Peterborough Bird Club annual report Green Woodpecker Picus viridis | A | Common resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Common resident. Again, most were records of 1-2 birds from 53 sites, with counts of 3-4 reported from six locations. Three birds were seen at Eldernell on 5 May, all on one fencepost at the same time (JW, TW). The largest counts were of family groups of six at Deeping Lakes NR on 14 Jul (RB, WB) and six at Conington on 31 Jul included two adult males, one adult female and three juveniles feeding on worms on molehills (RL).
2002	Common resident. This year saw a further increase in the number of reports of this species, with birds seen at 58 locations: perhaps an indication of increased population levels. Most records were of 1-2 birds. Three or more reported together from nine locations. Juveniles were seen at Ferry Meadows CP and Deeping Lakes NR. Images © Chris Hughes. Click for bigger versions.
2001	Common resident breeder. Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that this species is becoming more numerous. This is supported by reports this year from 37 different sites (up from 26 in 2000), though this may be partly due to better reporting. Most reports are of singles, typical of a bird more often heard than seen. Several sites recorded two or more with three seen at Ferry Meadows CP (SPD), King’s Dyke NR (GW, CS, AS) and Deeping Lakes NR (WB). Up to three were at Bainton GP where two were seen with young in a nest hole on 24 May (BT). Gatherings of four were seen along Eastgate, Deeping St James 10 Mar (BT) and Prior’s Fen GP 25 Sep (MW). On 5 May, three birds were seen at both Ben Johnson GP and the nearby Swaddywell Pit (TW), indicating a very healthy population in that area. The only confirmed breeding was the pair at Bainton GP 24 May (BT). At least six pairs present at Milton Golf Course (WEW).
2000	Widespread resident. Records from 26 sites in all months, mostly of 1-2 birds. Breeding was only proved at three sites, but more no doubt bred at many other where, being more often heard than seen, it is a difficult species to census.
1999	Widespread resident. Well-recorded, with 27 localities represented. A family part of five was seen at Ferry Meadows CP in July (RD), four at Bainton GP 4 Aug (BT) and four at Orton BP. This vocal species seems to be doing much better than its pied relatives.
1998	Scarce resident. Several people reported increased sightings, including at Milton Golf Course (WEW), where five pairs bred successfully. Other records came from the East of England Showground, West Deeping, Maxey GP, Bainton GP, Tallington GP, Longthorpe, Langtoft West End GP, Bluebell Wood, Ferry Meadows CP, Haddon, Orton Mere, Yarwell, Folksworth, Deeping Lakes NR, Helpston, Stibbington, Castor Hanglands NNR, Nassington, Baston & Langtoft GP, Morborne Hill, Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR and Fletton BP. Nene Washes: Resident at Eldernell Pit, with birds seen feeding there, in Lord's Holt and the Decoy Wood. The only other record came from the Common Wash on 22 Jan.
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