Peterborough Bird Club annual report Marsh Tit Parus palustris | A | Fairly common resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Localised common resident breeder. Recorded from Archer's Wood, Aversley Wood, Bedford Purlieus NNR, Bluebell Wood, Burghley Park, Dogsthorpe, Elton, Ferry Meadows CP, Grimeshaw Wood, Holme Fen NNR, Longthorpe, Lynch Wood, Old Sulehay, Orton BP, Ring Haw, Southey Wood, Stibbington GP, Woodcroft and Woodwalton Fen NNR. This species occurs primarily in the woodlands to the west and south of Peterborough, and is exceedingly sedentary, so one in a Dogsthorpe garden on 19 Oct (DWi) was slightly out of its usual range. The peak count was of 12 birds at Woodwalton Fen NNR on 20 Oct (SG). There were no confirmed records of breeding. The Marsh Tit is now Red-Listed (it is a species of high conservation concern, having undergone a decline of more than 50% in the last 25 years); observers need to be more vigilant!
2002	Localised common resident breeder. The highest count came from Woodwalton Fen NNR with 10 on 28 Sep (RPa); this site is becoming one of the best places to see this woodland species in the PBC area. Other notable reports were two pairs at Hilly Wood, Helpston (RA), four at Woodcroft Lodge on 1 Sep (PT), three at Elton on 6 Oct (BHS), six at Southey Wood on 26 Oct (RA) and five at Aversley Wood on 22 Nov (KW). Up to two birds were reported from a further 22 sites. Family parties were noted at Great Morton Sale, Nassington and Woodwalton Fen NNR.
2001	Widespread but localised common resident breeder. This species was recorded throughout the year at a number of sites across the region, the records benefiting from woodland survey work carried out by PJP. In common with most places around the country, Marsh Tits are much commoner in the PBC area than the similar Willow Tit. Records (counts of no more than three individuals) were received from the following localities: Southey Wood (GRH, TW, PJP, MHo); Foster’s Coppice (PJP); Castor Hanglands NNR (PJP); north-east of Castor Hanglands NNR (PJP); Stamford Road parkland (PJP); Hayes Wood (PJP); Milton Park (PJP); Milton Golf Course - two pairs nested (WEW); Upton (PJP); Southorpe Paddock NR (PJP); Barnack-Wittering Road (PJP); Oxey Wood (PJP); Marholm (PJP); Longthorpe (MB); Grimeshaw Wood (MW); Bainton GP (TW, AD); Bedford Purlieus NNR (GW); Ben Johnson Pit (TW); Stilton (JD); Elton (BHS); Bluebell Wood (TD, DG); Ferry Meadows CP (MJW); Morborne Hill (BHS); Ramsey Heights (PP); Woodwalton Fen NNR (RP, OM, MM); Bretton (SPD); and a Helpston garden (RAs).
2000	Scarce resident. Recorded at the following sites: Ferry Meadows CP, Bainton GP, Short Wood, Bedford Purlieus NNR, Jones's Covert, Milton Park, Stibbington, Glapthorn Cow Pasture, Frank's Pit, Caldecote Wood, Southey Wood, Monk's Wood NNR, Morborne Hill and Woodwalton Fen NNR. This increase in records reflects observer interest in locating the much scarcer Willow Tit. Most numerous in Southey Wood, with six reported there on 16 Feb.
1999	Scarce resident. The majority of records came from Ferry Meadows CP, Southey Wood and Elton Park. A record of four birds together in Southey Wood on 6 Feb was the largest group reported. Also recorded at Archer's Wood, Washingley Lake, Jones's Covert, Woodwalton Fen NNR, Sawtry Fen, Caldecote Wood and Wansford.
1998	Common resident. Three pairs bred at Milton Park Golf Course (WEW). A pair was at Caldecote Wood on 12 Apr (ARF); other birds were noted at Baston & Langtoft GP, Southey Wood and Bluebell Wood.
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