Peterborough Bird Club annual report Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus | A | Common resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Widespread and common resident breeder and passage migrant. Records of 1-2 birds recorded from across the PBC area throughout 2003. Peak count was of six together at the Nene Washes on 14 Dec (RSPB), six were also soaring together over Ferry Meadows CP on 21 Oct (CP) and five were seen at Farcet Fen on the same day (SPD). Displaying birds were seen at nine locations. In March and April, birds on the Nene Washes specialised in catching displaying Lapwing and both male and female Sparrowhawks were seen to take adult birds (RSPB).
2002	Widespread and common resident breeder and passage migrant. After the nationwide population crash in the 1950s and ‘60s caused by organochlorine poisoning, the Sparrowhawk can now be seen in all parts of the Peterborough Bird Club recording area, including almost anywhere over the city itself. The maximum count was of four birds (two pairs displaying) at Monk's Wood NNR 16 Apr (RBr). Display flights were noted at 10 locations. One pair bred in the Eldernell Decoy and others probably did so at Eldernell Lane and Bassenhally Pits (RSPB).
2001	Widespread and common resident breeder and passage migrant. This widespread raptor is one of the really well-reported species within the PBC area. During the first winter period, reported from (singles unless otherwise indicated): Nene Washes (1-3); Dog-in-a-Doublet; Ramsey St Mary's; King’s Dyke NR; Tanholt GP; Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR; Peterborough city centre; Eastfield; Longthorpe; Westwood; Stanley Park; Elton; Haddon; Stilton; Langtoft; Milton Park; Ferry Meadows CP (1–3); Fletton BP; Baston & Langtoft GP; Baston Fen NR; Market Deeping; Deeping St James; Welland Bank GP; Bainton GP; Helpston (1-2); Peakirk; Bevill’s Wood. Breeding season: reported from many of the above sites, plus Chesterton, Stamford, Orton BP, Wansford and Fletton. Few displaying birds reported – Fletton BP 15 Mar (BHS), Ferry Meadows CP 11 Apr (MJW) and Baston & Langtoft GP 19 May (AD). At least five pairs confirmed breeding from Eldernell Pits, Nene Washes (Eldernell Decoy) and Whittlesey (RSPB), with young birds seen at Tallington GP (two) 21 Jul (TW) and Ferry Meadows CP (two) 28 Jul (MJW). In autumn and the second winter period, 1-2 birds reported at most of the first winter period sites, plus Prior’s Fen GP, Newborough, Werrington, Morborne Hill, Flag Fen, Paston, and Monk's Wood NNR. The only counts of more than two birds as follows: three on the Nene Washes 9 Feb (RSPB); three Bevill’s Wood 13 Mar (RBu); three Ferry Meadows CP 11 Apr (MJW); three Nene Washes 16 Sep (MM, OM); seven over Welland Bank GP on 28 Oct (WB); four Nene Washes 16 Dec (RSPB).
2000	Widespread resident. Recorded at 22 sites in the first winter period, all singletons except two at Eldernell 9 Jan, with two males and a female there on 6 Feb. Noted at 21 sites in Apr-Jun. However, breeding activity was recorded only at Eldernell, Hampton and Ferry Meadows CP, with young birds being seen at the latter two sites. One or two birds were recorded at 15 sites during Jul-Sep, with three at Eldernell on 28 Aug. There was an increase in records during Oct-Dec, with 1-2 birds seen at each of 23 sites, with three at March Farmers on 12 Nov. Prey items included Sand Martin, Blackbird and Woodpigeon.
1999	Widespread resident. A popular species, recorded from 49 sites. Most sightings were of singles or pairs, with four birds seen at Market Deeping 17 Jan (TW). Breeding behaviour included three displaying at Elton 13 Feb (BHS), and two pairs displaying at both Ferry Meadows CP 7 Apr (RD) and Stanley Park, Peterborough 30 Apr (BHS). News of confirmed breeding came from Ferry Meadows CP with three young (RD), Mound Farm 19 Aug (DG), Fletton BP with two juveniles 5 Sep (MJW), Eldernell Decoy and Bassenhally. On the Nene Washes during April, adult Lapwings were seen to be taken on two occasions.
1998	Common resident. Very well reported, with records from Bainton GP, Beeby's BP, Belham Wood, Bretton, Castor Hanglands NNR, Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR, Drysides BP, Eyebury Farm, Ferry Meadows CP, McCain's BP, Milton golf course, Peterborough city centre, Longthorpe, Morborne Hill, Nobby Gates, Orton Southgate, Paston, Stanground, Stanground Wash, Thorpe Wood, Wansford, Whittlesey, Woodston Reach and Wyman's Bridge. Breeding was proved at Milton golf course and in central Peterborough. Nene Washes: Recorded most frequently in January and November, scarcest in May and June. The highest day count was of five on 8 Nov. Pairs bred in Bassenhally Pits and in Eldernell Decoy. A female was seen to take a wader chick in July.
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