BIRDS OF FLEECEFAULDS

In 2002 and 2003 I carried out a survey of the birds of Fleecefaulds Meadow using the British Trust for Ornithology’s Common Bird Census methodology as requested by Andre Thiel, then SWT Conservation Manager for Fife and Clackmannan. The survey involved making regular visits to the reserve during spring and early summer and mapping the location of every bird seen with one map being produced per visit. The information on the visit maps was then used to produce maps showing the distribution of each species throughout the breeding season. These maps were analysed for clusters of registrations indicating the presence of pairs of birds holding territory.

The following species were found to be holding territory on the reserve in both years: Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. In most cases only 1-3 pairs were present but Willow Warbler and Chaffinch were more abundant with at least 6 pairs of each. Additionally, a pair of Coal Tit nested in the wall by the parking area (in 2002), Blue Tit used the nest box provided in the car park (both years) and several pairs of Wood Pigeon occupied the hawthorn scrub. Although all the species breeding on the reserve are common in Fife, either as resident breeding birds or breeding summer visitors, several, namely Dunnock, Song Thrush, Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting, are of conservation concern due to recent declines in their populations nationally.

Other birds were recorded as occasional visitors during the survey period including Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Linnet, Goldfinch and Bullfinch. Non-avian fauna was also noted. Roe Deer were present on several dates and a Red Squirrel was seen near the entrance on one occasion.

Fiona Butler

(Note: Alison Irvine, Convener of Fleecefaulds Reserve Management Committee, says the survey findings are still representative of the birds at Fleecefaulds today –Ed.)