In 2005 a survey of breeding birds was undertaken on the farm by Peter Floyd-Spong BSc Hons which was funded by Natural England under their Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. Using the following criteria, the number and status of breeding birds on the farm was established.

1). Possible:

• Where birds are seen using the habitat;
• Singing males are heard during the breeding season;
• Where a pair is observed in a suitable nesting habitat.

 

2). Probable:

• Permanent territory presumed through various territorial behavioural patterns, song or aggression;
• Courtship and display;
• The pair observed visiting a possible nesting site;
• Agitated behaviour or anxiety calls by the adult birds;
• Actual nest building or excavation of a nest hole.

 

3). Confirmed:

• Distraction display;
• Used nest or eggshells present; Recently fledged young;
• Adults seen entering or leaving nest site;
• Adults carrying food for the young;
• Nest with eggs;
• Nest where young birds are seen or heard.

 

English name	Latin name	Breeding proved
Grey heron	Ardea cinerea	No
Buzzard	Buteo buteo	Yes
Kestrel	Falco tinnunculus	Yes
Herring Gull	Larus argentatus	No
Tawny Owl	Strix aluco	No
Kingfisher	Alcedo atthis	No
Great-spotted Woodpecker	Dendrocopos major	No
Barn Swallow	Hirundo rustica	Yes
Meadow Pipit	Anthus pratensis	Yes
Pied Wagtail	Motacilla alba	No
Wren	Trogladytes trogladytes	Yes
Dipper	Cinclus cinclus	Yes
Dunnock	Prunella modularis	Yes
Robin	Erithacus rubecula	Yes
Redstart	Phoenicurus phoenicurus	No
Song Thrush	Turdus philomelus	Yes
Mistle Thrush	Turdus viscivorus	Yes
Blackbird	Turdus merula	Yes
Blackcap	Sylvia atricapilla	Yes
Willow Warbler	Phylloscopus trochilus	No
Chiffchaff	Phylloscopus collybita	Yes
Coal Tit	Parus ater	Yes
Blue Tit	Parus caeruleus	Yes
Long-tailed Tit	Aegithalos caudatus	No
Magpie	Pica pica	No
Raven	Corvus corax	No
Chaffinch	Fringilla ceolebs	Yes
Linnet	Carduelis cannabina	Yes
Goldfinch	Carduelis carduelis	No
Greenfinch	Carduelis chloris	No

please click on any of the names above to find find our more information about each species
courtesy of The RSPB