Peterborough Bird Club annual report Kestrel Falco tinnunculus | A | Common resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Widespread and common resident breeder and passage migrant. Following the large numbers seen on the Nene Washes towards the end of 2002, the flooding gradually pushed birds away from the Washes during 2003. Birds were thin on the ground until late summer when they gradually returned to hunt as the vole population began its recovery (RSPB). Peak counts were of 20+ at Eldernell on 29 Oct (SE) and 15 on the Nene Washes on 6 Jan (RSPB). Breeding reports received from Crown Lakes CP and Deeping Lakes NR. Two pairs fledged two and three young respectively at Farcet Fen (SPD). One brave individual at the Nene Washes on 7 Jan was seen attempting to take a Pied Wagtail prey from a Sparrowhawk (BHS).
2002	Widespread and common resident breeder and passage migrant. An abundant prey supply and winter flooding at the Nene Washes led to incredible numbers of both this species and Short-eared Owl being recorded at this site during November. From late July, it was apparent that large numbers were present, especially at Eldernell. Washland totals of 47 on 5 Nov, 36 on 19 Nov and 35 on 9 Dec were the highest on record (RSPB). As the Washes flooded in November, birds were increasingly pushed onto the barrier banks and at March Farmers where birds concentrated in December (RSPB). Additional large counts on the Nene Washes were of 45+ on 5 Nov and 50 on 15 Nov (all JT). Away from the Nene Washes, counts of seven or more birds were recorded at three locations with seven at Holme Fen on 22 Jan, nine at Flag Fen on 5 Sep and seven at Farcet Fen on 19 Dec (all SPD). Breeding was confirmed at Elton (BHS) and Morborne Hill (BHS). Two pairs bred at Eldernell Decoy and are thought to have fledged young (RSPB). Whilst breeding not confirmed, a pair was noted mating at Peterborough Cathedral on 4 Mar (CH).
2001	Widespread and common resident breeder and passage migrant. Well-reported from across the area, with 1-2 birds reported from the following sites throughout the year - Nene Washes RSPB reserve, High Wash, North Bank, Eldernell, March Farmers, Dog-in-a-Doublet, Prior’s Fen GP, Stone Bridge Corner, Ramsey Fen, Benwick, Willow Drove, Thorney Dyke, Tallington GP, Borough Fen, Thorney, Morborne Hill, Haddon, Elton, Bourne Eau, Alwalton, Warmington, Wittering, Southey Wood, Deeping St James, Market Deeping, Langtoft, Werrington, Northborough, Stowe, Deeping Lakes NR, Baston Fen NR, Baston & Langtoft GP, Bainton GP, Stanground, Fletton BP, Fengate, Norman Cross, Bretton, Orton Southgate, Ferry Meadows CP, Orton BP, Hampton Lakes, Newborough, Eye, Crown Lakes BP, King’s Dyke NR, Northey, Fotheringhay, Deeping High Bank and Baston Fen NR. Counts of more than two birds were three at Stanground 1 Apr, three at Morborne Hill 4 Sep (BHS), three at Prior’s Fen GP 1 Oct (SPD) and three at Deeping Lakes NR 28 Oct (WB), four at Eldernell 8 Nov (BHS) and the highest count of the year, 14 on the Nene Washes 16 Dec (RSPB). Despite an apparently thriving resident population, the only breeding record was a single pair at Eldernell (RSPB).
2000	Widespread resident. Widespread records of 1-2 birds throughout the year, but only one confirmed breeding record from Eldernell. An interesting peak of 15 on the Nene Washes 16 Jan, but otherwise an maximum of 11 there 19 Nov, five at Morborne Hill 4 Oct, four North Bank 20 Sep, three Baston & Langtoft GP 23 Jan and at Newborough 25 Sep. No records were received for December.
1999	Widespread resident. Although recorded at 32 sites, the only confirmed breeding was of two pairs on the Nene Washes, with several pairs also noted on nearby farmland and one pair at Fen Bank, Bourne. Hunting of Lapwing chicks on the washes occurred at the end of April during the peak hatching for that species, but after this it was at much lower levels than normal. High numbers were present on the Nene Washes during autumn, with a minimum of 12 at Eldernell along in September, and an estimated 30 on the whole wash. Outside the Nene area, four was the highest count, at King’s Dyke NR 5 Sep (GRH).
1998	Common resident. Under-reported (cf Sparrowhawk). Pairs bred east of Castor (WEW) and at the eastern end of Oxney Road (WEW). Nene Washes: Present all year round. The highest day counts were of six (15 Feb) and eight (8 Nov and 6 Dec). At least one pair bred at Eldernell.
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