THE BIRDS OF EAST HYDE 2008

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1 THE BIRDS OF EAST HYDE 2008 In line with other bird publications I too have adopted the new and revised BOU recommended order of species, as listed below. However with the Historic section of the report I have maintained the old order of merit, as this is held on database, constantly updated and would prove just too much of a headache to change! Mute Swan: Cygnus olor The resident pair again held territory all year around the meadow. This year they abandoned their traditional nest by the railway bridge and built a new one downriver from Thrales End Lane. By mid April the female appeared to be incubating on the nest then strangely deserted that structure, built another 50 metres further downriver then proceeded to sit on that for a week before giving up, altogether strange behaviour. On 15/2 the pair was joined briefly by 5 other adults. Whooper Swan: Cygnus cygnus Potentially one of the real highlights of the year when on the 25/2 three birds were seen leaving the lake on the Luton Hoo Estate and departing high down the valley over the sewage farm. Although there is still the chance that they may have been the Wardown Park birds, judging by their behaviour at the time the observer was of the strong opinion that they were of genuine wild stock and if the case would be only the second record for the area following the individual shot at New Mill End in 1890! Canada Goose: Branta canadensis Monthly maximum counts included: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Seven pair again over-summered with four pair breeding of which only two pair hatched young though none survived. The four nests were located at the scrape (29/3-12/4 with eggs predated), underneath the Cormorant tree up from the mill (hatched 7 young on 11/5), along the steam mid-meadow (hatched 6 young on 22/6) and along the river just down from Thrales End Lane (nest destroyed 10/5). One adult was found dead beneath power lines on the meadow 12/4 with another dead there 7/5. As compared to 2007, numbers were considerably lower throughout the year and it is now over 16 years that the site regularly held winter flocks in excess of 300 birds. Egyptian Goose: Alopochen aegyptiacus A pair that flew down the river on 8/11 constituted only the second record for the site following two birds seen on 1/3/03. 5

2 [Canada x Greylag:] Branta sp. The resident hybrid was again present all year continuing to enjoy her role as resident nanny to the Canada Geese families. Gadwall: Anas strepera Monthly maximum counts included: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec One pair summered around the meadow. During late April the male underwent prolonged display routines in front of the hide on the scrape and on 3/5 the pair began nest building. On the 10/5 the female was found incubating but sadly a week later the nest had been deserted and the pair was only seen subsequently downriver around the meadow. A maximum of 9 pair wintered throughout January and February. Teal: Anas crecca Up to 3 pair resided around the meadow between 5/1-3/3 and 27/11-31/12. Mallard: Anas platyrhynchos Monthly maximum counts included: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Numbers were considerably well down compared to 2007 with the maximum count being a paltry 17 birds mid December. During the breeding season just three female produced young. All were seen around the meadow with their broods consisting of 8, 2 & 2 ducklings. A drake bird was found dead along the meadow on 7/5. A white duck of farmyard stock briefly visited the scrape on 13/3. Shoveler: Anas clypeata Although mentioned in previous years reports this species was sadly absent during Tufted Duck: Aythya fuligula Two pair summered this year around the meadow. One pair built a very flimsy and unlined nest on an exposed part of the river bank just below the mill and the female was found incubating 3 eggs on 19/4. It was with no great surprise therefore that several days later both nest and eggs were missing. During the first winter period up to 11 birds (8m, 3f) resided on the river by the mill between 1/1-23/3, but more surprisingly just a solitary drake was noted during the second period on 27/11. 6

3 Red-legged Partridge: Alectoris rufa Coveys averaging 14 birds were seen around the area during the year primarily on the arable farmland lining both valley sides though a pair regularly frequented the meadow during April. On 25/10 & 8/11 a large influx of birds occurred around the wader scrape involving sheltering birds from the local shoots! Grey Partridge: Perdix perdix The only record this year involved a pair seen close to Thrales End Lane between 14/6-21/6. Pheasant: Phasianus colchicus Birds were present throughout the year with numbers escalating around the scrape during late October and early November during the big estate shoots nearby. It was somewhat amusing to see the beaters forlornly walking their transects with very little avian activity to show for it, only to find up to 10 cock birds sat on the roof of the hide while female birds scoffed seeds under the feeders! [Peafowl:] Pavo cristatus One bird was regularly heard calling around the East Hyde Estate throughout May and June. Little Grebe: Tachybaptus ruficollis Two territories were again held this year. Although the pair on the scrape was seen displaying early April no further indications were had of breeding success though the pair further down river on the meadow were successful and had fledged two young by 31/8. The highest winter counts were 6 birds on 27/1 & 20/12. Cormorant: Phalacrocorax carbo As in previous years, an average of three birds could be seen around the area each month, with 4 birds summering between 17/5-21/6 (2 adults and 2 immature). On 23/8 a squadron of 10 birds flew upriver over the mill. On 23/7 an immature bird found itself grounded in the horse field by the mill and following 4 aborted attempts to run and take off finally managed though not before skimming across the back of a resting pony and losing several wing feathers as it just cleared the hedgerow! Grey Heron: Ardea cinerea Present throughout the year with an average of 4 birds present each month. On the scrape an adult could regularly be seen sunning itself on the roof of the hide throughout August with 2 up there on 6/9 and judging by the mess on the patio this also doubled up as the local toilet location! On the 9/3 an adult was seen strutting around the meadow catching small voles and at least 1 mouse, but more sadly on 19/4 one adult was found impaled on the barbed wire fence strung across the river just down from the mill. 7

4 Little Egret: Egretta garzetta This was another fantastic year for this species at East Hyde. Last years wintering bird continued to remain faithful to the site between 1/1-15/2 when it was joined by a second bird and both remained until 19/4. On 20/4 a site record of 4 birds together was remarkable but they just as quickly moved on. 1 bird then made a brief visit to the meadow between 29/5-7/6 before the final individual arrived on 28/8 and remained until the end of the year when it was briefly joined by a second bird on 23/12. East Hyde is certainly one if not the most reliable wetland sites in Herts & Beds in which to encounter this species in winter, spring and during the migration seasons. Red Kite: Milvus milvus The pair mentioned last year as holding territory just to the west of the recording area was confirmed as breeding this year fledging at least one young. These birds undoubtedly accounted for the plethora of observations recorded around East Hyde during For the record all East Hyde sightings included a pair on 3/2 & 21/3 and singletons on 1/1, 27/1, 13/2, 26/2, 6/3, 2/5, 12/5, 1/6, 4/6, 30/8 and 20/12. Sparrowhawk: Accipiter nisus A pair again held territory around the area with both adults frequently seen perched in trees lining the scrape, their territory extending down to the meadow where on 6/8 the adult female was seen with at least one recent fledgling. Common Buzzard: Buteo buteo Around the East Hyde/Luton Hoo area seven territories became established, one more than last year. This new addition was a pair on the southern extremity of the recording area where the pair was seen in dramatic aerial display during early February. This magnificent bird is now very much a regular feature of the area and it s now very unusual not to see at least one bird whilst visiting East Hyde. During the early part of 2008 multiple sightings of soaring and calling birds together were witnessed, with 6 birds on 6/9 & 20/9, x5 on 24/2, 9/2 & 30/8 and x4 on 6/1, 16/2, 20/9 & 4/10. On a number of occasions one particular light coloured adult could be seen dozing in a tree on the scrape and on 30/8 was seen eating something dead up on the railway embankment! Kestrel: Falco tinnunculus As with 2007 two pair bred successfully this year, a pair at the sewage farm and a pair just downriver from the mill. This latter pair was those that last year raised 3 young from a box mounted on the side of the pumping house, this year they were evicted from the box by a pair of Jackdaw so moved to a nearby Oak tree nest where they had fledged 2 young by 23/7. On the 20/9 the adult male was seen walking around part of the meadow where it caught and ate 2 large earthworms, and on 13/12 during a particular violent cloud 8

5 burst I shared shelter under the Midland main line railway bridge with the sewage farm pair. Hobby: Falco subbuteo A much better showing of this spectacular bird than that of last year with adults seen pursuing House Martins around the mill on 6 dates; 19/7, 23/7, 1/8, 23/8, 30/8 & 13/9. A great indication that this bird was around the site was by watching and listening to the martins behaviour. One minute they would be peacefully feeding at the colony then en mass they would disappear fast at altitude over nearby farmland issuing high pitched twitterings. Peregrine Falcon: Falco peregrinus One of my birding highlights of the year. Whilst refilling the bird feeders at the scrape on 22/11, I just happen to glance up just at the moment an adult bird glided overhead heading towards the sewage farm. What was then presumably the same bird was later relocated roosting on buildings in Luton Town Centre throughout December and into [Harris Hawk:] Parabuteo unicinctus Singles were flown around the site on 22/11 & 6/12. Water Rail: Rallus aquaticus Just four records this year concerning one bird seen along the stream from Thrales End Lane on 13/2, 17/2, 25/11 & 27/11. Moorhen: Gallinula chloropus Maximum monthly counts included: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec For reasons unknown numbers were at an all time low around East Hyde which reflected in just three pair that attempted to breed with no success. A pair that nested on the scrape hatched 3 young but these had all disappeared days later. The population will be carefully monitored during Coot: Fulica atra Maximum monthly counts included: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec As with Moorhen, Coot numbers were also at an alarmingly low level and their population will also be monitored during This year just 4 pair attempted to breed with no success between them. The pair on the scrape had two clutches predated. 9

6 Golden Plover: Pluvialis apricaria As with last year just one record was noted, that of 60 birds flying down the valley on 16/2. Lapwing: Vanellus vanellus Breeding was identical to that of last year with two pair breeding, one in fields just north of New Mill Lane and the other just off Coopers Green Lane. The only sizable winter flock was 95 on 6/12 with just 16 on 20/12. Common Snipe: Gallinago gallinago The only record this year was of 1 bird seen along the stream from Thrales End Lane on 1/1. Sadly long gone are those heady days of the 90s when winter gatherings of up to 30 birds were regularly seen around the meadow! Green Sandpiper: Tringa ochropus This was another great year for this species around East Hyde. A record 5 birds were present between 1/1-4/1, then up to 3 birds until 21/3. There was then a lull in proceedings until 2 birds appeared on 3/8 of which one remained throughout until the end of the year. As in previous years their favoured haunts were the scrape, along the stream from Thrales End Lane, around the muddy fringes of the flooded meadow and the shallower stretches of the river just down from the mill and pumping station. Like with the egret statement East Hyde is fast becoming one of the most reliable county sites in which to enjoy seeing this species especially during both winter periods. Black-headed Gull: Larus ridibundus Maximum monthly counts included: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec The first returning post breeding birds were two seen at the sewage farm on 5/7. The three biggest counts were birds on 10/12, (the highest ever count for the site), x500 birds on 27/11 and 100 birds on 13/1. Common Gull: Larus canus The species was recorded as individuals or in small parties flying down the valley with Black-headed Gull during both winter periods. Previous BTO Gull Roost surveys have indicated that the majority of gull movement down the Lea valley result in birds roosting at Hilfield Park Reservoir. Lesser Black-Backed Gull: Larus fuscus Noticeable movements of birds down the valley were noted on 29/1 and 6/9-20/9. Four birds flew over the meadow on the strange date of 1/6. 10

7 Herring Gull: Larus argentatus As with the previous species small numbers were seen moving down the valley between 6/9-20/9. Great Black-Backed Gull: Larus marinus Singles were noted flying down the valley during March and September. Common Tern: Sterna hirundo Two birds flew high over the scrape on 24/5 and another spent an hour feeding over the river by the mill on 23/7. Feral Pigeon: Columba livia An impressive flock of 80 birds fed together in a stubble field by the mill between 8/11-22/11, this number had fallen to 32 birds by a week later, quite where they had come from and where they went is anybody s guess. One pair bred at the mill, 15 white doves continued to reside around the village and the usual squadrons of racing pigeon were noted flying up and down the valley during the year. Stock Dove: Columba oenas Two pair resided around the area and regularly drank and bathed along the stream and scrape. Woodpigeon: Columba palumbus This species continued to be a common sight throughout the year. A winters morning count of ca500 birds on 6/2 was the only specific record received. Collared Dove: Streptopelia decaocto Two pairs held territory around the village. Turtle Dove: Streptopelia turtur The only record this year was of a single bird flying down the valley on 25/4. Cuckoo: Cuculus canorus It was a good year for this species with three records, with a bird calling at the scrape on 19/4, and two there on 27/4. Barn Owl: Tyto alba There were two records this year both involving an individual hunting around the mill on 23/8 and 1/9. Although three pair are known to breed regularly near the reporting area this delightful bird still remains a scarce species at East Hyde. The A frame Barn Owl nest box erected close to the sewage farm late 2007 sadly only provided accommodation to Grey Squirrel during 2008! 11

8 Little Owl: Athene noctua The resident pair again held territory near the mill though breeding was not proven. As with last year a second pair again held territory a short distance away, just to the east. Tawny Owl: Strix aluco A most under recorded species around East Hyde with at least two territories held. Day calling birds were heard at the scrape on 15/2 and 2/5, and on both occasions were persistently mobbed by Jay. Short Eared Owl: Asio flammeus This was an eagerly anticipated addition to the sites bird list. Sadly it was only witnessed by one observer as it flew out of the fog close to the mill early on the morning of 13/12. What must have been the same bird was later seen the same day around farmland near Peter s Green. Swift: Apus apus The first returning 4 birds were seen on 3/5, with the main passage occurring around 17/5 with 28 birds counted. Strangely ca50 birds were seen over the meadow on 15/6 which either involved non-breeding birds or visiting breeders from further afield seeking insects along the river. Although a number of old buildings exist around East Hyde this species has yet to be proven as breeding. Kingfisher: Alcedo atthis A pair held territory around the meadow and could often be seen around the scrape. A second territory was established further down river centred on Westfield Road where the adults were seen feeding 2 fledgling on 17/5. One adult was ringed at the mill. Green Woodpecker: picus viridis The resident pair bred again this year along the old railway line and were seen accompanied by one fledgling between 30/8 6/9. As in previous years they favoured the area of anthills in the small car park off Thrales End Lane. Great Spotted Woodpecker: Dendrocopos major As with last year two territories were maintained this year, one around the wooded slopes to the east of the meadow and the other in the woods lining the scrape and sewage farm. The latter pair fledged two young and could regularly be seen on the bird feeders outside the hide, especially during November and December. Skylark: Alauda arvensis Birds were regularly heard in song around adjacent farmland but numbers were not assessed. 12

9 Swallow: Hirundo rustica The first spring arrivals were two birds on the early date of 29/3. During the autumn period a noticeable movement south of a stream of birds was noted around the 20/9 and the last three birds were noted on 27/9. Nesting pairs were noted at the mill and the plant nursery. Sand Martin: Riparia riparia Two birds were seen this year feeding over the mill on 29/3 & 25/4. House Martin: Delichon urbicum The first returning bird at the mill was on the exceptionally early date of 30/3, though the main influx occurred three weeks later. The last departing bird was seen on 20/9. During the annual ringing sessions at the mills colony 164 birds were caught and processed from which 83 were proven retraps and 81 new captures. Meadow Pipit: Anthus pratensis Birds were regularly heard flying over the meadow, but this still remains a very under recorded species. A maximum count of 30 birds was noted on 11/10. Yellow Wagtail: Montacilla flava Two pairs bred this year, one close to the mill and the other in an Oil Seed Rape field. The last bird departed on 20/9. Grey Wagtail: Montacilla cinerea Three territories were held this year centred on the mill, the sewage farm and downriver at Westfield Road. Pied Wagtail: Montacilla alba yarrelli A pair again bred at the mill and was feeding at the nest on 17/5 with at least one fledgling seen a week later. A second pair was seen collecting food around the scrape at around the same time then flying off in the direction of the sewage farm. Wren: Troglodytes troglodytes This remains a common bird both heard and seen around the site. Like last year a pair bred at the scrape and raised at least two broods. Dunnock: Prunella modularis Common. Robin: Erithacus rubecula Common. 13

10 Stonechat: Saxicola torquata Last years over wintering immature male remained around the meadow from 1/1-21/3. On the 4/10 an amazing 3 birds were feeding together from riverside posts that included one adult male and two imm/fem. One very pale immature bird spent the day around the meadow on 30/10. Blackbird: Turdus merula Common. Fieldfare: Turdus pilaris The only notable counts for the first winter period included ca300 birds on 27/1, ca100 on 6/3 (falling to just 38 birds by 9/3), with just ca50 birds seen during the second period on 15/11. Song Thrush: Turdus philomelos For the first time in a number of years breeding was confirmed with pairs feeding young near the mill on 23/7 and at the scrape on 14/5. This appeared to be a very good year for sightings of this lovely thrush and hopefully we will soon see a return to numbers once witnessed in the mid 80 s when this species was once as common as Blackbird. Redwing: Turdus iliacus Numbers during both winter periods mirrored those of Fieldfare which I guess isn t really that surprising! Maximum counts included ca150 on 6/1, ca130 on 27/1, (with the last 28 seen on 15/3), and just 20 noted on 18/10. Mistle Thrush: Turdus viscivorus At least one pair bred around the meadow, and a notable count of 16 birds was just down river from the mill on 6/8. Sedge Warbler: Acrocephalus schoenobaenus The first birds heard holding territory were noted mid May a good fortnight later than last year. As reported in 2007 two territories were again established, those at the scrape and around the small spring-fed pond by Thrales End Lane. Reed Warbler: Acroephalus schoenobaenus As with the previous species Reed Warbler was also extremely late arriving and setting up territory this year with the first song heard on 22/5. This involved a bird in the small reed bed at the scrape which stayed to establish the only territory at East Hyde. Lesser Whitethroat: Sylvia curruca The first arriving migrant was heard rattling around the scrape on 3/5. Like last year territories were established around the scrape and the car park by Thrales End Lane. 14

11 Whitethroat: Sylvia communis The first bird in song was noted on 25/4, two days earlier than last year. This proved an excellent year for this species around the area with 7 territories held, 4 around the scrape and 3 along both the Bed Pan and disused railway embankments. Garden Warbler: Sylvia borin The first returning migrant was in song at the scrape on 10/5 where it remained to hold the only territory for the area. Blackcap: Sylvia atricapilla The first bird of the year was in song at the scrape on 12/4, two days earlier than last year. On the scrape three territories were established that included a pair that nested in a dense nettle bed just outside the hide, with the parents frantically feeding extremely noisy young on 1/8. Chiffchaff: Phylloscopus collybita The first bird was singing at the scrape on 15/3, some two weeks later than last year. This species was conspicuously quiet this season with just three territories held around the scrape and meadow. Willow Warbler: Phylloscopus trochilus The first bird was in song on 6/4 four days earlier than in Consistent with last year four territories were recorded around the scrape and meadow. One pair bred in the same nettle bed as the aforementioned Whitethroat and the rather tatty adults were already feeding young by 14/6. One bird was ringed at the mill. Goldcrest: Regulus regulus Continues to be seen and heard around the site, especially along the old railway footpath. A pair nested in a conifer tree in the village cemetery and fledged 4 young on 6/9. Spotted Flycatcher: Muscicapa striata Sadly yet again no birds were recorded this year. Long-Tailed Tit: Aegithalos caudatus This was a common bird around the area, favouring the old railway line. Double figured flocks included x14 on 6/1, x25 on 6/9, x15 on 27/9 & x20 on 25/10. Blue Tit: Cyanistes caeruleus This was a common bird. Of the 20 tit boxes around the scrape 8 were used by Blue Tit of which 5 yielded successful broods from which 23 pulli were ringed. Great Tit: Parus major This was a common bird. From the tit boxes 7 were used by Great Tit of which 5 yielded successful broods from which 36 pulli were ringed 15

12 Coal Tit: Periparus ater The species was more often heard than seen especially in trees lining the old railway footpath. Individuals became more noticeable on the feeders at the scrape during both winter periods. A pair that bred near the sewage farm was feeding at least 3 fledglings on 23/7. Marsh Tit: Poecile palustris At least four birds were seen and heard most months throughout the year especially in the scrub bordering the car park and scrape. One bird regularly visited the scrapes feeders throughout February but seemed to prefer to feed on the crumbs underneath than do the hard work on the feeders! Nuthatch: Sitta europaea Remained resident and was regularly heard all year in the woods lining the scrape and sewage farm. Treecreeper: Certhia familiaris Very much an under recorded species around the area with the best chances to encounter one being to hear its high pitched call in trees adjacent to the scrape. Jay: Garrulus glandarius The resident pair was again ever present around the scrape all year. Magpie: Pica pica Common. Jackdaw: Corvus monedula Winter roost counts around the mill were drastically down from those of last year with November averaging nightly counts of x100 birds and December just 50 birds. Generally amassing by 2.30pm-3pm each evening the noise and overall spectacle of these birds was as ever impressive despite the reduced numbers. It is always difficult to assess numbers of breeding pairs as the majority of pairs favour the private woodlands to the east. However around the chimney pots of the village and mill at least 7 pair bred this year. Rook: Corvus frugilegus An impressive gathering of over 200 birds occurred on 18/10 in stubble fields bordering the mill. The large Rookery just outside the recording area in woodland on the Hoo Estate remains healthy, numbering between active nests. Carrion Crow: Corvus corone Three pair bred this year along the old railway between the mill and sewage farm of which two were successful with the other one being blown out of the tree. 16

13 Raven: Corvus corax One flew calling across the Hyde Estate on 2/3 continually mobbed by a Rook and Carrion Crow giving an excellent size comparison. This was only the fifth record for the site but the second successive year following last year s duo. Starling: Sturnus vulgaris Common. House Sparrow: Passer domesticus A breeding census this year found just three pair holding territory, one around the church and two amongst the houses in the village. Chaffinch: Fringilla coelebs Two notable winter flocks were seen this year. During late January up to 48 birds were together in the field adjacent to the scrape and on 11/10 over 70 birds were in the stubble field just down from the mill which had reduced to 42 birds by 22/11. On 24/5 a female bird had to be rescued from the peanut feeder at the scrape after getting her leg stuck in the mesh! Brambling: Fringilla montifringilla Last years reported invasion continued well into this year s early winter period. From 1/1 17/2 up to two male and a female continued to visit the feeders at the scrape whilst at the northern most part of the sewage farm six male and four females fed amongst the Beech trees on 6/1. Greenfinch: Carduelis chloris Common. Goldfinch: Carduelis carduelis Two large flocks were recorded this year both concerning birds on thistles and teasel in the fallow field opposite the water pumping station. On 6/8 approximately 55 birds were en mass whilst 35 were counted there on 4/10, a most memorable sight and sound. Siskin: Carduelis spinus Six records this year involving 4 birds on 15/2, x2 on 27/9, x4 on 11/10 & 18/10, x10 birds on 8/11 and x2 on 15/11. Most if not all of these birds were seen around the scrape. Linnet: Carduelis cannabina The only records this year involved 15 birds at the scrape on 19/1 and a pair on 12/4. 17

14 Common Crossbill: Loxia curvirostra This was another highlight of the year when 2 birds were seen and heard flying down the valley chipping away on 14/6. These are the first birds to be seen at East Hyde since the mid 80 s when 3 birds were recorded drinking from a pond where today the scrape is located. Bullfinch: Pyrrhula pyrrhula Up to two pair was reported around the site during the year including a pair that regularly visited the bird feeders throughout January and February. A red letter day however on 6/12 when 6 males visited the feeders together! Yellowhammer: Emberiza citrinella This was a most under recorded species with birds seen along most hedgerows lining the lanes around the area. Reed Bunting: Emberiza schoeniclus At least 3 pair held territories around the site, those at the mill, Thrales End Lane and the scrape. The birds at the scrape often utilised the bird feeders by the hide especially during the latter winter period. During 2008, of the 104 species listed in this report, 3 were considered as being of feral or escaped origin, and Spotted Flycatcher was a negative report. This meant that this year 100 species were recorded at East Hyde. 18