 |
Peterborough
Bird Club annual report Shoveler Anas clypeata | A | Locally common 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
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| 2003 |
Common
(but localised) resident breeder, passage and winter migrant. On the Nene Washes, winter counts peaked in March with 262 birds. During the autumn and second winter period, numbers on the Washes were very low with a peak of only 38 on 15 Dec, all on the RSPB Low Wash. Reports came from 15 sites away from the Washes with double figure counts from Ferry Meadows CP, Old Sulehay, Prior’s Fen GP and Deeping Lakes NR. There were 72 pairs summering on the Washes, of which 65 were on the RSPB Low Wash. A survey of duck broods on 16 Jun found 13 broods totalling 58 young. Several further broods were also seen after this date. However, there was no confirmed breeding away from the Nene Washes. |
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| 2002 |
Common
(but localised) resident breeder, passage and winter migrant. Reported in all months of the year, but most records were between September and November; the largest numbers were, as usual, on the Nene Washes. Numbers were low in the first winter period, the only available habitat being on RSPB Low Wash and High Wash Skating Field, with 374 recorded on 3 Mar (RSPB). In the second winter period, the peak count was of 253 in December, mostly from RSPB Low Wash (RSPB). Away from the Nene Washes, reports were received from a further 16 locations with notable counts as follows: 15 at Bainton GP on 10 Feb was a site record for the WeBS counter (BT). At Ferry Meadows CP, most records were between August and November, peaking at 42 on 24 Nov (MJW). At Prior’s Fen GP, at least 50 on 30 Jan (BHS). Breeding records were only received from the Nene Washes, distributed as follows:
The success of these nests was not monitored, although at least three well-grown young were seen on 28 Jun (BHS). |
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| 2001 |
Common
(but localised) resident breeder, passage and winter migrant. On the Nene Washes, the first winter peak was only 250 on 7 Mar (foot & mouth disease restrictions curtailed the mid-Mar count when this species normally peaks). In the second winter period, numbers peaked at 107 on 16 Dec (RSPB). Distribution of breeding pairs of Shoveler
on the
Nene Washes
Present throughout the year at Prior’s Fen GP with a single pair Apr–May, but no evidence of breeding (GW); peak counts of 120 on 19 Sep (SPD) and 140 on 27 Dec (GW). Two to four birds present throughout the year at Bainton GP (MO), up to six at Baston Fen NR including two pairs on 3 Mar (JR), a pair at Baston & Langtoft GP 1 Apr (TW), with a max of six there 10 Feb (AD), 2–6 throughout the year at Fletton BP (SPD, BHS, MW), four at Woodwalton Fen NNR during Nov (KW, MM, OM) and two at Orton BP 10 Nov (KW). Present throughout the year at Ferry Meadows CP with max counts of 20 on 27 Mar (GRH) and 29 on 7 Oct (SPD). In the Deepings, six at ‘The Lake’ and two at The Mere 11 Feb (TW), 2–8 at Deeping Lakes NR Apr–Oct (TW, BT) and one along Deeping High Bank 22 May (AD). |
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| 2000 |
Uncommon
winter visitor, migrant and rare breeder away from Nene Washes (where
generally fairly common). There was a scattering of records in most months from ten sites away from the Nene Washes, mostly of 1-5 birds, but also eight at Bainton GP 19 Mar, up to 22 at Ferry Meadows CP, four on 28 Oct, and 25 at the Fletton BP complex 29 Dec. As usual, most records were from the Nene Washes, where there were spring and winter peaks of 406 on 12 Mar and 190 on 18 Dec. A continued increase in breeding numbers there, with 175 pairs present producing at least 108 fledged young (CK). |
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| 1999 |
Uncommon
winter visitor, migrant and rare breeders away from Nene Washes (where
generally fairly common). Recorded mainly at Ferry Meadows CP (max. 32 on 19 Oct), but also from Fletton BP complex (max. 15 on 1 Sep), Baston & Langtoft GP and Bainton GP. The Nene Washes, however, recorded a 90% increase in breeding pairs on the RSPB reserve to 98, plus 24 pairs elsewhere. A peak count of 138 in early January rose to 482 in late March, including breeding birds, confirming the international importance of this site for Shoveler. Only seven remained by August, increasing again to 77 by 23 Dec. |
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| 1998 |
Common
winter visitor; scarce resident. There were 15 at Ferry Meadows CP on 16 Dec (MJW) with 11 there on 4 Mar. Small numbers were recorded at Welland Bank GP, Baston Fen NR, Bainton GP, Baston & Langtoft GP, Dog-in-a-Doublet and Fletton BP. Nene Washes: The first winter period was good for this species, reaching a new record of 689 in March, with 90% of birds using the reserve floods. The May drake count revealed:
At least 15 broods were seen on the reserve (8 Jul). A newly-hatched brood was seen on 23 Jul, illustrating the protracted nesting season. In September, up to 33 were present - an unusually high figure, as was the count of 199 in November. |
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