Bird Records for Thorne Moors 1981

This was originally a typed report by Terry J. Wells and it has been reformatted and word processed by Bryan P. Wainwright (2003) with additional records included from other sources, notably Limbert, M., Mitchell, R.D., and Rhodes, R.J. (1986) Thorne Moors Birds and Man. Doncaster and District Ornithological Society: London.

English and scientific names, and sequence of birds, follows the List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (British Birds Ltd, 1997). The RSPB species of conservation concern cannot be used retrospectively, and so has not been used. Exceptional records such as earliest dates refer to the period up to 1981 only.


Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis   
Observed on 11 dates from March to June, when breeding, from the following three sites, Shoulder o’ Mutton, Inkle Moor Pond and the Paraffin Cuttings. Maximum was four at the first site on 2nd May (WHP).

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Four flew over the Paraffin area west towards Southfield Reservoirs on 17th May and this represents the first modern record for the moors (WHP).

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
The 16 records covered all months except March and September and were all of single birds, though two were seen on 17th July at different locations. On 16th December one was found unable to move by a drain in deep snow, it was taken into care but died the following morning, presumably due to the severe weather conditions.

Swan spp. Cygnus                   
Four flew west distantly on 4th January.

Grey Goose spp. Anser
About 40 flew south east over Elmhirst at 9.40 am on 22nd November (CF, ML). Two that flew high overhead on 29th November were thought to be Pink-footed Goose A. brachyrhynchus.

White-fronted Goose A. albifrons Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis 
On 8th March two geese flew overhead one of which was a Canada Goose, the other was a hybrid. The hybrid was seen at the Idle Valley on 10th March (ML), where it was identified.

Canada Goose B. canadensis
Six flew south south east between Shoulder o’ Mutton and the Alder Thicket on 12th April (ML, WHP). On 8th March two geese flew overhead one of which was this species, the other was a hybrid.

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 
Two were seen flying over Will Pits on 27th April (WHP).

Common Teal Anas crecca 
There were low numbers of this resident breeder at the beginning of the year increasing towards the breeding season. Average counts were 25 to 30 with a maximum of 125 at the Paraffin Cuttings on 9th November.

 

Mallard A. platyrhynchos
Frequent during the breeding season with a maximum at this time of 60 in March but most counts were around 30 and this tailed off towards autumn. There was a count of 100+ at Paraffin Cuttings and Shoulder o’ Mutton on 26th August.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

A single bird seen at the Paraffin Cuttings on 28th June (TJW).

Birds of prey
Sites given for raptors are general. Usually only the first area of observation is stated, except where sites were very far apart. A comma between records of the same date means separate records. Depending on views the same bird of prey may be recorded differently by different observers. For example with Marsh Harrier; recorded as a female by one observer or a cream-crown by another, therefore with the following records this is taken into account and only the minimum number of birds per day is taken. Totals are the minimum possible numbers, calculated for all areas, plumages and observers for that day. All are adult birds, unless otherwise stated. Some birds are not aged and sexed due to distance or poor views.

 

[Black Kite Milvus migrans

A bird thought to have been this species was seen from Southfield Reservoirs at long distance flying over Cowick Gorse on 3rd May (DB, CW et al.). On 9th May a large raptor was seen flying over Woodpecker Corner and was identified as this species by ML. Both these records were rejected by the British Birds Rarities Committee but accepted by YNU Ornithological Section Reports Committee.]

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 
A cream-crown was flushed from a tramway near Pony Bridge on 9th May (ML). A female was seen near Shoulder o’ Mutton on 10th May (WHP). A cream-crown was seen over Durham’s Garden on either 24th or 31st May (BPW, SH, JMW) and a female was seen over Shoulder o’ Mutton on 17th August (TJW).

Hen Harrier C. cyaneus 
Five, two males and three females, were seen on 18th January (WHP, GG, TJW, KL, BL). The last record from the first half of the year was of a female on 12th August (ML). The first autumn record was of a male on 26th August (WHP). There were no records in September, with the next record being of a male on 12th October (TJW). A male and ringtail were seen on 23rd November (SH, BPW). From then on one or two birds could be seen on most winter days. 

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus       
During autumn and winter mainly single birds are seen with a maximum of four on 4th January. Following a record on 2nd May there were no further records until mid-August, from which time they were seen regularly to the year’s end. Records came from Woodpecker Corner, colliery area, Mill Drain Marsh, Will Pits, Shoulder o’ Mutton, Pony Bridge and Casson’s.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo         
One was seen on 13th September near Elmhirst (WHP).

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 
Recorded every month and breeds. Up to seven seen as on 1st September and 10th October (WHP). 

Merlin F. columbarius 
January produced 30 sightings with a maximum of six on any one day, the majority of records were of single birds or up to four. There were eight sightings in February and five in March, the last of two on 27th March (TE). First return record was on 27th August, when a male was seen (TE, STH). There was a gap in records until 10th October with five further records that month. There were seven records in November and the same in December.

Hobby F. subbuteo                                                              
One was seen on 26th July, catching dragonflies over Mill Drain Marsh and Canals area (ML). On 29th July, two were seen with a single on 31st July, both records from the same area. One or two were seen on most days but in August there were three on 16th, 17th, 25th, 26th and 27th. Last record was on 8th September. 

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa
Seen mainly in arable fields around the moor periphery, resident and breeding but also released, with average counts of five to 20 birds. A nest was found alongside Shoulder o’ Mutton Tram.

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix 
Resident and breeding, mainly in arable fields around the moor periphery, but seen in smaller numbers than the previous species. 

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Resident and breeding, but also released mainly in arable fields around the moor’s edge. Though rearing and releasing has declined a little, shooting has not, with a consequent perceived drop in numbers. Singles seen mainly with a maximum of 15 on 15th May.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 
Resident and breeding with 12 records this year, the first from Will Pits on 12th January (ML). One was at Canal Tow Path on 22nd February, and recorded on 5th and 27th April and 12th June at Shoulder o’ Mutton. At the Southern Canals, chicks only a few days old were seen on the water on 24th June, as their unseen parents called to them (TJW). Also observed on 16th October, 5th and 9th November and on 1st, 6th (Canal Tow Path, SH), 11th and 13th December.  

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus   
Resident and breeding species, mainly seen in peripheral drains and ponds particularly Thorne Waste Drain, Swinefleet Warping Drain, Inkle Moor Pond, Paraffin Cuttings, Shoulder o’ Mutton and Bell’s Pond.

Common Coot Fulica atra
A breeding species sometimes seen at other times of the year and mainly reported in small numbers from Shoulder o’ Mutton, Bell’s Pond, Inkle Moor Pond and Paraffin Cuttings. Birds were present at Inkle Moor Pond on 1st February and elsewhere on the moors by 1st March. Two adults with five young were seen at the Paraffin Cuttings on 2nd August (ML).

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 
Records down on last year with on five received. First record was from the colliery spoil tip on 17th May, with further records on 25th May, 15th June and 17th and 26th July.

Great Ringed Plover C. hiaticula 
One record near Swinefleet Warping Drain on 11th May (STH, TE) and two on 31st May (SH, BPW).

European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria           
Seven records of this species, the first one was seen on 4th January in arable fields next to the colliery. On 10th January 20 flew over the colliery spoil tip, and on 31st January one was near Whaley Balk and Bell’s Pond (colliery area). There were four on 8th March, a single over flew on 29th July, four on 6th September and two on 30th December.

 

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 
Usually seen crossing the moors to feed on peripheral meadow and pasture fields. Largest numbers were 80+ over on 24th August, 50+ on 27th August, and 365 on 8th November. There were no proven records of breeding though a pair appeared to be holding territory on bare peat with Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella at Shoulder o’ Mutton, with another pair holding territory at the flat area of colliery spoil.

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus 
A winter visitor but in very small numbers, with one at the edge of the area north of Collis’s Tram on 21st October (TJW). Another was at Shoulder o’ Mutton on 29th November (ML).

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 
Resident and breeding with all single counts except for six on 1st February, 10 on 29th March and a maximum of 21 on 5th April (ML). First heard drumming on 11th March.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 
Resident and breeding with three records in January, one record in February, none in March and three records of single birds in April. On 28th May, six birds were seen roding along a tramway close to Pony Bridge with a further three at Rawcliffe Moor. Three were seen together on 15th May and four were seen on 15th June. There were no further records until a singleton on 18th October, 2nd November and 6th December.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
Appeared to have bred on the moors again, as two were on top of peat stacks near Shoulder o’ Mutton on 12th April and 15th July. The nest was not found but young were seen, as on 26th July when one adult and one young were seen on top of a peat stack (ML). Other records involved a single over Mill Drain Marsh on 2nd August and eight flew north east over Collis’s Tram on 27th August.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
The first record was of one at Mill Drain Marsh on 20th August (TJW) with the next one on 16th September and the last record possibly of the same bird was from the Paraffin area.

Green Sandpiper T. ochropus
The first record was of four flying north east over the corner of the area north of Collis’s Tram on 23rd June (TJW). Recorded in each subsequent month to December, mainly from Thorne Waste Drain. Maxima were five on 17th July and 12th and 16th August (WHP). On 6th December, one was pursued by a male Merlin (ML) and the last record was on 13th December.  

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
One along Thorne Waste Drain at Elmhirst pump on 24th August (WHP).

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
Small numbers began to appear around mid-March, rising to 200+ at the end of the month. By April between 500+ were present at the Paraffin Cuttings, but at the beginning of May the colony split with around half moving 1.5 miles east to the old Mill Drain Marsh colony site, where they first bred on the moors. Around 250 were counted here on 3rd May and breeding took place with eggs laid, but the water levels then dropped and all the birds moved off. Some returned to the Paraffin Cuttings others retired to the Shoulder o’ Mutton but breeding at the latter site was unsuccessful and it was abandoned. On 25th May 170 sitting birds were counted at the Paraffin Cuttings and by 28th 350 birds plus chicks were counted. The colony began to disperse in July and there were no further significant counts till 4th October, when 200 were feeding on arable fields near Elmhirst. 
From around 200 juveniles counted on 15th June at least 24 pulli were ringed.  

Common Gull L. canus 
Groups of five to a maximum of 30 seen between April and September, some of which settle on peat stacks along with Black-headed Gulls.

Lesser Black-backed Gull L. fuscus 
Small groups are observed crossing back and forth over the moors to and from feeding areas and roosts, with a maximum of 60 flying east on 24th August.

Herring Gull L. argentatus 
Very few records received for this species and all were of over flying birds. Maximum count was of 10 on 4th January and 27th April.

Great Black-backed Gull L. marinus
Observed crossing the moors to and from the Humber roosts usually in groups of five to 20, with a maximum count of 100 flying east on 30th December. 

Stock Dove Columba oenas
Records of one or two seen usually in most months with birds seen passing over the moors and sometimes flying to Woodpecker Corner. Maximum was of seven in the colliery area on 15th April.

 

Wood Pigeon C. palumbus 
Resident and breeding with large flocks in late winter and spring, when they feed on Oil Seed Rape fields around the edges of the moors. Maximum count was in excess of 1,000 by 1st March.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto                                    
Only seen in singles or pairs mainly from the colliery area and Top Moor Farm. There were 12 to 15 sightings this year.

Turtle Dove S. turtur 
A summer visitor and breeder, first record was on 2nd May, with a maximum count of 50 at the end of August. Latest record was on 13th September.   

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
Eight were present on 9th May rising to a maximum of 15 by 25th May. An immature bird was being fed by a pair of Meadow Pipits, on 26th July. First and last dates were of a single calling bird on 3rd May and two immatures on 17th August.

Little Owl Athene noctua
Seen on 11th May at Top Moor Farm (SH) and two were seen along the dairy track (southern fields) on 2nd August (CF).

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Two were heard on 15th May at Pony Bridge area, one was seen at Rawcliffe Moor, on 28th May and one was near the Canal Tow Path, on 3rd June. On 17th July a young bird was heard calling while an adult flew overhead, at Limberlost Farm and one was at the Alder Thicket on 22nd November.


Long-eared Owl Asio otus
One near Pony Bridge area on 25th May and on 31st May chicks were heard calling from Will Pits. On 8th May an adult and large young were on their nest at Will Pits (RV), and were possible the same family as the previous record. 

Short-eared Owl A. flammeus 
Recorded from the Paraffin area on 16th September (WHP) and between Limberlost Farm and Angle Drain on 2nd November, east of Casson’s (no date) and finally near Durham’s Warping Drain on 18th December.

European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus 
On the first date, 16th May, one was churring along Collis’s Tram. First and on the last date, 28th July, six were churring, two of which were flying between Cottage Dyke and the Pony Bridge at the east side of the moors. A total of 43 males were recorded for the national survey.

 

Common Swift Apus apus
The first record was of two flying over the Southern Canals on 7th May, and the maximum was 110 over Shoulder o’ Mutton on 10th May, with the only other high count being of 70 on 19th May. Last record was of a single at Elmhirst on 1st September.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 
Two records from Thorne Waste Drain, the first near Casson’s on 16th September and the other flying from Elmhirst towards Woodpecker Corner on 16th November (TJW).

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 
Observed frequently around the moors with a maximum of two to four. Seen from January to May but then no records for May to July, but seen again from August to December.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
Recorded every month of the year with a maximum of between two to four.

Sky Lark Alauda arvensis 
Present all year but only in small numbers, with maximum counts of 22 on 10th April and 25 on 8th November.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia 
The only record was of a single bird flying over Mill Drain Marsh on 10th May.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 
First record was of a single bird on 12th April, with a maximum of 100 near Elmhirst on 1st September. Last record was of three on 10th October.

House Martin Delichon urbica
There were five on 17th May at Inkle Moor Pond and 10+ over Elmhirst, on 1st September, and lastly three were at the colliery area on 2nd September (WHP).

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
There were five records, the first record involved two birds on 14th April, and maximum was eight on 25th May with the last record on 6th September.

 

Meadow Pipit A. pratensis
Continues to decline with counts of five to 20 birds only.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
The first of nine records was of two on 12th April with a maximum count of six on 17th May. Last record was of one on 6th September.

Pied Wagtail M. alba
There was a slight increase in recorded numbers with a maximum of 20+ on 24th August.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
There were 17 on 10th April and 11th December, though average counts were closer to 10 to 15. Towards the end of December c.40 gathered to roost at the old pumping house at Elmhirst (TJW).

Hedge Accentor Prunella modularis 
Seen in frequently but widely distributed around the moors, with a maximum of 14 on 9th December.

Robin Erithacus rubecula
Breeds widely around the moors, with average daily counts of between 10 to 15 birds and a maximum of 20 on 29th March and 4th October.

Rufous Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos 
Maximum day count was nine singing males on 25th May (TE) but up to 11 may have held territories. Two were at Will Pits, one at the Yorkshire Triangle, three Crowle Moor, two Pony Bridge Marsh and one at Limberlost Tram (new site). First and last dates were 11th May and 25th May (last singing date).  

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
One was seen at Angle Drain junction with Middle Moor Tram on 25th May and again east of Middle Moor Tram along Cottage Dyke on 15th August (CF).

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra    
First record was of two on 9th May rising to a maximum of 35 on 25th May and the last one was seen on 13th September.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Earliest date was 26th March when one was seen on peat stacks at the Snaith & Cowick Moor northern end of Swinefleet Warping Drain or Goole Moor Tram? Six were counted on 10th May. The last spring record was on 6th June and the last of the seven records was of two on 4th September.

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus 
One was seen at Top Moor Farm on 12th April (RV).

Blackbird T. merula 
During spring and summer small numbers were recorded with a maximum of 15 at the colliery area on 10th April. Increasing numbers in autumn and winter brought a maximum of 40 to 50 by the end of October.

Fieldfare T. pilaris 
Last record was of three at Inkle Moor on 27th April (WHP). The first record, a single at the Shoulder o’ Mutton, came on 2nd September. There were 120 in fields at the Paraffin area on 13th October rising to the maximum of 900 by the end of the month, roosting in the Southern Canals area (WHP). 

Song Thrush T. philomelos 
Usually only singles are met with and the maximum count was of five on 14th April. Four chicks were reared in a Hazel corylus avellana clump near Woodpecker Corner and another nest was found along Elmhirst Tram, but the eggs were later found destroyed by a predator. 

Redwing T. iliacus 
Most records were of less than 20, with only 20 records exceeding this. Maximum counts were 120 on 8th November (WHP) and 100+ flying south east between the Dairy Farm and Woodpecker Corner on 14 December. Last and first records were 20 at the colliery area on 15th March (WHP) and 30 on 18th October (CF).

Mistle Thrush T. viscivorus   
Seen usually as single birds but occasionally as pairs on the moorland edge and around the colliery yard. On the whole infrequent with only 11 or so records, on 9th September though eight were seen at Durham’s Warping Drain (WHP).

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia 
On the first date three were heard and this rose to a maximum of five on 17th July. On the evening of 28th May one was heard calling after 11.00 pm. On the last date a bird with a full beak of invertebrates was calling to a juvenile, and both birds remained in the open while being observed (ML). First and last dates were 3rd May and 2nd August. 

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Six were recorded on the first date, 2nd May and this rose to the maximum of 23 on 9th May. Last record was of one on 6th September. 

Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus
First record was of three on 3rd May reaching a maximum of 15 by 17th May. An adult and juvenile were seen on 20th August and last date was 13th September.

 

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

There were five records, singles were seen on 2nd May, 9th and 25th May and 4th September. The last record was also the maximum, when three were recorded on 13th September (WHP). 

 

Common Whitethroat S. communis             
The first record was of 10+ on 2nd May rising to a maximum of 50+ by 25th May. Average daily counts were around one to four and on the last date, 6th September, there were four.

Garden Warbler S. borin
The first of six records was of one on 9th May, and on 10th May there was one at Elmhirst pump. Five on 25th May was the maximum count (WHP) and last record was of a single at Elmhirst pump on 24th August.

Blackcap S. atricapilla           
First record was on 12th April with a maximum of eight on 17th May. Last record was of a male on 13th September.

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
A male was heard singing in Will Pits on 8th May (RV).

Common Chiffchaff P. collybita
First record was of three on 29th March and there were 11 sightings in all, the last being of three on 13th September. 

Willow Warbler P. trochilus
Breeds over the whole moor with average daily counts of 20+ with a maximum count of 100+ on 12th April (WHP). A nest with two eggs and two young was found at Durham’s Garden, on 24th May (SH, BPW, JMW). First and last dates were 5th April, the earliest ever and 28th September. 


Goldcrest Regulus regulus
There were 24 sightings, with an average of five birds on any day. There were several counts of seven to 10 birds with the maximum being of 15 on 8th November (WHP). Latest record was of one on 29th March and the first returning bird was on 28th September. 

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
There were six records, the first on 17th May and singles were recorded on 25th and 2nd August. There were nine or more including juveniles on 16th August and two on 1st September. The last two were seen on 13 September. 

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
Recorded every month with the exception of June, usually in parties of up to 10 with other tits. Maximum count was 19 on 7th November, with two other high counts both of 17 on 1st and 7th December.

Willow Tit Parus montanus 
Resident and breeding, with records of between three to 15 birds counted per day, the maximum being of 19 on 5th April.

Coal Tit P. ater
The maximum was three on 24th February, for the other nine records more often the sightings were of single birds in winter.

Blue Tit P. caeruleus 
Recorded every month of the year and on most days with counts between five and 20.

Great Tit P. major
Seen infrequently on the moors, but present most months and maximum count was of 11 on 5th April. Bred on the edge of the moors near Elmhirst. 

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris
There were two January records of singles at Woodpecker Corner on 25th (ML) and 27th (TJW).

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor 
Recorded on 30th December between Inkle Moor, Paraffin area and Durham’s Warping Drain (WHP).

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius
Seen throughout the year particularly between Woodpecker Corner and Elmhirst. Maximum count was 25 to 30 and keepering may be to blame for this decline.

Magpie Pica pica
There were nine records with no more than five in one day, most records were of one or two. This species appears to be increasing, particularly on the moor’s edges.

Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula           
The only record was of one seen flying over the colliery on 3rd May (ML).

Carrion Crow C. corone
Groups of five to seven over fly the moors and three to four can occasionally be found at Woodpecker Corner. Around 60 were seen on 31st January and c.55 assembled in the Mill Drain Marsh and Shoulder o’ Mutton area on 1st March. The maximum was 63 flying to roost on 6th December, in this group was a single hybrid Carrion x Hooded Crow (ML). The roost was located at SE7218.

Hooded Crow C. cornix
One was present with roosting Carrion Crows at the north west end of the Shoulder o’ Mutton on 1st March. 

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Seen infrequently on the moors, but has bred in Woodpecker Corner previously. Usually seen in small groups around buildings and flying over the moors. Maximum was 200 on 8th November (WHP). 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Seen around the edge of the moors particularly in the vicinity of Thorne Colliery where 100 were seen on 1st September. Numbers had risen to 200+ there by 13th September and on 4th October there were 200+ at Woodpecker Corner.

Tree Sparrow P. montanus
There were 10 records for this species including c.80 on 25th February and again on 8th March at Woodpecker Corner (WHP, TJW). Other records were of smaller groups of between two and 20 birds.

Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
There were 20 records the maximum being 15 on 15th March. A male sang at the colliery area on 12th April and a pair was seen in the same area on 6th May.

Brambling F. montifringilla 
A winter visitor to the moorland edges, two flew over the colliery on 14th January. One was at Woodpecker Corner on 24th February and 10 were in the colliery area on 15th March, with a single at the latter place on 29th March, which was the last record of spring. Two were seen at Elmhirst in October and two were seen at Limberlost Farm in November.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
Large numbers were recorded from the roost in the colliery area including 50+ on 4th January (WHP) and again on 1st February (ML) with a maximum count of 150 on 15th March (WHP).

Goldfinch C. carduelis 
Most of the nine records were of between one to six birds. There were 30 on 6th September, and the maximum was 100+ at Inkle Moor on 1st September (WHP). 

Siskin C. spinus
A winter visitor to the moors with all records from the Alder Thicket, where 10 to 15 were counted on 1st February then 12 on the last spring date of 8th March (ML). The first autumn record was of 10 on 8th November then 14 on 22nd November, rising to a maximum of 20 on 29th November (ML).

Linnet C. cannabina 
On 1st March 50 were seen on the peat cuttings, 40 were at the colliery area on 15th March and small numbers of between four to 15 birds were seen in the following months, except there were 35 on 26th July. There were 60+ on 1 and 13th November at Inkle Moor, then the maximum count of 80 on 31st October at the colliery spoil tip. Nested at Elmhirst pump on the ground amongst Bracken Pteridium aquilinum and also just south east of Collis’s Tram in a clump of Heather Calluna vulgaris, both nests’ young were taken by predators, in one case by an AdderVipera berus as observed by a peat worker.  

Common Redpoll C. flammea
Seen flying around the moors and feeding in birch trees in groups of 15 to 20. On 6th January a large flock of c.100 were seen feeding along the western boundary of the Southern Canals (TJW). A flock of 80+ were seen on 4th October (WHP).

Common Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 
Seen frequently in small groups two to four birds occuring in particular along the Canal Tow Path and other corridors of tall trees. Daily counts of between 10 to 19 birds were made on 4th and 18th January, with a maximum of 32 on 8th November (WHP).

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella
Frequent on and around the moors, with a maximum count of only 100 on 24th February and 8th March.

Reed Bunting E. schoeniclus 
Common around the moors and at peripheral drains, with a maximum of 100 counted at Woodpecker Corner on 25th February (TJW).

Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra 
Four records, notably of 12 over Inkle Moor on 1st February and five over the colliery on 2nd August. 

 

List of Observers

Trevor Edes, Clive Featherstone, Geof Grafton, E. Hibbard, Steve Hiner, S.T. Holliday, Martin Limbert, C. Marshall, William H. Priestley, Richard Vaughan, Bryan P. Wainwright, Jonathan M. Wainwright, Terry J. Wells.