ANNUAL REPORT 1984 - HerefordshireBirds · Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and Dipper in the south of the County. A total of2926 birds of46 species have been ringed. This figure constitutes

Herefordshire RADNORSHIRE

OmithologicalClub

ANNUAL REPORT 1984Together with Classified Notes

for Herefordshire and Radnorshire

No. 4 Vol. 4 £2.00

\

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

No. 4 Vo\. 4

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 1984

President.J.t. FOX

i Ice- Presidents:-r.w. HINDE, M.B.O.V., Dr. C.W. WALKER, M.C.

A.G. FYSHE

Chairman',A.J. SMITH

!lot/. Secrela/T:Mrs. J.M. BROMLEY

rhe Garth. Kington. Tel: Kington230S02

!lOll. heaSllrer'-LT. STONE

Chantrics. Cirosmont. Ahcrgavcnny.

Hon. Recorder:A.J. SMITH

Yc\\ rrce Cottage. Holmc Marsh. L)onshal\. Kington.lel: Lyonshall J IX

!iot/. Fie/d Secrelarl':P. GARDNER

Hon. Editor.',A. MARCHANT

1.8. nANSMrs. F.R. FRANCISR. HALLF.W. MARSTONK.A. MASON

EA MORGANc'J. PARRYJ.J. SMITHP. THOMSON

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB RULES

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

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

3. MEMBERSHIP. The Club shall consist of a President, a Chairman, aSecretary, a Field Secretary, a Treasurer, an Editor, a Recorder, and TenCommittee Members and Ordinary Members. The President and the Chairman to retire after serving a term of three years. The Secretaries, theTreasurer, the Recorder and the Editor shall be elected annually. Thethree senior of the ten Ordinary Members of the Committee shall retireannually and they shall not be eligible for re-election for a period of 12months. The Officers and Ordinary Members of the Committee shall beelected at the Annual General Meeting and the Officers shall be eligible forre-election. Nominations for the Committee must be received in writingby the Hon. Secretary by February 14th.

4. CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP. Members shall be required to supportand keep the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Anymembers failing to support and keep this law shall be required to resign.Members shall not divulge to unauthorised persons (e.g. known collectorsof skins and/or eggs) information in a manner likely to be detrimental tothe objects of the Club.

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

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

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

Honorary Members: As approved by the majority present at the AnnualGeneral Meeting.

(b) All subscriptions subsequent to those paid on admission shall be dueon Jan. I st each year. Where a member has been elected on or after 1stSeptember in any year, there will be no further liability to subscribe in theyear immediately following that of his or her election. Any memberwhose subscription is six months in arrears shall cease to receive theClub's publications and, should the subscription not be paid by December31 st, his or her name shall be deleted from the list of Members.

6. MANAGEMENT. The Secretary shall keep Minutes of the Meetings andprepare such literature as shall keep the Members informed of the Club'sactivities.

7. MEETINGS shall be held as often as deemed desirable at the discretion ofthe Officers.

8. REPORT. There shall be an Editorial Committee of at least three Members induding the Secretary, appointed at an ordinary Committee Meeting. These shall prepare and present an Annual Report and such specialreports as may be decided upon.

9. ALTERATIONS OF RULES. An alteration of the Rules may be madeonly if proposed at one meeting. printed on the agenda for the followingmeeting, and passed by a two-thirds majority of those present.

HEREFORDSHIRE OR:"ITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1984 159

THOMAS RONALD AMMONDS

Tom Ammonds diedtragicall)' in a roadaccident in Octoberwhile on his wa)' homefrom a Club meeting atwhich :I presentationhad been made to himto mark his retirementas Chairman after aremarkable 24 years.

1\ bachelor. Tom lived alone in a large old farmhouse. ignoring ageand all crcalUre comforts. Whether primarily a farmer or a naturalistit is difficult to decide. for he entered both activities withundimini!iihcd enthusiasm. As he tended his sheep and Herefordcattle he would note the Kestrels breeding in a box he had put up forthem. and across his land new Ravens to nest in a tree which he hadpersuaded foresters to spare. He was a popular and vociferousmember of the Farmers Union. serving on their committees. and inso doing he funhcred the cause or wildljfe of which he was a sincereand original observer. Each autumn he eagerly awaited the return 01"the Golden Plo\er. a bird which comes in hundreds to the areaaround his home. In spring and summer he was especially interestedin Quail. Nightjar and Reed Warbler.

The Club is particularly saddened that such a tragic e'eOl shouldhappen on the \cry evening whieh celebrated the cnd or his long andunstinting ~cn'ice.

Jo,ephine Bromley

Phmvgraph h l' HllIrteq (~r riit' Hefl'ford 7imi'\

160 HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1984

EDITORIAL

1984 has been a sad year for the Club with the tragic and untimely death,following a road accident in October, of Mr. T.R. (Tom) Ammonds whoseassociation with the Club began in 1952 and who had been its Chairman for24 years until his retirement earlier this year. With his passmg the Club haslost a loyal and devoted servant whose work towards an acceptable balancebetween farming and the conservation of wildlife was well known.

Ornithologically the year has been one of concern over a number of species,particularly the Barn Owl, and also those summer migrants which spend thewinter in the drought stricken regions of Africa. Sand Martins were at an alltime low and several of the warblers were also down in numbers, notablyGrasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat.

There were perhaps fewer 'rarities' this year but the following are worthy ofnote. In January a Kittiwake was seen at Castleton on the 26th and sadlyfound dead there on the 29th. March produced three separate Snow Geese,one at Tidnor on the 5th (staying until April 15th), one at Leintwardine from14th - 17th and one at Castleton on the 24th. A Water Pipit was also seen atCastleton on the 24th and on the 28th a Bittern, long dead, was found atPreston-on-Wye. In April a Smew was on L1an Bwch-L1yn from the 7th14th and on the 24th a male Golden Oriole spent the day at Wigmore Rolls.Although undoubtedly an 'escape' a Ring-necked Parakeet seen in Herefordon August 6th was a first record for the County. An Osprey was seen at MuchMarcle on the 24th and a Wryneck at Canon Pyon Road, Hereford, on thesame date was one of three reported. Manx Shearwaters turn up almostannually in September and this year there was one at L1andrindod Wells onthe Ist. A Ruff was seen on passage at Castleton on the 8th. A second ManxShearwater turned up in early October at Hay-on-Wye and a drake Pintailwas at Stretton Sugwas SP on the 21 st. A duck of this species was seen on theHereford Lugg on Dec. 2nd.

MEMBERSHIP and FINANCES. The Club membership has fallenslightly to around 450 and a statement of the Club's finances will be found atthe end of this Report.

CLUB ACTIVITIES. Club outings were held during the year at Ludlow,Castleton, Hampton Bishop, Moelienydd, Gower Coast, L1anbedr, Fawley,Haugh Wood (twice), Shucknall, Lyonshall Park, Pembrokeshire (Clubweekend), Perrystone Court, Malhollam Farm, Trelleck, Blaen-y-Cwm,Elan Valley, Stretton Sugwas SP, Beacon Hill, Dorstone, Glasbury, ExeEstuary, Olchon Valley, Malvern Hills, Talybont Reservoir and SevernEstuary.

Indoor meetings held in the Percival Hall, Hereford, included a'Members'night', and illustrated talks by Carl Nicholson, 'Mans' Tribute to Birds';W.M. Condry, 'Bluebirds and other Americana'; R.F. Porter, 'TheMigration of Raptors in Europe and the Middle East'; Col. E.R. Gilbert,'Early films of Capt. H.A. Gilbert and Arthur Brook'; Or. J. Raines, 'Birds ofThe Gambia'; J. Lewis, 'Breeding Birds of Scotland'; Or. Colin Bibby, 'TheMerlin in Wales'. Thanks go to all the speakers.

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REI'ORT 1984 161

I he Club once again. as iscustomary.liai~edwith the RSPB in the showingof threc ne" RSPB lilms at the To\\" Hall. Herdord.

ACK:\OWLEDGEMENTS. Thanks are due as usuallO Mr. and Mrs. P.Gardncr for preparing and duplicating the Club Bulletins. to Mr. T. Daviesfor auditing the accounts and to the Editorial Sub-Comminee. Mr. P.W.Hinde. Dr. C.W. Walker. Mr. A.J. Smith and the Secretary for theirassistance and guidance.

The co\er dw\\ ing of Greenshank and the other illustrations which appearin this Report h,nc once again been provided by John Reaney of Brighton towhom the Committee offer their thanks.

Finally thanks go to all those who organised the various Club activities andto all those Members whose contributioll$ have made this Report possible.

A. Marchant


HEREFORDSHIRE AND RADNORSHIRE NATURE TRUST

NEST BOX SCHEME

39 returns were received from the 36 sites covered by the OrnithologicalClub and the results are as follows:-

Pied Flycatcher .Blue Tit .Great Tit ..Marsh Tit.. ..Coal Tit... ..Redstart ..Nuthatch .Wren .Tawny OwL ..Treecreeper .

1984 1983Nests Fledged Nests Fledged

362 1514 271 1118172 1093 212 1400152 828 145 873

8 49 5 417 56 18 141

10 25 10 398 28 12 59I 10 5 34

2 26 I 6

Boxes erected ..Boxes used ..% used ..

Average clutch sizes for Herefordshire sites:-

Blue Tit ..Great Tit .Pied Flycatcher .

1191721

60.62

19848.7

7.866.2

1044681

65.2

198310.88.08

6.2

Again another successful year. There has been an upward trend in the use ofboxes by Pied Flycatchers. this has also been confirmed by the RSPB reserveat Nagshead. Predation was again prevalent on the Newbridge site byWeasels Mustela nivalis.

C.W. Sheldrake

35 Pulli)38 Pulli)

970 Pulli)469 Pulli)375 Pulli)

61 Pulli)

HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT 1984 163

RINGING REPORT FOR 1984

Complete details of their ringing activities in Herefordshire have beensupplied by D.G.B., M.B., S.D.G., A.M., M.J.N., D.P., P.J.P., and S.J.T.Peter Gardner has provided an account of the ringipg at boxes at MaryKnoll, Michael Antcliff at Whitfield and Cathy Moon at Whitney.

During 1984 D.G.B. has been responsible for ringing at Bockleton(Motlin's Hole), Bromyard, Gatley, Mowley, Shobdon and Titley. M.B. hasringed at the sites around and on Wapley Hill (now grouped together),Presteigne (Paradise and Caer Wood) and Yatton (including Aymestrey).M.N. has worked at Wigmore, A.M. has ringed at Moccas Park, D.P. atCourt Wood and Colwall Nest Box Sites, S.J.T. at Llanveinoe and OlchonValley and P.J.P. at Hergest and Park Wood, Kington.

More general ringing has taken place just east of Bromyard (36 species) byS.G.D. and at Kington (16 species) by P.J.P. S.J.T. continues to ringKingfisher, Grey Wagtail and Dipper in the south of the County.

A total of 2926 birds of 46 species have been ringed. This figure constitutes878 FG and 2048 Pulli.

The top 9 species were:

Pied Flycatcher......... 1156 (186 FGBlue Tit 676 (207 FGG~tru................... ~8 (~FG

Nuthatch................... 64 (3 FGGreenfinch 60 (all FG)Coal Tit.................... 42 (7 FGDipper 39 (I FGBlackbird 38 (all FG)Wren......................... 32 (27 FG 5 Pulli)

The following are selected from 'Identified' previously ringed birds of allspecies. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery data on thesecond. Unless otherwise stated all birds were released alive.

M - Male, F - Female, Pul - Nestling, FG - Fully grownAd - Adult, X - Found dead

CHAFFINCH9584948 Ad.M.

X

06.04.82 Kragero, Telemark, Norway.580 53'N., 09° 37'E.

28.03.84 Wharton, Leominster, Herefs.I072Km. 226°

PIED FLYCATCHER

290 Adult birds (l85F, 105 M, 1.8: I) were handled in Herefordshire in 1984of which 186 (116F, 70M. 1.7:1) were newly ringed, and 104 (69F, 35M,2.0: I) had already been ringed in previous years, 91 in Herefordshire, 12elsewhere (Powys 4. Gwent 3, Salop 2, Dyfed I, Glos. I, Devon I) and I ?where. In addition 9 previously ringed Hereford birds were found elsewhere(Salop 3, Gwent 3. Powys 3).


Of the 10 1ringed in Herefordshire and recovered somewhere, 60 had beenringed as Pulli, 40 as Adults and I ?, 2 being ringed in 1979,9 in 1980, 10 in1981, 36 in 1982 and 44 in 1983. Of these 60 Pulli, 24 (15 F, 9M) had returnedto their site of birth, and 36 (25F, 1I M) had moved sites. Of the 40 ringed asAdults, 32 (20F, 12M) had returned to their site of original ringing and 8 (8F,oM) had moved on.

Of 1983 ringed Pulli (a total of 639 from Aymestrey, Court Wood, Yatton,Wapley, Presteigne, Bockleton, Gatley, Hergest, Mary Knoll, Moccas,Mowley, Shobdon, Titley and Wigmore) 20 (l4F, 6M) were found in 1984,arecovery rate of 3.1%

Of 1982 ringed Pulli (828 - see 1983 Ringing Report for localities - 16 foundin 1983) 21 (13 F, 8M) had been found in 1984, giving respective recoveryrates of 1.9% and 2.5%. However of 1984's 21 recoveries, 19 had not beencaught in 1983, so that a 'proper'figure for 1983 would be 35 and not 16. Thisgives a 'safely back in UK' rate of 4.2% for 1982 Pulli.

JR04455 Pul.(M) 16.06.79 Wigmore, Herefs. (M.N.)14.06.84 Wapley, Presteigne (M.B.)

(Wapley '80, '81, '82)

JR64587 Pul.(F) 17.06.79 Mary Knoll, Ludlow (CJ.M.)14.06.84 Mary Knoll (CJ.M.)

(also '80, '82, '83)

JV31270 Ad. F. 05.06.80 Wapley (M. B.)21.05.84 Wapley (M.B.)

(Wapley '81, Mowley '82, '83)

JV31305 Ad.F. 24.05.80 Moccas Park, Herefs. (A.M.)23.05.84 Moccas (A.M.)

(also '81, '83)

JV31478 Ad.F. 01.06.80 Mowley, Kington (D.G.B.)02.06.84 Wigrnore (M.N.)

(Mowley '8 I, Wigmore '82, Ga tley '83)

JV31737 Pul.(M) 05.06.80 G;ltley (D.G.B.)14.06.84 Wigmore (M. N.)

(Wigmore '82)

JV3 19 19 Pul.(F) 14.06.80 Moccas (A.M.)19.05.84 Mowley (D.G.B.)

KX98858 Pul.(M) 17.06.80 Cefnllys, Liandrindod Wens10.06.84 Olchon, Herefs. (S.J.T.)

34Km. 1450

A551856 Pul.(F) 15.06.82 Cwmdu, Powys10.06.84 Olchon (S.J.T.)

12Km.41°


A898556 Pul.(M) 14.06.81 Hurst, Clun, Salop (J.M. & A.F.L.)09.06.84 Park Wood, Kington (P.J.P.)

26Km. 1850

BI15520 Pul.(F) 04.06.82 Llanbedr, Crickhowell, Powys (D.C.P.)12.05.84 Moccas (AM.)

22Km.21°

BI79499 Ad.M. 07.06.82 Llanellen, Abergavenny (P.F.J.P.)08.06.84 Paradise, Presteigne (M.B.)

58Km.6°

B217089 Pul.(M) 08.06.82 Paradise (M.B.)27.05.84 Craven Arms, Salop (J.M. & AF.L.)

23Km.29°

B217096 Pul.(F) 08.06.82 Paradise (M. B.)08.06.84 Fforest Coal Pit, Gwent (D.J.C)

41Km. 1800

B217263 Pul.(F) 11.06.82 Wapley (M.B.)04.06.84 Llandrindod Wells, Rads. (P.J.)

26Km.2700

B217670 Pul.(F) 12.06.83 Moccas (AM.)31.05.84 Pontypool, Gwent (P.F.J.P.)

35Km. 1860

B217709 Pul.(F) 02.06.83 Moccas (AM.)02.06.84 Hurst, Clun (CJ.W.)

39Km. 3550

B217805 Pul.(M) 16.06.83 Wapley (D.G.B.)23.06.84 Bettys Newydd, Usk, Gwent (D.J .C)

57Km. 1790

B220399 Ad.F. 24.05.82 Okehampton, Devon (H.AW.)03.06.84 Mary Knoll (CJ.M.)

199Km.26°

B220662 Pul.(F) 11.06.82 Llangynidr, Powys (P.D.R.)12.05.84 Moccas (A.M.)

32Km.42°

B261804 Pul.(F) 13.06.83 Whitebrook, Gwent (S.J.T.)19.05.84 Whitney, Herefs. (D.G.B.)

48Km. 3270

8261906 Pul.(F) 02.06.82 Whitebrook (S.J.T.)28.05.84 Bockleton (D.G.B.)

56Km.6°B471540 Pul.(F) 14.06.83 Wigrnore (M.N.)

Breeding {27.05.84 Mary Knoll (CJ.M.)24.06.84 Gatley (D.G.B.)


8586351 Pul.(F) I i .06.83 Whitfield (Cl.M.)25.05.84 Yatton (M.B.)

34Km.3600

85865 I I Pul.(F) 04.06.83 Whitney (Cl. M.)Park Wood, Kington (P.l.P.)8Km.200

8620164 Pul.(M) 03.06.83 Wrekin, Salop06.06.84 Wapley (M.8.)

53Km.2100

8664336 Pul.(F) 12.06.83 Llanbedr, Powys (D.CP.)25.05.84 Wigmore (M.N.)

50Km. 16°

8828206 Pul.(F) 05.06.83 Longhope, Glos (S.V.R.G.)Colwall, Herefs. (D.P.)22Km.21°

8839073 Pul.(F) 09.06.83 Park Wood, Kington (P.l.P.)27.05.84 Craven Arms (J.M. & A.F.L.)

29Km.25°

8990180 Ad.F. 12.06.83 Rhandirmwyn, Dyfed (Cl. M.)03.06.84 Mary Knoll (Cl. M.)

77Km.66°

The above 30 recoveries are selected from 113 available. The omitted onesconsist mainly of 1982 and 1983 birds showing little or no site movement,three 1980 birds not moving, and ten 1981 birds showing little or nomovement.

The recoveries generally show greater and more numerous movements intoand out of the area than in previous years, and this is possibly linked with thelate but above average return of many pairs.

Key to InitialsM. 8addeley, D.G. Boddington, D.l. Cooksey, S.G. Dodd, P. lennings,1.M. and A.F. Langford, A. Marchant, Cl. Mead, M.l. Noble, D. Parr,P.F.l. Playford, P.l. Potts, D.C Proll, S.l. Tyler, Cl. Whittle, Severn ValeRinging Group.

D.G.8oddington


COLOUR RINGED BEWICK'S SWANS

During a Club Outing on January 29th, 1984a visit was made to Pwll Pattiwhere two colour ringed Bewick's Swans were noted, one bearing a yellowring YAV on its right leg and the other a white ring SSY on its left leg.Details of these birds were passed to The Wildfowl Trust, Slimbridge byMrs.F.R. Francis and the Trust replied as follows:

'YAV (yellow, right), named BALLET, first wintered at Slimbridge as acygnet in 1980-81, accompanied by his parents and 2 siblings, and was ringedthere on 5.12.80. He was not sighted during 1981-82 but was regularlyobserved at Slimbridge from 18.11.82 - 26.2.83. He arrived there on 16.11.83with his first mate, BALLERINA, and she was ringed on 15.12.83. SSY(white, left), and the pair departed on the same day'.

The pair arrived at Slimbridge at the beginning of the second winter periodthis year but remained for only a short period and they had returned to PwllPatti on December 23rd.

A. Marchant

------


WEATHER NOTES AND OTHER JOTTINGS, 1984

JanuaryJanuary began with rain, sleet, snow and gales, and this weather continued

with very little change until the 17th. A white frost on the 19th heralded acold but sunny day, and the following day was similar. Snow returned bymidnight on the 21 st, and there were further showers over the next few daysuntil a thaw and heavy rain on the 26th produced flooding in some areas.Although the thaw continued, there was still a trace of snow on the highestground as the month ended. Altogether a wet and windy month. Totalprecipitation was about double the average.

A movement of Lapwing from NE to SW on the 24th was an indication ofwintry conditions further north. Sunshine on the 28th encouraged aChaffinch to sing to be joined by a Blackbird on the following day.

FebruaryThe high wind which had been such a feature in much of January occupied

the first 8 days of February. Subsequently the middle of the month was takenup with fog, and there were a number of heavy white frosts between the 13thand 19th. Near unbroken cloud during the final week ended the month on adull note. Rainfall was about the average amount.

When the wind dropped on the 9th and a sunny day ensued, at least 9species of garden birds were to be heard in song. This was the best eveningchorus of the year up to this date.

MarchAlthough the month opened with snow showers and high winds, it was soon

much warmer, and the 5th in particular was pleasantly spring-like. Coolerweather returned with sleet and snow overnight on 10th/11th and it was coldmostly thereafter. There was heavy rain on the 23rd, and a thunderstorm onthe 27th. Rainfall was about average.

The first week saw the return of some Curlews to their breeding groundsnear the river systems, and the birds were singing in upland areas by the 19th.

AprilApril was exceptionally dry, and by the end of the month so were ground

conditions throughout the County. The useful rainfall in December'83 andJanuary was insufficient to make up for the overall deficiency, not least themarked shortfall in November last.

Many summer migrants were slow to arrive, and some had still not arrivedin strength by the end of the month, not least the Swallow tribe.


MayEasterly and northerly winds predominated throughout May, and it was

particularly cold during the second week when a number of frosts at grasslevel were recorded. Although rainfall was about average, there were 19 dayswithout measureable fall, at least in the NW of the County.

Many breeding birds were hit by th~ cold spells, and many Great and BlueTit broods were lost late in the month during the Bank Holiday period.

JuneThere were two wet days during the first week, but the month was largely

rain free thereafter. Thunderstorms in the north of the County on the 7th,16th and 20th failed to produce any significant precipitation. Conditionswere sunny and warm on the 8th, and hot and humid on the 19th, a sign ofthings to come.

Many breeding birds were making up for time lost during the May 'winter',not least the Chaffinch, as mating activity and vigorous song indicated.

JulyThere were some very warm or hot days during July, but the absence of rain

was the most striking feature, and the total was well below average. An earthtremor felt in parts of Herefordshire at 8 a.m. on the 19th was said to be thestrongest in the U. K. since 1884.

Early Black-headed and Common Gulls reappeared in wintering areasexactly on schedule.

AugustThe day temperature was commonly in the 70's and sometimes the 80's

throughout the month. Rain during the first 4days, and particularly over thenight of 3rd/ 4th helped to produce a total approaching average in some partsof the County.

The return passage of summer migrants was by this time very evident, andcertain species, e.g. Whitethroat and Chiffchaff, could be seen where theyhad failed to appear either on spring passage or as breeding birds.

SeptemberAt last the drought was well and truly broken, at first bya storm on the 3rd

and then by a major deluge late on the 13th. The eventual rainfall total wasnear double the average amount. Day temperatures were still high at first,but soon declined as the month advanced.

Tree Pipit passage which had its beginnings in the early August came to anend during the first half of September.


OctoberThe month was quick to show signs of the changing season, and the

temperature on the night of 1st/2nd fell below freezing at grass level.Gale force winds were experienced overnight on 17th/18th, but did not last

more than a day. Rainfall was much lower than the high September total, butstill a little above average for the month.

A marked arrival of Redwings overnight on the 6thj7th was clearlywidespread, and the date is a normal one for a first sighting of the species inmost years, but early birds were already here in September, a little unusualfor our County.

NovemberDespite a couple of white frosts and a number of other occasions when the

temperature fell below freezing at ground level, it was generally a mild andvery wet month. Total rainfall was close to double the average amount.

Although visible bird movement was less evident than usual, it was stillpossible to see small num bers of Lapwing moving west and south, and a fewSkylarks going west - this was most apparent on the 15th.

DecemberDecember was a mild, open month throughout, and there was very little air

frost. Rainfall was close to the average amount.The amount of Woodpigeon activity at potential nesting sites throughout

the whole autumn/ early winter IJeriod was remarkabe. Indeed this activityincreased during December, so that song and display flights became a dailyevent occupying a good number of birds. Whilst la te breeding is by no meansunknown, e.g. young just out of the nest on Boxing Day, the scale of thisyear's activity is unusual.

A.J.S


'A THOUSAND BULLFlNCHIi:S'Five years decoy trapping in a Herefordshire orchard

"Whistles soft his flute-like note". Savage - Wanderer.

The Bullfinch pyrrhula pyrrlwla is a common resident throughoutHerefordshire. It is highly sedentary <\nd seldom travels far from itsbirthplace. Known locally as the 'Whoop' or sometimes 'Tope' it was prizedas a cage-bird and t3ught to whistle simple tunes. The song is not innate inthe Bullfinch the young copying the father's song. Thorpe (1956) slates that aGerman woman taught a Bullfinch to sing 'God save the King', In winter theygather together in small feeding flocks and wander further afield. Bull wrotethat '3 spring rarely passes without an invasion of the City gardens by a Dockof Su Ilfinchcs', Few large nocks have been recorded in the last sixteen years.15 at Leintwardine in Jan. 1969.20 at Monkland in Jan. 1977, and 12 alHolme Lacy in Dec. 1983,

The Bullfinch has been regarded as a pest since the early 16th Century. Inthe reign of Elizabeth I an Act of Parliament was passed in 1566 fordestroying 'noyfull fowles and vcrmyn' and a reward ofone pcnnywasgivenfor 'e\erie Bulfynche or other Byrde that devoureth the blo\\'th of Fruite'. 11is due 10 its attack on fruit buds. particularly in winter and spring. that theBullfinch has been removed from the protected bird list and can be trappedor ilhot in certain fruit growing counties. includ ing Herefordshire. The budsof apple. pear. plum. damson. cherry, gooseberry and currant are liable toattack but only if its preferred seed crop. ashFra:rinus.birch Betula. and alderAlnus. fails. Its food intake is seasonal. Insects 10 early summer. weed seedsfrom early June, berries and seeds in autumn and winter and as the supply ofberries and seeds dinunishes lhey feed on buds in late winter and spring. It isestimated that in a poor year(1ittle or no ash crop)on Iy 30-40% of Bullfinchessur.. ive the winter and that young birds suffer the greatest losses. In a goodyear (ample ash crop) little or no damage is done to fruit trees although many


growers believe that young birds, taught by their parents to eat fruit buds III

their first winter, will choose fruit buds in preference to available wild seed insucceeding winters.

3km

Map of area showing suitable habitat forhigh population of Bullfinches.

Key:X - Decoy traps.Area other than orchard and woodlandis farm fields with numerous hedges.Road is hedged on both sides.

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This account is concerned with a small, approximately 10 acre, appleorchard in Herefordshire over a period of five years. In this orchard thegreatest damage is done to Cox's, the buds of these being more nutritiousthan most apples. It has been shown that Bullfinches gain weight on Coxbuds but lose weight on Worcesters. James Grieve, Lord Lambourne,Scarlet Pimpernel and Greensleves are also highly susceptible to attack.Most damage is done from February to April but buds of Scarlet Pimpernelmay be taken earlier.

The Bullfinch breeds late and has no definite territory. It has a longbreeding season, the first eggs are laid about the third week of April andbreeding continues to the end of August and sometimes into September. Thepeak laying period is late May with a 13-14 days incubation period. The firstyoung are fed in early June to coincide with the availability ofweed seed. Theyoung leave the nest 12 to 18 days after hatching. It has been shown that as aresult of breeding the Bullfinch population more than trebles in the periodfrom April to October.

Graph shOWing possible increase in Bullfinch population April-September


The number of breeding pairs in spring is determined by the type ofhabitatand the availability of nesting places. It was estimated that the study area of9km2 had a density of 60-90 pairs, (7-10 pairs per km2). Newton found 50pairs per km2 in favoured areas in Oxfordshire.

The most common method of trapping is the Call Bird Cage developed byLoddington Farm, Kent. These are small wooden cages with a compartmentfor the call bird, a close ringed male or female Bullfinch bred in captivity,with an upper entrance for the victims whose weight on a perch with asensitive trip mechanism effectively closes the trap. Birds are attractive bythe short, plaintive piping 'deu' or 'deu-deu' call which can be heard from agreat distance. It is interesting to note that authorities differ on this point:"The thin, piping call note is distinctive but does not carry very far".Sharrock J976. "Call note is a low piping 'deu or 'deu-deu'with considerablecarrying power". Hollom J975. Other species of birds are frequently trappedand these are released without harm. The Dunnock Prunella modularis is themost frequently caught followed by the Wren Troglodytes troglodytes,Robin Erithacus rubecula, Greenfinch Carduelis chloris and GoldfinchCarduelis carduelis. The only other animal caught was a Grass Snake Natrixnatrix which swallowed the call bird whole.

40

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Graph showing number of Bullfinches caught in first year compared to the averagenumber caught in five years. The pattern is virtually the same for each year.

Three decoy traps are used, these are sited roughly equidistant apart closeto the boundary edge. Most damage occurs to buds on trees on the outerrows of the orchard especially if they adjoin coppice or woodland. Themonthly trapping figures of Bullfinches caught over the five year period areas follows:-

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total Ave.Jan. 9 10 6 10 8 43 8.6Feb. 10 8 3 8 7 36 7.2March 4 4 0 2 3 13 2.6April 4 5 I 3 5 18 3.6Mav II 10 2 9 9 41 8.2./un'e 12 15 10 15 16 68 13.6


1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total Ave.

July 15 24 14 15 20 88 17.6Aug. 15 26 16 16 22 95 19.0Sept. 20 30 20 18 24 Il2 22.4Oct. 25 42 24 30 25 146 29.2Nov. 40 52 34 44 30 200 40.0Dec. 35 34 20 30 21 140 28.0Total 200 260 150 200 190 1000 200.0

Most growers firmly believe that trapping controls the numbers ofBullfinches and considerably reduces the damage done to fruit trees. There isno doubt that considerable damage can be caused. A single Bullfinch can eatbetween 10 and 45 buds a minute. The use ofcall birds catches mainly youngbirds. Adult birds are caught but despite the huge numbers of birds trappedthe overall population appears to remain constant. It is difficult to assess thereduction in crop yield due to Bullfinch damage. In years of poor ash croprows of trees on the edge of the orchard can be severely depleted but thedamage is far less or none at all in the inner rows. Often trees need to bethinned of fruit and the grower will remove fruit so as to obtain larger andbetter quality fruit. A tree can only carry an optimum amount of fruit andwill often shed its surplus fruit in June. It is possible that in most years thedamage done by Bullfinches resulting in low yield is overestimated but it isdifficult to convince a grower that Bullfinch trapping is unnecessary at allmonths of the year and every year. It has been suggested that in areas of highBullfinch population control is best effected by autumn trapping and the useof a deterrent spray during winter while in areas of low Bullfinch populationthe use of deterrent spray alone is sufficient to protect the buds. Althoughdeterrent sprays are still used to a certain extent many growers feel that theyseldom prevent damage, the Bullfinch, disregarding the white layer of spray,cuts off the outer part ofthe bud eating only the nutritious embryonic flower.It is this method of eating that gives the false impression that Bullfinchesdestroy more buds than they eat.

In its favour the Bullfinch, for a great part of the year, consumes vastnumbers of injurious weed seeds. Unfortunately its consumption of thelarvae of the winter moth, which is harmful to apple trees, is insufficient tocounteract the damage done to those trees. It is pleasing to note that despitethis tremendous persecution, the Bullfinch is still abundant.

ReferencesBannerman & Lodge. Birds of the British Isles V01. I. 1953Bull. H.G. Birds of Herefordshire. J888.Mr. & Mrs. Champion, Champion Apples.Hollom, P.A.D. The Popular Handbook of British Birds. 1975.Murton. R. K. Man and Birds. Collins 1971.May & Baker. Top Fruit Notes.Newton, l. The Diet and Feeding Habits of the Bullfinch. Bird Study Vol. 7 No.1 March 1960.Sharrock. l.T.R. Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain & Ireland. 1976:Welty. l.C. The Life of Birds. 1964.

l.B. Evans

December 1984.


CLASSIFIED NOTES

The list follows the sequence and nomenclature of Prof. K.H. Voous (1977,List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species) as published in the 'British Birds"'Listof birds of the Western Palearctic" 1978. Prefixes Hand R refer toHerefordshire and Radnorshire. CO denotes Club Outing, GP =gravel pits,S P = sand pits. Square brackets denote' a need for confirmation. Largenumbers are generally approximations.

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis.H. Breeding confirmed at Ashton (per FRF), Aymestrey Pools, three pairs(FWM), Hampton Bishop (JLF), Pencoyd Pools near Ross-on-Wye (PJK),Staunton-on-Arrow (JMB) and Stretton Sugwas SP (FWM).

R. Single pairs probably bred at Knill Pool, Llyn Hilyn, Park Farm,Moelienydd, Pencerrig Lake and Womaston Pool (M FP). Two youngreared at Dolymynach (DWL).

Recorded from a further 13 localities within the Club area. Maxima were:Castleton, three on Jan. 28th, eight on March 3rd, six on Oct. 14th; Llyngwyn, Oct. 15th, three; Evenjobb, Dec. 27th, four.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus.H. Jan. 29th, Bodenham GP, two (G. & J.G.); Shobdon, Feb. 11th, pairdisplaying, April 21st, pair with four young, April 27th, one juvenile onlyremaining; April 21st, Eywood, pair (JLF); June 25th, Mynd Pool, nearWormelow, pair (PJ K); July 24th-28th, Hampton Bishop, one immature onWye and a single adult there on Nov. 4th (JLF).

R. Llandrindod Lake. Single noted mid-Jan. March 30th, pair with nest andtwo young noted from May 16th onwards. Second pair present from May8th-16th but did not breed. Last noted Dec. 12th (MFP).

Llan Bwch-Llyn. Single noted mid-Jan. Feb. 26th, pair displaying (G. &J .G.), April 8th, four pairs (AM), April 24th, four (JLF), Aug. 30th, fouradults and four juveniles (DWL).

Glan Llyn. March 25th, pair (DWL), June 10th, one (lBE), July 3rd, oneimmature (MFP).Caban Coch, three on Feb. 16th and a single on Aug. 8th (DWL); Llyngwyn, May 3rd, one (MFP).

MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus.H. Early Oct., Hay-on-Wye, one found by Mr. Price of Clifford was caredfor by the Price family and later released (per TRA).R. Sept. 1st, Llandrindod, an exhausted bird flew into a window and laterdied (K. Joynes per MFP).


CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo.H. Recorded at ten localities along the Wye during the periods Jan. - Apriland Aug. - Dec. The Carey Islands roost held 15 birds on April 2nd and c50birds during Dec. (KAM). Other large counts were: Jan. 10th, Sink Green,II (JLF); Jan. 28th, Castleton, six (AJS); Jan. 29th, Letton, seven (CO);March 20th, Hampton Bishop, six (JLF); Sept 8th - 15th, Castleton, min.eight (AM et al); Sept. 15th, Hampton Bishop, five (JLF); Oct. 20th,Castleton, six (KAM); Oct. 22nd, Ballingham, six (WOO). Two were notedover the Lugg near Hereford on Dec. 7th and a single on Dec. 12th (DP).

R. Recorded Jan. - April from Boughrood, Caban Coch (MFP), ElanValley, max. six (OWL), Llandrindod, Llyn-gwyn and Penmincae Wye,max. three (MFP). Aug. - Sept., Elan Valley, two (OWL).

BITTERN Botaurus stellaris.

H. [At the turn of the year one was observed flying over Tupsley, Herefordby Mr. W. Blench (per FRF)]. March 28th, Preston-on-Wye, remains of oneapparently dead for some weeks found by Mr. M. Stephenson (per JLF).

HERON Ardea cinerea.H. and R. Widely reported throughout the year from both Counties. Theheronry counts are as follows: H. Berrington 42 (49); Bredwardine 22 (12);Foy 2 (2); Leach Pool3 (5). R. Cefndyrys 18 (10); Penybont 7 (6); Rhayader 0(2). Figures in brackets indicate 1983 counts. May have also bred atAbbeycwmhir (MFP). (Last bred here in 1960. Ed.).

MUTE SWAN Cygnus oler.H. and R. Records are numerous throughout the year and breedingconfirmed at Bishopstone, Breinton, two pairs, Boughrood - Glasbury, threepairs, Builth, Hoarwithy, Kenchester, Llowes, Mynd Pool near Wormelowand Pwll Patti. Some larger counts were: Jan. 7th, Glasbury, 13 (MFP); Jan.29th, Castleton, 31 (CO); Feb. 7th, Clifford - Letton Wye, 44 (AAS); Feb.24th, Lugg meadows, 15 (IBE); March 3rd, Castleton, 25 (AJS); April 16th,Sink Green, 17 (JLF); April 23rd, Castleton, 19 (AM); Aug. 18th, Bronydd,25 (MFP); Aug. 26th, Kings Caple, 10 (WOO); Sept. 15th, Castleton, 8adults and 13 juveniles (AM); Sept. 18th, Wilton, 12; Oct. 9th, Ballingham,10 (WOO); Dec. 5th, Glasbury area, 13 adults and eight immature (AJS);Dec. 8th, Sellack, 13 (WOO); Dec. 23rd, Clifford, 19 (AM).

BEWICK'S SWAN Cygnus columbianus.H. Jan. 29th, Castleton, three (CO).

R. Pwll Patti, Jan. 7th - 29th, max. five including two ringed adults on 29th(AM et al). Nov. 18th - Dec. 23rd, max 20 including the return of the tworinged birds seen on Jan. 29th (AM et al). For details of the two ringed birdssee page 167 Ed.


WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus.H. Feb. 5th, Hereford Lugg, two (DP).

R. Jan. 13th, Llyn-gwyn, three adults (M FP); Jan. 28th/29th, Pwll Patti,two adults and two juveniles (AM); April 8th, Glan Llyn, eight (IBE); Nov.25th, Pwll Patti, three adults and one juvenile and four adults and twojuveniles at Clyro on the same date (AM/ JLF); Dec. 5th, Pwll Patti, SIX

including two immature (AJS).

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrans.H. Feb. 10th, Clifford, six (AAS).

GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser.H. April 21st, Shobdon, one free flying bird (JLF).

SNOW GOOSE Anser caerulescens.H. March 5th - April 15th, Tidnor (Lower Lugg meadows), one (JLF et at);March 14th-17th, Leintwardine, a single bird ofthe race A.c. atlanticus(Greater Snow Goose) in with flock of Canada Geese (FWM et at); March24th, Castleton, one in company with three Mute Swans - a confiding bird(AJS).There is a sizable flock of free flying birds at Slimbridge and all three recordsmay well refer to escapes from this flock. The only previous record is oftwoseen flying north over Shelwick in January 1937 by CWW which werepresumed to be escapes. Ed.

CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis.H. Breeding noted at Frome Court (DP), Gatley Park (FRF), Kenchester (G.& J.G.), Madley (MB) and Moccas (AM), and small numbers reportedthroughout the year from Broomy Pool, Burghill, Castleton, HamptonBishop, Holme Lacy, Sink Green and Tillington. The only large counts were:Aug. 23rd, Eywood, 105 (JLF); Oct. 17th, Holme Marsh, c70 in flight (AJS).

R. Jan, Evenjobb, 22 and Penybont, one. March, Penybont, max. seVt;u(MFP); April 3rd, Llyn Hilyn, one (HTR); May 7th, Llandrindod, three;June 2nd, Llyn Hilyn. two; June 12th, Penybont, three adults and twogoslings and a single adult there on Nov. 1st (MFP).

BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucapsis.H. March 17th. Leintwardine, one with yellow leg ring seen in company withSnow Goose (FWM AM); Aug. 23rd, Eywood, one with Canada Geese(J LF). Both records undoubtedly refer to escaped captive birds.


WIGEON Anas penelope.H. Castleton, Jan. 16th, 14 (CJP/BC). Jan. 28th, nine (CO), March 3rd, c25,March 24th, eight (AJS), Dec. 16th, 18 (AM). Feb. 5th, Bredwardine, 12including nine drakes (AAS); Feb. 24th, Sink Green, 15 (JLF); March 26th,Kenchester, two (G. & J.G.).

A poor year for records with no reports from Radnorshire. Ed.

GADWALL Anas strepera.H. Jan. 21st, near Linton, Ross-on-Wye, SO, and two on Wye at Fawley onthe same date (FRF). April 15th, Kings Caple, pair (KAM).

TEAL Anas crecca.H. Jan.-May, the larger counts were: Jan. 4th, Sink Green, 54 (JLF); Jan.26th, Castleton, 23 (CJP/BC); Feb. 5th, Lugg meadows, 200 (DP); Feb.17th, Sink Green, c70 (JLF); March 5th, Kenchester, 13 (G. & J .G.); MarchII th Sink Green, c20 (JLF); March 24th, Castleton, 15 (AJS). Other recordsinvolving less than ten birds come from Bishopstone area, Bredwardine,Eywood and Moccas. Breeding noted at Kenchester and Lugg meadows.Aug. - Dec., Sink Green, small numbers noted with max. 21 flying south onDec. 12th (JLF). Stretton Sugwas SP, 10+ on Aug. 29th and small flockpresent to end of year (FWM).

R. Jan., a total of 142 noted from eight sites during Wildfowl Census withmaxima 32 at Penyclawdd on 6th and 60 at Pwll Patti on 7th (MFP); Feb.22nd Moelienydd, 13 (AJS); April 1st, Pwll Patti, ten (G. & J.G.); April 19th,seven at Moelienydd, two pairs at Penyclawdd and one pair on Pool Hill(MFP); June 7th, Llanwefr Pool, two drakes (PJCj PGF); Aug. 4th, BeaconHill, pair with young on Mawn Pool(CO); Aug. 9th, Cefn Pool, seven andten at Llyndwr Hill on the same date (MFP); Sept. 8th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, ten(CO); Oct. 23rd, St. Michael's Pool, nine (MFP); act. 27th, Llyn Hilyn, c20(HTR); Dec. 4th, Newbridge Bog, 13 (MFP); Dec. 5th, Pwll Patti, c30(AJS); Dec. 6th, Penybont Lake, 20 (MFP); Dec. 18th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, ten(DP); Dec. 27th, Llyn Hilyn, five (MFP).

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos.H. and R. A common resident, breeding in both Counties. During theWildfowl Census in January in Radnorshire a total of 390 were noted fromten sites with a maxima of 180 at Glasbury and 102 at Llandrindod Lake(MFP). Other large counts were: Jan. 21st, near Linton, Ross-on-Wye, 94(FRF); Jan. 28th, Pwll Patti, 50+ (AM); July 3rd, Glan Llyn, 30; Sept. 22nd,Glasbury, c220 (MFP); act. 27th, Llyn Hilyn, c30 (HTR); Dec. 5th,Pencerrig, 70; Dec. 12th, Llandrindod Lake, 70; Dec. 27th, Knill Pool, 50+(MFP).

PINTAIL Anas acuta.

H. Oct. 21st, Stretton Sugwas SP, a male(FWM); Dec. 2nd, Hereford Lugg,a female.(DP).

SHOVELER Anas clypeata.H. Jan. 21st, near Linton, Ross-on-Wye, pair (FRF); April 1st,Bredwardine, one and a pair at Kenchester on April 9th (G. & J.G.).


POCHARD Anas ferina.H. Feb. 19th, Hampton Bishop, three (JLF); March 10th, Broomy Pool,pair (PJK); March II th, Bredwardine Pool, two, four there on April Ist andnoted there on Nov. 18th (G. & J.G.); Nov. 29th, Hampton Bishop, two(JLF).R. Jan. 2nd, Hindwell, one (CJP); Jan. 7th, Evenjobb, a male; Jan. 14th,Caban Coch, a male (M FP); Jan. 24th, Hindwell, one (CJP); Feb. 29th, LlanBwch-Llyn, seven (AJS); max. four seen at Dolymynach throughout firstwinter period (OWL); April Ist, Pwll Patti, pair (G. & J.G.); April 7th/8th,Llan Bwch-Llyn, two (MFP et al); Dec. 3rd, Llandrindod Lake, a singlefemale (MFP).

TUFTED DUCK Anas fuligulaH. Successful breeding noted at Ashton, Broomy Court Lake, Moccas andStretton Sugwas SP and pairs noted immediately prior to and during thebreeding season at Brockhampton, Kenchester,Perrystone Court, Shobdonand St. Weonards. Other records come from Bodenham GP, Bredwardineand Hampton Bishop.R. Records are numerous and come from Evenjobb, Hindwell, max. ten onJan. 7th, Knill (MFP), Llan Bwch-Llyn, max. lOO on Sept. 8th (CO),Llandrindod (MFP), Llyn Hilyn(HTRet al), Pencerrig, max. 120n May 9thand at least one pair bred, Penybont (MFP) and Pwll Patti (AM).

COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra.R. Aug. 8th, Caban Coch, one (OWL).

GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula

H. Jan. 26th, Castleton, a pair (CJP / BC), 21 there on Jan. 28th (AJS's) andeight onJan. 29th (CO); Nov. 6th, Hampton Bishop, a male (JLF); Dec. 2nd,Hereford Lugg, a female (DP); Dec. 16th, Castleton, eight (AM).

R. Max. eight seen at Dolymynach during first winter period (OWL). A totalof I I recorded from four sites during January with max. five at Glasbury andfour at Caban Coch (M FP). Single drakes noted at Llan Bwch-Llyn on Jan.7th (DP) and Pwll Patti on Jan. 28th/29th (AM et al). March 1st, Llyngwyn, a single 'brownhead' (MFP); April 7th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, two'brownheads' (CO).

SMEW Mergus albel/us

R. April 7th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, a single 'redhead' was considered to be a latefirst winter male (CO). Still present on April 14th (FWM).


GOOSANDER Mergus merganserH. Records from the Wye are as follows: Castleton, Jan. 26th-29th, max nine(CJP et al), March 24th, 18 (AJS's), April 21st, a drake, April 23rd, a drakeand 12 'redheads'. Post-breeding passage first noted Aug. 27th when a single'redhead' seen. Sept 8th, 34 'redheads' (reduced to a single on 9th) (AM), Oct.14th-20th, max. 18 (KAM), Dec. 16th, five drakes and three 'redheads'(AM). Sink Green, single drakes on Jan. 7th, Jan. 25th and April 1st-5th(JLF), Jan. 29th, Letton, two (CO), Feb. 3rd, Breinton, a drake (AAS), Feb.18th, Whitney, three (AJS's), Aug. 25th, Hampton Bishop, five includingone drake (JLF). The only other record came from Criftin Ford where fourseen on April 24th (FWM/ AM).

R. Jan. 13th, Llyn-Gwyn, eight (MFP); Jan. 15th, Wye near Llyswen, sixand 15 there on Jan. 28th (AM); Feb. IIth, Elan, 12 (lBE); Feb. 22nd,Llanbadarn Fynydd, one on the Ithon (MFP); Feb. 29th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, adrake and a 'redhead' (AJS's); March 25th, Caban Coch, six drakes and sixfemales (OWL); April 8th, Elan, 17 (lBE); May 6th, Shaky Bridge, a drake(GS); May 12th, Boughrood, six on Wye; May 24th, two 'redheads' on Wyenear Doldowlod (MFP); June 10th, Elan, female with seven juveniles and afemale with I I juveniles (lBE); June 14th, near Brynthomas, one (MFP).One pair known to have bred on the Wye near Newbridge (Steve Ormerodper MFP). July 1st, Elan, 16, mostly juveniles (CO); July 7th, near Erwood,five; Sept. 22nd, Wye near Boughrood, four 'redheads' (MFP); Oct. 30th,Elan, one (HTR); Dec. 10th, Llandrindod, a drake - joined by a duck on 12th(MFP); Dec. 18th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, one 'redhead' (DP); Dec. 27th, BuilthWells, a drake (MFP).

RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis.H. Shobdon, a single drake on April 21st and 27th (JLF); Eywood, twodrakes on May 4th (AJS's) and a single drake there on June 3rd (CO).

Records of males continue to predominate. Ed.

RED KITE Milvus milvus.R. Recorded throughout the year from the usual areas.

GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis.H. There are two records of single birds, both in the autumn.

SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus.H. and R. Recorded throughout the year from 50 localities widelydistributed over both Counties. The majority of sightings are of single birdsbut the total of birds seen suggests that this species is continuing to do well.

BUZZARD Ruteo buteo.H. and R. As with the previous species records are numerous and a goodbreeding season reported. Herefordshire records are predominantlydistributed to the west of a line passing through Leominster, Hereford andRoss-on-Wye. Radnorshire records are widely distributed over the whole of


the County. DP recorded the following: Radnor Forest to Painscastle,March 5th-30th, 16 in 9 man/ hours, April-June, 69 in 55Y2 man/hours andJuly, 12 in 10Y2 man/ hours. Other large counts were: Jan. 6th, Penyclawdd,six (MFP); Jan. 20th, Yazor area, four soaring; March 1st, Holme Marsh,four (AJS); March 10th, Llanbister Road, six (MFP); March 24th,Peterchurch, seven (lBE); April 13th, Eastnor, five (DP); April 14th,Llanbedr, five (AM); early July, Rhayader, six (DWL); Sept. 8th, LlanBwch-Llyn, min. four (CO); Oct. 23rd, Llangunllo, ten (MFP).

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus.H. Aug. 24th, Much Marcle, one (Vice-Admiral Sir E. Kyrle-Pope et ai, perFRF). FRF reports seeing this bird 2 or 3 days later near her home at SollersHope.

KESTREL Falco tinnunculus.H. and R. Breeding noted at Aberedw, three young (DP); Aymestrey(FWM); Eastnor, two young and Ffymnonau, two young (DP). Reportedthroughout the year from both Counties and remains generally widespread.

MERLIN Falco columbarius.H. Oct. 14th, West Herefordshire, one. There is one other undated record.

R. There are three records - a single bird in summer and a pair and a singlebird in autumn.

HOBBY Falco subbuteo.H. Two single birds seen in the north of the County in August. Breedingreported from one site.

PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus.H. The breeding pair from the well publicised site at Symonds Vat seenregularly around that area during the year and there are ten other recordsfrom six localities - two in Ist winter / srring period and eight in autumn/2ndwinter period.

R. There are 16 records from eight localities. One pair known to have beenrobbed of eggs. A male seen to take House Martin or Swallow from justabove water level of small pool (PJe! PGF).

RED GROUSE LafSopus lagopus.H. Olchon, two on Jan. 21st (DP). three on Feb. 23rd (lBE) and three onAug. 6th (DP).

R. Jan. 6th, Pool Hill, two pairs (M FP); Llanbedr. nine on Feb. II th (AM).three on March 5th (DP) and max. four there in April/ May (AM et all;March 5th, Colva, six; March 24th, Bache Hill. one; April 10th.Gwauncestre Hill, four; May 2nd. Black Mixen, female on eggs (DP); Aug.4th. Beacon Hill, ten (CO); Aug. 6th, Red Daren, four and two at Llanbedron Nov. 3rd (DP).


RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa.H. Records come from Aconbury, Ballingham, Burghill, Common Hill,Eastnor, Fawley, Hampton Bishop, Holme Marsh, Kenchester, Luggmeadows near Hereford, Wapley and Wormbridge. All records are of lessthan ten birds except for 18 at Hampton Bishop on Oct. 22nd (JLF) and tenat Aconbury on Dec. 25th (lBE).

R. Oct., recorded regularly to west of New Radnor (HTR); Dec. 27th, FourStones. nine (M FP).

GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix.H. Reported throughout the year with records from Backney. Bradnor GolfCourse. Brilley, Common Hill. Donnington. Eardisley, Fawley, FromesHill, Harewood End, Holme Marsh. Llanwarne (max. 26). Lower Lugg(max. 20), Lugwardine. Mathon (10+). Munsley. Rattle Hill, St. Owen'sCross, Sollers Hope (max. 14), Stansbatch (covey of ten), Staunton-onArrow (coveys of seven and nine) and Welsh Newton.

A much better year for records and apparently a good breeding season. Ed.

R. June 16th. Penyclawdd, two (MFP).

QUAIL Coturnix coturnix.R. June 8th, Bryngwj1n, one calling at dusk (PJCj PGF).

PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus.H. and R. A common resident. breeding in both Counties.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus.H. Aymestrey, present throughout the year and pair observed mating but nosubsequent evidence of breeding (FWM).

R. June 8th. Rhosgoch. one (PJC/PGF); Newbridge Bog, one calling atdusk on Nov. 16th and Dec. 4th (MFP).

MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus.

H. Breeding noted at Ashton and Michaelchurch and birds reported fromBredwardine. Bridstow. Brockhampton. Fawley. Leintwardine. LowerLugg. Moccas. Pencoyd Pools where seen regularly and 14+ noted on Sept.14th (PJK). Rotherwas. Shobdon. ten on Feb. 26th (G. & J.G.) and Trctirc.

R. MFP reports 'Max. 10 at Hindwell on Jan. 7th and a widespread breeder.most common in cast of County'.

COOT Fulica alra.H. Breeding confirmed at Ashton. Aymestrey. Kenchester, Michaelchurch.Moccas. Mynd Pool and Stretton Sugwas S P. Noted throughout the year atBredwardine. Brockhampton. Broomy PooL Carey Wye. Eywood (max. 48on Jan. 23rd). Madley and Wormelow.


R. 105 counted from eight sites during Wildfowl Census in Jan. (MFP). Jan.9th, Llyn Hilyn, 41 (AJS) and c20 there on Jan. 24th (CJ P); Jan. 28th, PwllPatti, 12 (AM). MFP reports 'A poor breeding season with only smallbroods noted, possibly due to drought. Only six young in flock on 40 birds atLlyn Hilyn on July 23rd and pair with two young at Knill on the same date'.Breeding pairs noted at Dolymynach and Glan Llyn (OWL). Oct.-Dec.,recorded at Evenjobb, Hindwell, Knill, Llyn Hilyn, Park Farm, Moelienyddand Pencerrig.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius.

H. April 14th, Bishopstone area, one (AAS). North-west Herefordshire,pair on April 19th, two males on April 30th and a single on June 23rd.

No breeding record in 1984 which, although disappointing after twosuccessful breeding years 1982 & '83, is not unexpected since there is, as yet,no regular appearance of passage birds at potential breeding sites. Ed.

GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria.

H. Jan. 4th, Mordiford, one (JVF); Jan. 21st, Madley, 50 (!BE); Jan. 22nd,Westhope Hill, c60 flying west (KAM et at) and three at Tretire on the samedate - the first winter in which this species has been noted in the area (WOO);Jan. 25th, Mordiford, 16 (JLF); Jan. 28th, Castleton, c30 in flight withLapwings (AJS) and two at Letton on the same date (lBE); Jan. 29th,Castleton, nine in flight (CO); Feb. 11th, Shobdon, cl50 (JLF); Feb. 18th,Tretire, 28 (WOO).

R. March 10th, Moelienydd, six (CO); May 4th, Radnor Forest, singlecalling (AAS); Dec. 27th, Four Stones, 20 (MFP).

A very poor year for records with a considerable drop in numbers comparedwith 1983 and no autumn/2nd winter period records for Herefordshire. Ed.

LAPWING Vanellus vanellus.

'- ''-'\' \ \ \ I I

H. and R. Reported throughout the year and a slight decrease in the numberof breeding pairs noted. The bulk of the breeding records continue to comefrom Radnorshire where MFP located 103 pairs (130 pairs located in 1981).with small numbers only breeding in Herefordshire. Weather movementnoted bv AJS at Holme Marsh when c200 birds to south-west on Jan. 24thand high flying birds to north-east on Feb. 10th. As usual some large flocks


were noted during the winter, late summer and autumn. Maxima were: Jan.1st, Llanwarne, c300 (PJK); Jan. 25th, Hampton Bishop, 250 (JLF); Jan.28th, Letton, c700 (lBE); Jan. - early Feb., Lugg meadows, 2-3000 (CWW);Feb. 11 th, Shobdon, c200 (J LF); Feb. 18th, Tretire, c200 (WOO); Feb. 24th,Lugg meadows, 500 (IBE); Feb. 27th, Hampton Bishop, c400 (JLF); March18th, Llanwarne, c300 (WOO); July 10th, Hampton Bishop, c350 (JLF);Castleton, July 14th-Aug. 12th, max. 400 (AM); Aug. 22nd, Boughrood,c300 (MFP); Sept. 1st, Wilton, cl50 (WOO); Nov. 22nd, Lugg meadows,cl 000 (I BE); Dec. 2nd, Hereford Lugg, c600 to north (0 P); Dec. 26th,Llanwarne, c300 (PJK); Dec. 27th, Four Stones, c200 (MFP).

DUNLIN Ca/idris a/pina.H. April 21st, Castleton, one (AM); Aug. 21st, Sink Green, three (JLF).

RUFF Philomachus pugnax.H. Sept. 8th, Castleton, one (AM).

JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus.H. Singles at Mathon SP on Jan. 8th and Nov. 1st (DP).

R. April 10th, Llyn-y-Waun, one (DP).

SNIPE Gallinago gallinago.H. The only large counts were from Castleton where 39 seen on Jan. 26th(CJP / BC), 13 on Jan. 28th (AJS's) and 12 on Dec. 16th (AM). Records of 110 birds come from Hampton Bishop. Holme Marsh. Kenchester.Llanwarne. Sink Green, Sutton Lakes, Three Ashes and Tretire.

R. Jan. 7th, Glasbury. 32 (MFP). MFP reports 'A poor breeding seasonwith few birds seen in autumn and second winter period'. Records of 1-7birds come from Builth. Carneddau, Cefn Pool, Coxhead Bank, DisgwlfaHill, Four Stones, Glasbury, Glascwm. Ireland, Kesty. Llyn-dwr Hill, LlynHilyn. Lundy, Moelienydd. Newbridge, ~ewchurch. Penybont Common,Rhosgoch Common and St. Michael's Pool.

WOODCOCK Sc%pax rustico/a.H. Jan. 14th, Aconburv Wood. one (PJ K); Jan. 26th. Hereford. one killedflying into window; Feb. 23rd. Mansel Lacy, one (JLF); March 4th.Common Hill, 'roding' (KAM); March 9th. Checkley. first heard andcommon throughout March-mid-June (RH); April 13th. Eastnor. one (DP):May 31 st. one over woodland to east of Kington (BM K): June 20th. Manse!Lacy. one (JVF); Sept. 25th, Welsh Newton. noted (FMP); Nov. 17 th.Hollybush. Malvern, one flushed (CO).

R. Jan. 7th, Rhayader area. five (per JG); Feb. 16th. Caban Coch. oneflushed (MFP); March 5th. Garth Wood. one (DP): May 3rd, Elan Valley.one flushed (DWL).


WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus.H. May I1 th, Holme Marsh, two to north-east at 16.30, calling frequently(AJS); Aug. 24th, St. Owen's Cross, several heard calling overhead lateevening and three seen and heard at Hoarwithy on Aug. 25th (WOO).

A better than average year for this species. Ed.

CURLEW Numenius arquata.H. and R. The main arrival on the breeding areas occurred mid-late Marchand as with the Lapwing, the bulk of the breeding records come fromRadnorshire where MFP located 45 pairs (c60 pairs in 1981). Small numbersonly noted breeding in Herefordshire. The records are widely distributedover both Counties and cover the period March - August. The only largegatherings noted were: March 30th, Begwns, ten (DP); Aug. 4th, BeaconHill, c25 (CO).

REDSHANK Tringa totanus.H. March 8th, Aymestrey, one; April 11th, Stretton Sugwas SP, one(FWM); April 15th, Castleton, one (AM); April 24th, Criftin Ford, three(FWM); July 12th, Sink Green, one; July 14th, Holme Lacy, one; July 16th,Sink Green, three; July 18th, Hampton Bishop, two; July 19th, Holme Lacy,four (JLF); Aug. 1st, Stretton Sugwas SP, one (FWM); Aug. 24th,Castleton, one (AM).

R. March 31st! April 1st, Pwll Patti, pair (G. & J.G. et al); April 24th,Glasbury, pair (MFP); mid-April-June, Moelienydd, three pairs (MFP etal); late April-June, Coxhead Bank Common, pair (AJS et al); June 6th,LIanbedr, one (AAS); June 15th, Bodtalog Bog, pair (OWL).

GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia.H. 1984 has been another 'Greenshank year' surpassing 198 I for the numberof birds recorded. Birds began to appear much earlier than normal withseveral seen in July. The bulk of the records come from the same twolocalities as in 198 I and are as follows: Sink Green! Hampton Bishop WyeJuly 19th, two; 24th, three; 27th, five; Aug. 15th, seven; 16th, 13; 17th, 14;18th! 19th, 15; 21 st, 16; 22nd, I I; 26th, ten; 27th, five; 29th, 15; Sept. Ist, ten;2nd, seven; 3rd, 14; 15th, two; 16th, three; 19th, one; 21st, one; 22nd, threeand singles on 24th, 26th, 27th and 29th (JLF). Castleton - July 28th, one;Aug. 12th, three; 18th, I I; 25th, 25 including one with damaged wing; 27th,13, Sept. 1st, four; 8th, five; 15th, three (AM). The other records are: Aug.12th, Holme Lacy, three (JLF) and three at Mathon SP on the same date(OP); Aug., 23rd. Hoarwithy, one (per FRF); Aug. 26th, Kings Caple, one(WOO); Sept. 1st, Stretton Sugwas SP, three (FWM); Sept. 3rd Hoarwithy,one (WOO).

R. Feb. 3rd, Kinnerton. one on flood water (EG); Aug. 8th, Claerwen, one(OWL); Aug. 22nd. Glasbury area, five (MFP); Aug. 25th, Oolymynach,one (OWL); Sept. 1st, Erwood, five and one at Builth on the same date(MFP); Sept. 8th, Glasbury. three (CO) and two there on Sept. 22nd (M FP).


GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus.

H. Castleton, max. 4 noted Jan.-March and July-Dec. (CJP et aT). SinkGreen/ Hampton Bishop area, max. 4 Aug.-Dec. (JLF). Jan. 7th, LIanwarneGamber, one (PJK); Jan. 8th, Mathon SP, one and one there on Feb. 4th(DP); Feb. 5th, Three Ashes, one (WOO); Feb. 17th, LIanwarne Gamber,one (PJK); March 8th and 12th, Lyepole Lugg, one (AJS's et aT); March13th, Aymestrey, one (FWM); March 17th, Three Ashes, two (WOO);March-Aug., Stretton Sugwas SP, present (FWM); July 12th, Holme Lacy,one (JLF); Aug. 12th, Mathon SP, one (DP); Aug. 26th, Little Cowarne, onefeeding at recently dug out pool (DGB). Singles noted on LIanwarneGamber on Sept. 25th, Octo 10th and Nov. 6th and 28th (PJK).

R. Jan. 24th, Penybont, one (CJP/ BC); singles at Pwll Patti on Jan. 29thand March 3lst/ April 1st (AM et aT); July 13th, GIascwm, one (DP); Aug.22nd, GIasbury, four (MFP) and three there on Sept. 8th (CO); Sept. I Ith,Penybont Lake, one (MFP); Nov. 18th, Pwll Patti, one (G. & J.G.), onethere on Dec. 5th (AJS's) and two on Dec. 23rd (AM).

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypo/eucos.

H. First returning bird was a single at Holme Lacy on April 10th. April 14th,Hampton Bishop, four (JLF); April 15th, Castleton, one 'confiding' birdnewly arrived and min. six there on April 21st (AM); May 9th, Burrington,one (AJS's); May 18th, Shobdon, pair, probably breeding (RLV); May 26th,Tripleton, five (JLF); June 10th, Castleton, four (AM); July 7th, HamptonBishop, nine (JLF); July 14th, Castleton, four (AM); July 16th, Sink Green,four, five on 24th and ten on 27th (JLF); Castleton, six on July 28th, eight onJuly 29th, min. ten on Aug. 12th and nine on Aug. 18th (AM); SinkGreen/ Hampton Bishop, Aug. 18th, 12; 19th, ten; 22nd, ten; 27th, five; 29th,ten; Sept. 1st, I I; 2nd, four; 3rd, eight; 15th/16th, three; 19th & 21st, one;28th, two and 29th, one (JLF).

R. First returning bird was a single at Builth on April4th (M FP). April20th22nd, LIandrindod Lake, one (JG et aT); May 1st, GIasbury, noted (KAM);May 9th, Elan, several pairs (OWL). Pairs located along the Wye and !thonas follows: Wye, 18 pairs between Hay and Vulcan Arms; !thon, seven pairsbetween Newbridge and Penybont (MFP). June 7th, Coxhead BankCommon, one by River Aran (PJC! PGF); July 1st, Elan, five (CO); July5th, Brynthomas, young noted (MFP); Aug. 20th, Caban Coch, three(OWL); Aug. 22nd, LIowes area, 14 (M FP); Aug. 24th, 'Quarry Pool', two(OWL); Sept. 8th, Glasbury, one (CO) and last noted there on Sept. 22nd(MFP).

BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus.H. and R. Breeding noted at Bredwardine, Dolymynach (5 pairs), Glascwm(c80 adults and c20 juveniles in July), LIanwefr Pool (35+ pairs), LIyn Hilyn(single pair), Moelienydd and at Shenmore Pool, Madley. Commonly seenthroughout the year in both Counties. Some larger counts were: Jan. 7th,Glasbury, clOO; Jan. 31st, Lower Lugg, cIOOO; March 10th, Holme Lacyarea, 600+; early April, Caban Coch, cl 000; April 7th, LIan Bwch-LIyn,c250; April 9th, LIyn-gwyn, 100; June 7th, LIanwefr Pool. c150; Sept. 22nd.Glasbury, 300+; Octo 9th, Mordiford, 112.


COMMON GULL Larus eanus.H. Jan. 28th, Castieton, 15 (AJS's) and nine at Bridstow on the same date(WOD); Jan.; Feb., Lugg meadows, flocks of 30-50 birds daily (CWW); Feb.2nd, Holme Lacy, 22 (JLF); Feb. 5th, Three Ashes, c50(WOD); March 17th,Hoarwithy, 40 (!BE); March 28th, Michaelchurch, c25 (WOD); July 23rd,near Hay-on-Wye, three and a single at Sarnesfield on July 26th (AJS's);Oct. 18th Hereford, 12 (!BE); Oct. 21st, Eastnor, four (DP); Nov. 29th, SinkGreen, four (JLF).

R. Nov. 8th, Builth Show Ground, one (M FP).

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larusfuseus.H. Very few records submitted. Feb. 5th, Three Ashes, 15 (WOD); March15th, Holme Marsh, two to south (AJS); April 23rd, Castleton, two (AM);April 28th, Carey Wye, two (FRF); Castleton, two on June 10th and July14th, three on Aug. 12th and 12 adults on Sept. 1st (AM); Holme Marsh,seven on Aug. 11th, four on Aug. 12th and seven on Aug. 15th (AJS); Nov.29th, Whitecross, Hereford, two (!BE); Dec. 2nd, Lugg meadows, 30 (DP).There were the usual large numbers daily on the Stretton Sugwas rubbish tipduring the autumn and second winter period (FWM).

R. One early record - four at Glasbury on Jan. 7th. Spring passage noted lateMarch-late May, max. five to north at Penybont on May 10th (M FP); Aug.15th, Caban Coch, eight (DWL); Aug. 22nd, Glasbury, eight to west; Nov.3rd, near Newbridge, 17 to south-west and max. two noted on several datesto end of year between Builth and Glasbury (MFP)

HERRING GULL Larus argentatus.H. Jan. 29th, Castleton, two adults and one probable immature (CO).

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus.R. Jan. 2nd, Rhayader, one (DWL); Jan. 7th, Glasbury, two (MFP).

KITTIWAKE Rissa tridaetyla.H. Jan. 26th, Castleton, one exhausted bird (CJP; BC) which wassubsequently found recently dead on Jan. 29th during a Club Outing. (Tenthrecord).

A vigorous depression arrived over Britain from the Atlantic in mid-Januarywhich produced gale force winds and resulted in some Kittiwake movementsover inland waters. Ed.

COMMON/ ARCTIC TERN Sterna hirunda/paradisaea.R. Sept. 22nd, Glasbury, two heading west. From size and calls thought to beArctic Terns but positive identification not possible due to poor light andtheir distance from observer (MFP).


STOCK DOVE Columba oenas.H. and R. Widespread over both Counties and breeding in good numbers.The larger flocks were: Jan. 26th, Castleton, c40 (CJP I BC); Jan. 29th,Letton, 20 (CO); Feb. 17th, Whitecross, Hereford, 50 (lBE); Feb. 18th,Knucklas, 16; Feb. 22nd, Abbeycwmhir, 24 (MFP); April 15th, Eastnor,clOO; Aug. 12th, Mathon SP, 25+ (DP); Sept. 22nd, Glasbury, 20 (MFP);Dec. 2nd, Lugg near Hereford, cl20 (DP); Dec. 27th, Four Stones,18 (MFP).

WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus.H. and R. A very common resident breeding in both Counties. March 17th,Lugg meadows, 400+ (lBE).

COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto.H. and R. A common and widespread breeding resident in both Counties. InRadnorshire MFP reports an apparent increase in numbers in the centre ofthe County. The largest gathering was 200+ at Whitecross, Hereford on Dec.14th (IBE).

TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turfur.H. First noted in song in Bircher area on April 27th (AJS). May 5th, HaughWood, one (JLF); May 24th, Perrystone, one (FRF); June 2nd, Eastnor,song (OR); June 4th, pair noted in different area of Bircher from that whereApril bird heard (AJS);June 7th, Mordiford,song(KAM);June9th, HolmeLacy, two (JLF); June II th, Staunton-on-Arrow, flock of c20 (JM B);Holme Lacy, July 19th, two, 28th, four, Aug. 13th, one. Sept. 1st HamptonBishop, four (JLF). At least three pairs bred at Stretton Sugwas (FWM).

[RING-NECKED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri.H. One seen at Moor Walk, Hereford on Aug. 6th (JBDC) was not seensubsequently].

This is the first record for the County but undoubtedly refers to an escapedcaptive bird. Ed.

CUCKOO Cuculus canorus.H. First heard on April 14th at Upper Lugg meadows(CWW)and reportedregularly thereafter throughout the County to end of July.

R. First heard on April 24th at Elan (OWL) and at Glasbury (MFP).Numbers apparently up to normal but return passage reported to havestarted earlier than usual, e.g. one flying strongly to south over LlandrindodHigh School on June 14th and none heard after June 16th (M FP). Sept. 8th,near Glasbury, a juvenile noted on passage (AM).


BARN OWL Two alba.H. Breeding again reported from Llanwarne and three owlets t1ewsuccessfully (PJK). Rec'ords of single birds come from Letton, Munsley,Pixley, Wormbridge and Yarkhill.

During the past four years the yearly total of localities at which single birdshave been noted has declined dramatically as follows: 1981, 18; 1982, 11;1983, 8; 1984, 5. Of these only two sites, Hampton Bishop and Yarsop,appear in two different years although a sighting at Sink Green may possiblyrefer to the Hampton Bishop bird. Even allowing for this, sightings of singlebirds at a minimum of 39 localities would suggest that the Barn Owl iswidespread throughout the County. However, this does not appear to be thecase. The 1981/82 severe winter undoubtedly reduced their numbers butwould not account for the continued decline. Ed.

R. April 24th, Glasbury, one t1ew out of old barn (MFP); May 15th, CabanCoch, one and one there on July 7th (OWL); Oct. 27th, Llandegley, one(lBE).

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua.H. A common resident and widespread throughout the County. Records arenumerous and cover all months of the year.

R. April 3rd, Kinnerton, one (HTR); May-July, Llanyre, pair much inevidence (per MFP); June 15th, near Yardro, one (AJS).

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco.H. Feb. 7th, Brilley, one (WL-S); Feb. 14th, near Ledbury, one (AM); April27th, Kington, one at The Garth (JMB) and one at Aramstone on the samedate (FRF); June 9th, Moccas, female being mobbed by small birds (AM);Aug. 28th, Sellack, one (WO D); Sept. 26th, Llanwarne, calling and again onOct. 12th and Nov. 8th (PJK); Oct. 14th, Ewyas Harold Common, two(RGD); Dec. 22nd, Tupsley, heard (lBE). Noted throughout the year atBreinton (WMG), Ledbury, where no apparent change in status (DR) andWelsh Newton (FMP).

R. April 5th, Elan area, one (OWL); June 8th, Rhosgoch, adult withjuvenile, flightless but out of nest; June 9th, Bryngwyn, adult (PGF); July9th, Colva churchyard, one (JMB); July 28th, Stanner heard (DW). Noted atAbbeycwmhir, Caban Coch, L1anbister Road, L1andrindod, Newbridge andPenmincae (MFP).

SHORT-EARED OWL Asiof7ammeus.R. Jan. 7th, Beacon Hill, two t1ushed by horses (Vicky Papworth, per MFP).

NIGHT JAR Caprimulgus europaeus.H. Aramstone, one reported by Mr. John Williams (per FRF) but no dategiven.


SWIFT Apus apus.

H. The earliest arrivals were four at Dinedor on April 26th (JLF) with a'trickle' of birds daily thereafter until the main influx at the end of the firstweek of May. This year however numbers appeared to be slightly down overthe County. Some larger gatherings were: May 26th, Tripleton, clOO (JLF);June 28th, Sollers Hope, 66 to north (FRF); July 1st, Holme Marsh at 20.00hours and later, many hundreds in vast but narrow flock from horizon tohorizon from north to south-400 readily visible at one time, total numberunknown (AJS). The main departure occurred around Aug. 5th. Aug. II th,Ewyas Harold, 20 (RGD). The last was a single at Bridstow on Sep1. 4th(WOD).

R. The first were six at Builth (MFP) and two at Glasbury (KAM) on May1s1. The main arrival was protracted and the majority came later thannormal, maxima wereclOO at Builth on May 18th and c50 at Llandrindod onMay 31st (MFP). Numbers generally reported to be comparable with 1983.July 20th, Builth, 150+ (MFP). Last noted on Aug. 24th at Rhayader(DWL).

KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis.

H. The steady recovery from the effects of the 1981/82 winter reported lastyear has continued. Records are numerous throughout the year and comefrom Bal1ingham (bred), Bridstow, Carey Islands, Castleton, Coddington,Ewyas Harold, Fawley, Hereford Wye, Hoarwithy, Holme Lacy, Kington,Mordiford (Wye and Lugg), Ross-on-Wye, Sel1ack, Sink Green (bred),Titiey Arrow, Tripleton, Upper and Lower Lugg meadows, WhitecrossHereford and Wilton Bridge (Ross). In addition three birds were found deadat Woodseaves (Eardisley) and sent away for analysis (per MW).

R. An increase in numbers reported with records from Aberedw, BrynwernBridge, Builth, Builth Road, Cefnllys, Erwood, Glasbury, Moelienydd,'Quarry Pool' and Shaky Bridge.

WR YNECK Jynx torquilla.H. Aug. 24th, Hereford, one well viewed in garden in Canon Pyon Road(VH). There are two undated records (per FRF) - one at Bobblestock,Hereford which may possibly have been the Canon Pyon Road bird and onewatched at Sugwas Farm by Mrs. Morgan-Jones et al.

GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis.

H. Fewer records than usual submitted but recorded throughout the yearfrom Aymestrey (bred), Bradnor (bred), Breinton, Brockhampton, CanonPyon, Garway, Hentland, Hoarwithy, Hole-in-the-Wall, Llanwarne,Moccas, Mordiford (bred), Olchon, Ross, Sellack, Welsh Newton andWeston-under- Penyard.

R. MFP reports 'Numbers fairly good in the east but recovery slow in thecentre and west'. Records come from Beacon Hill, Builth Quarry, Ca banCoch, Crungoed, Llanbister Road, Llangunllo, Moelienydd, Nantmel,Newchurch, Penybont, Stanner area (bred), Tremaen and Waun Marteg.


GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major.H. A frequent visitor to garden feeding stations during the winter monthsand widely reported throughout the year. Records come from Aramstone,Aymestrey (bred), Ballingham, Bircher, Breinton, Bridstow, Burghill,Castleton, Eardisley (bred), Ewyas Harold, Hoarwithy, Llanwarne, Moccas,Olchon, St. Owen's Cross, Sellack, Walford, Welsh Newton and W oodside.

R. Records come from Builth Quarry, Crungoed, Hay (bred), Llan BwchLlyn, Llandegley, Llandrindod (bred), Llangunllo, Newbridge, Pencerrig,Pwll Patti and Stanner.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos minor.H. A better year for records. All records relate to single birds and are asfollows: Jan. 8th, Llanwarne area (PJK); Jan. 29th, Letton (CO); Feb. 24th,Lugwardine (!BE); March 30th, Court Wood (D P); Aprilllth, Bishopstone(per JLF); April 22nd/24th, Bush Bank, male (WW); April 29th, Paget'sWood (JLF); June 8th, Hollybush area (AJS); June 20th, Tillington (BMK);July 20th, Holme Marsh (AJS); Aug. 24th, Tupsley, Hereford (NF); Aug.30th, Holme Marsh (AJS); Sept. 8th, Kington (JMB); Sept. 18th, Rosehill,Lyonshall and noted regularly thereafter (OKL); Oct. 21st, Common Hill(KAM); Oct. 27th, Harewood End (WOD); Nov. 26th, Hampton Bishop(JVF); Dec. 12th, Tupsley (!BE). Bred at Aymestrey (FWM) and noted atBreinton (WMG).

R. Singles noted at Glasbury on April 24th (M FP), Elan area on May 3rd(DWL), Llan Bwch-Llyn on May 10th (JVF) and Stanner area on July 16th(DW).

SKYLARK Alauda arvensis.H. and R. Very few records submitted. Jan. 6th, Pool Hill area, 30 feeding inroots (MFP); Jan. 26th-28th, Castleton, max. 220 (CJP/BC et al); March20th, Lower Lugg, several in song (CWW); April 19th, Moelienydd area, 50+singing birds (MFP). Autumn passage noted at Llandrindod on Sept. 17th,Glasbury on Sept. 22nd (MFP), Castleton on Sept. 29th when 200+ noted(AM) and Llandrindod on Oct. 7th (MFP). Nov. 1st, Hampton Bishop, c75;Dec. 4th, Holme Lacy, c200 (JLF); Dec. 27th, Four Stones, several instubble (M FP).

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia.H. Four by Old Wye Bridge, Hereford on April 12th (AM) were the first.Very few passage birds seen this year and numbers at all the local breedingcolonies were dramatically reduced. At Aymestrey SP where 234 pairsnested in 1981 less than 50 pairs returned to nest this year. Last noted Aug.15th at Castleton (AM).

R. MFP reports 'Two at Builth on April 11th were the first but numbersremained low until May and were at least 20% down on 1983, e.g. only 30-40pairs between Llowes and Glasbury and at Builth Quarry only 34 nest holesoccupied compared with 60-70 in 1982. The largest gathering noted was c40at Glasbury on Aug. 22nd and last noted there on Sept. 22nd'.


The STD ha~ reported that the steady decline in Sand M anin numbers sincethe late 1960s was accelerated drastically in 1984 as a result of the conlinu iogdrought in the Sahcl and other parts of Afnca where the British breedingbirds winter. In addition returning birds \\ere faced with a persisraot band of\cry cold and inclement weather in the Mediterranean in the spring. TheBritish population is now less than IDC( of what it was 10 the mid-1960s.

SWALLOW Hiwndo rustico.

H. The first were three at St. Owen's Cross on April9lh (WOO). Noted dailythereafter with 60+ notoo migrating up W}cal CastlelOn on April 15th with20 Sand Martin~ and three House Martins (AM). ~umbcrs were slo\\ tobuild up however and new birds continued to arrnc wen into Ma). AtPcrryficld. Sollers Hope first brood were on the wing on June 17th (FRF).The only large postMbreeding nock reported was40 at Holmt: M i.lr~h on Aug.12th (AJS). The lasl was a single at HamptOn Bishop on Oct. 9th (JI F).

R. Two 31 Builth on April 10th (M FfJ) were the first bUllhe main arrival didnot occur until May. Numbers reported to be at or slightly below normallevel. Post-breeding nocks smaller than usual with max. 100 at Ncwbridgeon Sept. 13th and 70+ al Glasbu ry on SCPl. 22nd (M l- P). I he last were threeat Bronydd on Oct. 10th (AJS).

HOl'SE MARTIN DeIi('!Jon urbica.

H. The first was a single at Symonds Vat on April 6th (G & J.G.)wlIh themain arrhal occurring from the middle to the cnd of April. 'l'esting undery.ay by mid-May and from repons rccei\cd numbers appeared to be up 10normal. Second broods noted from midMAug. and young still being fed toend of Sept.

R. Four at Gla'ibul') on April 24th (M FP) "ere t he first. l\umbers rep'0rtedto be at or slightl) doy. non 1983. Larger gathering~ \\ere cl 00 at BUlhh onAug. 20th. 150+ at Glasbur) on Aug. 22nd and clOO at I landrindod on Sept.2ht <.lIld la,1 noted there on Oct. 5th (\t1FPl.


TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis.H. The first was a single at Monnington on April 18th (AJS). April 20th,Mansel Lacy, two; April 21st, Eywood, one and two at Lingen on the samedate (JLF); April 24th, Titley, noted (JMB); May 26th, Hollybush HilI,singing (DR).

R. First arrival was a male at BuiIth Quarry on April 14th (MFP). April22nd, LIandrindod area, one (BMK); April 24th, LIan Bwch-LIyn, three(JVF). MFP reports 'Numbers about normal and 30+ males located '.May/ July, Radnor Hills, 25 singing males located (DP). June 8th, CoxheadBank Common, pair with food and one at Fuallt on the same date; June 9th,Dol-y-Cannau, female sitting on eggs and a second adult singing nearby(PJCj PGJ). Last noted at Penybont on Sept. I Ith (MFP). .

MEADOW PIPIT AnthuS pratensis.H. Jan. 26th, Castleton, 20+ (CJP / BC); Feb. I Ith, Holme Marsh, firstevidence of return passage - south-east to north-west; heaviest passage notedMarch 22nd (AJS); March 24th, Hampton Bishop, c35 after heavy overnightrain; April 14th, Sink Green, three (JLF); April 15th, Castleton, 20 movingup Wye along with hirundines (AM); July, Ewyas Harold Common, present(RGD); Sept. 1st, Castleton, ten (AM).

R. MFP reports 'Passage westwards throughout January and returneastwards taking place by mid-Feb. Indications of breeding population asfollows: April 7th, LIanbedr Hill, 50+ pairs, April 14th, Carneddau, c50pairs, April 19th, Moelienydd area, cl 00 pairs and c20 pairs at Pool Hill onthe same date. Main autumn passage mid-Sept. to mid-Oct., max. 150 atBegwns on Sept. 22nd and 75 at LIandrindod on Oct. 8th. Small numbersonly after the end of Oct. max. 12 at Four Stones on Dec. 27th '. Noted asabundant on Black Mixen (DP) and on the hills around Elan Valley (DWL).

WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta spinoletta.H. March 24th, Castleton, one (AJS).

YELLOW WAGTAIL Mo tacilia flava.H. Three at Hampton Bishop on April 14th (JLF) were the first andrecorded thereafter from Castleton, Hoarwithy, Holme Marsh,Leintwardine, Uanwarne, Sellack, Sollers Hope and Stretton Sugwas.Autumn passage noted from mid-Aug. as follows: Aug. 16th, Hoarwithy, I I(WOD); Castleton, c30 on Aug. 18th, 20 on Sept. 1st and 20+ on Sept. 9th(AM). Last autumn passage bird noted at Holme Marsh on Sept. 13th(AJS).

R. First noted at Glasbury on April 24th and a breeding population of 20-25pairs located between Hay and Boughrood, some of which were onBreconshire side ofWye (MFP). In autumn 42 noted between Glasbury andBoughrood on Aug. 22nd including many immatures. Last seenat Glasburyon Sept. 22nd (M FP).


GREY WAGT AIL Motacilla cinerea.

H. Noted throughout the year with records from Aymestrey, Castleton,Hampton Bishop, Hereford, Hollybush, Kington (bred), Llanwarne,Mordiford, Sink Green, Staunton-on-Arrow, Tripletonand Welsh Newton.

R. Noted Jan.-Feb. at Builth, Llyn Hilyn and Penmincae (MFP). April 1st,near New Radnor, one (HTR). Nests or young noted at six points alongWye, four points along Ithon and also at Abbeycwmhir (two sites), David'sWell, Knighton, Llaithddu, Llanbadarn Fynydd and Presteigne (MFP).June 8th, near the Vron, adult with food and adult at Fuallt on the same date(PJCjPGF); July 17th, Water-break-its-Neck, pair with two young (DW).In Rhayader area DWL reports 'More common than in recent years'.Passage noted in Sept. with max. eight at Builth on 11 th. Only one noted atend of year - Llandrindod on Nov. 15th (MFP).

PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba.H. March 24th, Castleton, eight (AJS) and min. 30 there on April 15th and20+ on April 21st (AM); April 23rd, SoBers Hope, sitting (FRF); May 6th,Symonds Vat, noted (G. & J.G.); Aug. 4th, Llanwarne, eight includingjuveniles (PJK); Aug. 16th, Hoarwithy, five (WOD); 20+ noted at Castletonon several dates mid-Aug.-early Sept. (AM); Sept. 1st, Wilton, seven and 11at Hoarwithy on Sept. 9th (WOD); Sept. 11 th, Holme Marsh, overnight faHof 27 during passage period (AJS).A bird showing characteristics of White Wagtail M.a. alba seen by lake atAshton on July 24th by Lord Cawley and also by FRF.R. Noted throughout first winter period in Elan area and common inRhayader area to July (DWL). Main return in March with max. 24 at Builthon 30th (MFP). Three examples of typical breeding populations are given byMFP as foBows: Llanelwedd!Carneddau, 11 pairs located on April 14th,Llanbister Road! Moelienydd! Pool Hill! Llangunllo! Penyclawdd, 14 pairslocated on April 19th and Glasburyarea, 10 pairs located on April 24th. June8th, near Llandegley, noted (PM W! ACP); July 18th, Stanner area, threejuveniles (DW); Sept. 12th, Llandrindod, 40+ on High School playing field;Oct. 5th, Builth, 100+ (MFP).

DIPPER Cinclus cinclus.H. Jan. 20th, Upper Lye, two pairs and one at Staunton-on-Arrow on thesame date and a pair there on Feb. 11 th (JLF); Feb. 23rd, Olchon, one (lBE);March 6th, Pontrilas, noted on Dore (RGD); April 24th, Kington Brook.two pairs (JM B); Oct. 16th, Whitecross, Hereford, one (lBE); Dec. I1 th, Lyearea Lugg, one in song (AJS's).

R. Jan. 19th, Dolymynach, one (DWL). Noted along the Wyeat Brynwern.Builth, Doldowlod, Erwood and Penmincae, along the Ithon at LlanbadarnFynydd and Penybont, along the Lugg at Llangunllo, the Aran at CoxheadBank and Dolau, and also noted at Newchurch (M FP et al). Noted on RiverEdw on June 8th (PJC! PGF). Breeding records come from Bachell Brook,CrychelL Doldowlod. Dolygarn. Franks Bridge, Fuallt. Llananno.


LIanbadarn Fynydd, Nannorth, Newbridge, Newchurch, Penybont,Scithwen Brook, Tregoyd Mill and Ty-Mawr (Steve Ormerod et al).However, there was a poor survival rate of young birds, probably due todrought conditions and also to the possible acidity of the streams. Aug. 24th,'Quarry Pool', two (OWL).

WREN Troglodytes troglodytes.H. and R. Appears now to be fully recovered from the effects of the 198 I! 82winter and widely reported from both Counties.

DUNNOCK Prunella modularis.H. and R. Although few records have been submitted it is a commonresident, breeding in both Counties. 10+ at winter feed at Brilley during firstwinter period (WL-S).

ROBIN Erithacus rubecula.H. and R. Very few records received but is a common resident, breeding inboth Counties.

NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos.H. April 26th, Eastnor, one in song (DP); May 9th, Shucknall, in song (CO);May 23rd, Fownhope area, in song (KAM); Broadmoor Common, one insong - no date given (BEM)

1983. Fownhope area, one in song at new site (KAM).

BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros.H. Cusop, pair in garden - no date given (F. Hanson per CWW).

REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus.H. April 14th, Hampton Bishop, a male by Wye; April 21st, Lingen, five;April 26th, Tripleton, pair (JLF); July 14th, Welsh Newton, two adults andyoung noted, and young noted there to Sept. 14th (FMP); July! Aug., EwyasHarold Common, parties of three, four and five seen and a juvenile alsonoted (RDG); Aug. 17th, Sink Green, a male (JLF); Aug. 25th, Castleton,five and one there on Aug. 27th (AM).

R. First noted on April 10th near Glascwm (DP). Breeding records arenumerous and are widely distributed throughout the County and numbersappear to be unchanged. Last noted at Newbridge on Sept. 6th (MFP).

WHIN CHAT SaJ:icola rubetra.H. Stretton Sugwas SP, pair present throughout breeding season (FWM);May 11th, Hampton Bishop, a female (JLF); July 28th, Wapley, noted(RVL); Aug. 12th, Castleton, one and two there on Aug. 18th (AM)


R. The first were four males at Llan Bwch-LIyn on April 24th (JLF).Numbers reported to be about average although DWL commented that inthe Rhayader area !hey were more common than in previous years. DuringApril/ June DP located 95 males in 55\12 man/hours in Radnor Hills and 30males there in 10\12 man/hours July 2nd-1 \th. Adults feeding young notedfrom June 8th and first fledged young noted on June 18th (PJC et al). Thelast were singles at Glasbury and LIan Bwch-LIyn on Sept. 8th (CO).

STONECHAT Saxicola torquata.H. March 3rd, Castleton, two males (AJS's/ KAM); March 14th, BurghillLodge, a male (FWM); pair nested near 'Kettle Sings' on Herefordshire sideof Malvern Hills (DP).

The breeding record is the first for the County since 1947. Ed.

R. March 10th, Moelienydd, a female (MFP); March 15th, LlandrindodGolf Course, a male (G. Ellis per M FP). Breeding pairs noted at Colva Hill,Elan Valley, Llanbedr, Llandeilo Hill and Moelienydd. Octo 27th, LlynHilyn, a male and a possible second bird seen (HTR); Nov. 13th, CoxheadBank, pair and one at Moelienydd on the same date (AJS); Dec. 27th, LlynHilyn, pair in snow apparently unperturbed by the cold conditions (MFP)

WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe.H. April 19th, Hampton Bishop, a female (JLF); April 21 st, Castleton, two(AM); June 4th, Merbach Hill, pair feeding young (AAS); June 16th,Longtown, pair feeding young; July 27th, Holme Lacy, a female (J LF); Aug.27th, Castleton, two, a single there on Sept. 1st and two on Sept. 9th (AM).

R. The first returning birds were five at Bryngwyn on April 3rd (DP) and amale at Garreg Ddu on the same date (HTR). April 5th, Llandrindod GolfCourse, two (MFP); April 7th, Llanbedr, seven (AM et al) and 20 there onApril 14th (CO), and 20 pairs at Carneddau on the same date (MFP). Threepairs on Pool and Beacon Hills on April 19th (M FP). April/ June, 48 maleslocated on Radnor Hills and 10 there in July (0 P). Sept. 14th, RhayaderHill, noted (OWL); Sept. 28th, a single by Builth Wye was the last noted(MFP).

GREENLAND WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa.R. April 19th, Moelienydd, one in company with eight Fieldfares (M FP);April 22nd, Cefnllys, one (BMK).

RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus.R. April 16th, Harley Oingle, five males and four or five subsequently notedon territory there; April/ June, 12 males on Radnor Hills and pairs noted atIreland and Gwauncestre Hill (OP); June 8th, Claerwen Falls, a female(OW); June 15th. Elan Valley, two in song near Caban Coch reservoir(AJS's)


BLACKBIRD Turdus merula.H. and R. A common resident, breeding in both Counties. Jan. 29th, HolmeMarsh, in song for brief period (AJS); Feb. 12th, Tupsley, full song firstheard (CWW); June II th, Moor Walk, Hereford, c30 in field and c50 thereon June 20th. Large numbers noted in the same field in previous years(JBDC). In Radnorshire MFP reported very low numbers in Sept. and Oct.,and noticeable passage (mainly males) in mid-Nov.

FIELDFARE Turdus pi/aris.H. Some large flocks were noted during the first winter period as follows:Jan. 8th, Coddington, 150+ (DP); Jan. 25th, Hampton Bishop, c600 (JLF);Jan. 31st, Holme Marsh, c400 (AJS); Feb. 4th, Wapley, cI50 (JMB); Feb.5th, Lugg meadows, 2000+ (DP); Feb. 9th, Brinsop, c700 and c500 at HolmeMarsh on the same date. Numbers at HoIme Marsh steadily fallingthereafter until April 18th when 12 birds last noted (AJS). Records of50-100birds during the same period come from Biddlestone, Castleton, HamptonBishop, Mordiford and Tretire. The first returning bird in autumn was asingle at LIanwarne on Oct. 18th (PJK). Small numbers noted thereafter toend of year with max. 250 at Hampton Bishop on Nov. 29th (JLF).

R. Numbers reported to be low during Jan.-March with max. 100 at Builthon J an. 17th. The last were eight at Moelienydd on April 19th (M FP). Firstnoted in autumn on Oct. 8th at LIandrindod Golf Course (MFP) and apartfrom a flock of c700 at Moelienydd on Nov. 13th (AJS) numbers generallyremained low to end of year.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos.H. and R. Resident and breeding in both Counties with no apparent changein status. Passage birds noted in with Redwings in Radnorshire on Oct. 7thand 10+ seen at Moelienydd on Oct. 23rd (MFP).

REDWING Turdus iliacus.H. Jan. 8th, Coddington, 300 (DP); Jan. 14th, Mordiford, 50 (IBE); Jan.22nd, St. Owen's Cross, c80 (WO D); Jan. 26th, Castleton, cl20 (CJP IBC);Jan. 31 st, Holme Marsh, c200 (AJS); Feb. 5th, Lugg meadows, 1000+ (DP)and c40 at Three Ashes on the same date (WOD); Feb. 21st, Holme Marsh.c400 and notable movement there throughout March (AJS). The lastdeparting birds were five at Hampton Bishop on April 11th (JLF). Firstreturning birds in autumn were two at Hampton Bishop on Sept. 28th (JVF).Passage birds heard on evening of Oct. 6th at Common Hill (KAM) andHolme Marsh (AJS) and movement through the County noted the followingday at several localities. Nov. 29th, Sink Green, c250 (JLF).

R. Reported to be more common than Fleldtare during first winter periodwith 100+ at Glasbury on Jan. 7th and at Builth on Jan. 17th, 130 atPenmincae on Jan. 20th and 100+ at Moelienydd on March 10th and atNewbridge on March 16th (MFP). March 25th, Elan area, last noted(DWL). First in autumn was a single at Builth Wells on Sept. 28th. The main


arrival occurred from Oct. 5th with 1000+ flying south-west over Newbridgearea on Oct. 7th. The largest flock thereafter was c600at Moelienydd on Oct.23rd with cl50 at Pewnyclawdd on the same day. Numbers declined by lateNovember and the Dec. maxima were: clOO at Newbridge Bog on 4th and50+ at Llyn-gwyn on the same date and 50+ at Evenjobb on 27th (MFP).

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus.H. and R. Resident and breeding in both Counties. The only large countreported was of six at Hampton Bishop on July 10th (JLF).

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia.R. The only record received was of a single bird heard between Presteigneand The Rood in Mayor June (per CJP).

Although this species is never common in either County this hasundoubtedly been the worst year for records since this first Annual Reportfor 1951. Ed.

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus.H. April 29th, Bredwardine Pool, one in song(AJS); Stretton Sugwas SP, apair present throughout breeding season (FWM). Aug. 12th, Castleton, two(AM).

R. May 17th, Llandrindod Lake, one in song (MFP) and heardsubsequently. June 7th, Llanwefr Pool, two pairs; June 8th, RhosgochCommon, at least two pairs (PJCj PGF); Aug. 22nd, Glasbury, one (MFP).

REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus.H. Shobdon, no details are available with regard to the status in 19840fthebreeding colony at this locality.

R. June 18th, Llan Bwch-Llyn, three singing birds located (AJS).

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca.H. April 25th, Holme Marsh, one in song (AJS); April 28th, Titley, one inobserver's garden and reported to be a good year for species in this area(RLV); May Ist, Hampton Bishop, one and five there on May 2nd (JLF);May 9th, near Criftin Ford, one in song (AJS); June 26th, Whitney, heard(JMB); July 6th, Burghill, one; July 23rd, Hampton Bishop, family of five(JLF); Aug. 18th, Castleton, one (AM); Sept. 16th, Hampton Bishop, one(JLF). Pair present at Stretton Sugwas SP throughout the breeding seasonbut very scarce in Aymestrey area (FWM).

R. First noted were three males between Pwll Patti and Glasbury Farm onApril 24th. Singing males noted at Cwm, near Penybont on May 1st, BuilthQuarry on May 9th and between Brynthomas and Llandegley Rocks onJ uly5th (MFP). June 8th, Painscastle. pair in hedge, very agitated (PJ Cl PGF);June 14th, Abbeycwmhir, one (OW); Aug. 22nd, Glasbury, three (MFP).


WHITETHROAT Svlvia communis.

The decline of this species has continued as a result of the drought conditionsin its winter quarters in West Africa and many traditional sites in bothCounties were unoccupied in 1984. Ed.

H. Two at Eastnor on April 26th (DP) were the first. April 29th, singles atClifford and Monnington (AJS); May 5th, Haugh Wood, one (JVF); May7th, Rudge End reserve, two (BEM); May 17th, Llanwarne, one(PJK); May19th, Nupend, one (BEM); May 30th, song noted at Lower Lye and LeinthallEarls and one in song at Sarnesfield on May 31st; June 7th, Mansel Lacy,song; June 8th, Hollybush area, two (AJS); June 16th, Longtown, one(JVF); July 7th, Eaton Bishop, one (BEM); July 23rd, Hampton Bishop, one(JVF); Aug. 3rd, Holme Marsh, first passage bird noted (AJS); Aug. 6th,Ewyas Harold, one (RGD); single females noted on passage at Castleton onAug. 12th and 25th (AM); Aug. 26th, Hampton Bishop, one (JVF).

R. First noted at Builth Quarry on April 23rd with five males there by May5th. Only 16 males located this year when usually 25 - 30 seen (MFP). May20th, Pwll Patti, one in song (AJS); June 8th, Little Hill, pair (PJCj PGF).Last noted on the early date of July 23rd at Presteigne (MFP).

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin.

H. An early bird at Tupsley on April 4th (!BE) was the first with the mainarrival occurring during the last two weeks of April. Records come fromAramstone, Badnage Wood, Breinton, Brilley, Ewyas Harold, Gatley Park,Holme Lacy, Lady Grove Woods, Leeping Stocks, Mordiford, Perrystone,Stansbatch and Tillington.

R. First noted at Glasbury Farm on ApriI24th(MFP). May9th, Rhayader,one in song (DWL); June 8th, three singing at Fuallt, two by River Edw andsingles at Coxhead Bank Common, Dreavour and Little Hill (PJCj PGF)and a single noted at Pen-y-Garreg on the same date (DW); June 9th, twosinging at Caeynoyadd Hill and Dol-y-Cannau and a single at Bryngwyn(PJCjPGF); July 15th, Llan Bwch-Uyn, still in song (JMB).

BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla.H. Jan. - March, over-wintering birds noted at Burghill, Ewyas Harold,Kings Acre and Tupsley. First spring migrants noted from mid-Aprilonwards and numbers appeared to be up to normal. During the secondwinter period birds were noted at Hampton Bishop, Hereford and Kington.

R. First return was at Erwood, Uanstephan and Pwll Patti on April 24th.Some birds were late returning and numbers appeared to be slightly lowerthan usual with only 33 males located. A pair with young at Abbeycwmhir onJuly Ist. A male at Builth Quarry on Sept. 20th was the last (MFP).

WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix.H. Three at Mansel Lacy on April 20th (JVF) were the first. April 28th,Whitfield, heard in song (RH); May 11 th, Badnage Wood, one (BMK); May12th, Mansel Lacy, eight (JVF); May 18th, Hergest, seven; May 26th, GatleyPark, five (FRF). Noted at Moccas Park throughout the breeding season(AM).


R. MFP reports 'First return was at Glasbury on April 24th. Numbers wereabout normal and 50+ singing males located in the Llandrindod Wells square(SO 06) for the BTO survey, including 15 singing males at Llandrindod itself.Elsewhere there were good concentrations around Nantmel and along theWye below Ooldowlod. In the east of the County birds were noted atLlangunllo, Norton and Newchurch, and at Abbeycwmhir, Llaithddu andPen-Ithon Hall in the north'. Other records come from Bryngwyn Wood,Garth Wood, Glascwm (OP), Llanbedr (JVF), Monaught,Y (AJS) andRhayader, where reported to be up to strength (OWL). '

CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita.H. and R. Although widely distributed over both Counties numbers weregenerally reported to be down this year. The first was at Cother Wood onMarch 21st (OP) with the main arrival occurring later than usual fr.om themiddle to the end of April. Main autumn passage mid-late Sept. and lastnoted on Sept. 26th at Holme Marsh (AJS) and Builth Quarry (Mf"P).

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus.H. and R. Noted as very common throughout both Counties. The first werenoted at Wilton and Llanwarne on April 8th. Last noted in autumn on Sept.30th at Tupsley (IBE).

GOLDCREST Regulus regulus.H. and R. Widely reported throughout the year from both Counties.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata.H. A pair at Eardisley on May 11th (PMW! ACP) were the first. Recordedfrom Breinton, Brockhampton, Burghill, Castleton, Eastnor, Gatley Park,Hergest, Holme Marsh, Llanwarne, Moccas, Perryfield, Perrystone andWelsh Newton where last noted on Sept. 18th.

R. First seen at Llandrindod on May 8th (MFP) but return generallyreported to be later than usual. Records come from Bryngwyn Church,Oolycannau, Elan sawmills, Knill, New Radnor, Painscastle, Pen-y-Garregarea, Presteigne, Rhosgoch Common, Stanner and Womaston. A pair foundnesting at Oavid's Well, Llaithddu at 1300 feet on July 1st (MFP). The lastwere four at Rhayader on Aug. 28th (OWL).

PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca.H. Two males at Monnington(AJS)and a single male at Fownhope (KAM)on April 18th were the first. April 20th, Brilley, one present all day (WL-S).April! May, Lady Grove Wood, three males singing and a single pair nested(WW). Aug. 12th, Castleton, a female on passage (AM).

R. April 17th, Elan, first noted (OWL); April21 st, Llandrindod area, one insong (BMK); April 24th, Erwood, noted (MFP). Last noted on July 29th atGlan Llyn (MFP).

See also Nest-box Scheme and Ringing Reports.


LON G-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus.H. and R. Numerous and well distributed throughout both Counties. Thelarger flocks were: Jan. 26th, Castleton, 12 (CJP IBC); Feb. 19th, WigmoreRolls, ten (AM); Aug. 24th, Holme Lacy, 16 (JLF); Sept. 1st, Ross, 11(WOO).

MARSH TIT Parus palustris.H. and R. Widely reported from both Counties, although numbers generallysmall. Noted at garden feeding stations during first winter period at Brilley(WL-S) and Welsh Newton (FMP).

WILLOW TIT Parus montanus.H. and R. Reported from both Counties throughout the year and breedingnoted at several localities.

COAL TIT Parus ater.H. and R. Although few records have been submitted the increase innumbers noted during 1983 appears to have been maintained. 20 noted atWigmore Rolls on Feb. 19th (AM).

BLUE TIT Parus caeruleus.H. and R. A common resident, breeding in both Counties. Jan. 8th,Mordiford, 20 (lBE); Feb 19th, Wigmore Rolls, 20 (AM).

See also Nest-box Scheme Report.

GREAT TIT Parus major.H. and R. No apparent change in status in either County and birds werepresent in suitable areas during the breeding season.

NUTHATCH Sitta europaea.H. Records come from Aramstone (FRF), Breinton (WMG), Bridstow(WOO), Brilley (WL-S), Burghill (G. & J.G.), Ewyas Harold (RGD), Lingen(JLF), Uanwarne (PJK), Moccas (AM), Perrystone (FRF), Walford(WOO) and Welsh Newton (FMP).

R. Jan. 2nd, Discoed, two (CJP); Jan. 7th, Uandrindod Lake, two at birdtable (JG); Jan. 26th. Kingwood, one (CJP); adult with food noted by RiverEdw on June 8th (PJC; PGF) and a single at Claerwen on the same date(DW); June 9th, Bryngwyn, adult with Tood (PJG/PGF); July 17th,Stanner, two (DW); Sept. 16th. Dolymynach, one (OWL). Noted at 21localities during the year (MFP).

TREECREEPER Cenhia familiaris.H. and R. Records are numerous and are well distributed throughout bothCounties.


GOLDEN ORIOLE Griolus oriolus.

H. April 24th,Wigmore Rolls, amale well viewed(M art inN 0 b le) ;[June 12th, Good

rich, a female inobserver's gardenand a second birdnoted there on June28th (MPW).

GREAT GREY SHRIKE L<mius excubitor.R. cAug. 26th, Stonewall Hill, one (per RL Y).

JA Y Garrulus glandarius.H. and R. Following the influx of continental birds during the autumn of1983 numbers in 1984 were back to normal. Records cover all months of theyear and are widely distributed over both Counties. The largest gatheringwas nine at Abbeycwmhir on Feb. 22nd (MFP).

MAGPIE Pica pica.H. and R. A widespread resident in both Counties.

JACKDA W Corvus monedula.H. and R. A common resident in both Counties. Dec. 21 st, 200 notedbetween Ledbury and Malvern Hills (DR).

ROOK Corvus jrugilegus.H. and R. A common resident in both Counties. An increase in numbersreported at several rookeries. Feb. 18th, Castleton, c200 (AJS's).

CARRION CROW Corvus corone.H. and R. Widespread throughout both Counties.

RA YEN Corvus coraxH. and R. Resident and breeding in both Counties, and appears to bethriving. Records are numerous throughout the year and the largergatherings were: Jan. 6th, Pool Hill. eight; March 1st, NantmeL eight(MFP); Oct. 27th. Uyn Hilyn. eight (HTR); Dec. 4th. Nantmel rubbish tiP10 (MFP).


STARLING Sturnus vulgaris.H. and R. Common throughout both Counties. Feb. 13th, Hereford, c400 intrees at back of observer's house, hemmed in by early morning fog (AM);Oct. 27th, LIyn Hilyn area, c200 (HTR); Sept. 19th, Welsh Newton, 200(FMP); Nov. 3rd, Aconbury, c20,000 flying in to roost over broad front(AM) and 1000+ flying north over Newbridge Bog on the same date (MFP);Dec. 10th, LIandrindod Golf Course, 1000+ (MFP).

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus.H. and R. A very common resident throughout both Counties.

TREE SPARROW Passer montanus.H. BriIIey, 18+ at winter feed during first winter period (WL-S); March t8th.LIanwarne, eight (WOO); March 30th, Brilley, pair nesting (WL-S); April10th, Hampton Bishop, three (JLF); Aug. 19th, Snodhill, apparentlybreeding in Ash Fraxinus excelsior (DP); Dec. 3rd, Rushock, seven, (JM B);Dec. 10th, Hampton Bishop, c25 (JLF).

R. Jan. 6th, LIangunIIo, max. 14 (MFP); March 31st, Kinnerton, c60(HTR); singles noted at Dreavour and Fuallt on June 8th and at Bryngwynon June 9th (PJC/ PGF); Sept. 22nd, Glasbury, c80; Oct. 15th, Nantmel, 20;Dec. 10th, LIandrindod High School, 10. Smaller flocks were noted atErwood, Four Stones, LIangunllo and Park Farm, Moelienydd (MFP).

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coeleba.H. and R. A common resident, breeding in both Counties. Jan. 28th, HomeMarsh, first song noted and in good voice by Feb. 1st (AJS). The largerflocks were: Feb. 22nd, Abbeycwmhir, max. 150 (MFP); Sept. 1st, HamptonBishop, c70 (J LF); Dct. 23rd, Moelienydd, 100+ and 80 at LIangunllo on thesame date (MFP).

BRAMBLIN G Fringilla montifringilla.H. Jan. 12th, Sink Green, one feeding on seeds of Common Alder Alnusglutinosa (JVF); Jan. 14th, Mordiford, six (\BE); Jan. 15th, Pencoyd, six(WOD); Feb. 14th, Whitecross, Hereford, 50 (\BE); March 15th, LIanwarne,three (WOD); March, Dorstone, pair noted at bird table (MMG).

R. Jan. 2nd, Rhayader area, max. 300 in with flock of Chaffinches and a fewGreenfinches (DWL); Jan. 6th, Pool Hill, five; Feb. 22nd, Abbeycwmhir,clOO (M FP); March 31st, Kinnerton, three (HTR).

GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris.

H. and R. A common reSident, breeding in both Counties. Jan. 28th, Holmegatherings were: Jan. 2nd, Discoed, 12 (CJP); Feb. 1st. Whitecross,Hereford, 200 (IBE); Oct. 8th, LIandrindod High School, c50 (M FP); Dct.16th, Whitecross, 300 (lBE).


GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis.H. and R. Common and breeding in both Counties. Records are numerousand the larger flocks were: Jan. 22nd, Hampton Bishop, c40 and c60 there onAug. 15th (JLF); Sept. 1st, Builth, 50+ (MFP); Sept. 8th, Glasbury, 100+(CO): Sept. 15th, Castleton, 100+ (AM).

SISKIN Carduelis spinus.H. and R. Records are numerous from both Counties. Breeding noted atAbbeycwmhir and several noisy juveniles noted at Llandrindod High Schoolin Aug. - Sept. (MFP). The larger gatherings were: Jan. 7th, Glasbury, 12(MFP); Jan. 24th, Penybont, c24 (CJP); Jan. 28th, Holme Lacy, c45 (JLF);Jan. 29th, Letton, 19 (CO); Feb. 13th, Hampton Bishop, c40 (JLF); Feb.19th, Wigmore Rolls, 30 (AM); Feb. 20th, Llanwarne, 30+ by Gamber(PJK); Octo 12th, Llandrindod, max. 12 (MFP); Nov. 10th, Titley, ten(JMB); Dec. 6th, Penybont, ten (MFP); Dec. 23rd, Hoarwithy, c30 (WOD);Dec. 27th, Evenjobb, 30+ (MFP).

LINNET Carduelis cannabina.H. and R. No apparent change in status. The larger flocks were: Jan. 12th,Storridge, c60 (DP); Feb 22nd, Abbeycwmhir, max. 70 (M FP); March 18th,Llanwarne, 30+ (PJK); July 27th, Stanner area, 15 (DW); Aug. 12th,Mathon 20+ (DP); Sept 7th, Llandrindod Golf Course, c50 (MFP); Sept.8th, Castleton, 100+ (AM); Sept. 22nd, Glasbury, 150+; Sept. 28th, Builth,c70; Oct. 23rd, Llangunllo, 40 and 34 at Park Farm, Moelienydd on the samedate (MFP).

REDPOLL Carduelis flammea.H. Jan. 10th, Hampton Bishop, c25 and c40 there on Jan. 22nd (JLF); Jan.27th, Eywood, two (CJP); Jan. 28th, Castleton, three (AJS); Feb. 17th,Bridstow, five (WOO); Feb 19th, Wigmore Rolls, 20 (AM); March 11th,Hampton Bishop, eight; March 13th, Holme Lacy, nine feeding on fallenAlder seeds (JLF); March 18th, Llanwarne, 12 (WOO); March 24th,Hampton Bishop, c35 (JLF) and a single at Castleton on the same date(AJS); April 6th, Hampton Bishop,11 (JLF); April 18th, Monnington, one(AJS); April 21st, Lingen, four (JVF); April 26th, Eastnor, one (DP); May26th, Gatley, small flock (FRF); Octo 10th, Holme Marsh, five and c40 thereon Nov. 15th; Nov. 26th, Bircher area, c53 (AJS); Dec. 4th, Wilton, five(WOO).

R. Jan. 24th, Penybont, cl2 (CJP). Small numbers only in Jan. - Feb. butwidespread in breeding season, although not as common as in recent years(MFP); April 30th, The Begwns, one (AJS); June 8th, singles at Bryngwynand Rhosgoch; June 9th, Bryngwyn, three males and a single at Dol-yCannau on the same date (PJC; PGF); July 2nd, Black Mixen, four andseveral family parties (DP); Oct. 23rd, Llanbister Road, six and three atMoelienydd on the same date; Nov. 1st, Penybont, seven; Dec. 4th, Llyngwyn, 17; Dec. 27th. Knill. two (MFP).


CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra.H. Feb. 19th, Staunton-on-Arrow, 15 (JMB); April 18th, Monnington, one(AJS); Sept. 13th, Queen's Wood, Dinmore, one calling (DP); Nov. 10th,Holme Marsh, one (AJS); Dec. 24th, Aymestrey, five (FWM).

BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula.H. and R. Resident and breeding in both Counties. Dec. II th, Sned Wood,min. 24 noted, including a flock of ten (AJS).

HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes.H. Feb., Copelands, Hoirner, two in garden feeding on fallen seeds ofHornbeam Carpinus betulus (per CWW); March 16th, Checkley, a singlewhich remained for several days (RH).

YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella.H. and R. A common resident, breeding in both Counties, although inRadnorshire appears to be more common in the east and south of theCounty. The larger gatherings were: Jan. 6th, Llanbister Road area, max. 40(MFP); Feb. I Ith, Llanbedr, c50 (AM); Sept. 1st, Hampton Bishop, c40 andc45 there on Sept. 29th (JLF); Nov. 8th, Bridstow, c20 (WOD); Dec. 16th,Mathon SP, 20 (DP); Dec. 25th, Aconbury, 20 (IBE); Dec. 27th, FourStones, c50 (MFP).

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus.H. Jan. 26th, Castleton, one (CJ P/ BC); March 3rd, Pencoyd Pool, pair(PJK); a single at Bridstow on March 7th and two at Wilton on 27th (WOD);March 31st, Tupsley, two males and a female (!BE) and three males onterritory at Upper Lugg meadows on the same date (CWW); April 5th,Bridstow, two (WOD); April 6th, Tidnor Cross, pair (VPH); April 21st,Castleton, one (AM); April 29th, Bredwardine, song (AJS), July 14th,Castleton, one (AM); Nov. 29th, Hampton Bishop, two (JLF).

R. Jan. 24th, Llanwefr, three (CJP/BC); April 25th, Llynpentre Bank, amale (AJS); 19 pairs located during the breeding season (MFP); May 24th,Llyn Hilyn, pair (JLF); June 7th, Llanwefr Pool, pair and a pair at LlynHilyn on the same date; June 8th, Coxhead Bank Common, one and ninemales at Rhosgoch Common (PJCj PGF); July 5th, Llanbedr, male carryingfood on high moor; July 11th, Cnwch Bank, one in song (DP); July 23rd,Llyn Hilyn, a family party; Aug. 22nd, Glashury, nine (MFP); Aug. 30th,Llan Bwch-Llyn, one (DWL); Oct. 23rd, near Penyclawdd, six; Dec. 4th,Newbridge Bog, nine flew in to roost; Dec. 27th, Llyn Hilyn, three (MFP).

CORN BUNTING Milaria calandria.H. March 18th, Michaelchurch, one and one singing there on April 17th(WOD). No information was received about the breeding colony to the westof Hereford.

R. May 3rd, Hergest Ridge (Gladestry end), one heard calling for tenminutes and watched for 5-7 minutes. Seen to fly to second bird seenpreviously and both flew off. Not seen subsequently and no evidence ofbreeding (SMW). (First record).


CONTRIBUTORS TO CLASSIFIED NOTES

Mrs. J. AlienT. R. AmmondsM.J. AntcliffMrs. M. Beach*W. BlenchDr. D.G. BoddingtonMrs. J.M. Bromley*P.J. ChadwickJ.B.D. ColleyB. CresswellMiss W.O. OaviesR.G. DeaneLB. Evans*P.G. FarmerJ.L. FoxMrs. J.V. FoxMrs. F.R. FrancisA.G. FysheMrs. J. Garnett

G. GayMrs. J. GayMiss W.M. GisbonMrs. M.M. GrantR. HallOr. V.P. Helme*T.B. HuttonMrs. P.J. KentB.M. KiddleO.W. LewisMrs. O.K. LewisMiss W. Lindsay-ScottA. MarchantF.W. MarstonK.A. MasonOr. B.E. Miles*M. NobleO. ParrCJ. Parry

REPORT EXCHANGES

M.F. PeersMrs. A.C PowellMrs. F.M. ProbynH.T. RandolphD. RippeA.J. SmithMrs. A. SmithG.N. SmithMrs. J. SmithA.A. StewartR.L. VernonOr. CW. WalkerM.P. WatkinsO. WilkinsonMrs. P.M. WilsonOr. W. Wince*Miss S.M. Woodman

*Denotes non-mem ber

Bristol Natural History Society.Derbyshire Ornithological Society.Gloucester Naturalists' Trust.Gwent Ornithological Society.Shropshire Ornithological Society.Trent Valley Birdwatchers.West Wales Naturalists' Trust.Wiltshire Ornithological Society.

ASSOCIATIONS TO WHICH THE CLUB IS AFFILIATEDBritish Trust for Ornithology.Herefordshire and Radnorshire Nature Trust.Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.Woolhope Club.


INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTYEAR ENDED 30th NOVEMBER 1984

1983 1984Income:

24 Sale of Publications 15ID Sale of Old Projector

Provision for Corporation Tax not required 2735 Donations 47

156 Building Society Interest 1671,106 Subscriptions 1,0521,331 1,308

75Deduct: Expenditure:Printing and Stationery 76

443 Annual Report 601231 Postage & Telephone 191192 Meeting Expenses 23639 Affiliation Subscriptions 5924 Cost of Publications 1518 Insurances 1927 Corporation Tax on Building Society Interest (Est.)

Donation Wild Fowl Trust 101,040 1,207

282 Surplus for the Year 1011,030 Surplus at Ist December 1983 1,3121,312 General Funds at 30th November 1984 1,4131,200 Add: Special Fund, brought forward 1,200

Legacy - Miss B. Stone 500

£2,5121,700

Accumulated Funds at 30th November 1984 £3,113Accumulated Funds at 30th November 1984represented by:-

2,385 Deposit with Abbey National Building Society 2,90251 Cash at Bank, less 1985 subscriptions in advance 15076 Stock of Publication at cost 61

£2,512 £3,113

I.T. STONE, Hon. Treasurer.

I have audited the above Accounts and in my opinion they show a true andfair view of the Surplus for the year ended 30th November, 1984 and of theClub's assets at 30th November, 1984.

T. Davies, Chartered Accountant.31 st December 1984

20X HEREFORDSHIRE ORNITHOIOCilCAI REPORT 19X4

\() lIS

Documents

ANNUAL REPORT 1984 - HerefordshireBirds · Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and Dipper in the south of the County. A total of2926 birds of46 species have been ringed. This figure constitutes