• March 2015

- BIRDS OF THE MONTH. Wren, recorded in 47 squares, the highest number yet recorded for this species (cf. 34 in the previous month, 35 in March 2014, and 43, the previous peak, in July); Wheatear, the first of the real African migrants, recorded on 17 March (Chiffchaffs were recorded earlier, but may have been wintering birds); and Jack Snipe, the latest addition to the survey list.

- NUMBERS. As usual, all 52 squares were visited, and 26 observers made 190 square visits (cf. 39 observers and 150 visits in March 2014). In total, 73 species were recorded (cf. 71 in the previous month, and 68 in March 2014). The number of species per square ranged from two to 50, with no squares recording zero for the first time since November.

- MAXIMA

- Flock size. For the fourth consecutive month, the species with the highest counts was Starling, with up to 400 gathering to roost below Aish in early March. The next highest counts were for Golden Plover (150) and Jackdaw and Herring Gull (100), although there was one record of 200 mixed corvids.

- Number of squares. As usual, Carrion Crow, in 49 squares, headed a list of 12 species occurring in more than 30 squares, now joined by Dunnock and Jackdaw, while Blackbird, Chaffinch and Wren moved up into the exclusive 40-plus band.

- COMPARISON WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, FEBRUARY 2015.

- Gains and losses. Eight gains comprised Barn Owl, Great Crested Grebe, Jack Snipe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Linnet, Mandarin Duck, Swallow and Wheatear, all new for the year. Wigeon and Woodcock were among six species present in February, but not recorded in March.

- Ups and downs. The largest increases were for Canada Goose, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, Mallard, Meadow Pipit, Pheasant, Stonechat, Wren, Yellowhammer, with the largest decreases for Fieldfare, Herring Gull and, perhaps surprisingly, Skylark.

- COMPARISON WITH A YEAR AGO, MARCH 2014.

- Gains and losses. Nine species recorded in March 2015 species were not recorded in March 2014 (e.g., Golden Plover and Linnet), and four on the March 2014 list were not recorded (e.g., Little Owl and Woodcock).

- Ups and downs. Most species were recorded in more squares than in March 2014, most notably Fieldfare (1 to 5), Goldcrest (7 to 13), Mallard (10 to 20), Stonechat (6 to 16) and Yellowhammer (5 to 14). Only Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Marsh Tit, Skylark and Treecreeper were in fewer squares.

- BREEDERS. There was evidence of breeding in 23 species (cf. nine in February), the most interesting being Snipe with pre-dawn drumming (bleating) and chipping first heard on 9 March near the Avon Dam. These sounds are usually made by birds on breeding territory, and were not recorded in the parish in 2014.

- NON-BIRDS. Among records submitted by nine observers, the only new species for the year were Common Toad (spawn in square 18), Common Lizard (torpid on pavement in square 24) and Small White (in a greenhouse in square 24). For the three most commonly recorded mammals, Mole, Rabbit and Grey Squirrel, records from squares where these species have not yet been recorded, would be particularly welcome. There are still 14 squares apparently without moles and rabbits, and 22 without squirrels. Further information on where these squares are may soon appear on the website.

- WHAT NEXT? More breeding records (hopefully) and the gradual return of summer visitors. The first Spotted Flycatcher was not noted until early June in 2014, so hopefully there will be at least one in May this year. A singing Lesser Whitethroat has already appeared in April, and other summer migrants not recorded last year, but which could at least make a brief stopover in the parish, include Grasshopper Warbler and Wood Warbler. May is the month when Red Kites are most likely to be seen. Perhaps one will even land this year. And perhaps some of the Hoopoes that have arrived in Cornwall will decide to move our way!

- CONTRIBUTORS. Records in March 2015 were submitted by: Lesley Austin, Dave & Janet Ayres, Eileen Blockly, John & Sylvia Caddick, Phil Dean, Paul Edginton, Andrew & Kit Ferguson, Mike Goss, Sylvia & Peter Hamilton, Helen Harvey, Paul Heatley, Steve Hopper, Maggie King, Ann & Tim Ley, Dave MacDiarmid, Jonathan Nicholson, Dave Pakes, Adrian & Gaynor Platt, Peter Reay, John Roberts, Tony Rose, Ellie Standen, Val Stanley, Janine Tinkler, Jane Wellens and Barrie Whitehall. Thanks to all.       

 

• February 2015

-  BIRDS OF THE MONTH.  Little Egret, recorded in four different squares (just possibly involving one wandering individual) after only one record in the previous 13 months; genuine Hen Harrier at last, two birds (a male and a female/immature) in two squares; Reed Bunting, up to four visiting a garden feeder off Hillside, with very few elsewhere; and a very early bird, a Blackbird fledged on 24 Feb, perhaps the first of its species in the country this year.

-  NUMBERS. All 52 squares were visited, and 26 observers made 191 square visits (cf. 50, 36 and 146 in Feb 2014). In total, 72 species were recorded (cf. 67 in Jan 2015, and 65 in Feb 2014), including one new for the survey, Hen Harrier. The number of species per square ranged from zero to 50.

-  MAXIMA. For the third consecutive month, the species with the highest maximum counts was Starling, with an estimated 500 feeding near Shortacross, and several hundred roosting at Aish. The next highest counts were for Jackdaw (150) and Redwing (100), with 94 Wigeon, 30 Golden Plover, 25 Stock Dove and 17 Goosander also of note. As in Jan, Carrion Crow, in 45 squares, headed the same 10 species occurring in more than 30 squares.

-  COMPARISON WITH JAN 2015. Very similar, but Dartford Warbler, Hen Harrier, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Little Owl and Merlin were added, and Kingfisher and Ring Ouzel lost. The largest increases were for Canada Goose (2 to 9), Skylark (7 to 17) and Stock Dove (6 to 11). The largest decreases were for Snipe (8 to 3), Starling (26 to 17) and Redwing (29 to 22).

-  COMPARISON WITH FEB 2014. Only Firecrest, Kingfisher, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Muscovy Duck were recorded in 2014 and not 2015, whereas there were nine additions in 2015 – Black-headed Gull, Chiffchaff, Dartford Warbler, Hen Harrier, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Little Owl, Merlin and Wigeon. Most species were found in more squares in 2015, including Great Spotted Woodpecker (12 to 20), Meadow Pipit (7 to 18) and Treecreeper (2 to 7), but Canada Goose (12 to 9) bucked the trend.

-  NON-BIRDS. Records from 13 observers included Badger, Fox, Grey Squirrel, Hare, Mole, Rabbit, Roe Deer and Frog (spawn) and, unlike January, some flying butterflies: Peacock (one square); and Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell (each in three squares).

-  WHAT NEXT? Still no Red Grouse or Brambling, but a Jack Snipe on 5 Mar shows that there are still surprises awaiting. More predictable will be the arrival of summer visitors, with Chiffchaff and Wheatear the most likely before the end of March. Starling and Redwing will continue to decrease, and the latter may take a final bow in March before returning in October; don’t be surprised to hear flocks gently singing in the tree tops on sunny days before they fly north. It will be interesting to see whether Pied Wagtail numbers build up in late March and April as they did last year, when about 100 gathered to roost in bamboos below Brent Hill; such birds will be stopover migrants, probably heading for breeding areas in Scotland. Breeding activity will become increasingly evident locally in many species, and one of the early surprises so far was a Snipe heard drumming (a display sound made by vibrations of outer tail feathers) before dawn in early March. Snipe were not recorded as a breeding species in the parish last year, but it is likely that breeding does occur in one or two moorland squares.

-  CONTRIBUTORS. Records in Feb 2015 were submitted by: Lesley Austin, Dave & Janet Ayres, Eileen Blockly, Mick Bramich, John & Sylvia Caddick, Phil Dean, Paul Edginton, Roger Elford, Andrew & Kit Ferguson, Mike Goss, Sylvia & Peter Hamilton, Paul Heatley, Steve Hopper, Maggie King, Ann & Tim Ley, Dave MacDiarmid, Emma Matsambanye, Jonathan Nicholson, Dave Pakes, Adrian & Gaynor Platt, Peter Reay, John Roberts, Tony Rose, Val Stanley, Janine Tinkler, George Watson and Barrie Whitehall.  Thanks to all.                       

 

• January 2015

-  BIRDS OF THE MONTH. Stonechat: an absence in Jan 2014 led to the initial conclusion that this species wintered outside the parish, returning in Feb. Records from seven squares (six on the moor, but also, unusually, square 33) by six observers in Jan 2015, is almost certainly a result of improved coverage and vigilance rather than differences in weather or bird behaviour between the two winters. It helps to justify a three-year survey, and illustrates the dangers of basing conclusions on a single year. Ring Ouzel: perhaps just a single bird ranging over three squares, this species is rarely recorded in Jan. Chiffchaff: at least four at the Water Treatment Works confirms wintering in the parish.

-  NUMBERS. All 52 squares were visited, and 30 observers made 172 square visits (cf. 49, 38 and 128 in Jan 2014). Thus, a smaller number of observers worked harder in 2015! In total, 67 species were recorded (cf. 64 in Jan 2014), the number per square ranging from zero to 45 for the month. For the first time during the survey, no new species were added.

-  MAXIMA. As in Dec, the species with the highest maximum counts was Starling, with an estimated 2,000 feeding in and around farm buildings near Shortacross, and at least 500 eventually roosting at Aish. The next highest counts were for Redwing (150), Fieldfare & Jackdaw (100) and Chaffinch & Rook (50). As usual, Carrion Crow, in 46 squares, headed a list of 10 species occurring in more than 30 squares, which, in contrast to the previous month, included Buzzard, but not Redwing or Starling.

-  COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS MONTH. Very similar, but Cormorant, Great Black-backed Gull and Siskin were added, and Lesser Black-backed Gull and Merlin lost. There were increases for Kestrel (from one to 7 squares) and Skylark (2 to 7), but more species decreased: Blackcap (4 to 2), Fieldfare (20 to 13), Goldcrest (19 to 12), Golden Plover (5 to 1), Grey Wagtail (14 to 8), Starling (33 to 26) and Tawny Owl (10 to 6).

-  COMPARISON WITH JAN 2014. With increased coverage, it is not surprising that most species were recorded in more squares in 2015, but decreases were shown by Blackcap (5 to 2), Goosander (5 to 2) and Mallard (9 to 5), and Lesser Black-backed Gull, Linnet and Little Owl were not recorded at all. On the other hand, six species were recorded in 2015, but not 2014: Canada Goose (2 squares), Reed Bunting (1), Ring Ouzel (3), Stonechat (7), Teal (2) and Yellowhammer (2), and species showing the largest increases in number of squares were Fieldfare (6 to 13), Meadow Pipit (4 to 19), Pied Wagtail (9 to 19) and Skylark (1 to 7).

-  NON-BIRDS. No flying butterflies were reported, but the first Frog spawn was noted, and there were a few records of Fox (4 squares), Hare (1) and Roe Deer (4). Mole hills were much in evidence.

-  WHAT NEXT? More species are now singing, wheezing, trilling, cooing and drumming. There have been no reports to date of Blackbird singing, but this should soon become a feature of the growing dawn chorus. Wintering Chiffchaffs have already been heard singing, and in March, the first migrant birds can be expected. There have been no reports of either Yellowhammer or Reed Bunting on bird feeders yet, but late winter and early spring is when these buntings are most likely to appear, as natural food supplies dwindle. Canada Geese have kept a very low profile since last summer, but are expected to become more evident as they return to local ponds to breed, and on the moor, Skylark and Meadow Pipit should become increasingly common as they return to breeding territories. There is no clear contender for the next species to be added to the survey species list, but Brambling remains the only one predicted to occur that hasn’t. There is still time!

-  CONTRIBUTORS. Records in Jan were submitted by: Lesley Austin, Dave & Janet Ayres, Eileen Blockly, Mick Bramich, John & Sylvia Caddick, John Cranch, Phil Dean, Paul Edginton, Roger Elford, Andrew & Kit Ferguson, Mike Goss, Sylvia & Peter Hamilton, Helen Harvey, Paul Heatley, Steve Hopper, Maggie King, Ann & Tim Ley, Dave MacDiarmid, Keith Male, Jonathan Nicholson, Dave Pakes, Adrian & Gaynor Platt, Peter Reay, John Roberts, Tony Rose, Val Stanley, Janine Tinkler, Barrie Whitehall and Mike Wilson.  Thanks to all.     

-  ADDENDUM.  Some nearly new species:  So far, no completely new species have been added to the survey list. However, two sightings of Hen Harrier in February mean that this species can now replace the rather unsatisfactory ‘Unidentified Harrier’ from last July (which may have been a Hen Harrier). The first, a male, flew over Broad Rushes on 8 February, and the second, a ‘ringtail’ (female or immature), was seen on the moor above Dockwell 10 days later. The last really new species for the survey were Dartford Warbler and Little Egret in December, and although neither resurfaced in January, there have been records of both in February, so at least they are new for 2015. After a near absence of Little Egrets in 2014, there have been several records in February ranging throughout the parish, and the second Dartford Warbler was in a different square to the one in December.

                  

• December 2014

-  All 52 squares were visited, and 29 observers made 183 square visits. The average number of visits per square was 3.5 (the actual number ranging from one to nine), with 6.3 squares per observer (ranging from one to 52). A total of 2,038 records in December brings the year total to a monumental 24,219.

-  69 species were recorded during December, the number per square ranging from zero (in three squares) to 42 for the month, and remaining at 10 to 71 for the year. Two new species, Dartford Warbler (near Three Barrows) and Little Egret (flying over Stidston), plus Black Redstart, a late addition from November, brings the year total to 106. (Although Red Grouse droppings were recorded (see website), the birds were neither seen nor heard so this species has not yet been added to the list.)

-  Wigeon was the only species to re-appear after a long absence. The largest increases from the previous month (in number of squares where recorded) were for Fieldfare (12 to 20) and Starling (27 to 33), both reaching their highest level for the year. This also applied to Golden Plover (1 to 5) and Black-headed Gull (0 to 3), and there were also slight increases for wintering Chiffchaff (1 to 3) and Blackcap (2 to 4). For the first month since March, there were no Little Grebes, and a poor year for Siskins ended with none being recorded at all in December. The largest decreases were for Greenfinch, (12 to 6), Kestrel (7 to 1), Buzzard (34 to 27) and Wren (41 to 35), but for most species there was little change.

-  Also for the first time since March, the species with the highest maximum counts was Starling, with an estimated 2,000 in late September feeding in and around farm buildings near Shortacross; only very few have been found roosting in the village so far, but as usual these have been in bamboos. Other large maximum counts were for Fieldfare (400), Jackdaw (200) and Redwing (100), but more modest counts of 46 Golden Plover and 23 Goosander (Avon Dam roost) were the highest of the year for those species.

-  Carrion Crow, at 47, as usual headed the list of species occurring in more than 30 squares, the others being: Blackbird & Robin (39); Magpie (38); Blue Tit, Herring Gull & Wren (35); Great Tit, Starling & Woodpigeon (33); Jackdaw & Redwing (32); and Chaffinch (31).

-  BIRD OF THE MONTH. Dartford Warbler. Although only one small bird seen for a few minutes in one square before it flew out of the parish, it was apparently the first on Dartmoor since November 2012, following the population crash linked to recent cold winters. It was also the only bird recorded from that square in December!

-  WHAT NEXT? Several species are now singing, and more song and more species joining the choir are likely during the early part of the year. It will be interesting to see whether Canada Goose, Chiffchaff, Stonechat and Reed Bunting are recorded in January. If so, these species will then join the group recorded in each month of the year. As we enter the second year of the survey, new species will be increasingly difficult to find, but there are still a few predicted species that haven’t yet made an appearance, and there will always be the odd surprise. Otherwise, unless there is a dramatic change in the weather, the January results will probably show little change, but it will now be interesting to compare them, not only with the previous month, but the previous January.

 -  Records in November were submitted by: Mike Alexander, Dave & Janet Ayres, Eileen Blockly, Mick Bramich, John & Sylvia Caddick, Phil Dean, Paul Edginton, Tim Ferry, Mike Goss, Adam & Lucy Grant, Clare Guthrie, Poppet Hall, Sylvia & Peter Hamilton, Helen Harvey, Alan & Kathleen  Hayes, Paul Heatley, Steve Hopper, Maggie King, Ann & Tim Ley, Dave MacDiarmid, Emma Matsambanye, Jonathan Nicholson, Dave Pakes, Adrian Platt, Peter Reay, Tony Rose, Val Stanley, Janine Tinkler and Barrie Whitehall.  Thanks to all.                 

 

• November 2014

-  All 52 squares were visited again, but there was a slight drop in number of ‘square visits’ to 172, and observers to 24. The average number of visits per square was 3.3 (the actual number ranging from one to 10), with 7.2 squares per observer (ranging from one to 52). A total of 2083 records in November brings the year total so far to a staggering 22,090.

-  67 species were recorded during November, the number per square ranging from zero (in two squares) to 43 for the month, and from 10 to 71 for the year so far. Goshawk (in both the Badworthy and Dockwell areas) was the only new species, bringing the year total to 103.

-  Woodcock constituted the only re-appearances of species, but a Blackcap late in the month was probably the first wintering birds, following the last of the summer visitors in October. The largest increases from the previous month (in number of squares where recorded) were for Fieldfare (1 to 12), Redwing (23 to 33), Starling (19 to 27), Goldcrest (13 to 21).

-  Summer visitors that lingered into October, House Martin, Swallow, Wheatear and Willow Warbler, eventually disappeared and Chiffchaff showed the largest decrease in squares where recorded (11 to 1). Grey Heron, Kestrel, Ring Ouzel, Skylark, Sparrowhawk and Stock Dove all showed decreases of at least 50% and there were no records of Linnet.

-  The tail end of Woodpigeon migration through the parish in early November produced a count of 640, but this was exceeded by a count of 783 Redwing moving through. Flocks of about 500 Fieldfare and Starling and 200 Herring Gull and Jackdaw were reported. More modest, but impressive for the species concerned, were 138 Pied Wagtail and 18 Goosander (Avon Dam roost).

-  Carrion Crow again occurred in 48 squares, Wren in 41, Woodpigeon in 40, Robin in 39, Blue Tit in 38, Blackbird in 37, Magpie in 35, Buzzard & Chaffinch in 34, and Jackdaw & Redwing in 33.

-  BIRD OF THE MONTH. Goldcrests became rather conspicuous, in a quiet sort of way. Their presence in 21 squares was the highest of the year, as also was a maximum count of 12. Other contenders were Starling, Fieldfare, and particularly Redwing, all becoming much more numerous in November, and Goshawk, an unpredicted addition to the year list.

-  WHAT NEXT? Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush both started singing in early December and should become more obvious as winter progresses, with other species such as Blackbird and Chaffinch eventually joining in. We’ve already added an unexpected Dartford Warbler to the list in early December, and surely it’s only a matter of time before someone sees a Brambling or Hen Harrier? A cold spell of weather, particularly one affecting the rest of Britain, is likely to result in more species and larger numbers.

-  Records in November were submitted by: Mike Alexander, Dave & Janet Ayres, Eileen Blockly, Steve Davies, Phil Dean, Paul Edginton, Roger Elford, Mike Goss, Clare Guthrie, Poppet Hall, Sylvia & Peter Hamilton, Paul Heatley, Steve Hopper, Maggie King, Ann & Tim Ley, Dave MacDiarmid, Jonathan Nicholson, Dave Pakes, Peter Reay, Tony Rose, Ellie Standen, Val Stanley, Janine Tinkler and Barrie Whitehall.  Thanks to all.

 

• October 2014

-  All 52 squares were visited again, and there was a big increase to 192 ‘square visits’, giving an average of about 3.7 visits per square (the actual number ranging from one to 10) and 7.4 squares per observer (ranging from one to 51). Twenty-six observers submitted 2,117 records, bringing the year total so far to 19,991.

-  75 species were recorded during October, the number of species per square ranging from zero (the first zero since January) to 48 for the month, and from nine to 71 for the year so far. Mandarin Duck was the only new species, bringing the year total to 102.

-  Several species, re-appeared after an absence of several months, including: Cormorant, Fieldfare, Golden Plover, Goosander, Merlin, Peregrine, Red Kite, Snipe and Teal. The largest increases from the previous month (in number of squares where recorded) were for Redwing (1 to 23), Starling (7 to 19), Pied Wagtail (14 to 26), Bullfinch (8 to 18), Sparrowhawk (8 to 17) and Ring Ouzel (1 to 8).

-  Losses included Spotted Flycatcher and Whinchat, and other summer visitors were the main contributors to the largest decreases, including Swallow (38 to 10), Chiffchaff (35 to 11), Linnet (16 to 2), House Martin (17 to 7) and Willow Warbler (10 to 1).

-  The largest flock size, in contrast to all previous months, was for Woodpigeon, with counts of up to 2,000 in migrating flocks, mostly heading west, in the last week of October. For birds on the ground, the species with the largest counts were Starling (450) and Jackdaw (300).

-  Carrion Crow occurred in 48 squares, Robin in 40, Wren in 39, Blackbird and Magpie in 38, Chaffinch and Woodpigeon in 37 and Jackdaw in 35. All other species were in less than 35.

-  BIRD OF THE MONTH – Ring Ouzel. Although none were recorded on spring passage, they occurred in eight squares in October with as many as 15 seen together, mostly on the moor above Moorgate and below the Avon Dam.

-  WHAT NEXT? With all the regular winter visitors now back, it is possible that no more new species will appear before the end of the year. The most likely is probably Brambling, which has occurred in previous winters but not the last. It is most likely to be seen in gardens or feeding on beech mast among Chaffinches. The recent appearance of a Goshawk near Dockwell shows that other species can still turn up unexpectedly. This will be more likely if the weather turns cold, and perhaps then the arrival of a flock of Lapwing would become a fitting climax to an exciting year. Otherwise, it’s probably a case of several common species becoming more widespread and occurring in greater numbers and, in the case of thrushes, starting to sing.

-  Records in September were submitted by: Mike Alexander, Dave Ayres, Eileen Blockly, John Caddick, Phil Dean, Paul Edginton, Roger Elford, Mike Goss, Clare Guthrie, Poppet Hall, Sylvia & Peter Hamilton, Helen Harvey, Frances Hayes, Paul Heatley, Steve Hopper, Maggie King, Dave MacDiarmid, Jonathan Nicholson, Dave Pakes, Peter Reay, John Roberts, Tony Rose, Val Stanley, Janine Tinkler and Barrie Whitehall.  Thanks to all.

 

• September 2014

-  Drum Roll !!!     We've reached 101 bird species recorded in the parish this calendar year.    Fireworks Explode !!!!  Read on for the new species......

-  All 52 squares were visited again, and there was an increase to 178 ‘square visits’, giving an average of about 3.5 visits per square (the actual number ranging from one to eight) and 7.1 squares per observer (ranging from one to 52). Twenty-five observers submitted 1,872 records, bringing the year total so far to 17,841.

-  70 species were recorded, the number of species per square ranging from two to 42 for the month, and from nine to 69 for the year so far.  Four new species brings the year total to 101: Yellow Wagtail near Brent Hill; Sedge Warbler above the Avon Dam Reservoir; Ring Ouzel above Shipley; and Barn Owl at Stidston.

-  Black-headed Gull, Redwing and Sand Martin re-appeared after absences of several months.  The largest increases from the previous month (in number of squares where recorded) were for Mistle Thrush (6 to 18), Kestrel (6 to 16), Meadow Pipit (27 to 35), Pied Wagtail (7 to 14), Stock Dove (4 to 9), and Song Thrush (6 to 11).  Among species that finally disappeared were Canada Goose and Swift, and those with the largest decreases were, apart from Bullfinch (15 to 8), departing summer visitors: Willow Warbler (21 to 10), Wheatear (10 to 4), Whitethroat (7 to 2) and Whinchat (4 to 1).

-  The largest flock size was, as usual, for Jackdaw (but only 130), with House Martin & Swallow close behind (100 each); for Starling, 70 was the largest number since March.

-  Carrion Crow was yet again the most widespread species, recorded from 47 squares in September. No other species were found in more than 40 squares, but Buzzard, Magpie, Swallow and Robin were in more than 35.  Meadow Pipit was recorded in more than 30 squares for the first time this year, while Wren dropped below this level for the first time since February.

-  BIRD OF THE MONTH – Barn Owl. Although only seen by one observer on one occasion (27 Feb at Stidston), this is an iconic bird, long-awaited, and fittingly our 100th species for the year.  Worth watching out for.

-  WHAT NEXT? Summer visitors will be increasingly difficult to find in late October, but winter Redwing, Fieldfare and other winter visitors and late passage migrants should be more evident.  At the end of October and early November, large flocks of migrating Woodpigeons are likely to be seen heading west and perhaps briefly stopping to feed and rest. The October Pied Wagtail passage seems to have been and gone, smaller and earlier than last year. Ring Ouzels and Merlins have already been seen on the moor, and others are likely, with Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl and Black Redstart also possible. A good place to look for the latter is the Avon Dam, from where, at dusk, Goosanders can be seen coming in to roost. Robin and Wren are now singing and thus easier to find, and Dunnock, Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush can be expected to join the choir soon.

-  Records in September were submitted by: Mike Alexander, Dave Ayres, Eileen Blockly, Phil Dean, Paul Edginton, Mike Goss, Adam and Lucy Grant, Clare Guthrie, Poppet Hall, Sylvia & Peter Hamilton, Helen Harvey, Paul Heatley, Steve Hopper, Maggie King, Dave MacDiarmid, Emma Matsambanye, Jonathan Nicholson, Dave Pakes, Peter Reay, John Roberts, Tony Rose, Ellie Standen, Val Stanley, Janine Tinkler and Barrie Whitehall. Thanks to all.

 

• August 2014

-  All 52 squares were visited again, and there were again 160 ‘square visits’, giving an average of about three visits per square (the actual number ranging from one to seven).

-  21 observers submitted 1,676 records, bringing the year total so far to 15,906.

-  68 species were recorded. The only new one was Common Sandpiper at and above the Avon Dam Reservoir, which brings the year total to 97.

-  The number of species per square ranged from one to 44 for the month, and from seven to 68 for the year so far.

-  Kingfisher, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Siskin all made very modest reappearances. There were no major Increases (in number of squares where recorded) from the previous month, the largest increases being for Long-tailed Tit (5 to 9), Raven (19 to 29) and Sparrowhawk (7 to 10). Departing summer visitors included Cuckoo and Tree Pipit, with no August records, and several others decreased, most notably Blackcap (15 to 5) and Swift (11 to 3). The other larger decrease was for Song Thrush (22 to 6), probably more due to lying low and keeping quiet during moult, than moving away. The same probably applies to Chaffinch (39 to 27), but movements out of the parish may have been responsible for decreases in Skylark (25 to 15) and Starling (6 to 3).

-  The largest flock size was, as usual, for Jackdaw (200), but other species flocking in August included House Martin & Swallow (100 each), Meadow Pipit (80), Linnet & Mistle Thrush (60 each) and Goldfinch (50).

-  Carrion Crow continues to be the most widespread species, recorded from 46 squares in August. Swallow (44) was the only other species in more than 40 squares, but Blackbird, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Magpie, Robin, Woodpigeon and Wren all occurred in more than 35.

-  BIRD OF THE MONTH – Robin. After a mid-summer lull, started singing again in late July, and in August became much more visible and noisy, with records from 39 squares after the low of 32 in July.

-  WHAT NEXT? Late September will be a time of further declines in numbers of summer migrants such as Swallows, and increasing flock sizes in species such as Pied Wagtails. Last autumn, over 100 Pied Wagtails gathered in the evening to roost near the Village Hall, and will be worth looking out for again this year. Although we have resident Pied Wagtails in the parish, such gatherings probably comprise migrants from the north passing through. This also applies to the few Yellow Wagtails that have now been seen in early September, and it is possible that other species could drop in on their way south (a Wryneck looking for ants on someone’s lawn perhaps!). The first winter visitors will probably not be recorded until October, when Redwings and others start to arrive, hopefully with a passing Ring Ouzel or two among them. 
 

• July 2014

-  All 52 squares were visited again, and there were 159 ‘square visits’, giving an average of about three visits per square (the actual number ranging from one to 10).

-  Only 21 observers, but they submitted 1,831 records, bringing the year total so far to 14,098.

-  70 species were recorded, including three new ones, bringing the year total to 96.

-  New species: unidentified ringtail Hen/Montagu’s Harrier (flying over Harbourneford), Greenshank (Avon Dam) and Willow Tit (Moorland Park garden).

-  The number of species per square ranged from 2 to 40 for the month, and from 6 to 66 for the year so far.

-  There were no major Increases since June (in number of squares where recorded), but Goldcrest bounced back (from 3 to 8) and Spotted Flycatcher increased (from 4 to 7). Many more species decreased, with Mallard, Sparrowhawk, Blackcap, Starling and Tree Pipit all showing decreases of more than 50%, and for the first time this year there were no records of Peregrine and Siskin.

-  The highest flock counts were for Jackdaw (300), but 15 Little Grebes and 75 Goldfinches were notable increases from previous months.

-  Carrion Crow continues to be the most widespread species, recorded from 47 squares in July and all 52 since January; Swallow and Wren also occurred in 40 or more squares, and Blackbird, Chaffinch and Magpie in more than 35.

-  Additional species found breeding were Pheasant and Bullfinch, bringing the year total to 47.

-  BIRD OF THE MONTH – Little Grebe. Although on private land, and therefore only seen by a few observers, this species was a surprise breeder in the parish back in May, but even more surprising was the total of 15 recorded in July: the mixture of adults and young of different ages, suggested that more than one pair had bred, and that they probably had more than one brood.

-  WHAT NEXT? After breeding, many birds have become rather secretive and silent, but some are now singing again (e.g., Nuthatch, Robin and Wren) and others have started flocking (e.g., Mistle Thrushes, Meadow Pipits and Goldfinches), which can make them more conspicuous. Migrants are on the move, and species like Wheatear, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and various warblers could turn up anywhere. A long shot may be to look out for Yellow Wagtails feeding among grazing livestock, and flocks of Swallows and House Martins should be scanned for the odd Sand Martin, or a Hobby looking for an easy meal. Any small body of water or marshy ground could hold a Green Sandpiper and, although the Avon Dam Reservoir is often devoid of birds, it remains the site most likely to attract a passing wader, particularly if water levels remain low. An overhead Osprey is also a possibility. In fact, for the next couple of months, almost anything is possible (though in Brent, unlikely!).

 

• June 2014

-  All 52 squares were visited. On average each square was visited by 3.6 observers, but the actual number ranged from one (nine squares!) to 12 (square 32).

-  31 observers submitted 2,306 records bringing the year total so far to 12,086.

-  74 species were recorded, including two new ones, bringing the year total to 93.

-  New species: Curlew (flying over square 32) and Spotted Flycatcher (squares 18, 22, 26, 35.

-  The number of species per square ranged from 2 to 44 for the month, and from 5 to 65 for the year so far.

-  Increases since May (in number of squares where recorded) included Buzzard (33 to 40), Herring Gull (28 to 39), Spotted Flycatcher (0 to 4!) and Swift (13 to 18); decreases included Canada Goose (12 to 3), Dunnock (34 to 25), Goldcrest (9 to 3) and Linnet (13 to 8).

-  The highest flock counts were for Jackdaw (120); Herring Gull (240).

-  Carrion Crow continues to be the most widespread species, recorded from 46 squares in June and all 52 since January; Blackbird, Buzzard, Chaffinch and Wren also occurred in 40 or more squares, with Herring Gull, Magpie, Robin, Swallow and Woodpigeon in more than 35.

-  Evidence of breeding came from 46 species.

-  BIRD OF THE MONTH – Spotted Flycatcher. After an absence in May, it was first recorded on 12 June near Shipley and then from three other sites, including one with confirmed breeding.

 

• May 2014

-  All original 49 squares were visited in May, together with three new ones.

-  31 observers submitted 2,398 records bringing the year total so far to 9,630.

-  80 species were recorded, including eight new ones, bringing the year total to 91.

-  New species were: Great Crested Grebe, Lesser Redpoll, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Red-legged Partridge, Red Kite, Sand Martin and Whinchat.

-  Number of species per square ranged from 2 to 56 for the month, and from 5 to 67 for the year so far.

-  The species with the largest increases since April (number of squares where recorded) was Swift (1 to 13) followed by Bullfinch (10 to28); smaller increases were recorded for House Martin, Rook, Sparrowhawk, Stock Dove, Whitethroat and Yellowhammer. The main decrease was for Canada Goose (17 to11).

-  The highest flock counts were for Jackdaw (200); Herring Gull (80) and Rook (70).

-  Carrion Crow continues to be the most widespread species, recorded from 48 squares in May and all 52 since January; other widespread species in May were Chaffinch (42), Robin & Wren (41), Blackbird (39), Swallow (37), Blackcap (36), Woodpigeon (35), Magpie (34) and Buzzard, Blue Tit & Dunnock (33).

-  Evidence of breeding came from 42 species, the most surprising being Little Grebe.

 

• April 2014

 

-  All original 49 squares were visited, together with three new ones.

-  33 observers submitted 2,195 records bringing year total so far to 7,232.

-  74 species were recorded, including eight new ones, bringing the year total to 83.

-  New species were: Cuckoo, Garden Warbler, Hobby, House Martin, Swallow, Swift, Tree Pipit and Whitethroat.

-  Number of species per square ranged from four to 50 for the month, and from five to 59 for the year so far.

-  Species with the largest increases since March (number of squares where recorded) were: Swallow (0 to 30); -  Blackcap (6 to 30); Willow Warbler (1 to 16); Wheatear (2 to 14); and Linnet (0 to 10). The main decrease was Redwing, from 10 to 2.

-  The highest counts were for Jackdaw (200); Pied Wagtail (75) and Rook (70).

-  Carrion Crow continues to be the most widespread species, recorded from 48 (original) squares in April and all 49 since January; the next highest were Chaffinch & Wren (41), Buzzard (39) and Blackbird & Robin (38).

-  Evidence of breeding came from 25 species.

 

• March 2014

- 49 squares visited by at least one observer, 34 observers submitting records and 67 species recorded - similar to January and February

- Number of species recorded per square since beginning of year now ranges from three to 54, with three squares now with at least 50 species

- New species recorded in March were Teal, Little Grebe, Merlin, Willow Warbler and Wheatear, bringing the year total so far to 75

- Largest increase in occurrence was for Chiffchaff, from one square in Jan-Feb to 18 in March; Meadow Pipit also increased from seven in Feb to 17 in Mar, whereas Redwing declined from 17 to 10

- Highest counts were again for Starling (500) and Jackdaw (200)

- Carrion Crow now recorded in 48 squares; next, in rank order were Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Wren, Magpie and Great Tit, all occurring in at least 30 squares