Peterborough Bird Club annual report Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa | C4 | Common resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Common resident breeder. This year saw another increase in the number of reports of this species, with records from 40 sites, with the distribution similar to 2002. The peak count was again noted at Crowtree, Farcet Fen, with 33 on 25 Dec (SPD, KAF). Breeding records came from the Nene Washes, with two pairs each on Low Wash and Ring's End (RSPB). Elsewhere, breeding was confirmed at Water Newton Lodge (BHS) and Baston & Langtoft GP (WB).
2002	Common resident breeder. Recorded more widely this year than last, with records coming from 30 sites, the vast majority in the fen districts to the north and south of the city. The maximum count was of 23 from Crowtree, Farcet Fen, on 24 Dec (SPD). On the Nene Washes, there was a minimum of nine pairs, including five on the RSPB Low Wash and three at Ring's End. Signs of breeding came from only two other sites - two pairs were seen at Fletton BP on 19 Apr (BHS), and one sang from a display perch at Dog-in-a-Doublet on 19 Feb (BHS).
2001	Common resident breeder. Though thought of as widespread and common, this species was only reported from 19 sites across the area (by 12 observers). On the Nene Washes, six on the High Wash 24 Jan, but no territories on the arable land due to late flooding and only three broods seen along the RSPB reserve and a single pair on Stanground Wash (RSPB). There were eight at Mere Farm, Ramsey Fen 8 Jan (RES); eight at Newborough 18 Jan, with a pair present in Apr and 12 there 31 Oct (DB); two at Baston & Langtoft GP 15 Aug (WB); three at Borough Fen 24 Jan (DB); 2–3 at Morborne Hill during Feb–May (BHS); two Flag Fen 26 Apr (BHS); up to five regularly seen at Hampton Hargate during Apr–May (SPD, CM, BHS); four juveniles at Haddon 3 Sep and up to nine there 10 Nov (BHS); 20 at Ailsworth on 25 Sep (MJW); 12 Newborough 31 Oct (DB), 10–12 at Deeping Lakes NR during Oct–Nov (WB, TW); one at Stone Bridge Corner 5 Nov (BHS); 19 at Orton BP 3 Nov (CSh); two coveys totalling 10 birds on Holme Fen 16 Nov (BHS); up to seven during Dec at Beeby’s BP (SPD, BHS); 17 at Castor 14 Dec (MJW); five at Pumphouse Pit 28 Dec (BHS); 22 at Eldernell Pits in Dec was the highest count of the year (RSPB).
2000	Common resident. A decrease in breeding pairs on the Nene Washes was caused by spring flooding, with seven pairs noted (15 in 1999). The largest covey at this site was 11 on 22 Feb. Under-recorded elsewhere, with only eight records, six from the same observer. The largest covey was 15 at Orton BP during the spring. At Morborne Hill, two were seen on 1 Mar, three on 7 Mar and one 8 Oct. Three were at Folksworth on 2 Mar, four at Sibson Lake 14 Mar, six at Hampton 11 Oct and seven at Borough Fen on 10 Nov.
1999	Common resident. Large coveys included 16 at Eldernell 17 Oct, Flag Fen 7 Nov, Deeping Station 21 Nov, 18 near Baston 27 Dec, 19 at Farcet Fen 17 Oct and 26 near Glinton 18 Dec. Breeding included 15 pairs across the Nene Washes, with two broods seen in July and an adult with four juveniles at Baston & Langtoft GP.
1998	Common resident. Few records were received. Ten were at Willow Hall Lane on 14 Mar (DS) with three there on 28 May. There were 25 at Orton BP on 12 Dec (DP) with 16 there on 16 Dec (MJW). Nene Washes: Scarce on suitable areas, with a washes total of 16 birds in February. Post-flood, there were three pairs on the reserve and two at Eldernell Pit. A covey of 12 was seen in November.
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