Peterborough Bird Club annual report Swallow Sterna hirundo | A | Common 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Common. As in 2002, the first Swallow was seen on 30 Mar with a single at Car Dyke (TPa), with the main influx from 13 Apr onwards. The only breeding records in 2003 came from Sacrewell Farm, Eastgate (Market Deeping) and Farcet Fen, where six pairs were spread across four farms. At least 440 at Prior’s Fen GP on 28 Aug (SPD) was the biggest count of 2003. Up to 100 were seen at Eldernell on 10 Sep (SG) with smaller numbers recorded across the PBC area during the late summer period. The last bird was a single at RSPB Nene Washes on 18 Oct (JT), a more normal date compared to 2002.
2002	Common. A single bird at Elton on 30 Mar (BHS) was the first record for the year, followed by singles at Chesterton on 2 Apr (BHS) and Ferry Meadows CP the same day (MJW). Breeding records came from Eldernell, Kate’s Bridge and Stone Bridge Corner. Notable autumn flocks included 100 at Ferry Meadows CP on 6 Sep (BHS), 125 at Elton on 12 Sep (BHS), 100 at Deeping Lakes NR on 19 Sep (WB) and 200 at Nene Washes on 18 Sep (RSPB). Last sightings were of singles at Yaxley on 12 Nov (KW) and one at Marholm on 30 Nov (CBo) – a new record latest date for the PBC area.
2001	Common migrant breeder and passage migrant. The first was at the Nene Washes 2 Apr (RSPB) with another at North Bank on 3rd (MF): typical first arrival dates. Small numbers were noted at several sites through the spring but counts into double figures came only from Ferry Meadows CP (20+), Peterborough city centre (20) and Bainton GP (40+). Two pairs bred at Milton Golf Course (WEW). Otherwise under-recorded in the summer until numbers built up at Ferry Meadows CP with 50 on 28 Jul and 200+ on 9 Aug (MJW). This preceded a good passage starting with at least 170 southwest at Prior’s Fen GP 23 Aug (SPD), with 130+ there 15 Sept (SPD). There were also good counts from the autumn period of 270+ at Deeping Lakes NR 31 Aug (SPD), 200 at the Nene Washes on 12 Sep (RSPB), with 150 there on 16th (MM, OM) and 200–300 at Ferry Meadows CP 18 Sep, with 150+ there on 21st (CP). Passage slowed to a trickle by the end of September with the exception of a flock of 150+ moving ahead of a heavy shower at Elton 7 Oct (BHS). Two at Castor 25 Oct (DG) was a fairly typical close to the year.
2000	Common but declining summer visitor. A very early bird at Ferry Meadows CP from 14-18 Mar (RAH et al) then a more typical record of one there on 3 Apr. On the Nene Washes, a maximum spring count of 40 on 26 Apr, otherwise virtually ignored by local birdwatchers until September! Up to 150 were present early in the month at Eldernell, and a movement was noted at several sites up to 1 Oct, when 20 were present at Maxey GP. Up to 100 roosted at Castor in Aug–Sept, 100 were at Peterborough 8 Sep, 75 at Marholm in Aug, and 40+ were at Morborne Hill 16 Sep (CBR). Between 1-5 birds were noted on seven dates up to 25 Oct, then a very late bird (for the area), with one at Eldernell on 12 Nov (TP).
1999	Common summer visitor. The first of the year was at Ferry Meadows CP on 1 Apr (AF, NC). Breeding was recorded around the Nene Washes, where the peak count was 300 on 14 Sep. Many observers reported strong southerly movement during the last week of September, and birds were recorded until 15 Oct at Baston & Langtoft GP (TW). The last birds were an unusually late record of three seen over Peterborough city centre on 23 Nov (GRH).
1998	Common summer visitor and migrant. The first bird was at Ferry Meadows CP on 1 Apr (RAH) and the last three on 19 Oct (CP) were also there. Sizeable flocks included 40 at Ferry Meadows CP on 24 Apr (GRH), c100 there on 10 Sep (GRH), and c100 over Folksworth on 19 Sep (BHS), when another 50 were at Ferry Meadows CP (GW). Nene Washes: The first birds were noted on 12 Apr, but were very slow to arrive until 40 were seen on 30 Apr. There was a heavy passage of birds held up by north winds 10-12 May, with up to 1,200 present at any one time. Birds bred at Eldernell Pit, March Farmers and Ring's End. Good autumn passage saw up to 300 24 Aug-6 Sep, with 15 hanging around in early October and 40 on 8 Oct.
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