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Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
1
HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR WILDLIFE REPORT FOR 2010
CONTENTS
Introduction 2
List of contributors 2
Review of 2010 Peter Delaloye 3
HMWT Hilfield Diary Rob Hopkins 4
Birds – systematic list Mark McManus and Peter Delaloye 5
Birds – year-by-year review Bob Cripps 28
Ringing report Peter Delaloye 34
Butterflies Steve Murray 39
Dragonflies Steve Murray 43
Mammals Bob Cripps 46
Reptiles and amphibians Bob Cripps 47
Bat Survey Richard Gowing 48
Moths Rachel Terry 51
Planting of Phragmites along the Peter Delaloye 61
north bank
Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust 62
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
2
INTRODUCTION
Hilfield Park Reservoir is a Local Nature Reserve in the ownership of Veolia Water (previously
the Three Valleys Water Services PLC.) It was established as a nature reserve in 1969, after
an agreement between the company and Hertfordshire County Council, with management
undertaken by the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT).
The water surface covers about 46 hectares (115 acres) at top level and is surrounded by
32 hectares (80 acres) of land consisting of woodland and rough grassland with oak and bramble
scrub. The storage capacity of the reservoir is approximately 600 million gallons.
This is the twentieth report, continuing to encourage a wider interest in the site and the recording
of its wildlife.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this report. Special thanks are due to Stephen
Murray, Bob Cripps, Mark McManus, Richard Gowing, Rachel Terry, Rob Hopkins and Jack Fearnside
without whom it would not have been possible to prepare this report. Also Tony Blake for the use
of his excellent photographs.
We would like to thank PC Philip Tuck and the Hertfordshire Constabulary for their help in regularly
checking the reserve during the breeding season.
All future records of any aspect of natural history relating to the reserve would be gratefully
received.
I would also like to take this opportunity to request that both authors and the report itself are
acknowledged fully, following part or complete use of this report as reference.
Peter Delaloye
HMWT Volunteer Warden
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
We are grateful to the following for submitting records. All records have been submitted to the
county recorder.
M. Beatley
I. Bennell
T. Blake
D. Chandler
K. Cramer
R. Cripps
J. Daker
P. Delaloye
E. Edwards
J. Fearnside
R. Gowing
E. Inzani
H. Inzani
V. Inzani
P. McManus
M. McManus
M. Murphy
S. Murray
P. Peretti
C. Rossor
M. Rossor
E. Stainthorpe
R. Terry
J. Thompson
G. Wild
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
3
REVIEW OF 2010
Our thanks go to Richard Gowing for organising our first bat survey on May 4th. Our thanks also to
Jackie Wedd and Hazel Makepeace of the Herts and Middlesex and London Bat Groups for bringing
their equipment and expertise. Nine species and a further probable was the surprising result of their
visit.
Our thanks also to Rob Hopkins for his efforts on the reserve and in particular with reference to the
circular path and tern raft maintenance.
Birding highlights included the first Raven for the reserve. Also the first Spotted Redshank since
1997 and the first Tree Pipit since 2001.
The ringing group had a successful year with a total of 1377 birds ringed and one new species, a
Canada Goose.
The Lesser Emperor Dragonfly was again recorded. Ruddy Darter and Azure Damselfly were
recorded after being missed in 2009.
Finally but by no means least, Rachel Terry found 12 moths new to the Hilfield Reserve including
the micro moth Mompha bradleyi a species only recorded at three other sites in Hertfordshire.
Peter Delaloye
HMWT Volunteer Warden
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
4
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
ROB HOPKINS HILFIELD DIARY 2010
February 23 Coppicing willow along South Bank, adjacent to viewing hide
March 17 Tern raft maintenance
May.12 Cut path around reserve
June 9 Built reed guards
June 11 Mowed circular path
June 12 Planted reed rootballs
October 13 Felled trees to clear bank in north shore reed bank
October 20 Cut path and adjacent scrub and bramble with flail collector supplied by
Practicality Brown
November 25 Clearance of bankside scrub and trees from in front of viewing platform
with the Green Team.
Rob Hopkins
HMWT Nature Reserves Officer (South)
The reservoir in a frozen state on 10 January 2010.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
5
BIRDS OF HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR 2010
MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor
One pair bred. They were seen nest building on March 28th and seven cygnets were seen on May
19th. A dead adult was found on September 8th, possibly killed by another adult.
Maximum monthly counts (adults + juveniles):
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
6 4 8 7+2 4+2 4+7 4+5 4+5 5+5 4+8 2+5 2+5
GREY LAG GOOSE Answer answer
In January 17 were present from the 9th until the 13th, 16 from the 14th until the 17th and then
just one remained until the end of the month. Two were present on February 21st. In March one
was present from the 1st until the 11th and seen again on the 16th, 27th and 30th. One was
present on July 20th and one was present from September 19th until the 21st and one again on
November 18th and one flew over on December 31st.
GREATER CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis
Three pairs bred. The first brood of two surviving goslings was noted on May 19th, the second
brood on the 22nd and the third in June.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
91 24 12 8 27 109 108 24 126 91 52 42
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
6
EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiacus
An adult was present on November 25th.
SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna
Five records this year. In January one on the 3rd and four on the 19th. In February one on the 16th
and five late afternoon on the 17th and finally at the end of the year one on December 19th.
MANDARIN Aix galericulata
A good count of four records this year with two on April 19th, a female-type bird on July 26th and
again a female type was present on August 14th and lastly a male on October 9th.
WIGEON Anas penelope
In March just two birds present by the 21st and a single bird was present on April 19th. In August
three were seen on the 15th with 27 present by the end of the month.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
135 75 20 – – – – – 30 83 94 121
GADWALL Anas strepera
A pair were seen mating on May 30th and a brood of ducklings fledged on June 26th. A second
pair then fledged a brood of six on July 14th with five juveniles still present on August 1st.
NOTE: Last years report should have read a brood of 11 on June 13th and not a brood of 13 on July
13th.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
56 38 20 36 18 17 31 9 25 70 73 142
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
7
TEAL Anas crecca
In January two on the 2nd, five on 19th, four on 20th, two on 21st and five again on 28th, in
February four on 23rd and two on 27th, in March a male on 5th, a pair on 7th and a male again
on the 13th and 29th. Two pairs were present from April 5th until the 17th. In August a single bird
was present on the 27th, with two on the 30th and one again on the 31st. In September two on
the 8th, one on the 19th and eight on the 26th. Six were present on October 17th. In November
up to nine birds on six dates, 22 on the 18th, 23 on the 28th and 18 on the 22nd and 10 on the
28th. In December three on the 30th and one on two other dates.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
5 4 2 4 – – – 1 8 6 23 3
MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos
Nine broods this year. The first brood was noted on April 15th with two more on the 17th. Four
more broods were noted in May and two more in June.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
24 7 15 17 26 17 14 21 10 4 8 17
PINTAIL Anas acuta
A single record of a female or immature bird present on September 25th.
SHOVELER Anas clypeata
Ten were present on April 10th. A pair was seen on May 5th and five were seen on June 30th and
one on July 31st.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
12 2 4 10 2 5 1 18 36 22 26 14
RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina
A male and two females were present on November 29th.
POCHARD Aythya farina
A female was present on May 5th.
Monthly maximum counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
25 12 17 5 1 23 138 195 16 15 37 51
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
8
TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula
One brood of two ducklings fledged on July 18th with the two well grown juveniles still present on
August 15th.
Monthly maximum counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
100 66 106 181 8 13 146 245 87 167 93 70
TUFTED DUCK x SCAUP HYBRID
One on January 24th, February 7th and 27th and six dates in March between 17th and 30th.
GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula
The first record of the year was of a female on February 7th and 14th with three birds on the 18th
and two females were present on 27th. In March a female on the 7th and 14th with three were
seen on several dates between 17th and 26th with two females on the 27th. In April three females
on 2nd and a single bird on the 5th, 18th, 22nd and 24th. In November three females on the 7th
and a single bird on the 23rd. In December a female was present from the 11th until the 13th.
Monthly maximum counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
– 3 3 3 – – – – – – 3 1
SMEW Mergellus albellus
A good run of records in December with a male present on the 7th, a male and two redheads on
the 8th, two redheads from the 9th until the 11th, three redheads on the 12th two of which may
have been 1st-winter males, a single redhead on the 13th and two redheads again on the 23rd.
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator
A juvenile male was present on October 9th, the second year running this species has been
recorded.
GOOSANDER Mergus merganser
Three records this year. A female was in the east bay on March 8th, three females flew low over the
water and headed off high NW without stopping on November 7th and a single female was seen
on the 28th.
RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis
There were no records in January as the cull has taken its toll. In February a male was seen on the
14th and three on the 18th and three male and a female on the 21st, in March two were present
on the 2nd and eight were present on the 7th. Two pair were present on April 9th and two males
and a female on three other dates. In May two pair were noted on several dates with a male seen
displaying on the 31st. Two males and a female were seen on June 5th and 10th with just two
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
9
males on the 20th and a female on the 27th. A pair were present in July until the 23rd. In August
three males and a female on the 10th and a single male on the 15th. In September three males
from the 6th until the 30th. In October three males were present from the 1st until the 15th with
one remaining until the end of the month. In November two male and a female on the 7th, a
male on the 14th, three pair on the 21st and a male again on the 28th. Eleven birds were seen on
December 11th after a cull with this, rather strangely, being the highest count of the year.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
– 4 8 4 4 3 2 4 3 3 6 11
LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
Seven broods this year with three broods hatched in June, the first on the 15th and the third on
the 27th. Three more broods hatched in August with the third noted on the 30th and then the last
brood was noted on September 19th.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
34 10 9 12 5 8 8 18 54 60 38 30
GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus
Five broods this year. Three broods fledged in July one on the 3rd and two on the 20th and two
more broods in August, one on the 6th and the last on the 15th.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
11 13 14 16 15 24 33 43 43 31 23 23
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
10
CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
Recorded in every month of the year. A good count of 45 birds on December 7th with a sudden
influx of 37 to join the birds already present.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
7 8 5 3 3 8 20 7 21 9 12 45
LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta
Two sightings this year with a good record of 11 flying over at 08.41 on October 17th and one was
in the NE bay hawthorns on December 9th.
GREY HERON Ardea cinerea
In January singles on 1st and 18th, one on February 7th, one on March 14th, one on April 5th
and 18th. In May three on the 16th and an adult with three young was seen on the 23rd and two
adults were present on the 30th. A single was present on June 6th while eight birds were present
on the 12th which was the joint highest count of the year. In July two on the 4th, one on the 6th,
four on the 8th and at least three on the 26th. Two were present on August 2nd and three on the
15th. Two on September 7th, one on the 8th and eight were present on the 22nd. Five birds were
present on October 17th and two on the 24th and a single on the 31st. Two on November 13th,
one on the 14th and two again on the 28th. Two birds were present on December 9th with singles
on the 12th and 26th.
Maximum monthly counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 4 8 4 3 8 5 2 2
RED KITE Milvus milvus
Two records in March of singles on the 24th and 28th. One on April 4th and on May 3rd, 12th and
22nd. In June singles on the 6th, 24th, 25th and 27th. In July one on the 11th and two over the
aerodrome on the 28th and finally one flew over on October 10th.
SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus
Seen throughout the year. Highest count of the year was of three birds noted on May 16th. A pair
were seen in the SE wood in February.
COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo
A pair bred in the castle lake grounds. Recorded on nine dates in January with three on the 3rd
and two on the 30th while one was seen on a pylon feeding on a Black-headed Gull on the 17th.
Recorded on seven dates in February with three on the 27th the highest count. In March four were
seen on the 21st and 27th and from the 16th a pair were seen on an old crows nest several times
and mating in the north pines on the 28th. The highest count in April was of five on the 9th while
four were present on the 4th and a pair were seen mating again on 4th and towards the end of
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
11
the month the pair were suspected to be nesting in the castle grounds. A calling bird was heard
from the castle trees throughout May. Three birds were noted on June 6th. In July a juvenile was
heard calling from the castle lake area all month and was seen towards the end of the month. The
resident juvenile was seen regularly in August up to the 22nd with six adults on the 8th and four
on the 15th and 19th. Birds were seen throughout September with seven noted on the 25th. The
highest count in October was of four on the 17th with one or two birds recorded on several dates
in November and December.
KESTREL Falco tinnunculus
Recorded throughout the year.
Note: Last years report should of read two chicks were noted on May 31st and not March 31st.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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HOBBY Falco subbuteo
Single birds were seen on April 21st and then from the 24th until 27th. In May singles were seen
on five dates. In June singles on the 10th and 26th. Singles were recorded on seven dates in July
with a 1st summer on the 2nd while one was seen mobbing a Buzzard on the 4th and again on the
5th and then one was drinking from the dam on the 18th and one was bathing in the water on the
19th. In August two on the 8th and 15th and singles on the 22nd, 27th and 29th. In September
one on the 6th and a juvenile on the 11th.
PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus
One seen briefly twice, in the morning and afternoon on March 14th. In the morning it flew in
from the SE at 9.55am and flew low over the water scattering the gulls before flying off NW.
RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa
Two in the castle grounds on March 27th. Inside the reserve a good run of spring records probably
relating to the same pair with two seen on April 11th, 24th and 26th, in May two on the 1st, 11th,
one on the 14th, two on the 17th and 26th with a single bird on the 31st and later in the year one
was seen climbing the steps of the dam on October 30th.
PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus
Resident. Breeding was proved with a female and two small juveniles noted on August 15th. Five to
six birds were seen on three dates in April. Seven birds, four male and three female were present on
May 5th. Six were seen on October 13th, eight on November 12th and 30th and finally eight also
on December 19th.
WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus
In January one was heard on the 1st and two were on the north bank on the 7th and one was seen
on the 9th and 17th. There were no records for February and then one was heard along the south
bank on March 21st. A single on October 20th was the first returning bird. In November two heard
on the 14th, and singles on 23rd, 27th, 28th and 30th. In December one was by the hide on the
3rd and one was along the north bank on the 13th.
MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
Two broods this year, the first fledged on June 26th and the second brood fledged on July 5th.
July’s count includes one juvenile and the August count three juveniles.
Monthly maximum counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
3 1 7 6 3 – 5 6 9 13 11 5
COOT Fulica atra
Eight broods this year. Three broods in May with the first noted on the 28th and another five
broods hatched in June with the last noted on the 12th.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
13
Monthly maximum counts:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
229 135 141 108 88 183 254 191 138 171 195 197
OYSTERCATCHER
Haematopus ostralegus
Two records in April of single
birds on the 10th and 25th
and in July one was seen on
the 18th and 20th.
RINGED PLOVER Charadrius
hiaticula
The only record of the year
was of one on August 27th.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius
First bird of the year was one on March 25th until the months end. In April single birds present on
eight dates and two on the 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th and the 24th. In May two were present on the 3rd
and singles on six other dates up to the 23rd. In June two on the 6th and a single on seven other
dates up to the 24th. A juvenile was present on July the 8th.
GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria
Seven birds flew over on October 2nd and again on the 3rd.
LAPWING Vanellus vanellus
In January 14 flew up from the dam on the 1st and two were resting on the frozen reservoir on the
2nd, 14 flew over on the 3rd, 25 were seen on the 8th, three on the 9th, six on the 17th, one on
the 21st and eight on the 24th. Two flew over on February 27th. The next record was of two on
the dam on May 16th. In June one on the dam on the 13th, 26 on the 23rd and 17 on the 26th. In
July 16 on the dam on the 7th, 18 over on the 8th, 10 over on the 10th, 17 over on the 23rd and
14 over on the 27th with between one and four birds seen on seven other dates. In August 14 flew
over on the 1st. Eight birds flew over on November 28th. In December 32 birds were present on
the frozen reservoir on the 21st with 20 present on four other dates.
SANDERLING Calidris alba
Recorded at the reservoir again this year after a two year absence with a single bird present on
December 4th.
DUNLIN Calidris alpina
One summer-plumaged bird on the dam on May 2nd then two records in July of a single bird on
the dam on the 13th and 23rd. An adult was present on August 11th and 12th. A juvenile was on
the dam on September 10th and the last record of the year was of a single bird on December 8th.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
14
COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago
Two flew low over the dam on August 15th and one was flushed along the south bank on
November 8th. In December one flew over on the 22nd. Outside the reserve one was flushed from
Hilfield Lane on December 26th.
WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola
Three records in January, one on the east bank on the 9th, one near the paddocks on the 19th
and one in the north pines on the 30th. One was flushed by a Muntjac in the southeast woods on
February 14th and one flew out of the north scrub on March 7th. Later in the year in December
one was in the north pines on the 22nd and one was on the ice under the north bank willows on
the 24th.
CURLEW Numenius arquata
On December the 12th a single bird landed on the dam at 16.03, had a drink and was still present
at 16.15.
REDSHANK Tringa tetanus
In April two were present from the 11th until the 13th with one on the 14th and two again on the
15th and 16th and one was present on June 15th.
SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus
A juvenile bird flew in calling and dropped onto the dam late in the evening on August 31st. This
species was last seen at Hilfield in 1997 so a great find for the lucky observers but sadly it departed
overnight.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia
A single record this year of one that circled the reservoir on August 31st.
COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
First of the year was one on April 18th followed by singles on 24th, 25th, 27th and 28th. In May
two on the 3rd and three on the 16th and singles on six other dates. In June one was present on
the 29th. Recorded throughout July with singles on nine dates, two on four dates, three on five
dates, four on the 11th and nine on the 17th. Regular throughout August with six on the 13th and
eight on the 27th. In September four were present on the 1st and three on the 4th and 8th and
one or two were then recorded up to the 29th.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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MEDITERRANEAN GULL Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
Recorded on 21 dates this year. In January a 1st winter was present on the 2nd and 3rd, an adult
on the 16th and a 2nd winter on the 30th. On April 15th an adult and 2nd summer were present
for a short time. One juvenile was seen on July 26th. A juv/1st winter bird was present on August
22nd. A 1st winter was present on September 25th. In October an adult on the 8th, an adult and
three juv/1st winters on the 9th, a single adult on the 12th, two adults on the 20th and a single
adult on the 22nd, 25th and 27th. In November an adult on the 6th, 7th and 13th, a 1st winter on
the 14th and an adult again on the 21st and 28th.
LITTLE GULL Hydrocoloeus
minutus
Three records this year consisting
of ten birds. On April 20th one
1st winter, six adults followed by
a 2nd summer on the 25th and
an adult and 1st winter were
seen on November 7th.
BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus
One of the surprises of the year was this species breeding at the reserve for the first time with two
pairs nesting on the rafts. One pair hatched two chicks on June 20th and the other pair three chicks
on the 21st. One of the juveniles was present until August 1st. A white adult was noted on seven
dates in January, four dates in February with a different white adult present on February 20th. In
March two white headed birds on the 5th and a cream bird on the 9th and 12th. On July 28th a
white adult was present again and was then seen on four dates in September and five dates in
October and three dates in November and December. Counts received were 1000 on January 31st,
1200 on February 14th, 584 on July 30th and 2600 on August 27th.
COMMON GULL Larus canus
The following counts were received. 300 on January 31st, 500 on February 14th, 1000 on March
13th, one on April 5th, three including one in summer plumage on August 1st, 2 on August 15th,
29 on September 28th and 400 on December 12th.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus
Counts received were of 226 in the roost on March 16th, 36 on April 23rd and a bird of the race
intermedius was seen on April 11th. A count of 75 was made on May 20th. On June 27th 87 were
present. In August six adults and 16 juveniles on the 5th and seven adults and 26 juveniles on the
14th. On September 28th 273 were counted.
HERRING GULL Larus argentatus
A single argentatus was seen on January 10th. On February 5th 340 were in the roost with 200
noted on the 14th and 295 on March 16th. On April 24th 15 were present and 43 were noted on
May 20th. On June 28th 17 were present. Twelve birds were present on July 3rd, 253 adults were
counted on September 18th and 198 were counted on December 11th.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis
One on December 19th was the only record for the year.
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus
Recorded on five dates totalling seven birds. Two on January 16th, an adult and an immature with
a 1st winter present on the 30th, an adult was present on November 21st and in December two
adults on the 19th and one on the 31st.
KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla
Three birds consisting of an adult, juvenile and 1st
winter were present on November 6th with the 1st
winter bird still present the next day.
SANDWICH TERN Thalasseus sandvicensis
On July 3rd five flew in from the south and passed
straight through.
COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo
A total of 15 broods this year, five more than 2010 all hatched between May 31st and July 30th.
First record of the year was of one on April 4th followed by two on the 5th, 31 on the 25th and 13
on the 29th. Highest count for May was of 27 on the 27th.
ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea
Two records in April of two birds on the 19th and 24th. In May at least two on the 2nd, four on the
4th, eight on the 6th, 17 on the 7th and two on the 8th.
LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons
Two records this year, both in May with three on the 2nd for just over two hours and a single on
the 9th again present for just over two hours.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger
Just a single record this year of one juvenile from September 8th until the 12th.
FERAL PIGEON Columba livia
Regularly seen throughout the year.
STOCK DOVE Columba oenas
Probably under recorded but the following records were received. Two on January 24th, one on
April 18th, May 16th and 23rd, three on July 4th and one on the 6th, two on the 8th and one on
the 26th. In August two were present on the 1st and 3rd.
WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus
Resident and seen on every visit to the reserve.
COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto
This species was not recorded at the reserve last year for the first time in many years and it just
about made it onto the list this year with a bird seen flying over on December 30th.
RING-NECKED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri
In January one on the 1st and two on the 17th and four on the 21st, in February two on the 6th
and the 14th, in March one on the 13th, two on the 19th, 21st and 25th, one on the 27th and six
on the 30th. Recorded on 13 dates in April with three being the highest count, two adults and a
juvenile on the 26th. In May two on the 13th and one on the 15th. In August one on the 1st and
one on the 14th. In September six on the 12th and one on the 18th and 25th, three on the 26th
and four on the 29th. In October one on the 5th, two the 9th, three on the 10th, two on the 17th,
four on the 27th and two on the 31st. In November four on the 6th and up to three on several
other dates. Recorded on six dates in December with four on the 24th and five on the 26th.
CUCKOO Cuculus canorus
One on April 20th and 24th and one on the north bank May 22nd.
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TAWNY OWL Strix aluco
One was hooting in the SE woods on January 9th and one was in the same area on May 4th.
COMMON SWIFT Apus apus
First record of the year was of two
birds on April 19th with 300 present on
the 30th. In May there were over 500
on the 2nd, including a partial albino
which briefly raised hopes of an Alpine
Swift, a 1000 on the 9th and 600 on
the 29th. In June 200 were seen on
the 1st. In July 20 were present on the
11th. One was seen on August 28th
and the last of the year was on the
rather late date of September 19th.
GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis
Resident, recorded throughout the year. A family group was present on July 12th. A first year
female was caught on November 14th.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major
Resident, recorded throughout the year. Birds were regularly heard drumming in the castle grounds.
A family group was present on June 8th Five juveniles were caught between May and August.
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Picoides minor
One record. Good views of a female by the east fountain on December29th
SKYLARK Alauda arvensis
Apart from single birds during April there were the following records: ten on October 7th and 15
on the 10th and finally there were 56 flying over, on December 31st.
SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia
The first birds of the year were two on March 22nd and then circa 30 on the 31st. In May 20 were
counted on the 8th In the autumn there were circa 130 on August 19th and 20th. Last record of
the autumn was two on October 3rd.
SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
One bird on March 22nd and 30 on the 31th were the first records of the year. There were circa
100 on April 30th and circa 200 on May 2nd,3rd and 8th. In August there were circa 50 roosting in
the main reed bed on the 6th and 17th. Then circa 300 on September 26th followed by about 100
on October 3rd. A single bird on October 17th was the last record.
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HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica
Two birds on March 31st were the first of the year. Then there were 50-100 birds on six dates
between April 30th and June 1st. There was a strong autumn passage between September 11th
and October 3rd with 400 on September 26th. One on October 24th was the last recorded bird.
MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis
There were no records of wintering birds. There were three records in March ,the highest being
nine on the 31st.
No records then until 14 on September 12th. In October there were records on five dates with a
maximum of 60 on the 7th. The only November birds recorded were 11 on the18th. In December
there was one on the 3rd.
TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis
One in the north scrub at 8am on April 23rd.
ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus
Two on October 3rd,10th and 14th on the dam.
YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava
Eight records this year all single birds on April 7th,14th,16th, and 30th and then May 2nd,8th and
9th. Finally a juvenile on the dam on September 9th.
GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea
Twenty-seven records in March, April, July, September and October. A male was recorded on 17
dates in April with two males on the 25th. In addition two birds were present on October 7th and
14th.
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PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba yarrellii
Resident. Regularly seen along the dam and breeds on the bridge. One was seen feeding young on
April 16th-May 3rd, first brood fledged, June 15th, second brood fledged, July 22nd third brood
fledged.
WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba alba
Three records of single birds were on April 2nd, 7th and 10th.
WREN Troglodytes troglodytes
Resident. Sixteen juveniles were caught between May and August.
DUNNOCK Prunella modularis
Resident. Nine juveniles were caught between May and August.
ROBIN Erithacus rubecula
Resident. Twenty-seven juveniles were caught between May and August.
BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros
One immature/female from October 21st to 25th.
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WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe
There were 19 records this year with the first one on April 5th then one on April 7th and four on
the 18th with one definite Greenland subspecies O. o. leucorhoa. Then two males were present on
April 20th followed by singles on April 22nd and 30th and May 3rd and 10th. In the autumn single
birds were recorded on 11 dates between August 11th and October 14th.
BLACKBIRD Turdus merula
Resident. No significant counts. Nine juveniles caught between May and August.
FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris
Recorded from January 16th to March 8th and in autumn from October 13th to December 30th.
Maximum recorded was 43 on January 23rd.
SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos
Resident, probably under-recorded. Four were present on May 23rd. Three juveniles caught
between May and August. During this same period four females and eight males were trapped and
ringed. Nineteen birds were caught and ringed throughout the whole year.
REDWING Turdus iliacus
Recorded in January, February, March and October. On October 10th birds were passing over all
morning.
MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus
Recorded in all months except August and December and usually in ones and twos. However, there
were two pairs on April 24, 14 birds on September 28th and 23 on October 5th.
SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
The first record was of two on April 23rd. A male was present from May 9th to June 20th and a
female from May 16th to June 20th but there were no juveniles until July 25th when there were
another adult with a juvenile presumably on dispersal. It is likely that the resident pair attempted to
breed but failed to produce young. There were six present on Aug 22nd and two on Aug 29th the
last recorded.
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REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scipaceus
One on April 18th in the main reed bed was the first bird to arrive. 103 juveniles were ringed
between June 28th and August 3rd. There were no records after August 29th. There were at least
six pairs along the north bank adjacent to the boathouse.
LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca
The first record for the year, a male and a female, was on May 23rd. There was a singing male on
July 10th and three birds on Aug 1st. Six juveniles were caught between July 25th and August
22nd but these were more likely to be birds on dispersal than proof of breeding.
WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis
One on April 25th was the first for the year. 20 juveniles were ringed between May and August.
GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin
Recorded from May 3rd to August 18th. A pair was present in the CES trapping area from May 3rd
to June 13th. Three juveniles were ringed in July/August.
BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla
First bird of the year was on March 30th. The last record of the year was on September 19th. 65
juveniles were caught between May and August.
CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita
Recorded from March 21st to October 31st. Eight were present on March 30th. 39 juveniles were
ringed between May and August. Late birds were 10 on October 7th, 4 on 10th and one on 31st.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus
In April one was present on the 14th and singles were recorded on the 14th, 18th and 25th while
two were present on the 23rd. Then there were no more records until August when there were
singles on the 1st,4th,15th,29th, 30th and four juveniles on the 11th and three on the 22nd.
GOLDCREST Regulus regulus
Recorded throughout the year. Four juveniles birds were caught in the period May to August and
four juveniles were seen on August 1st. An influx in October resulted in at least six on October
10th, 13th and 17th. At least three were present in November.
FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus
One male was trapped on April 14th. A single bird was recorded in a tit flock on September 25th.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata
One by the south fountain and two at Pages Farm on August 30th.
LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus
Resident, a much better year than 2009 with 42 new birds caught throughout the year. Two pairs
were nest building on March 21st. 21 juveniles caught during May to August. There were at least
four 2007 ringed birds still around through much of 2010.
COAL TIT Periparus ater
Resident ,breeding in small numbers. Possibly slightly commoner this year. 13 sight records of one
or two birds in January to April and September to December. 14 were ringed this year, mainly
juveniles, in July, August and November. Three birds were caught on August 15th and November
11th.
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BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus
Resident, breeds in good numbers around the reserve. 121 nestlings were ringed from the
nestboxes. This drop in number of nestlings ringed is due to lack of manpower not a reduction of
active nest boxes.
GREAT TIT Parus major
Resident. Breeds in good numbers around the reserve. 70 nestlings were ringed from the
nestboxes.
NUTHATCH Sitta europaea
Occasionally seen or heard in the region of the feeding site or main gate. Two females were present
in August.
TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris
Resident, 12 records this year with juveniles caught on July 18th and August 1st.
JAY Garrulus glandarius
Resident. Under recorded. Eight on March 30th. Seven different birds trapped throughout the year.
MAGPIE Pica pica
Resident. Eight birds were noted on February 12th.
JACKDAW Corvus monedula
Eight records with 24 on September 26th, and 50 on October 10th.
CARRION CROW Corvus corone
Resident. Breeds locally. Two to four regularly seen around the dam. One was seen killing a gull on
the ice on January 10th.
RAVEN Corvus corax
One, possibly two, flying over at 0915 on November 14th.
STARLING Sturnus vulgaris
Only two records. circa 300 on November 9th, a pre roosting flock and circa 500 on November
13th seen going to roost in the main reed bed.
CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs
Resident. Under recorded. Circa 20 on March 12th. Then some passage between 9th and 14th
March with up to 25 recorded. Twelve were ringed on the 14th.
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GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris
Resident. Not a common bird at Hilfield. Four records from around main entrance and feeding site
on March 14th, May 5th ,November 27th and December 30th.
GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis
Resident. Eleven records but often flying overhead and not recorded. Eight on March 12th and nine
on March 14th. Six on 11th and 18th August and 11 on November 21st.
SISKIN Carduelis spinus
Recorded on 16 days this year between January and April, and October and December. There were
20 on 6th and 13th February and the last spring bird was one on April 5th. Winter maxima were
circa 100 on December 22nd and 29th.
LINNET Carduelis cannabina
Eight records in April, October and November, all single figures except for 18 on October 7th.
LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis caberet
Eleven records of one to 15 in January through March then single birds on October 10th and
November 21st.
BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Resident, recorded regularly throughout the year. Probably at least three pairs but no juveniles
caught or recorded.
REED BUNTING Emberiza shoeniclus
Resident. One to six in January, March, April, May, October and November. The maximum was 10
on November 14th. Two juveniles were ringed on July 3rd.
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ESCAPES
BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis
One on June 18th until the 20th and one on September 14th and 15th. One over with Canada
Geese on October 8th and seen again on the 10th.
RUDDY SHELDUCK Anas bahamensis
A female on May 22nd (photo Bob Cripps).
Mark McManus and Peter Delaloye
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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BIRDS – YEAR BY YEAR REVIEW
Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last
seen
Mute Swan Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Bewick’s Swan Y Y Y
Whooper Swan Y Y
White-fronted Goose Y Y
Greylag Goose Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Canada Goose Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Brent Goose Y Y Y Y Y
Egyptian Goose Y Y Y Y Y
Shelduck Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Mandarin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Wigeon Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Gadwall Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Teal Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Mallard Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Pintail Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Garganey Y Y Y Y Y Y
Blue-winged Teal 1998
Shoveler Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Red-crested Pochard Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Pochard Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Ring-necked Duck Y
Ferruginous Duck 1961
Tufted Duck Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Scaup Y Y Y
Eider 1963
Long-tailed Duck 1985
Common Scoter Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Velvet Scoter 1976
Goldeneye Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Smew Y Y Y Y Y Y
Red-breasted Merganser Y Y
Goosander Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Ruddy Duck Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
White-headed Duck Y Y Y
Red-legged Partridge Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Grey Partridge 1960
Pheasant Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Red-throated Diver 1965
Black-throated Diver 1967
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Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last
seen
Great Northern Diver Y Y
Little Grebe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Great Crested Grebe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Red-necked Grebe Y Y
Slavonian Grebe Y Y
Black-necked Grebe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Leach’s Petrel 1983
Cormorant Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Shag Y Y
Bittern Y Y Y
Little Egret Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Grey Heron Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Honey Buzzard Y Y
Red Kite Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Marsh Harrier Y Y
Sparrowhawk Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Buzzard Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Osprey Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Kestrel Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Merlin 1979
Hobby Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Peregrine Y Y Y Y Y
Water Rail Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Spotted Crake 1967
Moorhen Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Coot Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Oystercatcher Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Avocet Y Y
Little Ringed Plover Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Ringed Plover Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Golden Plover Y Y Y Y Y Y
Grey Plover Y
Lapwing Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Knot Y
Sanderling Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Little Stint Y
Curlew Sandpiper Y
Dunlin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Ruff Y
Jack Snipe 1996
Snipe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Woodcock Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
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Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last
seen
Black-tailed Godwit 1987
Bar-tailed Godwit Y
Whimbrel Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Curlew Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Spotted Redshank Y
Redshank Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Greenshank Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Green Sandpiper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Wood Sandpiper 1997
Spotted Sandpiper 1956
Common Sandpiper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Turnstone Y Y Y
Grey Phalarope Y
Long-tailed Skua 1988
Mediterranean Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Laughing Gull Y
Little Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Sabine’s Gull 1988
Black-headed Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Common Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Lesser Black-backed Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Herring Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Yellow-legged Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Glaucous Gull 1980
Great Black-backed Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Kittiwake Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Sandwich Tern Y Y Y Y Y Y
Common Tern Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Arctic Tern Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Little Tern Y Y Y
Black Tern Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
White-winged Black Tern 1970
Little Auk 1995
Feral Pigeon Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Stock Dove Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Wood Pigeon Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Collared Dove Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Turtle Dove Y Y
Ring-necked Parakeet Y Y Y Y Y
Cuckoo Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Barn Owl Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Little Owl Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last
seen
Tawny Owl Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Short-eared Owl Y Y
Swift Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Alpine Swift 1990
Kingfisher Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Hoopoe 1973
Green Woodpecker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Great Spotted Woodpecker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Woodlark 1955
Skylark Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Sand Martin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Swallow Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Red-rumped Swallow Y
House Martin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Tree Pipit Y Y Y
Meadow Pipit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Rock Pipit Y Y Y Y Y Y
Water Pipit 1992
Yellow/Blue-headed Wagtail Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Grey Wagtail Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Pied/White Wagtail Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Waxwing Y
Wren Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Dunnock Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Robin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Black Redstart Y Y Y Y Y Y
Redstart Y Y
Whinchat Y Y Y Y Y
Stonechat Y Y Y Y Y Y
Wheatear Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Ring Ouzel 1993
Blackbird Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Fieldfare Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Song Thrush Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Redwing Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Mistle Thrush Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Cetti’s Warbler Y
Grasshopper Warbler Y Y Y
Aquatic Warbler 1960
Sedge Warbler Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Reed Warbler Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Lesser Whitethroat Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last
seen
Whitethroat Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Garden Warbler Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Blackcap Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Wood Warbler Y
Chiffchaff Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Willow Warbler Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Goldcrest Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Firecrest Y Y Y Y Y
Spotted Flycatcher Y Y Y Y Y Y
Pied Flycatcher Y
Bearded Tit 1974
Long-tailed Tit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Marsh Tit Y
Willow Tit 1994
Coal Tit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Blue Tit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Great Tit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Nuthatch Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Treecreeper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Golden Oriole 1984
Red-backed Shrike 1965
Great Grey Shrike 1970
Jay Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Magpie Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Jackdaw Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Rook Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Carrion Crow Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Raven Y
Starling Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
House Sparrow Y Y Y Y Y
Tree Sparrow 1987
Chaffinch Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Brambling Y Y Y Y Y
Serin 1973
Greenfinch Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Goldfinch Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Siskin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Linnet Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Lesser Redpoll Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Crossbill Y Y
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last
seen
Bullfinch Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Hawfinch 1982
Snow Bunting 1978
Yellowhammer Y Y Y Y Y
Cirl Bunting 1959
Little Bunting 1960
Reed Bunting Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Corn Bunting 1984
Escapes
Black Swan 1998
Snow Goose 1997
Pink-footed Goose 1993
Barnacle Goose Y
Bar-headed Goose Y 1998
Argentine Bluebill Y Y
Ruddy Shelduck Y 1995
Bahama Pintail Y
Marbled Teal 1998
Grey-headed Gull Y Y
Monk Parakeet Y Y
Grey Cockatiel Y
Cockatiel 1998
Parakeet Sp. Y
Double-barred Finch Y
Bob Cripps
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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RINGING REPORT FOR 2010
Annual summary 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
New birds ringed 837 951 794 1066 1377
No. of species 30 36 32 35 45
No. of pulli 272 276 254 330 193
No. of retraps 260 457 331 417 1022
The Constant Effort Site programme was completed successfully.
There was one new species ringed in 2010 – Canada Goose. The number of species caught was
well above average for Hilfield.
Pulli ringed in 2010 were again restricted to Blue and Great Tits and Stock Dove with 121, 70 and 2
respectively. However this was one of the lowest totals of ringed pulli at Hilfield in recent years, due
to lack of manpower at the critical time rather than lack of occupied boxes.
Ringing totals as an indication of population changes between 1998 and 2010
Species 1998 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Song Thrush 4 5 4 11 12 19 8 25 19
Sedge Warbler 34 19 34 16 7 5 1 9 15
Reed Warbler 91 9 85 107 85 50 59 85 149
Lesser Whitethroat 11 4 6 5 10 6 2 0 8
Whitethroat 26 8 34 25 33 12 9 38 27
Garden Warbler 14 6 10 6 6 12 6 4 6
Blackcap 88 40 62 78 51 60 54 79 87
Chiffchaff 52 87 43 62 21 43 28 34 75
Willow Warbler 19 12 8 19 12 7 4 8 12
Goldcrest 11 12 19 5 7 25 17 7 29
Long Tailed Tit 28 13 54 6 32 47 60 10 42
Reed Bunting 18 5 9 11 8 10 4 5 6
Totals 396 220 368 351 284 296 252 304 475
Song Thrush Probably a stable population, 12 of the 19 in 2010 were caught in April and
May.
Sedge Warbler Believed to have attempted breeding, but the eight in August means that
autumn dispersal and migration is responsible for much of the increase.
Reed Warbler They would still appear to be increasing in line with the increase in Phragmites.
Eighty-four were caught in July.
Lesser Whitethroat An improvement this year but August birds account for five.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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Whitethroat Appears to be holding its own.
Garden Warbler Back to its normal six.
Blackcap Back to the 1998 level.
Chiffchaff Highest number since 2003. Autumn passage continued into October.
Willow Warbler August accounts for ten of the 12 caught.
Goldcrest Numbers are better this year but mainly due to the October influx.
Long-tailed Tit A better year this year.
Reed Bunting Little change.
Returning migrants
Birds that were ringed in previous years and have returned in 2010 were as follows:
Species 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Reed Warbler 2 1 – 2 1
Whitethroat 2
Blackcap 2 2
Chiffchaff 1
Long lived Long-tailed Tits
Some of our Long-tailed Tits are regular visitors to our nets:
AVJ 502 First caught 18.09.2005 and last caught 08.03.2009 (5th visit).
AAH 730 First caught 17.06.2007 and last caught 12.04.2009 (11th visit).
AAH 794 First caught 16.09.2007 and last caught 14.04.2010 (10th visit).
AAH 796 First caught 16.09.2007 and last caught 31.01.2010 (9th visit).
BEV 930 First caught 27.01.2008 and last caught 31.01.2010 (12th visit).
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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Ringing totals
2010 1994-2010
Species Adults Pulli Adults Pulli
Mute Swan 1 24
Canada Goose 4 4
Wigeon 16
Teal 3
Mallard 48
Ruddy Duck 3
Sparrowhawk 1 7
Kestrel 3 40
Water Rail 3 33
Moorhen 5 74
Coot 104
Dunlin 1
Common Sandpiper 1 14
Common Tern 39
Stock Dove 2 12
Woodpigeon 2 12
Cuckoo 1
Little Owl 1 14
Tawny Owl 1 2
Swift 1 159
Kingfisher 47
Green Woodpecker 3 16
Great Spotted Woodpecker
13 31
Sand Martin 6
Swallow 3 9
House Martin 4 25
Meadow Pipit 16 108
Grey Wagtail 6
Pied Wagtail 1 3 4
Wren 35 473 16
Dunnock 31 361
Robin 49 460
Wheatear 1 4
Black Redstart 1
Redstart 1
Stonechat 1
Blackbird 24 266
Song Thrush 19 144
Redwing 9
Grasshopper Warfbler 1
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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2010 1994-2010
Species Adults Pulli Adults Pulli
Cettis Warbler 1
Sedge Warbler 15 326
Reed Warbler 149 1295
Lesser Whitethroat 8 90
Whitethroat 27 214
Garden Warbler 6 118
Blackcap 87 841
Chiffchaff 75 699
Willow Warbler 12 203
Goldcrest 29 217
Firecrest 1 3
Spotted Flycatcher 1
Pied Flycatcher 1
Long Tailed Tit 42 552
Coal Tit 14 51
Blue Tit 205 121 1451 1882
Great Tit 170 70 1099 780
Treecreeper 4 38
Nuthatch 1 4
Jay 5 58
Magpie 14
Carrion Crow 1
Starling 54
Chaffinch 33 97
Brambling 1
Greenfinch 1 13
Goldfinch 60 119
Siskin 1 36
Lesser Redpoll 9 18
Bullfinch 7 80
Reed Bunting 6 223 5
Totals 1184 193 10398 2794
Species 44 3 71 10
Controls and recoveries
The recoveries and controls are arranged by species, with ringing details on the first line and
recovery data on the second.
‘Controlled’ indicates that a bird has been deliberately re-caught and a ‘sight record’ is where the
ring number has been read in the field.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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The following codes have been used:
Age when ringed:
1. pullus (nestling or chick)
3. Hatched during calendar year of ringing, 3J. In juvenile plumage
5. Hatched during previous calendar year
4. Hatched before calendar year of ringing, but exact year unknown
6. Hatched before previous calendar year, but exact year unknown
Sex M = Male, F = Female
Sedge Warbler X891384 3 08.08.2009 Hollesley,Suffolk
Controlled 4 25.07.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts
379 days 131 km Dir 251 deg
Reed Warbler X706192 3J 28.06.2009 Thatcham,West Berks
Controlled 4. 22.08.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts
392 days 71 km Dir 67 deg
Reed Warbler V054844 3J 25.07.2009 Tewinbury Farm,Herts
Controlled 4 18.07.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts
358days 22 km Dir 212 deg
Reed Warbler X891384 3 26.09.2009 Rye Meads, Herts
Controlled 4M 03.07.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts
280 days 27 km Dir 241 deg
Reed Warbler T891227 4 24.06.2007 Willington, Beds
Controlled 4f. 20.06.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts
1092 days 54 km Dir 176 deg
Blackcap X545410 3M 27.09.2009 Hilfield Res, Herts
Dead, hit window 05.05.2010 Kings Langley,Herts
220 days 10 km Dir 305 deg
Chiffchaff BLL317 3J 28.06.2009 Chalton, Beds
Controlled 5M 09.04.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts
285 days 34 km Dir 161 deg
Blue Tit X545118 1 16.05.2009 Hilfield Res, Herts
Dead, hit window 06.03.2010 Aldenham Country Park,Herts
294 days 3 km Dir 149 deg
Goldfinch X919666 4M 09.10.2009 Kilnsea Clays,Humberside
Controlled 4M 14.03.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts
156 days 219 km Dir 189 deg
Peter Delaloye
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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THE BUTTERFLIES OF HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR 2010
SMALL SKIPPER Thymelicus sylvestris
The first five were seen on June 26th, a date remarkably consistent with the previous two years. On
July 3rd the population was considered to be in good numbers, and the last individual was seen on
August 1st, matching last year’s final sighting.
LARGE SKIPPER Ochlodes venata
Recorded between June 4th and July 11th with a best count of 32 on June 12th. This number
marked a further increase and was just over double that of the previous year.
BRIMSTONE Gonepteryx rhamni
During the spring period there were sightings on eight dates between April 10th and May 30th,
with a best count of three males on April 17th. An ovipositing female was seen on one date. The
new late summer generation comprised a male on July 20th, a male and female on the 28th and a
female on August 30th.
LARGE WHITE Pieris brassicae
One-three were noted on eight dates between April 18th and August 29th, though the species was
described as ‘quite common lately’ on August 16th.
SMALL WHITE Pieris rapae
There were sightings on 16 dates between June 5th and October 17th, with a best count of seven
on July 28th.
GREEN-VEINED WHITE Pieris napi
Seen on eight dates from April 24th to September 4th but sketchily recorded. The best actual count
was of six on May 1st, though it was considered quite common during the first half of August.
ORANGE TIP Anthocharis cardamines
Following the first two on April 17th numbers rose to 15 on May 1st, a drop on the previous two
years. The final record concerned two on May 30th.
PURPLE HAIRSTREAK Quercusia quercus
This Oak canopy specialist was noted between July 4th and August 16th. On July 19th the north
monad of the reserve was surveyed from 19:15 to 20:17 and 33 were counted, less than half the
number counted on a similar exercise the previous year. However, the reduced activity observed was
probably due to less favourable weather conditions.
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WHITE-LETTER HAIRSTREAK Satyrium w-album
With the east bay mature elms now in terminal decline records slumped to just one on June 26th
and two on July 4th.
SMALL COPPER Lycaena phlaeas
Another good year with records on 27 dates between May 15th and October 23rd. Monthly
maxima were mainly encouraging as shown. May 22nd, 35. June 5th, 22. July 25th, five. August
8th, two. September 25th, nine. October 2nd, 11.
BROWN ARGUS Aricia agestis
Spring brood records were limited to singles on May 26th and 30th. Second brood was noted on
five dates between August 7th and 22nd, and multiple counts comprised two on the 8th and five
on the 15th.
COMMON BLUE Polyommatus icarus
Sightings on 24 dates was identical to the previous year and the flight season was a fortnight
longer, from May 22nd to September 18th. Monthly maxima generally showed a further increase.
May 30th, 18. June 5th, 47. July 31st, 17. August 14th, 29. September 4th, three.
HOLLY BLUE Celastrina argiolus
A very disappointing year with just two records of singles on August 8th and 29th.
RED ADMIRAL Vanessa atalanta
An ovipositing female on May 22nd started the season off and was followed by records on 16
dates until October 17th. The only multiple count was of two on July 18th.
PAINTED LADY Cynthia cardui
In absolute contrast to the phenomenal numbers seen in the previous year the only records were of
one individual seen on June 12th and 13th.
SMALL TORTOISESHELL Aglais urticae
This formerly abundant species was yet again recorded in very low numbers. All records comprised
one on April 17th, 24th and June 19th, two on July 3rd and one on September 11th.
PEACOCK Inachis io
Emergence from hibernation began with three on March 18th and rose to a maximum of 42
on April 10th, the same number as in the previous year. Pristine summer brood specimens were
observed from July 10th but numbers were massively down with a maximum of just two on the
28th. After two months of no sightings the last individual was seen on October 10th.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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COMMA Polygonia c-album
A good but not outstanding year for this species with records on 17 dates between March 2nd and
October 10th. Monthly maxima were March 18th, five. April 10th, five. May 1st, one. June 26th,
two. July 20th, six. September 4th, three. October 10th, four.
SPECKLED WOOD Pararge aegeria
Monthly maxima with first and last dates included were April 24th, two. May 1st, three. June 26th,
four. July 20th, three. August 28th, nine. September 18th, nine. October 10th, one.
MARBLED WHITE Melanargia galathea
Records began with one near the boathouse on June 22nd and numbers in this area rose to 36 on
July 3rd. At least 60 were along the east-north-east bank on July 10th, by which time the species
was common in all grassland areas. The final record was of two on August 1st.
GATEKEEPER Pyronia tithonus
Recorded between July 4th and September 4th and described as abundant during mid-July.
MEADOW BROWN Maniola jurtina
Noted from June 11th to August 30th, this species also received minimal attention. It was
considered to be in good numbers on July 3rd.
RINGLET Aphantopus hyperantus
With sightings at most areas of grassland with shrub or bramble shelter this species is now very
well established. The flight season began and ended almost a week later than the previous year,
between June 26th and August 7th. Most areas showed considerable further increases in numbers
and notable counts comprised 17 and 19 around the south-east and east bay areas respectively
on July 4th, 16 along the castle fence, 14 along the north bank and north-east bay and 17 on the
east-north-east bank grassland on the 10th, and seven along the upper south bank path on the
11th.
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BUTTERFLIES – YEAR BY YEAR REVIEW
Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 Last seen
Small Skipper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Essex Skipper Y Y
Large Skipper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Clouded Yellow Y Y Y Y Y
Brimstone Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Large White Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Small White Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Green-veined White Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Orange Tip Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Purple Hairstreak Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
White-letter Hairstreak Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Small Copper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Brown Argus Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Common Blue Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Holly Blue Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Red Admiral Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Painted Lady Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Small Tortoiseshell Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Peacock Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Comma Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Dark Green Fritillary Y
Speckled Wood Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Wall Brown 1993
Marbled White Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Gatekeeper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Meadow Brown Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Small Heath Y Y
Ringlet Y Y Y Y Y
Key: Y = recorded in that year
Stephen Murray
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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THE DRAGONFLIES OF HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR 2010
BANDED DEMOISELLE Calopteryx splendens
A very slight increase in records over the previous two years, with perhaps one individual male seen
at the south-west corner of the reservoir on July 19th and at the hide on the 21st.
LARGE RED DAMSELFLY Pyrrhosoma nymphula
The first sightings at the mini-ponds was of a mating pair and two males on May 19th, but the
peak count of ovipositing pairs was just two on the 23rd; under one-fifth that of the previous year.
The last two males were seen on June 12th.
RED-EYED DAMSELFLY Erythromma najas
The first specimen, a mature male, was seen on May 23rd. Numbers then rose to much higher
levels than the previous year, with a best count of 35 on June 13th in the south-west corner and
part of the south bank. Still described as common in early and late July, and the final individual was
seen on September 21st.
SMALL RED-EYED DAMSELFLY Erythromma viridulum
Numerous sightings from July 18th to September 18th represented a major recovery from the
dismal showing in the previous year. The best count was of five ovipositing pairs and four males on
July 24th. Once again the most productive locations were at each end of the dam and in front of
the hide.
AZURE DAMSELFLY Coenagrion puella
All records comprised ovipositing pairs at the north-west corner of the reservoir on June 2nd, 3rd,
4th and 6th, with maxima of three pairs on the first and last dates.
COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLY Enallagma cyathigerum
The first two immatures were noted on May 15th and the population rose to many thousands
during June and July. The final record was of two on October 17th.
BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY Ischnura elegans
Though observed on 11 dates between May 22nd and July 31st the only multiple sightings were of
two on two dates.
MIGRANT HAWKER Aeshna mixta
First seen on August 1st, this species was common throughout most of September and early
October, and the final record concerned one on October 31st.
SOUTHERN HAWKER Aeshna cyanea
Singles were noted on seven dates between July 2nd and September 12th, and two males and one
female were seen on August 30th.
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BROWN HAWKER Aeshna grandis
A good year with sightings on 17 dates between June 27th and September 11th. The highest
count was of 12 on July 10th and ovipositing females were observed on two dates.
EMPEROR DRAGONFLY Anax imperator
Records on 23 dates between June 6th and August 18th, a best count of 11 on July 10th, and
ovipositing females seen on 15 dates all constitute an exceptional year for this species.
LESSER EMPEROR DRAGONFLY Anax parthenope
With sightings again this year the species remains an enigma at Hilfield. Is it really a strangely
frequent rare migrant? As the first published record in 2006 involved an ovipositing pair it
seems feasible that it could actually be a breeding species, albeit at too low a density to confirm
satisfactorily. Records comprised a male seen near the bridge on July 17th and at the south-west
corner of the reservoir on the 18th, 19th and 20th. On the latter date a male was flushed from the
path behind the hide and flew about 100 yards to the upper south bank path, from where it was
also flushed, again allowing only a good close range flight view.
BROAD-BODIED CHASER Libellula depressa
Singles were seen on four dates from May 23rd to June 26th, but with no evidence of breeding
activity.
BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER Orthetrum cancellatum
The first two immatures were seen on June 5th and the species was described as abundant during
late June and early July. The last record was of one on August 28th.
COMMON DARTER Sympetrum striolatum
Recorded between July 9th and November 7th with best counts of 11 on September 18th and ten
on October 10th.
RUDDY DARTER Sympetrum sanguineum
One male was found on August 8th and two on the 30th, a slight improvement on the previous
year.
RED-VEINED DARTER Sympetrum fonscolombii
One male gave good flight views as it hunted over the water along the south bank on July 19th.
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DRAGONFLIES – YEAR BY YEAR REVIEW
Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 Last seen
Banded Demoiselle Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Emerald Damselfly 2000
Large Red Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Red-eyed Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Small Red-eyed Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y
Azure Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Common Blue Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Blue-Tailed Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Migrant Hawker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Southern Hawker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Brown Hawker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Emperor Dragonfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Lesser Emperor Dragonfly Y Y Y Y
Hairy Dragonfly 1999?
Four-spotted Chaser Y Y Y
Broad-bodied Chaser Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Black-tailed Skimmer Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Common Darter Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Ruddy Darter Y Y Y
Yellow-winged Darter 1995
Red-veined Darter Y Y Y Y
Key
Y = recorded in that year.
Stephen Murray
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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MAMMAL, REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN RECORDS 2010
MAMMALS
Bat species
See following bat report.
Northern Mole Talpa europaea
One found dead on the south bank on 11th July.
Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
Local resident.
BROWN HARE Lepus capensis
Although not within the reserve a Brown Hare was observed from the dam in the field adjacent to
Hilfield Lane on 18th April.
Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
Local resident.
Red Fox Vulpes vulpes
Thirty plus records throughout the year, with several maximum counts of two, including sightings
out on the ice in December.
WEASEL Mustela nivalis
One record on the 29th September on the rocks by the garages.
Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi
A good year for Muntjac sightings, with over 40 records received. Rutting and attempted mating
was witnessed on the 30th January. A young fawn was seen suckling on the 12th April and a larger
fawn with one male and two females was seen on the 22 April. An unusual sighting occurred on
the 20th March which was of an adult deer with the lower third of its leg missing.
Bob Cripps
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
Newt species
A maximum count of four was recorded from the mini-ponds on the south bank on the 23rd May.
Grass Snake Natrix natrix
One dead snake found on the south bank on 24th April.
Bob Cripps
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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BAT SURVEY
It had been suspected for some time that the mix of habitats at Hilfield Park Reservoir (HPR) are
likely to offer highly suitable foraging habitats for bats. Key potential bat foraging habitats at HPR
include, woodland, semi-improved grassland, reedbed, marshy grassland and open water.
A preliminary survey to gain an understanding of which species may be present was carried out on
the evening of 4th May 2010 between approximately 7pm – 10pm. The survey was attended by
around 10 people drawn from the Hertfordshire & Middlesex Bat Group (HMBG), Hilfield Park Bird
Ringing Group (HBRG) and London Bat Group (LBG).
The survey consisted of a structured walk around the reservoir perimeter being mindful to avoid
nesting areas for sensitive bird species. Bat detectors were used to enable the ultrasonic calls bats
make to be recorded for later analysis using specialist computer software. Each time a bat passed
overhead and a stream of echolocation calls was heard on a detector this was referred to as a ‘bat
pass’. However, the number of bat passes does not equate to the number of bats present, generally
when bat passes are heard on a detector bats are not seen i.e. a single bat may pass back and
forwards several times giving numerous bat passes.
By determining the frequency which carries most sound energy (peak frequency) in each
echolocation call, in addition to a range of other variables, it is often possible to identify different
bats to genus and often to species level. The following species were recorded:
Confirmed species
SOPRANO PIPISTRELLE Pipistrellus pygmaeus
The most frequently encountered species during the survey – very common throughout the UK and
thought to display a greater affinity for wetland habitats than the common pipistrelle. Echolocates
with a peak frequency around 55 Khz.
COMMON PIPISTRELLE Pipistrellus pipistrellus
The most common and widespread UK bat species – frequently encountered throughout the
survey but not as common as soprano pipistrelle at HPR. Echolocates with a peak frequency around
45 Khz.
NATHUSIUS’ PIPISTRELLE Pipistrellus nathusii
A rare UK breeding species and a species where regional distribution and abundance are relatively
poorly understood (possibly due to historical under-recording). Low numbers of this species were
recorded at Hilfield, however, their presence warrants further study. Echolocates with a peak
frequency around 39 Khz.
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NOCTULE Nyctalus noctula
One of the UK’s largest bat species and usually one of the first species to emerge in the evening
after sunset. Noctule bats habitually feed high over the canopy of trees and are typically bats of
more open habitats and wetlands. Echolocates with a peak frequency around 20 Khz.
LEISLER’S Nyctalus leisleri
Closely related to the Noctule and exhibiting a similar feeding behaviour. However, this is a
relatively rarer species in the UK. A single pass by a Leisler’s bat was recorded at HPR. Echolocates
with a peak frequency around 26 Khz.
SEROTINE Eptesicus serotinus
One of the larger species of UK bat but exhibiting a different flight/feeding behaviour than either of
the Nyctalus sp. Serotine bats display a slower, less directed and agile flight pattern often feeding
on beetles and larger moths. A relatively low total of three passes by this species were recorded
during the survey. Echolocates with a peak frequency around 27 Khz.
MOUSE-EARED FAMILY Myotis sp.
The Myotis genus contains a number of UK species all of which employ broadly similar echolocation
calls and hence are difficult to identify to species level. A number of Myotis passes were recorded
and further study to attempt to gain better sound recordings and maybe elucidate which species
are present is certainly warranted.
DAUBENTON’S BAT Myotis daubentonii
This species habitually feeds low over water bodies. Although it is difficult to separate from other
Myotis sp. from echolocation calls alone, this species displays very distinctive foraging behaviour.
Daubenton’s bats fly low over the surface of water bodies occasionally gaffing insects from the
surface of the water using their tail membrane as a scoop. Several bats were observed feeding over
the reservoir surface, one particular individual was observed for several minutes from the top of the
dam at the end of the survey.
LONG-EARED BAT Plecotus sp.
A single recording with characteristics matching a species of long-eared bat Plecotus sp. was
recorded. Long-eared bats are slow flying woodland specialists. As is for Myotis sp., Plecotus sp. are
difficult to identify to species level based on echolocation calls alone. It is highly probable that bat
recorded at HPR was a Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus as the other UK species in this genus,
Grey Long-eared Bat Plecotus austriacus, is very rare and not known to be in the area.
Probable species
NATTERER’S BAT Myotis nattereri
A small number of bat passes with echolocation calls approximating those of Natterer’s bat were
recorded. However, definitive identification to species level was not possible from these recordings
alone.
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Conclusions
Although no firm conclusions can be drawn from a single, spring-time bat survey on a cold evening
(temperature dropped to 2ºC), the findings indicate that Hilfield is an important foraging site
for bats based on the number of species present. Particularly, the fact that rarer species such as
Nathusius’ pipistrelle and one or more species of Myotis bat were recorded. Certainly a count of
nine or more bat species would not be expected in urban fringe habitats or intensive farmland.
Further surveys will be planned for 2011 to gather more information. For example, the survey was
not designed to sample the relative abundance of bats, however, this could be a future objective to
allow comparison between seasons and between years. Watch this space!
Many thanks to Jackie Wedd (LBG/HMBG) and Hazel Makepeace (HMBG) for making bat recordings
and carrying out sound analysis.
Richard Gowing
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA) RECORDING AT HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR: 2010
As work commitments and poor weather conspired to minimise the evenings I could spend
trapping at Hilfield this year, I recorded a total of a mere 47 species. Although 12 of which were
new to the site, bringing the species list to 367.
The most interesting new moth was the micro moth Mompha bradleyi, a species only recorded at
three other sites in Hertfordshire, all well away from Hilfield Reservoir. The single specimen was
netted from its larval food-plant, Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum on the 24th May 2010. This
record represents a new colony for this species.
The other new micros were: Skin Moth Monopis laevigella, Scrobipalpa costella, Epiblema
trimaculana and Scoparia subfusca.
The new macro moths include two of the ‘small brown jobs’ of the moth fauna: White-spotted Pug
Eupithecia tripunctaria and Ochreous Pug Eupithecia indigata. The other new species were: Broken-
barred Carpet Electrophaes corylata, Orange Footman Eilema sororcula, Muslin Moth Diaphora
mendica and Treble Lines Charanyca trigrammica, all recorded as adults. The final new species was
Scarce Umber Agriopis aurantiaria, which was recorded in its larval stage.
Rachel Terry
The Lime Hawk Moth Mimas tilia was recorded for the second time in 2010. An attractive olive green and pink moth, it may be breeding on the Lime trees (Tilia sp.) near the entrance to the reserve.
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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Code Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals Status17 Hepialus lupulinus Common Swift 2 21 Common227 Monopis laevigella Skin Moth 1 10409a Argyresthia trifasciata 1 1 Naturalised606 Elachista humilis 1 2819 Scrobipalpa costella 1 10889a Mompha bradleyi 1 1893 Mompha epilobiella 1 11076 Celypha lacunana 2 51176 Epiblema trimaculana 1 11184a Epiblema cirsiana 1 21251 Grapholita jungiella 1 11301 Crambus lathoniellus 2 7 Common1332 Scoparia subfusca 1 1 Common1334 Scoparia ambigualis 1 7 Common1768 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet 1 8 Common1773 Electrophaes corylata Broken-barred Carpet 1 3 Common1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 2 4 Common1834 Eupithecia vulgata vulgata Common Pug 1 5 Common1835 Eupithecia tripunctaria White-spotted Pug 1 1 Local1837 Eupithecia subfuscata Grey Pug 1 1 Common1844 Eupithecia indigata Ochreous Pug 1 1 Common1852 Eupithecia abbreviata Brindled Pug 2 5 Common1853 Eupithecia dodoneata Oak-tree Pug 2 6 Common1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1 1 Common1933 Agriopis aurantiaria Scarce Umber 1 6 Common1958 Lomographa temerata Clouded Silver 1 12 Common1979 Mimas tiliae Lime Hawk-moth 1 1 Common2007 Pheosia tremula Swallow Prominent 1 1 Common2015 Drymonia ruficornis Lunar Marbled Brown 1 1 Common2026 Orgyia antiqua Vapourer 1 1 Common2043 Eilema sororcula Orange Footman 1 3 Local2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine 1 1 Common2063 Diaphora mendica Muslin Moth 1 1 Common2069 Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar 1 1 Common2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 2 2 Common2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay 1 1 Common2179 Panolis flammea Pine Beauty 1 1 Common2182 Orthosia cruda Small Quaker 1 1 Common2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1 1 Common2272 Xanthia aurago Barred Sallow 1 2 Common2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1 1 Common2380 Charanyca trigrammica Treble Lines 1 1 Common2397 Panemeria tenebrata Small Yellow Underwing 1 8 Local2410 Protodeltote pygarga Marbled White Spot 1 9 Common2425 Colocasia coryli Nut-tree Tussock 1 3 Common2462 Callistege mi Mother Shipton 1 3 Common2463 Euclidia glyphica Burnet Companion 1 3 Common
Moth species list for Hilfield Reservoir in 2010
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SPECIES LIST (LEPIDOPTERA) FOR HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR
Code Taxon Vernacular Status
6 Eriocrania subpurpurella
15 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift Common
17 Hepialus lupulinus Common Swift Common
50 Stigmella aurella
63 Stigmella lemniscella
67 Stigmella plagicolella
68 Stigmella salicis
73 Stigmella trimaculella
75 Stigmella floslactella
84 Stigmella ruficapitella
89 Stigmella basiguttella
102 Stigmella aceris pRDB2
125 Emmetia marginea
129 Incurvaria pectinea
130 Incurvaria masculella
140 Nematopogon swammerdamella
150 Adela reaumurella
152 Adela rufimitrella
169 Zygaena filipendulae Six-spot Burnet Common
171 Zygaena lonicerae Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Common
227 Monopis laevigella Skin Moth
228 Monopis weaverella
263 Lyonetia clerkella Apple Leaf Miner
274 Bucculatrix ulmella
287 Caloptilia robustella
289 caloptilia falconipennella
294 Aspilapteryx tringipennella
303 Parornix anglicella
308 Parornix finitimella
321a Phyllonorycter platani
330 Phyllonorycter cerasicolella
332 Phyllonorycter corylifoliella
333 Phyllonorycter salictella viminiella
353 Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella
356 Phyllonorycter tristrigella
357 Phyllonorycter stettinensis
360 Phyllonorycter kleemannella
366a Cameraria ohridella Unknown
368 Phyllocnistis unipunctella
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
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Code Taxon Vernacular Status
371 Sesia bembeciformis Lunar Hornet Moth Common
385 Anthophila fabriciana Nettle-tap Moth
391 Glyphipterix simpliciella Cocksfoot Moth
409a Argyresthia trifasciata Naturalised
411 Argyresthia goedartella
424 Yponomeuta evonymella
436 Pseudoswammerdamia combinella
440 Paraswammerdamia albicapitella
449 Prays fraxinella Ash Bud Moth Common
450 Scythropia crataegella Hawthorn Moth
464 Plutella xylostella Diamond-back Moth Migrant
490 Coleophora lutipennella
492 Coleophora flavipennella
493 Coleophora serratella
494 Coleophora coracipennella
499 Coleophora limosipennella
523 Coleophora hemerobiella Nb
535 Coleophora ibipennella
559 Coleophora peribenanderi
565 Coleophora saxicolella
597 Elachista atricomella
601 Elachista albifrontella
606 Elachista humilis
607 Elachista canapennella
608 Elachista rufocinerea
610 Elachista argentella
642 Batia unitella
652 Alabonia geoffrella
658 Carcina quercana
772 Carpatolechia fugitivella
774 Teleides luculella
819 Scrobipalpa costella
822 Scrobipalpa acuminatella
830 Caryocolum fraternella
853 Anacampsis populella
868 Helcystogramma rufescens
873 Blastobasis adustella
874 Blastobasis lacticolella
883 Mompha raschkiella
893 Mompha epilobiella
886 Mompha ochraceella
889a Mompha bradleyi
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
55
Code Taxon Vernacular Status
898 Limnaecia phragmitella
904 Spuleria flavicaput
905 Blastodacna hellerella
936 Cochylimorpha straminea
937 Agapeta hamana
965 Cochylis hybridella
970 Pandemis cerasana Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix
972 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix
977 Archips podana Large Fruit-tree Tortrix
980 Archips xylosteana Variegated Golden Tortrix
985 Cacoecimorpha pronubana Carnation Tortrix
986 Syndemis musculana
989 Aphelia paleana Timothy Tortrix
993 Clepsis spectrana Cyclamen Tortrix
994 Clepsis consimilana
998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth
1000 Ptycholoma lecheana
1001 Lozotaeniodes formosanus
1002 Lozotaenia forsterana
1006 Epagoge grotiana
1010 Ditula angustiorana Red-barred Tortrix
1014 Isotrias rectifasciana
1018 Cnephasia communana
1020 Cnephasia stephensiana Grey Tortrix
1024 Cnephasia incertana Light Grey Tortrix
1025 Tortricodes alternella
1032 Aleimma loeflingiana
1033 Tortrix viridana Green Oak Tortrix
1036 Acleris forsskaleana
1042 Acleris rhombana Rhomboid Tortrix
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix
1061 Acleris literana
1076 Celypha lacunana
1082 Hedya pruniana Plum Tortrix
1083 Hedya nubiferana Marbled Orchard Tortrix
1086 Hedya salicella
1093 Apotomis betuletana
1108 Lobesia abscisana
1111 Bactra lancealana
1113 Eudemis profundana
1115 Ancylis achatana
1130 Epinotia pygmaeana
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
56
Code Taxon Vernacular Status
1134 Epinotia ramella
1136 Epinotia immundana
1138 Epinotia nisella
1139 Epinotia tenerana
1159 Rhopobota naevana Holly Tortrix
1165 Zeiraphera isertana
1169 Gypsonoma dealbana
1175 Epiblema uddmanniana Bramble Shoot Moth
1176 Epiblema trimaculana
1184a Epiblema cirsiana
1197 Eucosma campoliliana
1200 Eucosma hohenwartiana
1201 Eucosma cana
1205 Spilonota ocellana Bud Moth
1211 Rhyacionia pinicolana
1228 Pammene argyrana
1239 Pammene rhediella Fruitlet Mining Tortrix
1251 Grapholita jungiella
1260 Cydia splendana
1261 Cydia pomonella Codling Moth
1276 Dichrorampha plumbagana
1288 Alucita hexadactyla Twenty-plume Moth Common
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer Common
1301 Crambus lathoniellus Common
1304 Agriphila straminella Common
1305 Agriphila tristella Common
1309 Agriphila geniculea Common
1316 Catoptria falsella Local
1331 Acentria ephemerella Water Veneer Common
1332 Scoparia subfusca Common
1333 Scoparia pyralella Common
1334 Scoparia ambigualis Common
1338 Dipleurina lacustrata Common
1342 Eudonia angustea Common
1344 Eudonia mercurella Common
1348 Parapoynx stratiotata Ringed China-mark Common
1361 Pyrausta aurata Local
1376 Eurrhypara hortulata Small Magpie Common
1390 Udea prunalis Common
1392 Udea olivalis Common
1398 Nomophila noctuella Rush Veneer Migrant
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl Common
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
57
Code Taxon Vernacular Status
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle Common
1424 Endotricha flammealis Common
1428 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth Common
1436 Conobathra repandana Common
1437 Acrobasis consociella Common
1438 Trachycera suavella Local
1439 Trachycera advenella Common
1452 Phycita roborella Common
1470 Euzophera pinguis Local
1474 Ephestia parasitella unicolorella Local
1504 Platyptilia pallidactyla
1524 Emmelina monodactyla Common
1646 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-tip Common
1648 Drepana falcataria Pebble Hook-tip Common
1651 Cilix glaucata Chinese Character Common
1652 Thyatira batis Peach Blossom Common
1653 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches Common
1660 Polyploca ridens Frosted Green Local
1667 Comibaena bajularia Blotched Emerald Local
1669 Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald Common
1680 Cyclophora punctaria Maiden's Blush Local
1682 Timandra comae Blood-vein Common
1699 Idaea rusticata atrosignaria Least Carpet Local
1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave Common
1708 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave Common
1712 Idaea emarginata Small Scallop Local
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave Common
1727 Xanthorhoe montanata Silver-ground Carpet Common
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata fluctuata Garden Carpet Common
1732 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-bar Common
1738 Epirrhoe alternata alternata Common Carpet Common
1742 Camptogramma bilineata bilineata Yellow Shell Common
1747 Anticlea derivata Streamer Common
1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Straw Common
1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix Common
1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet Common
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet Common
1765 Cidaria fulvata Barred Yellow Common
1768 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet Common
1769 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet Common
1773 Electrophaes corylata Broken-barred Carpet Common
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet Common
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
58
Code Taxon Vernacular Status
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer Common
1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth Common
1803 Perizoma alchemillata Small Rivulet Common
1808 Perizoma flavofasciata Sandy Carpet Common
1811 Eupithecia tenuiata Slender Pug Common
1825 Eupithecia centaureata Lime-speck Pug Common
1828 Eupithecia satyrata Satyr Pug Local
1830 Eupithecia absinthiata Wormwood Pug Common
1834 Eupithecia vulgata vulgata Common Pug Common
1835 Eupithecia tripunctaria White-spotted Pug Local
1837 Eupithecia subfuscata Grey Pug Common
1844 Eupithecia indigata Ochreous Pug Common
1852 Eupithecia abbreviata Brindled Pug Common
1853 Eupithecia dodoneata Oak-tree Pug Common
1860 Pasiphila rectangulata Green Pug Common
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug Common
1870 Odezia atrata Chimney Sweeper Common
1879 Lobophora halterata Seraphim Local
1883 Acasis viretata Yellow-barred Brindle Local
1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border Local
1893 Macaria liturata Tawny-barred Angle Common
1902 Petrophora chlorosata Brown Silver-line Common
1904 Plagodis dolabraria Scorched Wing Local
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth Common
1913 Ennomos alniaria Canary-shouldered Thorn Common
1914 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn Common
1917 Selenia dentaria Early Thorn Common
1921 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak Common
1931 Biston betularia Peppered Moth Common
1933 Agriopis aurantiaria Scarce Umber Common
1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber Common
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty Common
1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty Common
1947 Ectropis bistortata Engrailed Common
1955 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave Common
1956 Cabera exanthemata Common Wave Common
1958 Lomographa temerata Clouded Silver Common
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald Common
1962 Hylaea fasciaria Barred Red Common
1978 Hyloicus pinastri Pine Hawk-moth Local
1979 Mimas tiliae Lime Hawk-moth Common
1980 Smerinthus ocellata Eyed Hawk-moth Common
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
59
Code Taxon Vernacular Status
1981 Laothoe populi Poplar Hawk-moth Common
1991 Deilephila elpenor Elephant Hawk-moth Common
1994 Phalera bucephala Buff-tip Common
1997 Furcula furcula Sallow Kitten Common
2000 Notodonta dromedarius Iron Prominent Common
2003 Notodonta ziczac Pebble Prominent Common
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent Common
2007 Pheosia tremula Swallow Prominent Common
2008 Ptilodon capucina Coxcomb Prominent Common
2011 Pterostoma palpina Pale Prominent Common
2015 Drymonia ruficornis Lunar Marbled Brown Common
2026 Orgyia antiqua Vapourer Common
2028 Calliteara pudibunda Pale Tussock Common
2030 Euproctis similis Yellow-tail Common
2043 Eilema sororcula Orange Footman Local
2044 Eilema griseola Dingy Footman Common
2047 Eilema complana Scarce Footman Local
2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman Common
2060 Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine Common
2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine Common
2063 Diaphora mendica Muslin Moth Common
2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger Common
2069 Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar Common
2077 Nola cucullatella Short-cloaked Moth Common
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth Common
2088 Agrotis clavis Heart and Club Common
2089 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart Common
2091 Agrotis ipsilon Dark Swordgrass Migrant
2092 Agrotis puta puta Shuttle-shaped Dart Common
2098 Axylia putris The Flame Common
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder Common
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing Common
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing Common
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Common
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
Common
2112 Noctua interjecta Least Yellow Underwing Common
2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay Common
2123 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot Common
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character Common
2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot Common
2133 Xestia sexstrigata Six-striped Rustic Common
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
60
Code Taxon Vernacular Status
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic Common
2145 Discestra trifolii Nutmeg Common
2147 Hada plebeja Shears Common
2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye Common
2179 Panolis flammea Pine Beauty Common
2182 Orthosia cruda Small Quaker Common
2186 Orthosia gracilis Powdered Quaker Common
2187 Orthosia cerasi Common Quaker Common
2188 Orthosia incerta Clouded Drab Common
2189 Orthosia munda Twin-spotted Quaker Common
2190 Orthosia gothica Hebrew Character Common
2193 Mythimna ferrago Clay Common
2194 Mythimna albipuncta White-point Migrant
2197 Mythimna straminea Southern Wainscot Local
2198 Mythimna impura impura Smoky Wainscot Common
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot Common
2205 Mythimna comma Shoulder-striped Wainscot Common
2214 Cucullia chamomillae Chamomile Shark Local
2231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart Common
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic Common
2237 Lithophane ornitopus lactipennis Grey Shoulder-knot Common
2248 Dryobotodes eremita Brindled Green Common
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow Common
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing Common
2272 Xanthia aurago Barred Sallow Common
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow Common
2278 Acronicta megacephala Poplar Grey Common
2289 Acronicta rumicis Knot Grass Common
2292 Cryphia algae Tree-lichen Beauty Rare migrant
2293 Cryphia domestica Marbled Beauty Common
2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing Common
2298 Amphipyra berbera svenssoni Svensson's Copper Underwing Common
2301 Dypterygia scabriuscula Bird's Wing Local
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing Common
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades Common
2312 Ipimorpha subtusa Olive Local
2314 Parastichtis ypsillon Dingy Shears Local
2318 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar Common
2319 Cosmia pyralina Lunar-spotted Pinion Local
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches Common
2322 Apamea lithoxylaea Light Arches Common
2330 Apamea remissa Dusky Brocade Common
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
61
Code Taxon Vernacular Status
2333 Apamea anceps Large Nutmeg Local
2334 Apamea sordens Rustic Shoulder-knot Common
2337 Oligia strigilis Marbled Minor Common
2338 Oligia versicolor Rufous Minor Local
2339 Oligia latruncula Tawny Marbled Minor Common
2340 Oligia fasciuncula Middle-barred Minor Common
2341 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor Common
2343 Mesapamea secalis Common Rustic Common
2343a Mesapamea didyma Lesser Common Rustic Common
2345 Photedes minima Small Dotted Buff Common
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic Common
2361 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic Common
2364 Gortyna flavago Frosted Orange Common
2368 Celaena leucostigma Crescent Local
2369 Nonagria typhae Bulrush Wainscot Common
2379 Coenobia rufa Small Rufous Local
2380 Charanyca trigrammica Treble Lines Common
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain Common
2382 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic Common
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic Local
2387 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic Common
2397 Panemeria tenebrata Small Yellow Underwing Local
2410 Protodeltote pygarga Marbled White-spot Common
2423 Nycteola revayana Oak Nycteoline Local
2425 Colocasia coryli Nut-tree Tussock Common
2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass Common
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y Migrant
2450 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle Common
2452 Catocala nupta Red Underwing Common
2462 Callistege mi Mother Shipton Common
2463 Euclidia glyphica Burnet Companion Common
2469 Scoliopteryx libatrix Herald Common
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot Common
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout Common
2489 Zanclognatha tarsipennalis Fan-foot Common
2492 Herminia grisealis Small Fan-foot Common
Rachel Terry
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
62
PLANTING OF PHRAGMITES ALONG NORTH BANK
The planting of phragmites along the northern edge of the reservoir has resulted in good growth
in 2008 and 2009 so that Reed Warblers have moved in and nested in 50 metres of narrow reed
bed in 2010. This is in addition to the reeds in the corner where the dam meets the reservoir edge
which have been established for several years. Singing males were occasionally heard in this corner
in some years but no breeding was proven.
There were five visits between 16th July and 7th August in 2010 to ring either in the long run
through the hawthorn/mixed scrub on the north bank or along the path between the reeds and the
scrub.
We trapped 23 Reed Warblers in mist nets, five females, two males, three unsexed adults and
thirteen juveniles.
I believe that these figures suggest that there were circa six pairs raising in the region of 20 young.
Peter Delaloye
Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010
63
The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is a charity dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild
places for everyone for the future. We have 21,000 members and are one of 47 local Wildlife Trusts
across the UK.
We safeguard and manage 43 nature reserves. Our vision is for an environment rich in wildlife for
everyone. Our mission is to rebuild biodiversity and engage people with their environment.
Our aim is to be the most active and influential wildlife champion in the counties.
Elstree Aerodrome
Main entrance
Hilfield Castle
Flying club
Tern rafts
Southfountain
Eastfountain
Vegetation cleared in 2011
Feeding site
North Bank
SE Bay
Pond
Hilfield Park Reservoir
Hilfield Lane
Hide
Dagger
Lane
Laboratory
N
Sewageworks
Viewingplatform
A41
M1