Author: Stuart Ford

SWALLOW (Hirundo rustico)

Stuart Ford

Passage migrant and scarce summer visitor.

Swallow numbers fluctuate from year to year being affected by climatic changes, in particular cold weather whilst on migration and possible drought conditions. They are declining in Britain, this has been linked to large numbers of farms no longer having livestock and the consequent lack of insects on which Swallows feed, and also to the loss of nest sites due to farm building conversions. 

At Stevenage they were confirmed as breeding in eight of the town’s tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, in seven in the 1992 Atlas and in three in the 2012 Atlas.

In 1973 12 nested in outbuildings of Botany Bay Farm, (this farm is now part of the Great Ashby Estate) and, in 2015 and 2017 a pair nested in the underpass of the A1m at Norton Green.

The earliest spring arrival date is 14 March 1967 at Fairlands Valley. A very late autumn migrant was seen at Stevenage on 28 November 1978.

The largest recorded flocks on Spring and Autumn migration are; c.150 at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 29 April 2016 and, c.100 at Norton Green Tip on 3 August 2014.

HOUSE MARTIN (Delichon urbica)

Stuart Ford

Passage migrant and scarce breeding summer visitor.

House Martins rapidly colonized the new town housing of Stevenage and became a feature from the early 1960s until the 1980s. A survey in 1966 found 397 occupied nests in the town.

On 14 August 1975 a flock of 100 plus were seen in Popple Way, in 1976 a flock of 100 plus birds were seen at the Old Town on 5 August, and 70 plus were seen at Fairlands Valley on 19 September. 200 plus were seen at Astonbury on 12 September 1980. 200 were seen at Fairlands Valley Lakes between 21 September and 2 October 1982. The largest flock of recent times is the 40 seen at Chesfield Park on 10 September 2014.

In recent years House Martins have seriously declined locally, the 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from nine of the town’s tetrads, the 1992 Atlas from five and, the 2012 Atlas from three. Their numbers are known to fluctuate, and they are vulnerable to bad weather whilst on migration. In recent years they have also suffered from the reduction of ponds and muddy places, which are important for gathering mud for nest building, and from a reduction of insects on which they feed.

The last local nesting was recorded at School Lane, Aston in 2022 with adults seen feeding young on 3 September.

The earliest spring arrival date at Stevenage is 1 April 2021 at Fairlands Valley Lakes. House Martins are one of the last summer visitors to leave in the autumn and have been seen in Stevenage in November on four occasions; one was seen on 12 November 1883, one seen flying past the Towers on 7 November 1975, one over Grace Way on 2 November 1980, and one in fog along the Hertford Road on 1 November 1986.

Being amongst the last summer visitors to migrate they often brood young late into the autumn. On 10 October 1966 a nest with young still being fed was found at the B.A.C. Factory (now MBDA) in Gunnels Wood Road, a pair with young were seen at the same site on 23 October 1967 and young birds were seen still being fed in a nest at the Old Town on 4 October 1975.

A feature of the past was birds seen gathering on telephone wires before migrating. 20 were seen on telephone wires in Whomerley Road on 28 September 1970.

LONG TAILED TIT (Aegithalos caudatus)

Stuart Ford

Common resident.

Recorded by Foster (1914) as being, “noticed in woods near Stevenage”.

Severe winter weather is their main enemy, particularly when ice glazing and hoar frost coat the small branches of trees making food inaccessible. Following the severe frost of, 1917 they were scarce for a number of years.

The effects of the severe winters of the early 1960’s may be reflected by the Stevenage Woodlands Conservation Society 1968 record of the first known nesting of Long-tailed Tits for 11 years in Monks Wood.

They were confirmed as breeding in nine of the town’s tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, ten in the 1992 Atlas and in eight in the 2012 Atlas.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded them holding between one and three breeding territories annually between 1972 and 1999.

Large winter flocks of 30 were seen at Box Wood on 1 January 1967 and, Watery Grove on 23 February 1982. A large summer flock of 31 adult and, juvenile birds was seen at Jackdaw Close on 16 June 2020.

13 were ringed at Box Wood on 7 January 1979.

WOOD WARBLER (Phylloscopus sibilatrix)

Stuart Ford

Very rare passage migrant, formerly a summer breeding visitor.

Hertfordshire is at the eastern edge of the Wood Warblers range in Britain, and Stevenage was one of their strongholds in the County in the late 1970’s, unfortunately they are now rare passage migrants. Nationally they have declined by 75%.

Recorded by Foster (1914) as, “rare and very local in big woods”. One was recorded at Stevenage on 17 April 1935.

In the 1960s they were recorded from: Box Wood (male from 7 to 31 May 1968); Monks Wood (two on 19 June 1966); Tilekiln Wood (three on 4 May 1968).

The 1970s records are: present in the 1973 breeding season at Box Wood; one at Tilekiln Wood on 25 June 1974; one at Watery Grove from 20 April to 8 May 1977; pair at Box Wood on 18 June 1978, where young birds were seen being fed on 20 June and a fledged youngster seen on 1 July 1978; five pairs at Watery Grove 1978, where a fledged youngster was seen on 1 July; male Watery Grove 6 May 1979; Box two Box Wood on 13 May 1979.

The records for the 1980s and 1990s are: pair at Box Wood July 1980; three at Box Wood on 18 May 1984; one at Box Wood 11 May 1985; one at Watery Grove 30 April 1988; singing male at Pryors Wood 7 May 1990; one singing at the Town Centre Gardens on 5 May 1993.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas considered breeding as possible from the tetrads covering Chesfield Park and Boxbury Farm. Gladwin (1986) recorded that less than four pairs nested annually in various woodlands around Knebworth and Stevenage. The 1992 Atlas considered breeding as probable from the tetrad covering Boxbury Farm and, possible from those covering Norton Green and, Bragbury End. None were recorded in the 2012 Atlas.

The most recent records are of three spring passage birds: one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 17 April 2007; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 7 and 8 May 2015; a singing male at the Warren Springs Laboratory (GSK) on 8 April 2019.

CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita)

Stuart Ford

Common summer visitor and passage migrant, with records of overwintering. 

The Chiffchaff is the earliest of our returning migrants, usually arriving during the middle of March. The earliest spring arrival date for Stevenage is 9 March 2020 at Fairlands Valley Park, the latest autumn date is 23 November 2023 at Fairlands Valley Lakes.

Chiffchaffs winter further north than other related species, wintering in the Mediterranean and northern Africa. A small number also winter in Britain, including in Hertfordshire, these are probably birds from the Continent. Winter records for Stevenage are: One at Shephall Way on 2 February 1975; one in November and December 1988; one in a Jackdaw Close garden on 6 February 2000; one in a Jackdaw Close garden on 24 and 26 December 2001; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes in January 2005; one at Great Ashby on 24 February 2008; one in a garden on 8 January 2009; one in the London Road, near the Stevenage Brook on 2 December 2009; one at Burghley Close on 28 February 2016; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 21 December 2019.

Breeding was confirmed from six of Stevenage’s tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, ten in the 1992 Atlas and, from two in the 2012 Atlas.

In 2018 a juvenile was recorded in Fairlands Valley Park.

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded them holding between one and seven breeding territories annually between 1972 and 1999 with, the exception of 1984 and 1991 when only their presence was recorded.

Most recorded in one location are, 12 in Box Wood on 1 September 1965, 12 at Watery Grove on 9 April 2008 and, 20 heard calling in Box and Pryors Woods on 4 April 1981.

Nine were ringed in Box Wood in 1978.

One of the sub-species, Siberian Chiffchaff (P.c.tristis) was heard and seen along the River Beane, Aston End on 20 December 2020.

WILLOW WARBLER (Phylloscopus trachilus)

Stuart Ford

Declining summer visitor and passage migrant.  

Willow Warblers are declining in south – east England whilst the reasons are not yet known it is suspected that there are problems in their wintering areas and, whilst on migration.

As an indication of how they were once quite numerous: 11 were seen at Holbrooks Farm, Aston on 24 May 1977; 51 were ringed at Box Wood in 1978; significant “falls” of around 30 passage birds recorded at Box Wood on 14 April 1979 and 20 to 30 birds on 12 April 1980; 138 were ringed at Box Wood in 1980.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from seven of Stevenage’s tetrads and, the 1992 Atlas from 10. The 2012 Atlas only considered breeding as probable from the tetrads covering Chesfield Park and, Boxbury Farm.

Fledged young were seen at Fairlands Valley Park on 15 August 2016 and a juvenile was seen at an unrecorded location in August 2021 near where a bird had been seen with nesting material earlier that year.

The earliest spring arrival date is 15 March 1967 at Astonbury, the latest departure date is 14 October 1976 at an unrecorded location.

As birds that nest on or near the ground, there is an unusual record from 1910 of a pair nesting in a nest box in a tree four feet from the ground in a “large wooded” garden in Stevenage.

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded them holding between one and fourteen breeding territories annually between 1972 and 1999, with the exception of 1993 and 1994 when only their presence was recorded. Having reached a peak of 14 territories in 1981 they averaged five territories during the remainder of the 1980s, and only two territories during the 1990s. They were also a species that was able to colonize the interior of the wood as a result of coppicing.

BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla)

Stuart Ford

Common summer visitor and passage migrant, with increasing records of overwintering.

Blackcaps winter further north than other related warbler species and while most winter in Africa north of the Equator, some occur in Mediterranean Europe and western Europe including Britain. British breeding birds migrate south but others from northern and eastern Europe winter here, these are believed to be German breeding birds that have evolved a successful east – west migration strategy. Most wintering Blackcaps are seen feeding in gardens on bread, biscuit crumbs, ivy and other berries, apples and fat. They appear from mid-December onwards and it is thought that these are local birds from the nearby countryside, in search of food at the onset of cold weather.

The first record of a Blackcap over wintering in Stevenage was on 24 December 1976 when a male was seen on a bird table. There were a further four records during the 1970’s and 80’s, three records in the 1990’s, one in 2007 and, almost annually since 2009: (four records), 2010 (one record), 2011 (four records), 2012 (three records), 2013 (two records), 2014 (three records), 2015 (one record), 2016 (one record), 2017 (five records), 2018 (one record), 2019 (one record), 2022 (one record), 2023 (three records). Apart from birds seen at Watery Grove Ditchmore Lane, Fairlands Valley Lakes and, the Stevenage Brook, all the records relate to birds seen in gardens. The most seen together in winter is three at Broadwater on 4 February 2014 and, 17 December 2017.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from five of the tetrads covering Stevenage, 1992 Atlas from eight and, the 2012 Atlas from one.

In 2016 breeding was proven at Chells Manor, Fairlands Valley Park and, Norton Green. In 2017 breeding was proven at Fairlands Valley Park and, Norton Green. In 2018 breeding was proven at Fairlands Valley Park, Norton Green and, the Poplars.

They were recorded annually, between 1972 and 1999, as holding breeding territories at Watery Grove by the Common Bird Census. The most territories held were five in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Blackcaps were able to colonize the interior of wood as a result of coppicing. 

In 1980 50+ pairs were recorded in Box Wood.

The earliest spring arrival date at Stevenage is 12 March 2024 at Fairlands Valley Park. The latest autumn date is 13 November 2012 at Watery Grove.

IIn 1979 55 birds were ringed in Box Wood, one of which was recovered at Canterbury. 28 were ringed in Box Wood in 1980. A female ringed in Hitchin on 22 May 1980 was, “controlled” at Box Wood on 10 August 1980, a female ringed at the Dungeness Bird Observatory, Kent on 7 May 1980 was breeding in Box Wood in 1981, and an adult female ringed in Box Wood on 1 June 1980 was a road casualty near Wingrave, Buckinghamshire on 18 June 1981.

GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia borin)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant.

Foster (1914) recorded that Garden Warblers had been, “Reported from the Stevenage District”.

In 1964 20 pairs were reported from Box Wood. Other records for the 1960s came from Chesfield and a Rockingham Way Garden.

In the 1970s and 80s records came from: Astonbury Wood; Box Wood; Brooches Wood; Fairlands Valley Lakes; Hertford Road; Monks Wood; New Wood, Aston End; Watery Grove; Whomerley Wood.

19 were ringed in Box Wood during 1979 seven of which had brood patches indicating breeding in the wood.

In the 1990s they were recorded from: The Football Ground, Broadhall Way; Norton Green; Watery Grove.

Since 2000 they have been recorded from: Fairlands Valley Lakes and Park; Norton Green Tip; Shackledell, Upper Kitching Spring; Watery Grove; Whomerley Wood

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from four of Stevenage’s tetrads and, the 1992 Atlas from five. The 2012 Atlas only considered breeding as possible from the tetrad covering Norton Green.

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded them holding between one and three breeding territories annually between 1972 and 1999, with the exception of 1986 and 1998 when only their presence was recorded.

The earliest spring arrival date at Stevenage is 4 April 2002 at an unknown location, the latest departure date is 21 September 2020 at Norton Green.

There is a winter record of a one seen in a York Road garden on 27 February 1974. This was the first occurrence of an over wintering Garden Warbler in Hertfordshire.

LESSER WHITETHROAT (Sylvia curruca)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor that has bred.

The earliest record for Stevenage is of one at Astonbury on 27 April 1908.

Foster (1914) described Lesser Whitethroats as, “not so common in the Stevenage district as the Common Whitethroat.” Gladwin (1985) recorded that due partly to the removal and machine cutting of hedgerows Lesser Whitethroats had declined significantly in the cereal dominated arable farmlands of the County, but had spread into dense woodland edges and scrub along railway and motorway embankments, and were particularly common around Stevenage. 

They were recorded during the 1963 breeding season at Aston End and in the 1966 breeding season near Stevenage. Up to two were seen at Box Wood between 17 August and 26 September 1965 and, one was seen there on 26 June and 2 August 1966. One was seen at the Hertford Road on 17 June 1966.

In the 1970s and 80s records came from: Astonbury, Bedwell School, Box Wood (where 10 were ringed in 1980), Chells, Chells Manor, King George Playing Fields, Ridlins Marsh, Watery Grove.

In the 1990s they were recorded from: The Railway Station, Watery Grove.

Since 2000 they have been recorded from: Aston, Astonbury Manor, Aston End, Aston End Lane, Chesfield Park, Fairlands Valley Lakes and Park, Fishers Green, Glaxo, Great Ashby, Norton Green Tip, Novotel next to the A1m, Old London Road, Pryors Wood, Railway Station, Sainsbury’s Car Park Poplars, Shackledell, Warren Springs, Watery Grove, Weston Road.

The 1992 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from four of the town’s tetrads, which was an increase from one in 1973. The 2012 Atlas only considered breeding as probable from the tetrad covering Norton Green.

The Common Bird Census recorded their presence at Watery Grove during the 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1996 and 1997 breeding seasons, and three singing males were recorded there in 1988. 

The earliest spring arrival date is 12 April 2002 behind the Magistrates Court, and the latest departure date is 29 September 1979 at Box Wood.

An over-wintering bird was seen in the Old London, Road behind the Magistrates Court between 11 and 13 February 2002. This was the first record of this species over-wintering in Hertfordshire, and is a rare event in Britain. Possibly the same bird was seen at the same location on 12 and 16 April 2002.

COMMON WHITETHROAT (Sylvia communis)

Stuart Ford

Summer visitor and passage migrant. 

In the nineteenth century the Common Whitethroat was considered to be the commonest of Britain’s Warblers, nesting in field hedgerows, rough land, bramble patches and nettle beds. Since the 1950’s they have suffered considerable loss as a result of the removal of hedgerows, particularly in the arable farmland of the east and south east of England. In 1968 a worse fate befell them when they were badly affected by the drought in the Sahel zone of Africa. In 1969 the Common Bird Census revealed that 77% of the 1968 breeding population had failed to return to Britain and there was only one record for the Stevenage area that year. In 1976 and 1977 there were signs of a recovery but this was not sustained and a further drought in the Sahel in 1983/1984 caused the population to crash further to around 20% of what it was in the early 1960’s. The population gradually increased again until another sharp decline in 1991. The species is now increasing again.

A female was seen in a Raleigh Crescent Garden on 21 and 22 August 1965. Other records from the 1960’s came from Box Wood (1966 and 1967) and, Astonbury (1969).

A nest with young was found in Fairlands Valley near Whomerley Wood on 7 July 1970.

In the 1970s and 80s other records came from: Aston, Astonbury, Botany Bay, Box Wood, Broadhall Way, Fairlands Valley Lakes, Norton Green Tip, Railway Station, Ridlins Marsh, Roebuck, Symonds Green, Watery Grove, Wellfield Wood. Five were ringed at Box Wood in 1979.

In the 1990s they were recorded from: Edmonds Drive and, Norton Green Tip.

Since 2000 they have been recorded from: Aston Allotments, Astonbury Lane, Aston End, Chells Manor, Fairlands Valley Lakes and Park, London Road, Norton Green Tip, Pryors Wood, Railway Station.

19 were seen at Norton Green Tip on 8 August 2015 and, two family parties with recently fledged young were seen there in 2017. In 2018 20 were seen at Norton Green Tip on 5 August and, breeding  was confirmed from there. Breeding was also confirmed in 2019.

The earliest spring arrival date is 10 April 1974 at Astonbury Wood, 10 April 2016 at Aston End and, 10 April 2017 at Norton Green Tip and, the latest departure date is 29 September 2021 at Norton Green Tip.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from five of Stevenage’s tetrads, the 1992 Atlas from seven and, the 2012 Atlas from six.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (Locustella naevia)

Stuart Ford

Rare spring passage migrant, which formerly bred.

Between 1974 and 1999 the numbers of Grasshopper Warblers in Britain decreased by 79%, this has been due to habitat loss, the effects of the Sahel drought in Africa and changes in Britain’s spring and summer climate.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas considered breeding as probable from seven of the tetrads covering Stevenage, the 1992 Atlas considered breeding as probable from one tetrad and, possible from one tetrad, the 2012 Atlas did not consider breeding as possible.

The records for the 1960s and 1970s are: a male singing at Box Wood during the 1964 Breeding season; one heard, “reeling” at Box Wood on 2 May 1965; one at Box Wood on 13 and 26 May 1966; one at Watery Grove on 28 April, 20 and 25 May 1967; two at Watery Grove on 13 May 1967; one, “reeling in a cornfield next to Box Wood on 21 July 1967: one at Astonbury on 4 May 1968; one at Rockingham Way on 5 April 1968; one at Box Wood on 21 April 1969, and 22 September 1969; one heard in Monks Wood from 30 April to 19 May 1969; up to  three heard at Box Wood on 23 April and 2 May 1970; one in song on the Railway Embankment near Bragbury End on 1 May 1971; one heard at Chells in 1972; a male heard, “reeling” in Box Wood on 29 April 1979, and a female ringed on 16 June 1979 and re-trapped on 17 July, breeding was suspected but not confirmed.

During the 1980s and 1990s the records were: one heard at Ridlins Mire on 10 May 1981; one at Watery Grove in 1984; one at Ridlins Mire during May and early June 1985; one heard at Broadwater in 1991.

They were not recorded again until 2008 when one was at Norton Green Tip on 20 April 2008. There have been four further records since then; one at Norton Green Tip in April 2013; one at an unrecorded location on 28 July 2015; one late summer 2016 at an unrecorded location; one at Goddard End on 25 August 2017.

SEDGE WARBLER (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)

Stuart Ford

Scarce passage migrant that has bred.

Sedge Warblers are badly affected by droughts in the Sahel zone of the southern Sahara, where they winter. 

The 1973 Breeding Atlas did consider breeding as possible from five of the tetrads covering Stevenage, the 1992 Atlas confirmed breeding from the tetrad covering Aston and, the 2012 Atlas considered breeding as possible from the tetrad covering Norton Green.

In the 1950s birds were seen at the old sewage works site, Roaring Meg.

The records for the 1960s and 70s are: one singing at Boxbury Farm, next to Box Wood 18 July 1965; one seen at the Pond in Watery Grove 8 June 1967; one at Box Wood 22 September 1968; one at Monks Wood 13 May 1969 and 3 May 1970: Box Wood 9 May 1970; one at Watery Grove 12 and 16 May 1971; two seen behind the former John Lewis Warehouse (now Costco) in Gunnels Wood Road August 1976; up to four at Fairlands Valley Lakes 2 May 1977; Watery Grove during the 1977 breeding season; Fairlands Valley Lakes 5 May 1979; Astonbury 9 May 1979.

During the 1980s and 90s the records were: one heard at Watery Grove May 1980; one ringed at Box Wood July 1980; two pairs seen feeding young at Ridlins Mire 14 June 1981 and, four males singing there on 12 July; a bird present in Watery Grove during the 1985 Breeding Season; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes 28 May 1989; one heard calling from a small reedbed at Fairlands Valley Lakes during May 1994; one seen on spring migration in Ditchmore Lane in 1995.

They were not recorded again until one was at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 6 May 2002. The subsequent records are: one Fairlands Valley Lakes 27 April 2010; one along the River Beane at Aston 16 August 2013; one at Norton Green Tip 7 September 2016 and 21 April 2017; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes 30 April 2018; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes 21 April 2020; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes 22 and 28 April 2021; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes 16 September 2021; one in a Fairview Road Garden 17 September 2021; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes 30 May 2022; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes 29 April 2023; one along the River Beane at Aston 29 April 2023; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes 29 April 2024.

REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

Stuart Ford

Scarce passage migrant.

Because of lack of suitable habitat, Reed Warblers are scarcely seen at Stevenage.

Between 1979 and 2015 there were 10 records: five passage birds ringed at Box Wood between 12 August and 23 September 1979; two passage birds ringed at Box Wood on 1 July and 1 August 1980; one at Astonbury on 14 May 1989; one at the now demolished Angotsmead House in Meadway on 7 April 1996; a singing bird in a garden in 1997; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 26 April 1997; one in Ditchmore Lane on 29 May 2008; one in the Old London Road behind the Magistrates Court on 20 and 21 May 2009; one at Norton Green Tip on 28 April 2010; One at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 29 July 2015.

With no records between 2015 and 2021 there has since been an increase in records with: one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 28 and 29 April 2021; two at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 2 May 2021; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 7 May 2021; one at the River Beane, Aston on 14 June 2021; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 7 June 2022; one at Fairlands Valley Park on 27 May 2023; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes from 9 to 16 June 2023; one at Fairlands Lakes on 25 and 26 July 2023; one at Norton Green Tip on 3 September 2023

A ring of a Reed Warbler ringed at Thrybergh, South Yorkshire on 23 August 1990, was found at Stevenage on 22 May 2011. Whilst Reed Warblers can live for over 10 years, as there are no details of how the ring was found it cannot be assumed that the “ringed” bird was over 20 years old.

WAXWING (Bombycilla garrulus)

Stuart Ford

Winter visitor from northern Europe and Scandinavia.

Waxwings breed in the conifer forests of northern Europe. After breeding they move southwards to feed on berries, when there is a shortage of these they irrupt” from their normal wintering areas and move further south in search of food. Large numbers sometimes occur in Britain during such “irruption” years.

During the “irruption” winters of 1946/47, 1965/66, 1995/96, 2000/01, 2004/05, and 2010/11 large numbers were recorded in Hertfordshire.

Prior to 1997 the records for Stevenage are: one shot in February 1898; five in 1921 (an, “irruption winter”), one on 8 February 1947 (an “irruption winter”); approximately 12 at St. George’s Church from mid – April to 30 April 1966 (an, “irruption winter”); one at Box  Wood on 27 February 1970; one in 1970; up to 30 between 15 February and 14 April 1971 at, Shephall Park, Bedwell, Popple Way, Sish Lane, Exchange Road, Whomerly Wood, and Watery Grove; one at Popple Way from 18 to 25 February 1972.

Between 1997 and, 2012 they were recorded almost annually from the Canterbury Way area, where four were seen on 23 January 1997, up to three between 20 and 28 December 1999, up to 20 between 6 and 14 January 2001, up to five between 6 and 9 January 2003, up to six between 5 January and 11 February 2004, up to 10 between December 2008 and 15 February 2009 (this particular flock moved regularly from York Road to Bray Drive at Great Ashby) and three between 30 November and 3 December 2012. They appeared to be attracted to the berries of the Rowan Trees (Sorbus aucuparia) which grow between the houses.

The winter of 2004/05 saw one of the largest ever recorded irruption of Waxwings in Western Europe. The first record for Stevenage that winter came predictably from Canterbury Way when ten were seen on 26 December 2004. Flocks of between 11 and 78 birds were subsequently seen at, Ripon Road, Eastbourne Avenue/Clovelly Way, Bude Crescent, the Kodak Waste Site, Durham Road, Minsden Road, Fairlands Valley Lakes, Great Ashby Way, Shepalbury Park, York Road, and Gresley Way. The final sighting was a single bird at Sainsbury’s Petrol Station in Magpie Crescent on 26 April.

A further large irruption occurred in the exceptionally cold winter of 2010/11. The first Stevenage record came from, Wetherby Close on 23 and 24 November 2010, when up to seven were seen. Flocks of between six and 150 birds were subsequently seen at, Sish Lane, York Road, Great Ashby Way, Petworth Close, Skylark Corner, Newcastle Close, Derby Way, Chepstow Close, Epsom Close, Shephall Way, High Street, Wickes Store, Broadhall Way, Fairlands Valley, Halfords Store Car Park, London Road, Bray Drive, Morgan Close, Burleigh Close, the Railway Station, Argyle Way, Six Hills Way/Bessemer Drive/Potters Lane, the Kodak Waste Site, and Pizza Hut at the Roaring Meg. The final sighting was of 38 in Ferrier Road on 17 March 2011.    

During the winter of 2023/24, another, “irruption year” birds were recorded at: Stevenage Leisure Park, two on 28 November 2023; Scarborough Avenue, up to nine on 25 and 26 December 2023 and eight on 13 January 2024; Pin Green Industrial Area, up to eight birds between 29 and 7 January 2024; Shell Garage, Martins Way, eight between 11 and 13 January 2024; Gunnels Wood Road c. 20 on 6 March 2024; Roaring Meg Retail Park 18 on 16 March 2024.

Other records for Stevenage are: three around Torquay Crescent on 15 and 16 December 2003; three at Great Ashby Way on 21 March 2006; 10 at Chesfield Park on 19 December 2008; up to six at Great Ashby Way from the end of January until mid-February 2009; two behind the Cromwell Hotel on 1 December 2012; two at Great Ashby Way on 16 December 2012; two at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 17 December 2012; 3 at Norton Green on 24 December 2012; six at Fishers Green on 14 February 2013; 14 at Berwick Close on 15 February 2013; 14 at Almonds Hill School on 18 February 2013; 10 -20 at Argyle Way and Gunnels Wood Road between 16 February and 1 March 2017 and eight seen near Glaxo on 26 February; two at an unrecorded location on 3 April 2019.

Pin Green Industrial Area 1 January 2024.

NUTHATCH (Sitta europaea)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon resident.

Foster (1914) recorded Nuthatches at, “Stevenage, and woods near Stevenage”. 

All three Breeding Atlases confirmed breeding from three of Stevenage’s tetrads.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from six of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

They have been recorded from; Abbots Grove (where juvenile birds were seen in 2016 and 2017),  Ashtree Wood (breeding 2021) , Aston, Astonbury Wood, Aston End (where birds were seen at a nest hole in Long Lane in 2020), Box Wood (four ringed in 1980, breeding in 2020 and 2021), Fairlands Valley Park (breeding in 2020, 2021 and 2022), New Wood (Aston), Upper Kitching Spring, Pryors Wood, Shephalbury Park, Tilekiln Wood, Watery Grove and Whomerley Wood.

At Watery Grove the Common Bird Census recorded Nuthatches as holding breeding territories in 1979 (two), 1980 (one), 1981 (two), 1983 (one), 1984 (one), 1989 (one), 1992 (one), 1997 (one) and 1999 (two), and as being present in the 1972, 1973, 1978, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1993, and 1998 breeding seasons. It was suggested by Agar (2001) that Nuthatches hold core territories in deep woodland, and that in years of surplus they spill out into less favoured habitats such as smaller woodlands, parks and gardens, and that those found in Watery Grove are from a core area in one of the larger woods of the Knebworth House Estate, such as Newton Wood.

Two interesting records from Astonbury Wood involving Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis); on 17 July 1977 a bird found dead had what appeared to be short grey hairs in its claws, considered to have possibly died defending its nest against a Grey Squirrel and, on 21 December 1978 one was seen to attack a Squirrel. 

TREECREEPER (Certhia familiaris)

Stuart Ford

Fairly common resident.

Foster (1914) recorded Treecreepers as being, “noticed at Stevenage.”

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from five of the tetrads covering Stevenage, the 1992 Atlas from seven and the 2012 Atlas from one (Broadwater). They suffer in hard winters when there is prolonged ice and snow covering, and this may account for the decline in confirmed breeding between the 1992 and 2012 Atlases. The severe winters of the 1880’s also considerably reduced their numbers.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from seven of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

They have been recorded from, Abbots Grove, Ashtree Wood, Astonbury Wood, Box Wood, Fairlands Valley Park, Fairview Road, Hertford Road, Lanterns Lane, Monks Wood, New Wood, Aston, Upper Kitching Spring, Ridlins Wood, Watery Grove, Whomerley Wood, Witney Wood and Yeomans Drive, Aston.

Juvenile birds were seen at Norton Green in 2016 and at Fairlands Valley Park in 2020.

There are four unusual records from Stevenage: pair found nesting in a cranny between the timbers of an old barn at Astonbury two feet from the ground on 8 June 1968; 10 seen in a Town Centre Car Park in November 1974; one seen climbing a Church wall in Hydean Way on 3 August 1990; one found dead on a flat roof at Brickdale House in the Town Centre on 23 January 2006.

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded either their presence during the breeding season or, as holding a single territory annually between 1972 and 1999. 

WREN (Troglodytes, troglodytes)

Stuart Ford

Common resident.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from seven tetrads covering Stevenage, from all eleven in the 1992 Atlas and, from five in the 2012 Atlas.

They suffer badly in cold weather, and during the winter of 1962/63 the Hertfordshire population was reduced by as much as 75%, and during the winter of 1981/82 by about 50%. 

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

In 1951 a nest was found in old allotments behind Fairview Road, in an old ammunition box hanging in a low bush (there had been an anti-aircraft gun on the site during the Second World War). 

25 were ringed in Box Wood in 1978. A juvenile ringed in the Wood on 19 July 1981 was killed by a Cat later in the year.

At Watery Grove the Common Bird Census recorded Wrens as holding breeding territories every year between 1972 and 1990, with a maximum of 12 territories held in 1993. During that period their population in the wood increased, particularly after a large area was coppiced, and brashings were left on the ground, leaving a habitat they could exploit.

STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris)

Stuart Ford

Abundant resident and winter visitor.

Despite their abundance, Starling numbers in both Britain and northern Europe are declining agricultural and climatic changes have been suggested as reasons for this decline.

A.R. Jenkins (1958) recorded that, “during the autumn and winter months, flocks numbering many thousands visit the region”. An evening roosting flight of approximately 1000 Starlings was seen over Popple Way on 19 March 1979, 500 gathered at the Town Centre as dusk approached on 10 February 2001, a pre-roost flight of 300 birds was seen over the Westgate Shopping Centre on 27 November 2005, over 300 were seen at St Nicholas Park on 27 March 2008, 500 seen at Stevenage on 8 October 2014, 2000, seen over Stevenage on 20 October 2020, 1000 birds seen at Stevenage on 2 and 5 November 2021 and 1000+ seen in a single pine tree near the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, with smaller flocks flying south to roost elsewhere on 18 December 2023.

A summer roost of 300 was seen by the Hollywood Bowl in the Leisure Park on 18 June 2005.

An albino bird was seen for a week at Symonds Green from 4 January 1977. 

A bird ringed at Tring was found in Chells in 1980 and a juvenile male ringed at, Upper Green, Langley, Essex, on 10 July 2011 was found injured at Great Ashby on 22 July 2011.

Starlings were confirmed as breeding in every tetrad covering Stevenage in both the 1973 and 1992 Breeding Atlases and, in 10 in the 2012 Atlas.

Breeding was confirmed at Fairlands Valley Park in 2007.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded Starlings as holding between one and three breeding territories annually between 1972 and 1978. From then only their presence was recorded in the breeding seasons of 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1995. They used to nest in holes in the Oak trees, but they suffered predation from Grey Squirrels. Large numbers visit the wood as mobile foraging family parties from mid-summer onwards to feed high in the Oaks on caterpillars. These parties are assumed to be from the large numbers that breed in the buildings of Stevenage.

RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon passage migrant.

Regularly seen in spring at Norton Green Tip with one autumn record. The records are: Single males on 30 March and 22 April 1998; a pair on 24 April 1998; one on 3 April 2004; one on 6 April 2007; a male from 19 to 21 April 2007; two on 22 April 2007, with one remaining until 24 April; up to three including two males from 19 to 21 April 2008; a first summer male on 21 April 2009; a male from 14 to 17 April 2010; a male on 28 March 2011; a male from 1 April to 10 April 2012; a female from 22 to 24 April 2014; two on 16 October 2014; a male on 13 April 2015; a female on 12 April 2016; one on 14 April 2016; a female on 28 March 2017; one on 10 April 2017; two on 29 April 2018; a male on 1 May 2018; up to two males and a female between 3 and 10 April 2019; two males on 9 April 2021.

Other records: One at Watery Grove from 28 to 30 April 1978; two from an unrecorded location on 25 April 1979; one at Watery Grove on 15 May 1979; a female at Pryors Wood on 7 May 1990; one at un-recorded location on 12 November 2013; a possible first winter or female flying south over the River Beane at Aston End on 25 October 2015; a female at Fairlands Farm House on 11 October 2023.

BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula)

Stuart Ford

Abundant resident and winter visitor.

Confirmed as breeding in every tetrad covering Stevenage in all three Breeding Atlases, they can be found in most gardens providing there is some shrubby cover and a worm rich lawn on which to feed.

The largest numbers seen together are: 23 (all males) in Hawthorns (Crataegus monogyna) at Fairlands School on 12 April 1974; 20+ roosting near Roebuck in 1975; 45 feeding on a small lawn of an old peoples home in Chells on 8 December 1974.

An unusual record from Astonbury Wood in 1978 of two birds found nesting on the floor of the wood, at the base of trees. Ground nesting is usually more associated with montane Blackbirds.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

At Watery Grove they were recorded annually as, holding between 2 and 15 breeding territories by the Common Bird Census between, 1972 and 1999.

Ringing recoveries: a male, “controlled” at Box Wood in 1979 had been ringed at Ottenby in Sweden; a bird ringed in Stevenage on 15 September 1979 was killed at East Molesey, Surrey on 3 May 1980; an adult female ringed at Vlieland in the Netherlands on 29 October 2015 was caught by a ringer at Broadwater on 2 January 2016; one ringed as a first year male at St Margaret’s at Cliffe, Kent  on 26 October 2017 was caught by a ringer at Fishers Green on 7 June 2019.

FIELDFARE (Turdus pilaris)

Stuart Ford

Common winter visitors to the rural edges of the town.

Wintering Fieldfares are more usually seen on the rural edges of Stevenage, but can sometimes be seen in the town. They are vulnerable to cold weather, and during the winter of 1878/79 they suffered high mortality in Hertfordshire.

The earliest record for Stevenage is from 1909 when a Mr. Maples observed a few flocks of Fieldfares.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

The following large flocks have been recorded: 14 March 1967 (70-80 roosting at Box Wood); 21 October 1970 (between 2 and 300 Box Wood); 12 February 1977 (60 Astonbury); 24 November 1979 (60 Box Wood); 12 December 1979 (55 Shephall); 12 February 1984 (50 Aston); 10 April 2004 (approximately 100 at Dyes Lane/Kitching Lane); 6 April 2004 (80 Norton Green); 19 November 2005 (60 Aston End); 4 March 2006 (70+ Aston End); 10 March 2006 (100+ Norton Green); 17 March 2007 (75+ Aston End); 20 April 2008 (109 Norton Green Tip); 14 April 2013 (50 Norton Green Tip); 12 January 2014 (250 Aston End); 29 March 2014 (200 Norton Green Tip); 4 January 2015 (100 at Aston End); 28 March 2015 (110  Norton Green Tip); 20 January 2016 (50 Norton Green Tip); 7 November 2020 (60 + Fairlands Valley Lakes); 20 March 2021 (250 + Aston End); 6 November 2021 (100+ Fairlands Valley Lakes).

An early autumn bird was trapped and ringed at Box Wood on 28 August 1978, this was an adult female in an un-moulted condition and was suspected as having recently bred.

A late departing bird was seen at Astonbury on 9 May 1977. 

SONG THRUSH (Turdus philomelos)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon resident and winter visitor.

Song Thrushes are a species in decline, both locally and nationally, with their numbers reduced by around 73%. This decline has been taking place since 1940, and is probably linked to land use changes, removal of hedgerows, climatic changes, and the increased use of pesticides.

The 1973 and 1992 Breeding Atlases confirmed breeding from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage, the 2012 Atlas from seven.

Song Thrushes like other Thrush species are particularly affected by hard winters. They suffered heavy mortality in Hertfordshire during the 1878/79 winter, large losses also occurred following the winters of 1880/81 and 1890/91. In the twentieth century the winter of 1947/48 took the population to a very low level and their numbers dropped by 41% after the 1962/63 winter.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

As well as the effects of winter weather it has also been discovered that following the hot summer of 1976 they are also vulnerable during hot summers. In summer snails form a major part of the Song Thrush diet and they are more dependent on this food source than at other times of the year. This is also the time of year when greater use of molluscicides are made in gardens to control snails and slugs, reducing this food source and subsequently the survival rate of both juvenile and adult birds.

On 20 January 1989 there was an apparent, “fall” of Song Thrushes in Hertfordshire, with 80 to 100 being seen in the Stevenage area.

At Watery Grove between 1972 and 1989 the Common Bird Census recorded them holding breeding territories annually, with the exception of 1986. The most territories held was 12 in 1981. From 1990 until 1999, although their presence was recorded in those breeding seasons, only single territories were held in 1993 and 1997.

REDWING (Turdus iliacus)

Stuart Ford

Common winter visitors. 

Annual winter visitors that can be found in Stevenage’s woods, parks and often gardens. 

Redwings suffer high mortality in cold winters and suffered heavily in Hertfordshire during the winter of 1878/79. In 1882 Marlborough H. Prior claimed that they were absent from the neighbourhood of Stevenage. In 1909 they were recorded as being more abundant than usual in the Stevenage district.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

The following large flocks have been recorded; 11 February 1973 (150 to 200 Alleynes School Fields); 21 January 1977 (100 Barnwell School Playing Fields); 6 March 1977 (100+ Astonbury); 18 February 1978 (100+ Watery Grove); 11 January 1980 (200 Fairlands Valley); 17 March 1980 (300 Fairlands Valley); 12 October 1980 (170 Box Wood); 12 February 1981 (225 Astonbury Farm); 15 October 1981 (200 Fairlands Valley); 17 January 1988 (125 Astonbury Wood); 17 January 2004 (160 at an unrecorded location); 16 October 2005 (100+ over Chells Manor); 15 October 2014 (100+ Norton Green Tip); 9 January 2018 (100+ Stirling Close); 19 February 2021 (c. 200 Chesfield Park); 20 March 2021 (125+ Aston End); 5 November 2021 (144 over a Stevenage Garden); 6 November 2021 (119 over a Stevenage Garden); 22 October 2022 (c.100 Fairlands Valley Lakes); 9 October 2023 (c.400 over Fairlands Valley Lakes in flocks of up to 50).

During autumn migration in 2021 large numbers were seen at Fairlands Valley Lakes, 230 were seen over the Main Lake and 200 plus were seen at Fairlands Farmhouse on 13 October and c.520 (mostly in flocks of 70 birds) were seen over the Main Lake on 4 November and 75 plus were seen on 6 November.

An early Redwing was seen at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 21 September 2022, and a late departing one was at Whomerley Wood on 11 May 1969.

MISTLE THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon resident.

The Mistle Thrush benefited from the establishment of verges and parks in towns during the 1950s and 1960s, and from the planting of trees and shrubs by local authorities. National populations increased during the 1970s but having leveled out or declined slightly since the mid-1980s, nationally the breeding population is now in decline.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from seven of the tetrads covering Stevenage, the 1992 Atlas from 10 and, the 2012 Atlas from just one.

Fledged young were seen at Watery Grove in 2016 and Aston End in 2020.

Mistle Thrushes suffer in hard winters, and were badly affected by the winters of 1878/79 and 1880/81. During the winter of 1962/63 their numbers were reduced by 75%.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from seven of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

The largest flocks recorded are: 12 by Box Wood on 8 April 1973; 11 behind Stevenage College of Further Education (now Asda Supermarket) on 22 August 1975; 19 near Astonbury on 31 July 1978; 13 at Shephalbury Park on 16 March 1979; 10 at Watery Grove on 13 October 1980.

At Watery Grove, the Common Bird Census recorded them annually between 1972 and 1999, with single breeding territories being held in 11 of the years. 

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

Stuart Ford

Rare passage migrant, formerly common summer visitor.

The earliest record for Stevenage is 1 May 1909. Foster (1914) described them as, “common near Stevenage”. Today, they are now all but lost as summer visitors to Stevenage.

Until recently Spotted Flycatchers were considered to be one of the most common summer migrants in Britain, they are now in serious decline, having decreased by 42% since 1994. Although fluctuations in the numbers returning to this country were noted in the nineteenth century, the reasons for the present decline appear to be, the greater use of insecticides and pollution resulting in fewer insects on which they depend for food, and the Sahel droughts in Africa. Spotted Flycatchers winter in southern Africa and pass through the Sahel Region on migration. After that region’s drought of 1982/83 the number of birds returning declined dramatically in the springs of 1983 and 1984.

They were formerly recorded at; Aston, Astonbury, Box Wood, Chells Manor, Chesfield Park, Fairlands Valley, Lonsdale Road, Watery Grove, Wellfield Wood and Whomerley Wood.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from seven of Stevenage’s tetrads, 1992 Atlas from nine and, the 2012 Atlas from just one.

At Watery Grove they were recorded as holding breeding territories by the Common Bird Census in 1972 (one), 1974 (one), 1975 (two), 1979 (two), and 1981 (two). Their presence was recorded in the breeding seasons of 1973, 1977, 1978, 1985, 1987, 1990, 1991 and 1993. One was seen there on 22 September 2005, (the first record from the wood since 1993), and a pair were recorded from there in 2007.

There are two unusual records, a pair nesting at the rear of Daneshill House in the Town Centre in 1966 and, a family found in the Main Stand at Stevenage Football Club on 4 August 1981.

The recent records are: one at St Nicholas Church on 6 August 2008; one at Norton Green Tip on 22 August 2014; one at Norton Green Tip on 7 May 2015; one at Watery Grove on 6 June 2015; one at Norton Green Tip on 7 September 2016; one at Fairlands Farmhouse on 15 September 2016; Norton Green Tip 5 August 2018; Norton Green Tip two juveniles on 15 and 28 August 2018; Watery Grove 26 August 2018; Upper Kitching Spring 1 September 2018; Shackledell Grassland 19 August 2019 and 4 September 2020; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 23, and 26 August 2022; one at Fairlands Farmhouse on 24 August 2022; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 5 September 2022; one at Potters Spring on 9 and 10 September 2022; between one and three at Fairlands Farmhouse from 27 August to 2 September 2023.

The earliest spring arrival date is 17 April 1974 at Fairlands Valley, and the latest departure date is 26 September 1977 at Watery Grove.

ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

Stuart Ford

Common resident and winter visitor.

The three Breeding Atlases confirmed breeding from every tetrad covering Stevenage.

Early, “nest building” was recorded from Stevenage on 24 February 2021.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

At Watery Grove they quickly exploited the fairly high cut style of coppicing carried out in the wood by the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust in the 1970s, increasing in numbers which have been maintained. They were recorded by the Common Bird Census as holding breeding territories annually between 1972 and 1999, with a maximum of 18 territories being held in 1981.

A first year Robin ringed at Henlow, Bedfordshire on 4 December 2011 was controlled at Broadwater on 10 December 2011 and was possibly a winter migrant. A juvenile ringed at Fishers Green on 11 July 2008 was re-caught at the same site on 6 February 2014, the bird then being at least 5 years 6 months and 27 days old, the County longevity record for this species is 8 years four months and 30 days

NIGHTINGALE (Luscinia megarhynchas)

Stuart Ford

Rare passage migrant which formerly bred.

South east England is on the northern limit of the Nightingales range in Europe. Since the 1950’s they have been declining in Britain and, since 1970 have declined by 90%, this is due to climatic change, the result of fewer woods being, “coppiced” and the loss of “scrubby” areas. In Hertfordshire, their preferred habitat is old Blackthorn thickets, much of which has been cleared in recent years.

The earliest record for Stevenage is 27 April 1908.

Although described by Sage (1959) as being rare at Stevenage, they were recorded from Watery Grove, where they were particularly numerous in 1957 and, had also been recorded from Whitney Wood.

At Watery Grove they were also recorded in 1967, 1970 and 1971. The Common Bird Census there recorded Nightingales holding between one and two breeding territories annually between 1972 and 1985, with exception of 1981 (although the Hertfordshire Bird Report from that year recorded four males). Breeding was confirmed in 1972, 1974, 1975 and 1980. Their territories were in Blackthorn hedges at the southern corner of the wood and were often heard singing on fine evenings in late spring. Suddenly, in 1986 they ceased to arrive, and were not recorded again until 1993, when a male was heard singing on eleven separate occasions between 4 April and 30 July. Their absence from this site had been following the removal of a favoured bush. They previously showed little or no tendency to colonize the regenerating coppice in the interior of the wood.

Other records prior to 2000 are: Box Wood (six singing males in 1964, an early bird heard on 16 April 1965, four singing males on 24 May 1965, four singing males on 4 May 1966, two on 12 May 1967, three singing males on 23 May 1968, one singing male on 4 May 1969, two singing males in 1970 and one feeding young on 16 June 1970, and, a juvenile bird ringed on 29 August 1979); Martins Wood (two singing males heard on 29 April 1966); Norton Green (two singing males on 12 June 1966 and three including two males during May 1994 with one pair remaining); Whomerley Wood (a male singing between 30 April and 20 May 1997 from a recently “coppiced” area and two on 14 May 1998).

Since 2000 the records are: Chells Manor (single birds on 14 May 2004, 11 May 2010 and 22 and 29 April 2011); Fishers Green (one on 23 April 2011).

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from two of Stevenage’s tetrads, the 1992 and 2012 Atlases from none.

PIED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula hypoleucos)

Stuart Ford

Rare passage migrant, which may have attempted to breed.

The earliest record is of one shot near Stevenage on 13 May 1887.

Other records of passage birds are: one seen in heavy rain in a Newgate garden on 15 September 1969; one at Top Pond, Astonbury on 19 September 1969; male in full breeding plumage at Astonbury on 29 April 1970; one at Watery Grove on 30 April 1971; one at Astonbury on 11 August 1975; a female at Astonbury Wood on  9 May 1979; a male at Watery Grove on 25 April 1980; a male at an unrecorded location on 30 April 1985; a female at an unrecorded location on 4 May 1985; one at an unrecorded location on 10 July 1987; a female in a Fishers Green garden on 12 August 1994; a male at Monks Wood on 24 April 1997; a first winter bird in a Martins Wood Garden on 4 September 2008; a male at Warren Springs Laboratory on 19 April 2013; one at Derby Way on 29 August 2015; two first year birds at Fairlands Farmhouse on 24 August 2022; two at Potters Spring on 9 and 10 September 2022.

Potential breeding records are: a female seen at Astonbury Wood on 10 June 1978; and a bird visiting a nest box in Granby Road for 10 days up to 4 June 1990.

BLACK REDSTART (Phoenicurus ochruros)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor that has bred.

Black Redstarts are scarce as breeding birds in Britain and are only recent colonizers of the country. Their northward spread from southern Europe had begun in the nineteenth century, and they were first recorded as breeding in Britain in 1923. Although they are birds of rocky mountainous areas with bolder strewn scree, they are in Britain associated with industrial wasteland and buildings, particularly rambling commercial structures.

In 1975 and 1976 a pair successfully bred at the now demolished Warren Springs Laboratory, five fledged young were seen on 22 July 1976. A female was seen at this site in May 1977. A pair were also seen on 15 and 19 August 1991, at this time Warren Springs was being redeveloped by Glaxo, but some of the old laboratory buildings had still to be demolished. Breeding was confirmed again in 1993, and the following observations by John Melling were published in the 1993 Hertfordshire Bird Report. “The pair nested at the same site last used in 1976, underneath a metal stairway about 3.5m above ground level. Hatching took place on or about 11 June and fledging around the 28. Up to four young were seen thereafter with two still present on 19 August. The parents were unobtrusive before hatching but the male sang regularly from 27 July until 19 August. Only the male was seen from the 24 August with the plumage becoming more developed. Although seen on only four days in September sightings were more frequent in October with singing last heard on the 13 September plus a final sighting on 1 November.” In 1994 a pair were reported to have raised one young on a construction site, and it is assumed that this was also at the Glaxo site. Males were also seen at this site on 25 February 1996 and 10 June 1997. Possible breeding was also recorded from Stevenage in 1974, and whether this was also at this site is not known.

Other records for Stevenage are: one at an unrecorded garden April 1973; two females observed for 30 minutes outside the Bakery in Cartwright Road on 21 October 1973; two at Watery Grove on 6 April 1974; a pair at an unrecorded location for three days in April 1978; a singing male at Box Wood on 8 and 9 April 1979; a female behind Box Wood on 7 May 1980; one at an unrecorded location on 4 April 1984 and a pair in early May; one at Pin Green on 14 March 1989; male Norton Green on 23 March 1992; female Edmonds Drive on 6 April 1994; one at an unrecorded location on 16 December 1996; male at an unrecorded location on 10 June 1997; one at an unrecorded location on 22 January 1998; a male at an unrecorded location on 19 April 2000; one in a Stevenage Garden on 5 January 2003; female at Norton Green Tip on 12 May 2004; female at Norton Green Tip on 14 April and 11 May 2005; female in a Great Ashby Garden on 23 October 2006; one at Norton Green on 19 April 2008; one near the Six Hills on 26 October 2011; first summer male on 18 March and a female on 19 March 2012 at Norton Green Tip; female at Argyle Way on 31 October 2012; one at Norton Green Tip from 15 to 27 April 2013; female at Norton Green Tip on 24 April 2014; one at Norton Green Tip on 31 March and 17 April 2016; female in an Aston Garden on 25 and 26 March 2020; one at an unrecorded location on 10 April 2021; female in a Jackdaw Close Garden on 6 April 2023.

REDSTART (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)

Stuart Ford

Rare passage migrants.

Redstarts have always been scarce as breeding birds in Hertfordshire.

One was seen at Stevenage on 24 April 1930. Foster (1934) claimed that they used to nest near Stevenage (a pair was seen by Doctor C. Grosvenor on 15 May 1932) but had, by then deserted the area except on rare occasions.

They were badly affected by the Sahel drought of 1968/69, when it was estimated that 75% of their number were lost.

In the 1960s and 1970s birds were seen at: Box Wood (7 September 1966, 7 September 1967, 15 April 1968); Fairlands Valley (male 1969); Popple Way (female 30 August 1975); Un-recorded location (male 21 April 1974, one killed by a Cat 12 September 1978); Watery Grove (30 April 1970).

In the 1980s and 1990s they were recorded from: Chells Way (14 March 1989); Norton Green (10 April 1988); Ripon Road (21 October 1981); Un-recorded location (7 August 1980, 24 September 1994, 24 March 1995, 24 April 1996, 20 September 1997).

Since 2000 they have been seen at: Aston Allotments (male 16 April 2015); Derby Way (male 14 September 2007); Dyes Lane (a male and female from 27 to 29 August 2021); Norton Green Tip (2 September 2015, male 10 April 2017, male 30 August 2020); River Beane east of Chells Manor (female 21 September 2008); Un-recorded location (female 20 April 2006, 18 August 2010).

ROCK THRUSH (Monticola saxatilis)

Stuart Ford

A very rare vagrant

A male was seen feeding in the ruins of St. Etheldreda’s Church, Chesfield on the evening of 8 May 1983. This was only the second record of this species being recorded in Hertfordshire. The first record was of one shot at Therfield on 19 May 1843, which was also the first record for Britain.

WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon passage migrant.

Foster (1914) described the Whinchat as, “a common summer visitor in all the district, nesting wherever suitable localities occur”.

They are regularly seen at Norton Green Tip, on spring and autumn migration, and since 2004 have been recorded almost annually. The most seen together there are, five on 27 August 2010. The earliest spring date they have been seen there is 19 April 2006, and the latest autumn date is 29 September 2012 and 29 September 2021. The most recent record is of one on 10 September 2023.

One seen at Norton Green Tip on 23 April 2020 may have been taken by a Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus).

Away from Norton Green Tip: two seen at an un-recorded location on 24 September 1969; one at Fairlands Valley on 29 May 1972; one at Aston End on 4 September 1976; single birds at Box Wood and, waste ground at Cartwright Road on 1 May 1984; one at an unrecorded location on 25 April 1995; a late migrating bird near Astonbury on 29 October 1995; one at Lords Farm, Aston on 6 May 1996; one at Dyes Lane on 5 September 2021; two at Lords Farm, Aston End on 3 September 2023.

STONECHAT (Saxicola torquata)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor.

At the beginning of the twentieth century Stonechats were common as breeding birds on the heaths and commons of Hertfordshire. They were however always rather local as nesting birds in North Hertfordshire, and had ceased breeding in the area by the late 1930s. They suffer badly in hard winters and the winter of 1916/17 had caused a major decline in their numbers.

They are regular winter visitors to Norton Green Tip and, are also seen there on spring and autumn migration. The most seen together there is four, two Males and two females seen between 29 September and 2 October 2018 and four on 17 February 2024.

Other records: One near Stevenage on 15 March 1908; one seen during the winter of 1961 at an unrecorded location; a male at Symonds Green on 15 February 1974; one near the Bakery in Cartwright Road on 18 October 1981; one at Aston on 27 February 1993; a male on waste ground at Great Ashby Way on 9 March 2006; a female at Great Ashby on 15 October 2006; one near Aston End Lane between 25 November and 1 December 2007, and again on 27 January 2008; two first winter birds at Potters Spring on 23 February 2018; a pair near Astonbury on 8 March 2020; one at New Park Lane, Aston on 10 November 2020; one at Aston End on 8 October 2022; one near Astonbury on 2 and 22 October 2023.

WHEATEAR (Oenanthe oenanthe)

Stuart Ford

Regular passage migrants.

Foster (1914) described Wheatears as, “not common near Stevenage” (one had been recorded on 4 April 1909).

The earliest spring date is 15 March 2008 and 2012 at Norton Green Tip and the latest autumn date is 20 October 1969 between Lytton Way and the Railway.

They are regularly seen on spring and autumn migration at Norton Green Tip from where they were first recorded on 21 March 1967. Since 1984, (when four were seen on 22 April) they have been recorded almost annually between March and May. The most seen on spring migration is 16 plus on 5 May 2012. On autumn migration between August and October the most seen is four on 9 September 2011. The most recent record is of two on a field next to the Tip on 22 March 2024.

They have also been seen on spring and autumn migration at: the former Amoco Laboratory (now part of Glaxo), Aston, Astonbury Farm, Aston End, Botany Bay Farm (now part of the Great Ashby development), near Box Wood, Bragbury End, Chesfield Park, Dyes Lane, Epsom Close Football Pitches, Fairlands Valley and Lakes, Great Ashby Way , Gunnels Wood Road, The former ICL Factory (now Fujitsu), Lingfield Road, between Lytton Way and, the Railway, Mobbsbury Lane, Potters Spring, the River Beane between Aston and Aston End, Stevenage Cricket Club, Ditchmore Lane and, Trotts Hill School.

A male showing characteristics of the larger race O. o. leucorroa (“Greenland” Wheatear) was seen at Stevenage between 15 and 22 April 1983. “Greenland” Wheatears have also been seen at Norton Green Tip on 5 May 2004 (two), 2 May 2005, 30 August 2007, 8 May 2009 (three), 26 April 2010, 30 April 2010 (14), 21 April 2011, 1 May 2012 (at least two), 24 April 2014 (two) and 28 April 2018 (two).

There are also four summer records: a juvenile bird at an unrecorded garden location on 9 July 1968, one seen near Stevenage on 3 June 1984, (this was the second year that this undisclosed site had had a summer record), single birds in June and July 2007 at Norton Green Tip and two males and a female near Box Wood on 3 June 2021.

Norton Green Tip 9 April 2021.

DUNNOCK (Prunella modularis)

Stuart Ford

Abundant resident.

Confirmed as breeding in nine tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, all 11 of Stevenage’s tetrads in the 1992 Atlas and, in seven in the 2012 Atlas.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

At Watery Grove the Common Bird Census recorded Dunnocks as holding breeding territories annually from 1972 to 1984, with a maximum of four territories being held in 1972, 1973, and 1981. Between 1985 and 1999 their presence was recorded annually in the breeding season, with single territories being held in 1988, 1993 and 1998. They are normally confined to the roadway beside the wood but did invade clear felled areas of coppice in the wood.

A Dunnock ringed in Belgium on 21 September 1992 was killed by a cat at Aston on 23 March 1993. 

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)

Stuart Ford

Common but declining resident.

Despite their apparent familiarity, House Sparrow numbers are declining, and, between 1994 and 2012 have declined by 25% in Hertfordshire. The causes of the decline are believed to be related to limited food and survival of farmland populations. Traditionally they formed large flocks in rural areas, in late summer and massed in favoured sites such as Cereal fields, where they inflicted great damage to the crops. Gladwin (1985) recorded that, “flocks of up to 1,000 are regularly seen, particularly in fields of ripening cereals and on stubble fields following the harvest.”

Regarded as pests they were, in Hertfordshire, subject in the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Century to the practice of, “Bat Folding”, where they were caught after dark in winter, with nets on long poles which were drawn along walls and hedges. There is an account of this being practised at Aston Church and Rectory (Jack Pallett’s Memories – Turner 2007).

House Sparrows used to form large communal roosts, on 26 January 1983 3,000 were estimated to be roosting in Fairlands Valley (this was the last big roost recorded in Hertfordshire). Other large flocks recorded from Stevenage are; 100 feeding on Pheasant food in Box Wood on 17 December 1972, 200 plus at Hertford Road on 20 March 1974, 100 plus behind the now demolished Dixons Warehouse in Martins Way on 3 April 1974, 300 plus on the remains of a Broad Bean Crop by Broaches Wood (now part of the Great Ashby Estate) on 30 October 1974, 150 in a mixed flock of finches at Norton Green Tip on 16 November 1977, and between 200 and 300 in the Hertford Road area in October 1978. The largest flock recorded in recent times is 51 at Aston End on 14 February 2021.

The 1973 and 1992 Breeding Atlases confirmed them as breeding in all 11 tetrads covering Stevenage, the 2012 Atlas confirmed breeding from 10.

Breeding was confirmed from Chells Manor in 2017.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

At Watery Grove the Common Bird Census recorded them as being present in the 1974 breeding season and, holding a single territory in 1987. 

TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus)

Stuart Ford

Former resident, not recorded since 1990.

Tree Sparrows in Britain have declined by 89% since the 1970’s and, have virtually disappeared as a breeding species in south east England, the reason for this decline is not fully understood. There have been other unexplained fluctuations in the past. Their population remained stable from the end of the nineteenth century until 1930 when a slow decline began that continued until about 1955. In the 1960s many areas were re-colonised, reaching a peak in the 1970s, when the present decline began. Habitat loss, especially the loss of hedgerows, changes in farming practices and the use of insecticides have been suggested as the cause of the decline.

 Mr S. Maples obtained a male at Fairlands Farm on 25 November 1907 and claimed that it was, “by no means a common bird here”. The following year, 1908, he reported that they were, “much more abundant than usual”. Foster (1914) stated that, “specimens had been noticed at Fairlands Farm and two birds had been obtained at different times.” In Hine (1934), Foster stated that Tree Sparrows, “are by no means uncommon in the district. Definite increase in winter.”  

The records from the 1960s are: One in a Raleigh Crescent Garden between 5 and 8 August 1965 and 30 at the Old Sewage Works, Roaring Meg on 12 February 1968.

In the 1970s and 1980s the records are: 50 at Box Wood on 16 February 1970 feeding on food put out for Pheasants; 30 at Box Wood on 26 March 1974; 12 at Fairlands Valley in January and March 1974; 43 at Nine Acre Spring (near what is now Cleveland Way, Great Ashby) on 24 November 1974, 20 at Fairlands Valley on 22 March 1975; 50 at Astonbury on 12 February 1977; 30 at Astonbury on 9 April 1977; 50 at Norton Green Tip in a mixed finch flock on 16 November 1977; at least 10 birds at Astonbury Wood on 5 March 1978; 11 ringed in Box Wood 1979; Astonbury Wood 1980.

They were confirmed as breeding in seven of Stevenage’s tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas and from one in the 1992 Atlas.

At Watery Grove the Common Bird Census recorded them holding a single territory in 1973, and as being present in the 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979 and 1981 breeding seasons. 

The most recent records are of one in a Windsor Close garden in 1988, and proven breeding at Aston in 1990.

YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon passage migrant, which has bred.

In 1878 they were considered, to be scarce in Hertfordshire and, were described as not being common in the Stevenage district by Foster (1914).

Nationally since 1970 Yellow Wagtails have declined by 60% due to the loss of suitable breeding habitat.

They have been seen on spring and autumn migration at, Aston End, Astonbury Farm, Chells Manor, Fairlands Valley and Lakes, Mobbsbury area of Chells, Norton Green Tip, Potters Spring, St Nicholas Park, Tilekiln Farm, Walkern Road and, Whomerley Wood (one seen by the Moat on 6 October 1974).

The largest flocks seen on migration are 12 at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 16 September 1996, 12 at St Nicholas Park on 20 September 2000 and 12 at Norton Green Tip on 1 September 2020.

The earliest spring arrival date at Stevenage is 25 March 2022 at Six Hills Way, and a late migrant was recorded from at the Moat in Whomerley Wood on 6 October 1974.

A pair bred at the old sewage works (now the Roaring Meg Retail Park) in 1966.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas considered breeding as possible from one tetrad covering the town, the 1992 Breeding Atlas considered breeding as possible from two tetrads and, the 2012 Breeding Atlas considered breeding as probable from the tetrad covering Chells Manor.

Recent summer and breeding records: Chesfield Park: breeding in 2013; Fairlands Valley Lakes: one on 6 June 2022; Norton Green Tip: 14 juvenile birds seen on 17 June 2008, two birds seen on 14 and 29 July 2014 and an adult and three juveniles on 28 August 2014, one on 11 June and 25 June 2015 and, confirmed breeding that year with a juvenile seen on 21 July, one on 19 June 2016, three juveniles seen in a Cereal Field nearby on 15 August 2017, a juvenile seen on 26 June 2018, one flying over on 27 August 2022; the Bridle path between Bragbury End and, Knebworth: two seen on 1 June 2020; Potters Spring: single birds seen on 21 and 25 July 2017, four plus birds seen on 20 June 2022, single birds on 3 and 25 July 2022 and, two on 27 June 2023.

GREY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea)

Stuart Ford

Passage migrant and winter visitor that has bred.

Foster (1914) recorded Grey Wagtails in the Stevenage district in winter.

They are regularly seen at Fairlands Valley Lakes, from where they were first recorded on 21 September 1974, with, records from every month of the year. The most seen together there are 20+ on 17 April 1981. Evidence of breeding has also recorded from there; juvenile birds seen on, 13 June 2003, and 22 June 2004, an adult and young seen on 16 June 2015, breeding confirmed in 2016, 2017 and 2019, a juvenile bird seen on 29 June 2020 and two adults, and a juvenile bird seen on 16 June 2023.

Other records for Stevenage:

Prior to 1990: Bragbury End 1973; Whomerly Wood, Industrial Area and Town Centre Gardens 1975; one at Town Centre Gardens on 12 January 1976; two at Watery Grove on 10 July 1977; Town Centre Gardens 1977; Astonbury 3 September 1978; a ringed bird caught in Box Wood 23 September 1978; male at Astonbury 26 November 1978; one at Astonbury 2 January 1979; Stevenage Golf Course 1 November 1979; Watery Grove during the 1979 breeding season; Watery Grove April and 18 and 26 June 1980; one at Glebe Shops 15 October 1980.

The 1990s: one at Edmonds Drive on 2 October 1993; Aston Brook 15 October 1995; Ditchmore Lane 29 November 1996; Stevenage Brook, Monks Wood Way 23 December 1996.

Between 2000 and 2009: Town Centre Gardens 11 March 2003 and 27 April 2005; Bessemer Drive 23 January 2006; Brickdale House 9 February 2006; Gunnels Wood Road 16 September 2006; two Bedwell Crecent 7 November 2006; Asda Car Park 19 May 2007; Ridlins Mire 25 November 2007; Ridlins End 20 July 2008; Stevenage Brook, London Road 20 and 21 January and 30 July 2009; Towers Pond 7 May 2009; Town Centre Gardens 21 May 2009; Aston Brook, Gresley Way 20 December 2009.

With an increase in records between 2010 and 2019 they were recorded from: Aston Brook, Goddard End and Gresley Way; Bragbury End, The Coach House; Broadwater Crescent; Jackdaw Close; Leisure Park; Old Town; Norton Green Pond and the Pond behind Norton Green Cottage; Norton Green Tip; Ridlins Mire; St George’s Church; Six Hills Way; Southgate; Tatlers Lane, Aston End; Town Centre and Town Centre Gardens; Watery Grove.

Since 2020 they have been recorded from: Sandown Road 1 June 2020; Chells Manor Pond (three) 30 June 2020; Stevenage Brook, Astonbury 19 June 2020; Chells Manor 14 September 2020; Aston End Road 25 October 2020; Pin Green (a daily garden visitor since November 2020) 12 January 2021 to 4 March 2021; Watery Grove 9 February 2021; Broadwater 3 March 2023; Stevenage Brook, Astonbury Wood 21 November 2021; Potters Spring 28 November 2021; on the roof of the former BHS Store, Town Centre 25 February 2022; Astonbury Wood 4 April 2022, 21 July 2023 (four), 26 July 2023 (two), 20 and 28 August 2023 and 3 September 2023; Astonbury Wood 7 February 2024 and 26 March 2024 (two); an Edmonds Drive Garden on 5 March 2024; Watery Grove 17 April 2024.     

They were not recorded as breeding in the 1973 Breeding Atlas at Stevenage, the 1992 Breeding Atlas considered possible breeding from the tetrads covering Pin Green (which includes Fairlands Valley Lakes), Broadwater and Norton Green, the 2012 Atlas confirmed breeding from the tetrad covering Knebworth and, considered possible breeding from the tetrads covering Pin Gren and Norton Green and possible breeding from the Old Town, Broadwater, and Aston.

In 2014 birds were seen carrying food at Watery Grove on 10 May and, at Southgate Car Park on 22 June. In 2016 a pair were seen carrying food at the Town Centre Gardens on 5 May. In 2019 Breeding was suspected at Watery Grove.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from eight of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

Stuart Ford

Common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Regularly seen at the Town Centre, the Industrial Area, Gresley Way and Fairlands Valley Lakes.

They were confirmed as breeding in five of the town’s tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, from nine in the 1992 Atlas and, from five in the 2012 Atlas.

Outside of the breeding season they form large communal roosts, often in shrubberies and at man – made structures: in 1965 30 roosted in a hangar at the BAC Works (MBDA), Gunnels Wood Road and, the birds were frequently seen indoors in hard weather; 200 were seen roosting in Monks Wood during November 1969; between 1974 and 1979 up to 400 roosted at the Lister Hospital.

A flock of over 50 birds were seen in a field adjoining the western boundary of Norton Green Tip on 26 January 2015 and, a pre-roost gathering of 88 birds was seen at an unrecorded location on 21 January 2017.

Pied Wagtails are vulnerable to severe winter weather, and huge losses occurred in the winter of 1962/63.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from 10 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

Two unusual records: 19 were seen following a plough near Astonbury on 24 March 1973; in 1975 a pair nested in a well at Astonbury.

There are seven records of the continental race, “White” Wagtail (M. a. alba); two from Fairlands Valley Lakes on 20 April 1990 and 17 April 1991 and, Norton Green Tip; one on 14 April 2005; two on 12 April 2012, one on 4 April 2013, one on 9 April 2013 and two on 30 April 2013.

TREE PIPIT (Anthus trivialis)

Stuart Ford

Rare passage migrant and former summer visitor.

From the nineteenth century until the 1960s Tree Pipits were common and widely distributed in Hertfordshire but have since declined rapidly. This decline is attributed to habitat changes, such as coppiced woodland becoming overgrown, and the maturing of conifer plantations, which does not suit their need for open woodland.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from the tetrad covering Norton Green and, as probable from the tetrad covering Boxbury Farm. Neither the 1992 or 2012 Atlases recorded any breeding activity.

The records for Stevenage are: three singing males Box Wood 1964; recorded from Box Wood 1965; recorded from Box Wood and Monks Wood 1966; one Box Wood on 17 April 1967; one Box Wood on 24 April and 2 May 1970; a bird in song Box Wood on 12 May 1971; one Box Wood on 7 May 1972 and, one feeding young  Watery Grove on 7 June 1972; two different pairs Watery Grove in May and June 1973; two Watery Grove during April, May and, July 1974; birds seen Box Wood and, Watery Grove 1975; a pair Box Wood 1978, two seen at Box Wood on 12 May 1979 and three the following day which were seen displaying and one carrying nesting material; a male displaying Box Wood on 25 May 1981; one seen Box Wood on 30 August 1984; one at Norton Green Tip on 10 September 2018.

The most recent record is of one on migration at Norton Green Tip on 4 September 2020.  

MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis)

Stuart Ford

Passage migrant, and winter visitor, which has bred.

Foster (1914) recorded that Meadow Pipits were found on high ground near Stevenage, and in Hine (1934), he recorded that, “In the winter almost every low lying waste place seem to contain Meadow Pipits; the sewage farms at Hitchin, Sevenage and Baldock seem sometimes to be alive with them.” 

Sage (1959) stated that their main breeding areas in Hertfordshire was on the high ground running from Stevenage to Royston.

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from the tetrad covering Pin Green, but were not confirmed as breeding in Stevenage in the 1992 and 2012 Atlases. Birds were seen at Broaches Mead, Great Ashby, prior to its development in June 2000 and 2001.

Passage birds have been seen at, Box Wood, Chells, Fairlands Valley and Lakes, New Park Lane, Aston, Norton Green Tip and, Warren Spring. The largest number seen in spring is, 50 roosting at Box Wood on 31 March 1967 and, 36 at Fairlands Valley on 31 March 1973. The most seen in autumn is 37 at New Park Lane, Aston on 28 November 2012. 

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from the tetrads covering Boxbury Farm, Pin Green, Broadwater and, Aston.

Since 2012 wintering birds have been seen at, Astonbury, Astonbury Farm, Aston End Road, Aston Recreation Ground, Lords Farm, Aston End, New Park Lane, Aston, Norton Green Tip and, near the River Beane, Aston.

BRAMBLING (Fringilla montifringilla)

Stuart Ford

Occasional winter visitor in small numbers.

Foster (1914) recorded that Bramblings were, “frequently noted at Stevenage.”

Prior to the 1980’s reasonable sized flocks had been recorded from Stevenage; 30 to 40 at Box Wood on 15 April 1968; 11 in a mixed flock of finches near Brooches Wood on 30 October 1974; 20 at Watery Grove on 16 February 1978. Between one and three birds were also recorded from, Astonbury, Chells, Chesfield Manor Park, and, Pryors Wood. Also, small numbers were seen in Fairlands Valley in the winter of 1968/69.

There is also an interesting record of a male in full breeding plumage with three females at Chesfield Manor Park on 15 April 1967.

During the 1980’s there were only four records, coming from, Astonbury, Lonsdale Road and, Watery Grove (where one was heard singing on 12 April 1980) and, only one record during the 1990’s (at an unrecorded location).

Between 2000 and 2009 there were the following records: a female in a Lonsdale Road Garden on 20 February 2001; four at Great Ashby and two at Ripon Road on 16 November 2007; one ringed at Fishers Green on 17 November 2007; three at Fairlands Lakes on 21 January 2008; one in a garden on 23 March 2008; one in a Great Ashby Garden on 16 November 2008; five at Great Ashby on 29 March 2009; nine at Great Ashby on 30 March 2009; male in a Great Ashby Garden on 16 November 2008; a male feeding and bathing in a garden on 1 December 2009.

Between 2010 and 2019 there were the following records: one at Aston Allotments on 16 October 2012 and, 19 October 2015; one at an unrecorded location on 17 January 2017; one at Watery Grove on 19 March 2018; two males and, a female in a Chells Manor Garden on 27 March 2018 and a male on 2 April; a male in a Great Ashby Garden on 3 April 2018; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 11 November 2018; a female on a garden feeder on 16 March 2019; one at Box Wood on 23 March 2019; two at Ashtree Wood on 24 March 2019.

Since 2020 they have been recorded from: Box Wood, a male on 5 March 2020; Aston End Road, two on 25 October 2020; Great Ashby a male on 18 December 2020; Great Ashby Park one on 24 March 2021; Stanley Road one on 8 October 2021; Fairlands Valley Lakes, three plus on 12 October and one plus on 14 October 2021; two plus near Great Ashby Park on 20 November 2021; a male in a Great Ashby garden on 17 and 18 February 2022; two in a Great Ashby garden on 20 February 2022; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 1 and 21 March 2022; six plus at Watery Grove on 2 April 2023.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from four of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

CHAFFINCH (Fringilla coelebs)

Stuart Ford

Common resident and winter visitor.

Between 1956 and 1963 huge numbers of Chaffinches died, particularly in south east England as a result of the use of organochlorine chemicals in agriculture.

They were confirmed as breeding from nine of Stevenage’s tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, 10 in the 1992 Atlas and, three in the 2012 Atlas.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded Chaffinches as holding between one and fourteen breeding territories annually between 1972 and 1999. The lowest counts were in the 1970s with a steady increase from 1978. They were the only significant finch of the interior of the wood during that period, and appeared less dependent on coppicing.

Largest flocks recorded are, 50 in fields near Brooches Wood on 30 October 1974, 40 plus seen at Monks Wood/Whomerley Wood on 6 March 1977, and 40 plus in a mixed finch flock at Norton Green Tip on 15 March 1980.

An influx of birds from the continent was noted at Box Wood on 24 October 1981 when 10 birds of the continental race F. c. coelebs were caught and ringed.

 One ringed near Dublin in December 1983 was controlled at Stevenage in November 1984 

HAWFINCH (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)

Stuart Ford

Former resident of the town’s principal woodlands.  

The Hawfinch is the largest of Britain’s native Finches, and the most elusive. They inhabit mature broad leaved woodlands, especially those with good stands of Hornbeam or Cherry. In winter they form small flocks and disperse locally and, sometimes visit gardens. They are vulnerable during cold winters. Nationally their breeding population and, range are in decline.

The 1879 Hertfordshire Bird Report contained a comment that Hawfinches were, “adept at stripping and shelling peas and, in gardens are said to be more destructive than the Bullfinch”.

Foster (1914) described Hawfinches as, “locally common near Stevenage”. He also recorded that, “a pair nest annually in a garden close to the town”. In Hine, (1934), he recorded that they bred at Box Wood.

During the fieldwork for the 1973 Breeding Atlas the Hawfinch featured in more tetrads in the 10 Kilometre Square in which Stevenage falls than any other in the County, with breeding confirmed from three tetrads. Despite being confirmed as breeding in two of the tetrads covering Stevenage in the 1992 Atlas, they have declined dramatically and, apart from migratory birds are now probably extinct at Stevenage.

The decline in Hertfordshire is widespread and the reasons are unknown. In 1967 a decline was noted at Box Wood following the felling of an area that included Hornbeams.

The records for the principal sites where Hawfinches were formerly found at Stevenage are;

Astonbury Wood: several seen on 4 January 1969 feeding on Hawthorn seeds and one seen drinking on 5 March 1969; between 15 and 20 on 11 February 1973; present 1974; one on 19 June, 17 July 1977 and 25 September 1977; two or, more birds heard calling in March and April 1978, a pair seen feeding newly hatched young on 21 July and, a pair calling on 20 August 1978; single bird April 1980; breeding confirmed June 1980, with a pair seen carrying food on 14 June; present in 1981; three seen in March and April 1989; nine on 20 January 1990; present in 1991; 10 on 24 February 1992; four on 8 March 1992.

Box Wood: Small party seen in the winter 1960; one seen on 20 May 1962; a pair with two young recorded in 1964; 12 on 25 February 1965, a pair on 28 March and 22 April 1965, three on 3 April, four on 22 May and, six on 11 December 1965; present all year 1966; one 27 June 1967; remains of a bird presumed to have been taken by a predator found on 17 April 1969; one on 31 June 1970; 20 on 8 October 1972; seen March and April 1973; present 1974; one in April 1976; one in August 1978; recorded in April, May and December 1979; four plus seen April 1980; a male two females and a juvenile ringed 1980, both females apparently nesting; four on 29 March and 30 May 1981; Adult males were ringed on 13 June and 4 July 1981 and, also a female on 4 July with a brood patch indicating breeding in the wood; two on 5 November 1982; one on 8 December 1982; several pairs bred in 1983; two on 18 May 1984; one on 7 June 1986; recorded in 1988; two males in 1989; one on 13 April 1991.

Fairlands Valley Lakes: One found dead in January 1978; recorded in 1980 and 1981; one on 27 February 1983; one on 28 May 1989.

Monks Wood: Nested in 1966 with several seen 30 April; one on 9 April 1967; indications of breeding 1967/8; seen on 2 September 1971; present 1972; seen from March to May 1973; six on 9 March 1974; 13 on 26 February 1989; three on 30 January 1994.

Pryors Wood: Present all year in 1981.

Watery Grove: seen from March to May 1971; seen March and April 1973; present 1974; seen on 10 occasions in 1975; two pairs nested in 1977; present in 1978, 1979 and 1980 (with up to three seen); six on 27 March 1981; seven on 2 April 1981; a pair present in 1983; present during the 1985 breeding season; pair present in 1989. The Common Bird Census recoded single breeding territories being held in 1972, 1975 and 1977, their presence in the 1979 breeding season, two territories being held in 1980 and 1982, and their presence in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1989. Watery Grove remains typical Hawfinch habitat, and their present absence from the wood would appear to be part of their general decline.

Whomerley Wood: a pair 28 March and 22 April 1965; three on 3 April 1965; four on 22 May 1965; six on 11 February 1965; bred in 1969; over-wintered for the first time 1969/70; male and female drinking at the pond of the, “Moat Sanctuary” on 8 May 1970 and several young birds seen in the wood in July and August; numerous in 1971 (with breeding suspected); 13 on 13 February 1972; seen March and April 1973; nesting near the, “Sanctuary” 1974; between six and eight 21 March 1975; pair seen during the summer 1980; at least 20 on 30 March 1981; seven on 12 June 1981.

Two records away from the principal sites: one seen at The Nobel Grammar School, Mobbsbury Way on 2 May 1967 and single birds flying over Chells during April 1979.

More recent records are: two seen at Gresley Way on 31 March 2006. (During the 2005/2006 winter small flocks had been seen in the County which were believed to be of Continental origin); one heard calling in the “clearing” between Watery Grove and Cannocks Wood on 3 April 2014.

During the autumn of 2017 there was a considerable influx of birds to Britain due to crop failures in Germany and, Romania, with large flocks seen in Hertfordshire in the winter of 2017/18. At Stevenage birds up to 12 birds were seen between 22 January and 14 March 2018 at Upper Kitching Spring and, at Watery Grove, one was seen on 1 January and, 35 on 27 February 2018.

Small numbers of Hawfinches were ringed in Hertfordshire in the 1970’s and 1980’s, one ringed at Wheathampstead was found at Box Wood.

The most recent record is of one seen at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 14 November 2022

BULLFINCH (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon resident in serious decline.

Following increases in their numbers during the 1950s and 1960s Bullfinches are now in decline, this has been linked to hedgerow and scrub loss. In the winter and early spring, they feed on flower and fruit buds, and their ability to strip buds from fruit trees resulted in their persecution during the nineteenth century by fruit growers and gardeners. In Hertfordshire one of their local names is “budpricker.” Crossman (1902) recorded that Bullfinches were, “rather shot down in those districts where fruit is cultivated to any extent.”

The records from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s are: a male in a Raleigh Close Garden on 5 July and 25 August 1965; 12 at Box Wood on 11 December 1965; 12 at Box Wood on 26 November 1967; an increase noted in Monks Wood in 1967 and 1968; up to six feeding on the seeds of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) in a Lodge Way Garden in 1969; a pair and two young feeding in a Stevenage Garden on Honeysuckle berries August 1970; 12+ in the Hertford Road area on 3 December 1973; seven Fairview Road 24 January 1974; nine Monks Wood 2 February 1974; eight by Botany Bay 8 November 1974; nesting near the “Sanctuary” in Whomerly Wood 1974; 42 ringed at Box Wood in 1978; between eight and 11 birds Watery Grove 9 to 15 January 1980; Box Wood 11 May 1985. During this period, they were quite common locally.

During the 1990s records came from: Ashtree Wood; Edmonds Drive; Lanterns Lane; Monks Wood; New Wood, Aston; Norton Green Tip; Watery Grove; Whomerly Wood and, Wiltshire Spring. A large flock of 24 was seen on 6 September 1996 at an unrecorded location, which is the most seen together at Stevenage.

Between 2000 and 2009 they were recorded from: Ashtree Wood; Astonbury; Aston End; Barham Road; Dene Lane; Fairlands Valley Lakes; Fishers Green; Gresley Way; Lanterns Lane; Long Lane, Aston; Monks Wood; New Park Lane, Aston; Norton Green Tip; Ridlins Mire; River Beane, Aston; Symonds Green; Tatlers Lane, Aston End and, Watery Grove.

Between 2010 and 2019 they were recorded from: Aston Allotments; Astonbury Wood; Aston Recreation Ground; Broadwater Lane; Chesfield; Dene Lane; Dyes Lane; Norton Green Tip; River Beane, Aston; Short Lane, Aston; Watery Grove and six on a Stevenage Garden feeder in 2017.

Since 2020, when there decline locally has become more noticeable, they have been recorded from: Aston Allotments; Aston End Road; Between Great Ashby and Chesfield; Fairlands Valley Lakes; Sheafgreen Lane, Aston End; Short Lane, Aston and Watery Grove.

The most recent record is of a male and female at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 18 March 2024.

They were confirmed as breeding from eight of Stevenage’s tetrads by both the 1973 and 1992 Breeding Atlases and, from two in the 2012 Atlas.

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded one breeding territory being held annually between 1972 and 1976. In 1977 and 1979 two territories were held. In the 1980’s single breeding territories were held in 1981, 1985, and 1987, and their presence was recorded in the 1984, 1988, and 1989 breeding seasons. In the 1990’s their presence was recorded in the 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1999 breeding seasons, single breeding territories held in 1994, 1995 and 1997, and two territories held in 1996.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from seven of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

A bird ringed at Osterley, Middlesex in 1977 was, “controlled” at Stevenage on 30 June 1984. This is an unusual record as, the majority of, birds ringed in England are recorded within five kilometres of the ringing site.

GREENFINCH (Carduelis chloris)

Stuart Ford

Common resident.

In the past large winter flocks of Greenfinches were often recorded from stubble fields and wasteland, where they fed on weed seeds. As these food sources have diminished due to the intensification of farming methods they now use gardens as a suitable alternative food source. 

Since 2005 Greenfinches have also been affected by a respiratory disease, trichomonsis, which has had an effect on their numbers.  

They were confirmed as breeding from six of Stevenage’s tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, nine in the 1992 Atlas and, six in the 2012 Atlas.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

At Watery Grove, the Common Bird Census recorded between one and four pairs holding breeding territories between 1972 and 1983, the peak of four territories being recorded in 1979. From 1984 to 1999 only their presence in the breeding season was recorded.

The following large flocks have been recorded: 200 at Brooches Wood on 30 October 1974; 100+ at Astonbury Wood during March and April 1975; 100+ at Astonbury Wood on 12 February and, 9 April 1977; 100+ at Monks Wood/Whomerly Wood on 6 March 1977; between 3 to 400 at Box Wood on 1 September 1979; approximately 100 roosted near the Railway Station on 24 February 2006 (where a regular winter roost had been established); 150 at the Glaxo site on 11 February 2014.

84 were ringed at Box Wood in August 1979, one ringed on 28 August 1979 was “controlled” at Garston, Watford on 3 March 1980 and, 94 were ringed at Box Wood in September 1979. A bird found dead at Shephall in 1980 had been ringed at Maidenhead, Berkshire.

LINNET (Carduelis cannabina)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon resident and passage migrant.

In the nineteenth century major immigrations of Linnets to Britain were regarded as commonplace, these major immigrations no longer occur. They are susceptible to hard winters and in severe weather they migrate to south – western France and Spain. Their numbers fell after the hard winters of the early 1960’s. Despite a recovery in the late 1960’s, when they began exploiting the scrubby verges of roads and motorways, their numbers are now at an all-time low. This is due to the loss of seed bearing weeds in rural areas due to the efficient use of agricultural weed killers. 

They were confirmed as breeding from seven of Stevenage’s tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, from five in the 1992 Atlas but, from none in the 2012 Atlas. Records of possible breeding came from Norton Green in 2014.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from the tetrad covering Boxbury Farm.

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded a pair holding a breeding territory in 1988.

The following large flocks have been recorded: 200 roosting at Box Wood on 12 February 1965; 156 at Box Wood on 26 March 1965; 300 at Box Wood on 11 December 1965; 200 roosting at Box Wood on 3 January 1966; 50 plus at the Old Sewage Works, Roaring Meg on 4 February 1967; 100 plus at Broaches Wood on 19 August 1974; 40 at Astonbury and 40+ at Fairlands Valley in April 1977; between 100 and 150 roosting at Box Wood in November and December 1979; 25 at Norton Green Tip on 1 May 1984; 50 at Norton Green on 25 September 1999; 20 to 30 at Norton Green Tip in the autumn of 2007; 50 at an unrecorded location in July 2013, 200 near Stevenage on 23 November 2011; 200 at a roost in east Stevenage in 2014; 150 plus at a regular roost at the Glaxo site in 2014; 40 plus at Aston End on 11 September 2014; 230 at the Glaxo site on 27 February 2015; 50 plus at Norton Green Tip on 4 August 2015.

LESSER REDPOLL (Carduelis cabaret)

Stuart Ford

Former common resident of the towns woods, now a scarce winter visitor.

Lesser Redpolls have historically been relatively scarce in south – east England. They are subject to significant and long – term fluctuations. These fluctuations have been attributed to variations in the seed crops on which they feed, and the changes to conifer plantations as they mature. Large irruption movements occurred in 1959, 1964 and 1977. Having increased through the 1960s, between 1972 and 1996, their numbers declined in Britain by 89%. 

They were confirmed as breeding from the tetrad covering Pin Green in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, from the tetrads covering the Old Town and Pin Green in the 1992 Atlas but, from none in the 2012 Atlas.

The earliest record for Stevenage is of 12 at Box Wood in April 1964.

In the 1960s and 1970s they were recorded from: Astonbury Wood, Box Wood (where 50 were seen on 30 January 1965), Monks Wood (where they probably bred in 1968 and 1969), Watery Grove (where 40 were seen between 28 March and 5 April 1976) and, Whomerly Wood (where 20 plus were seen on 28 April 1974). A bird ringed at Box Wood was, “controlled” at Ashurst in the New Forest in 1979.

During September and October 1980, 256 were trapped and, ringed in Box Wood, at which time between 80 to 1000 were estimated to be in the wood. Two adult birds ringed at Box Wood on 12 October 1980 were recovered, one was, “controlled” at the Queen Mary Reservoir at Staines, Berkshire on 12 May 1981 and, the other was killed by a Cat at St. Albans on 27 May 1981.  

Other records from the 1980s came from: Chells Park; Fairlands Valley lakes, Popple Way (where an adult was seen feeding a juvenile on 28 August 1986), Ridlins Mire, Sishes Wood and, Watery Grove (where 30 were seen on 4 May 1981).

During the 1990’s there were only two records from, Norton Green Tip (three on 20 January 1992) and, Watery Grove (one on17 February 1992).

Between 2000 and 2009 they were recorded from: a Canterbury Way Garden (15 on 3 January 2004), Fairlands Valley Lakes (five on 31 March 2003), a Roebuck Garden (seven on 5 March 2000) and, Shephall (11 in late February to early March 2004).

Between 2010 and 2019 they were recorded at: Broadwater (three on garden feeders on 15 January 2014, three on 4 February 2014 and, four on 18 January 2016), Great Ashby (male and three females in a garden on 14 January 2019) Fairlands Valley and Lakes (single birds on 9 December 2010, 27 February 2013, and 17 March 2015), Norton Green Tip (one on 23 September 2015, eight on 1 January 2016 and, up to 100 between 24 February and, 14 April 2018), Shephall (one in a garden on 25 March 2010 and, five on garden feeders on 9 February 2013), Stevenage Brook (two on 13 March 2011), Upper Kitching Spring (one on 23 March 2018) and, Watery Grove (two on 13 February 2017).

Since 2020 they have been recorded at: Fairlands Valley and Lakes (seven plus on 18 October 2020, six on 5 November 2020, three between 5 and 27 March 2021, one on 25 October and 8 November 2022, one on 9 and 12 March 2023, one on 10 January 2024 and two on 15 February 2024); Broadwater (two on a garden feeder on 13 January 2022); Old Town (two on a garden feeder on 25 and 27 January 2023); Stanley Road (one flying over on 11 October 2023).

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded their presence in the 1972 breeding season, and holding between one and three breeding territories between 1973 and 1979. In the 1980’s and 1990’s three breeding territories were held in 1981, and their presence recorded in the 1984, 1985, 1989 and 1991 breeding seasons.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from five of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

MEALY REDPOLL (Carduelis flammea)

Stuart Ford

Very rare winter visitor.

There are occasional large influxes of Mealy Redpolls to Britain when the availability of Birch seed in northern Europe is scarce or as a result of deep snow. At least ten were seen during the 1975/76 influx at Watery Grove on 24 February 1976. In 2011, a male was in a Stevenage garden on 4 February 2011, and another bird was seen at Great Ashby on 17 March 2011.

COMMON CROSSBILL (Loxia curvirostra)

Stuart Ford

Very rare visitors during periodic irruptions.

Crossbills are birds of coniferous woods and forests. There are occasional, “irruptions” of the species when flocks of birds from the continent reach Britain.

Prior to the winter of 2020/21 (an “irruption” year) there were only four records for Stevenage: one was reported from Stevenage during the “irruption” year of 1909; a pair were, “obtained” near Stevenage on 29 January 1910; six seen in Grace Way on 2 August 1990. (1990 was the best year for Crossbills in Hertfordshire since the “irruption” of 1962); seven were seen flying over Stevenage on 30 October 2012.

During the 2020/21 winter five were seen at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 26 October 2020, three males and four females at Derby Way on 5 December 2020 and between 28 January and 1 February 2021 up to nine were seen at Ashtree Wood.

GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

Stuart Ford

Fairly common resident and passage migrant.

Goldfinches are attracted to thistle seeds, after a series of wet and difficult years for farming from around 1870 there was a decline in weed control on farms and the amount of thistles increased, there then followed a marked increase in Goldfinch numbers. Marlborough H. Pryor reported that they were, “common in the neighbourhood of Stevenage during the winter of 1898/99”, and in 1908 Mr S. Maples said they were, “numerous” in the area. Foster (1914) stated that they were, “common in Stevenage district”. As was to be expected with the development of the town, Sage (1959) stated that they had, “noticeably decreased at Stevenage.” They can however still be found, and are particularly attracted to gardens where Niger seeds are provided for them.

They were confirmed as breeding from nine of Stevenage’s tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, seven in the 1992 Atlas and, five in the 2012 Atlas. 

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

At Watery Grove, where they can often be seen in the clearing between the wood and Cannocks Wood, the Common Bird Census recorded one pair holding a breeding territory in 1974, and their presence in the 1996 and 1999 breeding seasons.

Norton Green Tip is also a stronghold for them, with flocks (or “charms”) of 100 seen on 7 October 1984, 50 on 14 March 1990, 30 to 45 September and October 2005, 40 on 12 September 2006, 150 on 4 October 2015, 130 on 2 September 2017 and, 50 on 7 June 2019.

A flock (or, “charm”) of over 40 were seen in the Pryors Wood area on 17 December 2008, 100 were seen at Aston End on 30 August 2021 and 60+ were seen at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 4 December 2023.

SISKIN (Carduelis spinus)

Stuart Ford

Occasional winter visitor and passage migrant with four summer records.

Although Foster recorded a large flock of Siskins with Goldfinches near Aston in February 1907, prior to 1930 they were scarce visitors to Hertfordshire, and in the 1950’s, were reported to be scarce or entirely absent from North Hertfordshire. The earliest subsequent record since Foster’s was of two at Box Wood on 16 April 1972.

Whilst they have increased in both range and numbers nationally in the twentieth century following the wide scale planting of non-native conifer forests, they were still uncommon at Stevenage during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s with only 17 records. Records coming from, Box Wood, Fairlands Valley, Monks Wood, Norton Green Tip, Sish Lane, Watery Grove, and gardens in Chells and Edmonds Drive.

There were only two records prior to 2007 (from Corey’s Mill and Fairlands Valley Lakes), since then they have been recorded annually.

During the winter of 2007/08, there was a considerable influx of Siskins, with the following records: 20 on 20 December at an unknown location, up to 25 in a Great Ashby Garden between 2 and 25 January, up to 25 in a Broadwater Garden, 30 in Pryors Wood on 20 February, 30 plus in a Great Ashby Garden on 16 March, and nine in a Great Ashby Garden on 29 March. 

A large flock of 30 was seen at Chesfield Park on 24 March 2015 and flocks of up to 50 birds have been seen at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 29 November 2021 and 24 January 2022.

The summer records are: four birds seen at Fishers Green on 24 June 2013 and, a juvenile seen there on 25 August 2013; one on feeders at Great Ashby on 29 June 2015; one in a Fairview Road Garden on 1 June 2022 and a juvenile bird seen there on 6 June 2022.

There are three ringing records: An adult male ringed at Fishers Green on 7 March 2013 was, “controlled” at Bellshill, North Lanarkshire on 11 April 2013, an adult male ringed at Selkirk, Scottish Borders on 21 October 2012 was, “controlled” at Fishers Green on 7 March 2013 and, a first year male ringed at Rushcliffe Country Park, Nottinghamshire on 27 January 2013 was, “controlled” at Fishers Green on 18 March 2013.    

The Common Bird Census at Watery Grove recorded a pair holding a breeding territory in 1978, and their presence in the 1985 breeding season.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from six of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

The most recent records: up to 20 at Fairlands Valley Lakes between 6 October and 26 March 2021; 10+ at Ashtree Wood on 11 February 2021; circa. eight at Box Wood on 7 March 2021; single birds on autumn passage at Fairlands Valley Lakes during October 2021; up to 50 birds at Fairlands Valley Lakes during November and December 2021 and January, February and March 2022; a male at the Old Town on 31 May 2022; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 1 October 2022; four at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 7 November 2022; eight at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 11 November 2022; 40+ at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 5 and 23 December 2022; six plus at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 26 December 2022; up to 12 at Fairlands Valley Lakes between 2 and 30 January 2023; c.30 at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 12 March 2023; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 18 March 2023; four at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 1 April 2023; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 14 September 2023; five at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 1 October 2023; one at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 19 October 2023; 25 at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 20 October 2023; nine at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 12 November and c.12 on 15 November 2023; 25 at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 7 December, 45 on 15 December and six on 25 December 2023, 40 at Fairlands Valley Lakes on 12 and 20 January 2024 and birds seen on and birds seen on 30 January and 9 February 2024, 15 on 14 February 2024, two on 27 February 2024, 10+ on 29 February 2024 and six plus on 7 March 2023; a male and female in an Edmonds Drive Garden on 6 March 2024 and a male there on 13 March 2024; one plus in a Fairview Road Garden on 16 and 23 March 2024.

Fairlands Valley Lakes 15 January 2021.

YELLOWHAMMER (Emberzia citrinella)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon residents of the rural edges of the town.

Yellowhammers were one of Britain’s commonest birds in the nineteenth century, and there were major immigrations of them in the winter. They declined in numbers in the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly in south east England, due to the use of organochlorine seed dressings. They have also suffered from the massive loss of hedgerows in arable regions.

Yellowhammers nested in Meadway, Symonds Green in 1949.

They were confirmed as breeding from six of Stevenage’s tetrads in the 1973 Breeding Atlas, from 10 in the 1992 Atlas and, from three in the 2012 Atlas.

At Watery Grove the Common Bird Census recorded a single breeding territory being held in 1975, and their presence during the 1974 and 1977 breeding seasons.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from six of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

The following large numbers have been recorded: 50 at Box Wood on 30 January and, 16 October 1965; 47 by Hangbois Wood (Great Ashby) on 24 November 1974; 50 coming to roost at Aston End on 6 January 1977 in a mixed flock with Corn and Reed Buntings; a roost of 100 to 150 birds at Box Wood between November 1979 and January 1980; 75 at Norton Green on 5 January 1986; 20 to 30 on various dates at Aston End in 2006; 20 on farmland near Chells Manor on 26 December 2007, which remained until the following new year; 25 at Aston End on 5 November 2010; 20 at the back of Great Ashby on 27 November 2011; 40 at Norton Green Tip on 15 March 2015; 20 at Chesfield Park on 4 January 2018; 35 plus at Chells Manor on 15 October 2021.

A bird ringed at Box Wood on 12 January 1980 was killed at Guilden Morden, Cambridgeshire on 7 May 1980. 135 were ringed in Box Wood in 1979 and 249 were ringed during 1981.

CIRL BUNTING (Emberzia cirlus)

Stuart Ford

A former very rare winter visitor.

In the late nineteenth century Cirl Buntings were quite widespread in southern England. Crossman (1902) considered them to be, “sparsely distributed along the hills of the north of the County.” From the beginning of the twentieth century their breeding range began to retract towards the south. This decline continued steadily until the late 1960s when the British population collapsed.

Foster (1914) recorded that they were, “occasionally seen in the neighbourhood of Stevenage”. Mr S. Maples described them at Stevenage as, “an occasional visitor not readily distinguishable from the Yellow Bunting (Yellowhammer)” adding, “I noticed several of these birds near Fairlands Farm on 10 March 1907.” In winter small flocks were known to wander to places where they did not breed, and hayricks were favoured feeding sites.

REED BUNTING (Emberzia schoeniclus)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon resident and winter visitor which has formerly bred. 

Reed Buntings are mainly wetland birds, when their population levels were high in the late 1960s and early 1970s they were also found nesting in dry farmland, and they also colonised newly planted Conifer plantations. Their numbers subsequently declined between the mid-1970s and early 1980s.

They are vulnerable during cold winters and were badly affected by the winter of 1962/63 and the severe winters of the early 1980s. During the winter they roost communally, the largest such roost in the County was of 150 birds at Box Wood in 1979.

The earliest record for Stevenage is of the 10 noted at the old sewage works, Roaring Meg on 21 June 1966.

In the 1970’s they were recorded from: Aston, Aston End (where 30 came into roost with a mixed flock of Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings on 6 January 1977); Astonbury (where 15 were seen on 15 January 1979); Box Wood (where 100 roosted during January 1979); Fairlands Valley (where 16 were seen on 11 February 1973 and, 20 in January 1976); Martins Way (where 30 plus were seen by the former Dixons Warehouse on 23 March 1974); Norton Green (where up to 12 were seen in November 1977).

During the 1980’s and 1990’s they were recorded from: Box Wood; Lords Farm, Aston; Norton Green Tip (where a pair bred in 1983); Ridlins Mire; Stevenage Brook (along which 10 and 15 were counted on 14 June 1981) Watery Grove (where a mixed flock of 50-60 Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers (Emberzia citrinella) were seen on 20 January 1981).

Between 2000 and 2010 they were recorded from: New Park Lane, Aston; Norton Green Tip; River Beane Aston; un-recorded Stevenage Gardens (where four were seen on 27 January 2007 and, two on 23 March 2008).

Since 2010 they have been recorded from: Fairlands Valley Lakes, Norton Green Tip, Potters Spring, Upper Kitching Spring and, River Beane, Aston and, Aston End. The most recent record is up to three birds at Fairlands Valley Lakes between 23 March and 20 April 2024.

They were confirmed as breeding from two of Stevenage’s tetrads in 1973 Breeding Atlas, three in the 1992 Atlas but, from none in the 2012 Atlas.

At Watery Grove the Common Bird Census recorded a single breeding territory being held in 1978, and their presence during the 1989 breeding season.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from four of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

CORN BUNTING (Millaria calandra)

Stuart Ford

Uncommon resident.

Since 1970 Corn Buntings have declined in Britain by 90% as a result of the lack of winter stubble fields, autumn-sown Barley and use of pesticides.

They were reported from Stevenage in 1908, and Foster (1914) described them as, “common in the Stevenage district”.

The records from the 1960s and 1970s are: present during the 1961 breeding season at Aston; six singing males recorded from a field adjacent to Box Wood during the 1964 breeding season; seven at Mobbsbury Farm on 25 October 1965; one singing at Box Wood on 17 May 1966; one at Chesfield 15 April 1967; seen at the Hertford Road on 21 and 28 May 1967; seen along the Stevenage to Walkern Road 1 June 1967; two at Astonbury on 15 April 1970; seen at Box Wood on 13 February 1970; recorded from Astonbury, Aston End and Box Wood in 1973; recorded from Aston End, Brookfield Lane (Aston) and, Hertford Road 1973; three seen along the Hertford Road in 1975; 50 seen coming into roost at Aston End on 6 January 1977 in a mixed flock of Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings.

During the 1980s and 1990s the records are: near Aston 1980; singing males all summer between Bragbury End and Datchworth in 1981; four at Aston June 1981; seen in Blenheim Way in June 1981; six at Aston on 13 July 1986; recorded from Bragbury End In 1987; one at Norton Green Tip on 22 April 1991.

Between 2000 and 2019 the records are: 11 at Norton Green Tip on 17 June 2008; two calling and displaying in fields near New Park Lane, Aston between 24 June and, 20 July 2014; one at Potters Spring on 21 July 2014; one at Potters Spring on 6 June 2015; one heard east of Chells Manor on 19 June 2015; two at Potters Spring on 9 April 2016; one at Potters Spring on 16 July 2016; up to two birds at Potters Spring on various dates from April to July 2017; one at Norton Green Tip on 13 May 2018; four at Potters Spring on 1 June 2018.

The latest records are: one at Norton Green Tip on 1 and 6 May 2020; one at Aston End between 26 May and, 24 June 2020; one at Potters Spring on 31 May 2020; two at Aston End on 11 July 2020; one near Norton Green on 15 April 2021; two at Potters Spring on 19 June 2021; three plus near Potters Spring on 27 May 2021; two plus near Potters Spring on 20 June 2022; one at Potters Spring on 3 July 2022; c.5 Watton Road, Bragbury End on 31 January 2023; two at Potters Spring on 27 June 2023; one at Potters Spring on 1 and 8 April 2024 and two there on 14 April 2024.   

The 1973 Breeding Atlas confirmed breeding from one of Stevenage’s tetrads, the 1992 Breeding Atlas from three but, from none in the 2012 Atlas. 

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from the tetrad covering Stevenage Old Town.