mrs. G. H. C. Byford).

3. A uniformly cream-coloured lapwing was seen at Cholstrey, on one occas:on among a flock of 1,000 (TRA).

4. A grey wagtail with a white tail was observed at Titley (JMB).

BEHAVIOUR 5. JLF writes: "On April 23rd, in the area of Mansel Lacy, a woodcock flew up a few feet in front of me. It was carrying a large youngster between its thighs; the legs of the young bird dangling underneath the flying woodcock were very visible. Together they travelled about thirty yards before dropping into cover. Then, one after another, three young woodcock flew up from the or'ginal hide­ out. They flew, somewhat laboriously, for about 20 yards before dropping into bracken cover; ... the size of the young one which was carried astonished me".

6. On one Shobdon stubble field TRA found evidence of some 20 woodpigeons (mostly young) being taken by sparrow-hawks-the ally of the cultivator. 223 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

7. On the pools at Collington, Bromyard, is a small island. On it two Canada geese nested within five paces of each other. One hatched 7 and the other 6; even then the two families believed that strength lies in numbers and stuck together, eventually raising eight young in all (fRHO).

9. The standing feud between corvidae and raptors is a com­ mon"1'lace. On the old Aberystwyth road ROBG watched a raven chasing a kestrel which eventually had to dive into bracken to escape. The raven quartered the bracken until it found the kestrel, and drove it out. This was repeated 5-6 times, till finally the aggressor failed to find its victim. In Feb., in 81. Wulfstan's wood, TRA watched a pair of buzzards harried by no less than 7 crows.

10. Near Leintwardine VHP stopped in a lay-by, on Oct. 6th, where a brook runs under the road. A flock of 20 pied wagtails landed on the car-boot, roof and bonnet-and "appeared to be looking at me through the windscreen". They stayed untii frightened by a motor-cycle.

11. At Tupsley, on June 6th, IBE watched a mynah associating with starlings-both prime vocal impersonators.

12. VMJ, at Almeley Wootton, relates her being beset with­ not two, hut three cuckoos, for four consecutive early mornings, June 18th to 21st, a late date for courting. As a platform the two males used TV aerial, cottage roof, clothes line, electric wires and garden hedge. On the 21st they serenaded the hen, shivering all the time, from either side of an apple tree, with the lady on an electricity pole in the centre. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 224

CLASSIFIED NOTES

The serial numbers and nomenclature used are those used in the B.T.O. Guide 13, "A Species List of British and Irish Birds" 1971. Prefixes Hand R refer to Herefordshire and Radnorshire respectively.

5. GREAT CRESTED GREBE. H. Jan. 8th, Eywood, two (RHB); Feb. 2nd, Shobdon Decoy pool, a pair, and also on Swan pool (TRA). Altogether at Shobdon TRA records 2t pairs and a total of four young reared. April 19th, Flintsham, a pair with full-grown juvenile (RLV). May 31st, Bodenham Gravel Pits, a pair (AJS). R Jan. 20th, Llan Bwch-llyn, two, displaying (AGF, Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Keeling). Feb. 23rd, Llandrindod, one, and on April 19th (ROBG). May 18th, Glan Llyn, one (JLF); 31st, Llan Bwch-Ilyn, three; Glan Llyn, two; Llandrindod, two (ROBG). July 13th, Glan Llyn, one, with two young (ROBG); Aug. 22nd, Llan Bwch-llyn, three (JLF).

9. LITTLE GREBE. H. May 14th, Eywood, one (JLF); May, Collington, Bromyard, a pair reared a brood (TRHO); July 16th, Lyonshall, one with three young (JMB); Oct. 24th, Hampton Bishop Wye, three (JLF); Dec. 21st, Sutton, one on Lugg (AJS). R. Feb. 22nd, Llyn Hilyn, five; two on March 29th and three on Aug. 16th (ROBG); April 16th, Llan Bwch-llyn, a pair (JLF); June 1st, Pencerrig, one (ROBG); 21st, Pen-y-Clawdd, two pairs (MR); Sept. 7th, Llyn Hilyn, six (AM); 27th, Llyn Hilyn, one, and three on Oct. 25th (ROBG); Oct. 11th, Caban Coch, one with mallard (EG).

16. MANX SHEARWATER. H. On Sept. 12th, Ledbury, a bird was picked up on the recreation ground, and was released from a high building; 18th, a bird was picked up in a garden at Tupsley. It was in good trim, but had to be forcibly fed, and was taken by the RS.P.B. to Cardiff for release. R On Sept. 13th, 1974 a bird was found by Mr. Lander of the Forest Inn, in an outhouse. It was fed on fish-fingers and was ultimately released at Aberystwyth.

28. CORMORANT. H. Jan. 4th, Hereford, one in the orchard (BEM); 21st, Capler, 15-20 (BEM); Feb., singles and a pair on Lulham Wye (TRHO) and one as late as May 2nd; March 27th, Turner's Boat, two (AAS); April 20th, Bredwardine, ten in tree (JMB); Sept. 13th, Castleton, two (AM); 27th, Capler, three (BJL); Oct. 5th, Foy, one (MD); 18th, Castleton, two (AM); Nov. 4th, near Hay, three (RM). 225 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

30. HERON. A census of heronries (JMB) in the two counties shows the following number of nests-Berrington 87, Leach Pool 14, Cefndyrys 34, Penybont 3, and near Knighton 6. This is much as last year. The Teme Valley colony however is a new one. It was probably re-started in 1973 with two nests, and young were raised in 1974. The last previous breeding record was some 40 years ago. Birds in ones and twos have been recorded in many areas:­ H. Moreton (AJS); Brilley (WL-8); Kingsland (JHW); Lye­ pole (TRHO); Ashperton and Capler (WMG); CastIeton (AM); Hereford (BEM); Aymestrey (SHR). R. Pont a'r Ithon, Llyn Hilyn, Llandegley, Glan Llyn, Doly­ mynach (ROBG).

45. MALLARD. H. April 20th, Welsh Newton, three (FMP); May 10th, Warlow pool, Madley, eight drakes, and June 3rd, c.30, all drakes (TRHO); Aug. 17th, lvington, hundreds over in the morning (MLB-T); Oct. 18th, CastIeton, nine (AM). R. Jan. 20th, Rhos Goch, 14, mostly male (AGF); 26th, Glan Llyn, 21 (ROBG); May 18th, Hindwell, duck and eight ducklings (AJS); 31st, Glan Llyn, 16 (ROBG); June 1st, Pen­ cerrig, pair with two young and duck with ten young, and duck with six well grown young (ROBG); July 12th, Llyn Hilyn, 12 (ROBG); Aug. 22nd, Llan Bwch-llyn, c. 250 (JLF); 29th, Bleddfa, a duck with seven young did the broken-wing-trick for fully a quarter mile (ACP and PMW); Sept. 14th, Moelienydd, 21 (MR); 27th, Hindwell, 78; Oct. 5th, 59; Nov. 11th, 43, and Dec. 6th, 37 (ROBG).

46. TEAL. H. Feb. 20th, Eywood, four (JLF); March 16th, Bredwardine, present in flock of c. 30 duck (AAS); Aug. 21st, Hampton Bishop, nine (JLF); Oct. 6th, Hereford, one (AJS); 18th, CastIeton, four (AM); Dec. 24th, Bosbury two on canal (GCC); 27th, lvington, one (MLB-T). R. Jan. 26th, Glan Llyn, four; Feb. 22nd, Llyn Hilyn, seven (ROBG); May 31st, Cerrig-llwydion-isaf, a pair (ROBG); Aug. 21st, Hendregenny, seven (ACP and PMW); Sept. 28th, Moelien­ ydd, five, and Nov. 20th, 15 (ROBG).

47. GARGANEY.

49. GADWALL.

50. WIGEON. H. Feb. 2nd, Warlow pool, 70 (TRHO); March 26th, Hampton Bishop, one (JLF); Oct. 18th, Castleton, three (AM); Dec. 21st, Madley, 35 on a muddy puddle (TRHO). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNlTIIOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 226

52. PINTAIL.

53. SHOVELER. H. Jan. 12th and March 16th, Eywood, a pair (IBE); Dec. 6th, Hampton Bishop, a male (JLF).

55. SCAUP.

56. TUFTED DUCK. H. Jan. 8th, Eywood, ten (RHB); Feb. 20th, Eywood, 13; March 4th, Warlow, two pairs (TRHO); 15th, Oaker, two pairs, and Shobdon, ten (SHR); May 14th, Eywood, 14 (JLF); 15th, Collington pools, three pairs but not yet breeding; June 5th, duck sitting tight (TRHO); 9th, Lyonshall, four duck­ lings (JMB); and July 16th, duck with five ducklings. R. Jan. 20th, Llan Bwch-llyn, eight male and nine female (AGF); Feb. 22nd, Hindwell, eight (ROBG); April 16th, Llan Bwch-llyn, 12 (JLF); May 18th, Hindwell, three (AJS); Aug. 16th, Llyn HiIyn, two (ROBG); 22nd, Llan Bwch-llyn, c.25 (JLF); Sept. 14th, Pen-y-Clawdd, 17 (MR); Dec. 6th, Llyn Hilyn, one (ROBG).

57. POCHARD. H. Dec. 27th, Shobdon, a pair (SHR). R. Jan. 20th, Llan Bwch-llyn, five male and five female (AGF); 25th, Llyn Hilyn, four, and Hindwell, four (ROBG); 26th, Dolymynach, one (ROBG); Feb. 20th, HindwelI, four, and April 16th, Llan Bwch-lIyn, four (JLF); Nov. 20th, Hindwell, four (JLF) and 20th, Moelienydd, four; Dec. 6th, Llyn Hilyn, two, and 7th, Dolymynach, two (ROBG).

60. GOLDEN-EYE. R. Jan. 26th, Dolymynach, one female; Nov. 4th, Hindwell, one (ROBG).

69. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER.

RUDDY DUCK. H. July 12th, Eywood, a male, busy diving, each dive averaging 12 to 14 seconds. The bird was watched for 30 minutes. July 27th, a female present; then the male appeared, both actively diving and passing close to the hide (JG and PG). (Second record-Ed. The bird is becoming a "naturalised" British species).

70. GOOSANDER. H. Feb. 12th, Holme Lacy, five females; March 2nd, Hampton Bishop, five (JLF). R. Jan. 20th, Llan Bwch-llyn, one female (AGF); 26th, Garreg ddu, five (ROBG); Nov. 7th, Caban Coch, four parties, 16 in all (ROBG). 227 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

73. SHELDUCK. H. Nov. 14th, Holme Lacy, two on Wye (JLF).

75. GREY LAG GOOSE.

82. CANADA GOOSE. H. Feb. 16th, Shobdon, disputing breed­ ing territory (TRA); April 12th Moreton, two flying (AJS); May 5th, Collington, two pairs nesting, finally rearing eight goslings (TRHO); 11th, Shobdon, three pairs reared 15 young, and autumn flock 25 (TRA); Oct. 15th, Castleton, nine (AM). R. May 11th, Penybont, pair with five young (TRA).

84. MUTE SWAN. H. Sept. 13th, Castleton, 25 and Oct. 18th, 22 (AM). H. & R. Nov. 4th, Glasbury to Whitney, 80-100, mainly in herds of 15-20 (RM).

85. WHOOPER SWAN. R. Feb. 23rd, Dolymynach, three (ROBG).

86. BEWICK'S SWAN. H. Oct. 31st, Castleton, two (JMB).

91. BUZZARD. H. and R. No large numbers seen but records and sightings frequent and widespread. Reported in Hereford from Mansel Lacy, Turner's Boat, Canon Bridge, Portway, Whitton, Llancloudy, Great Doward, Castleton, Teme Valley, Bosbury, St. Wulfstans, Kingsland, Aymestrey, Lyepole, Croft, and Chaff' wood, where a pair reared two young (TRA), while young were heard calling at Lyepole, Llancillo, Clodock and Longtown (TRHO). Radnor records come from Llan Bwch-llyn, Penybont, Dol-y­ fan, Gwynfaen, Cwmbach, Doldowlod, Blue Lins, Gladestry, Garreg ddu, Aber Glan Hirin, Llandrindod, Hendregenny, Rhayader, Glan Llyn. TRA notes "a good season in Radnor".

92. ROUGH-LEGGED ZUZZARD. R. April 4th, Rhayader area, two birds watched closely for 10 minutes (A. Barmby and J. Greenwood).

93. SPARROWHAWK. Records are too numerous to give in detail, principally from Herefordshire. The general inference is that the species has recovered well. Birds have been seen carry­ ing a starling and feeding on a fresh-killed woodpigeon.

95. KITE. H. Sept. 14th, Brockhampton; two birds well vie~ed; one was feeding on a rabbit in the road, the other being mobbed by Jackdaws (PHL). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 228

100. HEN BARRIER. H. Dec. 23rd, west of Eardisley, a female crossed the road (SB).

104. HOBBY. H. May 3rd, Whitfield, a male was picked up with a broken wing, but died later. July 6th, Ivington, one well viewed at 20 feet (WHDW). July 10th, Mortimer's Cross, one mobbing a buzzard with much noise (TRA).

105. PEREGRINE. H. Aug. 8th, Bromyard Down, one viewed (DGB). R. April 25th, Radnor Forest, one seen to stoop and take a wood-pigeon (per TRA). Oct. 11th, Carregbica, a single (EG).

107. MERLIN. H. Sept. 7th, Holme Lacy, a male flying along the Wye (JLF). R. April 27th, Painscastle, a male (AJS); Sept 24th, Glad­ estry, one being mobbed by crows (RDG).

110. KESTREL. Well distributed and tolerably common in both counties. Breeding recorded at Llandrindod and elsewhere.

111. RED GROUSE. R. TRA records an average breeding season. Birds concentrated on hills where water was available.

113. BLACK GROUSE. April, Blue Lins, one noted by local farmer (per TRA).

115. RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE. H. Feb. 23rd, Easthampton, heard calling (TRA); March 1st, Common Hill, a pair (KAM); Aug., Madley several coveys (TRHO); Aug. 14th, Kington, a pair (JMB); 27th, Bosbury, one (GCC); Oct. 23rd, Dinedor, c. 15 (AJS).

116. PARTRIDGE. No records received from Radnor. In Here­ fordshire, while the only big coveys recorded are 14 at Fownhope on Dec. 28th (JHW) and 10 at Foy on Oct. 25th (MD), this appears to have been a good season and numbers have increased.

117. QUAIL. H. June 6th, Moreton, one calling (AJS); 20th, Ledi­ cot, heard (TRA); Aug. 3rd, Hoarwithy, at least two present for weeks (KAM).

118. PHEASANT. As with the partridge, a dry year seems to have suited the pheasant and numbers have been encouragingly high. 229 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

120. WATER RAIL. H. July 13th, Shobdon, one viewed (TRA); Sept. 29th, Ewyas Harold, one rescued from cat, and recovered (per WHDW); Dec. 21st, Sutton, one (AJS).

125. CORNCRAKE. H. June 13th, Shobdon area, one flushed from mowing grass (per TRA).

126. MOORHEN. H. and R. A bad year owing to the drying up of ponds and pools. Numbers everywhere down. At Hindwell pool ROBG records 19 on Nov. 4th.

127. COOT. A bad year thanks to extreme drought, except on large sheets of water. H. Feb. 20th, Eywood, 41 (JLF); March 30th, Madley, bird already sitting and had active young on May 1st (TRHO). R. Jan. 20th, Llan Bwch-llyn, 12+ (AGF); 25th, Hindwell, 11; Llyn Hilyn 19; Feb. 22nd, Pencerrig, four (ROBG); May 31st, Llan Bwch-llyn eight, and Pencerrig four with two young (ROBG); Sept. 20th, Hindwell, 21; and Llyn Hilyn, 29, becoming 31 on Nov. 4th, and 23 on Dec. 6th (ROBG).

131. OYSTERCATCHER. H. Sept. 9th, Holme Lacy, two on Wye shingle (JLF).

133. LAPWING. H. Feb. 24th, Madley, four pairs taking up terri­ tory (TRHO); March 2nd, Hereford, six making scrapes (AAS); April 10th, Welsh Newton, nest with eggs (FMP). Large num­ bers at flocking time include-Aug. 24th, Shobdon airfield, c. 2,000 (TRA); Oct. 26th, Ross, c. 800 (ROBG); 22nd, Leint­ wardine, c. 1,000 (MLB-T). • R. Big flocks include-Jan. 25th, A44-A438, c. 1,500 (ROBG); f July 18th, Moelienydd, c. 750 (JLF); Oct. 25th, Penybont, c. 300 (ROBG).

134. RINGED PLOVER.

135. UTrLE RINGED PLOVER. H. Sept. 2nd, Hampton Bishop, one on Wye shingle (JVF and JLF).

140. GOLDEN PLOVER. H. Feb. 23rd, Shobdon airfield, 200+, and 500 on Sept. 21st (TRA and ARM); Oct. 25th, Eardisley, c.250, and Dec. 6th, 100 (ROBG). R. Jan. 25th, A44-A438, c. 50, and Penybont, c. 80 (ROBG); March 22nd, Moelienydd, c. lOO (Oub Outing); May 6th Moel­ ienydd, 13 (JLF) and Sept. 28th, 88 and 16 (ROBG); Nov. 20th, 25 (JLF). One pair bred near Aberedw (H. McSweeney). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 230

145. SNIPE. The drought brought snipe to the rivers unusually early after breeding. H. Feb. 6th, Fownhope, one (BMK); Aug. 12th, Hereford­ Moreton, first post-breeding record, with a large fall on 19th (AJS); Sept. 6th, Hampton Bishop, five (BEM); 13th, Castleton, six (BMK); 29th, Hereford Wye, nine (AJS); Oct. 11 th, Olchon valley, one at high altitude (JLF); 18th, Castleton, five (AM); Nov. 15th, Easthampton, fall of 20 (TRA); Nov. 29th, Madley, two (TRHO). R. Jan. 20th, L1an Bwch-llyn, six, and Rhos Goch, 10 (AGF); March 28th, Beacon Hill, six (MR); May 18th, Moelienydd, many flushed and much drumming (AJS); July 13th, Aber Glan Hirin, one (ROBG); Aug. 21st, Hendregenny, five (ACP and PMW); Oct. 25th, Penybont, 10 (ROBG).

147. JACK SNIPE. H. March 25th, Hereford, one by the Wye (AJS). R. Oct. 25th, Penybont, one (ROBG).

148. WOODCOCK. H. March 21st, Mansel Lacy, one among brambles (JLF); May 15th, Haugh Wood, two (Oub Outing).

150. CURLEW. H. Jan. 31st, Moreton, first calling (AJS), and Feb. 24th, Madley (TRHO); March 16th, Letton, four (AAS); 19th, Oele Pychard, calling (AJS); April 15th, L1aneloudy, returned to nesting area (HD), and May 15th, Welsh Newton, believed nesting (FMP); Kingsland-Shobdon, SHR reports five nesting pairs. R. March 29th, L1anbadarn, one; L1anyre, two; Carmel Bridge, two (ROBG); May 1st, Aber Glan Hirin, eight (ROBG); June 8th, Blue Lins, plentiful (Club Outing); July 18th, Moelienydd, 85 (JLF), and Sept. 28th, 27 (ROBG).

151. wmMBREL. H. Aug. 4th, Moreton, four flying and calling (AJS). R. July 18th, Moelienydd, four (JLF).

156. GREEN SANDPIPER. H. JLF notes that August saw a quite exceptional influx. There were eight birds on a mile of Wye near Holme Lacy. The probable cause is the drought and drying up of pools. The above is borne out by other records-August, Lulham and Wormhill, Madley, one on each pool (TRHO); Aug. 15th, Peter­ stow, one (JLF); 26th, Moreton, noted (AJS); Sept. 25th, Here­ ford Wye, noted (AJS), and one Dec. 29th. R. Aug. 22nd, L1an Bwch-llyn, six (JLF). 231 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

157. WOOD SANDPIPER. H. Aug. 28th, Holme Lacy, one along with Greenshank and Green Sandpiper (JLF).

159. COMMON SANDPIPER. H. Feb. 6th, Fownhope, one on Wye (BMK); April 15th, Hampton Bishop, one (JLF); 27th, Lyepole, two (TRA); 29th, Hereford Wye ,two (AJS); May, TRHO reports a pair on Lulham Wye, a pair on LlancilIo Mon­ now, and also on Lyepole Lugg; May 3rd, Trippleton, seven on a mile of river (JLF); June 27th, Lyepole, a pair with 2/3 grown young (TRHO); July 13th-Oct. 6th, Hereford Wye, intermittent passage (AJS); Aug. 6th, Hampton Bishop, seven on a mile (JLF); Sept. 6th, Hampton Bishop, five (BEM); 13th, Castleton, three (AM). R. May 30th, Cefnllys, pair with three chicks (ROBG); Aug. 22nd, Llan Bwch-llyn, one (JLF).

161. REDSHANK. H. May 3rd, Leintwardine, a pair (JLF); July 2nd, Hampton Bishop, one (JLF), and one Oct. 3rd; Sept. 3rd, Monkland, one (JHW). R. May 6th, Moelienydd, five (JLF), and 18th, a pair; Sept., Castle hill, two on Mawn pool (MLB-T).

162. SPOTTED REDSHANK.

165. GREENSHANK. H. Aug., Holme Lacy Wye, present, with five on 28th and six on 30th (JLF); Aug. 10th, Bredwardine, two .. on Wye (KAM); Sept. 2nd, Hereford Wye, one (AJS); 6th, Hampton Bishop, one (BEM); 13th, Castleton, four (AM); Oct. 26th, Sink Green, one (JLF). ~

178. DUNLIN. H. March 25th, Hereford Wye, one (AJS); Sept. 1st, Hampton Bishop, an immature, and 8th-13th, two, believed young (JLF); Nov. 17th, Hereford, one (AJS). R. May 31st, Cerrig Llwydion Isaf, one (ROBG); Sept. 7th, Moelienydd, 21 (MR).

WILSON'S PHALAROPE. R. Sept. 6th, Llyn Hilyn; one watched for half an hour, busily feeding (Club Outing). [First record-Ed.].

198. GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL. H. Jan.-Feb., Lulham Wye, singles and a pair (TRHO); Nov. 24th, Hereford Wye, one (AJS). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 232

199. LFSSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. H. April 7th, Shobdon, five feeding on a cow's afterbirth (TRA); May-June, Hereford Wye, up to three regulars (AJS); Aug. 13th, Hampton Bishop, 22 (JLF); 16th, Mordiford, 17 (ROBG). R. April 19th, Llandrindod, one (ROBG); June 12th, Wye near Builth, one (AJS); July 13th, Pont ar Elan, one (ROBG).

200. HERRING GULL. H. June 10th, Sink Green, one mature (JLF); Aug. 13th, Hampton Bishop, one eating dead salmon (JLF). R. May 31st, Aber Glan Hirin, one, and Pencerrig, three (ROBG).

201. COMMON GULL. H. April 16th, Stretton Sugwas, c.150 (JLF); July 9th, Ho1me Lacy, six (JLF); Aug. 14th, Hereford area, up to 30 (AJS); Oct. 25th, Foy, c. 200 (MD); Sutton, c. 200 on evening /light (AJS); Nov. 4th, Mordiford, c. 50 (ROBG); Nov. 13th, Hereford, c. 80 (AJS).

208. BLACK-HEADED GULL. H. May 26th, Warlow pool, c.20 still present; two or three pairs bred, though the pool was little more than mud (TRHO); Nov. 4th, Mordiford, c. 200 (ROBG). R. May 3rd, Cerrig Llwydion Isaf, c. 20, but only four nests (ROBG); June 1st, Pen-y-C1awdd, c. 300, including c. 50 young (MR); July 24th, Castle Hill, c.50 (MLB-T); Aug. 16th, Llyn Hilyn, 35 (ROBG).

212. BLACK TERN. R. May 18th, L1an Bwch-Ilyn, one (JMB).

217. COMMON TERN. H. Sept. 13th, Castleton, one flying and at rest (AM),

218. ARCfIC TERN. H. Aug. 13th, Hampton Bishop, a bird in breeding plumage, and a juvenile (JLF and JVF).

222. LITILE TERN. H. April 29th, Hereford, Hampton Dean, one (T. Pugh).

232. STOCK DOVE. H. Feb. 16th, Broadmoor Common, 30 (KAM); March 27th, Hereford, pair nesting in oak (AAS); May, recorded at Mad1ey, Lyepo1e and Collington; bred in owl-box at Swinmoor (TRHO). At Kingsland they also nested in owl-box, and two were ringed (SHR). R. Feb. 22nd, Newbridge-Builth road, one (ROBG); June 6th, Beguildy, a pair; and Aug. 24th, Moelienydd, two (MR). 233 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

234. WOODPIGEON. H. Aug. 6th, Great Doward, flock of 200 (MPW).

235. TURTLE DOVE. H. June 1st, Hampton Park, noted (BEM); 14th, Bosbury, one (GCC); 27th, Credenhill, singing on east side of hill, and Aug. 3rd, two singing on west side (TRHO); June 29th, Ivington, singing (MLB-T). At Easthampton TRA notes that it is becoming rare.

COLLARED DOVE. H. The species seems to be still spread­ ing and increasing. March-May TRHO records it from Madley, Kingstone, Wormbridge, Glasbury, Preston, Longtown (first time). AJS notes it at Moreton, KiIpeck and Peterchurch. SHR at Kingsland notes the numbers increasing. MLB-T at Ivington notes c. 60 roosting in Dec. On Oct. 31st JMB counted 101 on power lines at TitIey Court. R. Feb. 12th, Cabalva, c.4O (AJS); 22nd, Newbridge-BuiIth, three (ROBG); April 10th, BeguiIdy, one (first time), and 18th, LIoyney, two (MR).

237. CUCKOO. H. The winner is SHR, Kingsland, April 9th; then 18th, Common Hill (KAM); Lulham (TRHO), and 22nd, Dine­ dor (JLF). Last heard June 22nd, Ivington (MLB-T).

241. BARN OWL. Despite road casualties (three are recorded) there is a welcome increase of records, covering the whole year -Fownhope, Great Doward, Shucknall, Hampton Bishop, Led­ bury, Common Hill, Eardisley, Swinmoor and Lulham (Madley), CoIIington, TitIey, Stansbatch, Rodd, Letton, Portway, Bosbury, and, in Radnorshire, LIoyney and Knucklas. Several observers note them hunting in full sunlight.

246. LITTLE OWL. H. Swinmoor, throughout the year two pairs (TRHO); Feb. 21st, Moreton, two calling, and population as usual (AJS); TitIey, pair in oak all winter (RLV); lvington, heard most days' (MLB-T); Bosbury, several pairs bred (GCe); Oct. 28th, Whitney, noted (AJS). R. No record.

247. TAWNY OWL. H. Moccas, a pair bred (AM); Feb.-Aug., Welsh Newton, noted (FMP); April, Swinmoor, nested in owl­ box (TRHO); Moreton, present through the year (AJS); Foy, seen regularly (MD); Ivington, August, two young birds in garden (MLB-T); Oct., Brilley, hooting (WL-S). R. April 19th, LIandrindod, two (ROBG).

248. LONG-EARED OWL. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 234

249. SHORT-EARED OWL. H. Lower Lulham, Madley, a pair spent a fortnight in a large orchard, very tame and could be approached on horseback to within a few yards (H. Snell per TRHO).

252. NIGHTJAR. H. May 26th, Upton Bishop, one flushed from the road (AJS); June 7th, Checkley, two singing, a mile apart (JLF).

255. SWIFT. H. First record April 28th, Madley (TRHO); May 2nd, Hereford, with c. 80 on 15th (AJS). Departure was punc­ tual, around Aug. 3rd, Aug. 9th, Moreton c. 20 with swallows and martins (AJS). Last record Aug. 14th, Welsh Newton (FMP). In Birtley boxes seven pairs reared 12 young (TRA). R. May 31st, Llan Bwch-lIyn, c.20 (ROBG). 258. KINGFISHER. H. Records are numerous and cover the whole year, coming from:- Aymestrey (SHR); Titley and Hunt­ ington (JMB); Lulham Wye, Llancillo (feeding young, July 12th) and Lyepole Lugg (TRHO); Biblins Wye (MPW); Criftin Ford (JLF); Castleton (AM); Hereford and Whitney Wye (AJS); Capler Wye (WMG); Monkland and Kingsland (JHW); White Cross, a pair in the school hall (IBE); Hampton Park (BEM). R. Records come from Llanyre and Cefnllys (ROBG); Glas­ bury (AJS, also RM), where seven were counted on Nov. 4th; Lloyney, Beguildy and Dutlas (MR).

261. HOOPOE. H. July 29th, Bradnor, a single bird well viewed, after lengthy search on local information (JMB). 262. GREEN WOODPECKER. H. Madley, at least two pairs (TRHO); May, Moccas, a pair bred (AM). Kingsland, often heard (SHR); Oct. 3rd, Hampton Park, noted (BEM); Dec. 5th, Croft, a pair (WHM). R. Feb. 22nd, Pont-a'r-Ithon, one; March 30th, Llandrindod, one (ROBG); May 18th, Moelienydd, one (AJS); 31st, Llan Bwch--lIyn, Cefnllys, Pencerrig, one each (ROBG); June 8th, Blue Lins, noted (Club Outing); Aug. 17th, Glan Llyn, two (ROBG).

263. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. H. The species flour­ ishes better than the Green. May 14th, Eywood, one (JLF); Moccas, a pair bred, the hole 4 ft. above a nest-box full of blue tits (AM); Madley, seen frequently (TRHO); Oct. 9th, Moreton, two (AJS); Hampton Park, noted (BEM); Ivington, female feed­ ing most days, with young on June 22nd (MLB-T), and on Dec. 27th drumming; Kingsland, a regular visitor and a great suet fan (SHR). 235 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

R. Feb. 22nd, Pencerrig, one, and Newbridge-Builth road, one (ROBG); May 18th, Llangunllo, drumming (AJS); 30th, Cefnllys, one with nest; three on 31st, with two at Glan Llyn and two at Howey (ROBG).

264. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. H. Jan. 4th, Nupend, one (BEM); 18th, Bosbury, one also in Feb., June and Dec. (GCC); Feb. 2nd, Bush Bank, one (WHDW); Madley, occasional through the year (TRHO); July to Oct., Moreton, regularly noted (AJS); July 19th, Hereford, one, first for 10 years (ARM); Sept. 15th, Fownhope, one (KAM); Oct. 25th, Foy, noted (MD); Ivington, heard most days (MLB-T); Kingsland, seen Aug. 11th and 23rd, trying for suet but cannot face the tits (SHR). R. Aug. 17th, Glan Llyn, one (ROBG).

271. WOODLARK. H. Feb. 20th, Hereford, seen on the wing. and calling (AJS).

272. SKYLARK. H. Oct. 19th, Moreton, westerly passage through­ out morning (AJS).

274. SWALLOW. Numbers probably up to average, though some recorders profess a slump. Owing to the cold spring breeding was late, and few pairs brought off a second brood. H. First seen at Brilley, March 28th (WL-S), then not until April 10th at Welsh Newton (EHP); Kington, 16th (JMB); lvington, 17th (MLB-T). Late records are Oct. 13th, Hereford (AJS), and one at Fownhope, Nov. 16th (KAM). TRA at East­ hampton records five pairs, raising 24 young, but only one pair had a second brood. R. April 16th, Painscastle, one (JLF); 19th, Dutlas, one (MR). Last record two at Moelienydd, Sept. 28th (ROBG).

276. HOUSE MARTIN. Birds were in many cases scarce and absent from usual homes. H. April 18th, Peterchurch, noted (JMB); 27th, Whitney, and 28th. Hereford (AJS). Only two noted in Madley (TRHO), and none at Titley (JLV). Last seen Oct. 5th at Moreton (AJS). SHR at Kingsland notes "normal numbers". R. April 20th, Llanelwedd, one (ROBG). Last seen Llan­ drindod, two, Sept. 28th (ROBG). MR notes "increasing" at New Radnor. HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 236

277. SAND MARTIN. Still at very low ebb. H. April 11th, Holme Lacy, one (JLF); 14th, Hereford, two (AJS); TRHO reports the Lulham colony as a single pair, the LIancillo colony also one pair, and at Lyepole perhaps two pairs. AJS gives the Whitney colony as c. 15 birds on April 27th. SHR records c. 60 at Aymestrey, June 1st. No late departure notes. R. April 20th, LIandrindod, six (ROBG); July, Radnor Teme, "scattered pairs"; and Aug. 24th, Moelienydd, a pair with young (MR).

279. RAVEN. H. Often seen (up to four) at Swinmoor (TRHO); Aug. 14th, Welsh Newton, heard (FMP); 21st, Moreton, one (AJS); 25th, Holme Lacy, two (JLF); 26th, Ivington, two (MLB-T); Nov. 3rd, British Camp, two (JLF); Dec. 21st, Bos­ bury, one (GCC). Shobdon pair barren-due to age? (TRA); Brilley, regular (WL-S); Great Doward, frequent (MPW): Aymestrey ,seen and heard (SHR). R. Jan. 26th, old Aberystwyth road, nine (ROBG); March 30th, LIandrindod, bird sitting (ROBG); May 18th, MoeIienydd, noted (AJS); Gladestry, frequent (RDG); July 30th, Glan LIyn, and Aug. 17th, Aber Glan Hirin, three (ROBG); 22nd, Moelfre, c. 30 on carrion (JLF). Cefndyrys, two successful nests t mile apart (TRA); Dec. 6th, LIandrindod, three; 7th, Claerwen, four (ROBG).

280. CARRION CROW. All too abundant.

282. ROOK. See previous note on rook census.

283. JACKDAW. H. Aug. 3rd, Great Doward, c.400 (MPW); Nov. 1st, Moreton, c.400 (AJS).

284. MAGPIE. H. Widely spread and fairly common, though suffering from lack of high hedges for breeding. At Dowards Crest MPW records 14 together on Feb. 1st. R. Feb. 22nd, Cwmbach, ROBG reports eight together.

286. JAY. H. Madley, often seen and has somewhat increased (TRHO); Oct. 10th, Moreton, one (AJS); 25th, Portway, one (ROBG); Dec. 6th, Stanner, one (ROBG). At Kingsland SHR records Jays as frequent visitors. Rhydspence, often seen (WL-S). At Bromyard DGB records an increase in autumn, often well away from woodland haunts. R. Feb. 22nd, Pencerrig, one; April 19th, Doldowlod, one, and Crossgates, one (ROBG); May 31st, Glan LIyn, one; July 14th, Howey, four (ROBG); Dec. 6th, LIandrindod, three (ROBG). 237 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

288. GREAT TIT. H. Brilley, nested successfully in box outside back door (WL~). Bosbury, a female bred locally, having been ringed near Wigan on 23.3.75, a jump of 160 kilometres.. lving­ ton, c.l0 daHy (MLB-T). At Three Owls, Kingsland, SHR records 75 ringed in the garden.

289. BLUE TIT. H. Kingsland, SHR records 232 trapped and ringed; 30 were trapped previously, two in 1973, 11 in 1974, and 17 in 1975. R. Jan. 21st, Dolymynach, c.4O; and Dec. 7th, Caban Coch, 42 (ROBG).

290. COAL TIT. H. Winter, Hereford, 4/5 at table (!BE); Aug. 1st, Ivington, a family party (MLB-T). Kingsland, an occas­ ional guest (SlIR). R. Jan. 21st, Garreg ddu, 13; Feb. 23rd, Glan LIyn, 12 (ROBG); March 30th, Ithon-Wye, six; April 19th, Penybont, three (ROBG); May 3rd, Beacon Hill, two (MR); June 1st, Neuadd Fach, one (ROBG); July 13th, Glan Llyn, 18 (ROBG); Sept. 28th, Abbeycwmhir, seven; Oct. 25th, Penybont, six; Dec. 7th, Caban Coch, 11 (ROBG).

292. MARSH TIT. H. Jan.-Feb., Madley, commonly seen (TRHO); March 23rd, Arthur's Stone, one (AAS); Brilley, a pair often feeding (WW); May 10th, Lyepole, four pairs (MR); July 27th, lvington, two eating comfrey seed (MLB-T); Welsh Newton, often seen (FMP); Kingsland, a regular guest at table (SHR). R. Jan. 22nd, Caban Coch, four; Llandrindod, two; Feb. 22nd, Newbridge, four (ROBG); Aug. 16th, Cefnllys, two; Oct. 25th, Penybont, two (ROBG).

293. WILLOW TIT. H. Jan. 27th, Moreton, singing (AJS); April 25th, Holme Lacy, one excavating nest-hole (JLF); 26th, Haugh Wood, a pair (JLF); Oct. 22nd, Hereford, noted; and Nov.-Dec., Moreton, two in garden (AJS). R. Jan. 26th, Garreg ddu, one, and Pont a'r Ithon, one on March 30th; May 30th, Cefnllys, one with nest (ROBG).

294. LONG-TAILED TIT. H. and R. Abundant, owing to easy winters. Some large gatherings are:- 22 at lvington (MLB-T); 16 at Dolymynach (ROBG); 20 at Gladestry (RDG); 21 at Llanyre (ROBG).

296. NUTHATCH. H. Jan. 9th, Hereford, one (IBE); Feb. 1st, Bosbury, one (GCC); May, Lyepole, two pairs (TRHO); June 10th, Shobdon, a family party (TRA); Aug.-Sept. Ivington, two males in garden (MLB-T); Oct. 24th, Fownhope, one (MD); HEREFORDSIDRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 238

Nov. 4th, Wigmore, noted (JHW); Aymestrey, two nested suc­ cessfully in nest boxes (SHR). On the whole the species has dwindled owing to felling of timber. R. Jan. 26th, Glan L1yn, one; L1andrindod, one; Pencerrig, one on Feb. 22nd, and Glan L1yn, one (ROBG); April 19th, Doldowlod, one; May 30th, Cefnllys, one; Oct. 26th, Disserth, one, (ROBG). 298. TREECREEPER. Another apparently receding species. H. Jan. 16th, Hereford, one (REC); March 17th, Hereford, song frequent (AJS); April 14th, Madley, two (TRHO); Kings­ land, SHR reports it no longer seen regularly, but Oct.-Nov. JHW notes it at Kingsland. R. Jan. 26th, Glan L1yn, one, and two on July 13th (ROBG); Dec. 6th, L1andrindod, one, and Caban Coch, one on 7th (ROBG). 299. WREN. R. July 13th, Cefnllys, one with eight young (ROBG). 300. DIPPER. H. Up to average on all suitable streams; usually one pair to about t mile. May 16th, Pontrilas, two young being fed (AJS). R. Aug. 17th, Cerrig Llwydion Isaf, one as high as 1,500 feet (ROBG). 301. MISTLE THRUSH. H. Oct., Brilley, a pair feeding on yew and alder berries (WL-S). R. Jan. 25th, Llandrindod, 12; Feb. 22nd, Newbridge, 14, and Pont-a'r-Ithon, 11 (ROBG). 302. FIELDFARE. H. and R. Numerous in most areas in 1974/75, and again in autumn 1975. The latest in spring were four at Moelienydd on May 6th (JLF). The earliest in autumn were several at TilIington, Oct. 10th (BMK), and Ivington (MLB-T) and Olchon on 11th (JLF). Some biggish numbers were:- 150 at Mordiford (ROBG), and 250 there on Nov. 11th; 1,000 feeding on rotten apples at Shob­ don, Nov. 16th (TRA). 303. SONG TIlRUSH. 304. REDWING. H. and R. Much fewer than Fieldfares, but in average numbers. The latest spring bird was one at Sink Green, April 10th (JLF). The earliest autumn birds were several at Moreton on Oct. 8th (AJS). The only records of biggish gather­ ings are c. lOO at Llandrindod, Dec. 7th (ROBG); 200 at Welsh Newton in Nov.-Dec. (FMP); and c. 500 at Shobdon in Dec. (TRA). 239 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

307. RING OUZEL. H. June 7th, Olchon valley, a pair (IBE). R. Numbers reduced (TRA).

308. BLACKBIRD. Feb. 2nd, Moreton, subdued song, and singing well Feb. 12th (AJS).

311. WHEATEAR. H. March 30th, Shobdon, noted (TRA); July 3rd, Bradnor, family parties (JMB); Aug. 19th, Upton Bishop, noted (BJL); Sept. 6th, Hampton Bishop, one (BEM). R. March 22nd, Moelienydd, one (Club Outing); April 16th, Llan Bwch-llyn, a pair (JLF); May 3rd, Beacon Hill, two pairs, the first for three years (MR); 31st, Craig-yr-allt, one (ROBG); June, Beacon Hill, four pairs, two with young (MR); July 13th, Aber Glan Hirin, one; Pont a'r Elan, two (ROBG); 18th; Moel· ienydd, pair feeding young; 24th, Castle Hill, a pair (MLB-T); 25th, Llandeilo Hill, numerous (TRA); Aug. 2nd, Bryngwyn, two young (WMB); 17th, Cerrig Llwydion Isaf, four at 1,600 ft. (ROBG); 22nd, Llan Bwch-lIyn, a pair (JLF); Sept. 2nd, Moel­ ienydd, two (MR).

317. STONECHAT. H. Feb. 20th, Hereford, a female (AJS); 23rd, Lyonshall, noted (JMB); Oct. 11th, Colwall, one (ROBG); Nov. 3rd, Malvern hills, a pair (JLF). R. Feb. 26th, Presteign, a male (RLV); March 30th, Radnor Forest, a male (ROBG); May 18th, Moelienydd, a pair (AJS), and with two young on Aug 24th (MR); July 24th, Rhewey mawn pools, family of five (MLB-T).

318. WIDNCHAT. H. May 15th, Hereford, a male (AJS); Sept. 5th, Holme Lacy, three, and one on 13th (JLF); 13th, Castleton, two (AM); Oct. 9th, Hereford Wye, one (AJS). R. April 27th, Painscastle, a male, taken by a merlin (AJS); May 3rd, Beacon Hill, three (MR); 18th, Moelienydd, six (AJS); June 8th, Blue Lins, 2/3 singing (Club Outing); Aug. 16th, Llan­ drindod, family of six (ROBG).

320. REDSTART. Redstarts are much reduced, the reasons being uncertain. Records are as follows:- H. April 27th, Olchon valley, seven singing (JLF); 24th, Michaelchurch Escley, noted (JMB); 23rd, Ivington, heard (MLB-T); 25th, Easthampton, noted (TRA); 26th, Brilley, one (WL-S); 29th, Kingsland, one (SHR); June, Lyepole, two pairs (TRHO); July 3rd, Bradnor, family party (JMB); 5th, Merbach hill, one (BEM); 17th, Michaelchurch Arrow, one (EB); Aug. 4th, Madley, one released from fruit-cage (TRHO); 10th, Bush Bank, one (WHDW); 16th, Hampton Bishop, one, and 25th, Holme Lacy, two (JLF). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 240

R. April 26th, Lloyney and Beguildy, one each, and May 3rd, Dutlas, two (MR); June 1st, Llandrindod, one, but "very scarce" (ROBG); July 6th, Beacon Hill, one with nest (WMG); Aug. 2nd, Bryngwyn, a female (WMG). At New Radnor MR records good breeding season, and "not scarce".

321. BLACK REDSTART. R. Oct. 28th, Elan Valley, a male (lBE).

322. NIGHTINGALE. H. May 24th, one singing at Checkley (JVF).

325. ROBIN.

"27. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. H. April 22nd, Fownhope, noted (KAM); 25th, Easthampton, noted (TRA); Bosbury, heard (GCC); May 5th, Welsh Newton, heard and seen (FMP and EHP); 15th, Haugh Wood, one (Club Outing); June 23rd, West­ hope, six singing (WHDW); July 19th, Eywood, one seen and heard (JLF).

333. REED WARBLER. H. May 4th, Shobdon, arrived, and numbers up (TRA); Moccas, one pair bred (AM).

337. SEDGE WARBLER. H. April 25th, Shobdon, noted (TRA); May 10th, Holme Lacy, one by Wye (JLF); 15th, Hereford, one in song (AJS); Moccas, one pair bred (AM).

343. BLACKCAP. H. Late but fairly plentiful in 1975. Jan. 1st, Hereford, two males feeding on cottoneaster (IBE); a female on Jan. 18th and a male Dec. 7th (lBE); April 23rd, Fownhope, noted (KAM); 25th, Moreton, singing (AJS); 30th, lvington, singing (MLB-T); May 10th, Lyepole, three (MR); 18th, Welsh Newton, noted (FMP). R. May 30th, Cefnllys, one; two at Bryn Sadwrn, June 1st, and three at Cefnllys, Aug. 16th (ROBG).

346. GARDEN WARBLER. H. April 21st, Brilley, one (WL-S); May 31st, Bodenham, singing (AJS); June 7th, Welsh Newton, noted, and seen July 6th (EHP and FMP). R. May 18th, Pilleth, singing (AJS); 30th, Cefnllys, one, and Bryn Sadwrn, one (ROBG); June 4th, Llandrindod, two in song (AJS); 8th, Blue Lins, two in song (Club Outing). 241 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

347. WIllTETHROAT. H. JLF, GCC and TRHO all note a per­ ceptible increase. April, at least three pairs near Swinmoor (TRHO), and one at Lyepole. April 28th, Easthampton, noted (TRA); May 6th, Bartestree, two in song; Brilley, one on 7th; 12th, Bullingham, one (AJS); Eywood, a pair on 14th (JLF); 14th, Michaelchurch (Arrow), one (JLF); 16th, Kentchurch, two in song; 18th, Stretton Sugwas, in song (AJS); June 1st, Here­ ford, four (BEM). R. June 1st, Neuadd Fach, two (ROBG).

348. LESSER WHITETHROAT. H. April 25th, Hampton Bishop, one (JLF); 27th, Kington, noted (JMB); 28th, Fownhope, noted (KAM); May 1st, Lower Bullingham, in song, and widely noted in song throughout county; in fact more records than of White­ throat (AJS); May 7th, Brilley, one. "Well distributed" (JLF); June 9th, Ivington, in song (MLB-T). R. Two at Crowther's pool, May 14th.

354. WILLOW WARBLER. H. Late, but up to strength. April 16th, Hereford Wye, heard (AJS); 18th, Peterchurch, noted (JMB); 18th, Ivington, first heard (MLB-T), and on Aug. 3rd one perched on observer's knee. R. April 19th, Llandrindod, one (ROBG), and on 20th, Llanelwedd, six. Last record Sept. 28th, Llandrindod, one at table (ROBG).

356. CHIFFCHAFF. H. Numbers average though arrival late. Feb. 20th, Hereford, in song (AJS); first arrival March 26th, Kington (1MB); then April 8th, Holme Lacy (JLF); 12th, Lulham (TRHO). Last records Sept. 20th, Ivington (MLB-T) and Shob­ don (TRA); Madley, singing on Oct. 14th (TRHO). R. First heard Ithon-Wye, March 30th (ROBG).

357. WOOD WARBLER. H. April 23rd, Mansel Lacy, several «JLF); 24th, Lyepole, one singing, three on May 7th, and four on June 27th (TRHO); April 27th, Whitney, singing (AJS); May 3rd, Deerfold, numerous (Club Outing). R. May 3rd, Dutlas, one (MR); 11th, Newbridge, noted (Club Outing); 18th, Pilleth, in song (AJS); 31st, Glan Llyn, two; Cefnllys, one; June 1st, Howey, four, and Llandrindod, one (ROBG).

364. GOLDCRFST. Abundant in first half of year. Strangely un­ noticed in later months. H. Jan. 23rd, Hereford, singing (AJS); Feb. 9th, Lulham Wye, singing (TRHO); Feb. 21st, Moreton (AJS); April 26th, Brilley, pair nesting (WL-S); June, Broomy Hill, nested, and two HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 242

adults and four young feeding (WMG); June 12th, Hampton Park, two (BEM); lvington, nested successfully (MLB-T). Shob­ don, seen from June to Dec. (SHR). R. Feb. 22nd, Cwmbach, eight; March 30th, Ithon-Wye, four; May 30th, Cefnllys, three, and Pencerrig, two; Dec. 6th, Llandrindod, two and again six, and Caban Coch, four (ROBG).

366. SPOTIED FLYCATCHER. H. A diminishing species. First noted May 30th, Staunton (JMB); Aug. 26th, four in garden at Ivington (MLB-T); Aug., Moreton, two in garden, and fed largely on butterflies taken from buddleias. TitIey, none, usually two pairs (RLV). Kingsland, nested (SHR). R. May 30th, Cefnillys, one; Howey, one;Pencerrig, one (ROBG); July 13th, Llandrindod, one and Cefnllys, two (ROBG).

368. PIED FLYCATCHER. See notes on ringing and nest-boxes. H. April 23rd, Mansel Lacy, a male; and one at Welson (JLF); May 26th, Bush Bank, a pair with 8 eggs in nest-box; all flew (WHD); June, Teme Valley, numbers up and a good breeding season (MR); Aymestrey, two pairs nested and, despite one first nest being robbed, flledged 13 young (SHR). R. May 18th, Llwynpentre, one in song (AJS); 30th, Cefn­ llys, one, with nest; 31st, Glan Llyn, male feeding young (ROBG); June 1st, Howey, female feeding young; Pencerrig, a male (ROBG); Gladestry, nested successfully, young flying July 28th (RDG).

371. DUNNOCK. Moreton: a good breeding season (AJS).

373. MEADOW PIPIT. H. March 28th, Bosbury, 40 (GCC); April 6th, Moreton, frequent passage birds, and return passage Sept. 26th (AJS). Sept. 13th, Monkland, noted (JHW). R. May 15th, Moelienydd, numerous and feeding young (AJS); July 24th, New Radnor, plentiful (MLB-T); Aug. 16th, Llandrindod, 28 (ROBG).

376. TREE PIPIT. H. April 26th, Llancillo, singing; May 6th, Collington; 7th, Lyepole (TRHO); 14th, Eywood, a pair (JLF); 15th, Haugh Wood, one (Club Outing). R. May 18th, Llwynpentre, in song; also at Llanbister and Pilleth (AJS); June 8th, Blue Lins, two in song (Club Outing). 243 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

380. PIED WAGTAIL. The species is fairly flourishing. H. April 6th, Llancloudy, II when cultivation began (HD); Marlbrook, c. 100 roosting in conifers on milk-factory site (TRA); Brilley, a successful second brood, 3 feet from the first nest (TRA); Aug. 21st, Hereford Wye, c. 40 (AJS); Oct. 13th, Castleton, numerous (AM). R. Feb. 13th, Newbridge, c. 14 (AJS).

WlUTE WAGTAIL. R. April 16th, Painscastle, two (JLF).

381. GREY WAGTAIL. Doing quite well, and reported from all suitable running streams in both counties, and occasionally away from water. H. Sept.-Dec., Hereford Wye, more wintering birds than usual (AJS); June-July, Teme Valley, increasing, with success on smaller brooks not used for years (MR); Easthampton, pres­ ent all the year in farmyard (TRA). R. Llandrindod, one on farm muck-heap (ROBG).

382. YELLOW WAGTAIL. Not a flourishing species-owing to loss of rough pastures? H. April 13th, Holme Lacy, one on winter wheat (JLF); 15th, Shobdon airfield, noted (TRA); 16th, Hereford Wye, noted, and later at Wormbridge and Fownhope (AJS); 20th, Bredwardine, noted (JMB); 27th, Whitney, noted (AJS); May 3rd, Trippleton, five on the Teme (JLF); 24th, Bridge Sollers and Madley airfield, noted (TRHO); Sept. 18th, Hereford Wye, still present after an average breeding season (AJS); 26th, Llanrothal, noted (MPW).

383. WAXWING. H. Nov. 9th, Hereford, one in College road (MCA).

384. GREAT GREY SHRIKE. H. Jan. 20th, Leintwardine, feath­ ers of a dead bird (killed by predator?) found (MB); Nov. 12th, Hampton Bishop, one on old hedge (JLF); Dec. 24th, Ledbury, one clearly seen from train (ARM).

389. STARLING. R. July 30th, Aber Glan Hirin, c. 3,000 (ROBG).

391. HAWFINCH. H. March 27th, Lucton, a dead male picked up in poultry run (per TRA); Nov. 6th, Fownhope, one (KAM); 15th, Fownhope, feeding on winged seed of maple (KAM). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 244

392. GREENFINCH. H. July 29th, Ivington, eating euphorbia seed voraciously (MLB-T); Nov., Hundred Turn, c. 60 (MLB-T); Nov. 27th, Moreton, watched in song-poor quality spring note (AJS). Kingsland, a regular (SHR). Madley, seldom seen (TRHO).

393. GOLDFINCH. H. Jan. 3rd, Eardisland, seven (JMB); 20th, Hereford, one singing well (AJS); May 1st, Brilley, a pair (WL-S); Madley, not infrequent (TRHO); Sept. 12th, Hereford Wye, one pursued by a pied wagtail (BMK); 13th, Castleton, c. 100 on thistles (AM); Cusop, a flock nearing 200 (HD); Kings­ land, a regular visitor (SHR). R. July 13th, Llanyre, two with four young; Dec. 6th, Rad­ nor Forest, 18 (ROBG).

394. SISKIN. H. Jan. 6th, Wapley, predominant among c. 100 finches (JMB); 8th, Eywood, noted (RHB); 13th, Madley, six on alders (TRHO); Feb. 10th, Holme Lacy, six (JLF); March, Aymestrey, c.20 (MR); Oct. 24th, Hampton Bishop, eight; Dec. 3rd, c. 50; and Dec. 29th, c. 90 (JLF); Oct. 28th, Nupend, four (JLF); Nov. 3rd, Malvern Hills, c. 40 (JLF); Dec. 27th, Shobdon, 12 and 18 (SHR). R. June 20th, Llangunllo, nest with four young-nest empty by 27th (EG); Oct. 26th, Marteg, six (ROBG).

395. LINNET. H. Feb. 12th, Holme Lacy, 34 feeding on mugwort (JLF); May, Madley, fair number of pairs, and small autumn flocks favouring currant field (TRHO); Oct. 13th, Hereford, at least 70 (AJS); 19th, Moreton, small parties making south (AJS). Teme Valley, good numbers (MR); Kingsland, regular visitor (SHR). R. May 3rd, Beacon Hill, five (MR); Oct. 25th, Penybont, 50+ (ROBG); Dec. 10th, Beguildy, c. 60 on turnips (MR).

397. RED POLL. H. Jan. 18th, Aconbury, c. 30 (lBE); Jan.-March, frequent in Teme Valley (MR); Feb. 12th, Hampton Bishop, 18 on alders (JLF); 22nd, Bosbury, c. 20 (GCC); Oct. 19th, Moreton, three, and c. 20 going south (AJS); 21st, Hereford eight (AJS); Dec. 27th, ShaMon, c. 60 (SHR). R. Jan. 26th, Lloyrey, two (MR); May 18th, Moelienydd, three separates (AJS); June 8th, Blue Lins, noted (Club Outing); 28th, Beacon Hill, two nests with young (MR); Oct. 9th, New­ bridge, two on birch (JLF). 245 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

401. BULLFINCH. H. and R. "Choosey" over its habitat, but well spread over the whole area.

404. CROSSBILL. H. March 23rd, Dorstone, a female on larch (AAS); Oct. 11 th, Mary Knoll, three (EHDW).

407. CHAFFlNCH. H. Feb. 22nd, Madley, first song (TRHO); Oct. 2nd, Hereford, autumn song noted (AJS).

408. BRAMBLING. H. Feb. 2nd, Staunton (Arrow), two (JMB); 20th, Kinnerton, three on stubble (JLF); March 26th, Hereford, c. 50 up to this date, and Nov. 3rd, a few still present (IBE); Nov. 19th, Madley, c. 12 (TRHO).

409. YELLOWHAMMER. H. Jan. 30th, Lulham Wye, c. 100; Feb. 23rd, first song; Dec. 3rd, c. 80 (TRHO); Brilley, summer, three pairs (WL-S). R. Feb. 20th, Stonewall Hill, c. 24 (JLF).

410. CORN BUNTING. H. May 9th, Huntington, one in song, and one on Wye Fields, May 15th (AJS); May 11 th, Turnstone, one (IBE); 18th, Lower Burlton, one in song (AJS); June 29th, Foy, in song, and also near Ross (KAM); July 2nd, Moreton, in song (AJS); Dec. 28th,H untington, one seen (IBE).

421. REED BUNTING. H. Feb. 26th, Lulham Wye, a male (TRHO), and later a pair resident (TRHO); May 31st, Boden­ ham, breeding (AJS); Shobdon, much in evidence in spring (TRA); Oct. 25th, Sutton, 12 at roost, and 20 by Dec. 21st (AJS). R. Jan. 25th, Penybont, two; and Crossgates, two (ROBG); April 22nd, Beguildy, two, and Dutlas, one (MR); May 18th, Moelienydd, breeding (AJS); June 8th, Blue Lins, in song (Club Outing); July 13th, Llandrindod, one, and Cefnllys, one (ROBG).

424. HOUSE SPARROW.

425. TREE SPARROW. H. Jan.-March, Madley, flock of c.30 (TRHO), and again in autumn; Jan.-March, Ivington, 10 (MLB-T); May 6th, Hereford, a pair (IBE); Aug. 9th, Kings­ land, four (SHR); Oct. 17th, Hereford, c. 20 (AJS). Moreton, present all year and bred (AJS); Dec. 20th, Easthampton, roost­ ing in nest-holes (TRA). R. March 29th, Nantmel, two, and Crossgates, three (ROBG); Oct. 25th, Penybont, 20 (ROBG). HEREFORDSHIRE ORNlTfIOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975 246

ASSOCIATIONS TO WHICH THE CLUB IS AFFILIATED

Council for Nature. British Trust for Ornithology. British Naturalists' Association. Herefordshire and Radnorshire Nature Trust. Herefordshire Community Council. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. West Midland Bird Club. Woolhope Naturalists' Field Oub.

NAMES OF NON-MEMBER CONTRIBUTORS

A. Barmby; Mr. and Mrs. G. H. C. Byford; J. Greenwood; F. R. C. Harmon; Mrs. Hill; Mrs. Keeling; T. Pugh; H. Snell; J. H. Ward.

REPORT EXCHANGES

Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory. Brecknock County Naturalists' Trust. Bristol Naturalists' Society. Derbyshire Ornithological Club. Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society. Gower Ornithological Society. Hertfordshire Natural History and Field Club, Ornithological Section. Isle of Wight Ornithological Society. London Natural History Society. North Gloucestershire Naturalists' Society. Shetland Bird Report. Shropshire Ornithological Society. Trent Valley Bird-Watchers' Society. West Wales Naturalists' Trust. 247 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1975

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Year ended 30th November, 1975

1974 1975 £ p £ p £ p Income:- 4.75 Sale of Oub Publications 4.00 18.02 Donations: R.S.P.B. 42.48 8.39 Sundry 20.19 62.47 53.02 Building Society Interest 61.07 354.59 Subscriptions 367.03 £438.77 £494.77

Deduct: Expenditure:­ 60.04 Printing and Stationery 61.25 198.96 Annual Report 177.66 92.86 Postage and Telephones 140.40 103.16 Meeting Expenses 67.44 15.88 Affiliation Subscriptions 16.88 Donation to R.S.P.B. 50.00 18.00 Depreciation of Projector £488.90 513.63 50.13 Deficit for the year 18.86 871.13 Surplus at 1st December, 1974 821.00 £821.00 Accumulated Funds at 30th November, 1975 ... £802.14 Accumulated Funds at 30th November, 1975 represented by:- 782.89 Deposit with Abbey National Building Society 793.96 38.11 Cash at Bank less 1976 subscriptions received in advance 8.18 £821.00 £802.14

B. C. ALLAN, Hon. Treasurer.

I have audited the above Accounts and in my opinion they show a true and fair view of the Deficit for the year ended 30th November, 1975, and of the Club's assets at 30th November, 1975. T. DAVIES, Chartered Accountant.

16th December, 1975.