Bird Reports 2008

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January 2008

A relatively mild but wet January.

One Little Egret was present most days and a few Grey Heron plus the usual 20+ Cormorants. It is noticeable that the fewer Egyptian Geese are paired up and I suspect there is an occupied nest on Grove Island and possibly others elsewhere on the site. The Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese and 3 Snow Geese spend the day feeding on the pastures nearby. 17 Greylags were seen leaving CLN on the 26th.

Duck numbers increased during the month. Wigeon were, as usual, the most numerous with 300 to 400. Tufted, Pochard, Teal and Shoveler were in the range of 50 to 100 of each species. Gadwall and Mallard may have reached 50 with the latter beginning to disperse during the month. The anticipated Pintail were represented by a male on the 6th and a pair on the 26th. Two male and a female Goldeneye spent most of the month on Grove Lake. The maximum Goosander count reported was 15 on the 13th.

Buzzard and Kestrel were seen regularly. A Peregrine was reported on the 13th. I did not see a local Sparrowhawk in January; the lack of finches this winter may mean that they are hunting elsewhere. The Little Owls seem to be hidden. I am not aware of any sightings of the Barn Owls again this month, despite a dawn visit on the 26th; however a male Kestrel was inspecting the upstairs accommodation of the box!

Lapwing numbers have remained low in January, with counts barely above 50. Ian reported a fly-over Golden Plover mid month. Up to 3 Green Sandpipers have been seen, and a couple of reports of Common Sandpiper. Snipe numbers approaching 30 are being reported, but they can be difficult to locate. A Jack Snipe reported by Ian on the 19th.

Less than 30 big gulls in the roosts this month, a Yellow-legged Gull on 5th and occasional Herring Gulls. Black-headed Gulls increased to 60+ through the month with a tendency to hang around Tern Island on Colebrook Lake where they will nest in a couple of months time. Common Gulls were around all month.

An intriguing rumour of a Raven on the 12th, which would be a site first if a report is submitted and then accepted by the MGLG Bird Recorder.

Finch numbers are well below average this winter with small numbers of Brambling, Siskin, Redpoll and Linnets. More than usual Stonechats this year though. Reed Buntings were regularly seen on the feeding station in the last week of the month.

February 2008

A relatively benign and dry February, so the lake levels have dropped a bit.

A maximum of 7 Great-crested Grebe around this month, which is low by historic standards. Little Egret scarce after mid-month; but definite signs of Grey Heron nesting in the area – they normally start to lay by the end of February. Geese are dispersing (except for the 27 Barnacle Geese) with regular Greylags hanging around – will this be the year that they start to breed on site?

Good peak numbers of ducks in February, particularly: 265 Tufted Ducks, 46 Goosander in the early part of the month and 185 Shoveler - a new site record. A pair of Goldeneye remain on Grove Lake. The only rarity was report of a male Red-crested Pochard on 21st.

The regular pair of Kestrels are showing an interest in the top section of the owl box; Buzzard in the area and once seen perched on the owl box. Barn Owl seen hunting from the 7th – but the report of Barn Owl like feathers on Lower Sandhurst Rd. on the 21st is ominous and I am not aware of any sighting after that date. Little Owls were seen regularly in the trees on the new workings, and Tawny Owls heard around the site at dawn. All this implies that there is a good population of small mammals.

No big flocks of Lapwing this month for some reason, just 50 or so. 20+ Snipe present with a showy individual on Colebrook scrape at times. Water Rails seen on Colebrook and Grove lakes and two Green Sandpipers present all month but elusive.

Gatherings of up to 80 Black-headed Gulls displaying on Tern Island – getting ready to breed again; otherwise few Gulls recently.

A Red-legged Partridge was seen on the workings on the 10th while we were clearing out the nest boxes. Skylarks were singing on the 23rd and a couple of Treecreepers inspecting a traditional nesting tree on 24th.

A wintering Blackcap was seen near Colebrook hide on the 7th. Plenty of Reed Buntings on the feeding station recently and a Brambling on the 23rd. Only a few Siskins and Redpolls in the area this month and only one sighting of Linnets.

March 2008

A spell of cold and wet weather in March has had a mixed impact on the arrival of the summer residents and the reducing numbers of the wintering birds.

Greylag numbers remain above average this month with a max count of 24 on the 17th. Duck numbers have reduced throughout the month, but as many as 50 Shoveler and double figure counts of Goosander still present at the end of March. My last sighting of a Goldeneye was on the 8th. Mandarin Ducks have become more visible as they move about and stake out potential nest sites.

The pair of Kestrels is still using the top section of the Barn Owl box on the new workings and Barn Owls are regularly seen downstairs. There have been many sightings of Buzzards in the area and a Red Kite over the site on the 13th. A couple of sightings of Peregrine, including an adult female on the 13th eating a pigeon which it had just caught. We have begun monitoring the nest boxes and the only occupation is a pair of Little Owls which have taken over one of the wooden boxes on the new workings.

Good numbers of Snipe about – look for them feeding in the short grass between the path and Colebrook Lake North. A Jack Snipe was seen again on 15th on the new workings. The only record of Golden Plover was 25 flying through on the15th. Two Green Sandpipers have been around all month. The few remaining Lapwings are displaying and chasing the Crows and Gulls as a prelude to nesting. Redshank arrived on the 7th and there were at least 6 by the end of the month. The first Little Ringed Plover was seen on the 17th with at least 5 by the month end.

The Black-headed Gulls continue to assert their presence on Tern Island with over 100 screaming at each other and every thing else considered a threat.

Kingfishers are regular on the river and a flash of turquoise can be seen as they pass. It helps if you recognise the “squeaky toy” call as advance warning of their approach.

A Black Redstart recorded on the 5th is only the second site record. Singing Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps present in the last week. It seems odd that there have not been any reports of Hirundins or Wheatears so far given the numbers reported in the county. [I have since learned that IHB saw 6 Sand Martins on the 29th.]

Reed Buntings are “singing” as was a male Yellowhammer on the 17th.

April 2008

April is a month of change when most of the winter visitors leave and the summer visitors arrive with an urge to breed. It is also the start of the passage migrants which may stay a while before heading further north.

The departing birds include the Greylag Geese which are still in the general area. The last Pochard I saw were on the 2nd, Goosander on the 8th, Shoveler on the 17th, last Wigeon and Teal on the 23rd. Gadwall, Tufted, Mallard and Mandarin will stay to breed, but no sign of ducklings yet. Pair of Egyptian Geese hatched 10 young around 4th and has done very well to keep all 10. Several Canada Geese are still on eggs. There have been a few sightings of up to 3 Shelduck this month.

Barn Owls are regular on the new workings; Little Owls seem to have occupied the old willow tree at the bottom of the paddock by the car park. The pair of Kestrels may have taken over the owl box north of Colebrook Lake. Regular sightings of Peregrine, Red Kite and up to seven Buzzards have occurred this month. There were 2 sightings of passing Osprey on the 5th and 7th, the latter lingering for 10 minutes. The first Hobby of the year on was seen 26th. A pair of Red-legged Partridges present.

Snipe numbers down to one on 27th. Green Sandpipers increased to 5 around the 8th with one still present at the end of the month. Up to 2 Common Sandpipers present from the 12th, a Whimbrel dropped in on the 13th and a Dunlin on the 18th. Lapwings are nesting. Up to 6 Little Ringed Plovers and 8 Redshank seem settled for the summer.

Black-headed Gull numbers up to 300+ on Colebrook Lake with signs of nesting. A Mediterranean Gull has been seen with the Black-heads on 15th, 17th and 21st. Little Gulls seen on 16th and 23rd. A few Common Terns from 16th. Two Arctic Terns on the 23rd when there were 80 at Fleet Pond!

Sand Martins from the end of March are digging nest holes on the gravel banks. Arrivals of Swallow from the 1st, House Martin from the 6th and Swift from the 19th. A Water Pipit on the 23rd with sightings of Yellow Wagtails and White Wagtails from then on. A Nightingale on 13th and 21st are only the second and third site records of this species. The first Wheatear of the year was seen on the 25th.

Willow Warblers, Whitethroat, Sedge Warblers, Garden Warblers, Reed Warblers and Lesser Whitethroat arrived in that order to join the numerous Chiffchaff and Blackcaps.

A Firecrest on the 25th completed the picture.

May 2008

May is a time of breeding and migrants heading north.

Ian has confirmed that Grey Herons fledged 2 young on the Jet-ski Lake earlier in the year and that Greylag Geese bred – a crèche of 4 adults and 8 juveniles were seen on the river on 20th. Several broods of Canada Geese have appeared. At least 12 Mandarin ducklings hatched on the 13th with another nest incubating.

A few sightings of lingering ducks include 2 Shelduck on 20th and 3 on the 28th, a male Shoveler on the 18th, 2 Pochard on the 24th and a Teal on the 30th.

A string of passage waders: - Turnstone on the 3rd, a site record count of 8 Whimbrel on the 5th, Snipe on 14th, Greenshank on the 15th plus, Timminck’s Stint briefly on the evening of 16th, Ringed Plover on the 17th, Oystercatcher on the 17th, Dunlin on the 21st and an obliging Sanderling on the 26th. Juvenile Lapwings were seen at the end of the month.

The Black-headed Gull colony has settled down to business with an estimated 140 nests. A first summer Mediterranean Gull was present on several days between 3rd and the 8th. Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen flying over the site. The Common Terns are settled with at least 10 nests on Tern Island after none last year. A good year for passage Black Terns, with up to 3 on several days between 3rd and 16th.

The common Raptors, including a Red Kite on the 24th and up to 3 Hobbies present. The Barn Owls have been present in the nest box all month and a very young Little Owl was seen in a natural nest site on the 24th.

[Late news of 2 Sandwich Terns seen on Colebrook lake on the 25th].

There were several sightings of Cuckoos from mid month, including a sighting of a female leaving a potential Dunnock breeding area where it could have been parasitizing a nest.

The Nightingale seen last month remained in the area of Longwater Road until the 21st at least – did it find a mate I wonder? The first Whinchat of the year was seen on the 8th.

A Grasshopper Warbler was reported on the 6th. A Lesser Whitethroat has been singing regularly in the area of the main car park. Seven common species of warblers were on territories.

June 2008

June should be the month when we see lots of young birds; but a cold and wet spell at the end of May and beginning of June (when more than 3 inches of rain fell in 9 days) has had a major impact on breeding, particularly of the Gulls on Tern Island.

Five pairs of Great Crested Grebes have produced only one young so far and 2 pairs of Little Grebes none at all.

The Geese and Ducks have done moderately well having hatched young earlier in the year, but late ducklings are scarce with only one young Tufted Duck (27th) and no Gadwall as yet. Mandarins have faired better with 3 broods totalling 35 from the nest boxes and at least another 4 young from natural sites.

The Kestrels have not yet produced any young, but are still at the nest. The Barn Owls have not even attempted to breed yet, but may still do so if conditions are right. Little Owls have produced at least one young. Up to 4 Hobbies can be seen hunting the site.

A Snipe on the 7th is likely to be a resident. The return wader passage started with a Green Sandpiper on the 17th, followed by Ringed Plover on the 20th, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper on the 21st, a Black-tailed Godwit on the 28th and 5 Redshank on the 29th.

The only Little Ringed Plover to hatch on site was last seen on the 12th when about 2 weeks old. Redshanks seem to have left site with out breeding success. Lapwings have had a very poor time as well. A ringing visit to Tern Island on the 19th found only 3 baby Common Terns from an estimated 10 nests and 2 baby Black-headed Gulls from an estimated 100 nests! There were 21 replacement Gull nests being incubated plus a few more on Sandpiper Island. A July ringing visit is planned.

Swift numbers have reached 150+ and at least 20 Sand Martins remain in the vicinity of the gravel works where they dug nest holes, most of which are not being used. Numbers of Swallow and House Martin seem below previous years.

Smaller birds with a shorter breeding period and starting early may have been better able to deal with the spell of bad weather. There seem to be juvenile Whitethroats everywhere, for example, and the number of Blue and Great Tits fledged from the boxes is only 10% down on last year. If conditions remain good, Warblers could have a productive second broods. A pair of Yellowhammers are present at the west end of the new workings and, hopefully, breeding.

July 2008

The beginning of the autumn migration and lots of locally bred youngsters is the theme of July.

A few juvenile Great Crested Grebes have appeared and 3 baby Little Grebes at last. The Geese have regained the ability to fly following moulting and are moving about. Egyptian Geese counts of up to 60 and Canada Geese up to 240.

Mallard seem to have had a good breeding season with full grown young present in good numbers. Gadwall don’t seem to have bred at Moor Green this year, but Tufted Ducks have at last hatched 30+ young; they seem to have faired better on the Manor Farm pits, there is always a high mortality on the more mature waters containing pike and attracting Herons. A few more Mandarin ducklings are also appearing on the Manor Farm waters. Two Pochard returned mid-month and Teal have been seen a few times. Two juvenile Shelducks were present from 19th to 27th.

I assume the juvenile Kestrel that has appeared was produced by the resident pair using the Barn Owl box. I am aware of only one sighting of hunting Barn Owl this month. Hobbies are present most days.

Up to 200 Lapwing present by the end of the month. The summering Little Ringed Plovers were seen with 2 late juveniles from 10th. There was a notable passage of 9 additional “LRP”s on 14th. Occasional Ringed Plovers seen passing through and occasional Redshanks; I don’t think any Redshanks were raised on site this year. Green Sandpiper numbers up to 9 (22nd) and Common Sandpipers up to 7 (19th). Snipe seen in the last week.

Returning passage migrants reported were: Black-tailed Godwit on 13th, Dunlin 18th to 20th, Whimbrel on 20th, Greenshank on 24th/25th.

The Black-headed Gulls had a dismal breeding season, none nests at the end of June hatched any young as far as could be seen. The 3 juvenile Common Terns did fledge. The usual July presence of Yellow-legged Gulls (up to 3) and a Common Gull in the daytime gatherings of Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls on the workings.

Resident Swifts and Sand Martins seem to have disappeared in the last week. Two or 3 intriguing reports a Wood Warbler during the month.

August 2008

Autumn passage is in full swing and the numbers of winter ducks and geese are building up.

Up to 6 Little Grebes and an increase in Great Crested Grebes. Little Egret on 15th. Up to 300 Canada Geese and 92 Egyptian Geese. The remnant of the Barnacle Goose flock with 3 Snow Geese, (1 blue phase) have returned.

A few Pochard and Teal all month, 3 Wigeon on 18th, Shoveler arrived on 31st. 2 Pintails from the 24th onward, a very early date. A few Gadwall from mid month. Mandarin Ducks present all month and visible on the new workings with juveniles. The Tufted Ducks seem to have hatched very late, but good numbers of young have survived on the new workings, but not on the more established lakes.

Frequent sightings of Kestrel, including the local juvenile. Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and an occasional Hobby seen. Little Owls calling and seen regularly, including a juvenile. No Barn Owl sightings?

Up to 200 Lapwing, Green and Common Sandpipers present all month with max counts of at least 13 Greens on 9th and 6 Commons on 25th. A juvenile Ringed Plover on 17th and 3 adults on 31st. Juv Little Ringed Plover occasionally, latest sighting on 28th, may be the local hatchling. Oystercatcher on 4th, Dunlin 16th and 20/21st, Black-tailed Godwit on 3rd, 2 on 4th, 10 briefly on the 11th along with a Whimbrel. Greenshank 10th to 13th and 7 briefly on the 18th. A Redshank on 1st and another from 27th to 30th. 5 Snipe seen on the 9th, probably a few around all month.

The Gulls have been roosting on the central area of the new workings recently where they also gatherer in the afternoon. Black-headed Gulls have been the most numerous, followed by Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Yellow-legged Gulls and occasional a Common Gull. Common Terns have become less common through the month. A Sandwich Tern spent a few hours on site on the 8th.

Yellow Wagtail on the 22nd, Wheatear on the 22nd and 2 on 30th, Spotted Flycatcher on the 22nd and 24th. Resident Warblers have begun to move south, but plenty of Chiffchaffs remain. Sand Martins left in the first week of the month, with Swift soon after. Swallows and House Martins present, some passing through.

Finch numbers have increased, particularly Goldfinches attracted to the Thistles. Linnets seen from 24th onward. 2 local juvenile Yellowhammers on the 21st

September 2008

Winter Duck numbers are increasing and a few passage waders summarises September.

Up to 6 Little Grebes and 14 Great Crested Grebes. Only one Little Egret, on 24th. Up to 525 Canada Geese, 156 Egyptian Geese (new site record), 45 Greylags, 22 feral Barnacle Geese, and the 2 remaining feral Snow Geese.

My impression is that Mallard numbers are down on last month, Mandarin down to 2 and just one Pintail remained until 8th; all other duck species increased. Max counts I am aware off are: 41 Pochard, 35 Teal, 118 Wigeon, 63 Tufted Ducks, 5 Gadwall, and 4 Shoveler.

Continued sightings of Kestrel, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and the occasional Hobby until the 23rd at least. Little Owls regularly heard if not seen, and nocturnal Tawny Owls calling.

Up to 225 Lapwing on a good day, up to 10 Green Sandpipers throughout the month and up to 8 Common Sandpipers present until 21st. A couple of Ringed Plover present until the 7th. A Dunlin present on the 18th+ and a Redshank on 25th. Snipe elusive as usual, but up to 6 seen during the month and a Jack Snipe reported on 28th.

Up to 300 Lesser Black-backed Gulls have been roosting on the central area of the new workings. The afternoon gatherings are much easier to see with up to 100 Black-headed Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls joined by a few Herring Gulls, Yellow-legged Gulls and Common Gulls.

Kingfishers have been active along the river and on Colebrook lake – perched on the rail in front of the hide if you are lucky. A few Martins and Swallows until mid month. Reports of Yellow Wagtail and Wheatear. Up to 4 Stonechats from mid month with a Whinchat on 12th and a Tree Pipit on 13th with increasing numbers of Meadow Pipits. Chiffchaffs still present at the end of the month.

During the dry spell at the end of the month, finch numbers have increased with Goldfinches attracted to the Thistles and Greenfinches on the feeders by Colebrook hide. Siskins have arrived early this year with groups in the Alders during the last two weeks.

October 2008

Winter birds seem to have arrived, accompanied by 5cm of Snow on the 28th. As expected, no Goldeneye or Goosander yet.

Up to 14 Great Crested Grebe present. A Black Swan on Horseshoe Lake on the 18th and 19th. Little Egret reported on the 31st. Approx 300 Canadas and 106 Egyptians are typical for the roost. A hatching of 10 Egyptian Geese on Horseshoe Lake around the 10th is not exceptional for these daft birds; 8 young remained on 31st.

Duck numbers have not increased this month: 38 Mallard, 29 Pochard, 25 Teal, 105 Wigeon, 35 Tufted Ducks, 29 Gadwall, and 17 Shoveler recorded.

The local Kestrels were seen regularly, and up to 5 Buzzard and Sparrowhawk seen. A Peregrine on 2nd and 21st and a Red Kite on 22nd. Best of all – on the 8th an Osprey was seen perched in the trees on the new workings before flying off over Colebrook Lake. A Barn Owl has been seen occupying the nest box from the 22nd. Little Owls regularly reported. A Red-legged Partridge was seen on the 2nd.

Maximum of 143 Lapwing on 8th, since then the numbers fell to a handful by the month end; these were joined by 38 Golden Plovers on 18th with 6 remaining until the 19th. Green Sandpipers present all month, a maximum of 6 on the 8th. A Little Stint present on the workings from 8th to 13th and again on 16th. A Dunlin present on the 31st, Snipe present all month, but elusive as usual, a Water Rail was seen on 24th.

The Gulls gather on the workings in the afternoons when up to 50 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 45 Black-headed Gulls, 6 Common Gulls, and 3 Herring Gulls have been recorded. A third winter Great Black-backed Gull was present on the 1st. Highlights of the overnight roost on the 29th were 560 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls and a second winter Caspian Gull.

House Martins were present until the 6th and a late Swallow present on the 19th. Up to 70 Meadow Pipits have been recorded. The first Redwing I saw was on the 10th and Fieldfairs on the 18th. Chiffchaffs still present until mid month, when Goldcrest numbers began to increase – typically about 30 on site.

Siskins and Redpolls have become widespread and Goldfinches and Linnets are attracted to the Thistles. No reported Bramblings yet?

November 2008

The expected winter birds have arrived and seem settled for a while – with some local movements.

The Cormorant roost on Grove Island is attracting 20 to 30 each night. Up to 2 Little Egrets regularly present on the lake margins. Canadas (up to 250) and Egyptians are roosting – 37 Greylags on the 30th. The family with 8 young Egyptian Geese that hatched last month are still present on Horseshoe Lake.

Duck numbers have not changed much this month: 51 Mallard, 33 Pochard, 23 Teal, 176 Wigeon, 103 Tufted Ducks, 52 Gadwall, 29 Shoveler and 208 Coot recorded. Goosanders arrived on the 1st of the month with up to 18 by the month end and Goldeneye returned on the 23rd, with 2 males and a female on the 25th.

The local Kestrels were seen regularly, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk present; a Peregrine flew through on 2nd. The Barn Owl is still present and seen hunting in the area. At least 3 pairs of Little Owls regularly heard if not seen. A Red-legged Partridge is still present and seen on the workings during the month. Pheasant numbers seem higher than usual with some double figure sightings.

Lapwings loaf on the workings during the day with a peak count of 296 on the 18th. Golden Plovers have been present for several days during the month with a maximum of 63 on the 20th. Green Sandpipers present all month, a maximum of 3 at the end of the month. Last month’s Dunlin remained until the 2nd. Snipe present all month, but elusive as usual; no Water Rail reported this month?

Up to 60 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 50 Black-headed Gulls, 60 Common Gulls, and 3 Herring Gulls have been recorded in the afternoon gathering on the workings. Highlights of the overnight roost were 270 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 150 Black-headed Gulls, 35 Herring Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull.

Kingfishers tend to disperse from the river to the lakes in the winter, but the occasional sightings have been recorded. The workings held up to 50 Pied Wagtails with the occasional Gary Wagtail, particularly at the west end of the workings. A few Stonechats recorded early in the month. Redwings, Fieldfairs and other Thrushes are appearing on the paddocks. Chiffchaff reported on the 26th.

Flocks of up to 50 Siskins and 12 Redpolls have become frequent sightings. The improved feeding station is attracting lots of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinches and Greenfinches. The first Bramblings appeared on the 25th.

December 2008

December started and ended with freezing temperatures sandwiching a mild spell with minimum temperatures of 10 degrees.

The Cormorant roost on Grove Island held a monthly peak of 30 birds on 20th. Up to 2 Little Egrets regularly present on the lake margins. The Goose roosts seem to an entirely nocturnal event in the mid winter, so no reliable counts. The feral Barnacle flock seems to be down to 20; the October Egyptian Geese hatching are now down to 7 young; one less than last month.

Duck numbers increased; 268 Wigeon and 94 Gadwall by 29th. Goosander numbers peaked at 52 on 12th and 50 on 31st. 2 males and a female Goldeneye still present from last month. A female Pintail was seen on Grove Lake on the 20th.

Raptor of the year was a juvenile Hen Harrier seen hunting the new workings on the 29th and 30th; only the third site record since 1988. The local Kestrels are seen regularly, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk present; The Barn Owl is still present and can be seen hunting in the area at dawn and dusk. At least 3 pairs of Little Owls regularly heard if not seen.

The number of Lapwings present during the day seems to depend on the weather, with 224 on the 19th when the temperature was at its highest. Only a handful present when it was frozen. At least 3 Green Sandpipers present mid month. At least 10 Common Snipe and a Jack Snipe around for most of the month. Probably at least 3 Water Rails present by the end of the year.

Gulls must roost elsewhere when the lakes are frozen. Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Herring Gulls and Yellow-legged Gull recorded in small numbers during the daytime.

There seem to be very few Mistle Thrushes, Redwings and Fieldfairs appearing on the paddocks so far.

Probably at least 75 Siskins and 30 Lesser Redpolls have been present on site, but dispersed in smaller flocks. The improved feeding station is still attracting lots of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinches and Greenfinches with a few Bramblings seen occasionally – numbers seem to increase later in the winter. Bullfinches present in reasonable numbers, but again dispersed.

Bruce Archer