Peterborough Bird Club annual report House Martin Delichon urbica | A | Common 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Common migrant breeder and passage migrant. The first sighting in 2003 was of a single at Elton on 30 Mar (BHS) and again on 4 Apr. There were reports of nest building at Whittlesey on 14 Apr (MF), five days earlier than in 2002. Breeding reports came from six locations; at Langtoft, an extremely late brood fledged on 4 Oct (MC). Notable counts included 300 at Deeping Lakes NR on 27 Apr (RB, WB); no large flocks were reported during the late summer period, the highest count being of 80 at Ferry Meadows CP on 7 Oct (BHS). The last record was of a very late bird at Whittlesey on 10 Nov (SHe), three weeks later than 2002.
2002	Common migrant breeder and passage migrant. The first record was of three birds on Peterborough Town Bridge on 4 Apr (DW) with the main arrival from 20 Apr onwards. Breeding reports came from eight locations in 2002. Prior to autumn migration, large flocks of House Martins and other hirundines congregate around local water bodies. Notable counts included 450+ at Ferry Meadows CP on 15 Sep (SPD) and 250 at Deeping Lakes NR on 14 Sep (WB). The last record was of two at Ferry Meadows CP on 16 Oct (SPD).
2001	Common migrant breeder and passage migrant. At least one at Ferry Meadows CP 4 Apr (CH) was the first, only a day later than the earliest ever. Two on 6th (SPD) and another on 11th (MJW) preceded a steady arrival from about 18th. After this, small numbers were reported from 10 sites. The largest spring count was 22 at Ferry Meadows CP on 26 Apr (DB) and Bainton GP on 29th (SPD). Six pairs bred on the Rutland Heights estate, Stamford (MC), but there were no reports of breeding birds, which is a pity when the occupied nests are so obvious. The only summer report was of 100 at the Nene Washes 10 Jun (MM, OM). Numbers were thought to be lower at Dogsthorpe (DW). Autumn gatherings reported from mid-Aug with 40+ at Orton Brimbles on 22th (MJW) and 160 at Elton on 24th (BHS). 40 west at the Nene Washes 7 Sep (RSPB), 36+ at Thorpe Hall 17th (SPD), 50+ south at Elton 28th (BHS) and 70+ at Ferry Meadows CP 2 Oct (SPD). Late records of three at Prior’s Fen GP 22 Oct (MW) and two at Deeping St James 30 Oct (WB). Above: numbers of House Martins at Prior's Fen GP during September.
2000	Common but declining summer visitor. Three were at Ferry Meadows CP on 7 Apr, but small numbers only until the end of the month, when 80 on the Nene Washes and 36+ at Ferry Meadows CP. As with Swallow, almost no further reports were received until September. Breeding records came from Stamford. Occupied nests: 14 at Alwalton Showground offices, 11 at Helpston, one at Marholm (where in 1970s “almost every house” had nests). There were 150+ birds at Milton Park on 25 Sep and 60-70 at Wansford in Sep (CBR). Autumn peaks of 400+ at Monk's Wood NNR on 6 Sep, 100 at Chesterton on 3 Oct, and 30 at Ferry Meadows CP. The last record was one one at Bretton on 19 Oct. All breeding records required, please.
1999	Common but declining summer visitor. The first of the year was over Market Deeping on 3 Apr and birds were reported sporadically after this date until early May. Breeding was recorded at the Dog-in-a-Doublet, where there was a small colony of 14 pairs. Counts of more than 100 were received from the wetlands of Ferry Meadows CP and the Nene Washes. The last bird of the year was seen at Elton on 30 Oct (BHS).
1998	Common migrant and scarce summer visitor. The first bird was at Helpston on 5 Apr (CBR), with six birds seen at Ferry Meadows CP on 24 Apr (GRH). The only sizeable flock of c300 was there on 10 Sep (GRH). Other records came from Eastgate (Bourne), Folksworth, Willow Hall Lane, Eye Green, Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR, Orton BP and Longthorpe. The last birds were at Ferry Meadows CP on 9 Oct (RAH). Nene Washes: There was a passage in early May with 30+ on 3rd. Ten were on the reserve on 6 Sep.
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