Sunday 25th July 2010

These maps include all 2008 and 2009 SOS breeding records, as well as all TTV, Birdtrack and roving records from the first two Atlas breeding season periods. They do not include ANY records from the 2010 breeding season. No BTO Garden BirdWatch data are included, and whilst some WeBS data (those which are attributable to a 1-km square) and 2008 and 2009 BBS data are included, such data do not include breeding evidence. Therefore we would ask that you put in separate roving records, with breeding evidence, for any breeding species that you see whilst in your garden or during a BBS or WeBS count. These maps do not include any records from the nest record scheme or the ringing scheme (some of these records will be incorporated at a later date) and .

YELLOWHAMMER – First two breeding seasons provisional distribution map.

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Yellowhammer has so far been recorded in 527 tetrads, but breeding has only been confirmed in less than a twelfth of these, so there is plenty of scope to upgrade breeding evidence. This is a late breeding species with some pairs having three broods a year, so dependent young (FL) may be around late in August and perhaps into early September, whilst dependent young from second broods may be around now. Yellowhammers nest on, or within 0.5m of, the ground, in dense bushes such as hedge banks which border ditches. Nestlings are fed solely invertebrates so look out for adults carrying food for young (FF). Both codes denote breeding confirmation.

Like Linnet (Map of the Week for 18th July), this is a species which probably requires patience if breeding evidence is to be recorded! Do check suitable nesting areas where you have regularly seen them.

STOCK DOVE – First two breeding seasons provisional distribution map.

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Stock Dove has been recorded in nearly half the county’s tetrads, but breeding has been confirmed in under a fifth of them. These birds have between one and four clutches a year and the eggs can be laid any time between early April and late August. Incubation lasts 3 weeks and fledging takes another 4 weeks, so you may still obtain breeding evidence between now and early October. (And if you do get confirmation of breeding as late as October it will be reflected in the Atlas, so keep looking!)

Stock Doves nest in holes in trees, cliffs and uninhabited buildings, and in large nest boxes, old nests and even burrows. So if you see Stock Doves regularly entering such places judge whether this is an occupied nest (ON). And look out for newly fledged, slightly smaller youngsters staying very close to their parents (FL). (The juvenile birds lack any green on the back of their necks and initially have a dark bill.) Both codes denote confirmed breeding.

GREY PARTRIDGE – First two breeding seasons provisional distribution map.

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Grey Partridge has so far been recorded in 75 tetrads, but breeding has only been confirmed in eight of them (all on the Norfolk Estate). Most records are coming from the Downs or the coastal plains.

As for Pheasant and Red-legged Partridge (see Maps of the Week for 20th June and 18th July), the coming weeks are a good time to record juveniles still dependent on adults (FL = confirmed breeding). The young will probably have hatched in late May/June and they are slower to grow than Red-legged Partridge young, taking about three months to grow fully, although they can fly (just) after about 15 days. These birds are fairly sedentary and will stay as small family groups into the winter, so look out for young still dependent on adults through to late August.

Not sure of what the various breeding status codes are? Click here:
www.bto.org/birdatlas/taking_part/bevidence.htm