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Priory Country Park

BIRD REPORT
2013

Compiled by: DAVID KRAMER

CONTENTS

Monthly summary of the year 2013

Classified List

The effect of the very cold March and early April 2013 on the arrival of the regular summer
visitors at Priory Country Park

Chiffchaff Races occurrence and identification of extra-limital birds.

Discussion.

Analysis of Blackbird Ringing Data from Priory Country Park

SUMMARY
2013
January
The year started with a pleasant sunny day, light south-westerlies and a slight frost in places.
Water was overflowing from the main lake as a result of previous rain. There was, however,
little of special note. Song Thrushes and Great Tits were singing, a Water Rail called from
the crescent reed bed and a Kingfisher fished around the main lake. Floodwater on
Kingsmead attracted 21 Pied Wagtails on a more-cloudy 2nd. Wildfowl numbers were fairly
low but, on the 3rd, 71 Common Gulls rested on the water and a Common Buzzard drifted
over the Finger Lakes. As floodwaters receded and ground dried out throughout the region
the birds responded by moving to newly available feeding areas. An example of this was the
nearly 400 Lapwings which passed north-east over the park on the 4th. Although the weather
was cloudy, temperatures ere i d reaching
C on the 5th. This may have been the
reason why nine out of ten Song Thrushes seen were singing.
A few Corn Buntings were noted flying from the reed bed roost in the early mornings.
A male Goosander flew over on the 8th and there was a further north-easterly movement of
270 Lapwings on the 9th. Dull, cold weather continued to be the order of the day but a Great
Spotted Woodpecker was drumming on the 11th when a male Goldeneye was also on the lake.
Small flocks of Siskins were seen regularly but a surprise on the 12th was the discovery of a
Collared Dove sitting on its nest. Territorial behaviour had been noted on previous days. A
Green Sandpiper flew over and Common Buzzard and drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker
were again noted. The number of Pied Wagtails had increased to 36 on the 13th and several
Lesser Redpolls had joined the Siskins which now numbered 60. We awoke to a light
covering of snow on the 14th and this was further added to during the afternoon. A male Redcrested Pochard was on the main lake on the 15th and 250 Lapwings decided to move
southwest.

Red-crested Pochard on the 15th January

The temperature on the morning of the 16th as - C, there was a frost and still a fair
amount of snow on the ground. Most of the Finger Lakes and 75% of the main lake were
covered with ice a truly winter scene. The Red-crested Pochard was still present and the
number of Gadwalls had increased to 96 hudd ing together in a ho e in the ice kept open by
the large flock of Canada Geese which roosted overnight. Three Little Egrets departed south,
presumably from roost, on the 17th. The first Common Snipe of the year passed over on the
18th and two Water Rails were seen. More snow fell on the 20th to a depth of 5-6 cm. A
reassuring note was that a Kingfisher was still in the park despite the freezing weather. A
Goldeneye was on the main lake on the 20th and over 90 Gadwalls were still present. It was
noticeable that Fieldfares were being seen more regularly, presumably as they spread out in
search of food.

Snowy weather on the 21st January

The temperature on the morning of the 22nd hit - C. 109 Gadwalls and the same number of
Tufted Ducks were still in the only open patch of water on the main lake. Both Little Egret
and a red-headed Goosander flew over on the 23rd. Two Goldeneyes were present on the 24th
and Gadwalls and Tufted Ducks reached 143 and 140 respectively. Two Little Egrets were
also seen. A fine male Pintail on the 26th was the first for some time. After overnight rain and
milder temperatures had removed all the snow the wildfowl were able to spread out a bit and
it was with some surprise that, on the 27th, AP found a nice male Ferruginous Duck amidst
the small flock of Pochards. This was the first since birds in November 1998 and December
1998 to March 1999. To compliment this, a group of eight Little Egrets was feeding on
Kingsmead.

The Ferruginous Duck was still present on the following day but there was another surprise in
store as a Black-necked Grebe was also on the main lake.

Black-necked Grebe 28th January to17th February.

These two birds were to stay for some time and attracted many twitchers and other interested
birdwatchers. Three Egyptian Geese flew over on the 29th as did a Mistle Thrush. The
Ferruginous Duck absented itself on the last day of the month but both Mink and an Otter
were seen. Melting snow caused flooding again during the last days of the month with water
overflowing along the whole length of the shingle beach and Press Mead only passable in
Wellington boots.
February
The floodwater began to subside on the first day of February but the main lake was still
overflowing from both outlets and Press Mead was sti p ashy The Ferruginous Duck and
the Black-necked Grebe were still present and a Common Buzzard rose up from the Flower
Meadow. It was sunny and frosty on the following day but there was little different. Three
Rooks were new birds for the year and seven were present in the afternoon. Twenty-eight
Siskins ere in the crescent a ders and Great Spotted Woodpeckers ere dru
ing again

Siskin on the crescent alders

A fine male Goldeneye was on the main lake on the 3rd and 62 Cormorants roosted at the
back of Kingsmead. Sunny periods and showers characterised the following few days and a
slight frost was present in the early mornings.
It was bright and frosty again on the 7th. Sixty-six Lapwings passed over southwest, many
Chaffinches were singing and a pair of Blue Tits had decided to start displaying. A party of
18 Magpies were together in one tree. It was mainly sunny again on the 8th hen an adu t
Goldeneye arrived. Little Egret, three Corn Buntings and a Common Buzzard were seen and
36 Pied Wagtails took advantage of a flooded Riverside Meadow. A female Shelduck was a
pleasant addition to the ever-present Ferruginous Duck and Black-necked Grebe on the 9th
and the number of Pied Wagtails on Riverside totalled 65. The Collared Dove which had
been sitting on a nest by the kissing gate decided to abandon a hope and deserted after
having sat there for almost a whole month. It rained for the whole day on the 10th but fine
views were had of a Water Rail. Surprisingly, eight out of nine Song Thrushes were singing
and two Kingfishers and a Goldcrest were near the sewage works bridge. It snowed
overnight, giving a covering of about 1.5 cm and continued snowing lightly well into the
afternoon of the 11th but little different was seen. Forty-three Blackbirds were counted on the
12th and the Pied Wagtails, which commuted between Riverside Meadow and the sewage
works, numbered 98. A male Goosander was also reported later in the day. Although it was
cold on the 13th there was a hazy sun and only a light south-easterly. The highlight was a
Peregrine which flew over towards Cardington. Overnight rain cleared quickly on the 14th to
give quite a warm and mainly sunny day. A Jay was on the south side and a Common
Buzzard was in the Finger Lakes. Eleven Song Thrushes were singing and a Water Rail
ca ed fro the crescent reed bed The eather continued to be re ative y i d and on the
16th, a Bittern was flushed from the north side and flew over to the south side near the hide. It
again moved, this time to the island, where it sat out on a low branch, sunning itself and
giving excellent views to all. The Ferruginous Duck and the Black-necked Grebe were still
present so three star birds for the day! Also a Blackcap appeared on the feeders at the

Photo: David Barnes

Visitor Centre. It was very sunny on the next two days with virtually no wind. Two Green
Sandpipers and a Mistle Thrush passed over on the 17th and a Chiffchaff was singing near the

kissing gate on the 8th. A Chiffchaff appeared along the spit on the evening of the 19th,
presumably going to roost, and 32 Corn Buntings also roosted. The weather then changed to
being cloudy and cold with a fresh easterly wind. Two Shelducks were on the main lake on
the morning of the 20th and three Red-crested Pochards on the 21st.
The temperatures continued to be around freezing for the next few days and light
snow fell on the 23rd when a female Goldeneye was on the main lake. Water Rails and Corn
Buntings were regularly present but Siskins and Lesser Redpolls were becoming scarce. Six
Little Egrets remained quite late in roost on the morning of the 24th. Misty drizzle was the
order of the day on the 25th but this did not deter the pair of Great Crested Grebes on the
Finger Lakes who decided that the weather was great for copulation. Blackbirds also featured
quite well with 45 being counted. Continuing the theme of reproduction, two pairs of Coots
were nesting along the north side of the main lake on the 27th and Magpies were noted
carrying nesting material. A Shelduck rested on the main lake for fifteen minutes or so before
heading off. In the late afternoon 12 Little Egrets, 19 Corn Buntings, 48 Cormorants and
eight Stock Doves came to roost. The last day of the month was a little brighter which may
have been a contributory reason for 15 Song Thrushes being counted.
March
The month started on a rather cloudy and dull note with some light drizzle in the morning of
the 1st In a si i ar vein the birds erent a that exciting either The Ferruginous Duck as
still present and a Common Buzzard was seen on several occasions. Blackbirds numbered
over forty and two Kingfishers were around the park. It was a little brighter on the 2nd
particularly in the afternoon. Ten Little Egrets were still in roost in the morning and the first
two Oystercatchers of the year flew over and landed on Riverside Meadow. There was a
reasonable north-easterly passage of Lesser Black-backed Gulls with 46 passing over in the
ear y orning About 24 Wigeon ere on
acre
rd
It was virtually windless on the 3 and te peratures had fa en to - C resulting in the
main lake being about 70% ice covered. Although 67 Pochards and 62 Tufted Ducks were
present there was no sign of the long-staying Ferruginous Duck. The wind moved round to
very light south-easterlies in the following few days with total cloud cover and often a
izz e on ost ornings Tufted Ducks tota ed 8 on the 4th and seven Little Egrets but
only five Corn Buntings came in to roost in the evening. As with the weather, the birds were
genera y du ith apart fro a a e Go deneye on the th, little of special note. The winds
backed to northerly on the 9th and our first Redshank of the year passed over to the northeast.
Ten Pintai s ( + ) ere a surprise on
acre

It was cold on the 10th with sleet and rain lasting for much of the morning. Three Redshanks
passing over north-east ere the on y joy but despite the gri
eather five Redwings were
th
singing quietly to themselves. It was even colder on the 11 (-2 to C) with a biting
easterly wind and frozen ground. Passerines were particularly difficult to find but twelve
Little Egrets seemed reluctant to leave their roosting site in the morning and were well
hunkered down. Similarly the Cormorants had abandoned any idea of perching in their usual
trees but were lined up on the ground in Kingsmead. An Oystercatcher passed through and a
Common Buzzard attempted to avoid the attention of marauding crows!
The cold weather continued in the following days with morning temperatures often
one or two degrees below zero but, at least, there were some good sunny periods. Tufted
Ducks and Pochards, which have in most years departed by the middle of the month, were
sti present in reasonab e nu bers and both species ere disp aying so ething e dont
usually see in the park. A hiffchaff as a ong the ong hedge on the 4th. The higher
numbers of Blackbirds present, which included 59 on the 15th, may have indicated return
passage. Snow started to fall on the 23rd and continued for much of the day on the 23rd,
leaving about six or seven centimetres on the ground. It felt very cold in a fresh easterly
wind. The weather may have been the reason for the arrival of a first summer male Common
Scoter present on the 24th and 25th, the first since 2000. With the ever-present freezing
weather it was not surprising that there were no records of the arrival of Chiffchaffs,
Blackcaps and Sand Martins, all of which are usually beginning to arrive in significant
numbers at this time of the year. The freezing weather continued in the following days but
there was little of special note until the 28th when a fine male Marsh Harrier passed north in
the morning. The number of Tufted Ducks reached 116 on the same day and a male
Goldeneye was present from the 25th. The return passage of Lesser Black-backed Gulls was
most noticeable on the 29th when 128 passed northeast. Three Oystercatchers and a Water
Rail were also seen. The raptor-fest continued on the th when a Red Kite and three
Common Buzzards passed over northeast. A male Sparrowhawk sat on an old nest outside the
Kramer Hide and three pairs of Rooks were repairing the three nests on the south side which
they abandoned last year. Two Water Rails were seen in and near the crescent reed bed On
the last day of the month an Otter performed quite well in the west Finger Lake and a fox was
also seen. The male Goldeneye was still present and an Oystercatcher flew over.

April
Despite the forecast of warmer weather coming in from the southwest the winds decided to
remain from the east but it was slightly milder and there was no ice or frost. Blackbirds were
quite numerous and Goldeneye, Chiffchaff, Lesser Redpoll, Common Buzzard and two
Redshanks were also seen. The freezing temperatures returned on the 2nd but both male and
female Sparrowhawks were at the nest opposite the Kramer Hide and six Little Egrets were
still in roost in the morning. A pair of Coots on
acre had hatched t o young Despite
the continuing cold two Shelducks flew over on the 3rd and a flock of 120 Redwings were on
Kingsmead. Nine Little Egrets were still in roost on the morning of the 6th and the Otter again
showed well in the early morning. Two Corn Buntings flew out of the roost and Water Rail
and Common Buzzard were also seen. It was another cold start on the 7th ith te peratures

in the orning do n to - C. All but one of the Pochards had departed and Tufted Ducks
had almost halved, down to 40. Ten Fieldfares which flew over were the first for a while and
Chiffchaffs had increased to five. A milder start on the 8th saw the arrival of the first Sand
Martin (the first for the county), which passed north in the early morning, followed by three
over
acre ater No Pochards ere seen It as c oudy and i der on the 8th and, again,
a Sand Martin passed north-east in the morning with another northeast in the afternoon. A Jay
was near the canoe slalom course and an Oystercatcher flew over. In the afternoon two Red
Kites f e
est over
acre and over the park With the slightly milder weather it seemed
that the summer migrants were trying to catch up on their late arrival for, on the
10th, two Common Terns were present, a male
Blackcap was near the shingle beach, a Dunlin was
flying around the lake and eight Chiffchaffs were
singing. There was light drizzle at the start of the 11th
but this may have helped to bring down 11 Sand
Martins, three Swallows and a
single House Martin. Rain accompanied the warmer
weather which arrived on the 12th but four Blackcaps
were recorded as well as 12 Chiffchaffs and 21 Sand
Martins. A Ringed Plover passed over, 46 Redwings
passed northeast and a Jay was along the south side.
Chiffchaffs had increased to 14 on the 13th, 11
Blackcaps were present and six Willow Warblers were
the first of the year. In the evening a male Goldeneye
was on the main lake, 60 Sand Martins had collected
overhead with three Swallows and just one Little
Egret was in roost. The temperature reached
C on
th
Female Sparrowhawk
the morning of the 14 but, apart from seven Willow
Warblers and a Goldcrest, the birds were a little disappointing. It was only slightly cooler on
the following morning but it was obvious from the start that some new birds had arrived.
Willow Warblers were undoubtedly the bird of the morning with 26 being counted. A large
proportion of these were along the south side which was sunny, warm and sheltered from the
ind A fine Redstart as a so a ong this section. A Common Sandpiper flitted across the
lake towards the island and a bright male Yellow Wagtail also flew by. Sand Martins reached
135 and 11 Swallows and two House Martins were amongst them. Chiffchaffs were slightly
lower at nine but Blackcaps numbered 11. Two Redshanks also flew over and c200 Sand
Martins collected over the lake in the evening. A cloudy start with strong southerly winds on
the 16th didnt ook pro ising but it turned out to be quite a good day A uckoo as singing
well in the Finger Lakes area early on and a Sedge Warbler was in the crescent reed bed. The
first Arctic Tern of the year arrived and the first Hobby flew through. Willow Warblers were
again numerous at 32 and again had mainly collected in group in the sheltered areas of the
park. Other warblers included 16 Blackcaps and 10 Chiffchaffs. A Common Sandpiper was
still present and two Barnacle Geese, Kingfisher, Oystercatcher and Common Buzzard were
also seen. The early morning of the 17th was cloudy and the wind was still from the south.
A though it as a bit quieter overa three Reed Warb ers ere in the crescent reed bed

Willow Warblers had increased to 40 and 18 Blackcaps were counted. In addition, an

Oystercatcher and a Common Sandpiper were also seen. Although it was bright and sunny on
the 18th the wind was very blustery, generally south force 4-5 but reaching 6-7 in gusts. The
first Grasshopper Warbler of the year was singing in the car park early on and the first
Common Whitethroat was seen. Willow Warblers totalled a remarkable 46 with 26 of them
collected along the sheltered south side. Two Sedge Warblers and five Little Egrets were also
present. Three Jays passed very high to the east on the morning of the 19th and two additional
birds were in the Finger Lakes. At least 250 Sand Martins had collected along the south side
of the main lake and two House Martins and three Swallows were amongst them. Three male
Whitethroats were seen. The wind had dropped dramatically overnight and it was with some
surprise that we found that all the hirundines had departed. The female Redstart was still
present and the two Oystercatchers again flew over. The first appearance of a Red-eared
Slider reflected a further increase in temperature. The first Lesser Whitethroat of the year was
singing on the New Meadow on the 22nd but other summer migrants had either declined in
numbers or remained about the same. The first Garden Warbler of the year arrived on the
23rd. The lack of hirundines continued on the 24th and again on the 25th (when two Swallows
only were present) but, on the latter date, a Hobby passed north very early, the first Swift
appeared and Garden Warblers had increased to three. The last few days of the month were
fairly quiet but both Hobby and Swift were seen again on the 26th and three Jays were
present. It was back to cold weather again on the 27th but a Yellow Wagtail flew over, a
Common Sandpiper was around the lake and sixty Swallows was the highest count of the
month. Apart from 12 Swifts on the 28th, the last few days of the month were unexceptional
with little of special note.
May
The month started on a cold, bright note in terms of weather but, apart from a Jay and 13
Common Terns there was little new. Some of the warbler numbers were very low with only
three Chiffchaffs and two Willow Warblers recorded. It was bright and sunny again on the
2nd, a little warmer, and with a light north-easterly breeze. Garden Warblers had increased to
seven and Whitethroats to nine but only eight Blackcaps were found (24 were counted on the
same date last year). The following few days were characterised by mainly clear blue skies,
relatively high temperatures and light south-westerlies. Although very pleasant it certainly
didnt bring any ne birds to the park Most arb ers continued to be present in low
nu bers ith on y B ackcaps reaching nor a nu bers during the period and Reed
Warblers slowly increasing. Swifts and hirundines were particularly scarce with the highest
Swift count being only three and the hirundines not represented at all on some days, even in
the evenings. The mainly sunny weather continued during the following five days but there
was little to show for it. Two Little Egrets were still in roost on the morning of the 4th and 17
Common Terns were over the lake whilst a Common Sandpiper flitted around the shore. A
Goldcrest was singing in the car park on the 5th and Blackcaps increased to 19 on the 6th.
Swifts and hirundines were still in relatively low numbers. Two Jays were present on the 7th
and one on the 8th. Thirty eight Swifts on the 8th were followed by 70 on the 9th, the highest
count of the year up to that date. A Mallard on the river by the sewage works bridge had a
brood of 17 newly hatched chicks, probably as a result of egg dumping or the joining of two

broods. Although rain and strong winds became a more frequent occurrence in the following
week there was little change in the bird populations. More Reed Warblers had arrived by the
16th when 24 were counted and 160 Swifts were over the park on the 17th. It was noted that
about five pairs Common Terns were sitting on the island as though on nests and a further
indication of possible breeding was that they would all fly up to mob any passing crows,
gulls, Canada Geese or Herons which strayed into their territories. Another pair was nesting
on the sailing club lawn but these deserted after a few days. A Dunlin flew up from the
lakeside on the 22nd May but departed. The weather turned wet and windy on the afternoon of
the 23rd and there was heavy overnight rain which lasted into the early morning. A Hobby,
the first since the 26th April, passed over on the morning of the 24th but rain and strong winds
followed before mid-day. The weather was a little brighter on the 25th - 27th for the Bank
Holiday but, as expected at this time of the year, few changes in the bird populations took
place. A Hobby and 60 Swifts were seen over the main lake in the evening of the 26th and a
male Pochard was on the main lake on the 27th. It rained for much of the day on the 28th and
remained wet and dull. Whitethroats, Treecreeper and Dunnocks were feeding young whilst
on the 29th a party of 18 young Long-tailed Tits was seen and 75 Swifts with 55 House
Martins had collected over the main lake. Two Dunlins were flying around the main lake on
the last day of the month and one of the 1st summer Black-headed Gulls had built a nest on
the island. They normally start breeding in their second year so this one was obviously
getting in a bit of practice.
June
It was a fairly sunny but cold day for the start of the month. Three Oystercatchers were on the
island, a Little Egret was in the Finger Lakes and a pair of Coot had four newly hatched
young in the south est corner A uckoo as again very active around the park but no
females had yet been recorded. A Hobby flew over and 16 Common Terns were over the
island at one point. Although the temperatures eventually became fairly high in the
afternoons of the following days the mornings were often quite cold. Whitethroats, Garden
Warblers, Sedge Warbler, and Reed Bunting were seen taking food to feed their young and
young Robins, Green Woodpeckers and Mallard chicks were also seen regularly. Two Jays
were present on the 5th and singles were seen on the 7th and 8th. A Hobby was seen again on
the 5th. A Grasshopper Warbler was singing on Fenlake on the 6th. Common Terns were
taking fish to the island on the 7th and 8th raising hopes that they were feeding either sitting
birds or young. An Egyptian Goose which accompanied the Canada Geese on the 11th was a
bit of a surprise. Milder weather arrived on the 12th and five cygnets, the first of the year,
were out on the Finger Lakes. Three young Great Spotted Woodpeckers were present and the
first juvenile Blackcap was near the canoe slalom course. Twenty Common Terns flew up
from the island posing the question about how many pairs were actually present it
originally being thought to be about five! Two Oystercatchers and a Hobby were also seen.
On the 13th and 14th the Reed Warblers suddenly began work on nest construction and were
so busy that they hadnt got ti e to do uch singing Most birds ere e into breeding and
so there were few new visitors but an exotic in the form of a Black Swan arrived on the 20th
to add a bit of variety. A Lesser Whitethroat decided to sing on the 21st whilst it accompanied
at least one young. A Redshank was on the island on the 25th and 26th and a Common

Buzzard flew over. It was with some surprise that a juvenile Cuckoo appeared at the sewage
works bridge on the 28th being fed by a pair of Reed Warblers. It was still present on the
following day when an Oystercatcher also flew over. A Common Buzzard flew over on the
last day of the month and a total of five Great Spotted Woodpeckers included several
juveniles. A pair of Gadwalls was present.
July
Sunny, warm, dry, weather was a feature of the first ten days of July with light southwesterlies on the first five days changing to calm on the 6th and 7th to north-easterly from the
8th. Most of the Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls deserted their island home, probably
as a result of predation, a short visit revealing that the tern eggs had been predated. Male
Blackcaps were still singing well, presumably as they were continuing their breeding into
second broods. A party of 19 Long-tailed Tits on the 5th was one of the higher counts of the
year. Many hundreds of froglets were in the damper, sheltered areas on the 6th and a very
young mole surfaced on the 7th in the rough Three Treecreepers ere a ong the south side
Two Green Sandpipers were on the sewage works bridge pool on the 8th and the first
returning Common Gull, an adult, was on the main lake on the 9th. On the same day three
juvenile Green Woodpeckers (2 + 1) were ground feeding and both Kestrel and Oystercatcher
flew over. It remained fairly quiet in the following days with an adult and young Grey
Wagtail on the 10th and three Little Egrets over on the 11th being the only birds of note. A
total of four Little Egrets flew over on the 12th, presumably having been disturbed fro
acre and a f ock of 4 S ifts ere over the ain ake It beca e very hot on the th ith
te peratures reaching over
C in a light north-westerly breeze. A pair of Pochards which
flew around the lake were the first of the post-breeding period and Great Crested Grebes
increased to 21.

The first Willow Warbler to arrive after the breeding season

The mainly sunny warm to hot weather continued for the next two weeks, with the
occasional cloudy start early on but usually clearing in the morning. There were

thunderstorms and heavy rain overnight on the 22nd-23rd and heavy rain again overnight on
the 24th 25th resulting in sodden vegetation and some species seemingly reluctant to show
the se ves or sing Others didnt seem to mind. Young Robins, tits and Dunnocks were seen
frequently which suggested that the pessimistic forecasts of poor breeding due to the very
cold spring may be erroneous, certainly for some non-migrant species. A Little Egret flew
over on the 14th and the second Common Gull of the post-breeding period was over the main
ake A juveni e Marsh Harrier hich f e up fro
acre on the th flew over towards
the sewage works but it is not known whether or not it entered Priory air space! A Green
Sandpiper flew over on the 18th and a juvenile Kestrel was by the sewage works bridge on the
19th. Common Buzzard and Oystercatcher passed over on the 20th. An immature Lesser
Whitethroat on the 22nd was the first since June and a Common Buzzard was feeding on
Kingsmead on the 23rd whilst a second was circling overhead. A Peregrine flew through on
the 23rd and whilst the heavy overnight rain seemed to have subdued many birds Reed
Warblers responded well and were very noisy throughout the park. A Willow Warbler on the
26th was the first post-breeding season record, none having bred in the park this year. A
Common Sandpiper was around the lake on the 27th and a Green Sandpiper landed at the
se age orks bridge poo It asnt a bad day for raptors ith t o young Sparro ha ks a
Kestrel and a Common Buzzard around the park. Seven Grey Wagtails were on the canoe
slalom course. The remaining days of the month were much the same but Treecreepers were
seen more regularly.
August
The first few days of the month were mainly sunny after often cloudy starts. A small early
morning south-westerly movement of Starlings away from roost was first noted on the 1st but
although it involved only 56 birds up to 200 were involved in the following days. The first of
the waders passed over with two Green Sandpipers southwest. Passerines were difficult to
find but more waders passed through with a Common Sandpiper on the 3rd followed by a
Greenshank on the 4th. A Goldcrest on the south side was the first post breeding season
record and young Sparrowhawks were present with possibly up to two present in the Finger
Lakes area and two on the south side. Two Jays were seen on the 3rd and one on the 4th.
Woodpeckers were very vocal on the 5th when at least seven Green and three Great Spotted
were around the park. There were more records of Green Sandpipers on the following days
and a few Willow Warblers began to pass through (150 Sedge and 100 Willow Warblers
arrived at Portland B.O. on the 6th). Chiffchaffs increased to 11 on the 8th and the first
Skylark of the post-breeding period flew over on the 10th. Although there were slim pickings
for Ed carrying out his CES survey on the 11th he did trap the first Garden Warbler for
several weeks. A surprise on the 13th was a party of four Crossbills which flew East over the
park. This was only the fourth record for the park. It was a little livelier on the 14th with six
Willow Warblers, 11 Chiffchaffs, six Common Whitethroats, two Lesser Whitethroats and a
Garden Warbler to add to the Blackcaps and Reed Warblers. Twenty-eight Great Crested
Grebes were on the main lake and a Green Sandpiper flew over. It was fairly quiet again on
the 15th but two Ravens, only the third record for the park and the first since 2011, flew over
the Finger Lakes. Light rain on the morning of the 16th brought down 45 House Martins but
Blackcaps were very scarce. A surprise on the 17th was a total of 29 Chiffchaffs of which 17

were in a single group along the south side. There was an arrival of Willow Warblers on the
18th when 18 were counted. Both Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler were seen to the
end of the month but a Spotted Flycatcher on the 25th was the first of the year. Similarly a
Wigeon and a Teal on the 26th were the first of the autumn. A second Spotted Flycatcher was
present on the 29th and a family of recently hatched Moorhen chicks was on the west Finger
Lake on the 30th.
September
Although there were some good sunny periods during the first week of the month the
mornings were noticeably cooler. Warblers were still present in reasonable numbers during
the first few days and a Jay and a pair of Shovelers was present on the 1st. The last Swift of
the year passed over on the 2nd and a Lesser Whitethroat was in the southwest corner.
Blackbirds in particular were taking advantage of the good blackberry crop with 30 counted
on the 3rd. A Peregrine flew over on the 4th as did Common Buzzard and Kestrel. Two Jays
and two Wigeon were also present. Seventeen Chiffchaffs were counted on the 6th and 70
House Martins came down during a light rain shower. A Hobby visited on the 7th, a Lesser
Whitethroat was again seen and 150 House Martins were over the main lake with 40 Sand
Martins. A Garden Warbler, another Spotted Flycatcher and a Common Buzzard were the
highlights of the 8th. Rain with a very cold start was a feature for the whole morning on the
9th but a Ruff which flew over towards Willington was a pleasant surprise and a Wigeon was
also present. The House Martin flock had increased to 180 on the 11th, Great Crested Grebes
numbered 33 and Teal had increased to nine. Three Common Terns were still hanging on as
were Willow Warblers (4), Common Whitethroats (6), Lesser Whitethroat (1) and five Reed
Warblers. The morning of the 12th started dull and damp but a Hobby flew over towards
Willington and a Jay was along the east side. More wet weather was to follow but fortunately
much of it was later in the day. A Back-tailed Godwit flew over on the 14th. There were more
records of Hobby on the 14th and 16th and most of the common warblers were hanging on but
the last of the resident Common Terns was on the 15th. There was a big decline in
Blackcaps on the 17th with only one being seen and only two on the following day. Only two
Reed Warblers were recorded on the 17th one Whitethroat and 13 Chiffchaffs. Gadwalls
increased to 14, the two male Wigeon were still present as were three Teal. Hobby, Kestrel
and Jay were also seen. Hirundines continued to collect over the lake with 200 House
Martins, 20 Sand Martins but only two Swallows. Three Little Egrets passed overhead. A
Hobby over the south side was a continuation of several records around this period. The 18th
as a bit disappointing particu ar y in the rough here a sing e B ackcap as the on y
summer visitor present. There were further signs of Meadow Pipit movement when two
passed over SW. Both a Willow Warbler and a Blackcap were in the southwest corner but
Chiffchaffs were still much in evidence with a total of 14. A surprise was an adult Common
Tern which, by recent standards, was quite late. Twenty-two Tufted Ducks on the main lake
was the first significant autumn arrival of this species and 34 Great Crested Grebes were also
on the main lake. Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were typical of more frequent
sightings of birds of prey which usually occur after the breeding season. The adult Common
Tern paid a brief visit on the 19th and both Reed Warbler and Blackcap were still present.

Four Little Egrets departed from the roost in the morning and a Hobby put in yet another
appearance.
The number of Gadwalls on the 20th had increased to 25 and the adult Common Tern put in
another brief appearance. Several Meadow Pipits passed south and two Mistle Thrushes
hich a so passed south ere the first for a ong ti e A Pochard hich joined the Tufted
Ducks on the main lake was the first of the autumn. Although 60 House Martins were over
the main lake 11 passed south as did eight Swallows. The morning of the 21st was rather dull
and, for the first time since the spring, no Blackcaps were seen although three Reed Warblers
were still hanging on along the north side. The main feature of the morning was the passage
of Meadow Pipits of which 44 passed south. No hirundines lingered over the lake and all 60
House Martins and 11 Swallows passed straight through. Two Grey Wagtails also passed
south. A Green Sandpiper flew along the north side of the main lake and two adult Goldcrests
ere in the rough Raptors ere quite e represented ith Kestre Sparro ha k and
Buzzard all being seen. Although it was a cloudy start on the 22nd the cloud soon cleared to
give a sunny day. There was a very light southerly passage which included four Meadow
Pipits, two House Martins and six Swallows. Chiffchaffs numbered 13 and 37 Great Crested
Grebes were on the main lake. By the 24th Blackcaps were down to one and only four
Chiffchaffs were counted. Although Chiffchaffs were up to seven on the 25th only two Reed
Warblers could be found. The weekend of the 28th/29th was rather frustrating when bird
ca ing in the rough on the 28th ay have been a ettis Warb er It re ained ho ever
elusive and unconfir ed Si i ar y a bird in the rough on the 28th with a very melodious
sub-song could have been a Garden Warbler but again it was not seen. Three Swallows
passed south on the 28th and a Mistle Thrush passed over on the 29th. In the late afternoon of
the 29th seven Little Egrets and 800 Jackdaws cam in to roost and it was warm enough for
three pipistre e bats to be out feeding Three high f ying Song Thrushes on the th
suggested that this species was on the move.
October
It was a pleasant enough start to the month with a Hobby passing south, four Shovelers and
4 Tufted Ducks on the ain ake one Song Thrush south and another high f ying. It rained
heavily overnight and into the first part of the morning on the following day and remained
very dul throughout Three Song Thrushes f e south and a B ackbird as high f ying
or orants continued to hunt as a tea but yesterdays t enty-one team members were
reduced to thirteen. Although it started cloudy in the following few days it often cleared to
give some quite long sunny periods, the winds remained very light south-westerlies and it
remained very mild. A Blackcap was seen on the 3rd, several Skylarks passed overhead and a
Great Black-backed Gull was the first since the spring. Forty-four Cormorants were in a
hunting pack on the 4th, 47 Tufted Ducks were on the main lake and Pied Wagtails were
moving with three southwest. Birds were a little more active on the 5th with a Black-tailed
Godwit passing north-east, three Mistle Thrushes, the first Siskins (2) of the year, a Jay and
t o B ackcaps and a ate Reed Warb er trapped by Ed in the rough A S a o passed
south-east on the 6th. A surprise on the 7th was a movement of Redwings and Song Thrushes.
Thirty-four Redwings passed west and another six ere in the rough hi st over 4 Song
Thrushes appeared to have roosted overnight in bushes on the New Meadow and departed

south in smaller groups. It was yet another mild morning on the 8th but it was fairly quiet for
birds with just one Redwing and three Song Thrushes moving off and a male Blackcap in the
bushes on the New Meadow. A Siskin two Pied Wagtails and seven Goldfinches passed south
on the 9th and two male Blackcaps were in the Finger Lakes area. A Jay flew over and a total
of seven Redwings were seen. A cold front move through overnight and the 10th dawned
windy and sunny but decidedly chilly. The main feature of the morning was a fine passage of
Redwings with over 1300 passing west during the morning visit. Two Siskins flew south,
three Common Buzzards and a pair of Sparrowhawks were over Kingsmead. The morning of
the 11th was fine and sunny but only 134 Redwings passed over. Four Chiffchaffs were
present of which one of them was singing. The first Fieldfares of the autumn were 40 on the
19th and 22 Common Gulls were the first large group of the post breeding period.
A few rain showers interrupted a fairly sunny morning on the 20th but a single
Chiffchaff, a Fieldfare and a party of 17 Long-tailed Tits were the only birds of note. The
following few days were mainly dull and damp and the bird life generally reflected this.
Starlings passing to and from the roost at Willington numbered 6000 on the 21st and 7000 on
the 26th. Forty-five Fieldfares passed southwest on the 22nd and a Black Swan was on the
main lake. In the evening 41 Cormorants roosted at the back of Kingsmead. Two Mistle
Thrushes passed west on the 23rd and there were movements of Woodpigeons (140 S),
Lapwings (113 SW) and Fieldfares (20 SW) on a mainly sunny 24th. The first Lesser Redpoll
of the autumn flew south on the 26th.
A storm (named St. Jude) brought strong winds and heavy rain on the morning of the 28th but
there was little, if any, damage in the park. It was fine and mainly sunny after the storm
passed through and this probab y as hat pro pted a a e B ackcap in the rough to sho
itself. As if to compensate for the stormy weather of the previous day the 29th was bright and
sunny and there was a little light passage with the first of the autumns Woodpigeons (149)
passing south as did a Siskin, nine Fieldfares six Starlings and a Skylark. Although the sunny
weather continued on the 30th the temperature dropped considerably and so it was against a
clear blue sky that 775 Woodpigeons passed south with further passage of a few Redwings,
Chaffinches, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks and Starlings. Two Treecreepers were on the spit and
Bullfinches were seen more regularly. In the evening 700 Jackdaws, 32 Cormorants and four
Little Egrets came in to roost and 32 Gadwalls were on the west Finger Lake. It was duller
but milder on the last day of the month but a Water Rail was in the west Finger Lake and a
Chiffchaff in the southwest corner. One Redpoll passed south but there was only a very small
passage of Woodpigeons.
November
It was an almost windless and fairly mild start to the month with some good sunny periods.
Unfortunately the birds were not particularly spectacular. Blackbirds had increased slightly to
27 and there was still a small westerly passage of Starlings but, apart from that, it was very
quiet. In the late afternoon six Little Egrets, 37 Cormorants and c700 Jackdaws came in to
roost. It was a little livelier on a more cloudy 2nd of the month. Two Water Rails were active
in the Finger Lakes and six Golden Plovers (the first of the year) passed south soon to be
followed by 45 Lapwings. A party of 29 Wigeon spent some time circling above the park and

t o ere in the Finger Lakes Ed as ringing in the rough and his tota inc uded a
Redwing, a Treecreeper, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a male Blackcap and a Goldcrest as
well as numerous Blue and Great Tits.

It was bright and sunny but cold on the 4th with fresh NNW winds. At least 6000 Starlings
flew over SW, presumably departing the roost at Willington. About 1400 Woodpigeons
passed south but this movement was all over by 0800. Two Siskins, a Redpoll and 19 Lesser
Black-backed Gu s a so passed south The high ight as t o Be icks S ans hich f e
south at 0912. As if to make up for the sunny weather the following days were dull and damp
with quite a few rain showers. Two Goosanders flew SW over the park on the 6th and a single
Redpoll was seen on both the 5th and 6th.
After heavy overnight rain the 7th was relatively fine and bright. There was a
slight resurgence of Woodpigeon passage with over 160 passing south and a Green Sandpiper
dropped in for a short while. Another fairly bright and calm morning on the 8th encouraged
only a little passage which included 77 Fieldfares SW, 19 Starlings W, 19 Woodpigeons S
and five Pied Wagtails W. A Water Rail again called from the Finger Lakes, a Common
Buzzard was mobbed by seven Magpies and a Redpoll flew along the south side. Blackbird
numbers were again incredibly low at only eight which might suggest that breeding birds
have moved out but have not been replaced by continental visitors. There was only light
passage of Woodpigeons, Fieldfares and Redwings in the following days but a fine male
Goldeneye arrived on the 12th. Gadwalls continued to increase on the Finger Lakes and over
fifty were regularly present. Great Crested Grebes declined to very low numbers with only a
single bird present on the 13th Over 8 Go den P overs ere on
acre on the th and
about 80 of these flew over the park when they were disturbed.

Six Corn Buntings exited the crescent reed bed on the 15th the first of the autumn and a
pleasant surprise on the 16th was a first-year fe a e B ackcap hich as ringed in the
rough. Although 18 Corn Buntings roosted on the 19th November the number reduced to six
on the 23rd and five on the 24th- 26th A Go deneye as on the ain ake on the 22nd, 37
B ackbirds ere counted and a Woodcock as f ushed fro the rough Gad a s ere up to
57 and 61 Cormorants roosted on Kingsmead in the evening. Over on
acre four Jack
snipe and 19 Common Snipe were joined by two Redshanks, 400 Golden plovers and 250
Lapwings. A Water Rail was probably the first record for this site.
Back in the park a Woodcock was again flushed on the 24th November and a redheaded Goosander spent a short time on the main lake A B ackcap as trapped in the
rough A fine Goosander passed south-west on the morning of the 25th and a pair of
Common Buzzards was very active over Kingsmead and the Finger Lakes both on the 25th
and the following day. Nineteen Corn Buntings and nine Little Egrets roosted on the 26th and
the much milder weather on the 27th encouraged a a e B ackcap to sing in the rough
Things remained much the same in the following few days but a female Blackcap was near
the Visitor Centre on the 29th and a total of 30 Long-tailed Tits were recorded. The last day of
the month was mainly sunny with only Buzzard, Kingfisher and Little Egrets being of note. A
Dunlin was with 250 Golden Plovers, 300 Lapwings, 15 Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe and three
Egyptian Geese on
acre
December
There was a frosty, fairly sunny start to the month. Only a Water Rail, a Common Buzzard
and three Litt e Egrets ere of note Over on
acre Go den P overs had increased to
and Lapwings 350. A pleasant surprise was a flock of 80 Linnets. The female Blackcap was
again seen near the Visitor Centre on the 2nd and twelve Corn Buntings came in to roost in the
evening. Although the storm on the 5th severely affected the East Coast we were very lucky
and although the winds were strong and we had quite a squall in the afternoon it did little
damage. The prelude however took the form of a spectacular sunrise.

The dawn before the storm!

The colours were very intense!

Hopes were high that the severe weather might have blown some unusual birds in were not to
be realised. Most passerines were keeping well hunkered down out of the wind. The main
interest lay in the five Little Egrets which showed some reluctance to depart from roost, five
Stock Doves, two male Sparrowhawks and a flock of 30 Goldfinches. The wind had abated
but it was very quiet again in the park on the 6th with little of note, although the Black Swan
which has spent much of its time on the river in Bedford took an a ay-day in the park A
total of 18 Corn Buntings exited the crescent roost on the orning of the th and six Little
Egrets also departed in the early morning. Tufted Ducks were up to 35. It was a little better
over on
acre ith
Go den P overs 4 Lap ings
8 Grey ags and 4 anada

Geese gracing the scene. A Chiffchaff present just beyond Meadow Lane of as of the grey
type and a possible P.c. tristis. A Chiffchaff was at the north end of the Long Hedge on the
9th December and a pair of Red-crested Pochards on the main lake on the 10th.
There was little of special note in the park in the following few days but there was an
arrival of Common Gulls with 58 in the park on the 13th and a Chiffchaff along the east side
of the Finger Lakes. Ten Little Egrets were still in roost on the morning of the 14th but only
four orn Buntings ca e out of roost It as a itt e ore exciting on
acre ith 4
Golden Plovers and 300 Lapwings adding to the collection of ducks and geese but the main
interest was in a total of five Chiffchaffs, three about half way between the sewage works
bridge and Meadow Lane and two together at Meadow Lane bridge. All appeared to be P.
collybita. A Red Admiral butterfly along the south side of the main lake was symbolic of the
relatively mild winter weather so far.
A fine male Goosander was on the east Finger Lake on the 15th and remained to the
following day. Chiffchaffs again provided some interest with five at least at the Meadow
Lane bridge and one nearer to the park. The 16th was a bit of a washout! The te perature at
as
and increased to 4 C later on. However, it was very dark with strong SW
5-6 winds and remained so for most of the visit not ideal conditions for observing birds!
After heavy overnight rain the 17th turned out to be a fine sunny day with virtually no wind at

all. A red-head Goosander was present early on but departed at 0810. There was little else of
interest in the park but there were again six Chiffchaffs near Meadow Lane and the grey
tristis-type showed again Unfortunate y it didnt ca
o
on Snipe Jack Snipe and Green
Sandpiper were also present with 44 Meadow Pipits and 26 Chaffinches. There was little of
specia note in the park during the fo o ing fe days ith ost of the action taking p ace
over on
acre but 4 Go den P overs ade an excursion over on the 8th, 11 Little
Egrets were still in roost and a Chiffchaff was also see on the 19th and a Goosander spent
some time on the Finger Lakes on the 20th. The highlight of the 22nd was a Shag (the first in
the park since 1995) which swam out from the northeast corner of the main lake on the 22nd
and remained for the whole day.

Shag on the main lake.

A Ta ny O ca ed fro over by ardington Lock on the 2 rd and 18 Wigeon flew over.
A party of 30 Wigeon flew over on a sunny Christmas Day and although it remained sunny
on Boxing Day there was little of special note. Wildfowl began to increase on the 27th with
42 each of Gadwalls and Tufted Ducks and a Mink sped along the fast-flowing river after
water which had been held back further upstream was released. It also flooded the path on the
south side as well as Kingsmead and Riverside. The sun was out again on the 28th and the
flood-waters were down about 60 cm apart from in the Finger Lakes which usually retain it
for severa eeks T o Water Rai s ere at the se age orks bridge presu ab y having
been displaced from their usual spots in the Finger Lakes and 24 Pied Wagtails were attracted
to the flood on Kingsmead. Three Black Swans also spent a short time on the main lake.
Although cold it was very pleasant again on the 29th with a light south-westerly wind, a frost
covering the ground and ice on any surface water. The three Black Swans again made a short
visit as did another group of Mute S ans hich brought the tota to 26 It as dark and
stor y on the th and pretty miserable for birds and it was only a little better on the 31st
when, apart from a party of c35 Teal which landed in the Finger Lakes, there was just a lone
Buzzard mewing the year to an end!

SYSTEMATIC LIST
2013

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor

A breeding resident and visitor.

During the first three months counts never reached the high numbers of last year average counts being
26.7 in January, 25.2 in February and 23.6 in March.
Monthly maxima
Jan
66

Feb
48

Mar Apr
40
16

May
23

Jun
25

Jul
24

Aug
31

Sep
24

Oct
26

Nov Dec
20
26

Breeding:
A pair on the Finger Lakes hatched five young on the 12th June and the pair on the main lake,
having abandoned their first nest, started a second and produced two young on the 19th June. Only one
of the latter pair survived. A pair nested in the marina and laid nine eggs but none hatched and the
nest and eggs were abandoned.
BEWICKS SWAN Cygnus columbianus
A scarce winter visitor. Twelve previous records. Last recorded in December 2010.

Two passed south over the park at 0912 on the 4th November.
WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus
A rare winter visitor. Ten previous records. Last recorded in December 2009.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrynchus

A very rare winter visitor. All three previous records have been of large flocks. Last recorded in June 2011.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons

A very rare winter visitor. Three previous records. Last recorded in December 1996.

GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser

A regular visitor throughout the year and occasional breeder.

Most counts during the first three months of the year were of five or fewer but larger parties such as
27 on the 5th January and 42 on the 31st January passed over as they moved from the Willington area
to other feeding grounds. There was a slight increase during the last week of March as birds visited
the park looking for areas to breed. Particularly during February 70 to 90 were regularly recorded on
the neighbouring
acre fie d Numbers remained very low during April and May, usually less
than ten but 14 on the 27th May. The species was not recorded from the 19th June 19th July with only
two singles being seen to the end of the month. There were a few records of singles to the end of

September with 73 northeast on the 26th, nine south on the 27th and 17 on the 29th. The largest
numbers recorded in October were 48 northeast on the 6th and 19 on the 9th with only three other
records, one of two and two of singles. It is surprising that there were few records in the second
inter period as 4 to 6 ere regu ar y present over on
acre
GREATER CANADA GOOSE Branta Canadensis
A breeding resident. Numbers may be enhanced by birds disturbed from neighbouring areas. The population of
this species has been controlled by oiling eggs since 2004.

The erection of netting around the sailing club lawn to prevent access by Canada Geese was, once
again, quite successful. Most of the higher counts were of birds roosting overnight and many departed
during the early morning leaving only relatively small numbers in the park during much of the day.

Monthly Maxima (Top line = max count, bottom line = monthly average)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
193 107 75
56
85
117 131 53
71 125 140 172
93.1 52.0 38.7 37.2 61.0 94.6 81.0 21.8 15.9 21.6 28.4 45.6
Oiling of eggs again took place this year and involved 210 eggs from 47 nests (188 eggs from 42 nests
on the main lake and 22 eggs from five nests in the Finger Lakes. Twenty young hatched (broods of
4+4+3 +3 +1+ 5).
BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis
Feral birds are occasionally recorded in the park and are usually part of the Roxton flock.

Between the 6th and 24th February over 9 ere regu ar y present on
acre so it as of itt e
surprise when a party of 22 passed over the park in that direction on the 20th February. Two flew over
on the 16th April and four were present on the 27th April and 1st May. After one on the 4th May, four
on the 12th, two on the 18th and two on the 21st May there were no further records to the end of the
year.
BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla
A very rare winter visitor. Six previous records. Last recorded in November 1994.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiaca

Three previous records; one of three birds in November 1993, another three birds in March 1998 and one in
May 2001.

Three flew west over the park on the 29th January and one accompanied Canada Geese on the main
lake on the 11th June. (Three ere regu ar y seen on
acre/Meado Lane area fro
idNovember to mid-December.)
COMMON SHELDUCK

Tadorna tadorna

An uncommon but regular visitor and passage migrant, mainly in spring. Breeding at nearby Willington has
resulted in sightings of both adults and immature during and after the breeding season.

The first bird of the year was a female on the 9th February. Two were present on the morning of the
20th February and one on the 27th. Two flew over on the 3rd April. Very few are ever recorded in
winter but one flew west over the park on the 13th Dece ber hi st one as sti on
acre

[RUDDY SHELDUCK] Tadorna ferruginea

Two previous records: in June 1985 and July-September 1994. Both were thought to be escapes.

[WOOD DUCK]

Aix sponsa

Once an irregular visitor, now rare. Last recorded in 1994.

MANDARIN DUCK

Aix galericulata

An irregular visitor.

EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope

A regular winter visitor mainly from Scandinavia.

Scarce during the first half of January but recorded daily during the second half. Highest counts were
of 36 on the 22nd January and 28 on the 25th 26th. Up to 128 (24th Feb ) ere on
acre
throughout February but only one to four were noted in the park. About 24 ere on
acre on the
nd
2 March and between 40 and 120 to the end of the month.
The first of the autumn was a male on the 26th August followed by two on the 4th September,
one on the 9th-11th and two males from the 12th 26th. A party of 17 flew over on the 27th, adding to
the three already present and 11 passed south on the 30th September. Regularly recorded throughout
October, mainly one to two but seven on the 11th and five on the 17th. A party of 29 circled the park
for quite a long time on the 2nd of November and two additional birds were on the Finger Lakes. Small
flocks (18, 30 and 60) were seen passing over during December, presumably having been disturbed
fro
acre and there ere severa records of one to five on the ain ake and Finger Lakes.
GADWALL Anas strepera
A regular winter visitor in small numbers. Occasionally recorded at other times of the year.

Up to 30 were recorded during the first half of the month but numbers increased as the water froze
over. Higher January counts were of 96 on the 16th, 98 on the 17th, 109 on the 22nd, 104 on the 23rd,
143 on the 25th and 93 on the 26th. Numbers declined fairly rapidly as the ice melted. Once again
many of the Gadwalls were commensal on the Coot and, on some occasions, every Gadwall was
associating with a Coot.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
143 31
18
11
5
3
1
7
29
34
59
42
An interesting bird was present on the 23rd April, most of its plumage being that of a male but the vent
and undertail coverts that of a female.
There were only two records of singles in July and two, again singles, during the first half of
August but records were more regular from the 22nd with seven on the 26th and four to six until 6th
September with seven again on the 7th and again from the 10th 14th, nine on the 15th, ten on the 16th,
14 on the 17th and 25 on the 20th. The highest counts were of 29 on the 27th September and 28 on the
29th. Numbers were generally higher throughout October with 20-25 regularly recorded and 34 on the
4th, 32 on the 10th, 31 on the 21st and 32 on the 30th. A further increase took place during November
reaching 54 on the 13th and 59 on the 15th before declining towards the end of the month. Most of the
previous records were of birds in the Finger Lakes but during the second half of December many
moved to the main lake with 42 there on the 27th December.

EURASIAN TEAL Anas crecca

A fairly regular winter visitor in small numbers from September to April.

One to five were regularly present during January with 10 on the 1st, 12 on the 2nd, 15 on the 5th and
17 on the 18th. Ice cover during the second half of the month forced most to depart the area.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
17
16
17
11
0
0
0
1
10
13
16
35
The first of the autumn were singles on the 26th, 27th and 29th August with four on the 2nd September,
five on the 9th, nine on the 11th and 10 on the 14th. Up to ten were present daily throughout the rest of
September and October with 12 on the 11th October, 13 on the 21st and up to 11 regularly present to
the end of the month. A party of c30 flew northeast towards Willington on the morning of the 7th
November but numbers in the park during November and December were usually between two and
ten, reaching 16 on the 29th November A flock of c35 which landed in the Finger Lakes on the 31st
December was by far the highest count of that month.
MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos
A common resident and winter visitor.

Monthly maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
83 111 69
48

May
49

Jun
80

Jul
118

Aug
120

Sep
156

Oct
110

Nov Dec
88
95

A total of 20 broods totalling 105 young hatched and, although the cold spring weather did not appear
to have delayed the breeding season in this species, the average size of the broods was smaller and
fewer young hatched. This may have been due to the cold spring resulting in fewer invertebrates being
available for the females for egg production and/or fewer prey items being available to predators
which then concentrated on the easily accessible Mallard eggs.
60
50
40
30

2012
2013

20
10
0
2-8 9-22 23-6 7-20 21-3 4-17 18-1 2-15 16-29 30-12 13-26
Apr Apr A/M May M/J Jun J/Jul Jul Jul Jul/A Aug

Graph showing the numbers of newly-hatched Mallard chicks by 14 day periods.

2013 and 2012 compared.

5
4
3
2013

Av. 2008-2012

1
0
1

Brood Size
9 10 11

Graph showing the number of broods of different size, 2013 and 2008-2012 compared.
Broods were smaller in 2013 than the average and there were fewer later broods.
(Average brood size in 2013= 4.7; Average 2008-2012=6.28)

Year
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008

The Distribution of the Production of Young by 14-Day Periods 2008

Apr Apr A/M May M/J Jun J/Jul Jul
Jul
Jul/A Aug
2-8 9-22 23-6 7-20 21-3 4-17 18-1 2-15 16-29 30-12 13-26
0
11
38
11
9
9
23
0
0
0
0
0
17
32
55
26
2
19
14
0
8
8
0
18
40
43
19
20
2
4
0
8
0
8
0
38
16
7
18
34
12
5
0
0
0
0
80
25
34
28
13
0
0
0
0
0
5
46
10
33
10
4
2
8
0
0

Total
101
181
154
138
180
118

PINTAIL Anas acuta

An uncommon winter visitor. Forty-four previous records.

A male was present on the 26th January. Five males and 5 fe a es ere on
9th March.
GARGANEY

acre on the

Anas querquedula

A rare passage migrant. Eleven records. Last recorded in July 2011.

SHOVELER Anas clypeata

Mainly a regular winter visitor from September to May. Occasionally observed in summer.

Although regularly recorded during the first three months of the year, numbers were quite small.
Monthly Maxima

Jan
6

Feb
4

Mar Apr
2
2

May
1

Jun
0

Jul
0

Aug
0

Sep
2

Oct
7

Nov Dec
14
12

A male on the main lake on the 29th May was the first since April 11th but the first of the autumn was
a pair on the 27th August followed by a pair on the 1st September. After two on the 29th September one
to four were regularly present throughout October with seven on the 24th and six on the 31st.
Recorded daily throughout November when up to ten were present and December with up to 12.
RED-CRESTED POCHARD

Netta rufina

An uncommon visitor, mainly in winter. Most, if not all, used to be visitors from the group on the river in the
Queens Park area of Bedford but a large dispersal early in 2010 from Cotswold Water Park resulted in over 30
being recorded in the county and some of the present records may be from this source.

A male was present on the 15th 16th January and three (2 males and a female) on the 21st February.
There were no further records until a pair on the 10th December.
COMMON POCHARD Aythya farina
A common winter visitor from the Baltic and Russia. Occasional in summer.

Fewer were present during the first winter period than in 2012 but the very cold temperatures during
March resulted in higher numbers remaining during the second half of the month. In 2012 only a
single bird was present after the 16th March and all had departed by the 22nd. This year numbers were
often between 40 and 50 and even by the end of the March 36 were still present on the last day. It
was interesting that birds were displaying during the second half of the month, a behaviour not
normally recorded in most years due to their earlier departure.
Monthly Maxima

Jan
82

Feb
82

Mar Apr
67
16

May
1

Jun
0

Jul
2

Aug
0

Sep
4

Oct
14

Nov Dec
8
37

The number declined steadily in the first few days of April with only one female on the 7th and none
on the following day. A male flew over on the 11th April. There were no further records until a male
on the main lake on the 27th May. The first post-breeding period record was of a pair on the 13th July
and the first of the autumn was a female on the 20th September followed by four on the 29th. In
October the only records were of 14 on the 19th ( ) and a a e on the th.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK Aythya nyroca
A very rare visitor. Two previous records, involving different birds, in November 1998 and December 1998 to
March 1999. The origin of these birds was probably related to releases at Swiss Gardens in early 1998 and
subsequent breeding there.

A male was present on the 27th

January and, apart from a days
absence on the 31st January,
stayed until the 2nd March
during which time it attracted
the attention of many twitchers
and photographers.

TUFTED DUCK

Aythya fuligula

A fairly common winter visitor from Northern Russia, Scandinavia and Low Countries. Scarce in summer. Last
bred in 1986.

Good numbers were present during January, particularly when much of the lake was covered with ice.
Higher January counts include 102 on the 19th, 101 on the 20th, 109 on the 22nd, 140 on the 25th and
112 on the 27th. Birds departed as the ice melted and only 15 were present on the last day of the
month. Numbers were slow to build up after the thaw but reached 77 on the 22nd February.
Surprisingly high numbers were recorded during March but over 80-90 were regularly present and
116 were counted on the 28th. As with Pochard, the freezing weather in March resulted in higher
numbers remaining longer and display being noted on several occasions during the second half of the
month. One young was seen by the island on the 14th and 16th June but did not survive.
Monthly Maxima

Jan
140

Feb
91

Mar Apr
116 122

May
22

Jun
13

Jul
5

Aug
2

Sep
26

Oct
47

Nov Dec
26
64

Up to five were present to mid-July but after this there were fewer sightings until the beginning of
September when five to seven were regularly present. Twenty-two on the 18th September was the first
significant autumn arrival. Numbers then gradually increased to 47 on the 4th October with 39 still
present on the 11th before gradually declining.
GREATER SCAUP

Aythya marila

A scarce winter visitor from Iceland, Northern Europe and Russia.

LONG-TAILED DUCK

Clangula hyemalis

A rare winter visitor from the Arctic and Scandinavia. One previous record, November 1982 to February 1983.

COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra

A rare visitor from arctic Russia and Scandinavia, mainly spring and autumn. Five previous records. Last
recorded in April 2000.

A first summer male arrived on the 24th March and was still present on the following day. This was
only the sixth record of this very scarce visitor to the park.
COMMON GOLDENEYE

Bucephala clangula

A fairly regular but uncommon winter visitor from northern and central Europe.

A adult male was present on the 11th January and one immature on the 20th and 22nd. Two immatures
were present on the 24th, 25th and 27th. In February an adult male was present on the 3rd and an adult
female on the 8th and 23rd. An adult male was on the main lake on the 7th March and again from the
25th March 2nd April. An adult male was on the main lake on the evening of the 13th April.
The first returning bird was a male on the 12th November followed by a female on the 21st.
SMEW Mergus albellus
A rare winter visitor from northern Russia. Last recorded in December 2007.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator

A rare winter visitor and passage migrant from northern Eurasia and northern Britain. Nine previous records.
Last recorded in January 1998.

GOOSANDER Mergus merganser

An uncommon but regular winter visitor from northern Europe and northern Britain. Less frequent in mild
winters. Earliest: 29th October 1983. Latest: 11th April 1990.

A male flew over on the 8th January and a redhead on the 23rd. A male was present on the 12th
February. Two which passed SW on the 6th November were the first of the second winter period. A
read-head was on the main lake on the morning of the 23rd November and a fine male passed
southwest on the 25th. Another male (also fine!) was on the east Finger Lake on the 15th and 16th
December. A red-head as on the ain ake for a hi e on the orning of the th December but
departed at 0810.

RUDDY DUCK

Oxyura jamaicensis

An uncommon visitor. Has been recorded in all months. Last recorded in December 2012 with the previous
record in January 2008. Expected to occur less frequently as a result of recent culling in the UK.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE

Alectoris rufa

Once an irregular visitor to the park but now very infrequent since mineral extraction commenced in
neighbouring fields. Last recorded in June 2009.

GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix

An uncommon, now almost rare, visitor to the park. Occasionally seen in the surrounding fields. Last recorded
in April 2009.

QUAIL Coturnix coturnix

A rare passage migrant. Two previous records in May and June 1989.

COMMON PHEASANT

Phasianus colchicus

A breeding resident in small numbers.

One to four were regularly seen in and around the park with the highest count being six in January.
BLACK-THROATED DIVER

Gavia arctica

A rare winter visitor. Southward coastal movements from breeding areas in western Scotland take place during
the winter. One previous record, 20th-22nd November 1993.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER

Gavia immer

A rare winter visitor. Moves south to coasts from breeding area in Iceland and Greenland. Five previous records.
The first, in February 1983 was the fourth county record. Other records involved singles in December 1989,
January 1990, November 1998 and November 2006.

FULMAR Fulmaris glacialis

A very rare visitor. Two records; one in September1989, the sixth record for the county, and one in February
2004.

GANNET Morus bassanus

One on 14th-15th November 2011 was the first record for the park.

GREAT CORMORANT

Phalacrocorax carbo

May be seen throughout the year but mainly a winter visitor from coastal and inland breeding sites. Roosting
started in 2001.

Twenty to thirty were recorded daily from January to March and from September to December with
usually only one to five recorded on most days from April to August when birds return to their
breeding sites.
Monthly Maxima (second row) and Monthly Average (bottom row) not including evening roosts.

Jan Feb Mar Apr

28
32
22
10
18.2 19.7 15.3 4.6

May
7
2.1

Jun
7
1.8

Jul
6
3.1

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

19
29
54
30 49
6.6 19.9 27.1 21.8 25.3

Many collected on the main lake in the early mornings in October when they would hunt in
large groups. These included 44 hunting in a single group on the 4th October and 54 on the
7th.

Roosts:
Sixty-three roosted at the back of Kingsmead on the 2nd February, 45 on the 16th and 48 on the 27th.
Up to 41 roosted in October, 61 in November and 57 in December.
Monthly maxima at roost
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
nc
63
39
29
41
61
57
P. c. sinensis Hybridisation with P. C. carbo sometimes makes it difficult to identify the races of this species.

Up to three were present in January and up to eight in February. One or two were
occasionally recorded in December.
SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis
A rare winter visitor. Six previous records. Last recorded in March 1995.

A 1st winter was on the main lake on the 22nd December after strong SW winds; the seventh
record for the park.

Shag - The first at Priory CP since March 1995

EURASIAN BITTERN Botaurus stellaris
A very rare visitor. Recorded in October 1994, February 1997, February 2002, December 2010- February 2011
and October 2012.

One was flushed from the north side of the main lake at about 0735 on the 16th February. It flew
across the main lake to the reeds near the south hide and then to the west end of the island where it sat
out in the open sunning itself and providing excellent views to all. At 1755 hrs 1800 hrs it flew up
from the south side of the main lake and made two large circles over the Finger Lakes before heading
off to the northeast. It called frequently in flight.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta

Once rare but now a regular visitor. First recorded in May 1986. Annual since 2001. Has roosted regularly,
mainly in autumn through to spring, since 2006.

Daytime records:
Two were present on the 5th January, 3 on the 17th, singles on the 21st and 23rd and eight on the 27th.
One to three were regularly present in the mornings during February obviously relating to birds
delaying departure from roost but five were present on the 19th, six on the 24th and four on the 28th.

A Little Egret departing roost on the 30th March

There were many records of birds remaining in roost in the mornings during April totalling bird
days, larger counts including seven on the 1st, six on the 2nd and 3rd, seven on the 4th, nine on the 6th,
six on the 7th and eight on the 27th. Most of the other counts were of one to three. In May one to two
were seen almost daily until the 15th with six SW on the 6th but there were no further records after this
until one on the 1st June. The next records were of three over on the 11th July and four on the 12th,
presu ab y having been disturbed fro
acre or Wi ington One flew over on the 14th July and
two on the 20th. Singles were present on the 30th and 31st July. In August three flew over on 11th, two
were present on the 12th, 19th and 26th with a single on the 27th. Up to four were recorded occasionally
in September, up to six in October and up to five in November. This remained the situation until the
morning of the 13th December when ten were still in roost. The same number roosted in the evening
with nine still present on the morning of the 16th.
Roosting:
Four were at roost on the 13th January and it is most likely that the eight on Kingsmead on the
morning of the 27th January were birds departing roost. Six came in to roost on 16th February and four
on the 18th but a total of 12 on the 27th was the highest count of the year up to that date. In March ten
had still not departed the roost on the morning of the 2nd, 12 were still present well after dawn on the
11th and 10 on the 12th. Up to nine were seen regularly to the end of the month.
The roost was back in operation on 18th August when five were present and seven were present on the
29th September. Roost counts during October indicated that seven roosted on most evenings. One to
six regularly roosted in November but nine came in on the 26th. Up to twelve roosted in December (12
on the 23rd December).

GREY HERON Ardea cinerea

A non-breeding resident and visitor.

Once again the population remained relatively stable throughout the year. The usual increase
in July due to the dispersal of juveniles was not so great this year.
Maximum Day Count
Jan Feb Mar Apr
6
4
4
4

WHITE STORK

May
4

Jun
4

Jul
7

Aug
6

Sep
6

Oct
6

Nov Dec
7
6

Ciconia ciconia

One which flew northeast over the park on 3rd May 2011 was the first record for the park.

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis

An uncommon but regular winter visitor from September to April. Occasionally recorded in summer.

One to six regularly present, mainly on the Finger Lakes, during the first three months of the year and
up to four during the first half of April but there were no further spring records after one on the 17th.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
6
5
6
4

May
0

Jun
0

Jul
0

Aug
1

Sep
2

Oct
3

Nov Dec
7
9

One on the 27th August was the first of the post-breeding period but there were no further records until
the last week of September when up to two were present. There was again an absence until the last
week of October after which one to five were present almost daily until the year end with maxima of
seven on the 23rd November, nine on the 14th December and seven on the 18th.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE

Podiceps cristatus

Breeding resident, winter visitor and passage migrant.

Copulation was first noted by a pair on the Finger Lakes on the 25th February and they started nest
building on the 28th February. All attempts at nest building were discontinued after the advent of
freezing weather in March.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
15
12
13
9

May
9

Jun
16

Jul
23

Aug
33

Sep
37

Oct
32

Nov Dec
24
1

Nest construction recommenced on the 1st June but stopped on the 2nd! (Two pairs bred
successfully on the Meadow Lane Pit). Although occasional display was recorded in June and
July territoriality seemed to break down completely during this period and most collected on
the main lake in one or two groups with no pairs holding territory. Larger groups included 15
on the 24th and 25th, 16 on the 28th June, 17 on the 6th July, 18 on the 11th, 12th July, 21 on the
13th and 23 on the 15th. Numbers continued to build with 28 on the 14th August increasing to
33 on the 29th and 33 again on the 11th and 15th September and 34 on the 18th. Daily counts
during October were usually between 20 and 32 but, after 24 on the 2nd November numbers

declined to zero on the 20th and, apart from one on the 10th December when an immature bird
returned, remained at zero until the end of the year. This is very disturbing as, apart from
when the lake has been completely covered by ice, this is the first time that this species has
been absent from the park for no obvious reason. Perhaps it was due to the absence of small
fish.

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

Graph showing the sudden, unusual and so far unexplained decline in Great Crested Grebe
RED-NECKED GREBE

Podiceps grisegena

A rare visitor, mainly in winter but occasionally on passage. Breeds in Europe, east from Denmark. Nine
previous records. Last recorded in November 2005.

SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus

A rare passage migrant in winter and spring. Fourteen previous records. Last recorded from 23rd November to
25th December 2012 (previously May 2011).

BLACK-NECKED GREBE

Podiceps nigricollis

A rare visitor. Eleven previous records. Last recorded in November 2008.

One arrived on the 28th January and remained until the 17th February.
HONEY BUZZARD

Pernis apivorus

One previous record: two east over the park on the 6th October 2000.

RED KITE

Milvus milvus

Eleven records. First recorded on 2nd April 2004 followed by two records in 2005, one in 2006 and one in 2007.
Recorded annually after this. First bred in the county in 2008.

The first of the year was one which passed northeast on the 30th March. Two f e
est over
acre and then over the park on the afternoon of the 9th Apri and one as again on
acre on the
th
11 . The latter was interesting in that it landed and picked up a ta on-fu of vegetation but it ater
dropped it.

MARSH HARRIER

Circus aeruginosus

A very rare visitor. Five previous records, all between April and mid-June.

A fine male passed north over the park on the 28th March at 0852 hrs. This is the sixth record for the
park, and the earliest, the other five being in April to June.

A distant view of the Marsh Harrier on its way north on the 28th March
(An i
ature as observed over
acre on the
th
the same area on the 28 July (DB). )
HEN HARRIER

th

July (AP) and one, probably the same bird, in

Circus cyaneus

One over the park on the 23rd November 2006 was the first record for the park.

NORTHERN GOSHAWK

Accipiter gentilis

A very rare visitor. Six previous records. First accepted record in March 2002 followed by one record in April
and two in October of the same year. One in April 2004 and one in April 2007.

SPARROWHAWK

Accipiter nisus

A regular visitor throughout the year. Often breeds either in the park or nearby.

Recorded throughout the year but more regularly in spring when display is often seen over the park
and again from late July or August onwards when pairs which have bred locally often bring their
young into the park. Less frequently recorded in November and December.

Bird Days
Jan
8

Feb
7

Mar Apr
4
37

May
9

Jun
5

Jul
9

Aug
52

Sep
18

Oct
20

Nov Dec
11
12

A pair built a nest in front of the Kramer Hide in the east Finger Lake in early April and the birds
were on or around the nest until early May when they abandoned their attempt. Two young birds were
in the Finger Lakes from the 27th July and two more young were on the south side of the main lake.
Up to three juveniles augmented sightings of adults during the first half of August but they had
dispersed by the 20th.
COMMON BUZZARD

Buteo buteo

Once a rare visitor to the park, now more frequent. Now a regular breeding bird in the county it will doubtless
visit more regularly. First recorded in the park as recently as March 1998.

The number of sightings of this species continues to increase with a total of 118 bird days recorded
this year compared with 89 in 2012. The records in January, February and the first half of March
involved the same juvenile bird but three which moved over to the northeast on the 30th March were
probably on passage. A group of four passed north on the 13th April and six were over the park on the
19th April.
Bird Days
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
8
7
10
31
4
5
7
4
11
9
12
10
This species was recorded more regularly in the second winter period this year.
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD

Buteo lagopus

th

One west on the 5 November was accepted by the Beds Bird Club Rarities Panel and, as such, was the first
record for the park.

OSPREY

Pandeon haliaetus

A fairly scarce, but now almost annual, passage migrant. Forty previous records. Last recorded in April 2008.

KESTREL

Falco tinnunculus

Once an uncommon but fairly regular visitor. Serious recent decline, (182 bird days in 2002, 9 in 2007),
probably as a result of nearby mineral extraction removing feeding habitat.

Recorded on 67 bird days this year (65 in 2012, 38 in 2011, 66 in 2010 and 66 in 2009). Records
seem to be related to mowing activities in and around the park, presumably because the shorter the
vegetation the easier it is for Kestrels to both see and capture their prey.
Bird Days
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
6
8
1
1
3
0
5
4
10
2
13
14

MERLIN

Falco columbarius

A rare winter visitor. Fifteen previous records. Last recorded on 30 th December 2004.

HOBBY

Falco subbuteo

An uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor.

Earliest: 24.04.91 and 93. Latest: 18.10.95.
Average earliest in spring 1985 to 1999: 1st May. 2000 to 2009: 4th May.
Average latest in autumn 1985 to 1999: 24th September. 2000 to 2009: 25th September.

The first of the year flew through on the 16th April, the earliest record for the park. One passed north
at 0630 on the 25th April and one was present on the following day. It was not until the 24th May that
the next was seen followed by one on the 26th. In June singles were recorded on the 1st, 5th, 11th and
12th but there were no July or August records. One on the 7th September was the first of the autumn
and this was followed by singles on the 12th, 14th, 16th and 19th. One passed south on the 1st October.
PEREGRINE FALCON

Falco peregrines

First recorded in February 1996 and again in September of the same year. Twenty-six previous records. Now
breeds in the county.

One flew over south-east towards Cardington on the 13th February, one flew north-west on the 25th
July and one flew over on 4th September. One as active y hunting Lap ings over
acre on the
20th December.
WATER RAIL

Rallus aquaticus

A regular but uncommon visitor, mainly in winter. Only one summer record, in August 1989 on Fenlake.
Earliest arrival in autumn: 05.09.09. Latest departure in spring: 23.04.03.
Average date of first autumn arrival 1990-2009: 15th October.
Average date of last spring departure 1990-2009: 3rd April.

Up to two recorded on twelve days in January, twelve days in February and on ten in March. Singles
were recorded on most days from the 1st April to the last on the 13th.
The first of the autumn was one on the 16th October followed by one on the 31st. Two were present in
the Finger Lakes on the 2nd November and one on the 8th. Up to three were then recorded almost daily
to the end of the month. Singles were recorded on eight days in December and two on two occasions.
CORNCRAKE

Crex crex

One from the 16th to 20th June 1998 is the only record.

MOORHEN

Gallinula chloropus

A breeding resident in small numbers and a winter visitor.

Up to 13 were present during January although some counts were as low as one. The peak count in
February was 24 on the 16th. All of the higher counts were due to gatherings of this species on
Kingsmead. Only two pairs were known to have bred in the main breeding season (compared with
four in 2012) and only three of these young survived but a pair hatched four young in the West Finger
Lake on the 30th August.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
13
24
21
17

May
3

Jun
3

Jul
6

Aug
19

Sep
19

Oct
15

Nov Dec
14
19

From the 21st April to the 24th July all counts were from one to three followed by four on the 25th July
and six on the 28th. Numbers were similar until late August when 11 were present on the 27th and 15
plus the four chicks on the 31st. Up to 19 were recorded during the first week of September and again
in the first week of December but most counts during this period were of ten or fewer.
COMMON COOT

Fulica atra

A breeding resident in small numbers. No longer a winter visitor.

Peak wintering numbers were lower than in 2012 and fewer remained to breed.

Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
83
81
55
30

May
12

Jun
18

Jul
26

Aug
54

Sep
60

Oct
25

Nov Dec
47
56

Breeding:
Seven pairs nested compared with 14 in 2012. A pair nesting in the southwest corner of the main lake
hatched four young on the 1st June but only one young remained by the 10th June. Two young were
hatched on the west Finger Lake on the 13th June (down to one on 23rd). Three young hatched in the
NW corner of the main lake on the 22nd June.
Two additional pairs nested in the Finger Lakes and one additional pair along the south side. A pair
nested along the north shore but the nest was abandoned.
Numbers increased during the last week of August with 43 on the 26th and 54 on the 31st. In early
September there were regular counts of more than 50 with 60 on the 7th and 57 on the 9th.

OYSTERCATCHER

Haematopus ostralegus

An uncommon passage migrant. Has increased from April to July in recent years due to breeding taking place in
the Willington complex of gravel pits.

The first of the year were two which flew over and landed on Riverside Meadow on the 2nd March
followed by a single over on the 11th. Three were present on the 29th March and two on the 31st. After
one on the 1st April and one on the 9th one or two were recorded on an almost daily basis to the end of
the month with three on the 29th. One or two were recorded on 22 days in May and display was noted
on the 20th and 30th but these ere probab y birds fro
acre There were five records of singles
and one of two in July. The only August record was of one on the 4th.
AVOCET

Recurvirostra avosetta

A very rare passage migrant. Two previous records: 27 th March 1983 and 16th April 2008.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

Charadrius dubius

An uncommon passage migrant, wintering in central Africa.

RINGED PLOVER

Earliest: 19.03.89

Charadrius hiaticula

An uncommon passage migrant wintering in central and east Africa. Bred in 1982.

One flew over on the 12th April.

Latest: 17.09.89

EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER

Pluvialis apricaria

A regular winter visitor in varying numbers. Winters in southern Britain, breeds in northern Britain.

The first for the year were six which passed south on the 2nd November followed by one on the 3rd, 80
over on the 15th November and 35 south on the 13th Dece ber A arge f ock as present over on
acre fro
id-November with peaks of 400 on the 23rd November, 500 on the 13th December, 470 on
the 14th and 1000 on the 20th December.

Golden Plovers flying over after being disturbed from 100 acre.
GREY PLOVER

Pluvialis squaterola

A scarce passage migrant. Twenty-five previous records. Last recorded in October 2008.

LAPWING

Vanellus vanellus

Once a common passage migrant and winter visitor, now less frequent. Bred in 1991 and attempted in 2000.

There was a marked north-easterly movement in the first half of January, with 400 NE on the 4th, 140
NE on the 5th and 270 NE on the 9th. This was followed by a return south-westerly movement from
the 12th 19th January involving 80 on the 12th, 49 on the 13th, 49 on the 14th and 254 on the 15th.
Further movement, mainly south-westerly, was recorded in February with higher counts involving 66
SW on the 7th, 52 SW on the 21st, 120 SW on the 22nd and 49 SW on the 23rd. After 79 over on the 9th
March and 50 NE on the 16th there were only eleven further records, all of 1-3, to the end of July.
After one on the 7th August there were no further records until nine north on the 29th September. A
flock of 113 passed southwest on the 24th October and 14 passed south on the 28th. Forty-five passed
south on the 2nd November and 11 southwest on the 10th December. As with Golden Plover a large
f ock as present on
acre fro
id-November onwards with higher counts involving 400 on the
27th November, 437 on the 6th December and 400 on the 13th and 28th.
RED KNOT

Calidris canutus

A rare visitor to the park. Recorded on only four occasions. One record of 23 on the 23 rd January 1994 was the
first for the park and the highest number ever recorded in the county up to that time.

LITTLE STINT

Calidris minutes

A rare passage migrant. Two previous records, September 1985 and September 1993.

CURLEW SANDPIPER

Calidris ferruginea

A rare passage migrant. One previous record on the 13 th August 1981.

DUNLIN

Calidris alpina

Once an uncommon, but fairly regular, passage migrant and winter visitor but now very scarce. Since 2000
recorded in April 2000, March 2003 and May 2009.

One was flying around the main lake on the morning of the 10th April as was another on the 22nd May
and two on the 31st May. One as on
acre on the th November.
RUFF

Philomachus pugnax

A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Thirty-two previous records.

One flew northeast towards Willington on the 9th September.

JACK SNIPE

Lynocryptes minimus

A rare winter visitor.

Recorded on
acre during Nove ber increasing to four on the 2
th
30 and singles in December.
COMMON SNIPE

rd

November but two on the

Gallinago gallinago

A regular winter visitor and passage migrant in small numbers.

One flew over on the 18th January and two on the 19th. Sixteen were reported on Fenlake on the 12th
January. Three flew over towards Fenlake on the 14th October.
WOODCOCK

Scolopax rusticola

An uncommon visitor and passage migrant, mainly in winter. Sixty previous records.

One as f ushed fro the rough on the 22nd November and one from the north end of the Finger
Lakes on the 24th November.
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT

Limosa limosa

Once a rare passage migrant, now becoming more frequent. Last recorded in December 2009.

One passed over the park on the 14th September (Paul Gosling) and one flew over northeast towards
Willington on the 5th October.
BAR-TAILED GODWIT

Limosa lapponica

A fairly rare passage migrant, mainly in spring. Breeds in the low arctic. Seventeen previous records, eleven in
spring. Last recorded in September 2005.

WHIMBREL

Numenius phaeopus

A scarce passage migrant, mainly mid-April to mid-May. Breeds in northern Europe, NW Russia, Iceland and
northern Britain. Winters in coastal Africa. Thirty-nine previous records. Last recorded in August 2009.
Earliest: 16.4.98.
Latest: 25.8.96

CURLEW

Numenius arquata

An uncommon but regular passage migrant. Seventy-five previous records. Average first date for spring passage
1980-1999: 8th April. 2000-2009: 4th April.

COMMON SANDPIPER

Actitis hypoleucos

A regular summer visitor and passage migrant. Winters in central and southern Africa.
Earliest: 25.3.05.
Latest: 20.10.2000.
Average arrival date on spring passage 1980-1999: 18th April.
th
2000-2009: 14 April

The first to arrive was one on the 15th April only one day later than the 2000-2009 ten-year average.
Singles were also present on the 16th, 17th, 23rd, 27th and 29th April. The first returning bird was around
the main lake for a short while on the 21st July followed by another on the 27th July. One on the 3rd
August was the only record in that month as was one on the 21st September.
GREEN SANDPIPER

Tringa ochropus

An uncommon bur fairly regular visitor. Has been recorded in all months of the year.

Singles flew over on the 12th and 16th January and two flew over on the 17th February. Two on the
sewage works bridge pool on the 8th July, one overhead on the 18th July and one near the sewage
works bridge on the 27th July were indicative of return passage. Two passed SW over the park on the
1st August and there were further records of singles on the 6th, 7th, 8th, 14th, 16th, 26th and 30th. One
flew over on the 21st September and one dropped in for a short time on the 7th November.
SPOTTED REDSHANK

Tringa erythropus

A rare passage migrant. Winters in central Africa. Breeds in northern Europe and Russia. Six previous records.
Last recorded in September 2000.
Earliest: 3.4.88.
Latest; 26.9.99.

GREENSHANK

Tringa nebularia

An uncommon passage migrant, mainly July to September. Winters in southern Africa, Breeds in northern
Europe and Russia. There have been 108 previous records in the park, all but eleven in autumn (six in spring
2000). Earliest: 3.5.95.
Latest: 12.10.99.

One flew southwest over the park on the 4th August.

WOOD SANDPIPER

Tringa glareola

A very rare passage migrant. Recorded in August 1982, July 1996 and September 2004.

COMMON REDSHANK

Tringa totanus

An uncommon winter visitor and regular passage migrant.

The first Redshank of the year was one which passed over north-east on the 9th March followed by
three north-east on the 10th. Two flew over on the 1st and 15th April. One was present on the island on
the 25th and 26th June. (A pair bred and produced t o young on
acre )
TURNSTONE

Arenaria interpres

A rare passage migrant. Seven previous records. Last recorded in July 2002.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE

Phalaropus lobatus

A very rare passage migrant. One on the 30th May 1991 was the first for the county since one was shot at
Houghton Conquest on the 1st June about 1880.

GREY PHALAROPE

Phalaropus fulicarius

One on the 14th October 2002 was the seventh county record since 1900.

POMARINE SKUA

Stercorarius pomarinus

A very rare visitor. One on the 20th-21st November 1999 was first for the park and the fifth for the county.

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE

Rissa tridactyla

A rare visitor, mainly in spring, and storm-driven passage migrant. Sixteen previous records. Last recorded on
the 10th April 2005.

BLACK-HEADED GULL

Larus ridibundus

Passage migrant and resident. A common winter visitor from Fenno-Scandia and the Low Countries.

A common bird during the first three months of the year but lower numbers were recorded during
freezing weather. Between 50 and 80 were regularly present during March but numbers declined
gradually during the first half of April with less than ten recorded on most days from the 18th April to
the 31st May. A total of 336 flew over at dusk to roost on the 27th February.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
290 90
80
64
33
20
18
60
68 150 180 320
Apart from 33 on the 30th May most records in that month were of nine or fewer. All the birds present
during May were first summer birds but, nevertheless, display and copulation were recorded in late
May and a nest had been constructed on the south side of the island by the 31st May. This is fairly
unusual as Black-headed Gulls normally do not nest until their second year. Although about 18 birds
were regularly present on the island no eggs were laid and they departed on the 28th June, possibly due
to intrusion by predator(s) (see Common Tern). The first juvenile (free flying) was present on the 26th
June.
LITTLE GULL

Larus minutus

An uncommon but regular passage migrant, mainly in spring. Breeds from Holland and Denmark across to N.
Asia. Winters south to the Mediterranean. Earliest: 31.3.97.
Latest: 26.11.93. Average earliest on spring
passage 1980-1999: 27th April. 2000-2009: 26th April. One summered in 2000, the first summering record for
the county.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL

Larus melanocephalus

A rare visitor. Nine previous records. Last recorded in July 2011.

COMMON GULL

Larus canus

Mainly a winter visitor, with numbers tending to increase in recent years. Although a few arrive in late June and
early July the main arrival commences in October.

Numbers in January were usually less than 15 but 71 were present on the 3rd, 72 on the 4th, 108 on the
5th and 41 on the 9th. Fewer were present during February (19 on the 5th) and March with one to five

on most days but numbers built up to eighteen in the last few days of March. After eight on the 2nd
and nine on the 3rd April there were several records of one or two birds until seven on the 16th April
which were the last of the first winter period.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
108 19
18
9

May
0

Jun
0

Jul
1

Aug
1

Sep
1

Oct
22

Nov Dec
21
58

The first returning bird of the post-breeding period was an adult on the 9th July followed by singles
(all adults) on the 15th 21st and 26th July. There were three records of singles in August and only one in
September. There were several records of one to three in the first ha f of October but it asnt unti 22
on the 19th October that the first significant numbers arrived. After this small numbers were regularly
present, the highest counts being 12 on the 23rd, 18 on the 26th, 13 on the 27th and 13 on the 31st
October. One to 15 were usually recorded throughout November and December with 21 on the 2nd
November, 26 on the 7th December, 58 on the 13th and 31 on the 14th and 15th December being the
highest counts.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL

Larus fuscus

A regular passage migrant. British birds winter in SW Spain, Portugal and NW Africa. Winter visitor in small
numbers. Now fairly regular in summer with post-breeding movements taking place in late June to August.
There has been an increase in wintering records in recent years.

Small numbers (mainly less than five) were present on the main lake on many days in January and
February with a few passing over to and from roosts or feeding areas.
Monthly Maxima - not including passage.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
10
4
2
10
11
8
7

Aug
9

Sep
3

Oct
7

Nov Dec
4
3

North-easterly passage was noted in late February and early March with 24 passing over on the 28th
February and 46 on the 2nd March but this was exceeded on the 29th March when 128 passed northeast
with 21 northeast on the following day. Small numbers continued to pass over during April with 34
northeast on the 16th being the largest count. One or two pairs regularly spent time on the island
during the second half of April and early May but did not breed. Small numbers passed south in
The first half of November involving 14 on the 1st, 13 on the 2nd, 19 on the 4th and 11 on the 10th and
11th.
Races:
Larus fuscus intermedius
One was on the main lake on the morning of the 9th April.
HERRING GULL

Larus argentatus

A regular winter visitor and passage migrant in small numbers. May have bred in Bedford in recent years.

Parties passed over mainly to and from roosts or feeding areas during January and February larger
flocks involving 22 S on the 2nd January, 19 SW on the 10th February and 27 S on the 16th February.
Although Herring Gulls were seen in every month of the year they were, as expected, uncommon
from May to the end of July with only ten records, all of four or fewer, during that period.

Monthly Maxima - not including passage.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
13
3
8
4
2
3
4

Aug
9

Sep
1

Oct
12

Nov Dec
5
5

There was a small passage during the first half of August with six SW on the 6th and nine on the 10th
but few records after this until the 21st October when small numbers were seen almost daily. The
highest counts were of 10 south on the 8th December, 13 S on the 10th, 18 S on the 12th, nine S on the
13th and 14 S on the 30th December.
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis
First recorded on 24th July and 2nd August 1992. Singles recorded on 15th July 2000; 23rd December 2001; 7th
and 8th March 2002.

ICELAND GULL

Larus glaucoides

A very rare winter visitor. Three previous records: one at the sewage works on the 18th March 1962 was the first
county record, one on the 11th December 1994 and one on the 25th April 1998.

GLAUCOUS GULL

Larus hyperboreus

A very rare winter visitor. Three previous records: November 1983, November 1991 and February 1996.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL

Larus marinus

A regular winter visitor and passage migrant in small numbers. British population more or less resident. FennoScandinavian population wholly migratory, reaching the east coast of Britain from September onwards with
numbers peaking in October. Return passage is mainly in March and April.

Recorded on only five occasions in January, mainly singles but three southwest on the 17th and six
northeast on the 21st. The only other records during the first half of the year were of two north on the
30th March and, unusually at this time of year, one on the main lake on the 24th May.
One on the 3rd October was the first of the autumn with one on the 25th November being only the
second of the second winter period. This species seems to have become quite scarce in recent years
with only twenty-six records in 2012 and only nine in 2013.

LITTLE TERN

Sternula albifrons

A scarce passage migrant. Twenty previous records nineteen of which were of single birds. Last recorded in
April 2005.
Earliest: 22.4.01. Latest: 26.8.01.

CASPIAN TERN

Hydroprogne caspia

A very rare vagrant. One previous record, on 17 th April 1992, was the second county record.

BLACK TERN

Chlidonias niger

An uncommon but regular passage migrant. Winters on the west coast of Africa. Breeds in the Low Countries,
mainly Netherlands. Earliest: 18.4.84. Latest: 22.10.2000.
Average earliest date on spring passage 1980-1999: 30th April. 2000 to 2009: 1st May.

SANDWICH TERN

Sterna sandvicensis

A scarce passage migrant. Winters on west and south African coasts. Thirty-two previous records which have
involved 107 birds.
Earliest: 8.4.96.
Latest: 30.9.2000. Average earliest1980-1999: 26th April. 2000th
2009: 17 April

One was reported passing through at 0730 on the 5th May (Paul Reed).
COMMON TERN

Sterna hirundo

A common summer visitor and passage migrant. Winters mainly along the west African coast. Bred in 1982.
Earliest: 24.3.97.
Latest: 23.10.87.
Average earliest date on spring passage 1980-1999: 10th April.
2000 to 2009: 7th April.
Average latest date on autumn passage 1980-1999: 17th September. 2000 to 2009: 10th September.

The first were two that arrived on the 10th April with two on the following day. Numbers gradually
increased to ten on the 29th April and 12 on the 30th. Peak counts were 17 on the 4th and 9th May. By
the 20th May it became apparent that at least five pairs were nesting on the island and they were
mobbing such species as Heron, Canada Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Carrion Crow and
Oystercatchers that came too close. A sixth pair nested on the sailing club lawn but this pair deserted
after a few days. This is the first time that this species has nested in the park since 1982 and is due to
the clearing of vegetation thus providing bare patches of soil on the island. Birds were observed
taking fish to the island from the 7th June onwards, raising hopes that either sitting birds were being
fed or that young had hatched. On the 9th June 20 adults rose up together from the island giving rise to
the possibility that up to ten pairs may have been present. Si i ar f ights ere noted fro then
almost daily, with 26 in the air at one time on the 26th and 21 on the 27th. Up to 18 Black-headed Gulls
joined the terns and it looked as though these flights were possibly related to the presence of a
predator. The tern and Black-headed Gull colony was then abandoned. A visit to the island on the 3rd
July revealed several broken Common Tern eggs which suggested that the eggs were predated before
they were able to hatch.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
12

May
17

Jun
26

Jul
16

Aug
16

Sep
7

Oct

Nov Dec

Between five and ten were present daily during July with 16 on the 21st but numbers in August did not
rise above this (16 on the 23rd) and were mainly from eight to 13. There was a gradual decline from
the start of September with four immatures on the 9th down to three on the 10th and 11th, four on the
12th, three on the 13th and singles, on the 14th and 15th. An adult was present on the 18th, 19th and 20th
September.
ARCTIC TERN

Sterna paradisaea

An uncommon migrant, mainly in spring. Occasionally occurs in large numbers after periods of strong winds
from the northern sector during the second half of April and early May. Winters in the southern Antarctic
oceans. Recorded on 134 days in the last 27 years, all but four in spring. Earliest: 6.4.91.
Latest: 16.10.87.
Average earliest date on spring passage 1981 1999: 21st April. 2000 to 2009: 27th April.

The only spring record was of one on the 16th April.

LITTLE AUK

Alle alle

One previous record on the 3rd November 1995.

ROCK DOVE/FERAL PIGEON

Columba livia

Once a fairly common resident with 300-400 regularly recorded until 1990. Now an uncommon visitor.

There were few records during the year, mainly of one to four but ten were present on Kingsmead on
the 29th March. Between January and September there were, on average, five records in each month
but only one record of a single bird in the last three months of the year.
STOCK DOVE

Columba oenas

An uncommon, but regular, visitor in varying numbers, mainly in winter. Roosts in some years at the back of
Kingsmead.

One to four were recorded in January and two to three on several occasions in February. Eight came
in to roost on the 16th and 27th February. Apart from ten on the 18th November and five on the 5th
December all the 47 records from March to the year-end were of one to three birds.
WOODPIGEON

Columba palumbus

A regular breeding resident in small numbers, winter visitor and passage migrant, sometimes in large flocks.

Most counts were of 10 to 30 but up to 50 were recorded on some days during the first three months
of the year. The largest count was of 130 on the 1st January. Numbers slowly declined until the
breeding population was reached and remained fairly constant until the autumn arrival. This was first
apparent on the 24th October when 140 passed south. The weather was unsuitable for passage in the
following few days but 149 passed south on the 29th with 775 south on the 30th October. Only 39
passed south on the 31st. Passage resumed again in November with 186 south on the 3rd and 1400
south on the 4th. Passage on the latter date took place between about 0715 and 0800. Poor weather
prevented passage on the 5th and 6th November but 162 passed south on the 7th, 188 south on the 9th,
235 on the 10th and 218 south on the 13th November.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb
130 53

COLLARED DOVE

Mar Apr
57
35

May
21

Jun
18

Jul
25

Aug
29

Sep
39

Oct
800

Nov Dec
1400 66

Streptopelia decaocto

A breeding resident in small numbers. May form roosts in winter.

Two to six were seen almost daily throughout the year with up to ten recorded in the first half of
October. A surprise as a bird sitting on a nest near the kissing gate fro the 9th January to the 8th
February on which date the bird deserted without hatching any eggs.

TURTLE DOVE

Streptopelia turtur

A scarce summer visitor.

Earliest: 26.4.82.

Latest: 20.10.81.

Not recorded this year. This the first year on record when this species has not been recorded in the
park.

RING-NECKED PARAKEET

Psittacula krameri

Four previous records; two in September 1982, one from 19th August 2004 to 9th February 2005 and one on 24th
May 2012.

CUCKOO

Cuculus canorus

A regular summer visitor. Earliest: 10.4.90.

1999: 21st April; 2000 2009: 19th April.

Latest: 20.10.81. Average earliest date on spring passage 1981

The first arrived on the 16th April with a second on the 19th and further records on the 21st, 23rd and
25th 28th April. A male was seen almost daily throughout May with two on the 11th, 26th and 27th.

A juvenile Cuckoo near the sewage works bridge on the 28th June, hosted by Reed Warblers.
There were no confirmed sightings of females so it was a bit of a surprise when the above juvenile
was at the sewage works bridge area on the 28th June being fed by a pair of Reed Warblers. The last
adult was recorded on the 2nd July and a juvenile flew over the canoe slalom course on the 4th
September.
BARN OWL

Tyto alba

An occasional visitor. Not recorded in the park since 1996.

LITTLE OWL

Athene noctua

A rare visitor. Fifteen previous records. Last recorded in September 2003.

TAWNY OWL

Strix aluco

A past resident. Bred in 1991-93. Infrequently recorded in recent years.

A dead bird was found on the south side on the 13th June. One was calling in the park on the evening
of the 25th July. A male was heard calling fairly regularly near the marina in August but there were no
further records until one on the evening of the 19th October. A male was calling over by Cardington
Lock on the 23rd December.

LONG-EARED OWL

Asio otus

A rare winter visitor. Six previous records. Last recorded in October 1993.

SHORT-EARED OWL

Asio flammeus

A very rare visitor. Seven previous records. Last recorded in April 2004.

SWIFT

Apus apus

A common summer visitor and passage migrant. Earliest: 17.4.94. Latest: 22.9.84.
Average earliest date on spring passage 1981 1999: 26th April; 2000 2009: 23rd April.
Average latest date in autumn 1980-1999: 13th September;
2000 2009: 31st August.

The first appeared over the park on the morning of the 25th April followed by singles on the 26th and
27th, 12 on the 28th and two on the 29th April. Recorded almost daily throughout May, mainly 30-50
but 70 on the 9th, 160 on the 17th, 60 on the 26th and 75 on the 29th. In June the highest counts were of
70 on the 5th, 65 on the 6th and 55 on the 28th but most July counts were less than 20 but 37 were over
the park on the 9th and these increased to 50 on the 10th, 100 on the 11th and 40 on the 12th. Regularly
recorded in the first half of August with 21 on the 3rd and 4th before declining gradually to nine on the
18th and 7 on the 19th August. There were few records after this with singles on the 24th and 25th
August before the last on the 2nd September.
KINGFISHER

Alcedo atthis

Recorded almost daily but can be totally absent during and after periods of severe cold weather. Often breeds
within the park or nearby.

A fairly poor first half of the year but this species was seen more regularly after the breeding season.
The park remains one of the better places in the county to see this species.
Bird Days
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
22
15
12
24
8
9
12
11
17
33
42
39

Year
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008

EUROPEAN BEE-EATER

1st Half
90
118
21
63
122
182

2nd Half
154
131
146
103
196
222

Total
244
249
167
166
318
404

Merops apiaster

A very rare summer visitor. One on the 29th June 1991 was the first county record.

GREEN WOODPECKER

Picus viridis

A breeding resident. This vociferous species has increased greatly in recent years.

Again this species forms a very obvious presence in the park in most months of the year with three to
five being heard or seen on most days. It was less obvious during May and the first half of June when

it was breeding but numbers were augmented by young birds in late June and August when up to
seven were recorded. The first young were two young near the canoe slalom course on the 5th June.
Apart from the month of May when the species is nesting there was hardly a day when this species
was not seen or heard calling.
Bird days
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
56
63
61
57
13
47
69 122 77
52
46
50

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER

Dendrocopus major

A breeding resident. First bred in 1995.

Birds were drumming on the 11th and 12th January and 2nd and 5th February. Drumming was then
heard frequently.
Bird Days
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
43
43
31
40
18
58
44
54
56
40
48
18
Three seen together on the 6th June may have included at least one young bird and three young birds
with an adult were seen on the 12th June. As with Green Woodpecker, apart from May when the
species is nesting and wet and windy days in December, there was hardly a day went by without this
species being recorded.

An immature female trapped on the 5th October

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER

Dendrocopus minor

Now a rare visitor. Has bred.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE

Lanius collurio

A very rare passage migrant. Only one record, an immature on the 5 th September 1996.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE

Lanius excubitor

A rare winter visitor. Six previous records. Last recorded in November 1998.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE

Lanius senator

A very rare vagrant. One record, 17th July to 29th August 1972.

JAY

Garrulus glandarius

Once a scarce visitor mainly in autumn, now more frequent particularly during the summer. Recorded on 36
occasions in the twenty-four years from 1982 to 2005 and 56 occasions from 2006-2008.

Singles on the 14th and 17th February but there were no further records until one on the 9th April
followed by one on the 12th April. Three flew east at a great height on the 19th April and two
additional birds were in the Finger Lakes area. One was on the south side on the 21st April and one on
the north side on the 25th April. One was present on the 1st May. Two were recorded on the 6th and 7th
May and singles on the 8th, 10th, 14th and 17th. These records may have been a part of the return of this
species to their breeding areas after the large movement noted in Britain last autumn. There were
several other reports of an increase around this time in the county and, at Gibraltar Point Bird
Observatory, over 100 were recorded on the 30th April which included a single flock of about 70.
Two were present on the 5th June with singles on the 7th, 8th and two on the 14th. The only July record
was of one on the 1st but in August there were two on the 3rd, one on the 4th, two on the 28th and three
on the 30th. There were seven records of singles in September and one of two birds. There were only
three records all of singles in October and only one in November.
MAGPIE

Pica pica

A breeding resident in small numbers. Roosting annually since 1995.

Ten to 15 were regularly present in the park with often over twenty recorded (45 on the 11th January)
when birds were slow to disperse from roosts or when numbers were augmented by young birds after
the breeding season. At least four pairs bred.
Roost:
The numbers varied greatly during the first winter period with 15 to 20 present fairly regularly but 44
on the 18th February. The usua roost in the rough as not used on any evenings This may be due
to the presence of the recently constructed play area which is close to where the birds normally collect
before going in to roost.

JACKDAW

Corvus monedula

In recent years large numbers have collected in autumn and winter on Kingsmead in the late afternoon before
going to roost. Often roosts in the park from mid-summer through the winter. Has bred in the park.

. The post-breeding gathering of mainly young birds again took place in the Finger Lakes from mid
June onwards, increasing from 16 on the 15th to 80 on the 23rd, 120 on the 26th, 130 on the 30th June

and 180 on the 4th July before declining to 6 on the 15th July. A bird with the colour aberration
Bro n, (due to a qualitative reduction of eumelanin, Hein van Grouws classification; vid Brit.
Birds 106, Jan 2013) was amongst the post-breeding flock on the 23rd June. Only very small numbers
were seen after this, mainly 1-3 but 14 were together on 2nd August.
Roost
Numbers roosting were generally lower than in previous years with 900 being the usual count in
February and up to 1400 in March. About 800 roosted on the 29th September but numbers did not
increase beyond this in the following months. Particularly from mid November to the end of the year
counts of only 200 500 were regularly recorded with only three counts of 800 during this period.
ROOK

Corvus frugiligus

An occasional visitor but can be seen passing over, more frequently to and from roosts in winter, but also when
feeding young. In the late afternoons large numbers occasionally join with Jackdaws and Carrion Crows to feed
on Kingsmead and attend the roost.

Seven were recorded on the 2nd February and four on the 7th. Three pairs arrived on the south side in
late March and started to renovate the nests which they built last year before they abandoned them. By
the 9th April five nests were present and a sixth was added near the end of the month. The sixth nest
disappeared soon afterwards but the remaining five were all occupied at least until early June when
leaf cover made them impossible to see. No young appear to have hatched. There were no further
records until four on the 17th July and one on the 18th and none after this date.
CARRION CROW

Corvus corone

A breeding resident in small numbers. Roosting since 1993 when an increase was noted in the numbers coming
into the park to feed.

Numbers varied greatly during the first three months of the year mainly depending on available
feeding conditions in the surrounding areas. In January counts were usually below 20 but 82 were
present on the 27th but as low as four on some occasions. Similar numbers were noted in February
with a peak of 35 on the 1st. Mowing in late autumn attracted up to 55 on Kingsmead in December but
6 or ore ere often recorded on nearby
acre after this as o ed in Nove ber
Roost: About 100 regularly roosted with the Jackdaws during the first three months of the year with
125 counted on the 16th February and 120 on the 18th. Roost counts in the second winter period did
not exceed 80.
RAVEN

Corvus corax

A very rare visitor. One on the 30th October 2003 was followed by one on the 3rd September 2011.

Two were over the Finger Lakes on the 15th August and departed to the northwest.
GOLDCREST

Regulus regulus

An uncommon but regular winter visitor. Bred in 2003 and 2004.

There were six records of singles and one of three in January, four records of singles and one of two
in February, only one record in March and April, both of singles and one record of a singing bird in
May. The first post-breeding record was of one on the 4th August followed by singles on the 18th, 30th

(adult), 31st August (juvenile) and 1st September. A juvenile was trapped on the 2nd August and adults
were seen on the 3rd, 8th and 30th with a juvenile again on the 31st. There were seven records of singles
and two records of two during September. There were only four records in October, two of singles
and two of three.

This species was recorded regularly in November and December (27 out of 61 days) with five
recorded on two occasions in November and up to three in December.
FIRECREST

Regulus ignicapilla

A very rare winter visitor. Eight previous records. Last recorded in December 2004.

PENDULINE TIT

Remiz pendulinus

A very rare visitor. One on the 18th-19th September 1991 was the first county record.

BLUE TIT

Cyanistes caeruleus

A common breeding resident.

Most counts were of five to 15 during the first four months of the year but birds were more difficult to
find during the nesting period in May when most counts were of 1-5. The presence of young birds in

June and July produced maximum counts of 31 on the 18th June and 29 on the 14th July. Thirty-four
ere trapped in the rough on the 2nd November.
Monthly Maxima (not including trapped birds)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug
22
16
18
19
9
31
29
25

Sep
23

Oct
20

Nov Dec
15
20

Ringing:
250
200
150

New Birds
New for year

100

Linear (New for year)

50

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Blue Tits ringed 1990-2012 (2006 excluded) Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group
250
200
150
Blue Tit
100

Great Tit

50

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new birds ringed - 1990-2012 Blue Tit and Great Tit compared
Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

GREAT TIT Parus major

A fairly common breeding resident.

Recorded in good numbers during the first winter period but counts were lower during the nesting
season. Young birds were not as obvious as in Blue Tits but this is not unusual. Seventeen were
trapped in the rough on the 2nd November.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
20
19
16
21
18
13
13
18
16
14
12
10

Ringing:
200

150

100

New Birds
New for year
Linear (New for year)

50

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

-50

Annual totals of new Great Tits ringed 1990-2012 (2006 excluded)

COAL TIT

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Periparus ater

A rare visitor. Only ten previous records. Last recorded in June 2011.

WILLOW TIT

Poecile montanus

Once an uncommon visitor, mainly during post-breeding dispersal. It is now thought to be almost extinct in the
county. Last recorded in Priory C. P. in September 2004.

MARSH TIT

Poecile palustris

Only seventeen previous records. Last recorded in June 2011.

BEARDED TIT

Panurus biarmicus

A very rare visitor. The only records were in October 1988, October 2004 and November 2010.

SKY LARK

Alauda arvensis

Winter visitor and passage migrant. Once a summer resident, now only seen occasionally in summer. Bred in
1995.

One to six passed over on the last five days of January presumably as they searched for new areas to
feed after the period of freezing weather and subsequent flooding. After one over on the 28th
February, one on the 4th and two on the 31st March there were no further records until one over on the
10th August. Two over on the 27th September coincided with other movements in the county. Light
passage continued throughout October but counts never exceeded four. There were six records of 1
3 in November but none in December.
SAND MARTIN

Riparia riparia

A common summer visitor and passage migrant. Earliest: 2.3.2000. Latest: 09.10.01.
Average earliest date on spring passage 1980-1999: 26th March; 2000 -2009: 18th March.
Average latest date on autumn passage 1981 1999: 28th September. 2000- 2009: 24th September.

The first to arrive was one which flew north on the 8th April fol o ed by three over
acre later in
the morning. This arrival date, about three weeks later than usual, illustrates well the effect of the very

cold March and early April. One flew northeast on the morning of the 9th April with an additional bird
northeast in the afternoon. Eleven were present on the 11th April. Twenty-one passed through on the
12th April and 60 collected over the lake in the evening on the 13th. Good numbers were present after
this with higher counts involving 80 on the 14th April, 200 on the 15th and 250 on the 19th with none
on the following day. Unusually there were only two counts of more than 20 in May: 29 on the 1st
and 40 on the 12th. In June, after 52 on the 9th there were no counts above six to the end of the month.
July numbers were relatively small but, in August 50 were present on the 18th, 55 on the 25th and 34
on the 26th. This species was recorded daily during the first half of September with 40 on the 7th, 40
on the 16th and 60 on the 18th being the highest counts. Four on the 19th September were the last of
the year.
BARN SWALLOW

Hirundo rustica

A common summer visitor and passage migrant. It used to breed regularly under the bridges around the park but
not in recent years. Earliest: 13.2.2000. Latest: 26.10.91.
Average earliest on spring passage 1980-1999: 2nd April; 2000 2009: 28th March.
Average latest on autumn passage 1980-1999: 13th October; 2000 2009: 14th October.

The first to arrive were three on the 11th April followed by 3 on the 13th. Small numbers passed
through on most days with 11 on the 15th, 17 on the 26th, 60 on the 27th and 22 on the 28th April being
the highest counts. Apart from 55 on the 15th May, 40 on the 24th and 50 on the 30th most May counts
were of less than 12. There were only six counts in June, all of singles and only one single and a pair
in July. Records were more frequent in August but numbers were low with 10 on the 21st and 20 on
the 25th being the highest counts. Low numbers were recorded in the first ten days of September but
there were signs of passage towards the middle of the month with 26 south on the 13th, 120 on the 14th
and 60 on the 17th. Although still being recorded daily, eight on the 20th and 11 on the 21st all passed
south. After 36 south on the 23rd of September records were disappointingly few with four south on
the 26th, five on the 27th and three south on the 28th being the last of the main passage. The last of the
year was one southeast on the 6th October.
HOUSE MARTIN

Delichon urbicum

A fairly common summer visitor. Mainly a passage migrant. Earliest: 24.3.03. Latest: 1.11.89.
Average earliest date on spring passage 1980-1999: 12th April; 2000 2009: 5th April.
Average latest date on autumn passage 1980-1999: 12th October; 2000- 2009: 10th October.

The first to arrive was one on the 11th April followed by two on the 15th. After one on the 18th April
and two on the 19th a party of 12 were present on the 26th and 27th. Numbers in May were much lower
than last year with 17 on the 4th and 13 on the 15th being by far the highest counts until 20 on the 28th,
55 on the 29th and 20 on the 30th. Counts in June did not exceed six and those in August were of eight
or fewer until 45 on the 16th It asnt unti Septe ber that passage got under ay ith on the st
increasing to 70 on the 6th, 150 on the 7th, 130 on the 8th and 120 on the 9th, 180 on the 11th and 200 on
the 12th and 17th. A party of 150 was still over the main lake on the 19th but only 60 on the following
day with a further 11 passing south. All of the 60 birds recorded on the 21st September passed south
without pausing over the main lake. Two on the 22nd September were the last of the year and, as with
other hirundines, this species made an early return.

300
250
200
150

2012
2013

100
50

7th

4th

1st Oct

28th

25th

22nd

19th

16th

13th

10th

7th

4th

1st Sep

29th

26th

23-Aug

House Martin - autumn passage, 2012 and 2013 compared

CETTIS WARBLER

Cettia cettia

A very rare visitor but increasing in regularity. First recorded January to April 1997, the first county record.
Recorded again in October 1997, October 1998, 12 th December 1999 to 8th February 2000. One recorded in
October 2001. Recorded again in the winter periods of 2003/04 and 2006/07 and in September 2010. One
present from 12th March 5th June 2011 was the longest stay recorded (86 days). One in September 2011. First
bred in the county in 2008.
[A bird ca ing in the rough on the 28th September may have been of this species but remained unconfirmed.]

LONG-TAILED TIT

Aegithalos caudatus

A breeding resident in small numbers.

Recorded on most days in varying numbers. Higher counts were of 29 on the 5th January, 23 on the 9th
January, 22 on the 9th February, 23 on the 27th June, 22 on the 25th July and 31 on the 20th September.
Monthly maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
29
22
18
8
20
23
22
15
31
30
30
23
About four or five pairs bred. The first young, a party of 18 on the 29th May, was 17 days later than
the first young in 2012.
Ringing:
80
60
New Birds

40

New for year

20

Linear (New for year)

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of Long-tailed Tits ringed 1990-2012

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER

Phylloscopus inornatus

th

A very rare vagrant. One on the 17 October 1997 was the first county record.

RADDES WARBLER

Phylloscopus schwarzi

A very rare vagrant. One on the 12th October 1991 was the first county record and the second inland record for
Britain.

WOOD WARBLER

Phylloscopus sibilatrix

A rare passage migrant. Five previous records, four in spring and one in autumn. Last recorded in May 2008.
Earliest: 23.4.83. Latest: 7.9.95.

COMMON CHIFFCHAFF

Phylloscopus collybita

Mainly a breeding summer visitor and passage migrant in increasing numbers. An occasional, and seemingly
increasingly, winter visitor from Fennoscandia and Siberia. Some British birds regularly overwinter. Average
earliest on spring passage 1985 1999: 20th March; 2000 2009: 12th March.

The first of the year as one singing near the kissing gate on the 8th February and one went to roost
along the spit on the evening of the 19th February. The arrival of this species was delayed by up to
three weeks by the exceptionally cold weather in March and early April. A single bird was along the
long hedge on the 14th March but there were no further records until 27th March. One was singing on
the 31st March.
It is interesting to look at the difference between passage in 2012 and this year. In 2012,
between the 12th and the 31st March hiffchaffs had been recorded on 6 bird days ith a peak of
18 on the 30th co pared ith just three bird days (a invo ving sing e birds) in the same period this
year. Numbers increased to five on the 7th April, eight on the 10th, 12 on the 12th and 14 on the 13th.
Surprisingly the latter count was the highest of the month and numbers gradually dwindled to three on
the 30th April.
25

20

15

10

0
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Chiffchaff Territorial males 1990-2013

Fourteen males held territory compared with eighteen in 2012 and 17 in 2011. The average number of
territorial males for 2001-2005 = 16.4; 2006-2010 = 14.8).

Although only five to eleven were recorded on most days in July and the first half of August autumn
passage began early with 11 on the 14th August and further signs on the 17th August when 29 were
counted followed by 21 on the 25th, increasing to 29 on the 17th, the latter total including a single
group of 17 along the south side. During the first half of September 12 to 17 were regularly present
(17 on the 6th, 10th and 16th) but there was a gradual decline after this with only five to seven present
during the last week of September.
30
25
20
15
10

2012
2013

5
0

Chiffchaff - autumn passage 2012 and 2013compared

Six were counted on the 1st October and one to four were recorded regularly until the 11th. Few were
recorded after this with one on the 14th a possib e abietinus on the 20th, one on the 21st and one on
the 31st October. Singles were recorded over by Meadow Lane on the 4th and 7th December, the later
being a very grey bird of the tristis type one was at the north end of the Long Hedge on the 9th
December and one along the east side of the Finger Lakes on the 13th. Numbers then increased
noticeably between the sewage works bridge and Meadow Lane bridge with five on the 14th
December, six on the 15th, six on the 17th and seven on the 20th. Three were present in the park on the
19th. Again one of the birds on the 17th as of the grey tristis type but unfortunately did not call. Up
to four were recorded in the Meadow Lane area to the year end. One of the birds along Meadow Lane
on the 20th and 22nd Dece ber gave a ca consistent ith that of eastern abietinus as on a s of
Eastern Vagrants by Hannu Jnnes. The bird also responded to playback.
Ringing:
70
60
50
40

New Birds

30

New for year

20

Linear (New for year)

10
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Chiffchaffs Ringed 1990-2012

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

WILLOW WARBLER

Phylloscopus trochilus

A fairly common summer resident and passage migrant. The population has declined since the mid 1990s.
Earliest: 23.3.05. Latest: 9.10.88.
Average earliest 1985 1999: 2nd April; 2000 2009: 31st March.
Average latest 1985-1999: 20th September; 2000-2009: 20th September.

The first were six which arrived on the 13th with seven on the 14th. A big arrival occurred on the 15th
when 26 were counted around the park and 32 were counted on the following day. These birds were
often in small groups in sheltered parts of the park. The arrival continued with 40 on the 17th and
reached a peak of 46 on the 18th. Many of these birds had collected in the more sheltered areas of the
park, particularly along the sheltered south side where 26 were present on the 18th. There followed a
rapid decline to seven on the 21st and three on the 24th April. After eight on the 29th April and four on
the 2nd May only two were present until the 10th followed by singles to the 14th May. In 2012 the last
of the spring was recorded on the 9th May.
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Willow Warbler Territorial males 1988-2013

There were no further records until the first of the post-breeding period on the 26th July followed by
one trapped on the 27th and one on the 29th July. This species was present in small numbers regularly
throughout August with 11 on the 18th being the maximum count. (200 were recorded at Portland BO
on the 10th August.) One to five were present daily until 11th September (five on the 11th) followed by
one on the 12th, two on the 14th and singles on the 15th, 16th, 18th and 20th.
Ringing:
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

New Birds
New for year

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Linear (New for year)

Annual totals of new Willow Warblers ringed 1990 2012

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

BLACKCAP

Sylvia atricapilla

A fairly common summer resident and passage migrant. Fairly regular winter visitor. Winters in southern
Europe and north Africa. A few from central Europe winter in England.
Average earliest 1985-1999: 3rd April; 2000 2009: 26th March.

The first of the year was a male, presumably an overwintering bird, on the feeders at the Visitor
Centre on the 16th February. There were no further records until a male on the 10th April. Four were
present on the 12th and 11 on the 13th. The proportion of females was higher than usual and it may
have been that, as a result of the prolonged cold weather, the females were able to catch up with the
males, which normally arrive first. There was a noticeable lack of song by males in April and early
may which suggests that they might not have been in optimum condition to breed when they arrived.
Higher spring counts involved 20 on the 18th April and 22 on the 20th but numbers declined after this
with 14 on the 30th April and only eight on the 2nd May (24 on the latter date in 2012).
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Blackcap Territorial males1985-2013

Thirty-four males held territory compared with 33 in 2012 and 32 in 2011. The average for 20012005= 27.4 territorial males; average for 2006-2012 = 33.6.
The first juvenile was seen on the 12th June and a family party on the 21st June. High counts included
26 on the 25th June, 5th and 13th July probably due to juveniles and passage of adults but from the 28th
July to the 17th August there were no counts higher than 11. There was a slight increase towards the
end of August with 17 on the 31st and numbers from 1st -10th September were often between 11 and 14
but, after 15 on the 11th September, numbers gradually declined with nine on the 16th but only one on
the 17th, two on the 18th and 19th and one on the 20th. The 21st September was the first day without this
species being recorded since their arrival in spring. Singles were then recorded on the 23rd, 24th and
27th September.

25

20

15
2012
10

2013

4th

1st Oct

28th

25th

22nd

19th

16th

13th

10th

7th

4th

1st Sep

29th

26th

23-Aug

Blackcap - autumn passage 2012 and 2013 compared

An immature was present on the 3rd October, an immature male and an immature female were trapped
on the 5th October and a male was on the New Meadow on the 8th October and two males in the Finger
Lakes on the 9th. A a e as in the rough on the 28th October, a male was trapped on the 2nd
November, a female on the 16th November and another male on the 24th. A male was singing quietly
in the rough on the 2 th and an un-ringed female was behind the Visitor Centre on the 29th
November and 2nd December.

Female Blackcap trapped on the 16th November

A female Blackcap was trapped on the 16th November and this was followed by a male on the 24th.
Milder weather on the 27th November encouraged a male to sing fair y e in the rough and a
female was near the Visitor Centre on the 29th November.

Ringing:
250
200
150

New Birds

100

New for year

Linear (New for year)

50
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Blackcaps ringed 1990 2012

GARDEN WARBLER

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Sylvia borin

A fairly common summer resident and passage migrant in suitable habitat. Winters in central and southern
Africa. Earliest: 10.4.91. Latest: 7.10.85.
Average earliest 1985-1999: 23rd April; 2000 2009: 22nd April.
Average latest 1990-1999: 13th September; 2000-2009: 14th September.

The first arrived on the 23rd April with three present on the 25th. There were more arrivals in May
reaching a peak of 12 on the 14th.
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Garden Warbler Territorial males 1985-2013

Seventeen males occupied territories compared with twelve in 2012 and eight in 2011. Birds were
scarce after the 24th July with one on the 27th July, and singles on the 1st, 11th (trapped) and 14th
August. Passage birds were noted from mid-August with singles on many days and two trapped on the
19th but the species was scarce in September with two on the 1st with the last being singles on the 5th
and 8th.

Ringing:
80
70
60
50

New Birds

40

New for year

30

Linear (New for year)

20
10
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Garden Warblers ringed 1990 2012

LESSER WHITETHROAT

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Sylvia curruca

A regular but uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. Winters in the Ethiopian highlands. Has bred
since 1985. Earliest: 9.4.97. Latest: 2.10.89.
Average earliest 1985-1999: 24th April; 2000 2009: 21st April.
Average latest 1985 1999: 21st September; 2000 2009: 14th September.

The first arrived on the 22nd April. Three males were recorded on the 30th April and two regularly to
the 7th May. A male took up territory near the main car park and was recorded singing regularly to the
14th May but then not until the 29th May. After this there were no further records until a male together
with a juvenile on the 21st June.
14
12
10
8
6
4
2

1990
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13

Lesser Whitethroat Territorial males 1990-2013

Only one male occupied territory this year, the same as last year. The average territorial males for
2001-2005 = 4.4; average 2006-2010 = 3.4, average 2011-2013 = 0.7 territorial males.

There were two records of singles in July with passage noted in the second half of August when two
were present on the 14th followed by six records of singles to the end of the month. In September
singles were present on the 2nd, 5th, 7th, 10th and the last on the 11th.
Ringing:
40
35
30
25

New Birds

20
15

New for year

10

Linear (New for year)

5
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Lesser Whitethroats ringed

COMMON WHITETHROAT

1990 2012

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Sylvia communis

Once uncommon but now a fairly common passage migrant and summer visitor. Winters in Africa. Earliest:
9.4.95. Latest: 5.10.06.
Average earliest1985-1999: 18th April; 2000 2009: 16th April.
Average latest 1985 1999: 21st September; 2000-2009: 29th September.

The first as a

a e a ong the spit on the 18th April with three males on the 19th.

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Common Whitethroat Territorial males 1991-2013

Seven males held territory. Up to eight were present in July and up to seven in August. The species
was recorded regularly during the first half of September, mainly 1-3 but six on the 7th and 11th. After
one on the 13th and two on the 14th the last were two on the 16th and one on the 17th September.

Ringing:
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

New Birds
New for year

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Linear (New for year)

Annual totals of new Common Whitethroats ringed - 1990 2012

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Locustella naevia

Bred in 1993 and possibly bred in 2000 but otherwise an uncommon passage migrant. Earliest: 31.3.98.
Latest: 3.8.83.

One was singing on the edge of the main car park early on the morning of the 18th April and one was
singing on Fenlake on the 6th June.
SEDGE WARBLER

Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Once common but now declining breeding summer resident and passage migrant. Winters in Africa. Earliest:
31.3.98. Latest: 16.10.94.
Average earliest 1985-1999: 9th April; 2000 2009: 9th April.
Average latest 1985-1999: 26th September. 2000-2009: 11th September.

The first arrived on the 16th April increasing gradually to nine on the 23rd. Four to six were recorded
until the 7th May but only 1-3 after this to the end of the month. Four newly fledged young were being
fed at the sewage works bridge on the 31st July, the only breeding pair this year.
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
82

84

86

88

90

92

94

96

98

00

02

04

06

08

10

12

Sedge Warbler Territorial males 1982-2013

Only one male held territory compared with three in 2012 and seven in 2011. The average for 20012005 = 17. Average for 2006-2010 = 8.6.

Whitethroats were very scarce during the post-breeding period with three records of singles plus an
adult with four young at the sewage works bridge in July but there were no records at all in August. A
passage bird was in the southwest corner of the main lake on the 5th September.
Ringing:
70
60
50
40

New Birds

30

New for year

20

Linear (New for year)

10
-10

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Sedge Warblers ringed - 1990 2012

REED WARBLER

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Acrocephalus scirpaceous

A common breeding summer resident and passage migrant. Winters in tropical Africa. Earliest: 14.4.93.
Latest: 13.10.89.
Average earliest 1985-1999: 24th April; 2000 2009: 21st April.
Average latest 1985-1999: 8th October. 2000-2009: 7th October.

The first ere three hich ere present in the crescent reed bed on the th April. Arrival after this
was fairly slow with five on the 25th, six on the 28th April and seven on the 1st May.

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
82

84

86

88

90

92

94

96

98

00

02

04

06

08

10

12

Reed Warbler Territorial males 1982-2013

Twenty seven males held territories compared with twenty-eight in 2012 and twenty-seven in 2011.
The average for 2001-2005 = 29.2; average 2006-2010 = 29.).
Reed growth was delayed due to the cold spring and by the start of June the Phragmites stems were
only 30cm-40cm tall. However, with warmer weather growth increased fairly rapidly and, although
most stems were 60cm on less, nest building had begun in earnest on the 13th and 14th June. A count
of 33 on the 25th July indicated that the young that had been produced survived well but counts from
mid-August to the end of the month did not exceed 10 whilst in September numbers were down by
about half on the previous year with the highest count being six on the 2nd. Most of the other counts
were of 2-4. After five on the 11th September only 1 to 3 were seen until three on the 21st September
followed by two on the 25th. The last of the year was one trapped on the 5th October.

25
20
15
2012

10

2013
5

26th

24th

20th

22nd

18th

16th

14th

12th

10th

8th

6th

4th

2nd Sep

31st

29th

27th

25th

23-Aug

Reed Warbler - autumn passage 2012 and 2013 compared

Ringing:
100
80
60

New Birds

40

New for year

20

Linear (New for year)

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Reed Warblers ringed 1990 2012

WAXWING

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Bombycilla garrulus

A rare visitor usually occurring only in irruption years. There were five records in 1996, five in 2005 and one in
January 2011. The last were of single birds on the 18th November and 10th December 2012.

NUTHATCH

Sitta europaea

A rare visitor. Seven previous records. Last recorded in August 2002.

TREECREEPER

Certhia familiaris

An uncommon breeding resident.

One to three recorded on 91 days in the year, more frequently from July to the end of November.

WREN

Troglodytes troglodytes

A common breeding resident.

Maximum Day Counts

Jan Feb Mar Apr
9
7
10
16

May
20

Jun
19

Jul
18

Aug
17

Sep
13

Oct
17

Nov Dec
16
13

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Wren Territorial males 1991 - 2013

Forty-two males held territory, the same as in 2012. (2001-2005 average 44.2; 2006-2009 average
38.2)
Ringing:
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

New birds
New for year

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Linear (New for year)

Annual totals of new Wrens ringed 1990-2012

STARLING

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Sturnus vulgaris

A resident in very small numbers. Also a winter visitor from east and northern Europe in much smaller numbers
in recent years.

Quite scarce during the first three months of the year when it was not recorded on many days. The
highest January count was of 28 on the 20th but one to two were recorded on only four days in
February and, after 32 on the 9th March the only other record was of six on the 16th. Similarly there
were only ten records in April, mainly of one to three but 45 on the 30th when the first juveniles began

to appear. Parties occasionally visited from nearby housing estates from May to July whilst in August
up to 370 (30th) were noted regularly in the early morning passing southwest from roosts.

Jan
28
2.3

Monthly Maxima (second row) and Daily Average (bottom row)

not including passage birds, roosts or birds from roosts
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2
32
45
95
42
86
11
75
62 120 55
0.18 1.2 2.0 11.2 8.8 7.6 16.6 8.2 11.4 19.7 4.5

A large roost formed at Willington from September onwards and eventually attained about 15,000.
Many of these birds passed over Priory CP when they dispersed from roost in the early mornings.
Counts dispersing southwest from roost were often between 200-600 in September but up to 7000 in
October and 10,500 in November. Although the roost in Willington remained at about the same level
in December only about 50 - 300 passed over the park when they dispersed so presumably the birds
were moving from Willington to different feeding grounds.
RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus
A rare passage migrant. Eight previous records. Last recorded in September 1994. Earliest: 15.4.84. Latest:
29.9.94.

BLACKBIRD

Turdus merula

A common breeding resident. Winter visitor and passage migrant.

Higher counts involved 40 on the 12th January and 43 on the 12th February, 45 on the 25th February
and 2nd March and 59 on the 15th March. Counts remained fairly high into early April with 47 on the
18th March, 42 on the 1st April and 41 on the 10th April.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
40 45
59
42
25
26
24
24
31
23
39
32

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Blackbird Territorial males 1991-2013

Again it was quite a good breeding season with twenty-three males holding territory (24 in 2012).
Average 2001-2005 = 11; 2006-2010 average = 17.4)
Autumn passage, which normally takes place from mid October onwards, was on a smaller scale than
in most years. The contrary winds, culminating in the stor entit ed St Jude (the patron saint of ost
causes!) on the 27th/28th October often accompanied by overnight rain may have resulted in fewer
Blackbirds attempting to cross the North Sea, perhaps continuing south through the Netherlands and
Belgium.
35
30
25
20
Average 2013

15

Six year average

10
5
Dec

Dec

Dec

Dec

Nov/Dec

Nov

Nov

Nov

Oct/Nov

Oct

Oct

Oct

Oct

Autumn passage of Blackbirds 2013 and 2012 compared

Ringing:
80
70
60
50

New Birds

40

New for year

30

Linear (New for year)

20
10
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Blackbirds ringed 1990-2012

FIELDFARE

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Turdus pilaris

A regular winter visitor and passage migrant, sometimes in large numbers. Often scarce in the first winter
period.

Few were recorded in the first half of January but freezing weather and flooding were the presumed
cause of flocks in the park and moving overhead as they searched for new feeding areas during the
second half. Higher counts involved 41 on the 21st January, 56 on the 22nd and 58 W on the 30th. The
only February records were of three on the 8th, two on the 11th and 13 on the 17th.

Autumn passage was at a much lower level than usual with the first being 40 SW on the 19th October,
followed by one on the 20th and three on the 21st. Forty-four passed SW on the 22nd and 20 on the 24th.
Nine south on the 29th October was the only other record for the month. A total of 71 passed
southwest on the 8th November and passage got underway with 106 W on the 9th, 196 W on the 11th,
72 W on the 12th, 166 SW on the 13th, 181 W on the 16th and 33 W on the 17th. After 21 on the 26th
November there were only a few records, usually of ten or fewer, until the year end.

SONG THRUSH

Turdus philomelus

A declining breeding resident but showing signs of recovery since 2000. Passage migrant. Often scarce in
winter.

Singing was heard regularly on most fine days during January and February. Of ten birds recorded on
the 5th January nine were singing and up to 12 were singing in mid-February.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
10
15
13
10

May
9

Jun
6

Jul
10

Aug
5

Sep
7

Oct
44

Nov Dec
5

Sixteen males held territory (17 in 2012). Average 2001-2005 = 10.4; 2006-2010 average =
18.2.
Numbers generally remained low after the breeding season which for some reason seems to
be the usual state of affairs, giving rise to speculation that, although a good number of birds
hold territory, predation during the egg and nestling stage may greatly reduce the number of
young surviving.
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Song Thrush Territorial males 1991-2013

There ere signs of ove ent at the end of Septe ber ith t o high f ying on the th and
again on the 1st October when one passed south est and another as high f ying around the
park. Three more flew south on the 2nd. This coincided with arrival of this species on the east

coast which started in the previous week. On the 7th October 44 appeared to have roosted
overnight in bushes on the New Meadow and departed to the south in smaller groups.
Ringing:
25
20
15

New Birds
New for year

10

Linear (New for year)

5

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Song Thrushes ringed 1990-2012

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Only small numbers (five or fewer) were recorded to the year-end but birds were singing irregularly
from mid-November and regularly throughout December.

REDWING

Turdus iliacus

A common passage migrant. Winter visitor in small numbers. Earliest: 25.9.82.

Latest: 11.5.84.

Between one and ten were regularly recorded during January and February with highest counts being
23 on the 14th and 27 on the 27th January, 25 on the 14th February and 14 on the 18th. Recorded
regularly in March with 33 present on the 2nd, 35 on the 15th and 30 on the 26th. Numbers were
generally lower during the first half of April but passage was still in evidence with 120 on the 3rd and
46 on the 12th. Eight on the 13th April were the last of the first winter period.
The first of the autu n ere 4 est and six in the rough on the th October. This coincided with a
movement of Song Thrushes. Smaller numbers were seen on the 8th and 9th but a major movement
took place on the 10th when 1318 passed west during the morning visit and many more were recorded
at the major migration watch-points in the county (inc uding
over The Pinnac e Sandy!).
Migration then came to a more or less abrupt end with only five to ten seen around the park. Three
hundred were present on the 19th October but, although seen regularly after this, the highest counts
were of only 31 on the 23rd October and 22 west on the 30th with only five to fifteen on most other
days. There seemed to be a late resurgence of passage in November with 18 W on the 9th followed by
105 W on the 11th and 24 W on the 16th. Most counts in December were of ten or fewer but 40 were
recorded on the 13th and 51 on the 14th.

MISTLE THRUSH

Turdus viscivorus

An infrequent visitor. Seen more regularly in recent years.

Singles were seen on 29th January and 13th and 17th February and 15th March. There were no further
records until two, high south, on the 20th September and one over on the 29th September. In October
three were present on the 5th and two passed west on the 23rd.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER

Muscicapa striata

An uncommon summer visitor in decreasing numbers. Now mainly in autumn.

Earliest in spring: 26.04.91. Latest: 26.09.93.

Again, there were no spring records. The first of the autumn was one on the 25th August followed by
one on the 29th August and the last on the 8th September.
ROBIN

Erithacus rubecula

A common breeding resident. An increase often noted in autumn may be due to passage.

Regularly recorded throughout the year with no signs of significant passage. Most low counts are
confined to days when there is poor weather or during the period of post-breeding moult.

Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
18
20
23
20

May
16

Jun
12

Jul
13

Aug
18

Sep
26

Oct
25

Nov Dec
21
14

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Robin Territorial males 1991-2013

Twenty- six males held territory (29 in 2012). Average 2001-2005: 26.2; average 2006-2009 24.6).
Ringing:
70
60
50
40

New Birds

30

New for year

20

Linear (New for year)

10
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Robins ringed 1990 2012

NIGHTINGALE

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Luscinia megarhynchos

A rare resident and passage migrant. Only three records before 1993. Bred 1993 to 1996, 2000, 2002 and 2003.

BLACK REDSTART

Phoenicurus ochurus

A rare passage migrant. Although some birds winter in SW Britain, most winter in the Mediterranean region.
Seven previous records. Last recorded in April 1992.

COMMON REDSTART

Phoenicurus phoenicurus

A scarce passage migrant. Twenty-two previous records. Last recorded in April 2012. Earliest: 08.4.06.
Latest: 19.9.02.

A male was along the south side on the 15th April, the 23rd record of this species for the park. A male
and a female were along the north side on the 19th April and the female was still present on the
following day (24th and 25th records for the park).
WHINCHAT

Saxicola rubetra

Un uncommon but fairly regular passage migrant. Earliest: 17.4.83.

on spring passage: 2nd May.

STONECHAT

Latest: 15.10.88. Average earliest date

Saxicola torquatus

An uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Recorded more regularly during the winter in recent years,
particularly in neighbouring fields. Earliest: 28.9.94. Latest: 30.4.89.

NORTHERN WHEATEAR

Oenanthe oenanthe

An uncommon passage migrant in decreasing numbers. Earliest: 8.3.89.

Average earliest date on spring passage 1981 1999: 30th March.

PIED FLYCATCHER

Latest: 11.10.82.

Ficedula hypoleuca

A scarce passage migrant. Eleven previous records, eight in spring, three in autumn. Earliest: 15.4.93. Latest:
21.9.79 and 83. Last recorded in September 2004.

DUNNOCK

Prunella modularis

A fairly common breeding resident in suitable habitats.

In general numbers were slightly down on previous years but there was a healthy breeding population.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
8
9
14
12
7
7
13
9
13
12
10
9
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Dunnock Territorial males 1991- 2013

Sixteen males held territory, (14 in 2012), continuing the pattern of more extreme fluctuations in
population since 2004; (2001-2005 average 9; 2006-2009 average 10.6). Three ere high f ying on
the 27th September and four on the following day.
Ringing:
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

New Birds
New for year

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Linear (New for year)

Annual totals of new Dunnocks ringed

HOUSE SPARROW

1990 2012

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Passer domesticus

A breeding resident and visitor in small numbers. Can be scarce in winter.

Numbers were lower this year with only one to five seen on most days to the end of July and no
counts above eight. There was only one record, of a single bird, in August, one on the 4th September
and two on the 28th October. After this there were only seven records of singles and three records of
two to the end of the year.
TREE SPARROW

Passer montanus

A very rare visitor. Last recorded in January 1995.

YELLOW WAGTAIL

Motacilla flava

Once a common passage migrant and breeder in small numbers, now a passage migrant in small numbers. Has
bred. Recent decline. Earliest: 28.3.89. Latest: 1.10.83. Average earliest date on spring passage: 6 th April.
Not recorded for the first time in 2005. Not recorded in 2011.

Again a very poor year for this species with only two birds being recorded. The first was a male
which flew over the main lake on the 15th April followed by one on the 27th April. None was seen on
autumn passage.
GREY WAGTAIL

Motacilla cinerea

Now more or less a resident. Has bred either in the park or nearby since 1999.

One or two recorded regularly, particularly along the canoe slalom course, from January to mid-April
but there were only three records, all of singles, from 19th April to the 2nd July.

Numbers built up towards the end of July when family parties fed on the canoe slalom course. Higher
numbers included seven on the 27th July, six on the 29th July and five on the 5th and 9th August. One or
two were recorded almost daily during September with two high south on the 20th. Singles,
occasionally two, were recorded fairly regularly to the end of the year.
PIED WAGTAIL

Motacilla alba

Resident and passage migrant. Large numbers are sometimes seen going over to roost.

In January flocks of up to 36 were feeding on Kingsmead as floodwater receded and similar numbers
were recorded on Riverside Meadow. After 36 at the latter site on the 8th February, 66 were recorded
on the 9th, 98 on the 12th and 25 on the 14th February. When disturbed they flew up and moved over to
the sewage treatment works. One or two, occasionally three, were recorded fairly regularly to 22nd
July but there were no records after this until one on the 27th August. Up to eight were seen from
September to the year end and flooded pools on Kingsmead again attracted good numbers at the end
of December with 24 on the 28th and 51 on the 31st.
TREE PIPIT

Anthus trivialis

A very rare passage migrant. Four records, two in May 1996, one in September 2002 and one in August 2006.

MEADOW PIPIT

Anthus pratensis

A fairly common migrant. Winter visitor in varying numbers.

Recorded on only twelve occasions during the first three months of the year with, apart from six on
the 24th March, all records being of one or two birds. The only record in April and the last of the first
winter period was of one on the 6th.
The first of the autumn was one over on the 15th September followed by two SW on the 18th.
Southerly passage continued with five south on the 19th, eight south on the 20th and 44 south on the
21st. Very light passage continued throughout October but no more than six passed over on any day.
There were occasional records of one to three during November and December.
ROCK PIPIT

Anthus petrosus

A rare passage migrant. Five previous records. Last recorded in March 1983.

WATER PIPIT

Anthus spinoletta

A rare passage migrant. Five previous records. Last recorded (on Fenlake) in December 2011.

CHAFFINCH

Fringilla coelebs

Breeding resident, winter visitor and passage migrant.

Although recorded daily throughout the year there were few signs of spring or autumn passage this
year, the only birds noted flying over were six SW on the 22nd September and eight WSW and five S
on the 30th October.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
21
22
22
20
21
16
17
16
16
29
18 15
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Chaffinch Territorial males 1991-2013

Singing was heard regularly from the 6th January onwards. Thirty-three males held territory, (26 in
2012), showing a gradual increase since 2009. Average territorial males 2001-2005 = 23.4; average
2006-2009 = 20.
Ringing:
50
45
40
35
30

New Birds

25
20

New for year

15

Linear (New for year)

10
5
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Chaffinches ringed 1990 2012

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

BRAMBLING

Fringilla montifringilla

An irregular and uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor.

Not recorded this year.

GREENFINCH

Carduelis chloris

Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Large decline noted in recent years.

The population of this species continues to decline and, apart from 12 on the 19th July, fewer than ten
seen on any day in most months. Perhaps only two or three pairs bred and few young were seen.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
8
4
6
8

May
3

Jun
7

Jul
12

Aug
6

Sep
4

Oct
7

Nov Dec
6
6

Ringing:
100
90
80
70
60

New Birds

50

New for year

40

Linear (New for year)

30
20
10
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual total of new Greenfinches ringed

GOLDFINCH

1990 2012

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Carduelis carduelis

Breeding resident and passage migrant.

Recorded almost daily throughout the year with over 30 being recorded on several occasions in
January (38 on the 31st), up to 22 in February and up to 38 in March (2nd and 16th). Numbers were
lower during the breeding season with perhaps about four pairs breeding. Occasion small family
parties were recorded in July and August but there were no large post-breeding flocks as in previous
years. A very small southerly movement was noted in early October but never exceeded eight birds.
Monthly Maxima.
Jan Feb Mar Apr
38
22
38
9

May
8

Jun
8

Jul
13

Aug
16

Sep
26

Oct
42

Nov Dec
39 32

Ringing:
60
50
40
New Birds

30

New for year

Linear (New for year)

20
10

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Goldfinches ringed 1990-2012

SISKIN

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

Carduelis spinus

An irregular winter visitor and passage migrant in varying numbers.

Recorded far more regularly in the first winter period than last year. Higher counts involved 60 on the
13th January, 24 on the 14th January and 28 on the 2nd February. Apart from six on the 4th all the
remaining March counts were of one to two. There were five records of singles in early April with the
last on the 8th.
A very poor second winter period for this species. The first of the autumn were two over on the 5th
October followed by one south on the 9th and two on the 10th. One on the 20th and one south on the
29th were the only other October records. Two passed south on the 4th November and five were in the
park on the 9th.

LINNET

Carduelis cannabina

An uncommon visitor and passage migrant. More common in winter. Irregular breeder.

Despite there being c on

acre on Sept 6th and about 80 there in December, there were no
records within the park this year.
LESSER REDPOLL

Carduelis cabaret

An uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant in varying numbers. Recorded less frequently in recent years.
Last bred in 1991.

Small numbers (1-8) were recorded fairly regularly in the first three months of the year with six on the
12th January, eight on the 16th January and seven on the 9th February being the highest counts. There
were four records of singles in early April with the last of the first winter period being three on the
12th April.
The first of the autumn passed south on the 26th October followed by another south on the 31st. One
passed south on the 4th November. There were further records of singles on the 5th, 6th, 8th, 23rd and
27th November with two on the 25th but no December records. As with Siskin very few were seen in

the county, probably due to very mild second winter period with no cold weather or food shortage to
stimulate movement.
Ringing:
A Lesser Redpoll ringed at Priory CP on the 28th October 2012 was recaptured at Bourne Wood,
Lincolnshire (71 km North) on the 13th April 2013 (per Ed Green).
COMMON (MEALY) REDPOLL

Carduelis flammea

A rare winter visitor. The only records involve one in March 1981 and three in January 1986.

COMMON CROSSBILL

Loxia curvirostra

Three previous records, October and November 1997 and April 2003.

Four flew east over the park on the 13th August (A.P.)
BULLFINCH

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

A breeding resident in small numbers.

One to five were regularly recorded throughout the year. About four pairs bred.
Monthly Maxima
Jan Feb Mar Apr
4
5
4
4

May
2

Jun
3

Jul
1

Aug
5

Sep
6

Oct
6

Nov Dec
6
8

Average monthly maxima 2005-2007

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
9.7 13
10
9
3.3
4

Jul
6

Aug
6

Sep
6

Oct
8.3

Nov Dec
9.7 12

Ringing:
35
30
25
20

New Birds
New for year

15

Linear (New for year)

10
5

1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

Annual totals of new Bullfinches ringed

1990-2012

Ed Green, Ivel Ringing Group

SNOW BUNTING

Plectrophenax nivalis

A very rare winter visitor. One recorded on the 8 th November 1980 and one (not submitted to the rarities
committee by the observer) on the 15th November 1996.

YELLOWHAMMER

Emberiza citrinella

An uncommon visitor.

Not recorded this year.

REED BUNTING

Emberiza schoeniclus

A breeding resident and winter visitor.

One to three and occasionally four or five were seen regularly to late July but there were no August or
September records. One to three were recorded on only 19 days in the last three months of the year.
Five males occupied territories (eight last year).
CORN BUNTING

Emberiza calandra

An infrequent daytime visitor but may roost in fairly large numbers in some years.

Roost:
Only one roost count was made in January when 56 attended on the 13th. In February 31 came in to
roost on the 16th, only four on the 18th but 32 on the 19th February. A total of 26 exited the roost on the
24th February and 19 roosted on the evening of the 27th. Two flew out of roost on the morning of the
6th April but none was present on the following morning.
The first of the autumn were six which came to roost on the 15th November with six again on the 18th.
Eighteen roosted on the 19th November but only five on the 24th 25th. Nineteen came in to roost on
the 26th November and 18 exited roost on the 7th December. Four were present on the 14th December,
three on the 15th and three on the 20th.
Ringing:
A Corn Bunting ringed at Steeple Morden, Cambridgeshire on the 6th July 2011 as a juvenile in the
nest (1 of 4) was controlled at Priory CP on the 13th January 2013. 557 days, 23 km in a WNW
direction (per Ed Green).
This is a particularly valuable recovery as few Corn Buntings are ringed and even fewer recovered.
EXOTICA:
Black Swan
Cygnus atratus
(Birds of this species were introduced at Woburn Park in 1995 and possibly since. Wandering birds
are occasionally seen at various sites around the county.)
One was present on the main lake on the 20th June, 22nd October and 6th December. This bird was
regularly seen on the river along The Embankment in Bedford town centre.

Contributors: J. Anderson, D. Barnes, J. Bishop, J. Bowler, N. Cook, D. Fellman, G. Glazebrook, E.

Green, D. Kramer, N. Monsey, A. Ploszajski.

Nick Sinden

The effect of the very cold March and early April 2013 on the arrival of the
regular summer visitors at Priory Country Park
David Kramer

The weather during March 2013 was notable for being the joint second coldest for more than 100
years. Nationally the average temperature matched that of 1947 and only March 1962 was colder.
Particularly during the second half of the month, when perhaps one might normally expect
temperatures to rise, overnight temperatures at Priory Country Park were often below freezing, the
ground was frozen and we had occasional periods of snow and hail. Even on the 29th March an
estimated 55% of the main lake and 90% of the Finger Lakes were ice covered In Bedfordshire the
average overnight te perature for March 2
as on y 4 co pared to 4 2 C in 2012 ith
overnight te peratures in March 2
being C or below on 22 nights (BNHS recorder for
meteorology). During the first ten days of Apri 2
the average overnight te perature as on y 2
co pared ith
C for the same period in 2012. There were 14 days of winds from the easterly
sector in March and on several days in early April. The cold weather continued into the first week of
Apri ith orning te peratures usua y not reaching ore than C and, as on the 6th fa ing to overnight It asnt unti the 9th that significantly milder weather arrived. The cause of this
unusually cold spring was the very low position of the jet stream which, instead of being positioned
over the north of England was over Spain and the Mediterranean region, drawing in cold air from
Scandinavia and Russia.
During March and early April such species as Blackbirds, Dunnocks, Blackcaps and both Great and
Blue Tits were recorded feeding on the lakeshore or in the willows on the waters edge presumably
because the warmer temperature and softer ground made more invertebrate food available. Less,
locally, Chiffchaffs were recorded feeding on insects found amongst seaweed on the coast.
It was not surprising that insect hatching and trees coming into leaf were delayed resulting in a lack of
available invertebrate food for summer migrants. On the 12th April the wind moved round from the
east to become mainly from the south and southeast. This, coinciding with improving temperatures,
resulted in better conditions for migrants heading north.
Insectivorous species are particularly vulnerable in these prolonged cold conditions but, unless the
onset of freezing conditions is particularly sudden, causing obvious mass fatalities, their effects can be
difficult to observe. Food shortage may result in birds becoming weaker and therefore more
susceptible to predation or disease. Starvation may reduce the adult breeding population directly or
food shortage may result in the females laying smaller clutches or, in double brooded species, reduced
number of clutches laid. If the shortage continues it can also affect the survival of young either in the
nestling stage or when they have fledged.
It was going to be interesting to see whether the cold spring of 2013 would result in lower survival at
the adult or young stage or both.

Swift
Garden Warbler
Lesser Whitethroat
Reed Warbler
Whitethroat
Sedge Warbler
Common Tern
House Martin
Willow Warbler
Swallow
Blackcap
Sand Martin
Chiffchaff
-10

-5

10

15

20

25

Fig. 1. The number of days delay in summer migrants in spring 2013 compared with the
average arrival dates for the ten-year period 2000-2009
The birds have been arranged in their average order of arrival during the 2000-2009 10-year period,
Chiffchaff (earliest) to Swift( latest).

From Fig. 1 it can be seen that, for most species, the earlier the species normally arrives, the greater
was the delay in arriving in `the 2013 spring.
Chiffchaff
The first of the spring, a non-singing bird, was recorded on the 27th March, 15 days later than the
2000-2009 average arrival date, with the next not until the 31st March. In comparison, on the 30th
March 2012, eighteen singing males were recorded. Birds were slow to arrive and those that had
arrived were singing intermittently and rather weakly. It was not until the third week of May that most
were back on territory, however, by that time some of those that had arrived earlier were already
incubating eggs. The number of territorial males (14) was 17.6% lower than in 2012 (17).
An adult bird trapped on the 26th May, 2013, had already moulted some greater coverts and the
rep ace ents ere a ready sho ing in pin Its c oaca protuberance had not deve oped and both fat
and muscle scores were low. This suggests that it was in poor condition when it arrived had forgone
breeding, and moved on to post-breeding moult.

25
20
15
Chiffchaff 2012

10

Chiffchaff 2013

Mar-12
15
18
21
24
27
30
Apr-02
5
8
11
14
17
20
23
26
29

Graph showing the later arrival and lower numbers of Chiffchaffs on spring passage
at Priory Country Park, March and April 2012 and 2013 compared.
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2005-2012
2013

2012

Average

Total number of Chiffchaffs recorded on spring passage

to the 30th April, for 2013, 2012 and 2005-2013. Average = 353).
The total number of Chiffchaffs recorded in March to the end of April in 2013 was 62% lower than
for the same period in 2012 and 41.6% below the 2005-2012 8-year average.
Sand Martin
The first arrived on the 8th April, twenty-one days later than the 2000-2009 average of the 18th March.
Numbers increased steadily with 60 on the 13th, 80 on the 14th and 200 on the 15th. After 170 on the
18th April a peak was reached on the 19th when 250 were over the main lake. Interestingly none was
present on the following day and from the 20th-25th April there was only one record of a single bird.
Apart from 20 on the 26th April, 29 on the 1st May, 20 on the 11th May and 40 on the 12th all other
records from the 26th April to the 15th May were of 12 or fewer.

300
250
200
150

Sand Martin 2012

Sand Martin 2013

100
50

Mar-12
16
20
24
28
Apr-01
5
9
13
17
21
25
29
May-03
7
11
15
19

Graph showing the pattern of spring passage of Sand Martins

at Priory Country Park, March and April 2012 and 2013 compared.
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2005-2012
2013

2012

Average

Total number of Sand Martins recorded on spring passage

to 20th May for 2013, 2012 and the average for 2005-2013 ( 1475).
The number of Sand Martins passing through in March to the 20th May was 58.1% lower than for the
same period in 2012 and 19% below the 2005-2012 8-year average.
Blackcap
The first, a male, arrived on the 10th April, fifteen days later than the 2000-2009 average arrival date.
Arriva after this as fair y rapid ith 22 (2 2) counted on the 2 th April. However, one of
the characteristics of this species was that a fairly high proportion of males were either not singing,
singing weakly or very intermittently. This suggests that the birds that had arrived were in poor
condition and needed to feed up before advertising and defending territory Many of the birds did
not try to establish territories but passed through so, by the 10th May 2013 only ten males were
recorded compared with 34 on the same day in 2012. However, more birds arrived gradually and took
up territory so that, by June, 34 males occupied territories, 3% up on the 33 of 2012.

40
35
30
25
20

Blackcap 2012

15

Blackcap 2013

10
5
21

16

11

M ay-01

26

21

16

11

Apr-01

27

22

17

Mar-12

Graph showing the pattern of spring passage of Blackcaps

at Priory Country Park, March to May 2012 and 2013 compared.
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
2005-2012
2013

2012

Average

Total number of Blackcaps recorded on spring passage

to 20th May, for 2013, 2012 and the 2005-2012 average ( 671).
The number of Blackcaps passing through in March until the 20th May was 53.7% lower in 2013 than
for the same period in 2012 and 30.2% lower than the 2005-2012 8-year average.
Swallow
Although the first arrival was fourteen days later in 2013 than the 2000-2009 10-year average arrival
date the main passage commenced at about the same date as in 2012.

250
200
150
Swallow 2012

100

Swallow 2013

50

Apr-01
5
9
13
17
21
25
29
May-03
7
11
15
19
23
27
31

Graph showing the pattern of spring passage of Swallows

at Priory Country Park, April May 2012 and 2013 compared.

800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2005-2012
2013

2012

Average

Total number of Swallows recorded on spring passage

to the 23rd May for 2013, 2012 and the average for 2005-2012 (220).
The number of Swallows passing through in April to the 23rd May was 60.0% lower in 2013 than in
2012 and 28.6% above the 2005-2012 8-year average for the same period.

Willow Warbler
The first to arrive were six on the 13th April, thirteen days later than the 2000-2009 average of the 31st
March. The number rapidly increased to 26 on the 15th and 40 on the 17th before reaching a peak of 46
on the 18th. This is by far the largest number recorded in the park on spring passage in the last 25
years. The decline was equally rapid and, after 21 on the 19th and 20 on the 20th, numbers were down
to three on the 24th and 4 on the 25th April. The number of Willow Warblers passing through on spring
passage was 82.4% higher in 2013 than in 2012. This pattern of arrival was totally atypical and was
almost certainly related to the very cold weather during March and early April as well as other
weather conditions. During the period of highest counts the wind had veered from easterly to strong
southerlies resulting in most birds seeking shelter on the lee side of denser stands of trees and bushes.
On the 18th April 26 were counted along a 150m length of the south side of the main lake. It is

probable that insects also collected in these more sheltered areas and provided an easily accessible
source of available food. A late arrival of migrants was noted on the 22nd May at Portland Bird
Observatory and included 50 Willow Warblers, 25 Chiffchaffs and 50 Spotted Flycatchers but a
similar late influx was not noted at Priory CP.
50
45
40
35
30
25

Willow Warbler 2012

20

Willow Warbler 2013

15
10
5
Apr-01
4
7
10
13
16
19
22
25
28
May-01
4
7
10
13

Graph showing the pattern of spring passage of Willow Warblers

at Priory Country Park, April May 2012 and 2013 compared.
There is a precedent for this type of pattern. In March 1984 frost occurred on twenty days and easterly
winds were particularly frequent. Similarly, in April 1984, temperatures were normal by day but cold
by night ith frost on t enty nights in ost p aces This as arge y the resu t of predo inant y
anticyclonic weather with a high frequency of easter y inds (Beds. Naturalist No. 39 for the year
1984, p10). In the spring of that year there was a large influx on the 17th Apri ith at Barkers
Lane GP (now Priory Country Park), 32 along a 200 yard stretch by Stewartby L and 20 concentrated
in a small area at Brogborough L. Thirty-two were counted on Blows Downs on the 20th April.
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2005-2012
2013

2012

Average

Total number of Willow Warblers on spring passage

to 15 May for 2013, 2012 and the average for 2005- 2012 (245).
th

The number of Willow Warblers passing through on spring passage to the 15th May was 82.4% higher
than in 2012 and 5.7% higher than the 2005-2012 8-year average for the same period. As in 2012 no
males occupied territories.
House Martin
Although the first arrival was seven days later than the 2000-2009 10-year average the pattern was
very similar to that of the Swallow with the main passage taking place at about the same time.
However, the number of birds recorded on spring passage in April and up to the 23rd May was 83.1%
lower in 2013 than in 2012.
90
80
70
60
50
40

House Martin 2012

30

House Martin 2013

20
10
23

19

15

11

May-03

29

25

21

17

13

Apr-01

Graph showing the pattern of spring passage of House Martins

at Priory Country Park, April May 2012 and 2013 compared.
1000
800
600
400
200
0
2005-2012
2013

2012

Average

The total numbers of House Martins on spring passage

to 23rd May for 2013, 2012 and the average for 2005-2012 ( 206).
The number of House Martins passing through in 2013 to the 23rd May was 83.1% lower than in 2012
and 36.9% lower than the 2005-2012 8-year average for the same period.

Sedge Warbler
The number of Sedge Warblers passing through in spring 2013 to the 20th May was 19.4% lower than
in 2012 and 2.2% lower than the 2005-2012 average for the same period. Breeding continued to
decline with only one male occupying territory.
Reed Warbler
The first were three which arrived on the 17th April, four days earlier than the 2000-2009 ten-year
average and only one day later than in 2012. This was the only summer visitor to arrive before its
average arrival date. In 2012 only one or two birds were recorded on each day until the 4th May but in
2013 counts were slightly higher reaching up to six in April and up to 12 by the 8th May.
30
25
20
15

Reed Warbler 2012

Reed Warbler 2013

10
5

Apr-01
4
7
10
13
16
19
22
25
28
May-01
4
7
10
13
16
19

Graph showing the arrival of Reed Warblers on spring passage

at Priory Country Park, April and May 2012 and 2013 compared.
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2005-2012
2013

2012

Average

The total numbers of Reed Warblers on spring passage to the 20th May
for 2013, 2012 and the average for 2005-2012.

The number of Reed Warblers passing through on spring passage was 81.8% higher than for the same
period in 2012 but only 0.9% lower than the 2006-2012 7-year average for the same period. The
breeding population settled at 27 territorial males, only one (3.6%) lower than in 2012.
Garden Warbler
The first arrived on the 23rd April only one day later than the 2000-2009 average arrival date and five
days earlier than the 2012 arrival date. In contrast to Blackcaps, Garden Warblers arrived in good
condition and were singing very strongly from their first day of arrival. Numbers built up during the
first half of May and had attained 12 singing males on the 14th May. This was in contrast to three
males in 2012. The total number of Garden Warblers recorded on spring passage in April and up to
the 20th May was 118.7% higher in 2013 than in 2012. Seventeen males occupied territories, an
increase of 42% on the 12 territorial males of 2012.
14
12
10
8
Garden Warbler 2012

Garden Warbler 2013

4
2
19

15

11

May-03

29

25

21

17

13

Apr-01

Graph showing the arrival of Garden Warblers on spring passage

at Priory Country Park, April and May 2012 and 2013 compared.
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2005-2012
2013

2012

Average

The total numbers of Garden Warblers on spring passage

to the 20th May for 2013, 2012 and the average for 2006-2012.
The number of Garden Warblers passing through on spring passage 2013 was 118.7% higher than for
the same period in 2012 and 50.5% higher than the 2006-2012 average.

Swift
The first arrived on the 25th April, only two days later than the 2000-2009 average arrival date and one
day earlier than that of 2012. However, numbers were much lower than 2012 with the highest counts
during the first half of May being 38 on the 8th May and 70 on the 9th compared with 280 on the 8th
and 250 on the 9th May in 2012.

The effects on breeding and production of young

The weather in June, July and August was warm and sunny providing a good supply of
insects and fruit such as elderberries and blackberries probably enabling any young produced at this
time to survive well.
Trapping has shown that immature birds form the vast majority of migrants passing through
the park in late August and September (over 95% in the case of Blackcaps see Kramer 2012) and this
can be used as a rough indication of how successful a breeding season it has been. Comparison with
2012, (itself only an average year), shows that the number of young Reed Warblers, Blackcaps and
Chiffchaffs were significantly lower than usual.
25
20
15
2012

10

2013
5

26th

24th

20th

22nd

18th

16th

14th

12th

10th

8th

6th

4th

2nd Sep

31st

29th

27th

25th

23-Aug

Reed Warblers (mainly 1st-year birds)- autumn passage 2012 and 2013 compared
Perhaps surprisingly, Reed Warblers in particular fared badly with the number of birds passing
through between the 23rd August and 5th October 55% lower in 2013 than in 2012. It seems that
although Reed Warblers arrived no later than usual poor reed growth probably resulted in a late start
to nesting and perhaps a lack of suitable food in the early stages. This may have resulted in poor egg
development and/or smaller clutches and were the possible causes of poor productivity. The
possibility of numbers being made up by more birds having second broods or producing larger
clutches in second broods does not appear to have happened.

25
20
15
2012

10

2013

4th

1st Oct

28th

25th

22nd

19th

16th

13th

10th

7th

4th

1st Sep

29th

26th

23-Aug

Blackcap (mainly 1st-yesr birds) - autumn passage 2012 and 2013 compared
The number of first-year Blackcaps passing through in autumn was 27% lower in 2013 than in 2012
and passage had tailed off by mid-September whilst in 2012 it continued to the end of the month. As
with Reed Warblers it does not appear that numbers were made up by more birds having second
broods or larger clutches.
30
25
20
15

2012
2013

10
5
0

Chiffchaff - autumn passage 2012 and 2013compared

Chiffchaffs, like Blackcaps, arrived in much weaker condition this spring and it was expected that this
might affect the number of eggs and young produced. Although it was not possible to find out if there
was any reduction in average clutch size the number of young Chiffchaffs passing through in autumn
(23rd August to 5th October) was down by 31%. House Martins passing through in autumn were also
down by 22%.

Discussion
In 2013 Sand Martins, Swallows, House Martins, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps
arrived much later than the 2000-2009 average arrival date for these species. It is noteworthy that,
apart from Willow Warblers, they arrived in significantly smaller numbers. Both Garden Warblers
and Reed Warblers arrived in slightly larger numbers than in 2012 and the arrival date for Garden
Warbler was only one day later than the 2000-2009 ten-year average whilst for Reed Warblers it was
four days earlier.
The summer visitors at Priory CP considered in this paper can be divided into two main groups by
their feeding methods: i) aerial feeders and ii) gleaners. The aerial feeders are composed of Swifts
and the hirundines whilst the gleaners can be divided into i) Phylloscopus warblers such as
Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, ii) Sylvia warblers such as Garden Warbler and Blackcap and iii)
Acrocephalus warblers such as Reed and Sedge Warbler.
Of the Phylloscopus warblers the Chiffchaff is a short-distance migrant wintering from southern
Britain to north Africa whilst the Willow Warbler is a long-distance migrant wintering south of the
Sahara. A similar situation occurs with the two representatives of the Sylvia warblers with the
Blackcap being a short-distance migrant and the Garden Warbler a long distance migrant. Both
Acrocephalus warblers, the Reed and Sedge Warbler, are long-distance migrants.
Both short-distance migrants, (Chiffchaff and Blackcap), arrived fifteen days later in 2013 than the
2000-2009 ten-year average and it is these two species in particular which were hit the hardest by the
exceptionally cold spring with the total number of birds on passage in 2013 being well below the
totals for 2012 and the 2005-2012 averages. On arrival male Blackcaps showed signs of stress with
some birds singing weakly in shorter phrases or for shorter periods whilst others did not sing at all. A
similar situation occurred with Chiffchaffs but it was less obvious. However, an adult Chiffchaff
trapped on the 26th May, had an underdeveloped cloacal protuberance, low fat and muscle scores and
had a ready ou ted its greater coverts ith ne ones in pin This ack of sexua aturity and the
start of post-nuptial moult indicated that it was not going to breed but was already preparing for its
return migration. The numbers of both long-distance migrants in spring 2013, (Willow Warbler and
Garden Warbler), were significantly higher than the totals for 2012 and the 2005-2012 averages
suggesting that the earlier migrants were held up and arrived together with the later migrants.
Closely-related species such as Sedge and Reed Warblers occupy much the same regions over most of
their ranges in Eurasia and Africa both in breeding and wintering areas. In such species there is
usually a marked difference in habitat or feeding habits. Sedge Warblers typically nest about 30cm
above the ground or water (usually below 50cm) and the nest is well hidden in dense vegetation
whereas Reed Warblers usually nest much higher, about 75cm-80cm above water, and most nests are
in reeds. At Priory Country Park Sedge Warblers return, on average, twelve days before Reed
Warblers and can commence nesting in dense vegetation soon after their arrival whereas Reed
Warblers, even though they arrive later, often have to wait quite a long time for the Phragmites to
grow to a suitable height.
In 2013 the cold spring delayed the growth of Phragmites and by June 1st an estimated 80% of
Phragmites stems around the main lake were only 30cm 40cm tall and the other 20% from 40cm to
60 cm thus not having yet attained a suitable height for Reed Warblers to nest.

Taking into account the poor condition of many of the summer migrants when they arrived it was
expected that the number of territorial males would be significantly lower than average. This turned
out to be not so with the number of territorial males being very similar to the average for each species.
This may be because birds were able to feed up and regain condition to a level suitable for breeding or
because any territories not initially occupied were soon filled by surplus adults or by birds moving
from poorer habitat to prime habitat that was initially left vacant.
The production of young in the summer migrants mentioned in this paper was significantly lower than
in previous years.
In summary, the cold spring of 2013 appears to have affected not only the arrival times of spring
migrants but also had a significant negative effect on the production of young of both long and short
distance migrants.
References:
Kramer, D.

2012

The Timing of post-breeding movements of Blackcaps at Priory Country

Park. Bedfordshire Naturalist, Vol. 66 Part 2 (2011) pp 125 132.

Analysis of Blackbird Ringing Data from Priory Country Park

David Kramer
Between June 1990 and September 2012 Blackbirds were trapped during 427 ringing sessions. The
number of ringing sessions per month during which Blackbirds were caught varied from as low as
twelve during January to as high as seventy-two in August (fig. 1). Over 700 Blackbirds were
140

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

120
100
80
60
40
20
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

Fig. 1 Number of ringing sessions 1990-2012 Fig. 2

Monthly totals of Blackbirds ringed

trapped (fig. 2) of which 681 were sexed. Rather surprisingly, and very conveniently, the number of
new males and females was almost the same (341 males, 340 females). As the distribution of ringing
sessions was not consistent throughout the year I first of all looked at the percentage of each sex in
each month. This clearly indicates that there is a significant difference in the proportion of males
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%

% male Blackbirds

40%

% female Blackbirds

30%
20%
10%
Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

0%

(Fig. 3) Percentage of male and female Blackcaps trapped by month

and females with far more females being trapped during February and October to December (fig. 3).
To try further to eliminate the effect of the inconsistent distribution of ringing sessions I
standardised the results to show the average number of Blackbirds trapped in ten sessions for each
month. This showed an expected (due to the immigration of continental birds) large increase in
Blackbirds trapped during the autumn and a smaller increase in the spring (fig. 4). Analysis by sex
again showed that a very large proportion of birds passing through in autumn were females (fig. 5).

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Fig. 4. Average number of new Blackbirds trapped (males + females) per ten trapping sessions
(427 visits made between June 1990 and September 2012)
25

20

15
Female
Male

10

0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Fig. 5. New male and female Blackbirds trapped standardised to average number per ten
trapping sessions (427 visits made between June 1990 and September 2012)
Chamberlain and Main (in The Migration Atlas, 2002) suggest that, of Blackbirds of continental origin
wintering in Britain and Ireland, an estimated 11.6% were adult males and 16.5% were adult
females. Similarly there was a slightly greater percentage of immature females (12.8% immature
females, 10.5% immature males). Schwabl (1983) found that, in a population in southwestern
Germany, the tendency to migrate increased with age in females but decreased with age in males.
The presence of female continental birds at during spring and autumn passage is also
confirmed by the presence of pale fringes to the breast feathers producing a scalloped pattern. The
presence of a peak in August is most likely due to the presence of a large food supply in the trapping
area in the form of elderberries and blackberries which normally ripen at this time of the year and
are eagerly devoured by Blackbirds and Sylvia warblers.

80
70
60
50
Male

40

Female

30
20
10
0
May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Number of juvenile male and female Blackbirds trapped May to August 1990-2011
Wing lengths
Svensson (1992) gives the wing lengths Blackbirds as 119-138mm in Europe whereas Cramp et al.
(1988) gives the wing length for birds in the breeding season in southern England as adult males:
129-132 mm and adult females: 121-127mm. Wing lengths from the latter source are from a very
small sample size and the measurements seem remarkably small. This may be the result of them
being taken from museum skins. Wing lengths of Swedish birds are given as 126-140mm for males
and 125-131mm for females. It is interesting therefore to see that, in the sample of 681 Blackbirds,
both males and females, trapped at Priory Country Park throughout the year, the range of wing
length was 120mm-144mm (Fig. 6.). (A male trapped on the 27th October 2003 with a wing length of
144mm was double checked as it was well above the expected range.)
The range of wing length for male Blackbirds, (adults and juveniles) was 120mm-144mm, average
132.2mm (sample 341) and 120mm-137mm for females (adults and juveniles), average 128.0mm
(sample 340).
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
119 121 123 125 127 129 131 133 135 137 139 141 143 145

Fig. 6.

Blackbird wing lengths - male and female

80
70
60
50
40

male

30

female

20
10
119
121
123
125
127
129
131
133
135
137
139
141
143
145

Fig. 7. Male and female wing lengths compared

Although the distribution of wing lengths is clearly bimodal (Fig. 7.) there is a significant overlap
making it impossible to use wing length alone to determine sex with any accuracy. There are nine
birds in the Priory C.P. sample (wing lengths 139-144mm), all males, with wing lengths greater than
the highest figure given by Svensson (138mm).
138
136
134
132
Males

130

Females

128
126
124
122
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Fig. 8.

Average wing lengths of both male and female Blackbirds by month

The longer wing lengths from October to March are most probably due to the influence of the arrival
of continental migrants (Fig. 8.) but the average wing lengths during the breeding season would also
be slightly lower due to the presence of young birds whose primaries may not have grown to their
full extent. The most extreme wing lengths were recorded in February/March and
October/November suggesting that these birds may have been continental birds passing through.
What is less easy to explain are wing lengths of male Blackbirds of 140mm and 141mm in May,
140mm in June, 140mm in July and 139 in August. These are outside the extreme length of 138mm
for males given by Svensson. It is possible that, occasionally, a bird which normally would have
returned to Scandinavia to breed has paired with a British female and summered in England. The
only foreign recoveries of Blackbirds trapped at Priory Country Park of which I am aware are a
female, RH75294, wing length 126mm, trapped in January and again in February 1992 at Priory CP

and found dead (hit wires) near Vaxjo, Sweden, on 26th July 1993 and a male, LB05427, which was
originally trapped in December 2009 and was found dead in Soderudden, Finland in late September
2011. This had a wing length of 135mm, both were well inside the normal range.

References:
Schwabl, H. 1983. Expression and significance of the winter strategies in a partially migratory
population of European Blackbirds Turdus merula. Journal fr Ornithologie 124: 101-116.
Svensson, L. 1992. Identification Guide to European Passerines. Svensson, Stockholm.
Wernham, C., M. Toms, J. Marchant, J. Clarke, G. Siriwardena & S. Baillie. 2002. The Migration Atlas.
Poyser, London.

Chiffchaff Races occurrence and identification of extra-limital birds.

Discussion.
David Kramer.
Introduction
The view of the distribution of the races of Chiffchaff before 2000 was, very roughly, that collybita
bred in Britain, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark and the southern part of Sweden and
that abietinus bred in Norway, Sweden (north of the collybita range) and Finland east to the Urals.
There was then a zone of hybridisation (extent not fully established) extending east into a zone of
tristis. Chiffchaffs in the western part of the tristis zone were thought by some to be a separate race
ca ed fulvescens.
Since the early 1990s there has been a fairly rapidly increasing number of Chiffchaffs (P. collybita)
overwintering in Britain, particularly in the southern half of England. Amongst these birds were some
which were thought to belong to P. c. abietinus, others thought to be hybrids and a few thought to be
P. c. tristis. This also fitted the generally held view that, being nearest to Britain, abietinus would be
the most frequent visitors followed by birds from the hybrid zone and with tristis being the rarest.
It became apparent fairly early on that there was some confusion about the identification of the races
collybita, abietinus and tristis. Similarly, where collybita in southwestern France meets ibericus in
north-eastern Spain there is a zone of hybridisation and this again leads to difficulties in identification,
particularly of extra-limital birds.
Before attempting to identify a possible extralimital race of Chiffchaff found in Britain it seems
logical to me that one should compare it with morphological, genetic, vocal and behavioural data from
Chiffchaffs (Phylloscopus collybita) obtained from reasonably sized samples (e.g. twenty-five
and t enty five ) fro various parts of its breeding range. One might expect, for example, that this
data would have been already obtained from sites in northern and central Scandinavia and from sites
across the Soviet Republic, both west and east of the Urals. I have found that this data is very patchy
and largely lacking, at least in sufficient depth and quantity to be helpful. I have been unable so far to
find any fully comprehensive data in British publications.
As this information is not available it seems to me that it would be difficult, using only morphology
and vocalisations, to identify with any certainty the races of Chiffchaffs from any part of the range of
P. collybita across its range from Scandinavia across the Soviet Republic southwards let alone to
identify an extra-limital bird in Britain. A though a paper discussing the identification of Siberian
hiffchaff in Britain (Dean et al 2010) and its identification the criteria for identification of tristis,
fulvescens and abietinus still seem to be lacking certainty although progress is being made. With
current knowledge DNA evidence looks to be essential for identification in most cases.
However, some significant data has become available in recent years (e.g. Marova et al 2009, de
Knijff et al 2012).
Morova et al studied Chiffchaffs in the zone in the southern Ural Mountains where abietinus and
tristis converge. (The zone is said to be only 10 km wide in places.) P. c. abietinus favours broadleaf
woodlands to the west of the zone whilst tristis favours coniferous woodland to the east.

Genetic, morphological and vocal (song) analysis provided strong evidence that intergradations was
occurring, probably mostly with introgression of tristis genes into European abietinus populations.
In attempting to draw conclusions from these recent findings one has to assume that the DNA data is
accurate and that the morphological criteria used for racial identification are correct and have been
correctly applied. On these assumptions I have attempted to draw conclusions from the data supplied
by Marova et al and deKnijff et al, see below.

Summary of data from Marova et al (2009) and deKnijff et al (2012) and my conclusions,
assuming the DNA data is correct and that morphological identification criteria are correct and
have been accurately applied.
(M a) Of 74 birds analysed by Marova et al seven sang like tristis and had a tristis cytb sequence
but showed abietinus morphology.
My Conclusion: Chiffchaffs singing like tristis and with a tristis cytb sequence can look like
abietinus. Or, put the other way round, a bird looking like abietinus may not be one.
(M b) No birds that sang like abietinus and had an abietinus cytb sequence looked unambiguously
like tristis (though one had intermediate morphology).
My Conclusion: Chiffchaffs singing like abietinus and with an abietinus cytb sequence are probably
abietinus.
(M c) One bird which sang and looked like tristis carried abietinus mitDNA.
My Conclusion: Chiffchaffs which sing and look like tristis may be hybrids.
(M d) Seventeen from a total of 37 which had good tristis song showed intermediate or abietinus
morphology.
My Conclusion: Chiffchaffs which have intermediate or abietinus morphology can sing like tristis.
Marova et al (2009) says There is no data to indicate whether this can be extrapolated
to calling autumn migrants but it does suggest that identification based solely on call
should continue to be treated with caution.
In a paper (here quoted from Brit. Birds 2012) concerning migrant Chiffchaffs in the Netherlands
deKnijff et al (2012) described the genetic identity of a sample of 41 migrant Chiffchaffs in the
Netherlands during 2009-11. (I think I right in saying that these hiffchaffs ere chosen for DNA
sequencing because they looked grey.)
(deKn a)
Nine of these were identified as collybita by the ringers and all were found
subsequently to carry collybita cytb sequences, as were two birds identified as collybita/abietinus.
My Conclusion: The ringers were good at identifying collybita in the hand.
(deKn b)
The remaining 30 proved to be carrying tristis cytb DNA sequences.
Significantly, only five of these had been confidently identified as tristis on the basis
of plumage and biometrics. Two had been identified as abietinus/tristis and the

remaining 23 (77%) had all been tentatively identified as abietinus. In fact, no birds
carrying abietinus DNA were found.
My Conclusion: The ringers misidentified 83% of these Chiffchaffs on the basis of plumage.
These data may imply that records committees are applying overly strict criteria for
acceptance of tristis and that many birds being dismissed in the field as abietinus
are in fact tristis.
My Conclusion: The DNA evidence suggests that in this case the ringers were very poor at identifying
both abietinus and tristis in the hand on the basis of morphology (83% wrongly attributed). It seems
that the criteria for identifying abietinus and tristis in the hand are either wrong or difficult to apply.
Perhaps the wrong criteria were applied. Either way the criteria used do not seem to be very useful for
identification in the hand.
An alternative possibility is that the data of the de Knijff et al (2012) support the
observations of Marova et al (2009), i.e. that there is ongoing maternal introgression
of tristis DNA into abietinus populations. If tristis is such a regular migrant to
western Europe, where are all the abietinus?
A similar situation occurs in the zone of overlap between P. ibericus and P. collybita in southwest
France and northeast Spain where significant hybridisation occurs. Many individuals thought to be
pure ibericus or collybita on song and morphology were in fact hybrids and most mixed singers were
genetic hybrids. The mitDNA from two putative extralimital Iberian Chiffchaffs showed that,
although morphologically ibericus one in Sweden sang like ibericus, one in Finland called like
ibericus - both proved to have mitDNA of collybita indicating that they ere hybrid offspring fro
ibericus and collybita.
Summary of Marova et al (2009) and de Knijff et al (2012)
for the identification of extra-limital chiffchaffs.
I.D. criteria
Morphology only

tristis
Could be a hybrid

Vocalisation only

Could be a hybrid
(M d)*

Vocalisation +
morphology

DNA only

Vocalisation + DNA
Vocalisation + DNA +
morphology

*Key:

Could be a hybrid.
(M c)*
One bird which sang and
ooked ike tristis had
abietinus mit DNA
Could be a hybrid.
23/30 with tristis DNA
Had abietinus
morphology. (deKn b)*
Can look like abietinus
(M a)*
Should be tristis.

abietinus
23/23 identified as
abietinus had tristis
DNA.
(deKn b)*

ibericus
Could be a hybrid

Could be a hybrid
?
Could be a hybrid
?

Probably abietinus
(M b)*
Probably abietinus.
(M b)*

(M a) = See above, paragraph labelled (Ma, Mb, Mc etc.) Marova et al.

(deKn b) = see above, paragraph (deKn b, deKn c etc) de Knijff et al 2012

In some papers it is stated that the DNA sequences used for comparison have been obtained from only
one type speci en This see s to be too s a a sa p e to e The type speci en ay a ready have
been a hybrid or may be different from others in the same breeding area.
From the recent work by Marova et al and deKnijff et al, and others it appears that it is
difficult, one might say impossible, to identify any potential extralimital abietinus, tristis or ibericus
with certainty from the morphological and vocal data used alone (as used by Marova et al and
deKnijff et al) and that many giving the impression of being either could be hybrids. DNA data looks
to be essential to come to any conclusion concerning extra-limital races of Chiffchaff with any degree
of certainty. What does seem apparent is that the Chiffchaff (P. collybita) is going through a period of
gene flow and is in a state of flux as a species across its range. Its plumage can be very variable and
can be even ore so hen vie ed under different ight conditions It is a ork in progress and e
are in the stage of gathering evidence and putting forward hypotheses. The stage for certainty and
dogmatism has not yet been attained and it may be many years before it is.

2009
2010
2012
2013

Marova, I. M. et al. Quoted in Dean et al.2010

Dean, A. et al The status in Britain of Siberian hiffchaff Brit. Birds 103, 320-338.
de Kniff, P. et al. Genetic identity of grey chiffchaffs trapped in the Netherlands in autumns
2009-11. Dutch Birding 34, 386-392.
Collinson, J. M. et al. Genetic analysis of migrant Siberian Chiffchaffs in Britain and Ireland.
Brit. Birds 106, 109-13.