This is the fifth annual report of the long term breeding bird survey at Magog Down. Records were made during two visits the first on 19 April and the second on 5 May.

Twenty nine species were probably breeding on the Down, a similar number to those in the previous 4 years (average 28). The most abundant species were Wood Pigeon (large number - not recorded), Robin (21), Chaffinch (13), Wren (12), Blackbird (9), Common Whitethroat (9), Great Tit (8), Blue Tit (7), Blackcap (7), Skylark (7), Magpie (6) and Chiffchaff (6). 

It is good that three of our summer migrants are all amongst the more abundant species and that the skylark – a UK red listed species in steep decline – is doing well on our grasslands in spite of dogs, badgers, crows and magpies.

Members of the Crow family were recorded in substantial numbers but the Rooks and Jackdaws are visitors from nearby Wandlebury Country Park or further afield and only the three predators Carrion Crows, Magpies and Jays are probably breeding on the Down.

A Willow Warbler was recorded on one occasion only and so it is fairly certain that this species has stopped breeding on the Down. Although no Mistle Thrushes were noted during the breeding season, two were seen on more than one occasion later in the year and are probably still breeding in the Shelter Belt. No corn buntings were recorded this year which suggests that this red listed species may have relinquished its tenuous hold on the Down.

A bird seed strip was established for the first time alongside Lower Memorial Wood providing overwinter food for large numbers of linnets and smaller numbers of reed buntings, yellowhammers and chaffinch. Due to the success of this new venture it has been decided to renew the strip each year.