2017HOC NEWSquarterly bulletin for herefordshire birdwatchers

Birds of Burley Gate, can you help? page 6

A new hide at Bodenham lake page 5

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Editorial!by Nicky Davies""Hello, and welcome to the August edition of HOC news. "Yet again, we have a full newsletter, packed with updates, diary dates, reports and a few pleas. Read on…."The new hide at Bodenham Lake is officially OPEN!! Congratulations to all who were involved (and still are) in making this dream into reality. See page 5 for pictures and news."This editions birding spot highlight (page 8) is focussed on Coppett Hill, a local nature reserve managed by the Coppett Hill Trust, offering splendid views, a great walk and a varied selection of birds due to the associated mix of habitats. "Can you get involved in survey work? Robert Taylor is looking for help in surveying birds at Burley Gate. Read more on page 6. It’s a really interesting project that will be building on a detailed study that started in 1962. Please help, Robert Taylor would be happy to give you more information should you wish to become involved."There are several field meeting reports in this edition, it’s been a busy summer. Thanks to the organisers and leaders of the walks and of course, thank you also to those who attended. It’s great fun getting out there with like-minded people looking at the birds of Herefordshire, sharing sightings, brushing up on ID skills and of course, getting excited about that LBJ!"Remember that the closing date for submissions for the next edition of HOC news is 14th October. I have added guidance on submission of articles and images on page 17 if you are thinking of sending anything into the next edition. If you would like clarification on any of these points, please email and I will respond as soon as I can. Please contact me on (07855 126642) or email at nickydavies71@hotmail.com""Happy birding"Nicky"

Hobby. Picture by Mick Colquhoun

"Editorial! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 2!"Notes from the Chair!! ! ! ! ! ! ! 4!"Bodenham Lake Update! ! ! ! ! ! ! 5! !Birds of Burley Gate! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 6!"Herefordshire’s Birding Spot Highlight - Coppett Hill! ! 8!"HOC Indoor Field Meeting Diary Dates! ! ! ! 9!"HOC Field Meeting Reports! ! ! ! ! ! 10!"HOC Field Meeting Dates! ! ! ! ! ! ! 14!"Lugg Wetland Gem! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 15!"Lugg Meadows Purchase! ! ! ! ! ! ! 15!"HOC sighting highlights! ! ! ! ! ! ! 16!"Request from the editor! ! ! ! ! ! ! 17!"HOC Members Survey - What Next?! ! ! ! ! 18!"HOC Committee Vacancies! ! ! ! ! ! 19!"

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Notes from the Chair by Gerald Wells!Perhaps it is just advancing age, but I’m sure some of you will also feel that the summer is slipping by all too quickly; too quickly that is to keep pace with catching up on the summer migrant bird list, surveys and the various administrative and writing tasks of the Club. Nevertheless we are making progress on a number of fronts."

The promised action plan from your committee on the results of the membership questionnaire appears in this Newsletter (page 18). While this details improvements that we can implement in the coming months, results of the survey have also focused attention on areas where there are ongoing challenges, not least of which are recruitment of young members and embracing advances in technology – including website development and encouraging computer literacy. One of the recurrent themes that arose in this survey was the need for better tuition on bird identification and while there is no substitute for getting out there and gaining experience we are looking at ways of improving communication on the subject."

The absence of coast in Herefordshire is a real downer when it comes to the spectrum of bird species that some counties experience. We therefore value greatly our few wetland and gravel pit sites frequented sparingly by some seabirds and waders. Brockhall Gravel Pits is one of the prime sites for turning up such species and produces a high proportion of the county’s rarity records. The site is on Duchy of Cornwall land and recently we met with the Duchy’ land agent, initially to discuss concerns about a possible impact of fishing rights at the site on the birdlife. The meeting was very helpful on this and a number of other aspects of the management of the site. The Duchy is producing notices to request dog owners to keep dogs on the lead and avoid sensitive breeding bird areas. The club is providing the Duchy with records for Brockhall Gravel Pits and a range of nest boxes to be erected for the next breeding season. This promises to be a very productive cooperation toward the mutual objective of maintaining and enhancing the wildlife potential of the site."

You will be aware from the annual report that the Club is fortunate in having substantial funds and recently together with a bequest we have put a proportion of these toward conservation causes in collaboration with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust (HWT). The HOC contribution to the new bird hide at Bodenham Lake, the official launch of the HWT Heritage Lottery Funded Lugg Wetland Gem project and opening of the hide on 6th May and featured in the May newsletter. Subsequently, the HOC has also made a donation of £10,000 to HWT toward purchase of land at Lugg Meadows, where securing protection for breeding curlew has become a priority in view of the dramatic decline of the species in the UK. (page 15)""I cannot stress enough the importance of filling the posts of indoor and field meeting organisers, advertised on page 19. Rest assured that you will not be cut adrift to manage these roles on your own; committee members will provide support where required so please engage with your Club by getting involved in organising one of the two main activities provided for the membership.""Some of you will have been occupied this summer with the several ongoing surveys involving house martin, swift and curlew. As far as possible the club participates in surveys run by the BTO or other national ornithological organisations as this, like the submission of records through BirdTrack, ensures that our observations make a contribution to the national picture. Sometimes these surveys present new challenges, but they always teach us more about the behaviour of the species under scrutiny. In the course of the BTO House Martin Nest Monitoring Study one such personal observation begged the question: why do house martin sometimes begin building nests toward the end of the breeding season? Have they reared their broods and are practising brick laying; have they got the foresight to know that this could save time next year or, are these non-breeding birds anticipating requirements for maturity? It is sometimes quite difficult to avoid being anthropomorphic in our interpretation of animal behaviours.""Enough from me; enjoy your birding as we look toward the end of the breeding season and keep an eye out for those on passage.

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Bodenham Lake - An update by Gerald Wells !You will recall the interesting developments for Bodenham Lake detailed in previous HOC News, the most recent of which was the article by Sophie Cowling (Herefordshire Wildlife Trust) announcing the forthcoming launch of the Bodenham Lake Project as part of the wider HWT “Lugg Wetland Gem” project. Well, on 6 May the launch duly took place with the ceremonial opening of the new bird-watching hide to which HOC contributed £10,000. The event was attended by HWT, Herefordshire Amphibian and Reptile Trust and HOC members. HOC publicity and activities were planned and led by Mary Roberts. One of the attractions that Mary organised was a demonstration of the dissection of owl pellets. The fascinating emergence from the debris of vole and mouse bones especially captured the interest of the several children present. Susanna Grunsell (HOC Vice-Chairman) and Sophie Cowling cut the ribbon (picture) and HOC members greeted visitors in the hide. Everyone was entertained by the timely arrival of some 70 swifts performing circuits around the hide. "

I would like to thank Susanna and all members who contributed to the event. Thanks is also due to Robin Hemming who is the HOC representative on the HWT Bodenham Site Management Group and keeps us up to date with developments.!

The hide contains a dedication:"

“In memory of David Wheelton James and his love of birds.!

This hide was made possible by donations from Mr and Mrs G K James and Herefordshire Ornithological Club.”

Picture 1 - Sophie Cowling (HWT) and Susanna Grunsell (HOC) officially opening the new hide.!Photo credit: Paul Cooper

Picture 2 - Sophie Cowling with HOC members proudly celebrating the new hide.!Photo credit: Paul Cooper

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The Birds of Burley Gate in the parish of Ocle Pychard – a project in need of your help!! By Robert Taylor!

From 1962 to 1966, former HOC Members Peter McDougall (father of current HOC Member Rachel Jenkins), Allan Smith and John Vickerman monitored wintering and breeding birds at a 200-acre site bounded on the west and south by the Leominster and Bromyard roads from the Burley Gate cross roads. They used state of the art monitoring techniques and produced a detailed report, published in 1973 in the ‘Transactions of the Woolhope Naturalists’ Field Club’, Volume XLI."

Rachel, whilst going through her late father’s papers, came across the report and many of the original field notes and maps. These documents show that the team of three made monthly visits to the site between August and March and weekly or fortnightly visits between April and July. Detailed observations of sightings were made and breeding territories mapped. ""Fifty breeding species were recorded, including grey partridge, lapwing, curlew, marsh tit, willow tit, redstart, spotted flycatcher and tree sparrow. Fifty-one wintering species were identified, including counts of 1104 lapwing, 138 skylark, 151 starling, 240 linnet and 240 tree sparrow.""This was a uniquely detailed study and, given the well-documented changes in farmland bird

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populations since the 1960s, it appears to provide a valuable opportunity for HOC to engage in a detailed research project to investigate population changes. We sought advice from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) on the value of further research, and have been advised that although they are unaware of any other historical surveys of this level of detail being repeated, they doubt that a repeat survey would be likely to add to national knowledge of changes in farmland birds. However, they observe that a repeat survey may pick up local changes in species and farming practices and that a study of changes in territory sizes and locations would be ‘novel and interesting’. ""A small project group has been set up consisting of Robert Taylor (project manager), Rachel Jenkins and Mervyn Davies. We have visited the site and met with the current landowners, both of whom are interested in the project and have given permission for a repeat survey to be carried out. Inevitably there have been changes to the farmland use – the hop fields have gone and the permanent pasture is now used for rotational growing of arable crops, but much of the orchard area remains, as do most of the hedgerows and there are new ponds. To better understand the issues affecting farmland birds, we have reviewed over 50 research papers published since the early 1960s.""We hope to start work in the autumn with a winter survey, followed by a breeding bird survey in 2018. If the initial findings warrant it, further surveys will be carried out in 2019 and 2020."

However, for the project to succeed we need to urgently recruit a field research team of three. All members of the team will need to have the requisite identification skills and be able to commit to monthly half-day surveys from mid-September 2017 to March 2018 (seven visits) and two-weekly half day visits from mid-March to mid-July 2018 (eight visits). In addition, there will be a half-day induction session in late August or early September. We will reimburse travel expenses for the team members. This represents a considerable commitment, but provides a valuable opportunity not only to learn more about farmland bird changes at Burley Gate, but also to raise the national profile of the club through engaging in ‘novel and interesting’ research. ""If you are interested and can commit to the project or wish to find out more, please contact Robert Taylor on hentland33@gmail.com or 01989 730537 / 07713412063 as soon as possible. Without your help the project cannot go ahead."

Herefordshire Birding Spot Highlight - Coppett Hill by

Jim Wilkinson!"This is the landmark hill which forms the classic view from the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint and is surrounded by a major meander of the river Wye. Most of the hill is a Local Nature Reserve of over 100 hectares managed by the Coppett Hill Trust (with assistance from HWT). The full walk up to the trig point, across the ridge and back alongside the river is 8km/4 hours. Views of Brecon Beacons and Malvern Hills from trig point."

"Directions, parking, access times and other facilities!Map reference: SO 576189"Postcode: HR9 6JF (Approx)"Vehicular access: From B4229 near Goodrich head into the village signed Goodrich Castle. Take the first right turn after Goodrich primary school towards Welsh Bicknor. After 300m up hill, limited parking on road-side near to green triangle/island. Or park at the castle (fee) and walk to map ref."

Access by foot: Public access from various points (see below) "

Other facilities: Refreshments and toilets are available at: The Hostelrie, Goodrich www.the hostelrieatgoodrich.co.uk or Goodrich Castle www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/goodrich-castle/!

Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 189 & Landranger 162

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Recommended birding walk "From the parking spot by the triangle, go up the road to the right and immediately take steps on the left up into the woods. Follow this (quite steep) path up to trig point and folly then go along the ridge and down through the woods to the river just below Coldwell Rocks where the Symonds Yat peregrines nest. Turn right and follow the river then through a couple of gates. Stay on the track and then go right into the Nature Reserve at a stile before the farm cottages. Follow path through woods which will (eventually) lead back to the parking spot. "Birds to see!

Resources!www.coppett-hill.org.uk Local information about Coppett Hill Trust and walks on the hill. On sale at Goodrich Castle shop."

"Nearby sites!

Resident Mandarin, linnet, kingfisher, treecreeper, raven, buzzard, peregrine, goosander, goldcrest. Also goshawk and red kite (source RSPB sightings from Yat Rock)

Winter Redwing, fieldfare, mistle thrush, goosander & large cormorant roost

Summer Redstart and tree pipit, also chiffchaff, blackcap, willow warbler, whitethroat, garden warbler and hirundines. Sparrowhawk and goshawk (occasionally)

Spring / Autumn Stonechat, whitethroat, grey wagtail

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HOC Indoor Club Meetings - 2017/2018 Diary Dates!"14th September - Bird Photography by Mick Colquhoun""

12th October - Through the Eyes of a Bird… and other senses by Robert Taylor""9th November - Birds and Other Wildlife of Namibia by Al Venables""

14th December - Pantanal Wildlife by Robert Hall""11th January - Research into Birdsong by Rupert Marshall""

8th February (Dr Walker Lecture) - Farmland Birds, their Decline, Recent Research Findings and Future Optimism by Gavin Siriwardena"

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HOC Field Meeting Reports!"Pengethley and Sellack! 27th April!Leaders:! Robert Taylor (Pengethley) & Tony Eveleigh (Sellack)!Writers:! Robert Taylor and Gerald Parker!"Sixteen Members met in Hentland for the club’s first field meeting in this locality, north of Ross-on-Wye, near Harewood End on a cool, but thankfully dry morning. Once the nose to tail parking and introductions were completed, the group set off at a deliberately leisurely pace from Kynaston House, down an ancient sunken lane towards St Dubricius Church. The group agreed that the focus of the walk would be on identification of species through their song and calls. Early sightings of bullfinch provided an auspicious start and interest (even excitement) in nesting starlings a reminder of the dramatic changes in the fortunes of some species in recent decades. Some of the earlier spring migrants (chiffchaff, blackcap and swallow) along with many of the commoner resident species were seen and heard whilst walking down the lane. Gratifyingly, given their decline in recent times, large numbers of greenfinch were in full courtship mode."

Following a brief stop at St Dubricius Church for a short history of this historical site, we entered Pengethley Park, owned by the National Trust. This was originally a deer park associated with a medieval manor house, now a hotel. The deer park was clear-felled early in the 18th century, and is a poor-man’s Moccas, with a number of ancient trees in varying states of disrepair sitting amongst rolling pasture which, as evidenced by the large number of tussocky ant-hills, has been relatively undisturbed by modern agricultural practices. The park is bounded along one edge by Pengethley Wood, which whilst inaccessible, was a rich source of spring bird song and occasional sightings. There is a small reed-fringed pond close to one of the footpaths bisecting the park."

Amongst the many common birds of this type of habitat we observed a fleeting yellowhammer, treecreeper and nuthatch. Mistle thrushes sang with vigour and coal tits were heard in Pengethley Wood. Blackcaps and chiffchaffs were singing almost incessantly. The highlight however, was hearing the call and song of redstart, along with a few brief glimpses. Some friendly disputes about possible whitethroat, lesser whitethroat and willow warbler singing remain unresolved. The one bird of significance promised by the National Trust sign at the entrance to the park, the wood warbler, was noticeably absent!"

We returned via the church and the sunken lane, taking in sightings and hearings of goldcrest and coal tit amongst others, to lunch under grey skies in the garden of Kynaston House, but basking in the warmth of 38 species recorded."

Following lunch and suitably fortified, 12 members made their way to the tiny village of Sellack, and upon stepping from the cars a loud raucous chorus of jays was heard in a nearby wood. Looking down a small stream a pair of Mandarin ducks was seen, the male looking stunning in his colourful plumage. "

As we walked towards the river a redstart was heard then briefly seen but could not be re-located. Crossing the River Wye via the foot bridge produced much alarm from the ladies as much rocking and swaying in the structure ensued no doubt caused by 12 people marching across! Having safely reached the other side we were rewarded with good close views of two goldcrests."

A group of rooks were busy in a nearby field looking for worms and invertebrates in the very dry soil, - a good steady nights rain will not go amiss at the moment. Several blackcaps were heard singing nearby and four sand martins were chasing each other across the sky. Looking across a nearby meadow two Mandarin drakes and one duck were plodding along, it was difficult to decide if they were feeding, mating or just out for a stroll as they were a considerable distance from the river."

Walking back to the cars a grey heron was spotted, standing very still in a field and keeping a close eye upon us also looking immaculate in its breeding plumage. A pair of mallards with seven very small

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ducklings were in a small pond which drew our afternoon walk to a close and adding 12 new species to the day`s tally, making a grand total of 50. "

Many thanks to Tony for leading the afternoon visit and to all who attended. "

"HOC Dawn Chorus Walk: Moreton wood and surrounding farmland.! 13th May!

Leader:! Nick Smith!

On this early Saturday morning in May and starting at 5.30am, we were greeted by cool and cloudy weather, with the threat of rain at times, and a strong breeze in some places. A group of 16 HOC members assembled at Moreton Wood by kind permission of Jo & Paul Morton, the owners of the wood."

The woodland has a mixed management of coppice and conifer plantations on ancient woodland, slowly being restored back to native tree species. The meeting was all about the early dawn chorus and many of the species had already started their songs by the time we were led off through the wood; blackcaps were in full song, followed by song thrush, blackbirds, wrens and chiffchaffs. One early surprise was a brief glimpse of spotted flycatcher seen flying through the wood. As we walked on, other songs were heard with chaffinch, pheasant, robin, great spotted woodpecker and willow warbler. This was going to be a good test of everybody’s hearing as the birds were only heard but rarely seen."

As we emerged out of the wood onto the surrounding farmland the skies were a little lighter and raven, Canada geese, and carrion crow were both heard and seen. The walk took us away from the wood and across many fields with mixed crops. The first sound was the call of the whitethroat in the hedges quickly followed by dunnocks. A gathering of crows and jackdaws in the nearby wood were making a loud disturbance as we reach the public road. The nearby orchard had blue tit and the first swallows feeding above us. We carried on to the local church and heard mistle thrush and coal tit calling and mallard in the nearby grass fields. The next set of roadside hedges was very productive with whitethroats, yellowhammers and linnets mating and overhead buzzard, stock doves and LBB Gulls flew past. The farmland and public lanes led us slowly back to the wood, where a small surprise had been organised by Jo and Paul: a delicious bacon bap breakfast waiting for some hungry and thirsty walkers around a camp fire in the wood."

Altogether we heard and saw a total of 33 species during these early few hours. I would like to thank Jo and Paul for their generous hospitality and to thank everyone who attended such an early start to the day."

"Castleton and Merbach Hill!! 20th May!Leaders:! John Davies and Gerald Parker!

On an overcast morning 13 HOC members squeezed into the layby on the B4352 and were already getting sightings of house martin, linnets, swallows, chaffinch, robin and a distant mistle thrush voicing its contempt to the looming clouds. Walking down the lane we had a good view of a yellow wagtail sitting on the overhead power cable. A great spotted woodpecker landed briefly on a post and quickly moved on, many swifts were in the air and were joined by good numbers of swallows and house martins."

Willow warblers, blackcaps and a chiffchaff serenaded us as we moved into the meadows at the bottom of the lane and a song thrush joined in with its melodious but repetitive song. Two garden warblers also joined in from a nearby bush.

As we approached the River Wye large numbers of sand martins could be seen dipping and swooping over the water and a couple of parties of young goosanders with adult females in attendance being driven to near panic trying to keep everyone together as there were many canoes being paddled down river. A kingfisher was seen briefly as it flew across a meadow between a loop in the river."

We had good views of two little ringed plovers on the shingle spits and a common sandpiper flew by with its characteristic shallow wingbeats."

I caught up with Gerald Wells who had been telescoping some little egrets across the river and who asked me what I thought about one with a yellow bill. On checking it with my own telescope, we both agreed that together with the orange-coloured crown they were not Littles, but definitely cattle egrets (there were actually two of them)! Once everyone in the group eventually managed to see them despite being in long grass and across the river we then made our way back to the lane. As we walked back to the cars a singing redstart was heard and luckily I managed to locate it at the top of an oak tree, by now it had begun to rain so we all piled into the cars and had lunch."

After lunch the rain had now abated so eight of us made our way to Merbach Hill, the hedgerows here produced two yellowhammers and on the common goldfinches, skylarks and a mistle thrush were singing and jackdaws were hunting for food on the sheep nibbled grass. A strong westerly breeze had started and altogether six buzzards and one raven were hanging motionless in the wind. "

We spent several minutes at the viewpoint which gave an excellent panorama of the surrounding countryside whilst willow warblers, linnets and meadow pipits kept us company. A sudden movement on a path ahead announced a Muntjac deer, but was there very briefly as they are extremely shy animals. "

The walk back through hawthorn groves had large carpets of bluebells, the bright colours being a delight to see, a bullfinch gave its sad little call and many whitethroats were calling from the hedges as we trudged upwards to where the cars were parked. "

Altogether a combined total of 54 different species were found at both sites and I would like to say a big thank you to John Davies for taking us around Castleton and also to everyone who attended, making it a day to remember.

Gilfach, nr Rhayader! 9th June 2017!

Leader:! Gerald Parker!

Gilfach Nature Reserve is not only an SSSI, but it is also located in a beautiful valley nestled in the Cambrian mountains so when nine HOC members assembled in the carpark a slight drizzle didn’t dampen our spirits as better weather was promised."

The walk from the car park produced a meadow pipit and a pair of stonechats, the male always looks stunning but this one looked a bit extra! There were several red kites in the air around us and one individual decided to get a closer look and sailed directly over us. Mistle and song thrushes were singing and a raven honked from across the valley, a buzzard soared overhead but they seem to be in a minority here against their forked tailed cousins. "

Willow warblers were singing everywhere also a garden warbler and some chiffchaffs were joining in. Two cuckoos were calling nearby and introduced themselves by flying directly overhead still calling. "

Evidence of the old Mid-Wales railway line is now almost gone and the bridge that carried it across the valley is now extremely unsafe and has keep away notices posted around it. A commotion in a nearby tree was caused by some juvenile nuthatches clamouring to be fed and a dipper was seen briefly by some of the group from the small platform over the waterfall, here we were also lucky to find a grey wagtail bobbing near the waters edge. Redstarts were calling nearby and seen briefly but as we settled in the otter hide we noticed several nest boxes nearby, two of which were being used by two pairs of redstarts busily taking food in for hungry offspring. "

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As we walked up the road to the Discovery Centre we saw a jay lying on the ground with its wings open near some ant hills, probably ‘anting’, a process used by some birds to harness the ants formic acid to rid themselves of parasites. "

The centre with its picnic tables, refreshments and toilet made this a good place to stop for lunch where we found spotted flycatcher nesting near the old farmhouse. Fortified with a mug of coffee and some sandwiches we decided to proceed to the Oakwood path and set off on a steady climb, soon we were rewarded with excellent views of pied flycatcher, altogether there were about six pairs using some of the many nest boxes. This is a classic species of Mid-Wales and all were busy carrying food for their young. In order to minimise disturbance we quickly retraced our footsteps back to the centre and then back down the valley to the cars. "

Everyone agreed it had been an excellent day with 40 species found. Many thanks to all who attended. "

"HOC Walking Festival! 22nd June 2017!

Leader:! John Pullen!

A large group of twenty walking festival and HOC members met on a cooler morning than the recent very hot days on Garway Hill. While we waited at the start a red kite drifted past and a willow warbler blurted out its soft descending song. "

We wandered up the hill with skylarks singing, meadow pipits jumping up and down in the bracken and yellowhammer calling from tree tops to be noticed. "

We arrived at the summit to take in the views while swift, swallow and house martins flew by. We then made our way to the Jockeys, a Woodland Trust property stopping to watch coal tits feeding young. Four stock doves were in a nearby field and a siskin called from a conifer top. We returned up a steep path to Garway Hill seeing a lone black-backed gull, long-tailed tits and a whitethroat. As we descended we watched Ravens and a Buzzard tumbling over the summit. "

My thanks to those who supported the walk."Croft Castle and Bircher Common! 13th July 2017!

Leader:! Mervyn Davies!

On a bright and warm July morning, 17 enthusiastic birders met at the National Trust car park at Croft Castle. This is a lovely, ancient and secluded estate set amidst rolling hills in the Welsh Marches with a lot of history. The parkland has some magnificent ancient oak and chestnut trees and wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. "

Initially we headed downhill through the parkland in front of the castle towards the pond, picking up goldfinch singing in the treetops, a raven croaking in the distance, and we paused to listen to the distinctive call of coal tit. Large numbers of swallows and house martins were busy harvesting flies from the treetops, later deciding there were richer pickings from the water surface on the pond, where we also had good views of coot with young, four fully-grown juvenile Mandarin ducks and a grey wagtail flitting around on dead tree trunks at water level. "

We then walked on through the old gnarled oaks and sweet chestnuts getting wonderful views of spotted flycatcher, including at least two juveniles to confirm breeding of this declining species at this site. Other species heard or seen here included: blackcap, chiffchaff, bullfinch, long-tailed tit, treecreeper and jay. A little further on buzzard, greenfinch and pied wagtail were added. We then headed for the re-established wood pasture but by this time birds had become rather sparse and silent in the late morning temperatures. This continued as we walked through Fishpool Valley, where National Trust have adventurous plans to repair the ponds and rejuvenate this lovely wooded valley, and we were only able to add five new species to our list: great spotted woodpecker,

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HOC Field Meetings: September - November 2017 "

Bodenham Lake and Wellington GP !Sunday 10th September, 9.30am!Meet at Bodenham Lake car park (SO 529:512) at 9.30am for a walk around the lake including the new hide. Lunch in cars then drive to Wellington GP park in layby opposite the alms houses (SO 500:478) and access the site along the public footpath, reasonable walking, waterproof footwear and clothing. No dogs. We shall look for early winter migrants. Leader:" Gerald Parker (tel: 01432 760023) ""Great Doward, River Wye & Whitchurch!Wednesday 18th October, 9.30am!Meet at Forestry car park (SO 548:158) We shall walk around Hereford Wildlife Trust reserves including mixed woodland, possibility of early winter finches. Lunch in cars then after we shall park in Whitchurch and walk along the Wye. Some gradients so stout footwear preferable. The approach to the Doward is along narrow roads the Car Park is on the right on the Forestry road to the Biblins. Leader:" John Pullen (tel: 01600 750266) ""Goldcliff and Newport Wetlands !Wednesday 22nd November, 9.30am!Meet and park cars at roadside or in small car park (ST 370:829 / HR9 6BP) adjacent to Goldcliff NR at 9 30am. Directions from Monmouth: take the A40 then A449 towards Newport at the junction with the M4, cross onto the A48 and near Newport on the dual carriageway turn left at the fourth roundabout (just past Tesco). Turn right and keep straight on towards Goldcliff ignoring signs for RSPB Newport Wetlands. Park 100m past the Farmers Arms (NP18 2AU). Afterwards, visit Newport Wetlands (ST 334:834/NP18 2BZ) for lunch and a walk around the reserve. No dogs please. Contact the leader in adverse weather conditions prior to setting out. We shall be looking for winter waders and ducks."Leader:" Tony Eveleigh (tel: 01989 750297)""

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goldcrest, marsh tit, mistle thrush and dunnock. A total of 38 species were listed during the morning session."

After lunch, we moved on to nearby Bircher Common where there are marvellous panoramic views of vast tracts of North Herefordshire, as well of the longer distance feature of Clee Hill over the border in Shropshire. After parking up on the common, linnets were immediately heard by a sharp-eared birder amongst us and wood pigeon, collared dove and pied wagtail were seen nearby. As we walked along bracken-lined paths we had good views of both green and great spotted woodpeckers and bullfinch were also heard. Birds were again sparse as we ascended and skirted around Oaker Coppice (280m altitude), but on our descent swift were spotted overhead, and everyone came to life again when a male stonechat and a juvenile were first heard and then seen on top of the six-foot high bracken and willow warbler were calling nearby. Finally, on our way back to the cars, a brightly coloured male yellowhammer and a scruffy-looking, moulting female were clearly seen in some hawthorn trees. In total 21 species were noted during the afternoon."

Altogether a total of 45 species were recorded during the day, of which eight species were confirmed as breeding at these sites. A big “thank you” to everyone who joined us and to the National Trust for allowing access to this lovely spot of rural Herefordshire. "

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Lugg Meadows Purchase by Sophie Cowling

We are grateful for a donation from HOC towards the purchase of 4 acres of Lower Lugg Meadows. "

Lugg Meadows is a Site of Special Scientific Interest designated because of it floodplain grassland flora. Lower Lugg Meadows (on the South side of the Ledbury Road) has restricted access under the Countryside and Rights of Way act from the 1st of March to the 31st of July, making it more suitable for ground nesting birds than the well-used Upper Lugg Meadows. The 4 acres are surrounded by water courses, forming a small island, adding some protection for ground nesting birds against land based predators. "

We are working with HOC to continue to monitor curlew numbers on the site.

Lugg Wetland Gem!A big thanks to everyone who came to the Launch event of our Heritage Lottery Funded “Lugg Wetland Gem” project. The project aims to improve Bodenham Lake for wildlife and to engage more children and adults in conservation. !

The new hide on the south side of Bodenham Lake (made possible by kind donation of HOC and Mr and Mrs James) was opened as part of the project launch. The hide with its unique screening has had great reviews by the public and is well worth a visit if you haven’t been already."

Whilst the lottery funding for re-profiling one area of Bodenham Lake is secured, we are still waiting to hear the outcome of the bid for a European Regional Development Fund grant for re-profiling larger areas of Bodenham Lake and installing a floating island. We have received positive feedback and are optimistic that the application will be a success. However, there have been delays with processing the application that are outside of our control, which could impact the scheduling of works. The good news is that due to changes in other elements of the project we have been able to apply for more funding for Bodenham Lake. The additional funding would be used to create a more complex series of pools, ditches and bays."

A few weeks ago, I visited the Llyn Clwyedog reservoir, to meet with Natural Resources Wales and get advice on the establishment of osprey platform. As osprey are often seen in Herefordshire, and the habitat surrounding Bodenham Lake is suitable, NRW are positive about our chances of osprey stopping, and potentially breeding, although this is likely to take a number of years. !

How you can help!

If you visit any of the Tesco or Tesco Extra stores in Hereford between now and the end of August, please vote for HWT in their “Bags of Help” scheme! We have applied for funding for the Bodenham Lake Reed Bed Project and the more votes we get the more reedbed plug plants we will be able to plant. "

We are always looking for volunteers to help with different elements of the project, and are offering a range of species identification training events. When the time comes, we would like to co-ordinate a reed planting day with HOC. If you would like to get involved, please contact Sophie Cowling on s.cowling@herefordshirewt.co.uk or 01432 356 872. "

HOC SIGHTING HIGHLIGHTS !April - July 2017 Compiled by John Tilby""WGP = Wellington Gravel Pits, BGP = Brockhall Gravel Pits"

www.herefordshirebirds.org 16

Date Bird Quantity Site Observer

01.04.2017 Sandwich tern 1 BGP J Tilby, NC Pegler, M Davies

05.04.2017 Waxwing 1 Kingsland P Downes

05.04.2017 Yellow-legged gull 1 BGP G Bilbao

07.04.2017 Great white egret 1 BGP N C Pegler

13.04.2017 Osprey 1 BGP N Hopkinson

16.04.2017 Grasshopper warbler 1 WGP J Tilby

16.04.2017 Yellow-legged gull 1 WGP J Tilby

22.04.2017 Knot 1 BGP J Tilby & P Downes

22.04.2017 Whimbrel 1 BGP J Tilby

22.04.2017 Whimbrel 2 BGP P & T Downes

22.04.2017 Cattle egret 2 WGP P & T Downes

22.04.2017 Ring ouzel 3 Garway Hill J Tilby

23.04.2017 Great white egret 1 BGP J Tilby & P Downes

25.04.2017 Whimbrel 2 WGP P Downes

25.04.2017 Grasshopper warbler 1 WGP P Downes

29.04.2017 Whimbrel 1 WGP N C Pegler

01.05.2017 Bar-tailed godwit 1 BGP J Tilby & N C Pegler

01.05.2017 Black tern 2 BGP J Tilby & N C Pegler

01.05.2017 Wood sandpiper 1 BGP J Walshe

05.05.2017 Osprey 1 Tedstone P Mcleish

06.05.2017 Turnstone 1 BGP J Tilby,N C Pegler & G Bilbao

06.05.2017 Wood sandpiper 1 BGP J Tilby,N C Pegler & G Bilbao

06.05.2017 Sanderling 1 WGP R Stead

07.05.2017 Sanderling 2 WGP G Bilbao

07.05.2017 Grey plover 1 WGP G Bilbao

13.05.2017 Great black-backed gull 2 WGP P Downes

20.05.2017 Cattle egret 2 Castleton HOC field trip

www.herefordshirebirds.org �17

Other sightings of note!"Cetti's warbler still being reported at WGP by many. "

Date Bird Quantity Site Observer

24.05.2017 Osprey 1 Much Dewchurch I Draycott

27.05.2017 Yellow-legged gull 1 WGP P Downes

27.05.2017 Sanderling 1 WGP P Downes

An ask from the editor….!"When submitting articles for the newsletter, it would be really helpful if you could note the following points to assist in the editing process:"

• All written articles to be sent to the editor as word attachments in emails or in paper copy"

• No formatting (apart from bullet points and occasional bold text) is required as it will only be dissected in the newsletter formatting process so that it fits the design of the newsletter"

• Please send all digital images separate to Word documents as jpeg files. If a picture is added onto a Word document, the editor cannot remove it without losing image quality and resolution"

• Please only send final versions of articles and not several versions of the same write up. This can be a time consuming process for the editor - filing and un-filing, as well as it being confusing!!"

• Please send articles by the given deadline unless a mutual agreement has previously been made - don't leave it until the evening of the deadline date. If you are struggling to submit your feature by the given date, the editor would be happy to sort something out given a little bit of notice. This then will mean that the feature will be included in the newsletter after all of your hard work writing it (some have been missed out in the past because of this very reason) and the editor can arrange when to expect submissions."

• If sending trip reports or features, please remember that we have limited space in HOC News (despite increasing the number of pages 6 months ago - we must be popular!), so keep the feature concise and of a size that the Ed can squeeze in without it the need to heavily edit it to fit it in."

High resolution digital images are welcomed, as are features, news snippets, diary dates, updates, musings and ramblings. "

Thank you to all of our contributors to date for your input and here’s to our feathered friends!!!

HOC Members’ Survey: What next?!By Robert Taylor""The results of the 2016 Members’ Survey were published in the February 2017 newsletter. The results, including the detailed comments made by members, have been carefully considered by the committee. This article summarises the actions that have been or will be taken to address the issues identified by members. !

Indoor meetings!"Welcoming and supporting new members is critical to the long-term success of the club, and the committee will renew efforts to engage more effectively with newcomers. Any new members will be welcomed before the start of each meeting, and introduced to one or more committee members who will if required, provide the new member with a helping hand in terms of feeling at home in the club.""In addition the following actions will be taken:""

• An annual weekend, daytime, largely informal conference style meeting will be considered further;"• The 2017/18 programme will include a greater proportion of talks focusing on various aspects of bird

behaviour and ecology;"• The format and presentation of meetings will be improved through the appointment of a full-time

Meetings Secretary (but, we need volunteers to come forward!);"• The Chair will introduce upcoming field meetings, dates and venues. ""

Field meetings!"The success of the field meetings is critically dependent on securing sufficient leaders with the necessary expertise. Increasing the number of field meetings, including a greater number at weekends, and reducing the size of each group (to allow for better identification of species) can only be achieved through the recruitment of more field meetings leaders. We need your help! Please let us know if you would like to lead a walk around your local ‘patch’. If you are not completely confident in identifying all the species, there are experienced birders who will be able to help out.!The following actions will be taken:""

• A greater focus on developing bird identification skills in future meetings;"• The best possible information about the field meetings will be published, with the mobile phone

numbers of leaders, post codes (where available) of meeting venues and details of the terrain available.""

Annual Report!"The following actions will be taken:""

• Increasing the number of black and white photographs and a corresponding reduction in the number of line drawings;"

• Greater attention will be given to not disclosing breeding sites of all Schedule 1 species;"• The Ringing Report will be shortened;"• Comparative historical detail will be increased in the systematic list.""

Longer-term developments, requiring further consideration, include the possibility of producing updated Atlas maps post-2012 (which might be better published on the club website) and exploring how the data from Garden BirdWatch might be utilised more fully.""HOC website!"The difficulties some Members report about contributing sightings via the website is noted, although as these are submitted via the Going Birding site, any improvements lie beyond the Club’s control. As you will be aware, if you have visited the website recently, there is a new Bird of the week featuring on the homepage – but we need your photographs please! AND the tabs on the left hand side of the home page are now easier to use.!

www.herefordshirebirds.org

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www.herefordshirebirds.org �19

Submitting Records!"Small training workshops are being set up to help those Members struggling to input their data via BirdTrack. The HOC data entry spreadsheet will be reviewed with those managing ‘paper entries’ to determine whether improvements to the spreadsheet can be made.!"Becoming more involved in HOC!"Thirteen Members who offered their services were contacted by email in mid January. Several of these are already or will shortly be contributing to the Clubs activities, with one joining the Committee. However, as indicated in the sections above, we continue to seek help and support from Members in a variety of roles. The future success of the Club depends entirely on the continuing goodwill, support and active help of all Members. If you can help in any way, please do contact the Committee.!""

""

YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU!!

We have two vacancies for an Indoor Meeting Organiser and a Field Meeting Organiser – two vital roles in the work of the HOC. Could you be “The One”?"

Indoor Meeting Organiser!

Their main role is to arrange a programme of speakers for our indoor meetings which run from September to February on the second Thursday evening at Holmer Centre. 2017-18’s programme is already booked, but to ensure we get the best speakers for 2018-9 we need to start soon. There is a list of all our previous speakers and committee members will help with suggested names."

Field Meeting Organiser!

Their main role is to arrange a year round programme of interesting field trips by encouraging the Club’s keen birders to share their knowledge of the best sites within and outside the County by leading walks. The organiser will work with the leaders to sort out any necessary permissions, access, health & safety and publicity. Our outgoing organiser, Gerald Parker, has left us a programme for the first few months and will willingly help with more information about this vital role."

Job descriptions and more information available from the Secretary or Treasurer."

PLEASE CONSIDER THIS.!

These meetings are our main contact with club members; we must not let our high standards slip.!

ADVERTISING IN HOC NEWS:!

Small ads for members wishing to sell or obtain bird-watching sundries such as books or binoculars are free of charge. Please enquire with the editor."

Commercial advertising rates are: 1⁄2 page £15 & full page £30 per issue, four consecutive issues for the price of three. Supplied single page loose insert £20 per issue."

Position of advert at editor’s discretion. HOC does not necessarily endorse products or services advertised in its publications. Please mention this publication when replying to advertisements."

Printed by Flying Colours, Croft Court, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7AB: 01989 566443 "

SUBMISSIONS!

Contributions to HOC NEWS should be received by the Editor by the 14th of January, April, July or October for the February, May, August or November issues respectively. "

Email: nickydavies71@hotmail.com"

Due to space and/or postal charges, contributions may be edited, shortened or divided into instalments at the Editor’s discretion. Illustrations will be printed in black & white only. Photographs will also be used at the Editor’s discretion but please note the printing process limits the quality of photocopying reproduction."

Leaders of Club Meetings are invited to send, or to arrange for another member attending to send, a report of the meeting for publication. These are best when written and sent in as soon as possible after the event."

Support the work of the Herefordshire Ornithological Club by advertising in this Newsletter. Revenue raised helps conservation of habitat for wild birds (which includes other forms of wildlife), the study of wild birds and the promotion of their welfare through the publishing of data and survey reports, active co-operation with other bodies having similar aims and the education of the public in all related matters. All the officers of HOC give their services voluntarily.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES!

Adult £12: Joint members (same address) £18: Junior (up to 18 years) £5: Life Member £300: Senior Life Member £180: Joint Senior Life Members £270: Corporate Membership £25.00

Chair: Gerald Wells, The Wain House, Bridge End, Much Cowarne, Herefordshire, HR7 4JL (01531 640124) geraldwells5@btinternet.com

Secretary: Una Morgan, 5, Abercrombie Close, Ledbury, Herefordshire. HR8 2UR (01531 631347) unarmorgan@gmail.com

Treasurer: Jim Wilkinson, Coughton Forge, Coughton, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5SF (01989 763182) m.jim.wilkinson@googlemail.com

Recorder: Mick Colquhoun (01989 780580) Mobile: 07587 151627 mickcolquhoun@gmail.com Data Manager: Chris Robinson, Rock Cottage, Newton St. Margarets HR2 0QW

(01981 510360 herefordbtorep@btinternet.com)

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