HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR WILDLIFE REPORT 2010

HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR WILDLIFE REPORT 2010

Hilfield Park Reservoir Wildlife Report 2010

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HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR WILDLIFE REPORT FOR 2010

CONTENTS

Introduction 2

List of contributors 2

Review of 2010 Peter Delaloye 3

HMWT Hilfield Diary Rob Hopkins 4

Birds – systematic list Mark McManus and Peter Delaloye 5

Birds – year-by-year review Bob Cripps 28

Ringing report Peter Delaloye 34

Butterflies Steve Murray 39

Dragonflies Steve Murray 43

Mammals Bob Cripps 46

Reptiles and amphibians Bob Cripps 47

Bat Survey Richard Gowing 48

Moths Rachel Terry 51

Planting of Phragmites along the Peter Delaloye 61

north bank

Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust 62


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INTRODUCTION

Hilfield Park Reservoir is a Local Nature Reserve in the ownership of Veolia Water (previously

the Three Valleys Water Services PLC.) It was established as a nature reserve in 1969, after

an agreement between the company and Hertfordshire County Council, with management

undertaken by the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT).

The water surface covers about 46 hectares (115 acres) at top level and is surrounded by

32 hectares (80 acres) of land consisting of woodland and rough grassland with oak and bramble

scrub. The storage capacity of the reservoir is approximately 600 million gallons.

This is the twentieth report, continuing to encourage a wider interest in the site and the recording

of its wildlife.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this report. Special thanks are due to Stephen

Murray, Bob Cripps, Mark McManus, Richard Gowing, Rachel Terry, Rob Hopkins and Jack Fearnside

without whom it would not have been possible to prepare this report. Also Tony Blake for the use

of his excellent photographs.

We would like to thank PC Philip Tuck and the Hertfordshire Constabulary for their help in regularly

checking the reserve during the breeding season.

All future records of any aspect of natural history relating to the reserve would be gratefully

received.

I would also like to take this opportunity to request that both authors and the report itself are

acknowledged fully, following part or complete use of this report as reference.

Peter Delaloye

HMWT Volunteer Warden

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

We are grateful to the following for submitting records. All records have been submitted to the

county recorder.

M. Beatley

I. Bennell

T. Blake

D. Chandler

K. Cramer

R. Cripps

J. Daker

P. Delaloye

E. Edwards

J. Fearnside

R. Gowing

E. Inzani

H. Inzani

V. Inzani

P. McManus

M. McManus

M. Murphy

S. Murray

P. Peretti

C. Rossor

M. Rossor

E. Stainthorpe

R. Terry

J. Thompson

G. Wild


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REVIEW OF 2010

Our thanks go to Richard Gowing for organising our first bat survey on May 4th. Our thanks also to

Jackie Wedd and Hazel Makepeace of the Herts and Middlesex and London Bat Groups for bringing

their equipment and expertise. Nine species and a further probable was the surprising result of their

visit.

Our thanks also to Rob Hopkins for his efforts on the reserve and in particular with reference to the

circular path and tern raft maintenance.

Birding highlights included the first Raven for the reserve. Also the first Spotted Redshank since

1997 and the first Tree Pipit since 2001.

The ringing group had a successful year with a total of 1377 birds ringed and one new species, a

Canada Goose.

The Lesser Emperor Dragonfly was again recorded. Ruddy Darter and Azure Damselfly were

recorded after being missed in 2009.

Finally but by no means least, Rachel Terry found 12 moths new to the Hilfield Reserve including

the micro moth Mompha bradleyi a species only recorded at three other sites in Hertfordshire.

Peter Delaloye

HMWT Volunteer Warden


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Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

ROB HOPKINS HILFIELD DIARY 2010

February 23 Coppicing willow along South Bank, adjacent to viewing hide

March 17 Tern raft maintenance

May.12 Cut path around reserve

June 9 Built reed guards

June 11 Mowed circular path

June 12 Planted reed rootballs

October 13 Felled trees to clear bank in north shore reed bank

October 20 Cut path and adjacent scrub and bramble with flail collector supplied by

Practicality Brown

November 25 Clearance of bankside scrub and trees from in front of viewing platform

with the Green Team.

Rob Hopkins

HMWT Nature Reserves Officer (South)

The reservoir in a frozen state on 10 January 2010.


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BIRDS OF HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR 2010

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor

One pair bred. They were seen nest building on March 28th and seven cygnets were seen on May

19th. A dead adult was found on September 8th, possibly killed by another adult.

Maximum monthly counts (adults + juveniles):

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

6 4 8 7+2 4+2 4+7 4+5 4+5 5+5 4+8 2+5 2+5

GREY LAG GOOSE Answer answer

In January 17 were present from the 9th until the 13th, 16 from the 14th until the 17th and then

just one remained until the end of the month. Two were present on February 21st. In March one

was present from the 1st until the 11th and seen again on the 16th, 27th and 30th. One was

present on July 20th and one was present from September 19th until the 21st and one again on

November 18th and one flew over on December 31st.

GREATER CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis

Three pairs bred. The first brood of two surviving goslings was noted on May 19th, the second

brood on the 22nd and the third in June.

Maximum monthly counts:


91 24 12 8 27 109 108 24 126 91 52 42


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EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiacus

An adult was present on November 25th.

SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna

Five records this year. In January one on the 3rd and four on the 19th. In February one on the 16th

and five late afternoon on the 17th and finally at the end of the year one on December 19th.

MANDARIN Aix galericulata

A good count of four records this year with two on April 19th, a female-type bird on July 26th and

again a female type was present on August 14th and lastly a male on October 9th.

WIGEON Anas penelope

In March just two birds present by the 21st and a single bird was present on April 19th. In August

three were seen on the 15th with 27 present by the end of the month.



135 75 20 – – – – – 30 83 94 121

GADWALL Anas strepera

A pair were seen mating on May 30th and a brood of ducklings fledged on June 26th. A second

pair then fledged a brood of six on July 14th with five juveniles still present on August 1st.

NOTE: Last years report should have read a brood of 11 on June 13th and not a brood of 13 on July

13th.



56 38 20 36 18 17 31 9 25 70 73 142


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TEAL Anas crecca

In January two on the 2nd, five on 19th, four on 20th, two on 21st and five again on 28th, in

February four on 23rd and two on 27th, in March a male on 5th, a pair on 7th and a male again

on the 13th and 29th. Two pairs were present from April 5th until the 17th. In August a single bird

was present on the 27th, with two on the 30th and one again on the 31st. In September two on

the 8th, one on the 19th and eight on the 26th. Six were present on October 17th. In November

up to nine birds on six dates, 22 on the 18th, 23 on the 28th and 18 on the 22nd and 10 on the

28th. In December three on the 30th and one on two other dates.



5 4 2 4 – – – 1 8 6 23 3

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos

Nine broods this year. The first brood was noted on April 15th with two more on the 17th. Four

more broods were noted in May and two more in June.



24 7 15 17 26 17 14 21 10 4 8 17

PINTAIL Anas acuta

A single record of a female or immature bird present on September 25th.

SHOVELER Anas clypeata

Ten were present on April 10th. A pair was seen on May 5th and five were seen on June 30th and

one on July 31st.



12 2 4 10 2 5 1 18 36 22 26 14

RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina

A male and two females were present on November 29th.

POCHARD Aythya farina

A female was present on May 5th.

Monthly maximum counts:


25 12 17 5 1 23 138 195 16 15 37 51


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TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula

One brood of two ducklings fledged on July 18th with the two well grown juveniles still present on

August 15th.



100 66 106 181 8 13 146 245 87 167 93 70

TUFTED DUCK x SCAUP HYBRID

One on January 24th, February 7th and 27th and six dates in March between 17th and 30th.

GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula

The first record of the year was of a female on February 7th and 14th with three birds on the 18th

and two females were present on 27th. In March a female on the 7th and 14th with three were

seen on several dates between 17th and 26th with two females on the 27th. In April three females

on 2nd and a single bird on the 5th, 18th, 22nd and 24th. In November three females on the 7th

and a single bird on the 23rd. In December a female was present from the 11th until the 13th.



– 3 3 3 – – – – – – 3 1

SMEW Mergellus albellus

A good run of records in December with a male present on the 7th, a male and two redheads on

the 8th, two redheads from the 9th until the 11th, three redheads on the 12th two of which may

have been 1st-winter males, a single redhead on the 13th and two redheads again on the 23rd.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator

A juvenile male was present on October 9th, the second year running this species has been

recorded.

GOOSANDER Mergus merganser

Three records this year. A female was in the east bay on March 8th, three females flew low over the

water and headed off high NW without stopping on November 7th and a single female was seen

on the 28th.

RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis

There were no records in January as the cull has taken its toll. In February a male was seen on the

14th and three on the 18th and three male and a female on the 21st, in March two were present

on the 2nd and eight were present on the 7th. Two pair were present on April 9th and two males

and a female on three other dates. In May two pair were noted on several dates with a male seen

displaying on the 31st. Two males and a female were seen on June 5th and 10th with just two


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males on the 20th and a female on the 27th. A pair were present in July until the 23rd. In August

three males and a female on the 10th and a single male on the 15th. In September three males

from the 6th until the 30th. In October three males were present from the 1st until the 15th with

one remaining until the end of the month. In November two male and a female on the 7th, a

male on the 14th, three pair on the 21st and a male again on the 28th. Eleven birds were seen on

December 11th after a cull with this, rather strangely, being the highest count of the year.



– 4 8 4 4 3 2 4 3 3 6 11

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis

Seven broods this year with three broods hatched in June, the first on the 15th and the third on

the 27th. Three more broods hatched in August with the third noted on the 30th and then the last

brood was noted on September 19th.



34 10 9 12 5 8 8 18 54 60 38 30

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus

Five broods this year. Three broods fledged in July one on the 3rd and two on the 20th and two

more broods in August, one on the 6th and the last on the 15th.



11 13 14 16 15 24 33 43 43 31 23 23


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CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo

Recorded in every month of the year. A good count of 45 birds on December 7th with a sudden

influx of 37 to join the birds already present.



7 8 5 3 3 8 20 7 21 9 12 45

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta

Two sightings this year with a good record of 11 flying over at 08.41 on October 17th and one was

in the NE bay hawthorns on December 9th.

GREY HERON Ardea cinerea

In January singles on 1st and 18th, one on February 7th, one on March 14th, one on April 5th

and 18th. In May three on the 16th and an adult with three young was seen on the 23rd and two

adults were present on the 30th. A single was present on June 6th while eight birds were present

on the 12th which was the joint highest count of the year. In July two on the 4th, one on the 6th,

four on the 8th and at least three on the 26th. Two were present on August 2nd and three on the

15th. Two on September 7th, one on the 8th and eight were present on the 22nd. Five birds were

present on October 17th and two on the 24th and a single on the 31st. Two on November 13th,

one on the 14th and two again on the 28th. Two birds were present on December 9th with singles

on the 12th and 26th.



1 1 1 1 4 8 4 3 8 5 2 2

RED KITE Milvus milvus

Two records in March of singles on the 24th and 28th. One on April 4th and on May 3rd, 12th and

22nd. In June singles on the 6th, 24th, 25th and 27th. In July one on the 11th and two over the

aerodrome on the 28th and finally one flew over on October 10th.

SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus

Seen throughout the year. Highest count of the year was of three birds noted on May 16th. A pair

were seen in the SE wood in February.

COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo

A pair bred in the castle lake grounds. Recorded on nine dates in January with three on the 3rd

and two on the 30th while one was seen on a pylon feeding on a Black-headed Gull on the 17th.

Recorded on seven dates in February with three on the 27th the highest count. In March four were

seen on the 21st and 27th and from the 16th a pair were seen on an old crows nest several times

and mating in the north pines on the 28th. The highest count in April was of five on the 9th while

four were present on the 4th and a pair were seen mating again on 4th and towards the end of


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the month the pair were suspected to be nesting in the castle grounds. A calling bird was heard

from the castle trees throughout May. Three birds were noted on June 6th. In July a juvenile was

heard calling from the castle lake area all month and was seen towards the end of the month. The

resident juvenile was seen regularly in August up to the 22nd with six adults on the 8th and four

on the 15th and 19th. Birds were seen throughout September with seven noted on the 25th. The

highest count in October was of four on the 17th with one or two birds recorded on several dates

in November and December.

KESTREL Falco tinnunculus

Recorded throughout the year.

Note: Last years report should of read two chicks were noted on May 31st and not March 31st.


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HOBBY Falco subbuteo

Single birds were seen on April 21st and then from the 24th until 27th. In May singles were seen

on five dates. In June singles on the 10th and 26th. Singles were recorded on seven dates in July

with a 1st summer on the 2nd while one was seen mobbing a Buzzard on the 4th and again on the

5th and then one was drinking from the dam on the 18th and one was bathing in the water on the

19th. In August two on the 8th and 15th and singles on the 22nd, 27th and 29th. In September

one on the 6th and a juvenile on the 11th.

PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus

One seen briefly twice, in the morning and afternoon on March 14th. In the morning it flew in

from the SE at 9.55am and flew low over the water scattering the gulls before flying off NW.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa

Two in the castle grounds on March 27th. Inside the reserve a good run of spring records probably

relating to the same pair with two seen on April 11th, 24th and 26th, in May two on the 1st, 11th,

one on the 14th, two on the 17th and 26th with a single bird on the 31st and later in the year one

was seen climbing the steps of the dam on October 30th.

PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus

Resident. Breeding was proved with a female and two small juveniles noted on August 15th. Five to

six birds were seen on three dates in April. Seven birds, four male and three female were present on

May 5th. Six were seen on October 13th, eight on November 12th and 30th and finally eight also

on December 19th.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus

In January one was heard on the 1st and two were on the north bank on the 7th and one was seen

on the 9th and 17th. There were no records for February and then one was heard along the south

bank on March 21st. A single on October 20th was the first returning bird. In November two heard

on the 14th, and singles on 23rd, 27th, 28th and 30th. In December one was by the hide on the

3rd and one was along the north bank on the 13th.

MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus

Two broods this year, the first fledged on June 26th and the second brood fledged on July 5th.

July’s count includes one juvenile and the August count three juveniles.



3 1 7 6 3 – 5 6 9 13 11 5

COOT Fulica atra

Eight broods this year. Three broods in May with the first noted on the 28th and another five

broods hatched in June with the last noted on the 12th.


13



229 135 141 108 88 183 254 191 138 171 195 197

OYSTERCATCHER

Haematopus ostralegus

Two records in April of single

birds on the 10th and 25th

and in July one was seen on

the 18th and 20th.

RINGED PLOVER Charadrius

hiaticula

The only record of the year

was of one on August 27th.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius

First bird of the year was one on March 25th until the months end. In April single birds present on

eight dates and two on the 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th and the 24th. In May two were present on the 3rd

and singles on six other dates up to the 23rd. In June two on the 6th and a single on seven other

dates up to the 24th. A juvenile was present on July the 8th.

GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria

Seven birds flew over on October 2nd and again on the 3rd.

LAPWING Vanellus vanellus

In January 14 flew up from the dam on the 1st and two were resting on the frozen reservoir on the

2nd, 14 flew over on the 3rd, 25 were seen on the 8th, three on the 9th, six on the 17th, one on

the 21st and eight on the 24th. Two flew over on February 27th. The next record was of two on

the dam on May 16th. In June one on the dam on the 13th, 26 on the 23rd and 17 on the 26th. In

July 16 on the dam on the 7th, 18 over on the 8th, 10 over on the 10th, 17 over on the 23rd and

14 over on the 27th with between one and four birds seen on seven other dates. In August 14 flew

over on the 1st. Eight birds flew over on November 28th. In December 32 birds were present on

the frozen reservoir on the 21st with 20 present on four other dates.

SANDERLING Calidris alba

Recorded at the reservoir again this year after a two year absence with a single bird present on

December 4th.

DUNLIN Calidris alpina

One summer-plumaged bird on the dam on May 2nd then two records in July of a single bird on

the dam on the 13th and 23rd. An adult was present on August 11th and 12th. A juvenile was on

the dam on September 10th and the last record of the year was of a single bird on December 8th.


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COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago

Two flew low over the dam on August 15th and one was flushed along the south bank on

November 8th. In December one flew over on the 22nd. Outside the reserve one was flushed from

Hilfield Lane on December 26th.

WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola

Three records in January, one on the east bank on the 9th, one near the paddocks on the 19th

and one in the north pines on the 30th. One was flushed by a Muntjac in the southeast woods on

February 14th and one flew out of the north scrub on March 7th. Later in the year in December

one was in the north pines on the 22nd and one was on the ice under the north bank willows on

the 24th.

CURLEW Numenius arquata

On December the 12th a single bird landed on the dam at 16.03, had a drink and was still present

at 16.15.

REDSHANK Tringa tetanus

In April two were present from the 11th until the 13th with one on the 14th and two again on the

15th and 16th and one was present on June 15th.

SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus

A juvenile bird flew in calling and dropped onto the dam late in the evening on August 31st. This

species was last seen at Hilfield in 1997 so a great find for the lucky observers but sadly it departed

overnight.


15

GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia

A single record this year of one that circled the reservoir on August 31st.

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos

First of the year was one on April 18th followed by singles on 24th, 25th, 27th and 28th. In May

two on the 3rd and three on the 16th and singles on six other dates. In June one was present on

the 29th. Recorded throughout July with singles on nine dates, two on four dates, three on five

dates, four on the 11th and nine on the 17th. Regular throughout August with six on the 13th and

eight on the 27th. In September four were present on the 1st and three on the 4th and 8th and

one or two were then recorded up to the 29th.


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MEDITERRANEAN GULL Ichthyaetus melanocephalus

Recorded on 21 dates this year. In January a 1st winter was present on the 2nd and 3rd, an adult

on the 16th and a 2nd winter on the 30th. On April 15th an adult and 2nd summer were present

for a short time. One juvenile was seen on July 26th. A juv/1st winter bird was present on August

22nd. A 1st winter was present on September 25th. In October an adult on the 8th, an adult and

three juv/1st winters on the 9th, a single adult on the 12th, two adults on the 20th and a single

adult on the 22nd, 25th and 27th. In November an adult on the 6th, 7th and 13th, a 1st winter on

the 14th and an adult again on the 21st and 28th.

LITTLE GULL Hydrocoloeus

minutus

Three records this year consisting

of ten birds. On April 20th one

1st winter, six adults followed by

a 2nd summer on the 25th and

an adult and 1st winter were

seen on November 7th.

BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus

One of the surprises of the year was this species breeding at the reserve for the first time with two

pairs nesting on the rafts. One pair hatched two chicks on June 20th and the other pair three chicks

on the 21st. One of the juveniles was present until August 1st. A white adult was noted on seven

dates in January, four dates in February with a different white adult present on February 20th. In

March two white headed birds on the 5th and a cream bird on the 9th and 12th. On July 28th a

white adult was present again and was then seen on four dates in September and five dates in

October and three dates in November and December. Counts received were 1000 on January 31st,

1200 on February 14th, 584 on July 30th and 2600 on August 27th.

COMMON GULL Larus canus

The following counts were received. 300 on January 31st, 500 on February 14th, 1000 on March

13th, one on April 5th, three including one in summer plumage on August 1st, 2 on August 15th,

29 on September 28th and 400 on December 12th.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus

Counts received were of 226 in the roost on March 16th, 36 on April 23rd and a bird of the race

intermedius was seen on April 11th. A count of 75 was made on May 20th. On June 27th 87 were

present. In August six adults and 16 juveniles on the 5th and seven adults and 26 juveniles on the

14th. On September 28th 273 were counted.

HERRING GULL Larus argentatus

A single argentatus was seen on January 10th. On February 5th 340 were in the roost with 200

noted on the 14th and 295 on March 16th. On April 24th 15 were present and 43 were noted on

May 20th. On June 28th 17 were present. Twelve birds were present on July 3rd, 253 adults were

counted on September 18th and 198 were counted on December 11th.


17

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis

One on December 19th was the only record for the year.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus

Recorded on five dates totalling seven birds. Two on January 16th, an adult and an immature with

a 1st winter present on the 30th, an adult was present on November 21st and in December two

adults on the 19th and one on the 31st.

KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla

Three birds consisting of an adult, juvenile and 1st

winter were present on November 6th with the 1st

winter bird still present the next day.

SANDWICH TERN Thalasseus sandvicensis

On July 3rd five flew in from the south and passed

straight through.

COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo

A total of 15 broods this year, five more than 2010 all hatched between May 31st and July 30th.

First record of the year was of one on April 4th followed by two on the 5th, 31 on the 25th and 13

on the 29th. Highest count for May was of 27 on the 27th.

ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea

Two records in April of two birds on the 19th and 24th. In May at least two on the 2nd, four on the

4th, eight on the 6th, 17 on the 7th and two on the 8th.

LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons

Two records this year, both in May with three on the 2nd for just over two hours and a single on

the 9th again present for just over two hours.


18

BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger

Just a single record this year of one juvenile from September 8th until the 12th.

FERAL PIGEON Columba livia

Regularly seen throughout the year.

STOCK DOVE Columba oenas

Probably under recorded but the following records were received. Two on January 24th, one on

April 18th, May 16th and 23rd, three on July 4th and one on the 6th, two on the 8th and one on

the 26th. In August two were present on the 1st and 3rd.

WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus

Resident and seen on every visit to the reserve.

COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto

This species was not recorded at the reserve last year for the first time in many years and it just

about made it onto the list this year with a bird seen flying over on December 30th.

RING-NECKED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri

In January one on the 1st and two on the 17th and four on the 21st, in February two on the 6th

and the 14th, in March one on the 13th, two on the 19th, 21st and 25th, one on the 27th and six

on the 30th. Recorded on 13 dates in April with three being the highest count, two adults and a

juvenile on the 26th. In May two on the 13th and one on the 15th. In August one on the 1st and

one on the 14th. In September six on the 12th and one on the 18th and 25th, three on the 26th

and four on the 29th. In October one on the 5th, two the 9th, three on the 10th, two on the 17th,

four on the 27th and two on the 31st. In November four on the 6th and up to three on several

other dates. Recorded on six dates in December with four on the 24th and five on the 26th.

CUCKOO Cuculus canorus

One on April 20th and 24th and one on the north bank May 22nd.


19

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco

One was hooting in the SE woods on January 9th and one was in the same area on May 4th.

COMMON SWIFT Apus apus

First record of the year was of two

birds on April 19th with 300 present on

the 30th. In May there were over 500

on the 2nd, including a partial albino

which briefly raised hopes of an Alpine

Swift, a 1000 on the 9th and 600 on

the 29th. In June 200 were seen on

the 1st. In July 20 were present on the

11th. One was seen on August 28th

and the last of the year was on the

rather late date of September 19th.

GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis

Resident, recorded throughout the year. A family group was present on July 12th. A first year

female was caught on November 14th.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major

Resident, recorded throughout the year. Birds were regularly heard drumming in the castle grounds.

A family group was present on June 8th Five juveniles were caught between May and August.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Picoides minor

One record. Good views of a female by the east fountain on December29th

SKYLARK Alauda arvensis

Apart from single birds during April there were the following records: ten on October 7th and 15

on the 10th and finally there were 56 flying over, on December 31st.

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia

The first birds of the year were two on March 22nd and then circa 30 on the 31st. In May 20 were

counted on the 8th In the autumn there were circa 130 on August 19th and 20th. Last record of

the autumn was two on October 3rd.

SWALLOW Hirundo rustica

One bird on March 22nd and 30 on the 31th were the first records of the year. There were circa

100 on April 30th and circa 200 on May 2nd,3rd and 8th. In August there were circa 50 roosting in

the main reed bed on the 6th and 17th. Then circa 300 on September 26th followed by about 100

on October 3rd. A single bird on October 17th was the last record.


20

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica

Two birds on March 31st were the first of the year. Then there were 50-100 birds on six dates

between April 30th and June 1st. There was a strong autumn passage between September 11th

and October 3rd with 400 on September 26th. One on October 24th was the last recorded bird.

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis

There were no records of wintering birds. There were three records in March ,the highest being

nine on the 31st.

No records then until 14 on September 12th. In October there were records on five dates with a

maximum of 60 on the 7th. The only November birds recorded were 11 on the18th. In December

there was one on the 3rd.

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis

One in the north scrub at 8am on April 23rd.

ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus

Two on October 3rd,10th and 14th on the dam.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava

Eight records this year all single birds on April 7th,14th,16th, and 30th and then May 2nd,8th and

9th. Finally a juvenile on the dam on September 9th.

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea

Twenty-seven records in March, April, July, September and October. A male was recorded on 17

dates in April with two males on the 25th. In addition two birds were present on October 7th and

14th.


21

PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba yarrellii

Resident. Regularly seen along the dam and breeds on the bridge. One was seen feeding young on

April 16th-May 3rd, first brood fledged, June 15th, second brood fledged, July 22nd third brood

fledged.

WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba alba

Three records of single birds were on April 2nd, 7th and 10th.

WREN Troglodytes troglodytes

Resident. Sixteen juveniles were caught between May and August.

DUNNOCK Prunella modularis

Resident. Nine juveniles were caught between May and August.

ROBIN Erithacus rubecula

Resident. Twenty-seven juveniles were caught between May and August.

BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros

One immature/female from October 21st to 25th.


22

WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe

There were 19 records this year with the first one on April 5th then one on April 7th and four on

the 18th with one definite Greenland subspecies O. o. leucorhoa. Then two males were present on

April 20th followed by singles on April 22nd and 30th and May 3rd and 10th. In the autumn single

birds were recorded on 11 dates between August 11th and October 14th.

BLACKBIRD Turdus merula

Resident. No significant counts. Nine juveniles caught between May and August.

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris

Recorded from January 16th to March 8th and in autumn from October 13th to December 30th.

Maximum recorded was 43 on January 23rd.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos

Resident, probably under-recorded. Four were present on May 23rd. Three juveniles caught

between May and August. During this same period four females and eight males were trapped and

ringed. Nineteen birds were caught and ringed throughout the whole year.

REDWING Turdus iliacus

Recorded in January, February, March and October. On October 10th birds were passing over all

morning.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus

Recorded in all months except August and December and usually in ones and twos. However, there

were two pairs on April 24, 14 birds on September 28th and 23 on October 5th.

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

The first record was of two on April 23rd. A male was present from May 9th to June 20th and a

female from May 16th to June 20th but there were no juveniles until July 25th when there were

another adult with a juvenile presumably on dispersal. It is likely that the resident pair attempted to

breed but failed to produce young. There were six present on Aug 22nd and two on Aug 29th the

last recorded.


23

REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scipaceus

One on April 18th in the main reed bed was the first bird to arrive. 103 juveniles were ringed

between June 28th and August 3rd. There were no records after August 29th. There were at least

six pairs along the north bank adjacent to the boathouse.

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca

The first record for the year, a male and a female, was on May 23rd. There was a singing male on

July 10th and three birds on Aug 1st. Six juveniles were caught between July 25th and August

22nd but these were more likely to be birds on dispersal than proof of breeding.

WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis

One on April 25th was the first for the year. 20 juveniles were ringed between May and August.

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin

Recorded from May 3rd to August 18th. A pair was present in the CES trapping area from May 3rd

to June 13th. Three juveniles were ringed in July/August.

BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla

First bird of the year was on March 30th. The last record of the year was on September 19th. 65

juveniles were caught between May and August.

CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita

Recorded from March 21st to October 31st. Eight were present on March 30th. 39 juveniles were

ringed between May and August. Late birds were 10 on October 7th, 4 on 10th and one on 31st.


24

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus

In April one was present on the 14th and singles were recorded on the 14th, 18th and 25th while

two were present on the 23rd. Then there were no more records until August when there were

singles on the 1st,4th,15th,29th, 30th and four juveniles on the 11th and three on the 22nd.

GOLDCREST Regulus regulus

Recorded throughout the year. Four juveniles birds were caught in the period May to August and

four juveniles were seen on August 1st. An influx in October resulted in at least six on October

10th, 13th and 17th. At least three were present in November.

FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus

One male was trapped on April 14th. A single bird was recorded in a tit flock on September 25th.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata

One by the south fountain and two at Pages Farm on August 30th.

LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus

Resident, a much better year than 2009 with 42 new birds caught throughout the year. Two pairs

were nest building on March 21st. 21 juveniles caught during May to August. There were at least

four 2007 ringed birds still around through much of 2010.

COAL TIT Periparus ater

Resident ,breeding in small numbers. Possibly slightly commoner this year. 13 sight records of one

or two birds in January to April and September to December. 14 were ringed this year, mainly

juveniles, in July, August and November. Three birds were caught on August 15th and November

11th.


25

BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus

Resident, breeds in good numbers around the reserve. 121 nestlings were ringed from the

nestboxes. This drop in number of nestlings ringed is due to lack of manpower not a reduction of

active nest boxes.

GREAT TIT Parus major

Resident. Breeds in good numbers around the reserve. 70 nestlings were ringed from the

nestboxes.

NUTHATCH Sitta europaea

Occasionally seen or heard in the region of the feeding site or main gate. Two females were present

in August.

TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris

Resident, 12 records this year with juveniles caught on July 18th and August 1st.

JAY Garrulus glandarius

Resident. Under recorded. Eight on March 30th. Seven different birds trapped throughout the year.

MAGPIE Pica pica

Resident. Eight birds were noted on February 12th.

JACKDAW Corvus monedula

Eight records with 24 on September 26th, and 50 on October 10th.

CARRION CROW Corvus corone

Resident. Breeds locally. Two to four regularly seen around the dam. One was seen killing a gull on

the ice on January 10th.

RAVEN Corvus corax

One, possibly two, flying over at 0915 on November 14th.

STARLING Sturnus vulgaris

Only two records. circa 300 on November 9th, a pre roosting flock and circa 500 on November

13th seen going to roost in the main reed bed.

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs

Resident. Under recorded. Circa 20 on March 12th. Then some passage between 9th and 14th

March with up to 25 recorded. Twelve were ringed on the 14th.


26

GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris

Resident. Not a common bird at Hilfield. Four records from around main entrance and feeding site

on March 14th, May 5th ,November 27th and December 30th.

GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis

Resident. Eleven records but often flying overhead and not recorded. Eight on March 12th and nine

on March 14th. Six on 11th and 18th August and 11 on November 21st.

SISKIN Carduelis spinus

Recorded on 16 days this year between January and April, and October and December. There were

20 on 6th and 13th February and the last spring bird was one on April 5th. Winter maxima were

circa 100 on December 22nd and 29th.

LINNET Carduelis cannabina

Eight records in April, October and November, all single figures except for 18 on October 7th.

LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis caberet

Eleven records of one to 15 in January through March then single birds on October 10th and

November 21st.

BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Resident, recorded regularly throughout the year. Probably at least three pairs but no juveniles

caught or recorded.

REED BUNTING Emberiza shoeniclus

Resident. One to six in January, March, April, May, October and November. The maximum was 10

on November 14th. Two juveniles were ringed on July 3rd.


27

ESCAPES

BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis

One on June 18th until the 20th and one on September 14th and 15th. One over with Canada

Geese on October 8th and seen again on the 10th.

RUDDY SHELDUCK Anas bahamensis

A female on May 22nd (photo Bob Cripps).

Mark McManus and Peter Delaloye


28

BIRDS – YEAR BY YEAR REVIEW

Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last

seen

Mute Swan Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Bewick’s Swan Y Y Y

Whooper Swan Y Y

White-fronted Goose Y Y

Greylag Goose Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Canada Goose Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Brent Goose Y Y Y Y Y

Egyptian Goose Y Y Y Y Y

Shelduck Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Mandarin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Wigeon Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Gadwall Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Teal Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Mallard Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Pintail Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Garganey Y Y Y Y Y Y

Blue-winged Teal 1998

Shoveler Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Red-crested Pochard Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Pochard Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Ring-necked Duck Y

Ferruginous Duck 1961

Tufted Duck Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Scaup Y Y Y

Eider 1963

Long-tailed Duck 1985

Common Scoter Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Velvet Scoter 1976

Goldeneye Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Smew Y Y Y Y Y Y

Red-breasted Merganser Y Y

Goosander Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Ruddy Duck Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

White-headed Duck Y Y Y

Red-legged Partridge Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Grey Partridge 1960

Pheasant Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Red-throated Diver 1965

Black-throated Diver 1967


29

Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last

seen

Great Northern Diver Y Y

Little Grebe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Great Crested Grebe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Red-necked Grebe Y Y

Slavonian Grebe Y Y

Black-necked Grebe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Leach’s Petrel 1983

Cormorant Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Shag Y Y

Bittern Y Y Y

Little Egret Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Grey Heron Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Honey Buzzard Y Y

Red Kite Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Marsh Harrier Y Y

Sparrowhawk Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Buzzard Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Osprey Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Kestrel Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Merlin 1979

Hobby Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Peregrine Y Y Y Y Y

Water Rail Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Spotted Crake 1967

Moorhen Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Coot Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Oystercatcher Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Avocet Y Y

Little Ringed Plover Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Ringed Plover Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Golden Plover Y Y Y Y Y Y

Grey Plover Y

Lapwing Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Knot Y

Sanderling Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Little Stint Y

Curlew Sandpiper Y

Dunlin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Ruff Y

Jack Snipe 1996

Snipe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Woodcock Y Y Y Y Y Y Y


30

Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last

seen

Black-tailed Godwit 1987

Bar-tailed Godwit Y

Whimbrel Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Curlew Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Spotted Redshank Y

Redshank Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Greenshank Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Green Sandpiper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Wood Sandpiper 1997

Spotted Sandpiper 1956

Common Sandpiper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Turnstone Y Y Y

Grey Phalarope Y

Long-tailed Skua 1988

Mediterranean Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Laughing Gull Y

Little Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Sabine’s Gull 1988

Black-headed Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Common Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Lesser Black-backed Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Herring Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Yellow-legged Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Glaucous Gull 1980

Great Black-backed Gull Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Kittiwake Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Sandwich Tern Y Y Y Y Y Y

Common Tern Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Arctic Tern Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Little Tern Y Y Y

Black Tern Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

White-winged Black Tern 1970

Little Auk 1995

Feral Pigeon Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Stock Dove Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Wood Pigeon Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Collared Dove Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Turtle Dove Y Y

Ring-necked Parakeet Y Y Y Y Y

Cuckoo Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Barn Owl Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Little Owl Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y


31

Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last

seen

Tawny Owl Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Short-eared Owl Y Y

Swift Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Alpine Swift 1990

Kingfisher Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Hoopoe 1973

Green Woodpecker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Great Spotted Woodpecker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Woodlark 1955

Skylark Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Sand Martin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Swallow Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Red-rumped Swallow Y

House Martin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Tree Pipit Y Y Y

Meadow Pipit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Rock Pipit Y Y Y Y Y Y

Water Pipit 1992

Yellow/Blue-headed Wagtail Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Grey Wagtail Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Pied/White Wagtail Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Waxwing Y

Wren Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Dunnock Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Robin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Black Redstart Y Y Y Y Y Y

Redstart Y Y

Whinchat Y Y Y Y Y

Stonechat Y Y Y Y Y Y

Wheatear Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Ring Ouzel 1993

Blackbird Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Fieldfare Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Song Thrush Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Redwing Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Mistle Thrush Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Cetti’s Warbler Y

Grasshopper Warbler Y Y Y

Aquatic Warbler 1960

Sedge Warbler Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Reed Warbler Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Lesser Whitethroat Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y


32

Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last

seen

Whitethroat Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Garden Warbler Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Blackcap Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Wood Warbler Y

Chiffchaff Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Willow Warbler Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Goldcrest Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Firecrest Y Y Y Y Y

Spotted Flycatcher Y Y Y Y Y Y

Pied Flycatcher Y

Bearded Tit 1974

Long-tailed Tit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Marsh Tit Y

Willow Tit 1994

Coal Tit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Blue Tit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Great Tit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Nuthatch Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Treecreeper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Golden Oriole 1984

Red-backed Shrike 1965

Great Grey Shrike 1970

Jay Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Magpie Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Jackdaw Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Rook Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Carrion Crow Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Raven Y

Starling Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

House Sparrow Y Y Y Y Y

Tree Sparrow 1987

Chaffinch Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Brambling Y Y Y Y Y

Serin 1973

Greenfinch Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Goldfinch Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Siskin Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Linnet Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Lesser Redpoll Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Crossbill Y Y


33

Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 Last

seen

Bullfinch Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Hawfinch 1982

Snow Bunting 1978

Yellowhammer Y Y Y Y Y

Cirl Bunting 1959

Little Bunting 1960

Reed Bunting Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Corn Bunting 1984

Escapes

Black Swan 1998

Snow Goose 1997

Pink-footed Goose 1993

Barnacle Goose Y

Bar-headed Goose Y 1998

Argentine Bluebill Y Y

Ruddy Shelduck Y 1995

Bahama Pintail Y

Marbled Teal 1998

Grey-headed Gull Y Y

Monk Parakeet Y Y

Grey Cockatiel Y

Cockatiel 1998

Parakeet Sp. Y

Double-barred Finch Y

Bob Cripps


34

RINGING REPORT FOR 2010

Annual summary 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

New birds ringed 837 951 794 1066 1377

No. of species 30 36 32 35 45

No. of pulli 272 276 254 330 193

No. of retraps 260 457 331 417 1022

The Constant Effort Site programme was completed successfully.

There was one new species ringed in 2010 – Canada Goose. The number of species caught was

well above average for Hilfield.

Pulli ringed in 2010 were again restricted to Blue and Great Tits and Stock Dove with 121, 70 and 2

respectively. However this was one of the lowest totals of ringed pulli at Hilfield in recent years, due

to lack of manpower at the critical time rather than lack of occupied boxes.

Ringing totals as an indication of population changes between 1998 and 2010

Species 1998 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Song Thrush 4 5 4 11 12 19 8 25 19

Sedge Warbler 34 19 34 16 7 5 1 9 15

Reed Warbler 91 9 85 107 85 50 59 85 149

Lesser Whitethroat 11 4 6 5 10 6 2 0 8

Whitethroat 26 8 34 25 33 12 9 38 27

Garden Warbler 14 6 10 6 6 12 6 4 6

Blackcap 88 40 62 78 51 60 54 79 87

Chiffchaff 52 87 43 62 21 43 28 34 75

Willow Warbler 19 12 8 19 12 7 4 8 12

Goldcrest 11 12 19 5 7 25 17 7 29

Long Tailed Tit 28 13 54 6 32 47 60 10 42

Reed Bunting 18 5 9 11 8 10 4 5 6

Totals 396 220 368 351 284 296 252 304 475

Song Thrush Probably a stable population, 12 of the 19 in 2010 were caught in April and

May.

Sedge Warbler Believed to have attempted breeding, but the eight in August means that

autumn dispersal and migration is responsible for much of the increase.

Reed Warbler They would still appear to be increasing in line with the increase in Phragmites.

Eighty-four were caught in July.

Lesser Whitethroat An improvement this year but August birds account for five.


35

Whitethroat Appears to be holding its own.

Garden Warbler Back to its normal six.

Blackcap Back to the 1998 level.

Chiffchaff Highest number since 2003. Autumn passage continued into October.

Willow Warbler August accounts for ten of the 12 caught.

Goldcrest Numbers are better this year but mainly due to the October influx.

Long-tailed Tit A better year this year.

Reed Bunting Little change.

Returning migrants

Birds that were ringed in previous years and have returned in 2010 were as follows:

Species 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Reed Warbler 2 1 – 2 1

Whitethroat 2

Blackcap 2 2

Chiffchaff 1

Long lived Long-tailed Tits

Some of our Long-tailed Tits are regular visitors to our nets:

AVJ 502 First caught 18.09.2005 and last caught 08.03.2009 (5th visit).

AAH 730 First caught 17.06.2007 and last caught 12.04.2009 (11th visit).



BEV 930 First caught 27.01.2008 and last caught 31.01.2010 (12th visit).


36

Ringing totals

2010 1994-2010

Species Adults Pulli Adults Pulli

Mute Swan 1 24

Canada Goose 4 4

Wigeon 16

Teal 3

Mallard 48

Ruddy Duck 3

Sparrowhawk 1 7

Kestrel 3 40

Water Rail 3 33

Moorhen 5 74

Coot 104

Dunlin 1

Common Sandpiper 1 14

Common Tern 39

Stock Dove 2 12

Woodpigeon 2 12

Cuckoo 1

Little Owl 1 14

Tawny Owl 1 2

Swift 1 159

Kingfisher 47

Green Woodpecker 3 16

Great Spotted Woodpecker

13 31

Sand Martin 6

Swallow 3 9

House Martin 4 25

Meadow Pipit 16 108

Grey Wagtail 6

Pied Wagtail 1 3 4

Wren 35 473 16

Dunnock 31 361

Robin 49 460

Wheatear 1 4

Black Redstart 1

Redstart 1

Stonechat 1

Blackbird 24 266

Song Thrush 19 144

Redwing 9

Grasshopper Warfbler 1


37

2010 1994-2010

Species Adults Pulli Adults Pulli

Cettis Warbler 1

Sedge Warbler 15 326

Reed Warbler 149 1295

Lesser Whitethroat 8 90

Whitethroat 27 214

Garden Warbler 6 118

Blackcap 87 841

Chiffchaff 75 699

Willow Warbler 12 203

Goldcrest 29 217

Firecrest 1 3

Spotted Flycatcher 1

Pied Flycatcher 1

Long Tailed Tit 42 552

Coal Tit 14 51

Blue Tit 205 121 1451 1882

Great Tit 170 70 1099 780

Treecreeper 4 38

Nuthatch 1 4

Jay 5 58

Magpie 14

Carrion Crow 1

Starling 54

Chaffinch 33 97

Brambling 1

Greenfinch 1 13

Goldfinch 60 119

Siskin 1 36

Lesser Redpoll 9 18

Bullfinch 7 80

Reed Bunting 6 223 5

Totals 1184 193 10398 2794

Species 44 3 71 10

Controls and recoveries

The recoveries and controls are arranged by species, with ringing details on the first line and

recovery data on the second.

‘Controlled’ indicates that a bird has been deliberately re-caught and a ‘sight record’ is where the

ring number has been read in the field.


38

The following codes have been used:

Age when ringed:

1. pullus (nestling or chick)

3. Hatched during calendar year of ringing, 3J. In juvenile plumage

5. Hatched during previous calendar year

4. Hatched before calendar year of ringing, but exact year unknown

6. Hatched before previous calendar year, but exact year unknown

Sex M = Male, F = Female

Sedge Warbler X891384 3 08.08.2009 Hollesley,Suffolk

Controlled 4 25.07.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts

379 days 131 km Dir 251 deg

Reed Warbler X706192 3J 28.06.2009 Thatcham,West Berks

Controlled 4. 22.08.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts


Reed Warbler V054844 3J 25.07.2009 Tewinbury Farm,Herts

Controlled 4 18.07.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts

358days 22 km Dir 212 deg

Reed Warbler X891384 3 26.09.2009 Rye Meads, Herts

Controlled 4M 03.07.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts


Reed Warbler T891227 4 24.06.2007 Willington, Beds

Controlled 4f. 20.06.2010 Hilfield Res, Herts


Blackcap X545410 3M 27.09.2009 Hilfield Res, Herts

Dead, hit window 05.05.2010 Kings Langley,Herts


Chiffchaff BLL317 3J 28.06.2009 Chalton, Beds



Blue Tit X545118 1 16.05.2009 Hilfield Res, Herts

Dead, hit window 06.03.2010 Aldenham Country Park,Herts


Goldfinch X919666 4M 09.10.2009 Kilnsea Clays,Humberside



Peter Delaloye


39

THE BUTTERFLIES OF HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR 2010

SMALL SKIPPER Thymelicus sylvestris

The first five were seen on June 26th, a date remarkably consistent with the previous two years. On

July 3rd the population was considered to be in good numbers, and the last individual was seen on

August 1st, matching last year’s final sighting.

LARGE SKIPPER Ochlodes venata

Recorded between June 4th and July 11th with a best count of 32 on June 12th. This number

marked a further increase and was just over double that of the previous year.

BRIMSTONE Gonepteryx rhamni

During the spring period there were sightings on eight dates between April 10th and May 30th,

with a best count of three males on April 17th. An ovipositing female was seen on one date. The

new late summer generation comprised a male on July 20th, a male and female on the 28th and a

female on August 30th.

LARGE WHITE Pieris brassicae

One-three were noted on eight dates between April 18th and August 29th, though the species was

described as ‘quite common lately’ on August 16th.

SMALL WHITE Pieris rapae

There were sightings on 16 dates between June 5th and October 17th, with a best count of seven

on July 28th.

GREEN-VEINED WHITE Pieris napi

Seen on eight dates from April 24th to September 4th but sketchily recorded. The best actual count

was of six on May 1st, though it was considered quite common during the first half of August.

ORANGE TIP Anthocharis cardamines

Following the first two on April 17th numbers rose to 15 on May 1st, a drop on the previous two

years. The final record concerned two on May 30th.

PURPLE HAIRSTREAK Quercusia quercus

This Oak canopy specialist was noted between July 4th and August 16th. On July 19th the north

monad of the reserve was surveyed from 19:15 to 20:17 and 33 were counted, less than half the

number counted on a similar exercise the previous year. However, the reduced activity observed was

probably due to less favourable weather conditions.


40

WHITE-LETTER HAIRSTREAK Satyrium w-album

With the east bay mature elms now in terminal decline records slumped to just one on June 26th

and two on July 4th.

SMALL COPPER Lycaena phlaeas

Another good year with records on 27 dates between May 15th and October 23rd. Monthly

maxima were mainly encouraging as shown. May 22nd, 35. June 5th, 22. July 25th, five. August

8th, two. September 25th, nine. October 2nd, 11.

BROWN ARGUS Aricia agestis

Spring brood records were limited to singles on May 26th and 30th. Second brood was noted on

five dates between August 7th and 22nd, and multiple counts comprised two on the 8th and five

on the 15th.

COMMON BLUE Polyommatus icarus

Sightings on 24 dates was identical to the previous year and the flight season was a fortnight

longer, from May 22nd to September 18th. Monthly maxima generally showed a further increase.

May 30th, 18. June 5th, 47. July 31st, 17. August 14th, 29. September 4th, three.

HOLLY BLUE Celastrina argiolus

A very disappointing year with just two records of singles on August 8th and 29th.

RED ADMIRAL Vanessa atalanta

An ovipositing female on May 22nd started the season off and was followed by records on 16

dates until October 17th. The only multiple count was of two on July 18th.

PAINTED LADY Cynthia cardui

In absolute contrast to the phenomenal numbers seen in the previous year the only records were of

one individual seen on June 12th and 13th.

SMALL TORTOISESHELL Aglais urticae

This formerly abundant species was yet again recorded in very low numbers. All records comprised

one on April 17th, 24th and June 19th, two on July 3rd and one on September 11th.

PEACOCK Inachis io

Emergence from hibernation began with three on March 18th and rose to a maximum of 42

on April 10th, the same number as in the previous year. Pristine summer brood specimens were

observed from July 10th but numbers were massively down with a maximum of just two on the

28th. After two months of no sightings the last individual was seen on October 10th.


41

COMMA Polygonia c-album

A good but not outstanding year for this species with records on 17 dates between March 2nd and

October 10th. Monthly maxima were March 18th, five. April 10th, five. May 1st, one. June 26th,

two. July 20th, six. September 4th, three. October 10th, four.

SPECKLED WOOD Pararge aegeria

Monthly maxima with first and last dates included were April 24th, two. May 1st, three. June 26th,

four. July 20th, three. August 28th, nine. September 18th, nine. October 10th, one.

MARBLED WHITE Melanargia galathea

Records began with one near the boathouse on June 22nd and numbers in this area rose to 36 on

July 3rd. At least 60 were along the east-north-east bank on July 10th, by which time the species

was common in all grassland areas. The final record was of two on August 1st.

GATEKEEPER Pyronia tithonus

Recorded between July 4th and September 4th and described as abundant during mid-July.

MEADOW BROWN Maniola jurtina

Noted from June 11th to August 30th, this species also received minimal attention. It was

considered to be in good numbers on July 3rd.

RINGLET Aphantopus hyperantus

With sightings at most areas of grassland with shrub or bramble shelter this species is now very

well established. The flight season began and ended almost a week later than the previous year,

between June 26th and August 7th. Most areas showed considerable further increases in numbers

and notable counts comprised 17 and 19 around the south-east and east bay areas respectively

on July 4th, 16 along the castle fence, 14 along the north bank and north-east bay and 17 on the

east-north-east bank grassland on the 10th, and seven along the upper south bank path on the

11th.


42

BUTTERFLIES – YEAR BY YEAR REVIEW

Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 Last seen

Small Skipper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Essex Skipper Y Y

Large Skipper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Clouded Yellow Y Y Y Y Y

Brimstone Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Large White Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Small White Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Green-veined White Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Orange Tip Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Purple Hairstreak Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

White-letter Hairstreak Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Small Copper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Brown Argus Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Common Blue Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Holly Blue Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Red Admiral Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Painted Lady Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Small Tortoiseshell Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Peacock Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Comma Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Dark Green Fritillary Y

Speckled Wood Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Wall Brown 1993

Marbled White Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Gatekeeper Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Meadow Brown Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Small Heath Y Y

Ringlet Y Y Y Y Y

Key: Y = recorded in that year

Stephen Murray


43

THE DRAGONFLIES OF HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR 2010

BANDED DEMOISELLE Calopteryx splendens

A very slight increase in records over the previous two years, with perhaps one individual male seen

at the south-west corner of the reservoir on July 19th and at the hide on the 21st.

LARGE RED DAMSELFLY Pyrrhosoma nymphula

The first sightings at the mini-ponds was of a mating pair and two males on May 19th, but the

peak count of ovipositing pairs was just two on the 23rd; under one-fifth that of the previous year.

The last two males were seen on June 12th.

RED-EYED DAMSELFLY Erythromma najas

The first specimen, a mature male, was seen on May 23rd. Numbers then rose to much higher

levels than the previous year, with a best count of 35 on June 13th in the south-west corner and

part of the south bank. Still described as common in early and late July, and the final individual was

seen on September 21st.

SMALL RED-EYED DAMSELFLY Erythromma viridulum

Numerous sightings from July 18th to September 18th represented a major recovery from the

dismal showing in the previous year. The best count was of five ovipositing pairs and four males on

July 24th. Once again the most productive locations were at each end of the dam and in front of

the hide.

AZURE DAMSELFLY Coenagrion puella

All records comprised ovipositing pairs at the north-west corner of the reservoir on June 2nd, 3rd,

4th and 6th, with maxima of three pairs on the first and last dates.

COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLY Enallagma cyathigerum

The first two immatures were noted on May 15th and the population rose to many thousands

during June and July. The final record was of two on October 17th.

BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY Ischnura elegans

Though observed on 11 dates between May 22nd and July 31st the only multiple sightings were of

two on two dates.

MIGRANT HAWKER Aeshna mixta

First seen on August 1st, this species was common throughout most of September and early

October, and the final record concerned one on October 31st.

SOUTHERN HAWKER Aeshna cyanea

Singles were noted on seven dates between July 2nd and September 12th, and two males and one

female were seen on August 30th.


44

BROWN HAWKER Aeshna grandis

A good year with sightings on 17 dates between June 27th and September 11th. The highest

count was of 12 on July 10th and ovipositing females were observed on two dates.

EMPEROR DRAGONFLY Anax imperator

Records on 23 dates between June 6th and August 18th, a best count of 11 on July 10th, and

ovipositing females seen on 15 dates all constitute an exceptional year for this species.

LESSER EMPEROR DRAGONFLY Anax parthenope

With sightings again this year the species remains an enigma at Hilfield. Is it really a strangely

frequent rare migrant? As the first published record in 2006 involved an ovipositing pair it

seems feasible that it could actually be a breeding species, albeit at too low a density to confirm

satisfactorily. Records comprised a male seen near the bridge on July 17th and at the south-west

corner of the reservoir on the 18th, 19th and 20th. On the latter date a male was flushed from the

path behind the hide and flew about 100 yards to the upper south bank path, from where it was

also flushed, again allowing only a good close range flight view.

BROAD-BODIED CHASER Libellula depressa

Singles were seen on four dates from May 23rd to June 26th, but with no evidence of breeding

activity.

BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER Orthetrum cancellatum

The first two immatures were seen on June 5th and the species was described as abundant during

late June and early July. The last record was of one on August 28th.

COMMON DARTER Sympetrum striolatum

Recorded between July 9th and November 7th with best counts of 11 on September 18th and ten

on October 10th.

RUDDY DARTER Sympetrum sanguineum

One male was found on August 8th and two on the 30th, a slight improvement on the previous

year.

RED-VEINED DARTER Sympetrum fonscolombii

One male gave good flight views as it hunted over the water along the south bank on July 19th.


45

DRAGONFLIES – YEAR BY YEAR REVIEW

Year 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 Last seen

Banded Demoiselle Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Emerald Damselfly 2000

Large Red Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Red-eyed Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Small Red-eyed Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y

Azure Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Common Blue Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Blue-Tailed Damselfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Migrant Hawker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Southern Hawker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Brown Hawker Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Emperor Dragonfly Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Lesser Emperor Dragonfly Y Y Y Y

Hairy Dragonfly 1999?

Four-spotted Chaser Y Y Y

Broad-bodied Chaser Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Black-tailed Skimmer Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Common Darter Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Ruddy Darter Y Y Y

Yellow-winged Darter 1995

Red-veined Darter Y Y Y Y

Key

Y = recorded in that year.

Stephen Murray


46

MAMMAL, REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN RECORDS 2010

MAMMALS

Bat species

See following bat report.

Northern Mole Talpa europaea

One found dead on the south bank on 11th July.

Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus

Local resident.

BROWN HARE Lepus capensis

Although not within the reserve a Brown Hare was observed from the dam in the field adjacent to

Hilfield Lane on 18th April.

Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

Local resident.

Red Fox Vulpes vulpes

Thirty plus records throughout the year, with several maximum counts of two, including sightings

out on the ice in December.

WEASEL Mustela nivalis

One record on the 29th September on the rocks by the garages.

Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi

A good year for Muntjac sightings, with over 40 records received. Rutting and attempted mating

was witnessed on the 30th January. A young fawn was seen suckling on the 12th April and a larger

fawn with one male and two females was seen on the 22 April. An unusual sighting occurred on

the 20th March which was of an adult deer with the lower third of its leg missing.

Bob Cripps


47

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

Newt species

A maximum count of four was recorded from the mini-ponds on the south bank on the 23rd May.

Grass Snake Natrix natrix

One dead snake found on the south bank on 24th April.

Bob Cripps


48

BAT SURVEY

It had been suspected for some time that the mix of habitats at Hilfield Park Reservoir (HPR) are

likely to offer highly suitable foraging habitats for bats. Key potential bat foraging habitats at HPR

include, woodland, semi-improved grassland, reedbed, marshy grassland and open water.

A preliminary survey to gain an understanding of which species may be present was carried out on

the evening of 4th May 2010 between approximately 7pm – 10pm. The survey was attended by

around 10 people drawn from the Hertfordshire & Middlesex Bat Group (HMBG), Hilfield Park Bird

Ringing Group (HBRG) and London Bat Group (LBG).

The survey consisted of a structured walk around the reservoir perimeter being mindful to avoid

nesting areas for sensitive bird species. Bat detectors were used to enable the ultrasonic calls bats

make to be recorded for later analysis using specialist computer software. Each time a bat passed

overhead and a stream of echolocation calls was heard on a detector this was referred to as a ‘bat

pass’. However, the number of bat passes does not equate to the number of bats present, generally

when bat passes are heard on a detector bats are not seen i.e. a single bat may pass back and

forwards several times giving numerous bat passes.

By determining the frequency which carries most sound energy (peak frequency) in each

echolocation call, in addition to a range of other variables, it is often possible to identify different

bats to genus and often to species level. The following species were recorded:

Confirmed species

SOPRANO PIPISTRELLE Pipistrellus pygmaeus

The most frequently encountered species during the survey – very common throughout the UK and

thought to display a greater affinity for wetland habitats than the common pipistrelle. Echolocates

with a peak frequency around 55 Khz.

COMMON PIPISTRELLE Pipistrellus pipistrellus

The most common and widespread UK bat species – frequently encountered throughout the

survey but not as common as soprano pipistrelle at HPR. Echolocates with a peak frequency around

45 Khz.

NATHUSIUS’ PIPISTRELLE Pipistrellus nathusii

A rare UK breeding species and a species where regional distribution and abundance are relatively

poorly understood (possibly due to historical under-recording). Low numbers of this species were

recorded at Hilfield, however, their presence warrants further study. Echolocates with a peak

frequency around 39 Khz.


49

NOCTULE Nyctalus noctula

One of the UK’s largest bat species and usually one of the first species to emerge in the evening

after sunset. Noctule bats habitually feed high over the canopy of trees and are typically bats of

more open habitats and wetlands. Echolocates with a peak frequency around 20 Khz.

LEISLER’S Nyctalus leisleri

Closely related to the Noctule and exhibiting a similar feeding behaviour. However, this is a

relatively rarer species in the UK. A single pass by a Leisler’s bat was recorded at HPR. Echolocates

with a peak frequency around 26 Khz.

SEROTINE Eptesicus serotinus

One of the larger species of UK bat but exhibiting a different flight/feeding behaviour than either of

the Nyctalus sp. Serotine bats display a slower, less directed and agile flight pattern often feeding

on beetles and larger moths. A relatively low total of three passes by this species were recorded

during the survey. Echolocates with a peak frequency around 27 Khz.

MOUSE-EARED FAMILY Myotis sp.

The Myotis genus contains a number of UK species all of which employ broadly similar echolocation

calls and hence are difficult to identify to species level. A number of Myotis passes were recorded

and further study to attempt to gain better sound recordings and maybe elucidate which species

are present is certainly warranted.

DAUBENTON’S BAT Myotis daubentonii

This species habitually feeds low over water bodies. Although it is difficult to separate from other

Myotis sp. from echolocation calls alone, this species displays very distinctive foraging behaviour.

Daubenton’s bats fly low over the surface of water bodies occasionally gaffing insects from the

surface of the water using their tail membrane as a scoop. Several bats were observed feeding over

the reservoir surface, one particular individual was observed for several minutes from the top of the

dam at the end of the survey.

LONG-EARED BAT Plecotus sp.

A single recording with characteristics matching a species of long-eared bat Plecotus sp. was

recorded. Long-eared bats are slow flying woodland specialists. As is for Myotis sp., Plecotus sp. are

difficult to identify to species level based on echolocation calls alone. It is highly probable that bat

recorded at HPR was a Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus as the other UK species in this genus,

Grey Long-eared Bat Plecotus austriacus, is very rare and not known to be in the area.

Probable species

NATTERER’S BAT Myotis nattereri

A small number of bat passes with echolocation calls approximating those of Natterer’s bat were

recorded. However, definitive identification to species level was not possible from these recordings

alone.


50

Conclusions

Although no firm conclusions can be drawn from a single, spring-time bat survey on a cold evening

(temperature dropped to 2ºC), the findings indicate that Hilfield is an important foraging site

for bats based on the number of species present. Particularly, the fact that rarer species such as

Nathusius’ pipistrelle and one or more species of Myotis bat were recorded. Certainly a count of

nine or more bat species would not be expected in urban fringe habitats or intensive farmland.

Further surveys will be planned for 2011 to gather more information. For example, the survey was

not designed to sample the relative abundance of bats, however, this could be a future objective to

allow comparison between seasons and between years. Watch this space!

Many thanks to Jackie Wedd (LBG/HMBG) and Hazel Makepeace (HMBG) for making bat recordings

and carrying out sound analysis.

Richard Gowing


51

MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA) RECORDING AT HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR: 2010

As work commitments and poor weather conspired to minimise the evenings I could spend

trapping at Hilfield this year, I recorded a total of a mere 47 species. Although 12 of which were

new to the site, bringing the species list to 367.

The most interesting new moth was the micro moth Mompha bradleyi, a species only recorded at

three other sites in Hertfordshire, all well away from Hilfield Reservoir. The single specimen was

netted from its larval food-plant, Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum on the 24th May 2010. This

record represents a new colony for this species.

The other new micros were: Skin Moth Monopis laevigella, Scrobipalpa costella, Epiblema

trimaculana and Scoparia subfusca.

The new macro moths include two of the ‘small brown jobs’ of the moth fauna: White-spotted Pug

Eupithecia tripunctaria and Ochreous Pug Eupithecia indigata. The other new species were: Broken-

barred Carpet Electrophaes corylata, Orange Footman Eilema sororcula, Muslin Moth Diaphora

mendica and Treble Lines Charanyca trigrammica, all recorded as adults. The final new species was

Scarce Umber Agriopis aurantiaria, which was recorded in its larval stage.

Rachel Terry

The Lime Hawk Moth Mimas tilia was recorded for the second time in 2010. An attractive olive green and pink moth, it may be breeding on the Lime trees (Tilia sp.) near the entrance to the reserve.


52

Code Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals Status17 Hepialus lupulinus Common Swift 2 21 Common227 Monopis laevigella Skin Moth 1 10409a Argyresthia trifasciata 1 1 Naturalised606 Elachista humilis 1 2819 Scrobipalpa costella 1 10889a Mompha bradleyi 1 1893 Mompha epilobiella 1 11076 Celypha lacunana 2 51176 Epiblema trimaculana 1 11184a Epiblema cirsiana 1 21251 Grapholita jungiella 1 11301 Crambus lathoniellus 2 7 Common1332 Scoparia subfusca 1 1 Common1334 Scoparia ambigualis 1 7 Common1768 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet 1 8 Common1773 Electrophaes corylata Broken-barred Carpet 1 3 Common1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 2 4 Common1834 Eupithecia vulgata vulgata Common Pug 1 5 Common1835 Eupithecia tripunctaria White-spotted Pug 1 1 Local1837 Eupithecia subfuscata Grey Pug 1 1 Common1844 Eupithecia indigata Ochreous Pug 1 1 Common1852 Eupithecia abbreviata Brindled Pug 2 5 Common1853 Eupithecia dodoneata Oak-tree Pug 2 6 Common1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1 1 Common1933 Agriopis aurantiaria Scarce Umber 1 6 Common1958 Lomographa temerata Clouded Silver 1 12 Common1979 Mimas tiliae Lime Hawk-moth 1 1 Common2007 Pheosia tremula Swallow Prominent 1 1 Common2015 Drymonia ruficornis Lunar Marbled Brown 1 1 Common2026 Orgyia antiqua Vapourer 1 1 Common2043 Eilema sororcula Orange Footman 1 3 Local2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine 1 1 Common2063 Diaphora mendica Muslin Moth 1 1 Common2069 Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar 1 1 Common2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 2 2 Common2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay 1 1 Common2179 Panolis flammea Pine Beauty 1 1 Common2182 Orthosia cruda Small Quaker 1 1 Common2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1 1 Common2272 Xanthia aurago Barred Sallow 1 2 Common2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1 1 Common2380 Charanyca trigrammica Treble Lines 1 1 Common2397 Panemeria tenebrata Small Yellow Underwing 1 8 Local2410 Protodeltote pygarga Marbled White Spot 1 9 Common2425 Colocasia coryli Nut-tree Tussock 1 3 Common2462 Callistege mi Mother Shipton 1 3 Common2463 Euclidia glyphica Burnet Companion 1 3 Common

Moth species list for Hilfield Reservoir in 2010


53

SPECIES LIST (LEPIDOPTERA) FOR HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR

Code Taxon Vernacular Status

6 Eriocrania subpurpurella

15 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift Common

17 Hepialus lupulinus Common Swift Common

50 Stigmella aurella

63 Stigmella lemniscella

67 Stigmella plagicolella

68 Stigmella salicis

73 Stigmella trimaculella

75 Stigmella floslactella

84 Stigmella ruficapitella

89 Stigmella basiguttella

102 Stigmella aceris pRDB2

125 Emmetia marginea

129 Incurvaria pectinea

130 Incurvaria masculella

140 Nematopogon swammerdamella

150 Adela reaumurella

152 Adela rufimitrella

169 Zygaena filipendulae Six-spot Burnet Common

171 Zygaena lonicerae Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Common

227 Monopis laevigella Skin Moth

228 Monopis weaverella

263 Lyonetia clerkella Apple Leaf Miner

274 Bucculatrix ulmella

287 Caloptilia robustella

289 caloptilia falconipennella

294 Aspilapteryx tringipennella

303 Parornix anglicella

308 Parornix finitimella

321a Phyllonorycter platani

330 Phyllonorycter cerasicolella

332 Phyllonorycter corylifoliella

333 Phyllonorycter salictella viminiella

353 Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella

356 Phyllonorycter tristrigella

357 Phyllonorycter stettinensis

360 Phyllonorycter kleemannella

366a Cameraria ohridella Unknown

368 Phyllocnistis unipunctella


54


371 Sesia bembeciformis Lunar Hornet Moth Common

385 Anthophila fabriciana Nettle-tap Moth

391 Glyphipterix simpliciella Cocksfoot Moth

409a Argyresthia trifasciata Naturalised

411 Argyresthia goedartella

424 Yponomeuta evonymella

436 Pseudoswammerdamia combinella

440 Paraswammerdamia albicapitella

449 Prays fraxinella Ash Bud Moth Common

450 Scythropia crataegella Hawthorn Moth

464 Plutella xylostella Diamond-back Moth Migrant

490 Coleophora lutipennella

492 Coleophora flavipennella

493 Coleophora serratella

494 Coleophora coracipennella

499 Coleophora limosipennella

523 Coleophora hemerobiella Nb

535 Coleophora ibipennella

559 Coleophora peribenanderi

565 Coleophora saxicolella

597 Elachista atricomella

601 Elachista albifrontella

606 Elachista humilis

607 Elachista canapennella

608 Elachista rufocinerea

610 Elachista argentella

642 Batia unitella

652 Alabonia geoffrella

658 Carcina quercana

772 Carpatolechia fugitivella

774 Teleides luculella

819 Scrobipalpa costella

822 Scrobipalpa acuminatella

830 Caryocolum fraternella

853 Anacampsis populella

868 Helcystogramma rufescens

873 Blastobasis adustella

874 Blastobasis lacticolella

883 Mompha raschkiella

893 Mompha epilobiella

886 Mompha ochraceella

889a Mompha bradleyi


55


898 Limnaecia phragmitella

904 Spuleria flavicaput

905 Blastodacna hellerella

936 Cochylimorpha straminea

937 Agapeta hamana

965 Cochylis hybridella

970 Pandemis cerasana Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix

972 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix

977 Archips podana Large Fruit-tree Tortrix

980 Archips xylosteana Variegated Golden Tortrix

985 Cacoecimorpha pronubana Carnation Tortrix

986 Syndemis musculana

989 Aphelia paleana Timothy Tortrix

993 Clepsis spectrana Cyclamen Tortrix

994 Clepsis consimilana

998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth

1000 Ptycholoma lecheana

1001 Lozotaeniodes formosanus

1002 Lozotaenia forsterana

1006 Epagoge grotiana

1010 Ditula angustiorana Red-barred Tortrix

1014 Isotrias rectifasciana

1018 Cnephasia communana

1020 Cnephasia stephensiana Grey Tortrix

1024 Cnephasia incertana Light Grey Tortrix

1025 Tortricodes alternella

1032 Aleimma loeflingiana

1033 Tortrix viridana Green Oak Tortrix

1036 Acleris forsskaleana

1042 Acleris rhombana Rhomboid Tortrix

1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix

1061 Acleris literana

1076 Celypha lacunana

1082 Hedya pruniana Plum Tortrix

1083 Hedya nubiferana Marbled Orchard Tortrix

1086 Hedya salicella

1093 Apotomis betuletana

1108 Lobesia abscisana

1111 Bactra lancealana

1113 Eudemis profundana

1115 Ancylis achatana

1130 Epinotia pygmaeana


56


1134 Epinotia ramella

1136 Epinotia immundana

1138 Epinotia nisella

1139 Epinotia tenerana

1159 Rhopobota naevana Holly Tortrix

1165 Zeiraphera isertana

1169 Gypsonoma dealbana

1175 Epiblema uddmanniana Bramble Shoot Moth

1176 Epiblema trimaculana

1184a Epiblema cirsiana

1197 Eucosma campoliliana

1200 Eucosma hohenwartiana

1201 Eucosma cana

1205 Spilonota ocellana Bud Moth

1211 Rhyacionia pinicolana

1228 Pammene argyrana

1239 Pammene rhediella Fruitlet Mining Tortrix

1251 Grapholita jungiella

1260 Cydia splendana

1261 Cydia pomonella Codling Moth

1276 Dichrorampha plumbagana

1288 Alucita hexadactyla Twenty-plume Moth Common

1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer Common

1301 Crambus lathoniellus Common

1304 Agriphila straminella Common

1305 Agriphila tristella Common

1309 Agriphila geniculea Common

1316 Catoptria falsella Local

1331 Acentria ephemerella Water Veneer Common

1332 Scoparia subfusca Common

1333 Scoparia pyralella Common

1334 Scoparia ambigualis Common

1338 Dipleurina lacustrata Common

1342 Eudonia angustea Common

1344 Eudonia mercurella Common

1348 Parapoynx stratiotata Ringed China-mark Common

1361 Pyrausta aurata Local

1376 Eurrhypara hortulata Small Magpie Common

1390 Udea prunalis Common

1392 Udea olivalis Common

1398 Nomophila noctuella Rush Veneer Migrant

1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl Common


57


1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle Common

1424 Endotricha flammealis Common

1428 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth Common

1436 Conobathra repandana Common

1437 Acrobasis consociella Common

1438 Trachycera suavella Local

1439 Trachycera advenella Common

1452 Phycita roborella Common

1470 Euzophera pinguis Local

1474 Ephestia parasitella unicolorella Local

1504 Platyptilia pallidactyla

1524 Emmelina monodactyla Common

1646 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-tip Common

1648 Drepana falcataria Pebble Hook-tip Common

1651 Cilix glaucata Chinese Character Common

1652 Thyatira batis Peach Blossom Common

1653 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches Common

1660 Polyploca ridens Frosted Green Local

1667 Comibaena bajularia Blotched Emerald Local

1669 Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald Common

1680 Cyclophora punctaria Maiden's Blush Local

1682 Timandra comae Blood-vein Common

1699 Idaea rusticata atrosignaria Least Carpet Local

1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave Common

1708 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave Common

1712 Idaea emarginata Small Scallop Local

1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave Common

1727 Xanthorhoe montanata Silver-ground Carpet Common

1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata fluctuata Garden Carpet Common

1732 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-bar Common

1738 Epirrhoe alternata alternata Common Carpet Common

1742 Camptogramma bilineata bilineata Yellow Shell Common

1747 Anticlea derivata Streamer Common

1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Straw Common

1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix Common

1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet Common

1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet Common

1765 Cidaria fulvata Barred Yellow Common

1768 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet Common

1769 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet Common

1773 Electrophaes corylata Broken-barred Carpet Common

1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet Common


58


1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer Common

1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth Common

1803 Perizoma alchemillata Small Rivulet Common

1808 Perizoma flavofasciata Sandy Carpet Common

1811 Eupithecia tenuiata Slender Pug Common

1825 Eupithecia centaureata Lime-speck Pug Common

1828 Eupithecia satyrata Satyr Pug Local

1830 Eupithecia absinthiata Wormwood Pug Common

1834 Eupithecia vulgata vulgata Common Pug Common

1835 Eupithecia tripunctaria White-spotted Pug Local

1837 Eupithecia subfuscata Grey Pug Common

1844 Eupithecia indigata Ochreous Pug Common

1852 Eupithecia abbreviata Brindled Pug Common

1853 Eupithecia dodoneata Oak-tree Pug Common

1860 Pasiphila rectangulata Green Pug Common

1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug Common

1870 Odezia atrata Chimney Sweeper Common

1879 Lobophora halterata Seraphim Local

1883 Acasis viretata Yellow-barred Brindle Local

1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border Local

1893 Macaria liturata Tawny-barred Angle Common

1902 Petrophora chlorosata Brown Silver-line Common

1904 Plagodis dolabraria Scorched Wing Local

1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth Common

1913 Ennomos alniaria Canary-shouldered Thorn Common

1914 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn Common

1917 Selenia dentaria Early Thorn Common

1921 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak Common

1931 Biston betularia Peppered Moth Common

1933 Agriopis aurantiaria Scarce Umber Common

1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber Common

1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty Common

1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty Common

1947 Ectropis bistortata Engrailed Common

1955 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave Common

1956 Cabera exanthemata Common Wave Common

1958 Lomographa temerata Clouded Silver Common

1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald Common

1962 Hylaea fasciaria Barred Red Common

1978 Hyloicus pinastri Pine Hawk-moth Local

1979 Mimas tiliae Lime Hawk-moth Common

1980 Smerinthus ocellata Eyed Hawk-moth Common


59


1981 Laothoe populi Poplar Hawk-moth Common

1991 Deilephila elpenor Elephant Hawk-moth Common

1994 Phalera bucephala Buff-tip Common

1997 Furcula furcula Sallow Kitten Common

2000 Notodonta dromedarius Iron Prominent Common

2003 Notodonta ziczac Pebble Prominent Common

2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent Common

2007 Pheosia tremula Swallow Prominent Common

2008 Ptilodon capucina Coxcomb Prominent Common

2011 Pterostoma palpina Pale Prominent Common

2015 Drymonia ruficornis Lunar Marbled Brown Common

2026 Orgyia antiqua Vapourer Common

2028 Calliteara pudibunda Pale Tussock Common

2030 Euproctis similis Yellow-tail Common

2043 Eilema sororcula Orange Footman Local

2044 Eilema griseola Dingy Footman Common

2047 Eilema complana Scarce Footman Local

2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman Common

2060 Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine Common

2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine Common

2063 Diaphora mendica Muslin Moth Common

2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger Common

2069 Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar Common

2077 Nola cucullatella Short-cloaked Moth Common

2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth Common

2088 Agrotis clavis Heart and Club Common

2089 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart Common

2091 Agrotis ipsilon Dark Swordgrass Migrant

2092 Agrotis puta puta Shuttle-shaped Dart Common

2098 Axylia putris The Flame Common

2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder Common

2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing Common

2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing Common

2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Common

2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing

Common

2112 Noctua interjecta Least Yellow Underwing Common

2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay Common

2123 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot Common

2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character Common

2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot Common

2133 Xestia sexstrigata Six-striped Rustic Common


60


2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic Common

2145 Discestra trifolii Nutmeg Common

2147 Hada plebeja Shears Common

2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye Common

2179 Panolis flammea Pine Beauty Common

2182 Orthosia cruda Small Quaker Common

2186 Orthosia gracilis Powdered Quaker Common

2187 Orthosia cerasi Common Quaker Common

2188 Orthosia incerta Clouded Drab Common

2189 Orthosia munda Twin-spotted Quaker Common

2190 Orthosia gothica Hebrew Character Common

2193 Mythimna ferrago Clay Common

2194 Mythimna albipuncta White-point Migrant

2197 Mythimna straminea Southern Wainscot Local

2198 Mythimna impura impura Smoky Wainscot Common

2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot Common

2205 Mythimna comma Shoulder-striped Wainscot Common

2214 Cucullia chamomillae Chamomile Shark Local

2231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart Common

2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic Common

2237 Lithophane ornitopus lactipennis Grey Shoulder-knot Common

2248 Dryobotodes eremita Brindled Green Common

2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow Common

2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing Common

2272 Xanthia aurago Barred Sallow Common

2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow Common

2278 Acronicta megacephala Poplar Grey Common

2289 Acronicta rumicis Knot Grass Common

2292 Cryphia algae Tree-lichen Beauty Rare migrant

2293 Cryphia domestica Marbled Beauty Common

2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing Common

2298 Amphipyra berbera svenssoni Svensson's Copper Underwing Common

2301 Dypterygia scabriuscula Bird's Wing Local

2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing Common

2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades Common

2312 Ipimorpha subtusa Olive Local

2314 Parastichtis ypsillon Dingy Shears Local

2318 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar Common

2319 Cosmia pyralina Lunar-spotted Pinion Local

2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches Common

2322 Apamea lithoxylaea Light Arches Common

2330 Apamea remissa Dusky Brocade Common


61


2333 Apamea anceps Large Nutmeg Local

2334 Apamea sordens Rustic Shoulder-knot Common

2337 Oligia strigilis Marbled Minor Common

2338 Oligia versicolor Rufous Minor Local

2339 Oligia latruncula Tawny Marbled Minor Common

2340 Oligia fasciuncula Middle-barred Minor Common

2341 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor Common

2343 Mesapamea secalis Common Rustic Common

2343a Mesapamea didyma Lesser Common Rustic Common

2345 Photedes minima Small Dotted Buff Common

2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic Common

2361 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic Common

2364 Gortyna flavago Frosted Orange Common

2368 Celaena leucostigma Crescent Local

2369 Nonagria typhae Bulrush Wainscot Common

2379 Coenobia rufa Small Rufous Local

2380 Charanyca trigrammica Treble Lines Common

2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain Common

2382 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic Common

2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic Local

2387 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic Common

2397 Panemeria tenebrata Small Yellow Underwing Local

2410 Protodeltote pygarga Marbled White-spot Common

2423 Nycteola revayana Oak Nycteoline Local

2425 Colocasia coryli Nut-tree Tussock Common

2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass Common

2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y Migrant

2450 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle Common

2452 Catocala nupta Red Underwing Common

2462 Callistege mi Mother Shipton Common

2463 Euclidia glyphica Burnet Companion Common

2469 Scoliopteryx libatrix Herald Common

2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot Common

2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout Common

2489 Zanclognatha tarsipennalis Fan-foot Common

2492 Herminia grisealis Small Fan-foot Common

Rachel Terry


62

PLANTING OF PHRAGMITES ALONG NORTH BANK

The planting of phragmites along the northern edge of the reservoir has resulted in good growth

in 2008 and 2009 so that Reed Warblers have moved in and nested in 50 metres of narrow reed

bed in 2010. This is in addition to the reeds in the corner where the dam meets the reservoir edge

which have been established for several years. Singing males were occasionally heard in this corner

in some years but no breeding was proven.

There were five visits between 16th July and 7th August in 2010 to ring either in the long run

through the hawthorn/mixed scrub on the north bank or along the path between the reeds and the

scrub.

We trapped 23 Reed Warblers in mist nets, five females, two males, three unsexed adults and

thirteen juveniles.

I believe that these figures suggest that there were circa six pairs raising in the region of 20 young.

Peter Delaloye


63

The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is a charity dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild

places for everyone for the future. We have 21,000 members and are one of 47 local Wildlife Trusts

across the UK.

We safeguard and manage 43 nature reserves. Our vision is for an environment rich in wildlife for

everyone. Our mission is to rebuild biodiversity and engage people with their environment.

Our aim is to be the most active and influential wildlife champion in the counties.

Elstree Aerodrome

Main entrance

Hilfield Castle

Flying club

Tern rafts

Southfountain

Eastfountain

Vegetation cleared in 2011

Feeding site

North Bank

SE Bay

Pond

Hilfield Park Reservoir

Hilfield Lane

Hide

Dagger

Lane

Laboratory

N

Sewageworks

Viewingplatform

A41

M1

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HILFIELD PARK RESERVOIR WILDLIFE REPORT 2010

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