ANNUAL REPORT - HerefordshireBirds · 2019. 2. 5. · Nuthatch 98 (5 FG Blackbird 98 ( 87 FG House Martin 66 (all FG) Redstart 66 (2 FG Brambling 66 (all FG) Greenfinch 64 (all FG)

Herefordshire OrnithologicalClub

ANNUAL REPORT1981

Together with C/a..lfled No,"for Herefordshire and Radnorahlre

No 1 Vol. 4 £1

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUBNo. I Vol. 4

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 1981

President:-

J.L. FOX

Vice- Presidents:

P.W. HINDE, M.B.O.V., Dr. C.W. WALKER, M.C.,A.G. FYSHE.

Chairman:-

T.R. AMMONDS

Hon. Secretary:-

Mrs. J.M. BROMLEYThe Garth, Kington. Tel: Kington 230502

Hon. Treasurer:-

LT. STONEChantries, Grosmont, Abergavenny

Hon. Recorder:-

A.J. SMITHYew Tree Cottage, Holme Marsh, Lyonshall, Kington.

Tel: Lyonshall 318

Hon. Field Secretary:-

P. GARDNER

Hon. Editor:-T.R.H. OWEN, c.B.E.

Hon. Sub-Editor:-

A. MARCHANT

Committee:-P.G. BRADLEYMrs. F. BURGEMrs. R. FRANCISA. MARCHANTF.W. MARSTON

Co-opted:-

I.B.EVANS

K.A. MASONM.F. PEERSLW. PREECEDr. S.J. TYLER

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB RULES

I. NAME. The Club shall be called the Herefordshire Ornithological Club.

2. OBJECTS. The objects of the Club shall be (a) to further the study of birds in thefield, and (b) to assist in their preservation.

3. MEMBERSHIP. The Club shall consist of a President, a Chairman, a Secretary,a Field Secretary, a Treasurer, an Editor, a Recorder, and Ten CommitteeMembers and Ordinary Mem bers. The President and the Chairman to retire afterserving a term ofthree years. The Secretaries, the Treasurer, the Recorder and theEditor shall be elected annually. The three senior ofthe ten Ordinary Members ofthe Committee shall retire annually and they shall not be eligible for re-election fora period of 12 months. The Officers and Ordinary Members of the Committeeshall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and the Officers shall be eligiblefor re-election. Nominations for the Committee must be received in writing bythe Hon. Secretary by February 14th.

4. CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP. Members shall be required to supportand keep the provisions of the Protection of Birds Act 1954. Any members failingto support and keep this law shall be required to resign. Members may not divulgeto unauthorised persons (e.g. known collectors of skins and/ or eggs)information in a manner likely to be detrimental to the objects of the Club.

5. SUBSCRIPTIONS. (a) Junior members, over 12 but under 18 years of age, £1Ordinary members, 18 years and over, £3. A married couple, £4. Any additionalmembers of a household £1.

Subscriptions are payable on January 1st or on election to membership.

Corporate Members: Kindred bodies, Schools, etc. Subscription £2 per annum.

Honorary Members: As approved by the majority present at the Annual GeneralMeeting.

(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 anyyear, there will be no further liability to subscribe in the year immediately follow-ing that of his or her election. Any member whose subscription is six months inarrears shall cease to receive the Club's publications and, should the subscriptionnot be paid by Decem ber 31 st, his or her name shall be deleted from the list ofMembers.

6. MANAGEMENT. The Secretary shall keep Minutes of the Meetings and preparesuch 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 theOfficers.

8. REPORT. There shall be an Editorial Committee of at least three Membersincluding the Secretary, appointed at an ordinary Committee Meeting. Theseshall prepare and present an Annual Report and such special reports as may bedecided upon.

9. ALTERATION OF RULES. An alteration of the Rules may be made only ifproposed at one meeting, printed on the agenda for the following meeting, andpassed by a two-thirds majority of those present.

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1981 3

EDITORIAL

The antics of our climate have dealt two disastrous blows to thebird world. First came heavy falls of snow in late April whichdestroyed nearly all the early broods and then in December came aspell (lasting into the New Year) of the most virulent blizzards andsnowfall within living memory.

Not only was the sheer cold a killer but it brought about conditionsdamaging to survival. Many birds sought refuge in straw stacks, onlyto be taken by rats. Vegetation was destroyed, and even some hedgesand other 'cover', reducing the nesting prospects for the comingspring.

The small species suffered most, as usual - Wrens, Long-tailedTits, Goldcrests, Treecreepers, but all were involved. Indeed thewonder is less that millions died than that anything survived.

Any assistance we can give to the bird world will be of value.

1981 saw the Wildlife and Countryside Bill debated in Parliamentand after many amendments to eventually get its third reading andbecome law. The new Act encompasses all aspects ofour wildlife andthe countryside and with regard to wild birds replaces the Protectionof Birds Acts 1954 to 1967.

The year produced several interesting records, including a numberof 'firsts' for the County. The Cattle Egret oflast December remainedwith us until late February and in April two Mediterranean Gullswere seen near Carey. A Marsh Harrier was seen on autumn passageat Castleton in August and a Turnstone at the same locality, also inAugust, was only the third record for the County. During the heavysnow of December a sighting of two 'probable' Serins at Elton is ofinterest in view of the fact that this species is very scarce in Britain.

The resident birds and the summer migrants have generally beenpresent in good numbers, although, as will be seen from theClassified List, there are some exceptions. On the whole most specieshave had a successful breeding season.

The winter of 1981/82 saw the beginning ofthe BTO/IWC WinterAtlas Project the object of which is to produce for each species a mapof its distribution in Britain and Ireland during the winter. Thisproject continues for the next two winters, 1982/83 and 1983/84.

CLUB ACTIVITIES. Club outings were held during the year atCastleton,Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust, Fownhope, Gower Coast,Croft Castle area, Haugh Wood (twice), Mortimer Forest, EywoodPool (Dawn chorus), Shucknall Hill, Brockhampton, Shobdon,Trelleck, Elan Valley, Bradnor, Cwm Oergwm Valley, Moelienydd,

4 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1981

BryngwynjIreland area, Chew Valley Reservoir, Ynys-hir RSPBreserve, Llan Bwch-Llyn and the Severn Estuary. A planned walkaround Llanbedr in April had to be cancelled due to deep snow.

Indoor meetings held in the Percival Hall, Hereford included a'Members' night', and films and talks by A.J. Smith, 'Birdwatching inthe Heart of Asia'; Stuart Housden of RSPB Conservation Planning,'British Birds - What does the Year 2000 offer?'; Roger LovegroveRSPB, 'A Miscellany of Birds'; Or. G .Fisher, 'Some GloucestershireBirds'; Or. J.Raines, 'Birds of Sri Lanka'; Or. Smart, 'Waterfowl ofthe Severn Estuary'. Our thanks go to them all for the excellence oftheir entertainments which members greatly appreciated.

The Club also liaised with the RSPB in the showing of three newRSPB films at the Town Hall, Hereford.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. The Club is once again indebted toMr. and Mrs. P.Gardner for the preparation and duplicating of theClub Bulletins and to Mr. T.Davies for auditing the accounts.Thanks must also be given to all those who led Field Meetings, and tothose who in other ways gave of their time for the benefit of the Club.Finally, thanks must go to the members of the Editorial Sub-Committee, Mr. P.W.Hinde, Or. C.W.Walker, Mr. A.J.Smith andthe Secretary, for their assistance and counsel, and to all contributorswhose notes go to the making of this Report.

T.R.H.Owen


HEREFORDSHIRE & RADNORSHIRE NATURE TRUSTNEST BOX SCHEME

4

Fledged897

12471034

5866303832

6

This year I received 30 returns from sites covered by theOrnithological Club and the results are as follows:-

1981 1980Nests Fledged Nests

Pied Flycatcher. . . . . . . 225 789 187Blue Tit............. 172 984 161Great Tit 170 732 154Marsh Tit 6 50 7Coal Tit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 44 8Redstart. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 32 8Nuthatch............ 14 76 7Wren................ 5 10 7Spotted Flycatcher. . . . 2 8Tawny Owl. . . . . . . . . . 2 ITree Sparrow 2 3Robin............... 5The very late snow of 25th/26th April interfered with nesting.

Great Tits and Blue Tits had already started to lay and somedesertions took place, clutch sizes were reduced to 2, 3 & 4.

On selected sites first eggs laid were as follows:-1981 1980

Great Tit 19th April 16th AprilBlue Tit 16th April 18th AprilPied Flycatcher 10th May 5th May

Average clutch sizes were slightly down in Herefordshire boxes:-

1981 1980

Blue Tit 8.7 10.2Great Tit 8.3 8.4Pied Flycatcher 6.5 6.7

Other interesting information

Mary Knoll - A Pied Flycatcher's nest was taken over by Blue Titsand a mixed brood of two Pied Flycatchers and six Blue Tits wassuccessfully fledged. Also Redstart for the first time. Unfortunatelythere were no owls this year.

Nupend - One box of Blue Tits laid fourteen eggs with practically nonest, eventually five young flew leaving four eggs on top of the nestand other eggs underneath. The parent bird built the nest afterlaying. C.W.Sheldrake.

64 Pulli)

93 Pulli)II Pulli)


RINGING REPORT FOR 1981

Complete details of ringing activities in Herefordshire have beensupplied by M.B., O.G.B., C.A.l., C.O.N.l., A.M., P.l.P. andS.l.T., and Peter Gardner and Martin Noble have provided accountsof their own Nest Box Sites at Mary Knoll and Wigmorerespectively, where the hole nesting species have been included in themore general details supplied by the ringers mentioned above.Ringing details of certain Nest Box Sites included last year are notavailable for analysis this year, but those at Aymestrey, Bockleton,Bromyard (2), Gatley, Ladygrove, Mary Knoll, Moccas, Mowley,Presteigne, Shobdon, Wapley and Wigmore have been submitted bythe ringers or site organisers.

A total of 4261 birds of 52 species have been ringed. Of these, 1693were FG and 2568 Pulli.

The top 14 species were:

Blue Tit 863 (451 FG 412 Pulli)Pied Flycatcher " 742 (116 FG 626 Pulli)Fieldfare , .459 (all FG)Great Tit .428 (148 FG 280 Pulli)Chaffinch 382 (all FG)Sand Martin 323 (all FG)Siskin 124 (all FG)Nuthatch 98 (5 FGBlackbird 98 ( 87 FGHouse Martin 66 (all FG)Redstart 66 (2 FGBrambling 66 (all FG)Greenfinch 64 (all FG)Spotted Flycatcher 50 (4 FG 46 Pulli)

The reduction in the number of Blue Tit and Great Tit ringed (froma total of 3875 to one of 1291) was because of a positive decision,made at productive Presteigne sites, not to ring pulli in 1981, and thedrop from 1219 to 459 in Fieldfare was due to the smaller apple cropbeing covered and subsequently spoilt by snow, but a compensatoryspillage of corn produced a 'crop' of Finches. Kestrel, Sparrowhawk,Goshawk and Buzzard constituted the list of Birds of Prey, andLapwing, Little Ringed Plover and Golden Plover the Waders.

The following are selected from 95 'Identified' previously ringedbirds of all species which themselves are only part of a largercollection, including local retraps (11 species). Ringing details aregiven on the first lines and recovery data on the second.


M - Male F - Female Pull - Nestling FG - Fully grown3 - Hatched year of ringing Ad - Adult X - Found dead

The figures in brackets after the species denotes the number ofrecoveries of that species from which the sample was drawn.

COMMON SANDPIPER (1)8129141 3 02.08.81

X 11.10.81

Rindal, Norway. 63°02'N,09°0TEEaton Bishop, Heref.1409 Km. 210°

SAND MARTIN (7)B 079090 FG. M.

B 079160 3

A 700340 FG. M.X

2386106 3M

A 500787 3F

A 226669 3F

A 931532 3F

FIELDFARE (1)Xl 38555 3M

X

BLUE TIT (5)A 615094 Pull

24.06.81 Aymestrey, Heref. (CA.l.)19.07.81 Sturminster Marshall, Dorset.

177 Km. 163°

30.06.81 Aymestrey (CA.l.)13.07.81 Telford, Salop.

42 Km. 29°

07.08.80 Aymestrey (CA.l.)15.04.81 LaIlemand, Algeria. 31°43'N,

06°03'E2398 Km. 162°

29.08.78 Charente, Maritime France.45°5I'N,01004'W

30.06.81 Aymestrey (CO.N.l.)

06.09.79 LIangorse Lake, Powys.24.06.81 Aymestrey (CO.N.l.)

51 Km. 37°

30.08.80 Frampton-on-Severn, Glos.24.06.81 Aymestrey (CA.l.)

66Km.333°

01.09.80 Frampton-on-Severn, Glos.05.07.81 Aymestrey (CA.l.)

22. I 1.80 Shobdon, Heref. (CA.l.)19.06.81 Kopparberg, Sweden. 60032'N,

15°04'E

29.05.80 Knowles Hill, Bewdley, Worcs.28.02.81 Bodenham, Heref. (CO.N.l.)

36 Km. 219°


CHAFFINCH (1)A 485476 FG. M

BRAMBLING (1)A 485032 FG. M.

SISKIN (1)KJ 06170 FG. F.

12.01.80 Shobdon (CA.J.)19.10.80 Liege, Belgium. 500 27'N,

05° 18'E601 Km. 300°

20.01.80 Shobdon (CA.J.)25.10.80 Market Drayton, Salop.

74 Km. 22°

28.03.76 Exeter, Devon.29.12.80 Shobdon (CA.J.)

174 Km. 20°

PIED FLYCATCHER (72)

187 Adult birds (I 12F 75M) were handled in Herefordshire in 198 I.71 of these (42F 29M) had already been ringed, 69 in Herefordshireand the other 2 in Talgarth and Forest of Dean. In addition to allthese, one bird went to CIun.

Of the 69 ringed in Herefordshire, 40 had been so as Pulli, 14 beingfemales that had returned to their birth site, and 13 females that hadmoved sites. Of the males, 5 had returned to their birth sites and 8 hadmoved.

Of 1980's Herefordshire ringed Pulli (718) 22 (I3F 9M) had beenfound in 198 I (3.0%), though this figure might well have proved to belarger if records from all sites had been collectable. The sex ratio ofthis 22 is 1.44: I in favour of females, which is due to the ratio of alladult birds handled, 1.56: I, the bias shown due to the greater ease ofcatching females, even with improved trapping methods at the nestbox.

KP 84674 Pull 16.06.80 LIanelieu, Talgarth, Powys.M 16.06.81 Bockleton, Tenbury Wells

(D.G.B.)49 Km. 56°

JR 04016 FG. M. 04.06.77 Moccas, Heref. (D.G.B.)03.06.81 Moccas (A.M.)

(The oldest bird recovered this year)

A 485187 Pull 12.06.80 Wigmore, Heref. (CA..J.)F 13.06.81 Clun, Salop.

14 Km. 321°

A 843672 Pull 13.06..80 Nagshead, Forest of Dean17.06.81 Skenfrith, S. Heref. (M.B.)


Key to Initials

M. Baddeley, D.G. Boddington, CA. Johnson,CD.N. Johnson, AMarchant, P.J. Potts, S.J. Tyler.

D.G. Boddington

THE REED WARBLER AT SHOBDONThe Reed Warbler has for many years been one species foundbreeding in the County, only at Shobdon (see Herefordshire Birds1954 and 1975 - Dr.CW.Walker M.C and AJ.Smith).

It occurs occasionally on passage elsewhere, Aymestrey and Moccasetc. The presence of Phragmites (Norfolk reed) appears to be abreeding requirement. At Shobdon where there is a collection ofpools (see 1976 Annual Report Notes on Great Crested Grebe) thereare several scattered areas of dense reed growing to a height of 10ft.,they provide during the winter roosting sites for such species asWagtail and Bunting.

As Shobdon is the only area in the County where this reed is found itis suggested that at some time it was introduced, probably by theBateman family of Shobdon Court. During the 18th. and 19th.centuries they were great landscape gardeners, planting trees, shrubsand flowers around the estate.

The Reed Warblers probably followed the establishment of the reedbeds, they were certainly present during the last century.

The Williams collection of eggs (1886 to 1918) listed 28 clutches ofReed Warbler all taken at Shobdon (average less than one clutch ayear). the gamekeepers probably kept the egg collectors away. Onlyone nest contained a Cuckoo egg. In subsequent years I have neverfound a young Cuckoo being reared by a Reed Warbler. This isfortunate as Cuckoo parasitism can become a menace to a colony.

At the turn of the century Or. William's son estimated there were 40to 60 pairs present. During the last 50 years numbers have beenremarkably constant, round about 30 singing males, probably pairs?Unlike the Sedge Warbler which has declined almost to extinction inthe County.

One of the reasons for the success of the Reed Warbler is that theirbreeding season is longer than that of the Sedge Warbler - if earlyclutches fail they persist and can be found feeding young in August.Of all the summer migrants their arrival is probably the mostinvariable, occuring durin~ the last days of April, weather fair orfoul.The nest is a work of art being constructed a foot or so above thewater, entwined around the reed stems (see illustration). The cup is


quite deep, so that eggs and small young do not fall out should therebe a gale and consequent swaying. They are usually incubating at thebeginning of June.

What of the future? We may be optimistic, the human activity doesnot seem to affect them and pollution does not threaten the reedbeds. One possible hazard comes from disturbance by roostingStarlings when flocks begin to gather in June.

The heavy fall of drifting snow during the winter has resulted in thevirtual collapse of all dead reed stems and on the birds arrival younggrowth will only be just emerging. It will be interesting to note whattheir reaction will be - will they resort to other habitat temporarily,wait for the new growth, or maybe will some leave for this comingseason - time will tell?

It underlines the urgency for the Nature Trust to establish a reed bedon one of their reserves if the future of the Reed Warbler in theCounty is to be assured.

T.R.Ammonds.


Reed Warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) al nestPhoto: Frank Blackburn


REPORT ON THE STATUS OF BIRDS IN HAUGH WOODAUTUMN 1959 - AUTUMN 1981

The Club has for over 20 years held bi-annual field meetings inHaugh Wood for the purpose of establishing which species arepresent and in what numbers. By comparing the results of the countwith the previous and preceding years trends or changes can be seenand possible explanations for such variations put forward.

The count on any occasion can be influenced by the weatherconditions prevailing and this must be borne in mind when therecords are studied.

During the counts all identified species seen or heard, both in andimmediately adjacent to the wood are included and in addition anyspecies using the air space above. The latter observations providesome records of birds not normally termed as being 'woodland'.

Haugh Wood is a mixed woodland with a large variety of trees andshrubs and is currently administered by the Forestry Commision. Itis open to the public at all times which undoubtedly has someinfluence on the numbers of certain species present.

The letters'S' and 'A' prefixed to year dates refer to spring andautumn counts respectively. The period of this report extends fromA1959 to the most recent count in A 1981, and 83 species have beenrecording from the 45 counts made.

The average spring count is 39 species and the average autumncount is 33 species. Ignoring the lowest count in S1976 (31) and thehighest count in S 1967 (49) the spring count has remained fairlyconstant, varying no more than ± 5 from the average. The autumncounts on the other hand show much greater fluctuations.

SPECIFIC COUNTS OF NOTE

The highest total of any special recorded was 500+ Starlings inA 1959, other numbers of particular interest being:-

340 Redpoll S 1969305 Redpoll S 1971211 Willow Warbler SI960350 Woodpigeon A1973290 Common Gull A1959

A SELECTED SYNOPSIS FROM THE RECORDS

Sparrowhawk Single bird on 8 spring counts. five up to S 1969.then three in the last four years. One autumn recordonly. a single bird in A1959.


Pheasant

Woodcock

Stock Dove

Woodpigeon

Little Owl

Tawny Owl

Green Woodpecker

Carrion Crow

Jay

Great Tit

Blue Tit

Long-tailed Tit

Nuthatch

Counts in the twenties S 1967 - S 1971 pushspring average up to 13. Autumn numbersmuch less, average 4, maximum 7 on anyoccasion.

Singles on six occasions, five in spring.

Only 4 birds recorded in the first eleven yearsregular since although numbers small, max.7 SI971.

The most numerous species in the wood. Atotal of some 3,800 birds over the period withautumn numbers almost double those of thespring count. Two low counts of interest, 7 inSI964 and 8 in A1975.

Single bird on six occasions. Absent 1964 -73.

Regular yearly record on one or both counts,only blank year being 1969.

Regular stable population, spring average 5,autumn 3. Max. 10 in S1960.

Highest count 49 in A1965. Spring average13, autumn 17.

More frequently heard than seen which mayhave some bearing on the fluctuating counts.Spring numbers only half those for the lateseason. Highest total 31 in A 1961. Averages:spring 6, autumn 13.

Not as numerous as the Blue Tit but a stablepopulation averaging 10 for spring and ISfor the later count.

Regular with average of 28 for all counts.

Average spring count 12. Autumn countshave, as might be expected from this species'party' habit, produced an average of 38.Max. 170 in AI973.

Recorded on 50% of the counts. Max. 8S 1981. 18 birds from last four Octobercounts.


Wren Regular and quite numerous with average of32 and 19 for the respective yearly counts.Two low spring totals, 3 in 1963 and 7 in1979, also four single figure autumn countsin 1963, 68, 70 and 76. Max. 62 in 5 1967and S1968.

Mistle Thrush Present on every spring meeting. Most num-erous between 1966 and 1973, mainly singlenumbers since. Average 9, max. 2251968.Regular autumn record but numbers lower.Average 3, max. 6. AI964 and A1980.

Blackbird Numerous stable population. Spring aver-age 40, max. 80 in 1967. Autumn average 14,max. 34 in 1980. Consecutive single figurecounts in AI967 - AI97I.

Nightingale On the edge of its breeding range with suit-able habitat much decreased. 3 birds inS1961, 2 in S 1963,3 in S 1966 and I in 5 1970,S71 and S72. No further record until thisyear's meeting when another single birdnoted.

Grasshopper Warbler First noted in SI 966, then on three of thenext four spring meetings. 2 in SI 973 and Iin SI 980 are the only other records. Areasof suitable breeding habitat are much lessthan pre-1970.

Blackcap Frequent records with totals of 25 in SI 966and 24 in SI 968.

Willow Warbler Numerous in most years, single numbers inS1964 and SI 965. A dozen records over 75birds and four in excess of 100.

Goldcrest The springs of 1960, 63 and 64 provided only3 birds in total, otherwise numbers reason-able and still able to average 12. Max. 28SI977. More numerous in autumn with max.60 in 1974, average 27.

Tree Pipit Quite regular in small numbers, highest total37 in S1967.


Siskin

Redpoll

Crossbill

Chaffinch

Yellowhammer

Present on eight autumn counts out of thelast eleven with numbers seemingly on the in-crease. Little evidence before A1970. Threespring records only, S 1970, 71 and 78. High-est total 77 A 1980.

Absent in spring before 1969 when the high-est total of 340 was reported. 60 birds obser-ved the next year followed by 305 in 1971,regular in small numbers since. Presence inautumn somewhat 'cyclical', frequent 1959-1965, absent 1966 - 1970, three records in thenext eight years then regular. Max. autumncount 87 in 1975.

One spring record, a party of 27 in S1973,and three autumn records, A1963, A1965and A1970, max. 70 A1963.

Spring numbers 33% above autumn, respect-ive averages 24 and 18. The counts fromA 1966 - A 1971 inclusive yielded only singlefigures thus accounting for the lower aver-age.

Fairly regular to 1967, occasional since.

All counts are field meetings of the Club and it would therefore beimproper to make specific comments or give personal opinions onthe results, other than of a general nature.

The more recent practice of holding the spring counts in early Mayrather than April has not yet increased the total species identified.

Numbers of resident species recorded following severe winterswould not on the whole and in isolation support the generallyaccepted view that many species suffer considerable losses.

Suitable breeding habitat, minus holes, does exist in varioussections of the wood for such species as Redstart and Pied Flycatcherand it would be interesting to see if the erection of nest boxes in theseareas would bring about the return or first record of these summermigrants.

Over-wintering and/ or late migrating Blackcaps, WillowWarblers and Chiffchaffs have not yet featured in our autumn counts


but will surely do so in the near future.

May the sensible management of the wood continue to preservethe many varied habitats that will allow Club members and thegeneral public the continued enjoyment of observing and listening tothe birds for a further twenty years or more.

I.Preece.

The foregoing is a summary of a much more detailed Report byI.Preece, a copy of which is available, for reference purposes only, atthe Biological Records Centre, Hereford City Museum, BroadStreet, Hereford. Ed.

ADDENDUM

WALKING THE WYE 1971 - 1980 (No. 10 Vol. 3)by J.L. & J.V. Fox

Kestrel. Regular in ones and twos. Bred successfully in 1977.

Turtle Dove. This species appears to have declined steadily since1973. Max. 32.

In comparison with 1908 - 1933, Collared Dove is a sixth specieswhich Mr.J.A.Hutton would not have seen fifty years ago.


CLASSIFIED NOTES

The species order is that of the BTO Guide 13 "A Species List ofBritish and Irish Birds" 1971. The scientific names are those of the'British Birds' "List of Birds of the Western Paleartic" 1978. PrefixesHand R refer to Herefordshire and Radnorshire. CO denotes ClubOuting. Square brackets denote a need for confirmation. Largenumbers are generally approximations.

5. GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus.

H. Two at Flintsham on Feb. 21st (FWM/ AM) and one Cast-leton Wye on Feb. 28th (AM). A pair at Flintsham on March7th and a pair at Eywood on the same date, and two pairs atShobdon pools on April 15th but only a single young there atat the end of the month (TRA). Three pairs were noted at Bod-enham Gravel Pits of which two pairs had well grown young(CWW). On June 8th a juvenile with its back still in down wasseen on the Wye at Holme Lacy (JLF). Two were noted atBodenham Gravel Pits on July 7th (MJB). At Shobdon onDec. 6th one adult was present on Decoy Pool and a juvenileon Swan Pool (TRA).

R. Llandrindod. First bird returned to lake on March 10th.July 6th, a pair with four young; Sept. 7th, a pair with oneyoung (second brood) (MFP).

Llan Bwch-Llyn. Two pairs seen on March 22nd (AM / FWM)and nesting confirmed on July 4th (MFP). Nov. 7th, one(MFP).

Llwyn Gwyn. May 1st, a pair nesting. (MFP).

Glan Llyn, June 12th, one (MFP), and one on Sept. 13th(WaD).

9. LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis.

H. Breeding confirmed at Staunton-on-Arrow, adult with twojuveniles July 15th (JMB), Warlow Pool (THRO) and Ross-on-Wye area (EY).

R. Breeding confirmed at Llyn Hilyn, four adults and two juv-eniles on July 15th and three adults and three juveniles onSept 12th (MFP), Park Farm, near Moelienydd, four adultsand four juveniles on Sept. 12th (MFP) and at Wern-Fawr,Howey where an adult and a juvenile were seen on Oct. 1st(MFP).

Recorded from another 15 sites widely distributed throughoutthe Club area.


Maxima were: Ten in Glasbury area on Jan. Ist, four at Leint-wardine on Feb. 15th and four at Aymestrey Pools on March15th, six at Castleton on Nov. 14th, three Penmincae Wye onNov. 18th, five at Sink Green on Nov. 19th and three at Castle-ton on Nov. 29th.

At Pencerrig MFP reports that none were seen after waterlevel dropped following burst dam in May.

28. CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo.

H. The majority of records are from along the Wye during theperiods Jan. - April and July - Dec. The Carey Islands roostheld c55 birds during February with 45 birds there on act18th (KAM). Other large counts were: 14 at Castleton on Jan.4th (AJS), 13 on the Teme at Criftin Ford on Feb. 8th (FWM),15 at Castleton on Nov. 1st (AJS) and seven there on Nov.14th (AM). Up to ten birds were seen regularly at HamptonBishop during December (JLF).

R. Feb. 4th, Pencerrig Lake, one; Feb. 14th, Llandrindodthree on the Ithon; Dec. 3rd, Penmincae Wye, two; Dec. 31st,Caban Coch, one (MFP).

30. HERON Ardea cinerea.

H. and R. Records are numerous from both Counties andcover all months of the year. The heronry counts are asfollows: H. Bredwardine, 10 nests; Berrington, 61; LeachPool 7. R. Cefndyrys, 24; Penybont, 3; Rhayader,2. This is anincrease of 5 nests on the 1980 total.

35. CATTLE EGRET Bubulucus ibis.

H. First seen on Dec. 10th, 1980 at St. Weonards, it remainedthere into early 1981 and, by kind permission of the farmer,was seen by several club members. It was last seen on Feb.20th.

The date of this bird's arrival coincided with that of severalother birds of this species which were found in S.W. Englandand Wales, probably seven birds in all. The precise originof these birds is uncertain. However, severe weather on theeastern seaboard of the USA in late 1980 apparantly led to amass exodus of this species from many winter haunts and,given the westerly distribution of the British records, it seemsmore than likely that transatlantic vagrants were involved.Unfortunately the American birds, like those of Europe, are ofthe nominate race, so we shall never know for sure.


38. BITTERN Botaurus stellaris.

H. Dec. 31st, one watched for 10 minutes feeding along a smallstream about half a mile outside Kington, on the road toBrilley (Mary Bland).

45. MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos.

H. and R. A common resident, breeding in both Counties. Thelarger counts were: Jan. 9th, Llandrindod, 70; Jan. 24th, Glas-bury, 100 and cl30 there on Aug. 30th (MFP). Sept. 21st,Wern-Fawr, Howey, 40; Oct. 4th, Glasbury, clOO and 50 atHindwell on the same date (MFP). Oct. 31 st, Llyn Hilyn, c60(HTR); Nov. 1st, Castleton, 80 (AJS); Nov. 8th, Pwll Patti,100 (AM); Nov. 15th, Ballingham Wye, 63 (AM); Nov. 16th,Eywood, cl50 (JLF); Nov. 21st, Glasbury, c200 (MFP); Nov.22nd, Preston-on-Wye, 48 (AM); Nov. 29th, Llandrindod, 65and Dec. 31st, Elan Valley, c60 (MFP).

46. TEAL Anas crecca.

H. Small numbers only recorded as follows: Jan. 1st, threepairs at Aymestry Pools (FWM); Jan. 6th, Lugwardine, a pair(T.Fenton); Jan. 17th, Byton, 20 (FWM); Jan. 18th, Castle-ton, three (AJS); Feb. 15th, Leintwardine, 13 (FWM); April18th, Castleton, a pair (AM); Nov. 16th, Eywood, 22 (1LF);Dec. 31st, Upper Lugg Meadows, c70 (1LF).

-=-....._-


R. Feb. 20th, Penybont, seven; Feb. 24th, Glasbury, 34(M FP); Moelienydd, lIon April 11th and four there on June7th (FWM); July 11th, Glasbury, a male in eclipse (MFP);Aug. 18th, Moelienydd, seven (JLF); Aug. 30th, Glasbury,seven and on the same date seven at Craig-yr-allt-Goch andsix at Moelienydd (FWM); Sept. 12th, seven at Park Farm,Moelienydd and seven at Llyn Hilyn on the same date; Nov.7th Llan Bwch-Llyn, three; Nov. 16th, Pwll Patti, 16and Nov.25th, Newbridge, seven (MFP).

50. WIGEON Anas penelope.

H. Jan. 4th, Castleton, c40 (AJS); Jan. 11th, Eywood, six(RV); Jan. 18th, c80 at Castleton (AJS) and 10 at Sink Green(J LF); Jan. 19th, Leintwardine, 18 (JLF); Feb. 8th, CriftinFord, c30 (FWM). First birds returned in the winter on Oct.6th when six were seen at Easthampton (TRA). Nov. Ist, Cast-leton, 20 (AJS) and 22 there on Nov. 14th (AM); Dec. 10th, afemale at Hampton Bishop; Dec. 24th, Sink Green, seven;Dec. 31 st, Lugg Meadows, clOO (JLF).

R. Jan. 1st. Glasbury, I7 and 26 there onJan. 24th; Feb. 24th,Pwll Patti, 30 (MFP). Nov. 7th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, eight(MFP); Pwll Patti, four on Nov. 8th, 17 on Nov. 21st and 26there on Nov. 23rd (AM et al).

53. SHOVELER Anas c(vpeata.

H. April 28th, Shobdon Decoy Pool, a male (TRA).

R. May 25th, Llyn Hilyn, two males (MFP).

56. TUFTED DUCK Anas fuligula.

H. Records are numerous and successful breeding confirmedat Bodenham Gravel Pits (CWW), Ross-on-Wye area (EY),Shobdon (TRA) and Staunton-on-Arrow (JMB). Otherrecords come from Aymestrey, max. 21 (FWM), Bredwardinefour (AM), Bridstow (WOO), Castleton (AM), Eywood,50 (JLF), Glewstone (FMP), Hampton Bishop (JLF), M occas(AM), Pengethley PooL nine (WOO), Shobdon, max. 14(TRA) and the Teme at Tripleton (JLF).

R. Records are numerous and successful breeding confirmedat Llan Bwch-Llyn and Wern-Fawr, Howey (MFP). Otherrecords come from Hindwell, max. 12 (MFP et aI), LlanBwch-Llyn, max. 40 (MFP et aI), Llyn Hilyn, max. 9 (FWMet al) Pencerrig (MFP) and Pwll Patti, max. 5 (MFP).

HEREfORDSHIREOR"THOLOGICi\L R[PORI 19~1 21

57. POCHARD Arth.l'aferilla.

H. Jan. 3rd. Shobdon. four males(FWM); Feb. 20tb. Warlo\lPool. a pair(TH RO); Marcb 71b. Eywood. a male(CJP); Nov15th. Aymeslrey Pools. one (FWM) ; NO'. 16th. Eywood.eight males (JLF); Dec.. Shobdon Decoy Pool. one (TRA).

R. Jan. 3rd. 11 males and 12 females at Hindwell and 1\10males and five females al Uyn Hilyn; Feb. 241h. Pwll Patti.se\en; July 4th. Uan Bwch-Uyn. two; July J Ilh. Glasbury. amale (MFP); Sept. 131h. Glasbury. one (WO D); Oct. 4th.Hindwell. one; Oct. 20th Uyn Hilyn. one (M FP); Nov. I I.Hindwell. IWO (HTR); ov. 7th. Uan Bwch-Uyn.c2D (M FP);Nov 21st. P\l1I Patti. eighl (AM); ov. 23rd. Hindwell. 12(JLF). Dec. 3151. Caban Coch. three (MFP).

60. GOLDENEYE Buceplwla clalllfula.

H. Jan. 181h, CasllelOn. 15 and Feb. 1st. four (AJS); Nov.161h, Eywood, one (J LF); Nov. 29th. CasllelOn. seven (AJS);Dec. 261h. Sink Green. one (JLF).

R. Jan. 3rd. Uyn Hilyn. one (FWM); '1/0\ 23rd. P",II Pamtwo (JLF); Dec. 31st. Caban Coch. four (MFP).

Rl'DDY Dl'CK OX.I'ura jamaicensis.

H. Nov. 161h. Eywood. a female (JLF).

R. Nov. 21st. Uan Bwch-L1yn. a female (SW AJP). (A fi"lrecord).

- \. \. \

~-

, 1 '~ J I ,'~~l

, ,rp'To


70. GOOSANDER Mergus merganser.

H. Jan. 18th, a pair and a female at Castleton, five there onJan. 25th and a male and two 'redheads' on Feb. 1st (AJS);Feb. 15th, Holme Lacy, a female/ imm. (JLF); Feb. 22nd, Ey-wood, a pair (CJP); Feb. 28th, Castleton, two males and threefemales (AM); March 7th, Eywood, a pair and a female/ imm.(CJP); March 22nd, Bredwardine, two on flood water (AM);April 7th, Mordiford, a male (JLF); April 12th, Castleton, afemale (AM); May 3rd, Leintwardine, a male and seven 'red-heads' (FWM). Nov. 3rd, Mordiford Wye, a male (JLF); Nov.14th, Castleton, a male and two females (AM) and 10 there onNov. 15th (AJS); Nov. 17th, Whitney, II (FWM); Dec. 27th,Wye below Capler, a pair (KAM).

R. Jan. 1st, Boughrood, two males; Feb. 5th, Penmincae Wye,six 'redheads'; Feb. 24th, Glasbury, five; June 12th, ElanValley, noted (MFP); Aug. 30th, Craig-yr-allt-Goch, seven(FWM); Nov. 5th, Newbridge, one; Nov. 21st, Llan Bwch-Llyn, three; Dec. 1st, Disserth, four; Dec. 31 st, Caban eoch,three (MFP).

73. SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna.

H. April 5th, Wergins Bridge, one (AM).

74. RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea.

H. March 30th, Marden, one by the Lugg (ST) was undoubt-edly an 'escape' from a wildfowl collection.

76. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albi(rons.

H. Criftin Ford, three on Jan. 4th, five on Feb. 8th and two onFeb. 21st (FWM); act. 29th, Foy, seven seen by Mrs. M.Davies (per KAM).

82. CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis.

H. Feb. 21st, Criftin Ford, c200 (FWM/ AM); May 10th,Warlow Pool, 31 (TRHO); Aug, 10th, Kingsland, 10 inflight (JHW); Nov. 8th, Castleton, c300 (AJS). At ShobdonTRA reported a poor season due to severe weather at theend of April. 80 seen there in the autumn.

R. Feb. 20th, Penybont Lake, four, and five adults and onejuvenile there on June 26th (MFP).


84. MUTE SWAN Cygnus alar.

H. Records are numerous and single nesting pairs were notedat Castleton (AM), Warlow (TRHO) and Brampton Bryan(TRA). Larger counts were as follows: Jan. 3rd, WithingtonMarsh, eleven (lC); Jan. 28th, Castleton, 13 (AM); JanlMarch, Ross-on-Wye, nine were joined in late February by anescaped Black Swan Cygnus atratus (WOO); May 10th, Cas-tleton, 12, mostly imm. (AM); June 12th, Franchise StoneWye, 26 (BEM); Oct. 26th, Hampton Bishop Wye, 17, in-cluding three imm. (JLF).

R. Several breeding pairs noted between Glasbury and Whit-ney (RH). Larger counts were: Jan. 1st, Glasbury, 28 (MFP);Aug. 30th, Glasbury, 51 (MFP); Nov. 8th, Pwll Patti, 10adults and 6 juveniles (AM).

85. WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus.

R. Jan. 24th, Pwll Patti, two adults and one imm. (MFP);Nov. 8th, Pwll Patti, four adults and three juveniles (AM);Nov. 21st, four adults and two juveniles noted in Painscastlearea during BTO Winter Atlas count (SWI AJP); Nov. 26th,Llandrindod, two flying south at 8.45 a.m. (MFP).

86. BEWICK'S SWAN Cygnus columbianus.

R. Jan. 24th, Pwll Patti, three (MFP); Nov. 21st, Pwll Patti,nine and six at Glasbury on same date (MFP); Nov. 23rd, PwllPatti, 20 (JLF).

91. BUZZARD Buteo buteo.

H. and R. Records are numerous from both Counties andbreeding confirmed from at least IS localities. The largercounts were: Feb. 6th, Lyonshall, nine (RV); Feb. 24th, Glas-bury, five (MFP); Aprilll th, Llanbedr, six (AMI FWM); July19th, Moelienydd, seven (AM); Aug. 8th, Leintwardine, five;Aug. 16th, Pyon Wood, five; Aug. 23rd, BryngwynjIrelandarea six; Aug. 30th, Craig-yr-allt-Goch, five (FWM); Nov.11 th, Llanbedr, six (MFP); Dec. 31 st, Elan Valley, five (MFP)

93. SPARROWHAWK A ccipiter nisus.

H. and R. The recovery of this species has been maintainedand there were over 50 sightings widely distributed over bothCounties.


94. GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis.

H. and R. Reports of sightings received from both Countiesbut no apparent increase in numbers.

95. RED KITE Mi/vus mi/vus.

R. There are five records from the usual areas.

99. MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus.

H. Aug. 2nd, Castleton, a dark phase female/imm. seen onpassage (AM). Detailed description provided. (A first record).

100. HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus.

R. Recorded on four occasions during the year.

104. HOBBY Fa/co subbuteo.

H. Three sightings are recorded. In one case there were twoadults and a juvenile.

105. PEREGRINE Fa/co peregrinus.

H. Jan. 25th, Winforton, one (AJS); North Herefordshire,one on April 21 st (FWM / AM), one on Sept. 7th and an imm.on act. 18th (FWM).

R. Amongst the records received, sightings were made at ElanValley, Llandrindod and Newbridge.

107. MERLIN Fa/co co/umbarius.

H. May 4th, West Herefordshire, a pair (lBE).

R. Jan. 25th, Kinnerton, one (CJP). There are several otherrecords at various times of the year.

110. KESTREL Fa/co tinnuncu/us.

H. and R. Records are numerous and are widely distributedover both Counties. At Easthampton TRA reported that the'cider barrel' nest box was again used and three young weresuccessfully reared. 'A widespread breeder in North Hereford-shire' (FWM).

111. RED GROUSE Lagopus /agopus.

H. April 20th, Olchon, a pair (BEM).

R. Feb. 21st. Glascwm, eleven (FWM/ AM); April 14th, Aber-edw, 3/4 pairs (MFP); Aug. 23rd, Bryngwyn/lreland area,one only seen on Club Outing; Nov. 7th, Llanbedr, four(MFP); Dec. 5th, Great Rhos, three (MFP).

A very poor season for this species.


113. BLACK GROUSE Tetrao tetrix.R. Aug., Radnor Forest, a Blackc:)Ck (per TRA); Sept. 6thRadnor Forest, a Greyhen (JJS).

115. RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa.H. Jan. 22nd, Bridstow, three (WOO); March 14th, Fown-hope, noted on Club Outing; March 18th, Paytoe, a pair (DC);April 29th, Holme Marsh, calling and also noted breeding inarea (AJS); May 13th, Crump Oak, a pair (AJS).

R. The only record received was of one at Moelienydd on Aug.30th (FWM).

116. GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix.

H. A below average season. Larger coveys were: Jan. 4th, Bril-ley, 17 and another covey of 5 (WL-S); Aug. 6th, Shobdon, 14on airfield (TRA); act. 27th, near Brilley, five (WL-S); Nov.22nd, Preston-on-Wye, four (AM). Records of singles andpairs come from Fownhope, Hentland, Holme Marsh (whereAJS noted breeding and two small coveys at the end ofthe sea-son), Kingsland, St. Owen's Cross and Welsh Newton.

R. Jan. 1st, Glasbury, 12; March 26th, Llandrindod, one(MFP); April 19th, Discoed, one (CJP); April and July, pairsnoted at Glasbury (M FP); act. 12th, Rhydspence, covey offive (WL-S).

117. QUAIL Coturnix coturnix.

A very poor year for records.

H. Black Barn, Shobdon, heard calling for a week from June3rd (TRA).

R. June 1st, New Radnor, one calling nearby (per JLF).

118. PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus.

H. and R. Very few records submitted. However, remains acommon resident and breeds in both Counties.

120. WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus.

H. Jan. 1st, Aymestrey Pools, two, and three there on Jan.17th and March 15th (FWM). act. 3rd, Aymestrey Pools,two, and three there on Nov. 22nd (FWM). Nov. 25th,Ivington, one (MB-T); Dec. 5th, near Madley, one (CJM).

R. Jan. 7th, Newbridge Bog, one calling (MFP); June 12th,Rhosgoch Common, one 'squealing' (PJCjPF); Oct. 14th,Newbridge Bog, two; Nov. 7th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, one calling;Nov. 25th, Newbridge Bog, one (MFP).


126. MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus.

H. and R. Records are numerous and several members havereported pairs returning to former haunts, while others havereported an increase in numbers.

127. COOT Fulica atra

H. May 16th, Pengethley Pool, nest with five eggs. Two youngsuccessfully reared (WOD); Ross-on-Wye area, pair raisedeight young (EY).

R. Jan. 3rd, Hindwell, 49 and 6 at L1yn Hilyn on same date(FWM); Feb. 15th, L1yn Hilyn, 22; Feb. 24th, Pwll Patti, 42(MFP); MFP reported 30 pairs located during the breedingseason. July 15th, L1yn Hilyn, 28 adults and 8juveniles (MFP)Aug. 17th, Hindwell, 18 (JLF); Sept. 12th, Park Farm, nearMoelienydd, 26; Oct. 4th, Hindwell, c40; Oct. 20th, L1ynHilyn, 16 (MFP); Nov. 8th, Pwll Patti, six (AM); Nov. 21st,L1an Bwch-L1yn, eight (M FP); Nov. 23rd, L1yn Hilyn, 22 and21 at Hindwell on same date (JLF); Dec. 5th, Pencerrig Lake,eight (MFP).

131. OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus.

H. Aug. 7th, Aymestrey Quarry, one (FWM).

133. LAPWING Vanellus vanellus.

H. and R. No change in the breeding status of this specieswhich remains at a low ebb. As usual the bulk of the breedingrecords come from Radnorshire, where MFP located 130pairs, with small numbers only breeding in Herefordshire.During early spring, late summer and autumn some largeflocks were noted.

Maxima were: Jan. 8th, Tidnor, 400 (AJS); Jan. 24th, Glas-bury, 300, with a large return movement noted there on Feb.24th when 500 were seen flying west (MFP); July 9th, Hamp-ton Bishop, 170, first flock of returning birds (JLF); July 11th,Glasbury, c500 (MFP); Aug. 6th, Shobdon, 2000 on airfield(TRA); Aug. 13th, Hampton Bishop, 500 (JLF); Aug. 19th,Bainstree Cross, 500 (FWM); Sept. 12th, Dolau, 500 (MFP);Sept. 20th, Winforton, 300 (AM); Sept. 27th, near Leominster500 (K R); Oct. 5th, Lugwardine, 600 (AJS); Nov. 14th, Castle-ton, 1,050 (AM); Nov. 22nd, Bucton, 850 (FWM); Dec. 5th,Brynthomas. 100 (MFP).


134. RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula.

H. Sept. 6th, Holme Marsh, one (AJS).

R.Sept. 12th, Llyn Hilyn, one (MFP).

135. LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dub ius.

H. May 1st, Leintwardine Fisheries, one on spring passage(FWM). One other record received (CWW).

139. GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola.

H. Aug. 27th, Holme Marsh, one well viewed and character-istic calls noted (AJS).

140. GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria.

H. Jan. 11th, Golden Cross, 115; Feb. 21st, Marston. c350(FWM); Aug. 6th, Shobdon Airfield, 200 and clOOO there onNov. 29th (TRA); Dec. 29th, Stoke Prior, 50 (JJS).

R. Feb. 24th, Glasbury, 35 flying east (MFP), March 31st,Claerwen area, two pairs on territory (KAM); April 14th,Aberedw, three pairs and one displaying (MFP); April 20th,Moelienydd, c50 (FWM); April 25th, Hindwell, two (HTR);Sept. 12th, Moelienydd, 27; Dec. 5th, Brynthomas, clOO(MFP).

143. TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres.

H. Aug. 8th, Castleton Wye, one in summer plumage (AM).(Third record).

145. SNIPE Gallinago gallinago.

H. The larger counts were: Feb. 15th, Leintwardine, six(FWM); March 8th, Bucton, 50 (KAM); April 5th, Leintwar-dine, nine (FWM/JLF/KAM); Oct. 26th, Easthampton, 12(TRA); Nov. 1st and 8th, Castleton, 13 (AJS). Small numbersreported from Byton Bog, Ross-on-Wye and Stansbatch.

R. 20 pairs located by MFP in breeding season. The only largecount was 9 at Pentrosfa, near Llandrindod, on Nov. 14th(per MFP). Small numbers reported from The Begwns, Glas-bury (max. 5), Llandrindod, Llyn Hilyn, Moelienydd (max. 5)Newbridge and Rhosgoch Common (3 pairs).


147. JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus.

H. Nov. 15th, Castleton, one (AJS).

148. WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola.

H. Jan. 15th, Bishopswood, Ross, one (T. Fenton); May 4th,Elton, one (DC); June 11th, Shobdon HilI, roding (CO); July11th, LyonshalI Park, one with four chicks (GSTD); Nov. 21 stShobdon HilI, two bagged by shoot (TRA); Dec. 23rd, Stans-batch, one (JMB).

R. Nov. 22nd, Presteigne, one (CJP); Dec. 4th, Brynthomasarea, one (per MFP); Dec. 15th, Gladestry, one (SW); Dec.31 st, Caban Coch, two flushed by lakeside (MFP).

150. CURLEW Numenius arquata.

H. and R. Records are numerous and breeding reported fromseveral localities. In Radnorshire MFP located c60 breedingpairs, similar to 1980. The larger counts were: Jan 1st, Glas-bury, 86 (MFP); Jan. 15th, Leintwardine, 33 (FWM); March,max. 60 in Leintwardine area (DC et al); July 19th, Moelien-ydd, 57 (AJS); Aug. 2nd, The Begwns, 30 (AJS); Aug. 30th,Moelienydd, 25 (FWM); Oct. 4th, Glasbury, cl20, and 75there on Nov. 21st (MFP); Nov. 22nd, Bucton, 62 (FWM).

151. WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus.

H. Aug. 1st, Holme Marsh, one in flight and calIing (AJS).

156. GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus.

H. Many records throughout the year, generalIy from the Wyeand the Teme and mainly of one or two birds, except asfolIows: April 2nd, Leintwardine, 3 and 4 there on July 29th(FWM); Aug. 8th, Sink Green, 3; Sept. 6th, Hampton Bishop,4 (JLF); Sept. 10th, Aymestrey, 3 (FWM); Oct. 16th, Hamp-ton Bishop, 3(JLF).

R. Jan. 24th, PwlI Patti, one, and one at Glasbury on samedate; Feb. 20th, Brynthomas, one; July 11th, Glasbury, two,(MFP), and one there on Sept. 13th (WOO); PwlI Patti, threeon Oct. 4th, and two there on Oct. 20th (MFP), one on Nov.23rd (JLF), and one on Nov. 27th (MFP).


159. COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hJpoleucos.

H. First bird seen on April 2nd at Leintwardine (FWM), thensingles on BallinghamjFownhope Wye on April 8th and 15th(AM), and at Aymestrey on April 15th. Nine at Leintwardineon April 16th (FWM). Singles at Huntington, Hereford onApril18th, (KR), and on the Lugg at Hereford on April 27th(AJS). May 1st, Leintwardine, 22 (FWM). Autumn passagefirst noted July 12th, when 15 seen at Sink Green (JLF); July29th, Leintwardine, 5 (FWM); Aug. 8th and 16th, Castleton, 5(AM); Aug. 16th, 8 in a mile of the Wye at Hampton Bishop(JLF). Small numbers thereafter and last recorded on Sept.20th, when one was seen at Castleton (AM). TRHO reportsthat none appeared to be present on the Llancillo Monnowthis year.

R. First birds seen on April 9th when a pair present on ErwoodWye, and 4 there on April 13th (c. M. Poole). MFP records 11pairs breeding GlasburyjNewbridge Wye; 4 pairs CefnllysjDisserth Ithon and 2 pairs Elan Valley. June 30th, Moelien-ydd, three, and three on Penybont Ithon on the same date;Sept. 12th, Hindwell, one (JLF); Sept. 13th, Glasbury, one(WOO).

161. REDSHANK Tringa totanus.

H. Leintwardine, April 2nd, one; April 5th, five; April 16th,two (FWM et al).

R. April 11th, Uanbedr, two; April 20th, Moelienydd, five(FWMj AM), and five there on May 30th (AJS); June 7th,Moelienydd, three (FWMj AM), and three there on June 30th(JLF); July 19th, Moelienydd, five plus one fledged young,other young in vicinity in all probability as pair of adult birdsgiving alarm calls (AMjFWM). Only three birds located insame area on July 25th (CO).

165. GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia.

H. 1981 has been an exceptional year for the autumn passagethrough the County of this graceful wader, and unprecedentednumbers have been recorded by AM and JLF. The recordscome from only two localities and are as follows: CastletonWye. Aug. 2nd, 5; Aug. 8th, 4; Aug. 15th, 9; Aug. 16th, 3; Aug.22nd, 3 including one very tired new arrival; Aug. 29th, one;Aug. 30th, two; Sept. 12th, 3 (KAMjRT); Sept. 13th, 4; Sept.20th, one. Sink Green/ Holme Lacy Wye, Aug. 7th, 3; Aug.13th, 4; Aug. 16th, 8; Aug. 22nd, 11; Aug. 26th, 13; Aug. 27th,


11; Aug. 28th, 10; Sept. 13th, 2/3. A total of at least 97 birddays.

R. Aug. 18th, Moelienydd, one (JLF); Aug. 30th, Glasbury,two (MFP), and two there on Sept. 13th (WOO); Sept. 27th,Moelienydd, one (FWM).

178. DUNLIN Calidris a/pina.

H. April 9th, Aymestrey, one in breeding plumage (FWM);Sept. 12th, Castleton, one in flight and calling (KAM / RT).

R. July 25th, Moelienydd, one (CO).

184. RUFF Philomachus pugnax.

H. Aug. 15th, Castleton, a ruff and a reeve in flight (AM);Sept. 6th and 7th, Hampton Bishop, one (JVF/ JLF / A M).

198. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus.

H. Jan. 8th, Sink Green, one (JLF); Jan. 18th, Castleton, one(AJS).

R. Jan. 1st, Glasbury, one (MFP).

199. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larusfuscus.

H. Jan. 8th, Tidnor, 14; Jan. 18th, Castleton 2; June 19th,Norton Canon, 9 flying north; Aug. 4th, Holme Marsh, 6(AJS); Aug. 29th, Castleton, 6, and 21 there on Sept. 13th(AM); Sept. 27th, Fownhope, c40; Oct. 11th, Castleton c20(AJS); Nov. 14th, Castleton, 9 (AM).

R. Jan. 24th, Glasbury, 15; March 29th, Llandwedd, 24 flyingnorth-east (MFP); April 25th, Hindwell, 5 flying north (HTR)May 30th, Moelienydd, 9 immatures (AJS); Llandrindod -noted on 12 dates before June 2nd with max. 18 flying north;July 19th, Moelienydd, 65 noted flying south-west to north-east (AJS); Sept. 12th, Moelienydd, 5 flying south-west, Nov.21st, Glasbury, 6; Nov. 24th, Llandrindod, 2 flying south;Dec. 28th, Builth, 2; Dec. 31st, Caban Coch, 2 (MFP).

200. HERRING GULL Larus argentatus.

H. March 2nd, Hereford Wye, three (BEM); Aug. 13th, Ham-pton Bishop, one (JLF); Nov. 29th, Castleton, one (AJS).


201. COMMON GULL Larus canus.

H. Jan. 4th, Castleton, six; Feb. 16th, Holme Marsh, 20(AJS); March 12th, Hampton Bishop, 55 (JLF); March 19th,Tidnor, c700; Oct. I Ith, Castleton, two (AJS). Large mixedflocks of Common and Black-Headed Gulls were recorded asfollows: March 5th, Tidnor, cl ,000; act. 13th, Wormelowarea, c700 following plough (AJS).

R. Feb. 24th, Glasbury, one; May 6th, Newbridge, one imm.;Dec. 28th, Builth Show Ground, four (MFP).

205. MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus.

H. April 4th, near Ballingham, two adults in breeding plum-age (pGB's). Detailed description provided. (A first record).

208. BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus.

H. and R. Commonly seen over both Counties and the largercounts were: Jan. 24th, Glasbury, c300 (M FP); Jan. 25th,Castleton, c200 (AJS); Feb. 15th, Four Stones, 100 ; Feb.24th, Ffynon, 300; March 13th, Brynthomas, 250, and 100at Llanyre on same date (MFP); March 22nd, Llan Bwch-Llyn, 2,000 at roost (AM), and c600 there on April 23rd(MFP); May 25th, Llanwefr Pool, clOO birds and nestingtaking place; July 4th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, c30 young with cl 00adults (MFP); July 19th Moelienydd, c70 (AMI FWM); act.4th, Llowes, 150 (MFP); Nov. 14th, Castleton, 100 (AM);Nov. 21 st, Boughrood - Llowes, 300 (MFP).

MFP records return passage commenced June 28th, withc60 at Howey on July 2nd and c80 at Llanyre on July 6th.

212. BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger.

H. Aug. 8th, Castleton, two (AM).

R. April 14th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, one (c. M. Poole). (The dateis early for this species, all previous spring records have been inMay, Ed.)

217. COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo.

H. Aug. 8th, Castleton, one adult (AM).

217/ COMMON/ARCTIC TERN Sterna hirundo/paradisaea.218.

H. Sept. 10th, Dinedor Wye, two fishing; Sept. 13th, Hamp-ton Bishop, one (JLF).


232. STOCK DOVE Calumba aenas.

H. Feb. 15th, Leintwardine, 50+ (FWM); March, CommonHil1, el2 roosting in ivy Hedera helix(KAM); May, HamptonBishop, seen several times, max. 60 (JLF); Swinmoor, bred inowl box (TRHO); Aug. 22nd, Castleton, noted (AM); act.28th, Common Hil1, ten (KAM).

R. MFP reports 'status unchanged, a widespread but localbreeder, mainly on the lower land and usual1y in similar areasto the Tree Sparrow'.

Jan.1 Feb., Glasbury, 50 ; March 29th, Llanelwedd, ten; Aug.30th, Glanwye, 20 and 10 at Glasbury on the same date; Sept.12th, Moelienydd, 10; Nov. 21st, Glasbury, 16; Dec. 5th,Penybont, six; Dec. 19th, Llangunl1o, seven.

234. WOODPIGEON Calumba palumbus.

H. and R. A very common resident and breeding in bothCounties. MFP records Feb. 24th, Ffynon, c200; Nov. 21st,Glasbury, 1000+.

235. TURTLE DOVE Streptapelia turtur.

H. May 10th, Holme Lacy, two flying north (JLF); Aymes-treY/Wigmore, c7 pairs located (FWM); Shobdon Marsh,breeding noted (TRA); June 11th, Shobdon, in song (CO);July 15th, Hereford, one in town garden (WHM); July 29th,Leintwardine, two (FWM); Aug. 26th, Hampton Bishop, two(JLF).

R. July 11 th, Glasbury, one adult and one juvenile (MFP).

COLLARED DOVE Streptapelia demaeta.

H. and R. A common resident in both Counties and breeding.The larger counts were: Dolau, 20; Glasbury, 32; Llandrin-dod, 30 (MFP); Luston, 20 (JHW).

237. CUCKOO Cuculus canarus.

H. First noted April 6th at Aconbury (lBE). The main arrivaloccuring between April 16th and 28th. July 22nd, Brilley, ajuvenile being fed by a Dunnock (WL-S).

R. First heard April 23rd at Llanbedr (MFP). May! June, 26males located in usual sites (MFP). July 19th, Moelienydd, ajuvenile being fed by Meadow Pipit (AM I FWM).


241. BARN OWL Tvto alba.

H. Widely distributed over the County with records of singlebirds throughout the year from: Aymestrey, Bainstree Cross,Bodenham, Brimfield, Brobury, Bucknell, Canon Frome,Common Hill, Eardisley, Hampton Bishop, Lower Bulling-ham, Much Marcle, St. Owen's Cross, Staunton-on-Wye,Stretfordbury, Yarsop, Yatton and Yawr.

The breeding status still remains uncertain.

R. Records from: Llandrindod, Newtown and Rhayader.

246. LITTLE OWL Athene noctua.

H. Numerous records from all parts of the County throughoutthe year. At Kington Golf Club a pair nested in a rabbit bur-row (per lan Gough), and at Welsh Newton one was seen at abird table (FMP). 'Much increased at Shobdon' (TRA).

R. Jan. 1st, Pwll Patti, one (MFP); Feb. 15th, Four Stones,two (MFP); April 24th, Kinnerton, two heard; April 25th,Hindwell, one (HTR); Sept. 20th, Kinnerton, one (TRA); act.31 st, Hindwell, one (HTR); Nov. 21 st, Llowes, two (MFP).

247. TAWNY OWL Strix alueD.

H. April 8th, Ballingham, two calling at dusk (AM); May 14thHolme Lacy, one (WOO); May 25th, Elton, a pair (DC); Sept.Brilley, heard calling most nights (WL-S); Nov., St. Wulstan'sWood, often heard (FMP); Broomy Hill, present in garden(WMG); Nov. 16th Lugwardine, one and two there on Dec.5th (JLF); Dec. 19th, noted in Ross-on-Wye area (WOO).

R. Records are numerous and are as follows: Jan. 22nd,Newbridge Bog, one and one there on March 25th; April4th, Cefnllys, one (MFP); April 12th, Erwood, one (c. M.Poole); May 12th, Llandrindod, one (MFP); June 12th,Cloggau, two young birds found in old shed (P. Farmer);June 23rd, Penmincae, young birds seen; June, noted atNewbridge; act. 1st, Wern-Fawr, Howey, one; Oct./Dec..noted at Dolau, Llan Bwch-Llyn. Newbridge. Penmincae.where max. 3 on Nov. 12th and Rhydfelin (MFP); Nov.20th. Gladestry. two (SW).

Tawny Owls are extremely sedentary and breeding probablyoccurred in most of the areas in which they have been re-corded.


249. SHORT-EARED OWL Asiof7ammeus.

R. March nnd, Radnor Forest, one seen hunting over SitkaSpruce Picea sitchensis (T. Fenton).

252. NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus.

H. June 12th - 15th, High Vinnals, Mortimer Forest, a maleand a female seen and heard (DC et al).

255. SWIFT Apus apus.

H. Two at Aymestrey on May 3rd (FWM) were the first, themain arrival occuring on May 7th with numbers buildingup steadily throughout the day. The only concentration ofnote was c300 at Canon Pyon on July 20th (18E). The lastbird was a single at Hereford on Sept. 7th (AJS).

R. One at Newbridge on May 6th was the first. May 22nd,Builth, clOO. Last seen at BuiIth Wells on Aug. 16th (MFP).

258. KINGFISHER Alcedo al1his.

H. Recorded throughout the year along the main rivers asfollows: Wye at Bridge Sollars, Carey Islands, Castleton,Fownhope, Franchise Stone, max. 3, Kingsland, Mardenand ShirIeys. Other records come from, Cannonmoor BrookHereford, Eywood, Pinsley Brook, Kingsland and Preston-on-Wye.

R. May/July, noted at six points along the Wye betweenNewbridge and Glasbury and from two points along the!thon during the same period (MFP). Other records comefrom Builth, the River Aran at Dolau, LIandrindod, LlowesMoeIienydd (CO) and Penmincae Wye.

261. HOOPOE Upupa epops.

H. April 25th, Lyde, one at Arundel Farm (Mr. Goringe).

262. GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridus

H. Jan. 28th, Bridstow, one on church tower; Feb. 28th, St.Owen's Cross, one (WOO); March 5th, Lea and Paget'sWood, one (BEM); April 15th, Ballingham area, two; Aug.2nd, Castleton, one (AM); Dec. 21st, Welsh Newton, two(FMP). Noted also at Bodenham, Breinton, where nested,Hampton Bishop, Hentland, where regular March - Sept.,Mortimer Forest and Ross-on-Wye.

R. Jan.! March, noted at seven localities and 26 sites locatedduring breeding season (MFP). Aug. 23rd, Bryngwyn, one(AM); Dec. 6th, Gladestry, one (SW).

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 19l\1 35

263. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major.

The commonest of the three Woodpeckers.

H. Records are numerous throughout the year and comefrom: Bodenham, Bridstow, Brilley, Capler, Castleton, Hent-land, Hereford, Holme Marsh, Mansel Lacy, MortimerForest, Preston-on-Wye, Ross-on-Wye, St. Owen's Cross,Shobdon, and Swinmoor, Madley.

R. April 25th, Hindwell, one (HTR); June 12th, RhosgochCommon, one (P. Farmer). Noted at 13 sites during the breed-ing season and young birds seen at several localities (MFP).

264. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus minor.

An elusive and very local bird.

H. Feb. 21 st, Hampton Bishop, a male (JLF); Feb. 25th, Brid-stow, one (WOO); Feb. 28th, Aymestrey, one(FWM); March24th, Sink Green, a female (JLF); March 28th, Moccas, a male(AM); April 2nd, Aymestrey, a pair (FWM); April 4th, King-ton, noted, (JMB); April 5th, Croft, two (CO); April 14th,Elton, two in garden (DC); April 15th, Leintwardine, one(JLF et al); June 20th, Holme Marsh, noted (AJS); June 27th,Bodenham, one (MlB); July 7th, Kington, feeding young(JMB); Sept. 1st, Brilley, one (WL-S); Sept. 9th, HamptonBishop, one (JLF); Dec. 9th, Ross area, one (WOO).

R. May 12th, LIandrindod, a male; June 23rd, Rhydfellin,calling from the same tree for over two hours - probablybreeding; July 11th, G1asbury, calling (MFP).

265. WRYNECK lynx torquilla.

H. Sept. 9th, Hereford, one well viewed in garden at MoorFarm Lane (NM). One was also seen in the same garden inlate August 1976.

272. SKYLARK. Alauda ar\'ensis.

H. Feb. 22nd, Aymestrey, after heavy snowfall on the night of21 st 671 + were counted moving south over Sandiacre between0900 and 1345 hours (FWM); April 4th, Castleton, three insong; April 15th. Ballingham. six in song (AM); Sept. 27thto end of Oct.. Holme Marsh. intermittent passage noted(AJS); Nov. 26th. Hampton Bishop area. c70 on root field(JLF); Dec. 31st. Brampton Bryan. c230 (FWM).


R. Feb. 24th, Glasbury, 60 ; March 6th, Llandrindod, c60;Sept. 25th, Llandrindod, 25; Oct. 4th, Glasbury, 20 and pas-sage noted; Dec. 28th, Builth, 18; Dec. 31st, Cwmdeuddwr,several seen (MFP).

274. SWALLOW Hirundo rustica.

H. First noted at Birtley on April 8th (TRA) numbers built upslowly during early April, but a cold spell during the last weekof the month caused the birds to depart. Birds began to returnin early May and nest building had begun by mid-May. Pre-migration flocks began to build up during August and thebeginning of Sept. with the larger counts as follows: Aug. 7th,Brinsop, c200; Sept. 3rdj 4th, Holme Marsh, 200 and c500 atCredenhill on Sept. 4th (AJS). Last noted Oct. 17th when onefeeding a juvenile at Madley (MB) and five at Mordiford(JLF).

R. The first birds seen were at Llandrindod on April 7th byMFP who reports 'numbers normal'. The last was at Llan-drindod on Oct. 6th (MFP).

276. HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica.

H. The first was one at Titley on April 1I th (RV). May 17th,Shobdon, arrived in strength, 32 nests at Ox House (TRA). AtHereford WHM reports that all 13 artificial nests were occu-pied and all pairs raised two broods - 'the best season ever'.Sept. 14th, Sarnesfield, c50 and c150 at Clifford on the samedate (AJS). The last was at Madley on Oct. 16th (MB).

R. The first was at Glasbury on April 14th. MFP reports'status unchanged'. Max. c50 at Llanfaredd on June 4th. Lastseen at Builth on Oct. 4th (MFP).

277. SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia.

H. Five or six near Wye Bridge, Hereford on March 28th(KAM) were the first with ten there on March 30th (AM).April 2nd, Leintwardine, c25 (FWM). At Castleton and Ball-inghamj Fownhope Wye AM reports numbers similar to1980 but colonies smaller and more scattered. FWM reportsthat 234 pairs nested in the sand quarry at Aymestrey andalso mentions two other sizable colonies at Leintwardineand near Criftin Ford Bridge. Last seen on Oct. 17th atYatton when one observed flying north! (FWM).


R. Four at Llandrindod lake on March 26th (MFP) were thefirst with ten at Llanelwedd on March 29th. MFP reportsbreeding at usual colonies - Glasbury and Llanelwedd beingthe only sizable sites. Also 6+ other sites. RH reports numer-ous colonies along the Wye downstream from Glasbury, as faras Whitney, probably 250 - 300 birds. July 7th, Glasbury,c700 (MFP). Last seen at Llandrindod on Sept. 18th(MFP).

Although Sand Martins are no longer as numerous as theywere 15 - 20 years ago, the present breeding populationappears to be reasonably stable.

279. RAVEN Corvus corax.

H. and R. Continues to flourish in the west of Herefordshireand in Radnorshire where MFP located pairs at 14 sites. Sept.6th, Radnor Forest, 30+ circling on thermals (JJS). Othergatherings were: act. 31 st, Llyn Hilyn, five; Nov. 2nd, Brilley,six (HTR) and Nov. 7th, Llanbedr, six (MFP), Nov. 22nd,Gladestry, five (SW).

280. CARRION CROW Corvus corone.

H. and R. A widespread pest in both Counties.

282. ROOK Corvus frugilegus.

H. and R. A common resident in both Counties and breeding,but the number of Rookeries has declined in the past ten yearsor so. Jan. 20th, Aymestrey, noted carrying sticks to nests(FWM); June 13th, Llanbedr, cl50 (AJS).

283. JACKDAW Corvus monedula.

H. and R. This species which is always under-recorded is acommon resident in both Counties and breeding. MFPrecords 1,000+ at Glasbury on Jan. 1st.

284. MAGPIE Pica pica.

H. and R. Common throughout both Counties and increasingin numbers. Nov. 22nd, Preston-on-Wye, 20+ (AM).

286. JAY Garrulus glandarius.

H. and R. Numerous records throughout the year from bothCounties. Although generally associated with woodland manyof the sightings were of flying birds in open countryside. InRadnorshire MFP records status unchanged with breedingnoted at 14 sites.


288. GREAT TIT Parus major.

H. and R. Although few records have been received the statusof this species has generally remained unchanged. Jan. 18th,Holme Marsh, first song of the year heard (AJS); Dec. 6th,Shobdon, Swan Pool, 12 (TRA). For an indication of thebreeding success of this and the following species see the NestBox Scheme Report.

289. BLUE TIT Parus caeruleus.

H. and R. A common resident and breeding in both Counties.

290. COAL TIT Parus ater.

H. and R. Resident and breeding in both Counties. MFPreports 'widespread in Radnorshire where habitat suitable'.Dec. 13th, Elan Valley, 13 (MFP).

292. MARSH TIT Parus palustris.

H. Jan. 19th, Elton, one (JLF); Feb./ March, Welsh Newton,noted in garden (FMP); April 19th, Eywood, a pair (CJP);Sept. 5th, Holme Marsh, one (AJS).

R. Jan./ March, noted at Disserth, Hindwell, Llanyre,Newbridge Bog, Penmincae and Penybont (MFP). Duringthe breeding season noted at 17 localities with young seen atCefnllys, Llan Bwch-Llyn and Penybont (MFP). Otherrecords are: April 12th, Erwood, a pair (CM. Poole); April25th, Kinnerton, one (HTR); Aug. 18th, Moelienydd, afamily party of 6 (JLF); Oct. 25th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, noted(AJS). Also noted at Caban Coch, Dolau and Neuadd(MFP).

293. WILLOW TIT Parus montanus.

H. Feb. 5th, Hampton Bishop, two (JLF); March 2nd, Bred-wardine area, one; April 2nd, Holme Marsh, in song (AJS);April 14th - 19th, Eywood, a pair (CJP); Nov. 22nd, Preston-on-Wye, one (AM).

R. Jan. 6th, Llanstephan, one (AJS); Jan./ March, noted atGlasbury, Hindwell, Llandrindod, Newbridge Bog and Pen-mincae (MFP). During the breeding season noted at 11 loc-alities (some of these the same area as the preceding species)(MFP). May 1st, Nantmel, noted; Aug. 23rd, Llan Bwch-Llyn, noted (AJS). Also noted at Brynthomas, Disserth,


Dolau, Elan Valley Hotel, Glan Llyn, Penybont and Rhyd-felin.

294. LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus.

H. Jan. 4th, Wigmore, 13; Feb. 28th, Aymestrey, 10 (FWM);Aug. 8th, Hampton Bishop, 36+ in flock (JLF). Several partiesnoted at Madley (TRHO).

R. Jan./ March, 'widespread', max. 8 at Pwll Patti on Jan. 1stand at Newbridge on Jan. 7th. Noted at 14 sites during thebreeding seaon with young seen at 6 of these (MFP). June12th, Rhosgoch Common, breeding noted (PJC); act. 4th,Painscastle, 20; Nov. 5th, Newbridge Bog, 15. Also notedat Alpine Bridge, Caban Coch, Cefnllys, Llan Bwch-Llyn,Neuadd and Rhydfelin (MFP).

296. NUTHATCH Sitta europaea.

H. Records come from: Castleton (AM), Hentland (WOO),Hereford (WMG), Llancillo and Madley (TRHO), ManselLacy (JLF), Ross-on-Wye (EY) and Welsh Newton (FMP).

R. MFP reports 'widespread and common' with max. 6 atGlasbury on Feb. 24th. July 19th, Llynpentre Bank, noted(AJS); Aug. 23rd, Bryngwyn, one (AM).

298. TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris.

H. Records come from: Bodenham, Carey, Elton, HamptonBishop, Hentland, Hereford, Huntington, where noted feed-ing young, Kington, Ross-on-Wye, Shirleys and Sink Green.

R. Widely recorded by MFP with records from: Caban Coch,Cefnllys, Disserth, Glan Llyn, Glasbury, Hindwell, Llanel-wedd, Neuadd, Penmincae, Pwll Patti and Rhydfelin.

299. WREN Troglodytes troglodytes.

H. and R. Resident and breeding in both Counties. The recov-ery of this species after the 1978/79 winter will undoubtedlyhave suffered a setback due to the very severe winter weatherat the end of December and the beginning of January 1982.

300. DIPPER Cinclus cinclus.

H. and R. Resident and breeding in both Counties. MFPreports 'status appears unchanged in Radnorshire'.


301. MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus.

H. and R. Resident and breeding in both Counties. Some largecounts as follows: July 14th, Holme Lacy, c20 flying to roostat dusk (AM); July 19th, Moelienydd, 12 (AM/FWM); Aug.23rd, Bryngwyn/ Ireland area, 40+; Nov. 22nd,Preston-on-Wye, 10 (AM); Nov. 29th, Llanyre, 8; Dec. 5th, Dolau, 10(MFP).

302. FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris.

H. Jan. 24th, Holme Marsh, c700 (AJS); Feb. 1st, Grafton,cl 000 (AM); Feb. 7th, Rotherwas, cl200; March 12th, Dine-dor, c2000 in flight (JLF); April 5th, Leintwardine, 100+(FWM et al). Last noted April 28th at Holme Marsh when c80pitched in area (AJS) and at Easthampton (TRA). Passagenoted on Glos./ Herefordshire border on Oct. 16th (AJS) andcontinued throughout the month. Oct. 25th, HamptonBishop, c300 (JLF); Nov. 22nd, Preston-on-Wye, clOOO(AM).

With the onset of the severe weather at the end of Decemberthe majority of the birds moved out, probably to SW Englandwhere large numbers were recorded at the end of 1981 and inthe early part of 1982.

R. Jan. 19th, Glascwm, c300 (AJS); Jan. 23rd, LlandrindodGolf Course, 200; Jan. 24th, Glasbury, 100; Feb. 20th, Bryn-thomas, 300 (MFP); April 29th, Newbridge, c50 (MFP). Lastnoted at Moelienydd on May 3rd when c40 seen (FWM).Autumn birds first noted on Oct. 20th when 160 were seen atLlyn Hilyn (AJS). Oct. 25th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, c200 (AJS).Other large flocks were: Nov. 24th, Pont-ar-Elan, 200+; Dec.4th, Llandrindod, clOO; Dec. 5th, Penybont, clOO and Dec.28th, Builth Wells, 150+ on thawed areas (MFP).

303. SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos.

H. and R. Resident and breeding in both Counties. At Glas-bury on Nov. 21st MFP noted passage indicated by 15 birds.

304. REDWING Turdus iliacus.

H. Jan 9th, Holme Marsh, c50 and marked movement notedat same locality on Feb. 22nd with parties totalling c400 seen(AJS); March 12th, Dinedor, clOOO in flight with Fieldfares


(JLF). The last seen were 10 at Tidnor on March 19th (AJS).Autumn birds first noted on Oct. 7th when two were seen atCommon Hill, Fownhope. Passage noted at Holme Marsh onnights of Oct. 14thjl5th and 15th/16th (AJS). Oct. 17th, Yat-ton, c200 (FWM); Oct. 25th, Hampton Bishop, c300 (lLF);Nov. 1st, Castleton, c100 (AJS); Nov. 22nd, Preston-on-Wye,700+ (AM).

The majority of the Redwings moved out with the Fieldfaresat the onset of the severe winter weather.

R. Maxima: 100 at LIandrindod on Jan. 16th; 100 at Glasburyon Jan. 24th; 200 at Disserth on Feb. 19th and 100 at Ffynonon Feb. 24th. The last five were at Llanelwedd Quarry onMarch 29th (MFP). Autumn birds first noted on Oct. 25th atLIan Bwch-Llyn (AJS). Nov. 25th, Newbridge Bog, 60+ atroost; Dec. 12th, 100 near Pencerrig (MFP).

307. RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus.

H. April 16th, Olchon Valley, noted (lBE) and one callingthere on May 31st (WOO).

R. March nnd, south of Radnor Forest, a male (T. Fenton);April 11th, Llanbedr, a male and two females (AM/FWM);April 16th, Gilwern Dingle, one or two pairs noted (CJP);April 23rd, Llanbedr, noted; June 12th Elan Valley, noted(MFP)

308. BLACKBIRD Turdus meru/a.

H. and R. A common resident, breeding in both Counties.Feb. 12th, Common Hill Fownhope, in song (KAM); Sept.19th, Holme Marsh, subdued song (AJS). Some large gather-ings were: June 27th, Hereford, c50 (lC); Nov. 15th, HolmeLacy, 50+ (AM) and Dec. 28th, Builth Wells, c25 (MFP).

311. WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe.

H. A female at Hampton Bishop on March 29th was the firstwith two males there on April II th (lLF). April 20th, OlchonValley, one (BE M). Return passage noted Aug. 23rd with twoat Castleton (AJS). Sept. 11th, Hampton Bishop, one (JLF).Last recorded on Oct. 7th when two were seen at Mordiford(JLF).


R. The first was on March 20th when a male was seen at Bryn-thomas (MFP). March 22nd, a male on Radnorshire side ofRadsl Breconshire border at Llyswen (AM); March 29th,Llanelwedd Quarry, a male (MFP); March 31st, Elan Valley,noted in good numbers and display seen (KAM); April I Ith,Llanbedr, 20+ (AM/FWM); April 16th, Gilwern Dingle, twopairs (CJP). MFP located 48 males or pairs during the breed-ing season at the usual sites and noted a family party at Llan-drindod Golf Course on June 30th. Aug. 8th, The Begwns,eight (AJS); Aug. 23rd, Bryngwyn area, eight (AM). The lastwas a male at Moelienydd on Sept. 12th (MFP).

GREENLAND WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenantheleucorrhoa.

H. April 29th, Hereford Wye, a single passage bird was, inview of the date, probably of this race (AJS).

317. STONECHAT Saxicola torquata.

H. Oct. 9th, Hampton Bishop, one by the Wye (JLF).

R. Feb. 21st Doctors Pool, a female; April 11th, Llanbedr, apair and a female (FWMI AM); July 11th, Glasbury, ajuven-ile seen on passage (MFP); July 19th, Moelienydd, a pair(AMI FWM); Aug. 23rd, BryngwynjIreland area, two (AM);Sept. 12th, Moelienydd, two adults and two juveniles (MFP).

318. WHINCHAT Saxicola ruhetra.

H. One noted on spring passage at Hampton Bishop on April17th (JLF). Single birds recorded on autumn passage atHampton Bishop on Aug. 27th and Sept. 6th (JLF) andat Kingsland on Sept. 13th (JHW).

R. First seen at Glasbury and Llanbedr on April 23rd (MFP).May 13th, The Begwns, 3 pairs (JLF); May 30th, Moelienydd,four males (AJS); June 1st, Llyn Hilyn, 2 pairs (JLF); June13th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, 3 pairs about the lake and 2 pairs onnearby hill (AJS); June 30th, Moelienydd, one pair withyoung (JLF); July 4th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, three family parties(M FP); July 19th, Moelienydd, six, mostly juveniles (AMIFWM); Aug. 2nd, The Begwns, eight (AJS); Aug. 23rd, Bryn-gwynl Ireland area, several noted (AM).

MFP records 51 males or pairs located at usual sites.


320. REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus.

H. The first was one at Kington on April 9th (CJP). April23rd, Elton, a male (DC); May 1st, Kingsland, one (JHW);June 25th, Elton, a female and two juveniles (DC); July 3rd,Brilley, a female (WL-S); July 9th, Hampton Bishop, a male(JLF); July 14th, Castleton, four (AM); Aug. 28th, HamptonBishop, two and two there on Sept. 9th (JLF). Bred at severalof the H. & R.N.T. nest box sites.R. The first was seen at Llandrindod on April 3rd (MFP).MFP reports 'remains common with 112 males or pairslocated. Young birds abundant at Llanelwedd Quarry on June28th. Much less common in areas of "improved" farming buteven in these areas it can be found'.May 31 st, Velindre, noted (TRA); June 11th/12th, nesting re-corded at Bryngwyn, Cloggau, Dol-y-Cannau and Glascwm(PlC/ PF); Aug. 18th, Moelienydd, two (JLF). Last noted atGlasbury on Aug. 30th (MFP).

The gradual recovery of this species after several lean years hasbeen maintained.

322. NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos.

H. May 16th - 28th, Haugh Wood, one in song (JLF et al);May 20th, Shucknall Hill, two singing (CO).

325. ROBIN Erithacus ruhecula.

H. and R. A common resident, breeding in both Counties.

327. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia.

H. The first were two at Aymestrey on April 16th and one atSned Wood, near Aymestrey on April 18th (FWM). May 1st,Hampton Bishop, one in 18 inch high corn (JVF); May 9th,High Vinnals, Mortimer Forest, noted (DC); May 19th, Hol-me Marsh, in song (AJS); July 15th, Hampton Bishop, one insong in barley and two birds noted there on July 18th (JVF).At Madley TRHO reports 'normally scarce, this year 8 or 9'reeling".

R. May 25th, Llanwefr Pool, a male 'reeling' and two birdsseen in marshy habitat adjacent to lake (MFP).


333. REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus.

H. First noted at Shobdon on April 28th and TRA reported agood breeding season there. June I1 th, numerous and in songat Shobdon (CO). Last seen on Aug. 9th (TRA).

R. July 4th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, a male in song in bed of Com-mon Reed Phragmites australis on far side of lake (MFP).

337. SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus.

R. A male on passage at Llandrindod on May 21 st was thefirst. May 25th, Llanwefr Pool, 3 pairs; June 5th, NewbridgeBog one noted; June 9th, Llandrindod Lake, a male in songand a pair nesting at Pentrosfa Lake, Llandrindod (MFP);June 12th, Rhosgoch Common, c5 pairs nesting (PJC/ PF);July I Ith, Glasbury, 3 pairs nesting. Last noted at Glasbury onAug. 30th (MFP).

343. BLACKCAP 5.F/via atricapilla.

H. Over-wintering birds noted from January - March atCommon Hill, Fownhope, Hereford and Kingsland.

The first migrants began to arrive in early April and werewidely distributed throughout the County during the breedingseason.

During November and December birds were observed at Bod-enham, Hereford, Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye.

R.First noted at Llanelwedd on April 21st. MFP located 43singing males from mid-May to July and reports 'common inthe Wye and Ithon valleys and alongside the Mid-WalesRailway line. Elsewhere, only local or even scarce'.Last noted in Boughrood area on Sept. 14th (AJS).

346. GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin.

H. First noted on May 2nd at Stansbatch (JMB). May 7th,Mansel Lacy, two in song(JVF); May9th High Vinnals, Mor-timer Forest, noted (CO); June 10th, Croft, in song (JHW).

R. First noted on May 6th at Newbridge Bog. MFP located 75singing males from mid-May to July and reports 'more wide-spread than preceding species and not so local in distribution'.June 13th, song heard at Llanbedr and Rhosgoch (AJS).


347. WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis.

The gradual recovery of this species since the decline in the latesixties appears to have continued.

H. The first was at Aymestrey on April 19th (FWM) with themain arrival occurring from April 30th to May 13th. Widelydistributed throughout the County with records from: Boden-ham, Bridstow, Brilley, Brinsop, Credenhill, Croft, Eastham-pton, Elton, Holme Marsh, Kingsland, Lyonshall, Madley,Nupend, Sarnesfield, Stansbatch, Tripleton and Upper We1-son. The last were two at Castleton on Aug. 16th (AM).

R. The first was a male at Brynthomas on May 8th. Only 30singing males located, making this species local and uncom-mon overall. There are two exceptions: in the Wye valley fromLIanelwedd to Glasbury, and beside the Mid-Wales Railwayline. In these two areas it is fairly common (MFP).May 23rd, Cross Gates, one; June 1st, LIyn Hilyn, one (JLF).

348. LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca.

H. One at Dinedor on April II th (JVF) was the first. May 3rd,Aymestrey, one (FWM); May 9th, Holme Marsh, one in song(AJS); May 26th, Hampton Bishop, four (JLF). At CommonHill, Fownhope KAM reported only one in song this year.

R. First arrivals were a male at Penybont on May 8th and onein song at L1andrindod on May 11 th (MFP). June II th, Dol-y-Cannau, fledged young noted (PJC/ PF); June 28th, LIanel-wedd Quarry, a pair feeding calling young; July 11th, Glas-bury Farm area; July 15th, Four Stones, a pair nesting (MFP).

354. WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus.

H. and R. Abundant throughout both Counties. The first wasat LIyn Hilyn on March 31st (KAM) and the last was one atLIandrindod on Sept. 7th (MFP).

356. CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus col(vhita.

H. The first arrivals were one at Eywood on March 15th(CJP)and two there on March 16th (JLF), and one at St. Owen'sCross on the same date (WOD). Thereafter, distribution andnumbers normal throughout the County.The last was one at Holme Marsh on Sept. 27th (AJS).


R. Three singing at Llanelwedd on March 29th were the first.MFP located 28 singing males, 24 of which were in the Wyeand Ithon valleys, and reports 'overall uncommon or scarceexcept in the river valleys where it seems to be fairly common'.Last seen at Newbridge Bog on Sept. 16th (MFP).

357. WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix.

H. April 16th, Aymestrey, two (FWM); April 19th, Moccas,noted (AM); April 23rd, Mansel Lacy, seven in song and ninein song there on May 7th (JVF); May 8th, Shobdon, noted(TRA); May 9th, Whitfield Estate, one singing (RH).

R. 55 singing males located (MFP).

364. GOLDCREST Regulus regulus.

H. and R. Records are numerous and are widely distributedthroughout both Counties. Unfortunately the apparent recov-ery of this species from the effects of the severe winter of 1978may have suffered a considerable setback as a result of the'arctic' weather conditions at the end of December and thebeginning of 1982.

A MAIl01ANT

366. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata.

H. Singles at Hereford (JLF) and Shobdon (TRA) on May10th were the first. Breeding recorded at Brilley. Easthamp-ton, Elton. Kingsland and Kington. Other records come from:Bridstow. Carey. Castleton, max. 10, Hentland and WelshNewton where last noted in Sept.


R. First noted at Penybont Lake on May 8th. MFP reports'remains fairly common with 50 singing males located. Thisspecies seems less common in Glasbury-Erwood area than it isaround Buiith and Llandrindod. In the latter locality it is verycommon with perhaps II or 12 pairs nesting'. Last recorded atLlandrindod on Sept. 7th (MFP).

368. PIED FLYCATCHER Fieedula hypoleuea.

H. A male at Eywood on April 15th (CJP) was the first, then amale at Moccas on April 19th (AM) and three males atEywood on the same date (CJP). April 23rd, Mansel Lacy, sixmales and one female (JLF); June 19th, Shirleys, one inCommon Alder Alnus glutinosa by the Lugg (WL-S).

R. The first was at Newbridge Bog on April 27th and 42 sing-ing males were located after mid-May (MFP). June 13th,Llanbedr, four singing males noted (AJS).

See also Nest-box Scheme report.

371. DUNNOCK Prunella modularis.

H. and R. A common resident, breeding in both Counties.

373. MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis.

H. March 1st, Aymestrey, 15 (FWM); Sept. 6th, HolmeMarsh, first autumn passage noted and main passage occurredin early October with the last being noted on act. 18th(AJS). Nov. 3rd, Aymestrey Quarry, 32 and 44 there on Nov.22nd (FWM); Preston-on-Wye, 10 noted on Nov. 22nd(AM);Dec. 12th, Kington, feeding at The Garth (JMB); Dec. 26th,Hereford, one at bird table (AAS); Dec. 31 st, Tidnor, 10 byflood-water (JLF).

R. March, light passage throughout the month (MFP); April25th, Hindwell area, many still present (HTR); June 30th,Moelienydd, numerous (JLF). act. 3rd/4th, Llandrindod,heavy passage to south or south-west noted; Nov. 21st, Glas-bury, 20, thereafter almost totally absent; Dec. 28th, Builth,three (MFP).

376. TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis.

H. April 18th, Wigmore, several (FWM); April 23rd, ManselLacy. four in song (JLF); June 10th, Croft Ambrey. severalsinging (JHW); Aug. 15th to Sept. 6th, Holme Marsh, pas-sage noted (AJS).


R. The first was at Pwll Patti on April 15th. 'Remains wide-spread and common with 64 males located after early May'(MFP). May 30th, Llyn Pentre Bank, two in song; June 13th,Llanbedr, two pairs and noted at Llan Bwch Llyn on the samedate (AJS). Last noted on Aug. 30th at Glasbury (MFP).

380. PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba.

H. and R. Thinly distributed throughout both Counties. Somelarger counts in spring and autumn as follows: Feb. 12th,Builth Wells, 30 (MFP); April 25th, Kinnerton area, 10(HTR); Sept. 8th, Llandrindod, 30; Sept. 10th, Builth,45; Sept. 12th, Moelienydd, 25; Dec. 28th, Builth, 13(MFP).

381. GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea.

H. April/ May, Brilley, noted at usual nesting site; June 10th,Shirleys, one by the Lugg and four there on June 19th (WL-S);July 3rd, Carey, one (WOO); Aug. 29th, Holme Marsh, post-breeding movement noted (AJS); Sept. 2nd, Bridstow, one(WOO); Sept. 4th, Hampton Bishop, one (JLF); Nov. 14th,Ivington, one (MB-T); Nov. 15th, Hampton Bishop, two(JLF)

R. Jan. 22nd, Newbridge Bog, two (MFP); April 25th, Hind-well Pool, one (HTR). Young birds seen at Castell Collen,Cefnllys, Erwood, Glasbury, Llandrindod and Llanstephen(MFP); Aug. 18th, Moelienydd, five (JLF); act. 25th, Rhos-goch, two (AJS); Nov. 21st, Glasbury, two; Dec. 5th, Bryn-thomas, one and Dec. 28th, Builth, one (MFP).

382. YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacillaflava.

H. First spring birds were one at Castleton on April 4th andthree there on April 12th (AM). April 16th, Leintwardine, two(FWM); May 2nd, Ivington, noted (RM); May 10th, Castle-ton, 11 (AM). Regularly noted from mid-May onwards withrecords from: Bridstow, Holme Lacy, Kingsland, Ross-on-Wye and Shobdon. Autumn passage noted from early Augustto late September (AJS et al).

R. The first were 10 males at Glasbury on 23rd April. July II thbetween Llowes and Glanwye, small parties of adults withyoung, totalling 30+ birds. Sept. 8th. Llandrindod. one pas-sage bird (MFP); Sept. 13th, Glasbury, two on passage(WOO) were the last.

IIEREfORDSHIRE ORSITIIOLOGICAI RFPORl 1981 49

384. GREAT GREY SHRIKE LOIlIllS eXl'LIhiror.

H. March 14th. Criftin Ford Bridge. one (Miss Phillips)which remained in the area unlil March 20th and was seen byseveral Club member>.

A.MALCH,ANT

389. STARLING SIlI"'"S \'lIl.~ari...

H. and R. A common resident. breeding in both Counties. Theusual large nocks noted during the winter months.

391. HAWFINCH Coccorhrallsres {"()cmrhrallsres.

H. March 18th. Common Hill. Fownhope. one: Nov. 7th, twoat same locality (KAM).

392. GREENFINCH Cardllelis ch/oris.

H. and R A commOn reSldcnt. breeding in both Counties.Some large counts noted as follows: Jan. 19th. Burrington.c lOO (J LF): Feb. 24th. Glasbury. 100 and Oct. 26tb. L1andrin-dodo c50 (MFP).

393. GOLDFINCH Cardlleli..


394. SISKIN Carduelis spinus.

H. and R. Records are once again numerous and over 40reports have been submitted. As is ususal with this species therecords cover the periods January - April and September -December. The larger gatherings were: Jan. 4th, three flocksof 50+ at Wigmore and one of 20+ at Aymestrey (FWM); Jan.13th, Tidnor, c40 (AJS); Jan. 17th, Swinmoor area, 30(TRHO); Jan. 23rd, Hampton Bishop, clOO (JLF); Feb. 2nd,Hole-in-the-Wall area, c50 (AJS); April 4th, Bircher Com-mon, c20 (CO); Nov. 21st, Boughrood, 20 (MFP); Nov. 29th,Castleton, c25 (AJS) and 15 at Llandrindod on the same date(MFP); Dec. 5th, Dolau, 31 and Penybont, 55 (M FP); Dec.18th, Bodenham, c40 (MJB).

395. LINNET Carduelis

Documents

ANNUAL REPORT - HerefordshireBirds · 2019. 2. 5. · Nuthatch 98 (5 FG Blackbird 98 ( 87 FG House Martin 66 (all FG) Redstart 66 (2 FG Brambling 66 (all FG) Greenfinch 64 (all FG)