Peterborough Bird Club annual report Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia | A | Scarce 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Scarce migrant breeder and scarce passage migrant. The first record was of a single bird at Orton BP on 17 April (SPD). Six 'reeling' birds were at Castor Hanglands NNR on 20 Jun (KAF). Elsewhere, single birds were recorded at Baston & Langtoft GP, Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR, Orton BP and Woodwalton Fen NNR. A record of a reeling bird in a pea field at Thurlby Fen on 7 Jul was of note; this was also the last record of the year (VF).
2002	Scarce migrant breeder and scarce passage migrant. The first record was a very early individual seen in the nature reserve at Ferry Meadows CP 31 Mar (GRH) with the main arrival occurring from 20 Apr. Four at Castor Hanglands NNR on 11 May (TW et al) with four also at Woodwalton Fen NNR on 11 May (BHS et al) and up to three birds at Bainton GP (RA). Single birds recorded at Ferry Meadows CP, Nene Washes, Orton BP, Southey Wood and Thorpe Meadows. A late bird was seen at Ferry Meadows CP on 15 Sep (SPD) - the latest ever recorded in the PBC area.
2001	Scarce migrant breeder and passage migrant. Records of this species from many of its traditional sites, including the areas two main strongholds of Castor Hanglands NNR and Woodwalton Fen NNR, were severely depleted by restrictions on access owing to Foot and Mouth disease. Nearly all records came from Bainton GP with the earliest 4 Apr and the latest 6 Jun (TW) were at this site. At least three birds were ‘reeling’ at Bainton GP from 26-29 Apr (MO). An adult was observed on one day repeatedly bringing insect prey to a probable nest site at the base of a dog rose bush there (KAF, MW). The only records of the species away from Bainton GP were singles at Baston & Langtoft GP 27 Apr (TW) and Orton BP 3 May (GW).
2000	Scarce summer visitor. More widely-reported than in recent years. The first bird was noted reeling at Ferry Meadows CP on 19 Apr. Other records came from Bainton GP, Orton BP, Fletton, Wyman's Bridge, Beeby's BP, King's Dyke and Elton; the last record was of one at Willow Drove on 9 Aug.
1999	Scarce summer visitor. Reeling birds were noted at Bainton GP, Orton BP, Castor Hanglands NNR and Woodwalton Fen NNR. Birds returned to the area in the third week of April, the earliest date being 23 Apr at Orton BP (GW).
1998	Rare summer visitor. In what was a good year for this species across the country, the first bird was heard at Morborne Hill on 14 Apr (ARF). One was heard intermittently at Ferry Meadows CP from 24 Apr to 3 Aug. Up to five were at Castor Hanglands NNR on 26 Apr and at least three were at Woodwalton Fen NNR on 16 May (CBR).
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