Lilly s Wood Annual Bird Report 2017

Transcription

1 Lilly s Wood Annual Bird Report 2017 (RSPB, 2017) Written and Compiled by Jamie Fletcher 2017

2 Contents Report Summary Introduction Site Description Breeding Evidence Criteria Breeding Evidence Criteria Methodology Breeding Evidence Criteria Non-Breeding Possible Breeder Probable Breeding Confirmed Breeding Species Records & es Survey Caveat Conservation Status Categories RSPB Status SPI England Bromley BAP London BAP Kent BAP Survey Results Survey Details Species Accounts Blackbird Turdus merula Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Carrion Crow Corvus corone Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Coal Tit Periparus ater Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

3 Common Phesant Phasianus colchicus Dunnock Prunella modularis Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Goldcrest Regulus regulus Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Great Tit Parus major Woodpecker Picus viridis Jackdaw Corvus monedula Jay Garrulus glandarius Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Linnet Carduelis cannabina Long-Tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Magpie Pica pica Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Nuthatch Sitta europaea Redpoll sp. Carduelis cabaret / Carduelis flammea Redwing Turdus iliacus Ring-Necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri Robin Erithacus rubecula Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Stock Dove Columba oenas Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Yellowhammer Emberiza citronella Discussion and Conclusions Evaluation Species Overview

4 7. References and Bibliography Appendices Appendix 1 Survey Details 20/1/ Appendix 2 Survey Details 4/2/ Appendix 3 Survey Details 6/3/ Appendix 4 Survey Details 29/3/ Appendix 5 Survey Details 8/4/ Appendix 6 Survey Details 6/5/ Appendix 7 Survey Details 10/6/ Appendix 8 Survey Details 28/8/ Appendix 9 Survey Details 11/9/ Appendix 10 Survey Details 5/10/ Appendix 11 Survey Details 12/10/ Appendix 12 Survey Details 13/11/ Appendix 13 Survey Details 17/11/ Appendix 14 Survey Details 12/12/ Appendix 15 Bromley BAP Priority Bird Species

5 Report Summary During 2017 a total of 14 survey visits were made to Lilly s Wood between the 20 th January 2017 and the 12 th December A total of *38 different species of bird were recorded on site. Of these species; - *7 are listed as Species of Principal Importance in England (bullfinch, dunnock, *lesser redpoll, linnet, song thrush, spotted flycatcher and yellowhammer) - *8 are Red Listed by the RSPB (fieldfare, *lesser redpoll, linnet, mistle thrush, redwing, song thrush, spotted flycatcher and yellowhammer) - *5 are Amber Listed by the RSPB (bullfinch, *common redpoll, dunnock, kestrel and stock dove) - *13 are listed as Bromley Biodiversity Action Plan priority species (bullfinch, dunnock, fieldfare, goldcrest, green woodpecker, kestrel, *lesser redpoll, linnet, mistle thrush, song thrush, spotted flycatcher, stock dove and yellowhammer) - *6 are listed as London Biodiversity Action Plan priority species (bullfinch, dunnock, *lesser redpoll, song thrush, spotted flycatcher and yellowhammer) - *5 are listed as Kent Biodiversity Action Plan priority species (bullfinch, *lesser redpoll, song thrush, spotted flycatcher and yellowhammer) Of the *38 species of bird recorded on site 28 were confirmed to have bred or probably/possibly did so. Of these species; - 4 are listed as Species of Principal Importance in England (bullfinch, dunnock, song thrush and spotted flycatcher) - 3 are Red Listed by the RSPB (mistle thrush, song thrush and spotted flycatcher) - 2 are Amber Listed by the RSPB (bullfinch and dunnock) - 7 are listed as Bromley Biodiversity Action Plan priority species (bullfinch, dunnock, goldcrest, green woodpecker, mistle thrush, song thrush and spotted flycatcher) - 4 are listed as London Biodiversity Action Plan priority species (bullfinch, dunnock, song thrush and spotted flycatcher) - 3 are listed as Kent Biodiversity Action Plan priority species (bullfinch, song thrush and spotted flycatcher) *Lesser redpoll and common redpoll have both been included as individual species in the above listings as a precaution due to an inability to accurately identify them by species in the field. Accurate identification of the two species is often only possible by examining birds in the hand. 4

6 1. Introduction In order to develop a greater understanding of the importance of Lilly s Wood to birds ornithological surveys have been conducted monthly throughout This report documents the findings of those surveys and as a result provides key data that can be used to compare changes in species presence and abundance on site if repeated annually. Such data can then be used to inform the appropriate management of Lilly s Wood for the species recorded on site as well as potentially influencing management practices that may encourage new species to colonise or visit the site in the future. All surveys on site have been conducted by Jamie Fletcher, an experienced ecologist specialising in ornithology with over five years professional experience in ecological consultancy. Please note that no surveys were undertaken during July due to personal and work commitments. 5

7 2. Site Description Lilly s Wood is an area of mixed broadleaved ancient woodland and young mixed broadleaved woodland measuring approximately 7.3 hectares in size, located to the east of Chelsfield Lane, Orpington in the London Borough of Bromley. The site is centred at National Grid Reference TQ An area of mixed broadleaved ancient woodland measuring approximately 4.9 hectares occupies the eastern part of the site and comprises of an established well-structured woodland which displays many characteristics consistent with ancient woodland habitat. Many mature native broadleaved trees occupy the canopy layer, with dominant species including English oak Quercus robur, beech Fagus sylvatica and ash Fraxinus excelsior. Smaller amounts of scattered silver birch Betula pendula, wild cherry Prunus avium and whitebeam Sorbus aria can also be found. The shrub layer comprises of a diverse range of typical species associated with ancient and native woodland including hazel Corylus avellana, including areas of coppice, field maple Acer campestre, holly Ilex aquifolium, hawthorn Crategus monogyna, yew Taxus baccata, guelder rose Viburnum opulus, dogwood Cornus sanguinea, wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana, spindle Euonymus europaeus, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, elder Sambucus nigra and dog rose Rosa canina. The field layer is dominated by bramble Rubus friticosus in many areas, though ancient woodland indicator species including bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, wood anemone Anemone nemorosa, wood sorrel Oxalis acetosella, wild garlic Allium ursinum, wood spurge Euphorbia amygdaloides, yellow archangel Lamium galeobdolon, pignut Conopodium majus, lords and ladies Arum maculatum, foxglove Digitalis purpurea, dog violet Viola riviniana, lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria, wood avens Geum urbanum, herb robert Geranium robertianum and butchers broom Ruscus aculeatus can also be found seasonally in varying degrees of abundance throughout the site. The western part of the site measures approximately 2.4 hectares and comprises of an area of young mixed broadleaved woodland which was planted as part of a woodland restoration project on an area of reclaimed former arable land in Due to the age of this part of the site typically defined woodland layers do not yet exist due to a complete absence of mature trees and an existing species composition dominated by early successional species. Due to the species present and the current habitat composition and structure of this area suitable conditions and opportunities for a range of floral species not found elsewhere on site persist. Tree species present in this section of the site include a considerable number of established sallow spp. Salix spp., with many establishing shrub layer species including hazel Corylus avellana, field maple Acer campestre, dog rose Rosa canina, dogwood Cornus sanguinea, wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana, hawthorn Crategus monogyna, blackthorn Prunus spinosa and spindle Euonymus europeaus also present. A further selection of young to early mature climax community species can also be found including English oak Quercus robur, beech Fagus sylvatica, ash Fraxinus excelsior and wild cherry Prunus avium. Further botanical interest in the form of native wildflower species can also be found in this part of the site with species including pyramidal orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis, common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii, primrose Primula vulgaris, cowslip Primula veris and bugle Ajuga reptans among others. The western 6

8 site boundary abuts Chelsfield Lane and is lined with a mature, regularly flailed, species rich hedgerow which extends into adjoining arable farmland to the south. A small number of isolated and relatively unestablished non-native invasive plant species can also be found on site, with cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus recorded in the north-east of the site and cotoneaster spp. and buddleia Buddleja davidii present in the west of the site. Arable farmland encloses the site to the immediate south and east, with production typically consisting of intensively produced grain crops. Mature species rich hedgerows line the surrounding arable farmland providing a further foraging, nesting, roosting and commuting resource to a range of species locally, though a lack of substantial permanent field margins restricts the areas wildlife value. Beyond Chelsfield Lane to the immediate west of the site lies further arable farmland, with Goddington Park and Westcombe Park Rugby Club enclosing the farmland to the north, south and west. Parcels, copses and belts of mature broadleaved woodland associated with Goddington Park border the farmland to the north and south, with patches of scrub, scattered mature trees, hedgerows and extensive well maintained playing fields also present within the park. The wider landscape is dominated by residential development to the immediate north of the site, whilst further predominately arable farmland dominates the wider landscape to the north-east and east. 7

9 3. Breeding Evidence Criteria 3.1 Breeding Evidence Criteria Methodology The BTOs Bird Atlas breeding evidence criteria methodology was used to inform species breeding status onsite, with all codes for Possible, Probable and Confirmed breeding having to have related to individuals observed in suitable or potentially suitable nesting habitat. 3.2 Breeding Evidence Criteria Non-Breeding F Flying over M Species observed but suspected to still be on Migration U Species observed but suspected to be a summering non-breeder Possible Breeder H Species observed during the breeding season in suitable nesting Habitat S Singing male present (or breeding calls heard) during the breeding season in suitable breeding habitat Probable Breeding P Pair observed in suitable nesting habitat during the breeding season T Permanent Territory presumed through registration of territorial behaviour (song etc.) on at least two different days a week or more apart at the same place or many individuals on one day D Courtship and Display (judged to be in or near potential breeding habitat) N Visiting probable Nest site A Agitated behaviour or anxiety calls from adults, suggesting the probable presence of a nest or young nearby I Brood patch on an adult examined in the hand, suggesting Incubation B Nest Building or excavation of a nest hole Confirmed Breeding DD Distraction Display or injury feigning UN Used Nest or eggshells found (though it/they must have been occupied or laid within the survey period) FL Recently FLedged young ON Adults entering or leaving a nest site in circumstances indicating an Occupied Nest (including high nests or nest holes, the contents of which cannot be seen) or adults seen incubating FF Adult seen carrying Faecal sacs or Food for young 8

10 NE Nest containing Eggs NY Nest with Young seen or heard 9

11 4. Species Records & es 4.1 Survey Caveat Total Number of Breeding Territories includes the total number of territories believed to have been recorded for each species onsite. The assessment of breeding bird territories can be somewhat subjective and should therefore be taken as an indication of the minimum number of breeding bird territories relative to an individual species within a specific study area as opposed to an absolutely accurate count of the territories present. UK breeding population estimate and UK wintering population estimate both relate to RSPB population estimates for individual species, correct as of December Conservation Status Categories RSPB Status Species colour coded conservation statues are defined based on the following criteria, with Red and Amber listed species subject to at least one of the relevant factors below: Red Status Criteria o Globally threatened o Historical population decline in the UK during o Severe (at least 50%) decline in UK breeding population over the last 25 years, or over a longer-term period (*the entire period used for assessments since the first BoCC review, starting in 1969) o Severe (at least 50%) contraction in UK breeding range over the last 25 years, *or over a longer-term period Amber Status Criteria o o o o o o o o Species with unfavourable conservation status in Europe (SPEC = Species of European Conservation Concern) Historical population decline during , but recovering: population size has more than doubled over the last 25 years Moderate (25-49%) in UK breeding population over the last 25 years, *or over a longer-term period Moderate (25-49%) contraction of UK breeding range over the last 25 years, *or over a longer-term period Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK non-breeding population over the last 25 years, *or over a longer-term period Rare breeder; breeding pairs in the UK Rare non-breeder; less than 900 individuals Localised; at least 50% of the UK breeding or non-breeding population is present in 10 or fewer sites, though does not apply to rare breeders or non-breeders 10

12 o Internationally important; at least 20% of the European breeding or non-breeding population is present in the UK (NW European and East Atlantic Flyway populations are used for non-breeding wildfowl and waders respectively) Status Criteria o Species that occur regularly in the UK but do not qualify in any of the Red or Amber conservation status criteria Introduced o This is not a conservation status category, but applies to species that have escaped from captivity and bred in the wild or have been deliberately released into the wild. These species are not native to the UK and as such have no specific conservation status here (RSPB, 2017) SPI England Species of Principal Importance in England as defined in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) as per the 2007 revision. UK BAP priority species are those that have been identified as being the most threatened and requiring conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (JNCC, 2016). The original lists of UK BAP priority habitats and species were created between 1995 and 1999, and were subsequently updated in 2007 (JNCC, 2016). Following the review the number of priority species increased from less than 600 to 1,150 and the number of priority habitats increased from 49 to 65 (JNCC, 2016). As a result of new drivers and requirements, the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework, published in 2012, has succeeded the UK BAP. Despite these changes the UK BAP lists of priority species and habitats remain important and valuable reference sources (JNCC, 2016) Bromley BAP Species listed as priority bird species in Bromley in the Bromley Biodiversity Plan (LBB & BBP, 2015) London BAP Species listed as priority bird species in London by the London Biodiversity Partnership (GiGL, 2017) Kent BAP Species listed as priority bird species in Kent by the Kent Biodiversity Partnership (KBP, 2017). 11

13 5. Survey Results 5.1 Survey Details All survey data relates to surveys conducted on site monthly throughout Details of individual survey visits are displayed in appendices 1-14 in Chapter Species Accounts Blackbird Turdus merula Resident breeder, autumn/winter migrant and passage migrant. Present on site throughout the year, with numbers increasing during the winter as a result of continental European migrants joining resident birds. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Total Number of Breeding Territories Confirmed 9 5,100,000 pairs 10,000,000-15,000,000 birds Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Spring/summer migrant breeder and passage migrant with an increasing wintering population. Recorded on site from March to June. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Total Number of Breeding Territories Confirmed 7 1,200,000 territories 3,000 birds

14 5.2.3 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Resident breeder and passage migrant. Present on site throughout the year. Abundant breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Confirmed 13 3,600,000 territories 15,000,000 birds Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Resident breeder. Present on site throughout the year. Thought to be a relatively scare and highly localised breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley, though further targeted survey effort is required to provide an accurate reflection of its distribution and abundance locally. Confirmed 2 Amber 190,000 birds

15 5.2.5 Carrion Crow Corvus corone Resident breeder and passage migrant. Present on site throughout the year, with numbers increasing significantly during the ploughing and planting of the adjoining arable fields as a result of birds foraging en-masse on the aforementioned fields. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Probable - 1,000,000 territories c Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Resident breeder, autumn/winter migrant and passage migrant. Present on site throughout the year. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Probable - 6,200,000 territories

16 5.2.7 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Spring/summer migrant breeder and passage migrant with an increasing wintering population. Recorded on site from March to December, with both breeding and overwintering occurring on site. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Confirmed 8 1,200,000 territories 500-1,000 birds Coal Tit Periparus ater Resident breeder and passage migrant. Recorded on site in August, October and November. Thought to be a common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Sightings increase significantly during the winter months as a result of an increase in birds visiting garden bird feeders. Possible - 680,000 territories

17 5.2.9 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Resident breeder, autumn/winter migrant and passage migrant. Scare and localised but increasing breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Non-Breeding 0 57,000-79,000 pairs Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Resident breeder with numbers increasing during the autumn as a result of captive bred birds being released for shoots. Recorded on site in April, September and November. Thought to be a common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat, especially in semi-rural and rural areas where shoots occur. Non-Breeding 0 Introduced 2,300,000 females

18 Dunnock Prunella modularis Resident breeder. Recorded on site in February, March, April, June, September and December. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Confirmed 1 Amber 2,300,000 territories Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Autumn/winter migrant and passage migrant. Recorded on site in January, February, November and December. Common and widespread non-breeding autumn/winter migrant within the London Borough of Bromley. Non-Breeding 0 Red 1-2 pairs 680,000 birds c

19 Goldcrest Regulus regulus Resident breeder, autumn/winter migrant and passage migrant. Present on site throughout the year, with numbers increasing during the winter as a result of Scandinavian and continental European migrants joining resident birds. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat, though likely under-recorded. Probable - 610,000 territories 3,000,000-5,000,000 birds Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Resident breeder and passage migrant. Recorded on site in January, March, April, September, November and December. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Possible - 1,200,000 pairs

20 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Resident breeder and passage migrant. Present on site throughout the year. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Confirmed 3 140,000 pairs Great Tit Parus major Resident breeder and passage migrant in small numbers. Present on site throughout the year. Abundant breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Total Number of Breeding Territories Confirmed 10 2,500,000 territories

21 Woodpecker Picus viridis Resident breeder with occasional autumn dispersal. Single birds were recorded on site in February and March. Widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Possible - 52,000 pairs Jackdaw Corvus monedula Resident breeder and passage migrant. Recorded on site in low and inconsistent numbers throughout the year. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Possible - 1,400,000 pairs

22 Jay Garrulus glandarius Resident breeder and passage migrant. Occasionally irruptive. Present on site throughout the year. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Confirmed 2 170,000 territories Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Resident breeder and passage migrant. A single sighting of a male kestrel was made in October. Thought to be a scarce and highly localised breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley, though further targeted survey effort is required to provide an accurate reflection if its distribution and abundance locally. Non-Breeding 0 Amber 46,000 pairs

23 Linnet Carduelis cannabina Resident breeder and passage migrant. Present on site in December. Thought to be a declining scarce and localised breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley, though further targeted survey effort is required to provide an accurate reflection of its distribution and abundance locally. Non-Breeding 0 Red 430,000 territories c Long-Tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Resident breeder. Present on site throughout the year. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Probable - 340,000 territories

24 Magpie Pica pica Resident breeder. Recorded on site throughout the year. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Probable - 600,000 territories Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Resident breeder. Recorded on site in January and April. Widespread but declining breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Possible - Red 170,000 territories

25 Nuthatch Sitta europaea Resident breeder. Present on site throughout the year. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Total Number of Breeding Territories Confirmed 2 220,000 territories Redpoll sp. Carduelis cabaret / Carduelis flammea Lesser redpoll are a decreasing resident, passage migrant and winter migrant. Common redpoll are a scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Recorded on site in December. Thought to be a scarce non-breeding autumn/winter and passage migrant within the London Borough of Bromley Total Number of Breeding Territories Non-Breeding 0 Lesser Redpoll Red 220,000 pairs - Common Redpoll Amber 1-4 pairs 310 birds c25 24

26 25

27 Redwing Turdus iliacus Autumn/winter migrant and passage migrant. Recorded on site in January, February, November and December. Common and widespread non-breeding autumn/winter migrant within the London Borough of Bromley. Non-Breeding 0 Red 13 pairs 8,600,000 birds Ring-Necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri Resident breeder. Present on site in high numbers throughout the year. Abundant and increasing breeding species in the London Borough of Bromley. Confirmed 9 Introduced 8,600 pairs

28 Robin Erithacus rubecula Resident breeder, autumn/winter migrant and passage migrant. Present on site throughout the year. Abundant breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Confirmed 11 6,700,000 territories Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Resident breeder, autumn/winter migrant and passage migrant. Present on site throughout the year. Common and widespread but declining breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Confirmed 4 Red 1,200,000 territories

29 Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Resident breeder, autumn/winter migrant and passage migrant. Recorded on site in January, May, June, August and November. Thought to be a common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley, though further targeted survey effort is required to provide an accurate reflection of its distribution and abundance locally. Confirmed 1 35,000 pairs Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Spring/summer migrant and passage migrant. Recorded on site in June. Though to be a scarce and declining breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley, though further targeted survey effort is required to provide an accurate reflection of its distribution and abundance locally. Confirmed 1 Red 36,000 territories

30 Stock Dove Columba oenas Resident breeder and passage migrant. Two birds were recorded on site in August. Thought to be a common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat, though further targeted survey effort is required to provide an accurate reflection of the species distribution and abundance locally. Non-Breeding 0 Amber 260,000 territories Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Resident breeder. Present on site throughout the year. Common and widespread breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley in areas of suitable habitat. Confirmed 2 200,000 territories

31 Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Resident breeder and passage migrant. Present on site in large numbers throughout the year. Abundant breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Confirmed 14 5,400,000 pairs Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Resident breeder. Present on site throughout the year. Abundant breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley. Confirmed 11 8,600,000 territories

32 Yellowhammer Emberiza citronella Resident breeder and occasional passage migrant. Recorded on site in November and December. Scare and highly localised breeding species within the London Borough of Bromley, though further targeted survey effort is required to provide an accurate reflection of its distribution and abundance locally. Non-Breeding 0 Red 700,000 territories

33 6. Discussion and Conclusions 6.1 Evaluation During the 14 surveys undertaken at Lilly s Wood throughout 2017 a total of *38 different species of bird were recorded on site. Of the *38 different species of bird recorded on site 28 were confirmed to have bred or probably/possibly did so. Fuller (1980) describes a method for assessing the ornithological interest of sites, whereby the importance is defined by the assemblage of breeding species present. Table 6.1 provides a summary of the geographical valuation criteria identified by Fuller. For the purposes of this assessment, Fuller s geographical levels have been adapted, so that Fuller s local importance is assumed to correspond to District importance as described in CIEEM s Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (CIEEM, 2006). Since the publication of the evaluation criteria in 1980, declines have been observed in many bird populations, and for this reason it is therefore judged appropriate to recalibrate the categories slightly to reflect this change. Level of Importance Number of Breeding Species Fuller (1980) Adapted Criteria Local Species <25 District County Regional National Table 6.1: Breeding Bird Assemblage Evaluation Criteria The total of 28 confirmed or probable/possible breeding species recorded on site indicates the site is of district value in terms of its breeding bird interest based on the adapted criteria. 6.2 Species Overview Blackbirds were recorded on site throughout the year, with peak counts occurring during the winter months as a result of continental European migrant birds joining resident birds on site. Adult birds were observed carrying food to nest sites during the April, May and June surveys, allowing for the species positive breeding status on site to be confirmed. Blackcaps were recorded on site during March, April, May and June, with a peak count of seven male birds heard singing during May. Birds were seen carrying food to nest sites during May and June, allowing for the species positive breeding status on site to be confirmed. Though the species has been recorded overwintering locally in recent years no birds were recorded on site during the winter months. It can therefore be reasonably assumed that the species is not using Lilly s Wood as an overwintering site. Overwintering birds are more likely to be found in areas of dense cover with a high availability of calorific food such as dense, berry rich scrub or residential gardens. Blue tits were recorded on site throughout the year, with peak counts occurring during the winter months as a result of large feeding flocks forming and birds becoming more visible as a result. Adult 32

34 birds were recorded carrying food to nest sites during May and June, with birds also observed entering and exiting nesting cavities during these months. Birds were also recorded collecting nesting material in April. All such factors allow for the species positive breeding status on site to be confirmed. Bullfinch were recorded on site during March, April, May, June, August, September and November. Two breeding territories were identified on site during 2017, with the first identified within a secluded blackthorn thicket in the south-western part of the site in May. A second breeding territory was identified within hawthorn and bramble scrub in the central area of the site where the recently planted woodland and ancient woodland join in August. Both observations allowed for the species positive breeding status on site to be confirmed. Carrion crows were recorded on site throughout the year, with a peak count of c110 birds occurring during October as a result of birds visiting the site en-masse to forage in the recently ploughed adjoining arable fields to the south and east. Whilst no positive observations of nesting were made on site the species breeding status is considered to be probable due to birds being seen visiting probable nest sites and pairs seen in suitable nesting habitat during the breeding season. Chaffinch were recorded on site throughout the year, with a peak count of five male birds heard singing during June. The species breeding status on site is considered to be probable as a result of pairs being seen in suitable nesting habitat during the breeding season. Chiffchaffs were recorded on site from March to November, with a peak count of eleven male birds heard singing during April. Birds were seen carrying food to nest sites during May and June, allowing for the species positive breeding status on site to be confirmed. Observations of single birds were also made during October and November indicating likely overwintering on site. Coal tits were recorded on site during August, October and November, with four birds recorded on each occasion. Though birds typically nest from late March until late June, with second broods sometimes occurring, the observation of birds on site during August has resulted in the species breeding status on site being considered to possible. This status is further justified by the observation of a single bird collecting nesting material on site in April 2015, suggesting the species has nested on site in previous years. Common buzzards were recorded on site or flying over the site in August, September and October. A single bird was observed temporarily perching in a mature beech tree on site in August, before flying westwards and subsequently off site with another bird. No evidence of this species breeding on site was noted during 2017 though suitable nesting habitat is present and as such nesting may occur on site in the future. Single male common pheasants were recorded on site during April, September and November, with all observations being made along the sites eastern boundary. No evidence of this species nesting on site was noted during 2017 though suitable nesting habitat is present and as such nesting may occur on site in the future. 33

35 Dunnocks were recorded on site during February, March, April, June, September and December, with a peak count of three birds noted in February. A single breeding territory was recorded in the northwestern part of the site among low bramble covered in clematis in April, with a bird seen carrying food to the nest site. Previous observations of a bird carrying nesting material to the same area were made during March. It is likely that once the young woodland and scattered scrub in the western part of the site matures the site will no longer provide suitable habitat for this species. Fieldfares were recorded on site during January, February, November and December, with a peak count of c25 birds recorded in January. Birds were typically recorded feeding on berries and/or foraging among leaf litter on the ground around the site boundaries, with the northern site boundary abutting a large residential garden being the area where c25 birds were recorded in January. Due to the species being an autumn/winter migrant to the UK the species did not breed on site and is highly unlikely to breed on site in the future. Goldcrests were recorded on site during January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December, with a peak counts occurring during the winter months as a result of Scandinavian and continental European migrant birds joining resident birds on site and due to birds often forming or joining feeding tit flocks thus becoming more visible. The species breeding status on site is considered to be probable as a result of singing male birds being recorded and pairs being seen in suitable nesting habitat during the breeding season. Goldfinch were recorded on site during January, March, April, September, November and December, with peak counts of seven birds occurring in both March and December. The species breeding status on site is considered to be probable as a result of male birds being heard singing in suitable nesting habitat during the breeding season. Should the young woodland and scattered scrub in the western part of the site be prevented from maturing then suitable nesting habitat will remain on site for this species. Great spotted woodpecker were recorded on site throughout the year, with a peak count of four birds recorded during February. Three breeding territories were identified on site as a result of observations of birds entering nest sites and young being seen or heard within such nest sites. The site provides ample suitable nesting habitat for this species however the impact of ring-necked parakeets on other native cavity nesting birds, including great spotted woodpecker, should be monitored in order to determine whether they are having a detrimental impact on native species. Great tit were recorded on site throughout the year, with a peak counts occurring during the winter months as a result of large feeding flocks forming and birds becoming more visible as a result. Adult birds were recorded carrying food to nest sites during May and June, with birds also recorded entering and exiting nest sites during these months. Birds were also observed collecting nesting material during April and May. All such factors allow for the species positive breeding status on site to be confirmed. Single green woodpeckers were recorded on site during February, March and November, with all observations occurring in the north-east of the site. The species breeding status on site is considered 34

36 to be possible as a result of a single bird being recorded in suitable nesting habitat in March. This listing is justified by the species typical nesting range being from March until June. Jackdaw were recorded on site during August, September and October, with a peak count of thirteen birds occurring in August. Whilst no evidence of nesting was noted on site the species breeding status is considered to be possible as a result of multiple birds being recorded within suitable nesting habitat during the breeding season. Jays were recorded on site during June, September, October, November and December, with peak counts of seven birds occurring in October and November. Two breeding territories were identified on site as a result of birds being recorded carrying food to nest sites and young being heard within such sites during June. A single male kestrel was recorded on site in October. The bird was observed perching in a mature ash tree located along the sites eastern boundary before flying off site to the east over the adjoining arable farmland. No evidence of nesting was recorded on site though suitable nesting habitat in the form of large tree cavities and disused corvids nests are present and as such nesting may occur on site in the future. The likelihood of nesting occurring on site in the future is likely to increase significantly should permanent suitably sized field margins be allowed to establish in the adjoining arable fields to the south and east, thus providing suitable foraging habitat in order to provision young. Linnet were recorded on site in December, with c40 birds observed perching in trees lining the sites eastern boundary. A further c60 birds were seen foraging in the adjoining field margin to the immediate east of the site. No evidence of nesting was recorded on site though some areas of suitable nesting habitat in the form of mature species rich hedgerows and scattered scrub are present in the western part of the site. Long-tailed tit were recorded on site throughout the year, with a peak count of seventeen birds noted in February. The species breeding status on site is considered to be probable as a result of birds seen collecting nesting material in April. Magpie were recorded on site throughout the year. The species breeding status on site is considered to be probable as a result of multiple existing magpie nests being located within Lilly s Wood. Despite this no observations of nesting during 2017 were made in any of the aforementioned structures. Mistle thrush were recorded on site during January and April, with a single bird seen on both occasions. The species breeding status on site is considered to be possible as a result of a bird being seen in suitable nesting habitat in April. Both observations of the species were made in the northeastern part of the site, with more suitable nesting habitat occurring approximately 150 metres north east of the site boundary in the form of a small open woodland copse surrounded by highly suitable open grassland foraging habitat. Nuthatch were recorded on site throughout the year, with a peak count of six birds recorded during October. Two breeding territories were identified on site as a result of birds seen entering and exiting nest cavities and carrying food to the aforementioned nest locations. It is likely that further breeding 35

37 territories were present within the central area of ancient woodland during the 2017 breeding season however due to poor survey coverage of the area as a result of dense vegetation no further territories were identified. Redpoll sp. were recorded on site in December, with a flock of c25 birds observed feeding along the sites eastern boundary. Due to the similarity of redpoll sp. it was not possible to confidently identify the birds seen to species. Despite this the characteristics and features of the birds observed indicates that they were lesser redpoll, with this species also being far more common and regularly encountered than the similar common or mealy redpoll. No evidence of nesting was recorded on site, with the birds observed in December almost certainly being winter migrants visiting from northern, eastern and/or western parts of the UK, Scandinavia or continental Europe. Redwing were recorded on site during January, February, November and December, with a peak count of nineteen birds been recorded on site in December. Birds were recorded across the site though notable concentrations, based on the monthly totals recorded, were observed foraging within and below mature beech trees located along the sites northern boundary abutting a large residential garden in both January and December. No evidence of nesting was recorded on site, with the birds recorded on site almost certainly being Scandinavian and/or continental European winter migrants. Ring-necked parakeets were recorded on site in high numbers throughout the year, with a total of nine breeding territories identified as a result of birds being observed entering and/or exiting nest cavities and chicks being seen and/or heard within such cavities. It is entirely possible and even likely that further breeding territories in addition to those noted were present on site during 2017 within areas of mature woodland that were difficult to survey as a result of dense low level vegetation cover. Due to the number of ring-necked parakeets recorded on site during 2017 it is important that impact of the species on other native cavity nesting species is closely monitored in order to determine whether the species is having a detrimental effect on native cavity nesting species. Robins were recorded on site throughout the year, with a peak count of nineteen birds noted on site during May. The observation of birds carrying food to nest sites in April and May and the sighting of recently fledged juvenile birds in May and June allowed for the species positive breeding status on site to be confirmed. Song thrush were recorded on site throughout the year, with a peak count of six singing male birds heard in June. The observation of birds seen carrying food to nest sites in April and May allowed for the species positive breeding status on site to be confirmed. Single sparrowhawks were recorded on site in January, May, June, August and November. A male bird was recorded flying from west to east carrying a thrush sized bird (it was not possible to confidently identify the species) into the central section of mature woodland in June, with brief contact calls then heard shortly after indicating a food pass was made to a brooding female, before the male bird was seen flying westwards from the woodland and subsequently offsite. This observation allowed for the species positive breeding status on site to be confirmed. 36

38 A single spotted flycatcher was recorded on site in June, with the bird observed catching flying insects from a fallen tree perch in a woodland glade in the north of the site within an area of mature woodland. The bird then flew out of site to the south carrying the insects caught to a suspected nest site allowing for the species positive breeding status on site to be confirmed. Recent management on site resulting in the creation of new and maintenance of existing woodland glades has resulted in highly suitable foraging habitat being created for this declining species, with the effective management of such areas key in order to maintain suitable foraging habitat on site and encourage further breeding attempts and/or colonisation. Two stock doves were recorded on site in August, with the bird seen perched within a mature ash tree on the sites eastern boundary overlooking adjoining arable farmland. No evidence of nesting on site was noted though the site does provide ample suitable nesting habitat in the form of tree cavities. As such it is entirely possible that this species will nest on site in the future, with the likelihood of this occurring likely to significantly increase should permanent suitably sized field margins be allowed to establish in the adjoining arable fields to the south and east. Treecreepers were recorded on site throughout the year, with two breeding territories identified as result of birds being seen entering nest sites in the north and south-east of the site. It is entirely possible that further breeding territories were present in areas of woodland that were difficult to survey as a result of dense low level vegetation cover during the 2017 breeding season due to the presence of considerable areas of suitable nesting and foraging habitat. Woodpigeon were recorded on site in large numbers throughout the year, with a total of fourteen breeding territories identified and a peak count of forty-one birds being recorded during the August survey. Wrens were recorded on site throughout the year, with a peak count of fifteen birds being noted during June. The species positive breeding status on site was confirmed as result of birds being seen carrying food to nest sites and recently fledged chicks being recorded. Yellowhammer were recorded on site during November and December, with two and four birds seen respectively. All observations were made along the sites boundaries abutting adjoining arable fields to the south and east. No evidence of nesting was recorded on site although suitable nesting habitat in the form of species rich mature hedgerows and areas of scrub are present in the western part of the site and abundantly within the wider landscape to the north, east and west. 37

39 7. References and Bibliography Balmer, D., Gillings, S., Caffrey, B., Swann, B., Downie, I. & Fuller, R. (2013) Bird Atlas : the breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland, Thetford: BTO Books. Hayhow, D.B., Ausden, M.A., Bradbury, R.B., Burnell, D., Copeland, A.I., Crick, H.Q.P., Eaton, M.A., Frost, T., Grice, P.V., Hall, C., Harris, S.J., Morecroft, M.D., Noble, D.G., Pearce-Higgins, J.W., Watts, O., Williams, J.M. (2017) The state of the UK s birds The RSPB, BTO, WWT, DAERA, JNCC, NE and NRW, Sandy, Bedfordshire. Hayhow, D.B., Bond, A.L., Douse, A., Eaton, M.A., Frost, T., Grice, P.V., Hall, C., Harris, S.J., Havery, S., Hearn, R.D., Noble, D.G., Oppel, S., Williams, J., Win, I. & Wotton, S. (2017) The state of the UK s birds The RSPB, BTO, WWT, DAERA, JNCC, NE, NRW and SNH, Sandy, Bedfordshire. Hayhow, D.B., Bond, A.L., Eaton, M.A., Grice, P.V., Hall, C., Hall, J., Harris, S.J., Hearn, R.D., Holt, C.A., Noble, D.G., Stroud, D.A. & Wotton, S. (2015) The state of the UK s birds RSPB, BTO, WWT, JNCC, NE, NIEA, NRW and SNH, Sandy, Bedfordshire. GiGL (2017) London BAP Priority Species, Available at: (Accessed: 19/10/17). Holden, P. & Cleeves, T. (2010) RSPB Handbook of British Birds, 3rd edn., London: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC. JNCC (2016) UK BAP Priority Bird Species, Available at: (Accessed: 19/10/17). KBP (2017) Kent BAP Species List, Available at: (Accessed: 19/10/17). Kent Ornithological Society (2013) 2012 Kent Bird Report, 61 st edn., Sandwich: Kent Ornithological Society. Kent Ornithological Society (2014) 2013 Kent Bird Report, 62 nd edn., Sandwich: Kent Ornithological Society. Kent Ornithological Society (2015) 2014 Kent Bird Report, 63 rd edn., Sandwich: Kent Ornithological Society. Kent Ornithological Society (2016) 2015 Kent Bird Report, 64 th edn., Sandwich: Kent Ornithological Society. London Borough of Bromley & Bromley Biodiversity Partnership (2015) Bromley Biodiversity Plan , Bromley: London Borough of Bromley. 38