Peterborough Bird Club annual report Grey Heron Ardea cinerea | A | Common resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Common resident breeder. This species is drastically under-recorded within the PBC area. During 2003, only 79 records were submitted; for example, only one record of this species was reported from Ferry Meadows CP! The peak count was of 36 birds on the Nene Washes on 6 Jan (RSPB), where numbers were still high from last year’s vole eruption. Away from the breeding colonies, all other records were of fewer than seven birds. Breeding records came from two locations, with a minimum of 12 nests present on the Nene Washes (RSPB) and a minimum of 10 nests estimated at Milton Park (KAF).
2002	Common resident breeder. Very few records of this common species received. Low counts were received from the Nene Washes during the first winter period with a peak of 12 on 3 Mar (RSPB). Post-breeding counts of up to 21 recorded at Eldernell, many feeding on the abundant vole population. Many heron pellets found here at this time had a high fur content (RSPB). Other notable counts included 14 at King’s Dyke NR on 14 Apr (RSPB); all other locations recorded counts of single figures. Breeding records received from the three locations on the Nene Washes (Decoy Wood, Eldernell and Lord’s Holt (RSPB)) and at King’s Dyke NR (TBa).
2001	Common resident breeder. The only breeding records received were of nine pairs on the Nene Washes, confirmed breeding at Deeping Mere, Milton Park and Goosetree Farm. Does this species still breed at Holme Fen NNR? One or two reported from 15 sites, but still overlooked at many more. Post-breeding concentrations on the Nene Washes of 47 on 10 Jun increasing to 83 on 5 Jul and declining to 12 by 20th (RSPB). Also 14 on the Nene Washes (High Wash) 14 Jul, 11 at Deeping Lakes NR 1 Aug (BT), 15 at Ferry Meadows CP 4 Aug (MJW) and 12+ there 16 Oct (CM). More records would be welcome.
2000	Widespread resident but local breeder. Still very under-recorded, with reports from only four sites! On the Nene Washes, nine pairs bred at two sites. There were peak counts there of 20 mid-March, 29 on 5 Jun, and 23 in December. Elsewhere, there were six at Ferry Meadows CP 1 Jan, two at Morborne Hill 2 Nov and eight at Deeping Mere 5 Feb. There were no breeding records from the traditional Milton Park, Goosetree Farm, Deeping Mere and Holme Fen NNR sites.
1999	Widespread resident but local breeder. Away from the Nene Washes, where a maximum of 24 noted on 21 Mar and eight pairs bred (Lord's Holt), only two records submitted! Breeding records of 37 pairs at Goosetree Farm, Guyhirn, and 34 pairs Milton Park (CBR). Known to have bred at Deeping Mere and Holme Fen NNR as usual.
1998	Common resident. The best count was 12 at Ferry Meadows CP 20 Nov, with four at Willow Hall Lane 28 May and one at Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR. A bird on Milton Golf Course was seen to take and swallow a small mammal. Under-recorded. Nene Washes: Present throughout. Breeding began early in Lord's Holt with eight occupied nests fledging a minimum of 15 young, the first leaving the nest on 9 May. A visit to the heronry on 8 Jul revealed that three nests were on the go again, with young calling and adults bringing in food. At least five young fledged from these second broods in late August. The largest gathering was an amazing 76 around one pool (7 Jul), feasting on trapped fish. November and December saw 12 birds on the washes.
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