The accounts feature numerous photographs and graphs showing migration patterns, peak occurrences and breeding successes. Earliest arrival dates for both Summer and Winter migrants are also provided.

At the end of 2007, the Eakring area had a total of 175 species on it's list. This includes just four species which have been known to occur historically, but for which there have been no records since before 1998. These are Corn Crake, Nightingale, Wryneck (Kersall 1984) and Pied Flycatcher (Eakring 1996)

The bird came in from the north-east at 10:40am. Wind was moderate north-westerly with almost unbroken sunshine. It was already quite close when first observed and went directly over both observers at it's closest approach, with views to within 25-30m - and then headed towards Eakring village. It was then 'pestered' by a corvid and descended close to the ground in the pastures area and was lost to view behind the hedge. It re-appeared briefly over same hedge, but was then lost behind trees and not seen again.

The highest ever single day count was 1 833 moving south-east on October 26th 1999. Other high counts were 624 north-west on February 14th and 713 flying east and south-east on November 16th 2003

Wigeon have typically produced the greatest numbers during the early Autumn, with the first birds at Eakring Flash usually appearing in September. The earliest Autumn date is July 19th 1999 and there is also one other July date. Wigeon are rare here during the early months of the year, with occasional records coming in February and usually involving pairs.

The highest ever count was a flock of 60 moving west over Eakring Flash on September 11th 1999.

An extremely high count came in 1999, following an overnight arrival of 35 at Eakring Flash on September 1st, with numbers peaking a few days later at 46 on September 4th. The only other similar count, was of 30 on Eakring Flash, January 20th 2005.

The first returning birds have occurred from late July, but it's usually mid-August onwards. Numbers fluctuate during September and October and the first real influxes follow the onset of colder weather.

One at Eakring Flash August 26th 1998; One at Eakring Flash August 29th; A male moving east October 24th 1999; A female at Eakring Flash August 31-September 1st and again on September 9th 2000; An eclipse drake at Eakring Flash on September 25th and 29th; A pair at Eakring Flash October 10th; Two eclipse drakes October 13th 2001; One moving north over Eakring Flash September 5th; A pair at Eakring Flash November 21st 2002; Two at Eakring Flash September 9-12th; Three at Eakring Flash September 13th; One at Eakring Flash October 10th 2003; One at Eakring Flash August 31st 2004; Two males at Eakring Flash February 20th; One at Eakring Flash August 11th 2005.

The first Goosander occasionally arrive from mid-November, but it's usually during cold weather at the end of December, before the number of records increase in regularity. The earliest bird was on October 28th 2003 and there have been a couple of records in May, with ten north-east over Eakring Flash, May 5th 2004 and a female moving north-west, May 20th 2006.

Highest counts came in 2005, producing a maximum of eight at Eakring Flash on March 3rd and seven on March 6th.

Not surprisingly there has been a much better showing in the Autumn. August has produced records of five individuals including two seperate birds on August 21st 2002. One of these spent some time perched in the dead trees in the centre of Eakring Flash, before being driven off by corvids. The other August records were on August 8th 2000, August 12th and 18th 2003. September has produced birds on September 24th 2000, September 4th 2001 and September 4th 2004. The sole July date was July 27th 2003.

It was another five years before Hen Harier was recorded in the area again, when another male was present in the Park Farm/Eakring Meadows area, from March 29-31st 2004. A female/immature was at Eakring Flash on February 5th and then a week later at Eakring Meadows on February 12th 2007.

Breeding first took place in 2004, when a pair successfully raised two young. This was apparently being the first time that Common Buzzards had bred here since the early 1990's and was certainly the first time since 1998. The same pair has since gone on to breed again in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Typically there are one or two birds regularly in the area at any one time and these are frequently joined by birds from the Kirklington, Laxton and Rufford areas nearby and also by genuine migrants.

The period 1998 through to and including 2003, only managed to produce single records, apart from two in both 2001 and 2003. The only blank year for Merlin came in 2004. At this stage Merlin remained an extremely difficult species to catch up with here, but that changed with three late Winter/early Spring records in 2005. This meant a real increase in the number of sightings over previous years and the same number of records was repeated again in 2006. There were five records in 2007, making it the best year for the species.

Occasionally birds have spent several days in the area and one particular female which arrived as an immature bird in December 2002, subsequently returned each Winter until March 2007, but failed to return later the same year. A recent long-staying individual was an immature male which favoured the Eakring Flash/Leyfields area from September 21-December 25th 2007. Photographs of this bird in trees at Eakring Flash, later showed that this bird had been rung.

In the late 1990's, accumulated area counts only ever reached double figures on one occasion and coveys totalling more than seven birds were rare, but by 2003, the wintering Grey Partridge population ranged from 17-20+ birds. Counts continued to show an increase and by late 2007, the wintering numbers were believed to be around 30 birds.

Record numbers of Quail were then present in 2001, attracting numerous listeners on fine evenings during their lengthy stay around both Tug Bridge and Eakring Field Farms. Contrary to popular belief, these birds had not been released for shooting. These birds were meticulously mapped throughout the Summer and it was found that there was a genuine pattern to the arrivals of further birds. All arrivals occurred during anti-cyclonic weather and light easterly winds.

The first calling male was in Oil Seed Rape at Eakring Field Farm from May 26th, with a second bird present at nearby Parkhill Plantation from May 29-June 7th. On June 8th, a third bird was discovered in the Eakring Meadows area, calling distantly from the stubble field opposite the Kersall end of the reserve. This bird was rarely noted after it's initial discovery. June 10th saw another influx take place, when a total of seven birds were found calling at Eakring Field Farm, Parkhill Plantation, Penny Pasture Common.and two sites along the Kneesall Road. By the 18th, some nine males had been located.

Birds remained in their respective areas after arrival and territories were found to be suprisingly small, probably little more than 50 square yards. Calling was most consistant and energetic from arrival and for a period of around 4/5 days. It was found that periods of song from long-staying males, gradually shortened (sometimes to only two or three times an evening) a week after arrival and that in all cases, males often ceased to call entirely for lengthy periods (sometimes lasting for over a week) leading to the impression that the birds had left the area. In most cases however, influxes of new birds, produced a resumption (though quite short-lived) in active calling from earlier arriving males. Both major arrivals, on June 10th and July 4th, occurred during spells of fine warm weather and easterly based winds, associated with high pressure systems over the UK and nearby Continent at the time.

Quail remained in the area well into August, when calling males were heard at Eakring Flash briefly on the 18th. These records clearly relate to birds which relocated, after the harvesting of crops around Eakring Field and Tug Bridge Farms.

The following year, a single male was calling near Lound Wood on June 25th 2002. There were no further records till 2005, when a male arrived at Eakring Flash on May 12th, with two males present at Eakring Flash from May 13-15th.

What certainly surprised many people, was the fact that such a small area of water could attract a Spotted Crake in the first place, yet the habitat at the time was more than suitable and this was a species that I had personally always considered likely. It was also the longest staying of any Spotted Crake recorded to date in Nottinghamshire and there were several others at many other sites across the UK at the time.

One at Eakring Flash on September 2nd 2002, is the earliest Autumn date. Birds have rarely stayed much later than February, but there are a couple of records for March, including singles at Eakring Flash from March 21-30th 2004 and March 11-24th 2006. Three at Eakring Flash on November 2nd 2007, is so far the largest proven count.

1998 saw a total of 12 Spring records, with another six birds in the Autumn, between two juveniles on July 25th and a single moving south September 12th. Since then, all of the 22 records up to 2007, have involved brief passage birds with April taking up the bulk of the records.

450 in fields north of Red Hill on February 9th 2001 and 278 at Eakring Field Farm/Eakring Meadows September 4th 2004, were the largest counts by far. Lapwing have proved to be one of the few species to produce regular movements associated with cold weather during the Winter, with 1 290 noted moving south-west between December 28-31st 2000.

An aberrant Lapwing seen on October 14th 2002, lacked any green pigmentation in its feathers.

The first arrivals have usually appeared in October and November, then followed by a lack of records in December. The peak months for Jack Snipe have always been early in the year, most especially in February.

Notable counts have been five at Eakring Meadows from March 6-11th, with six at present on March 12th 2002 and six again at Eakring Meadows on February 6th 2005.

Away from these two years, Greenshank have proved to be scarce passage birds and most records have come in the early Autumn, but there are no post-2006 records. Late birds were singles at Eakring Flash on October 13th 2002 and September 27-29th 2003.

Five at Eakring Flash August 10th 1998 was the largest count.

Although an extremely common species here, large numbers are very rare and I could find reference to just four three-figure counts since 1998. Many of the area's records typically involve small groups or less. A north or north-easterly passage is often noted during late February through to April, with odd birds appearing during May and occasionally June, but it is often during August that records increase in regularity. Many Autumn records involve birds moving west or south-west. The only large counts include:- 388 arriving from the east on July 23rd 2000; 500 Jan 1st 2001; 61 Mar 5th 2005; 119 west Feb 19th 2007.

Common Gull numbers generally peaked here in November, but there were occasionally good counts early in the year. Groups regularly fed over winter cereal fields, particularly if the weather has been wet. Common Gull counts of over 30 are significant counts at Eakring.

There have been just two records from late April-early July which are a 2cy on June 3rd 2000 and an adult on April 23rd 2005. The most notable influx was of 46 on the extremely early date of July 23rd 2000, coinciding with a period of overcast weather, north-easterly winds and a large influx of Black-headed Gulls.

The highest count was of 122 on December 8th 2007, including one group alone of 67 at Eakring Flash.

Other notable counts include:- 36 on January 23rd and 31 on Nov 7th 2000; An influx during the third week of January with counts of 50+ on both 21st and 23rd, with 83 on 22nd and 74 on 28th and 76 present on Feb 11th 2003; A very high count of 97 at Leyfields, with many birds coming in from the south on March 21st 2006; Good site counts of 49 at Leyfields/Eakring Flash on November 16th and 62 on November 17th, before 75 at Eakring Flash and Church Hill on November 25th 2007.

The commonest of the larger gulls. Lesser Black-backed Gull numbers reach a pronounced peak between early July and late October. A high northerly movement was often noted during the Spring (March-May) but only small numbers were recorded during this time. A record count of 828 Lesser Black-backed Gulls was made in fields at Eakring Field Farm on September 8th 2007. Other notable counts during the last ten years include the following:- 224 July 25th, followed by 420 on August 31st 2000; A large count of 750+ was made on August 18th 2002; 300-400 on August 20th 2003; Two good counts of 250+ on August 12th and 300+ on September 9th 2006; 564 on August 5th preceded the area's largest ever count. 350 were noted on both October 4th and 27th 2007.

On October 19th 2002 a colour-ringed Lesser Black-backed Gull was present at Tug Bridge Farm. Research showed that it had been rung at South Walney NR in Cumbria in either 1998 or 1999.

Throughout the ten year period, there were two distinct arrival periods for Herring Gulls in the area. UK breeders (argenteus) were usually first noted from mid-late September, but occasionally earlier, although records were uncommon enough to be considered notable. Usually an indicator of the arrival of much colder weather in northern areas were Herring Gulls of Scandinavian origin, i.e. the nominate race argentatus, which started to move through from mid-November. This often coincided with an increase in the number of Great Black-backed Gulls moving through.

Herring Gulls proved to be rare in large numbers, but it occurred almost daily throughout the Winter. Late-April and May records were unusual. There were just four counts from the area between 1998 and 2007 that actually reach three figures. Notable counts were 126 on November 9th 2000, 136 moving south-west January 1st and 80 at Leyfields on December 6th 2001, 68 west on January 6th and 95 in fields at Eakring Flash on November 21st 2003, 104 on January 22nd 2005, 86 on January 29th 2006 and a record 166 south-west on November 25th 2007.

2007 represented a particularly good year for Yellow-legged Gulls here, but there seemed no general increase in numbers across Nottinghamshire at the time. Opposingly, there were no records for 2004 and just one record in 2005. A count of six on September 8th 2007, is the highest Yellow-legged Gull count to date.

An adult August 15th, An adult September 3rd, 1998; A 2nd summer south-west July 24th, An adult Eakring Flash July 30th, An adult north-east August 7th, two adults Tug-Bridge Farm, September 5th, Three adults, Eakring Field Farm September 13th, Four adults, Eakring Field Farm September 19th 1999; An adult moving north-east July 16th, An adult moving north-east July 25th, A 3rd Summer moving south-west on September 23rd 2000; A 1st Winter in the Eakring Flash area on January 20th, A 1st Winter at Eakring Flash, February 9th, An adult and a 3rd Winter near Parkhill Plantation September 8-11th, An adult moving south-west October 7th, An adult in fields at Red Hill October 19th 2001; An adult at Church Hill September 4th, An adult September 12-13th, An adult September 18-21st, Two adults at Tug Bridge Farm October 11th, An adult at Eakring Flash October 16th 2002; An adult near Eakring Meadows September 11th, Two adults October 11th, An adult at Eakring Flash October 13-16th 2003; Two (a 2nd Summer and 3rd Summer) in fields near Eakring Flash July 24th 2005; A 3rd Summer near Eakring Flash July 29th, An adult and a 3rd Summer in fields north of Leyfields August 12th, An adult at Eakring Field Farm August 19th, An adult at Park Farm/Eakring Field Farm September 5th 2006; One in fields near Leyfields and Church Hill August 4-5th, Two in fields at Church Hill August 9th, A 2cy near Eakring Flash, August 18th, Three adults at Church Hill August 23rd, A 1cy in fields between Eakring and Kneesall August 25th, Five in the area, including a 1cy, 3cy and three adults at Church Hill and near Eakring Field Farm September 3rd, Three at Church Hill including two adults and a 3cy bird September 5th, Six, including two adult females, two adult males, a 2cy male and a 1cy male at Eakring Field Farm September 8th, Five (two adult females, one adult male, a 1cy female and a 1cy male) at Eakring Field Farm September 9th, An adult near Eakring Field Farm September 17th, An adult female at Church Hill September 26th, A 3cy bird near Leyfields October 4th, An adult at Park Farm October 6th, Two adults at Church Hill October 13th, An adult and a 1cy at Church Hill October 14th 2007.

Great Black-backed Gulls are rare in numbers at Eakring. Since 1998, there have been just three counts including 49 on November 9th 2000, 77 moving south-west on January 10th 2004 and 50 moving south-west on November 25th 2007. Influxes seem to coincide with the arrival of argentatus Herring Gulls.

There is just one Summer record and the first birds rarely appear before the end of September. An increase in sightings usually comes during early November of most years, but Great Black-backed Gulls are not recorded on a daily basis, even during the depths of Winter.

Over 31 500 Wood Pigeon have been counted during Autumn movements, with seasonal totals being much higher from 1998-2001. Largest movements have coincided with the first real frosts in late October and early November and always during fine weather. In 1998, a total of 10 564 Wood Pigeon moved south over a three day period on October 29-30th and November 1st.

A completely white bird was present at Eakring Flash on December 15th 2007.

The Oil Bore Holes site, on the western-edge of Eakring village is the only one of these to have been used consistently since 1998, with a second pair here breeding from 1998-2002. A pair nested at High Trees (on the eastern-edge of Eakring) from 1998-2003 and although a male was present there in 2004, there was no evidence of breeding and it has remained unused since. A site at Kersall held successful breeding in 2004 and 2005, but they failed to return the following year. In recent years, possible breeders have frequented an area on the western side of Red Hill in 2005, the pastures area between Eakring village and Eakring Flash since 2006 and at Tug Bridge Farm in 2007. A pair with two young were present at this site on one August 2007 date, but were believed not to have been locally bred and there was certainly no supporting evidence of this.

Both periods of migration are distinctly different. Spring migrants have generally moved through the area between April 29th and May 25th. There are a few exceptions to these dates, with an extremely early bird through on April 18th 2000 (one of the earliest ever Turtle Dove in Nottinghamshire) and there are odd migrants occasionally noted within the first week of June.

1999 was an excellent year for migrant Turtle Doves during both migration periods, although there were still only three breeding pairs in the area.

A rare build-up of 22 Turtle Dove at Eakring Field Farm on September 2nd 2003, remains the highest ever count here.

It was in 2003 when the number of Cuckoo records here first dropped. At first I thought that this may just simply be down to it being a poor year, but worse followed a year later, when there were slightly fewer records. The general decline in the number of Cuckoos across the UK is now well known and accepted. There is no physical reason to explain this decline, but it possibly corresponds to a decline in one or more of the Cuckoo's host species.

The table below lists all the records of Cuckoo I have from the area between the years 1998 and 2007. It is clear to see how the general number of records has dropped since 2001 and that there has been no long-staying male in territory here now since 2003. Apparently there are very few adult Cuckoos ringed and even fewer recoveries.

Likewise, the number of females recorded has also dropped in recent years. Since 2005 all but one Cuckoo here has been brief. The male recorded in the Red Hill area three times between May 3rd and 8th, spent most of it's time well outside the recording area.

Between 2000 and 2005, I personally recorded Barn Owl on just three occasions, but there were occasional reports of hunting birds from local residents. In late 2007, Barn Owls had been recorded from Eakring Flash, Lound Wood and Red Hill area. All these sightings were believed to refer to dispersing young birds.

There were very few large movements of Swifts recorded. 737 moving west on June 24th 2000, remained the only notable count until an estimated 700 Swift were feeding over fields around Eakring Flash on June 29th 2005. The same year also went on to produce counts of 508 south-west during the mid/late afternoon of July 25th, then 1 270 north-west on July 30th. An estimated 2 000+ Swifts feeding on insects over recently harvested fields in the Eakring Flash and surrounding area on August 1st 2005, was by far the highest count, with 500 present on August 4th 2005.

In 1998, breeding Sky Larks were found chiefly to the west of Eakring Flash, in the Church Hill area, with single pairs at Eakring Field Farm and Park Farm. During the intervening period until the 2005 survey, nesting Sky Larks continued to spread out in all directions from the original survey plots. The spread continued east of Eakring, roughly following the southern boundary of the recording area at Church Hill and through to Eakring Field Farm. Land south of Kersall has remained sparsely populated, despite permanent set-aside being created several years ago.

Sky Lark used to be recorded in good numbers during Autumn migration, but numbers have been considerably less since 2003. The biggest movements came in late December 2000. Small amounts of snow in the Eakring and Kersall area on December 28th, was bettered by much heavier snowfalls (coupled with sub-zero temperatures) in the north-east of the country. This meant a departure by some species away from such conditions and Sky Lark was one of the dominant species involved. Movements of all species took place over a four day period, but Sky Larks were only recorded moving on both the first and second days only, with a highest count of 607 south on December 29th the largest part of a 675 total. Very few birds have been noted moving north in the Spring.

Large over-wintering groups have been rare, but there were counts of 50+ Skylark in a stubble field at Eakring Field Farm on January 2nd 2004 and 45 in set-aside at Eakring Flash on November 18th 2006. A Sky Lark population count on November 28th 2004, saw a minimum count of 83 birds present at three sites.

1999, 2000, 2002 and 2004 all produced good accumulative totals. In Spring, the highest single day counts included 60 moving north-east on March 27th 2000, 39 moving north April 25th 2000 and 43 moving north and north-east May 16th 2001.

The first returning Sand Martin are often noted during the last week of June and in some years there is a distinctive passage around this time. A group of 23 Sand Martin flying west over Lound Wood at dusk on June 17th 2003, were difficult to categorise. The best of the Autumn movements were 53 south on July 17th and 32 south-east on August 26th 2000, 32 moving south on June 29th 2002, but a record 103 went south through Eakring Flash on July 28th 2005.

The greatest numbers of Swallow have always been recorded on migration, most especially during the Autumn. 1999 and 2000 both saw accumulative counts of over 3 000 Swallows, but counts since 2003 have all been much lower. 541 south on September 18th 2002 and 613 south on September 28th 1999 were some of the best visible migration counts reached, but these were surpassed by an even larger movement in September 2000.

A most unusual record was the pure white Swallow, which flew south-east over Eakring Meadows on September 25th 2002.

During the Autumn, pre-migratory counts have reached 200 birds including many juveniles. The best of the visible migration counts were 833 south on September 25th 1999, 590 south on September 23rd 2000 and 665 south on September 21st 2001. There were no similar counts for the rest of the period. April 3rd 2004 was a very early arrival date.

Daily passage of Spring migrants usually began in mid-March, but odd singles were noted from as early as mid-February. Peak dates for were recorded from March 21-31st, very rarely any later than this and birds continued to move throughout April and into early May. Good numbers of passage Meadow Pipit were never recorded annually during the Spring. 2001 provided the only exceptional Spring counts. Previous observations had never before revealed such a profile of their migration as that attained in 2001. Record three figure counts occurred with 267 north-west March 15th and 239 north-west on March 24th. Counts of over 70 birds were also recorded on a further three dates.

4 021 Meadow Pipit moved through Eakring and the whole Autumn period was very unusual for the frequency of three-figure counts. All these combined to produce the migration profile depicted in the graph.

In 2000 it was a similar situation but the counts were considerably less. The largest movements occurred on most days when conditions were favourable and to some extent, when such counts seemed most unlikely. The two peak dates were September 27th and 29th (both days producing counts of 500+) Other notable dates included 209 south on September 17th, 109 south on September 24th, 152 south and south-east on September 25th, 152 south on September 28th, 210 south on September 30th and 327 south on October 1st. Since 2003, total yearly counts have been low, even when the weather conditions were favourable for large Meadow Pipit movements.

Spring passage has produced monthly maxima of 41 (April 1998) 35 (April 1999) and 33 in both 2000 and 2006. Counts were always lower during May with a maximum of 31 in May 2001. 2000 produced record numbers of Yellow Wagtail. The total for both periods of passage was 181, which remains well above any other annual count before or after 2000. Migrants were noted from July 5-September 28th 2000, with peaks of 23 moving south on September 10th and 16 moving south on September 17th. Both of these represented late dates for peak counts, which typically have occurred around mid-late August.

The full list of records involve singles on March 31-April 2nd, April 13-14th, April 15-16th, April 28-May 8th and May 14th 1998; April 26th, April 28th, May 4-6th and May 14th 1999; March 27th, April 14-15th and April 19th 2000; April 9-10th, April 10th, April 12th and May 12th 2001; March 19th, April 28-29th and May 3rd 2002; March 15th, March 23rd and April 5th 2003; March 21st; and April 3rd 2004; April 16th 2006; March 31st and April 18th 2007. There is just one Autumn record, that of three with Pied Wagtails in fields adjacent to Eakring Flash on October 5th 2000 and coming just after the rather early Pied Wagtail migratory peak of that year.

White Wagtails have shown more of a tendency to remain on-site for up to several days, quite an unusual feature among most Spring migrants here. Many males are often persistently harassed by male Pied Wagtails which hold territory in nearby Eakring village. Such harassment has not been noted among Pied Wagtail males (even without male White Wagtail present)

The majority of the area's 43 Redstart records came during the Autumn, particularly from August-September, but there are several October records, including some from long-staying birds which had arrived in late September. The most notable of these was a 1st Winter male with an injured leg, which remained at Penny Pasture Common for 25 days. It left on October 10th, the day before the area's latest ever date of October 11th, set by another long-staying 1st Winter male.

With the possible exception of Bennerley Marsh, a total of 35 Autumn records probably now make this the most productive area in the county for migrant Redstarts.

Whinchats have certainly shown an association with Wheatears on migration. Evidence of this coming from the numerous times, both have shared the same feeding site/field, also arriving simultaneously like most members of this group about two hours after first light. There were few records of birds arriving after mid-day, but it did occur on a few occasions. Spring migrants showed two quite restricted periods of arrival, from April 22-27th and May 11-14th. As expected, Autumn limits produced the greatest variation in dates, being recorded from July 21-October 1st, with a general peak coming between August 28-September 14th. Good numbers arrived during early September 1998, when various groups included up to six at Penny Pasture Common on September 3-4th. A clear peak in the number of arrivals has since been shown to occur around this time, with no records before the middle of August prior to 2004 when the first returning migrant arrived at Eakring Flash in July.

Eakring Flash and Penny Pasture Common have provided the bulk of the records, but birds have also been found perched on roadside hedgerows in the Red Hill, Tug Bridge Farm and Church Hill areas. Autumn Stonechat records had been concentrated to within a ten-day period in October until the occurence of the area's earliest ever arrival on September 20th 2002. Spring migrant dates ranged from February 21-March 26th with five records occurring on March 11-12th, with Autumn migrants appearing being from September 20-October 20th. There is just one Winter record on December 30th 2000 and occurring during a period of cold weather.

The largest numbers occurred during the Spring. A large arrival occurred on the April 22nd 2000, during a morning of heavy rain. Seven birds were present in the area, following an arrival during the morning. A male and female were on Red Hill, three females at Tug Bridge Farm and a single female briefly at Eakring Flash. Most arrived from mid-morning onwards. By the afternoon, several birds present during the morning, had presumably moved on. Four females at Tug Bridge Farm, being joined by another in the afternoon. In addition, a further three new birds arrived the next day, bringing the total for the month to 13 birds.

April 2006 provided the best ever Spring counts, with 30 Wheatears (including three Greenland birds) recorded from April 9-29th. Remarkably these were the only records for the whole of that year. Typically, the majority of records came from bare fields at Tug Bridge Farm and Church Hill, with few sightings coming away from these sites. The first was a female in fields at Stonish Hill near Eakring village on 9th, followed by a male at Tug Bridge Farm and a female at Church Hill (both on 15th) the day that marked the start of daily passage that continued until April 27th. Between April 16th and 23rd, the total number of birds in the area never fell lower than four and the highest count of eight was on April 22nd and 23rd.

Autumn records came from August 15-October 13th, with most confined to September. October birds were unusual and included two at Eakring Flash on October 4th and one at Red Hill on October 13th 1998, one at Tug Bridge Farm on October 1st 2000 and one at Eakring Flash on October 9th 2001.

Heavy early morning rain on April 30th 2005 saw three Greenland Wheatear grounded at Eakring Flash, coinciding with large numbers of Wheatears, including many Greenland birds at Spurn Point in Yorkshire the same day. April 2006 produced three records with a pair at Eakring Meadows 17-19th, with the male male remaining till April 20th. Another male was present at Tug Bridge Farm for two days on 26th and 27th and the size of this bird made it very easy to pick out from birds of the nominate race it was with.

Six Autumn records of Greenland Wheatear have provided inclusive dates of September 19-October 17th. The full list of records is produced below.

A general peak occurs between April 20-29th, a period that usually coincides with peak numbers of Wheatears moving through the area.

The two birds at Eakring in 2003, continued a relatively regular series of records here. Since a male was rung at Leyfields by Andy Chick in April 1997, a further five Spring records occurred.

Despite much searching each year since 1998, there were no Autumn records from the Eakring and Kersall area until a female was eventually found with a small group of Blackbirds along the old hedge at Eakring Flash on October 17th 2004. In 2007, a 1st Winter female was again with Blackbirds, feeding on Elders in a hedgerow near to Eakring Flash.

The resident population was often substantially increased by large arrivals of continental migrants. Definite influxes or arrivals were recorded at the Oil Bore Holes site on the edge of Eakring village on September 26th 1999, where at least 40+ Blackbirds fed in the Hawthorns. In 2004, large numbers of Blackbirds arrived into the area around the October 29th. Good numbers were also reported elsewhere around the UK after one of the largest influxes of recent years. By the following day, large numbers were noted in Hawthorns at Red Hill and these continued to be present until early November. There were two obvious influxes in 2007. A minimum of 23 Blackbird were in bushes at the southern-end of Eakring Flash, with numerous small groups of Blackbirds at most other sites visited on October 11th, followed by 19 Blackbird moving through in various directions and often (unusually) at height on October 21st.

Autumn arrivals produced only two four-figure counts in ten years. A large movement took place over several dates in early November 2000. Peak movements and dates were 1 141 west November 4th, 2 088 west November 7th and 1 027 west November 8th. The final total for October and November 2000 was 5 391 Fieldfare, but in 2006, this total was nearly equalled in one single morning. Huge numbers of Fieldfare flew west and south-west on November 2nd, with two clear waves of birds that appeared to be moving on a broad front. After just over an hour, the count had already reached 1 000, but a massive wave of Fieldfare between 08:25h and 08:35h produced just over 1 300. Fieldfare were still going through during the following hour, but the numbers gradually dropped, before yet another wave of birds began pouring through low. 09:45h-10:30h produced another 1 747, with the final total being 5 275 Fieldfare for the morning.

Some large flocks built up during February-March, but rarely before much before January. Counts varied considerably following any arrival in the Autumn and the only large count made in November or December was 700, at several sites around the area on November 27th 2002. A conservatively estimated 1 500 Fieldfare were present near Parkhill Plantation on February 24th 2007, but there were other notable counts made prior to (or during) Spring migration including 1 100 on February 10th 2003, 1 114 on February 20th 1999, 800 on March 31st 2001, 689 at Tug Bridge Farm March 16th 2006 and 600 in several large flocks around the area on January 10th 2004. 1 000 Fieldfare present on January 28th 2003 included 500+ at Tug Bridge Farm, 100 at Eakring Flash and 400 near the Severn Trent works between Eakring and Wellow.

Visible migration counts during the Spring produced a maximum of 783 moving north-east on the March 16th 1998. But an interesting observation of Fieldfare setting off north-east at dusk, came from the Red Hill/Lound Wood area in 2007, when 183 Fieldfare climbed high into the darkening sky heading north-east on April 5th, followed by 26 again north-east at dusk on April 6th.

Fieldfare have also produced five May records, but the latest date was of a bird present near Kersall from May 7-9th 2000.

Song Thrush were also regularly recorded during visible migration watches and there were small influxes noted most years. October 2002 produced the largest influx when good numbers of Song Thrush arrived with the first Redwing and Fieldfare of the Autumn. At least 13 were along the old hedge at Eakring Flash on October 2nd, and many were noted moving through the area. 22 moving south-east but also north, included one group of eight alone on October 13th and 18 were recorded (mostly in small groups) but many were also presumed missed among the numerous Redwing flocks moving west on October 18th.

There was a very early arrival at the end of September 2007, when 1 815 west on September 27th. This was around two weeks earlier than the expected arrival date.

After over-wintering in small numbers (usually just small groups often at many sites) Redwing produced no great visible migration counts during the Spring. 63 moving through on March 18th 1999 was the highest count involving fly-over birds, but 250 Redwing were in with Fieldfares and Starlings near Parkhill Plantation on February 24th 2007, 100+ were near Eakring Flash on January 24th 2004 and 70 were in the High Trees/Church Hill area on February 11th 2003. The area's latest Redwing date came on April 22nd 2003.

Completely new birds have turned up in mid-July and then held territory for a few days at previously unoccupied sites well away from Eakring Flash, but a very late male once arrived at Eakring Flash on June 22nd 2004 and sang till August 5th.

Singing males have taken up territories elsewhere at Eakring Meadows and once in ditches at Church Hill and Eakring Field Farm in 1998, but these were isolated instances. Passage birds have occurred deep within Oil-seed Rape Fields during Spring. Earliest arrival dates have shown quite remarkable consistency with all coming between April 17-26th. Main arrival in 2007 was extremely late in comparison to previous years and after the first Sedge Warbler on April 22nd, there were no further records until May 3rd onwards. Breeding birds have always been quick to vacate the area, becoming extremely scarce and rarely observed unless second broods have been raised, from late June/early July.

Migrants were most frequently recorded during the early Autumn. From 1998-2007, monthly totals included 50 birds in August and 13 in September, with the latest record coming on September 15th 2000. Late migrants appearing in September were often found to be indicative of a much broader arrival of common warblers and arrivals often coincided with late Reed Warblers.

Most Autumn Reed Warblers have occurred during late August/early September. Mid-August has also produced several records, before a series of late occurrences in mid-September. If records for genuine migrant Sedge Warblers (rather than locally breeding birds) are considered, then there seems evidence for a direct association between the two species during return migration. Indeed, both species have been found in the same bush during mid-September. This could of course be coincidence due to the number of birds moving through at this time, but numbers of many of the other warblers peak during mid-August.

Although there was no single large arrival, the ratios of adults/juveniles present each day, showed the number of birds involved was much higher than at first glance. The most significant period was September 4-11th, part of which coincided with a huge fall of warblers on the east coast on September 9th.

The latest Lesser Whitethroat was at Penny Pasture Common on September 29-30th 2007.

Garden Warbler proved to be one of the latest warblers to arrive in Spring and arrival dates were never recorded before April 26th until a very early bird arrived on April 23rd 2007. As a passage migrant, this species remained very rare and only produced a mere five records. The three July records could possibly have related to locally dispersing birds, meaning that there were just two definite migrant Garden Warblers between 1998 and 2007. These were at Eakring Flash on August 28th 2002 (part of a good arrival of warblers that morning) and at Penny Pasture Common, Eakring Meadows on September 11th 1999. There were no post-June records at all after 2003.

The 1998 breeding survey found 34 pairs at many localities across the area, but this dropped considerably in 2007 when Blackcap had a very poor year. As with most other warblers here, the number of terriotires males could occupy was restricted through habitat availability.

In 1998, I spent a great deal of time observing the territorial duration of male Chiffchaffs in Spring. It was found that from 1998-2007, the year's first three male Chiffchaff to hold territory for any length of time (not including brief hedgerow migrants) all returned to the same two sites. These were at High Trees (1 male) and Hare Hill Wood (2 males) Whether these were the same birds remains uncertain, but it is likely that they were for several years at least.

Right:- The territorial durations of male Chiffchaffs during Spring 1998.

A Chiffchaff wearing a silver BTO ring was recorded on September 5th 2002, but one of the most interesting birds seen was a very interesting, strikingly brown and white Chiffchaff at Penny Pasture Common on September 1st 2001. It had an extremely well defined supercillium which was so distinct, my attention was drawn to it even in flight.

Migrants have always been common, but there was a slight decrease in numbers during 2006 and 2007. August represents the month for peak numbers, but there was an early return in July 2002. Records are much less common in September and the latest Willow Warbler here was back on September 21st 1998.

After four pairs bred in 1998, Spotted Flycatcher became much rarer as a breeding bird during the early 2000's and breeding was confined to just a single pairs at Eakring village, when nest sites found were situated in walls at Ryall's Farm and at a private site. Breeding was not proven in all years and some first Spotted Flycatchers of the year, were not seen until the first of the Autumn migrants.

Coal Tits were more commonly noted moving through the area during the Autumn, with much smaller numbers moving north in the early Spring. Whilst none of these ever showed any characteristics of the continental race, Coal Tits clearly disperse or make short migratory movements each Autumn. 25 birds moved through in 2001, making this the best year, but there were also higher than average migrant totals of 13 in 1998, 17 in 2002 and 12 in 2005.

It initially showed well, but then moved off west and was lost to view. It was later relocated in the Red Hill area at around 10:15h, in the hedgerow alongside the conservation walk that starts from the Eakring to Wellow minor road, about 0.75 mile north of Eakring village.

It was again mobile and flew off across the large field that runs down the hill, away from walk start point and became lost from view and was never relocated later in the afternoon despite much searching.

Although there is little evidence suggesting that Jays actually migrate long distances, some form of south-westerly dispersal by local birds did take place every Autumn. The first began to move through from late August through to October. Some 19 migrants went south-west during September and October 2007, equalling the number of birds during the same months in 2003. Jays were also noted moving north during the Spring. Four in May 2002 and eight in April 2006, were the best of the monthly migration totals.

600 birds on July 30th 1999, remained the highest count.

Post-breeding flocks have been found to be more active around July, when they feed along hedgerows around the outskirts of both villages and all of the farms. Populations from the nearest farms are presumed to mix with those of the villages during this time. One particularly large flock between Eakring village and Eakring Flash held 158 birds on July 25th 1998.

Although the acreage of set-aside fields never really changed between 1998 and 2002, the increase in Tree Sparrow numbers from after that time, is thought most likely to be attributable to the substantial increase in the planting of set-aside strips through the Stewardship Scheme. These remained in use over a large part of the area until 2007, but some may be removed in the coming years as part of the UK Government's relaxation of set-aside policies and guidelines.

Whilst there were some obvious similarities between the two graphs, when the total number of Autumn migrants from August-November was used, there was very little correlation when only the figures for August and September were used.

The highest ever counts came in 2006, with 35 (two flocks) near Eakring Flash and at Penny Pasture Common on August 22nd and 40 at Eakring Field Farm/Penny Pasture Common on September 9th. Good years for Tree Sparrow passage were 2001, 2003 and 2006.

Although the Autumn total of 851 Chaffinch in 2001 remained a record throughout the ten years coverage, the Autumn 2007 count of 559 Chaffinch, represented the area's best ever period of movement. With coverage possible on just two/three mornings a week, then this would be the largest ever monthly movement of Chaffinches over the area if daily coverage had been possible. There had never been a single morning count before, that had ever reached three figures and yet there were three instances of this in October, with counts of 118 west on October 11th, 103 west on October 14th and 116 west on October 21st. What made this Chaffinch movement even more interesting, was that there had also never been such a pronounced westerly directional movement before (birds normally moved south or south-east here) with many birds also moving through at height. Groups of Chaffinches sometimes numbered well over ten, with two flocks of 19 being the largest single flocks recorded. The movement coincided with, or followed shortly after huge numbers had been noted at some coastal watch points.

Chaffinches have rarely been present during the Winter months in any numbers. The only exceptions to this were a minimum of 450 in the area on December 8th 2002, including up to 250 in the Kersall/Hare Hill Wood areas and 200 at Red Hill. 300 Chaffinch were at Kersall on February 4th 2003 and 130 were in fields at Park Farm on February 6th 2004.

Spring migrant numbers were very low and there were no big movements recorded at all in any Autumn. Best of the monthly totals was 26 in October 2003, which was one of the better Brambling years producing 52 birds. The only two other years that produced more than 30 birds were 2000 and 2001.

19 moving north over Eakring Flash on October 13th 2003, was the highest daily count.

Spring migration was rather flat and drawn out than most other finches, with no pronounced peak ever recorded. Limited daily passage occurred during the second and third weeks of March, with movement almost negligable on some days but still continuing until mid-April.

Autumn counts were better, with a peak occurring in the first half of October. Movements from September-October had a more southerly bias than those in early November, when birds typically moved west. The biggest movements were 66 moving west on October 15th 1998, 52 west on October 13th and 50 south-west on October 26th 1999, 57 west on October 13th 2000, 59 south and south-west on September 30th 2001, 73 west on October 17th 2002 and 40 west on October 8th 2006

Spring passage was almost daily from March-May, but counts did well to reach double figures. Whilst Autumn produced much bigger monthly totals, daily movements were rarely above 20 birds and the best of the counts was 29 south-east and south-west on October 15th 1998. There was a huge movement involving 296 Goldfinch through the area in October 2001, which was more than 200 more any other monthly total.

Three figure counts of passage birds included 103 south-east on September 28th, 111 south on September 29th and 169 south and south-east October 4th 1998. 147 flew south and south-east on October 3rd and 140 south and south-west on October 10th 1999, with 130 south on October 8th 2006. 322 south and south-east on September 29th 2000 was easily the largest. 2000 produced an excellent Linnet passage with well over 1 000 birds. Similarly good years came in both 1998 and 2001.

Very few Spring passage birds were ever recorded, but passage was certainly recorded from February-May. A flock of 35 feeding in Birches at Hare Hill Wood on April 28th 1999, was extremely unusual.

A group of three males arrived at Eakring Flash from the high north on November 4th 2002 and four (two males and two females) were present briefly at Eakring Flash along the old hedge, before flying off west over Red Hill. An hour later, another female arrived in from the north-east on October 28th 2003.

Passage Yellowhammers were recorded in small numbers each Autumn, but 33 moving south-west on October 8th 2006, was an exceptional total that beat all other single day counts. The peak dates for migrants was usually mid-late October, but occasionally in November. Most movements may be attributable to dispersal movements, though genuine long-distance migrants certainly do occur.

The bulk of passage Reed Bunting records came during the second and third week of October, although migration continued from late September until the middle of November. Counts were always smaller than Yellowhammer and peak numbers were also recorded slightly earlier. No large counts were made.

There have been a total of just 19 records. Most of these related to single birds, with two records involving groups of eight and nine birds being the only exceptions. Corn Bunting was annual here until 2003, which incidentally, was one of two relatively bumper years for records. 1999 produced a total of six different records, with 2003 producing five. Since this last bumper year, Corn Bunting has not been recorded at all.

On reviewing the records, a clear picture of Corn Bunting movements over the area emerged. The graph only depicts the actual records, rather than the total number of birds. From a single January record, a peak is later reached in April. Corn Buntings away from this March-April period are unusual.

Corn Bunting records were, one moving north on March 29th and one at Eakring Flash on April 30th 1998. One on February 20th, one moving east on March 14th, one moving west on April 4th, one flew east over Eakring Flash/relocated near Eakring Meadows on August 11-12th, eight moving west on October 13th and one at Eakring Meadows on October 14th 1999. In 2000 there was one at Eakring Flash which flew off south-west on March 26th, two moving north-east on April 28th, one moving west on August 20th and one moving north-west on October 21st. There were just two isolated records the following years, with one moving south-west on April 29th 2001 and one moving east on April 16th 2002. Nine moving west on January 27th, one moving west on February 9th, one moving north-west March 29th, one moving south-west August 31st and one moving north-west October 16th 2003, were the last records.

Passage Corn Buntings have shown much more variation than either Yellowhammer or Reed Bunting during both migration periods. There seems to be no distinct seasonal movements by this species that get picked up annually by visible migration enthusiasts and probably many of the records here, would refer to wandering or dispersing birds, rather than anything else.