Peterborough Bird Club annual report Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis | A | Common 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 Graph: Meadow Pipit pairs on the Nene Washes
2003	Common resident breeder (mainly on the Nene Washes), passage and winter migrant. An increase in the number of locations reporting this species, up to 48 sites in 2003, with the distribution of records throughout the year consistent with previous years (general absence of records in Jul/Aug). Notable counts were 62 at Ferry Meadows CP on 19 Feb and 25 Feb (DG) and 100+ at Prior’s Fen GP on 27 Sep (MW). A count of 140 pairs bred on the Nene Washes and displaying birds were also seen at Etton GP, Ferry Meadows CP and Farcet Fen. A light passage of Meadow Pipits was noted from Ferry Meadows CP and King’s Dyke NR on 7 Sep; this might explain the high count of 580 birds at Prior’s Fen GP on that day (SPD).
2002	Common resident breeder (mainly on the Nene Washes), passage and winter migrant. Recorded from 40 locations across the PBC area. An absence of records in August and only two records in July is normal. High counts were of 50+ at Bradley Fen on 9 Jun (GW) and up to 100 in the Nene Washes during September and October (RSPB). Eighty at Hampton West Lake on 10 Sep (BHS) were among a fall of migrants including a Tree Pipit and at least six Wheatears. Two birds were at Ferry Meadows CP on 8 Jul (TD) and 29 at Prior’s Fen GP on 24 Jul (GW). Breeding on the Nene Washes saw 120 pairs distributed across the Washes. Considering that the RSPB Low Wash has held 80-100 pairs in most years, this recent downward trend is of concern (RSPB).
2001	Common resident breeder (mainly on the Nene Washes), passage and winter migrant. Reported from 24 sites in all months except July and August. The absence of records in July and August may indicate that birds move away from the area after breeding and that breeding and wintering birds are from different populations. A total of 89 pairs bred on the washland area of the Nene Washes (RSPB). Some 141 pairs bred in 2000, but prolonged winter flooding reduced numbers this year. Highest counts were: 120 at Hampton Hargate 4-18 Mar (NCr), 85 on the Nene Washes 12 Feb and 50 there on 2 Oct (RSPB), 80+ at Prior’s Fen GP 20 Sep (BHS), 60+ at Fletton BP 11 Oct (SPD) and 30-40 at Ferry Meadows CP 11 Oct (TD). A well-documented autumn passage started with 30 on the Nene Washes on 7th and 21 Sep (RSPB). Southerly movements of 11 over Morborne Hill 26 Sep (BHS), 60 in 15 minutes between Elton and Folksworth 30 Sep (BHS) with eight over Dogsthorpe on the same day (DW), 24 over Prior’s Fen GP 1 Oct (BHS) and over Elton 3-4 Oct. Counts at Prior’s Fen GP during the autumn show peaks on 20-21 Sep, 4th and 24 Oct. Counts of Meadow Pipits at Prior's Fen GP during autumn September October November 8th 10th 13th 15th 20th 21st 27th 1st 3rd 5th 6th 10th 24th 27th 5th 16th 27th 7 2 11 25 80 50 18 24 3 48 27 6 28 21 4 20 8
2000	Locally common resident, migrant and winter visitor. The breeding population on the Nene Washes recovered well from the spring floods, with 141 pairs recorded, including 80 on the RSPB reserve. The largest winter/post-breeding counts were of 85 (16 Jan) and 150 (22 Oct). Elsewhere, they were mostly recorded as a passage or winter bird, including 120 at Ramsey Fen (3 Dec), 76 at Hampton Lakes (3 Jan), 70+ at Morborne Hill (25 Sep) and 55+ there (30 May), 35 at Baston Fen NR (1 Oct) and 35+ at Deeping High Bank (6 Nov). A thinly-distributed resident elsewhere, mostly in the fens.
1999	Widespread resident, common on the Nene Washes. A common bird, recorded throughout the year. A light spring passage was noted at Ferry Meadows CP on several dates, as wintering birds moved to breeding areas. On the Nene Washes RSPB reserve, 115 pairs bred with 52 pairs elsewhere on the washes. Autumn passage was noted through late September and October, but numbers again were small. A large wintering flock on 125 was found at Baston Fen NR, which also held two Water Pipits (EJR).
1998	Common resident and migrant. Large flocks included 20 at Morborne Hill on 15 Sep (BHS), 20 at Ferry Meadows CP on 29 Sep (RAH) and 14 at Deeping Sewage Farm on 13 Dec (BT). Three pairs bred on set-aside land at Helpston (CBR). Nene Washes: Highest wash counts were 37 (18 Jan), 58 (15 Feb), 73 (15 Mar), 110 (23 Sep), 136 (11 Oct), 37 (8 Nov) and 15 (6 Dec). Post-flood breeding numbers totalled 87. Last year's total was 196. High Wash 9 RSPB reserve 61 Eldernell 17
	Breeding pairs of Meadow Pipits on the Nene Washes
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