Birds of the Nottingham General Cemetery 1993 - 2003
by Andy Hall
The site of the Nottingham General Cemetery is part of the
Sandfields which extend from the Park to the Forest recreation ground.
The cemetery opened for burials in May 1837 after an act of parliament
decreed that new burial space was required as an ever ailing population
limped out of the industrial revolution. A stranglehold on available
building space by local burgesses and an unsympathetic landlord meant
that much of Nottingham city became a festering mass of disease and
depravation.
Moving in to the present day the Cemetery has become a de facto nature reserve and qualifies as a SINC grade I. The site is markedly undulating and has a 90 feet slope from south to north. It is widely planted with many now mature trees, Common and Weeping Ash predominating. There are also good numbers of Sycamore and Common Lime. Common Beech, Yew and Holly are the next commonest with a further thirty species in a small minority.
The main interest for the birdwatcher is probably the number of passage migrants which occur, including some remarkable species for an urban site. There are between 14 and 19 species breeding regularly including Stock Dove, considered by some to be an unusual urban phenomenon. In any one year 50 to 60 species are recorded. As with any site these include a number of fly overs. The absence of any water feature means that these tend to be Gulls and the occasional wader plus the usual visible movement species eg Skylark and Meadow Pipit.
The cemetery is still under -watched in spite of my own 250 hours per year contribution. Iain Barrie who is resident caretaker at the adjacent Friends meeting house is now putting in valuable time and this has helped but birds must still be missed particularly at key migration times late April - May and mid Aug - early Oct.
Only relatively recently has the site been receiving regular saturation coverage although some useful observations prior to 1995 came from R. Charman and others.
The following systematic list should enable the reader to grasp the importance of this urban location.
Systematic list including report for 2003 and summary 1993 - 2002
Updated 14th May by Andy Hall
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Scarce and irregular. 2003 1 flew south west on March 19th. A party of eight were noted moving north on August 24th. Previous records: One June 1st 1993; one April 4th 1995; one December 6th 1997; one September 14th 1998; one May 1st 1999; one September 1st 2000.
Grey Heron Ardea Cinerea * Scarce and irregular.
2003 *A single in flight, September 3rd.
Previous records: One April 4th 1995; one April 26th 1999; one April
7th and one September 19th 2000; one June 23rd 2001; two March 6th
and one May 11th 2002.
Mute Swan Cygnus olor * Rare.
There have been three records: Two January 25th 2000; one April 13th
2001; one January 30th 2002.
Greylag Goose Anser anser * Rare.
There have been three confirmed records: Eight April 24th 1999; two
April 30th and three September 25th 2001. There have been several
other records of "grey geese" not specifically identified, which
probably relate to the species.
Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchos * Rare migrant. 2003 A
skein of 125 moved west on January 4th.
There has been one previous record: 28 to the NW, November 9th 2002.
The birds were in a single line and had been observed over Netherfield
minutes earlier.
Canada Goose Branta canadensis * Scarce.
Almost annual with no particular seasonal bias. Most records have been
of ones and twos with the exception of 40 December 29th 1998.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Regular, with a peak in the spring and autumn. Ninety nine percent of records involve birds commuting over, to and from the Arboretum. There are two exceptions: Two moving north, high up, May 5th 1998 and a pair perched in trees and on the ground, April 27th 2003.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus * There has been one record of this species involving a bird seen to drift slowly north west, April 29th 2001.
Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus There has been a single record of the species when one was noted moving high to the south east on September 28th 2003.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Regular visitor with more records in February and August than at other times. The species bred at the site in 1997,1998 and 1999. An increase in Carrion Crow in the cemetery may have deterred further attempts. With the exception of the years when it bred records of single birds are normal. A handful each year of two birds are noted, while records of three individuals are rare.
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo * Scarce migrant
2003 A good year began with a spring bird moving north on April 17th
. In the autumn a bird was noted moving north on September 11th. Later
in the month a bird was seen at the same time as a Honey Buzzard on 28th.
Previous records: One April 24th 1999; one May 11th, one September
2nd 2002.
Peregrine Falco peregrinus * Rare 2003 The presence of a pair on
the Newton building of the Trent University were the source no doubt of
the four records this year at the cemetery. Single females were noted in
June on 8th and 19th. A male was seen on October 7th and an unsexed
bird on December 29th.
Previous records: One October 12th 1995; one March 12th 1997; one
female September 28th 2002.
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus * Uncommon
2003 There were five records in the year which is somewhat better than
average. There was a single on March 16th. In August individuals
were noted on 7th, 23rd and 31st and finally a bird on December 6th
. There have been 18 previous records at the site with no seasonal
preference. Birds generally are seen in flight but may very occasionally
be seen to settle.
Merlin Falco columbianus * There has been one record of the species, a single bird seen flying over on March 28th 1996.
Hobby Falco subbuteo * There has been one record at the site involving a single immature bird, for ten minutes on August 23rd 1999.
Golden Plover Pluvialis aucuparia * 2003 A bird noted moving high to the north west on October 12th. There has been one previous record: A single bird was noted moving high to the east on January 18th 2002.
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus * Rare. 2003 A party of 12 were
moving east on February 24th.
Previous records: 13 November 21st 1998; 28 December 29th 2000.
Woodcock Scolopax ruficolis Uncommon migrant.
2003 A single bird was flushed from the Quaker's Garden on November
24th. Almost annual, the site appears to have been historically a
regular stopping point for continental immigrants. There are two old
records: October 14th 1970 and January 21st 1972. Since 1996 there
have been 11 records with the majority (eight) appearing in November.
There is one record each from October, December and January. Inclusive
dates are October 16th to January 5th.
There is one spring record, when a bird was noted moving east March
13th 1999.
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago * Rare migrant
2003 One moving south east on November 28th. There has been one
previous record: A single bird flew over on September 14th 2002.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleuca * Rare migrant.
One nocturnal record. A single bird was noted on August 3rd 2002. The
bird was heard to call twice by several observers during a moth trapping.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus * Rare migrant. A single nocturnal record of two individuals heard one minute apart on August 11th 2002.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa * Rare migrant. There has been one record of a flock of nine individuals moving north east, quite low on April 29th 1999. A remarkable record for anywhere in Nottinghamshire, but particularly so over the city centre.
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus * Rare migrant. There is a single record of this species when a juvenile bird was watched for ten minutes flying around over the cemetery on August 21st 1999. There has been a dramatic increase of this species in the county in the last ten years, but this was still a surprising record.
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus * Fairly common migrant. The
species can be seen regularly in small numbers throughout January with a
small decrease in February. Birds become scarce in March and rare in
April. The latest date is March 13th 1998.
Return passage usually begins in late July or August. The earliest
returning date is July 12th 2001. Birds can be quite numerous in the
early autumn and then dwindle through the autumn and winter. There have
been three 3-figure flocks. 150 July 27th 2000; 200 August 24th 2000
and 170 July 23rd 2001.
2003 *Winter birds ranged between January 2nd and April 23rd with a
maximum of five on January 22nd. There was an isolated record of four
on July 13th, before one on August 17th and the main autumn passage.
High counts included 20 on September 20th and a total of 37 to the west
on October 12th. A few were seen in November and December in very
small numbers.
Common Gull Larus canus * Scarce migrant, irregular.
Prior to 2003 all records came from January, February, November and
December, with the peak month being January. There were no records
between January 1998 and December 2000.
2003 Three records: One on January 2nd, three together September
28th and a single October 12th.
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus * Regular passage migrant, very scarce in winter. Recorded in every month except June and December. Mainly seen in July, August and September occasionally in good numbers, e.g. 100 on August 14th 2002. Spring birds are scarce with records in most years with a small preference for May. 2003 There were no winter or spring records. The first record was of 40 moving south on July 21st . There were a further eight records of one or two up to August 31st, before a record of 11 north east on September 2nd. There was a further two records; an unusual October record involving three birds on 12th and six on November 5th.
Herring Gull Larus argentatus * Uncommon migrant. Recorded in every month except June, July and October. Fifty percent of records come from January and December, with another smaller peak in September. There are usually a few records each spring. The highest count is 10 on December 15th 2000. 2003 Between one and three recorded on February 8th, March 12th, April 26th, August 31st, September 6th, September 27th, November 9th and November 17th.
Yellow-legged Gull Larus michaellis *Rare.
2003 An adult bird flew west on September 12th.
Previous records: One adult January 25th, one first winter December
4th 1998. I have treated this as a full species, although some consider
it to be conspecific with L fuscus or L argentatus.
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus * Scarce passage migrant. A
third of all records come from September. There is a regular passage in
the spring in April and May in small numbers. The highest count is five
on September 19th 1998.
2003 One April 26th, two August 14th, two
September 3rd, two October 9th and one November 13th.
Common Tern Sterna paradiseae * Rare.
There has been one record of this species. A single bird was observed
moving east on August 20th 2002. Clearly a bird well off course,
individuals are prone to wander far and wide in the summer but this was
obviously a migrant.
Feral Dove Columba livia
Virtually resident in small numbers.
Stock Dove Columba oenas
Fairly common resident breeder. The species has increased in the last
four years. In the 1990's it was mainly a summer immigrant with a pair
present from March onwards, with occasionally three or four birds
present at certain times; winter records were rare.
It showed a distinct upturn in 2000 with more birds present in the
winter and numbers peaked in 2001 when three pairs bred. The highest
count is 10 on February 26th 2001. 2003Present throughout the year,
but scarce in April and May. The highest count was eight on September
3rd. There was no proof of breeding.
Wood Pigeon Columba palumba
Common resident and winter visitor. Wintering figures have been variable
over the past seven years.
2003 The highest count was 42 on March 14th. Otherwise it was an
insignificant year with no young birds noted. Very light passage was
observed on October 12th when a party of 11 birds were noted moving
south very high up.
Collared Dove Streptopelia deccaocto Uncommon and irregular.
There is a slight preference to the spring. Most
records involve birds flying over; about one in ten observations involve
a bird down in the cemetery. An analysis of the seasonal distribution of
Collared Dove at the site is biased towards the spring as stated, with
April favoured particularly. This might suggest breeding birds searching
for food.
2003 13 records between January 19th and October 12th. Five on
September 20th and October 12th was unusual.
Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
There has been one record of this species when one was seen on May 16th
1997. This was a surprising record of a species which has rather few
urban records.
Tawny Owl Strix aluco
A few are recorded annually, and almost always nocturnally. Anecdotally
the species was commoner in the 1980s and 90s, but there is no
evidence of breeding.
Records show two peaks; one in July and August and another from December
to February. The first period may relate to post breeding dispersal and
the second one to the establishment of winter territories.
2003
Records were as follows: Singles heard on January 9th, February 9th
and May 4th. On June 21st two different birds were heard, probably a
male and female. Later in the year singles were heard on June 30th,
July 19th and 26th, August 12th, October 11th and 12th. One bird
was heard throughout December. It is not known whether there is one
individual which accounts for most of the records, but that seems probable.
Common Swift Apus apus
A fairly common summer visitor in variable numbers. The earliest record
is April 22nd and the latest is September 4th.
Arrival is generally in early May with a rapid influx during the month
often with through migrants noted. In most years a few are noted daily
from late May, throughout June and in to July. From mid July to August
birds become unpredictable with normally a later passage of birds in the
second half of August and occasionally in the first few days of
September. The largest count is 230 on July 12th 2000. Other notable
counts include: 80, August 7th 1997; and 100, July 13th 2003.
2003 Arrival began on April 27th with two birds present, followed by four
on 30th. Numbers quickly increased with a count of 24 by May 4th.
Fairly healthy numbers followed during the summer with regular counts
between 10 - 20. The highest count was easily the 100 on July 13th.
After 10 on July 26th there were none until a single bird on August
17th. This was followed by further singles on 31st and September 2nd
and 3rd.
Green Woodpecker Picus viridus
A scarce visitor, which has occurred in every month of the year except
May with a marked preference to the autumn. Most records have involved
adults, but juveniles occasionally turn up including in 2002 when a very
young juvenile was located on July 29th. It is not known where the
nearest breeding pair are. 2003 A single male with no tail was present
for the morning of April 27th. A very poor showing.
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major
A regular visitor which bred in 2001 for the first time and again in
2003. In the years when it does not breed the species favours the late
winter and spring and has increased in the last four years. It is
normally also recorded in the autumn but less frequently in recent
years. In 2001 the young fledged on June 11th and in 2003 on June 1st
. In 2002 an adult female was noted feeding a juvenile, although they
did not breed in the cemetery. 2003 A pair were present throughout the
year, although very elusive in mid summer. The birds bred raising two
juveniles the young fledging on June 1st.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus minor
A rare visitor which has turned up on just five separate occasions. A
pair was present on several dates in the spring of 1995; other records
are: a male, November 13th 2000; a male on several dates between
January 16th and February 12th 2001; a male, October 27th and
November 1st 2001 (probably the same). In 2003 an unsexed bird was
noted on January 15th. This species is so elusive that it almost
certainly turns up more frequently than the data suggests.
Sky Lark Alauda arvensis * An uncommon migrant, more evident in some
years than others. Most records are from mid October to early November
when a southerly passage occurs. The best such movement was when a
total of 120 moved south during October 18th 1998. A few birds
occasionally are noted in the winter in December or January, these may
be moving in any direction, and there is one September record.
2003 There were three October records. One south east October 11th
with 12 moving in the same direction on 12th. Two were noted on 13th.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia * Easily the rarest of the hirundines,
there have been just ten individual sightings The main dates are
between August 8th and September 24th. (see below) There are no
spring records. The highest count is 15 on August 23rd 2001. This was
exceptional and the only double figure count as most records involve
ones and twos, although there have been two counts of seven.
2003 Two birds were seen flying south east on the unusual date of June
16th.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica * A regular migrant. The species has
occurred in April, but most spring records are from the first week of
May, all records at this time being in very small numbers. There is one
June record when a bird was noted on the 7th in 1997.
The species is somewhat more abundant in the autumn but numbers are
unpredictable. Migration tends to begin in late August with the main
movement occurring in the last 10 days of September. The highest count
involved 113 birds south in an hour on September 24th 1999. October
records are rare but the latest record is three on October 10th 1998.
2003 There was one spring record involving three birds on April 27th
. The autumn produced nine records between August 31st and September
21st. There were two double figure counts: 18 south on September 12th
and 24 south on September 20th.
House Martin Delichon urbica
A regular migrant but less numerous than Barn Swallow. Spring records
are unusual. There were two on April 29th 2001 and two on May 12th
2000. In the autumn the pattern of occurrence is remarkably similar to
Barn Swallow, but peaking a little earlier in the middle of September.
The latest date is two October 1st 2002. The highest count is 30 on
September 23rd 2001.
In 2003 the third ever spring record involved one south on April 27th
. There was also an unusual summer record of one on July 24th. In the
autumn there were seven records between August 23rd and September 21st
. Records involved small single figures with the exception of a
gathering of 27 on September 12th.
Tree Pipit Anthus travialis * There are three records. One south east, August, 29th 1998; one south, October 2nd 2000; one north west, May 3rd 2001. Widely overlooked on migration.
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis * A regular migrant. There is an
isolated spring record of two birds moving north on March 27th 1999.
The species' main movement south in the autumn is from mid September to
early October. The most concentrated movement was the 170 south in two
hours on September 22nd 1999. The year 2000 was also good with two days
particularly standing out with morning passage: - 40-60 south per hour
on October 1st and 100 per hour south on October 2nd. The site
appears to be not well placed for passage of this species as numbers are
relatively low. Why the species is so scarce in the spring is uncertain.
2003 There were no major movements, passage was observed rather
earlier than usual with small numbers on August 31st and September 1st
and 2nd. On September 20th there were 30 south between 7am and 8am.
There was a trickle noted on October 12th.
Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus 2003 One was noted moving south on October 12th (A S Hall). There is one previous record. One was seen moving north west on March 20th 1999 (A S Hall). A species which enjoyed a purple patch in the 1990's this is now a tricky bird to get to grips with as a flyover. Perhaps two records in four years isn't bad.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava A scarce migrant. 2003 One bird was noted moving south east on September 24th. There have been four previous records: one April 28th 2002; one August 23rd 2001; two August 20th and one September 22nd 1999.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea An uncommon visitor and regular migrant. A small local breeding population in the city centre is the source of most records during the year. The species is evident on passage and can be observed in movements with other species from late September and into October. 2003
Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba A scarce visitor and regular migrant in
small numbers. Records of birds actually on the ground are decidedly
unusual and such occurrences are not annual. The species normally occurs
flying over on autumn migration, generally in October. These birds are
often high up and moving in a southerly direction. Local birds are more
infrequent and the odd record bird may be reported at any time.
2003 There were four records between January and August of one or two
individuals. There were seven records in September including four south
on 24th. The best passage day came on October 12th when a total of 13
birds were logged moving south in the morning.
Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus There have been two documented records of this species. A flock of 16 were noted on February 17th 1996. There were other anecdotal records around this time, which coincided with an unprecedented massive invasion into the county. The second record was of a single bird flying west on December 31st 2000. This again was part of an influx.
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes A fairly common resident. A species which is almost guaranteed at any time of the year, although very difficult to locate at times when it is silent. It has decreased in the last three or four years, maybe as a loss of breeding habitat after much Ivy was killed off by ring barking and the removal of an area of scrub in the late 1990's. Now, one to three pairs breed annually.
Dunnock Prunella modularis A scarce resident. One pair normally breeds in the vicinity of the Quaker's Garden. Most records at other times come from this area. The other location favoured is around the top of the car park.
Robin Erithacus rubecula An uncommon resident. One to two pairs
breed each year and the population is boosted briefly during the autumn
and early winter. The species favours the Quaker's Garden and the area
between the Car Park and the Upper Ash Belt, but can be found anywhere.
An annual influx is noted between the second week of September and the
last week of November. Precisely which populations are involved is
unclear although it is suggested that September birds may be British
birds moving south, while October and November individuals are of
continental origin. The numbers involved is not certain but on any one
day a resident population of two to four can become seven to nine; a
significant passage over a few days or a week.
2003 There were three territories noted in June and two pairs bred
raising at least four juveniles. There were some migrants noted in
October with six on 5th and five on 11th.
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochrurus A rare migrant. There have been three records. A female on March 24th 1995 and a singing male on May 18th and 23rd 1995. There is some potential for further records in years when there is a good breeding population in the city centre. In 2003 a pair bred approximately 100 metres from the cemetery.
Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus A scarce migrant, reports are roughly biannual. There have been seven records. Singles on August 29th, September 1st, September 27th 1997; singles on August 7th, 23rd and September 3rd 1999; two August 15th, one August 23rd 2001. The species has a call on migration which is somewhat similar to Willow Warbler. Coupled with its tendency to be somewhat skulking, it is easily overlooked. Perhaps more areas in the city centre with clumps of vegetation, for example the numerous rest gardens around the Lace market might hold a Redstart in the autumn.
Blackbird Turdus merula A common resident and migrant. The species is one of the commoner breeding species with four to five pairs in most years with several broods raised. The site appears to be very favourable to the specie's needs for both breeding habitat and foraging areas. In the autumn an annual influx occurs involving variable numbers between the last week of October and the third week of November. During this period continental birds swell the local population with numbers of between 10 and 30. 2003 A maximum of 20 on January 2nd was the highest winter count with 12 present on 4th. Ten birds were present throughout March and April with 12 noted on April 27th. Five pairs bred, with at least two broods raised. Ten juveniles were noted as late as August 23rd. There were no particular influxes during the autumn with just a maximum of 10 on October 20th.
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris An uncommon winter visitor and regular
migrant. Numbers of this species are rather variable. Records range
between October and February with a bias towards November and December.
The highest count was a total passage of 179 on November 7th 1998 in
three flocks, though this was exceptional. Handfulls to upper double
figure counts are more usual. Inclusive dates are October 8th and
February 12th.
2003In the first winter period there were two records of singles on
January 4th and 7th.
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos A scarce semi-resident breeder. The
species is generally present from the spring, with records sporadically
through the summer. One pair usually breeds.
2003 The first record was
on February 22nd. A single was present during the remainder of the
month and throughout March. In April the species became elusive,
although on 27th two males were holding territory. Two adults were
noted on and off in may with the first juveniles noted on June 11th.
There was one July record on the 19th when two adults were observed
with three juvenile birds. August produced three records on 5th, 6th
and on 19th when a second brood of two juveniles were found. The autumn
and winter produced records on September 20th and October 12th.
Redwing Turdus iliacus A common winter visitor and migrant. Arrival
is normally in the first week of October with records at this time
unpredictable in both frequency and number. Numbers continue to
fluctuate into the winter building up during January when counts in to
three figures are not uncommon. February sees the first departure of
birds and most have gone by the end of March.
2003 Numbers in January
began fairly low with a maximum of 24 up to the 19th. A substantial
influx occurred on 20th when 100 birds were counted. This was a one off
and numbers dropped back again, although 40 were counted on 23rd and
February 1st with 50 present on 15th. The situation in March was
unusual with higher than expected counts including 55 on 1st, 67 on
6th and 68 on 8th. After a count of 40 on 10th numbers dropped
rapidly with the highest count 10 on 21st. Two birds on 22nd were
followed by the final record of a singleton on April 3rd.
Mistle Thrush Turdud viscivorus A fairly common semi resident
breeder. Present throughout the year except for high summer when it is
either absent or rare. There is an influx of birds in the early autumn.
The highest count is 30 on November 1st 2000.
2003 Unusually scarce with only one bird located for much of the
winter and spring, with the exceptions of four birds on March 17th and
two on 21st. Just one pair bred but remained very elusive. Then a
second pair of adults was noted on May 23rd. Between May 27th and
June 12th up to eight birds including juveniles were observed. In the
summer there was an unusual record of four birds on July 11th.
Somewhat earlier than usual a single bird was found on August 14th
followed by five on 20th and four on 22nd. The species was present
throughout September with a maximum of 11 on 21st and 27th
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobanus There have been two records. A juvenile on September 18th 1997 and an adult on August 28th 1998. Both birds were found in the Larkdale Plantation.
Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 2003 One was seen twice briefly on September 21st. There has been Just one other record of this unlikely species. One was found during an electrical storm on August 21st 2000.
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca There is one record. A single bird was seen on April 19th 1998.
Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis An uncommon migrant. Very small numbers of the species may turn up in late April early May and occasionally during the autumn. In the spring birds can be very hard to locate feeding in the upper canopy of Sycamore or Horse Chestnut. There have been 10 records. Inclusive spring dates are April 23rd to May 10th. Autumn records have been in late July and late September.
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin An uncommon migrant, in both spring and autumn. 2003 Singles were noted in May on 17th and 26th. There have been 16 previous records, with a strong bias towards the spring. Inclusive spring dates are April 29th to June 3rd.
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla A fairly common migrant. The species has
shown a decline in the last couple of years in terms of the numbers of
birds noted on migration. Breeding has been confirmed on two occasions.
2003 Two males were found on February 1st. In March a female was
noted between 16th and 18th. The species was relatively scarce in
April with just just five dates, with a female on 12th and a male
between 17th and 30th. A single male was present throughout May,
with a female on 10th and the two together on 29th. This pair were
noted on and off throughout June and July, mainly in the vicinity of the
Quaker's garden. Breeding was confirmed with two juveniles noted on four
dates between August 2nd and 7th. Adult birds were also seen in
August on 14th and 20th and in September on 3rd and 4th. Winter
records are expected now and a male and female were seen on December
3rd and 5th.
Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
There has been one record, a single well watched bird on August 22nd
and 23rd 1997. Autumn Wood Warblers are exceedingly rare in
Nottinghamshire, being easily rarer than Wryneck for example.
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita A fairly common migrant. It is
quite scarce in the spring, but regular in the autumn between August and
October. Distinctly scarcer than Willow Warbler it peaks some two to
three weeks later with the whole of September favoured particularly the
last week.
2003 It was a typical year. There were no spring records. In the
autumn one to two were recorded on 12 dates between August 20th and
October 16th.
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus A common migrant. Regular in both spring and autumn, although spring numbers vary considerably, and occur somewhat later than in the Trent Valley. Late April to early May and early August to September are the principle periods. A bird on April 20th 1998 showed characteristics of the race acredula. 2003 There were two spring records involving single birds on April 26th and 27th. In the autumn an individual on July 26th was slightly at the early end of their date range. It was by no means abundant in August with one to three between 1st and 20th. A notable fall was observed on 23rd with a steady movement of birds all day, including a loose party of eight in the morning. In September birds were noted on five dates including three on 3rd. There were no records from 10th to the 19th, with the final records singles on 20th and 21st.
Goldcrest Regulus regulus Uncommon resident breeder and winter
visitor. One or more birds are normally present throughout the year but
can be elusive. One pair breeds, occasionally two. There is an influx
from late October and in NovemberDecember with double figure counts in
good years.
2003 One to three present throughout with no winter influx noted.
There was no evidence of breeding which is very unusual.
Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus There are three records of this delightful species. A female was found on November 22nd 1997, affording very close views. Almost a year to the day later a female was found on November 21st 1998 and again showed very well. It has been suggested that this was the same bird returning. In 2001 a male was located and unlike the previous records showed only briefly, although it was very vocal. The chances of the species turning up again are high, with large gardens and parks favoured habitat.
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata A fairly common summer visitor
and migrant. Breeds annually with one to three pairs present. Has
declined in the last two years in the cemetery.
2003 Two birds were found on May 4th, a relatively early date. A
third bird arrived on 5th, and three birds were present to the month's
end. Two pairs were present briefly in early June, precipitating violent
responses from the established pair. This second pair remained in the
area for about two weeks. One nest was found and three young fledged on
July 21st. Up to four members of this family party were then seen on
and off until the end of August. Passage commenced in the first week of
September with six records of single birds noted between 2nd and 10th
. There was a gap until the last record of two birds on September 21st
, an average latest date.
Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca An uncommon migrant.
2003 There were two autumn records. An adult female was found on
August 23rd and a first winter was seen on August 31st. This species
has become almost annual at the site with a remarkable set of records,
unprecedented in Nottinghamshire. There have been 12 previous records
including up to four individuals in September 1996. In the autumn,
records range from August 22nd to October 4th, these dates concur
with the general arrival of drift migrants from the continent rather
than British birds which depart rather earlier.
There have been two spring records both in 2000.
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus A common winter visitor. Occasionally breeds. Apart from years when a pair breeds the species is generally absent or scarce between May and July. Post breeding dispersal is noted during August with variable numbers present to the end of April. In November 1995 a large mixed tit flock included over 100 birds. In November 1996 an individual showing characteristics of the near European race A. c. europeaus was seen well at close quarters. The bird was rather brighter than roscaeus with very clean flanks, reduced black on the head and no gorgette. Such individuals are very rarely claimed in the field and trapping the bird would have been the only certain way of confirming its identity. 2003 Numbers were low in the winter with a maximum of six February 23rd. The handful which was seen on and off in the spring dwindled during April, but one pair remained to breed. The young fledged in early June and a family party of two adults and six juveniles were noted on June 21st. There was a small increase in the autumn with the highest count 11 on September 3rd . There were no higher counts than this afterwards and generally the species became quite scarce, but could be found on most visits.
Coal Tit Parus ater An uncommon resident and winter visitor. One pair breeds in most years. The tiny resident population is swelled slightly in October. Between September and November 1997 and in November and December 1998 an individual showing characteristics of the continental race P. a. ater was located. The 1998 individual was seen with a familiar britannicus and the blue-grey upperparts and generally brighter appearance was unmistakeable. 2003 One pair were present throughout, raising three juveniles. The species was present throughout the rest of the year but there was no influx.
Blue Tit Parus cerulaeus A common resident. Very few visitors to the
cemetery will fail to see Blue Tit; it is to be seen in small parties
throughout the year, or in flocks during the autumn. Up to five pairs
breed. In the autumn flocks may number 40 - 60 in size, often convening
with other species. The highest count was 62 in November 1995.
2003 Up to 12 were present in the early part of the year and several
pairs remained to breed, with small family parties very obvious in mid
June. September saw a large increase with counts of 40 on 3rd and 30 on
20th. Numbers declined thereafter with five to 15 to the year's end.
Great Tit Parus major A fairly common resident. Breeds with between one and three pairs present. A count of 25 in November 1995 is the highest ever. 2003 Five on January 21st was the best winter count. One pair bred with three juveniles noted on June 1st. In the autumn a high count of six adults were noted on August 24th.
European Nuthatch Sitta europaea An uncommon resident and winter visitor. The species can be located with patience at any time. It may be obvious or very elusive particularly in late summer. Outside the breeding season four birds is considered a good count. 2003 Two were present throughout the winter and spring and nested in the eastern end of the Ash Belt, a change of location after using the same hole for three consecutive years. Four juveniles were raised and a family party of six was observed on June 4th. Birds were difficult in July but more obvious in the autumn and winter with three on August 13th the most seen. One to two were present throughout the rest of the year.
Eurasian Tree Creeper Certhia familiaris An uncommon resident. The
status of this species has an interesting history. In 1995 and 1996 the
species was a very scarce visitor mainly in the autumn. There were no
records in 1997 or 1998. In 1999 up to two birds were present in the
autumn and winter. From March 24th 2000 the species colonised and has
become a regular breeder with a minimum of one pair present in the
breeding season since.
At other times it is unpredictable but can normally be found with
patience. 2003 One bird was present throughout the winter and spring
until three were noted on April 27th. Two birds presumably a pair were
present throughout May and a second male was located on June 2nd.
Breeding confirmed on July 17th when food carrying was noted. On July
21st there were two adults and two juveniles. In the autumn up to two
birds were present throughout.
Magpie Pica pica A fairly common visitor. Increasing. Very scarce in the summer and formerly absent between May and August, but there has been the odd summer record in the last two years. 2003 Present for much of the year, though rare in the breeding season. The highest count was eight on February 8th. One bird was noted in the summer on June 4th.
Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula A few can be seen daily flying to and from the Wollaton Park roost in the colder months. Records outside this time are unknown. 2003 recorded on several dates in the autumn in small numbers.
Rook Corvus frugilegus May be seen daily in flight commuting to and from Wollaton Park. Numbers vary, depending on which route they take. 2003 There were some noteworthy movements including 160 on November 1st and 93 November 9th.
Carrion Crow Corvus corone A fairly common resident. One to three pairs breed. Higher counts are 15 on December 1st and 6th 2001 and 20 on December 5th 2002. 2003 One pair bred and raised at least two juveniles, the first young noted on June 12th. The highest count was 30 on October 23rd which is a new site record.
Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius There have been two records of this species. One on November 29th 1995. The second record was of a bird seen on January 10th and 17th 2002. This individual was also noted at the Arboretum during this period. The habitat in the cemetery is quite good for this species, so clearly it does not wander towards the city centre very frequently.
Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris A common visitor, mainly in the
spring and early summer. Birds can be seen flying over at any time, but
are scarce outside the period late April - June. Sometimes large
gatherings well into three figures are noted. The largest count is 200
October 22nd 2002. This is an unusual record, the birds may have been
migrants.
2003 There were four records between January 8th and February 12th
all in single figures. An influx in March was earlier than normal with
50 birds on 8th, but there was no larger count with a spring maximum
of 25 on May 6th. There were the normal scattering of records in the
autumn the largest count nine on September 12th.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus A rare visitor, formerly more common. The species has declined markedly during the years that the site has been watched. Up to 1996 small parties could be found at any time of the year. In 1997 records became more infrequent and in 1998 there were just two records. There were then no records after May 4th 1999 until two were found on May 11th 2002. Also in 2002 one bird flew over on September 28th and there were three together on November 1st. These records it seems were something of a flash in the pan and in 2003 there were no sightings.
Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs A fairly common resident breeder
and common winter visitor. The number of pairs present in the breeding
season varies from year to year. There is a passage of possibly local
birds in late August and September in some years followed by continental
immigrants in October. Winter numbers usually decrease around the end of
March in to April.
2003 In the winter months seven on February 8th included six singing
males. On March 16th a count of 16 probably included some returning
migrants. Later on, 12 on April 9th was a good count. Numbers decreased
thereafter with three pairs remaining in territory. On June 8th there
was one occupied nest plus one pair nest building. The number of
juveniles raised is not known. In the autumn the highest counts were 12
on September 20th and 10 on 27th. There was another larger count in
November with 12 on 4th. Autumn counts are often much higher than this
with 20 - 30 not untypical.
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla A rare migrant. There are three records. In 1998 a female remained in Old Chapel End between May 2nd and 7th. One bird flew over on October 17th 1999 and a second spring bird was noted when one flew over on April 29th 2001. A species which is easily over-looked on migration unless the distinctive call is heard. The 1998 individual remained faithful to the same three trees throughout its six day stay, sharing the Sycamore with a spotted Flycatcher at one point!
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris A fairly common resident and common
winter visitor. The species can be rather numerous in mid winter with
numbers 10-20 not unusual. The spring sees a drop in numbers with
normally one pair remaining to breed. In late summer Greenfinches can be
elusive, best looked for around the Quaker's Garden. Late autumn
December brings an influx, with birds often associating with with
Chaffinch. Greenfinch is a species happy in parkland and areas with
scattered trees, it finds the cemetery a suitable residence.
2003 Up to 10 or 12 were frequently noted in January to March. In
April numbers held up until mid month with just one pair remaining
throughout May and June. A family party including three juveniles was
noted on June 4th. The species was scarce in the early autumn and
could only be found with any frequency in the Quaker garden area. In
November and December numbers increased dramatically and there were
three large counts; November 4th - 40, November 26th - 20 and
December 8th - 28. The November 4th count was exceptional.
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis A common summer visitor, becoming
increasingly regular outside the breeding season. The species breeds but
not annually.
2003 The species was seen regularly throughout January with a maximum
of six on 13th. It was scarcer in February and infrequent before
another increase in March with a high count of 10 on 11th. Birds
became very scarce in May and June with one pair apparently remaining.
At least two juveniles were noted in the summer. There were eight autumn
and winter records between September and December when birds tended to
visit more fleetingly. The highest count was six on December 3rd.
Siskin Carduelis spinus A fairly common migrant. Siskin has become more elusive in recent years, with fly overs on migration accounting for most records. 2003 A flock of 27 were seen on January 4th, which is one of the largest flocks recorded at the site. There were two March records, with seven on 2nd and a lone female on 16th. The autumn produced a number of records of birds moving on migration: September 29th - 12, October 11th - 1 and October 12th - 12.
Linnet Carduelis cannabina * Scarce. In 2003 singles over on April 27th, August 24th, September 27th and October 12th - 2. Five in one year is better than average.
Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea There are four records of this species. A long staying individual frequented the site between March 6th and 20th 1997. Two birds were observed with eight Lesser Redpoll on February 28th 1998. There were two records in 2000: A single on January 2nd and another single February 5th.
Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret A scarce migrant, formerly more
common, the species has decreased throughout the county. Most records
are now from the autumn. In the late 1990's birds were occasionally seen
in the winter and spring in small flocks.
2003 There was one spring record with one over on March 16th. In the
autumn birds were noted moving on September 27th, October 12th and
24th and November 5th.
Common Crossbill Loxia curvivostra There have been two records of this eruptive species. Two were noted on September 20th 1997 and a single bird was seen moving through on October 2nd 2002.
Common Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula A scarce visitor. Somewhat less than annual, records go back to the early 1990's at least. It is unpredictable and seems to be recorded more and more infrequently; there is a tendency for records to be in the first half of the year. The last record was July 28th 2001 so is well overdue.
Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes There is one record. A bird was noted briefly on August 22nd 1998. A species which is not expected to make a return visit very quickly. Records in the city centre must be very rare indeed. A good example of the fact that anything will and can turn up anywhere.
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella There has been one record of this species when a single was noted moving north west on September 27th 2003. Not an entirely unexpected addition to the list, but rarely wanders out of the rural districts so the second record could be a long time away.
Updated 17th May 2004
