Peterborough Bird Club annual report Tree Sparrow Passer montanus | A | Quite rare resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Rare resident breeder. The introduction of a number of feeding stations has led to an increase in the size of flocks recorded; whether this represents a genuine increase in population levels or concentrations of previously dispersed birds is yet to be seen. The provision of winter food is vital to the winter survival of this and many other farmland birds, but must be supplemented by the availability of suitable breeding habitat to really benefit the populations of these species. At Crowtree, Farcet Fen, birds present through the majority of the year with up to 22 birds regularly reported during the first winter period (SPD). Around 10-12 birds recorded at Swaddywell Pit on 23 Oct (RAs). Smaller numbers also recorded from a further seven locations. Breeding records received from Nene Washes and Nene Terrace; at Crowtree, Farcet Fen, three pairs fledged 18 young (SPD).
2002	Rare resident breeder. A highly-localised species that has seen a massive decline in population levels over the last 30 years. Eldernell again dominated records, and although reported throughout the year, this dwindling population reached only six birds 2 Jan (GRH) with single birds at Eastrea, March Farmers and the Nene Washes RSPB reserve likely to be birds from the Eldernell population. Swaddywell Pit held six on 27 Dec and 11 birds on 31 Dec (RAs). Elsewhere, four were at Deeping Fen Farm 27 Jan (GRH) and three were at the Car Dyke feeding station on 3 Nov (TPa). One to two birds also recorded at Deeping St Nicholas, along the Nene Valley Railway and Thurlby Fen. No breeding reports were received.
2001	Rare resident breeder. This species is highly localised with Eldernell and the Nene Washes dominating the submissions. The maximum count was of eight birds 29 Jan (RSPB), though smaller numbers were recorded there throughout the year (MO). A single at Marholm Lane 10 Feb (MJW); one at Deeping Gate 3 Jul (TW); three (one adult, two juveniles) in a Helpston garden 9-10 Aug (ES); and one at Deeping Lakes NR 2 Dec (TW).
2000	Rare resident More widely-reported than in recent years, but with the stronghold still in the Eldernell area, from where it was reported regularly, with a maximum of 15 on 21 Feb. Several pairs bred. Elsewhere, the following records were significant: five pairs at Marholm (CBR), six over the RSPB Nene Washes reserve on 17 Oct, five at Kate's Bridge on 27 Jan, five at Baston Fen NR on 30 Jan, four at Thorney Toll on 10 Aug, two at Morborne Hill on 1 Nov, three at Milton Park on 29 Dec, one or two there on 3 Dec and one at Bainton GP on 7 Apr.
1999	Rare resident. This species has its stronghold around the Nene Washes and Deeping fens. Records from outside this area came from Ferry Meadows CP, Warmington, Washingley, Baston & Langtoft GP and Morborne Hill. Maximum counts were of two flocks of 10+ at March Farmers and Eldernell Lane (MJW).
1998	Rare resident. Ten were at Baston on 24 Jan (TW). A pair was noted at Aldwincle Bridge on 9 May (ARF). Three were at Casewick on 10 May (TW) and one was seen on the A47 at Thorney Toll on 14 Nov (GRH). Nene Washes: There was no breeding at Eldernell Pits this year, though a few birds remained along Eldernell Lane. Present in the breeding season at Dog-in-a-Doublet, Bassenhally Farm and Bassnimoor Farm. Singles flew over the reserve in April, July and October.
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