The Birds of , , and the 2011

Annual Report 78

Editor D.W. Emley

Published by West Midland Bird Club 2014 Published by West Midland Bird Club

© West Midland Bird Club

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Price £9.00 The Birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands 2011

Annual Report 78

Contents

4 Editorial 5 Submission of Records 6 Birds and Weather in 2011 18 Systematic List 226 Ringing Report

237 Roof-top nesting gull study: concerning the population of gulls that breed within the boundary 249 Alternative calls of Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita during spring 2011

252 County Lists 259 Gazetteer 267 Key to Contributors 273 Index of Species

Front cover photograph: Short-eared Owl, Berry Hill, Steve Seal

3 Editorial

First, a small taxonomic change; Ruff, Broad-billed Sandpiper and Buff-breasted Sandpiper are all now in Calidris. Looking back through past reports we find many articles on the status of a variety of species within the Club’s area – this is what we are good at. This year is no exception with Jim Winsper’s important article on roof-top nesting gulls in Birmingham, the work for which even led to a TV appearance! Equally important is Alan Dean’s fascinating article on unusual Chiffchaff calls. Getting research published in national journals is very difficult these days so our Annual Report, which is widely acclaimed, is an important vehicle for such work. It is hoped that Jim’s and Alan’s efforts spur others on. Finally, two excellent sites that have featured regularly in Staffordshire’s section are Silverdale Colliery and The Void. This area has now been designated a Country Park and so these sites will now come under Silverdale CP in this and future reports.

Acknowledgements I would like to thank all those who helped with this year’s report. I am especially grateful to all those who contributed records, especially those sending in valuable census data; to Jim Winsper and Alan Dean for their articles; to Andy Lawrence for help with the Ringing Report, to Jim Winsper for his masterly summary of birds and weather and to artists and photographers Dave Burns, Alan Dean, Steve Gibson, Bill Goldstraw, Andy Holt, Phil Jones; Dave Kelsall, Hughie King, Tim Marlow, Ann Pallas-Bentley, Robert Powell, Steve Seal, John Robinson, Cora Thomas, Neil Thorneycroft, Steve Valentine, Andy Warr and Stuart Wright for making their work available; and above all to the County Recorders and their teams: Warwickshire: Steve Haynes, Report Writers and Compilers; SH, Matt Griffiths, John Judge, Mark Maddox, Tim Marlow, John Oates and Simon Roper Worcestershire: Steven Payne, Report Writers and Compilers; SP and Andy Warr; Rarities Committee; Gavin Peplow, Rob Prudden, Brian Stretch, Andy Warr. Staffordshire: Nick Pomiankowski, Report Writers; NDP, Andy Lawrence, Roger Broadbent, Scott Petrek; Rarities Committee; Steve Nuttall, Bernard Smith, Mark Sutton, Steve Turner, Site Report Compilers; Mike Boote, Roger Broadbent, Graham Evans, Frank Gribble, Pete Jordan, Steve Nuttall, Ray Perry; Data Input; NDP, Mary Holley. West Midlands: Kevin Clements, Rarities Committee; Gareth Clements, Steve Nuttall and John Oates.

I would like to thank Sarah Ricks of Healeys and my wife Sue, for her support and help during the compilation of this report.

David Emley

4 Submission of Records

All contributors are asked to follow the guidelines set out in the booklet A Checklist of the Birds of the Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands and Guide to Status and Record Submission (third edition 2011). A copy of these can be found on our website http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com. All records should be sent to the relevant County Recorder as soon as possible after observation. Concise, though adequate, field descriptions (including how the species was identified, the circumstances of the sighting and the observer’s experience of the species) should accompany records of all species – marked as A in the Details column of the checklist. In addition, descriptions are required for all out-of-season migrants, unusual hybrids and scarce sub-species, including Scandinavian Rock Pipit, Blue-headed and other flava race wagtails, White Wagtail (autumn only), Black-bellied Dipper, Greenland Wheatear and Chiffchaff races. The lack of an acceptable description may lead to records being rejected.

Records should be sent to the appropriate County recorder:

Warwickshire Steve Haynes 4 Spinney Close, Arley, Warwickshire, CV7 8PD [email protected]

Worcestershire Steve Payne 6 Norbury Close, Redditch, B98 8RP [email protected]

Staffordshire Nick Pomiankowski 22 The Villas, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 5AQ [email protected]

West Midlands Kevin Clements 26 Hambrook Close, Dunstall Park, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 0XA [email protected]

Records can be sent electronically as Excel, Word, CSV or RTF files or on record slips. These are available from the Club Secretary (address inside back cover) at indoor meetings or a copy can be downloaded from our web site: http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/. Another alternative that is proving very popular is the BTO’s BirdTrack website http://www.bto.org.uk/birdtrack/. Data entered here can be accessed, with permission, by the County Recorder, thus obviating the need to send in slips etc.

D. W. Emley, 23 Leacroft, Stone, Staffs, ST15 8GF [email protected]

5 Birds and Weather in 2011

To gain meaningful insight into any status change or new population trend we must study and absorb the species accounts in this report and, do so over a long enough period of time to eliminate any short term trends. The compilation of such accounts in annual bird reports throughout the UK is a vital ingredient in our understanding of birds. While our annual species total is a statistic of some considerable interest, in placing this figure in context with the species accounts, it does not provide statistical evidence that can be used in the valuation of the aforementioned changes and trends. This is because our annual total is based largely on fortune rather than any other value. The difference between what we consider to be a good or poor year total may depend simply on undetected flyovers or the matter of several species falling close too, but just outside of our regional boundary rather than within it. However, the comparison between year totals is a defining figure that separates what we consider to be good, indifferent or poor figures that can then be compared against our best ever total or annual average. 2011 is then deemed a poor year based on the following stats; with 228 species recorded we fall short of the two previous year’s cf. 231 in 2010 and 238 in 2009 and we have accumulated a total that is the joint second lowest figure so far this millennium. The figure is also down considerably, based on our 10 year average of 235.

Notable county firsts featured Worcestershire in all instances with Warwickshire sharing in one of them. A Spotted Sandpiper in summer plumage, found at Westwood Pool, is a county first for Worcestershire. Superb Bluethroats of the white-spotted form were county firsts for both Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Both birds occurred on the same dates but were separated by the timing of their occurrence at Abbotts Salford Pool in Warwickshire and in Worcestershire. Also a Worcestershire county first is the Barred Warbler that was trapped and ringed at Grimley Old Workings.

It was a rather cold start to January, a weak weather front brought cold air in from the north but it remained mainly dry across the region with the odd wintry shower confined to higher ground. Birders seeking to tick their first winter species of the year were not disappointed with many seasonal birds in evidence throughout the four counties. On the 1st seven Bewick’s Swans were at Hurley while a Glaucous Gull roosted at Coton Lakes on the same day. A male Stonechat was a notable record from Throckmorton tip also on 1st. Always a welcome winter record were two redhead Smew that visited Coton Lakes on 1st and 2nd while a little further downstream in the Tame Valley a sub-adult drake Smew was found at Kingsbury WP on 3rd. A Eurasian Bittern was an excellent find at Bodenham Arboretum on 2nd and another Eurasian Bittern was located at Marsh Lane NR the following day. The Iceland Gull that was found at Throckmorton Tip on 2nd proved to be one of only two sightings for this species in Worcestershire during this year. The 3rd was proving to be a productive day with a Merlin at Lower Moor, two skeins of Pink-footed Geese comprising of 82 birds over Berry Hill and 28 over Uttoxeter Quarry and a Barn Owl at Marsh Lane NR. A Jack Snipe was notable but not unexpected at Blythe Valley CP on 6th and a Mediterranean Gull was located in the Coton Lakes roost the same day. Four Long-eared Owls were found in a daytime roost at on 8th. Bands of rain spread across the region on 8th and 9th but clearing skies brought overnight frosts on both days. Conditions became more unsettled on 10th with periods of heavy rain and strong south-westerly winds, however, it remained mild throughout the period 8th to 17th with a daytime high of 14.5°C recorded at College

6 on 13th. At Throckmorton Tip the monthly peak count of 4000 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 6200 Herring Gull also proved to be the annual regional peak counts. Another monthly peak of 2500 Eurasian Wigeon at ’s Hardwick also attained the annual regional high. Two Common Redpoll were identified in a small flock of nine Lesser Redpoll at Blythe Valley CP on 10th. The largest winter gathering of Redwing was a flock at Fenny Compton that peaked at 850 birds on 13th. Iceland Gulls featured again at Draycote on 14th and Blithfield on 17th while Packington produced an exceptional count of 35 Woodcock that were flushed from undergrowth on 15th. Pressure rose on the 18th with conditions becoming drier and brighter with sharp overnight frosts, on 19th freezing fog patches formed throughout the region. High pressure remained close to the UK giving mainly dry, chilly and cloudy weather. At Sutton Bank 20,000 Common Starlings went to roost on 21st. Northern Pintail were well distributed and two birds visited Valley on 23rd. A pleasing sight of 80 Long-tailed Tits was witnessed at Blithfield on 26th and on 28th a Black- throated Diver visited Ryders Mere. In the Wyre Forrest a group of up to nine Hawfinch frequented Lodge Farm throughout the month. A mixed month, mainly dominated by high pressure, saw rainfall in our region 25% below the 1971-2000 monthly average. Black-throated Diver, Ryders Mere, Hughie King

Strong, generally westerly winds dominated the opening days of February, gusting to 60mph in the west of the region. There were also frequent outbreaks of rain that turned more persistent across the entire region from 4th to 6th. Two Short-eared Owls were watched at Toft Farm on 1st; also in Warwickshire a Merlin visited Little Packington on 2nd. At Blithfield 11 Bewick’s Swans roosted on 3rd and a Firecrest was found at Penn Common on 5th. After the 2010 influx of Waxwings, birds were still well distributed across the region, albeit in smaller flocks. The westerly weather pattern prevailed and from the 7th to 12th a settled period developed with an increase in temperature, Pershore College recording a high of 14.8°C. A Glaucous Gull roosted at Belvide on 11th. Both Draycote and Wildmoor Sand Quarry held Caspian Gulls in their roost during the first half of the month and Belvide again proved to be productive for gulls with Yellow-legged Gull numbers peaking at five birds for the month. A run of scarce wintering waders then followed over the next week with a Ruff at Marsh Lane NR on 11th, an Avocet arrived back at Upton Warren on 13th, up to three Green Sandpipers could be found at GP as well as in the Kingsbury/Middleton area and five Black-tailed Godwit were at Lower Moor on 19th. The largest Warwickshire Siskin flock consisted of 200 birds at Salford Priors GP on 13th, the following day a Stonechat was found at Marsh Lane NR and 18 Common Raven were watched at Codsall. The continuing decline of Willow Tit in Warwickshire is still evident, so a singing male at Knightcote on 16th was a welcome sight and sound. After a wet period from 13th through to 17th that saw heavy rain at times coupled with thunder and hail, a low pressure system built to the west of the British Isles and a high built over the near continent. This sucked in cold air that divided and the Midlands and temperatures ranged

7 from rather mild in the west of our region to rather cold in the east. A Greater Scaup stayed at Draycote from 18th to 24th and an impressive flock of 105 Goosander built at Ladywalk during the month. A drake Red-breasted Merganser was a welcome find at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 20th and equally welcome was the excellent record of three Cattle Egrets at Clay Mills on 22nd. Still in Staffordshire another rare vagrant was a Great White Egret at Blithfield on 27th. At Endon Sewage Works the Pied Wagtail gathering peaked at 90 and on 28th the Tree Sparrow flock near Wormleighton Res peaked at 150. Also on 28th a Eurasian Bittern departed the scene at Ladywalk. As the month closed a Fieldfare flock of 1,000 birds gathered at Northend and an excellent flock of 1,200 linnet peaked at . A mostly mild, unsettled and cloudy month with bands of rain or showers at times and some strong winds early on. It was the mildest February since 2002 and the ninth mildest in the last 100 years.

March is the first transitional period of the year when winter visitors share space in our region with returning summer residents. A ridge of high pressure dominated the opening week, it remained dry and rather sunny with light winds, frosts and morning fog. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen and heard at Brandon on 3rd, a Black-necked Grebe arrived at Belvide on 7th and an Iceland Gull remained in the roost at Chasewater on the same day, reminding us that winter visitors were still very much in evidence. The same also applies to the flock of up to 60 Waxwings at Leamington Spa at the same time. First arrival dates of summer residents in our region is a prominent feature of this month so the arrival of a Northern Wheatear at Berry Hill and Sand Martins at Camp Lane Pits, both on 9th, set the scene for the commencement of this fascinating migration process. Low pressure systems passing to the north of the UK pushed the high pressure away into the continent. This initially brought showery conditions across the Midlands. On 11th 24 Common Buzzards were in the air at Dunnington/Salford Priors and on 12th a Little Ringed Plover arrived at Belvide while on the same day two Short-eared Owls were watched Great White Egret, Phil Jones at Berry Hill. Also on 12th a Red-breasted Merganser was at Barton GP and the following day a Garganey arrived at Branston GP. More first date spring arrivals were recorded with two Barn Swallows at Shustoke on 13th and a Willow Warbler at Camp Lane Pits the following day. Smew remained in the middle Tame Valley with three birds at Kingsbury WP on 14th, on 17th a Spotted Redshank visited Middleton Lakes RSPB and a striking Great Grey Shrike was found on also on 17th. In Staffordshire the first Common Scoter of the year arrived at Belvide on 19th and in the same county on the same day a Great White Egret was at Blithfield. On the 20th in the most contrasting of circumstances a wintering Glaucous Gull was at Throckmorton Tip while summering House Martins were arriving at Blithfield. At Sideway the Common Snipe gathering peaked at 86 while at Stoke Bliss (Worcestershire) 160 Bramblings had gathered on 24th. During the last third of the month high pressure developed over the near continent, building from the south-east of England the weather became drier and clearer

8 over the region and temperatures steadily rose. Under such favourable conditions migration stepped up with a succession of new arrivals in the last week of the month. The first Ring Ouzel arrived at Essington on 25th and the first Marsh Harrier of the year flew over Stoke- on-Trent on 26th while a Little Gull arrived at Shustoke the same day. These were followed on 27th by an Osprey over Chasewater, a Spotted Crake at Brandon and a Yellow Wagtail at Marsh Lane NR. As the month closed more unsettled, wetter and windier conditions pushed into our region from the west. Undeterred, an Osprey arrived at Brandon on 29th, a Common Redstart was at Bredon Hill on 30th and the month closed with the first returning Common Tern of the year at Kingsbury WP. With a large anticyclone dominating the second half of the month this was the driest March over England for 50 years.

April. The mild flow was replaced by a cooler westerly as a cold front pushed east. Not ideal conditions but, as expected at this time of year, new arrivals to our region were building by the day. The first of these for the month was a Red Knot at Belvide on 1st and a very early Sandwich Tern at Aqualate the same day; these were followed closely by a Hobby at Adderley Green, Grasshopper Warbler at Oakamoor, Sedge Warbler at and a Tree Pipit at Sherbrook Valley, all on 2nd. One of the first Common Cuckoos of the year was recorded at Westport Lake on 3rd and a Pied Flycatcher was at Brandon Marsh also on 3rd. On 5th a Firecrest was found on Bilberry Hill. On the 7th, high pressure took over from the cool westerly, bringing a period of dry, sunny weather with light winds and above normal temperatures. On the same day Common Whitethroats were recorded across the region, a Reed Warbler arrived at Brandon Marsh and a departing Merlin flew over Upton Warren. Three excellent records followed on 9th, a Red Kite flew over Marsh Lane NR, a Hoopoe was at Upton Warren and the distinctive song of a Common Nightingale indicated the arrival of a bird Wood Warbler, Neil Thorneycroft in Worcestershire. Both Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat were pretty much on cue with their arrival in the region on 10th, which proved to be a productive day with a Marsh Harrier at Brandon Marsh, a Spotted Crake calling at Doxey Marshes, two Spotted Redshank at Middleton Lakes RSPB and Black Terns at Draycote. A Turtle Dove was at Tamhorn House on 11th and a Whinchat was an early arrival at Brandon Marsh on 12th. It became less settled on 12th with some outbreaks of showery rain, a cold night ensued and where skies cleared there was an air frost in parts of the Midlands. Temperatures were close to normal but south Warwickshire saw another frost on the night of 13th. A showery spell continued over the next several days. A Wood Warbler arrived at its Wyre Forest stronghold on 14th while a splendid find was a Wryneck on Cannock Chase on 15th and on the same day the last Redwings in our region departed Belvide. By now, 19 adult Avocets were at Upton Warren, Common Quail were

9 at Abbott’s Bromley on 17th and also on 17th was an excellent sighting of two Common Cranes circling over Redditch. The following day Arctic Terns arrived at Draycote. Upton Warren recorded their first Osprey of the year on 18th, another good record was a Little Tern at Earlswood Lakes on 19th and on the same day the first returning Common Swifts arrived in Burntwood. The last Brambling departed the region from Brandon on 20th, a Wood Sandpiper arrived at Marsh Lane NR the same day and two days later a Eurasian Spoonbill was at Upton Warren while the last Fieldfare of this period departed the region from Belvide and Morton Bagot. Pressure then built again, with a warm, south-easterly airflow, it was dry with plenty of sunshine and temperatures across the south of the region reached the early twenties. This warm spell lasted to the month’s end and triggered of some heavy thunderstorms, particularly across the south of the region. For a great many, the event birds of this month were two Bluethroats, both of the white-spotted form and both constituting county first Whimbrel with Bar-tailed Godwits, Tittesworth, records for Warwickshire and Steve Gibson Worcestershire. Both birds occurred on the same day, 26th and both stayed at their chosen location for two days, Abbotts Salford in Warwickshire and Upton Warren in Worcestershire. A Hen Harrier was watched at Morridge Top on 29th and on the same day 13 Bar-tailed Godwits flew north-east over Earlswood. On the 30th there were 15 Whimbrel and five Bar-tailed Godwits at Tittesworth. Thirty years ago the following record would have been mundane, this year the much declining Spotted Flycatcher arriving on the last day of the month at Coombes Valley RSPB has a whole new meaning. With high pressure influencing the weather for most of the month it was much warmer, drier and sunnier than normal. Across our region it was the warmest April for over 350 years.

May. Following on from the previous month an easterly, then south-easterly air flow gave a generally fine and settled start to the month. With most of our summer residents now in place, passage migrants become the main feature during this month. The month began with the best possible start, a Honey-buzzard over Westcote on 1st and two Red Kites together in south- east Worcestershire the same day. These were followed by a county first when a Spotted Sandpiper was found at Westwood Pool, Worcestershire, on 3rd. A Dotterel was at Whitemoor Haye also on 3rd. On the 4th a Wryneck was discovered at Marches Hill. Greenland Wheatears were identified at several sites in Warwickshire and Staffordshire during the first two thirds of the month and on the same theme a Blue-headed Wagtail visited Marsh Lane NR on 5th. A special event was 10 Hobby at Aqualate on 5th and an Avocet visited Middleton Lakes RSPB the same day. From the 5th a slow-moving area of low pressure lay over the near-Atlantic bringing unsettled conditions to the west of our region. During the following two days up to 30mm of rain was recorded across a broad swathe of the Midlands. On 6th an Osprey was watched catching a fish at Upper Bittell Res while on 7th a Marsh Harrier was at Upton Warren, 15 Grey Plover stayed briefly at Belvide and two groups of

10 Little Tern comprising of seven and three birds passed through Upper Bittell. On the 9th a Common Crane flew over Croxall Lakes, a Temminck’s Stint was present at Chasewater on 11th and the following day a Black-throated Diver was a good record from Shustoke. A Black-necked Grebe in summer plumage was a pleasing find at Lower Bittell Res on 14th and so was 43 Black-tailed Godwits at Dunstall Park the same day. Continuing along the theme of good finds was a Hoopoe Lesser Yellowlegs, Uttoxeter Quarry, Phil Jones in a Rous Lench garden on 15th. A well-watched Night Heron was at Earlswood Lakes and the surrounding vicinity from 15th-28th while on 16th the first returning European Nightjar to the region arrived at Cannock Chase. At Middleton Lakes RSPB a Eurasian Spoonbill was discovered on 19th. On the 22nd a stunning male Hen Harrier was at Throckmorton Tip and this was followed by another male near Bluntington two days later. There then followed three excellent wader sightings with a Pectoral Sandpiper at Camp Lane Pits on 23rd, a splendid summer-plumaged female Red-necked Phalarope at Blithfield on 24th and lastly the rare North American vagrant Lesser Yellowlegs that arrived at Uttoxeter Quarry on 29th and remained there to 31st. A series of deep low pressure Red-necked Phalarope, Phil Jones systems tracked north- eastwards over the UK bringing unseasonably strong winds and a spell of unsettled, variable weather conditions to the region up to the months end. After a fine warm start it was a generally changeable month, lacking in any noteworthy diversity.

June. It was a sunny, warm, settled start to the month up until the 6th when some rain moving south-eastwards saw a change to more unsettled conditions. A Eurasian Spoonbill that flew over Marsh Lane NR on 4th was the fourth record for the reserve. Little Terns moved through Blithfield on 5th, 6th, 19th and 28th and at Upton Warren a Red-necked Phalarope

11 that departed on 4th, returned on 10th and 14th. Also in Worcestershire a Marsh Harrier was watched at Shenstone on 8th. A post-breeding flock of 32 Common Crossbills was at Bentley Woods on 10th while the following day the second Eurasian Spoonbill of the month was at Blithfield. A very enviable garden tick was a Black Redstart that drank from a garden pond in on 13th. Seven Sandwich Terns at Blithfield on 19th was an unseasonal record but much more in keeping with this period was the encouraging record of three family parties of Willow Tits at Park Lime Pits on 21st. An annual wish-list bird was the summer-plumaged Spotted Redshank that turned up at Blithfield on 25th and on the last day of the month a brood of four Black Redstart chicks were ringed in central Birmingham. Unsettled conditions continued to 25th as weather fronts brought further spells of rain or showers, sometimes thundery with gusty south-westerly winds. On 26th high pressure system brought in very warm, humid air and temperatures in the east of the region exceeded 27°C during the last few days of the month. Despite sunshine amounts being somewhat above normal in the Midlands it was the coolest June overall since 2001.

After the typical seasonal lull in the species list, from the previous month, things usually pick up in July as returning passage migrants put in an appearance. High pressure dominated the first few days with plenty of fine, settled weather. An area of low pressure gradually took over on 6th, moving eastwards across the UK introducing cooler and much more unsettled weather. Two return passage Wood Sandpipers were the first of this species at Blithfield on 1st; these were followed by 12 Black-tailed Godwits at Upton Warren on 2nd, while two days later, Blithfield hosted three Ospreys. From the 6th to 23rd low pressure systems dominated the weather patterns and this resulted in a mixed bag period. Most parts remained generally cloudy and it was rather cool for the time of year. When cloud dispersed, temperatures managed to climb and on 9th Coleshill attained the monthly high for the region with 23°C. A Cattle Egret at Abbots Salford Pool on 7th was the third consecutive year record for Warwickshire. There then followed another run of return passage wading birds. Two Common Greenshank, Steve Seal Common Greenshanks arrived at Sandwell Valley on 9th and on the same day two Whimbrel were at Upton Warren. A Ruff was at Fisher’s Mill on 14th and Sanderling was recorded at Belvide on 16th and Blithfield on 17th and 18th. Green Sandpiper numbers peaked for the month with 18 birds at Salford Priors GP and 18 again at Upton Warren. A Hoopoe was seen feeding along the by-pass on the 13th but Worcestershire again boasted two, the first on 17th at Baxter College and the second later in the month at Upper Bittell Res on 23rd. Common Crossbill were represented across all four counties with mobile post breeding flocks. Three superb summer-plumaged Red Knot were found at Upper Bittell on 28th and on the same day the last European Nightjar of the year was recorded at Cannock Chase. The first Warwickshire return passage Turnstone was

12 at Draycote on 30th, at the same site and same day there was an eclipse male Red-breasted Merganser, while up to nine Little Egrets could be found at Upton Warren also on 30th. The month closed with a post-breeding flock of 15 Common Buzzards at Salford Priors GP on 31st, while a Eurasian Spoonbill was watched by many at Blithfield on the same day. Mean temperatures were generally about 1°C below the 1971-2000 average and it was the coolest July since 2000. Rainfall was close to the July average across the UK but it was a little drier than elsewhere across the east of our region.

The first three days of August were humid with showers and longer spells of rain at times. Weather fronts moved in from the west on 4th bringing steady rain and this heralded another unsettled period to the 8th. An Arctic Tern at Blithfield on 1st saw a trickle of birds passing through the region and three Black Terns at Draycote set a similar pattern for the month as the previous species. The last calling Common Quail of the year was recorded near Leamington Hastings and a drake Common Scoter arrived at Draycote on 2nd. The third Spotted Crake of the year was at Clayhanger Marsh on 7th, on 11th two passage Bar-tailed Godwit visited Tittesworth and on 15th a Red-necked Grebe in full summer plumage was at Gailey. Three Peregrine Falcons were seen at Rugeley Quarry on 15th and two Hawfinch that arrived at Bodenham Arboretum on 17th stayed to 21st. After a dry day on 9th it reverted to the unsettled theme once again on 10th. This time rain moved across the entire region in bands, becoming heavy at times. Temperatures were generally Spotted Redshank, Blithfield, Ann Pallas-Bentley around or just above average. Spotted Redshanks were recorded in Warwickshire and Worcestershire and there was a particularly good movement through Staffordshire. Wood Sandpipers were equally prominent and well recorded in Warwickshire and Staffordshire throughout the month. Five White Wagtails visited Clifton Pits on 19th and a Black-necked Grebe was at Draycote on 23rd. During this period there was a strong passage movement of wading birds with two Red Knot through Lutley Wedge on 21st, Little Stints were at Salford Priors GP and Draycote on 28th, and Blithfield from 26th to 30th, Curlew Sandpipers visited Fishers Mill from 26th to 31st and Blithfield and Middleton Lakes RSPB again from 26th to 31st while a Pectoral Sandpiper visited Branston Gravel Pits on 27th. Finally, both Grasshopper Warbler and Pied Flycatcher departed our region on 29th. High pressure began to build on 28th but in the main the month could only be described as unsettled.

September is the commencement of the second transitional period of the year with the arrival of winter visitors and the departure of summer residents being the theme this time. The month started on a settled note with warm sunshine developing across our region in the first week. The month saw a strong movement of Arctic Terns across the entire region while on

13 2nd a White-winged Black Tern was a splendid record from Gailey. Black Terns continued to pass through the region with 30 birds recorded at Draycote on 25th. Also on 25th at Draycote, the last Common Tern left the region. As some species passed through and departed our region, the first wintering Redwings arrived at Croxall Lakes on 3rd. The first autumn Merlin arrived at Middleton Lakes RSPB on 4th; this being a probable altitudinal migrant as opposed to the long distance traveller Osprey that moved south-west over Belvide two days later. The bizarre occurrence of Manx Shearwaters being found in suburban gardens and other inland locations is, highly likely, the result of Atlantic storms driving the birds disastrously off course. Such a happening took place from 5th to 13th with birds in such predicaments, singles were also found at Belvide and Draycote during this period. This month is traditionally a good time for watching Curlew Sandpiper in our region and Draycote, in particular, did not disappoint, with birds appearing there from 7th to the month’s end. Also on 7th was a delightful juvenile Sabine’s Gull at Belvide. The first of several Shags visiting the region was found at Draycote on 9th while a Northern Gannet, again a likely victim of Atlantic storms, was also found at Draycote on 12th. The following day a Grey Phalarope, another Atlantic vagrant, was at Sling Pool (Holt) and Black-necked Grebes were at Napton Res also on 13th and Shustoke on 14th. After a promising start, the month developed in a similar pattern to Sabine’s Gull, Belvide, Steve Seal the four previous months. From 5th to 27th there was a mixture of short periods of high pressure building, giving dry, sunny and warm spells but these were always countered by weather fronts moving west to east that saw plenty of showers and longer spells of rain coupled with strong winds to some parts of the region. Other areas remained dry but cloudy and dull. From 17th to the months end there was a procession of departing summer residents that was interspersed with autumn arrivals. Last date records for the region were: Garganey from Upton Warren on 17th, Tree Pipit from Berry Hill also on 17th, Garden Warbler from Belvide on 18th, Common Swift from Brandon on 20th and Little Ringed Plover from Draycote on 21st. The departure trend was then interrupted with the arrival of the first wintering Jack Snipe at the John Bennett NR on 21st and the following day the first Brambling for this period were recorded at Bredon Hill. The Siskin flock at Hanchurch Woods peaked at a notable 400 birds for the month. Also on 22nd, 22 Bar-tailed Godwits flew over Brandon Marsh. There then followed a series of departing birds with the last recorded Turtle Dove of the year at Camp Lane Pits on 24th, a Sedge Warbler from Brandon Marsh also on 24th and a Common Cuckoo from Salford Priors GP on 25th. Moving into the region were the first arriving Fieldfare at Berry Hill on 25th and on 26th a Caspian Gull was recorded at Chasewater. The last Lesser Whitethroat of the year was recorded at on 27th and the month closed with an excellent Pectoral Sandpiper at Fishers Mill Pit on 30th. A changeable ‘westerly’ weather type prevailed for most of the month bringing rain and some strong winds at times. The last

14 few days saw a fine warm spell with some reasonably high temperatures. Most of our region recorded less than half the normal amount of rainfall expected for this month.

Again the first three days of October followed in what had become a general pattern with sunny and very warm conditions prevailing across the region and highs of 28°C recorded in the east. Autumn movements into, from and through the region continued at a pace. A Eurasian Bittern at Ladywalk on 1st was an excellent start, while both Willow Warbler and Reed Warbler were last recorded in the region on the same day. A Twite flew over Black Bank on 2nd and the last Whinchat of the year departed from Salford Priors GP also on 2nd. On the 3rd a male Hen Harrier was watched at Camp Lane Pits while in the Kingsbury WP area Little Egret numbers had reached 15 birds. At Kings Bromley a Great White Egret was found on 6th, also in Staffordshire, Marsh Harriers were recorded at Park Hall CP on 9th and Belvide on 10th. By now unsettled conditions had taken over once more. A familiar pattern of westerly winds and bands of rain had reasserted itself across the region although temperatures remained above average; these conditions remained in place to Eurasian Spoonbill, Draycote, Tim Marlow 13th. Final records for the year were: Sand Martin from Bredon’s Hardwick on 7th, Common Whitethroat from Castlemorton Common and Common Redstart from Salford Priors GP, both on 9th, Ye l l ow Wagtail followed, leaving Alvecote on 10th, House Martins departed Brandon on 12th, a Spotted Flycatcher from Ingestre and a Hobby from Clifton Pits on 19th and finally a Ring Ouzel from Walton Bridge on 22nd. The first Pink-footed Geese for this second winter period of the year was a skein of 30 over Black Bank on 11th while two adult Grey Phalarope at Bartley Res on 12th was an excellent site record. On 14th the first autumn Greater Scaup arrived at Blithfield and Tittesworth and a Eurasian Spoonbill was at Draycote the same day. Five Grey Plover stayed briefly at Middleton Lakes RSPB also on 14th and the following day a Slavonian Grebe was present at Gailey while two Whooper Swans visited Aqualate. The first Water Pipit of the autumn period was found at Salford Priors GP on 16th and on the same day another event bird for the year was a Barred Warbler that was caught and ringed at Grimley Old Workings, being a first county record for Worcestershire. After a brief respite of fine sunny conditions from 14th to 16th the spell ended abruptly, when, on 17th, a cold front moved south-eastwards bringing heavy rain. The first widespread air frosts of the autumn occurred on 20th with temperatures in the south- east of our region dipping below freezing. By now, both Merlin and Short-eared Owl had established themselves in the region in good numbers. Probably the largest Corn Bunting flock of the year was 38 birds at Cleeve Prior on 19th while Gadwall numbers in the Coton/Lea Marston area peaked at 154. A Red Kite over Handsworth in Birmingham on 20th is unusual but now considered a possibility anywhere in the region, likewise a

15 Pomarine Skua over Toft Farm on 21st was unusual and only the third county record for this species in the last 27 years. A Great Grey Shrike was well-watched at Rifle Range on Cannock Chase on 24th and a Barn Owl made a welcome return to Marsh Lane NR on 29th. Despite the unsettled spell continuing to the end of the month, temperatures remained above normal with 20.6°C recorded at on 23rd and 18.6°C at Pershore on 30th. The mean temperature for the month was 2.2°C above the 1971-2000 average making it the seventh warmest October in the last 100 years.

The first few days of November continued unsettled, however, temperatures remained higher than average. A change to more settled conditions came about on 6th with high pressure becoming established to the east of the UK. Some central areas of the region were affected by dense fog during the second week. Staffordshire birders were treated to three Great Grey Shrike during this month, with the first at Anson’s Bank on 1st. The last Barn Swallow of the year departed from Clayhanger also on 1st and Hen Harriers were present in all for counties throughout the month. A Turtle Dove in a Welland garden to the 4th was a surprising find, skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 1040 birds over Tittesworth on 5th was much more seasonal. 2500 Fieldfare had gathered near Wormleighton on 5th and more geese then followed with 50 White-fronts over Redditch on 6th and five Brent at Draycote on 7th. Snow Buntings arrived in the region with a male at Salford Priors GP on 6th followed by birds on the with one on 9th, six on 23rd and three on 28th. Also on 6th a Cetti’s Warbler was at Belvide. A Wheatear that was seen leaving our region from Berry Hill on 7th was the last of our departing summer birds. On the same day, at the same site, an incredible 40,290 Woodpigeons moved through. A Purple Sandpiper at Draycote on 9th was a good find, so too was a Common Eider at Clifton Pits on 11th. Also on 11th were two Red- breasted Mergansers at Fens Pools, a movement of Little Gulls passed through the middle Tame Valley and ten Waxwings flew over Chasewater. The fine weather continued with high pressure anchored over Scandinavia bringing south- easterly winds and generally warm conditions to the whole region. Two parties of Bewick’s Swans arrived in the Tame and Anker valley on 12th with five birds over Fisher’s Mill and nine at Waxwing, Steve Valentine Alvecote. Four Red Knot visited Draycote on 18th, a Great White Egret flew over Marsh Lane NR on 19th, a first record for the reserve and an Iceland Gull roosted at Belvide the same day. At Belvide six Tundra Bean Geese were well watched on 20th as was a Red-throated Diver on the at Bewdley, also on 20th. From 22nd an unsettled theme took over for the rest of the month with several areas of deep low pressure passing north of the UK, dislodging the once dominant high. On 23rd the region experienced one of the first widespread ground frosts of the autumn with temperatures in the south dropping well below freezing. The Brambling flock at Knypersley increased to 40 birds on 23rd and a Northern Goshawk put in an appearance at Morton Bagot on 27th. Common Snipe numbers at Doxey Marshes peaked at 76 birds for the month

16 and by far the largest European Golden Plover flock of the year was 2200 birds at Lower Moor. A Great Northern Diver was at Draycote on 28th and the first Smew for this winter period arrived at Shustoke on 30th. Airstreams from a southerly quarter brought many very mild settled days in the first three weeks and this period contributed to making it the second warmest November in 100 years.

The first few days of December saw changeable conditions and by now temperatures had dropped giving a more wintry feel across the region. The 800 Northern Lapwings gathered at Marsh Lane NR was a warming site on 1st and the same applies to a flock of around 50 Common Crossbills at Dimmingsdale also on 1st. The Great White Egret at Upton Warren was relocated on the Moors Pool on 2nd and the ever growing Tame Valley population of Little Egret saw 21 birds in the Kingsbury area. A Black Redstart was at on 2nd, on the 5th a Great Northern Diver visited Blithfield and on the same day five Woodcock were found at Kingsbury WP. The period from 7th to 15th was dominated by low pressure systems to the north of the UK which resulted in blustery, cool and often wet conditions to the region. Two Snow Buntings remained on the Malvern Hills to the 8th and the following day a Merlin was watched chasing Linnets at Stoulton. As white- winged gulls gathered in the region, so gull watchers intensified their search. Mediterranean Gulls were at Coton from 7th, up to five adult Eider with Red-throated Diver, Rudyard, Phil Jones Intermediate Lesser Black- backed Gulls roosted at Coton and Draycote, five Yellow-legged Gulls were to be found at Belvide, a Caspian Gull was at Draycote on 9th, 12th and 14th, Iceland Gulls were at Coton, Packington Tip, Draycote, Westwood Pool, Chasewater and Blithfield, a Kumlien’s Gull was identified at Bartley Res on 15th, a Glaucous Gull was found at Throckmorton Tip on 18th and then toward the end of the month further birds were at Draycote, Chasewater and Blithfield, finally the Great Black-backed Gull flock at Chasewater peaked at 236 birds. A Common Eider was a great attraction at Rudyard Lake on 12th and at the same site a Red-throated Diver was present on 17th. As low pressure in the English Channel moved away on 16th it turned colder behind with rain turning to snow across the entire region. On 18th an area of snow moved south-eastwards from Cheshire giving some heavy accumulations across north Staffordshire. A transition then took place from 21st and the last ten days saw predominantly mild unsettled conditions with spells of wet and windy weather interspersed with brief cooler interludes. Great Crested Grebes peaked at Draycote with a total of 268 birds and Yellowhammer numbers reached 138 on the Long Compton Estate. A Water Pipit remained at Doxey Marshes until 22nd, and two Stonechats were at Fisher’s Mill to 25th. Finally a Eurasian Bittern was found at Coton on 26th and another was watched at our Ladywalk reserve on 31st. Despite unsettled conditions throughout the month, sunshine amounts were above normal for the Midlands.

With thanks to the Meteorological Office Weather Reviews. Jim Winsper

17 Systematic List

The sequence of species and the scientific names follow those of The British List (British Ornithologists’ Union, 2009). The English names are those published in British Birds (Vol. 86:1), with amendments (Vol. 97:1). Records of distinctive subspecies are listed separately immediately after the commonly occurring race, their commonly used English names appearing in italics. All records of species within Categories A-C of ‘The British List’ appear in the main section, even if suspected of being of captive origin, though the latter are not included in the totals. All other species appear under Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 (Exotica); these mainly refer to escapes from avicultural collections. In the case of hybrids, the species listed first is that deemed by the observer to have contributed the dominant characteristics. Records of National rarities are only published if they have been accepted by the BBRC, with the only exceptions being well-documented records which are still being assessed due to late submissions.

The status comments are based on current knowledge and must therefore be highly subjective, although not beyond modification in future reports. The figures in brackets after these comments, in species recorded less than annually, are a measure of frequency and refer to the number of calendar years in which they have appeared during the previous ten years, i.e. not including the current year.

The waterfowl tables include the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) counts for selected species. As these are done on the same day, they give a snapshot of the total population at a given time.

A key to the contributors to these notes appears at the back of this Report.

The following status categories have been used:

Very rare fewer than ten records ever. Rare ten or more records, but less than annual (recorded in nine or less of the last ten years). Breeding less than annually. Scarce fewer than 20 birds occurring per annum or 10 pairs breeding. Uncommon 20-100 birds occurring or 10-50 pairs breeding. Frequent 100-500 birds occurring or 50-250 pairs breeding. Fairly common 500-5000 birds occurring or 250-2500 pairs breeding. Common 5000-20000 birds occurring or 2500-10000 pairs breeding. Very common 20000-50000 birds occurring or 10000-25000 pairs breeding. Abundant 50000+ birds occurring or 25000+ pairs breeding.

The following abbreviations have been used: CP Country Park Res Reservoir GC Golf Course STW Sewage Treatment Works GPs Gravel Pit(s) UP Urban Park LNR Local Nature Reserve WP Water Park NR Nature Reserve

18 Mute Swan Cygnus olor Fairly common and increasing resident.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Alvecote - – 36 – – – – 26 – 32 – – area 40 35 21 – 2 – 4 – 2 2 6 3 Church Lawford 93 88 75 – – – – – – – – 19 Coombe Abbey 116 65 24 20 14 77 90 64 109 94 116 108 Coton/Lea Marston – 3 – – – 113 160 50 64 50 53 13 Draycote – – – 8 47 44 44 36 – 43 – – Kingsbury 13 45 – – – – 12 8 – – 45 177 Worcestershire Arrow Valley Lake 12 8 9 4 12 8 4 11 – – 3 2 Avon Meadows NR 8 6 4 5 – – – – – – – – Bittell Reservoirs 1 – 5 4 12 4 4 2 8 13 4 4 Bredon’s Hardwick 10 1 1 4 3 – 10 1 5 10 3 2 Camp Lane Pits – 2 5 4 2 7 2 6 6 6 6 6 Clifton Pits – – – 2 14 – 41 18 2 2 4 2 Croome Landscape Park – – 2 2 – – – 29 21 42 34 7 Gwen Finch Wetland 2 2 2 4 2 4 2 – 2 3 2 4 lake 3 3 5 4 4 6 3 2 2 3 3 3 Oakley Pool – – – 2 2 1 – – – 2 2 2 Pirton Pool 54 12 5 2 2 2 2 12 8 10 43 55 Trimpley Reservoir – 8 4 4 4 2 2 2 4 2 1 – Upton Warren 6 5 5 3 3 3 3 4 7 9 15 4 Westwood Pool 2 3 10 15 17 17 20 17 13 10 3 2 Staffordshire Aqualate 4 3 4 3 21 43 55 59 56 43 56 35 Barton GP – – 22 21 64 80 109 128 83 116 110 – Belvide 4 8 9 6 39 44 58 58 56 47 47 65 Blithfield 3 3 4 14 54 101 134 135 6 1 5 5 Chasewater 53 44 46 – 37 52 42 47 45 4 20 23 Croxall Lakes 79 38 2 39 53 – 41 31 – 5 5 317 Doxey 13 12 10 10 13 13 15 15 18 11 12 8 Fisherwick/Elford GP 107 6 10 22 6 – 7 5 75 52 10 15 Gailey Reservoir – 20 – 24 – 16 25 18 5 2 2 6 Middleton Lakes RSPB – 4 4 31 2 2 6 2 10 2 14 4 Trent Washlands 25 30 25 52 30 30 62 50 40 – – – Whitemoor Haye 239 115 85 121 32 45 30 31 12 18 136 319 West Midlands Dunstall Park / Smestow Valley 4 – – 1 5 5 2 5 3 3 – – Marsh Lane NR 27 22 5 6 6 4 10 17 16 14 10 17 Sandwell Valley 4 p 3 3 2 1 7 7 7 6 9 15 WeBS 2010 682 440 653 584 720 755 833 713 615 760 871 896 WeBS 2011 927 462 441 499 410 607 625 819 887 764 846 968

Warks A similar position to 2010 (28) with a total of 27 nesting pairs located as follows: Alvecote (five), Baddesley Clinton (along the Grand Union Canal), Brandon Marsh, Caldecote, Charlecote Park, Chesterton Church Pool, , Earlswood Lakes, Farnborough Park, Fenny Compton, Ladywalk (two), Lower Radbourn, Mancetter, Napton Res, Nelson’s Quarry (Stockton), Ryton Pools CP, Salford Priors GP, Seeswood Pool, Shustoke, Whitacre Heath NR, Whittleford Park and Wormleighton Res. Peak counts at non- tabulated sites included 70 at Broadwater (Packington) on January 7th, 26 at Brandon on March 1st and 3rd, 13 at Shustoke on August 18th, 17 at Napton Res on 31st, 12 at Salford Priors GP during October and November, and 14 at Dosthill Lake on December 24th. The

19 largest congregation was 177 at Hemlingford Water, Kingsbury, when partially frozen on December 19th. Worcs Nesting pairs were reported from Camp Lane Pits, Lower Bittell Reservoir, Gwen Finch Wetland (two), Kemerton Lake, Lower Moor, Oakley Pool, Throckmorton Lagoons and Upton Warren. Recorded at many localities across the county and away from the tabulated sites, two counts above double figures comprised 72 on the River Severn at Worcester on June 10th and 33 on the River Severn at on August 28th. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Aqualate, Barton GP, Belvide, Blithfield, Branston GP, Branston Water Park, Burton-upon-Trent, Copmere, Doxey Marshes, Ford Green, Fradley, Knypersley Reservoir, Lower Drayton, Lower Ellastone, Middleton Lakes RSPB, Pool Hall, Radford Meadows, River Sow Meadows, Stafford, Stafford , Tixall Wide, Trent Washlands, Uttoxeter Quarry, Westport Lake and Wyrley Common. W Mid Away from tabulated sites birds were noted during the breeding season at Bilston, Blythe Valley CP, Clayhanger, Reservoir, Fens Pools, Grand Union Canal, Marsh Lane NR, Meriden, Pelsall North Common, Rushall Canal, Saltwells LNR, Sheepwash UP, Sneyd Reservoir, Stubber’s Green, Walsall Arboretum, , Wordsley and . Other high counts included 25 birds in Sutton Park on March 26th and 43 at Wyken Slough on July 30th. Smaller numbers were also noted at Ettingshall, Haden Hill Park, Ladymoor Pool, Lime Pits Farm, Olton Mere, Pedmore, Pensnett, Ryders Mere, Walsall, Walsall Golf Course, Westwood Heath and Wyrley and Essington Canal.

2009 Addenda W Mid A count of 32 birds was made at Babbs Mill on December 22nd.

Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus Frequent, though declining winter visitor and passage migrant. Warks The party of five adults and four immatures from 2010 continued to visit fields at Bodymoor Heath until February 4th, and again up to eight of these birds sometimes roosted at Coton many observers. Presumably three of these birds were seen at Bodymoor Heath again on February 8th KSa and six were recorded there on 10th RGr. Elsewhere, seven were reported at Hurley on January 1st RJT, an adult remained by the River Avon at Church Lawford from January 2nd-February 12th CHP, JFCJ et al. and another adult was at Alderham Flood Meadow (Barford) on February 26th JJB. During the second winter period, two parties visited on November 12th, with two adults and three juveniles seen flying over Fisher’s Mill heading southwest (just 10 minutes after a flock of Whooper Swans!) JHar, whilst seven adults and two juveniles dropped in at Alvecote ASA et al. Worcs Bredon’s Hardwick held two adults and a juvenile on January 16th AWa et al, then two adults on 30th WFP et al, while in December three adults and a juvenile frequented Pirton Pool from 16th-28th MJI et al, two adults flew over Liverpool Road, Worcester on 18th PMW and Lower Moor produced flyovers, with two adults heading west on 20th RAP and three adults over WNW on 28th RAP. Staffs

Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Herds 4 5 9 8 6 3 3 4 1 6 4 6 Birds 16 10 41 44 17 15 10 13 14 31 49 45

The two herds from last year continued to be seen during the first part of this year with 16 at Fisherwick/Elford gradually reducing until the last eight were seen on January 17th and

20 two at Gailey/Fullmoor Wood remaining until March 4th and relocating to Belvide for the day on January 2nd. On January 30th, 11 birds, including five juveniles, were reported from Blithfield and were seen there again roosting on February 3rd and from 11th-14th RCB et al. Nine birds, previously seen at Kingsbury Water Park (Warks), visited Middleton Lakes RSPB on February 1st but didn’t linger. In the second winter period, on November 12th, five including three juveniles flew SW over Middleton Lakes RSPB JHar and on December 11th, two were seen initially at Aqualate IGr before relocating to Belvide and then flying off to Marsh Lane (WMids) SNut et al. W Mid Two birds stayed at Marsh Lane NR from December 11th-15th GPR, DJS.

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Scarce or uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Also a recent feral visitor. Warks All records came from the second half of the year. At Draycote, a flock of 15 circled over and left heading southeast on September 19th (relocating at Reservoir in Northants later that day) and another six rested on the water briefly the following day BHaz, RCM. A single adult visited Brandon on October 28th, after which there was an unconfirmed report of a family party of five there on November 2nd BMVCT. The final two sightings came from the Tame Valley, where five adults flew over Fisher’s Mill heading southwest on November 12th JHar, and two adults were at Coton on December 12th CJGC et al. Worcs A colour-ringed adult from Iceland mingled with Mute Swans on the River Severn at South Quay, Worcester from January 4th-April 6th BRS et al, Bredon’s Hardwick held a juvenile from January 16th and last reported on 25th, its corpse was discovered on 28th AWa et al. Two were brief visitors to Hewell Grange on 28th AGi, an adult was noted at Bredon’s Hardwick on February 5th DJa, while the colour-ringed adult from Worcester was observed at Upton Warren on March 20th GHu. Moors Pool at Upton Warren held four adults on October 19th DAJ, JHWR, JHS, BPo et al., three adults were noted at Clifton Pits on November 6th AHo, MAS et al and an adult was at Ripple Pit on 9th RMas. Staffs In the first winter period, a group of five birds frequented Croxall Lakes until February 12th and were also seen at Whitemoor Haye and Barton GP. The only other records at this time was a pair at Uttoxeter Quarry on January 18th and a single at Aqualate on February 5th. In the second winter period two visited Aqualate from October 15th-16th, 15 flew south over Stanton on 19th and two were at Belvide on 20th. In November two were at Uttoxeter Quarry and one at Belvide on 6th, two flew over Tittesworth on 15th and two over Croxall Lakes on 18th. A mass movement on 22nd saw birds pass over Adderley Green (two), Berry Hill (two), Dimmingsdale (five) and Hanchurch Woods (six) while one was at Chasewater on 26th. In December a family party of two adults and two juveniles was at Aqualate on 5th along with two at Belvide while two flew over Gailey on 18th before landing at Belvide and two were at Blithfield on 27th. W Mid Two birds visited Marsh Lane NR on October 27th, with two more present from November 18th-19th per NPB.

Whooper Swan X Mute Swan Staffs One was present at Tamworth Castle for most of March. W Mid Two birds visited Marsh Lane NR on January 31st and two adult hybrids were seen at Wyken Pool on July 30th.

2009 Addendum W Mid Single adults were noted at Meriden on January 26th and June 4th.

21 Mute Swan x Black Swan W Mid A female Black Swan and male Mute Swan bred successfully at Marsh Lane NR. Two cygnets hatched on May 27th; both fledged and remained until August 27th, with one seen sporadically to November 5th.

Tundra Bean Goose Anser fabalis rossicus Rare winter visitor (7/10). Worcs A first-winter bird was observed at Upper Bittell Reservoir from November 9th- 12th PLew, MJL et al. and visited Lower Bittell Reservoir on the latter date, while possibly the same individual was noted on river meadows along Fleet Lane, Bredon’s Hardwick on 30th RAP et al, then commuted between here and Ripple Pit, with sightings at the latter being on December 3rd, 10th and 11th AWa et al. and at Bredon’s Hardwick on 10th and 12th. Staffs Six birds took up residence at Belvide from November 20th-23rd many observers and a new single arrived on December 7th, remaining until 17th SNut.

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Frequent passage migrant and winter visitor to Staffs, but normally rare further south. Also a scarce feral visitor or escapee. Warks The bird from 2010 was still at Alvecote with Canada Geese from January 1st-3rd many observers, with probably the same bird seen flying over Middleton Hall on 3rd JHar, which on subsequent days was seen in Staffordshire. Numerous sightings of another single, always in the company of Greylag Geese and presumably involving just one individual, came from the east of the county during January; firstly beside the River Avon at King’s Newnham most days from 4th-9th per MPG, and visiting Draycote on 6th BHaz, 10th KJG and 11th TMa, before staying at Brandon Marsh from 25th- 29th to where it returned again from April 6th-May 15th BMVCT. There were two further records during the spring: one at Lea Marston on March 6th DBak and two at Earlswood Lakes Pink-footed Goose, Tittesworth Res, Steve Seal on April 14th MCL. Worcs During the first winter period singles were observed at Pirton Pool on January 2nd, 9th, 12th and 21st, at Upton Warren on many dates between 9th and April 7th, at Clifton Pits on January 16th, 22nd, 30th and February 5th, at Bredon’s Hardwick on 5th, 14th, 16th, March 13th, 29th, April 1st and 3rd, at Lower Park Fisheries on February 17th and March 27th and Arrow Valley Lake on March 25th. Spring sightings comprised one at Bredon’s Hardwick on April 17th, 28th, May 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th, 11th and 12th, one at Pirton Pool on May 1st and three at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 10th and 15th. The only report during the second winter period comprised a skein of 20 over on October 12th. Staffs In the first winter period, fly-over skeins in January comprised 82 over Berry Hill

22 and 28 over Uttoxeter Quarry on 3rd, 100 over Berry Hill and Westport with 60 over Talke on 13th, 70 over Biddulph on 15th, 100 over Keele on 19th, 130 over Tittesworth on 24th, 140 over Dimmingsdale on 26th and 200 over Adderley Green on 29th. In addition eight birds were at Blithfield from 8th-18th increasing to 11 from 25th until March 2nd. Singles or pairs, possibly feral, were at Middleton Lakes RSPB (one) from January 5th-6th, Uttoxeter Quarry (one) on 22nd-February 12th, Whitemoor Haye (two) on 22nd, Knypersley Reservoir (one) on 23rd, Branston GP (two) on 29th, Tittesworth (one) and Byrkley Park (one) on March 6th, Bateswood CP (one, probably wild) on 8th, Blithfield (one) from 8th–29th, Tittesworth on 20th, JCB South Lake (one) on April 2nd, Middleton Lakes RSPB (one) from 3rd-24th, Tittesworth (one) from 28th-29th and finally three at Westport Lake on May 18th. The second winter period was a much quieter affair with 30 over Black Bank on October 11th the first skein, then four skeins totalling 1040 over Tittesworth on November 5th and 16 over Croxden Quarry on December 18th. In addition there were two probable feral birds at Amington Hall on November 12th and Tittesworth on 23rd.

White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Also scarce feral visitor or escapee. Warks Two or three single birds visited during the first half of the year. A first-winter stayed at Seeswood Pool from January 23rd-26th DHut et al. and was thought to have been the same bird that had visited Marsh Lane NR (West Mids) earlier in the month. Then during March, there were sightings of a bird at Abbots Salford from 18th-19th BGP and an adult at Brandon Marsh on 26th, 27th and 31st BMVCT. Two parties visited in November, with two adults briefly at Morton Bagot on 13th REH, and 10 birds seen at Draycote most days from 15th-23rd TMa, BHaz et al.

White-fronted Geese, Draycote, Tim Marlow

Worcs All sightings during the first winter period came from Lower Moor, with two adults on January 11th, one adult on March 10th and 16th, two on 17th, then singles on 23rd, 27th and 28th RAP et al. Second winter period sightings comprised two adults at Upper Bittell Reservoir on October 28th, 30th and November 2nd TMH et al., 50 over Church Hill Redditch on 6th SDi, two adults at Westwood Pool on 21st and 22nd WDu, TMH, an adult and two juveniles at Lower Moor on 24th RAP and one at Upton Warren on December 28th DWa, JHS.

23 Staffs Two birds were present at Uttoxeter Quarry on January 3rd and were seen intermittently until February 13th RPo, ABa, a first-winter bird was present at Middleton Lakes RSPB from January 5th-8th many observers, one was at Blithfield on 18th and a first-winter at Belvide on February 11th. In the second winter period some good flocks were seen, starting with nine at Amington Hall on November 12th SAl, four at Uttoxeter Quarry on 13th with two remaining until 15th RPo, eight at Belvide SNut and five at Branston GP CCo on 23rd, a party of six seen over Clayhanger Marsh (WMids) on the 23rd were photographed over Chasewater GEv, 14 flew over River Sow Meadows (Baswich) on 25th RSw and seven were at Knypersley Reservoir on December 10th GBre. W Mid A first-winter bird stayed at Marsh Lane NR from January 12th-16th and presumably the same from March 10th-13th when its plumage was more advanced per NPB, DJS. Presumably the same bird was seen at Middleton Lakes from January 6th-8th and Seeswood Pool from January 23rd-26th per NPB. A flock of birds flew towards the southeast over Balsall Common on November 5th NPB. A party of six birds circled over Clayhanger Marsh before departing northwards at dusk on November 22nd KMC, CMa. A few minutes later they were photographed flying over Chasewater per GEv.

Greylag Goose Anser anser Frequent feral resident, mainly to north Warks but increasing and spreading elsewhere.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon 174 153 66 53 56 64 200 275 306 236 131 128 Charlecote area 204 37 34 – – – – – – – 128 46 Coombe Abbey 100 70 45 58 38 46 64 18 6 4 76 85 Compton Verney – 7 -– 12 – 52 70 – – – – 6 Kingsbury 1 3 3 – – – – 8 – 258 – 85 33 – 73 18 – – – – – – – – Morton Bagot 81 49 51 13 9 2 114 173 150 120 200 94 Salford Priors GP – 4 8 4 9 – 16 88 335 136 52 22 Worcestershire Arrow Valley Lake – – 5 10 20 30 68 2 – – – – Bittell Reservoirs 16 – – – – – – – 108 – – 87 Bredon’s Hardwick 42 86 69 8 9 – 65 – – – 40 3 Clifton Pits 34 – 2 3 – – – 5 56 76 68 71 Croome Landscape Park – – – – – – 15 – – 1 1 – Kemerton Lake – 4 33 25 28 14 36 130 160 1 – – Lower Moor 285 148 120 82 63 48 94 108 160 207 224 252 Pirton Pool – 2 28 32 18 28 29 57 – 1 – 2 Ripple Pit – – – – – – – – – 140 200 10 Upton Warren 26 25 20 9 19 7 16 18 13 20 18 21 Staffordshire Aqualate 150 24 22 5 – 10 14 3 64 107 – – Barton GP 63 – 5 2 – 61 67 51 237 63 155 – Belvide 253 181 – – 26 18 242 202 164 205 304 169 Blithfield 193 215 151 9 45 159 201 321 322 373 376 26 Branston GP 115 – – – p 24 133 149 – 208 150 250 Croxden Quarry 48 19 2 3 11 – 40 85 151 180 21 – Uttoxeter Quarry 200 200 39 3 4 12 124 223 40 260 277 270 Westport Lake 11 12 2 9 19 24 23 21 20 20 20 19 West Midlands Marsh Lane NR 383 402 20 30 50 32 144 444 446 420 459 397 WeBS 2010 554 414 239 233 221 277 305 965 1300 817 1033 983 WeBS 2011 1305 536 418 209 245 418 598 1222 2054 1273 1351 1339

24 Warks Broods were noted at Brandon (six), Compton Verney, (four), Kingsbury (three) and , but were again presumably under-recorded. Peak numbers at many sites continue to increase, though last year’s county record count wasn’t quite broken with 335 at Salford Priors GP on September 4th being the largest gathering. Away from tabulated sites, maxima reported were 12 at King’s Newnham on January 6th, 27 at Abbots Salford on 23rd, 38 at Little Packington on May 11th, 26 adults at Great Alne on 29th, 23 at Seeswood Pool on July 24th and 36 at Draycote on August 25th. Single-figure counts came from a further 14 widely spaced localities. Flight records included four over Fenny Compton on January 10th (where unusual) and 200 over on September 25th. Worcs Little breeding data received, the only reports being two successful broods at Bredon’s Hardwick and a pair with 11 young at Arrow Valley Lake on May 14th, while a pair attempted unsuccessfully to nest at Abberton. Away from the tabulated localities Bodenham Arboretum held five on January 12th, then seven on February 10th, four were at Avon Meadows NR on March 10th, one at Westwood Pool on 12th, then three here on 29th, three at Avon Meadows NR on April 1st, two at Camp Lane Pits on 2nd, 180 at Throckmorton Lagoons on August 17th and 44 over Little Comberton on October 10th. Staffs Breeding occurred at Aqualate, Blithfield, Borrowpit Lake, Branston Water Park, Branston GP, Middleton Lakes RSPB, Westport Lake and Whitemoor Haye. Blithfield had a record breeding season with at least 43 goslings recorded on June 11th. W Mid Breeding occurred at Marsh Lane NR for the third successive year with three pairs nesting, two being successful and raising ten young between them. Birds were also present during the breeding season at Berkswell, Cornets End, Fens Pools, Meriden and North Warwickshire Golf Course. Totals of 60 birds were counted at Berkswell on February 23rd, 115 at Meriden on August 5th, 115 at on September 29th and 20 in Sandwell Valley on October 9th. Up to eight birds were occasionally noted at Dunstall Park, Smestow Valley, Stubber’s Green, West Park, Westwood Heath and Wyndley Pool.

2009 Addendum W Mid Single pairs bred at Berkswell and Meriden. A total of 160 birds was counted at Berkswell on February 13th, whilst two at Olton Mere on April 13th were the observer’s first there.

2009 Corrigendum W Mid The count of 110 birds on December 9th was made at Berkswell, not Meriden.

Greylag Goose x Canada Goose Warks One was seen at Brandon fairly frequently from February 19th-May 26th, and another was at Kingsbury from at least September 25th–November 13th. Worcs Singles were reported from Croome Landscape Park on May 2nd, Kemerton Lake on September 1st, 2nd and 5th and Lower Moor/Throckmorton area from September 1st- December 20th. W Mid A hybrid bird was noted at Marsh Lane NR on January 8th and 29th and again intermittently from August 13th to November 26th. At West Park, two hybrids were recorded on October 15th, with three on 26th and four on 29th.

Grey Geese sp W Mid A skein of 20 birds flew over Bilston Cemetery on March 28th.

25 Canada Goose Branta canadensis Common and increasing feral resident. Fairly common breeding species

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford 230 250 160 110 170 340 100 405 970 10 – – Alvecote 275 250 200 120 90 90 100 – 40 200 – 300 Brandon 76 95 72 63 47 80 95 176 88 219 18 42 Coombe Abbey 29 35 42 68 39 49 45 28 – 12 81 120 Dosthill/Kingsbury 21 120 44 12 6 134 200 150 12 – 54 210 Draycote 200 – – – 100 200 240 611 – – – – Earlswood Lakes 40 33 50 39 31 46 46 185 151 64 64 29 Salford Priors GP 168 38 31 29 20 32 123 380 20 25 2 145 Seeswood Pool 190 50 7 6 4 – 17 42 – 180 208 171 Worcestershire Arrow Valley Lake 65 36 28 40 15 100 105 25 – – 25 40 Avon Meadows NR 8 – 4 – – – – – – – – – Bittell Reservoirs 170 – 34 34 33 39 57 4 13 136 111 159 Bredon’s Hardwick 158 110 131 37 42 – 18 162 – 77 424 365 Camp Lane Pits 451 281 122 77 40 43 24 90 223 310 700 450 Clifton Pits 136 52 2 1 12 – 43 152 216 175 213 139 Croome Landscape Park – – – 17 – – – – 204 386 381 173 Gwen Finch Wetland 83 65 22 14 8 – – – – – 47 10 Kemerton Lake – – 28 32 28 7 12 383 394 19 – – Kyre Park 66 37 48 – – – – – – – – – Lower Moor 285 150 120 82 82 48 94 108 160 207 224 252 Pirton Pool 22 12 76 45 31 53 73 6 55 157 41 24 Trimpley Reservoir – 6 8 14 – – – 6 2 – – – Upton Warren 114 123 64 54 46 42 70 184 300 190 44 106 Westwood Pool 124 9 6 4 4 5 – – 217 6 20 310 Staffordshire Aqualate 399 160 20 36 31 156 169 6 206 486 1 70 Belvide 180 – – p 31 108 94 364 25 76 – 206 Blithfield 992 510 18 16 45 76 121 503 258 226 316 62 Branston Water Park 4 50 100 200 100 200 250 – – 200 – – Chasewater 74 58 18 – – 98 102 206 232 105 88 70 Croxall Lakes 100 50 30 50 25 – 200 250 – – 85 – Doxey 646 478 300 179 183 330 252 751 720 250 293 280 Fisherwick/Elford GP 130 19 16 71 31 32 25 220 189 173 130 106 Gailey Reservoir 40 – 39 47 – 99 58 3 371 5 7 7 Middleton Lakes – 20 18 14 10 10 12 46 20 12 199 176 Tittesworth 132 122 113 111 90 152 165 186 167 116 133 121 Uttoxeter Quarry 150 124 58 18 – 31 101 318 380 455 302 430 Westport Lake 197 196 116 88 185 367 373 290 113 96 109 115 Whitemoor Haye 250 – – 7 28 3 76 72 278 40 145 460 West Midlands Dunstall Park/ Smestow Valley 35 140 70 14 14 – 70 50 – 100 60 18 Marsh Lane NR 37 16 5 16 28 15 9 122 138 192 50 – Olton Mere – 3 9 10 6 – 35 – – – 36 2 Sandwell Valley 20 p 74 26 15 20 50 7 87 p 20 30 Stubber’s Green – 229 – – – – – – – 91 45 92 Walsall Arboretum 18 39 28 – – 28 95 – – 39 44 43 WeBS 2010 2867 2601 2246 1454 1547 2788 2812 4568 5120 3750 3539 2678 WeBS 2011 6315 3777 2006 1470 1024 2094 2268 3159 4361 4842 3688 4143

Warks Totals of three or more broods were recorded at Abbots Salford (seven), Bermuda (four), Brandon (four), Bubbenhall GP (three), Salford Priors GP (four) and Upper Kingston

26 (four). In addition, around 12 nests were found at Alvecote. The largest concentration of birds was 970 at Abbots Salford on September 4th. Counts of over 80 elsewhere included 110 at Farnborough Park and 220 at King’s Newnham both on January 5th, 220 on the Avon Meadows at Hampton Lucy on 15th, 100 at Chesterton on March 22nd, 160 at Shustoke on August 18th, 85 at Napton Res on September 25th, 100 along the River Avon south of Stratford-upon-Avon on November 13th, 137 at Charlecote GP on 28th, 116 at Wormleighton Res on December 15th, 112 at Coton/Lea Marston on 20th, and 110 at Chesterton on 26th. Worcs The only breeding report comprised 13 nesting pairs at Upton Warren. Away from the tabulated localities counts of large flocks comprised 110 at Throckmorton Lagoons on August 17th, 100 at Hagley on October 28th and 400 at Ripple Pit on November 20th, while parties below 20 were observed at Astwood Bank West, Avon Meadows NR, Dowles Brook, Fortunes Green, Oakley Pool, Wassell Grove Pools and Windmill Pool. Staffs Breeding occurred at Aqualate, -by-Stone, Barton GP, Belvide, Borrowpit Lakes, Branston Gravel Pits, Branston Water Park, Burton-upon-Trent, Croxden Quarry, Croxall Lakes, Doxey Marshes, Endon, Fradley, Knypersley Reservoir, Middleton Lakes RSPB, River Sow Meadows Baswich, Pool Hall, Shugborough, Sideway, Tamworth Castle, Tixall Wide, Trent Washlands, Westport Lake and the Wolseley Centre. 373 at Westport on July 12th was a site record. Two at Belvide on May 29th showed characteristics of Dusky Canada Goose Branta occidentalis, but were assumed to be feral. W Mid Birds were also noted during the breeding season at Blythe Valley CP, College Farm, , Lime Pits Farm, Meriden, Netherton, North Warwickshire Golf Course, Park Lime Pits, Pedmore, Rushall Canal, Netherton Reservoir, Sutton Park, Thimblemill, , Walsall Golf Course, Westwood Heath, Wyken Slough, Wollescote and Yardley Wood. Birds were also noted outside the breeding season at 29 other locations. Away from tabulated sites, high counts included 200 birds in Mary Stevens Park on October 11th and 13th, 180 to 200 in West Park from October 15th to November 12th and 115 at Fens Pools also on 12th.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Uncommon feral visitor or escapee. Warks The party of four at Draycote from 2010 stayed to January 2nd, with presumably the same four visiting on a number of subsequent occasions during the first three months of the year and until April 13th. Further sightings from the eastern half of the county all involved a single bird, likely the same individual that has been favouring this area for a number of years. It favours Brandon Marsh but also put in appearances at Coombe Abbey, Draycote and Kings Newnham throughout most of the year. One was also at Bodymoor Heath Water, Kingsbury on March 14th. The Draycote birds may have relocated to Abbots Salford during April, where two birds from 7th increased to six from 19th-20th and five were present up to 30th, after which one was seen occasionally from August 28th-September 4th and on December 15th, with two on September 1st. Almost certainly one of these birds also visited nearby Salford Priors GP, where one was noted on August 28th and from December 11th-31st. Other records came from the Tame Valley on September 7th, when one was seen at Shustoke and also in flight over Ladywalk, and from Earlswood Lakes where a bird visited intermittently from September 11th-October 28th. Worcs During the first winter period singles other than stated were observed at Upper Bittell Reservoir on January 4th, Upton Warren on 9th, Lower Moor from 9th-18th, then two here from 21st-March 21st, Chateau Impney on January 10th, Wagon Wheel Lane Pits

27 on 19th and February 11th, Hewell Grange on 12th, 16th, 18th, March 1st and 15th, Captains Pool on February 16th, Grimley on 21st, Camp Lane Pits on March 9th and Arrow Valley Lake on 15th, while Lower Moor held three from 22nd-April 1st and two on 5th and 6th. Small parties arrived during April and May, with Bredon’s Hardwick holding three on April 14th and 17th, then five on May 4th, five were noted at Fishing Pool on April 27th, five at Upton Warren, five at Camp Lane Pits and one at Westwood Pool on May 1st, five at Upton Warren on 3rd, 8th and 9th, one at Hewell Grange on 25th and two at Throckmorton Lagoons on 31st. Bittell Reservoirs held singles on June 27th, July 17th, 23rd and 25th, plus singles were at Clifton Pits on August 13th and 21st, plus Camp Lane Pits on 14th, while Kemerton Lake attracted 14 including many juveniles on September 1st and 2nd. Other September sightings comprised one at Upton Warren from 3rd–15th and one at Camp Lane Pits on 21st, while during the second winter period two were observed at Bittell Reservoir on November 3rd and singles were reported from Hewell Grange on November 6th, 17th and December 7th, Lower Moor from November 6th–December 31st and Throckmorton Lagoons on November 10th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Blithfield Reservoir 5 5 – – 1 2 – 26 21 – – – Doxey Marshes 6 4 3 1 – – – – 11 5 9 5 Uttoxeter Quarry 32 – 32 2 – – 21 22 28 – 26 23

Other counts included up to seven at Croxall Lakes between July 4th and August 13th, nine over Ingestre on October 6th, five at Great Haywood on January 2nd, two at Silverdale CP on March 20th and singles at Burston on January 2nd, Branston GP on March 5th, Hales Hall Pool on March 20th and Copmere on October 16th. W Mid Single birds were noted at Ryders Mere on January 2nd, Stubber’s Green on 3rd, 5th-6th, 13th and February 2nd, Sandwell Valley on 30th, February 6th and March 20th, and Marsh Lane NR on June 4th, with two on October 28th and one seen occasionally from 29th to November 18th.

Barnacle Goose hybrid Warks A hybrid (most likely with blue morph Snow Goose) was at Salford Priors GP on August 28th.

Barnacle x Canada Goose Worcs Singles other than stated recorded at Lower Moor on March 26th, June 6th, August 11th, December 7th and two here from 9th-31st, Kemerton Lake on March 28th, Bredon’s Hardwick on 30th and April 1st, Throckmorton Lagoons on May 14th and August 17th, on November 14th and on the River Avon at Evesham on 18th and December 4th. W Mid A bird presumably of this parentage was noted at Marsh Lane NR on October 29th.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Two parties of dark-bellied birds visited Draycote during November, with five (three adults and two juveniles) on 7th BHaz, RCM and then nine flew over heading east on 9th JFCJ.

28 Worcs Birds of the dark-bellied race comprised a juvenile at Upper Bittell Reservoir on November 22nd JTr, TMH et al., while an adult was discovered at Upton Warren on December 31st PMA, TMH et al. Staffs The only bird seen this year was on the very unseasonal dates of July 21st and 22nd at Blithfield RCB. The bird was not ringed.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus Rare feral visitor or escape; rare breeder (9/10). Warks Although there were more records compared to recent years there seems to have been just two or three birds involved. Single birds were noted at Brandon Marsh on January 28th BMVCT and at Abbey Fields, Kenilworth on March 3rd CHob, before two were seen flying east over Draycote on March 23rd BHaz, RCM. These birds were probably the same that visited Draycote again on March 30th BHaz, RCM, before leaving to the west and being relocated later at Brandon BMVCT. The latter site had one again on April 9th and 12th BMVCT, after which singles were seen at Coombe Abbey from at least May 15th to the end of the year JPT and at a new farmland scrape at Bishopton on May 29th JJB. Finally, a party of five was at Salford Priors Egyptian Geese, Aqualate, Phil Jones GP on December 4th JJB, MJI. Worcs All sighting came from Bredon’s Hardwick, with two noted on January 16th, 30th and June 3rd, one on July 17th, then two on August 28th, September 4th, 18th and December 9th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Aqualate 4 – 3 1 3 – 6 – – – – – JCB Lakes 7 3 2 7 14 17 18 14 2 3 4 5 Uttoxeter Quarry – – – – – – – 8 8 8 7 5

Breeding was once again confirmed at JCB lakes near Rocester with up to six goslings present and these had presumably relocated to near Uttoxeter Quarry from August 18th onwards. In addition, a pair with three well-grown young at Aqualate in July was assumed to have bred locally. Other records were two at Sutton Bank on January 21st, one at Westport on April 24th with two there on July 31st and December 10th and one at Blithfield from December 29th-31st . W Mid Single birds visited Marsh Lane NR per NPB, on March 30th, April 2nd GPR, DJS and November 1st NRL.

29 Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Frequent passage migrant and summer visitor and winter visitor. Scarce or uncommon, but increasing breeding species.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford 1 – 4 2 2 – – – – – – – Alvecote 22 23 17 7 4 3 2 3 2 2 12 15 Brandon 4 6 8 2 2 2 – – – – 2 – Kingsbury 3 4 3 2 4 – – – – – – – Draycote 3 4 1 2 – – – 1 – 1 5 1 Ladywalk 3 – 2 – – 1 – – – – – 7 Morton Bagot 1 1 2 2 2 2 5 – – – – – Salford Priors GP 1 3 5 8 10 4 11 6 – – – – Worcestershire Bredon’s Hardwick 3 2 – – – – – 2 – – – 1 Clifton Pits – 1 2 2 2 – – – – – – – John Bennett NR – – 2 4 7 – – – – – – 2 Lower Moor 1 2 3 15 3 – – – – – 1 - Ripple Pit 3 – – 3 4 6 2 – – – 1 1 Upton Warren 4 3 7 4 4 7 – 5 1 – – – Westwood Pool – 3 1 – – – – 1 – 3 – – Staffordshire Aqualate 5 4 13 16 20 1 10 4 – 1 4 2 Barton GP 1 4 7 7 10 11 – – – – 1 – Belvide 3 1 4 10 11 4 – 4 3 2 3 – Blithfield 2 7 12 24 37 46 25 2 3 – 5 2 Branston GP 7 10 15 29 29 35 22 8 4 5 5 7 Croxall Lakes 1 4 9 8 4 3 9 1 – – – – Doxey Marshes – 2 3 4 9 9 8 – – – – – Middleton Lakes RSPB 7 12 15 22 7 3 – – – – – 5 Tittesworth – – – 4 2 – – – – 1 2 – Uttoxeter Quarry – 1 2 4 4 4 4 3 2 1 3 1 Whitemoor Haye – – 11 – p 3 14 – – – 1 – West Midlands Marsh Lane NR 3 4 7 4 2 2 3 4 – – 1 1 WeBS 2010 8 14 28 32 21 39 20 1 5 2 3 – WeBS 2011 23 51 67 77 58 70 21 6 3 4 6 21

Warks Broods were only seen at two sites, both in the west of the county, where a pair bred at Morton Bagot for the first time and successfully raised three young, whilst three pairs at Salford Priors GP reared a total of nine young. Marston Fields GP held a pair from at least February 14th-April 1st which were seen to display. Elsewhere in the Tame Valley, up to two were seen occasionally at Coton and Whitacre Heath NR, and two were at Coleshill GP on February 12th and Middleton Hall Pool on March 15th. Other sightings during the first half of the year comprised singles at Earlswood Lakes on January 1st and the Bishopton scrape on 23rd, three near Newton on March 11th, and singles at Napton Res on March 13th and New Waters on 26th. The only non-tabulated post-breeding records received involved singles at Earlswood on July 31st and November 5th, and one at Middleton Hall Pool on November 8th. Worcs A pair fledged three young at Ripple Pit, while two juveniles observed at Upton Warren on June 29th were not hatched on the reserve. Counts away from the tabulated sites comprised singles at Gwen Finch Wetland on February 5th, at Glenmore Farm, Wick on 22nd and March 2nd and Camp Lane Pits on 13th, two were at Longdon Marsh on 30th, two at Ryall Pits on May 1st and 11th, four at Old Yarr on 7th, Throckmorton Lagoons held two on

30 August 19th, one was at Oakley Pool on November 1st, one at Throckmorton Lagoons from 16th-24th, while Upper Bittell Reservoir held singles on December 11th and 20th. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Barton GP, Blithfield (three broods), Branston GP (two-three broods), Coley Brook Marsh, Doxey Marshes, Elford North Pit, Middleton Lakes and Whitemoor Haye; and probably occurred at Aqualate, Croxall Lakes, Drointon and Handsacre Flash. Up to six birds were reported from nine other sites. W Mid Three juveniles at Marsh Lane on July 19th and four on August 25th had not been raised there. Other records saw five birds at Bartley Reservoir on February 16th, one on March 11th and five on 19th; three at Berkswell on February 18th and one on March 18th; two at Mercote Mill on April 15th and June 29th, with one on December 30th; one or two at Meriden on a few dates from April 15th to June 6th, with six on May 31st; one at Ryders Mere on October 25th; and two at Fens Pools on December 26th. Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata Uncommon, but increasing, feral resident and visitor.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Worcestershire Dowles Brook 2 8 2 4 4 2 1 – – – – – Lower Moor 2 – 2 2 – – – – – 1 4 – Trimpley Reservoir 63 20 12 5 7 12 12 15 52 44 34 52 Staffordshire Brookleys Lake 4 9 4 – – – – 2 – 20 12 127 Tittesworth 4 2 4 3 1 3 3 6 7 2 – 4 Trentham Gardens – – – – – 1 – – 28 19 11 –

Warks A female with one duckling was seen at Abbots Salford Pool during July MPG, JJB, representing the first confirmed breeding attempt in the county since 1997. Single adult birds were seen occasionally at this site from April 2nd-July 17th, but with three on May 12th and June 9th. Further sightings came from a number of other sites, all in the western half of the county. During January, the male and female at Morton Bagot from 2010 remained to 9th, whilst a male was on the Grand Union Canal at Shrewley on 1st. Earlswood Lakes had a good run of records, with a male intermittently from March 4th-May 29th (seen to mate with a female Mallard a few times!), presumably the same male in eclipse from June 30th- July 8th, a female intermittently from August 2nd-30th and on September 13th and 23rd, a male on October 1st and November 3rd, a pair on November 26th, and a female intermittently from December 11th into 2012, which was joined by a male again from 28th. Elsewhere during the spring, Packington Park held three males on April 21st, four males and a female were at Studley on May 15th, and a pair was seen along the River Avon at Charlecote Park on May 25th (which had apparently been present for some days according to National Trust staff). Other sightings involved an eclipse male at Kingsbury intermittently from June 7th- August 29th, another eclipse male at Umberslade on June 22nd (undoubtedly the Earlswood bird), a single unsexed bird at Morton Bagot on September 8th a male at Stratford-upon- Avon on 30th and a male seen occasionally at Alvecote from November 21st-December 11th. Additional records for December were two at Ladywalk early in the month, a male at Fisher’s Mill on 5th and an unsexed bird along the River Avon at Luddington on 24th. Worcs Present during the breeding season at Blackstone, Bromsford, Camp Lane Pits, Dowles Brook, Stourport-on-Severn, Top Barn Farm Activity Lake, along the River Severn at Trimpley Reservoir and Wagon Wheel Lane Pits, with broods reported from three of these localities. 11 young were observed along the River Severn at Blackstone on May 27th, but

31 all were predated by July 10th, three young were reported from Stourport on July 10th, while a brood of six frequented the at Bromsford on June 3rd. Away from the tabulated sites, first winter period sightings comprised seven and nine at Kyre Pool on January 14th and 21st respectively, a drake at Upton Warren on 31st, a pair at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on March 15th and 20th, a pair on Hyde Brook at Bank Street on 29th and one at Evesham on 31st. During the spring, a drake was noted at Harvington Fishing Lake on April 2nd, a pair on the River Rea at Shakenhurst on 8th, a pair at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits from 11th-22nd, then a drake here on 25th and May 3rd, three on the River Teme at Shelsley Beauchamp and a drake at Kyre Pool on April 22nd. Eight were on the River Teme at Knightwick on 27th, nine and five along the River Severn south of Blackstone on May 6th and 7th respectively, a pair at Ripple Pit on 13th and a drake at Camp Lane Pits on 14th and 15th. Autumn reports comprised three at Blackstone on August 5th and 12th, singles at Camp Lane Pits on 11th, 16th and 24th, then two here on 25th and 28th, Grimley old workings held four on 28th, two on September 5th and 6th, then three on 12th, a drake was at Majors Green on 30th, two at Blackstone on October 1st and one at Ripple Pit on 9th. During the second winter period singles were noted at Blackstone on October 30th and Westwood Pool on November 18th. Staffs Brookleys Lakes remains the core of the county population with 127 being the highest count of the year. Mandarin, Earlswood, Steve Seal Breeding was confirmed at Eland Brook, Onecote, Swallow Moss and Tittesworth and probably occurred at Bearda, Dunstall, Ingestre and Bent Lane (Whitmore). Elsewhere birds were recorded 30 widespread sites including 14 at Cockley Wood on January 21st and 11 at Ford on September 15th. W Mid One visited both Clayhanger Marsh and Ryders Mere on January 19th and a female remained at Fens Pools from July 6th-29th.

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Common winter visitor, scarce in summer.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford 450 150 60 4 – – – – – 15 – – Alvecote 15 219 105 12 – – 3 2 4 59 42 68 Brandon 7 49 37 1 – – – – 14 20 40 21 Charlecote area 107 14 26 – 1 – – – – 22 30 49 Church Lawford area 50 – 50 – – – – – – – – 40 Coombe Abbey 43 63 – – – – – – 62 123 181 122 Coton/Lea Marston 230 131 40 – – – – – – 21 160 50 Dosthill/Kingsbury 5 300 – 2 1 – – 3 5 100 25 250 Draycote 300 100 80 6 2 – – 2 16 33 30 75

32 J F M A M J J A S O N D Hodnell 85 70 – – – – – – – – – 40 Ladywalk – – – – – – 3 5 30 56 200 100 Morton Bagot 79 7 – – – – – – 4 – 2 – Napton Res 9 – – – – – – – 2 40 78 85 Salford Priors GP 12 1 – – – – – – 3 3 10 7 Shustoke 40 14 12 – – – – 5 – – – 4 Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs 3 – – – – – – – – 9 7 4 Bredon’s Hardwick 2500 45 2 – – – – – – 1 3 7 Camp Lane Pits 4 4 – – – – – – – – – – Chateau Impney 70 90 80 – – – – – – – – – Clifton Pits 78 42 – – – – – – 3 66 96 72 Gwen Finch Wetland 38 92 108 3 – – – – – – 1 2 Kemerton Lake 54 80 23 18 – – – 1 2 32 70 36 Pirton Pool 56 56 – – – – – – – 6 2 65 Ripple Pit 130 520 – 2 – – – – 1 140 350 500 Upton Warren 4 4 8 – – – – – 1 4 3 7 Westwood Pool 60 1 66 – – – – – 6 7 52 35 Staffordshire Aqualate 429 55 75 21 – – – – 35 40 14 66 Barton GP 424 529 95 – 2 – 2 2 39 496 738 – Belvide 287 170 79 10 2 – – 5 16 98 112 115 Blithfield 902 700 175 35 9 2 4 – 28 93 266 441 Branston GP 62 29 20 6 1 – – 1 – 10 67 25 Chasewater 54 25 2 – – – – – 8 16 21 21 Copmere 64 34 – – – – – – 3 35 141 135 Essington Quarry Pool 120 86 81 – – – – – 15 12 60 78 Middleton Lakes RSPB 100 16 32 3 1 – – – 8 120 200 6 Tittesworth 118 4 15 – – – – – 8 56 61 96 Uttoxeter Quarry 285 187 31 1 – – – – 2 6 28 69 Whitemoor Haye 269 145 128 – – – – – – 5 22 77 West Midlands 8 17 17 – – – – – 6 48 75 70 Marsh Lane NR 389 399 236 3 – – – 2 24 114 179 244 Meriden 12 – – – – – – 1 – – 22 2 Ryders Mere 125 107 81 6 – – – – p 84 75 106 Sandwell Valley 6 p 16 – – – – – 1 1 72 4 WeBS 2010 4197 4049 1294 71 1 3 4 25 114 942 2049 2114 WeBS 2011 4513 3039 779 18 5 – 3 2 320 895 1551 1783

Warks The peak of 450 at Abbots Salford was during cold weather on January 9th. The 79 counted at Morton Bagot on January 3rd was a site record, as was the autumn/early winter flock at Napton Res. Notable peak counts at non-tabulated sites were all in the first winter period and comprised 62 beside the River Blythe at Maxstoke on January 5th, 23 at Toft Farm on 14th, 12 at Whitacre Heath NR on 19th, 50 at Bubbenhall GP on February 6th, 186 near Newton on 20th, 43 at Dosthill Lake on March 4th and 16 flying east over Lawford Heath on 25th. Elsewhere, up to six were noted during the winter months at Earlswood, Farnborough Park, Lower Radbourn, Ragley Park and Wormleighton Res. One was at Whittleford Park (Nuneaton) on January 2nd, where unusual. The latest spring record was an injured male at Charlecote GP last seen on May 25th, whilst the first of the autumn were three at Ladywalk on July 14th. Worcs Away from the tabulated localities all counts came from the first winter period with 675 at Wick from January 4th-10th, then 300 here on 12th, 22 at Bodenham Lake on 9th, 39 on the River Avon at on 30th, Longdon Marsh held 250 on 24th, 320 on 28th, 250 on February 3rd and five on 12th and 108 were at Portway Farm Pool, Kington

33 on 5th. In March two were noted at Wick on 2nd and one at Lower Park Fishing Pools on 29th, while one was at Lower Moor on April 1st. Staffs Other notable counts, all in January, were from Burston Water Meadows (400), Calwich Pool (140), Doxey Marshes (137), Heaton (160), River Sow Meadows (165), Rickerscote (200) and Tixall (161). By far the largest winter flock was at Blithfield Reservoir highlighting the importance of the site in the county. W Mid The record count for Marsh Lane NR (previously 370 birds January 26th 2010) was repeatedly broken: 380 on January 22nd, 389 on 29th and 399 on February 5th. Other sightings involved three birds at Saltwells LNR on January 3rd, seven on Rocket Pool on 20th, one at Blythe Valley CP on 24th, up to three at Fens Pools from September 17th to October 11th and one in Sutton Park on November 12th.

Gadwall Anas strepera Frequent and increasing winter visitor. Uncommon breeding species.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford 2 – 12 5 5 2 – – – 3 – – Alvecote 15 17 30 24 29 39 27 60 56 28 23 17 Brandon 60 57 38 12 16 14 7 12 21 36 19 19 Coombe Abbey 22 74 8 5 4 – – – 39 45 94 86 Coton/Lea Marston 35 – – – – 1 14 9 53 154 85 103 Dosthill/Kingsbury 13 30 12 6 4 68 35 46 7 4 80 164 Draycote 20 11 11 14 2 – – 3 4 – 25 – Ladywalk – – – – – 12 – – 16 54 – 62 Napton Res 2 – – – – – – 1 2 2 10 12 Salford Priors GP 28 36 42 32 24 14 9 6 9 10 21 16 Shustoke – – 9 2 3 – – 85 – – – 1 Whitacre Heath NR 26 34 11 6 3 – – – – – – – Worcestershire Bredon’s Hardwick 12 1 – 2 – – – 2 – – – 14 Camp Lane Pits 26 8 36 33 14 19 12 32 40 18 24 – Clifton Pits 4 – 7 2 – – – 2 – – – 10 Gwen Finch Wetland – 8 6 6 2 – – – 2 – 2 – Kemerton Lake 4 3 7 5 4 – – 3 5 – 5 3 Pirton Pool 15 15 – – – – – – – – – – Upton Warren 1 6 6 6 5 8 – 2 1 1 2 – Westwood Pool 8 8 4 2 1 8 2 3 4 – 2 3 Staffordshire Aqualate 31 2 24 39 4 23 47 10 15 15 17 11 Barton GP 13 8 29 7 21 47 6 16 27 35 68 – Belvide 58 51 35 63 38 23 31 – 39 4 78 118 Blithfield 2 6 4 10 23 20 10 4 4 – – 7 Branston GP 22 9 8 17 17 18 4 8 1 – 30 – Chasewater 18 21 6 3 1 – – – 1 5 3 2 Elford/Fisherwick 4 6 13 12 3 – – – 2 6 8 14 Middleton Lakes RSPB – 8 4 4 32 8 9 – 6 10 28 14 Uttoxeter Quarry 1 2 2 5 3 2 – 1 1 2 6 2 West Midlands Marsh Lane NR 43 36 35 34 31 38 32 80 80 85 71 74 Meriden 2 2 – 7 2 10 4 10 9 – 4 – Ryders Mere 22 29 14 9 – – – – 1 12 26 19 Sandwell Valley 4 p 12 – p 4 4 3 9 1 2 p WeBS 2010 245 263 194 201 115 92 58 138 224 342 316 167 WeBS 2011 345 322 220 190 130 129 100 122 422 535 455 531

34 Warks As in 2010, six broods were recorded, with five and two young reared at Salford Priors GP, and single broods at Coton, Fisher’s Mill, Kingsbury and Ladywalk. At Brandon, up to five pairs were present but no ducklings were seen. Outside the breeding season, the most counted in one place was 164 at Hemlingford Water (Kingsbury), when partially frozen on December 19th. Only a small number of records were received from non- tabulated sites, with maxima of six at Wormleighton Res on March 7th, and 13 at Middleton Hall Pool on 15th. Worcs Successful breeding was recorded at Camp Lane Pits, while a brood of four was reported from Upton Warren in mid-May. Away from the tabulated sites, first winter period sightings comprised 21 and 27 at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on January 29th and February 10th respectively, one at Portway Farm Pool, Kington on February 5th, 14 at Throckmorton Lagoons on 14th, two at Ripple Pit on 20th, two at Oakley Pool on March 2nd and 12th, while in April, Lower Bittell Reservoir held two on 12th. During the second winter period, four were noted a Lower Bittell Reservoir on November 14th and 23rd and Ripple Pit held three on December 10th and 18th. Staffs Breeding was recorded at Aqualate, Barton GP, Belvide, Branston GP, Branston Water Park, Coley Brook Marsh, Croxall Lakes, Doxey Marshes and Middleton Lakes. W Mid Five pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR, fledging an estimated 27 of 28 ducklings (cf. about nine pairs and 60 ducklings last year). The count of 85 birds here on October 8th equalled the site and county record of August 19th 2010. In Goscote Valley, four birds were noted on January 1st and 21st, with two on 24th and February 16th. At Dunstall Park, three birds on January 9th were followed by singles on 27th, April 15th and 24th, and May 21st and 31st. Other sightings involved two birds at Meriden Park on January 4th; two at Mercote Mill on February 23rd, seven on June 6th and eight on September 19th; one at Cornets End on March 18th; one or two at Fens Pools on September 7th, 16th and 21st, October 17th and November 20th; and two at Edgbaston Pool during November and December.

Eurasian Teal Anas crecca Common winter visitor. Uncommon in summer, but a rare breeding species.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford 80 16 7 – – – – – – 2 – – Alvecote 90 110 95 65 – 7 5 20 52 130 135 85 Brandon 232 124 68 40 11 10 20 85 152 156 256 232 Charlecote area 52 – – – – – 1 – – 2 52 – Draycote 100 40 50 6 – – 2 31 40 – – – Kingsbury/Middleton 66 21 14 18 3 3 5 22 30 52 47 5 Ladywalk – – – – – – – 6 8 6 26 175 Morton Bagot 197 50 53 22 – – 2 10 50 40 22 27 Salford Priors GP 425 410 170 75 2 1 8 23 58 92 104 200 Wormleighton Res 15 – – – – – – – – – 24 39 Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs 40 – 11 – – – – – 6 33 95 78 Bredon’s Hardwick 480 – 9 – – – – 1 – – – – Camp Lane Pits 24 4 8 7 2 – 1 – – 6 1 – Clifton Pits 180 135 26 2 – – 13 5 15 21 15 25 Gwen Finch Wetland 140 150 85 52 26 2 1 40 78 75 107 121 Kemerton Lake 22 41 47 43 1 2 2 27 56 42 50 24 Longdon Marsh 1020 70 – – – – – 3 – – – 80 Lower Moor 120 142 115 3 2 – – – 12 17 72 35

35 J F M A M J J A S O N D Oakley Pool – – 1 1 – – – – – – – 25 Pirton Pool – 2 – 2 – – – 4 4 10 32 12 Ripple Pit 250 200 13 16 – – – – – 5 200 300 Upton Warren 108 75 54 30 – 2 9 50 60 70 84 110 Westwood Pool 120 117 – – – 4 4 25 36 46 64 68 Staffordshire Aqualate 544 4 20 24 1 – 1 6 8 2 20 87 Barton GP 500 120 110 10 7 – – 6 29 124 190 – Belvide 545 427 516 136 21 7 8 98 156 183 354 470 Blithfield 613 350 88 126 29 24 47 155 642 432 319 647 Branston GP 750 53 13 55 2 2 4 51 183 200 110 90 Chasewater 28 25 65 17 – – – – 27 66 107 217 Croxall Lakes 237 p 10 10 p – – p p 5 p p Doxey 340 110 76 48 5 2 15 16 28 33 81 365 Essington Quarry Pool 18 15 8 2 – – – 2 1 1 10 45 Tittesworth 77 30 31 14 2 5 2 16 45 91 98 202 Trent Washlands 10 10 15 8 – – – – – 7 22 26 Uttoxeter Quarry 27 34 26 6 2 2 4 19 20 17 107 40 Whitemoor Haye – 45 4 – – – – 3 – 7 4 – West Midlands Dunstall Park/ Smestow Valley 23 11 10 5 – – – 6 13 12 12 12 Goscote Valley 30 10 11 3 – – – – – 1 2 3 Fens Pools – 4 – 2 – – 2 1 1 2 6 12 Marsh Lane NR 134 120 34 12 5 2 3 61 69 70 112 170 Mercote Mill – 7 – – – – 1 – 3 – – 14 Meriden – 7 – 2 – – 1 4 6 – 6 – Olton Mere 15 5 8 2 – – – 3 6 7 12 15 Ryders Mere 68 57 39 26 – – – 2 – 19 36 74 Sandwell Valley 6 p 7 3 – – 3 3 14 5 2 10 Stubber’s Green 4 18 11 2 – – – – – – 5 – WeBS 2010 1179 1054 675 246 5 73 63 421 966 1825 1748 1154 WeBS 2011 3068 2232 1309 362 4 26 70 244 1219 1175 1780 3523

Warks Once again birds were seen during the breeding season, with four at Whitacre Heath NR on July 2nd but they appeared to be summering non-breeders. The largest count during the year was 425 at Salford Priors GP following the thaw on January 16th, which was also a site record, as was 197 at Morton Bagot on January 3rd. Maxima from elsewhere included 17 at Whitacre Heath NR on January 19th, 50 at Hodnell on 29th, 40 at Coleshill GP on February 5th, 15 at Farnborough Park on 15th, 18 at Coombe Abbey on December 18th and 28 at Coton/Lea Marston on 20th. Smaller numbers were reported at Bidford (along the River Avon), Compton Verney, Coughton, Earlswood, Little Packington, Maxstoke, Napton Res, New Waters, near Newton, Packwood, Seeswood Pool, Shustoke and Wroxall. Eurasian Teal, Doxey, Bill Goldstraw

36 Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, 20 were noted at on January 12th, one at Wilden Marsh on 23rd, 68 at John Bennett Wetland on 30th, while Glenmore Farm (Wick) held 28 on 29th, two on February 22nd and 72 on March 2nd. Staffs Other notable counts were 44 at Mill Green Park and 68 at Rudyard Lake in October, with 40 at Ingestre and 62 at Rudyard Lake in November. W Mid Birds were noted at Marsh Lane NR during the breeding season, but there was no proof of breeding. The maximum count of 170 birds at Marsh Lane NR was made on December 17th. Away from tabulated sites, up to nine birds were noted during the first winter period at College Farm, (where unusual), Middle Bickenhill, Saltwells LNR, Steelpark Way and Sutton Park; and up to three were seen at Blythe Valley CP, Cornets End, Edgbaston Pool, Elmdon Manor (where unusual) and Saltwells LNR in the second.

2009 Addenda W Mid At Meriden, 43 birds were noted on January 5th and 21 on December 28th, with ten at Olton Mere on 17th.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common resident and very common winter visitor.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbey Fields – 50 50 25 30 20 – 160 145 – – – Abbots Salford 200 20 – – – – – – – – 162 200 Brandon 90 49 45 24 59 96 104 107 115 129 97 70 Coombe Abbey 128 135 89 70 99 115 168 126 195 230 342 310 Compton Verney 85 – – – – – – – 100 30 55 135 Coton/Lea Marston – – – – – – – 3 47 40 48 108 Dosthill/Kingsbury 106 200 16 11 8 12 150 160 – 26 150 150 Earlswood Lakes 395 262 63 84 101 280 298 275 138 176 241 310 Farnborough Park 300 30 47 32 19 45 30 26 200 180 125 140 Lower Radbourn – 140 74 – 38 – – – 338 239 – – Morton Bagot 182 34 38 51 55 41 50 100 150 100 60 20 Napton Res 87 25 22 – – – 140 145 115 46 35 85 Salford Priors GP 265 285 100 45 57 92 168 370 190 285 170 260 Shustoke 124 76 47 12 – – – 330 – – 45 60 Wormleighton Res 3 10 3 – – – 63 – 2 – 36 107 Worcestershire Arrow Valley Lake 46 20 30 30 43 35 92 45 – – 45 40 Avon Meadows NR 55 49 50 40 – – – – – – – – Bittell Reservoirs 55 – 41 29 42 55 118 106 126 142 104 182 Bredon’s Hardwick 125 63 55 31 39 – 72 56 73 107 99 170 Camp Lane Pits 62 32 54 49 50 67 49 62 82 72 82 41 Clifton Pits 80 68 14 16 26 – 29 82 76 114 73 57 Croome Landscape Park – – 4 8 – – – – – 64 69 62 Gwen Finch Wetland 12 23 15 11 13 10 13 24 8 8 14 18 Kemerton Lake 26 3 26 14 25 44 62 60 41 51 42 23 Oakley Pool – 5 5 3 9 16 – – – 93 70 120 Pirton Pool 53 19 18 14 16 8 27 59 24 33 32 79 Trimpley Reservoir 133 77 95 58 46 69 71 88 115 198 259 187 Upton Warren 220 65 38 49 126 181 204 500 385 61 88 144 Westwood Pool 126 44 6 14 10 155 164 88 20 132 77 71 Staffordshire Aqualate 78 2 35 80 104 101 706 211 153 19 33 211 Barton GP 300 211 70 – 39 – 36 183 130 150 – –

37 J F M A M J J A S O N D Belvide 283 262 108 65 97 109 113 92 124 163 279 262 Blithfield 425 226 86 106 244 527 688 1244 1146 403 359 1014 Brookleys Lake 131 60 – – – – – – – 160 250 402 Chasewater 230 184 84 11 – 144 – 201 224 58 138 342 Copmere 132 22 7 10 12 120 420 276 171 180 55 210 Croxden Quarry 76 55 11 7 13 24 22 83 104 76 89 65 Doxey 279 69 60 48 94 123 147 139 142 79 167 250 Fisherwick/Elford GPs 58 38 13 33 31 16 480 590 447 609 289 152 Gailey Reservoir 42 34 52 40 - 55 61 105 43 38 73 101 JCB Lakes 173 125 106 33 84 86 107 50 104 128 118 76 Tittesworth Reservoir 98 93 78 101 108 118 138 161 143 115 150 107 Uttoxeter Quarry 360 140 99 60 145 127 142 291 500 307 330 500 Westport Lake 151 95 73 49 65 145 213 172 149 133 133 90 West Midlands Elmdon Park 130 – – – 85 – 54 – – – 120 – Marsh Lane NR 130 117 24 18 75 58 175 261 150 143 78 113 Meriden 76 30 – 20 20 – 60 60 20 – 64 – Netherton Reservoir 97 – 26 16 3 – – – – 7 20 57 Olton Mere 50 34 35 30 30 56 58 60 76 114 164 110 Sandwell Valley 20 p 14 7 3 p 6 5 p 40 30 10 Smestow Valley p 68 13 21 20 23 17 p p – – – Stubber’s Green 136 82 17 30 – – – – – – 90 81 Sutton Park – – 62 2 3 1 – 20 – 65 33 – Walsall Arboretum 179 198 155 144 – 57 203 – – 171 156 178 WeBS 2010 5128 3490 2970 2216 2250 2804 4454 5093 4804 5220 6814 5419 WeBS 2011 6663 5511 3116 1794 2000 3148 5087 5302 7950 6482 7199 9027

Warks It was a good breeding season for this species, at least at some sites, with counts of three or more broods coming from Bermuda (three), Bishopton (four at new scrape area), Brandon (12), Bubbenhall GP (four), Charlecote area (four), Earlswood Lakes (28), Hillmorton (three on Oxford Canal), Ladywalk (four), Napton Res (six), Packwood (eight), Salford Priors GP (18) and Wormleighton (five in parish). Notable non-tabulated counts included 130 at Chesterton on January 11th, 172 at Draycote on 15th, 123 at Middleton Hall Pool on 28th, 130 at Hodnell on 29th, 70 at Bermuda on June 29th, 80 on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal at Bishopton on August 11th, 167 at Ladywalk on October 3rd, 74 at Packwood on 7th, 60 on Buxton’s Mallard, Brandon, Steve Valentine Covert Pool () on October 29th, 80 at Alcester on November 26th, 110 at Hodnell on December 24th and 60 at Chesterton on 26th. As in previous years, a large proportion of the numbers counted at a few sites such as Chesterton and Morton Bagot include birds released for shooting. Worcs Breeding data was received from Bodenham Lake where three broods fledged 27 young and from Upton Warren, with 12+ broods at the Flash Pools and 11 at the Moors Pools. Three young were also noted along Dowles Brook on April 18th. Notable counts away

38 from the tabulated localities comprised 15 at Falklands Farm (Heightington) and 25 at Elmley Castle on January 12th, 19 at Glenmore Farm (Wick) on 29th, 80 at Alvechurch on 31st, 45 at Brake Mill Pool on February 16th, 21 at Glenmore Farm on 22nd and 16 at Wassell Grove Pools on March 25th. During the second winter period, 40 were at Brake Mill Pool on October 21st, then 111 here on 28th, 160 at Ripple Pit on 30th, 168 at Lower Moor river flash on November 5th increased to 218 the following day, while Ripple Pit held 250 on 20th. Small numbers also recorded throughout the year at Astwood Bank west, Blakedown Pool, Broome Mill, Dick Brook, Fortunes Green, Hunthouse Wood, Kyre Pool, Stakenbridge Farm and Stoke Bliss. Staffs Breeding was reported from 40 sites with the first ducklings at Astonfields Balancing Lakes on April 1st. Significant untabulated counts were 298 at Knypersley Reservoir in November and at Kettlebrook Lakes: 178 in September, 180 in November and 184 in December. W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, the count of 130 birds in January was twice the previous maximum for that month (suggesting displacement from elsewhere) and that of 261 on August 13th was the highest for the reserve since 340 in November 2001. Away from tabulated sites, high counts included 55 birds at Titford Pools on January 6th, 60 at The Leasowes on 20th, 51 at Wyken Slough on February 5th and 70 on October 15th, 70 at Berkswell Hall on May 19th, 102 at Barston Lake on September 7th and 56 at Clayhanger Marsh/Ryders Mere on December 22nd.

2009 Addenda

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D West Midlands Olton Mere 35 40 40 24 20 14 25 50 72 60 42 55

W Mid A total of 104 “typically tame park Mallard” were counted in Elmdon Park on June 18th.

Northern Pintail Anas acuta Frequent winter visitor and passage migrant, rare in summer.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Alvecote 5 2 – – – – – – – – 1 1 Brandon – 2 2 – – – – – – – – 1 Draycote 1 2 6 2 – – – – 3 – 1 4 Earlswood Lakes 4 1 1 – – – – – – – – – Ladywalk 1 2 2 – – – – – – – – – Salford Priors GP – – – 1 – – – – – 1 1 1 Worcestershire Bredon’s Hardwick 40 1 – – – – – – – – – 2 Camp Lane Pits 2 – – – – – – – – 2 – 1 Clifton Pits 7 – – – – – 2 3 3 3 1 – Ripple Pit 9 2 – – – – – – – 3 2 21 Staffordshire Aqualate 14 8 4 – – – – – 3 – – – Barton GP 2 – 1 – – – – – 2 – – – Belvide 4 1 1 – – – – – 1 – 1 2

39 J F M A M J J A S O N D Blithfield 1 13 4 2 1 1 1 2 6 5 2 2 Chasewater – – – – – – – – – - 2 2 Fauld 11 – – – – – – – – 4 – – Middleton Lakes RSPB 4 – – – – – – – – - 1 4 Tittesworth – – – – – – – – – 8 1 1 Uttoxeter Quarry 1 – – – – – – – – 3 2 – Westport Lake – 2 – – – – – – 1 – – 1 WeBS 2010 12 4 1 – – – 1 1 – 5 7 1 WeBS 2011 42 13 7 3 1 – 1 – 2 4 7 5

Warks The most recorded during the year was six at Draycote on March 9th, whilst the peak counts at Alvecote and Earlswood were both made on January 24th. Single females were seen flying over Shustoke on February 9th and northeast over Salford Priors GP on April 3rd, the latter being the last record for the first half of the year. The first returning birds were noted at Draycote during September, with an immature on 1st and three on 5th. The only October record was a bird at Salford Priors GP from 29th-30th, after which most of the occurrences in the county involved singles visiting briefly. During this period, a male was at Morton Bagot on November 13th, whilst numbers at Draycote reached four on December 12th. Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, first winter period sightings comprised two at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on January 18th, two at Westwood Pool on 24th, Lower Moor held one on February 2nd, two from 22nd-24th, two on March 7th and 8th, two were observed at Upper Bittell Reservoir on March 7th, one at Westwood Pool on 17th, 20th, 26th and 28th, while one was at Longdon Marsh on 30th. During the second winter period, Upton Warren held two on October 15th and one on November 12th and one flew over Throckmorton Lagoons on 12th. Staffs Untabulated records came from Croxall Lakes on January 3rd, Essington Quarry Pool on 27th, Branston Gravel Pits (two) on March 6th, Gailey Reservoir on September 21st, Croxden Quarry (three) on 25th, Belgrave Lakes at Wilnecote from October 17th-28th, Kettlebrook Lakes from 19th-25th, Stonydelph on 28th and Doxey on November 20th. W Mid Two birds visited Sandwell Valley on January 23rd. At Marsh Lane NR, single drakes remained from April 2nd-20th and visited on September 4th, whilst three birds flew through on November 12th.

Pintail x Mallard Hybrid Warks A female was reported at Draycote on December 22nd and 24th.

Pintail x Gadwall Hybrid Warks A male hybrid thought to be of this parentage was at Compton Verney on July 23rd.

Garganey Anas querquedula Uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor, but rarely breeding. Very rare in winter. Long-term average: April 1st (68) to October 4th (67) 8-year average: March 26th (–6 days) to October 14th (+10 days) First : March 13th; Branston GP Last : September 17th; Upton Warren Warks It was the worst spring for this species in the county since 1994, with the sole record being a male at Draycote on April 23rd. The autumn was below average for recent years too, with just four birds passing through (as in 2010), three of which were during two consecutive days. After an eclipse male visited Earlswood Lakes on August 25th, there was

40 a juvenile at Draycote and a bird at Coton on 26th, and then another juvenile was at Salford Priors GP on September 4th. Worcs Two spring passage drakes recorded, with one at Upper Bittell Reservoir from May 1st-4th and another at Ryall Pits on 11th. In July a juvenile was observed at Longdon Marsh on 22nd and 28th, while a juvenile visited the Moors Pool and Flash Pools at Upton Warren on September 17th. Staffs The first arrival was at Branston GPs on March 13th, followed by another at Doxey on 28th. In April, a pair visited Belvide on 15th, one at Doxey on 15th, a pair at Middleton Lakes RSPB lingered from 18th-30th and a male was at Uttoxeter Quarry on 29th-30th. A busy May saw two drakes at Barton GP on 1st with one remaining on 2nd, another drake at Blithfield from 1st-2nd, one at Middleton Lakes RSPB on 2nd, a male at Belvide on 6th-9th, another at Croxall Lakes on 7th followed by a pair on 12th and drakes at Middleton Lakes RSPB on 12th, Blithfield on 15th-16th and Belvide on 23rd. Return passage commenced with a female at Blithfield on July 2nd-7th and another at Belvide from 8th-9th after which all further sightings were at Blithfield. Three lingered from July 15th-19th, two remained on 20th and one from 21st-23rd; then two on August 9th and 12th-14th, one on 21st, two on 22nd remaining until September 4th with one of these last being seen on 6th. W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, a pair visited on April 9th and an eclipse drake remained from August 30th to September 13th, but was frequently elusive. A drake visited Swan Pool on April 30th.

Shoveler Anas clypeata Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Rare and decreasing breeding species.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford 15 23 3 – – – – – – 2 2 – Alvecote 3 1 4 2 2 - 2 45 76 81 41 16 Brandon 75 65 80 35 3 6 4 40 89 87 96 73 Coombe Abbey 15 – – – – – – 1 30 40 34 78 Coton/Lea Marston – – – – – – – – 7 18 26 37 Draycote 4 1 8 4 – 5 3 17 4 7 1 1 Kingsbury 76 115 98 22 2 4 2 8 – – 24 18 Ladywalk – – – – – – 7 20 10 9 14 22 Napton Res 1 15 12 – – – – 2 – 2 6 2 Salford Priors GP 12 19 6 – 1 – – 3 4 2 – – Shustoke 11 – – 3 – – – 20 1 – – – Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs 16 7 12 – – – – – 17 24 23 16 Bredon’s Hardwick 15 16 – – – – – – – – 3 – Camp Lane Pits 12 21 10 – – – – – 2 4 3 – Clifton Pits 7 1 5 – – – 2 – 2 2 7 17 Gwen Finch Wetland 13 5 29 2 2 – – – 1 – – 5 Kemerton Lake 4 – – – – – – 3 2 5 5 11 Ripple Pit – 7 – – – – – – – 3 7 3 Upton Warren 10 65 26 5 4 5 4 18 29 48 40 32 Westwood Pool 15 15 6 2 – – 5 7 10 46 24 40 Staffordshire Aqualate 31 78 40 11 6 1 1 4 37 20 30 15 Barton GP 18 25 21 – 4 – – 2 69 68 23 – Belvide 3 5 23 18 3 6 5 32 81 69 45 40 Blithfield 5 3 14 18 6 11 4 30 35 14 54 9 Branston GP 8 8 – 1 2 2 – – 5 13 2 10

41 J F M A M J J A S O N D Doxey Marshes 26 44 28 8 2 12 18 17 30 56 25 33 Middleton Lakes RSPB – – – 20 12 4 – – – – – – West Midlands Edgbaston Pool 6 11 – – – – – – 14 15 18 3 Marsh Lane NR 17 10 13 9 2 3 3 16 46 70 56 38 Meriden – 10 – – – – – – 1 – 20 – Ryders Mere 8 – 2 1 – – 1 – – 5 5 4 Sandwell Valley 8 p 6 – – – 2 – 7 8 2 1 Stubber’s Green – 1 2 – – – – – – – 7 15 WeBS 2010 241 177 87 91 13 8 28 69 189 626 447 197 WeBS 2011 225 239 146 22 5 5 6 49 349 283 249 330

Warks Breeding was confirmed at Ladywalk when a brood was seen in June. The only three-figure winter counts received were for Kingsbury during February, with a peak of around 115 on 16th. Peak counts at non-tabulated sites included two at Morton Bagot on January 1st, six at Whitacre Heath NR on March 2nd, six at Earlswood on April 18th, and seven at Middleton Hall Pool on September 19th. One at Lawford Heath and three near Newton, both on February 8th, were the sole records from these localities. Worcs Reports away from the tabulated localities comprised ten at Ryall Pits on February 12th, eight at Throckmorton Lagoons on July 30th and 31st, then 12 here on August 8th, eight at Longdon Marsh on August 6th, one at Pirton Pool on November 20th and three at Oakley Pool on December 14th. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Blithfield Reservoir, probably for the first time, with six ducklings found on 13th August. The only other double-figure count was 11 at Trent Washlands on March 6th. W Mid Birds were occasionally noted at Marsh Lane NR during the breeding season, but there was no evidence of nesting. The count of 70 birds here was made on October 19th. At Dunstall Park, up to four birds were noted occasionally from January 11th-17th, February 19th-22nd and from March 10th-26th, with two on August 26th. Other sightings during the first winter period involved six birds at Edgbaston Reservoir on January 1st, one at Fens Pools and three in Meriden Park on 4th, two at Olton Mere on February 15th and one at Netherton Reservoir on March 16th. Later in the year, seven birds visited Wyken Slough on July 30th, with one at Mercote Mill on September 19th, seven at West Park on October 22nd, ten from 24th-29th and nine on November 12th, two at Berkswell on 4th, two at Fens Pools on 11th, four at Olton Mere on December 8th and five on 28th.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Scarce visitor, with most records probably of feral origin. Warks During the first half of the year, there was a male at Fisher’s Mill on February 10th, a male at Farnborough Park on March 28th and a female at Shustoke from April 1st- 8th. Most of the autumn records came from Draycote, where there were two eclipse males and a female on September 11th, eight birds (including four males) on October 3rd FFa et al. which represented the largest party ever recorded in the county, a female on October 13th, four males on November 2nd, and a pair from November 7th-8th, with the female remaining to 10th. Lastly, Shustoke held a male and two females from November 23rd-27th. Worcs Monthly maxima J F M A M J J A S O N D Bredon’s Hardwick 1 1 2 2 – – – – – 1 – 1

42 Away from Bredon’s Hardwick (see table) a drake was at Pirton Pool on January 1st and probably the same bird at Clifton Pits on 2nd, a drake at the latter locality on March 20th, while Kemerton Lake held two drakes and three ducks on May 8th. During the second winter period, two females were found at Westwood Pool on October 27th, while Throckmorton Lagoons held a female on six dates between November 11th and 24th, then from December 11th-31st. Staffs A female was present at Blithfield on March 17th and was joined by two others the following day. Blithfield hosted three birds, a drake and two ducks, on September 26th and a female lingered at Uttoxeter Quarry from November 6th-20th.

Common Pochard Aythya ferina Common winter visitor. Scarce and declining breeding species.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford 20 21 16 – – – 4 – 5 4 12 – Alvecote 58 56 29 – 2 – 1 1 2 6 25 9 Brandon 19 16 7 – – – 2 4 1 23 37 19 Coombe Abbey 13 82 27 – – – – – 5 19 59 78 Coton/Lea Marston 308 60 – – – 2 – 4 29 25 148 165 Dosthill/Kingsbury 32 40 – – – 5 1 – – – 14 6 Draycote 50 9 19 – – 3 2 1 6 10 3 40 Hartshill Quarry 15 – – – – – – – – – 24 – Ladywalk – – – – – – – – – 1 12 8 Napton Res 15 18 6 – – – – – 2 3 2 6 Salford Priors GP 19 19 15 – – – 2 – 1 1 2 7 Shustoke 140 200 60 – – – – 1 2 20 101 150 Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs 9 11 12 – – – – – – 3 16 8 Bredon’s Hardwick 26 8 11 – – – – – – – 10 9 Camp Lane Pits 4 14 3 – – – 12 – 1 5 4 – Clifton Pits 22 32 15 – – – 3 – 1 – – 21 Kemerton Lake 9 9 3 5 4 3 3 1 1 5 5 4 Lower Moor 10 15 8 2 – – – – – 6 10 19 Pirton Pool 32 18 10 3 – – – – – – – 2 Ripple Pit – – 4 – – – – – – 1 – 2 Throckmorton Lagoons 35 15 14 6 – – – 2 4 15 34 34 Trimpley Reservoir 6 4 – – – – – – – – – – Upton Warren 23 25 18 1 – 1 – 3 6 10 32 10 Westwood Pool 31 20 25 – – – 1 5 6 66 40 57 Staffordshire Aqualate 27 57 39 15 3 2 5 1 7 12 17 41 Barton GP 23 31 2 – 1 – 10 23 12 13 46 – Belvide 14 103 6 2 1 4 3 4 – 26 41 52 Blithfield 29 26 35 1 1 4 1 2 – 1 23 11 Branston GP 60 27 13 – 2 3 1 1 10 40 28 p Chasewater 58 3 13 – – 1 – 1 4 5 6 12 Croxall Lakes 5 12 2 1 p – – p – 2 16 34 Doxey 15 14 2 4 – – – – 2 – 19 5 Gailey Reservoir 13 39 43 2 – – – 1 1 2 13 18 Tittesworth 9 11 18 1 – – – – – 1 7 3 Uttoxeter Quarry 8 14 11 – – – – – – 12 7 12 Westport Lake 44 37 10 1 – 4 4 2 3 13 11 31 Whitemoor Haye 26 42 71 – – – – 14 10 70 116 150 West Midlands Fens Pools 1 2 3 – – – – – 1 1 7 3

43 J F M A M J J A S O N D Marsh Lane NR 41 53 45 4 2 6 7 19 35 14 8 24 Meriden 9 2 – – – 4 4 12 2 – 16 – Ryders Mere 21 – 3 – – – – – – 6 – 8 Sandwell Valley 1 16 2 1 p – 6 3 2 21 21 6 Stubber’s Green 3 18 2 – – – – – – 12 17 7 WeBS 2010 408 655 407 12 12 17 19 25 83 264 593 406 WeBS 2011 784 727 328 15 2 7 5 41 82 144 499 714

Warks The count of 308 at Coton/Lea Marston on January 12th was the lowest seen there in the past five years despite some cold weather and iced over pools. The highest counts at non-tabulated sites were 70 at Broadwater (Packington) on January 7th, nine at Seeswood Pool on January 23rd and seven at Compton Verney on March 6th. Up to four birds were also seen at Charlecote GP, Chase Meadow Pool (Warwick), Chesterton, Earlswood, Farnborough Park, Hodnell, Middleton Hall Pool, Packwood and Ryton Pools CP. Worcs Two pairs fledged two young at Kemerton Lake. No other counts were received away from the tabulated sites. Staffs Birds were recorded at 18 other sites with double figures in January at Essington Quarry Pool (15), Elford North Pit (15) and Ford Green (16) and 24 at Branston Water Park in February. A bird at Belvide Reservoir on February 24th wearing a blue bill saddle was caught and marked at Saint-Phibert de Grand Lieu near Nantes, France on January 15th 2010. W Mid A drake summered at Marsh Lane NR and was occasionally accompanied by other birds, but there was no evidence of breeding. The count of 53 birds here came on February 19th. Away from tabulated sites, up to five birds were seen in the first winter period at Berkswell, Meriden Park, Olton Mere and Titford Pools. Up to six birds were noted during the second winter period at Elmdon Park, Netherton Reservoir, West Park and Yardley Wood.

2009 Addenda W Mid Additional counts involved 51 birds at Meriden on January 23rd and 36 on February 11th, with one present on May 11th, plus a high of eight at Olton Mere on December 25th.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Common winter visitor and frequent breeding resident.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Alvecote 110 100 84 30 25 38 53 67 96 98 101 61 Brandon 40 57 53 31 43 32 20 7 8 59 53 28 Compton Verney 63 50 36 10 5 2 4 3 27 40 40 38 Coombe Abbey 63 124 133 72 9 17 12 23 60 95 171 140 Coton/Lea Marston 949 70 – – – – 500 320 776 724 1061 1093 Dosthill/Kingsbury 94 150 26 – 5 14 60 102 – 8 50 60 Napton Res 55 45 33 16 8 7 – 7 10 25 58 47 Salford Priors GP 40 61 60 69 53 47 57 55 67 28 24 42 Shustoke 138 88 86 26 – – – 100 – 130 100 100 Worcestershire Avon Meadows NR 1 2 5 1 – – – – – – – – Bittell Reservoirs 18 – 34 43 22 21 83 96 62 43 57 43 Bredon’s Hardwick 129 18 31 4 7 – 1 3 10 10 28 56 Camp Lane Pits 58 31 47 36 30 45 45 48 60 76 52 22 Clifton Pits 25 46 61 68 67 – 131 40 150 40 49 55

44 J F M A M J J A S O N D Gwen Finch Wetland 2 1 – 2 – – – – – – 1 2 Kemerton Lake 14 22 15 12 19 17 7 5 3 5 11 8 Oakley Pool – 6 8 2 2 1 – – – – 2 4 Pirton Pool 43 49 29 38 35 33 18 24 15 8 2 9 Ripple Pit – 21 12 – – – – – – 30 49 30 Trimpley Reservoir 62 12 15 18 6 6 9 9 27 51 68 65 Upton Warren 29 47 43 65 46 37 16 15 21 31 47 34 Westwood Pool 34 22 41 15 4 17 38 80 70 65 28 63 Staffordshire Aqualate 136 82 119 85 33 9 36 84 293 419 197 309 Barton GP 163 201 205 142 160 161 456 543 123 57 253 – Belvide 51 97 114 338 243 43 44 20 44 36 286 227 Blithfield 50 95 116 299 68 122 124 127 4 25 47 31 Branston GP 40 74 104 80 60 50 51 81 53 58 27 – Brookleys Lake 1 27 16 – – – – – – 21 60 30 Chasewater 98 75 48 – 9 6 68 61 101 91 109 120 Copmere 109 99 67 46 19 13 40 81 60 81 146 75 Croxall Lakes 40 30 34 50 9 – – – – – 75 1 Gailey Reservoir 32 74 73 83 – 123 116 117 140 25 27 16 Uttoxeter Quarry 80 49 28 45 27 13 33 26 17 34 56 54 Westport Lake 65 47 45 40 12 20 69 94 80 76 68 95 Whitemoor Haye 38 48 22 153 28 30 73 128 52 177 145 124 West Midlands Dunstall Park/ Smestow Valley – 6 15 2 2 2 2 – – 1 – – Edgbaston Pool 11 22 20 12 – 1 – p 8 22 19 26 Fens Pools 41 – – – – – 15 30 – – 85 111 Marsh Lane NR 29 37 53 79 57 52 12 27 36 26 20 26 Meriden p 35 p 35 30 – 60 65 34 – 35 – Olton Mere 20 15 9 6 5 1 – 1 – – 2 – Saltwells LNR 2 – 4 3 – – – – – – 3 45 Sandwell Valley 20 p 30 17 8 14 12 6 p 26 20 13 Stubber’s Green 24 26 11 16 – – – – – 19 31 21 Walsall Arboretum 7 5 6 – – 1 3 – – 12 5 13 WeBS 2010 1136 2365 1843 1859 1007 709 1171 1029 1663 1802 2092 929 WeBS 2011 3114 2982 2162 1756 519 660 677 1415 2712 2430 3569 3594

Warks Broods were noted at Abbots Salford, Brandon (seven), Bubbenhall GP, Compton Verney, Coton (two), Marston Fields GP, Morton Bagot, Ryton Pools CP, Salford Priors GP (nine), Shuckburgh Park and Shustoke (two). The Coton/Lea Marston complex of pools continue to be the stronghold for wintering birds in the county, with a peak of 1093 counted there on December 20th. Sadly there were no attempts made to count the wintering flock at Draycote this year. The larger counts away from tabulated waters included maxima of 27 at Hartshill Quarry on January 1st, 27 at Ryton Pools CP on 21st, 22 at Hodnell on 29th, 27 at Earlswood on February 11th, 18 at Chase Meadow Pool (Warwick) on 26th, 33 at Charlecote GP on March 6th, 22 at Bubbenhall GP on June 21st and 35 at Abbots Salford on September 18th. An aberrant or hybrid female was at Charlecote GP from January 15th- March 6th at least. Worcs Breeding data received comprised one pair at John Bennett Wetland, six pairs at Kemerton Lake, seven pairs at Pirton Pool and five pairs at Throckmorton Lagoons, while at Bodenham Arboretum two pairs fledged 12 young, a brood of three was observed at Egdon, two broods were seen at Ripple Pit and possibly only six fledged from six broods at Upton Warren. Counts away from the tabulated sites comprised 65 at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on January 29th, four at Windmill Pool on February 16th, five at Bodenham Arboretum

45 on March 8th, three at Croome Lake on 12th, 16 at Tardebigge Reservoir on 19th and three at Windmill Pool on October 21st. Staffs Counts in the early part of the year suggest that a slightly higher population was present in the county than in the same period in the previous year but nevertheless totals were below average for the preceding five-year period, due in part to the low numbers hosted by Chasewater which have dropped substantially since 2009. Barton Gravel Pits held the largest flocks in the county throughout the first period with maximum counts noted on January 22nd, on February 12th and on March 5th. There was a clear influx (or relocation) of birds in April when the larger waters of Blithfield and Belvide reported a substantial increase with the highest count in the county during the first half of the year occurring at Belvide on April 23rd. 14 sites held confirmed or probable breeding birds with 12 pairs present at Barton GP and at least five at Blithfield, a site which also attracted a large non- breeding flock throughout the summer with the highest count of 124 on July 8th. In the latter part of the year, Barton GP continued to be favoured by moulting flocks with a maximum of 543 noted on August 6th. There was a small dip in numbers during October and numbers then increased in November, presumably as wintering birds arrived, with the maximum counts for the second winter period of the year being 286 at Belvide on November 19th, 419 at Aqualate in October and 309 there on December 18th, both maxima indicating that a few more birds were present in the county than in the latter part of 2010. W Mid Birds bred at Marsh Lane NR (six broods and 21 ducklings, both much reduced from last year), Mercote Mill (two pairs), Meriden (one pair) and Ryders Mere (two pairs). The count of 111 birds at Fens Pools was made on December 17th. Away from tabulated sites, the highest count received was of 41 birds in Sutton Park on March 26th.

2009 Addenda W Mid Additional counts involved 42 birds at Meriden on January 19th, 68 on February 20th and 58 on March 23rd, a high of 25 at Olton Mere on February 4th and 48 at Babbs Mill on November 30th.

Common Pochard x Tufted Duck Warks One at Shustoke on November 25th

Greater Scaup Aythya marila Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Rare in summer. Warks Draycote attracted most of the county’s birds, with a female from January 15th- March 8th, which was joined by a first-winter male, present from February 18th-March 24th, and then later in the year a female visited on October 19th, followed by a first-winter male on December 23rd. An unsexed bird was recorded at Coombe Abbey during the WeBS counts on October 16th, November 13th and December 18th, whilst the only record from the north was a juvenile at Alvecote from November 12th-21st. Worcs A first-winter drake frequented Lower Bittell Reservoir from January 15th-18th, a drake was at the latter locality on February 14th, two drakes at Upper Bittell Reservoir on March 5th and a first-winter drake at Pirton Pool on November 4th. Staffs Two drakes were at Croxall on February 13th, and during March a single female was at Belvide on 21st. Three birds were noted at Whitemoor Haye on April 3rd with two remaining until the 5th when a single was also present at Pretty Pigs Pool (Alvecote). Later in April three were again at Whitemoor Haye on the 24th. The first birds of the autumn period were at Blithfield and at Tittesworth, both on October 14th and on November 14th a

46 single was at Whitemoor Haye, whilst on 17th a first-winter drake bird arrived at Belvide and was noted regularly until December 18th. Aythya hybrid Warks One resembling a Lesser Scaup was at Coton on November 22nd. Common Eider Somateria mollissima Rare winter visitor (2/10).

Common Eider, Tittesworth Reservoir, Steve Seal

Worcs A drake, probably a second-winter bird was a great discovery at Clifton Pits on November 11th AHo et al. Staffs On New Year’s Day, a female flew into Belvide at 9.15, staying just 15 minutes SNut. It was seen soon after at Gailey but flew off at 10.15 JBr. A lingering drake at Rudyard Lake from December 12th-20th attracted many admirers many observers.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor, principally in spring, late-summer and autumn. Warks Just two birds were recorded, making it the poorest year for this species in the county since 1971! Both occurred at Draycote, with a male on August 2nd and a female from November 12th-December 16th. Staffs The first birds of the year arrived after the middle of March with the first, a drake, at Belvide on 19th, a single at Tittesworth from 20th-24th, two females at Blithfield on the 22nd and three at Rudyard Lake on 24th. During summer, three drakes and two females were at Belvide on June 1st and a single drake lingered there from 4th-10th. Thereafter, a drake was at Blithfield on July 27th and four drakes at the same site on September 12th W Mid At Bartley Reservoir, a drake was seen on August 19th, with two females on October 31st TMH.

47 Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Fairly common winter visitor. Rare in summer.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon 4 3 – – – – – – – – 4 4 Coton/Lea Marston – 5 – – – – – – – – 1 1 Dosthill/Kingsbury 13 5 5 1 – – – – – – 6 12 Draycote 34 30 40 4 – – – – 1 8 10 61 Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – 2 4 – – – – – – 2 2 – Camp Lane Pits 1 1 – – 2 – – – – – 1 – Clifton Pits 4 6 6 1 1 – – – – – 1 3 Westwood Pool 9 9 4 – – – – – – – 5 4 Staffordshire Aqualate 2 6 2 2 – – – – – 1 15 8 Barton GP 27 19 79 – – – – – – 3 22 – Belvide 60 86 87 59 – – – 1 1 29 105 100 Blithfield 36 35 54 22 1 – – – – 7 12 16 Chasewater 15 12 8 – – – – – – 1 5 6 Copmere 12 9 6 4 – – – – – – 7 16 Croxall Lakes 6 4 7 3 – – – – – 1 7 1 Middleton Lakes 25 20 8 2 – – – – – 7 5 8 Tittesworth 3 – – – – – – – – – 4 1 Westport Lake 3 3 1 1 – – – – – – 2 4 Whitemoor Haye 21 50 6 6 – – – – – – 4 50 West Midlands Bartley Reservoir 10 13 15 – – – – – – – 5 13 Sandwell Valley 2 1 2 – – – – – – – 2 4 WeBS 2010 162 190 233 32 3 – – – – 4 176 75 WeBS 2011 198 336 264 48 – – – – – 43 184 257

Warks Numbers were down at tabulated sites with most of the county’s birds favouring Draycote, but even there they were generally less numerous compared to recent years, except on December 11th when 61 were counted. All non-tabulated records came from the first winter period, with an immature at Napton Res on January 6th and an adult male there on 21st, a female at Lawford Heath on February 8th, a male and three females at Earlswood on 27th, a female at Napton again on March 13th, and a bird at Shustoke from 15th-19th. The last bird to depart the county was a male at Draycote on April 11th, and a female there on September 27th was the first to return. Worcs Reports away from the tabulated sites comprised a drake on the River Avon at Harvington and on January 3rd, two or three were noted at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits from February 5th-28th, one at Bredon’s Hardwick from 12th-14th and one at Upton Warren on March 18th. In May, two were noted at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on 3rd and one at Pirton Pool on 14th, while during the second winter period, singles other than stated reported from Bredon’s Hardwick on October 16th, Hewell Grange on November 6th, Upton Warren on 11th, Throckmorton Lagoons on 12th, Upton Warren (two) on 14th, Hewell Grange (two) on 17th and the latter locality on December 3rd. Staffs In the first three months of the year numbers were similar to those of the same period in 2010; Barton GP and Blithfield attracted good numbers, but the maximum monthly counts were all made at Belvide, on January 22nd, February 26th and March 2nd. The majority of birds had departed by mid-April although small numbers lingered in the county beyond the end of the month with the last bird being noted at Blithfield on May 6th. In late

48 summer a single bird was at Belvide on August 11th, and another visited on September 22nd, but the vanguard of the main arrival was a single at Blithfield on October 11th. Thereafter the species was regularly noted in small numbers around the county with the highest counts again all made at Belvide with the November maximum of 105 birds on the 28th and that of December on the 9th. A further 17 untabulated sites also held birds in 2011. W Mid Single birds visited Ryders Mere on January 1st and October 25th. A female stayed at Marsh Lane NR from January 15th-March 13th, with a male also on February 24th and another female from March 12th-13th. Two birds were seen at Meriden on February 25th, with individuals from September 14th-October 5th and on December 27th. A bird was seen at Stubber’s Green on November 9th, with five at on December 1st.

Smew Mergellus albellus Uncommon winter visitor. Very rare in summer. Warks The male at Draycote from 2010 remained to February 16th, with probably the same male back again from 27th-March 18th, and a female was also there on January 31st, February 6th, 9th and 28th. Two redheads at Coton from January 1st-2nd were joined by a third redhead on 3rd, after which one remained until 5th, and three redheads were again present there on 8th. At Kingsbury, a first-winter male visited on January 3rd, then two redheads from 19th joined by a male from 24th were seen intermittently to February 14th, after which a pair was noted on 17th, a male on 27th, a pair again from March 8th-9th and lastly a male with two redheads on 14th. There was also a redhead at Shustoke from January 27th-29th (different bird to the two at Kingsbury), and a male at Coton on February 1st. Away from the above favoured areas, the River Anker at Mancetter again hosted this species, with a pair seen on January 5th. The only record from the second winter period concerned a redhead at Shustoke from November 30th-December 2nd. Staffs A first-winter drake at Middleton Lakes RSPB on January 3rd may have been the bird present in December 2010; however two elusive redheads also visited the site from 13th-17th. At Chasewater, a drake was first noted on January 11th and regularly reported until February 9th. Barton GP held a drake on January 22nd and Blithfield a female on February 10th-11th. Middleton Lakes RSPB again held a drake on February 17th and Belvide a drake on the 26th. In March, three birds (one drake and two redheads) visited Middleton Lakes RSPB on the 14th, these being the last birds noted in the first part of 2011, concluding an average winter for the species. The only bird in the second part of the year was a first-winter male bird at Middleton Lakes between December 3rd and 17th. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Probably bred in Staffs in 1994. Warks All records came from Draycote, with birds in a variety of plumages seen. There was an adult male and female on April 5th RCM, BHaz, a first-summer male from May 30th-31st DCo, RCM et al., and an Red-breasted Merganser, Westport, Steve Seal

49 eclipse male from July 30th-August 5th SHa et al.. The last three birds were all redheads: one with a damaged upper mandible from November 8th BHaz, RCM et al. which was joined by a second redhead from 14th-15th BHaz and one from December 9th which remained into the New Year BHaz, RCM et al.. Worcs A drake was at Upper Bittell Reservoir from February 20th-22nd GFe et al., a drake at Clifton Pits on November 11th AHo et al. and at Westwood Pool a female observed on December 10th and 11th WDu was followed by a drake on 14th MJI, WDu. Staffs A female was present at Barton GP from January 22nd-March 12th NJS, a female was present at Blithfield on 6th March GJM, a first-summer male was at Uttoxeter Quarry from June 9th-11th ABa and a well watched first-winter male was at Westport Lake from November 9th-13th NJS. W Mid Two birds visited Fens Pools on November 11th HKi.

Goosander Mergus merganser Fairly common winter visitor. Scarce in summer and rare breeding bird in Staffs and Worcs since 1990.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford 5 1 – – – – – – – – – – Alvecote 66 14 10 7 – – – – – 5 40 51 Compton Verney 16 25 18 4 – – – – – – – 1 Coton – 1 1 – – – – – – – 2 2 Dosthill/Kingsbury 3 14 3 – – – – – – – 9 2 Draycote 74 37 30 1 – 1 1 1 1 6 14 50 Earlswood 32 45 37 1 – – – – 1 – 9 23 Ladywalk 75 105 43 p p 1 5 – – 4 8 19 Shustoke 87 92 46 – – – – – 4 – – 2 Wormleighton Res 8 7 – – – – – – – – 2 3 Worcestershire Bewdley, River Severn 25 – 1 5 – – – – – 1 – – Bittell Reservoirs 52 37 41 – – – – – – – 20 32 Blackstone, River Severn 2 – 2 – 3 – – 1 – 2 – – Brakemill Pool 5 6 – – – – – – – 4 – – Clifton Pits 32 22 33 3 – – – – – 1 – 10 Diglis, Worcester 13 5 – – – – – – – – – 1 Hewell Grange 2 – 1 – – – – – – 2 2 2 Kyre Pool 37 27 8 – – – – – – – – 11 Ladies Pool – 10 2 – – – – – – – 1 19 Lower Moor 2 2 1 – – – – – – – – – Ripple Pit – 1 2 – – – – – – – – 1 Stakenbridge Pool 20 1 4 – – – – – – – – – Trimpley Reservoir 15 24 25 5 – – 1 2 2 3 2 9 Upton Warren 4 10 – – – – – – – – – 2 Westwood Pool 2 1 2 – – – – – – – 4 8 Staffordshire Aqualate 15 2 7 – – – – – 3 – 2 – Barton GP 19 51 33 – 1 4 4 7 31 38 44 – Belvide 16 7 p 1 2 - - 10 2 3 5 1 Blithfield 85 80 52 3 6 1 1 3 3 23 12 56 Chasewater 88 16 39 – – – – – – 8 5 32 Copmere 19 13 4 – – – – – – – 4 4 Doxey Marshes 58 10 12 10 2 – – – 4 2 13 27 Knypersley Reservoir 21 16 23 1 – – – – – – – 10 Middleton Lakes 2 2 2 8 – – – – – 24 9 –

50 J F M A M J J A S O N D Tittesworth 23 66 65 7 2 4 3 21 5 – 9 15 Uttoxeter Quarry 44 52 80 50 16 14 21 12 7 12 16 29 Westport Lake 11 66 85 – – – – – – – 1 6 West Midlands Bartley Reservoir 22 18 16 – – – – – – – 1 – Marsh Lane NR 6 3 6 6 – – – – – – 2 – Olton Mere 19 46 2 – – – – – – – 2 3 Ryders Mere 19 44 36 10 – – – – – 1 2 20 Sandwell Valley 35 63 28 4 1 1 1 – 3 18 13 17 Sheepwash UP 32 36 – – – – – – – – – – Smestow Valley 5 8 – – – – – – – – 2 1 Stubber’s Green 15 14 2 – – – – – – – 2 6 WeBS 2010 265 182 117 25 9 6 1 2 4 19 506 156 WeBS 2011 547 362 290 111 19 27 2 29 86 39 147 328

Warks The species bred at Ladywalk but no further details were received. The large over- wintering numbers from 2010 remained, and there were more site record counts, all in early February, with 105 at Ladywalk on 3rd, 92 at Shustoke on 8th, 45 at Earlswood on 10th and 24 at Packwood on 11th. The Ladywalk and Shustoke counts were also the highest in the county since the record numbers at Draycote in 1997. Other sites had their first documented sightings, such as nine at Morton Bagot on January 2nd and a pair at Salford Priors GP on January 9th. Peak counts elsewhere included six on the River Arrow at Oversley Green on January 1st, four at Brandon on 5th, three at Napton Res on 6th, nine at Bedworth Slough on 8th, six at Seeswood Pool on 23rd, three at Charlecote Park on 31st, five at Chesterton Church Pool on February 11th, 10 at Coleshill GP on March 2nd, and 13 on the River Tame at Water Orton on November 21st. One or two birds were also noted at Coombe Abbey, Coughton Fields, Hartshill Quarry, Ryton Pools CP and Whitacre Heath NR. Worcs No breeding date received, though adults were observed along the River Severn between Blackstone and Trimpley Reservoir in May and July. Many reports received away from the tabulated sites during the first winter period and spring, with notable counts of five along Dowles Brook Goosander, Westport Lake, Steve Seal on January 4th, 33 at Lower Park Fishing Pool on 11th, five at Bodenham Lake on February 10th and 12th, plus March 5th, 30 and six at Arrow Valley Lake on 9th and 14th respectively and seven on the River Severn at Arley on April 9th. Smaller numbers also recorded at Bredon’s Hardwick, Clevelode, Fortunes Green, Grimley, Harvington, Knapp and Papermill, Lincomb, Lulsley, Leigh Sinton, Mythe Bridge, Old Yarr, Powick, Tardebigge Canal, Upton-upon-Severn, Wassell Grove Pools and West Midlands Safari Park. During the autumn and second winter

51 period, six and nine were noted at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on August 23rd and October 12th respectively, plus four at Hurcott Pool on November 23rd. Staffs The high numbers present in the latter part of 2010 continued into the first months of 2011 these being of particular note at both Blithfield and at Chasewater where 88 were counted on January 22nd. The sites in the north and east of the county held good numbers well into March, these birds probably representing adults from the breeding population now well established in the county. Breeding was confirmed only from Tittesworth Reservoir and at Uttoxeter Quarry but was considered to be possible or probable at a further five sites in the middle of the county: Blithfield Reservoir, Cannock Chase, Croxall GP, Doxey Marshes, and Elford and Fisherwick GP. Numbers in the second half of the year were not dissimilar to those of 2010 but there were no very high counts from Blithfield where numbers only just reached half that of the previous year. Many smaller sites also held birds throughout the year, 66 of these not being tabulated, but noteworthy counts included 26 on the River Tame near Hopwas on April 1st, 20 at Brocton Quarry on October 3rd and 22 at Longsdon Mill Pool on December 9th. W Mid A pair was observed mating at Marsh Lane NR on February 22nd, but there was no further evidence of breeding. In Sandwell Valley, 63 birds were counted on February 6th and, like last year, one summered. The count of 46 birds at Olton Mere on February 4th was regarded as a “remarkable total here”. In Goscote Valley, a bird was seen on January 1st, with two on February 9th and one on March 30th. Three birds were seen in Sutton Park on January 10th, with seven on 29th and two on February 19th. Eight birds in Elmdon Park March 2nd constituted a site first, whilst 18 on 4th were an “astonishing total for this small park pool”. Other records in the first part of the year involved two birds at the Centre of the Earth on January 1st, five at Olton Mere on 5th and 19 on 28th, singles at Titford Pools on 6th and Netherton Reservoir on 8th, nine at Bumble Hole LNR on 14th, one at Fens Pools on 15th and two on February 1st and 5th, three at on 27th, two at Park Lime Pits on 19th and at least one along Rushall Canal on April 2nd. The only additional records in the second winter period involved single birds flying over Lutley Wedge on October 14th and at Fens Pools on November 12th.

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Scarce resident of feral origin. Warks Birds remained at the Coton/Lea Marston complex of pools into January, with a peak of six recorded at Coton on 12th, but there were no subsequent reports from there after this date. The only other birds reported during the year were an unsexed bird at Draycote on April 10th, a male at Shustoke on April 13th and a female at Draycote from September 19th-21st. Worcs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Westwood Pool – 1 – 1 1 – – 1 – 1 – –

Now rare in the county, with the only report away from Westwood Pool (see tabulated sites) being a female at Clifton Pits on September 5th. Staffs Up to six birds were noted at one site during the year, but apart from this, no more than two were noted from any site within the county, underlining the success of the eradication programme implemented during this century. W Mid The only records received were from Sandwell Valley: three birds noted on September 1st and two on 14th.

52 Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Uncommon and declining resident on the North Staffs Moors. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Middle Hills (one pair) and The Roaches (one pair from at least 5 territories), with breeding season sightings also noted at Boarsgrove (two+), Gradbach (two+), Gun Hill (three+), Drystone Edge, Five Clouds (two+), Goldsitch Moss, Knotbury (eight+), Merrytown Low (two+), Oliver Hill, Roach End (five+), Turn Edge (two+), Upper Hulme (two) and Wolf Edge (five). In addition, four were seen at Swallow Moss in January, four at Round Knowl Farm in September, four at Dry Stones (Morridge) and two at Swallow Moss in October. Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Common resident. Warks Records received from 31 sites. Occurs in very small numbers away from the major shooting estates where huge numbers are put down in autumn. The vast majority are in the south and west. An example is at Salford Priors GP, where around 30 were believed resident from January-August, but as birds were released on the adjoining estate numbers gradually increased to minima of 150 on September 11th, 350 on 25th, 400 on October 9th and a peak of 750 on 16th, with 500-600 remaining until early December. At the same time covies of up to 100 were widespread elsewhere on the estate in the Ragley-Arrow-Kingley- Dunnington area. Other counts included 30 at Baddesley and 41 at Little Packington in January and autumn maxima of 70 at Wormleighton Res on September 22nd, 100 at Downs on October 22nd, 20 at Admington on the same date, and 15 at Fenny Compton on November 25th. Worcs Three pairs successfully fledged young at Bodenham Arboretum and an adult with eight juveniles was at Harvington on August 8th. Reports were received from 28 sites with double-figure counts at Aston Mill (12 on January 1st), Marsh (21 on November 2nd), Kemerton Lake (16 on February 12th) and (11 on February 15th). Staffs In January there were 11 at Belvide, 16 at Gailey, 10 at Knightley but there were no other double-figure counts in the first winter period. Breeding was confirmed at Aqualate, Belvide, Branston GP and Brocton; and probably occurred at Blore Pipe, Doley, Nurton, Tixall and Wrottesley Old Park. In the second winter period, double-figure counts in November were 22 at Branston GP, 17 at Ellerton Grange and 11 at Ingestre; in December there were 11 at Branston GP. W Mid Two birds were noted in Lutley Wedge on March 13th and April 14th. Two birds were also seen at Meriden on April 15th and 22nd, with singles there on May 18th and at Marsh Lane NR on 31st. A covey of 15 birds alongside the Stourbridge branch railway line on October 5th was only the observer’s second sighting in two and a half years of train- driving there. Eight birds were counted in Coundon Wedge on November 5th. Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Fairly common, but rapidly declining resident. Warks In 2010 birds were seen at around 30 sites with about half of these being in the breeding season. This year, even in the once favoured south, the bird is now reported as very scarce. All records are included. Summer or presumed breeding birds were at Chadshunt (three pairs), Compton Wynyates, Crimscote, Darlingscott, Frankton, Grandborough, Hartshill (eight in August), Moreton Morrell, Morton Bagot (max two on several dates) Norton Lindsey, Oxhill and . Autumn and winter records came from Bodymoor Heath, Farnborough, (max. eight), Fenny Compton, Grendon, Hartshill, Hodnell (three),

53 Salford Priors (max two on two dates), Wishaw, near Wolston (19 on September 24th) and between Woolscott and Willoughby (five from November 2nd-3rd). A small restocking scheme has commenced at Butlers Marston, where 13 have so far been released EKB. On six farms under HLS schemes birds were present at only one: At Toft Farm, three were present in November. Four at Marston Fields (near Bodymoor Heath), on October 12th included a leucistic bird ARD. Worcs Reports were received from nine sites with most coming from the Shenstone area where fledged young were noted on August 16th. Birds were also seen in the breeding season at Caunsall, Kemerton Lake and . A covey of six was at John Bennett NR on January 8th with winter birds also at Chadbury, Holt, Holt Heath and Wick. Grey Partridge, Marshes Hill, Steve Seal Staffs

Monthly maxima J F M A M J J A S O N D Whitemoor Haye 9 2 4 6 6 – 18 23 7 1 3 –

Breeding was confirmed at Marshes Hill where a female with 10 chicks was noted in early August, and probably occurred at Branston GP (two), Ingestre (one), Hall, Nurton (two+), The Clive Farm, Whitemoor Haye (two) and Wrottesley Old Park (three). Other than Whitemoor Haye above, sites holding more than four birds included Hixon Airfield (up to five during January and 28 on September 26th), six at Wrottesley Old Park on May 10th, and seven at Huntington on October 29th.

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Pairs (succesful) 1 2(1) 4(1) 8(1) – 2-3(2) 5(2) – 7(2) – 1 Breeding Season – – – – – 20 16 14 19 9 17 Sites

W Mid An excellent series of records came from near Aldridge, with one or two birds seen most months from January to May, six on August 28th, nine on September 2nd and 20 on November 3rd. Two birds were seen at Meriden on December 8th and 14th.

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Summer visitor in fluctuating numbers, but usually scarce. Very rare in winter. Long-term average : May 12th (24) to August 26th (19) 8-year average: May 12th (=) to August 13th (–13 days) First : April 17th; Abbots Bromley Last : August; Leamington Hastings Warks An influx occurred in late May which led to a good year. At one was calling from May 14th-16th PDou, with others at Westcote HLS meadow in Tysoe (one

54 heard calling at dawn) on 20th JLA, south-west of Grandborough on 25th (three, including two males) MDB, MD-L, TMa; at Toft Farm from May 25th (and then regularly until July 4th) TMa, at Fillongley on 30th (until June 6th) SMH and at Morton Bagot on 31st REH, MJI, JY. One singing at Farnborough on June 12th and 13th PDou, at Seckington on 24th SMH and two at Crimscote from 18th-21st, with at least one remaining in barley there, until July 20th CPP, MCP. Also in July, singles singing at Morton Bagot on 2nd DJS and at Kinwarton on 4th JLC ,a singing male at Broadwell on the 25th RWSK, three calling at Wolston PRan, up to four (including two singing males) reported by a farmer at Pleasance Farm, Kenilworth per TMa. Another bird was heard calling within the Warwickshire boundary, near Orton-on-the Hill (Leics) on July 31st, August 2nd and August 14th SMH and a final single was heard on an unspecified date in August at Hill, near Leamington Hastings MWi. Worcs Three arrived at the end of May, near Alvechurch GPr and west of Cropthorne GHP on the 22nd and at Crumpfields PSte on the 27th which stayed to June 3rd. One was calling north of Rous Lench GHP on June 4th with a bird on Bredon Hill on the 19th ACh. Also in June, two males were calling at Longdon Marsh RAP from the 12th to 19th and single birds were at Shenstone JKe, TSm from the 16th to 21st and at Gwen Finch NR SAv on the 29th. One was heard briefly at Abberton GHP at midnight on July 1st. Staffs For the third year running, there was a very good series of records, the first two being very early; one at Abbots Bromley on April 17th GJM and the next at Swallow Moss on 25th PMo. After this, a regular bird was heard at Whitemoor Haye from May 10th and there were further migrants at Berry Hill on May 28th RToo, Back of Ecton on June 4th MEd, Meece Brook on June 7th DMcL, Doxey Marshes on 11th MDB, PDy, Aqualate on 14th, Silverdale CP on 17th NDP and Belvide on July 5th SNut. Breeding was confirmed at two sites; one in the north of the county where a remarkable six pairs were present, one being seen with five young and the other in a central location where a family party was seen. There were a further 19 calling birds in the summer from 13 sites, all of which were in suitable breeding habitat, giving a total of 26+ confirmed or probable breeding pairs.

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Very common resident, mainly in rural areas. Warks A common breeding resident. Large numbers are released for shooting and this is reflected by counts within the gravel pit complex at Salford Priors GP, adjacent to the Ragley estate. Here, counts included 40 on January 30th, 100 on September 11th, 150 on November 6th and 170 on December 11th. At Wormleighton Res, an unusual variant of the tenebrosus-type male, which was of a very gorgeous deep purple-blue colour all over, apart from a green head, brown tail and red wattles, was present on March 18th and 21st, with two on 28th JJB. Worcs Successful breeding was confirmed at Bodenham Arboretum, Elmley Castle and John Bennett NR with birds reported from 74 sites through the county. A count of 33 was made at Netherton Fields on January 12th with 30 at Trimpley Lane Watchpoint on October 16th. Double-figures were obtained at Bayton Common, Bredon Hill, Eldersfield Marsh, Trimpley Reservoir and Wick. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Folly, Knightley, Uttoxeter Quarry and Tittesworth although clearly under-reported and probably occurring throughout the county. Numbers are likely to reflect both wild birds and birds augmenting this population from released stock. The largest counts were 40 at Belvide on January 14th, 12 at Tittesworth Reservoir during February, 24 at Sutton on March 24th, 25 at Alstonefield on April 22nd, 19 at Ingestre

55 on October 22nd, 11 near Essington Pool on October 13th and 30 at Battleshead Hill on October 29th. W Mid Birds bred at Castle Hills and Marsh Lane NR (at least three broods). Birds were also seen during the breeding season at Aldridge, Blythe Valley CP, College Farm, Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, Dunstall Park, Lime Pits Farm, Pedmore, Rushall Canal, Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley LNR, Sutton Park, Walsall Golf Course, Westwood Heath, Wollescote and Wordsley. Birds were also noted at Berkswell, Coundon Wedge, Fens Pools, Foxcote, Tilehouse Green and Wyken Pool. A total of 102 birds were counted at Berkswell on September 19th and a maximum of 25 at Marsh Lane NR on December 25th, but otherwise counts did not exceed six.

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata Rare winter visitor (8/10). Worcs An adult found on the River Severn at Bewdley JEv on November 20th was the first county record since 1997 and gave good views until the 23rd. Staffs An elusive bird was present at Rudyard Lakes on December 17th PJo.

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica Rare winter visitor (4/10). Warks A first-summer bird was at Shustoke from May 12th-17th, when it flew north- west at 0730hrs. SMH et al.. It appears that it then moved to Carsington Water (Derbys). There have been five records this decade and this bird is the second ever in May, following an adult-winter at Draycote, between May 20th-22nd 2000. W Mid A juvenile remained at Ryders Mere from January 28th-31st RFe; a site first and the first county record since 1997.

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer Scarce winter visitor. Warks One was watched flying from the centre of Draycote Water and off high to the east on November 28th TMa. Staffs An adult in winter plumage paid a brief visit to Blithfield on December 5th GJM MPR.

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus Rare, mainly storm-driven, autumn vagrant (8/10). Warks One or two per year is the norm and there have been many blank years so five records is exceptional: On September 6th a bird found in a Rugby garden was taken into care and later released successfully into the Bristol Channel on 25th per SMH. The first of three found at Draycote was seen on September 7th RCM et al. The others were on 8th TMa and 13th PDHy, TMa. Photographs were used to separate these records with differing underwing patterns being noticed. The fifth of the period was found on the Grand Union Canal at Hatton on 13th. It frequently sat on the bank at Lock 38 and looked fairly alert. It was seen the next day but not subsequently DJS et al. Worcs One was found dead in a Childswickham garden on September 13th THu. Staffs On the evening of September 5th an exhausted bird was picked up at Wildwood (Stafford) MHu, but it sadly died overnight. Shortly afterwards, another spent the day at Belvide on September 11th SNut.

56 Northern Gannet Morus bassanus Scarce passage migrant and storm-driven vagrant Warks An adult at Draycote on September 12th was occasionally plunge-diving but presumably did not find enough sustenance, it being found dead on 14th PWC, MJPS.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Fairly common winter resident and passage migrant. Uncommon breeder.

Monthly maxima from selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Coombe Abbey 16 41 38 40 76 46 45 47 12 20 17 24 Salford Priors GP 94 86 38 14 11 1 17 17 20 64 47 55 Worcestershire Avon Meadows NR 1 1 1 3 – – – – – – – – Bittell Reservoirs – – 3 3 2 1 – 3 1 3 2 14 Bredon’s Hardwick 39 25 21 – 1 – – – 1 – 4 3 Camp Lane Pits – 2 6 3 2 1 2 7 – 4 6 2 Clifton Pits 3 5 13 5 1 – 7 5 3 9 18 46 Croome Lake – – – – – – – – – 6 6 3 Gwen Finch Wetland 9 3 2 1 1 1 3 4 7 4 6 6 Kemerton Lake 1 1 3 4 5 7 7 2 2 – – 5 Pirton Pool 1 1 – – – – – – – – – – Ripple Pit 3 – 11 – 6 – 13 24 30 80 27 – Trimpley Reservoir 7 3 5 1 – – – 1 2 2 2 5 Upton Warren 43 34 20 11 5 4 4 5 11 20 36 36 Westwood Pool 4 2 1 2 2 1 3 1 3 6 1 2 Staffordshire Aqualate 35 25 50 38 90 81 73 35 21 14 28 20 Barton GP 5 10 24 7 12 15 51 67 12 52 39 – Belvide 30 57 4 3 13 – 5 20 146 20 – 32 Blithfield 31 12 26 27 24 22 48 80 90 107 57 79 Branston GP 5 1 4 5 3 5 15 18 18 11 6 7 Chasewater 6 2 2 1 1 – – 4 5 5 5 5 Copmere 3 10 2 1 – – – – 3 – 14 30 Croxall Lakes 52 1 2 2 6 – – 1 – 27 12 3 Doxey Marshes 9 5 9 4 2 5 7 11 13 9 5 4 Gailey Reservoir 40 11 27 13 – – 2 20 6 26 6 8 Middleton Lakes – 1 2 – 2 2 6 – 15 13 2 2 Tittesworth 4 3 2 3 3 p 3 9 10 5 11 10 Trent Washlands 10 9 5 8 6 4 15 4 12 13 26 22 Uttoxeter Quarry 11 9 2 3 1 3 17 17 14 17 19 28 West Midlands Lutley Wedge – – 3 – 1 – 6 7 2 5 – – Marsh Lane NR 20 16 11 8 5 6 9 12 17 17 26 30 Olton Mere 1 1 – 1 – – – 2 – – – 5 Sandwell Valley 1 1 3 – – – – – 12 9 4 4 Smestow Valley 8 – – – – – – – – 7 3 –

Warks Bred at Coombe Abbey, Ladywalk and possibly at Kingsbury. At the first site, 27 nests were counted on April 16th and at Ladywalk a minimum of ten nests were seen but few counts of breeding birds were made (and unbelievably there were no roost counts entered in the record book there). The Salford Priors birds were night roosting in Ragley Park, and also visiting Abbots Salford during the day. Counts from elsewhere included: seven at Brandon on January 17th, 36 at Lea Marston in November, a maximum count of 125 at Shustoke in March and 19 at Earlswood Lakes on December 9th. Otherwise small numbers

57 of up to five were noted at many sites, e.g. Alcester (River Arrow), Bishopton, Bubbenhall GP, Charlecote-Hampton Lucy (River Avon), Chesterton Pools (max four on May 13th), Compton Verney (max six on March 6th), Drayton, Farnborough Park, Fenny Compton, Lighthorne Pools, , Lower Radbourn, Napton Res, Northend, Priors Hardwick, Sherbourne, Stretton-on-Dunsmore, Walton Hall, Wappenbury and Wormleighton Res. Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, five were observed at Rough Hill Orchard on January 3rd, 19 at Lower Moor on 10th, held three on 22nd, five were at Wilden Marsh on 23rd, singles were noted at Grange Farm (Wick) on 29th and February 22nd and at Reservoir on August 19th, five and three at Old Yarr on August 1st and October 28th respectively, while Wick Wyre Mill held nine on December 31st. Staffs Early-year counts from around the county reflect little change from the previous winter and the maximum count in the first part of the year of 57 birds was made at Belvide on February 7th. Breeding was confirmed at a site in the west of the county with 38 nests noted on March 27th and 90 birds recorded on May 25th. A colour-ringed bird at Belvide on September 14h was ringed as a chick on Ireland’s Eye Island off Dublin on June 19th 2011. Numbers in the county after the breeding season were not quite as high as those of 2010 and Belvide again reported the highest numbers with 146 on September 30th. A roost on one of the islands at Gailey was noted on October 16th when 26 birds were present. A further 48 untabulated sites also held birds in small numbers. W Mid During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 23 birds were counted in 25 hours of observation over 19 days from October 17th to November 6th, with highs of seven on October 20th and five on 23rd. Eight birds were counted at Hillfield Park on January 1st, whilst up to three were occasionally noted at Bartley Reservoir, Birmingham, Coundon Wedge, Edgbaston Pool, Edgbaston Reservoir, , Fens Pool, Monkspath, Reedswood Park, Ryders Mere, Saltwells LNR, Stubber’s Green, Westwood Heath and Wyken Slough. A bird noted at Olton Mere on April 6th had been ringed as a chick on Puffin Island, Anglesey, on June 27th 2009. Another seen occasionally at Marsh Lane NR from November 13th to December 31st was ringed as a nestling at Rutland Water on June 14th 2011.

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis Rare visitor in all months, with occasional influxes in autumn and winter (8/10). Warks Two records, both juveniles, from Draycote is a fairly standard year: firstly from September 9th-14th PDHy et al and then from December 16th-31st BHaz, RCM et al. Staffs A good year produced two juveniles at Gailey from September 10th-12th, one of these remaining until 19th PSta et al. In addition, another juvenile was at Blithfield also from 10th- 11th MYap, this being joined by a second bird, perhaps one of the two from Gailey, Shag, Blithfield, Robert Powell on 12th GJM, MPR et al. Another bird was present at Stonydelph at Tamworth from September 17th-18th many observers.

58 Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris Scarce winter visitor. Rare in summer. Warks Freezing conditions and iced-up pools carried over from 2010 and so the year started well with birds at three locations. At Brandon, which is now firmly established as the premier reed bed site, up to two were seen until February 14th BMVCT. At Coton, one, occasionally seen in December, remained until January 4th, when it was seen to fly north towards Kingsbury WP MHod. A December bird at Ladywalk was seen only occasionally, on four dates in January and five in February, until 28th. The February departures at Brandon and Ladywalk were rather early compared to 2010, when departures were April 1st and March 15th respectively. There was, however, an unconfirmed report by two observers of a bird in flight at Brandon on May 14th. Breeding records may not be far away! In the second period a single arrived back at Brandon on November 6th and was present until the close of the year BMVCT. A prompt return was made at Ladywalk on October 1st DIL but then there were no further sightings until November 17th, when perhaps a different bird arrived. It was seen irregularly until 30th when two were seen KJM. In December a single was seen daily until 9th when there was a gap until more regular sightings from 24th-31st. The only other records were one flushed from a near Draycote village on November 12th WMo and one at Coton on December 26th ARD, JHar. Worcs At least two were present at Upton Warren in the first winter period with pale and dark birds seen at the Moors and North Moors Pools up to March 5th with the remains of one found in late January at the Flashes. Bodenham Arboretum had one by the main pool BRi from January 2nd to 5th and again on the 26th and one was flushed at the John Bennett NR RAP on January 4th and 8th and both times flew to Gwen Finch NR. On February 1st, one was flushed from wet woodland at Hurcott Pool FHe near Kidderminster. Unfortunately, no reports were received from Upton Warren in the second winter period. Staffs In the first winter period, up to two were seen regularly at Aqualate (until March 2nd), Doxey Marshes (until January 16th) and up to three were present at Middleton Lakes RSPB (until January 4th) many observers. One bird wintered at Aqualate from October 26th many observers. W Mid A bird seen at Marsh Lane NR on several dates from January 3rd to February 7th was presumably last year’s bird returning several observers.

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Rare vagrant (3/10). Warks An adult stayed at Earlswood from May 15th-28th, and also wandered to a farm pond at Terry’s Green on the 18th MPG, JAC et al. First found during a WeBS count, the bird was seen most evenings and occasionally at other times of the day as it flew between its roost and feeding sites. This was the first twitchable bird in the county with the last record being at Night Heron, Earlswood, Dave Hatton

59 Brandon, two days previously, in 2001. This was the fifth county record. W Mid The adult bird at Earlswood (Warks) was seen flying over the county boundary next to the lakes on May 15th, 17th and 23rd MPG. Presumably, it was feeding along the River Blythe or Stratford Canal, and probably crossed the boundary on other days during its stay. This constitutes the first county record since a first-summer bird lingered at Sheepwash UP during August 2004.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Very rare vagrant (3/10). Warks An adult in full breeding plumage was feeding with cattle in a meadow at Abbots Salford Pool on July 7th CPP, MCP. This is the fourth county record but rather more noteworthy, the third year running that the species has been seen. Staffs Three birds were seen on the River Dove at Clay Mills feeding with a herd of cattle on February 22nd TKi. This is the sixth county record and the fourth year in succession this species has been seen in Staffordshire.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta Uncommon and increasing visitor.

Monthly maxima from selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Kingsbury area 3 10 3 7 1 0 2 7 5 15 16 21 Worcestershire Bittell – – – – 4 1 2 – – – – – Bredon’s Hardwick – – – – – 1 3 1 1 – – – Clifton Pits – – – – – – 1 1 1 1 – 1 Grimley/Camp Lane – – – – – – 3 5+ 2 2 3 – Gwen Finch NE – – – – – – – 1 1 – – – John Bennett NR – – – – – – 1 – 1 – – – Kemerton Lake – – – – 1 – – 4 3 1 – 1 Longdon Marsh – – – – – – 4 – – – – – Throckmorton – – – – 2 – 1 – – – – – Upton Warren – – – – – 1 7/9 1 1 1 2 – Wagon Wheel Lane – – – – – – 3 6 2 – 1 – Westwood Pool – – – – – – 2 – 1 – – – Staffordshire Belvide 1 – – – – – 3 1 – 1 – 1 Blithfield – 1 – – – – 3 2 1 – – 2 Branston GP – 1 1 – -– – 2 7 5 5 4 1 Croxall Lakes 1 1 3 1 2 – 1 4 4 7 2 2 Doxey Marshes 2 – 1 – – – – 1 – – – – Middleton Lakes RSPB 3 4 3 1 1 – 2 7 2 6 8 5 Uttoxeter Quarry – – – 1 1 – 2 1 3 – – 1 West Midlands Marsh Lane NR – – 2 – – 2 3 1 1 – 1 2

Warks This species continues to expand its range across the county and breeding was suspected but not proven this year. In the Tame Valley birds were regularly recorded at Coleshill GP, Coton, Fishers Mill, Hemlingford, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Lea Marston, Middleton Hall and Whitacre Heath. Birds from these sites have been tabulated under a single heading to reflect the communal roost, usually at Otter Pool, Kingsbury WP. These birds are very mobile and generally counts at any one site were less than five. The December count, on 5th, is a new county and regional site maximum WJE. Away from the Tame Valley singles

60 were seen at Morton Bagot on January 2nd (and irregularly until 30th), Brandon on 11th, Alderham Flood Meadow, Barford on 30th, Alvecote on February 3rd, 8th and March 15th, Earlswood on March 18th and at Cornwood Farm Pool, Tomlow on 23rd. At Brandon one or two were regularly present from March 20th-October 10th with three on June 12th and July 4th. Later in the year there were two at Salford Priors GP on July 17th, one from August 27th-28th and one on September 3rd, 10th and 25th. Elsewhere, singles at Earlswood on August 17th and October 29th and at Alvecote, ten on December 3rd and up to 13 on a few dates around 11th. The Alvecote counts were almost certainly record totals for the site ASA, KJM. Worcs Two flew over Warndon Villages Worcester on January 2nd and birds were noted at 24 county locations through the year with usually single birds at the non-tabulated sites. Notable numbers include seven/nine at Upton Warren on July 30th, six at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on August 4/5th with five at nearby Camp Lane Pits on the 9th. Upper Bittell reservoir had four on May 19th with the same number near Longdon Marsh on July 17th and at Kemerton Lake on August 29/30th. Sightings in November came from Chadbury Lock, Grimley/Camp Lane Pits, Upton Warren, and Wagon Wheel Lane Pits. The only December report came from Lower Moor with one on the 31st. Staffs The species continues to strengthen its status with many single-figure counts from 36 locations around the county. No breeding reports have yet been received but a bird in breeding plumage was at Croxall on May 1st. The highest counts of seven birds were noted in August: on 10th and 14th at Branston GP and at Middleton Lakes RSPB on 19th. Seven were also at Croxall Lakes on October 17th and eight were present at Middleton Lakes RSPB on November 18th. W Mid Two birds were seen at on January 1st, with individuals noted in Smestow Valley on 8th, on July 3rd and Clayhanger Marsh from 9th-18th and August 16th.

2009 Addendum W Mid A bird stayed at Bartley Reservoir for just five minutes early in the morning of 23rd July JHB; probably the first record for the site.

Great White Egret Ardea alba Rare vagrant (8/10). Warks This species has been annual since 2006 reflecting the large increase in records nationally. Prior to this, there were only three records between the first, in 1992, and 2000. This year might have been the first with a multiple occurrence but no details were received of a party of four rumoured to have flown north near Packington Park on November 16th. Two confirmed records may have related to one bird: one at Kingsbury WP on October 22nd MHod, presumably remained in the area and was seen again on 25th and at Dosthill on 26th GAW. This bird or another was seen briefly at Draycote on October 28th. After a walker flushed it, it flew into the River Leam valley and maybe moved on to Daventry CP, where one was seen briefly the next day. This was a first for the site TMa. One arrived at Ragley Park Lake on December 18th and remained there or on the nearby River Arrow until the year end RBa. Worcs At Upton Warren on November 26th, one commuted between the Moors and the Flashes SVi and was again at the Moors on December 2nd SAn, AHam. Staffs One lingered at Blithfield from February 27th until March 19th and was often seen flying into roost many observers and a second bird was seen regularly in the Kings

61 Bromley GP/Yoxall area from October 6th-16th many observers. W Mid A bird flew towards the northeast over Marsh Lane NR on November 19th SHa. This constitutes the first record for the reserve and fourth for the county.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Fairly common resident.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon 3 4 7 5 6 9 10 12 10 11 6 4 Earlswood 3 3 3 7 5 8 8 13 8 5 5 4 Salford Priors GP 6 4 6 5 6 9 5 7 5 3 4 2 Worcestershire Arrow Valley Lake 3 4 5 6 15 1 3 8 – – 1 2 Avon Meadows NR 1 2 2 2 – – – – – – – – Bittell Reservoirs – – 10 5 14 12 16 15 15 7 4 4 Bredon’s Hardwick 3 1 – – – – 1 – 3 – – 4 Camp Lane Pits 2 2 5 4 2 – 4 1 – – 3 2 Clifton Pits – 1 3 2 4 – 2 1 2 1 2 2 Gwen Finch Wetland 3 2 1 – – 2 5 5 3 3 2 2 Kemerton Lake – – – – – 6 8 4 2 3 – 1 Trimpley Reservoir 3 1 2 1 – 1 – 1 – – 2 1 Upton Warren 2 1 3 2 3 6 8 10 8 10 5 4 Westwood Pool 2 2 1 1 4 8 6 13 6 3 1 2 Wilden Marsh – – – – – – – – 1 – 2 2 Staffordshire Aqualate – 6 3 3 3 6 8 5 2 – 3 7 Barton GP 10 15 5 3 – 7 6 11 2 10 17 – Belvide – – 6 – 2 – 3 11 5 8 – 5 Blithfield 7 6 6 5 11 22 16 21 28 20 15 14 Doxey Marshes 5 6 4 6 3 4 5 5 8 3 5 5 Gailey Reservoir 5 25 29 33 – 12 5 6 4 6 2 3 Tittesworth – 2 4 4 5 2 6 5 4 2 3 2 Uttoxeter Quarry 5 8 2 – 2 9 8 10 7 8 5 9 West Midlands Dunstall Park/ Smestow Valley 1 1 3 3 3 7 7 6 6 5 2 2 Edgbaston Pool 6 3 3 1 4 6 9 p 8 6 6 13 Marsh Lane NR 3 3 5 3 8 5 17 17 18 20 8 7 Olton Mere 9 18 16 7 – – – 14 – – – 12 Sandwell Valley 3 p 2 9 p p 3 1 2 2 2 p

Warks The decline at Salford Priors GP was due to a reduction in the Ragley Park heronry (where down to six pairs). Three pairs built nests on the island at Abbots Salford Pool, but only one pair was thought to have been successful. Two pairs nested in Chesterton Wood, with at least two young reared. Other sites, where nests where counted but breeding success not known were as follows: Blythe Mill (14), Charlecote (14), Middleton Hall (23), New Waters, Warwick (10). Up to six were noted during the year at many sites, with 12 at Abbots Salford on October 23rd. At Brandon, birds were observed preying on newly re- introduced Water Voles. Worcs No breeding data were received. Just two notable counts away from the tabulated sites, with nine at Lower Moor on March 5th and ten at Longdon Marsh on July 27th. Also reported from , Astwood Bank, Bodenham Arboretum, Brakemill Farm, Bredon Hill, Croome Landscape Park, Crumpfield, Finstall Park, Ipsley Alders, Larford,

62 Nunnery Wood, Oakley Pool, Old Yarr, Ribbesford, Rough Hill Orchard, Tardebigge Reservoir, Windmill Farm and Wyre Forest. Staffs The nest counts this year were from Aldershaw Hall (five), Aqualate (29 nests), Bagot’s Wood (18), Belvide (present), Branston (one), Brinepit Bridge (two), Castle Mere (seven), Checkhill Bog (25), Churnet Valley (five), Cowhay Wood (four), Doxey Marshes (one), Enville Park (23), Gailey Reservoir (25), Knypersley Reservoir (one), LLL Plantation (eight), Middleton Lakes RSPB, Onecote Grange (two), Pendeford Mill (24), Radford Meadows (four), Tittesworth Reservoir (one) and Trent Washlands (four). W Mid Breeding occurred at Berkswell (at least nine active nests noted on March 18th), Olton Mere (12 active nests counted on March 25th cf. 15 nests last year) and Sandwell Valley (at least 45 nests and 78 young counted on May 1st). Fledglings were reported from , Stirchley and Wordsley, but it is not known whether any were raised locally. Away from tabulated sites, the highest counts received were of six birds at Titford Pools on January 6th, five at Bowmans Harbour on February 1st, nine across Sutton Park on March 26th and five at West Park on October 22nd.

2009 Addenda W Mid Six pairs bred at Berkswell and 14 at Olton Mere.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia Rare vagrant; escapes from collections occur (4/10). Staffs One landed briefly at Berry Hill on June 22nd before flying off RToo. This bird is one of the free-flying escapes around the country, having been reported two days earlier flying over Kidsgrove.

Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Rare summer visitor (9/10). Warks On May 19th an adult or near adult flew south over the county boundary after being first discovered at RSPB Middleton Lakes BRS. It was seen at 1330hrs and was probably the same bird seen leaving Ogston (Derbys) to the south-west at 1135hrs. An immature at Draycote on October 14th was seen to fly away high on 15th per BHaz. Although only a very slight improvement, this was the first year since 1973 when the county had two records in a year. Worcs A second-summer bird was harassed for 30 minutes by gulls at Upton Warren Flashes on April 22nd DWa, MWa, PMA and possibly the same one was at the Flashes PBo for an hour on May 16th. Staffs An excellent year for sightings commenced with a probable second-summer at Doxey Marshes from May Eurasian Spoonbill, Doxey, Dave Kelsall

63 25th-26th GBa which relocated to Blithfield from June 11th-13th RCB. Blithfield hosted a second bird from July 31st-August 4th many observers and a third on October 30th GJM. W Mid An adult flew low over Marsh Lane NR early on June 4th, possibly having roosted overnight per NPB. The fourth record for the reserve.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Fairly common resident.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Coombe Abbey 3 – – 1 – – – 5 2 7 5 6 Coton/Lea Marston 11 2 – – – – – – 14 37 28 18 Draycote 4 – – – – – 5 1 3 – – – Kingsbury 1 3 1 – – – 2 2 2 5 3 4 Ladywalk – 2 – 4 – 2 – – 8 2 2 8 Salford Priors GP 4 11 11 8 10 10 21 24 24 13 5 2 Shustoke 2 4 5 – – – – 39 22 – 25 5 Worcestershire Camp Lane Pits 2 6 8 8 8 12 4 6 10 12 14 10 Clifton Pits 6 7 4 – – – 2 4 2 9 19 19 Gwen Finch Wetland – – 2 – – – – – – – 2 – Kemerton Lake 3 4 2 3 2 2 6 7 9 6 2 2 Oakley Pool – 2 5 4 2 2 – – – 2 – – Pirton Pool – – 8 7 11 9 14 27 20 11 10 – Upton Warren 2 2 3 4 3 3 2 3 3 6 5 4 Westwood Pool – 3 7 2 – 2 1 12 10 1 1 1 Staffordshire Barton GP 1 2 4 – 6 7 8 10 6 10 12 – Belvide – – 1 1 – 1 5 5 7 5 1 1 Blithfield 1 2 2 1 2 – 1 4 4 – 1 – Branston GP 3 7 4 4 2 3 19 28 37 56 15 2 Branston Water Park – 3 1 4 1 – – – – – – – Chasewater 2 1 2 – – 2 – 1 3 3 – 1 Croxden Quarry – – 6 5 5 – 5 3 1 – 1 – Cuckoo Bank – – 4 4 – 6 – – – – – – Gailey Reservoir – 1 9 4 – 4 11 15 17 16 7 – Uttoxeter Quarry – – 1 1 – 2 5 3 3 2 6 1 West Midlands Blythe Valley CP – 1 – 3 1 – – – 2 – 1 – Marsh Lane NR – 6 10 8 7 7 7 10 11 7 4 4 Meriden – 4 – 6 6 – 4 16 11 4 – – Ryders Mere 4 2 2 1 2 – 3 4 – 11 10 3 Saltwells LNR 4 – – – – – – – – – 2 3 Sandwell Valley 2 – 2 – – – 1 3 1 3 2 p Smestow Valley 8 6 4 – – – – – – 1 p 7 WeBS 2010 30 19 69 55 39 58 90 96 138 151 112 29 WeBS 2011 46 39 58 36 31 27 60 87 112 141 88 81

Warks Probable or confirmed breeding pairs were located at Baddesley Clinton village, Brandon, Bubbenhall GP (four), Charlecote GP (two), Draycote fish ponds, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Lighthorne Pools, Lighthorne Quarry, Lower Radbourn, Napton Res (two), Ryton Pools CP (two), Salford Priors GP (five), Shustoke, Warwick (two at Chase Meadow Pool) and Whitacre Heath NR. Two-figure counts were received from just three sites, the highest of which was 39 at Shustoke on August 18th. This species occurs at many waters away from tabulated and breeding sites, and one-three were also reported from Abbots Salford, Alcester, Alvecote, Chesterton, Compton

64 Verney, Coughton Fields, Dosthill Lake, Earlswood, Hampton Wood, Kinwarton, Luddington, Middleton Hall Pool, Morton Bagot, Packington Landfill and Ufton Fields. Worcs Nesting pairs reported from Avon Meadows NR, Bodenham Arboretum, Cofton Reservoir, Kemerton Lake (two), Longdon Marsh, Oakley Pool, Pirton Pool (three) and the Moors Pool at Upton Warren. Away from the tabulated sites, singles were observed on the River Severn at Worcester on January 18th, at Brake Mill Pool on February 16th and Kyre Pool on March 3rd, two at on May 3rd and one at Lower Bittell Reservoir on August 14th. Two were noted at British Camp Reservoir on 19th, one at Brake Mill Pool on October 18th, one at Ripple Pit on November 20th, two at Lower Bittell Reservoir on 23rd and five at Ripple Pit on December 18th. Staffs Widely reported, with a further 53 untabulated sites also hosting birds in small numbers. Reports of confirmed breeding came from Baggeridge CP, Barton GP, Berry Hill, Blithfield, Branston GP, Chasewater, Coley Brook Marsh, Croxden Quarry, Cuckoo Bank, Essington Quarry, Gailey, Keele University, Tixall and Uttoxeter Quarry (two pairs). Some unusually high numbers were noted in the post-breeding period particularly at Branston GP where a maximum of 56 birds were seen on October 9th including many fledged young. W Mid Birds bred at Blythe Valley CP, Marsh Lane NR (two pairs apparently fledging one young each), Mercote Mill, Meriden, The Vale and Witton Lakes. Up to three birds were also seen at Bartley Reservoir, Berkswell, Fens Pool NR, Olton Mere, Ravenshaw and Sutton Park.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Fairly common resident and winter visitor.

Monthly maxima from selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Coombe Abbey 4 3 1 9 9 10 5 11 – 19 17 14 Coton/Lea Marston 5 6 – – – – – 5 42 30 17 17 Dosthill/Kingsbury 5 12 10 6 4 6 22 16 8 4 32 45 Draycote 80 – – 5 – – 87 97 – 237 248 268 Earlswood Lakes 10 26 40 45 41 34 30 14 7 10 13 11 Shustoke 13 10 29 8 – – – 142 58 – 6 10 Worcestershire Arrow Valley Lake 4 15 23 24 22 25 13 24 – – 11 14 Bittell Reservoirs 15 – 28 15 18 16 23 24 18 8 19 12 Bredon’s Hardwick 1 5 – 2 6 – 3 2 3 1 1 4 Camp Lane Pits – 1 4 3 4 3 2 2 – 1 – – Clifton Pits – – 2 8 6 – 4 6 4 – 1 6 Kemerton Lake 1 2 7 4 6 6 4 4 4 4 – – Pirton Pool – – 1 – 2 – – – – – – – Ripple Pit – – – 3 2 4 – – – – 1 2 Trimpley Reservoir 1 4 4 6 4 4 6 6 14 11 8 7 Upton Warren 1 4 12 12 15 17 15 8 6 7 5 5 Westwood Pool 4 7 14 16 16 20 13 12 3 4 8 3 Staffordshire Aqualate – 8 13 18 5 5 20 7 12 7 10 4 Barton GP 2 2 16 – 11 21 26 44 36 6 5 – Belvide 7 23 25 14 29 25 22 3 41 36 38 16 Blithfield 13 13 13 25 26 71 94 116 60 62 31 82 Branston GP 2 3 6 8 3 15 5 6 7 7 3 – Chasewater 7 7 14 p – 10 – 7 7 22 11 2 Copmere – 5 5 4 6 3 10 11 16 5 12 11 Croxall NR 6 4 6 4 8 p 6 – – 11 9 5 Doxey Marshes – 1 5 6 6 5 11 11 2 1 – –

65 J F M A M J J A S O N D Fisherwick/Elford GP 3 6 9 7 4 – 10 3 3 1 1 1 Gailey Reservoir 3 5 37 29 – 22 13 32 43 23 9 5 Knypersley Reservoir – – p 13 8 13 17 17 17 6 5 1 Middleton Lakes RSPB – 6 4 4 4 4 6 4 6 6 4 6 Rocester Pools – 8 11 16 9 12 23 13 19 12 17 11 Tittesworth 5 3 12 8 10 7 9 9 9 5 7 8 Westport Lake 7 9 12 16 10 11 8 7 8 7 5 4 Whitemoor Haye – – – 1 – 1 1 19 29 17 15 4 West Midlands Marsh Lane NR 1 4 4 3 3 2 4 1 2 1 1 – Olton Mere 4 10 10 – 8 8 – 3 – 5 2 2 Ryders Mere – 2 3 2 4 – 4 4 – 5 – 4 Saltwells LNR 1 – 4 4 4 – – – – – 1 1 Sandwell Valley 2 1 4 1 p – 3 3 4 2 1 – WeBS 2010 129 171 322 281 253 293 296 407 458 420 381 290 WeBS 2011 147 220 361 269 210 268 245 325 576 514 293 422

Warks Nesting pairs were noted at Abbots Salford (two), Brandon (two), Chesterton, Compton Verney (four), Earlswood Lakes (12), Ladywalk (two), Leek Wootton GC, Napton Res (two), Seeswood Pool, Shustoke (seven), Wootton Pool and Wormleighton Res. Birds were also present during the breeding season at Bidford Grange GC, Hodnell, Nelson’s Quarry (Stockton) and Ryton Pools CP. During the winter months, the most reported together was 268 at Draycote on December 14th. Non-tabulated site maxima included eight at Seeswood Pool on January 28th, nine at Abbots Salford on February 20th, six at Brandon on March 2nd, nine at Napton Res on 11th and three at Salford Priors GP on August 14th. Worcs Breeding pairs were observed at Kemerton Lake (two), Lower Moor (three), Pirton Pool (two) and Throckmorton Lagoons. Four pairs nested at Upton Warren, but fledged just two young, while three and five young were noted at Lower Bittell Reservoir on July 14th and 17th respectively and two young were at Lower Park Farm Fisheries on August 22nd. Away from the tabulated localities, Hewell Grange held six on January 20th, ten on March 22nd and four on 24th, one was at Ladies Pool on March 13th, two at Tardebigge Reservoir on 19th, two at Croome Lake on June 7th and two at Finstall Park on December 14th and 28th. Staffs Confirmed or probable breeding was noted at 19 sites with Blithfield holding a total of 27 nests: 16 in Blithe Bay and 11 in Tad Bay, however as last year, they all failed. “several” pairs were noted at Branston GP; three at Doxey; four at Gailey; and at Westport several breeding attempts were made by three or four pairs. Other reports were of single pairs at sites including Barton Marina, Bateswood Lake, Fisherwick, Hatherton Reservoir, Pool Hall, Silverdale CP and Wrottesley Old Park. The larger reservoirs proved attractive outside the breeding season with Blithfield in particular holding many birds including a post-breeding congregation of 116 birds on August 13th. Mid-winter numbers were small at all sites with only Blithfield holding double-figures, doubtless due to the lack availability of open water due to freezing conditions, with the highest count of 82 on December 17th. 26 untabulated sites also held birds during the year, with double-figures only at Uttoxeter Quarry where 10 were seen on April 16th. W Mid Away from tabulated sites, birds were noted during the breeding season at Berkswell, Edgbaston Pool, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon Park, Meriden, Rocket Pool, Sneyd Reservoir, Stubber’s Green, Walsall Arboretum and Yardey Wood. Other counts included 25 birds at Bartley Reservoir on February 1st, eleven in Sutton Park on March 26th, nine at Berkswell Lake on September 7th and six at Pendigo Lake (NEC) on 12th.

66 Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Staffs An adult in full summer plumage was present at Gailey from August 15th until September 1st SAR then, after disappearing for a few days, returned from 9th until 11th RCB. W Mid An oiled first-winter bird remained at Bartley Reservoir from January 3rd-5th JBr, TMH. Red-necked Grebe, Gailey, Steve Seal

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Staffs One was present at Gailey on October 15th MYap.

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor, which sporadic breeding. Rare in winter. Warks There were six records from three sites, all in the second half of the year. During the autumn, there was a juvenile at Draycote on August 23rd BHaz, RCM, a juvenile at Shustoke from August 27th-28th SLC, PAF, a juvenile at Napton Res from September 13th- October 16th TMa et al., an un-aged bird at Shustoke on September 14th PA F, K Wi , and another juvenile at Draycote from September 27th-28th TMa. Draycote had a third single bird on November 18th CJG. Worcs One in summer plumage was at Lower Bittell Reservoir KWh on May 14th and stayed until the 16th whilst an adult found at Westwood Pool WDu on October 31st stayed until November 5th. Staffs One bird on March 7th was an early record for Belvide, this bird staying until April 19th. Not noted again until May 10th and 11th when a bird was at Black-necked Grebe, Napton, Tim Marlow Aqualate and a pair in full summer plumage briefly visited Westport on 12th. After mid-summer a juvenile was noted at Belvide on July 26th and at Gailey from August 8th-14th, with four different juveniles at Blithfield between 11th and 30th. Juveniles were also noted at Belvide on 20th, Doxey on 22nd, Branston GP from 27th-30th and also from September 17th-18th, whilst Whitemoor Haye attracted a juvenile on August 28th.

67 Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus Rare passage migrant and summer visitor (9/10). Two 19th century breeding records. Warks A pale-morph female was mobbed by corvids at Westcote, Tysoe as it flew through to the north-east on May 1st JJB.

Red Kite Milvus milvus Scarce though increasing visitor, partly from released stock. Bred until the early 19th Century. Warks A pair displayed at a site in the south-east on April 9th. This pair quite possibly stayed in the local area as singles were noted at several neighbouring sites over the next few weeks and two were seen flying north together, on June 10th. Elsewhere, at a site in the south, singles which were regularly seen from March to May, were thought to be breeding across the county boundary. There was a long awaited increase in the number of sightings in the north this year with fairly regular sightings along the ridge between Bentley/Hartshill, Over Whitacre and the Kinwalsey/Packington areas. Most other records were again concentrated in the eastern half of the county, close to the breeding populations in east Leicestershire, and Oxfordshire. In total there were records from around 45 sites, which was a slight decrease on last year. A slight decrease was also noted specifically at Brandon .An unprecedented six birds moved west in close procession at Bidford-on-Avon on July 25th AHa, NHa. Worcs Sightings were reported from 62 locations throughout the county, mostly of single birds. Two were together at SE Worcester on May 1st, Grafton Flyford on May 13th and Cutnall Green on July 6th. Bodenham Woods had two together on July 20th and August 11th with three on August 27th and an impressive four being mobbed by gulls on December 29th. Upton Warren gave the most reports for the year with nine and other popular sites were Belbroughton, Bittell Reservoirs, Bodenham Arboretum, Bredon Hill, Bromsgrove, Grafton Flyford, Longdon Marsh, Malvern Hills, Redditch, Throckmorton and Worcester. Staffs

Year 1990-99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 Birds 13 9 4 3 15 4 11 12 14 40 c.74 c.45 58

As usual, the first six months of the year produced the bulk of the records (44) and the late winter period, October to December accounted for just three sightings. A juvenile was reported in suitable breeding territory in June but actual breeding was unconfirmed. W Mid Now annual at Marsh Lane NR, where individuals flew over on April 9th and June 4th per NPB. Single birds flew over Lutley Wedge on March 27th CRo, Reedswood Park (white tag on upper left wing) on April 8th EOs and Wednesfield on 10th CWe, GWe. Unsubstantiated reports involved single birds over Brownhills on April 10th, Stourbridge on June 6th and Handsworth on October 20th.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Scarce passage migrant. Warks Following last year with around 15 individuals this year must go down as disappointing. Brandon Marsh did well as usual and received all but one of the records: The first there was a female on April 10th, another on 17th and a male on 27th BMVCT. A ringtail at Morton Bagot on April 22nd was the only other record REH. In autumn, a juvenile at Brandon on August 17th BMVCT.

68 Worcs A female arrived at Upton Warren Flashes PMA et al on April 25th and stayed until the 30th with possibly the same bird on May 7th GLB with a male here on the 18th TNo. Shenstone had a female/immature over a wheat field MSo on April 27th and also on June 8th JKe. Our only autumn bird was a female at Clifton Pits RWi, PHu on August 24th. Staffs The first birds seen flew over Stoke-on-Trent on March 26th and Branston Gravel Pits on 29th. In April, individuals were seen at Aqualate, Belvide (two), Middleton Lakes RSPB and The Roaches; in May at Aqualate (two), Belvide (two), Blithfield and Middleton Lakes RSPB. On return passage in July, one was seen at Aqualate on 9th and a female on 27th. In August, individuals were seen at Aqualate (two), Belvide and Blithfield (three), then late birds comprised an immature at Aqualate from September 15th–16th, another at Blithfield on 23rd, one over Park Hall CP on October 9th and a female over Belvide on November 10th.

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred in Staffs in 1974-5 and 1979. Warks Four records, all in the second period, was slightly fewer than last year. The first was a ringtail, seen at Brandon on October 8th and briefly on 9th, before flying north BMVCT, KYa. Once again a long staying bird frequented both sides of the county boundary at Middleton Lakes, being seen in Warks from October 24th-25th JHa and November 2nd GBri, 13th SLC and 25th SMH. A second-winter male was present on set-aside at Bidford- on-Avon for two weeks in November AWr and a female frequented the Toft Farm area from November 18th-22nd TMa, WJR. Worcs In May, a male was at Throckmorton Tip on the 22nd PTap and another gave excellent views over a crop field near Bluntington TMH on the 24th. An adult male was at Camp Lane Pits BRS and relocated at Bevere Island on October 3rd. In November a ringtail was seen at Clifton Pits AWa on the 5th. Staffs In the spring, an immature male was seen at Morridge Top on April 29th RMB and a ringtail flew through Belvide on May 7th SNut. In the autumn a female was seen intermittently on Cannock Chase between October 17th and November 2nd, being joined by a male from October 18th-26th GJM et al. The only other records were of ring-tails at Lower Penn on October 16th KCle and at Swallow Moss on November 6th RPo. W Mid A male flew over Marsh Lane NR on November 3rd JAS; the third record for the reserve. Almost certainly the same bird was seen later that day at Kingsbury Water Park and Middleton.

Harrier sp. Worcs A male was briefly seen near Pershore JMcL in the autumn as was a ringtail over Westwood Pool WDu on November 22nd. Staffs The following records were all of briefly seen “ring-tails” which were probably Hen Harriers but other similar species could not be fully ruled out. On April 19th at Essington Quarry Pool TCa, at Swallow Moss on May 3rd DLF, at Silverdale CP on October 12th JVPH and at Middleton Lakes RSPB on October 25th JHar with presumably the same bird reported on November 19th.

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Scarce to uncommon resident and visitor. Warks After a one year absence there was one confirmed record: A female on November 27th at Morton Bagot DJS.

69 Worcs Successful breeding was confirmed at three locations with nine young fledged and birds, including juveniles, were reliably reported from a further six sites in the county. Staffs Four probable breeding pairs were located this year.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Fairly common resident. Warks A common sight in all seasons, both in gardens and the wider countryside. Breeding pairs were located at: Birdingbury, Cawston Woods, Draycote, Keresley Newlands, Newbold-on-Avon, Oxhouse Farm, Priors Hardwick, Rawn Hill Wood (Mancetter), Salford Priors GP (two), Wappenbury Wood (two) and Wormleighton Res. Most of these nests were located while the parents were feeding young. In addition birds in the breeding season were recorded at a further 17 sites. Most records were of single birds but five were over Brandon on May 10th. Worcs Breeding was confirmed at Bodenham Arboretum, Callow Hill, , Fletchers Coppice, Kemerton Lake, Lower Moor, and Upton Warren. Reports were received from 61 sites throughout the county, usually for single birds, but five were soaring together over Bredon Hill on September 28th. Prey identified during the year included Greenfinch, Linnet and Reed Bunting. Staffs Prey of this widespread species included Goldfinch and Redwing. Four were seen at Doxey on September 18th. W Mid Birds bred or were present during the breeding season at 26 sites and noted at a further 27 sites across the county. A female drowned a Lapwing at Marsh Lane NR on March 4th and nearly drowned itself in doing so.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Frequent and increasing resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Common throughout the county with many nests found. Four pairs bred in the vicinity of Salford Priors GP and three in Wappenbury Wood. Many counts up to ten made from throughout the county, with peaks coming mainly in early spring and late summer. In spring these included 12 at Itchington Holt on February 24th, 24 in the Dunnington/Salford Priors area on March 11th, 11 at Priors Hardwick on 12th, 14 at Wormleighton Res on 14th, 15 in one field at Shottery on 15th, 11 at Toft Farm Lakes on 19th, 13 at Chesterton on 22nd, and 18 at Salford Priors GP on 27th, with 17 there on April 3rd and 10th. Also in April there was 16 at Wormleighton Res on 7th and 12 at Priors Hardwick on 9th. Post-breeding counts at Salford Priors GP peaked at 15 on July 31st, August 28th and October 30th. There were also 12 at Upper Shuckburgh on August 9th and 13 at Alcester Heath on 15th. Worcs Bredon Hill had five pairs and breeding was also confirmed at Bodenham Arboretum, Bow Wood, Evesham Hampton, Grafton Wood, Gwen Finch NR, Hunthouse Wood, Kemerton Lake NR, Longdon Marsh, Lower Moor and Wood Norton. Sighting reports were received from 95 locations throughout the county. Nine were together over Upton Warren on February 24th with eight on April 9th and seven were over Chase on November 13th. Our largest grouping was 15 over Bredon Hill on April 12th. Staffs Double-figure counts were 11 at Beech in January, 18 at Foxley and 17 at Ellerton Grange in March, 10 at Belvide and Doxey in April, 11 at Burton-on-Trent in June, 18 at Black Bank and 11 at Berry Hill in September. W Mid Birds were present during the breeding season at 44 sites with up to five pairs in

70 the Smestow Valley area. The highest counts comprised eight birds over Marsh Lane NR on February 24th and eleven on April 3rd, nine above Lime Pits Farm on March 19th, eight over Meriden on May 18th and August 31st, 15 over Castle Hills on August 24th and 14 over Meriden on September 21st.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Uncommon passage migrant. Warks Around 20 birds was a slight increase on last year. The first record was at Brandon on March 29th and another there on April 6th BMVCT, which might have been the bird at Draycote the next day. Further birds were at Draycote on April 11th and 18th.and Brandon again on 22nd BMVCT. The only other April record was at Alvecote on 2nd KJM. In May, one at Brandon on 1st BMVCT and one fishing at Chesterton Pools on 4th with another at Brandon on 22nd BMVCT and maybe the same at Draycote the same day and Packington the next day NPB. Finally for spring, one at Brandon on June 2nd. Return passage commenced with one at Alvecote on August 5th ASA and, unusually, one soaring over the M6 motorway at Corley, before moving south SMH. The only records in this period from Draycote were on September 6th and October 4th both TMa. Seeswood Pool and the neighbouring Arbury Park sometimes holds birds for short periods and, therefore, records for September 11th, 27th and October 16th per SMH could have involved just one bird. A juvenile at Hartshill Hayes on September 21st JHar may also have been this bird. A juvenile appeared from the north being mobbed by Ravens at Salford Priors GP on October 9th, and after hovering over the pits for about ten minutes, departed south JJB and again this may have been the same bird that was recorded flying south at Alcester on 12th MEL. Worcs Upton Warren Moors saw our first spring bird on April 18th DHul, TMB with one at Grimley Old Workings FHe on May 6th whilst on the same date, one caught a fish at Upper Bittell reservoir CTh. The Bittell bird became resident in the area during May, regularly seen fishing at both reservoirs with the last report on June 1st although another report was received here on July 31st PA n . A sighting at Upton Warren on May 27th was thought to be the Bittell bird and one visited Kemerton Lake ILa, SLa, RAP twice in the afternoon of May 20th. There was one autumn report with a bird at Upton Warren Flashes on September 12th. Staffs

Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Birds 17 11 6 21 16 39 33 19 41 c.43 21-23 39

The first arrival was on March 27th when one flew over Chasewater and Cuckoo Bank with the next over Rugeley Power Station on 30th. In April, birds were logged at Pretty Pigs Pool (Alvecote), Belvide, Blithfield, Doxey, Great Wyrley and Westport Lake; in May at Aqualate, Blithfield and Oakamoor. Blithfield hosted birds during most of June with a record three present on 8th and 9th. Passage birds were also seen at Hill Ridware and Westport Lake. Blithfield again hosted three birds on July 4th and two on 5th with just one remaining for the remainder of the month. One flew over Knypersley Reservoir on July 3rd and another lingered at Aqualate from 25th-30th, joined by a second bird on 26th. During August, four were logged at Aqualate and three through Belvide. One lingered at Blithfield all month, its blue ring indicating Scottish origin, and was joined by a second on 18th, 27th and 29th. It finally departed on September 2nd. After this, one flew SW over Belvide on 6th and another was at Blithfield from 15th-24th.

71 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Fairly common resident. Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Brandon, Burton Dassett, Fenny Compton, Hillmorton (four young reared), Maxstoke, Middleton (near North Wood), Salford Priors GP (two in area with five young) and Wormleighton. Noted at a further 29 sites throughout the year. Best counts in the post-breeding season were : five at Morton Bagot on August 7th, at Wormleighton on October 12th and at Priors Hardwick on 29th. Up to six were regular at Salford Priors GP during the autumn. Worcs Nesting was confirmed at Lower Moor and Stanford Bridge with reports received from 69 sites during the year including 26 locations during the breeding season. Staffs This bird was reported from just 127 sites this year compared with 153, 250, 229, 146, 90 and 119 in the previous six; the drop probably more to do with completion of the BTO Atlas survey work rather than a major drop in number. Breeding was confirmed at Belvide, Berry Hill, Branston GP, Cannock Chase, Cannock Wood, Casey Bank, Chasewater, Doxey, Ingestre, Loynton Moss, Middleton Lakes RSPB, Roach End, Silverdale CP, Burston and Whitemoor Haye. W Mid Breeding season records came from 28 sites though breeding was not recorded in the Smestow Valley area for the first time in many years. Birds were also noted at a further 10 sites. Merlin Falco columbarius Uncommon winter visitor. Rare breeding species on the northern moors. Warks It was a poor year, particularly in the first quarter when the only records were of a female at Chesterton on January 11th JJB, a female at Little Packington on February 2nd ARD, one, unsexed, seen from a car near Ladbroke on February 22nd PDHy, a female at Morton Bagot on March 6th REH, a male at Shotteswell on 10th per MJL and a fem/immature near Onley on 19th TMa. In the final quarter the first record was a male at Woolscott on September 13th TMa, followed by a male at Morton Bagot on September 24th REH, DJS which chased a finch flock and a juvenile there on October 2nd which took a Linnet, before being chased vigorously by the local Peregrine REH, DJS! A female was at Fenny Compton on October 5th JJB. On 12th a female landed in front of a Brandon hide with an unfortunate Skylark. More fortunate was the photographer there to secure the first confirmed record at Brandon in five years JRa. Another female was at Priors Hardwick on 15th JJB (with two females hunting together there on 29th JJB). Single males were seen at Grandborough Fields Farm on October 23rd TMa and in the Crimscote area on 24th and on November 1st, one was observed flying low and fast across fields, hunting Skylarks CPP, MCP. Single females were noted at Newton on December 8th RMo, Salford Priors GP on 11th JJB, a female or immature at Grandborough Fields Farm on 14th TMa and females in Farnborough Park on 20th JJB and at Newfields Farm, near Marton on 31st GPR. Worcs An immature male was at Lower Moor on January 3rd with an adult at Strensham on the 9th and a female at Evesham river meadows on the 18th. One was north of Stoulton on January 27th and a female was found at Barnett Brook on February 1st. Also in February, one was at Cobhouse Farm on the 9th and a female was at Church Lench on the 12th with a male over Upton Warren Moors on April 7th. Shenstone held a female on October 4th and a male on November 5th whilst a female/immature was at Wagon Wheel Lane pits on October 14th and at nearby Camp Lane pits on December 6th. One was at Eldersfield Marsh on October 15th whilst in December, one was found chasing Linnets at Stoulton on the 9th and at nearby Egdon chasing Skylarks on the 23rd. Also in December, there was a male at Norchard on the 26th.

72 Staffs Last year’s pair was present on territory but thought not to have bred and a single bird was seen in another suitable breeding area. In the first winter period bird were seen at Whitemoor Haye on January 3rd, Acton Trussell on 19th, Endon Bank on 21st, Tameside NR on 25th, the Roaches and Fleet Green on March 12th, a female at Belvide on 24th, Branston GP on April 3rd and a female at Belvide on 24th. The first autumn bird was at Middleton Lakes on September 4th, then Blithfield on 27th, Berry Hill on 28th, Belvide on October 1st, 8th, 19th (male took a Meadow Pipit) and 31st, Blithfield on October 9th, Black Bank on 19th, Essington Quarry Pool on 27th and November 1st, a male at Aqualate on 2nd, Belvide on 10th, Middleton Lakes RSPB on 12th, Chasewater on 18th, Blithfield on 27th, a male at Upper Longdon on December 18th, Blithfield on 21st and Belvide on 24th and 26th. W Mid A juvenile flew northwards over Marsh Lane NR on February 2nd RWak and a female/juvenile went southwards on October 22nd GPR, DJS.

Hobby Falco subbuteo Uncommon, but increasing, summer resident and passage migrant. Long-term average: April 20th (44) to October 9th (47) 8-year average: April 7th (–13 days) to October 19th (+10 days) First: April 2nd; Adderley Green, Berry Hill and the Roaches Last: October 19th; Clifton Pits Warks There were less confirmed breeding pairs this year but it would be surprising if the overall picture was not a stable one. Only eight pairs were either confirmed or probably successful but there were regular sightings of singles or pairs in suitable habitat from a further 29 sites. The first records of the year were from on April 18th and Brandon on 19th but it wasn’t widely spread until mid-May. One at Charlecote on July 1st was very entertaining as it took insects from the lake surface only feet from the observer ARD. Last dates: singles at Salford Priors GP on October 2nd (an adult male), Fenny Compton on 10th and Napton Res on 13th. Worcs Once again there were several early spring arrivals with birds at Wassell Grove on April 3rd and Lower Moor on the 5th. Other April reports came from Bromsgrove, Clifton Pits, Norchard, Old Yarr, Redditch, Ripple Pits, Ryall Pits and Upton Warren. A total of 60 locations mainly in the south of the county had sightings through the year with Upton Warren recording birds on at least 24 dates although numbers were considered to be down this year. Other favoured locations included Bittell Reservoirs, Camp Lane Pits, Clifton Pits, Gwen Finch NR, John Bennett NR, Kemerton Lake NR, Little Comberton, Lower Moor, Old Yarr, Shenstone, Stoke Bliss, Stoulton, Throckmorton Lagoons, Wagon Wheel Lane, Wassell Grove and Westwood Pool. Most sightings were for singles or pairs but three were found at Clifton Pits on several dates with four here on August 27th and Stoulton had three on August 28th. Most birds had left by the end of September but one was over Mount Pleasant Redditch on October 9th with the final sighting at Clifton Pits on October 19th. Staffs The first returning birds arrived on the very early date of April 2nd and were seen at Adderley Green, Berry Hill and the Roaches, with one at Aqualate on 3rd. None were then seen until 12th, but after this they became a daily occurrence. Aqualate again hosted good number, peaking at ten on May 5th. Breeding was confirmed from two sites, both producing fledged young on late dates of August 23rd and September 7th. Summer sightings came from a further 49 sites with breeding probably taking place at some of them. Birds were seen regularly until September 27th, the last being at Blithfield on October 1st and Middleton Lakes RSPB on 5th.

73 W Mid At least one pair bred within the county, one raising four young (the observer’s first record of such). One or two birds were noted in Lutley Wedge on ten dates from April 3rd (earliest ever arrival here) to September 2nd, Fens Pools on ten days from April 12th to September 10th and Marsh Lane NR on 20 dates from April 19th to September 27th. At Meriden, a bird was seen on May 11th, followed by two on September 14th and three on 21st. Birds were “seen regularly” at Temple Balsall from May to September and in Goscote Valley on four dates from July 4th to September 8th. Individuals were also noted at Chadwick Manor on April 30th, Olton Mere on May 6th and August 30th, Old Swinford on May 10th, Clayhanger Marsh on 22nd, Westwood Heath on June 19th, Dorridge on July 10th, Dunstall Park on 20th and August 23rd and 29th, Ryders Mere on 7th, Sutton Park on 16th and 28th, and Bickenhill Plantation on 26th.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Frequent winter visitor and passage migrant. Uncommon breeding species. Warks Breeding again took place at five sites. At one, three chicks fledged but no other information received about successful fledging or otherwise. At one site future breeding appears unlikely as the building has been developed by the owners. Generally there were far fewer sightings this year although Brandon had a record year with 24 records across all parts of the year. Regular too at Morton Bagot and Wishaw, with ten records and seen fairly regularly at a further 20 sites. Worcs Reports were received from 28 locations throughout the county, a slight increase on 2010 (23 locations). As usual, Upton Warren with its transmitter mast roost provided the most sightings with birds seen during every month. Lower Moor and Bittell Reservoirs were also popular sites during the winter months. Prey taken included Feral Pigeon, Jackdaw, Lapwing, Linnet and Starling. Staffs Nine pairs attempted breeding with four being successful, two failed and three unknown. Three were seen at Rugeley Quarry on August 15th and at Blithfield on September 26th. W Mid A pair nested successfully in Walsall, with others noted during the breeding season in Birmingham city centre, Old Swinford, Reedswood Park (though not reported after April 17th), Sandwell Valley and University of Birmingham. Birds were recorded at Marsh Lane NR in every month except June and July, being noted on a maximum of 15 days in December including a male and female talon-grappling on 3rd. Other sightings involved single birds at Dunstall Park on January 27th and 29th, Coventry on February 18th, Smestow Valley on March 3rd and 7th, and December 3rd, Brueton Park on March 19th, Fens Pools on 22nd, April 11th, August 25th and October 4th, Clayhanger on April 7th, Goscote Valley on May 16th, Kingswinford on August 15th, Meriden on September 19th, Lutley Wedge on October 2nd, Meriden Quarries from November 16th-17th, Stubber’s Green on December 6th, Mercote Mill on 14th and Box Trees on 25th.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Frequent winter visitor and uncommon resident.

Monthly maxima for selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Worcestershire Gwen Finch Wetland 2 1 1 3 – – – 1 – 1 2 2 Lower Moor 1 1 – – – – – – – – 2 2 Oakley Pool – – 1 1 – – – – – 1 – 2

74 J F M A M J J A S O N D Upton Warren – – 1 3 – – – – 2 1 3 – Westwood Pool – – – 1 – 1 3 3 3 2 3 2 West Midlands Marsh Lane NR 2 – 1 2 2 – 1 2 2 3 2 3

Warks Although this species has undoubtedly suffered in recent cold winters there has also been a distinct fall in reporting rates. At Brandon a pair was seen with four young on June 19th and a second nest was located there on June 2nd. A pair was again present in a traditional reedbed territory at Salford Priors GP and they presumably bred as a young juvenile was seen there on July 24th. The only other records in the breeding season were from Ladywalk. Birds were absent from many sites early in the year after most of the suitable habitats froze over. An autumn influx was noted at Brandon, with five on October 13th and at least seven at Salford Priors GP on 2nd. Elsewhere in the county singles were noted at Baddesley Clinton, Charlecote GP, Charlecote Park, Chesterton Pools, Coton, Farnborough, Fenny Compton, Knightcote, Lea Marston, Napton Res, Stoneton Moat and Whittleford Park. Worcs The only two localities reported to hold successfully breeding birds were Upton Warren, where four pairs were believed to have bred, with juveniles observed at the Moors Pool, North Moors Pool and the Flash Pools, plus at Bodenham Arboretum an adult and juvenile were noted on August 14th. Away from the tabulated sites, one was at Arrow Valley Lake on January 17th, one was heard at Strensham Sludge Lagoons on 22nd and April 24th, Kemerton Lake held singles on March 28th, April 4th and 17th, one was at Bodenham Arboretum on May 2nd, one at Strensham Sludge Lagoons on October 4th and Camp Lane Pit held one on Water Rail, Doxey, Neil Thorneycroft November 20th, then two on December 18th. Staffs Doubtless under-recorded but reported from eight sites in the first winter period with the highest count being of five birds at Doxey Marshes on January 20th. Other reports were of one or two birds only, with previously unmentioned sites including Shugborough, Foker Grange, Ingestre and Wolseley Bridge, along with Aqualate, Gailey and Middleton Lakes RSPB. Noted during May to September at Aqualate, Belvide, Branston GP, at Doxey Marshes where 19 pairs were on territory (cf. 24 in 2010), and at Middleton Lakes RSPB. In the second winter period birds were present at 10 sites with the highest count being made at Doxey where 12 were noted on November 20th. Other sites not mentioned above included Astonfields Balancing Reservoir, Berry Hill, Branston Water Park, Brookley’s Lake, Copmere (three on December 5th), Endon and Mill Green Park. A dead bird was found on the towpath of the Caldon Canal at Endon on November 2nd. W Mid Successful breeding occurred at Marsh Lane NR again, though no more than one juvenile bird was seen at any time. In contrast to 2010, birds were much scarcer in the first

75 winter period, presumably as a result of harsh weather. Single birds were noted at Fens Pools on January 9th, 24th and 26th, Smestow Valley on 24th and Reedswood Park on February 14th. Other spring records involved individuals at Mercote Mill and Meriden on April 22nd and Blythe Valley CP on May 15th. A bird was noted at Little Bracebridge Pool on July 28th. Probably the same juvenile bird was noted in Goscote Valley on August 22nd and September 3rd. Observations at the end of the year involved two birds in Sandwell Valley on October 15th and singles on 30th and November 19th; and singles at Fens Pools on November 2nd and 21st, and December 23rd, and Clayhanger on November 18th.

2009 Addenda W Mid Single birds were also noted in December at Babb’s Mill on 22nd and Meriden on 28th.

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant and winter visitor (8/10). Has bred. Warks A bird at Brandon from March 27th-April 9th per BMVCT was the first there since 1998. Brandon was once the premier site for this species but has been overtaken, in the new millennium by Ladywalk and Wormleighton Res, which both accounted for the last records, in 2009. Staffs One was heard calling at Doxey Marshes on April 10th MDB, SPe. W Mid A bird was heard calling and seen briefly at Clayhanger Marsh on August 7th CMa.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Very common resident.

Monthly maxima for selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Worcestershire Arrow Valley Lake 14 4 6 8 6 3 10 6 – – 8 11 Avon Meadows NR 3 4 6 – – – – – – – – – Bittell Reservoirs 2 – 2 7 3 2 6 3 8 5 3 7 Bredon’s Hardwick 3 – 2 1 1 – 1 1 – 2 – 4 Camp Lane Pits 32 29 31 28 22 14 16 18 – 22 26 22 Clifton Pits 2 4 – – 1 – 5 2 2 4 2 1 Gwen Finch Wetland 4 7 6 6 2 2 6 10 11 5 3 2 Kemerton Lake 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 7 9 5 2 4 Oakley Pool – 2 5 4 – 3 – – – 3 1 2 Pirton Pool – – – – – – 13 18 15 21 18 12 Trimpley Reservoir 5 4 4 4 2 5 2 2 4 2 2 3 Upton Warren 21 18 11 10 12 10 17 25 19 13 18 17 Westwood Pool 3 1 1 4 2 4 13 40 39 32 18 15 Staffordshire Aqualate 6 1 5 3 6 – 9 5 11 – 6 7 Astonfields Balancing Res – – – 7 – 8 – – – – 10 8 Chasewater – 2 – – – 2 -– 2 8 4 6 8 Doxey Marshes 13 9 5 9 10 7 8 14 25 17 16 11 Middleton Lakes – 6 6 6 8 8 10 6 10 6 10 10 Rocester Pools 18 19 27 15 8 10 17 29 25 38 30 18 Tameside NR – – – – – – – 6 6 6 7 – Uttoxeter Quarry – 3 2 2 – – 2 3 2 – 1 1 Westport Lake 15 14 – 5 8 9 6 13 15 19 24 12 West Midlands Marsh Lane NR 3 4 6 8 6 8 14 14 15 13 18 15 Meriden – 4 – 6 4 – 6 4 6 – 4 –

76 J F M A M J J A S O N D Saltwells LNR 9 – 6 6 1 – – – – – 5 7 Sandwell Valley 8 p 6 3 2 3 2 4 8 p 10 10 Stubber’s Green 12 10 3 9 – – – – – 6 16 14 Walsall Arboretum 17 8 3 – – 2 9 – – 11 11 11

Warks Breeding information was sparse although numbers are probably stable but with fewer than five years ago. At Brandon, at least eight broods were raised with seven at Salford Priors GP and five on angling pools at Upper Kingston. The only double-figure counts came from: Brandon, max. 21 on December 3rd; Kingsbury WP, 26 on January 21st and Napton Res, 20 on August 5th and 31st. Worcs Three broods at Bodenham Lake fledged 14 young, while at Upton Warren eight broods were recorded across the reserve. Away from the tabulated localities, first winter period counts comprised four at Wick Grange/Glenmore Farm on January 29th and March 2nd, three at Brake Mill Pool on February 16th, three at Kyre Park on March 18th, five at Offerton Lane on 20th and three at Wassell Grove Pools on 25th. A summer record comprised four at Grafton Flyford on June 11th. During the second winter period, five were noted at Brake Mill Pool on October 21st, then six here on 28th, five at Croome Landscape Park, three at Windmill Pool and three at Island Pool also on 28th. Also reported at Aston Somerville, Astwood Bank west, Blakedown, Crumpfields, Dowles Brook, Finstall Park, Ipsley Alders, Lower Moor, Nunnery Wood, Old Yarr, Pepper Wood, Rough Hill Orchard, Stakenbridge Farm, Throckmorton Lagoons, Witley Court and Wythall. Staffs As well as the nine tabulated sites the species was recorded at a further 85 locations, underlining the species’ wide distribution throughout the county. Regular counting of the species is inconsistent as demonstrated by the table above but the data available suggest no substantial change between years. In the early part of the year the maximum count of 27 birds at Rocester Lakes was made on March 12th and this easily-viewed site again held the highest counted numbers in the latter part of the year with 38 on October 15th. 28 locations hosted birds during the breeding season but this will surely be only a small sample of the numerous pools, ponds and other larger water bodies that will have held birds during 2011. W Mid Five pairs bred at Sheepwash UP. Away from tabulated sites, high totals included 13 birds at Titford Pools on January 6th, 15 at Wyken Slough on February 5th, 12 at Elmdon Park on 7th, Olton Mere on October 2nd and along the Wyrley and Essington Canal at Heath Town on November 13th, 25 along the Stourbridge Branch Canal on 14th, 12 at Fens Pools on 20th and 51 along Smestow Valley on December 30th (cf. 31 on December 27th 2010).

Common Coot Fulica atra Fairly common resident, common in winter.

Monthly maxima for selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford 15 16 – – – – – 40 85 110 100 30 Alvecote – – – – – – – 100 – 89 – 40 Coombe Abbey 216 190 88 46 52 117 151 45 221 212 212 236 Coton/Lea Marston 70 14 – – – – – 260 512 580 605 505 Dosthill/Kingsbury 100 100 18 13 – 14 120 100 46 78 128 120 Draycote 164 – – 50 – – – – – – – – Napton Res 110 90 72 – 50 – 155 140 205 185 265 300 Salford Priors GP 19 56 47 45 46 60 73 90 66 45 22 17

77 J F M A M J J A S O N D Shustoke 340 318 135 – – – – 500 700 585 540 450 Worcestershire Arrow Valley Lake 50 10 11 11 17 11 16 12 – – 14 15 Avon Meadows NR 6 8 22 10 – – – – – – – – Bittell Reservoirs 45 – 23 18 25 38 96 39 112 110 74 51 Bredon’s Hardwick 130 56 23 33 12 – 19 33 3 2 3 11 Camp Lane Pits 61 58 62 51 48 51 62 53 62 69 75 78 Clifton Pits 20 28 24 28 40 – 128 152 36 12 24 17 Gwen Finch Wetland – 2 2 4 8 7 2 3 2 – – – Ipsley Alders – 3 2 2 2 – – 1 – – – – Kemerton Lake 37 58 48 32 24 38 72 83 99 102 113 111 Kyre Pool 4 8 5 – – – – – – – – – Oakley Pool 1 7 6 3 2 3 – – – 4 10 6 Pershore Meadow Wetland 5 11 17 – – – – – – – – – Pirton Pool – – – – – – 129 185 132 110 95 111 Trimpley Reservoir 101 34 36 18 12 4 6 11 34 28 35 29 Upton Warren 150 150 77 48 46 66 108 133 205 267 250 240 Westwood Pool 24 10 28 41 80 155 323 262 180 103 77 30 Staffordshire Aqualate 70 51 40 41 39 105 463 981 900 958 509 826 Barton GP – 79 66 40 48 88 418 599 569 892 939 – Belvide 99 126 137 87 118 233 275 414 464 633 806 820 Blithfield 110 112 140 67 135 342 301 122 55 2 2 9 Branston Water Park 57 158 50 50 80 80 80 p 150 223 – 200 Chasewater 181 159 22 – – 95 – 251 294 187 202 213 Copmere 404 137 73 37 48 67 150 257 382 110 354 352 Doxey Marshes 101 67 46 50 25 62 64 69 85 71 77 83 Essington Quarry Pool 49 45 40 18 18 19 60 60 52 56 47 65 Gailey Reservoir 96 93 54 62 - 161 137 307 71 61 38 71 Middleton Lakes – 16 12 22 8 16 25 8 50 45 64 141 Rocester Pools 64 73 50 24 22 33 40 44 51 67 76 88 Westport Lake 118 69 52 41 45 85 99 134 120 117 99 126 Whitemoor Haye 6 – – 7 12 7 – – 57 111 140 131 West Midlands Marsh Lane NR 74 61 40 43 46 51 101 102 101 89 61 64 Meriden – 16 – 16 20 – 40 30 20 – 20 – Netherton Reservoir 90 – 22 21 10 – – – – 9 31 37 Sandwell Valley 40 p 30 4 5 p 6 4 15 11 40 10 Stubber’s Green 37 35 p p p p p p p 13 15 18 Walsall Arboretum 18 19 9 – – 8 14 – – 21 24 23 WeBS 2010 3765 2809 2436 1517 1360 2241 3286 4383 4539 4265 4053 3574 WeBS 2011 3862 3681 2205 1245 1136 1948 2549 3941 6053 4608 5911 6298

Warks The largest concentrations of breeding pairs found were ten at Brandon, eight at both Compton Verney and Earlswood Lakes, five at Farnborough Park, 20 at Napton Res, 23 at Salford Priors GP and four at Wormleighton Res. Generally wintering flocks are smaller although Draycote totals were largely unavailable. Amongst the tabulated sites, the largest gathering was an estimated 700 at Shustoke on September 27th (previous best, 1200 in Nov 2005). Elsewhere, counts of over 20 were received from just four other sites, with maxima of 47 at Brandon on February 1st, 24 at Earlswood Lakes from 13th-14th, 21 at Charlecote GP on March 5th, and 32 at Compton Verney on September 17th. Worcs The only breeding data came from Upton Warren, with brood counts of eight at the Moors Pool, one on the North Moors Pool and six at the Flash Pools. The best counts away from the tabulated sites comprised five at Windmill Pool on February 16th, six at Croome Lake on March 12th and April 2nd, 63 at Ripple Pit on October 4th, five at Island

78 Pool on 28th and 120 at Ripple Pit on November 20th. Counts below five or reported as present at Aston Sommerville, Brake Mill Pool, British Camp Reservoir, Crumpfields, Elmley Castle, Finstall Park, Lower Moor, Nafford Lock, Offerton Lane, Pepper Wood, Tardebigge Reservoir, Wick, Witley Court, Windmill Pool and Wyre Forest. Staffs The number of birds in the county was significantly less than in the same period in 2010 probably due to weather conditions with birds relocating during the icy period, the early-year maximum count of 404 at Copmere was on January 16th and continuing from December 2011’s count, was unusually high for this site which appears to have gained birds whilst other large sites have lost theirs. Numbers in February suggest that birds were redistributing for the oncoming breeding season and 34 sites held birds during the spring and summer where breeding was confirmed or suspected, although doubtless many sites holding pairs went unreported. Detailed reports of breeding attempts were received from several sites including Branston GP (seven pairs), Doxey Marshes (nine) and Westport Lake (12). The post-breeding increase in numbers is apparent in the June totals and at many of the large sites the late-summer population peaked in August with the year’s maximum count of 981 at Aqualate on the 14th, a welcome “return to form” for the site which held only one-tenth of these numbers in 2010. Birds from further afield may have been included in the counts for the first two and last three months of the year and the highest counts at Barton GP and at Belvide were on November 26th and December 17th respectively. An ongoing Coot ringing project in the Lancashire area yielded several colour-ring observations at Westport Lake in the first two months of the year, including birds from Southport and from Greater Manchester, clearly demonstrating that birds with us in winter have travelled some distance to be here. W Mid An estimated eight pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR, where numbers throughout the year were generally lower than in 2010, particularly in August and September. Away from tabulated sites, birds were also noted during the breeding season at Blythe Valley CP, College Farm, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon Park, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common, Rocket Pool, Rough Wood, Rushall Canal, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley LNR, Steelpark Way, Sutton Park, Walsall Golf Course, Wordsley, Wyken Slough and Yardley Wood. Other high counts include 170 birds at Edgbaston Reservoir on January 1st, 30 at Wyken Slough on February 5th, 36 in Sutton Park on March 26th, 119 at Fens Pools on November 20th and 96 at Ryders Mere on December 22nd. Birds were also seen at Pool, Bumble Hole LNR, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, Lutley Wedge, Norton, Olton Mere, The Leasowes, Titford Pools, Walsall, Warren Hall LNR, West Park and Wyrley and Essington Canal at Heath Town.

Common Crane Grus grus Rare vagrant (8/10). Warks One flying south over Kingsbury village on December 5th was independently seen by two observers GBri, SLC. This is the seventh record for the post-1974 county but there have now been three records in three years. Following reintroduction attempts as close as Slimbridge (Glos) we should see further regular records. Worcs Two circled over Church Hill North, Redditch at 09:50hr on April 17th TWe. Staffs One flew over Croxall Lakes on May 9th MYap.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Frequent passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor and uncommon breeding bird, the latter mainly in the Tame and Trent valleys.

79 Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford – 1 2 4 1 – 1 – – – – – Brandon 1 4 6 4 5 9 6 1 – – – – Dosthill/Kingsbury – 2 1 4 2 4 2 2 – – – – Draycote – 1 1 2 1 2 1 8 – – – – Ladywalk – 4 4 1 – 1 – – – – – – Salford Priors GP – 1 1 1 – 3 1 – – – – – Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – 1 – – 3 8 4 – – – – Bredon’s Hardwick – 2 2 2 2 3 2 – – – – – Camp Lane Pits – – 2 4 2 2 2 – – – – – Clifton Pits – – 2 2 2 – – – – – – – Kemerton Lake NR – 2 2 2 3 4 4 – – – – – Ripple Pits – – – 2 2 3 2 – – – – 1 Upton Warren – 5 9 6 5 6 4 1 – – 1 – Staffordshire Barton GP – 1 4 2 8 9 8 – – – – – Belvide 2 5 7 5 9 8 8 – 1 – – – Blithfield 1 10 7 11 14 8 12 1 – 1 – – Branston GP – 2 3 6 12 8 7 1 – – – – Chasewater – 2 3 3 3 5 3 – – – – – Croxall Lakes – 4 5 6 7 7 8 4 – – – – Doxey Marshes – – 2 4 4 2 1 – – – – – Fisherwick/Elford – 1 2 2 2 4 3 – – – – – Middleton Lakes – 4 5 2 4 2 1 1 – – – – Rocester Pools – 1 2 – – 1 2 – – – – – Tittesworth – 2 4 6 4 5 7 6 – – – – Uttoxeter Quarry – 4 10 8 8 12 8 – – – – – Whitemoor Haye – 2 2 2 5 2 – – – – 1 – West Midlands Marsh Lane NR – 3 8 6 6 6 8 1 – – – – Meriden – 1 – 2 1 – 3 – – – – – Ryders Mere – 2 2 4 4 – 2 – – – – – Sandwell Valley – – 2 2 3 2 p – – – – –

Warks In the breeding season two pairs were present at Brandon (four hatched, two fledged) and three pairs were probably successful in the Kingsbury area. There was no breeding attempt at Salford Priors GP this year. A pair was present in the spring at Bubbenhall GP and one or two were in the Meriden area from February 25th-July 29th. An early arrival, possibly in line with other coastal waders in the cold weather, was one at Brandon on January 24th. The usual arrival of the breeding birds seemed to commence from February 8th and at Brandon, birds had mated by the months end. At Earlswood one or two were regular with a site record of six on July 13th. Elsewhere, away from the tabulated sites it was mainly ones and twos with four records at Morton Bagot and others at Alvecote, Baddesley Clinton and Whitacre Heath. Worcs Two broods at Upton Warren Moors fledged one young each and two successfully fledged at Throckmorton Lagoons, Kemerton Lake and Ripple Pits. At Bredon’s Hardwick, one young successfully fledged and breeding was attempted at Lower Moor. Nine were at Upton Warren on March 13th and Bittell had eight on July 4th. Reports were also received from Arrow Lake, Vale Pool, Camp Lane Pits, Clifton Pits, Coombe Hill canal, Croome Park, Gwen Finch NR, High Green Flash, John Bennett NR, Nafford Lock and Westwood Pool.

80 Staffs

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Pairs (successful) 2(1) 5(3) 2(1) 6(5) 7(5) 9(4) 15(7) 19(8) 19(8) 15(7) 15(6)

Breeding details are as follows: at Barton GP (two pairs each fledging one young), Belvide (one pair failed), Blithfield (one pair, two young fledged), Branston GP (one pair), Branston Water Park (one pair), Croxall Lakes (one pair), Doxey (one pair failed), Drointon (one pair), Gailey (pair with two young), Tittesworth Reservoir (one pair fledged two young) and Uttoxeter Quarry (four pairs, one Oystercatcher, Doxey, Neil Thorneycroft young fledged). There were two very late records: one at Blithfield on October 11th and one at Whitemoor Haye on November 21st which is believed to be the latest regional record. W Mid Two pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR (probably fledging three young) and Meriden Quarry. One or two birds were seen at North Warwickshire Golf Course on April 29th and May 13th, and Berkswell on 18th, with three at Fens Pools on 20th and one on July 18th. Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Scarce passage migrant and rare breeder. Warks One at Toft Farm on March 7th TMa, WJR presumably moved over the road to Draycote, where one was present later in the day BHaz, RCM. One at Salford Priors GP on April 10th. This was a first for the site and was believed to have been present from around the 8th per JJB. Worcs A single bird arrived back at Upton Warren Flashes on February 13th DWa with a steady build-up to 19 adults present in early April. The first nest here was predated by a Moorhen on April 3rd but eight pairs hatched 24 and fledged 16 young successfully including one with a broken leg and two juveniles stayed until July 23rd. Elsewhere, two adults visited Westwood Pool on May 22nd WDu. Staffs Two lingered at Branston Gravel Pits from March 28th -30th, followed by one at Middleton Lakes from May 5th-6th then two more at Branston GP on 29th. The latter site also hosted a single bird on return passage from October 8th–9th.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Frequent summer resident and passage migrant. Long-term average: March 19th (47) to October 4th (47) 8-year average: March 12th (–7 days) to October 8th (+4 days) First: March 12th; Belvide Res, Marsh Lane NR Last: September 21st; Draycote

81

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon – – 4 9 9 8 11 1 – – – – Draycote – – 5 2 3 8 11 3 – – – Kingsbury area – – 1 3 – – 11 9 1 – – – Morton Bagot – – 2 4 1 – 2 – – – – – Salford Priors GP – – 6 13 14 8 4 – 1 – – – Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – – 2 3 7 6 – – – – Bredon’s Hardwick – – – 1 1 – 2 – – – – – Camp Lane Pits – – 2 4 1 3 2 – – – – – Clifton Pits – – 9 7 6 – – – – – – – Gwen Finch NR – – 1 2 2 1 – – – – – – John Bennett NR – – 1 5 3 1 – – – – – – Lower Moor – – 5 7 2 – – – – – – – Ripple Pits – – 4 10 8 – 2 – – – – – Ryall Pits – – 1 2 6 2 2 – – – – – Throckmorton Lagoon – – – – 2 – 2 – – – – – Upton Warren – – 6 13 14 17 20 3 – – – – Wagon Wheel Lane – – 2 – – – – 2 – – – – Staffordshire Barton GP – – 5 3 12 4 – – – – – – Belvide – – 8 9 8 4 1 5 2 – – – Blithfield – – 3 19 7 16 62 13 – 2 1 – Branston GP - – – 4 12 5 4 2 – – – – Chasewater – – 10 20 43 30 24 8 4 – – – Croxall Lakes – – – 2 8 2 5 – – – – – Croxden Quarry – – 5 4 3 7 8 – – – – – Doxey Marshes – – 6 11 7 2 2 – – – – – Middleton Lakes – – 5 5 2 – 10 9 2 – – – Rudyard Lake – – – 2 2 – 4 2 – – – – Silverdale CP – – 4 5 6 9 2 – – – – – Sideway – – 5 6 4 4 2 – – – – – Tittesworth – – 2 9 9 20 17 13 4 – – – Uttoxeter Quarry – – 3 31 40 25 18 3 1 – – – Westport Lake – – 2 5 3 2 2 – – – – – Whitemoor Haye – – – 2 6 p 6 4 – – – – West Midlands Dunstall Park – – – 2 4 7 6 – – – – – Marsh Lane NR – – 3 6 7 14 7 2 – – – – Sandwell Valley – – 2 3 3 1 4 – – – – –

Warks Breeding pairs were present at Brandon (two, with three nesting attempts and one successful in fledging three chicks), Brinklow GP (two), Bubbenhall GP (one), Coleshill GP (two), Fisher’s Mill (at least one), High Cross Quarry (one), Salford Priors GP (five, but none appeared to raise any chicks due to predation) and Toft Farm (two, with one chick fledging). Elsewhere in summer, a pair displayed occasionally at Shustoke and a bird near Wappenbury Wood in May probably came from Bubbenhall GP. The first bird to return was at Brandon on March 18th with four displaying and nest-scraping within a week. Final records for the year were of a single at Salford Priors GP on September 18th and two at Draycote on 21st Worcs The first spring arrival was at Upton Warren Flashes on March 16th with one at Holt Sling Pool on the 19th and two at Clifton Pits on the 20th which increased to nine on the 26th. Notable numbers in April include 13 at Upton Warren on the 22nd and ten at Ripple Pits from 17th-29th. Four pairs bred at Upton Warren where two nests were abandoned but

82 two young successfully fledged from each of the others. A second brood in early July was predated by a Fox. A pair at Ryall Pits had four young at the end of May and at least one successfully fledged as did one at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits. A juvenile was present with an adult at Throckmorton Lagoon from July 5th and one was at Longdon Marsh on August 4th with one at Westwood Pool on the 14th where it was chased by a Lesser Black-backed Gull. Away from the tabulated sites, reports were also received from Holt, Kemerton Lake and Oakley Pool. The latest sightings were on August 14th with two at Bittell Reservoirs and one at Westwood Pool. Staffs

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Breeding pairs 12 8 10 17 18-19 15 22-23 29-30 35+ 35 52

Little Ringed Plover, Westport Lake, Steve Seal

The first bird arrived at Belvide on March 12th. 62 at Blithfield on July 9th beat last years’ county record of 45 and becomes a regional record count. Significant numbers were also recorded at Chasewater, peaking at 47 on May 30th and 40 Uttoxeter Quarry on May 9th. For the second year running, a long staying juvenile arrived at Blithfield on October 5th and remained there until the very late date of November 4th. Breeding occurred at Barton GP (three pairs), Belvide (one with young), Blithfield (five), Branston GP (four), Chasewater (13), Croxall Lakes (two), Croxden Quarry (one), Doxey (five displayed but none successful), Middleton Lakes RSPB (one), Rudyard Lake (two), Silverdale CP (two), Stanley Pool (one), Sideway (two), Tittesworth (five), Uttoxeter Quarry (four) and Whitemoor Haye (one). The significant increase in breeding numbers is mainly due to the drainage of Chasewater Reservoir for repair works, providing excellent habitat for 13 pairs which hatched at least 36 chicks. Additional sightings in March were from Stanley Matthews Way (Britannia Stadium) and Caverswall Marsh (two); in April from Berry Hill (two) and River Dove at Sudbury; in May from Berry Hill (three) and Kingswood Pools; in June from Berry

83 Hill (two) and in July from Coley Brook Marsh. W Mid Breeding was only confirmed at Dunstall Park (two pairs raised three young – the first success since 1998) and Marsh Lane NR (probably three pairs fledging at least one young). Sightings away from tabulated sites involved one bird at Mercote Mill on April 15th, May 2nd, 11th and June 29th, two at Meriden on April 15th and one on May 2nd, 6th, 18th and 31st, one at Fens Pools on 5th and 11th, three in Smestow Valley on 14th, one at Clayhanger Marsh on 25th and two on July 24th, and one at Olton Mere on 15th.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Frequent passage migrant and scarce summer resident. Rare in mid-winter.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon – 2 2 2 4 2 5 1 – – – – Kingsbury area – – 2 2 10 – – 12 12 – – – Draycote – 1 1 – 16 – 2 20 21 12 1 – Salford Priors GP – – – 1 2 1 – 10 6 1 – – Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – – 6 – – 2 12 2 – – Bredon’s Hardwick – – – – 6 1 – 1 1 – – – Camp Lane Pits – – – 1 6 – – 1 2 – – – Ripple Pits – – – 1 4 6 – 1 1 – – – Upton Warren - 1 – – 4 2 1 3 – – – – Staffordshire Barton GP – – 4 2 18 – – – – – – – Belvide – 1 1 1 7 2 – 2 6 3 – – Blithfield – 1 1 8 16 11 5 25 70 1 1 – Branston GP – – 7 6 13 13 5 – 7 – – – Chasewater – 1 3 5 26 2 5 – – – – – Croxall Lakes – 5 3 2 22 1 1 6 2 1 – – Doxey Marshes – – 2 14 – – 1 – – – – – Middleton Lakes – 2 6 4 37 5 1 12 12 8 – – Tittesworth – – 1 1 6 2 – 3 4 – – – Uttoxeter Quarry – – 1 4 40 17 1 2 – – – – Whitemoor Haye – – 2 6 3 7 – 3 – – – – West Midlands Marsh Lane NR – 2 4 2 10 5 3 2 1 – – –

Warks The first arrival was at Brandon on February 14th, where a pair remained from late March until the end of May but with no apparent attempt to breed. At least one pair was present at Birch Coppice but any breeding success went unrecorded. At Fisher’s Mill, a pair was seen to chase away Little Ringed Plovers and a juvenile seen on June 22nd hopefully confirmed breeding there. A pair at Salford Priors GP appeared to hold territory during May but did not attempt to breed. At Fisher’s Mill ten on May 14th was noteworthy as was a single at Toft Farm on May 28th. On return passage there was a better showing at Draycote, Fisher’s Mill and Salford Priors GP with four at Earlswood on August 31st and September 1st the best of very few non-tabulated records. Worcs One was at Lower Moor on February 18th with one at Upton Warren Flashes on the 20th. Upton Warren had one/four from May 1st to June 12th including a C. h. tundrae bird and a juvenile on August 7th with three on the 13th and singles again on the 25th and 27th. One was at Ripple on April 2nd with two/four during May and six on June 1st. Camp Lane Pits held one on April 22nd with six from May 17th-18th. Lower Moor had one from

84 May 17th-20th and Ryall Pits had one on the 25th. Both Bittell Reservoirs and Bredon’s Hardwick had six on May 20th and in September, Bittell had 12 on the 11th with up to four present to the end of the month. September birds were also at Bredon’s Hardwick (one), Camp Lane Pits (two), Clifton Pits (four) and Ripple Pits (one) and in October, Bittell Reservoirs held two on the 4th and 6th. Staffs Breeding occurred at Barton GP, Branston GP (two to three pairs with young), Chasewater (one pair attempted but failed), Croxall Lakes (one pair attempted) and Middleton Lakes RSPB (one pair fledged one young). Uttoxeter Quarry held good numbers throughout May, peaking at 40 on 18th. In the autumn, Blithfield recorded particularly high numbers through September, peaking at 70 on 17th. Untabulated records were of singles at Essington Quarry Pool on April 29th, Tameside NR on May 26th, Borrowpit Lake on May 31st and June 9th, two at Elford North Pit on June 12th, a juvenile at Silverdale CP from August 11th- 13th, one at Gailey on August 30th with two there from 31st until September 13th. W Mid A pair was seen sporadically at Marsh Lane during the breeding season, but no attempts were noted. Single birds were seen at Dunstall Park from May 12th-15th, Fens Pools on 13th and Ryders Mere on 20th.

Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Rare passage migrant, very rare in winter (9/10). Staffs One was present at Whitemoor Haye from May 3rd-4th many observers.

European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Scarce, and declining breeding species on the North Staffs Moors. Long-term average: August 14th (63) to April 29th (65) 8-year average: August 15th (+1 day) to April 24th (–5 days) First: August 19th; Draycote Last: May 2nd; Lower Moor

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon 13 – 140 150 – – – – – 50 172 220 Fenny Compton- Wormleighton 60 50 50 60 – – – – – 440 580 400 Kingsbury area – – – – – – – – – 60 200 600 Wishaw 90 253 26 – – – – – – – 242 – Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – – – – – – – – 150 100 Bredon Hill – – 120 – – – – – 5 175 200 52 Bredon’s Hardwick 24 – – – – – – – 1 – – 400 Lower Moor 120 32 65 120 16 – – – – 175 2200 156 Ripple Pits – 5 – – – – – – – – 12 21 Shenstone – 9 – – – – – 5 – 11 – – Upton Warren – 9 18 – – – – – – – 18 24 Staffordshire Belvide – 18 37 13 – – – – – 113 364 257 Berry Hill – 7 130 – – – – – 8 55 160 – Black Bank – – 1 – – – – – 30 200 220 220 Blithfield – – 55 – – – – 1 – 106 792 653 Branston GP – 10 157 – – – – – – 844 700 500 Britannia Stadium 300 73 143 – – – – – – – – –

85 J F M A M J J A S O N D Croxall Lakes 25 100 – – – – – – – 1 350 – Essington Quarry – – – – – – – – – – 60 200 Middleton Lakes 1 – – 8 – – – – – 76 200 31 Sideway – 12 158 57 – – – – 6 108 90 40 Uttoxeter Quarry – – – – – – – 2 – 232 284 500 Whitemoor Haye 85 – – – – – – – 1 – 180 243 West Midlands Box Trees/ Hockley Heath 255 450 500 – – – – – 28 450 – – Marsh Lane NR 12 30 1 – – – – – 2 70 130 47

Warks Unusually scarce during the first quarter, with non-tabulated flocks noted including 60 at Chapel Ascote on January 3rd, 50 at Hill, Chesterton on February 11th, 162 at Honington on March 8th, 80 over Earlswood on 11th, a peak of 29 at Priors Hardwick on 12th and 40 at Toft Farm Lakes on 19th. The last spring records were 60 at Fenny Compton on April 3rd and 20 at Tysoe on 7th.There was generally a late return, with the earliest at Draycote on August 19th but then none until one at Salford Priors GP on October 9th. Numbers were then about average at Fenny Compton/Wormleighton but they remained scarce elsewhere. Away from tabulated sites the best counts were 220 over Earlswood on October 16th, 40 at Alvecote on 18th, a maximum of 200 at Admington from 30th (until November 20th), 100 over Draycote on 31st (and December 16th), 100 at Salford Priors GP on November 6th, 45 at Chapel Ascote on December 24th, 100 over Lighthorne Quarry on 26th and 160 over Earlswood on 28th. Worcs First winter period numbers were low with 25 at Strensham on January 9th, 15 at Lower Park on the 11th, 14 at Wick on the 20th, 24 at Bredon’s Hardwick on the 31st and 16 at Little Comberton on the 29th with 10 here on February 19th. Lower Moor had 120 on January 14th, 80 on the 15th and 32 on February 10th with 65 in March and 120 in April. Bredon Hill had 120 on March 8th with 112 on the 29th and 220 flew over on the 23rd. Small groups were also reported from Kemerton Lake (one), Longdon Marsh (16), Ripple Pits (five), Stoulton (15), Summerfield (nine), Upton Warren (18) and . There were eight at Wassell Grove pools on April 2nd with 120 over Lower Moor which also had 16 on May 2nd. October saw 175 at Bredon Hill, 107 near Croome Perry Crossroads, 66 over Little Comberton, a flock of 175 at Lower Moor and 55 at Throckmorton Lagoon. Substantial flocks were found in November with 200 at Bredon Hill, 2200 at Lower Moor, 1200 at Throckmorton Tip on the 21st, 218 at Croome Perry Crossroads on the 20th with 150 at Bittell Reservoirs on the same date. In December, Bredon’s Hardwick had 400 on the 10th, Lower Moor had 156, Throckmorton Lagoon had 130 on the 1st and there were 1000 at Croome Perry on the 10th with 100 at Bittell on the 24th. Other reports were received from Aston Somerville, , Box Trees, Clifton Pits, Grimley, John Bennett NR, Ryall Pits and Shenstone. Staffs Numbers at the start of the year were well down presumably as a result of the cold weather but spring passage in April was also negligible. Numbers in the second winter period were however, an improvement. Breeding probably occurred at two sites, numbering four- five pairs. The birds by the Britannia Stadium in January also accounted for a count of 300 at Hem Heath Wood and up to 74 at Park Hall CP. In April, good numbers at Morridge/Moorside commenced at the start of the month with 70 and peaked at 168 on 13th, the last 125 being noted there on 16th. In the autumn there was also 120 at Sutton on October 30th, 80 at Weston Jones on November 2nd, 50 at Park Hall CP on 3rd, 300 at Gailey on 12th, 40 at Coldmeece on December 2nd, 55 at Gailey on 10th and 51 at Chasewater on 22nd.

86 W Mid The only records away from tabulated sites involved seven birds flying over Lutley Wedge on April 2nd and one over on September 23rd, 60 flying over Meriden on September 19th and 120 going over Old Swinford on November 19th.

2009 Addendum W Mid A total of 300 birds were counted at Box Trees on January 30th.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Just four records represent a return to 2009 levels. The sole spring record was at Draycote on April 30th. October to December is usually the main arrival period; singles were seen at Draycote on October 9th, one circled Salford Priors GP several times on 16th, before heading south and finally another at Draycote on December 28th. Worcs The only spring record was a bird in winter plumage at Bredon’s Hardwick on May 7th. A juvenile stayed at Camp Lane Pits from September 20th-22nd and one was at Upper Bittell Res on October 2nd. Also in October, one flew over Worcester Barbourne on the evening of the 13th. Staffs An excellent series of sightings this year commenced with one at Chasewater on February 20th closely followed by another at Middleton Lakes RSPB on 22nd. Belvide hosted one on March 30th, then Uttoxeter Quarry on April 19th and Chasewater on 26th. In May, Blithfield hosted one from 1st-3rd and also on 8th and 28th. Notable passage occurred on 7th at Belvide, when 15 were knocked down briefly by a rainstorm, one flew through Chasewater and another at Middleton Lakes. The last flew through Uttoxeter Quarry on 30th. Return passage commenced with a single bird at Blithfield from September 21st-30th, joined by a second from 24th-25th. In October, five landed at Middleton Lakes RSPB briefly, then two there and one over Belvide on 14th were the last.

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Common migrant and winter visitor. Fairly common to common, breeding species.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon 275 460 100 22 22 105 400 450 475 419 579 900 Dosthill/Kingsbury 150 – – – – – – – 50 – 260 300 Draycote 550 – – – – – – – – 32 – 500 Fenny Compton- Wormleighton 25 38 15 13 12 12 12 12 70 21 22 70 Morton Bagot 23 150 12 8 – 11 17 26 90 45 104 500 Salford Priors GP 58 415 160 14 10 105 12 – 1 13 53 920 Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – – 3 13 18 9 10 4 273 25 Bredon’s Hardwick 340 18 6 – – – – – 14 – – – Camp Lane Pits 85 – 48 23 30 6 14 29 131 40 31 24 Clifton Pits 90 15 1 2 2 – – – 15 6 – 40 Gwen Finch NR 42 19 75 5 3 56 162 8 – 16 – – Kemerton Lake 8 16 70 8 2 3 5 117 120 – – – Lower Moor 400 720 220 1 – – – – – 160 600 650 Ripple Pits – 150 – – – – – – – 60 700 700 Upton Warren 400 405 52 9 12 22 80 123 85 146 650 264 Staffordshire Aqualate 125 – – 2 – – – p – – 60 100

87 J F M A M J J A S O N D Barton GP 25 500 9 – 25 10 3 – 28 – 550 – Belvide 956 940 – – 3 67 96 – 470 866 – 927 Blithfield 250 528 21 11 20 123 218 78 230 214 923 1350 Branston GP 510 246 500 40 40 30 50 200 200 350 500 500 Chasewater 322 243 55 4 1 33 44 146 117 220 140 150 Coldmeece – – – – – – – – – – 550 350 Croxall Lakes 200 400 30 9 30 – 23 p 200 240 450 300 Doxey Marshes 317 200 58 20 6 75 98 300 290 146 135 160 Endon STW – – – – – – – 50 113 – 7 72 Gailey 35 87 14 – – – – – 5 – – 309 Ingestre 60 127 4 3 2 – – – 41 45 85 – Middleton Lakes 144 325 – 3 4 2 6 70 88 96 260 600 Rudyard Lake – – – – – – – 180 100 50 76 – Silverdale CP 60 79 33 9 8 19 56 65 43 41 45 59 Tameside NR 300 – – – – – 6 – – – 120 62 Tittesworth 14 34 23 16 12 30 30 58 40 110 140 24 Uttoxeter Quarry 350 300 114 18 20 32 187 350 150 253 540 1000 Whitemoor Haye 500 1000 311 8 6 2 3 48 100 1 800 800 West Midlands Blythe Valley 125 – 32 48 p – – – – – 5 – Dunstall Park 100 120 2 4 3 61 138 50 20 5 1 – Marsh Lane NR 515 461 60 40 65 109 185 225 283 216 500 800 Meriden – 22 – 8 – – 21 – 90 – – – Sandwell Valley 77 66 8 12 16 7 14 54 73 46 75 53 Stubber’s Green – 66 – – – – – – – – 60 25

Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Abbots Salford (three), Brandon (ten), Bishopton (two), Broadwell, Bubbenhall GP (three, failed), Chesterton-Kingston (two), Coleshill Park, Crimscote, Fenny Compton, Fisher’s Mill (two), Gaydon (three), Grandborough, Kingsbury, Little Packington (four), Napton (two), Newbold-on-Stour (pair at Mansell Farm), Morton Bagot (five), Packington (17), Priors Hardwick (five), Radford Semele, Salford Priors GP (five, all failed), Toft Farm (four) and Wormleighton (five). Very poor wintering numbers this year and the now traditional post-breeding assembly at Salford Priors GP failed to materialise after an initial build-up in June (cf. 600 in July 2010) Away from the tabulated sites the only counts of 50 or more were: 102 at Maxstoke on January 5th, 150 at Chesterton on 19th, 600 moving east over Upton Estate on 25th, 246 at Bidford-on-Avon on 28th, 60 at Charlecote GP on March 5th, 105 at Abbots Salford on August 7th, 60 at Shustoke on 18th, 102 at Coton on October 12th, 200 at Admington from October 30th- November 20th, 200 at Chesterton Green and 300 at Harbury Heath on November 26th, 200 at Sherbourne on 27th, 450 at Abbots Salford on December 3rd, 50 at Napton Fields on 14th and 70 at Chapel Ascote on 24th. At Brandon a leucistic bird seen in 2010 was still present in both winter periods. Worcs Six attempts were made to nest at Upton Warren Flashes but only the first hatched three and fledged one with the rest abandoned including an attempt at the Moors. Two pairs were successful at Wick and one young was noted at Ripple. Four pairs bred at John Bennett NR with three young fledging as did two at nearby Gwen Finch NR. Throckmorton Lagoons also had four nesting pairs and four young fledged whilst one fledged at Kemerton and a fledgling was caught and ringed at Oakley Pool. Breeding was also confirmed at Castlemorton Common and Grafton. In the first winter period, Upton Warren had 400 in January and 405 in February whilst Lower Park had 260 on January 11th and Wick had 200 on the 12th. Also in January, Bredon’s Hardwick had 340, Clifton Pits had 90, Longdon Marsh had 195 and Lower Moor had 400. In February, Grimley had 300, Lower Moor had

88 720, Ripple Pits had 105 and Wick had 500. Kemerton Lake had 120 in August and September. Notable second winter period flocks include Upton Warren with 650 in November and 264 in December, Lower Moor with 160 in October ,600 in November and 650 in December, Ripple Pits with 700 in November/December, Bittell with 273 in November and Westwood Pool with 100 in November and 52 in December. A leucistic bird was at Gwen Finch NR from March to September with another at Lower Moor on April 2nd. Staffs Breeding numbers continue to fall despite some good numbers on the North Staffordshire Moors.

Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Breeding Pairs 350-354 284-302 284-302 280-297 346–357 377-398 305-333 270-276 236-242

Acton Trussell 1 pair Ingestre 2 pairs Alder Carr 1 pair Keele University 2 pairs displayed but failed Apedale CP 3 pairs Key Wood 2 pairs Barton GP 4 pairs Kingswood Pools 2 pairs Bateswood CP 2 pairs Knotbury 14 pairs raised 16 young Bellamour Lane 1 pair Lower Hatton 3 pairs with three young Belvide 1 pair fledged one young Merelake 3 pairs Bennettshitch 2 pairs Middleton Lakes RSPB 1 pair flooded out Blithfield 6-7 pairs, 14 juveniles Moorside 5 pairs Blore 1 pair Morridge 10 pairs Boarsgrove 1 pair Musden Low 2 pairs Bramshall 1+ pair Norbroom Marsh 2-3 pairs Brankley Farm 1+ pair Onecote 5 pairs Branston Gravel Pits 3+ pairs Pool Hall 1 pair fledged 2 young Brindley Ford 4 pairs Reapsmoor 2 pairs Britannia Stadium 1-2 pairs Revidge 2 pairs Bromstead 5 pairs River Sow Meadows (Baswich) 7 pairs Butterton 10 pairs fledged 5+ young Roach End 1+ pairs Butterton Moor 2 pairs Round Knowl Farm 8 pairs fledged 9 young Caltonmoor 5 pairs Shugborough 2 pairs Camp Farm 1 pair Silverdale CP 6 pairs fledged several young Chasewater 1 pair fledged 2 young Stableford 3 pairs Cresswell Piece 2 pairs Stoke-Sideway 4-5 pairs Croxden Quarry 2 pairs Swallow Moss 3 pairs Cuckoo Bank 3+ pairs with young Thorncliffe 1 pair Doxey 2 pairs fledged one young Tittesworth 3-4 pairs Drointon 2 pairs Tixall 2 pairs Essington Quarry Pool 1 pair Trent Valley (Burston) 3 pairs Flash 24 pairs fledged 10 young Uttoxeter Quarry 4 pairs all failed Foker Grange 1 pair Waterfall 1 pair Foxley 7-8 pairs with young Wetley Moor 2 pairs Gib Torr one pair Whitemoor Haye 8 pairs Goldsitch Moss 3 pairs Bent Lane (Whitmore) 1 pair Grindon Moor 4 pairs Windy Harbour 1 pair Hazelton Clump 1 pair Wyrley Common 1 pair Hulme 4 pairs with three young

Larger counts from untabulated sites were as follows: 150 at Rickerscote on January 18th, 100 at Alrewas on 19th, 120 at Castle Clump Trig Point on February 20th, 120 at Upper Hatton on March 5th, 157 at Pethillshead Farm on October 18th and 300 over Swynnerton on October 23rd. W Mid Birds bred at Blythe Valley CP (24 territorial pairs), Clayhanger (eight birds, but apparently unsuccessful), Dunstall Park (one unsuccessful pair) and Marsh Lane NR (at

89 least ten pairs, raising only three young). Away from tabulated sites, birds were seen during the breeding season at Bradnocks Marsh, College Farm, Crook House, Fens Pools, Lutley Wedge, Smestow Valley, Westwood Heath and Wollescote. In general, more birds were seen at Marsh Lane NR throughout the year than in 2010, peaking at 800 on December 1st. Other high counts included 105 birds at Box Trees on January 28th, 90 at Hockley Heath on February 12th, 69 at Clayhanger Marsh on July and 155 at Barston Lake on September 7th.

2009 Addenda W Mid “Several pairs bred again” at Blythe Valley CP. Additional counts involved 263 birds at Box Trees on January 21st and 240 at Mercote Mill on February 13th.

Red Knot Calidris canutus Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Warks There were five records of eight birds which apart from last year’s unusual cold- weather movement was a better year. At Draycote, juveniles on August 26th and from September 6th-8th, an adult on 22nd and four on November 18th. One at Salford Priors from September 9th-11th was a first record for the site. Worcs Three in summer plumage were found at Upper Bittell reservoir on July 28th with two still present on the 29th and the final bird leaving on the 30th. Staffs A superb year with 59 birds recorded compared with 31, 17-18, 27-28 and 26-27 in the previous four. The first were four at Croxall on March 29th, followed by singles at Belvide and Blithfield on April 1st-2nd, then one at Barton GP on 30th, two at Belvide on May 6th with one remaining until 9th. On May 7th, 30+ birds accompanied by Bar-tailed Godwits, Grey Plovers and Dunlin briefly flew around in a rain storm before flying off. After this, Middleton Lakes hosted three on May 9th, Belvide another on 20th, three at Blithfield on July 29th then one on August 12th, a juvenile at Belvide on 28th-September 1st, two juveniles at Blithfield from September 2nd-3rd, one remaining until 5th, another at Blithfield on 10th, one at Uttoxeter Quarry from 10th-11th, one at Belvide on 13th-15th, one at Blithfield from 13th-14th then two there on November 5th and the last on 13th. W Mid Two birds were photographed flying through Lutley Wedge on August 21st CRo; the first for the area. A bird was noted at Fens Pools on September 10th per PDHa.

Sanderling Calidris alba Uncommon passage migrant. Rare in winter. Warks A fairly standard year commenced with a single at Draycote on April 26th, with two on May 6th. Three at Shustoke on May 14th was a good record for this site, followed by three at Draycote on 30th. A better return passage commenced with an adult on the drawn-down Wormleighton Res on July 22nd and this was the first ever at this site. Draycote hosted the majority of the Sanderling, Blithfield, Steve Seal

90 returning birds: One on August 9th, two on 18th, one on 20th and two on 23rd. Five arrived at Salford Priors GP with a flock of Ringed Plovers on August 27th and two were still present there on 28th. The final two were at Draycote on September 4th and from 29th-30th. Worcs Upper Bittell reservoir had one on May 5th and also on the 18th with other May birds at Camp Lane Pits on the 10th, Upton Warren on the 18th and 22nd and at Lower Park on the 30th. Also on May 30th, Ripple Pits had seven birds, the highest number for the county. Another was found at Upper Bittell reservoir on July 17th which stayed until the 23rd. Staffs A bumper year resulted in 115 birds being logged mainly in the spring and way above the previous year’s totals of 30, 65, 32 and 48-55. Spring passage commenced on April 13th with three at Chasewater, one remaining until 14th followed by one at Middleton Lakes on 20th. In May Belvide had one on 5th, 17th, 20th, two on 24th and 20 on 30th, a site record; Middleton Lakes hosted singles on 7th, 12th, four on 14th, one on 18th and six on 30th; Barton GP had one on 8th; Blithfield one on 14th, 15 on 20th, seven on 23rd with two remaining on 24th, one on 26th, three from 27th-28th, two on 30th and three on 31st; Uttoxeter Quarry had 9 on 18th, 14 on 19th, one on 22nd and 29th with three on 30th; Tittesworth one on 19th; Croxall Lakes had one on 20th-21st and 24th and Croxden Quarry one on 24th. The last spring migrant was at Chasewater on June 2nd. Autumn passage commenced shortly after with singles at Belvide on July 16th, Blithfield on 17th-18th and 23rd, Belvide on August 6th, Coley Brook Marsh from 14th-15th, Belvide on 15th and the last were two at Blithfield on 27th with one remaining until 31st.

Little Stint Calidris minuta Uncommon autumn passage migrant in variable numbers. Rare in spring and winter. Warks A juvenile was at Salford Priors GP on August 28th. At Draycote, singles on August 28th, September 9th- 13th, October 6th-9th, with two on 11th. On the “New Reedbed Pool” at Fisher’s Mill two juveniles were present from August 26th-29th and another two from September 26th-30th. One remained in the area until October 7th. Worcs A juvenile found at Bredon’s Little Stint, Draycote, Dave Hatton Hardwick on September 4th, stayed until the 6th. Staffs The only spring passage birds were at Doxey on May 20th and Croxall Lakes on 30th. On return passage, an adult lingered at Blithfield from July 2nd-3rd then two juveniles from August 26th-27th with one remaining until 30th. Also in August there were two at Middleton Lakes from 26th-29th and at Tittesworth on 31st. There were two further juveniles at Blithfield on September 5th followed by single from 10th-13th and from 22nd-28th. One was present at Barton GP on 27th and two at Middleton Lakes from 26th-30th, one of these remaining until October 7th.

Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii Rare passage migrant, mainly in spring (9/10). Staffs One was present at Chasewater on May 11th PWar, GEv.

91 Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Warks A single at Fisher’s Mill Pit on September 30th many observers continued a pattern of turning up in every other year stretching back to 2005. Worcs One was found at Camp Lane Pits MBo on May 23rd and stayed until the 24th. Staffs A juvenile was seen at Branston Gravel Pits from August 27th-28th, followed by one at Middleton Lakes RSPB on September 30th many observers.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Uncommon autumn passage migrant in variable numbers. Rare in spring.

Curlew Sandpiper, Blithfield, Steve Seal

Warks With parties of seven and three, plus others present on at least 15 dates in total, the year was probably the best since 1996. In that year there were unprecedented numbers and the county record of 28 was established at Draycote on September 22nd. The two series of records were neatly divided between Fisher’s Mill (on “The New Reedbed Pool”) in August and Draycote in September/October. Firstly, at Fisher’s Mill: A single on August 26th, two from 27th-28th, three on 29th and two from 30th-31st. At Draycote: a single from September 7th-8th, seven on 10th, two on 13th, a single from 14th-15th, 25th, 29th and October 2nd. Worcs A juvenile was at Upton Warren Flashes on September 12th and two were found at Upper Bittell reservoir on the 18th which stayed until the 21st. Staffs The only spring birds were two at Belvide on April 30th. Autumn passage commenced with a juvenile at Blithfield from August 26th-27th and another at Middleton Lakes on 26th, increased to two from 27th-28th, five on 29th then two from 30th-31st and two more on September 3rd. Blithfield hosted a juvenile from September 1st-10th joined by another on 11th, then another long-stayer from September 17th-October 11th, two at Whitemoor Haye on September 3rd, and finally one at Belvide on October 16th, two there on 19th with one staying until 20th and the last, another juvenile, at Uttoxeter Quarry on 21st.

92 Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima Rare passage migrant (3/10). Warks Two records in three years is a stark contrast to the previous blank spell going back to 1993. Draycote continues to be the favoured site with this year’s record being there on November 9th KJG. Staffs One was seen briefly at Belvide on November 25th before flying off SNut.

2010 Addendum Staffs One was at Uttoxeter Quarry on September 2nd ABa.

Dunlin Calidris alpina Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon – 2 1 2 2 – 1 1 2 – 1 2 Draycote 1 1 1 1 5 – 8 7 28 17 16 8 Kingsbury/Fisher’s Mill – – 1 1 4 1 2 3 7 – 9 3 Salford Priors GP – 2 2 – 3 1 2 2 1 – – – Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – – 9 – 5 1 5 1 1 2 Bredon’s Hardwick 3 – – – 13 1 – – – – – – Camp Lane Pits – – 3 1 7 – – – – – 1 1 Clifton Pits – – 1 – 2 – – 2 1 1 – – John Bennett NR – – – – 2 – – – 5 - 1 – Lower Moor 2 8 5 1 – – – – – – 1 – Ripple Pits – 2 – – 4 – – – – – – 1 Upton Warren – 2 1 1 3 1 1 2 2 1 2 – Staffordshire Barton GP – – – 1 11 – 1 – – 2 1 – Belvide – 7 7 2 24 – 4 1 3 6 13 4 Blithfield – 1 – 6 27 10 8 22 35 23 51 43 Branston GP – – 9 1 3 – 1 3 3 4 3 3 Chasewater – – 2 1 5 – – – 2 – – – Croxall Lakes – – 5 2 17 – 1 3 – 2 3 – Doxey Marshes – – 1 4 6 1 – 1 – – – – Middleton Lakes 1 1 5 8 29 2 4 12 7 4 9 3 Sideway – – 1 – 2 – – 2 – – – – Tittesworth – – 1 3 8 1 1 3 1 – 1 – Uttoxeter Quarry 1 1 2 2 31 12 2 2 1 1 1 1 Whitemoor Haye – – 1 2 2 – 1 – 2 – – – West Midlands Marsh Lane NR – 1 2 4 3 – – 1 – – 1 1

Warks A rather poor year was reported from Salford Priors GP with just regular small numbers from February 27th. An adult there on June 19th was an unusual date for the county. Elsewhere, in the first quarter, singles were seen at Ladywalk on February 27th (and March 15th), a bird circled Napton Res several times on March 1st and two were at Morton Bagot on 27th. Spring passage birds from non-tabulated sites included three at Earlswood on May 23rd. On return passage Draycote was the main site with birds attracted to islands formed by reduced levels. At Earlswood, one or two were regular between June and November 1st. Six at Shustoke on August 26th was a good record there. Also there were records of up to three on one/three dates at Abbots Salford, Morton Bagot and Wormleighton Res (including one on November 10th).

93 Worcs Reports were received from 14 sites and birds were seen in the county in every month. Eight were found at Lower Moor river flash on February 25th. May was the most popular time with birds at eight locations and in the highest numbers. Bredon’s Hardwick had 13 on May 30th and on the same date there were nine at Bittell Reservoirs and seven at Camp Lane Pits. In September, five were at John Bennett NR on the 16th with the same number at Bittell Reservoirs on the 18th. Upton Warren had one/three for most of the year except for January and December and small numbers were regularly at Bittell (22 dates) and Camp Lane Pits (16 dates). Away from the tabulated reports, Gwen Dunlin, Blithfield, Steve Seal Finch NR had one on May 30th, Longdon Marsh had one on July 31st and there was one at Kemerton Lake NR on September 1st. A juvenile was at Throckmorton on August 6th and from September 1st-4th with another on November 13th. Westwood Pool and Wagon Wheel Lane Pits had singles on October 12th and November 2nd respectively. Staffs The largest count was of 51 was at Blithfield on November 15th and the same site recorded a longer-billed bird on September 26th, possibly of the sub-species Calidris alpina alpina. Untabulated records include one at Tameside NR on January 1st, Westport Lake on February 13th, Stanley Matthews Way (Britannia Stadium) on March 15th, Croxden Quarry on May 1st and 13th, two at Borrowpit Lake on 31st, one at Westport Lake on July 30th, two there on August 5th and singles at Rudyard Lake on August 11th, Berry Hill on October 2nd and Croxden Quarry on October 14th. W Mid A bird was seen at Ryders Mere on May 15th, with two at Wordsley on June 29th and Sandwell Valley on August 10th.

Ruff Calidris pugnax Frequent passage migrant, though in variable numbers. Scarce in winter.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – – – – – 2 – – 1 – Camp Lane Pits – – – – 1 – – 1 1 – – – Clifton Pits – – – – – – – 1 – 1 – – John Bennett NR – – 4 1 – – – – – – – – Longdon Marsh – – 3 – – – – 1 – – – – Ripple Pits – – – – – – – – 1 – – – Upton Warren – – – – – – – 1 2 – 1 – Staffordshire Belvide – – – – – – – 2 3 1 1 – Blithfield – – – – – 2 1 3 6 – – –

94 J F M A M J J A S O N D Branston GP – 1 1 1 – – – 5 2 2 3 3 Croxall Lakes – – 1 – 1 – – – – – – – Doxey Marshes – – – 1 – – – 1 – – – – Middleton Lakes 1 – 2 3 2 1 1 3 1 – 1 –

Warks A better year overall after a complete absence in spring 2010. In January a colour- ringed bird was present at Fisher’s Mill on 17th. It was later established that it was ringed at Hindelopen, Wiskepolder, The Netherlands on April 21st 2004 and was then seen in Orkney on February 2nd 2007 and again there on December 14th 2008. The first of a good run at Brandon was on April 11th, then another from 22nd-29th, joined by a second from 30th-May 3rd. At Morton Bagot, a single was seen on April 17th and it or another was still present on 19th and 22nd. In autumn, birds were present at five sites: At Brandon, a single on August 24th; Draycote, one on July 15th, two on August 19th, singles on four September dates, with two on 23rd and finally one on October 3rd; Earlswood, two juveniles from September 17th-23rd; Fisher’s Mill, one on July 14th and 18th; Morton Bagot, two on September 9th, singles on October 13th and 30th, November 4th and then probably the same on December 4th and 20th. Worcs Four, including three males, were at Gwen Finch NR on March 28th and visited nearby John Bennett NR on the same day. On March 30th, three of the birds commuted between Gwen Finch, John Bennett, Longdon Marsh and Ryall Pits and a male was found at John Bennett NR on April 1st. Another spring visitor was at Camp Lane Pits from May 3-5th. A juvenile was at Longdon Marsh on August 19th with one at Camp Lane Pits on the 28th and September 16th with one at Clifton Pits on August 28th and October 8th. Upper Bittell had two juveniles on August 31st with one from November 22-23rd. Ripple Pits had one on September 22nd with one north of Lickhill on October 1st. Upton Warren had a juvenile female on August 14th which stayed to the 23rd and two were here on September 17th with a male present from November 4th-6th and also on the 19th. Staffs The Netherlands-ringed Fishers Mill (Warks) bird was seen at Middleton Lakes from January 17th-19th. After leaving Middleton Lakes, it was seen two days later at Lymmington Hants on January 21st. Untabulated records came from Uttoxeter Quarry on August 26th-28th and Whitemoor Haye on September 4th. W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, a male stayed briefly on February 11th, as did a juvenile on September 3rd.

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Frequent passage migrant and winter visitor. Long-term average: September 25th (70) to April 21st (65) 8-year average: September 13th (–12 days) to April 21st (=) First: September 21st; John Bennett NR Last: April 27th; Marsh Lane NR

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon 1 1 – 1 – – – – – – 1 1 Salford Priors GP 3 3 2 – – – – – – 5 3 3 Worcestershire Camp Lane Pits 2 – – – – – – – – 1 – – Castlemorton Common 3 – 1 – – – – – – – – 1 Clifton Pits 3 1 2 – – – – – – 2 – 1

95 J F M A M J J A S O N D Gwen Finch NR – – 1 – – – – – – 1 – 1 Kemerton Lake NR – – 2 – – – – – – – – – Upton Warren 2 2 2 – – – – – – – 1 1 West Midlands Marsh Lane NR 2 2 3 1 – – – – – 1 – –

Warks It was a very poor year at most sites. One at Fisher’s Mill on February 11th was the only record received from the Tame Valley in the first quarter and at Lighthorne Quarry, two on March 20th was the only record at this usually favoured site. (It was almost completely dry there in autumn). The first of the autumn period was three at Salford Priors GP on October 9th. Further records followed at Ladywalk on December 4th and 12th and at Fisher’s Mill on 28th. Worcs Two were visible from the Upton Warren Moors hides in January/February with at least one here in March when there was one at the Flashes on the 17th and 19th. Castlemorton Common had one on January 3rd, three on the 23rd and one on March 19th. There were two at Ashmoor Common on January 9th and one at Throckmorton Tip on the 2nd and 27th with one at Abberton on the 23rd. Camp Lane Pits had one on January 1st with two here on the 18th and there was one in an asparagus field at Crossway Green on February 7th. There were three at Clifton Pits on January 25th with singles here in February and two on March 13th and Oakley Pool had one on February 15th. Kemerton Lake NR had two on March 18th with one on the 28th and one at Gwen Finch from March 17th–24th. John Bennett NR had one on September 21st and in October, there were birds at Camp Lane Pits (one), Clifton Pits (two) and Gwen Finch NR (one). Upton Warren Moors had one on November 21st and 28th plus one on December 30th and other December birds were at Gwen Finch NR (one) on the 7th and 18th, Clifton Pits on the 16th (one) and Castlemorton Common on the 29th (one) Staffs Numbers of this species have declined dramatically over the past ten years, this year being the worst on record with just singles counted at a few sites. The harsh winters probably forced birds elsewhere but autumn and spring counts were well down too. In January at Chasewater; February at Bateswood NR, Doxey, Hanchurch Woods and Middleton Lakes; March at Baldwins Gate; October at Belvide and Middleton Lakes; November at Astonfields Balancing Lakes, Berry Hill, Chasewater and Doxey and December at Middleton Lakes. W Mid The first arrival was on October 6th at Marsh Lane NR. A bird was seen at Blythe Valley CP on January 6th. The last departure was at Marsh Lane NR on April 27th.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Frequent, though much declined, as a breeding species.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon 12 35 49 21 2 1 1 3 12 18 17 18 Lighthorne Quarry 1 6 6 2 – – – 1 – – – – Napton Res 25 30 15 – – – – 1 – – – 3 Salford Priors GP 33 42 53 8 – – – – 15 23 28 27 Worcestershire Bredon’s Hardwick 1 1 16 1 – – – 2 1 3 5 7 Castlemorton Common 5 – 7 – – – – – – – – 4 Clifton Pits 1 – – – – – – – 6 3 6 2

96 J F M A M J J A S O N D Gwen Finch NR 6 5 25 30 3 – 1 1 2 5 6 9 John Bennett NR 3 2 12 6 5 – 1 1 7 9 8 5 Kemerton Lake NR 2 2 31 2 – – – – – 5 2 2 Longdon Marsh 4 38 45 7 – – 1 2 5 3 7 12 Lower Moor 2 5 16 8 1 – – 3 9 5 7 9 Ripple Pits – – – – – – – – – 7 10 12 Upton Warren 39 35 52 8 4 1 2 3 4 6 44 29 Staffordshire Barton GP 2 – 1 1 – – – – – 2 9 – Belvide 4 12 16 4 2 – – 2 2 6 4 6 Berry Hill Fields 1 – – – – – – – 2 5 2 1 Black Bank/ Silverdale CP 1 19 28 – – – – 1 16 28 3 1 Blithfield 2 – 4 2 – – 6 1 4 5 5 1 Branston GP – – – 4 – 2 – 3 3 3 3 1 Chasewater 10 15 1 2 – – – – 2 5 12 4 Croxall Lakes 7 – 8 p – – – – 1 3 2 – Doxey Marshes 9 39 23 5 4 – – 5 9 65 76 8 Middleton Lakes – – 4 2 – – 1 2 2 12 7 1 Sideway 2 55 86 3 1 – – – 1 2 4 – Tittesworth 1 2 1 – – – – 2 3 1 4 9 Trent Washlands – – 6 2 – – – – 1 1 3 2 Uttoxeter Quarry – 2 1 4 1 – – 4 – 2 7 8 West Midlands Dunstall Park 18 10 26 3 – – – – 2 6 9 2 Marsh Lane NR 34 39 29 5 1 1 1 1 8 10 33 42 Sandwell Valley 4 – 1 2 – – – – 3 12 13 4

Warks Generally it was a poor year due to dry conditions at many sites, this being particularly marked in autumn and in the second winter period, when for example it was absent from Lighthorne Quarry. The concentration at Napton Res early in the year was roosting in the Typha swamp there. Elsewhere there were 20 at Bubbenhall in January/February, 19 at Longbridge on January 16th and 33 at Priors Hardwick on March 12th (where a late bird was still present on April 30th). Smaller numbers were also noted at: Bishops Itchington (River Itchen), Charlecote GP (nine on December 27th), Charlecote Mill (River Avon), Coleshill GP (with two still present on May Common Snipe, Brandon, Steve Valentine 6th), Fenny Compton (max. six on January 19th), Fisher’s Mill, Knightcote, Stoneton (six on January 1st) and Wormleighton Res (max five, November 7th-10th) . Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, reports were received from Abberton (seven in January), Aston Somerville (one in March), Birlingham (six in January), Bittell Reservoirs

97 (one in March), Camp Lane Pits (two in December), Oakley Pool (three in February), Strensham (one in January) and Westwood Pool (one in August). Numbers at key sites seemed lower this year with 52 at Upton Warren and 45 at Longdon Marsh in March being the highest. Upton Warren also had 44 in November. Staffs This year saw a further decline in territories with just 14 at seven sites compared with 27-29 at 14 sites in 2010 and 32 at 17 sites in 2009. Territories were two at Flash, one at Hayes, two at Hazel Barrow, two at Knotbury, three at Readyleach Green, three at Round Knowl Farm and one at Swallow Moss. Small numbers were reported from several untabulated sites during the winter periods, the best being 15 at Gailey in January, eight at Bateswood NR and seven at Hanchurch Woods in February, 10 at Grindon Moor in March, six at Swallow Moss in October and seven at Whitemoor Haye in December. A bird with a missing foot was noted at Doxey on May 2nd. 28 birds were logged on visible migration over Black Bank on October 9th. W Mid As in previous years, a single bird was present at Marsh Lane NR during the summer, being noted first on June 23rd. In Goscote Valley, up to three birds were seen on four dates from January 24th to April 1st, with one on November 2nd and two on December 1st. Elsewhere, single birds were noted in Smestow Valley on January 4th and Blythe Valley CP on 14th and 24th, with nine at Stubber’s Green on March 20th, one in Lutley Wedge on October 13th and two on 16th, and singles at Saltwells LNR on November 18th and Coundon Wedge on 26th.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Frequent or fairly common resident and winter visitor. Warks A poor year as regards the number of sites but there were some good counts. In the breeding season there was just one record was of a roding bird, at Bentley on May 20th. In winter, the hard weather may have caused birds to move further west. Last year there were records from 53 sites. This year around 19 sites were involved and the vast majority were in the first winter period. Brandon proved to be the exception to the rule and there were 22 sightings with 17 of these between January and March 3rd. Four on January 20th was the best count. Elsewhere there was just one record at Packington but that did involve at least 35, flushed by a shoot (but not shot), on January 15th. One or two were also seen at Knightcote, Ladywalk, Lighthorne Pools and Oxhouse Farm. In the final quarter three at Fisher’s Mill on November 18th, nine at Monks Park on 23rd and five at Kingsbury on December 5th were good counts with singles at Brandon (several), Compton Verney, Fenny Compton, Hay Wood, Little Packington, Napton Res and Toft Farm. Worcs Reports in the breeding season came from Bredon Hill, Chaddesley Wood, Croome Park, Droitwich, Grafton Wood and Wyre Forest (four on May 10th). In the first winter period, birds were found at Acton (two), Aston Mill (two), Grafton Wood (three), Hipton Hill Orchard (three), Longdon Marsh (one), Lower Moor (two), Strensham (one), Throckmorton Tip (one) and Wilden Marsh (one). The only October report was from Beaconwood on the 25th but an influx in November found single birds at Beoley, Bredon Hill, Old Storridge Common, Shelsley Beachamp, Stoulton, Millenium Wood and Throckmorton Lagoons. In December, Grafton Wood had four on the 10th and Hollybush two on the 28th with singles at Abberton, Castlemorton Common, Longdon Marsh, Lower Moor, Rous Lench, Ryall Pits, Stoke Bliss, Throckmorton Tip and Wassell Wood Pools. Staffs Roding/summering birds were recorded throughout Cannock Chase and also at Coombes Valley RSPB, Croxden Quarry and Swallow Moss. In the first winter period, birds were recorded at Aqualate, Basford, Belvide, Biddulph Grange CP, Blithfield (two), Brancote

98 STW, Branston GP, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Coombes Valley (three), Doxey, Froghall, Hanchurch Woods (three), Middleton Lakes RSPB, Shoal Hill Common, Swineholes Wood (two), Tittesworth, Trentham Gardens, Waterfall, Weston Jones and Westport Lake. In the second winter period at Anslow, Belvide, Betley Mere, Butterton Moor, Calf Heath Reservoir, Cuckoo Bank, Gib Torr and Middleton Lakes RSPB (three). W Mid During the first winter period, a bird flew over a Tilehouse Green garden on January 10th, with individuals at Marsh Lane NR on 10th and 29th, and Priest Park Wood on 12th, two at Castle Hills on 17th and singles at Fens Pools on February 12th and Lutley Wedge on March 16th. A wing was found beneath a known Peregrine plucking site in Birmingham on April 4th. The only records from the latter part of the year were singles in Smestow Valley on October 16th and December 30th, Castle Hills on November 18th and Marsh Lane NR on 26th.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Frequent passage migrant, rare in winter.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – – – – 7 – – – – – Longdon Marsh – – 3 – – – 2 – – – – – Lower Moor – 5 4 1 – – – – – – – – Upton Warren – 1 4 1 – 8 17 1 4 – – – Staffordshire Belvide – 2 5 1 41 – 7 3 1 2 – – Blithfield – – – – 1 8 23 30 6 2 – – Branston GP – – – 4 – 1 5 1 1 1 – – Croxall Lakes – – 1 3 3 4 – – – – – – Doxey Marshes 17 – 1 – 38 3 – 4 – – – – Middleton Lakes 1 – – 2 3 5 2 6 1 – – – Uttoxeter Quarry – – 1 – – 1 7 – – – – –

Warks The first of the year and becoming increasingly regular in winter months was one at Fisher’s Mill on January 16th. Spring movement commenced with one at Brandon on April 10th and then further April records at Middleton Pool on 19th ,with two there on 21st, Kingsbury on 21st (two, possibly the same as Middleton) and Draycote on 22nd and 26th (four). The bulk of birds moved through in May; four at Shustoke on 1st and a single at Draycote on 5th were eclipsed by a flock of 39 at Alvecote on 6th and a suspiciously similar 38, at Coleshill GP the same day. The final two spring records were at Abbots Salford on May 12th and Ladywalk on June 3rd (three). Barely a few weeks go by and what was probably the first returning bird was at Draycote on June 26th. In July, singles at Abbots Salford on 7th and Earlswood on 8th, with five at Fisher’s Mill on 18th and 14 over there, the next day. Four were seen at both Brandon and Earlswood on 21st and there was a suggestion that these were back at Brandon on 29th. August by contrast saw fewer birds although an adult in breeding plumage of the race islandica was at Wormleighton Res all day on 23rd, feeding on the large expanse of mud created by the autumn draw-down. This was the first record of this race for the site. Elsewhere in August, singles (unless stated) were seen at Alvecote on 8th (four), Brandon on 12th (two) and 28th, Draycote on 5th and from 8th-9th and Shustoke on 7th and 28th. There were just two in September; at Kingsbury on 2nd and Ladywalk on 7th. To complete the year, another winter record, on December 17th at Brandon.

99 Worcs Five were at Lower Moor on February 19th with one on the same date at Upton Warren Flashes which stayed until the 22nd. Lower Moor then had four on March 9th with one on the 16th and two on the 18th. Four birds were at Upton Warren on March 20th with singles on the 21st and 23rd and three on the 25th with a single again on April 2nd. One flew calling over Abberton on March 21st and Longdon Marsh had one on the 28th and three on the 30th. A single bird stayed at Lower Moor from April 2nd to the 6th. Five were at Upton Warren Moors on June 22nd and small numbers were regular here to the end of July with eight on June 30th, 12 on July 2nd, 17 on the 7th and 11 on the 8th. Two were also here on September 5/6th with four over on the 11th. One flew calling over Redditch on June 30th and over Worcester Warndon on July 5th with other July birds at Clifton Pits (one) and Longdon Marsh (two). Upper Bittell Reservoir had seven on July 17th with a single on the 30th and in August, one flew over Abberton on the 14th and a juvenile was at Kemerton Lake NR on the 19/20th. The only September reports were for a single at Bredon’s Hardwick on the 6th and for four over Upton Warren Moors on the 11th. Staffs A colour-ringed bird was seen at Doxey on March 17th and 27th and was ringed at Moeze Reserve, west France on September 10th 2010. Another at Belvide on May 25th was ringed as a juvenile at Reykholar NW Iceland on July 3rd 2006 and had also been seen at Stornoway, Northern Ireland and The Wirral in intervening years. Surprisingly, this bird relocated to Blithfield on June 5th. 25 flew over Aqualate on July 7th. Untabulated records were singles at Barton GP on February 12th, Whitemoor Haye on May 1st, Dunwood/Endon Brook on July 19th, Westport on July 27th, Tittesworth (two) on August 11th and Westport on August 26th. W Mid Exceptional numbers visited Dunstall Park, with 43 on May 14th constituting a new county record total (after 42 at Ryders Mere on April 17th 2004), four on 15th, 28 from 26th-29th, eight on 30th, nine on 31st and four from June 1st 2nd. Single birds were seen in Sandwell Valley on June 4th and July 9th-10th, and Marsh Lane NR on June 29th, August 7th and November 1st.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Uncommon passage migrant, rare in winter. Warks A better year with some good parties. In spring, 13 flying north-east at Earlswood on April 29th, two at Draycote on 30th and May 1st and four through Shustoke, also on May 1st. 22 over Brandon on September 22nd and one at Shustoke on October 9th completed the year. Worcs On the morning of April 30th one in summer plumage was at Upton Warren Moors and in the evening, 27 (a county record) circled the reserve whilst on the same date nine circled John Bennett NR. One found at Upton Warren Flashes on May 1st stayed until the 3rd and also on May 1st, 18 were over Wassell Grove Pools with a single bird at Camp Lane Pits. Staffs Favourable weather conditions resulted in a significant spring passage, far higher than usual and over 100 birds logged for the year. The first arrivals were three at Branston Gravel pits on Bar-tailed Godwit, Elmdon Park, Alan Dean

100 April 28th followed by 12 at Uttoxeter Quarry the next day. On 30th there were two at Belvide, nine at Blithfield, five at Tittesworth and one at Uttoxeter Quarry which lingered until May 2nd. May 1st saw one at Barton GP, four at Croxall Lakes, one at Croxden Quarry (until 3rd) and another at Whitemoor Haye (until 3rd). On May 1st another arrived at Blithfield, staying until 5th and on May 4th five appeared at Tittesworth and another at Croxall Lakes which remained until 9th. Two were at Belvide from 5th-6th with one lingering until 8th but on the 7th at 12:10, a large party of waders including a remarkable 42 Bar-tailed Godwits was forced down during a downpour. The last spring bird appeared at Blithfield much later on May 28th. Autumn passage saw two at Tittesworth on August 11th, followed by two long-stayers at Blithfield from September 3rd-23rd, one remaining until October 7th which was joined by four more on September 30th. W Mid Two, possibly three, birds visited Marsh Lane NR on April 29th; the first at the reserve since May 4th 2007 per NPB. A juvenile remained in Elmdon Park from September 7th-14th ARD.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Frequent passage migrant. Warks A single flew north at Wormleighton Res on April 12th, over Draycote on 24th and 27th and Shustoke on May 1st and 2nd. Another was at Draycote on May 5th and to the north over Brandon (two) and Salford Priors GP during rain on 8th. At this same site five flew through to the west on 15th, with two landing in the main pit. On return passage singles at Salford Priors GP on July 10th, Earlswood on 13th, and Fisher’s Mill on August 7th, five flew south-west over Shuckburgh Hills on 9th and singles over Draycote on September 6th and Brandon on 20th. Worcs The first spring visitor was at Upper Bittell Reservoir on April 22nd with one over Shatterford on the 24th, one at Camp Lane Pits on the 29th and two at Lower Moor on the 30th. One found at Upton Warren Flashes on April 29th stayed until May 2nd with another on the 9th and two on the 24th. Bredon’s Hardwick had singles on May 2nd and 11th and other May birds were at Abberton on the 5th, John Bennett NR on the 10th and Clifton Pits on the 15th. Two appeared at Upton Warren on July 9th with a single here on the 16th and also in July, Upper Bittell Reservoir had one on the 17th and 29th. Staffs

Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Spring 22 34 41 35 43 103 111 100+ Autumn 50 10 6 16 12 43 22 16

Another excellent spring commenced with two at Tittesworth on April 20th then singles there and at Blithfield on 22nd. A big influx on 30th saw one at Barton GP, eight at Belvide and Doxey, 15 at Tittesworth and one at Uttoxeter Quarry. Totals for the period May 1st– 18th, during which time birds were seen on a daily basis, were four at Belvide, three at Blithfield, one at Chasewater, one at Flash, one at Gailey, one at Gun Hill, four at Middleton Lakes RSPB, 37+ at Tittesworth, seven at Uttoxeter Quarry, four at Westport Lake and one at Whitemoor Haye. The last were singles at Blithfield on May 23rd and Uttoxeter Quarry on June 9th. The autumn birds were at Barton GP on August 13th and Black Bank on August 20th on which date 14 flew east over Gailey. W Mid Spring records involved single birds at Marsh Lane NR on April 29th and May 2nd per NPB, Fens Pools on 7th per PDHa and Clayhanger Marsh on 15th CMa. The only autumn sighting was of two birds flying north-westwards over Marsh Lane NR on August 20th per NPB.

101 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Fairly common summer resident and passage migrant. Frequent in winter.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Worcestershire Bredon’s Hardwick – 16 19 – – – – – – – – – Gwen Finch NR – – – 1 1 1 – – – – – – Lower Moor 1 2 5 – 1 1 – – – – – – Upton Warren 16 31 41 25 6 22 33 32 31 29 22 22 Staffordshire Belvide 15 7 7 – – 4 2 – – – – 1 Blithfield – 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 5 – – – Branston GP 14 17 7 4 – 1 16 14 16 12 13 13 Chasewater 4 1 5 1 – – – 1 – – – – Sideway – – 12 2 – – – – 2 4 4 – Tittesworth 2 82 124 7 4 3 5 2 – – – – Uttoxeter Quarry 3 64 65 14 2 15 5 4 13 12 10 7 Whitemoor Haye 9 9 – – – – – – – – – –

Warks A pair was present on a traditional territory at Priors Hardwick from March-June and probably attempted to breed. Two pairs were present between Clifton and Hillmorton and a pair was at Oxhill on April 18th and Burmington on 29th. Other records: one in a meadow at Radway on February 27th, singles at Salford Priors GP on April 10th and May 1st, a pair at Newton on May 17th, three flew south-west over Northend on June 21st and one calling in a meadow at Darlingscott on 23rd. The latter may have been a breeding bird as it was close to a recent nesting site. There was some evidence of unusual displacement due to freezing conditions with, for example, four at Little Packington on January 6th. There was a more usual return to the county after the winter absence with new arrivals at Ladywalk on February 15th (with two on 24th), Draycote on 20th and Brandon on 22nd. Singles were then fairly regular at Draycote and Ladywalk until March 20th. Brandon recorded its final record of a poor year on March 10th. Post-breeding records were few and were mainly from Draycote and Ladywalk, with one or two between July 2nd and August 25th. Three were at Broadwell on November 12th. Worcs Pairs bred at , Longdon Marsh and Upton upon Severn and were noted in the breeding season at Aston Somerville, Bow Hills, Bredon’s Hardwick, Gwen Finch NR, Hanley Broadheath, Holt Heath, Lower Moor, Old Yarr, Ryall Pits, Stoke Bliss, Trimpley, Upper Arley, Wick, Wilden Top, Wolverley and Wyre Piddle. Reports were received from Upton Warren in every month with 41 on March 3rd and 20 to 30 birds regularly from June to December. Bredon’s Hardwick had 16 on February 16th with 19 on March 7th and there were 11 at Kemerton Lake NR on February 24th. A flock of 40 circled Westwood Pool on May 14th. Winter reports were also received from Clifton Pits and ten were seen over Stoke Prior on March 19th. Staffs

Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Territories 102 59-61 64-65 67-68 70-71 104-112 67-69 50-52

Breeding numbers have declined by an alarming 50% over two years, perhaps as a result of fewer surveys which peaked in 2009 for the BTO atlas survey. Breeding was confirmed at Caltonmoor (two pairs), Drystone Edge (one pair), Gradbach (one+ pairs), Hulme (two), Knotbury (one), Reapsmoor (two), Turn Edge (two) and Wolf Edge (one). Pairs/territories

102 were recorded Alstonefield (two), Back of Ecton, Boarsgrove, Bottom House, Butterton, Doley, Draycott-in-the-Clay (two), Flash, Gib Torr (two), Goldsitch Moss (two), Grindon Moor (two), Hulme End (two), Ipstones, Little Bank Top Farm, Manifold Valley, Meerbrook, Mixon, Mottey Meadows (two), Orchard Common, Pethills (two), Roaches, Swallow Moss (two), Swineholes Wood, Swinscoe, Tittesworth, Waterfall, Wettonmill and Wink Hill. The largest counts away from the tabulated sites were 25 at Croxall Lakes on January 10th, 12 at Reapsmoor on June 14th and 10 at Compact Products Pool on March 15th. W Mid Three birds flew westwards through Lutley Wedge on January 1st. A poor year at Marsh Lane NR, with individuals noted on February 12th and 24th, March 17th and April 2nd, 9th and 17th. Singletons were also noted at Mercote Mill on February 23rd and Clayhanger on April 21st and two were present in Sandwell Valley on May 11th. A bird flying over Sutton Park on August 27th was the only autumn sighting.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Uncommon passage migrant, very rare in winter. Warks One in partial breeding plumage was at Salford Priors GP on May 1st. On return passage a juvenile at Fisher’s Mill (New Reedbed Pool) on August 9th and another, in flight only, at Ladywalk on 17th. Worcs One flew calling over Bredon’s Hardwick on August 13th and a juvenile was found at Upton Warren Flashes on the 28th. In September, a juvenile was over Bredon’s Hardwick on the 5th and another arrived at Camp Lane Pits on the 20th and stayed until the 26th, visiting the nearby Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on the 22nd. Staffs An excellent series of records this year commenced with at winter Spotted Redshank, Blithfield, Steve Seal plumage bird at Middleton Lakes RSPB on March 17th, which also hosted the next two on April 10th and May 4th. After this a summer plumage bird graced Croxall Lakes from 7th-8th with another at Blithfield on June 25th. A busy August saw juveniles at Middleton Lakes on 9th, Blithfield from 11th-28th with two on 12th and 18th, Branston GP from 14th-20th, Belvide on 15th and Uttoxeter Quarry on 28th. The last was a juvenile at Belvide on September 5th.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus Frequent passage migrant and summer resident. Uncommon winter visitor.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon – – 3 4 4 6 4 1 – – 1 – Draycote – – – – – – 3 2 1 – 1 – Fisher’s Mill 1 2 – – – – 3 1 1 1 2 2

103 J F M A M J J A S O N D Morton Bagot – – 3 1 1 – 1 – – – – – Salford Priors GP – – 4 1 – 1 – – – – – – Worcestershire Bredon’s Hardwick – – 4 3 2 – – – – – – – Camp Lane Pits – – 3 3 1 2 – – – – – – Gwen Finch NR – – 4 1 2 3 – – – – – – John Bennett NR – – 6 12 6 6 2 – – – – – Lower Moor – – 3 3 2 1 – – – – – – Throckmorton Lagoon – – 3 2 2 – – – – – – – Upton Warren – – 4 2 1 1 1 1 – – – 1 Staffordshire Barton GP 1 – 3 – 4 3 2 – – – 2 – Belvide 1 – 3 5 3 2 3 2 2 – 1 1 Blithfield – – 1 – – 5 4 7 – 1 – 1 Branston GP 2 3 3 3 7 5 2 1 2 2 3 3 Chasewater 1 1 2 1 – – – – – – – – Croxall Lakes 10 7 3 3 3 2 2 3 1 2 7 1 Doxey Marshes – – 5 10 6 5 3 – – – – – Middleton Lakes 3 3 4 10 3 2 4 1 1 – 2 3 Tameside NR – 1 – – – – – – – – – 2 Tittesworth – – 1 1 – 1 – – – – – – Uttoxeter Quarry – – 1 1 1 2 4 – – – – – Westport Lake – – 1 2 – – 1 – – – – – Whitemoor Haye – – p 6 4 2 2 – – – – 1 West Midlands Marsh Lane NR – – 10 11 9 8 8 2 – – – –

Warks A pair at Brandon fledged three young. At Fisher’s Mill, a pair was seen with three young and near Packington Park a pair was present and three young probably fledged. There was no nesting attempt at Salford Priors GP. The first returnee was at Kingsbury on January 12th with two at Ladywalk on March 16th and one at Abbots Salford on 27th. Other post-breeding birds were seen at Earlswood on July 7th (three) and September 14th (two). Worcs Three pairs hatched young at John Bennett NR but only one fledged. Other sites reporting in the breeding season were Bredon’s Hardwick, Camp Lane Pits, Gwen Finch NR, Lower Moor, Nafford Lock, Ripple Pits (two pairs), Ryall Pits, Throckmorton Lagoons and Upton Warren. Most sites held two/four birds but John Bennett NR had six in March and 12 at times in April. Post-season birds visited Bittell Reservoirs and Upton Warren. Westwood Pool had one on October 5th and on December 17th with a December bird also at Upton Warren. Staffs

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Territories 5 13-14 8 8 7 9 10-13 10 4-5 9 10 Successful 2 4-5 4 2 1 1 2 2-4 2 3 5

Breeding was presumed successful at Branston GP (two pairs with two young), Doxey (one pair with one young), Middleton Lakes (two young) and Whitemoor Haye (one pair with young). The only untabulated record was one at Coley Brook Marsh on July 19th. W Mid Five pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR (compared to four last year), fledging only two of 12 young hatched. Single birds were seen at Clayhanger Marsh on March 25th, Mercote Mill on April 15th and Olton Mere on June 27th.

2009 Addendum W Mid Two birds were also noted at Cornets End on May 25th.

104 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Frequent passage migrant, rare in winter.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon – – – 1 2 – – 1 1 – – – Draycote – – – – – – – 5 6 1 1 – Fisher’s Mill/Kingsbury – – – 1 – 1 1 4 1 – – – Salford Priors GP – – – – 1 1 2 – – 1 – – Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – – 3 – 3 2 – – – – Bredon’s Hardwick – – – 2 1 2 – 1 – – – – Clifton Pits – – – 1 – – 1 1 – – – – John Bennett NR – – – – – – 1 1 – – – – Kemerton Lake NR – – – – – – – 3 1 – – – Longdon Marsh – – – – – – 3 3 – – – – Lower Moor – – – 1 – – – 1 – – – – Upton Warren – – – 1 1 – 1 2 1 – – – Staffordshire Barton GP – – – – – – – 2 1 – – – Belvide – – – 2 3 - 2 5 2 1 – – Blithfield – – – – – – 8 4 6 – – – Branston GP – – – – – – 2 4 2 2 – – Chasewater – – – 1 2 – – 2 1 – – – Croxall Lakes - - - - 1 – – 2 1 – – – Doxey Marshes – – – 1 4 – – – – – – – Fisherwick/Elford Pits – – – – – – – 2 1 1 – – Middleton Lakes – – – 3 2 2 6 6 2 – – – Rudyard Lake – – – – – – – 1 1 – – – Tittesworth – – – 2 1 1 – – – – – – Uttoxeter Quarry – – – – 1 – – 1 2 – – – Whitemoor Haye – – – 2 3 – – 5 7 – – – West Midlands Marsh Lane NR – – – 1 2 – 1 1 1 – – –

Warks At Fisher’s Mill on “The New Reedbed Pit” there was an almost constant presence in August and early September. It was reported to be a poor year at Salford Priors GP with birds on just four dates, but including a late one on October 9th. Away from the tabulated sites four at Bubbenhall GP on April 28th and another there on August 1st were noteworthy. A single at Newton Pool on May 6th was also unusual and the only other spring record was two at Alvecote on May 7th. Return passage commenced on August 4th with birds at Morton Bagot and Wormleighton Res (two), with possibly the same remaining at the former site on 6th; then on 10th, one over Earlswood and two at Ladywalk. On the 17th, two were at Alvecote, and one at Ladywalk and Shustoke could have been the same bird. The final birds at non-tabulated sites were at Morton Bagot, with singles on August 27th and September 16th. Worcs The first spring visitor was at Lower Moor on April 11th and stayed to the 15th with a report also on the 20th. Bredon’s Hardwick had two on April 14th and on the same date, there was one over Clifton Pits which also had one on the 17th. A bird at Upton Warren Flashes on April 29th stayed to May 1st. One was at Bredon’s Hardwick on May 2nd/3rd, Camp Lane Pits also had one on the 3rd and Upton Warren had one on the 11th, first at the Moors then the Flashes. Three were at Upper Bittell Reservoir on May 2nd with a single here on the 27th. The only June report was for two at Bredon’s Hardwick on the 5th. One was at Ryall Pits on July 9th with possibly the same bird at nearby Ripple Pits on the 10th. There was one at Upper Bittell on July 11th which stayed to August 7th with three present

105 on July 30th and two on July 31st and from August 6th-7th. Longdon Marsh had one on July 15th with three on the 28th and 30th and also three on August 4th with two on the 6th and one on the 14th. Clifton Pits had one on July 30th with reports to August 14th. One was at John Bennett NR from July 30th to August 4th with reports on August 9th, 14th and 26th and from nearby Gwen Finch NR on the 9th and also Lickmore Wetlands on the same date. Also in August, there was one at Lower Moor on the 24th, one at Bredon’s Hardwick on the 26th and Upton Warren had two on the 20th with one on the 22nd. The Camp Lane Pits/Wagon Wheel Lane area had at least one from August 7th to 28th with two at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on the 11th and nearby Holt Sling Pool also had one on August 24/25th. Kemerton Lake NR had one on August 14th with birds present to September 13th with two on August 20/23rd and three on the 29th. In September, there were singles at Upton Warren Moors on the 6th, Ryall Pits on the 10th and at Defford Bow Brook on the 15th. Staffs First seen at Middleton Lakes RSPB on April 6th and last seen at Belvide on October 25th. Untabulated records were received from Silverdale CP on May 1st, Aqualate from August 1st-3rd, Coley Brook Marsh on 13th, Croxden Quarry on August 24th, Rudyard Lake from August 29th-September 1st, Knypersley Reservoir on September 4th and Greenway Bank CP on September 18th. W Mid Other autumn sightings involved individuals in Sandwell Valley from July 9th- 10th and two on August 12th, and singles at Olton Mere from 3rd-10th, Fens Pools LNR from 8th-9th and most days from 23rd-27th, Stourbridge on 14th and Dunstall Park on 26th and September 8th.

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Very rare vagrant (0/10). Staffs A well-watched bird was present at Uttoxeter Quarry from May 29th-31st ABa. This is the third county record following one at Blithfield on September 15th 1979 and one at Knighton Reservoir on November 11th 1995. It is also Lesser Yellowlegs, Uttoxeter Quarry, Robert Powell the fourth regional record.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Frequent passage migrant and uncommon winter visitor.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Abbots Salford – – – – – – 3 3 1 – – 1 Brandon 1 – – 2 – 3 5 7 4 2 2 1 Kingsbury/Middleton – 3 5 5 – 5 6 3 4 – – 1 Ladywalk/Lea Marston 1 2 – 4 9 4 9 2 – – – –

106 J F M A M J J A S O N D Lighthorne Pools/Quarry 1 – 2 – – 1 4 7 1 – – 1 Morton Bagot – – – – – – 5 9 3 – – – Salford Priors GP 2 3 3 4 1 5 18 14 5 3 3 3 Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – 1 – – 3 3 1 2 1 – Bredon’s Hardwick – – – – – 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 Camp Lane Pits 2 1 2 1 – 1 2 1 4 4 1 – Clifton Pits 2 2 4 2 – – 3 5 3 4 5 4 Gwen Finch NR – – 2 – – 6 11 6 5 1 1 1 John Bennett NR – – 2 1 – 4 10 9 1 1 1 1 Kemerton Lake NR – – – – – – – 3 3 2 2 – Lickmoor Wetlands – – – – – 5 14 4 – – – – Longdon Marsh – – – – – 4 8 6 1 – – – Lower Moor/Wick – – – – – 2 – – 1 1 1 – Ryall Pits - 1 1 – – – 5 – 4 2 – 2 Throckmorton Lagoons – – – – – – 2 1 1 – – 1 Upton Warren 1 - 2 3 1 10 18 16 13 2 4 1 Wagon Wheel Lane Pits 3 2 1 1 – 1 2 5 5 4 5 2 Westwood Pool – – – – – – – 3 1 3 3 1 Staffordshire Aqualate – – – – – – 1 – – – 1 – Barton GP – 1 – – – – – 1 – 1 – – Belvide – – 2 1 – 1 – 4 1 1 3 1 Blithfield – – - 1 – 1 2 1 3 2 1 2 Branston GP 2 1 2 1 – – 6 16 11 6 2 3 Chasewater 1 – – 1 – – – 4 2 – – – Coley Brook – – – – – – 1 2 – – – – Croxall Lakes – – – – – – – 4 1 1 – – Doxey Marshes – – – 1 – 1 – 1 – – – – Fisherwick/Elford GPs – – 2 – – – 5 10 6 4 2 4 Ingestre 1 1 – – – – – 1 1 – – – Middleton Lakes 1 – 1 2 – 2 4 4 3 – 1 – River Sow Meadows – – – – – – – 1 2 2 1 1 Tameside NR 3 – – – – – – – – – – 1 Tittesworth – – – 1 – – 1 1 1 – – – Uttoxeter Quarry 1 1 2 2 – 2 8 4 1 1 3 2 Whitemoor Haye 1 – 1 – p – – p – – 1 – West Midlands Clayhanger – – 1 1 1 – – 2 – – – 1 Dunstall Park – – – 1 – 1 1 3 – – – – Marsh Lane NR – 1 2 1 – 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 Meriden – – – – – – – 1 1 – – – Stubber’s Green – – – – – – – – – 1 2 –

Warks Ones and twos were widespread across the whole county in both winter periods. Typical extreme dates in spring were the first one/three days in May and generally birds were back at favoured sites by June 19th. At Salford Priors GP the July maximum was on 31st. Non-tabulated records and mainly those from lesser known sites were as follows (singles unless specified): Chesterton (floodwater) on January 8th, Bubbenhall GP on February 12th, Bishopton (farm scrape) on March 6th, Priors Hardwick (Oxford Canal) Green Sandpiper, Brandon, Steve Valentine

107 on 12th, Toft Farm Lakes on 19th, Nelson’s Quarry (Stockton) on 23rd, Wroxhall on April 13th and in the post-breeding period: Wormleighton Res from July 26th-August 26th, September 26th, November 7th and December 13th. Bubbenhall GP on August 1st, Charlecote GP on 27th, Priors Hardwick (pool at Buxtons Covert) on September 3rd, Napton Res on 21st and a maximum count at Packington of four on November 4th. Worcs Except for a brief gap in May, one to five were present throughout the year at Camp Lane Pits, Clifton Pits, Upton Warren and Wagon Wheel Lane Pits and birds were reported in the county in every month of the year. Double-figure counts came from Gwen Finch (11), John Bennett NR (10), Lickmore Wetlands (14) all in July, Upton Warren, notably 18 in July and 16 in August. Away from the tabulated sites, other reports came from Cofton Reservoir, Croome Park, Defford, Dines Green, Holt, Nafford Lock, Old Yarr, Pirton Pool, Ripple Pits, Stoulton, Tugwood and Wilden Marsh. Staffs Untabulated records were at Yoxall Park on January 16th, Rocester Pools on March 12th, Sideway on 20th, Hopwas on April 1st, Rudyard Lake on August 11th, Berry Hill (two) on 26th, Brancote STW on November 5th and Amington Hall on 12th. W Mid The only bird recorded away from tabulated sites during the early part of the year was at Bartley Reservoir on March 5th. Single birds were also noted at Mercote Mill on June 29th, Fens Pools LNR from July 12th-14th and August 8th, and Olton Mere on 5th and September 16th, with two or three at Park Farm Pits on August 10th and individuals in Goscote Valley on 22nd, September 3rd and December 31st, Cornets End on August 31st and September 7th, Sandwell Valley on October 1st, Knowle Locks on 7th and Bartley Reservoir on 16th.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Uncommon passage migrant. Has over-wintered. Warks A better year commenced with two at Morton Bagot on April 22nd, with further spring records at Salford Priors GP on May 1st and Brandon on 5th. As always, an adult at Salford Priors on June 19th could have been a late non-breeding bird or a returning autumn migrant. Others started to come through at Fisher’s Mill on July 31st-August 1st, Brandon on August 4th-5th, Draycote on 4th, Alvecote on 5th, Salford Priors on 7th and Draycote again, on 8th. Further birds appeared from mid-month at Fisher’s Mill on 13th (and 29th), Draycote on 18th and both Brandon and Middleton Pool on 30th. Worcs One was at Ryall Pits MWCW, SMW on April 25th and stayed to May 11th. Upton Warren had one on April 29th DWa, GPr with three on the 30th PMA and May 1st JHWR and singles on the 2nd DJa, DWa, 7th RAP and 15th AHam. Four were found at Lower Moor RAP, MAS, GHP on May 3rd with a new bird here on the 4th RAP. On return passage, one was at Upper Bittell Reservoir ACu on July 29th with one at Clifton Pits AHo, GHP on August 5th which stayed to the 7th. Staffs Another very good year, following on from 2010, saw good numbers in both spring and autumn. The first at Croxden Quarry on April 26th was a site first and was followed by singles at Tittesworth from 27th-28th, then Blithfield and Middleton Lakes on 30th, the latter staying until May 1st. In May, there were two at Barton GP on 1st (one thought to be the Croxall bird), one lingering until 2nd; one at Croxall Lakes from 1st-3rd, one at Uttoxeter Quarry from 1st-2nd, another on 6th increasing to two from 7th-8th; one at Doxey from 2nd-3rd with another from 7th-8th, five at Middleton Lakes RSPB from 2nd- 3rd with one remaining on 4th and another on 9th; two at Belvide from 4th-6th and one at Blithfield from 14th-15th. The first returning bird was at Middleton Lakes RSPB on June 29th, then two at Blithfield on July 1st with one remaining on 2nd, one at Middleton Lakes from July 31st-August 4th, a juvenile at Uttoxeter Quarry on August 4th, one at Middleton

108 Lakes from 12th-18th, one at Branston GP from 13th-14th joined by a second from 15th- 16th and another there on 19th, two at Middleton Lakes on 19th with one lingering until 21st, one at Croxall Lakes on 25th, another at Branston GP from 29th-30th and the last at Middleton Lakes on 29th until September 1st. W Mid Single birds visited Marsh Lane NR on April 20th per NPB and June 5th DJS.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Fairly common passage migrant. Scarce summer resident and winter visitor.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon – – – 1 3 – 3 2 - - - - Draycote – – – 4 5 – 6 18 9 1 – – Earlswood – – – 3 4 2 12 3 2 – – – Kingsbury – – – 1 3 – 2 – – – – – Salford Priors GP – – – 1 4 – 3 3 2 – – – Wormleighton Res – – – – – – 1 3 1 – – – Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – 2 1 – 4 4 – – – – Bredon’s Hardwick – – – – 3 – 5 2 3 1 – – Camp Lane Pits – – – 1 1 1 – – 1 – – – Clifton Pits – – – 3 – – 7 – 2 – – – John Bennett NR – – – 1 1 – – 1 1 – – – Kemerton Lake NR – – – 1 – – – 2 1 – – – Lower Moor – – – 1 2 – 1 – – – – – Ripple Pits – – – 1 1 – 1 – 1 2 1 1 Throckmorton Lagoons – – – – – – 2 1 – – – – Upton Warren – – – 7 6 2 7 6 3 – – – Wagon Wheel Lane Pits – – – 1 – – 3 3 – – – – Westwood Pool – – – 6 – – 1 2 – – – – Staffordshire Barton GP – – – – 2 2 2 1 – – – – Belvide – – – 4 7 5 28 9 3 – – – Blithfield – – – 3 6 3 13 11 5 1 1 1 Branston GP – – – 1 – 2 1 4 1 1 – – Chasewater – – – 3 3 – 2 3 2 1 – – Croxall Lakes 1 – – 1 1 1 5 1 – 1 – – Croxden Quarry – – – 2 1 – 1 – – – – – Doxey Marshes – – – 3 1 – 1 – – – – – Essington Quarry – – – 2 1 – – 1 1 – – – Middleton Lakes – – – 1 2 – 2 1 – – – – Rudyard Lake – – – 1 1 – 3 4 3 – – – Silverdale CP – – – 3 1 – 1 1 1 – – – Tittesworth – – – 6 6 4 14 4 1 – – – Uttoxeter Quarry – – – 3 8 9 26 3 2 – – – Westport Lake – – – 1 2 1 2 1 – – – – Whitemoor Haye – – – 1 2 – 4 3 4 – – – West Midlands Clayhanger/Ryders Mere – – – 1 1 – 1 1 1 – – – Fens Pools LNR – – – 1 2 – 1 – – – – – Marsh Lane NR – – 1 4 3 1 4 4 2 1 1 – Meriden – – – – 1 – 1 1 1 – – – Olton Mere – – – 1 1 1 – 1 – – – – Sandwell Valley – – – 1 p – 1 1 1 – – –

Warks A pair was displaying at Salford Priors GP on May 8th, but there was no subsequent evidence of breeding at this former nesting site. An unusual winter arrival at

109 Draycote on January 17th was probably triggered by the cold weather. The first spring arrivals appeared to be at Earlswood on April 12th, closely followed by others at Kingsbury and Packington on 15th. Other sites with occasional records of one or two were Abbots Salford, Alvecote, Ladywalk, Lea Marston, Morton Bagot, Napton Res and Shustoke. The final record of the year was at Draycote on October 5th. Worcs Upton Warren had one on the Moors pools on April 7th with one at Camp Lane Pits on the 8th. Notable spring reports were for six at Westwood Pool on April 20th and for Upton Warren with seven in April and six in May. Both Clifton Pits and Upton Warren had seven in July and Bredon’s Hardwick had five. Away from the tabulated sites, reports were received from Bodenham Arboretum, Cobhouse Farm (one), Croome Park river (two), Longdon Marsh (one), Lower Park (one), Shelsley Beauchamp (one), Trimpley Reservoir (three in July) with one calling over Worcester Warndon at midnight on May 19th. The only wintering bird was reported from Ripple Pits on November 20th and December 10th, 18th and 29th. Staffs Wintering birds were recorded at Croxall Lakes on January 3rd, Fisherwick on 17th and Tameside NR on 27th, perhaps the same bird moving around. Another lingered at Blithfield until at least December 17th. Breeding occurred at Tittesworth (three pairs with eight young) and Uttoxeter Quarry (one pair). Barton GP probably also hosted a pair and a pair with three young at Rudyard on August 8th might have bred there. The first bird on spring passage was at Uttoxeter Quarry on April 2nd. July 9th saw a big movement of birds with 28 at Belvide, 26 at Uttoxeter Quarry, 13 at Blithfield and singles at Branston GP and Silverdale CP. Untabulated records came from Gailey on April 6th, Stoke-Sideway on April 11th, 22nd, May 6th, 12th (two) and 22nd, Aqualate (three) on April 16th with one from 23rd-24th and 29th, Alrewas GP on 24th, Calf Heath on June 18th, Aqualate on 24th and July 9th, Rocester Pools on July 17th, Coley Brook Marsh on 16th-19th, Borrowpit Lake on 23rd and four at Gailey on August 3rd. W Mid At Dunstall Park, perhaps the same bird was seen from April 14th-18th, with two on 24th and one on May 2nd and 4th. Single birds were seen at Saltwells LNR from April 11th-25th and Mercote Mill on July 13th. Four birds were counted at Bartley Reservoir on July 9th. An individual seen at Marsh Lane NR during October until November 14th may have been trying to winter. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Very rare vagrant (4/10). Worcs One found at Westwood Pool walking up the jetty WDu on May 3rd in summer plumage was the first county record and stayed long enough to be viewed by many observers. Spotted Sandpiper, Westwood Pool, Hughie King

Turnstone Arenaria interpres Uncommon passage migrant, rare in winter. Warks Just two spring records came from Shustoke on May 14th and Draycote on 26th. Return passage was also poor. The first was at Draycote on July 30th, then another at

110 Shustoke, on August 15th and then Draycote with the remaining birds on September 1st, 7th, 8th and October 19th. Worcs Two were at Ripple Pits on May 8th with one from the 10th-11th and two again on the 12th. Camp Lane Pits had one on May 30th and two were at Upper Bittell Reservoir on June 1st with a single bird here on July 21st. Staffs

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 18 14 24 50 27 37 55 52 69-73 48 32

The first three birds were seen at Uttoxeter Quarry on April 19th, then one at Middleton Lakes on April 30th-May 2nd, Barton GP on 2nd, Croxall Lakes on 3rd, an impressive eight at Barton GP on 7th, Belvide on 24h and Blithfield on 26th and 31st. Autumn passage saw singles at Blithfield on August 3rd, Croxall Lakes from 4th-5th, Uttoxeter Quarry on 10th, Blithfield on 14th, three at Whitemoor Haye and five through Blithfield on 26th and the last three at Belvide on September 5th.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Rare passage migrant (6/10). Warks After a ten year absence there has now been two records in two years. Sadly the two at Shustoke on May 29th were not seen by anyone apart from the sailor who photographed the summer-plumaged birds out on the open water per MFe. This is the eighth record for the post-1974 county. Worcs A female was found at Upton Warren Flashes on May 28th GPr and on the 30th was joined by another female DWa, RAP, GHP to give the first multiple county record with one bird staying until June 4th. The same bird returned on June 10th and again on the 14th. Staffs Blithfield hosted a summer-plumaged female on May 24th RCB and then a male on June 6th RMat, KMa.

Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Rare passage migrant in autumn, often storm-driven. Very rare at other times (9/10). Worcs A first-winter was found at Sling Pool Holt TNo on September 13th and was still present on the 14th. Two adults, which had been found at Bartley Reservoir (West Mids) TMH on October 12th, were then seen to fly into Worcestershire. Staffs One was found by visiting birders at Gailey on October 14th per SAR. W Mid Two adults were seen at Bartley Reservoir on October 12th TMH.

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus Rare autumn and winter vagrant (3/10). Warks Proving that birds can be seen almost anywhere in our area, a pale-phase adult was seen moving north-east over Toft Farm on October 21st TMa. It would almost certainly have dropped down towards nearby Draycote Water but, as has been observed with other skuas, it seemed to go straight through. This seems to have been an isolated inland occurrence and was only the third record in 27 years, following a moribund adult at Seeswood Pool around November 10th 1985 and two at Draycote on May 11th 1997.

Skua sp. Staffs One flew through Blithfield in very poor weather on May 18th and was thought probably to be an Arctic Skua RPo.

111 Sabine’s Gull Xema sabini Rare passage migrant (5/10). Staffs A long-staying juvenile lingered at Belvide from September 7th-14th NTa, but also relocated to Gailey Reservoir during September 9th SAR and returned to Belvide during the day on 10th.

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Uncommon passage migrant and storm-driven winter visitor. Warks Just two records for the year, both first-winters: at Shustoke on September 8th and Draycote on Sabine’s Gull, Belvide, Dave Burns September 9th. Worcs An adult was found at Westwood Pool on February 6th while reports of spring passage birds comprised three adults at Camp Lane Pits and an adult at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on May 13th, three adults and two first-summers at Bredon’s Hardwick on 23rd, plus an adult at Upper Bittell Reservoir on June 5th. The sole record in the second winter period was of an adult at Upper Bittell Reservoir on November 14th. Staffs

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 10 12 37 22 8 111 12 11 7

The only records this year were of singles through Westport Lake on February 23rd and March 10th, Gailey on May 30th, Tittesworth on December 8th, Blithfield on 18th and two further birds there from 29th-31st. W Mid An exhausted/injured first-year bird was seen in Sandwell Valley on December 18th.

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Frequent breeding bird in Staffs and north Warks and rarely in Worcs.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon Marsh 133 158 187 20 14 65 480 137 411 366 750 650 Morton Bagot 230 545 64 1 3 2 4 15 4 67 48 22 Worcestershire Arrow Valley Lake 85 80 165 – 30 3 10 9 – – 40 65 Avon Meadows NR 25 350 104 6 – – – – – – – – Bittell Reservoirs 5 – 33 – – – 25 112 122 174 269 263 Bredon’s Hardwick 361 2 1 – – – – – 12 19 5 18 Camp Lane Pits 56 72 140 70 20 – 8 9 180 220 180 43 Clifton Pits – 57 210 – 1 – – – – – – – Gwen Finch Wetland 7 1 – – – – 1 1 – – 6 26 Kemerton Lake 10 2 2 2 34 3 1 – 5 26 46 75 Oakley Pool – 12 18 – – – – – – 9 1 2 Throckmorton Tip 2200 1200 1500 7 4 18 40 10 17 26 132 1500 Trimpley Reservoir 228 61 33 – – – 9 21 22 42 98 91

112 J F M A M J J A S O N D Upton Warren 200 750 321 410 225 250 770 700 900 670 1500 500 Westwood Pool 2500 2500 500 8 2 3 200 250 680 2000 3600 3500 Staffordshire Aqualate 700 1100 384 20 – – 1 4 7 – 1000 50 Bateswood Lake 1920 660 520 - 10 – – – 111 – 300 186 Berry Hill 30 20 60 – – – 700 330 240 – 120 – Chasewater 7000 7000 4600 270 10 150 452 1200 2300 4600 8100 8300 Copmere – – – – – – – – – – – 1300 Croxden Quarry – – – – – 2 68 101 200 400 200 6 Knypersley 233 – 500 2 3 – 5 57 60 160 175 423 Tittesworth 52 173 38 52 5 – 53 217 213 130 228 500 Uttoxeter Quarry 350 400 500 23 15 29 250 180 64 259 300 191 Westport Lake – – – 13 7 7 74 55 – – 400 140 West Midlands Dunstall Park 600 450 p 2 1 4 200 p p 400 300 275 Marsh Lane NR 166 300 350 95 77 100 150 150 600 500 340 155 Olton Mere 440 640 430 4 – 9 112 275 94 270 420 380 Saltwells LNR 110 – 30 2 – – – – – 7 105 125 Sandwell Valley 100 p 10 2 p 20 339 400 290 120 100 Stubber’s Green p 200 3 8 – 12 – – – 405 500 200

Warks Up to a dozen in the spring at Brandon where courtship and display were seen, but only one pair bred with three young noted on July 22nd and two of these eventually fledged. Some of the larger counts in the first quarter included 600 at Little Packington on January 6th, 600 on pasture at Wormleighton on 12th, 500 at Napton Res on 13th, 450 flying towards the Draycote roost at Charlecote on 19th, 550 on pasture at Chesterton on February 11th, 1000 on pasture at Wormleighton Grange on 12th, 800 at Napton Res on 22nd, 1000 in the roost at Shustoke on March 4th and 600 at Quarry on 19th. On July 11th 250 were feeding on flying ants over Walsgrave Hill and also 300 over Ryton-on- Dunsmore. Later flocks included 1000 at Shustoke on August 18th and 500 on ploughland at Cestersover (near Churchover) on 22nd. Only one count was made at the Coton roost, where numbers generally peak in November; 3000 on 9th. A leucistic bird was in the roost at Draycote on December 27th. Worcs Breeding still restricted to Upton Warren, with 65 nests counted at the Moors Pool and a further 37 at the Flash Pools, resulting in 146 young fledged across the reserve. Six ringed birds recorded at Upton Warren during spring and summer, originated from Berkshire, Cotswold Water Park, and Slimbridge. A leucistic bird was observed at Throckmorton Tip on January 1st, while away from the tabulated sites, 250 were at Wildmoor Tip on January 24th, 181 at Stakenbridge on February 22nd and six at Victoria Park, Malvern Link on July 5th. During the second winter period Brake Mill Pool held 60 and 181 on October 21st and 28th respectively, 50 were noted at Ripple Pit on November 20th, 30 at Wythall on December 4th and 30 at Finstall Park on 17th. Staffs The lower numbers than usual at Chasewater were due to drainage of the reservoir for repair works. There were four breeding colonies in the east of the county, two in excess of 100 pairs and one small colony in the west. All colonies appeared to have produced some young. Other large counts were 1300 at Belvide on January 18th, considered a low roost count and daytime counts at Blithfield on 2800 on January 16th, 1000 on February 3rd, 1500 on August 13th and 2800 on September 17th. W Mid Breeding took place at Marsh Lane NR for the fourth successive year (at least 26 pairs raising at least 45 young cf. nine and 21, respectively, last year) and Ryders Mere for the fifth (at least 43 young fledged). Away from tabulated sites, high counts included 430

113 birds at Elmdon Park on January 14th, 230 at Fens Pools LNR on February 4th and 203 on November 12th, 200 at Crestwood School (Kingswinford) on February 26th, 250 at Ryders Mere on March 12th and 220 on December 22nd, 235 at Shadowbrook on September 7th and 250 at Yardley Wood on December 28th.

2009 Addenda W Mid

J F M A M J J A S O N D Olton Mere 320 280 200 – – – 95 160 180 250 332 502

A total of 230 birds were counted at Babb’s Mill on December 7th.

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus Uncommon passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Warks First birds of the year were an adult at Shustoke on March 26th and an adult and a first-winter at Draycote from 28th-31st. April had a scattering of records, mainly from Draycote, peaking at 16 on the 18th (13 adults and three first-summers), with Napton Reservoir also having a bird on this date. Earlswood Lakes had a first-summer from 3rd to 5th and adults on May 1st and 7th (two). One at Brandon on May 2nd was their only bird of the year and on the same date there was a first-summer at Shustoke, which remained till 3rd. At Draycote, odd May records began with six on the 1st until the last, on 9th. Passage resumed on August 13th when a juvenile was at Shustoke, remaining there until 17th and also on these dates one/two juveniles were at Draycote. In September, a juvenile at Draycote from 7th to 9th with another on 20th. A small movement on November 11th saw two adults and a first-winter at Dosthill and nine through to the south, in mist, at Lea Marston. An adult was at Shustoke on 12th and what looked like the same bird roosted at Coton the following evening. The last bird of the year was a first-winter at Earlswood on December 10th and maybe the same again on 18th and 19th. Worcs A good spring passage noted at Upton Warren, with two second-winters on April 9th, then six adults and two first-winters on 18th, while another first-summer was here on July 17th. Upton Warren continued to attract birds in the autumn, with a juvenile on September 2nd, plus a second-winter on October 30th, while Westwood Pool held a second- winter also on 30th. Upper Bittell Reservoir hosted an adult on November 14th and a first-winter on 22nd; an adult was at Westwood Pool on November 25th and 26th, and first- winter birds at Camp Lane Pits and Throckmorton Lagoons on December 23rd. Staffs The first arrival was at Branston GP on April 18th, followed by further individuals at Chasewater on 22nd and 24th. A mini-influx on 30th saw two at Belvide (one remaining until May 3rd), a first-winter through Middleton Lakes and another at Whitemoor Haye. On May 1st and adult and first-summer were noted at Middleton Lakes and remained until 2nd. Further May sightings were single at Aqualate on 5th-8th and an adult at Gailey from 9th- 13th. Return passage commenced at Gailey with one from August 22nd-23rd, two juveniles at Blithfield from 24th-29th and another at Tittesworth on 27th. Gailey had a further single on 31st and again on September 2nd, 4th-10th and 13th. Belvide hosted an adult on September 3rd and juveniles on 4th and 13th-15th, the latter being joined by another on 14th and Blithfield had a juvenile on 10th-11th. Late year sightings comprised a first winter at Belvide on October 1st, one at Blithfield from 23rd-27th, one at Barton GP and six at Blithfield on November 12th, an adult at Belvide from 13th-15th joined by a second from 16th-22nd. W Mid A first-winter bird roosted at Bartley Reservoir on December 20th ACu, TMH.

114 Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Draycote 1 1 4 3 – – – 1 – – – – Staffordshire Belvide 1 1 – – – – – 1 1 – 1 1 Blithfield – 2 1 – – 1 – – – – – 2 Chasewater 1 1 – – – – – – 1 1 2 3 Gailey – – – – – – – – – 1 1 1

Warks Away from Draycote all but three were single adult birds with most being in the first half of the year. Records came from Coton Lakes on January 6th and 8th, on pasture at Napton Res on 13th, Brandon Marsh on January 27th and 29th, a first-winter bird at Napton Reservoir on March 2nd, a second-winter at Lower Shuckborough on March 10th (which roosted at Draycote) and Kingsbury on March 23rd. In summer one at Brandon on June 30 and early on July 1st. Apart from the Draycote bird in August it was December 7th before the next one appeared, at Coton, with other records from there on December 9th, 10th, 19th and 20th. A second-winter on playing fields in Warwick was a good find on December 8th.One at Kingsbury on December 24th and the last one of the year, at Coton on 27th. Worcs During the first winter period and spring, Upton Warren held a second- winter/second-summer bird on 33 days between February 28th and April 15th, with a second bird present on March 26th and a first-summer on April 22nd, while Lower Moor hosted a second-summer on March 30th. From June, Clifton Pits held a first-summer on 19th, a second-summer was at Upton Warren on 27th, two juveniles were observed at Upper Bittell Reservoir on July 28th, a colour-ringed adult from Poland at Upton Warren on 30th, then two juveniles there on 31st. Upton Warren continued to hold birds during the autumn, where sightings comprised juveniles on August 6th, 25th and 27th, a first-winter on 30th, September 1st, 6th and 7th, a juvenile on 9th and 10th, plus a first-winter on 13th and 14th. Finally, Westwood Pool held a first-winter on September 3rd and on November 25th. Staffs Just one pair fledged one young this year although a second pair at a second site may have attempted. Numbers generally appeared to be down this year too, with untabulated birds consisting of an adult at Uttoxeter Quarry on February 19th, two at Whitemoor Haye on April 1st, a second-winter at Croxden Quarry from August 1st-2nd and an adult at Silverdale CP on December 14th. W Mid The only record during the first half of the year involved a first-summer bird at Marsh Lane NR from May 30th to June 4th, where an adult was noted on September 2nd. Single birds were noted in Sandwell Valley on five dates from July 15th to December 4th. At Bartley Reservoir, individuals were noted on ten days from September 11th to December 18th. Single adults visited Olton Mere on September 26th and October 7th; perhaps the same bird appeared here during the second half of September in 2008 and 2009. Probably the same adult was seen at Stubber’s Green from November 25th-27th and on December 1st, and may also have been that seen at Rushall on November 29th.

2009 Addenda W Mid The adult noted at Olton Mere on September 18th was also present on 23rd and at Elmdon Park later the same day. An adult was seen at Babb’s Mill on December 7th.

115 Common Gull Larus canus Common winter visitor and passage migrant, principally to the south and east of the region.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Worcestershire Kemerton Lake – – – – 2 1 – – – 3 12 3 Upton Warren 1 – – – – – – – – 5 20 – Westwood Pool 3 3 1 – – – – – – 3 4 3 Staffordshire Bateswood Lake 26 14 10 – – – – – – – 6 8 Belvide 3 – 12 – – – – 2 – 2 5 5 Blithfield 6 17 80 1 1 3 1 – – 2 20 13 Branston GP – 1 – – – 6 – – – – – – Chasewater 35 30 15 1 – – 1 – 2 3 16 30 Coldmeece – – – – – – – – – – 2 1 Croxden Quarry – – – – – – – 1 1 1 1 - Essington Quarry 1 3 1 – – – – – – – – – Middleton Lakes – – – – 1 1 – – 10 – – – Silverdale CP 1 – 3 – – – – – – – 7 6 Tittesworth 38 23 26 – – – 1 – – – 2 41 Uttoxeter Quarry 8 1 1 – 1 1 13 – – 1 2 3 Westport Lake 11 3 3 – – – – – – 1 2 2 West Midlands Bartley Reservoir 20 – – – – – – – 3 10 5 10 Marsh Lane NR 49 52 40 – – – – – 1 7 36 65 Stubber’s Green 7 10 – – – – – – – – 9 3

Warks Present in every month albeit scarce in summer. Brandon recorded birds in ten of the months, with a maxima of 112 in January. No counts were received from the Draycote roost but hopefully there are still “too many to count”. Fairly abundant in the first quarter with maxima at Napton Res and adjoining pastures of 1700 on January 13th, 950 on February 22nd and 600 on March 1st. Elsewhere in the south, counts included 300 at Fenny Compton on January 8th, 300 at Wormleighton on 12th, 600 at Knightcote on 15th and 200 at Priors Hardwick on March 12th. All flocks were feeding on old pasture fields. Good numbers in the north of the county are often noteworthy and generally relate to a northward movement in spring: 34 at Shustoke on March 3rd is an example. Late summer single adults were at Birdingbury on August 12th and at Wormleighton Res on 25th, after which odd birds appeared frequently. The main arrival was during the second half of October, with 50 at Crimscote on 22nd and 100 at Priors Hardwick by 29th. Autumn counts in the south-east were rather low and mainly below 100, with maxima of 250 on pasture at Chesterton on November 26th and 200 at Napton Res on 30th. 90 were present at Compton Verney on December 27th. An influx was noted at Coton on December 16th with a good total of 105 birds roosting. No accurate counts from Draycote but several hundred most evenings in the winter roosts. Common Gull, Westport, Steve Seal

116 Worcs Away from the tabulated localities, Bredon’s Hardwick held two on January 16th, while singles were observed at Hewell Grange on 20th and Upper Bittell Reservoir on March 15th, 22nd, 25th and April 12th, while Bredon Hill held four on March 19th and 34 here on April 12th. The only large count during spring passage involved 85 flying north over Lower Moor on April 1st, but surprisingly no flocks were reported from Bredon’s Hardwick during this period. In August two were noted at Little Comberton on 8th, while one was at Ripple Pit on November 20th. Staffs There were single-figure counts from 10 other sites. W Mid The count of 65 birds at Marsh Lane NR on December 21st constituted a new reserve record. Away from tabulated sites, 32 birds were counted at Wyken Slough on February 5th, 35 at Meriden on 25th and up to eight occasionally at Allesley Park, Coundon Wedge, Elmdon Park, Fens Pools LNR, Hob’s Moat, Lutley Wedge, Olton Mere, Sandwell Valley and Smestow Valley.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Very common passage migrant and common winter visitor. Fairly common and increasing breeding species since 1986.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Worcestershire Arrow Valley Lake 4 2 2 2 5 3 1 3 – – 1 1 Avon Meadows NR – 4 40 5 – – – – – – – – Bittell Reservoirs 30 – 6 13 7 23 73 123 11 4 31 93 Bredon’s Hardwick 134 6 30 31 74 – 24 55 2 1 – 2 Camp Lane Pits 2 2 4 6 18 3 2 1 1 3 – – Clifton Pits – 3 – – 9 – – – – – – – Kemerton Lake 10 3 15 46 62 105 36 28 16 25 18 27 Throckmorton Tip 4000 2600 1300 1650 2100 1500 1850 2800 2700 2600 2850 3200 Trimpley Reservoir 18 – 2 7 3 3 2 7 2 1 17 18 Upton Warren 20 2 2 4 1 11 10 19 1 6 3 2 Westwood Pool 2000 1000 500 5 20 12 30 40 100 700 1200 2500 Staffordshire Aqualate 9 900 – – – – – 1 2 – 1000 – Barton GP 1 – 4 1 18 41 54 68 14 30 220 – Blithfield 50 455 6 11 17 12 9 14 16 10 200 – Chasewater 550 1400 360 30 35 185 542 1700 2100 1003 1150 1100 Coldmeece – – – – – – – – – – 900 1000 Copmere – – – – – – – – – – 140 2100 Croxden Quarry – – – 75 40 – 76 157 80 1000 350 – Doxey Marshes 203 9 2 5 11 1 1 7 3 3 336 174 Kingswood Pool – 1000 – – – – – – – – 700 – Silverdale CP 100 75 170 9 15 58 29 480 300 240 300 130 Sideway 3 4 9 7 11 30 10 20 100 12 8 30 Swynnerton Landfill – – – – – – – – – – 250 1000 Tittesworth 2 – 70 9 15 144 63 38 97 5 4 43 Uttoxeter Quarry 20 86 23 3 16 173 77 21 19 500 230 48 West Midlands Dunstall Park/ Smestow Valley 21 22 – 13 18 – – 18 – 47 – 45 Marsh Lane NR 40 12 15 40 15 7 4 27 27 27 25 15 Meriden – 80 – 160 110 – 70 130 210 – 54 – Old Swinford – 2 – – – – 50 – – 20 1 6 Olton Mere 32 92 92 65 110 52 185 120 32 14 15 22 Sandwell Valley 6 p 32 2 p 4 7 6 10 9 30 3 Stubber’s Green p 18 1 53 – 180 1 – – 615 191 75

117 Warks No accurate counts from Draycote but several hundred most evenings in the winter roosts. The best count in the first quarter was 250 on pasture at Lighthorne on February 20th, with 150 at Little Packington Tip on March 30th. A flock was regularly present during the summer months in the main pit at Salford Priors GP, with maxima of 120 on May 15th and 110 on June 19th. They were probably at least partly to blame for the total failure of the nesting Lapwings and Little Ringed Plovers. A flock of 207 at Fishers Mill Pit on June 6th comprised 15% 2cy (second calendar year) birds, 30% 3cy and 55% 4cy or older ARD. Counts in the second half of the year included: 440 on ploughland at Westcote, Tysoe on July 31st, 300 on ploughland at Cestersover (near Churchover) on August 22nd, a peak of 485 on pasture at Priors Hardwick on September 3rd, 330 moving south at Fenny Compton on 13th, 300 on arable at Frankton on 23rd, 200 on pasture at Bishops Tachbrook on December 4th, 200 moving south at Salford Priors GP also on 4th and 300 south there on 18th, 350 over Fenny Compton soon after dawn on December 8th, 150 Kingsbury Water Park (south) on 21st and 470 south at Bishops Itchington on 24th, with 300 flying south over Fenny Compton on 25th and 300 over Chesterton on 26th. December counts at the Coton roost were reduced by over half this year. The best count in 2010 was 1200 but this year the best counts were 420 on 5th and 14th. Worcs Three pairs bred at Bredon’s Hardwick, two at Kemerton Lake, breeding was suspected at Spring Lane Industrial Estate, Malvern Link, with a juvenile observed on June 25th, then two juveniles on August 18th and September 5th, plus eight adults on the latter date, four adults and two juveniles were seen at Victoria Park, Malvern Link on July 5th, while a pair unsuccessfully made a nesting attempt at Upton Warren. At Upton Warren 1000+ flew over north on January 2nd (not included in tabulate), while a Gloucester-ringed adult, hatched in 2006 visited the latter locality on May 14th and October 4th. Wildmoor Tip held 100+ on January 24th, counts at Lower Moor comprised 267 on February 15th, 100 on 22nd and 300 on March 2nd, Ripple Pit held 200 on May 28th, 40+ on June 10th and 120 on July 30th, while 39 were noted at Little Comberton on August 8th. Staffs The counts from Blithfield are daytime counts, no roost counts were made. The records from Coldmeece, Copmere and Swynnerton Landfill probably represent the same group of birds and those at Kingswood Pool roosted at Chasewater. Ringed birds were as follows, all seen at Silverdale CP other than the Uttoxeter Quarry bird on June 19th.

Date Details January 6th W8TP yellow on black. Ringed as a juvenile at South Walney on 8/7/00. Seen at Bury 9/10/2000, Spain 05/2001 and 02/2002-03/2002, Gloucester 01/2003, Stubbers Green 4/3/2005 and Southport 21/7/2008. January 10th Colour ringed bird (yellow/black/green), ringed at Walney, Cumbria on August 24th 16/5/2000 as a breeding male, also seen at Silverdale CP in 2009 and 2010. August 25th- Colour ringed bird (black/orange) for the third year in a row here, thought October 18th to have been ringed before 1990 at Flat Holm. August 25th AEM orange on blue (FP86501), ringed at Gloucester Landfill on 2/3/2007, seen nearby on 15/11/07, Stocks Reservoir, Forest of Bowland Lancs on 6/3/2009 and Great Harewood Lancs on 14/7/2009. September 5th CHB orange on blue (FP86847) ringed at Gloucester Landfill on 20/10/2007, seen at nearby sites in the summer of 2008, then Westkapelle, Zeeland, Netherlands on 8/11/2008 and Ploegsteers, Hainaut, Belgium on 19/03/2011.

118 Date Details October 11th T2CA yellow on black ringed as a juvenile at Tarnbrook Fell, Lancs on July 10th 1998. June 19th At Uttoxeter Quarry, M+J red on grey, ringed as a chick at Gloucester on 7th August 2009.

Untabulated treble-figure counts were 130 at Long Compton Farm on January 23rd, 200 at Draycott-in-the-Clay on February 21st, 100 at Bateswood Lake on May 7th, 100 at Sideway on September 19th, 111 at Branston GP on September 17th, 250 at Weston Jones Mill on October 16th, 150 at Keele University on December 20th and 150 at Rickerscote on 21st. A partial albino adult with white primaries was seen at Chasewater on September 21st. W Mid A breeding population of 500-600 pairs was identified across Birmingham during a rooftop survey of nesting gulls from 2008 to 2011 JRW. Breeding again took place at Tipton, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton. A count of 370 birds was made at Highfields South Landfill Site on October 12th. A bird ringed as an adult in on February 3rd 2007 and seen at Stubber’s Green most years since was again noted there on January 11th and November 11th. Another also ringed as an adult in Gloucestershire on October 31st 2005 was noted for the first time outside of that county at Stubber’s Green on November 14th. A bird ringed as a chick in Suffolk on July 21st 2001 and seen at Stubber’s Green each year from 2003 was also present there again on November 14th.

2009 Addenda W Mid

J F M A M J J A S O N D Olton Mere 38 43 40 52 12 10 110 192 36 30 33 48

‘Intermediate’ Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus intermedius Warks Birds with characters of this race were an adult at Packwood on February 16th. A more unusual date of June 8th saw a fourth calendar year bird at Fishers Mill. Two adults on pasture at Priors Hardwick on August 13th with the highest count of the year c24 there on September 3rd (with a big flock of Lesser Black-backs), with single adults at Wormleighton Res on November 3rd and Napton Res on December 9th. Up to five adults in the roosts at Coton and Draycote during November and December. Worcs Two+ adults were noted at Throckmorton Tip on April 10th GHP. Staffs Two were seen at Chasewater on March 17th, one on June 22nd, five on August 26th, one on September 7th and several on September 21st. One was logged at Silverdale CP on September 2nd and another at Coldmeece on November 30th. W Mid Six birds showing characteristics of this race were noted at Meriden on February 25th, with one on July 22nd, two on August 5th and one on September 14th. Single adults with similar features were seen at Olton Mere on August 22nd and September 7th.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus Common winter visitor. Uncommon in summer and an uncommon breeding species.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs 3 – 3 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 4

119 J F M A M J J A S O N D Bredon’s Hardwick 29 1 6 4 15 – – – 4 18 – 1 Clifton Pits – 1 – – 2 – – – – – – – Kemerton Lake 3 5 45 58 50 25 4 24 72 25 10 14 Throckmorton Tip 6200 4500 2800 1900 300 1500 260 1050 1300 1800 1920 4200 Trimpley Reservoir 8 – 2 3 – – – – – – 2 1 Upton Warren 60 2 18 - - 2 – 1 – 120 1 2 Westwood Pool 2000 800 500 2 6 1 2 5 12 500 700 2500 Staffordshire Bateswood Lake 11 p – – – – 1 – – – – 1 Belvide 5 5 p – – – – – – – – 1 Berry Hill 1 1 8 4 3 3 2 1 – 1 1 – Blithfield 50 200 – – – – – 1 p 2 50 23 Branston GP 7 5 – 65 1 – 1 – 1 1 – – Burton-on-Trent 20 13 6 6 1 – – 4 3 3 13 33 Chasewater 550 300 70 2 1 3 4 20 70 180 460 525 Coldmeece – – – – – – – – – – 80 100 Copmere – – – – – – – – – – 4 150 Croxall Lakes 5 – 1 10 3 – – – – 1 11 – Croxden Quarry – – – 7 1 3 2 6 1 5 2 – Doxey Marshes 8 – – – – – – 1 – 10 1 8 Keele University – – – – – – – – – – – 300 Kingswood Pool – 1000 – – – – – – – – 300 – Silverdale CP 50 50 20 – – – 1 7 6 9 22 10 Sideway 1 – 1 4 3 6 – – 60 2 1 5 Swynnerton Landfill – – – – – – – – – – 25 250 Tittesworth 1 1 – 1 – 2 – – – – 4 1 Uttoxeter Quarry 3 8 – – – 2 1 1 – 1 1 2 Westport Lake 51 7 10 – 2 – – – – 1 1 8 West Midlands Dunstall Park 29 p p p – – 2 p p p 8 6 Marsh Lane NR 100 6 2 1 1 – – – 2 3 20 6 Meriden – 6 – 20 14 – 15 2 2 – 20 – Olton Mere 20 20 18 10 8 3 6 4 1 2 6 7 Stubber’s Green – p – 25 – 1 20 – p 195 190 320

Warks No accurate counts from Draycote but as with the previous species several hundred were present most evenings in the winter roosts. Counts included 95 over Knightcote on January 1st, 360 at Packington Tip on 2nd, 120 at Morton Bagot on the 9th, 26 over Salford Priors GP on 23rd and 15 (mainly immatures and sub-adults) there on June 19th. An adult at Packington Tip on June 2nd had white outer primaries which created a pattern almost like a Black-headed Gull ARD. Non-breeding birds are becoming increasingly common in the summer months in most parts of the county. Maxima later in the year included 100 over Fenny Compton on December 8th, 70 moving south at Salford Priors GP on 18th, 120 at Packington Tip on 19th and 80 at Kingsbury Water Park on the 21st. The roost at Coton generally held lower numbers again (as Lesser Black-backs). The 2010 maxima was 550 (Jan) whereas this year just one or two counts were made and the best were 260 on December 14th and 170 on 28th. Worcs No breeding data received. Two ringed individuals were recorded at Upton Warren comprising an adult bird trapped at Gloucester in 2008, observed on February 19th and a first-winter on October 5th had been ringed at Bath in June. Away from the tabulated sites counts above single figures comprised 35 and 15 at Grafton Flyford on January 9th and 13th respectively, 200+ at Wildmoor Tip on 24th, 20 at Pershore on February 7th, 30+ at Ripple Pit on May 28th, 25 at Grafton Flyford on October 15th and 14 at Shotts Farm (Greenfields) on December 24th. Smaller numbers or reported as present at Arrow Valley

120 Lake, Arrow Valley North, Astwood Bank, Avon Meadows NR, Bredon Hill, Croome Landscape Park, Eckington Bridge, Eldersfield Marsh, Lower Moor, Norton, Old Yarr, Larford, Shenstone, Tardebigge, Victoria Park in Malvern Link, Wilden Marsh and Worcester Woods CP. Staffs Numbers appear to be rising, particularly the presence throughout the summer months. One seen at Chasewater on December 4th, showed features typical of some of the Arctic populations of argentatus with the only obvious black on the closed wing showing as a sub-terminal band on P7 GEv. A ringed bird seen at Silverdale CP from October 10th- 18th (B:N red on white GC 13363) was ringed at Gloucester Landfill in 2007 and was seen there from September to October 2009. W Mid The count of 100 birds flying southwards over at Marsh Lane NR on January 5th was a new reserve record. A breeding population of 35 pairs was identified across Birmingham during a rooftop survey of nesting gulls from 2008 to 2011 JRW. Away from tabulated sites, birds were noted during the breeding season at Edgbaston Reservoir, Portway, Windsor Fields and Wolverhampton. A total of 84 birds were counted at Highfields South Landfill Site on October 12th. An adult seen at Stubber’s Green on September 15th had been ringed in Gloucestershire as a first-winter bird in November 2006. Another, ringed as an adult in Gloucestershire on December 22nd 2007, was noted for the first time since at Stubber’s Green on November 11th. A first-year bird ringed in Essex on March 19th was also seen at Stubber’s Green on November 11th. A bird ringed in its first year in Gloucestershire on October 20th 2007 was recorded for the first time outside of that county at Stubber’s Green on November 22nd.

2009 Addenda W Mid

J F M A M J J A S O N D Olton Mere 12 11 7 3 2 3 5 7 7 9 17 10

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis Frequent and increasing late summer, autumn and winter visitor.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon 1 1 – – – 1 – – – 1 – 2 Coton 1 1 – – 1 3 1 1 – – 1 3 Draycote 4 1 1 – – 1 9 11 2 2 – 4 Kingsbury/Fishers Mill – 1 – – 1 3 1 1 – – 1 2 Upper Leam Valley – – – – – 1 – 2 6 – – – Salford Priors – 2 – – 2 – 1 2 2 1 – – Other sites (totals) 6 1 – – – 1 4 1 – 1 – – Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs 1 – – – 1 1 2 2 1 1 4 1 Clifton Pits – 1 – 1 2 – – – 1 – – – Lower Moor 2 4 – – – – – – – – 2 2 Throckmorton Tip 5 1 – 1 – – 5 7 6 4 2 3 Westwood Pool 4 1 – – – – – 1 – 2 7 3 Wildmoor Tip 2 2 – – – – – – – 1 2 – Staffordshire Belvide 4 5 2 – – – 2 3 – 2 4 5 Blithfield 2 2 2 1 – – 3 2 1 1 2 4 Branston GP – – – 4 2 – – – – 1 – –

121 J F M A M J J A S O N D Chasewater 2 2 3 - 1 2 9 8 13 4 6 3 Coldmeece – – – – – – – – – – 4 3 Copmere – – – – – – – – – – – 3 Croxden Quarry – – – – – – 1 - - 4 1 – Kingswood Pool - 1 – – – – – – – – 3 – Silverdale CP 3 - 1 – – – – 1 1 2 1 – Uttoxeter Quarry – – – – – 2 1 3 1 1 2 1 Westport Lake 1 – 1 – – – – – – – – – Other Sites – – – – 1 – – 2 – 1 – 1 West Midlands Bartley Reservoir 4 5 3 – – – – – 4 5 4 12 Fens Pools 1 – – – 1 – – 1 1 – 1 – Marsh Lane NR – – – – – 1 – – – 1 – 1 Meriden – 1 – – – – – 1 1 – – 1 Stubber’s Green 1 – – – – – 2 – 1 5 4 1

Warks The species is probably commoner in Warwickshire than the records presented here suggest. Whilst there was no summering bird (as in 2010) the species was recorded in all but one month of the year, though the peak still coincides with a pattern expected of post- breeding dispersal, the majority of birds occurring in the late summer and autumn. The ‘Other sites’ referred to in the table are Gaydon, Leamington Spa, Napton Res, Yellow-legged Gull, Kingsbury WP, Alan Dean Packington Tip, Priors Hardwick and Tysoe. The Napton Res records included four on January 13th (adult, second-winter and two first-winters) and a second-summer on February 22nd. It is likely that those recorded at Brandon and in the Upper Leam Valley will refer to birds roosting at Draycote Water. Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, one was at Upton Warren on January 16th, one at Trimpley Reservoir on 22nd, two and one at Tip on 25th and 28th respectively, two at Upton Warren on February 6th and singles at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on May 13th, Lower Park Farm Fisheries on July 24th, Lickhill on September 10th and Shenstone on October 9th. Staffs The highest count of 13 birds was made at Chasewater on September 26th. The records from “Other Sites” were one Middleton Lakes RSPB on May 30th, two at Whitemoor Haye on August 20th, one at Keele University on October 22nd and another at Gailey on December 27th.

122 W Mid Single birds were also noted at Ryders Mere on January 9th and 17th, and December 12th and 17th, and Edgbaston Pool on February 3rd (site first).

2009 Addenda W Mid Single birds were also seen at Meriden on January 9th and Olton Mere on 5th and July 31st.

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans Scarce winter visitor. Warks Records relate to Draycote unless otherwise stated. A third-winter on January 18th TMa was followed by two first-winters on the 20th TMa. On February 8th an adult and sub-adult in the roost JFCJ ,TMa, CRS and an adult on March 4th TMa. On June 13th a first-summer bird moulting to second- winter was seen at Fishers Mill ARD. Also during June at the same site, two second- year birds were initially thought to be Caspian Gulls, but further scrutiny of photographs taken, proved them to be hybrids. They exhibited anomalous features and both seemed likely to have ‘mixed genes’ at some level ARD. Further late summer records came from Salford Priors GP with a first-summer bird on June 26th and July 10th JJB. In the Draycote roost there was a second-winter on October 20th, which was also seen on Caspian Gull, Stubber’s Green, Robert Powell October 25th TMa and another second- winter bird on December 9th, 12th and 14th TMa. Worcs Reported from three localities, with at least five individuals involved, the first being a third-winter at Throckmorton Lagoons on January 8th RAP. Wildmoor Sand Quarry held a second-winter from January 24th-27th GHP et al., an adult on February 1st and 3rd TMH et al. with a sub adult also here on March 2nd TMH. A first-summer frequented Upper Bittell Reservoir on May 29th and 31st, June 1st and 7th and also on July 1st CDa et al. Staffs

Year <2001 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 Birds 0 3 0 4 0 1 5 8 18+ 18 12 4

Chasewater hosted single adults on September 26th-27th, October 12th-13th, 25th, 30th- November 2nd, 8th-17th, 29th, December 4th-6th, 12th-27th probably comprising three birds in total GEv et al. Presumably one of these adults was seen at Croxall Lakes on November 13th MYap. The only other record was of an adult at Coldmeece on November 23rd which was also seen in the roost at nearby Copmere on December 6th NDP, RToo. W Mid A probable adult was noted at Stubber’s Green from January 9th-12th KMC, ICW, PJe. A third-winter bird was photographed at Highfields South Landfill Site and Stubber’s Green on October 12th GEv. An adult was noted at Stubber’s Green on November 1st EGP, with a different bird photographed and seen most days from 2nd to December 22nd GEv, et al, a second-winter on November 16th RMC, another adult from 26th-30th and December

123 13th and 20th several observers and a different adult on December 12th GEv. Records from Bartley Reservoir involved an adult on January 12th ACu, TMH, second-winter from 25th- 31st ACu, TMH (same bird as at Wildmoor GHP), adult on February 5th TMH, different second-winter from February 9th-10th ACu, TMH, first-winter on October 6th and 9th ACu, TMH, adult on 11th ACu, TMH and first-winter from December 22nd-24th TJo, ACu, TMH.

Alan Dean comments further as follows: ‘Classic’ Caspian Gulls, examined thoroughly and in good light, should not provide too many problems but, to use a quote relating to another species, reference to ‘classic’ birds often means ‘most distinctive’ and not necessarily ‘most typical’ or ‘most numerous’. Thus, individuals which require a good deal of judgement can be expected to occur not infrequently. My own experience during 2011 confirms this, and that a very careful approach is needed towards the identification of Caspian Gulls–increasingly so now that hybridisation between Caspian and Herring Gull, and to a lesser extent with Yellow-legged Gull, is occurring in eastern Europe and that colour-ringed hybrids have been encountered in the UK. During 2011 I encountered seven gulls which on first sight raised a fleeting reaction that they might be cachinnans but which subsequent study revealed not to match the full character-set of that species. When birds are worn and in heavy moult the problems are further exacerbated, while observing the necessary details at long-range-such as at reservoir roost sites in failing light-presents very formidable problems. The issue of natural character variation versus hybrid influence in Caspian Gulls is explored by Chris Gibbins et al.in British Birds (2011) 104: 702-742.

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor. Warks An adult roosted at Draycote on January 14th TMa, MWi. A juvenile bird roosted at Draycote from February 14th to 20th TMa et al. A third-winter bird was in the roost at Coton Lakes on December 18th JHar and over Packington Tip the following day ARD. The final bird of the year was an adult at the Draycote roost on December 27th and 28th JFCJ, JHal, DHal. Worcs A poor year, with just two individuals observed, a juvenile at Throckmorton Tip on January 2nd RAP et al. and a second-winter at Westwood Pool on December 29th and 30th GHP et al. Staffs Last year’s third-winter bird continued to roost at Chasewater until January 16th GEv et al and was seen at Blithfield on 17th GJM. It reappeared at Chasewater from 29th until February 3rd. A juvenile also roosted at Chasewater from January 17th until March 7th then again from 14th-16th many observers and it also roosted at Blithfield on February 6th GJM. Another juvenile roosted at Blithfield from March 1st-8th GJM and another at Chasewater from 17th-18th GEv et al. In the second winter period, a juvenile roosted at Belvide on November 19th SNut and another was seen at Silverdale CP, commuting to the nearby Walley’s Landfill from December 18th–29th WJL, NDP. Chasewater hosted a third- winter bird from December 27th-30th GEv and a juvenile was at Blithfield on 31st GJM. W Mid The third-winter bird seen at Stubber’s Green during December 2010 was regularly noted from January 9th to February 4th several observers.

Kumlien’s Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni Very rare winter visitor (5/10) W Mid An adult was seen at Bartley Reservoir on December 15th TMH. This is the second county record; the first was also from Bartley in 2009.

124 Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus Scarce winter visitor. Warks A juvenile bird was in the Coton Lakes roost on January 1st to 4th JKLA, PDHy et al with a third-winter on January 5th, 8th and 9th JKLA, GPR. Earlier in the day on 5th this bird was seen at Packington Tip ARD. Both of these first two birds were thought to have roosted at Foremark Res (Derbys) in the days before arriving here. A distant first or second- winter bird was at Draycote on January 18th TMa followed on January 23rd by a second-winter at Fishers Mill Pit SMH. Draycote had a second-winter bird on March 1st TMa and also the final one of the year, a juvenile, on December 28th JFCJ. Worcs Throckmorton Tip held a second-summer on March 20th RAP and 27th GHP, WFP, which also visited Lower Moor on 20th RAP, plus a juvenile was at Throckmorton Tip on December 18th RAP et al. Staffs A third-winter bird was seen at Kingwood Pools from January 31st-February 2nd and also on February 8th, roosting at Chasewater on January 31st GEv, PJe, IWa, MYap. A juvenile roosted at Belvide on February 11th SNut with perhaps the same bird at Aqualate on 26th PJo, a second-winter at Chasewater on December 27th GEv and a juvenile at Blithfield on 28th GJM.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Fairly common winter visitor, scarce in summer. Rare breeding species.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Worcestershire Lower Moor 9 5 3 2 – – – – – – 5 20 Throckmorton Tip 120 7 3 2 – – – – – 3 9 85 Upton Warren 3 2 – – – – – – 1 – 1 1 Westwood Pool 22 4 – – – – – – 1 – 2 27 Staffordshire Aqualate 6 – – – – – – – – – – p Barton GP – – – – – – – – 1 1 3 – Belvide 8 18 1 – – – – 1 1 1 p 1 Blithfield 2 10 2 – – – – – 1 1 4 1 Branston GP – – – – – – – – – 6 3 2 Cannock Tip – – – – – – – – – – 15 – Chasewater 70 60 2 1 – – – – 2 20 33 236 Coldmeece – – – – – – – – – – 2 12 Copmere – – – – – – – – – – 1 30 Keele University – – – – – – – – – – – 3 Middleton Lakes 13 – – – – – – – – – – – Silverdale CP 4 – – – – – – – – – – 4 Swynnerton Landfill – – – – – – – – – – – 30 Uttoxeter Quarry 2 – – – – – – – – – 1 1 Westport Lake 4 – – – – – – – – – – 2 West Midlands Bartley Reservoir 25 5 2 – – – 1 – – 1 5 10 Marsh Lane NR 6 1 – – – – – – 1 1 1 2 Stubber’s Green – – – – – – – – 1 15 6 10

Warks The largest counts in the first period were from Draycote with 315 on January 16th and 210 on the 30th. 52 at Packington Tip on January 2nd arrived as part of a cold weather movement and were considered exceptional in such numbers at the site. Small numbers mainly seen in flight at many sites during the winter months, but an adult at Napton

125 Res during strong winds on January 13th was unusual. Other counts for the first quarter were 20 at Morton Bagot on January 9th and 60 at Draycote on February 20th. Counts in the second winter period included six over Salford Priors GP on December 4th, six over Knightcote on 16th, 14 moving south-west over Fenny Compton on 17th, 18 flying south at Salford Priors GP on 18th and five over Lighthorne Quarry on 26th. These counts were indeed significant considering a notable absence at the Coton roost, where the best count was just five. The largest count of this period was a disappointing 50, at Draycote, on November 9th. Recent December counts there have been as high as 550 (in 2008). Worcs Away from the tabulated localities, Upper Bittell Reservoir held two on January 2nd and five on 10th, Wildmoor Tip and sand quarry attracted 15 on 5th, 25 on 18th, 12 on 22nd and 20 on 26th, singles were at Bredon’s Hardwick on February 8th and March 2nd, while in the second winter period, eight were noted at Wildmoor on November 9th, four at Wilden Marsh on December 9th and one at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 12th. Staffs No more than five birds were reported from five other sites. At Belvide, the aggressive bird showing a taste for ducks returned for its eighth year and was seen preying on a Tufted Duck on October 9th and December 16th. An adult ringed bird (MA26669) was seen at Middleton Lakes RSPB on January 3rd. It was ringed as an adult at Pitsea Landfill, Essex on 9/1/10 and had been seen at Hirtshals Habour, North Jutland, Denmark on 28/8/10, Coton Lakes, Warks on 25/12/10 and Albert Village Lake, Leicestershire on 30/12/10. W Mid Five birds were noted at Meriden on December 26th, with one or two also seen at Allesley Park, Buckpool and Fens Pool LNR, Coundon Wedge, Dunstall Park, Highfields South Landfill Site, Olton Mere, Ryders Mere, Stourbridge and Westwood Heath during one or both winter periods.

Little Tern Sternula albifrons Scarce passage migrant. Warks With ever increasing pressure on our coastal breeding birds this Tern is becoming a prize find. The first record was of three birds at Earlswood Lakes on April 19th MCL The only other records were from Draycote with singles on May 5th BHaz and May 7th DHut. Worcs An impressive party of seven birds was discovered at Upper Bittell Reservoir on May 7th, but didn’t linger too long and were followed by another three brief visitors an hour or so later RWar et al. Staffs Birds were seen at Blithfield from June 5th–6th SAR, 19th GJM, 28th GJM and on July 21st RCB.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger Frequent passage migrant. Warks A fairly average year began with two at Draycote on April 10th, with further records from 18th, peaking at 11 on 21st. An influx on May 3rd saw 32 at Draycote, three at Earlswood and five at Shustoke. Seven remained at Draycote the next day and one or two remained there until 8th. Return passage commenced with three at Draycote on August 2nd. Two at Shustoke on 15th-16th were the only ones until 26th when a small movement led to a single at Wormleighton Res (a first site record in 40 years) JJB and seven at Draycote. In September, ones and twos were recorded, mainly at Draycote, until another good arrival in stormy weather on 25th, when 15 at Brandon, 30 at Draycote and three at Shustoke. The three remained at Shustoke and 15 were at Draycote the following day and then up to six there until 28th. A juvenile lingered at Draycote from October 8th-13th.

126 Worcs An early spring passage bird was observed at Clifton Pits on April 10th, while five frequented Bredon’s Hardwick on May 2nd and two were noted at Upper Bittell Reservoir and Upton Warren on 3rd, then two at the latter locality on 4th. During the autumn, one was at Clifton Pits on August 6th, two at Upper Bittell Reservoir and Upton Warren on September 2nd, eight at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 3rd, plus one at Upton Warren from 3rd- 6th. Westwood Pool held one from 17th-20th, then two on 21st and 22nd and one on 23rd, while ten flew through Upton Warren on 25th. Staffs A total of 63 birds this year was a small improvement on last years’ 56, but was still quite low compared with 121, 277+, 20, 127 and 112 in 2010-2006 respectively. Spring passage started on April 19th with two at Belvide and one at Gailey, the latter lingering until 20th. They were followed by another at Belvide on 21st and three at Middleton Lakes RSPB on 22nd. In May, there were two at Aqualate and one at Middleton Lakes on 2nd, five at Belvide on 3rd and two on 5th, ten at Blithfield on 3rd, four on 4th, eight on 5th and one from 7th-8th, one at Middleton Lakes on 7th and one at Westport Lake on 30th. The first return birds were four at Blithfield from August 26th-27th, three remaining until 29th and the last on 30th. In September there were was one at Blithfield on 2nd, three juveniles from 3rd-6th increasing to four on 7th and one remaining until 10th, one from 14th-15th, two on 17th and one on 18th and 26th; four at Gailey from 2nd-4th; two juveniles at Belvide from 14th-15th, one remaining until 17th, three on 24th and one on 26th; one at Aqualate on 19th and three at Whitemoor Haye on 25th. The last was a juvenile at Belvide on October 13th. W Mid Three birds at Ryders Mere on April 9th RFe constituted the first record for the site. At Marsh Lane NR a juvenile bird remained from August 27th-30th DJS, followed by three more flying through on September 24th per NPB.

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Rare vagrant, usually in autumn (6/10). Staffs A juvenile delighted observers during its stay at Gailey on September 2nd RHo.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Uncommon passage migrant. Warks In spring a ringed bird at Shustoke on April 2nd SLC et al coincided with around seven other inland records. Three at Earlswood Lakes on April 25th MPG, JHS and on return passage, two there flying west, on September 27th per MPG Two adults at Draycote the same day may have been the same two birds TMa. Worcs One briefly at Lower Moor late morning RAP and one at the Moors Pool, Upton Warren during the evening DWa et al, were observed on April 18th, while one passed through Westwood Pool on May 8th WDu and one spent 10 minutes at Ripple Pit on the 27th AWa. Staffs Some very early birds were singles at Aqualate on April 1st and 3rd, Belvide on 2nd and Blithfield on 4th. These were followed by one at Blithfield on April 10th. An unseasonal record on June 19th was seven together at Blithfield, followed by return passage birds of two at Belvide and Blithfield on July 29th, one at Gailey on August 30th and two at Blithfield from September 18th-19th.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo Fairly common passage migrant. Uncommon or frequent as a breeding species, mainly in the Tame and Trent valleys. Long-term average: April 9th (27) to October 10th (27) 8-year average: April 5th (–4 days) to October 12th (+2 days)

127 First: March 31st; Kingsbury Last: September 25th; Draycote

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Warwickshire Brandon – – – 7 7 22 12 4 – – – – Draycote – – – 41 80 5 5 6 10 – – – Earlswood Lakes – – – 27 18 4 4 1 3 – – – Kingsbury – – – 10 6 2 14 28 10 – – – Worcestershire Bittell Reservoirs – – – 1 4 1 5 4 1 – – – Camp Lane Pits – – – – 7 8 12 2 – – – – Upton Warren – – – 6 17 10 11 9 1 – – – Westwood Pool – – – 5 2 1 3 4 7 – – – Staffordshire Barton GP – – – 2 11 16 17 6 – – – – Belvide – – – 13 10 6 13 19 22 – – – Blithfield – – – 6 11 20 30 25 5 – – – Borrowpit Lake – – – – 10 8 – 4 – – – – Branston GP – – – 3 5 1 1 8 – – – – Chasewater – – – 10 3 1 9 4 – – – – Croxall Lakes – – – 15 22 – 5 2 – – – – Doxey Marshes – – – – 2 3 3 2 – – – – Fisherwick/Elford GP – – – 4 3 1 3 1 – – – – Gailey – – – – – 3 17 6 – – – – Middleton Lakes – – – 10 2 2 4 14 1 – – – Rocester Pools – – – – – 2 6 6 – – – – Tittesworth – – – – 1 – 2 1 7 – – – Uttoxeter Quarry – – – 1 4 12 16 12 – – – – Whitemoor Haye – – – 6 4 – – 1 – – – – West Midlands Fens Pools LNR – – – – 2 5 6 1 – – – – Marsh Lane NR – – – 36 44 36 82 68 1 – – – Olton Mere – – – 2 6 3 10 9 1 – – – Ryders Mere – – – p 15 p 33 – – – – – Sandwell Valley – – – 3 4 6 2 – – – – –

Warks Breeding numbers were disappointing. The previously favoured Tame Valley sites have fared badly recently, with habitat change and flooding being mainly to blame. Consequently this population has largely moved to Marsh Lane NR (West Mids) although some success was evident in the area as up to nine juveniles were present at Hemlingford Water from July 27th. Elsewhere a possible six pairs at Brandon fledged around ten young and a pair prospected at Salford Priors GP into late July but did not appear to lay eggs. The first bird returned as last year on March 31st, at Kingsbury. Further arrivals were not commonplace until the last two weeks of April and then in very small numbers. A flock of 80 at Draycote on May 3rd was the best of the year by a long way. Post-breeding numbers were also poor with no significant build ups and a swift departure. The slight exception was at Shustoke Reservoir, where juveniles from Marsh Lane NR generally gather. Poor numbers, including adults, built up to 20 on July 14th but they then left quite suddenly and then only one or two were present until September 9th, when 23 arrived for just a few minutes. At Fisher’s Mill 14 were present, including ten juveniles, on August 24th. Elsewhere there were records of ones and twos at just seven other sites with the final singles at Brandon and Draycote on September 25th. Worcs The only breeding data received were from Upton Warren, where five pairs

128 fledged four young. The first returning bird was observed at Upton Warren on April 2nd, then away from the tabulated sites two were at Trimpley Reservoir on April 9th, singles at Lower Moor on 22nd and 29th, Bredon’s Hardwick on May 2nd, then five here on 7th and two on 8th. One was at Arrow Valley Lake on 28th, one at Throckmorton Lagoons from May 17th-26th, then a pair here from 30th- Common Tern, Blithfield, Steve Seal August 8th, Hewell Grange held four on May 27th, while a pair were at Lower Moor from June 1st-July 8th. One was noted at Croome Lake on June 7th, Arrow Valley Lake held four on 13th, pairs were reported from Ripple Pit on 12th, 18th and July 10th, Trimpley Reservoir on June 19th and John Bennett Wetland on July 15th. Three were at Avon Meadows NR on 22nd, one at Lower Moor on 28th, eight at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on July 30th, then three here on August 10th and finally an unusual sighting of six adults and two juveniles on an industrial estate factory roof in Stourport-on-Severn on 12th. Staffs The first passage bird at Middleton Lakes RSPB on April 3rd, was joined by a second on 4th. After this, birds were seen regularly until September 15th, the last being a remarkable late push of 22 birds on 25th at Belvide, then juveniles there from 26th-27th and 30th. Breeding occurred at Barton GP (up to 10 pairs, 2+ juveniles fledged), Belvide (three pairs, two failed, one fledged four young), Blithfield (one failed attempt), Croxall Lakes (up to 10 territories, none confirmed as successful), Doxey (one pair attempted for the first time but failed), Middleton Lakes (one pair on the private pools, probably failed) and Uttoxeter Quarry (four pairs fledged six young). Untabulated records were received from a further 19 sites. W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, at least 18 birds were sitting on nests on April 26th (cf. 17 pairs last year); at least 44 young fledged (cf. circa 33 last year). Birds also bred again at Ryders Mere, fledging at least 20 young. First arrival was seen on April 7th at Marsh Lane NR. Five birds were noted at Sheepwash UP on May 27th. Up to three birds were seen at Berkswell, Blythe Valley CP, Bournville, Cornets End, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Meriden, Netherton Reservoir, Olton Mere, Porter’s Croft Pit Wood, Ravenshaw, Sneyd Reservoir, Stubber’s Green and along the Wyrley and Essington Canal. The last bird was seen at Marsh Lane NR on September 6th.

2009 Addenda W Mid

J F M A M J J A S O N D Olton Mere – – – 1 – 2 11 2 1 1 – –

129 Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Frequent passage migrant in highly variable numbers. Warks A fairly average year apart from three good movements. In spring the first two arrived at Draycote on April 18th, with a single there on 20th. Earlswood Lakes had a number of good records commencing with 11 on April 27th, then 18 the next day, reducing to three on 29th. The 28th was a good day with others at Draycote (seven), Seeswood Pool (six) and Shustoke (three). Others, mainly singles drifted through then until May 1st, when Earlswood scored a site record minimum count of 93. Strangely there were few others reported at this time. On May 16th one was at Alvecote and two were at Shustoke. Two at Earlswood on 30th were the last birds until return passage, which commenced on August 26th with a single at Draycote. Then, in September, it was Earlswood, again, that led the way with up to four on seven dates until 18thth. Apart from those, there were up to three at Kingsbury and Shustoke on just two dates. Another site record (and a first) which might take some beating was the 20, which appeared during storms at Salford Priors GP on 25th. They stayed for just a few minutes before carrying on to the south JJB. Also on this date 20 were at Draycote. The final record of the year was a juvenile at Draycote from October 10th-12th. Worcs Spring passage commenced with one at Upton Warren on April 24th, then two on 29th and 30th and one on May 2nd. Elsewhere singles were observed at Bredon’s Hardwick on 2nd and Upper Bittell Reservoir on 3rd. In July, one was at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 3rd and 27th, then three here on 29th, five at Upton Warren on 7th, one at Westwood Pool on 27th and three here on 30th, plus one at Lower Bittell Reservoir on 31st. Westwood Pool held one on August 25th, while a strong passage was recorded in September, with Upton Warren holding one on 7th, two on 9th, one on 10th, two on 11th, six on 12th, two on 13th, four or five on 14th, three on 15th, two on 16th, 17th and three on 18th. Westwood Pool attracted five on 8th, seven on 12th, three on 13th, two on 14th, one on 15th and two on 18th, one was at Bredon’s Hardwick and two at Kemerton Lake on 12th, Upper Bittell Reservoir held two on 12th and 13th, plus four on 14th, one was at Top Barn Farm Activity Lake on 13th and 14th, while one was at Hewell Grange Lake on 15th. The only report during October came from Upton Warren, with five observed on 2nd. Staffs Spring passage totalled 144 birds, (100 in 2010), commencing quite late with eight through Blithfield on April 28th, then one at Aqualate, three at Belvide and 13 at Whitemoor Haye on 29th and a notable 19 through Blithfield on 30th on which date smaller numbers were also logged at Aqualate, Belvide, Middleton Lakes RSPB and Whitemoor Haye. In May, Blithfield logged a further 62 birds, Belvide 13 and Middleton Lakes RSPB 12. At other sites, Aqualate had two on 4th and one on 8th, Chasewater one on 26th, Croxall Lakes eight on 1st and two on 3rd, Croxden Quarry five on 1st (a site first) and Gailey one on 1st and 2nd. The last was a single at Belvide on 30th. 23 returning birds passed through Blithfield on July 29th and were followed by two through Belvide on 30th. In August there were singles at Blithfield on 1st, Belvide on 21st, Silverdale CP on 23rd (a site first) and Whitemoor Haye on 28th. In September, Belvide logged an adult and four juveniles between 5th and 23rd, Blithfield 24 birds between 3rd and 22nd, Gailey six birds between 5th and 15th, Whitemoor Haye one on 9th, Westport one on 10th, Aqualate one on 13th and Silverdale CP one on 27th. The strong autumn passage continued into October with a juvenile through Belvide on 10th, one at Blithfield from 10th-12th joined by another on 15th and one at Blithfield from 20th-23rd. W Mid The only spring records involved single birds at Olton Mere on May 13th and flying through Marsh Lane NR on 30th. During autumn, single birds were seen at Ryders

130 Mere on September 7th (only the second record for the site), Fens Pools LNR on 12th, Sheepwash UP on 12th and October 8th, and Olton Mere from September 13th-16th with a second on 14th.

Common/Arctic Tern Worcs 27+ flew through the Moors Pool, Upton Warren on May 1st. W Mid Six Arctic/Common Terns flew westwards through Lutley Wedge on August 27th.

Feral Pigeon Columba livia Very common resident in urban areas. Warks The flock visiting the feeders at Brandon visitor centre has continued a three year decline. From around 55 in 2008 the best count this year was 18 on two dates in November/December. The only other record was a flock of 165 feeding in stubble, with Wood Pigeons, at Weddington on September 14th. Worcs Several were reported taken by Peregrines through the year whilst the only significant count came from Redditch town centre with 105 on August 21st. Staffs Larger counts were 120 at Newcastle-under-Lyme, 100 at Burton-on-Trent and Essington Quarry Pool, 80 at Central Forest Park (Hanley) and 70 at Tamworth. W Mid The only notable counts received were of up to 45 birds at Aldridge from February 17th-28th, 110 at West Park on October 22nd, 56 at Stourbridge on 30th and 40 at Wollaston on November 14th.

Stock Dove Columba oenas Very common resident. Warks Present in the breeding season at around 25 sites but information on specific numbers was limited. Four pairs using nest-boxes at Brandon fledged only six young. In the first quarter a regular flock at Salford Priors GP peaked at 115 on January 9th. Flocks elsewhere were small, with maxima of 35 at Knightcote on January 2nd, 50 at Farnborough Park on February 15th, and a peak of 100 at Morton Bagot on March 6th. In the post- breeding period a flock of around 70 was regular at Salford Priors GP from July-December, with a maximum of 120 on October 9th. Regular counts at farms within HLS produced maxima (over 30) as follows: Toft Farm, (Dunchurch), 35 in February; Pleasance Farm (Kenilworth), 60 in December; Long Compton, 96 in March; Aylesmore Farm (Upper ), 52 in February and 45 in December; and Upton House, 78 in January and 82 in December. Otherwise the best flocks were 48 at Charlecote and 31 at Hampton Lucy on July 1st, 37 at Morton Bagot on 21st, 68 at Packwood on October 7th, 70 at Priors Hardwick on 29th, 85 at Wormleighton on November 5th and 60 near Napton Res on 30th. Worcs Ten pairs bred at Lower Moor and reports were received from 64 locations. Significant numbers came from Wick with 67 on January 29th, 86 on October 28th and 120 on November 3rd and from Longdon Marsh with 110 on February 12th and 60 on August 29th. Wyre Piddle had 67 on January 29th, Stakenbridge had 60 on February 16th, Stoulton had 25 on March 30th and there were 80 at Upton Warren Flashes on August 28th with 54 here on October 12th. A partly leucistic bird was at Upton Warren Flashes on August 14th. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Coppice Hill and probably occurred at a further 44 sites. Just 32 birds were seen on visible migration in the second half of October. Larger flock counts were well down in the winter periods for the second year running, the only significant counts being 50 at Barton GP in March and November and 150 at Gailey in

131 December. Spring/Summer high counts were 22 at Essington Quarry Pool in April, 95 at Gailey in May and 32 at Silverdale CP in June. W Mid Seven territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to eight last year and a mean of six over the last 19 years. At least six pairs bred along Smestow Valley. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 16 birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, ten at Priory Woods, eight at Castle Hill and Saltwells Wood, four at Alder Coppice, two at Moorcroft Wood, one at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle and Northycote Farm, but none at Hay Head Wood or Rough Wood. Birds were also noted during the breeding season at Aldridge, Blythe Valley CP, Fens Pools LNR, Lime Pits Farm, Marsh Lane NR (at least three pairs), Meriden, Pedmore, Porter’s Croft Pit Wood, River Cole, Rushall Canal, Sutton Park, Tilehouse Green, Tyseley, Warley Woods, Westwood Heath and Wollescote. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 136 birds were counted in 51¼ hours of observation over 35 days from September 17th to November 12th, with highs of eleven on September 17th and ten on October 18th. Other high counts included 20 birds at Balsall Common on January 9th, 24 at Marsh Lane NR on February 19th and 29 on June 25th, 22 at Blythe Valley CP on February 21st, 15 at Elmdon Park on 28th, 35 at Dunstall Park on September 12th (equalling the site record of October 14th 2001), 16 at Aldridge on November 29th and 18 at Clayhanger Marsh on December 31st. Smaller numbers of birds were also noted at Allesley Park, Bournville, Castle Hills, Coundon Wedge, Elmdon Park, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, Old Swinford, Olton Mere and Woodgate Valley CP.

2009 Addenda W Mid A count of 35 birds was made at Castle Hills.

Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Abundant resident and winter visitor. Warks The only breeding information received was from Morton Bagot, where there were 12 territories. Most flocks of 300 or over were in the first quarter: 300 at Morton Bagot and 1000 in fields at Stoneton on January 2nd, 600 at Napton Fields on 6th, 2500 at Abbots Salford on 9th, 800 at Kites Hardwick on 11th, a peak of 750 at Salford Priors GP on 16th, 1000 at Mancetter on 17th, 400 at Charlecote and 600 at Ufton on 19th and 950 at Seckington on 31st. In February, 400 at Little Packington on 2nd, 700 roosting in Gaydon Coppice on 19th, 700 feeding in a maize game cover at Northend on 20th, and a peak of 1000 at Wormleighton Res on 28th. Autumn flocks were low with maxima of 350 at Baddesley Clinton on August 17th, 450 at Kenilworth on September 9th, 600 at Salford Priors GP on October 23rd and 600 at Wormleighton Res on November 3rd. The largest flock fed in two small fields of unharvested wheat at Salford Priors GP towards the end of the year, increasing from 1200 on December 4th, to 1300 on 11th and peaking at 2200 on 18th. The best south-westerly movements were recorded at Earlswood, with 1040 in 100 minutes on October 29th, 3470 in 120 minutes on November 6th and 2590 in 60 minutes on 7th. Worcs In the first winter period there were 1000 at Stonebow on January 12th, 1005 at on the 20th and 500 at Kyre on the 29th whilst Wick had 620 on February 18th. Reports were received from 107 locations throughout the county. Staffs In the first winter period, larger flocks in January were 800 at Bent Lane (Whitmore), 600 at Camp Farm and Essington Quarry Pool, 350 at Ingestre and 300 at Biddulph Woodhouse; in February 300 at Essington Quarry Pool and Uttoxeter Quarry; in

132 March 1170 at Whitemoor Haye, 338 at Sutton and 300 at Elford and Fisherwick Gravel Pits and in April 500 at River Sow Meadows (Baswich).

Autumn passage Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 South 37,400 47,500 31,100 95,800 234,700 North – – 3650 4617 53,300

Autumn passage was recorded between August 4th and December 10th but didn’t really get going until October 16th. Another year of record breaking numbers resulted in a total of 234,700 birds logged heading principally south and 53,300 heading north between November 9th and December 9th. The peak southerly passage occurred between October 19th and November 7th, followed by the customary northerly passage from November 9th- 23rd, but after this and up to December 9th, a further passage of mainly south moving birds occurred. The highest day counts, beating last years record of 15,200, were 22,310 over Berry Hill on November 5th and 27,770 over Black Bank on 6th, then an incredible 40,290 over Berry Hill on 7th RToo. Significant counts are logged below:

Date Site Count Direction Oct 19th Black Bank 2404 S 20th Black Bank 3315 S 22nd Berry Hill Fields 7320 S 23rd Belvide Reservoir 3216 S 23rd Berry Hill Fields 2120 S 26th Swallow Moss 2060 S 28th Berry Hill Fields 7450 S 28th Black Bank 9300 S 29th Belvide Reservoir 8138 S 29th Berry Hill Fields 14090 S 29th Black Bank 2962 S Nov 2nd Berry Hill Fields 2530 S 5th Belvide Reservoir 4066 S 5th Berry Hill Fields 22310 S 6th Berry Hill Fields 5770 S 6th Black Bank 27770 S 7th Berry Hill 40290 S 7th Black Bank 8740 S 7th Dimmingsdale 5000 S 7th Sideway 4570 S 12th Black Bank 3460/4085 S/N 15th Black Bank 1110 N 17th Bateswood Lake 3095 N 17th Black Bank 4840 N 18th Black Bank 10250 N 18th Caverswall 2000 N 19th Black Bank 12340 N 23rd Black Bank 2660/5410 S/N 25th Black Bank 4400/2670 S/N 28th Black Bank 6125 S

Larger counts in the second winter period were however lower than in recent years, perhaps the cold conditions causing flocks to head further south than usual. In October there were 550 at Little Stoke and 400 at River Sow Meadows, Baswich; in November 800 at Copmere, 500 at Essington Quarry Pool and 300 at Aqualate and in December 400 at Copmere.

133 W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, 16 territories were noted – compared to 14 last year and a mean of 16 over the last 19 years. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 157 birds at Saltwells Wood, 133 at Wren’s Nest NNR, 117 at Alder Coppice, 99 at Castle Hill, 93 at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, 59 at Priory Woods and Rough Wood, 47 at Moorcroft Wood, 37 at Hay Head Wood and 33 at Northycote Farm. A pair was observed mating at Dunstall Park on December 31st. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 46,504 birds were counted in 51:15 hours of observation over 35 days from September 17th to November 12th; a mean of 907 birds / hour (more than double last year’s 426) and highest counts of 5,320 in 1½ hours on November 6th (96% flying southwestwards) and 5,460 in two hours on 12th (96% heading northeastwards). Other high counts included 500 birds at Elmdon Park on January 14th, 200 at College Farm on February 27th and March 18th, 348 at Wollescote on July 20th, 850 at Box Trees on August 15th, 250 at Meriden on 31st, 518 flying through Lutley Wedge on October 24th and 716 on 29th, 481 at Allesley Park on November 12th, 280 in Coundon Wedge on 26th and 560 flying southwards over Marsh Lane NR on 29th.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Very common resident. Warks There were over a hundred records of less than ten but the best counts were of 26 at Austrey on January 31st 40 at Limestone Hall, Lawford Heath on January 29th, 20 at Northend on 25th, a peak of 92 at Bidford-on-Avon on October 19th and 25 at Coughton Fields on 31st. Worcs Double-figure counts were received from Bliss Gate (12) on April 7th, Grafton Flyford (18) on October 15th, Gwen Finch (35) on October 14th and Witnells End (12) on October 20th. Reports were received from 51 locations. Staffs Double-figure flocks were 15 at Lower Drayton on January 27th, 12 at Berry Hill on March 10th, 22 at Sutton on October 30th, 10 at Greenway Bank CP on November 5th, 10 at Clarence St Burton on 11th, 24 at Essington Quarry Pool on 13th, 19 roosting at Westport Lake on 15th, 23 at Westport Lake on December 2nd, 12 at Cambridge St Burton on 14th and 11 at Croxall Lakes on 31st. W Mid Two territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to one last year and a mean of three over the last 19 years. Birds were also reported from 31 other locations. The maximum totals received were slightly higher than last year, with 13 birds in Sandwell Valley on September 24th, “an exceptional” 17 at Marsh Lane NR on October 22nd and eleven at Tyseley on November 12th.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Frequent or fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant, mainly to the southern parts of Warks and Worcs. Long-term average: April 26th (76) to September 25th (76) 8-year average: April 23rd (–3 days) to September 20th (–5 days) First: April 11th; Hopwas Last: September 24th; Camp Lane Pits and November 4th; Welland Warks A further decline as expected and probably for the first time in modern history there were no records from the north of the county. Only six areas held confirmed or probable breeding pairs and this represents a decline of close to 70% in a year. A pair or

134 two probably bred at Chesterton Lakes, where one or two males were singing from April 25th. Single pairs were thought to have bred at Alcester, Compton Scorpion, Far Longdon and Ragley Park. A pair bred at Salford Priors GP, where the first was recorded on May 1st. Two males and a female were present here during the breeding season and two young reared. All five were feeding together on August 21st, with the last sighting of two on 28th. Also thought to have bred in the Darlingscott/Stretton area. Other records: one at Newton on May 17th, males singing at Bishops Bowl Lakes on June 8th and at Brandon on May 15th and July 27th and Oversley Hill on May 22nd. A male was singing on territory in scrub at Wormleighton Res from July 26th-August 4th at least, and seen again here on September 5th. One was seen on the disused railway at Marton on August 17th, a recent breeding site. Worcs Two were found singing in April, at Coombe Green Common on the 24th and at Throckmorton Lagoons on the 25th. Only 28 sites reported birds in 2011, well down from the 40 last year. Locations with at least two birds present included Broughton Hackett, Charlton, Fladbury, Harvington, Hipton Hill Orchards, Hollybed Common, Kempsey, Lenchwick, Lower Moor, Ripple Pits and Throckmorton. A bird identified in 2010 by its withered foot returned to Kempsey in June. In the autumn, one was at Camp Lane Pits on September 24th and an extremely late bird was present and well-photographed in a Welland garden from October 31st to November 4th RMcN. Staffs One was present at Tamhorn House (Hopwas) on April 11th MHi and another at Hanchurch Woods on 18th WJL. Three pairs were present at Aqualate from April 23rd until August 18th JAr et al but there was no evidence of successful breeding.

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Scarce feral visitor which has bred. Warks Just two records. One in Fenny Compton on June 4th JJB and two in Ettington on September 4th per JJB. Worcs A male visited a Kidderminster garden twice on April 13th SKn providing some stunning photographs. W Mid The only records received were of four seen birds in Highbury Park on January 13th MJI and up to three in Sandwell Valley on four dates from September 3rd to November 6th MIx, JTa.

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Fairly common, but declining, summer visitor. Long-term average: April 11th (75) to September 6th (74) 8-year average: April 5th (–4 days) to October 12th (+2 days) First: April 3rd; Westport Lake, Seeswood Pool and Shustoke Res Last: September 25th; Salford Priors GP Warks Reported as very scarce this year in the south of the county. Calling males were heard at only around 34 sites, split roughly 50/50 throughout the north and south (cf. 58 sites in 2010 and 51 sites in 2009). The first two were fairly early, at Seeswood Pool and Shustoke Res on April 3rd. The main arrival was from April 13th and birds were reported almost daily throughout the rest of the month and through May. Most records involved one or two apart from three at Alcester Heath on May 17th, three at Brandon on May 13th-14th, with four on 15th, three at Earlswood also on 15th and four in the Ryton-Wappenbury Woods area. Two singing males were recorded regularly at Brandon, where a juvenile was seen being fed by Dunnocks regularly, in early July. A female was still present at Toft Farm on

135 July 4th the Brandon juvenile was seen until July 19th and others were at Salford Priors GP on 24th, Harborough Magna on August 22nd and Radway on 23rd. A very late juvenile was seen at Salford Priors GP on September 25th. Worcs Reports were received for at least 98 birds at 75 locations which is similar to 2010. The first song was at Broad Down in the Malvern Hills on April 8th followed by one at Pepwell on the 9th and Hollybed Common on the 10th. In May five, including three males, were at Gwen Finch/John Bennett NR and four, including three males, were at Old Storridge Common. Other sites with more than one male were Castlemorton Common, Cob House Farm, Crumpfields, Fladbury, Grafton Flyford, Hollybed Common, Kemerton Lake NR, Lower Moor, Parsons Lane, Ryall Pits, Shenstone, Upton Warren and Wyre Forest. The last report was from Old Storridge Common on July 10th. Staffs

Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Sites with calling birds 60 49 51 48 54 65 62

The first birds arrived on April 3rd at Westport with the next at Hednesford Hill on 9th, after which birds were seen daily until June 22nd. The last birds were juveniles, presumed migrants, at Berry Hill on August 1st and Wootton on 28th. The largest count was four at Goldsitch Moss on June 15th. W Mid A presumed pair were present at Blythe Valley CP from May 26th-27th. Presumably the same bird was heard regularly at Marsh Lane NR from April 25th to May 24th, followed by individuals on June 4th and 19th. Single birds were noted in Dorridge Park on April 20th and 24th and again on June 20th, Hockley Heath also on April 20th, Westwood Heath on April 29th and May 8th, Sutton Park on 7th and June 30th, Pelsall North Common on May 17th (the “first for many years”), Balsall Common on June 4th and Clayhanger Marsh on July 9th.

2009 Addenda W Mid The bird noted at Berkswell on May 20th was presumably that also present on 15th and 25th.

Barn Owl Tyto alba Frequent, but much declined, resident. Warks 24 breeding pairs were found in 2011, plus five pairs where breeding was not proven. Additionally in the breeding season, records were obtained of birds at nine other sites. The following table provides some details of the breeding pairs monitored, the locations being limited to the 10km square to respect some farmers/landowners wishes that locations are kept confidential. Two pairs had second broods and 66 young were ringed from 17 nests visited. Most of the tabulated data is from a new source so many of these breeding sites will be additional to those in previous Reports.

1 SP05 Bred but details not known (dnk) 2 SP06 Bred (dnk) 3 SP15 Four ringed on July 4th (1st brood); 4 ringed on September 30th (2nd brood) 4 SP15 Four ringed on July 4th 5 SP16 Two ringed on July 1st 6 SP24 One ringed on September 30th 7 SP24 Four ringed on June 29th 8 SP24 Three not ringed

136 9 SP24 Bred (dnk) 10 SP24 Bred (dnk) 11 SP25 Five ringed on July 4th 12 SP25 Four ringed on July 6th 13 SP25 Five ringed on September 1st 14 SP29 Bred (dnk) 15 SP29 Bred (dnk) 16 SP34 Four ringed on July 3rd 17 SP34 Six ringed on September 25th 18 SP34 Three ringed on July 28th 19 SP36 Two ringed on July 22nd (1st brood); failed (eggs) September 29th (2nd attempt) 20 SP46 1st brood failed (eggs), Five ringed on September 7th (2nd brood) 21 SP46 Four ringed on June 29th 22 SP46 Four ringed on September 28th 23 SP46 Five ringed on July 1st 24 SP46 Bred (dnk)

Outside the breeding season there were generally fewer sightings, with the population much reduced by the recent cold winters. Birds were noted at Avon Dassett, Burton Dassett, Farnborough, BAD , Knightcote, Little Dassett, Luddington, Morton Bagot, Napton Res, Oxhouse Farm, Radway, Sherbourne, Studley and Wormleighton. A sad outcome was reported from Maxstoke where a tree fell down killing two adults. Worcs Successful nesting occurred at Bredon Hill, Chaddesley Corbett, Evesham, Fladbury and Pershore. Breeding season reports were also received from Abberton, Badgers Hill, Bevere Green, Grimley, Kemerton, Kempsey, Little Comberton, Longdon Marsh, Shenstone, Throckmorton, Upton Warren and Withy Wells. Winter reports came from Aston Somerville, Gwen Finch NR, Hanley Broadheath, Huntsfield, Netherton, Rose Cottage, , Vale Golf Club and Worcester. Staffs

Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Locations 62 96 75 146 100 75 69

Numbers appear to have dropped slightly from last year with breeding confirmed from ten sites (nine in 2010, 29 in 2009, 39 in 2008 and 18 in 2007) and probably at another two sites. W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, presumably the same bird from late last year was seen on January 3rd and 21st, with two seen to the north of the reserve towards the end of the month and into early February, but there were no more sightings until one on October 29th.

Little Owl Athene noctua Fairly common resident. Warks This species together with Barn Owl has seemingly suffered in the recent bad winters, although numbers reported to Birdtrack have remained fairly stable. Probable or confirmed breeding pairs were located at: Charlecote, Clifton-on-Dunsmore, Coleshill, Fenny Compton, Kenilworth, Kinwarton, Knightcote (two), Little Packington, Mancetter, Maxstoke, Moreton Morrell, Norton Lindsey, Packington Park, Packwood, Priors Hardwick, Priors Marston, Radway, Ragley Park, Salford Priors GP, Seeswood Pool and Upper Shuckburgh. Worcs Young fledged successfully at Chaddesley, Churchill, Shenstone, Wick and Wyre Piddle. Reports were also received in the breeding season from Abberton, Croome Park, Fladbury, Grafton Wood, Lea End, Naunton Beauchamp, Netherton, Upton Warren, Wyre Forest and Wyre Piddle plus another 13 winter sites. As usual, the most prominent birds

137 were frequently reported from the roof of Hobden Hall Farm at Upton Warren. Staffs Breeding was confirmed from seven sites this year, (six in 2010, five in 2009, nine in 2008) and probably occurred at a further eight. Breeding season sightings came from an additional 15 sites (21, 26 and 29 in the last three years). W Mid The only breeding season reports came from Berkswell Hall, College Farm, Lime Pits Farm and Marsh Lane NR. Other birds were noted at Clayhanger, Kixley Farm, Rushall Canal and Westwood Heath.

2009 Addendum W Mid A bird was also recorded at Berkswell on March 13th.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco Fairly common resident. Warks The number of birds recorded by Birdtrack was very low, with records from only eight sites. The only confirmed breeding pairs were located at: Brandon, Earlswood, Farnborough Park, Gaydon Coppice, Ladywalk, Packwood and Wappenbury Wood. In the breeding season birds were also noted at Avon Dassett, Charlecote, Fenny Compton, Leamington Spa, Mancetter, Moreton Morrell, Morton Bagot, North Wood (Middleton), Oxhill, Radway, Stoneton, Tredington and Tysoe. Autumn/winter records at: Avon Dassett, Billesley, Combrook. Farnborough, Fenny Compton, Priors Hardwick, Radway, Salford Priors GP and Ufton Fields. Worcs Reports were received in the Breeding season from Aston Somerville, Bevere Green, Bodenham Arboretum, , Crumpfields, Dobbins Oak, Hunthouse Wood, Lower Moor, Madresfield, Nubbins and Ashbed Martley, Shenstone, Stoke Bliss, Upton Warren, Wyre Forest and Wythall. 18 other locations provided reports through the year. Staffs

Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Locations 50 44 68 89 48 56 53

Breeding was confirmed Branston GP, Ingestre, Little Aston SE, Shredicote Hall Farm and Weston Jones. W Mid Birds were noted during the breeding season at Bilston Cemetery, Cradley, Lutley Wedge, Marsh Lane NR, Mons Hill CBC plot, Pedmore, Saltwells Wood, Stirchley, Stourbridge and Westwood Heath. Others were recorded at Buckpool, Clayhanger, Coundon Wedge, Old Swinford, Olton Mere, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park, Tilehouse Green, Tyseley and Wollescote.

2009 Addendum W Mid A bird was noted in Elmdon Park in September.

Long-eared Owl Asio otus Uncommon and rather erratic winter visitor and scarce resident. Warks One or two present at Brandon in 2010 remained there until February 20th. In addition, a bird was flushed there on April 14th but it was not seen subsequently. A single bird returned there in November and remained from 10th-December 13th BMVCT. The only other record was one found roosting at Knightcote on December 5th JJB. Worcs Four were found using a thicket as a daytime roost at Defford disused airfield BHar, AWa on January 8/9th.

138 Staffs

Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Territories 9 11 12-13 2 10 4-5 2 4 2

Confirmed breeding came from Cannock Chase and one other site. In the winter periods, up to four were present at Park Hall, with others being seen at Doxey Marshes on January 2nd and Belvide from September 9th until November 6th.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Uncommon winter visitor in variable numbers. Scarce and erratic breeding species. Warks There were just three records in the final quarter of 2010 so the year started slowly with just singles at Brandon on three January dates and two at Toft Farm from February 1st- 2nd (and reported by the farmer there into May). With such a shortage of birds there was consequently just one spring migrant, at Salford Priors GP on March 13th. The final quarter was by contrast completely different with a substantial influx. Birds were recorded at 14 sites and double-figure roosts were discovered at three. The first single arrived at Brandon on October 9th and remained there, with sightings on eight dates until 29th. On October 10th one arrived at Crimscote, remaining until November 20th, when two were present. The next arrival was at Priors Hardwick, where a single from October 25th increased to11 at the traditional roost site on November 23rd and seven on December 3rd. Birds gradually moved to a new site near Marston Doles, with at least ten there in game cover during late December. A single at Dosthill on October 28th preceded up to four there, almost daily until November 13th and then one/two until 22nd. At Toft Farm, one on November 8th, then five there on 12th and six on 16th. The third double-figure roost was found at Honington, where seven on November 18th and 12 on 25th. Singles were also noted at Draycote on October 17th, Upton on November 24th, Wormleighton Res on December 2nd, Earlswood on 4th (a site first), Chapel Ascote on 24th and at Newbold-on-Stour and Westcote in the last week of the month. Worcs Only one report was received during the first winter period when one circled Ryall Pits on January 12th. One was found at Throckmorton Lagoons on October 22nd and this site was re-visited on November 5th and December 19th. In November, one was found on Bredon Hill above Elmley Castle on the 13th with another at Lower Moor river meadows on the 22nd. A nice influx occurred in December when five were found together on private land in the east of the county. Staffs After last year’s high of nine territories, this year was back to normal with just three territories located and no fledged young confirmed. In the first winter period, two were seen regularly at Berry Hill until March 12th with one at Cuckoo Bank on February 2nd and another at Derrington on 7th. The second winter period produced birds at Apedale CP, Belvide, Berry Hill (up to four), Betley Mere, Blithfield, Chasewater, Cheddleton, Croxall Lakes, Croxden Quarry, Essington Quarry Pool, Middleton Lakes RSPB (up to four), Morridge (two), Silverdale CP and Swallow Moss (up to three).

European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Uncommon to frequent, but very local summer resident, mainly on Cannock Chase. Rare passage migrant. Long-term average: May 16th (68) to August 20th (49) 8-year average: May 12th (–4 days) to July 26th (–25 days) First: May 16th; Cannock Chase Last: July 28th; Cannock Chase

139 Staffs The first returning bird was at Cannock Chase on May 16th and the last was seen there on July 28th. No survey data was submitted for Cannock Chase but casual records would suggest a minimum count of just 13 territories. Encouragingly, birds were heard at four other sites including four at Maer Hills.

Common Swift Apus apus Common summer resident and passage migrant. Long-term average: April 23rd (77) to September 28th (77) 8-year average: April 12th (–11days) to October 7th (+9 days) First: April 19th; Burntwood Last: September 20th; Brandon Warks The only breeding counts were about 50 pairs estimated in Fenny Compton and 25 in Northend. Both of these counts were 25% higher than in 2010. The first returning birds were singles at Brandon and two at Coton and Shustoke on April 26th Numbers were slow to increase until after the first week of May and on the whole were then fairly disappointing. The best counts were 65 at Shustoke on May 2nd and 50 at Longbridge STW on 3rd. The main arrival of local birds in the south-east occurred during the afternoon of 7th. 450 were feeding low at Salford Priors GP during windy weather on May 15th and the only other count above 30 was 40 at Abbots Salford on 24th. Summer counts included 140 at Middleton on June 8th, 50 at Coughton Fields on July 1st, 50 at Morton Bagot on 3rd and 10th and 250 at Fenny Compton on 22nd. In late summer small numbers were seen daily until August 13th, with erratic records up to August 28th. The last few birds were three at Shustoke on September 5th, three at Ladywalk on 7th, one at Shustoke on 13th and one at Brandon on 20th. Worcs The first arrival dates were similar to last year with one at Droitwich on April 21st and one at Upton Warren on the 22nd. On May 27/29th there were 200 at Upton Warren Moors and 23 nests were occupied in the Elmley Castle Atlas square on July 1st. There were 20 over the Malvern Hills on August 31st with one at Upton Warren Moors on September 6th. Staffs The first arrival was at Burntwood on April 19th then the next at Stanley Pool on 22nd. The first major influx was 200 at Belvide on 26th but the next treble-figure count was not until May 3rd when 100 hawked over Doxey. On May 12th, birds were passing through Blithfield at an estimated 360/hour and a total count of 1400 was logged. Migration continued through the rest of May, the best counts being 300 at Barton GP and Copmere on 14th, 1000 at Belvide on 15th, 200 at Brocton Coppice on 18th, 200 at Doxey on 21st, 700 at Belvide and 200 at Barton GP on 22nd, 300 at Blithfield and 200 at Branston GP on 23rd, 250 at Blithfield on 28th and 200 at Branston GP on 29th. A good number of breeding records were submitted, from Alrewas, Alstonefield, Branston, Burton-on-Trent, Calf Heath, Draycott-in-the-Clay, Elford, Grindon, Longnor, Rising Brook, Stafford, Stapenhill, Tamworth, Warslow, West End, Wetmore and Winshill. In June there were 200 at Middleton Lakes RSPB and Westport Lake on 5th and 3000 were noted at Essington Quarry Pool on July 3rd and 500 on 10th. The only late summer large gatherings were 100 at Essington Quarry Pool and Trent Washlands on July 24th. After this, smaller numbers were seen almost daily until two at Blithfield and one at Westport on September 14th and three at Pool Hall on 16th. W Mid Birds bred at Old Swinford, Smestow Valley, Stourbridge, Wollescote and Wyken Slough. At least 100 birds were present at Marsh Lane NR on May 28th. Some 200 birds flew high over cereal fields at Meriden on July 20th, but just a dozen remained two days later. Passage through Lutley Wedge peaked at 130 birds on 26th.

140 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Fairly common resident. Warks Much reduced by the recent cold winters and in the first quarter only recorded at 10 sites. At Brandon the species was not recorded until February 24th, which was remarkable given the daily coverage by legions of Bittern photographers. Another observer who covers different sites almost daily saw just three in the first quarter. Throughout the year there was a gradual increase in sightings and birds were seen at 27 sites as birds of the year dispersed. There were very few examples, again, of confirmed breeding but birds were present at most of these sites in the breeding season. Confirmed or probable breeding records came from Brandon and Newbold-on-Avon, where a brood was fledged along the river. Juveniles were ringed at Brandon in the autumn and it was here that the best counts were made: four were regular from July 21st-September 21st. Worcs Reports were received in the breeding season from Bevere Green, Bittell Reservoirs, Bodenham Arboretum, Clifton Pits, Fladbury Mill, Gwen Finch NR, Heightington, Kemerton Lake NR, Knapp and Papermill, Kyre Brook, Ladies Pool, Lower Moor, Lower Rochford, Norton, Trimpley, Upton upon Severn, Upton Warren, Westwood Pool and Wyre Forest. An additional 13 locations provided sightings at other times. One sharp-eyed observer recorded a bird flying over Junction 2 of the M42 near Hopwood on July 27th. Staffs This species is resident and noted in every month of the year from sites all around the county. Breeding was confirmed at Borrowpit Lake, Ingestre and Pool Hall and probably occurred at Blithfield, Croxall Lakes, Trent Washlands and Wolseley Bridge. The only count of three birds was at Fisherwick/Elford GP on July 17th. W Mid The only breeding season sightings came from Brandwood End, Clayhanger Marsh, College Farm, Fens Pools, Goscote Valley, Lutley Wedge, Marsh Lane NR, Olton Mere, Ravenshaw, Saltwells LNR and Sandwell Valley. Other records came from Bournville, Buckpool, Elmdon Park, Lime Pits Farm, Pensnett, River Rea/, Smestow Valley LNR and Stubber’s Green.

Hoopoe Upupa epops Rare passage migrant, very rare in winter (9/10). Worcs This was an excellent year for the county with four reports received. On April 9th, one flew towards the paddocks at Upton Warren Moors DWa, GCo, AHam, PMA and on May 15th, one was found in a Rous Lench garden PWill, providing excellent photographs. In July, one was in the grounds of Baxter College, Kidderminster on the 17th RJE and 21st MV-H and in the same month, one flew from the dam at Upper Bittell Reservoir to the sailing club on the 23rd CLe, CTh. W Mid A bird was seen feeding next to the Solihull bypass on July 13th DHe. Wryneck Jynx torquilla Scarce passage migrant. Last bred in 1941. Staffs Two birds were seen this year, one on Cannock Chase near the Shooting Butts on April 15th and 17th AAm and another at Marshes Hill near Knypersley on May 4th SSe. Wryneck, Marshes Hill, Steve Seal

141 Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Fairly common resident. Warks Common throughout the county and one or two pairs proved breeding at many sites. Three pairs bred at Brandon and around Salford Priors GP, as well as at Upper Shuckburgh and Wappenbury Wood. Six were seen at Brandon on April 3rd, 10 at Wormleighton in July consisted of two family parties and there were 10 at Bishops Itchington on October 12th. Worcs Widespread throughout the county, reports in the breeding season came from 41 locations with fledged young seen at Bricklehampton, Heightington and Upton Warren. Sightings at other times came from an additional 24 sites. Staffs Records of juveniles came from Bateswood NR, Branston GP, White House (Cannock Chase), Chasewater, Coombes Valley, Tittesworth, Waterfall, Weags Barn NR and Wettonmill. W Mid Birds were noted during the breeding season at 30 sites (30 in 2010) Green Woodpecker, Andy Holt with records at other times from 13 sites (19 in 2010). Four birds were counted at Castle Hills on July 15th, three at Meriden on 29th and six at along Hobs Hole Lane (Aldridge) on November 3rd.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Fairly common to common resident. Warks Common throughout the county and breeds at many sites. Five pairs bred at Brandon, three nests were located in Coleshill Park woods, and at least five pairs bred in Wappenbury Wood. First drumming of the year by two birds at Wormleighton Res on February 2nd was much later than usual. Very early drumming was heard there on December 2nd, with two birds drumming by the end of December. Counts of five or more were made at Alcester Heath (five), Baddesley Clinton (six on April 11th), Brandon (eight on April 3rd), Coombe Abbey (five on March 15th) and Earlswood (six on June 9th). Worcs Very widespread across the county with reports received from 82 locations mostly in the breeding season. Nests were found at Abberley, British Camp Malverns, Clows Top, Farmans Court, Greystones, Hunthouse Wood, Stoke Bliss, Upton Warren and Wyre Forest. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Aqualate, Back Forest, Blithfield, Branston GP, Branston WP, Burston, Burton-on-Trent, Chillington Lower Avenue, Coombes Valley, Doxey, Hanchurch Woods (eight territories), Nurton, River Sow Meadows, Shoal Hill, Tamworth

142 Castle, Tittesworth, Trent Washlands and Westport Lake. Although generally a sedentary species, birds flying high SW were noted: two at Black Bank on September 23rd, two at Belvide on October 1st, one at Black Bank on 4th and one at Swynnerton on 16th. Ten were counted at Dimmingsdale on December 1st. W Mid Two territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to one last year and a mean of one over the last 19 years. MacKinnon List Great Spotted Woodpecker, Cannock Chase, Stuart Wright Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of eight birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, five at Alder Coppice and Rough Wood, four at Moorcroft Wood and Saltwells Wood, three at Castle Hill, two at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, Northycote Farm and Priory Woods, and one at Hay Head Wood. Birds were also noted during the breeding season at 34 sites cf. 35 sites in total last year and at 29 sites at other times cf. 34 sites in 2010.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor Frequent to fairly common resident. Warks The majority of sightings fall into the period March-April, when birds are easier to see and also more vocal. Breeding was suspected at the following sites after being recorded during this period: Brandon, which had 10 sightings between March 3rd-April 17th, Clowes Wood, Coombe Abbey, Ladywalk, Mancetter and Whitacre Heath. Other singles were reported in the breeding season at Alvecote Wood on March 17th, Earlswood on April 10th and June 9th, a Hatton garden on April 6th, Little Packington on March 30th and Morton Bagot on April 25th. The species is reported as becoming very scarce in the south-east of the county where the only sightings were at Avon Dassett on February 16th, Fenny Compton on January 20th and Temple Herdewyke on November 1st. A single was seen on feeders at Middleton Hall on several dates in September and another was seen occasionally in Warwick, in October. Worcs Once again, most reports came from the Wyre Forest with birds located from at least seven sites in this large area. Spring sightings also came from Bevere Green, Bittell Reservoirs, Bodenham Arboretum, Camp Lane Pits, Carpenters Farm, Clows Top, Devils Spittleful, Hewell Grange, Hunthouse Wood, Knapp and Papermill, Old Storridge Common, Stoke Bliss, Stoney Lea, Stourport, Upton Warren and Wissetts Wood. Three successful nests were located in the west of the county and reports were also received from Bewdley, Hartlebury Common, Longdon Marsh, Lower Moor, Shrawley Wood, Sandbourne, and Wassell Grove.

143 Staffs

Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Sightings 36 37 29 19 28 Sites 19 25 20 18 11

Breeding was confirmed at Yoxall Farm and probably at Aqualate and Trentham Gardens. Despite this, the number of sites where birds were seen has reached an all time low, the other locations being singles at Woodleigh on January 2nd and 9th, Tittesworth on 16th and March 27th, Windmill Bank on January 23rd, Trentham GC on March 9th, Middleton Lakes RSPB from August 17th-October 4th, Wolseley Bridge from October 21st-22nd, Shareshill on November 14th and JCB South Lake on December 11th. W Mid All sightings during the breeding season involved single birds in April, at Lutley Wedge on 3rd, 9th and 13th, and Walsall Golf Course also on 3rd. Other records were also of individuals, at Longbridge on January 1st, Balsall Common on 9th, Hillfield Park on March 3rd, Bournville Lane Wood and Dingles Recreation Ground on 23rd, Brueton Park on 27th, Brownhills Common on September 30th, Buckpool on October 8th, Wollescote on 24th and Perry Barr on December 1st.

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks An unconfirmed report was received of one seen only in flight at Morton Bagot on October 21st. A bird was recorded there in 2010 so this may have been the same individual returning to the area. Worcs One was found on Fleet Lane near Bredon’s Hardwick ILa, SLa on January 31st which only stayed for the day. The next bird was more obliging and after being found near the summit tower on Bredon Hill SLa, RAP on March 17th, stayed in the area until April 8th. Staffs One was found at the Rifle Range (Cannock Chase) on January 14th and remained Great Grey Shrike, Cannock Chase, Steve Seal in the area until April 12th many observers. This might have been last year’s bird which was last seen on November 29th 2010. In the second winter period, possibly the same bird returned to the Rifle Range from October 24th until November 28th many observers, a second bird took up residence at Anson’s Bank from November 1st-15th GJM and a third was at Upper Longdon from November 17th until the year’s end many observers. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Fairly common to common resident. Warks Common throughout the county. Three pairs bred in Coleshill Park woods. Parties

144 of up to five were seen widely in the spring and autumn. The best counts all came from Brandon, with 11 on April 3rd, eight on July 10th, 12 on October 5th and 14 on 8th. Seven at Earlswood on February 3rd and six at Wormleighton Res on November 3rd were the only other counts above five. Worcs Three fledged from a clutch of five at Bodenham Arboretum and reports through the year were received from 68 locations. Notable counts included seven in a Wyre Forest Atlas square in January with six at Arrow Lake in March. There was a flock of seven at Upton Warren in July with the same number at Blakedown on October 28th. Staffs Highest counts were 10 at Hanchurch Woods on July 27th and Chasewater on August 22nd. W Mid Two territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to one last year and a mean of one over the last 19 years. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of eight birds at Saltwells Wood, seven at Rough Wood, three at Castle Hill, two at Alder Coppice, Priory Woods and Wren’s Nest NNR, one at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle and Hay Head Wood, but none at Moorcroft Wood or Northycote Farm. Birds were also present in the breeding season at 24 sites (23 in 2010) with at least three pairs at Marsh Lane NR. Noted at 25 sites (31 in 2010) at other times. High counts saw five birds at Castle Hills on January 17th, six at Yardley Wood on April 3rd, five at Marsh Lane NR on September 25th and October 9th, six in Coundon Wedge on 29th and eight along Hobs Hole Lane, Aldridge on November 3rd.

2009 Addenda W Mid The highest counts of the year involved eight birds in a ‘spring gathering’ at Olton Mere on April 6th and seven at Castle Hills on December 14th.

Magpie Pica pica Very common resident. Warks This is one of the most popular birds recorded on Birdtrack with 1155 records from 168 sites. There were many flocks of up to 20 but otherwise the best flocks were 58 at a pre-roost at Earlswood on January 5th, 40 at Brandon on April 3rd and 22 at road kill during the early morning at Fulbrook, on December 11th. Worcs Notable numbers included 17 at Arrow Lake on January 4th with 21 here on March 7th and 19 on December 14th. There was a roost of 30 at Upton Warren Moors on February 6th, and in the same month, 21 at Astwood Bank, 14 at Old Storridge Common and 16 at Ipsley Alders with 25 here on March 11th. In October, there were 20 at Bournheath and 11 at Stakenbridge with 28 at Shenstone in November and 17 at Wilden Marsh on December 1st. Staffs Largest counts in the early part of the year were 45 at Berry Hill and 40-50 at Trent Washlands. W Mid Four territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to six in each of the four three years and a mean of seven over the last 19 years. As last year, at least four pairs were present at Marsh Lane NR, but there was no proof of breeding. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 38 birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, 35 at Saltwells Wood, 25 at Priory Woods, 24 at Rough Wood, 18 at Castle Hill, 17 at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, 15 at Moorcroft Wood, 13 at Alder Coppice and four at Hay Head Wood and Northycote Farm. Otherwise, counts received were generally lower than last year, with high totals

145 including 84 at Olton Mere on January 10th, 42 at Elmdon Park on 14th, 65 in Smestow Valley on February 24th and 138 on November 11th, 60 at Stubber’s Green on March 20th and 38 at Saltwells LNR on 25th.

Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula Very common resident. Warks Abundant and in the south, probably increasing. Maxima in the first quarter included 250 at Chesterton on January 8th, 332 at Earlswood, heading north-west to a roost on 11th, 500 at Salford Priors GP on February 6th and 700 feeding in maize game cover nearby at Dunnington on 20th. In the post-breeding period a regular flock at Salford Priors GP peaked at 450 on July 31st, 350 on November 6th and 400 on December 18th. 350 were at Langley on June 24th. Elsewhere, there was an enormous concentration of 1000 with other corvids on pasture at Priors Hardwick on August 13th, with 260 at Kenilworth on 19th, 200 at Churchover on 22nd, 220 at Fenny Compton on 29th, 250 at Crimscote on October 22nd, 310 in a pre-roost gathering at Packwood on November 11th, 225 on pasture near Napton Res on 30th and 200 in Farnborough Park on December 15th. Worcs In January, Throckmorton Tip held 1200 on the 3rd and 27th and there were 220 at Elmley Castle on the 12th and 250 at Wick/Wyre Piddle on the 29th with 500 here on February 7th with 150 on the 15th. There were 120 at Bricklehampton and 110 at Bredon Hill, both on March 2nd with 800 in a corvid flock at Upton Warren Flashes on the 17th and 111 at Netherton Leys on April 11th. In the summer, Martin Hussingtree had 125 on June 22nd and there were 200 at Old Yarr on August 28th. Throckmorton Tip held 520 on October 23rd rising to 1720 on November 10th with over 750 in December. There were 200 at Castlemorton Common on October 9th with 100 at Hackmans Gate on November 11th with 250 at Bittell Reservoirs on the 25th. Staffs Large flocks in the first winter period comprise: in January 650 at Beech, 370 at Aqualate and 340 at Park Hall CP; in February 250 at Beech and 150 at River Sow Meadows and in March 110 at Berry Hill and 300 at River Sow Meadows. Visible migration occurred between October 14th and November 1st, totalling just over 300 compared with 400 in 2010 and 100 in 2009, sightings coming from Belvide, Berry Hill and Black Bank. Late year large flocks comprised 350 at River Sow Meadows in July with 250 there in August and 350 in December; in September 100 at Croxall Lakes; in October 100 at Tutbury, in November 100 at Sideway; in December 700 at Copmere (roosting), 130 at Weston Jones Mill and 124 at Ingestre (roosting). W Mid Birds were present in the breeding season at 29 locations (cf. 23 in 2010) and records included counts of 40 at Berkswell on May 20th and 85 at Olton Mere on June 29th. Others were noted at 16 sites (cf. 26 last year). High counts included up to 200 birds at Marsh Lane NR during January and up to 150 in September, 320 at Olton Mere on January 7th, 154 at Elmdon Park on 26th, 98 at Blythe Valley CP on February 9th, 110 at Knowle Locks on October 7th and 150 at Stubber’s Green on November 7th.

2009 Addenda W Mid In addition to the counts at Olton Mere, 130 birds were noted in a pre-roost gathering on December 15th.

Nordic Jackdaw Corvus monedula monedula Warks One at Packwood on February 16th and again on December 7th and 28th associated with a flock of Western Jackdaws ARD.

146 Staffs Two were seen at Belvide on January 8th, one still present on 9th and another on April 2nd SNut, two at Beech from 22nd-27th NDP, singles at Keele Bank on February 28th SJT, Madeley on February 11th, 21st NDP and March 16th TJa and Milford Common on April 1st VEm. None were seen in the second winter period.

Rook Corvus frugilegus Very common or abundant resident. Warks Rookery nest counts at :Arley (32), Ladbroke (70), Langley (seven), Priors Hardwick (32 at Tank Hill), Salford Priors (28 near the old station site), Upper Radbourn (75 in Long Spinney) Upton (32) and Wormleighton Res (58). Large flocks during the first quarter included 600 at Gaydon Tip and 250 at Chesterton on January 8th, 200 at Wormleighton Res on 12th, 300 at Lawford Heath on 29th, 250 at Salford Priors GP on February 6th and 500 in maize gamecover at Dunnington on 20th. Post-breeding flocks included 250 at Moreton Morrell on June 7th, 260 by Dingley Osiers (Wolston Heath) on 12th, a peak of 500 at Salford Priors GP and 500 on ploughland at Tysoe both on July 31st, 300 at Chesterton on August 6th, 1000 with other corvids on pasture at Priors Hardwick on 13th, 300 at Churchover on 22nd, 400 flying to roost over Fenny Compton on October 4th (the roost situated at DM Kineton), 450 at Crimscote on 22nd, 250 at Chesterton on November 26th, 550 near Draycote on December 3rd, 250 in maize gamecover at Combrook on 10th, a peak of 700 in maize gamecover at Salford Priors GP on 18th, and 300 going to roost in trees at Knightcote on 30th. Worcs Rookery nest counts included Beckford (22), Church Lench (18), Cinders (11), Craycombe (72), Hewell Grange (21), Sleaford (116), Tardebigge (35) and Vale Golf Club (36). In January, there were 100 at Elmley Castle on the 12th, 100 at Tenbury Wells on the 28th with 150 at Newnham Bridge and 90 at Redwood on the same date. Bricklehampton had 100 on March 2nd. Upton Warren held 40 on August 21st and there were 50 at Old Yarr on the 28th and 54 at Hackmans Gate on November 11th. Staffs Records of rookeries (nests in brackets) came from Back of Ecton, Belvide, Blithfield (10), Branston, Burton-on-Trent, Church Eaton (five), Croxall Lakes (one), Elford/Fisherwick (10), Endon (20), Gradbach, Hulme End, Ingestre (19), Little Onn (four), Middleton Lakes RSPB, Onecote (two), Rudyard Lake, Stockton Brook, Trent Washlands and Warslow (three). Three-figure counts in January include 250 at Beech and 750 roosting at Hanchurch Woods, in August 200 at Edingale West and 200 at Elford GP, in September 100 at Croxall Lakes and in November 200 at Amington Hall and 200 at Tittesworth. W Mid Occupied rookeries were only reported from Aldridge Airport, Barr Beacon, Dunstall Park (seven nests, compared to 12 last year) and Meriden (59 nests). Birds were also noted in the breeding season at Bowling Green, College Farm, Lime Pits Farm, Marsh Lane NR, Saltwells LNR, Smestow Valley LNR, Westwood Heath, Wollescote and Wordsley. Birds were also noted at Clayhanger Marsh, Coundon Wedge, Halesowen, Lutley Wedge, Old Swinford, Oldbury, Pedmore, Reedswood Park, Sandwell Valley, Stourbridge and Stubber’s Green. High counts included 180 birds at Barr Beacon on March 31st and a record 80 at Marsh Lane NR on August 7th.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone Abundant resident. Warks A similar number of records submitted to Birdtrack as Magpie. Overall, flocks

147 usually numbered less than 100. Largest flocks were 100 at Salford Priors on January 9th and 23rd, 55 were counted roosting at Clowes Wood on February 28th, 200 at Little Packington on March 23rd. In autumn there were 250 on pasture with huge numbers of Jackdaws and Rooks at Priors Hardwick, on August 13th, 100 at Coughton Fields on October 3rd and 31st, 110 at Crimscote on 22nd and 300 at Salford Priors on October 30th and December 18th. Worcs The only notable gathering was of 830 at Throckmorton Tip on January 27th. Staffs Treble-figure counts comprised 120 roosting at Hanchurch Woods in late January, 250 at River Sow Meadows on January 29th, 350 at Keele Bank/Walley’s Landfill on April 20th with 300 there on May 20th, 100 at Essington Quarry Pool on July 24th and 110 at Berry Hill on 28th. For the first time, visible migration was observed at Black Bank when 70 birds were logged heading S/SW between October 15th and 25th. W Mid Three territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to two last year, but the same as the mean over the last 19 years. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 14 birds at Saltwells Wood, nine at Priory Woods, eight at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, seven at Rough Wood, six at Hay Head Wood, Moorcroft Wood and Wren’s Nest NNR, five at Castle Hill, four at Alder Coppice and three at Northycote Farm. High totals included 145 birds at Olton Mere on January 10th (cf. 110 in January last year) and 70 on November 18th, 80 at Dunstall Park on February 22nd, 70 at Stubber’s Green on March 20th and Sutton Park on 26th, about 60 at Erdington on July 4th and 75 at Pedmore on September 26th. Totals of up to 44 birds were also noted at Meriden, Smestow Valley, Springfield and Stirchley.

Common Raven Corvus corax Frequent visitor and uncommon to frequent, but increasing, resident. Warks Now present in all parts of the county. Pairs bred at: Avon Dassett (four young), Baddesley Clinton (two young), Darlingscott, Farnborough, Great Alne, Hodnell, Lower Radbourn, Packington Park (two young), Packwood (two young), Priors Hardwick, Ragley (three young), Salford Priors GP (bred for the first time, with four young fledging), Shuckburgh Hills (four young), Wormleighton Res and Wroxhall. The best counts were: Salford Priors GP, nine on July 17th, 12 on October 23rd, 15 on 30th and eight on November 6th; Morton Bagot, ten on July 10th and nine on August 6th; Napton Hill, 12 on October 6th and ten on 18th. Worcs Reports were received from 71 locations with breeding confirmed at Burlish Transmitter Kidderminster, Croome Park and Wood Norton with a pair plus four juveniles at Bredon’s Hardwick on June 10th. Sightings were made on 63 dates during the year at Upton Warren with seven birds on September 10th and one was feeding on the remains of a Canada Goose here on March 25th. Notable numbers came from Throckmorton Tip with 35 on February 6th, 22 on September 14th and 20 on November 20th. At least six were present on both Bredon Hill and the Malverns for most of the year. Grafton Flyford had five on January 4th, Broadway had seven on June 20th whilst had nine on August 30th. There were six at Gwen Finch on September 27th with a group of five at Ismere on October 28th. Staffs The only double-figure count was 18 at Codsall on February 14th, otherwise widespread across the county. W Mid For the fifth successive year, a pair nested five kilometres west of Wolverhampton and less than ten metres into Staffordshire; the birds were regularly seen in Smestow Valley and Dunstall Park. A pair bred at Berkswell for the second time, raising two young. Birds

148 were noted at Marsh Lane NR on 26 dates (cf. record 31 last year) and in every month, with three the maximum noted and a pair seen displaying on at least three occasions. One or two birds were also noted in the breeding season at Balsall Common, Berkswell, Blythe Valley, Fens Pools LNR, Fort Dunlop, Lutley Wedge, Meriden, Sandwell Valley, Temple Balsall and Westwood Heath. Others were seen at Barr Common, Barrow Hill, Bartley Reservoir, Box Trees, Bradnock’s Marsh, Castle Hills, Catherine-de-Barnes, Clayhanger, Coundon Wedge, Dorridge, Dorridge Park, Ettingshall, Goscote Valley, Grand Union Canal, Kingswinford, Monkspath, Old Swinford, Pedmore, Reedswood Park, Saltwells LNR, Smestow Valley LNR, Stubber’s Green, Sutton Park and Wollescote.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus Very common resident and winter visitor. Warks Much reduced in numbers by the succession of cold winters. On Birdtrack there were 182 records from 58 sites but none were of more than five birds. At Brandon there were again just two territories and also only two breeding territories were located in Itchington Holt with three at Farnborough Park. The largest counts excluding Birdtrack involved 12 at Brandon on August 31st, 14 at Wormleighton Res on September 26th and 25 at Compton Verney on October 31st. Worcs There was an increase this year in the number of sites reporting at 66 (47 in 2010). A pair bred at Bodenham Arboretum and fledged four successfully and breeding was confirmed at Ashton Wood, Grafton Wood, Upton Warren and Wyre Forest. Notable numbers in spring were Beach Hay (15), Fletchers Coppice (24) and Wyre Forest New Parks (20). Staffs The cold winters again resulted in only small flocks being observed and in the first winter period, the highest counts were six at Hanchurch Woods in January and 10 at Caunsall in February. A total of 33 sites held birds in the breeding period (34 in 2010), the best being 13 territories at Hanchurch Woods, the others holding only one to three. In the second winter period the best counts were 10 at Belvide from late October-early November, nine at Dimmingsdale and seven at Hanchurch Woods in November and 11 at Hanchurch Woods in early December. W Mid Five territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (equalling the record of 2000 and 2007), compared to no more than one in each of the last three years and a mean of two over the last 19 years. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of eight birds at Saltwells Wood, four at Wren’s Nest NNR, two at Castle Hill and Northycote Farm, one at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle and Priory Woods, but none at Alder Coppice, Hay Head Wood, Moorcroft Wood or Rough Wood. Birds were also noted during the breeding season at another 18 locations (cf. 24 in total last year). High counts included 18 birds at Hollywood on October 13th (an increase on the breeding population in the area, suggesting at influx of migrants), five at Allesley Park on November 12th and Old Swinford on 19th and eight in Siden Hill Wood on December 31st. Smaller numbers were seen at a further 23 sites (similar to last year).

Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Rare breeding species. Warks A singing male was located at Gaydon Coppice in a small stand of conifers on May 20th, but was attacked and driven off by a territorial Goldcrest. Worcs One was seen and heard at Bilberry Hill on the Lickey Hills RMas on April 5th. Staffs One lingered at Penn Common from February 5th-11th many observers.

149 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Abundant resident. Warks The nestboxes at Brandon were well populated again with 141 young fledging from 19 boxes. One observer commented on autumn flocks appearing smaller than usual and this was confirmed by records on Birdtrack. The best counts were all in the first period with 34 at Coughton Fields on January 10th, 39 at Kinwarton on 17th and 40 at Alcester Heath on February 8th. 38 at Earlswood on June 9th was the only significant post-breeding count. Worcs The nest box scheme at Bodenham Arboretum was again very successful with 28 occupied boxes which fledged 179 young although dead adults were found in two of the boxes and one was predated. Notable Atlas square counts in January/February were Alvechurch (34), Astwood Bank (23), Avon Meadows (20), Bayton Common (39), Fletchers Coppice (15), Greystones (23), Ipsley Alders (23), Ismere (34), Pound Bank (36), Rock (27), Wick (23) and Wyre Forest Lodge Farm (42). In April, counts included Bliss Gate (41), Bricklehampton (27), Elmley Castle (42), Fletchers Coppice (27), Heightington (36), Hunthouse Wood (40), Rock (27), St Michaels (36), Wissetts Wood (52) and Wyre Forest Lodge Farm (29). Wilden Marsh had 27 in October and 30 in November. Staffs There were 17 broods at Belvide, producing at least 157 chicks and at Greenway Bank CP there were 32 nests fledging 173 chicks from 261 eggs. Whilst the latter egg to fledging rate was down from 78% in 2010 to 69%, more nests were occupied. Larger counts were 50 at Hanchurch Woods on January 29th and 45 at West End on August 27th. W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, 11 territories were recorded (compared to 15 last year), representing a continued decrease on the mean of 17 over the last 19 years. An estimated 13 pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR, with another five in Siden Hill Wood. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 52 birds at Saltwells Wood, 34 at Rough Wood and Wren’s Nest NNR, 29 at Priory Woods, 24 at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, 20 at Alder Coppice, 18 at Castle Hill and Moorcroft Wood, 16 at Hay Head Wood and 14 at Northycote Farm. Birds were recorded at 42 locations during breeding season and a further 38 sites during the rest of the year. Other notable counts included 44 birds in Smestow Valley LNR on February 24th, 27 in Coundon Wedge on March 19th and 29 at Wollescote on 25th. Great Tit Parus major Abundant resident. Warks Again Brandon was the only Reserve to supply nest box results. The total of 74 young fledging from 14 boxes was slightly better than 2010 but still 36% down on 2009. Seven territories at Morton Bagot was the only other breeding season data received. As with Blue Tit, the best counts were all for the first period; Counts in excess of 20 were as follows: 22 at Kinwarton on January 17th, 35 at Alcester Heath on February 8th, 25 at Cold Comfort Wood on March 7th. 22 at Norton Lindsey on June 14th was the only significant post- breeding count. Worcs At Bodenham Arboretum, 19 nest boxes were occupied with 153 young fledging successfully whilst 11 pairs bred at Upton Warren. Notable Atlas winter square counts included Arrow Lake (24), Astwood Bank (15), Blakedown (15), Ipsley Alders (28), Ismere (19), Rough Hill Orchard (10), Tardebigge (16), Upton Warren (15), Wick (20) and Wyre Forest Lodge Farm (21). In April, Astwood Bank had 14, Avon Meadows (16), Bayton Common (14), Bliss Gate (15), Grafton Flyford (13) and Wissetts Wood (25). Blakedown had 15 and Monkwood 10 in October and in November, Arrow Lake had (12),Grafton

150 Flyford (10), Ipsley Alders (11) and Wilden Marsh (12) which also had 15 in December when there were 18 at Arrow Lake. Staffs At Belvide there were 15 pairs with at least 102 chicks in boxes, average broods of seven with probably another 30-40 chicks unchecked. At Greenway Bank there were also 15 nests with 97 eggs laid, 91 hatched 86+ fledged, giving an 89-95% egg-fledging success rate; all figures here being much better than last year. Largest flock counts were 21 at Lower Drayton in January, 21 at Essington Quarry Pool and 16 at Fisherwick in February; and also at Essington Quarry Pool 18 in March and April and 22 in May. W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, 19 territories were recorded, compared to 16 last year, but still down on the mean of 22 over the last 19 years. At least 12 pairs were noted at Marsh Lane NR (cf. nine last year), with at least five in Siden Hill Wood. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st- 16th recorded maximum counts of 52 birds at Rough Wood, 51 at Wren’s Nest NNR, 30 at Saltwells Wood, 27 at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, 23 at Priory Woods, 17 at Alder Coppice and Castle Hill, 13 at Moorcroft Wood, 12 at Hay Head Wood and ten at Northycote Farm. Birds were recorded at 38 locations during breeding season and a further 40 sites during the rest of the year. Other high counts included 27 birds in Smestow Valley LNR on February 1st and 20 in Coundon Wedge on 26th, March 26th, September 17th and October 15th, and Sandwell Valley on December 4th and 17th.

Coal Tit Periparus ater Common to very common resident and irruptive winter visitor. Warks The only breeding season information received was for three males singing at Brandon on March 13th and three breeding pairs in Gaydon Coppice and four in Itchington Holt. There were numerous reports of less than ten but the only double figure counts were ten in Cold Comfort Wood on March 7th and 12 at Baddesley Clinton/Hay Wood on April 11th. Worcs There was an increase in the number of sites reporting this year at 63 (50 in 2010). Two nest boxes at Bodenham Arboretum with clutches of eight fledged five and eight young. Other breeding was confirmed at Beach Hay, Bliss Gate, Bricklehampton, Callow Hill, Elmley Castle, Fletchers Coppice, Hunthouse Wood and Little Comberton. Atlas squares produced 25 at Fletchers Coppice in April, 14 at Beach Hay in June and Wyre Forest Lodge Farm had 31 in March, 21 in April and 30 in October. Staffs The only double-figure counts were 60 at Hanchurch Woods on January 29th, 11 at River Sow Meadows Baswich on 30th and 14 at Trentham Gardens on October 6th. W Mid Two territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to one last year, but the same as the mean over the last 19 years. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st–16th recorded maximum counts of eight birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, five at Saltwells Wood, four at Priory Woods and Rough Wood, three at Castle Hill and Northycote Farm, one at Alder Coppice and Moorcroft Wood, but none at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle or Hay Head Wood. Birds were also present in the breeding season at 25 sites (cf. 23 last year) and noted at another 26 sites (34 in 2010). Excellent counts were made of ten birds at Berkswell on March 18th and 20 in Sandwell Valley on August 10th, with six in Smestow Valley LNR on March 1st and five on November 6th.

Willow Tit Poecile montana Fairly common resident. Warks A gradual decline appears to be ongoing. Breeding pairs were confirmed or

151 suspected at: Brandon (three), Draycote village, Fenny Compton (three in parish), Hillmorton, Ladywalk, Marton, Priors Hardwick, Wormleighton Grange and Wormleighton Res (three). In addition birds in the breeding season were present at Alvecote, Coton, Hampton Wood and Kingsbury WP. Other records involved a pair in Stoneton Woods on January 2nd, a male in song by the Ham Brook at Knightcote on February 16th (the first at this former breeding stronghold since 2006), a male singing at Toft Farm Willow Tit, Andy Holt Lakes on March 19th, a single bird on the disused railway at Weddington on August 31st and September 14th and finally a male singing at Lighthorne Pools on September 10th. Worcs This species is very rare now with three acceptable reports in the west of the county. Some encouragement came from a pair together on March 22nd RMas, SDa. Staffs Continues to be more widespread than Marsh Tit. Breeding was confirmed at Belvide, Branston GP, Chasewater, Cuckoo Bank, Park Hall CP (three pairs) and Westport Lake (two). Birds were also present in the breeding season at Apedale CP, Aqualate, Bateswood Lake, Berry Hill, Cannock Chase, Croxden Quarry, Derrington, Hanchurch Woods, Ingestre, Knypersley Reservoir, Little Stoke, Silverdale CP, Tittesworth, Trent Washlands and Uttoxeter Quarry. The highest count was eleven at Westport Lake in late May, which included some fledged young. W Mid The only breeding season records came from Clayhanger Marsh, Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, Dorridge Park, Fens Pools LNR, Mons Hill CBC plot, Rough Wood and Saltwells LNR. Birds were recorded in Sandwell Valley throughout both winter periods, with four noted on January 2nd and three on November 12th and December 18th. Two birds were noted at Fishley on January 8th and one on November 9th, with singles in Sutton Park on July 28th and August 19th. For the first time since recording began in the 1970s, none were seen in Smestow Valley – approximately six pairs were present as recently as 2004, when this was “the premier site in the county for this nationally declining species”.

Marsh Tit Poecile palustris Fairly common resident. Warks Confirmed or suspected breeding pairs were located at: Bubbenhall Wood, Butlers Marston, Checkleys Brake (Kingston), Chesterton Wood, Compton Verney (two), Coombe Abbey, Farnborough Park (only one), Fenny Compton (two), Hay Wood, Itchington Holt

152 (two), Little Packington, Long Compton Wood, Old Nun Wood, Oxhouse Farm, Ryton Wood, Wappenbury Wood (seven found in a complete survey), Whichford Wood (at least three) and Wormleighton Res (two). Breeding season records also came from Brandon, Brinklow, Ladywalk, Langley, Moreton Morrell, Morton Bagot, Newbold-on-Avon, Radway and Oversley Wood. Outside the breeding season the species was also seen at: Alcester, Avon Dassett, Balscote, Coldcomfort Wood, Hampton Wood, Ilmington Downs, Knightcote, Lighthorne Pools and Quarry, Morton Bagot, Packwood, Stoneton Woods, Tredington, Ufton Fields, Upper Shuckburgh, Whitacre Heath, Wormleighton Hill and Wroxall. One seen at Napton Res on October 6th was unusual at this site. Small parties were recorded at some of the main sites in autumn, including four at Hay Wood on July 22nd, six at Alcester Heath and seven at Coombe in August and six at Compton Verney on October 31st. Worcs Notable numbers include 12 at Bredon Hill on March 24th, seven at Wissetts Wood on April 5th, five at Tiddesley Wood on September 13th, four at Chase End Hill on November 13th and eight at Grafton Wood on December 10th. A clutch of six fledged five young at Bodenham Arboretum and nesting was Marsh Tit, John Robinson confirmed at Beach Hay, Fletchers Coppice, Heightington, Hunthouse Wood, Wissetts Wood and Wyre Forest. Birds were also seen in the breeding season at Abberley, Bliss Gate, Bredon Hill, Castlemorton Common, Dick Brook, Grafton Wood, Hollybush, Little Comberton, Trimpley Reservoir and Worcester Woods CP. One was trapped and ringed in a Redditch Walkwood garden on November 13th. Reports were also received from Bittell Reservoirs, Cleeve Prior, Eymore Wood, Hewell Grange, Habberley Valley, Leapgate CP, Lowerfield House, Monkwood, Oakenshaw Wood and St Michaels. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Alstonefield where two pairs bred successfully and probably at Belvide, Byrkley Park, Dunstall and Manifold Valley (Ossom’s Hill). Other sites reporting birds in the breeding season were Aqualate, Branston GP, Chillington Lower Avenue, Dimmingsdale, Draycott-in-the-Clay and Wettonmill, a total of 10 sites, compared with seven and 18 sites in the previous two years. Three birds were recorded at Aqualate on November 17th otherwise no more than one or two. W Mid Two or three pairs were noted throughout the year in Priest Park Wood NPB. “A very small population clings on at Lutley Wedge”, where three birds were seen on December 28th CRo. A bird present at Blythe Valley CP ARD was presumed to be that seen there late last year, whilst one was heard in Siden Hill Wood on August 25th and December 31st per NPB.

153 Woodlark Lullula arborea Resident until 1960s, then a rare visitor and now an uncommon, but increasing breeding species. Staffs No survey data was provided for Cannock Chase but casual records suggest at least 16 pairs in the commonly visited areas. Skylark Alauda arvensis Abundant, though much declined, resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks During surveys of farms in Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreements, singing birds were located as follows: 81 at Toft Farm, Dunchurch, 44 at Highfield Farm, Honington, 23 at Pleasance Farm, Kenilworth, 48 at Long Compton, 24 at Aylesmore Farm, Upper Brailles and 41 on the Upton Estate. 10 pairs were on Warwick Racecourse. HLS surveys at the same sites in the first winter period produced counts of 44 on February 8th and 25 on March 8th at Highfield Farm, Honington; a maximum of 19 on January 13th at Pleasance Farm, Kenilworth; and 54 on January 19th, 27 on February 17th and 28 on March 11th at Long Compton. On the Upton estate, 54 on January 25th, 27 on February 14th and 28 on March 16th. 60 were at Morton Bagot and in a field near Wormleighton Res on January 2nd. 20 moving south-west at Salford Priors GP on January 9th was part of a general exodus from the county. 30 had arrived back at Salford Priors GP by February 6th with eight males in song; arrival back in the south-east also occurred during the first week of February. About 15 moving north over Wormleighton Res on February 28th were presumed to be on spring passage. Visible autumn passage ran from September 11th when 20 flew south at Salford Priors GP, and 115 moved south there in 150 minutes on 18th. 120 were in stubble at Dunnington on September 18th. 140 moved south over Priors Hardwick on September 24th in two hours, while 110 moved south in one hour at Wormleighton Res on 26th. At Salford Priors GP, 250 were present during steady rain early on September 25th, with most gradually dispersing south during the morning. Subsequent counts there included 180 on October 2nd, 550 grounded by rain on 9th (again gradually moving away during the morning), 480 on 16th, 300 on 23rd, 150 on 30th, and 200 on November 6th. After this date at Salford Priors, numbers were relatively small. Elsewhere there were 150 at Marlcliff on October 5th, 250 in stubble at Wormleighton on 12th and 180 at Priors Hardwick on 15th (on which date an additional 100 per hour were moving south-west over the area). At Hartshill Hayes counts of 73 and 76 went south-west on October 13th and 14th then 200 in stubble on Ilmington Downs on 22nd, 100 in rape stubble at Fenny Compton on 28th, 80 in a rape field at Wormleighton on November 5th, 80 at Chesterton on December 16th and 30 at Salford Priors GP on 18th. HLS Surveys yielded counts of 58 on November 19th and 94 on December 7th at Highfield Farm, Honington; 38 on November 7th and 41 on December 5th at Pleasance Farm, Kenilworth; 63 on November 11th and 117 on December 12th at Long Compton; 33 on November 11th and 24 on December 4th at Toft Farm, Dunchurch; maxima of 26 on December 6th at Aylesmore Farm, Upper Brailles and 70 on November 22nd and 57 on December 14th on the Upton Estate. Worcs Significant flocks in January were 70 at Stoke Bliss on the 11th, 30 at Wyre Piddle on the 20th and 156 at Redwood on the 28th. During the breeding season, reports were received from 39 sites out of a total of 65 for the full year. A flock of 200 was on Bredon Hill on October 15th with 70 three days later. Staffs Large flocks in the first winter period were well down on last year, perhaps as a result of the cold weather. They include: in January 60 at Uttoxeter Quarry and 22 at Middleton Lakes RSPB were the best; in February 19 at Whitemoor Haye; in March 20 at

154 Essington Quarry Pool. The first singing birds were noted as early as January 17th at Hixon Airfield, then at many sites throughout the county with particular concentrations at Berry Hill (12 territories), Hixon Airfield (20), Pethills (10), Silverdale CP (19) and Tatenhill/Branston GP (15). Visible migration was recorded between September 18th and October 29th and resulted in a total of 596 birds heading south, much like last year’s count of 550, with 84 in 2009. Observations came from Belvide, Berry Hill, Black Bank, Gun Hill, Ingestre, Lower Elkstone and Swynnerton. Winter concentrations started building up from mid September with 25 at River Sow Meadows and an excellent count of 160 at Hixon Airfield. In October there were 31 at Blithfield and 82 at Doxey while in November numbers were again lower than usual with just 30 at Copmere and 20 at Essington Quarry Pool and in December 23 at River Sow Meadows was the only double-figure count; birds again showing evidence of moving away during the cold weather. W Mid Birds were present during the breeding season at Aldridge, Bentley, Blythe Valley (five singing), , College Farm, Ettingshall, Lime Pits Farm, Marsh Lane NR, Meriden, North Warwickshire Golf Course, Pedmore, Pelsall North Common, Rushall Canal, Stubber’s Green, Westwood Heath, Wollescote and Wordsley. A site record count of 120 birds flew eastwards over Marsh Lane on March 17th. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 38 birds were counted in 36:45 hours of observation over 27 days from September 30th to November 12th, with a high of 18 heading northeastwards on the latter date. Other high counts included 25 in Lutley Wedge on January 1st and 40 on October 14th, 17 flying northwards over Dunstall Park on January 1st, 16 at Wollescote on June 6th, up to 39 at Marsh Lane NR during early October, 21 at Hollywood on 14th and 25 at Pedmore on 16th. Smaller numbers were also noted at Barr Beacon, Castle Hills, Clayhanger Marsh, Dorridge, Fens Pools LNR, Foxcote, Hasbury, Hillfield Park, Old Swinford, Pensnett and Saltwells LNR.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia Fairly common, though much declined, summer resident and passage migrant. Long-term average: March 20th (76) to October 11th (76) 8-year average: March 10th (–10 days) to October 7th (–4 days) First: March 9th; Camp Lane Pits Last: October 19th; Fens Pool NR Warks Breeding colonies at: Brandon, where 25 young fledged from a predator-proofed nesting structure, Bubbenhall GP (50 pairs), High Cross Quarry (22 pairs) and Salford Priors GP (60 pairs). Only two to three pairs were thought to have bred at Brinklow GP, where the nesting cliff has been destroyed. A newly discovered colony at Mancetter Quarry (55 nest holes counted) were using temporary, stored mounds of diorite. A small colony was indicated along the River Tame, near Coleshill STW/Hams Hall, where small numbers were feeding from late May-July. A fairly typical first arrival was noted at three sites all on March 12; Brandon, Coton and Ladywalk all with one/two birds. Large flocks, often associated with cold or windy weather were commonly seen in late March and early April. 70 at Abbots Salford, 120 at Brandon and 180 at Salford Priors GP, all on March 27th. In April, 150 at Packington Park and 250 at Shustoke on 13th, 400 at Lea Marston the next day and 150 at both Brandon and Kingsbury WP on 26th .200 were present at Salford Priors GP on May 15th and 22nd. 150 were there on July 17th, with numbers gradually declining to 20 by August 21st, but with 30 on 28th. Other autumn maxima included 200 at Shustoke on August 7-8th, 15 at Abbots Salford on September 4th, 25 at Napton Res on 14th, and 27 moving south at Salford Priors GP on 18th. The next week saw the last two records with eight at

155 Brandon on 21st and finally a single at Salford Priors GP on 25th. Worcs Camp Lane Pits received the first spring visitors on March 9th and 10th followed by one at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on the 11th. Notable numbers in March included 90 at Upton Warren and 80 at Clifton Pits on the 27th and on the 28th, 200 at Westwood Pool, 240 at Bredon’s Hardwick and 200 at . In April, there were 500 at Westwood Pool on the 5th with 300 on the 13th, 100 at Upton Warren on the 6th and 200 at Clifton Pits on the 14th. Reports were also received from Avon Meadows, Bewdley, Bittell Reservoirs, Bredon’s Hardwick, Eckington Bridge, Grimley Old Workings, Heightington, Hewell Grange, Lower Moor, Lower Park, Old Yarr, Redditch, Top Barn Lake, and Worcester. One was at Upton Warren on September 17th with the latest at Bredon’s Hardwick on October 7th. Staffs First noted on March 10th when two were seen at Blithfield, then two there, one at Belvide and two at Doxey on 11th. The first major influx was on 25th with 105 at Chasewater, followed by counts up to 500 during the rest of the month at Aqualate, Belvide, Blithfield, Branston GP and Chasewater. In April there were treble-figure counts from Aqualate, Belvide, Blithfield, Branston GP, Chasewater, Doxey, Sudbury and Uttoxeter Quarry; the best being 500 at Belvide on 12th with 400 there on 14th. Just seven colonies were reported (eight in the previous two years), these at Barton GP (eight), Branston GP (“large” colony), Cresswell Piece (25), Foker Grange (six+), Ingestre (one), Onecote Old Hall (one) and Uttoxeter Quarry (190). During the breeding period, 100 were recorded at Trent Washlands on June 19th, 100 at Essington Quarry Pool on July 3rd, 200 at Croxall Lakes on 7th and 500 at Blithfield on 9th. Only two congregations of three figures were noted later in the summer: 100 at Uttoxeter Quarry on August 1st and 100 at Belvide on September 6th. The last birds passed through Belvide on September 22nd and 24th. W Mid About 150 nest holes were counted at Aldridge Quarry on April 30th, with about 200 at Meriden Quarry “but may not all be new or used”. Elsewhere, birds were noted during the breeding season at Aldridge, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools LNR, Lutley Wedge, Marsh Lane NR, Meriden, Netherton Reservoir, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Westwood Heath and Yardley Wood. Highest counts involved 120 birds at Meriden on April 22nd and 150 on May 18th, with 80 at Marsh Lane NR on April 7th and 11th, and during May.

2009 Addenda W Mid At Meriden, 120 visible nest holes were counted on June 22nd, when 150 birds were also noted.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Very common, though declined, summer resident and passage migrant. Long-term average: March 30th (77) to November 5th (77) 8-year average: March 15th (–15 days) to November 7th (+2 days) First: March 13th; Shustoke Last: November 1st; Clayhanger Warks It was a poor year for any quantitative breeding details but it was thought that numbers were generally down. In line with recent trends first arrivals were again early and, in fact, the earliest since 2007; two at Shustoke on March 13th preceded a steady flow from early April. Spring passage flocks were generally small with a maximum of only 50 which moved north-east at Lighthorne Quarry on May 2nd. Post-breeding counts were much better probably reflecting good productivity. Counts included 80 collecting at Robinson’s End

156 (Nuneaton) on July 11th, 70 at Wormleighton Res on 26th, 80 at Lighthorne Pools on 30th, 150 at Middleton on August 3rd, 120 at Upper Shuckburgh on 9th, 110 at Priors Hardwick on 13th, 100 at Salford Priors GP on 14th, 200 at Baddesley Clinton on 17th, 100 at Fenny Compton and 250 at Churchover on 22nd and 100 at Wormleighton Res on 23rd (with a small roost developing in the Typha swamp later in the month). Much larger flocks occurred in the last week, with 300 collecting during rain in Northend during the evening of August 24th, 500 feeding over riverside meadows between Charlecote and Wasperton on 27th, and 250 at Salford Priors GP on 28th. In September, at least 300 moved south at Priors Hardwick on 3rd, 700 were milling around in steady drizzle at Salford Priors GP on 4th and 200 flew south there on 18th. At Brandon, 100 on September 12th and 18th ,and 230 were at Morton Bagot on 16th. Up to 280 moved south at Wormleighton Res in an hour on September 26th. Visual southerly passage was widespread across the south of the county throughout September. Very small numbers continued to pass during the first week in October, with the last records being three flying south-west at Wormleighton on 12th and two at Morton Bagot on 16th. Worcs The first spring visitor was at the Clent Hills on March 22nd followed by others at Bredon Hill, Cobhouse Farm and Wassell Grove on the 24th. Reports were received from 78 locations throughout the county with Bittell Reservoirs having the only notable spring flock with 80 on April 12th. Three pairs fledged young at Bodenham Arboretum where a second brood was also successful. In August, there were 150 at Upton Warren Moors on the 25th and 100 at Abberton on the 28th. Bredon’s Hardwick had 200 on September 18th with 150 at Abberley and 216 at Little Comberton both on the 25th. Two were seen mobbing a Hobby in Little Comberton on September 22nd. In October, single birds passed through Stourport and Stoulton on the 30th with the latest at Kemerton Lake NR on the 31st. Staffs The first birds of the year were at Aqualate and Cannock on March 24th, with further singles at Aqualate and Gnosall the next day. There were no treble-figure counts anywhere in April with meagre counts of 30 the best on offer at Belvide and Branston GP. May was little better, with 110 at Berry Hill on 5th, 100 at Branston GP from 14th onwards, 100 at Essington Quarry Pool on 18th and Trent Washlands on 22nd. Reports of confirmed breeding came from many sites throughout the county with the first fledglings noted on May 31st at Rudyard Lake. Larger flocks in July were 100 at Blithfield and Ingestre and 200 at Essington Quarry Pool. August counts were better than last year, with 150 at Middle Hills on 1st, 310 at Berry Hill on 4th, 300 at Sideway on 12th, 500 at Sutton 23rd, 250 at Berry Hill and 100 at Tittesworth on 25th, 250 at Blithfield on 26th, 100 at Sideway on 28th and 150 at Blithfield on 30th. An excellent year for visible migration saw 5000 birds passing south between August 3rd and October 17th (3900 in 2010), peaking at 750 on September 18th, 640 on 21st, 470 on 24th and 430 on 26th. The major watch points were Black Bank, Berry Hill and Belvide. Larger September flocks were 200 at Sideway on 9th, 200 at Ingestre on 11th, 165 at Waterfall on 16th and 200 at Branston GP on 18th. The last birds were two at Belvide on October 25th and one at Middleton Lakes RSPB on 31st. W Mid Birds were recorded during the breeding season at 31 sites. A bird seen in Lutley Wedge on March 24th was the earliest record for the site. The highest spring count involved 55 birds at Marsh Lane NR on April 26th. A total of 550 birds flew southwards over Marsh Lane NR on September 10th, constituting a site record. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 1086 birds were counted in 24 hours of observation over 15 days from September 30th to October 18th – a mean of 21 birds / hour and high counts including 192 in two hours on September 21st and 161 in two hours on October 1st. Other counts included 50 birds at Meriden on July 29th, 120 feeding over stubble field at Box Trees on August 15th, 75 flying south-westwards over Castle Hills

157 late in the afternoon of September 9th and 44 in Coundon Wedge on 17th. A late bird flew through Clayhanger on November 1st.

House Martin Delichon urbicum Common to very common summer resident and passage migrant. Long-term average: April 5th (77) to November 1st (77) 8-year average: March 20th (–16 days) to October 27th (–5 days) First: March 20th; Blithfield, Sandwell Valley Last: October 30th; Sandwell Valley Warks At least 15 pairs bred on the old stables at Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire College, but noted as considerably scarcer this year at both Coleshill and in Fenny Compton and surrounding villages. 10 pairs were at Forest of Arden GC and at Packington Hall and 40 at Coughton and Seeswood Pool in the breeding season probably reflects good local populations. The first record of the year was a single at Brandon on April 3rd with the main arrivals from 13th. However, numbers were smaller apart from 70 at Longbridge STW on April 28th and on May 15th, 200 were at Abbots Salford and 150 at Salford Priors GP. A later arrival has been noticed in recent summers and again, after the first pulse, birds were generally scarce until June 6th when a late influx occurred with warmer weather with 180 at Napton Res. Post-breeding counts were below average and included 140 at Lighthorne Pools on July 30th, 80 at Upper Shuckburgh on August 9th, 80 at Fenny Compton on 12th, 120 at Salford Priors GP on 14th, 200 at Mancetter on 20th and 70 at Priors Hardwick on September 3rd. Passage counts included 200 at Draycote on August 29th and at Ladywalk on 30th, 300 at Salford Priors GP after rain on September 4th, 120 there on 11th and a total of 220 moving south in two and half hours on 18th. On September 16th, a great spectacle at Corley involved just 200 moving south in two hours, however, because of a stiff headwind they came over very low and almost all funnelled through a gated gap in a large hedge before they climbed high to cross the M6 motorway. Between September 5th and 11th, there were some good counts: in the Tame Valley, 300 at Shustoke on 5th and 600 the next day, 500 were at Ladywalk on 7th and 200 at Whitacre Heath on 11th. At Wormleighton Res, 70 flew west on September 22nd and 50 flew south on 26th. Much smaller numbers continued into the first week of October, with 20 at Fenny Compton on 2nd and then just one/two until finally a single at Salford Priors GP on 9th and five at Brandon on 12th. Worcs A flock of 20 at Arrow Lake were our first arrivals on March 25th with one at Clifton Pits on the 27th. On May 26th there were 110 at John Bennett NR and on the same date, 300 were feeding in a lee wind along an embankment at Broadway with 100 still here the next day. Reports were received from 51 locations including Stoke Bliss where three broods were achieved. Notable autumn flocks were 200 at Croome Park on September 2nd, 100 at Westwood Pool on the 12th with 120 at Bredon Hill on the 15th and 150 here on the 28th. Also in September, there were 300 at Abberley on the 25th and 250 at Happy Valley Malvern Hills on the 28th. The only October reports were for two at Upton Warren and a single juvenile with Barn Swallows at Little Comberton, both on the 2nd. Staffs The first arrivals were singles at Blithfield on March 20th, then Belvide and Haughton on 29th. As usual, numbers were slow to build up with 14 at Westport on April 11th the first double-figure count and 100 at Belvide on 12th an earlier than usual first treble-figure count. The only significant flocks reported during May were from Branston GP (100 from 14th), Brocton Coppice (250 on 18th), Copmere (150 on 14th), Doxey (100 on 21st), River Sow Meadows Baswich (300 on 13th) and Westport (100-150 from 9th-

158 31st). 32 different locations for breeding birds were reported, a sharp drop compared to 50, 66 and 40 in the previous three years. Numbers at Keele University increased to seven nests, compared to four and nine in the past two years. Other colonies were 35 at Lower Knightley, 20 pairs at Stretton, 20+ pairs at three sites in Tamworth, 19 pairs at Kidsgrove and 11 at Ingestre. A small colony at Castern Hall returned to breed after an absence of 31 years! Larger numbers in August were down on previous years with just 110 at Berry Hill on 17th and 100 at Blithfield and 200 at Middleton Lakes RSPB on 30th. September fared a bit better with 120 at Bateswood Lake on 4th, 150-160 at Westport between 5th and 14th, 100 at Belvide on 6th, 150 at Trentham Gardens on 12th and 100 at River Sow Meadows Baswich on 15th. Visible migration was the best ever with 1800 logged between September 2nd and October 9th and the peak occurring from September 11th–25th. The best counts were 990 over Black Bank on September 15th and “hundreds” through Belvide on 29th. The last birds were three at Belvide on October 10th. W Mid Birds were recorded during the breeding season 31 sites. Berkswell recorded “fewer birds and nests – perhaps 50% down” while there were at least 11 nests at . This year’s highest counts involved passage birds flying southwards over Marsh Lane NR, with 130 on August 30th and 300 on September 10th. Elsewhere, 45 birds were counted in Smestow Valley LNR on August 27th, 40 at Meriden on 31st and 40 at Barston Lake and 35 at Shadowbrook on September 7th. The last bird was seen on October 30th in Sandwell Valley.

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Scarce resident, breeding only since 1993. Warks A disappointing year following the record number of breeding territories in 2010. Breeding season records were received from Brandon Marsh (nine singing males), Napton Res (a pair probably nested), Coombe Country Park, Coton, Ladywalk and Middleton Lakes. Severe weather during the preceding winter is thought to have had a slight detrimental effect on the breeding population at Brandon and this may have been the case at other sites in the county, where small populations are more vulnerable. There were no winter records received away from breeding areas. Worcs The severe winters have drastically reduced our population with reports from only two sites. At Upton Warren, a female was present on January 3rd and a male noted on four dates in September with one heard on December 14th. A male was singing at a central county site on April 13th and 16th GHP. Staffs At least two males were present at the regular breeding site and a further bird held a territory at another site. One was seen at Belvide on November 6th SNut. W Mid Single birds were noted at Fens Pools LNR from March 30th to June 16th, and again from November 1st to December 30th EGP, with two reported on April 28th and December 30th per PDHa, EGP; the first records for the site.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Common to very common resident. Warks Present at many sites throughout the county during the breeding season, with counts of at least three pairs coming from Brandon Marsh, Coleshill Park Woods, North Wood (Middleton) and Salford Priors GP. At Brandon Marsh there was no noticeable reduction in the survival of this species due to another hard winter, but at other sites numbers were down once again. Counts of 20 or more outside the breeding season came from just seven sites (cf. 12 in 2010 and 23 in 2009). The highest counts at these sites were 20 at

159 Alvecote Pools on August 26th, 35 at Stretton Baskerville on September 16th, 20 at Compton Verney and 23 at Coughton Fields on October 31st, 24 at Kingsbury Water Park (south) on December 1st and 25 at Wormleighton Res on 2nd. Worcs Elmley Castle had a flock of 11 on January 12th and 22 passed through an Evesham garden on the 14th. Other notable winter flocks were 15 in the Wyre Forest on January 15th, nine at Collington on the 19th with the same number at Wick on the 29th. There were 17 at Gorst Hill on January 21st, 13 at Ismere on February 16th and 15 at Arrow Lake on March 7th. At least four pairs bred at Upton Warren. There were 20 at Ipsley Alders on August 29th and on September 9th 30 passed through an Evesham garden. Grafton Flyford had 12 on October 15th with 20 at both Dobbins Oak on the 16th and Wilden Marsh on the 21st. Bittell Reservoirs had 24 on November 3rd with 14 at Arrow Lake on the 22nd and 20 here on December 14th. Shotts Farm had 22 on December 25th. Staffs Larger counts comprised 80 at Blithfield on January 26th, 40 at Hanchurch Woods on 29th, 50 at River Sow Meadows on August 6th, 36 at Trent Washlands on October 14th and 40 at Tittesworth on November 7th. W Mid Two territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to four last year and a mean of three over the last 19 years. Birds were also present in the breeding season at 29 sites with at least six pairs at Marsh Lane NR. High counts included 17 birds at Marsh Lane NR on January 8th and 30 plus during September, 15 in a Tilehouse Green garden on February 5th, at least 20 in Smestow Valley LNR on 8th, October 3rd and December 2nd, 19 in Coundon Wedge on October 8th, 20 at Pedmore on 16th, 25 at Stourbridge on 25th and 15 in Sandwell Valley on November 13th.

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Frequent, though declining, summer resident, now mainly confined to the north and west of the region. Long-term average: April 22nd (75) to August 26th (62) 8-year average: April 18th (–4 days) to August 19th (–7 days) First: April 14th; Wyre Forest Last: June 16th; Wyre Forest Warks One sang at New Fallings Coppice, near Earlswood, on May 1st and at Oakley Wood on 8th. These two records come after a slight improvement recently with four, six and seven records respectively for 2008/09/10. Worcs The Wyre Forest provided the first spring visitor on April 14th and eight were in song here on the 22nd. Single songsters were located at Hewell Grange on April 19th, Devil’s Spittleful on the 21st and in May, British Camp and Hollybush Hill in the Malverns recorded one each. The latest song was heard in the Wyre Forest on June 16th. Staffs

Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Records 35 28 28 30 33 27 Sites 13 14 11 10 14 11 Breeding Sites 10 10-12 9 9 10 7-9

The first arrivals were at Coombes Valley and Hawksmoor NR on April 17th. Migrants appeared at Little Aston SE on 19th, Knypersley Reservoir on May 2nd and Hanchurch Woods on June 8th. Four or five pairs attempted at Cannock Chase, the other sites being, Dimmingsdale (two) and Hawksmoor NR (one-two). The last bird was at Cannock Chase on June 10th.

160 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Very common summer resident and uncommon winter visitor. Warks Records from sites with five or more breeding territories included Baddesley Clinton (nine), Brandon Marsh (13), Coleshill Park Woods (15), Longdon in Darlingscott (eight, along 1km of the disused tramway), Fenny Compton – Oxford Canal (eight, along 1.5 km), Gaydon Coppice (five), Moreton Morrell – Warwickshire College woodlands (nine), Middleton (ten), Salford Priors GP (six) and Wappenbury Wood (14). In stark contrast to 2010 (c.17 individuals) and 2009 (c.15 individuals) the only records received for Jan-Feb were singles at Middleton Lakes & Ladywalk. In March there were daily reports from the 11th onwards and numbers began to increase towards the end of the month (e.g. 14 at Salford Priors GP, 14 at Brandon Marsh and seven at Morton Bagot, all on March 27th). There was a further increase from early April, with many reports from widespread localities. High counts in April included 15 at Abbots Salford GP on April 9th and 11 at Packwood on April 8th. Post-breeding dispersal and return passage accounted for many reports from widespread localities from mid July onwards. High counts included 25 at Wormleighton Res on July 19th and August 25th, with 30 on September 5th, 23 at Kingsbury Water Park (South) on July 27th, 16 at Baddesley Clinton/Hay Wood on August 17th, 25 at Salford Priors GP on August 21st, with 20 on September 11th, 22 at Kenilworth on September 9th and 17 at Priors Hardwick on September 24th. Numbers rapidly tailed off in October, but some birds lingered into November and December. One was at Salford Priors GP on November 6th and one was at Coton Lakes from November 14th until December 22nd at least. The last record from Brandon Marsh was a single on November 22nd and there were two at Middleton Lakes on November 14th. As well as the Coton Lakes bird, further December records were of singles at Kingsbury Water Park (South) and Middleton Lakes. Individuals using the so-called alternative ‘sweeoo’ call were unusually common throughout the region in Spring 2011 ARD. Worcs Winter period birds were reported from Bredon Hill, Habberley Valley, Tardebigge and Upton Warren and the main spring song started from March 13th. At least 16 pairs bred at Upton Warren. Notable Atlas square counts came from Arrow Lake (12), Astwood Bank (seven), Avon Meadows (five), Bayton Common (13), Bliss Gate (20), Bricklehampton (13), Carpenters Farm (six), Castlemorton Common (nine), Clent Hills (seven), Crumpfields (12), Elmley Castle (17), Fletchers Coppice (16), Heightington (ten), Hunthouse Wood (14), Knapp and Papermill (five), Oakley Pool (five), Pound Bank (nine), Upton Warren (12), Worcester Woods CP (six), Wyre Forest Dowles Brook (20) and Wyre Forest Lodge Farm (22). In the Autumn, there were 20 on Bredon Hill on August 27th, 25 at Strensham STW on August 28th and 15 at Bredon’s Hardwick on September 15th. Staffs In the first winter period birds were very thin on the ground due to the cold weather with just two at Middleton Lakes RSPB and one at Croxall Lakes. The first spring passage bird was at Comberford on March 5th followed by three at Deep Hayes CP on 9th and widespread records by 12th and 13th. During the breeding season the best reported sites were Berry Hill (13), Chillington Lower Avenue (12), Branston GP (15), Hanchurch Woods (53), Key Wood (16), Knypersley Reservoir (16), Tittesworth (18), Trent Washlands (15) and Westport Lake (11). Post-breeding flocks built up from late July when 20 were at Essington Quarry Pool and 17 at Westport Lake. In August, the best counts were 18 at River Sow Meadows on 6th, 20 at Blithfield on 25th and 23 at Doxey on 28th. In September numbers were lower than last year with 13 at Westport on 4th, 12 at Tittesworth on 11th and 23 at Doxey on 18th. Passage birds were seen almost daily until October 18th when singles were logged at Belvide and Trent Washlands. One at Walton Bridge on 22nd could either have been a late autumn

161 migrant or the first winter visitor and this was followed by the first of the winter visitors arriving at Trent Washlands on 27th, Borrowpit Lake on 28th and Branston Water Park on 29th. Five sites held birds in November: Belvide, Blithfield, Hanchurch Woods, Highfield (Rudyard Lake) and Middleton Lakes RSPB (two birds). With the cold weather in December, the only records were from JCB South Lake on 11th and Middleton Lakes RSPB on 18th and 24th. W Mid Seven territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot (the most since 2004), compared to four last year and the average of five over the last 19 years. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 13 birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, ten at Saltwells Wood, nine at Rough Wood, eight at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle and Priory Woods, five at Castle Hill and Hay Head Wood, four at Northycote Farm and three at Alder Coppice and Moorcroft Wood. Birds were present in the breeding season at 40 other sites, including eight singing at Castle Hills on March 28th, at least 28 singing in Smestow Valley on 31st and 21 present from July 30th-31st, 12 singing at Ravenshaw on April 6th, at least nine in Lutley Wedge on 8th and 18th, 21 at Blythe Valley CP and 17 at Meriden on 15th, and a record 16-17 pairs at Marsh Lane NR. “Individuals using the so-called alternative ‘sweeoo’ call were unusually common through the region in Spring”, including eight of 12 heard out of a total of 17 noted at Meriden on April 15th ARD. Total of 14 birds were counted at Elmdon Park on August 24th and 20 at Marsh Lane NR on August 20th, with 15 still on September 3rd. The only winter records involved single birds at College Farm on February 27th and Meriden on December 26th.

2009 Addenda W Mid Twenty birds, “a high percentage juveniles”, were counted at Blythe Valley CP on August 7th.

Scandinavian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita abietinus W Mid A bird assigned to this race was seen and heard at Marsh Lane NR on November 16th per NPB.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Very common to abundant, but declining, summer resident. One winter record. Long-term average: March 27th (77) to October 8th (77) 8-year average: March 21st (–6 days) to October 9th (+1 day) First: March 14th; Camp Lane Pits Last: October 15th; Smestow Valley Warks Breeding territories were reported from Baddesley Clinton (four), Brandon Marsh (22), Charlecote GP (1+), Coleshill STW (seven in 20ha of overgrown disused sludge lagoons), Fenny Compton – Oxford Canal (14 along 1km), Coton (four) and Whittleford Park, Nuneaton (1+). Worrying ongoing declines were noted at some sites. For example, numbers at Lea Marston are down by approximately 75% compared with 20 years ago BLK, none were located in a thorough survey of Wappenbury Wood where it was reported to be abundant in the 1980’s and no breeding occurred at Salford Priors GP for the first time in nine years of visiting JJB. The first birds of the spring arrived on March 27th at Salford Priors GP, Abbots Salford lakes and Brandon Marsh (three). Many birds arrived in the first week of April. Return passage at Wormleighton Res hinted at a better breeding season, with maxima of at least 40 on July 26th and 50 on August 2nd. Good numbers were recorded at Brandon Marsh throughout the summer, but most had migrated south by the end of August;

162 a trend reflected around the county. A few birds were noted in September, with the last singles at Morton Bagot on 11th, Salford Priors GP on 25th and Brandon Marsh on 28th. There were no reports in October. At Baddesley Clinton one incorporating into its song a phrase very like Iberian Chiffchaff (as well as some Common Chiffchaff notes) was present on April 27th and at Coton Lakes a genuine ‘mixed singer’, incorporating notes of Willow Warbler and Common Chiffchaff in single song-phrases was present on June 21st (both records ARD).

Willow Warbler, Marshes Hill, Steve Seal

Worcs Camp Lane Pits held the first spring visitor on March 14th with a gap to the second at Upton Warren where three were singing on the 27th. Notable Atlas square numbers came from Clent Hills (14), Malverns (5), Upton Warren (11), Wyre Forest Dowles Brook (20), Wyre Forest Lodge Farm (33) and Wyre Forest New Parks (17). Reports were received from 51 locations. Staffs The first arrival was at Keele University on March 27th with many other sites recording birds over the next two days. As usual, significant numbers of migrants were not reported until later into April with 15 at Silverdale CP and 10 at Belvide on 9th the first double-figure counts. During the breeding season the best sites were Back Forest (25 territories), Berry Hill (21 up from 16 last year), Bishop’s Wood (41), Cannock Chase- Brindley Heath (20), White House (Cannock Chase) (20), Fradley (14), Hanchurch Woods (138 up from 111 last year), Silverdale CP (15), Tittesworth (29 up from 15 last year) and Wetley Moor (30). Larger August counts were 24 at River Sow Meadows and 12 at Berry Hill and Blithfield. Birds were seen regularly until September 18th, with the last two at Black Bank on 28th and Belvide on October 1st. W Mid Birds were recorded during the breeding season at Blythe Valley CP (six on April

163 20th), Clayhanger Marsh, Dorridge Park, Dudley, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools LNR, Hay Head Wood, Hillfield Park, Lutley Wedge (five singing on April 8th), Marsh Lane NR (up to five pairs), Marston Green, Meriden (six on April 15th), Monkspath, Mons Hill CBC plot, Netherton, North Warwickshire Golf Course, Old Swinford, Park Lime Pits, Reedswood Park, Rough Wood, Rushall Canal, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley LNR (at least seven singing during April), Stubber’s Green, Sutton Park, Tyseley, University of Birmingham, Walsall Arboretum, Walsall Golf Course, Wollescote, Woodgate Valley CP and Wyken Pool. High counts included six birds at Meriden on April 15th and Blythe Valley CP on 20th, seven in the Bracebridge area of Sutton Park on 21st and 29th, eight in Smestow Valley LNR on July 30th and ten at High Ash and 13 in Sutton Park on August 18th.

2009 Addenda W Mid A bird at Meriden was heard switching between normal song and that of Chiffchaff (not mixed song) on April 20th ARD.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Very common to abundant summer resident. Frequent and increasing winter visitor. Warks Counts of breeding territories included Baddesley Clinton (eight), Brandon Marsh (15), Checkleys Brake, Kingston (six), Clowes Wood (14), Coleshill Park Woods (13), Farnborough Park (five), Fenny Compton – Oxford Canal: (nine, along 1.5km), Gaydon Coppice (seven), Moreton Morrell – Warwickshire College woods (10), North Wood, Middleton (seven), Salford Priors GP (nine) and Wappenbury Wood (33). During the first winter period there were records of up to three birds from Westwood Heath (with a single male remaining until March 22nd), up to two birds at Ashwood Bank and Harvington, and singles at Hartshill, Kineton, Norton Lindsey, Polesworth, Radford Semele, Studley, and Treddington. Small numbers arrived towards the end of March, but it wasn’t until April 2nd when birds began to be reported daily. High counts during April included 16 at Abbots Salford GP on April 9th, 13 at Coombe Abbey on 25th, 12 at Draycote on 8th and 12 at Chesterton on 25th. At Brandon Marsh many juveniles were noted during the summer, indicating a successful breeding season. The largest post-breeding counts were 10 at Wormleighton Res on August 17th, 10 at Salford Priors GP on 21st and 10 at Charlecote GP on 27th. Up to four birds were seen at several sites in September, but it became very scarce towards the end of the month. The only records during October were singles at Fenny Compton STW on October 7th, Lighthorne Quarry and Alvecote Pools on 8th and Morton Bagot on16th. November records included singles at Middleton Lakes on 1st, Wolverton on 9th and 16th, Salford Priors GP on 6th and Westwood Heath on 14th. These are probably winter visitors, though some may be late departing migrants. In December one was at the River Arrow on 31st. Worcs First winter period sightings came from Abberley, Abberton, Aston Somerville, Astwood Bank, Bromsgrove, Catshill, Droitwich, Harvington, Malvern Link, Malverns, , Pershore, Redditch, Upton Warren, Welland, Worcester and Wythall. At least ten pairs nested at Upton Warren and ten or more singing males were reported from Atlas squares at Beach Hay (ten), Bliss Gate (12), Elmley Castle (16), Fletchers Coppice (ten), Hunthouse Wood (11), Wyre Forest (20). In the autumn, a loose flock of 20+ was in elder bushes on Bredon Hill on September 15th and 20+ were at Strensham SL on August 28th. Second winter sightings came from Abberley, Aston Somerville, Bodenham Arboretum, Broadway, Cleeve Prior, Droitwich, Malvern Link, Malverns, Redditch, Upton Warren and Welland with five

164 at Lower Moor in December. Through the year, reports came from 78 sites. Staffs During the first quarter of the year, one or two birds were recorded at ten sites; lower than average (16, 19, 14, 16 and 15 in the previous five). The first spring arrivals were at Belvide and Doxey on March 19th with the main influx from 27th onwards. The significant breeding sites recorded were Berry Hill (seven), Branston GP (10-11), Blithfield (ten territories), Chillington Lower Avenue (11), Doxey (eight), Hanchurch Woods (50 up from 38 last year), Knypersley Reservoir (10), Silverdale CP (eight), Tittesworth (15), Trent Washlands (10) and Westport Lake (12). There were no double-figure counts in August suggesting a poor breeding season. Regular sightings continue until October 4th after which the last birds were at Berry Hill on 12th and Shooting Butts (Cannock Chase) on 13th. The first wintering birds were at Belvide and an estate next to Chasewater on October 27th; with a further eight sites holding birds during November and December. W Mid A record 21 territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to 15 in 1992 (when surveys began), 12 last year and a mean of ten over the last 19 years. A record eight or nine pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR, with another five pairs in Siden Hill Wood and four more pairs adjacent to the reserve. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 44 birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, 25 at Saltwells Wood, 22 at both Priory Woods and Rough Wood, 17 at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, 15 at Moorcroft Wood, 14 at Castle Hill, 12 at Northycote Farm, ten at Hay Head Wood and nine at Alder Coppice. Birds were also noted during the breeding season at 43 other sites, with high counts of ten at Wollescote on May 13th and June 6th, and 20 in Smestow Valley on May 31st. Multiple sightings during the first winter period included up to three birds at Westwood Heath most days during January and February, two at King’s Heath on 3rd and Austin Village on 29th, and three at Earlsdon on 30th. Single birds were noted at a further 19 locations on one to four dates each from January 1st to February 24th. Fewer birds were recorded in the second winter period, with individuals at ten sites on up to five days each from November 12th until the end of the year.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Fairly common to common summer resident. Long-term average: April 21st (74) to September 15th (73) 8-year average: April 12th (–9 days) to September 20th (+5 days) First: April 10th; Castlemorton Common Last: September 18th; Belvide, Essington Quarry Pool, Whitemoor Haye Warks Another average year. Records of singing males on breeding territory included: Brandon Marsh (13), Coleshill STW (four, on disused sludge lagoons), Fenny Compton – Oxford Canal (four), Gaydon Coppice (four), Ryton Wood (six), Wappenbury Wood (five) and Wormleighton Res (four). The first records of the year were at Brandon Marsh on April 17th and Middleton Lakes on April 20th, with regular reports around the county from April 22nd. There were no post breeding counts above two and the last record was two at Avon Dassett on September 5th. Worcs Castlemorton Common held the first spring visitor on April 10th with the next at Wyre Forest and Hewell Grange on the 16th. A clutch of five at Bodenham Arboretum fledged four and a family party was at Upton Warren on June 11th. More than one singing male were found at Castlemorton Common (two), Croome Park (two), Devil’s Spittleful (two), Eymore Wood (two), Lower Moor (five), Malverns (four), Old Storridge Common (three), Upton Warren (two), Wilden Marsh (five) and Wyre Forest (seven). Reports came from 30 sites with the latest at Strensham SL on September 4th.

165 Staffs The first bird was seen at Fisherwick on April 17th with others arriving on the following days. Larger breeding concentrations included Bateswood (six), Belvide (five), Blithfield (ten), Cannock Chase (13+), Hanchurch Woods (29), Harpers Marsh (five), Park Hall CP (six), Tittesworth (12) and Trent Washlands (five). Fourteen sites recorded birds in August and six in September with birds seen regularly until 6th. The last individuals were at Belvide, Essington Quarry Pool and Whitemoor Haye on 18th. W Mid Birds were noted at Blythe Valley CP, Castle Hills, Clayhanger Marsh, Lutley Wedge, Marsh Lane NR (six singing), Meriden (three on May 18th), Pelsall, Rough Wood, Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley LNR (three on May 15th), Sutton Park and Wollescote (three on May 13th). The first was on April 13th at Clayhanger Marsh while the first bird at Marsh Lane NR on April 21st appears to be the earliest ever for the reserve. Last seen on September 13th in Smestow Valley.

Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Very rare vagrant (0/10). Worcs This juvenile, trapped and ringed at Grimley Old Workings on October 16th FHe was the first county record for Worcestershire and did not linger in the area upon release.

Barred Warbler, Grimley, Andy Warr

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Fairly common summer resident. Two winter records. Long-term average: April 21st (75) to September 24th (75) 8-year average: April 10th (–11 days) to October 2nd (+8 days) First: April 10th; Abbots Salford Last: September 27th; Knowles Bank, Pinvin Warks Sites with at least three breeding pairs included Brandon Marsh (three), Darlingscott (five), Fenny Compton (eight), Hillmorton (three), Napton Res (four in area), Priors Hardwick (eight), Salford Priors GP (three) and Wormleighton (six). There were records of up to five birds in late April at several sites that may have involved some birds on passage. There were many records of one or two pairs or singing males throughout the county. The first spring arrivals were single males singing at Abbots Salford on April 10th, Radway on 11th and Fenny Compton on 12th. Post-breeding counts included peaks of 10 on August 2nd and nine on 17th at Wormleighton Res, seven at Salford Priors GP on 28th and five at Morton Bagot on September 4th. The last records of the year were singles in September at Morton Bagot on 22nd, Priors Hardwick on 24th, Salford Priors GP on 25th and Wormleighton Res on 26th.

166 Worcs The first spring arrival was near Droitwich on April 15th followed by birds at Old Yarr and Kington. Reports were received from 57 county locations. Sites with more than one singing male included Aston Somerville (three), Astwood Bank (four), Carpenters Farm (two), Coombegreen Common (two), Croome Park (three), Fladbury (two), Hipton Hill Orchard (three), Hollybed Common (three), Kington (two), Longdon Marsh (three), Lower Illey (two), Lower Moor (two), Malverns (two), Naunton Beauchamp (three), Ounty John Fields (two), Ryall Pits (two), Upton Warren (three), Wagon Wheel Lane Pits (two) and Worcester Woods CP (two). Juveniles were seen at Upton Warren in both June and August and the latest birds were reported from Knowles Bank and Pinvin on September 27th. Staffs The first record of the year was one at Sideway on April 18th, then Berry Hill and Lower Stonnall on 19th. Territories were noted at just 36 sites (43 in 2010, 60 in 2009, 48 in 2008, and 45 in 2007), suggesting a continuing decline in numbers. The best site was Uttoxeter Quarry which recorded four territories and confirmed breeding came from Blithfield, Branston Water Park, Draycott-in-the-Clay, Penn Common, Uttoxeter Quarry and Weston Jones. The best autumn count was five at Pretty Pigs Pool (Alvecote) on August 29th with four at Blithfield on 25th. The last bird appeared to be one at Branston GP on September 17th but, unexpectedly, one turned up at Fenton Park on December 22nd and remained there well into 2012 RToo. This bird showed some features consistent with birds from eastern Europe S.c. blythii but its exact origins remain unknown. W Mid First noted on April 18th at Rushall Canal and Smestow Valley LNR. Birds were noted at Birmingham Mainline Canal, Blythe Valley, Burys Hill, Castle Hills, Clayhanger Marsh, Elmdon Park, Lutley Wedge, Marsh Lane NR (four pairs), Mercote Mill, Meriden, Park Lime Pits, Portway, Rushall Canal, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley CP, Smestow Valley LNR, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Westwood Heath and Wollescote. The last bird was in Smestow Valley on September 12th.

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Very common to abundant summer resident. Long-term average: April 14th (77) to September 29th (77) 8-year average: April 7th (–7 days) to October 5th (+6 days) First: April 7th; Brandon Marsh, Cannock Chase, Devil’s Spittleful, Stoulton Last: October 9th; Castlemorton Common Warks Sites with eight or more breeding territories included Baddesley Clinton (nine), Brandon Marsh (22), Coleshill Park Woods (10), Coleshill STW (10, in 20ha of disused sludge lagoons), Fenny Compton – Oxford Canal (eight along 1Km), Hartshill – Anker Meadows (10), Little Packington (eight), Morton Bagot (12) and Salford Priors GP (13). The first spring bird was noted at Brandon Marsh on April 7th. More arrived over the next few days and the main influx occurred from April 15th, when the species became widespread in the county and counts increased. There were some good post breeding counts, hinting at a successful breeding season at several sites. Most notable among these was Wormleighton Res, where it was more numerous than usual, with a peak of 35 on July 19th. At least 25 remained into early August and nine were still present at the end of the month. The species was still widespread in the early part of September, with numbers falling off towards the middle of the month. The last birds were recorded at Morton Bagot and Priors Hardwick on 24th, Salford Priors GP on 25th and finally, Brandon Marsh on 28th. Worcs Stoulton and Devil’s Spittleful had the first arrivals on April 7th followed by the Malverns and Grimley on the 8th. Reports came from 65 sites and those with five or more territories include Aston Somerville (eight), Astwood Bank (12), Bricklehampton (seven),

167 Common Whitethroat, Andy Holt

Callow Hill (five), Castlemorton Common (six), Frankley Beeches (five), Heightington (five), Hollybed Common (six), Malverns (eight), Nafford Lock (seven), Oakley Pool (five), Upton Warren (nine) and Wilden Marsh (11). Up to 11 pairs bred at Upton Warren and a clutch of five fledged four young at Bodenham Arboretum. A very late bird was found at Castlemorton Common on October 9th. Staffs The first bird arrived at the Rifle Range (Cannock Chase) on April 7th, then Berry Hill on 8th. Best breeding season numbers were recorded at Berry Hill (54 territories, up from 40, 31, 34 and 35 in the previous four years), Croxall Lakes (12), Hanchurch Woods (27, 23 in 2009), Sideway (10+) and Trent Washlands (10). The last birds were seen at Black Bank on September 22nd and Belvide on 25th. W Mid Birds were noted during the breeding season at Aldridge, Birmingham Mainline Canal, Black Patch Park, Blythe Valley, Bury Hill, Castle Hills, Clayhanger Marsh, Dorridge Park, Dudley, Elmdon Park, Ettingshall, Fens Pools LNR, Hay Head Wood, Lutley Wedge, Marsh Lane NR (record 20 23 pairs), Marston Green, Meriden (12 on May 11th and July 29th), Mons Hill CBC plot, Moor Green, Netherton, Newton, North Warwickshire Golf Course, Pedmore, Rough Wood, Rushall Canal, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Small Heath, Smestow Valley LNR (12 on May 2nd), Stirchley, Sutton Park, Ten Acres, Walsall Manor, Westwood Heath, Wollescote (16 on May 13th), Woodgate Valley CP, Wordsley and Yardley Wood. The first bird at Marsh Lane NR on April 8th was the earliest ever for the reserve.

168 Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata Very rare winter visitor and breeder (8/10). Staffs Birds continue to be seen on Cannock Chase with two-three pairs on territory.

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Frequent, but much declined, summer resident and passage migrant. Long-term averag: April 17th (75) to August 30th (65) 8-year average: April 10th (–7 days) to September 7th (+8 days) First: April 2nd; Oakamoor Last: August 29th; Sideway Warks Males (singles, unless stated otherwise) were located reeling during the breeding season at Brandon Marsh (three), Coleshill STW, Dosthill area (three), Fenny Compton Hills, Hillmorton, Honington, Kingsbury Water Park (Cliffe Pool), Ladywalk (three or four), Lea Marston (two), Lighthorne Quarry (three), Salford Priors GP (a pair bred) and Westcote in Tysoe. Juvenile birds were trapped and ringed at Brandon Marsh, confirming that breeding was successful there. The first arrival was at Brandon on April 11th. Other arrivals were noted at Ladywalk (three on 14th and five on 21st), Norton Lindsey on 15th, Fishers Mill on 16th, and Kingsbury on 21st. Single males reeling at Netherwood Heath on July 11th and Water Orton on August 18th, may have been local breeders, but could have been on passage. The latest bird was seen at Salford Priors GP on August 21st. Worcs There were similar numbers of reeling males reported this year at 28, (29 in 2010), from 22 sites. Castlemorton Common had the first migrant on April 10th with one at Lower Moor on the 12th and singles at Ipsley Alders and Abberton on the 14th. Ipsley Alders had three males singing on April 29th and there were two at Camp Lane Pits, Coney Meadows, Crumpfields and Castlemorton Common where a Grasshopper Warbler, Belvide, juvenile was seen on June 12th and one was Neil Thorneycroft trapped/ringed on the 19th. An adult and three juveniles were found near Lower Moor on June 22nd. Reeling males were also found at Arrow Valley North, Egdon, Gwen Finch NR, Hewell Grange, John Bennett NR, Kemerton Lake NR, Oakley Pool, Old Yarr, Rous Lench, Shelsley Beauchamp, Strensham Lagoon, Sugarloaf Hill Malverns, Trench Wood and Upton Warren (possibly two birds). The latest bird was trapped/ringed at Old Storridge Common on August 20th. Staffs

Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Breeding/ Reeling 7 10 14 15 20 28 37 44-5 29 82 93+ 107 on Territory

169 The first arrival was at Oakamoor on April 2nd, followed by Doxey on 6th. The table shows another increase in territories this year, with many new sites holding birds. The best concentrations were at Berry Hill (15), Cuckoo Bank (25) and Wetley Moor (seven). The last bird was seen at Sideway on August 29th. W Mid At Clayhanger Marsh, one bird was heard from April 17th, with a second from 20th. In Smestow Valley, probably the same bird was frequently noted from April 19th to May 12th, with another in a different location on April 23rd. Single birds were heard singing in Sutton Park on May 8th and June 20th and 22nd. Birds were also noted at Park Lime Pits on April 9th, Lutley Wedge on 11th and 17th, Rushall Canal on 18th, Saltwells LNR on 19th, Sandwell Valley on 20th and 23rd, and Marsh Lane NR from 27th to May 11th. A bird at Castle Hills on August 1st was in song.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Fairly common to common, though declining summer resident. Long-term average: April 15th (75) to September 30th (69) 8-year average: April 5th (–10 days) to October 2nd (+2 days) First: April 2nd; Abbots Salford GP, Cleeve Prior Last: 24th September; Brandon Marsh Warks Reported from only 31 sites during the breeding season. This is a marked decrease on the 46 reported in 2010, though it seems unlikely that a real decline in the population has occurred. Most sites where the species was reported held up to four singing birds. Exceptions to this included Brandon Marsh (12), Napton Res (13), Salford Priors GP (14) and Wormleighton (seven along 1.5km of the Oxford Canal). The first bird was noted at Abbots Salford GP on April 2nd. There followed a bit of a lull in records until the main spring arrival commenced on April 10th. The last birds of the year were two at Brandon Marsh on September 24th, one of which was trapped and ringed (the latest departure date for this site since September 27th 1992). Worcs A male was singing at Cleeve Prior on April 2nd with two at Upton Warren on the 3rd. There were 25 singing males at Upton Warren on April 23rd and 22 pairs are thought to have bred. Gwen Finch had 17 singing males on May 5th, Lower Moor had 10 on May 10th, Smithmoor Common had four on June 14th and Wilden Marsh had eight on May 6th. A bird trapped at Upton Warren on April 24th had been ringed at Titchfield Haven, Hants on August 29th 2009. There were six at Strensham STW on August 28th and in September one was at Lower Moor on the 11th with the latest at Ripple Pits on the 14th. Staffs The first birds were seen at Doxey and Sideway on April 7th. Birds were present and presumably bred at 43 sites, (48 and 31 in the previous two years), including Berry Hill (12 territories), Branston GP (25), Doxey (28+), and Tittesworth (nine). Regular sightings occurred until early September after which there was one at Aqualate on September 20th and the last at Doxey on 22nd. W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, 12-14 pairs were noted (cf. 15 last year). Probable breeding involved two birds at Fens Pools LNR, two in Sutton Park on June 6th and four in Sandwell Valley on 26th. A bird held territory on Goscote Valley, but was not suspected to have bred. One or two spring migrants were noted at Clayhanger Marsh on April 14th-15th, Smestow Valley LNR on five dates from 15th (the earliest ever here) to May 31st, Saltwells LNR on April 18th, Blythe Valley CP on 20th and May 15th, Lutley Wedge on five dates from April 22nd to May 8th, and Pelsall North Common on 17th. The only autumn migrants were individuals recorded in Goscote Valley on August 24th and Smestow Valley LNR on 25th and the last was at Marsh Lane NR on September 4th.

170 Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Fairly common summer resident. Long-term average: April 23rd (71) to September 30th (65) 8-year average: April 10th (–13 days) to October 10th (+10 days) First: April 7th; Brandon Marsh, Coton, Ladywalk, Oakley Pool Last: October 7th; Knowle Lock Warks Like the previous species, the number of sites where records were received during the breeding season was very much lower than in recent years. However, the species seems to be at least holding its own at regularly recorded sites. The population at Brandon Marsh is now thought to be in the order of 60-70 pairs (at least 50 in 2010 and 55 in 2009) and in the East Marsh ditch study area, 21 pairs fledged 28 young. Further sites with strong populations included Napton Res (36 pairs) and Salford Priors GP (30 pairs). There were early birds at Brandon Marsh, Coton (two) and Ladywalk on April 7th, but the main arrival commenced during the latter half of April and continued into May. Brandon Marsh also claimed the last bird of the year, with a single on September 25th. Worcs Oakley Pool held the first spring bird on April 7th with one at Gwen Finch NR on the 8th. Thirty pairs are thought to have bred at Upton Warren and 39 singing males were found in the Gwen Finch/Nafford area on May 5th. There were ten singing at Oakley Pool on April 22nd with 22 at Kemerton Lake NR on May 19th and six at Thorngrove on May 28th. One trapped at Upton Warren on May 1st had been ringed in France at Saint Froult on August 16th 2008. Eight were at Strensham STW on August 28th and the latest one was at Upton Warren on October 1st. Staffs The first birds arrived at Aqualate and Doxey on April 10th. Breeding was reported at Alrewas, Aqualate, Astonfields Balancing Lakes, Belvide (two+), Berry Hill (three), Blithfield (one), Borrowpit Lake (two), Branston Gravel Pits (five), Chasewater (eight), Copmere (four), Croxall Lakes (two), Croxden Quarry (two), Derrington (two), Doxey (12 territories, 13, 12, 18, 23, 18 in previous five years), Little Wyrley (one), Middleton Lakes RSPB (two), National Memorial Arboretum, Radford Meadows (two), River Sow Meadows (seven), Sandyford Brook Stafford (one), Shoal Hill (two), Shugborough (three), Sideway (one), Tameside NR, Tixall Wide (six), Trent Washlands (one), Uttoxeter Quarry (two), Westport (four), and Wolseley Bridge. Regular sightings occurred until early September after which there were three at River Sow Meadows, Baswich on September 15th and the last there on 22nd. W Mid Breeding season records came from Berkswell Hall, Blythe Valley (seven birds on May 26th), Clayhanger Marsh, Edgbaston Pool, Elmdon Park (bred successfully), Fens Pools LNR (three plus pairs), Goscote Valley (two territories), Lutley Wedge, Marsh Lane NR (c18 pairs cf. 20 in the last two years), Mercote Mill, Meriden, Saltwells LNR and Sandwell Valley (six on August 14th). A late bird was seen at Knowle Locks on October 7th. Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Erratic, and usually rare winter visitor, but occasionally numerous in invasion years (9/10). Warks The 2010 influx, which peaked in mid-December, was still in evidence into the New Year. Numbers were generally stable with two flocks peaking at 90 and the average flock size for the eight main sites being 56. The December 2010 estimate of 4-500 birds in total, was probably still about right. Four areas carried birds over into the New Year: At Grendon, birds were present until January 22nd, peaking at 35 on 6th but more usually less than 20. At Nuneaton, varying numbers present until January 26th, peaked at 50 on January 20th and 90 on 22nd. Nearby Hartshill may have recorded some of these birds and within the same period

171 a regular flock peaked at 43 on January 24th. At Rugby, 90 on January 3rd and 70 on March 22nd were the peaks. Generally there were around 30 and birds remained there until 25th. At Warwick, a regular flock of 15-30 remained until March 30th, peaking at 45 on February 27th. As food sources thinned out four new areas came into the picture: At Leamington Spa, where there were December birds, a new arrival was noted between February 17th and March 11th, peaking at 48 on February 18th and 60 on March 5th. At Ladywalk, a single arrived on March 11th and then usually less than 15 until 31st, with an increase at the end of the month when 30 on 28th and 67 on 30th. At Meriden, three on January 17th were elusive at the side of a busy road but remained in the area and increased to 22 by February 1st, 60 on 3rd and finally 50 on 16th. Middleton Hall had to wait until April when birds there were consuming ivy berries, oak buds and fly catching. 20 arrived there on 5th with 22 on 14th, 17 still on 21st and 12 the next day. Elsewhere occasional parties, usually of 15 or less were seen at: Alvecote, 27 on March 28th; Baddesley Ensor, Bishops Tachbrook, Brandon, Combrook, Fenny Compton, Heathcote, Keresley, Moreton Morrell (50 on January 9th), Morton Bagot, 15 on January 13th; Northend, , Polesworth, , Stockingford and Stratford-upon-Avon. The final records were at Hampton Lucy (10) and Middleton Hall (one) on April 23rd. No records in the second winter period.

Waxwing, Biddulph, Steve Seal

Worcs Following the major influx of late 2010, small groups were still scattered throughout the county in the first winter period. Bromsgrove had 56 on January 6th, Eymore Wood had 50 on the 22nd, and in February, there were 86 at Kidderminster on the 18th, 100 at Pedmore on the 20th and 48 at Stourport on the 25th. The most reports came from the small group of 10+ which commuted between Upton Warren and Webbs Garden Centre from the new year to March 11th. At least five areas of Worcester held small numbers at

172 this time with 40 at Nunnery Wood on February 28th and 38 at Whitefort on March 25th. Redditch held several small groups in February and March with a group of 20+ resident in the Batchley area during this period. Other double-figure counts came from (12), Droitwich (35), Finstall (21), Frankley (37), Hartlebury Trading Estate (22), Ipsley Alders (16), Lower Moor (11), Tardebigge (15), Upper Arley (15), Wassell Grove (11), West Hagley (15) and Westwood Park (35). Smaller groups were found at Bodenham Arboretum, Callow End and Catshill. Several areas reported birds in April with 12 at Bromsgrove Marlbrook on the 2nd, five at Redditch on the 3rd, 17 at Lydiate Ash and eight at Eastham Tenbury Wells both on the 9th with a single at Worcester Blackpole on the 22nd. Our latest birds were c.12 on a tree with mistletoe at Shoulton on April 30th. Our only report in the second winter period was for seven at Hewell Grange AGi on December 3rd. Staffs The first winter period saw large flocks throughout the county, the largest concentrations in the Potteries area where flocks of up to 150 were seen at Basford, Clayton, Fenton, Hanchurch Woods, Hanley, Longport, Longton, Middleport, Newcastle-u-Lyme, Norton, Trent Vale and Westport Lake. These were present in January, March and April but largely absent in February. Elsewhere in January, birds were recorded at Baggeridge CP (42), Biddulph (14), Brewood (30), Burntwood/Chasewater/Norton Canes (150), Cannock Chase (48), Cheadle (4), Burton-on-Trent (35), Codsall (25), Eccleshall (six), Essington Quarry Pool (eight), Great Wyrley (nine), Hednesford (20), Iverley (19), Penkridge (22), Perton (60), Rugeley (50), Wilnecote (200). In February Belvide (45), Branston (20), Burntwood (27), Burton-on-Trent (40), Cannock (100), Cannock Chase (40), Doxey (30), Norton Canes (14), Perton (three) and Tamworth (four). In March Baswich (50), Biddulph (27), Burton-on-Trent (15), Cannock Chase (50), Cannock Wood (35), Hazelstrine (six), Hockley (seven), Meir (34) and Rangemore (one). In April Baddeley Green (30), Burton- on-Trent (25), Cannock Chase (15), Croxall Lakes (17), Eccleshall (11), Little Stoke (five), Meir (15), Middleton Lakes RSPB (20) and Wedgwood Visitor Centre (50). The last birds were 25 at Trent Vale on April 30th. In the second winter period there were only two sightings: 10 over Chasewater on November 11th MPit and 20 at Maer Woods on 28th NJac. W Mid Many of the flocks that were recorded during December 2010 stayed into the New Year, with some increasing in size and becoming more mobile. A flock that remained in Wolverhampton until January 19th apparently reached 150 birds on 7th and 175 on 16th, whilst another in Stourbridge until 27th peaked at 100 plus on 8th. Other groups that lingered from January 1st involved up to 48 birds in Oldbury until 2nd, up to 25 in Dudley to 10th, up to ten at Westwood Heath till 12th, up to 70 at Wednesfield until 15th, up to 50 at Coventry to 21st and up to 75 in Birmingham till 28th. Additional birds seen only on 1st were 15 in a Penn garden, two at Shirley and two at Solihull. Other sightings during the month involved an uncounted flock at on 2nd; 30 birds at Quinton on 4th; up to 50 at King’s Norton from 6th-8th; 60 at Northfield and up to 80 at Reedswood Park from 7th-8th; 60 at Bartley Reservoir on 8th; 30 at Darlaston on 9th; up to 50 at Brierley Hill from 9th-10th and up to 70 from 22nd-24th; up to 80 at Brownhills from 9th-16th and 42 on 27th; five at Tipton on 10th; 51 at Pendeford on 12th; up to 200 at Bradley from 12th- 13th; 35 at Fens Pools LNR on 13th and 13 on 29th; up to 155 in Sandwell Valley from 13th-17th; 30 at Handsworth and about 25 at Stockwell End on 16th; three at Meriden and seven at Norton on 17th; one at Halesowen on 20th; up to 40 at Small Heath from 20th- 24th; up to 52 at Kingswinford from January 20th-26th; up to 80 at Quarry Bank from 22nd-23rd and 30 from 29th-30th; 23 at Dunstall Park on 23rd and 25 at Harborne on 25th. The following February records were received: 30 birds at Bartley Reservoir, one in a Bloxwich garden and 100 plus at Fens Pools LNR (one found dead) on 1st; three at Solihull

173 on 1st, 30 on 17th and 100 on 23rd; 120 at Bowling Green on 2nd; 40 at Knowle on 2nd and 20 on 14th; up to 35 at Shirley from 2nd-4th and up to 86 from 18th-21st; 100 at Aldridge and 15 at Brierley Hill on 3rd; up to 60 at Meriden from 3rd-16th; 33 at Wednesfield on 3rd and 120 on 21st; 15 in Halesowen on 4th and 50 on 8th; 40 in a Tilehouse Green garden on 5th and 13th; five in a Clayhanger garden on 8th; 23 at Harborne on 8th and up to 60 from 18th-23rd; 20 at Clayhanger Marsh and ten at Marsh Lane NR on 14th; 40 plus at Meriden and 31 at Shelfield on 16th; 86 at Clifford Park and 86 at Shirley on 19th; a flock in Coventry from 18th-24th peaked at 160 on 19th; 100 at Old Swinford on 20th; 60 at Babbs Mill Park and 90 at Bilston on 22nd; 55 in Sandwell Valley from 22nd- 24th; 36 at Ettingshall and seven at Mercote Mill on 23rd; 25 at on 25th and up to 35 at Stourbridge from 20th to March 1st. Also in March there were 40 birds at King’s Heath on 1st; 30 at Cradley Heath on 4th; 21 at Northfield 5th and 28 on 16th; a flock at Sutton Coldfield on 6th; 40 at Pedmore on 6th and 14 on 12th; seven at Coventry on 8th; three at Selly Oak on 9th and one on 13th; five over Elmdon on 12th; 19 at Wednesfield on 14th; 23 at Brownhills on 18th; 26 at Harborne on 22nd; 11 over Lutley Wedge on 24th and 22 at Birmingham on 29th. April records saw 15 birds in Birmingham on 5th; 20 at Harborne on 13th and 15 at both Keresley and the Community Garden on 22nd. The only reports towards the end of the year were of two birds at Brownhills on October 16th; one at Wednesfield on November 12th and two on December 2nd; and one at Balsall Common on November 14th.

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea Fairly common to common resident. Warks Breeding territory counts included seven pairs at Compton Verney, four in Itchington Holt and four in Wappenbury Wood. Reported as common at Packington, where proof of successful breeding was obtained on June 3rd .At Brandon Marsh at least one pair bred, with juvenile birds noted on June 15th and July 13th. A count of six in the Langley area on June 7th included immatures. Other records during the breeding season included counts of five at Baddesley Clinton/Hay Wood on April 11th, 10 at Earlswood on June 9th and eight at Packwood. Winter counts included six at Farnborough Park on November 4th and eight at Compton Verney on December 10th. Worcs A box at Bodenham Arboretum successfully fledged four young and breeding was confirmed at Bishampton, Bow Wood, Bredon Hill (three pairs), Chase End Hill, Church Lench, Hunthouse Wood and Upton Warren. Reports were received from 66 locations. Notable Atlas square counts in spring included Clent Hills (six), Knapp and Papermill (ten), Wissetts Wood (seven), Wyre Forest Dowles Brook (15) and Wyre Forest Lodge Farm (12). Staffs Pairs with fledged young were recorded at Branston Water Park, Chillington Lower Avenue, Draycott-in-the-Clay, Forest Banks (Marchington), Hanchurch Woods, Ingestre, Tittesworth, Trent Valley (Burston), Trent Washlands and Warslow. Ten at Hanchurch Woods on June 30th and seven at Deep Hayes CP on January 24th and Greenway Bank CP in September were the highest counts. W Mid Two territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to a record equalling three in 2010 and a mean of two since the first territory was confirmed in 2003. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of ten birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, seven at Saltwells Wood, six at Rough Wood, four at Alder Coppice, Castle Hill and Priory Woods, three at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, two at Northycote Farm, one at Hay Head Wood, but none at Moorcroft Wood. Birds were also recorded during the breeding season at another 22

174 localities with at least four pairs at Marsh Lane NR. Noted at a further 23 localities outside the breeding season with four birds at Elmdon Park on September 7th.

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Common resident. Warks Though this is still a widespread bird in the county, numbers are well down on recent years in some areas. For example only three territories located at Compton Verney, four at Itchington Holt (cf. ten there in 2008) and two pairs at Farnborough Park (four in 2008). Elsewhere, there were ten pairs in Wappenbury Wood, at least ten families were seen in Oakley Wood, five pairs around Wormleighton Res (fairly average for this site) and one/two pairs noted at several other sites. A number of pairs bred at Brandon Marsh, with juvenile birds seen on a few dates in June. Five birds in the Norton Lindsey area on May 25th included some Leucistic Treecreeper, Little Aston, Cora Thomas immatures. Worcs Reports were received from 38 locations in the breeding season and from another nine at other times. Nesting was confirmed at Bredon Hill, Bredon’s Hardwick, Church Lench, Evesham, Grafton Wood, Kemerton Lake, Lower Moor, Tiddesley Wood and Upton Warren. A nest at Bodenham Arboretum fledged five young on May 24th. Wassell Grove had five singing males on March 25th and in April there were nine singing in Wissetts Wood, six in Hunthouse Wood and five in Fletchers Coppice. Staffs Pairs were confirmed as breeding at Belvide, Chillington Lower Avenue, Coombes Valley, Hanchurch Woods and Westport. The highest count was of five birds at Caunsall on February 24th and four at Coppice Hill on July 1st, Rudyard on January 23rd and Westport on August 20th. W Mid One territory was recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, the same as both last year and the mean over the last 19 years. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of five birds at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, four at Rough Wood, three at Saltwells Wood, two at Priory Woods and Wren’s Nest NNR, one at Castle Hill and Hay Head Wood, but none at Alder Coppice, Moorcroft Wood or Northycote Farm. Birds were also present in the breeding season at 14 other sites and outside this period at a further 17 sites. Five birds were counted at Wollescote on March 25th and Porter’s Croft Pit Wood on July 1st.

175 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Abundant resident. Warks Cold winters continue to have a detrimental effect on numbers and it was heavily reduced on open farmland in the south-east and remained scarce away from village gardens during the breeding season. Birds fared better in the north of the county where one observer reported a long and successful breeding season, as a result of calmer and sunnier weather. At Brandon Marsh the best count of singing males was 14 on June 14th (cf. 21 in 2010). Other notable breeding season reports included 21 at Coombe Abbey on May 14th, 15 at Coughton Fields on July 1st and 17 at Earlswood on June 9th. Numbers in the larger Warwickshire woodlands appeared unchanged. The highest count received outside the breeding season was 15 at Brandon Marsh on October 8th. Worcs 13 pairs were located at Upton Warren in the breeding season. Double-figure Atlas counts came from Astwood Bank, Beach Hay, Blakedown, Bliss Gate, Bricklehampton, Elmley Castle, St Michaels, Wassell Grove, Wissetts Wood, Woodwards Coppice and Wyre Forest. Staffs The largest count was 25 at Westport Lake on March 16th and Doxey on October 16th. W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, 51 territories were recorded, compared to last year’s 54 and a mean of 48 over the last 19 years. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 85 birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, 84 at Saltwells Wood, 62 at Rough Wood, 57 at Castle Hill, 50 at Moorcroft Wood, 43 at Alder Coppice and Priory Woods, 38 at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, 23 at Northycote Farm and 15 at Hay Head Wood. At Marsh Lane NR, 18 to 19 pairs held territory, with at least four pairs in Siden Hill Wood, both counts slightly up on last year. Otherwise, the highest counts received were of 14 birds at Hasbury on March 25th, 17 at Wollescote on March 25th and June 6th, 36 in Smestow Valley on May 31st and 19 in Coundon Wedge on November 5th. Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris Very common to abundant resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks There is a lack of comparative breeding information but undoubtedly there is an ongoing decline. The breeding season at Coleshill was apparently poor – only 18 juveniles were with 50 adults on May 31st. Counts during both winter periods were generally very low, highlighted by the fact that no large roosts were reported. In the first winter period the highest counts were 500 at Morton Bagot on March 3rd, 300 feeding on pasture at Fenny Compton on January 12th and March 29th, 300 on pasture at Northend on February 16th and 260 at Little Packington on March 30th. The peaks in March presumably involve some migrants, as did 500 leaving the reedbed roost at Brandon Marsh on April 19th (there were no higher counts at the reserve all year). Visible autumn passage was poor, with a maximum of 300 south-west at Salford Priors GP on October 23rd. The main influx returned with the Redwings and Fieldfares from the end of October, with 620, west in 120 minutes, at Earlswood on October 25th, influxes of 1000 at Fenny Compton on October 28th and 800 at Priors Hardwick on 29th. Other counts included 600 on pasture at Knightcote on December 5th and 400 on pasture at Napton Res on 9th. The peak count at Brandon Marsh during this period was 500 on October 30th and November 23rd (cf. 5000 in 2009 and 3000 in 2010). Worcs Numbers at Throckmorton Tip built steadily from 750 on January 1st to 1750 on the 19th and 2200 on the 30th with 1800 here on February 13th. There were 1000 at Lower Park on January 11th, 115 at Smokey Lane on the 12th, 111 at Avon Meadows on the 21st and 200

176 at Pulley Farm on February 22nd. John Bennett NR had 150 on October 24th and Upton Warren Flashes had 300 on the 29th which grew to 2000 by the end of November. In December, there were 750 at Lower Moor on the 8th and 3500 at Throckmorton Tip on the 20th. Staffs In the first winter period, the only roost site reported was at Sutton Bank where 20,000 went to roost on January 21st and the only significant flock seen during the day was 2000 at nearby Weston Jones on 24th. The next best flock count was 500 at Adderley Green on March 16th. Post-breeding flock counts were 250 at Berry Hill (310 in 2010), 150 at Doxey (120 in 2010) and 150 at Trent Washlands. In August and September, the largest flocks were 620 at Berry Hill (750 in 2010), 250 at Doxey (223 in 2010), 220 at Hixon Airfield and 200 at Branston, Burton-on-Trent and Cuckoo Bank. Visible migration was observed between August 24th and November 29th, peaking from October 14th-November 5th when treble-figure counts were regularly made of birds heading predominantly west. In total, approximately 11,900 birds were logged on migration, mainly from Belvide, Berry Hill and Black Bank, compared to 14,400 last year. In October the best flock counts were 100 at Tamworth, 180 at Trent Washlands, 100 at Uttoxeter Quarry and 200 at Weston Jones. Winter roosts included 50,000 at Aqualate and just 2500 at Blackbrook Bird World. Largest flock counts during November and December were 500 at Alstonefield, 300 at Barton GP, 600 at Copmere, 1000 at Ellerton Grange, 300 at Harpers Marsh, 1000 at Middleton Lakes RSPB, 550 at Napley, 5000 at Sandy Land Pool, 600 at Swynnerton Landfill, 400 at Tittesworth and 4000 at Weston Jones. W Mid Three to five pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR and birds were recorded in 35 other locations during the breeding season. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 11,783 birds were counted in 51:15 hours of observation over 35 days from September 17th to November 12th; a mean of 178 birds/hour (69% flying southwestwards) and highest counts of 674 in two hours on September 25th, 656 in one hour on October 24th, 777 in one hour and 15 minutes on November 2nd and 781 in two hours on 5th. A total of 1,045 birds flew westwards over Lutley Wedge on October 24th. Other high counts included 100 birds at Marsh Lane NR on February 5th, 250 at Catherine de Barnes on 7th, 103 at Wollescote on 28th, 120 at Berkswell on March 18th, 170 plus at Dunstall Park on September 24th, 105 at Pedmore on October 24th, about 1,000 roosting at Marsh Lane NR from October 28th to at least November 12th, 100 at Old Swinford on November 18th and 150 at Meriden on December 27th.

Dipper Cinclus cinclus Frequent resident in north Staffs and north-west Worcs. Rare elsewhere. Worcs Up to four were regularly seen on Dowles Brook in the Wyre Forest in early spring and a juvenile was seen on June 6th. Two pairs were present here on December 31st. One was nearby at Bewdley on January 25th with one on the River Rea at Houghtonspole Bridge on February 8th. Two were found along the River Stour in Kidderminster on March 21st with one at Bodenham Arboretum on the same date and also in April. Sapey Brook at Lower Sapey had one on June 25th and an adult was found at the Knapp and Papermill on August 16th. Staffs Reported from 21 locations during the year, but of particular interest were one at Uttoxeter Quarry from March 5th-13th (perhaps the same bird which was present there in October 2010) and one at Brookley’s Lake on November 17th. 20 breeding pairs were either confirmed or suspected at the following sites: Alstonefield, Bearda, Blore, Churnet Valley (two), Consall CP, Cotton Dell, Danebridge, Dimmingsdale, Dovedale (two+), Gradbach, Ilam, Knypersley Reservoir, Mayfield, Milldale, Oakamoor, Tittesworth, Wettonmill and

177 Wolfscote Dale. Two at Nether Hay in January and one at Longnor in February might also have subsequently been on territory.

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Scarce and declining, summer resident on the North Staffs Moors. Uncommon passage migrant. Very rare in winter. Long-term average: March 30th (55) to October 28th (49) 8-year average: March 24th (–6 days) to November 1st (+4 days) First: March 25th; Essington Last: October 22nd; Walton Bridge Warks A disappointing year with records from just two localities: at Fenny Compton, three (two males and a female) were on Gredenton Hill early morning on April 10th JJB and a male was on pasture at Hillmorton Locks from 14th-15th per JJB. Worcs The first spring migrants arrived on March 29th with a single at Happy Valley Malverns and four on Bredon Hill. As usual, the north escarpment at Bredon Hill was a popular staging posts with birds seen on 19 dates to the beginning of May with ten on April 7th and 12 on the 15th. Other April reports came from British Camp Malverns on the 16th and 25th, Walton Hill on the 16th, West Ring Ouzel, Neil Thorneycroft Hagley on the 20th and Clent Hills on the 26th. A male was at Woodgate Valley CP on May 5th. In September, two were at Vale Park Evesham on the 14th and two including a juvenile were on Worcestershire Beacon Malverns on the 16th with singles on the 24th and 28th. A male was at Throckmorton Drome on September 20th and our latest birds were seen on October 14th with five on Bredon Hill and two females on Worcestershire Beacon. Staffs The first arrival was at Essington on March 25th, followed by a male at Roach End on 28th. Four males were present at Silverdale CP on April 7th and were followed by a pair from 8th–9th with five at Knotbury also on 8th and presumably four of these at Orchard Common on 9th. After this, Silverdale CP hosted another on 16th and a female or first-year male on 18th, one was at Lower Stonnall on 19th, a male at Croxall Lakes from 23rd-24th and one at Berry Hill on 25th. For the first time ever there were sadly no records of any birds during the breeding period. Autumn passage produced singles flying through Berry Hill and Black Bank on September 23rd, then grounded individuals at Berry Hill from October 14th-15th, White House (Cannock Chase) on 19th and Walton Bridge on 22nd. W Mid Single birds were noted at Clayhanger Marsh on April 3rd and 23rd, and Woodgate Valley CP on May 3rd. Two birds flew southwards together over Marsh Lane NR on October 12th; the second record for the site after a male showed well on 6th April 2002.

178 Blackbird Turdus merula Abundant resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Widely reported during the breeding season but the only counts of 10 or more breeding pairs came from Brandon Marsh (10) and Morton Bagot (11). 43 at Forshaw Heath on February 28th was the only first quarter count. Autumn migrants in the south-east of the county were unusually late and arrived mainly during November, but in smaller numbers than usual. Notable late autumn/early winter counts included c.50 at Brandon Marsh on November 2nd and 22nd with c.40 on December 13th and 50 at Wormleighton Res with a thrush influx on December 2nd. The white male that has been present in The Butts area of Warwick town centre since 2007 was present all year. Worcs Atlas square counts received included Astwood Bank (21), Bliss Gate (35), Greenway (27), Pound Bank (27), Rock (24) and Wyre Forest (25). Upton Warren Moors had 30 on December 26th including dark-billed continental birds. Staffs In the first winter period, larger flocks were 31 at Berry Hill, 30 at Trent Washlands and 26 at Doxey. In the second winter period, numbers at Berry Hill peaked at 61 on November 18th with at least 45-50 there from late October; 40 at Doxey on November 20th and 30 at Westport on October 8th and at Tittesworth on November 7th. W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, 27 territories were noted, compared to 21 last year and a mean of 29 over the last 19 years. An estimated nine pairs were recorded at Marsh Lane NR, slightly down on the 10 12 in recent years, with another five in Siden Hill Wood. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th from June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 98 birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, 86 at Saltwells Wood, 56 at Rough Wood, 47 at Moorcroft Wood, 42 at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, 39 at Castle Hill, 31 at Alder Coppice, 27 at Priory Woods, 20 at Northycote Farm and eleven at Hay Head Wood. Birds were recorded in at least another 43 locations during the breeding season, cf. 60 last year. High counts included 40 birds in Coundon Wedge on March 26th and 63 on December 17th, 44 in Smestow Valley on May 31st, 120 flying over Wollescote in a single loose flock on October 14th and 31 in Allesley Park on November 12th. Presumed migrants were noted during early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley on nine of 23 dates from October 16th to November 12th, with four on October 16th and three on 30th. Single figure numbers of migrants at Marsh Lane NR from October 25th into early November coincided with passage of other thrushes. A major movement from December 17th-22nd peaked at 30 birds on 20th. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred North Staffs. Moors 1974-77, 1980 and 1985. Long-term average: October 1st (76) to May 5th (75) 8-year average: September 22nd (–9 days) to May 7th (+2 days) First: September 25th; Berry Hill Last: April 22nd; Belvide, Morton Bagot Warks Up to 200 were widespread in the county during January-March, with high counts of 300 at Knightcote on January 1st and 350 on February 16th, a peak of 600 in an orchard at Dunnington on January 9th, 550 at Chesterton on 11th, 210 at Brandon Marsh on 17th, a peak of 500 on Shirne Hill, Wormleighton on 26th, 250 at Avon Dassett on 28th, 300 at Lawford Heath on 29th and 300 at Farnborough on 30th. In February, 570 on pasture at Chesterton on 11th, a peak of 900 at Fenny Compton on 2nd, 350 at Calcutt Spinney on 22nd, and a peak of 1000 at Northend on 26th. In March, 250 by the R. Avon at Charlecote on 5th, 350 at Wasperton on 11th, 500 at Priors Hardwick on 12th and 490 on 26th, 400 at Fenny

179 Compton on March 18th down to 200 on 29th, and 500 at Bishops Tachbrook on 20th. Numbers were much reduced by April, with reports of 130 at Napton Res on 1st, with 25 at Bishop’s Itchington on 5th, three at Ragley Park on 10th and the last at Morton Bagot on 22nd. The first autumn bird was feeding on haws at Lighthorne Pools on October 8th, followed by 623 south-west in four hours at Hartshill Hayes on 13th. There was a more widespread arrival on 15th with a small southerly movement noted in several areas, including 70 over Priors Hardwick. Birds passed daily thereafter, including movements of 30 over Maxstoke and 225 south-west at Salford Priors GP on October 16th and 790 south-west there on 23rd. Counts at Wormleighton Res (where birds collect to feed on the haws) included: 60 on October 17th, 200 on 24th, 125 on 26th, 200 on November 3rd, 60 on 7th, 350 on 10th, 200 on 25th, 700 on 28th, 1000 on December 2nd and 750 on 6th, with numbers varying between 150-300 until the end of the year. Counts at Fenny Compton (also collecting to feed on haws) included an arrival of 1450 on October 28th, up to 300 in November, but then a huge arrival in early December, with 4000 on 12th and a peak of 6500 feeding on stubble fields undersown with rape on 17th. Numbers gradually dispersed so numbers were down to 450 by 31st. Other large flocks in this area included 2000 at Priors Hardwick on October 29th and 2500 near Wormleighton on November 5th, 1100 at Priors Hardwick on December 3rd, with 1000 on pasture at Knightcote on 5th and 1000 leaving a roost there at dawn on 18th. Salford Priors GP had counts of: 350 on October 30th, 380 on November 27th, 450 on December 4th, 1000 on 11th and 1600 on 18th. Other notable counts included: 200 at Tysoe on October 30th, 400 roosting at Cliffe Pool, Kingsbury Water Park on November 11th, 200 at Bodymoor Heath on November 14th, 400 at Charlecote/Wasperton on November 28th, 200 at Brandon Marsh on December 6th, 700 at Bishops Itchington on 16th, 300 at Chesterton on 26th, with 300 at Charlecote GP and 200 at Wellesbourne on 27th. Worcs Grafton Flyford had 250 on January 16th with 200 at Abberton on the 22nd and in February there were notable flocks at Grafton Flyford (250), Kemerton Lake NR (150), Radford (400), Ripple Pits (150) and Upton Warren (100). In March there were 150 at Vale Golf Club on the 16th, 150 at Aston Somerville on the 23rd and 650 on Bredon Hill on the 30th. Several were still present at Kyre on April 12th. Autumn migrants returned from October 13th when birds were seen at Bredon Hill, Chaddesley Corbett, Little Comberton, Shenstone (160) and Worcestershire Beacon Malverns, There were 180 on Bredon Hill on October 14th with 220 over Upton Warren Moors on the 29th and 150 at Lower Moor on the 31st. Other notable flocks at the end of the year were 300 at Lower Moor on November 5th, with 520 here on December 8/9th, 300 at Ripple Pits on November 9th with 500 at Bredon Hill on the same date which also had 400 on December 1st, 200 at Grafton Flyford on November 19th, 120 at Stoke Bliss on December 8th, 600 at Bredon’s Hardwick on the 8th and 14th, 400 at John Bennett NR on the 15th and 370 at Little Comberton on the 22nd. At Throckmorton Tip on December 21st there were an impressive 1500 birds. Staffs Significant flocks in the first winter period were better than last year: in January 200 at Aqualate, 160 at Bent Lane (Whitmore), 150 at Lask Edge, 130 at Beech, 120 at Croxall Lakes, 111 at Lawnhead and 100 at Alton and Park Hall CP; February 320 at Beech, 140 at Essington Quarry Pool, 103 at Whitemoor Haye and 100 at Stafford Castle and Weston Jones; March 247 at Whitemoor Haye, 150 at Berry Hill, 110 at Tittesworth and 100 at Aqualate, Belvide and Bent Lane. A few large flocks were around in early April: 100 at Belvide on 2nd with 200 on 3rd and 100 over Keele University on 4th. These coincided with some observations of migrating birds heading north-east. 100 were also present at The Raikes on 16th with the last birds being 11 at Blithfield on 20th and one at Belvide on 22nd.

180 The first returning bird arrived early at Berry Hill on September 25th, after which there were no further birds until October 12th when 180 we logged over Berry Hill. The next day saw many birds in the county including 2035 over Berry Hill, 400 over Sideway, and 200 over Cannock Chase. Following on from this on 14th there were 3265 over Berry Hill, 1410 over Black Bank, 922 over Belvide and 660 over Ingestre; then on 15th, 1175 over Berry Hill. Autumn passage was observed from migration watch points with good numbers until November 6th, but after this date, smaller numbers continued to fly through until December 2nd. In total, 18,000 birds were logged (13,000 in 2010, 9400 in 2009). Treble-figure flocks in mid-October onwards were recorded at Aqualate (200), Blithfield (200), Sherbrook Valley (200), Chasewater (120), Foker Grange (100), Heaton (400), Mayfield (100), River Sow Meadows (130), Sutton (108), Trentham Gardens (110), Uttoxeter Quarry (200) and Weston Jones (235). In November, at Belvide (200), Branston GP (500), Ellerton Grange (100), Essington Quarry Pool (126), Ingestre (180), Middleton Lake RSPB (600) and Uttoxeter Quarry (200). In December good counts were made throughout with treble-figure counts from Berry Hill (420), Blithfield (1000), Branston GP (200), Coldmeece (105), Denstone 9200), Essington Quarry Pool (100), River Sow Meadows (150), Tittesworth (450) and Uttoxeter Quarry (200). W Mid Flocks seen during the first winter period were higher than last year, including 150 birds at Westwood Heath on February 1st, 300 plus at Fens Pools LNR and 220 at Catherine de Barnes on 7th, 200 at Box Tree Farm on 21st, 80 at Marsh Lane NR on 20th, 26th and 160 at Berkswell and 60 at College Farm on March 18th, and 157 over Lutley Wedge on March 30th. Lower totals were noted at 15 other sites (cf. 37 last year). During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 1,246 birds were counted in 32:15 hours of observation over 24 days from October 15th to November 12th – mean of 24 birds / hour (97% flying southwestwards) and highest counts of 188 in an hour on October 15th and 240 in one and a half hours on 29th. Impressive numbers were noted at Marsh Lane NR during the second winter period, peaking at a reserve record count of over 500 on December 20th. The only other comparable counts received were 610 heading southwards over Lutley Wedge on October 14th and c300 at Clayhanger Marsh on December 22nd. Smaller numbers were noted at 13 other sites (cf. 25 last year).

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Much declined, though still abundant, resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Breeding territory counts included Abbey Fields, Kenilworth (seven), Bishop’s Hill (four), Brandon Marsh (eight), Charlecote GP (five), Coleshill Park Woods (five), Coleshill STW (three), Gaydon Coppice (five), Moreton Morrell College (six), North Wood, Middleton (three) and Salford Priors GP (seven). Birds were reported at several other sites during the breeding season. Autumn passage was late (first on October 8th) and sparse, with most in early November and a maximum of 30 at Wormleighton Res on November 10th. Other autumn counts included five at Morton Bagot on October 30th and six at Brandon Marsh on November 19th. Worcs Reports were received from 77 sites, slightly up on 2010 (66). The only notable Atlas square counts were Bliss Gate (12), Fletchers Coppice (nine), Greenway (ten), Hunthouse Wood (eight), Kyre (six) and Pound Bank (seven). Staffs Five territorial males were recorded at River Sow Meadows (nine, six, seven and seven in previous four years) along with nine at Berry Hill, eight at Trent Washlands and seven at Coombes Valley. Fly-over migrants totalled 35 birds from September 11th- November 6th, the peak being in mid-October. 14 at Westport on October 9th also

181 presumably included migrant birds, but in both winter periods there were no significant numbers recorded. W Mid Eight territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, the same as last year, and again higher than the mean of five over the last 19 years. Eleven to twelve pairs were noted at Marsh Lane NR (similar to previous years), with at least another six pairs from Siden Hill Wood to the pumping station. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of eleven birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, nine at Rough Wood and Saltwells Wood, eight at Castle Hill, seven at Priory Woods, three at Alder Coppice, Hay Head Wood. Moorcroft Wood and Northycote Farm, and two at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle. Birds were noted during the breeding season at 28 other sites (cf. 41 overall last year). Singing birds were noted at Castle Hills on January 17th and eight were counted at Hasbury on March 25th. A total of 18 birds flew southwards through Lutley Wedge on October 14th, with nine on 16th, and up to three migrants regularly noted at Marsh Lane NR from 15th to November 5th. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, three probable migrants were seen on October 30th.

Redwing Turdus iliacus Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Long-term average: September 26th (77) to April 19th (76) 8-year average: September 17th (–9 days) to April 27th (+8 days) First: September 3rd; Croxall Lakes Last: April 15th; Belvide Warks Relatively abundant around Fenny Compton in the first half of January, with the largest flock peaking at 850 on 13th, but then most dispersed. Parties of up to 50 reported widely around the county, with maxima of 150 at Charlecote on January 3rd, 200 at Chesterton on 11th, 200 at Poolfields on 15th, 100 at Chesterton and 140 at Packwood on February 11th, 60 at Radway on 13th and 100 at Brandon Marsh on 22nd. In March a maximum of 120 on the Fenny Compton Hills on 20th. Birds departed early, and the only 3-figure count in March was of 130 at Wasperton on 11th. Small numbers were reported until the end of the month and the last record was of one at Abbots Salford GP on April 9th (the only report for April). A late arrival in the autumn commenced with two over Earlswood on October 2nd, and 40 at Brandon Marsh and 20 at Kenilworth Castle on 9th. Subsequently small numbers reported widely on a daily basis. During this first period of arrival a movement to the south- west was noted at Hartshill Hayes, with counts of 83 in two hours on October 10th, 33 on 12th, 715 in four hours on 13th and 331 in two hours on 14th. Other notable counts included 200 at Brandon Marsh on October 13th, 630 south-west at Earlswood and 300 south-west/west at Napton Hill on 14th, 100 at Morton Bagot and 70 flying south-west at Salford Priors GP on October 16th. At Wormleighton Res, flock counts of birds feeding on haws (to show pattern of arrival) included: 50 on October 17th, 25 on November 3rd, 135 on 7th, 250 on 10th, 400 on 28th, 350 on December 2nd, 200 on 6th and 250 on 13th. Elsewhere there were 100 at Priors Hardwick on October 29th, 50 at Salford Priors GP on 30th, 50 at Napton Res on November 8th and 80 at Kingsbury Water Park on November 9th, then a large overnight arrival at Fenny Compton on 9th/10th, with many flocks also heard on nocturnal passage. An even more substantial influx occurred towards the end of November, although numbers were still below the recent average. Counts during the latter half of November and December included 200 at Morton Bagot on November 20th, 300 feeding on haws along the Oxford

182 Canal at Fenny Compton on November 25th, 150 at Charlecote/Wasperton on 28th, 150 at Priors Hardwick on December 3rd, 130 at Salford Priors GP on 4th and 350 there on 18th, 450 at Knightcote on 5th and 200 on 16th, 300 in Fenny Compton on 12th and 17th, 100 at Kingsbury Water Park (south) on December 21st, 100 at Morton Bagot on 27th and 250 at Baddesley Clinton on 28th. Worcs Notable first winter flocks were at Grafton Flyford (200), Martin Hussingtree (150), Porchbrook (120), Pulley Farm (150), Smokey Lane (143), Upton Warren (100) and Wyre Forest (170) with the latest sighting at Avon Meadows Wetland on April 1st. The only September report was for three at Kidderminster Golf Course on the 25th. On Bredon Hill, 450 were found on October 14th with 800 on the 25th and 600 on December 1st. There were 361 at Trimpley Lane Watchpoint on October 16th. In December, 200 were at Lower Moor on the 8th and a flock of 500 at Throckmorton Tip, on the 4th, in the scrub at the rear of the site, had risen to 1800 by the 17th. Staffs The larger flock sizes in January were smaller than usual but increased in March: in January at Aqualate (100), Berry Hill (140), Compact Products Pool (100) and Doxey (136); in February at Berry Hill (150) and Westport (100); in March at Berry Hill (120), National Memorial Arboretum (300) and Wedgwood Visitor Centre (350). The last bird was at Belvide on April 15th. Early returning birds were at Croxall Lakes (two) on September 3rd and Belvide on 7th. Number increased rapidly thereafter and 14th saw some significant migration counts including 8460 over Black Bank, 1680 over Berry Hill and 1418 over Belvide. In total 19,100 birds were logged on visible migration, an excellent total compared with 6,200 and 14,300 in the previous two. Migration was spread out from October 8th until December 4th, but the peak period was from October 12th-18th. The best grounded flocks in October were all on 13th: 350 at Blithfield, 120 at Chasewater, 100 at White House (Cannock Chase) and Sideway suggesting a good overnight influx. In November the best counts were at Belvide (200), Berry Hill (530), Branston GP (110), Dimmingsdale (200), Doxey (155) and Foxt (100); in December at Belvide (100), Berry Hill (205), Branston Water Park (200), Edingale west (100), River Sow Meadows (150) and Trent Washlands (100). A leucistic bird was seen at Belvide on December 17th. W Mid Counts made during the first winter period were generally higher than those in the same period in either of the last two years, with 140 in Lutley Wedge on January 1st, 100 in Hillfield Park on 3rd, 53 at Fens Pools LNR on 12th, 45 at Castle Hills on 17th, 220 at Blythe Valley CP On 24th, 60 at Marsh Lane NR on 26th and February 5th, 40 in Reedswood Park on 22nd, about 50 in Smestow Valley on 26th, 50 in King’s Heath Park on March 2nd and 40 at Wollescote on 25th. Smaller numbers were seen at 29 other sites. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 3,450 birds were counted in 33:15 hours of observation over 25 days from October 12th to November 12th; a mean of 67 birds/hour (97% flying southwestwards) and highest count of 1,130 in an hour on October 15th. Elsewhere, 560 birds flew over Lutley Wedge on October 13th and 790 on 14th, with 200 at Catherine de Barnes on November 18th, 100 at Marsh Lane NR on December 11th, 20th and 22nd, 160 plus at Fens Pools LNR and 109 in Coundon Wedge on 17th, and 250 at Monkspath on 25th. Smaller numbers were noted at 21 other sites.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Common resident. Warks Birds were present during the breeding season at various localities, but no territory

183 counts were received. At Brandon Marsh it was considered most unusual that none were recorded until April 20th, but it was recorded in each subsequent month and may have bred. Four broods were seen on pasture in the Upper Shuckburgh area on August 9th and juvenile birds were noted at Abbey Fields, Kenilworth and Hampton Wood. High counts included nine at Salford Priors GP on June 26th, 12 at Churchover on sheep pasture on August 22nd, nine at Billesley on September 9th, 13 at Brandon Marsh on September 16th, with 11 there on 22nd, five at Coldcomfort Wood on October 23rd and 12 at Alcester Heath on December 31st. Worcs Reports were received from 66 sites throughout the county. The only double-figure counts were Eckington Woolas Hall (14) on August 28th, Grafton Flyford (20) on August 29th, Hollybed Common (11) on August 27th, Longdon Marsh (10) on July 28th, Lower Moor (11) on August 11th, Stoke Bliss (22) on October 8th and Wyre Forest (12) on October 8th. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at 13-14 sites (21 last year). The best gatherings in the autumn were 41 at Westport on September 4th, 17 at Shobnall on November 3rd, 16 at Weston Jones on August 24th and 16 at Berry Hill on October 16th. W Mid Two territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to three last year, but equal to the mean over the last 19 years. Birds were also present in the breeding season at 28 sites with four pairs at Marsh Lane NR. Maximum numbers included twelve birds in Lutley Wedge on August 10th, ten in Smestow Valley on 20th and Elmdon Park on 26th, 17 at Tettenhall on September 2nd and 19 in Sandwell Valley on November 26th. Birds were also noted at 28 other localities with maxima of twelve birds in Lutley Wedge on August 10th, ten in Smestow Valley on 20th and Elmdon Park on 26th, 17 at Tettenhall on September 2nd and 19 in Sandwell Valley on November 26th. Noted at a further 28 sites.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Fairly common, though much declined, summer resident. Long-term average: May 3rd (75) to September 29th (75) 8-year average: May 1st (–2 days) to October 2nd (+3 days) First: April 30th; Coombes Valley Last: October 14th; Ingestre Warks Confirmed and probable breeding pairs at Baddesley Clinton, Bentley Woods, Birdingbury, Blackwell, Brinklow, Cawston Woods, Clowes Wood, Combrook (two), Crimscote, Farnborough Park (three), Fenny Compton (two), Hillborough, Honington, Ilmington Downs, Lowsonford, Moreton Morrell College (five), Morton Bagot, Napton Church, Packington Park (three), Packwood (two), Sherbourne, Shuckburgh Park, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stretton Baskerville, Toft Farm, Woolscott and Wormleighton (three). Unusually, there were no spring records at Brandon Marsh. A male was singing in North Wood, Middleton on June 8th. The first in spring was at Wormleighton on May 14th. Six at Coughton Fields on August 1st may have been local breeders, rather than returning birds. Return migrants were noted at 12 sites but numbers were disappointing. Best was Spotted Flycatcher, Knypersley, Steve Seal

184 Brandon Marsh with three on August 19th and singles on a further nine dates until September 14th. Elsewhere Alvecote Pools had two on August 26th and Hartshill, two on September 1st and three on 2nd. Other September records were from Salford Priors GP on 4th, two at Whichford Wood on 15th, Stretton Baskerville on 23rd and finally Hartshill on 24th. Worcs Abberton held the first spring sighting with one on May 6th followed by Upton Warren and Wyre Forest (two) on the 8th and Old Yarr on the 10th. Breeding season reports came from Belbroughton, Birlingham, Blackstone, Broome, Cotherwood, Croome Park (two pairs), Fladbury, Grafton Flyford, Hollybush, Holt, Kemerton Village (two pairs), Norchard, Salwarpe, Stoke Bliss, Stone, Stoulton, Twiland Wood, Upper Arley, Upton upon Severn, Wassell Grove, Wick and Wyre Forest. Juveniles were seen at Birlingham on July 4th, Salwarpe on July 14th and August 7th, and at Upton Warren at the end of July and the end of August. Other August reports came from Bewdley, Bittell Reservoirs, Bredon Hill (four+), Bredon Village, Evesham Greenhill, Grafton Flyford, Grafton Wood (four+), Hewell Grange, Stoulton and Westwood Pool (two). In September, one was at Upton Warren on the 4th and 14th, two were at Carpenters Farm on the 6th, one was at Shenstone on the 9th, four were at Grafton Flyford on the 12th and one was at Old Yarr on the 17th. The latest reports were for a juvenile on Bredon Hill on September 22nd and 26th. Staffs The first arrival was at Coombes Valley RSPB on April 30th with the next on May 7th at Meerbrook.

Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Breeding Sites 28 42 51 41 36 33

The only sites with more than one breeding pair were Alstonefield (two+), Cannock Chase (two), Hanchurch Woods (three), Swineholes Wood (three), Tittesworth (three) and Waterfall Low (three). Autumn counts were good, the most being seven at Coombes Valley RSPB on September 8th. Birds were seen regularly until September 19th after which there was one at Sherbrook Valley on 27th and a very late bird at Ingestre from October 10th–14th. W Mid Three territories (males singing) were located in Berkswell (a regular breeding site) on May 19th. No spring migrants were reported. Autumn passage birds were frequently noted in Sutton Park from August 3rd to September 15th, with 13 on August 18th. One or two birds were seen at Dunstall Park on seven dates from August 22nd to September 25th, Dorridge garden on August 22nd, Lutley Wedge on September 3rd, Smestow Valley on three dates from 4th-15th, Goscote Valley on 9th and London Road Cemetery on 30th.

Robin Erithacus rubecula Abundant resident. Warks Very little breeding data was received, but there were at least 17 singing males recorded at Brandon Marsh in the early spring. Notable counts included 25 at Brandon on October 1st, 17 at Kinwarton on January 17th, 35 at Earlswood on February 3rd, 15 at Abbey Fields, Kenilworth on February 24th and 14 at Alcester on May 8th. Worcs 11 pairs nested at Upton Warren. Notable Atlas square counts were Alvechurch (28), Arrow Lake (18), Astwood Bank (13), Bayton (27), Blakedown (23), Bliss Gate (33), Bricklehampton (21), Caunsall (11), Elmley Castle (17), Finstall Park (10), Fletchers Coppice (29), Heightington (10), Hunthouse Wood (15), Ismere (26), Netherton (18), Pound Bank (16), Wassell Grove (24), Wilden Marsh (15), Wissetts Wood (15) and Wyre Forest (18). Staffs The largest counts were 24 at Doxey on October 16th and 20 at River Sow Meadows on March 29th.

185 W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, 36 territories were recorded, the lowest total since 2007 and a decrease on the mean of 38 over the last 19 years. At Marsh Lane NR, 14 to 15 pairs represent a slight increase on 13 in each of the last two year and a return towards 15- 16 in 2008; an additional three pairs were present in Siden Hill Wood. A total of 27 territories were noted in the southern half of Smestow Valley. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 92 birds at Saltwells Wood, 54 at Rough Wood, 49 at Wren’s Nest NNR, 33 at Moorcroft Wood, 28 at Alder Coppice and Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, 27 at Priory Woods, 21 at Castle Hill, 17 at Hay Head Wood and 12 at Northycote Farm. Other high counts received were of 27 birds in Coundon Wedge on February 26th, 28 at Wollescote and 15 at both Hasbury and Wollescote on March 25th, 15 in the Bracebridge area of Sutton Park on May 7th, at least 27 in Coundon Wedge from September 17th to October 29th peaking at 32 on the latter date, 18 at Old Swinford on 31st and 21 at Allesley Park on November 12th.

Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Uncommon and declining summer resident, increasingly confined to the southern parts of Warks and Worcs. Long-term average: April 21st (76) to July 25th (25) 8-year average: April 17th (–4 days) to (insufficient data) First: April 9th; Worcs. Last: no data Warks This species hangs on by a thread and due to the secure nature of the main site birds are generally only recorded by listening for distant song. At DMC Kineton singles were heard on April 25th and May 8th and 26th. One at on May 2nd was the only other record. Worcs The same six locations as 2010 provided reports again this year. At site A, the first male was singing on April 9th and an excellent six were located by the end of the month (two in 2010). Three males were singing at site B on April 16th, rising to five by the month end (four in 2010). At site C, a single male on April 17th was as 2010 as was one at site F on May 7th. Only one male was found at site D on May 8th (two in 2010), but site E had three singing males on April 27th (two in 2010). The latest song heard was from two males on May 30th, both at site A. GHP, AHo, RAP, SBl, AWa, PMW, MJI, MAS, MWCW, SPa, JLC. Note: Following the decline of Nightingale numbers, the BTO organised a survey in 2012. Provisional results show a total estimate of 28 singing males for Worcestershire located in ten tetrads (1980 survey 66 males) Green, H. 2013. BTO Nightingale Survey 2012. Worcestershire Record 34:25-27.

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Very rare vagrant (0/10). Warks A superb White-spotted male was present in reeds and willows at Abbotts Salford pool on April 26th and 27th BGP, RAP. This is the first county record of a White-spotted Bluethroat. The only other Bluethroat to be seen in the county was a Red-spotted bird at Brandon Marsh on September 9th 1995. Worcs The first record for the county of the White-spotted form was an excellent find from an Upton Warren hide GWa on April 26th. This male at the Hen Pool again provided limited views in the morning of the 27th.

186 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Scarce summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks A female was in the boatyard at Draycote Water on March 27th CRS. Wood and Airfield had a male on November 11th and a female or immature on 17th GJA, SVa. In addition there was an unconfirmed report of one in Warwick on April 19th BirdGuides via BirdTrack. Worcs Four were found in the county this year with the first on the south side of the Clent Hills on March 28th PLeg, GKi. A male was briefly observed on a fence near a hide at Upton Warren Flashes on May 8th AHa, SCr, GPr. The juvenile found at Shenstone on September 3rd JKe was more obliging and gave good views until the 28th. The final bird, a male, was located on Worcestershire Beacon in the Malvern Hills on December 2nd MWCW Staffs Another good year produced one at Berry Hill on March 27th DFa which was joined by a second bird on 28th RToo, with one of these lingering until 30th, followed by a female at Silverdale CP on Black Redstart, Draycote, Steve Valentine April 15th NDP and in the autumn one at Wheaton Aston from October 29th until November 1st NTa. Two well-watched birds then turned up in December; one at Gailey Reservoir from December 6th many observers and another at Blithfield from 10th NJS, both remaining beyond the year end. W Mid No breeding records were received. Single birds were seen in Lutley Wedge on April 3rd CRo, TMH and Balsall Common from November 18th-21st NPB. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus A fairly common, though localised and much decreased, summer resident in Staffs and Worcs. Widespread on passage. Long-term average: April 10th (75) to September 28th (74) 8-year average: April 2nd (–8 days) to October 6th (+8 days) First: March 30th; Bredon Hill Last: October 9th; Salford Priors GP Warks Two or three pairs bred in the south of the county. During early July a pair was seen with one juvenile near and a pair was seen with two juveniles at Meon Hill. Also in early July, a pair was seen with three juveniles at Crimscote, which had presumably dispersed from a local breeding area. Spring records included a male at Guy’s Cliffe on April 5th, one at Long Compton on 6th, a male at Priors Hardwick on 9th and a male at Morton Bagot on 17th, with a female there on 22nd. There was an excellent return passage; records of more than one were as follows: At Alvecote, two on July 4th and August 1st, with one-two on several dates from August 21st-September 8th; Coleshill Park, three

187 juveniles on July 5th; Hartshill, odd ones in August followed by singles on September 3rd and 16th; Morton Bagot, up to three on several dates from July 3rd to August 28th; Napton Hill, two from August 23rd-25th; Napton Res, two on August 31st; Priors Hardwick, up to four on several dates from July 31st-September 11th; Salford Priors GP, singles on July 10th and August 21st; Upper Shuckburgh, four on August 9th; Weddington, three on the disused railway on August 31st and two on September 14th; Whitacre Heath two on three dates from August 29th-September 11th; Wormleighton Res, one or two present fairly regularly from July 7th-August 31st with maxima of three on July 22nd and five on August 11th. Other records involving singles came from Austrey, Baddesley Clinton, Charlecote, Charwelton, Corley, Draycote (village), Earlswood, Fenny Compton, Hillmorton, Hunningham, Kenilworth and Newbold on Stour. The last record of the year was of one at Salford Priors GP on October 9th. Worcs An early single bird was on Bredon Hill on March 30th with two in the Wyre Forest on April 1st where seven singing males were located on the 20th. At least four pairs bred on Bredon Hill where there were 15 singing males on April 25th. Other singing males in April were found at Abberley (one), Ankerdine Hill (one), Bank Street (one), Bliss Gate (one), Bow Hills (two), Broadway (three), Cherry Orchard (one), Grimley (one), Hewell Grange (one), Hollybush, Hopwood (one), Kyre (one), Malvern Hills (10), Shakenhurst (one), Shelsley Beauchamp (one), Shenstone (one), Stoke Bliss (two), Walton Hill (three) and Wissetts Wood (two). In addition, females were also found in April at Churchill and Wassell Green and Kinver Edge had four birds on July 12th. Ten juveniles were at British Camp Malvern Hills on July 2nd with one trapped/ringed at Grimley on the 30th. Wythall had a female on July 12th, Upper Arley had six on the 20th and Longdon Marsh had 17 on July 28th. A female was trapped/ringed at Old Storridge Common on August 6th and six juveniles were at Hollybed Common on August 14th. Passage birds were found at Upton Warren on 28 dates through the summer/autumn and on nine dates at Shenstone/Summerfield. Up to three were at Lower Moor river meadows from June 18th to September 11th and one/two were found daily at Clifton Pits from August to September 10th. Other passage locations included Bewdley, Bredon’s Hardwick, Camp Lane Pits, Churchill, Grafton Wood, , Holt, John Bennett NR, Kington, Lickey Hills, Lower Park, Oakley Pool, Porters Mill, Stoulton, Tanwood, Wagon Wheel Lane Pits, and Westwood Pool. September 15th was our latest date with single birds at both Bredon Hill and Upton Warren. Staffs Starting with a bird at Hanchurch Woods on April 3rd, birds quickly arrived at passage and breeding sites. Other spring migrants away from breeding sites were at Belvide (two), Berry Hill (six), Blithfield (one) and Sideway (three). Breeding and territorial birds were widespread, especially on the North Staffs Moors. These include: Alstonefield (11 pairs), Back Forest (two), Back of Ecton (two+), Bearda (five), Blore, Calton, Cannock Chase (c.14 territories), Cliff Park, Consall CP, Coombes Valley (two+), Dimmingsdale (three), Hanchurch Woods (four), Hawksmoor, Hollinsclough, Horton, Hulme End (two+), Kinver Edge, Lum Edge, Meerbrook, Mixon (two+), Onecote (five+), Pethillshead (two), Ranton, Roach House Farm, Rudyard Lake, South Farley, Swineholes Wood (two), Reapsmoor, The Raikes (two), Tittesworth (four), Turn Edge, Waterfall (five), Waterhouses (three), Wolf Edge and Wolfscote Dale (two+). The first bird on return passage was at Uttoxeter Quarry on June 24th, followed by others at Pretty Pigs Pool (Alvecote Pools), Barton GP, Belvide (three), Berry Hill (12+), Blithfield (six), Branston GP, Coley Brook Marsh (three), Compact Products Pool, Cuckoo Bank, Endon STW (six+), Silverdale CP, Sideway (10+), Trent Washlands and Uttoxeter Quarry (13+). Birds were seen regularly in August and September, the last being at Berry

188 Hill on September 19th. W Mid Single birds were seen at Bartley Reservoir on April 10th, Lutley Wedge on April 15th, Goscote Valley on 23rd and Marsh Lane NR on May 9th. Autumn sightings involved single birds at Castle Hills on July 15th, Clayhanger Marsh on 30th, Lutley Wedge on August 19th, Marsh Lane NR on 21st, Goscote Valley on 22nd, 24th and 31st, Berkswell on 25th, five in Sandwell Valley on 28th and one in Smestow Valley on September 2nd. In Sutton Park, after three birds were seen on July 22nd, impressive numbers were noted on several days from August 3rd to September 15th, with 20 on August 27th, 19 on 30th and 13 on September 1st.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Uncommon or frequent, but much declined, summer resident, now mainly in north Staffs. Widespread on passage. Long-term average: April 23rd (75) to October 10th (71) 8-year average: April 18th (–5 days) to October 14th (+4 days) First: April 12th; Brandon Marsh Last: October 2nd; Salford Priors GP Warks After a good passage in 2009 both periods this year were distinctly average. Spring records included a male at Brandon Marsh on April 12th (earliest ever arrival there, beating April 15th 2000), two at Ladywalk on 20th, a male at Salford Priors GP on May 1st, a male at Wormleighton Res on 5th, two at Morton Bagot on 8th, with a female there on 19th and a female at Fenny Compton also on 19th. Return passage commenced with two adults at Coleshill Park on July 5th There followed a fairly disappointing number of records with mainly ones and twos at Brandon Marsh (one on September 4th, with two on 15th and one on 16th), Corley (three on August 29th with one – two daily until September 13th)Fenny Compton, Hartshill (up to four on a few dates from August 22nd-September 9th), Morton Bagot (one-two on several dates from July 30th-September 3rd), Napton Res, Salford Priors GP (three singles), Toft Farm, Tysoe, Warwick Racecourse and Whitacre Heath. The final records were singles at both the Fenny Compton Hills and at Crimscote on October 1st and Salford Priors GP on 2nd. Worcs Single males at Abberton on April 14th and at Upton Warren Flashes and Wassell Grove Pools on the 17th were the first spring arrivals, followed by one at West Hagley on the 20th. Another appeared at Wassell Grove on April 21st with a female on the same date at the Clent Hills. One was found near Grimley church on May 4th with another on the same date at the nearby Camp Lane Pits with males on Bredon Hill on the 5th and at Upton Warren Flashes on the 8th. Wassell Grove had a third bird on May 6th and there was one at Tanwood on the 9th. Park Gate had one on July 31st and one was found at Shenstone on July 8/9th with a juvenile on August 7th and another here on September 4th. Longdon Marsh held three on August 23rd with two on the 28th and another two on September 16th and Lower Smite Farm Hindlip also had three on August 23rd with a single on September 4th. Single birds were at Woodrow on August 23rd and Hollybed Common on the 24th and three were found at Gwen Finch NR on the 26th with one near Grafton Wood on the 27th. Abberton and Camp Lane Pits had the last August sightings with two each on the 28th and a single was also at the latter site on September 11th. September 2nd saw two at Upper Bittell Reservoir with one at Stoulton which also had one on the 13th. A juvenile was seen at Tanwood on September 5th, 8th and 21st, one was at Lower Park on the 8th and Bredon’s Hardwick held one on the 18th. The final bird of the year was seen at Kemerton Lake NR on September 21/22nd.

189 Staffs The first arrival was at Berry Hill on April 19th and spring passage was so poor this year, that the sightings can be listed as follows (singles unless stated): Compact Product Pools on 21st, Berry Hill on 22nd, Belvide and Middleton Lakes RSPB on 23rd, Chasewater from 28th-29th, Foxley and Sideway on 28th, Berry Hill on May 1st with two on 2nd and one on 5th, Belvide on 2nd and two at Doxey on 9th. A male bird was seen on the North Staffs Moors on June 4th but with no other sightings, is assumed to be either a late migrant or failed breeder. The first return passage bird was at Comberford on July 12th, then Blithfield on 15th and 19th and four at Wrottesley Old Park on 23rd. In August, Belvide hosted two birds from 6th-21st, the following day being joined by two more and three remaining until 30th, two on 31st and one remaining until September 2nd. Elsewhere in late August, from 20th, there were nine logged at Berry Hill with six present on 29th, three at Blithfield, Sideway and Whitemoor Haye, two at Compact Products Pool, Nurton and Uttoxeter Quarry and one at Ingestre, Middleton Lakes RSPB and Round Knowl Farm. In September, Berry Hill held the best numbers with five on 1st, one from 4th-11th, two on 13th and one on 23rd. Elsewhere, singles were noted at Blithfield on 3rd, Middleton Lakes RSPB and Tittesworth on 4th, Pipe Green (Lichfield) on 8th, Belvide on 12th, Halfpenny Green on 26th and the last at Middleton Lakes RSPB on 30th. W Mid Spring sightings involved single birds in Lutley Wedge on April 17th, 21st and May 6th, Stourbridge on April 19th and Bartley Reservoir on May 8th. During autumn, one bird was seen in Sandwell Valley on July 12th and Clayhanger Marsh on 27th, with two on September 4th, one in Sutton Park from August 27th-28th and two on September 15th, and singles at Meriden on August 31st and Castle Hills on September 9th.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Uncommon resident, but frequent passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks The only record during January and February was one at Coleshill GP on February 2nd. This is a very poor showing and presumably the result of hard winter weather. There was a small influx during March involving singles at Middleton Lakes on 9th, Charlecote GP on 11th, Crimscote on 11th-12th, Lea Marston on 12th, Salford Priors GP on March 13th and Hartshill on 18th. The only other spring record was one at Hartshill on April 17th. There were two rather unusual records at Brandon Marsh in the summer, involving one on July 23rd and two on July 29th. The rather meagre return passage started off on August 18th with a single at Hartshill, where it or others were also present on 22nd and 26th. The only record for September came from Morton Bagot with one on 22nd. October saw singles at Brandon Marsh from 9th-12th and Marston Fields on 12th. One was at Woolscott on November 3rd and 4th and at Salford Priors GP on 6th. Two were then reported around the county boundary at Fishers Mill, on and off from November 6th to December 25th. Stonechat, Andy Holt

190 Worcs Sightings were reduced in the county following the severe winter, but a male was found at Throckmorton Tip on January 1st. Single birds were reported in March at Bredon’s Hardwick on the 13th and Wassell Grove on the 20th with Upton Warren having one on the 1st, 11th, 12th and 14th with two, a male and female, on the 13th. As usual, Malvern Hills provided the most reports with spring sightings from British Camp, the Dingles, Happy Valley, North Hill, Sugarloaf Hill and Worcestershire Beacon. At least two pairs bred successfully with several juveniles from July to September. Four were on the north Malverns on September 28th with October/November sightings plus three on Worcestershire Beacon on December 9th. A juvenile was at Upton Warren Flashes on July 2nd with one at Longdon Marsh on August 23rd. Up to three adults were at the summit of Bredon Hill from September to November and Westwood Pool produced a male on September 21st. A female and juvenile were on Castlemorton Common on October 9th with single birds at the end of November. Staffs Six pairs were recorded on territory/breeding at Cannock Chase (five in 2010, six+ in 2009, 16+ in 2008), one pair bred at Gentleshaw Common, and five-six on the North Moors (four, six and nine pairs in the past three years). A male held a territory at Trent Washlands in Burton-on-Trent until mid May but departed thereafter. In the first winter period, birds were recorded at 10 non-breeding sites, the best being six at Berry Hill on March 12th. A poor second winter period produced birds at just 10 non-breeding sites with no more than two present at any time. In December, the only sites holding birds were Cannock Chase, Doxey and Middleton Lakes RSPB. W Mid The only sightings this year involved singles birds at Marsh Lane NR on February 14th, Clayhanger Marsh on 27th, Bartley Reservoir on March 11th, Dunstall Park on 12th, and Lutley Wedge on 12th and 20th, and October 13th.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Frequent, but possibly declining, summer visitor, mainly to north Staffs. Fairly common and widespread on passage. One winter record. Long-term average: March 19th (74) to October 20th (75) 8-year average: March 11th (–8 days) to November 4th (+15 days) First: March 9th; Berry Hill Last: November 7th; Berry Hill Warks After a good couple of years numbers were down to usual or lower than usual levels. The first report was a good week later than recent years and this was at Ladywalk on March 24th. Spring records came from around 15 sites and numbers of three or more were at Crimscote, a maxima of five present from March 21st-April 25th; Farnborough, four on April 21st, Fenny Compton, six on April 12th; Morton Bagot, present from April 3rd- May 1st, with a peak of nine on April 19th; Norton Lindsay, four on April 9th and Priors Hardwick, three on April 9th. Return passage commenced on August 14th and again involved around 15 sites. The best parties were as follows: At Corley, a newly found site was favoured and four or five were regular between August 29th-September 15th. At Fenny Compton, a later series of records commenced with two on September 29th, increasing to five on October 7th and three until 16th; Kenilworth, three on September 9th; Morton Bagot, up to six from August 14th-September 22nd. Wishaw, like Fenny Compton, saw its best numbers quite late and nine on September 26th and six on October 4th were notable. The last records came from Salford Priors GP on October 23rd and Woolscott, two on 28th. Worcs Clifton Pits held our first visitor, a male, on March 10th with the next at Kemerton Lake NR on the 18th, Wassell Grove on the 21st and Caunsall on the 24th. Other March reports came from the Clent Hills with six on the 24th and 28th, Norchard and Castlemorton

191 Common with one each on the 25th, Bredon’s Hardwick (one), Camp Lane Pits (one), Churchill (two) and Westwood Pool (one) all on the 28th and Bredon Hill with three on the 29th. Notable numbers during April included seven at Barnett Brook on the 15th, 15 at Bredon Hill on the 14th and 18 on the 25th, seven at Chaddesley Corbett on the 4th, 15 at Churchill on the 19th, five Clifton Pits from the 14th-16th, eight at Hopwood on the 8th, five at Lower Park on the 25th, nine at Shenstone on the 8th, 19 at Wassell Grove on the 19th and 15 at West Hagley fields on the 11th. In the autumn, notable numbers include four at Bluntington on September 10th, nine at Bredon Hill on September 15th, six at British Camp on August 1st, five at Broadway on October 12th, five at Camp Lane Pits on August 27th and nine on September 4th, seven at Lower Park on September 10th, six at Tanwood on September 4th, five at Westwood Pool on September 4th and seven at Worcestershire Beacon on October 13th. The latest sighting was one on Bredon Hill summit on October 25th. Staffs The first bird was present at Berry Hill on March 9th, followed by more early arrivals there and at Four Ashes, Sideway and Upper Hay between 12th and 17th. After this, migrant birds appeared daily from March 23rd until the last at Tittesworth on May 29th. The best counts in March were 17 at Berry Hill and nine at Sideway on 27th. In April, 280 birds were logged at Berry Hill with the best counts being 14 on 2nd, 24 on 14th, 15 on 15th, 14 on 17th, 31 on 19th, 16 on 22nd and 14 on 25th. Significant counts from other sites in April comprised 10 at Knotbury on 6th, 11 around Wolf Edge and 12 at Brantley Lane (Shipley) on 8th, 14 in the Morridge area on 16th and eight at Silverdale CP on Northern Wheatear, Blithfield, Ann Pallas-Bentley 19th. There were fewer migrants in May, the best being at Berry Hill with six on 1st and 10 on 5th. Breeding was confirmed at Drystone Edge (two pairs), Readyleach Green and Turn Edge with birds on territory at Alstonefield, Flash (three), Musden Low, Roach End, Round Knowl Farm and Wolf Edge (two-three). A total of 12-13 territories compares poorly with last year’s 22. Return migration commenced with one at Knightley on July 3rd, then Berry Hill on 12th, Weston Jones Mill on 13th-22nd, Blithfield on 22nd and Silverdale CP on 29th. The only double-figure counts in August were from Berry Hill with 12 on 25th and 27th, 14 on 28th and 11 on 29th, presumably most of these the same birds lingering. Birds continued to be logged daily throughout September, the best being 20 at Blithfield on 6th and nine at Berry Hill on 11th. The last birds were at Berry Hill on October 28th-29th and November 7th. W Mid The first spring bird was seen at Ryders Mere on March 24th. Single birds visited Marsh Lane NR on March 25th, April 2nd and 7th. Two birds were noted in Sandwell Valley on March 26th. A count of 15 birds at Bury Hill on April 11th represented the highest of the year. Birds were seen in Lutley Wedge on 19 dates from March 25th to May 6th, with high counts of 12 on April 3rd and ten on 17th. At Clayhanger, one bird was present from April 16th-17th, followed by three on 19th, one on 22nd and two on 24th. Elsewhere, two birds were seen at Fens Pools LNR on April 7th, with one on 7th from 19th-20th, one at Dunstall Park on 8th, two at Wollescote on 10th, one at Mercote Mill on 15th and 22nd, two at Saltwells LNR on 17th, one at Blythe Valley CP on 18th, one in Smestow Valley and two

192 at Springfield on 19th, one in Longmoor Valley on 21st and two at Park Farm Gravel Pits on 25th. As usual, fewer birds were seen during autumn. In Sutton Park, two birds were seen on August 19th, with three on 24th and one on September 8th and 15th. Single birds were noted in Lutley Wedge on five dates from August 21st to September 26th, plus two on August 28th. Individuals were also seen at Fens Pools LNR on 22nd and 28th, Dunstall Park on 24th and September 14th, Elmdon Park on August 26th, Marsh Lane NR on 29th, September 24th and October 4th, 8th and 16th, and Ryders Mere on September 4th. At Meriden, three birds were noted on 7th, with one on 19th and two on 21st and 23rd, and the last two at Box Trees on 26th. Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa Scarce passage migrant. Warks There were just three spring records this year, involving a female at Netherwood Heath on May 4th ARD, a male at Priors Hardwick on May 7th JJB and a male at Salford Priors GP on May 1st JJB. In the autumn a juvenile was at Priors Hardwick on September 24th JJB and one was at Wormleighton Res on October 5th JJB. It seems highly likely that this form is overlooked in the county, with just a few observers regularly separating them. Staffs Birds showing good characteristics in the field were seen during the period April 20th until May 21st. Berry Hill held the most with two on most dates between April 21st and May 4th, then eight on 5th, one or two between 6th and 15th, five on 17th, two on 19th and one on 21st. Elsewhere there was one at Hazel Barrow on April 20th, two at Middleton Lakes on 21st, four at Revidge on 24th, one at Crossplains on 27th and there again on May 1st, one at Blithfield on May 1st and two at Ellerton Grange on 2nd. W Mid Individuals of this type were noted at Marsh Lane NR on April 15th and 17th, with four birds on 19th per NPB. A male assigned to this subspecies was photographed at Blythe Valley CP from April 13th-15th, with a pair seen on 20th ARD. Three birds were noted at Dunstall Park on 19th per ADi.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Frequent and increasing summer resident and passage migrant, though breeding regularly only in Staffs and Worcs. Long-term average: April 19th (65) to September 10th (46) 8-year average: April 11th (–8 days) to September 9th (–1 day) First: April 3rd; Brandon Marsh Last: August 29th; Berry Hill Warks All three records came from Brandon Marsh, which although great for that site is a disappointing return for the rest of the county. All records were of males. The first was exceptionally early, on April 3rd. To put the date into context there were only three others in the whole country prior to this one per Birdguides. The second was on April 14th and then a rather late one on May 31st. Worcs The Malvern Hills had a female near Broad Down on April 8th with a pair on on the 24th and one at North Hill on July 3rd. A male was singing in Wyre Forest on April 18th and was joined by a female on the 28th Pied Flycatcher, Neil Thorneycroft

193 and a female and two juveniles were seen at the same location on June 7th. On Hollybed Common, a juvenile was found on August 14th. Staffs The first arrival was at Dimmingsdale on April 7th. The only migrants away from a breeding site were two at Ranton on April 21st and one at Chasewater on May 10th. Pied Flycatchers were found at 13 actual or potential breeding sites, compared with 12, 16, 18 and 16 in the previous four years. Coombes and Churnet Valley RSPB held just 23 pairs, a big drop from 34 pairs, 31 and 42 in the previous three. At Bearda 16 females attempted, three failed but one of these was successful in another nest. This was by contrast with Coombes Valley, a marked improvement on seven pairs in 2010 and 10 in 2009. One of the Bearda breeding females was ringed there as a nestling in 2009 and is the same bird as the one from last year that was sitting on a nest in the box it itself hatched in. This year, the bird was on a nest about 150 metres upstream from its 2010 nest. In addition, two ringing recoveries on May 22nd were X152509 ringed 6/6/2008 at Macclesfield Forest, Cheshire as a nestling and V749908 ringed at Coombes Valley on 9/6/2008. At Dimmingsdale, there were 10-12 pairs and elsewhere, records came from Cannock Chase (four on territory, two nested), Consall CP, Danebridge, Hawksmoor, Knypersley Reservoir, Nether Hay, South Farley and Tittesworth Reservoir (seven juveniles fledged from at least two pairs). The last birds at a breeding site were seen at Bearda on June 13th and autumn migrants were noted at Branston Water Park on June 6th and Berry Hill on August 29th. W Mid A male was singing at Northycote Farm on April 26th.

Dunnock Prunella modularis Abundant resident. Warks Reported in similar numbers to last year. At Brandon, up to 14 singing males were present and later in the year a pair fostered a Cuckoo. On farmland in the south-east status was also maintained. Just three-four pairs estimated to be breeding in Wappenbury Wood where it was reported to be abundant in the 1980s. The decline as in most woods is no doubt due to the thinning out of the shrub layer which has reduced the availability of nest sites. There were just three double figure counts: Ten at Abbey Fields, Kenilworth on February 24th and the same number at Kingsbury WP (south) on July 27th and November 9th. Worcs Two nests at Bodenham Arboretum fledged five and four young and Upton Warren had 12 pairs in the breeding season. There were 28 at Wick on February 22nd and double-figure Atlas counts came from Astwood Bank (12), Bliss Gate (24), Bricklehampton (16), Elmley Castle (10), Greenway (25), Pound Bank (13) and Rock (20). Staffs The first singing bird reported was on February 12th at Hanchurch Woods. Berry Hill Fields once again had the most reports of territories occupied with 18. This was lower than the last four years (25, 23, and 21 previously) due possibly to two hard winters. Other double-figure counts were 11 at Hanchurch Woods, 11 at Branston Water Park in March, 10 at Trent Washlands in April and 10 at Essington Quarry in June. 12 at Doxey on October 16th was the only notable count in the second winter period. They are possibly under recorded in urban areas and remain red-listed. W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, ten territories were recorded (the lowest total since 1998), compared to eleven last year and a mean of 13 over the last 19 years. At Marsh Lane NR, at least 14-15 pairs were noted, compared to 15 last year. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and from June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of eleven birds at Alder Coppice, ten at Rough Wood, seven at Moorcroft Wood and Wren’s Nest NNR, five at Priory Woods, four at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle and Northycote Farm, three at Saltwells Wood, two at Castle Hill and one at Hay Head Wood.

194 Other high counts included 23 birds in Smestow Valley LNR on February 24th and eleven at both Hasbury and Wollescote on March 25th. Migrants were noted at Marsh Lane NR, with at least ten on October 12th including birds departing westwards at dawn.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus Abundant, though declining, resident. Warks No significant breeding information received other than a comment that it is still common in Maxstoke. 90 at Wolston on May 9th presumably involved locally breeding birds. In the first part of the year, 65 at Austrey on January 31st and 71 at Bulkington on February 7th. Flocks of up to 30 were seen in many areas. Most records were mainly confined to late summer and included 40 at Chesterton on August 6th, a peak of 70 in ripening wheat at Fenny Compton on 10th and 17th, 45 in wheat at Bishopton on 11th, 40 at Bishops Itchington on 17th, and 50 at Easenhall on 22nd. 64 at Kenilworth on September 9th and 100 at Bidford-on-Avon on 28th. There were up to 50 at Fenny Compton Oct-Dec and 45 at Northend on December 11th. Worcs The nest box at Bodenham Arboretum fledged four at the end of April and another four on May 21st. 70 were counted at Stoke Bliss on August 7th and there were 60 around farm buildings at Wick from September to December. Summer Atlas counts at both Bricklehampton and Rock produced over 60 birds each. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Berry Hill 130 130 170 210 220 320 – – – – 270 – Burton-on-Trent 5 5 10 25 13 21 10 15 2 18 8 40 Doxey 30 2 8 10 31 5 22 79 38 8 50 9 Essington Quarry 20 8 12 12 35 40 14 – – – – 20 River Sow Meadows 30 12 – 20 – – – – – – 42 – Sideway 30 – 25 – 24 40 – 30 30 – – – Tamworth 20 50 75 45 24 6 – – – – – – Trent Valley Washlands 10 25 10 18 21 8 20 – – – – 50 Weston Jones 19 12 18 20 22 16 21 22 16 31 32 10

Other notable counts were 31 at Onecote in January; 40 at Hulme and 30 at Ingestre in June; 41 at Croxall Lakes in July; 80 at Little Onn in August; 30 at Church Eaton, 40 at Greenway Bank CP and 50 at Elford in September; 50 at Church Eaton, 50 at Greenway Bank CP and 31 at Sutton in October; 40 at Greenway Bank in November and 40 at Clay Mills in December. The main strongholds appear to be still the main centres of human habitation although their presence can be found in most rural areas where there is traditional housing such as farms and cottages. Continued monitoring would be welcomed since they are still red-listed W Mid Four territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, the same as last year and compared to a mean of five over the last 19 years. High counts received were similar to those last year, with 30 birds at Wollescote on April 29th, 31 at Portway on May 8th and 36 on June 19th, 25 at Tyseley on May 21st and August 6th, 26 at Aldridge on June 27th, at least 30 at Dunstall Park on 29th, 22 in a Willenhall garden on August 25th and October 17th, 30 at Ashmore Park on September 22nd and 25 at Cradley on November 14th. Counts of at least 20 birds were also made at Heath Town, a Kingswinford garden, Marsh Lane NR, Newbridge and Yardley Wood. A “heavily leucistic individual” was noted at Colley Gate on October 22nd.

195 Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Fairly common, though declining, resident. Warks There were again no significant counts from the north of the county. In the south and west breeding territories located at: Butlers Marston, Chesterton Church (five in area), Churchover, Crimscote, Darlingscott, Farnborough (under ten), Fenny Compton (five or six), Frankton, Morton Bagot, Priors Hardwick (12), Priors Marston, Radway, Upper Shuckburgh, Wills Pastures and Wormleighton (at least 15 in parish). Not as common in the south-east as a few years ago. During the first quarter the regularly fed flock near Wormleighton Res reached peaks of 140 on January 12th and 150 on February 28th. Elsewhere, 42 were at Chesterton on January 11th, 50 were in maize stubble at Northend Tree Sparrow, Belvide, Dave Burns on February 20th and up to 54 were seen at Toft Farm. In the autumn/early winter: up to 63 were at Toft Farm and up to 60 were near Wormleighton Res from August-December, a peak of 39 at Morton Bagot on August 21st, 30 at Shirne Hill, Wormleighton on September 8th, 20 at Napton Res on 14th, 30 at Priors Hardwick on December 3rd and 20 in game cover at Hodnell on 24th. Worcs Two were at Tardebigge on January 9th with one at Hollywood on February 27th and one at Malverns on March 6th. Hewell Grange had one on February 16th and again on April 2nd and June 9th. Summer sightings came from Arrow Lake with three on July 3rd when there were also two nearby at Redditch Batchley. In November, singles were found at Grafton Flyford on the 5th and 19th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Belvide 60 p 60 20 10 30 4 7 14 p p 40 Blithfield p p 18 30 – – p 70 – – – – Whitemoor Haye 30 52 – 9 – – – 30 15 – – 50

Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 No of 5km squares 32 43 42 43 55 39 47

Single-figure reports came from 42 sites indicating a widespread distribution away from the strongholds. Breeding was only confirmed at seven locations and suspected at a further five. They are possibly under recorded as these figures do not seem to reflect the perceived recent recovery reported by the BTO. The only other substantial counts were 25 at Bent Lane (Whitmore) on January 3rd, 30 at Gailey on 30th, 20 at Branston GP on March 5th, 28 at Waterfall on July 2nd, 50 at Foxley on July 24th and 25 at Swarburn Meadows on October 8th.

196 W Mid The only breeding season records involved up to eleven birds in the College Farm/Lime Pits Farm area from April 1st-14th, up to six at Marsh Lane NR from April 5th to June 12th (at least one pair successful), one at Aldridge on April 17th and May 26th, six at Stubber’s Green on April 17th and one at Wordsley on June 30th. Up to 15 birds at Marsh Lane NR during January rose to 17 in February and a record 18 in early March. Elsewhere, two birds were seen at Buckpool and Fens Pools LNR on January 2nd, one in Sandwell Valley on 23rd, two at Westwood Heath on 30th and two at Bradnock’s Marsh on March 5th. The only records received during the latter part of the year were of two birds at Marsh Lane NR on October 17th and one on November 16th, and one at Perry Barr on 1st.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Fairly common, but declining, summer resident and passage migrant. Long-term average: April 3rd (75) to October 12th (75) 8-year average: March 31st (–3 days) to October 12th (=) First: March 27th; Marsh Lane NR Last: October 10th; Alvecote Warks As in 2010 the good weather over the summer appears to have resulted in a good breeding season. Breeding pairs (singles unless otherwise stated) were located at: Bourton- on-Dunsmore, Broadwell, Caldecote, Chesterton (fifteen pairs in wheat, south of Church Pool), Crimscote, Darlingscott (four), Dunchurch (eight at Toft Farm) Dunnington, Farnborough (at least 12 in bean fields), Fenny Compton (26 in whole parish), Gaydon (three), Hartshill (five pairs on the Anker Meadows) and breeding confirmed at Hartshill Sewage Farm), Honington (two at Highfield Farm), Long Compton (six), Newbold-on-Stour (two at Mansell Farm), Upper Brailles (three at Aylesmore Farm), Upper Kingston, Upton Estate (five) and Wormleighton (12 in whole parish). Probable breeding was reported to the west of Warwick Racecourse (one or two pairs). Family parties were seen near Grandborough Fields, Toft Farm and at Woolscott and juveniles were seen near Orton on July 31st .The first spring arrival was of five at Draycote Water on March 31st. Spring passage was steady at this site with regular counts of 10-14 through April and early May and a peak count of 25 on May 4th. Elsewhere there were good counts of 18 and 19 at Kingsbury village from April 17th–18th respectively. In the late summer/autumn period best counts included 20 on pasture at Fenny Compton on 10th and 17th, 12 at Willey on 21st, 25 at Lighthorne Quarry on 27th and 40 on pasture near Napton Res on 31st. Good numbers at Mancetter with 14-50 on various dates between August 18th and September 10th; 26 at Middleton Hall on September 5 and 40 at Whitacre Heath on September 11. The latest date was a record of a single at Alvecote on October 10th. Worcs Single birds at Shenstone on March 31st and Stoulton on April 1st were our first arrivals. Reports were received from 47 sites in the county with Upton Warren the most popular with sightings on 34 dates during the season. Most reports in spring were for one/two birds but notable numbers at this time were nine at Clifton Pits on April 8th, 16 at Ripple Pits on the 9th and 22nd. In May, four were at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits, five were at Trimpley Lane Bewdley and five were at John Bennett NR all on the 3rd with four at Ryall Pits during the month. Successful breeding was confirmed at Bluntington, Shenstone and Wick. In July, 15 were at Kemerton Lake NR and Shenstone had seven including five juveniles on August 12th. Notable autumn numbers were up to nine at Clifton Pits in August, five at Camp Lane Pits on August 25th, six at Upton Warren on September 17th and 12 at Bredon’s Hardwick on September 18th. Autumn migrants did not linger this year with the latest sightings being two at Upton Warren on September 30th.

197 Staffs

Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Pairs 35-42 21-23 31-33 34-36 24-28 54-57

The first returning birds were at Blithfield, Doxey and Uttoxeter Quarry on April 2nd and were quickly followed by others on the ensuing days. Blithfield held the majority of double- figure spring flocks with 10 on April 14th, 22 on 18th and 13 on 20th. After this there were 19 at Belvide and 15 at Branston GP on 21st and 15 at Belvide on 22nd. Breeding was confirmed or considered probable/possible at 32 sites, well up on 20 from last year and the number of summering pairs also showed a surprising and very pleasing increase, much against national trends. The first double-figure late summer congregation was seen at Whitemoor Haye with 25 on July 2nd and later in the month also at Barton GP (14) and Uttoxeter Quarry (25). Some good flocks were noted in August, particularly a spectacular fall of 150-180 birds, mainly juveniles, at Blithfield on 15th. In with these was a particularly pale juvenile showing characteristics of an Eastern race bird GJM, SAR. At Barton GP there were 30 on 6th and 18 on 8th; 19 at Belvide on 23rd; at Blithfield 15 on 13th, 20 on 24th, 30 from 25th-26th and 12 on 27th; at Uttoxeter Quarry Yellow Wagtail, John Robinson 42 on 1st, 20 on 5th, 52 on 6th, 35 on 7th, 32 on 8th, 10 on 9th and 20 on 11th. Again these flocks were much higher than last year. In September, Blithfield continued to hold the best counts, with 12 on 17th and 20 on 18th the highest. The last was seen at Branston GP on October 1st. W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, a bird on March 27th was the earliest recorded there, followed by up to three almost daily from April 9th to May 21st, with at least five on April 28th. Other spring sightings involved single birds in Lutley Wedge on April 10th, 20th-21st, May 5th- 6th and 8th, Clayhanger Marsh on April 11th, three on 16th, one on 22nd, three on May 5th, singles at Westwood Heath on April 15th, Stourbridge on 19th, Blythe Valley CP on 20th, and Meriden on 22nd, and two along the Rushall Canal on May 1st. As usual, fewer birds were seen during autumn, with individuals in Sutton Park on July 28th, August 12th, 19th, 30th and September 1st, two in Lutley Wedge on August 25th and singles in Elmdon Park on August 24th and September 7th, and Marsh Lane NR on five dates from September 1st-14th.

Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava Rare passage migrant, mainly in spring (9/10). Warks A male was present at Draycote Water on April 13-14th BHaz et al. A female bird showing characteristics of this form again frequented Fenny Compton in May and June where it was observed carrying food on June 11th JJB. Worcs A male was at Ripple Pits with Yellow Wagtails on April 9th GHP and 10th AWa, MAS. Staffs One was present at Blithfield on April 23rd FCG. W Mid A male bird visited Marsh Lane NR on May 5th.

198 Blue-headed x Yellow Wagtail “Channel Wagtail “ Worcs One was identified at Shenstone on April 6th JKe.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Fairly common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Appears to have declined following the harsh winters of 2009/10 and 2010/11 and was absent from several traditional nest sites checked. Recorded from 17 localities during the winter period but breeding season reports came from just 11 sites. Breeding confirmed at Coleshill Sewage Treatment Works, Kenilworth (along the Finham Brook at Abbey Fields) where a single juvenile was observed, Kinwarton (along the River Arrow), and Wooton Wawen. Breeding season records also came from Alcester, Draycote Water, Ladywalk, Packington Park, Warwick and Wormleighton where a singing male was recorded on April 12th, which subsequently deserted the area. Two flying north at Salford Priors GP on March 6th were the first on spring passage, but just two more singles noted there on 13th and 27th. Post-breeding records were more numerous and began with a single at Mancetter on August 3rd and three at Lighthorne Pools on 27th. During September-October, one or two were noted at Compton Verney, Fenny Compton, Lea Marston Pools, Napton Res, Salford Priors GP, Warwick and Wormleighton Res. Disappointingly the only other reasonable count was four at Draycote Water on September 21st. Worcs A nest at Bodenham Arboretum successfully fledged five young and breeding was also confirmed at Heightington, Nafford Lock, Stoke Bliss and Wyre Forest Dowles Brook. In the breeding season, other reports came from Arrow Lake, Bromsgrove, Chadbury Lock, Croome Park, Froxmere, Lower Moor, Old Yarr, Salwarpe, Upton Warren and Westwood Pool. Another 14 sites provided records at other times including from a Malvern Link garden during the January icy weather. Staffs In the first quarter of the year the species was noted regularly in small numbers at sites all around the county in ones and twos other than seven at River Sow Meadows on January 30th. Summering birds were reported at 28 sites, with breeding confirmed from seven. In late summer and autumn the species was seen in small numbers at sites throughout the county and featured regularly (in single-figure numbers) in counts of fly-over birds from migration watch points (such as Black Bank and Belvide) until late October. In the last two months of the year, one or two birds were noted at 19 sites, with three at Trent Washlands on December 21st. W Mid Birds were noted during the breeding season at Blythe Valley CP, Marsh Lane NR, Meriden, Olton Mere, Smestow Valley and Stirchley. Individuals were also seen at Birmingham, Bournville, Buckpool, Clayhanger Marsh, Coundon Wedge, Cradley Heath, Dunstall Park, Fens Pools LNR, Hasbury, Heath Town, Hillfield Park, Knowle Locks, Old Swinford, , Reedswood Park, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Stourbridge Branch Canal, Sutton Park, Walsall and Whitley.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Common resident, summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Only one breeding record was received but the species still appears to be common and widespread. The only high spring counts were of 33 at Salford Priors GP on February 27th and 25 at Draycote Water on March 19th. Autumn counts included 100 at Shustoke on August 18th, 42 at Earlswood Lakes on 26th and 20 at Willey on September 4th. A pre- roost gathering at Earlswood peaked at 67 on Nov 23rd. The only high winter count received

199 was of up to 60 on maize stubble at Bentley in December. Worcs First and second broods were successful at Bodenham Arboretum and breeding was also confirmed at Bittell Reservoirs, Little Comberton and Upton Warren. There were 30 feeding in the transmitter field at Upton Warren Flashes on September 17th and 250 were at Strensham Services on the M5 on October 24th. Staffs In January, the two principal winter sites were Endon Sewage Works (52) and River Sow Meadows, Baswich (75), these holding 90 and 16 respectively in February with another 23 at Madeley STW. In March, up to 100 continued their presence at Endon, 26 were at Barton GP and 33 at Whitemoor Haye and in early April there were 80 at Endon and 23 at Branston Water Park. During May and July breeding was confirmed 25 sites. In August, Blithfield held up to 66 birds and Tittesworth 37. Migrating birds made a particularly good showing over the migration watch points this year, with 1500+ logged in total. The first two weeks of October as usual held the peak passage with 132 at Berry Hill on 1st, 117 at Belvide and 97 at Black Bank on 2nd and 115 at Berry Hill on 15th. In August 50 were noted at Blithfield on 26th; in September there were 74 at Tittesworth on 17th; in November there were 100 at River Sow Meadows on 6th and in December 150 at Coley Brook Marsh, 67 at Endon Sewage Works and 45 at River Sow Meadows. W Mid Birds were noted during the breeding season at Blythe Valley, Dunstall Park, Marsh Lane NR, Meriden, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley and Stirchley. The highest count in the early part of the year involved 31 birds in Tilehouse Green on February 5th. Autumn counts included 24 birds in Smestow Valley on August 20th, 30 at Marsh Lane NR on 23rd and 28 in Elmdon Park on 26th.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in spring. Warks First records came from Salford Priors GP where there was a male on March 20th, followed by two there on 27th and one on April 3rd; Brandon Marsh where there was a single bird on April 6th and Draycote Water where a series of records between March 26th and April 19th mostly involved singles but with two on April 15th and three on 19th . Worcs A male at Lincomb was the first spring arrival on March 20th with one at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on the 28th and one at Upton Warren on the 30th where single birds were observed throughout April and May, including an injured male. In April, Clifton Pits had two/three, Shenstone had two, West Hagley fields two whilst Ripple Pits had 24 on the 14th and 17 on the 17th. Also in April, there were singles at Barnett Brook, Hartlebury, John Bennett NR, Lower Moor, Oakley Pool and Ryall Pits with three at Camp Lane Pits on the 15th, two at Lower Park on the 16th and four at Norchard on the 20th. Five were at Clifton Pits AHo on August 19th and in September, two were at Camp Lane Pits BRS on the 16th, three were at John Bennett NR PRh on the same date and two were at Shenstone on the 20th JKe. In October, there were six at Shenstone on the 6th with three on the 9th JKe, TSm. Staffs The first arrivals were noted on March 11th at Endon Sewage Works and Middleton Lakes RSPB, after which Endon STW hosted three on 13th and two on 20th, one was at Compact Products Pool on 24th, another at Croxden Quarry on 28th and two at Tittesworth on 31st. Good numbers were recorded in April at Belvide (seven), Berry Hill (one), Blithfield (seven), Branston GP (two), Chasewater (two), Croxden Quarry (three), Doxey (two), Endon STW (two), Four Ashes (one), Gailey (12), Middleton Lakes RSPB (12), Tittesworth (two), Uttoxeter Quarry (16) and Whitemoor Haye (six). In May there was one at Chasewater on 1st, two at Uttoxeter Quarry on 1st rising to three on 2nd, one at Barton GP on 2nd, one at Chasewater from 5th-6th, six at Uttoxeter Quarry on 6th, two remaining

200 on 7th and one on 8th, one at Doxey on 8th and 12th and finally one at Uttoxeter Quarry on 14th joined by a second bird on 15th. W Mid Spring sightings involved a bird at Marsh Lane NR on March 27th, two on April 7th and one on 8th per NPB, and one at Clayhanger Marsh on April 21st CMa. A bird accompanied five Pied Wagtails at Marsh Lane NR on October 19th per NPB.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Fairly common, though declining, summer resident and passage migrant, becoming increasingly restricted to the northern and western parts of the Region. Long-term average : April 8th (74) to September 24th (72) 8-year average: April 4th (-4 days) to October 1st (+7 days) First : April 2nd; Sherbrook Valley Last : September 17th; Berry Hill Warks Apart from an isolated return as a breeding bird in 1997 (at Grendon) this species has not bred in the county since a complete collapse after 1994. In the 1990s, “Bird Racers” had more sites to search for them than for Meadow Pipit! Passage numbers are also dropping. There were only six records; over Hartshill on August 7th, Earlswood on Aug 17th and 31st, Mancetter on 18th, two over Lighthorne Quarry on 27th and one over Morton Bagot on September 4th. Worcs Two were found in the Wyre Forest on April 6th with over ten here by the 20th. On the Malvern Hills, two arrived on April 8th and small numbers were found to May 21st. Other spring sightings were two at Pulley Farm and two at Martin Hussingtree both on April 16th, two at Bredon Hill on the 25th and two at Kingsford CP on May 9th. In August, single birds passed over Worcester St Johns on the 12th, Upton Warren Lake and Old Storridge Common on the 14th. Bredon Hill had two on August 16th with two at Old Storridge and one at Stoulton on the 20th. Single birds were at Lower Smite Farm Hindlip on August 18th and over Wilden Top on the 22nd, over Upton Warren on the 29th and at Clifton Pits on the 30th. Two were at Longdon Marsh on August 23rd with a single here on the 25th, Grafton Wood had two on the 27th and there were two at Grimley and three over Egdon on the 28th. In September, there were singles at both Bredon Hill and Lower Smite Farm on the 2nd with one over Shenstone on the 11th and the latest over Upton Warren on the 15th. Staffs The first birds arrived on April 2nd at Sherbrook Valley and Berry Hill with a general influx from April 7th onwards. Passage migrants were noted at Silverdale CP on 9th and Ranton on 21st. Sites holding birds in the breeding season were Alton (one), Cannock Chase (c.25), Croxden Quarry (one), Cuckoo Bank (one), Gun Hill (one), Hanchurch Woods (six), Highgate Common (three-four), Maer Hills (eight), Revidge, Shoal Hill (one), South Farley (one), Swallow Moss (one) and Swineholes Wood (three). Return passage started on July 31st with four over Endon STW and the following sites logged birds up until September 13th: Belvide (three), Berry Hill (two), Black Bank (12), Blithfield (one), Croxden Quarry (one), Hanchurch Woods (one), Silverdale CP (seven+), Sideway (three) and Swineholes Wood (six). The last sightings were of two over Knypersley Reservoir on September 15th and one at Berry Hill on 17th. W Mid Breeding again probably occurred in the Bracebridge area of Sutton Park, where three birds were noted from April to June, with two on August 9th and one on 16th. Spring migrants involved individuals seen in Lutley Wedge on April 11th and 17th, and Blythe Valley CP on 13th. During autumn, birds were noted in Lutley Wedge each day from August 17th-22nd, with three on 19th, three at High Ash on 18th and one in Sandwell Valley on 28th.

201 Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Common resident, though local in lowland districts. Widespread and common on passage, fairly common in winter. Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Lighthorne Quarry (four), Rugby Radio Station (Hillmorton), Salford Priors GP (12), Toft Farm (two), Tysoe (three) and Warwick Racecourse (five). Singles were also noted in suitable habitat at Bubbenhall GP on June 21st and on the Shuckburgh Hills on July 9th. Very few were seen in the first two months, e.g. a maximum of only eight at Salford Priors GP on January 30th. Two pairs were back defending territory there from February 20th, but no song was heard until as late as March 20th, on which day song was also heard for the first time at Lighthorne Quarry. Spring passage commenced with 17 moving north-west at Priors Hardwick on March 12th and a flock of 37 appearing at Salford Priors GP on 13th. Subsequent records included: 27 flying north at Wormleighton Res on March 21st, 30 at Lighthorne Quarry on 22nd, widespread north-westerly passage all day over Fenny Compton, Napton and Shuckburgh on 23rd, 85 on pasture at Priors Hardwick on 26th and a peak of 50 at Salford Priors GP on 27th with 57 at Morton Bagot on the latter date and 27 there on April 27th. At most localities the autumn passage was rather disappointing. The first apparent migrant was a single at Morton Bagot on July 10th whilst 31 were at Lighthorne Quarry on August 27th. Visible migration counts included 100 south-west over Corley on September 18th, 53 moving south over Salford Meadow Pipit, Blithfield, Ann Pallas-Bentley Priors GP on September 11th, followed there by 160, south in 150 minutes on 18th, 245, south in 150 minutes on October 2nd and 180, south in three hours on 9th. At Earlswood, 150 south/south-west on September 21st and 95 in the same direction on 27th. At least 70 passed south in an hour over Wormleighton Res on September 26th. Grounded flocks were rather small compared to recent years and included 80 at Corley on September 15th with 100 there on 18th, 45 at Fillongley on October 2nd, 200 at Marcliff on 5th, 47 at Morton Bagot on September 16th and 19 there on 19th, 60 on pasture at Napton Res on 21st and 70 on pasture at Priors Hardwick on 24th. At Salford Priors GP counts of grounded birds included 60 on October 16th, 50 on 23rd, 70 on 30th, 40 on November 6th, 35 on 27th and 13 on December 11th. Worcs In the new year there were 14 at Avon Meadows Wetland on January 18th, 19 at Astwood Bank on February 11th with 29 at Old Yarr on March 15th and 55 here on the 25th. There were two displaying on Worcestershire Beacon Malvern Hills on March 11th and 14 flew over Upton Warren on the 17th with 20 at Avon Meadows on the 21st and four at Wassell Grove on the 25th. Ripple Pits had 22 on April 10th and 40 were counted on Bredon Hill on the 12th where at least four pairs bred at the summit. Notable autumn flocks included 40 at Longdon Marsh on September 16th, 120 at Bredon Hill on the 28th and 150 on Worcestershire Beacon Malvern Hills on the 30th. There were 90 at Lower Moor on

202 September 17th rising to 150 on October 11th. Upton Warren held 200 on October 9th with 60 on the 16th and Wolverley had 50 on the 9th. Other sightings came from Bliss Gate, Chadwick Manor, Clows Top, Clifton Pits, Dobbins Oak, Finstall Park, Grimley, Martin Hussingtree, Redditch, Trimpley Lane Watchpoint, Walton Hill, Westwood Pool, Wick and Windmill Hill. Staffs The first winter period was poor, perhaps due to the cold, with 14 at Belvide in January and 30 at Uttoxeter Quarry in February the best counts. Mid-March saw numbers increase, with 175 at Silverdale CP on 21st, 40 at Belvide and Uttoxeter Quarry on 26th and 60 at Belvide, Berry Hill and Essington Quarry Pool on 27th. Breeding was recorded throughout the North Staffordshire moorland along with Berry Hill (five), Branston GP, Cannock Chase (seven+), Chasewater (one), The Cloud (two+), Cuckoo Bank, Moat Hall (one), Silverdale CP (three+), Sideway (three+), Uttoxeter Quarry (one) and Wetmore (one). Autumn passage was as usual spread out from September 1st until November 4th peaking between September 15th and October 4th. A record 17,200 birds were logged on visible migration during this time (7500, 2800, 4800 in the previous three), mainly from Berry Hill and Black Bank. Peak days were 1050 on September 15th, 1350 on 18th, 1450 on 23rd, 2950 on 26th, 1400 on 27th and 1270 on October 1st. 2063 over Black Bank on September 26th is a county record. Grounded flocks during this period included 400 at Sideway from September 15th-24th, 80 at Musden Low on 25th, 80 at Hixon Airfield on 26th and 350 at Blithfield on October 7th. In the late winter period numbers were thin on the ground other than 314 at Blithfield on November 26th, the best count elsewhere being 21 at Uttoxeter Quarry on December 27th. W Mid Notable spring passage was noted in Lutley Wedge from early March to early April, with at least 25 birds on several dates and a total of 208 on March 27th. Other high counts included 30 birds at Blythe Valley CP on March 25th and 30 in Longmoor Valley on 26th. Smaller numbers were noted at Castle Hills, Dunstall Park, Marsh Lane NR, Meriden, Saltwells LNR, Smestow Valley and Wollescote. Return passage saw counts of over 100 birds in Lutley Wedge on seven dates from September 22nd to October 3rd, with 561 on September 23rd (second highest count after 620 on September 16th 2010) and 382 on 26th. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 373 birds were counted in 51:15 hours of observation over 35 days from September 17th to November 12th, with a highest count of 95 in two hours on September 21st and in 1:30 hours on 23rd. Other Autumn counts included 110 birds at Meriden on September 19th, 140 on 21st and a further passage of 60 on October 5th, 60 plus at Fens Pools LNR on September 19th, 46 over Sutton Park on 27th and 76 over Marsh Lane NR on October 8th.

2009 Addenda W Mid Additional high counts involved 32 birds at Blythe Valley CP on January 2nd and 20 heading southwards over Elmdon on September 25th.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Warks A fairly typical year. The first spring record was of one at Draycote Water on March 3rd with further singles there on March 18th, 23rd and April 5th. The only other spring record was of a single bird near Ansley on March 24th. A very early autumn migrant was at Salford Priors GP on September 11th, followed by further singles there on October 9th, 23rd and 30th. A single bird was recorded daily at Draycote Water from October 1st- 4th and up to three were then present until 11th, with further singles on 18th, 28th and

203 November 9th and 16th. Two were noted at Earlswood Lakes on October 14th, with singles there on 16th and 20th. Finally singles were at Lea Marston on September 27th and at Napton Res on October 18th. Worcs One was found at Upton Warren on August 31st and another was at Wagon Wheel Lane Pits on October 13th with one at Kemerton Lake NR on November 9th. Staffs The only spring migrant was at Middleton Lakes RSPB on March 18th. In October, one was at Blithfield from 13th-24th, one at Gailey Reservoir on 14th, three at Belvide from 13th-16th, one from 21st-22nd, two on 26th with one of these remaining until 28th. W Mid A bird flew westwards over Lutley Wedge on October 21st CRo – the first record for the site.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Long-term average: October 26th (21) to April 16th (21) 8-year average: October 24th (–2 days) to April 10th (–6 days) First: October 16th; Salford Priors GP Last: April 3rd; Doxey Warks One at Salford Priors GP on October 16th JJB and one at Draycote Water on November 9th TMa. This was the worst return since 2008, following an upturn in 2009/10, when eight birds were involved in three records. Staffs The icy weather early in the year meant the first bird was not seen at Doxey until March 13th and just one lingered here until April 3rd MDB. In the autumn, one arrived back on November 21st, increasing to two on 23rd, with one lingering until December 22nd NDP, RToo et al.

2010 Addendum Staffs One was present at Uttoxeter Quarry on April 4th-5th ABa, RPo.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Abundant resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks The only breeding counts were from Brandon where 13 territories were noted on April 7th and at Morton Bagot with 12 territories on May 5th. During the first quarter the largest flocks included 150 at Morton Bagot on January 2nd with 200 on 9th (and 60-70 until March 6th), 50 at Little Packington on 24th, 100 at Limestone Hall, Lawford Heath on 29th, 150 in a rape field at Avon Dassett on February 15th, 150 near Wormleighton Res on 28th, 45 at Studley on March 5th and 110 in maize stubble at Priors Hardwick on 12th. Post-breeding build-up included 45 at Wormleighton Res feeding in field-beans as early as July 19th, with these staying on into August, 55 at Baddesley Clinton on August 17th and 40 at Morton Bagot the next day. Prominent visible passage occurred from the second week in October until the end of the first week of November. A flock of 105 in trees on Church Hill in Wormleighton village on October 12th were thought to be migrants, possibly grounded by strong winds. Subsequent maxima included 50 at Morton Bagot on October 16th (with 100 on November 20th), 70 feeding under beeches on Ilmington Downs on 22nd, 75 at Tysoe and 100 at Salford Priors GP on 30th, 100 in game cover at Dunnington Court on December 11th, 350 in a huge finch flock feeding in game cover at Hodnell on 24th and 80 in game cover at Combrook on 27th. Worcs In January, there were 78 at Lower Smite Farm Hindlip on the 11th,66 at Wick on the 20th and 60 at Lineholt on the 29th. There were 40 at Martin Hussingtree on February

204 15th and also at Ladies Pool on March 14th. In December, Wilden Marsh held 47 on the 15th. Staffs Substantial first winter period counts in January were 150 at Belvide and 100 at Bent Lane (Whitmore) and Aqualate. In February there were 225 were at River Sow Meadows Baswich, but no other large flocks thereafter. The first song was reported on February 24th at Trent Washlands. Breeding was confirmed in fifteen locations only and may have taken place in a further 17. 50 were at Gradbach on June 1st and 20 at Hixon Airfield on August 29th were probably post breeding flocks. Visible autumnal migration was first observed on September 13th over Black Bank and there were then some impressive movements in October including 269 over Black Bank on the 15th and 304 over Berry Hill Chaffinch, Whitacre Heath, Steve Valentine Fields on the 20th, with the last being noted on November 24th. In total, a record-breaking year produced 3722 birds heading south or west (cf. 2825, 1300, 678 and 1068 in the previous four years). Significant grounded flocks comprised 100 at Sideway on October 20th and 200 at Dimmingsdale on 22nd, 50 at Trent Washlands on 24th, 150 at Tittesworth on November 26th and 250 at the latter site during December. W Mid Ten territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to eight last year and a mean of six over the last 19 years. Only nine pairs were recorded at Marsh Lane NR, well down on the normal 13-14, with at least three pairs in Siden Hill Wood. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 15 birds at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, 12 at Priory Woods and Rough Wood, 11 at Wren’s Nest NNR, nine at Hay Head Wood, Moorcroft Wood and Saltwells Wood, six at Northycote Farm, five at Castle Hill and four at Alder Coppice. Large totals at Marsh Lane NR in the first winter period peaked at 90 birds on January 8th and 9th, with 20 in Smestow Valley on 23rd, 35 at Barston STW on February 7th and 21 in Coundon Wedge on 26th. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 470 birds were counted in 51:15 hours of observation over 35 days from September 17th to November 12th, with a highest count of 53 in two hours on October 16th. In Lutley Wedge, a total of 219 birds were noted on six dates from September 24th to October 29th, peaking at 133 on 21st. Other autumn counts included 24 birds in Longmoor Valley on September 15th, 16 in Coundon Wedge on October 15th, 45 in Allesley Park on November 12th, 18 at Compton Park on December 2nd and up to 30 at Marsh Lane NR during the month and along the Rushall Canal on 29th.

205 Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor, but in variable numbers. Long-term average: October 10th (76) to April 21st (75) 8-year average: October 1st (–9 days) to April 25th (+4 days) First: September 22nd; Bredon Hill. (August 11th Wormleighton) Last: April 20th; Brandon Warks In the first quarter the best totals came from Morton Bagot where a regular flock peaked at 43 in late-January, 15 in February and three in March. Elsewhere there were 20 at Pleasance Farm, Kenilworth on March 2nd and a spring movement at Draycote started with two on April 1st building to 30 on 5th, 12 on 8th, then smaller numbers until a staggering 70 on 14th. Others (usually less than five) were noted at Alcester, Avon Dassett, Farnborough, Fenny Compton, Honington, Ladywalk, Moreton Morrell, Priors Hardwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Toft Farm, Upton Estate and Wolverton. The final records for the first half of the year were at Baddesley Clinton on April 11th and four, over Brandon, on 20th. Of especial note was an unseasonal female found in a mixed flock of Chaffinches, Greenfinches and Linnets in bean stubble at Wormleighton Res on August 11th JJB. Seen well and at fairly close range-the white rump was obvious in flight. This was presumably a summering individual rather than a migrant, although it was not seen before or after this date. Perhaps it had summered in northern Britain and was moving south. There were very few autumn records. Most came within a very narrow arrival period of six days commencing with nine in from the east at Hartshill Hayes early on October 14th. These arrived with impressive numbers of finches and thrushes as did a further seven there on 17th with two moving over at Over Whitacre the same day. Two went over Priors Hardwick on 15th; three were at Morton Bagot on 16th with a single the next day. Two were over Brandon on 18th and a single over at Earlswood on 19th. Slightly separate from these arrivals, singles went south-west at Ilmington and over Morton Bagot on 22nd with two there the following day. These migrants presumably went straight through as further birds were hard to come by. In fact there were just five other records: All singles, at Brandon on December 22nd, Morton Bagot on November 6th and 20th and Toft Farm from November 14th-15th. Worcs Stoke Bliss held the highest numbers in the county by far during the first winter period with 50 on January 21st, 75 on February 9th, 160 on March 24th and 55 on April 4th. Elsewhere during this period, 41 other sites provided reports of usually one to ten birds. Double-figure counts came from Bewdley Longbank (12 in January and 20 on February 13th), Hill Furze (11 on January 3rd), Stourport (14 on March 6th and 21 on March 27th), Welland (13 on March 26th), Wyre Forest (14 on January 10th,12th and 25th with 30 on the 28th). Stourport Lickhill had 14 on April 3rd with six on the 9th and the latest spring birds were at Stoke Bliss and a Bromsgrove garden, both on April 17th. The first autumn visitors were two on Bredon Hill on September 22nd and up to eight were present here to the end of the year. Numbers in the second winter period were lower with the only double-figure counts at Hewell Grangs (15) on November 6th and Coldridge Wood (10) on December 2nd. Reports were received from 55 locations through the year. Staffs In the first winter period they were reported from 34 locations. The largest counts in January were 27 at Hanchurch Woods and 31 at Madeley STW on 9th and 75 at Bent Lane (Whitmore) on 23rd; in February eight at Rickerscote on 5th, 46 at Madeley STW on 19th and 10 at Little Stoke on 26th; in March 30 at Madeley STW on 16th and eight at Basford and River Sow Meadows (Baswich) on 29th. Numbers built up in early April with 20 at Blithfield on 3rd, 40 at Aqualate on 4th increasing to 100 from 7th-14th, 10 at Basford on 6th then a flock estimated in excess of 200 on Coppice Hill (Cannock Chase) on 8th. The

206 last reports of the spring were of single birds at Belvide and River Sow Water Meadows on April 16th. The first returning bird was over Black Bank on October 15th. Other early migrants were six over Westport Lake, five over Berry Hill, four over Swynnerton and one over Belvide all on the 16th. Visible migration was noted between October 15th and November 2nd but was very thin with just 40 birds logged (over 400 in 2010). As a result, numbers were thin on the ground with just 15 sites recording sightings, the best being 20 in the Sherbrook Valley on October 17th, 12 feeding with Chaffinches at Cliff Park (Rudyard) on November 1st, nine at the Shooting Butts (Cannock Chase) on 15th, 20 at Knypersley on 18th increasing to 40 from 23rd-25th with 10 remaining into December. The best of the other December counts were just four at Gailey Reservoir on 10th and Dimmingsdale on 25th. W Mid During the first winter period, one or two birds were noted at Marsh Lane NR on four dates from January 8th-19th, February 9th, March 3rd 9th and 25th-27th. In Lutley Wedge, birds were noted on eleven dates from January 27th to April 18th, with eight on March 25th and April 3rd, and 13 on 18th. At least one bird was seen in Sandwell Valley on March 26th and at Mons Hill in Spring. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of seven birds were counted in 21:30 hours of observation over 16 days from October 15th to November 1st, with two on October 16th and one on five other dates. Five birds flew over Lutley Wedge on October 14th, with four on 16th and one on 21st and 29th. Three birds were seen briefly near Marsh Lane NR on October 16th, followed by one over on 26th and three on 28th. Single birds were also recorded in Goscote Valley from November 3rd-4th, Kingswinford on 8th, Hollywood on 10th and Tettenhall 13th.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Very common to abundant resident. Warks Breeding numbers were poorly reported but generally there appears to be an ongoing decline. As stated last year the Trichomonosis virus seems to be the probable cause. At Brandon, three pairs were noted and at Morton Bagot, five territories were counted on May 5th. Outside the breeding season too, numbers were generally lower than a few years ago, with few flocks of more than 30 noted. The best in the first quarter was 40 near Wormleighton Res on February 28th. Post-breeding flocks included 120 at Morton Bagot on August 18th with 100-150 remaining into October, 200 in bean stubble at Stretton-on- Dunsmore on September 16th, a peak of 60 at Salford Priors GP on 18th, a peak of 43 in December on the Upton estate, 200 in a huge finch flock in game cover at Hodnell on December 24th and 60 in game cover at Warner’s Hill, Chesterton on 26th. Worcs Two nests at Bodenham Arboretum fledged four and five and fledged young were found at Callow Hill, Farmans Court, Heightington and Upton Warren. Reports were received from 74 locations in the county. In February, Abberley had 13 and Avon Meadows 11 and the Astwood Bank Atlas square had 17 in February and 27 in June. Croome Park had 15 in March when Rough Hill Orchard had ten and Wick had 12. In April, Bliss Gate had 14 singing males with 13 at Bricklehampton. Abberley reported ten in July, 16 in August and 22 in September and there were 32 at Wilden Marsh in October and 21 in November when Greystones had 11. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D River Sow Meadows 21 18 25 20 – – – 25 49 – – – Berry Hill – – 6 8 6 7 7 17 3 24 18 14

207 J F M A M J J A S O N D Doxey 15 7 8 5 6 6 14 16 8 12 3 5 Elford GPs 24 – 1 2 2 – 1 – – – 25 60 Greenway Bank – – – – – – – – 15 13 13 20 Trent Washlands 10 – 15 15 p p – 18 – – 10 – Weston Jones – – 5 – – – – – 40 20 – – Westport Lake 14 17 14 10 6 4 1 10 – 14 – –

Trichomonosis may have been a factor in an apparent reversal of fortunes following two years of optimism. Several observers state that they see far fewer coming to garden feeders. Reports came from 74 locations and were often in single figures. 40 went to roost at Shugborough on January 1st indicating that the Sow Valley appears still to be a favoured wintering area. This was the largest flock reported in the first winter period. Other double-figure counts were reported at Biddulph with 12 on the 2nd and 15 at Hanchurch Woods on the 9th. 12 were at Madeley on February 11th, 20 at Sideway on March 6th, 10 at Silverdale CP on 20th and 36 were at various locations around Burton on the 27th and 12 were at Nurton on April 12th. Breeding was confirmed at eleven locations and suspected at fourteen. A post breeding flock of 15 was at Essington Quarry Pool on June 29th. 10 were at Blithfield on August 22nd and 12 at Black Bank on September 1st. Visual autumn southward migration commenced on September 18th when nine flew over Belvide. Migration was then observed over Black Bank and Belvide until November 24th when numbers totalled 240 (355 in 2010). In the second winter period the only double-figure counts away from the tabulated sites were 10 at Bent Lane (Whitmore) on November 21st and 10 at Ingestre in a pre roost on December 10th. W Mid Three territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to four last year, but the same as the mean over the last 19 years. Three pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR cf. five last year. Birds were reported from 34 locations during the breeding season (cf. 44 in 2010) and a further 29 during other periods (cf. 33 last year) – whether that represents a genuine decline or reduced reporting rate, it is too early to tell. However, counts received were even lower than last year, with 18 birds on March 3rd and eleven at Wollescote the most reported in the first winter period. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 462 birds were counted in 51:15 hours of observation over 35 days from September 17th to November 12th, with highest counts of 47 in two hours on October 21st and 39 in two hours on 30th. Up to 40 birds at Marsh Lane NR on 31st was “out of context and an exceptional count” for the time of year; birds fed in game cover crops from September 21st to the end of the year, peaking at 110 on October 29th. Other counts saw 30 birds in Lutley Wedge on August 10th, 35 at Heath Town on December 15th and 20 at Old Swinford on 21st.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Very common summer visitor and partial migrant; increasingly common in winter. Warks There were very few counts in the first quarter. The best was a flock frequenting garden feeders in Fenny Compton with peaks of 73 on January 11th and 70 on February 21st. The next best were 40 at Kingsbury WP on February 9th and 50 near Wormleighton Res on 28th. There were many post-breeding flocks of 30 or less with maxima (often on thistles) of 60 at Morton Bagot on August 14th, 90 at Salford Priors GP on 21st and September 11th, 80 at Shustoke and 65 at Wormleighton on 7th, 50 at Alvecote on 10th, 60 at Farnborough and 165 at Priors Hardwick on 24th and 70 at Abbots Salford on 25th. 80 in poor weather at a small conifer wood near Napton Res on October 7th were thought possibly to be grounded migrants as a significant movement occurred at Spurn (Yorks) the

208 same day. Finally, 50 at Goldicote on October 16th, 50 at Brandon on November 2nd and 50 at Charlecote GP on December 27th. Worcs This is very widely distributed in the county with reports from 97 locations. Five young fledged from a nest at Bodenham Arboretum and breeding was confirmed at Bricklehampton, Callow Hill, Elmley Castle, Heightington and Upton Warren. Flocks in January included 23 at Avon Meadows, 20 at Rough Hill Orchard, 20 at Stoke Bliss and40 at Wick. In February, 24 were in an Evesham garden with 43 at Wyre Piddle and 27 at Avon Meadows. John Bennett NR had 60 in August and in September, there were 30 at Stourport on the 21st and 72 at Upton Warren on the 24th. In October, Grafton Flyford had 50 on the 2nd with 80 at the Wyre Forest on the 8th and 130 at Eymore Wood on the 20th whilst Martin Hussingtree had 105 on November 11th. Ducton Coppice had 30 on December 8th with 30 at Arrow Lake on the 24th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Berry Hill 22 25 13 20 16 50 80 530 660 640 20 65 Doxey Marshes 33 16 17 6 7 35 15 108 111 53 16 57 Sideway – 20 18 – 14 20 20 230 300 100 80 – Tittesworth – – – – 10 5 3 38 300 2 15 10 Trent Washlands 20 35 30 35 2 – 40 40 50 30 – – West End (Stoke) 70 110 30 – – – – 6 – – – 110

Reports were received from ninety four locations. Untabulated first winter period counts included 50 at Bateswood Lake January 15th, 40 at Chasewater on February 8th and 45 at Westport Lake on 11th. Breeding was confirmed at 20 locations and may have occurred at a further 10. Impressive post breeding flocks in August included 60 at River Sow Water Meadows on the 6th, 370 at Uttoxeter Quarry on the 19th and 60 at Essington Quarry Pool on the 29th. 200 were at Black Bank on September 18th and 100 at Hanchurch Woods on 22nd. Visible migration was noted from mid September into mid-November, totalling 227 birds (175 in 2010). October flocks included 60 at Ingestre on 10th, and 40 at Branston on 29th. In November the largest flock was 100 at Croxall on 28th. 38 were at Clarence Street (Burton) on December 13th and 38 were at Silverdale CP on the 28th. W Mid A territory was noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, the same as last year and only the third occasion since surveying began in 1992. Nine to eleven pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR. Birds were present in 38 other locations during the breeding season (cf. 44 in 2010) and at 35 other sites during other periods (cf. 44 last year). Late winter counts included 20 birds in a Kingswinford garden on January 20th and 40 in Reedswood Park on February 13th. At Marsh Lane NR, 40 birds flew over on August 20th, followed by feeding flocks of 10-20 on five October dates and 20-30 on November 1st, 5th and 20th. Flocks elsewhere included 40 birds at Sandwell Valley RSPB on August 14th, 62 in Elmdon Park on 29th, 21 in Coundon Wedge on September 24th, 49 in Lutley Wedge on October 2nd, 40 in King’s Heath Park on November 1st, 44 at Meriden on 21st and 40 in Smestow Valley LNR on 25th.

2009 Addenda W Mid A total of 110 birds were counted at Castle Hills on September 2nd.

Siskin Carduelis spinus Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Rare or scarce breeding species. Warks Generally small numbers during the first quarter but with some good flocks: At

209 least 125 at Brandon on several January dates, 30 at Mancetter on January 22nd and 68 at Little Packington on 24th; a regular flock feeding in alders at Farnborough Park peaked at 40 on January 23rd and 30 on March 8th. 52 were at Kingsbury WP on February 9th. Easily the largest flock was an exceptional 200 collecting in birches and alders at Salford Priors GP on February 13th, but with no more than ten on other dates. The last records of the spring were of singles at both Fenny Compton and Lighthorne Quarry on April 8th and Earlswood on 10th, apart from a late bird flying north at Priors Hardwick on 30th. The now annual late summer sightings (linked to the arrival of Crossbills) included singles over Morton Siskin, John Robinson Bagot on July 3rd, over the Shuckburgh Hills on 9th, one at Purley Park the next day, three over Robinson’s End (Nuneaton) on 11th, a pair at Packington on 23rd and other late-July singles at Atherstone GC, Bentley and Upper Coal Spinney. Autumn birds passed over most days from September 10th. Maxima in September included 50 at Hartshill on 9th, 28 over Earlswood on 11th, 100 at Bentley Woods on 14th and 20 in alders at Rawn Hill, Mancetter on 23rd. Up to ten were seen widely during Oct-Dec, with modest site maxima of 13 flying south-west at Salford Priors GP on October 16th, 12 at Compton Verney on 30th, 25 at Farnborough Park on November 4th, 20 at Morton Bagot on 20th, 27 at Shustoke on 23rd, 40 at Brandon on December 11th with 15 in alders at Chesterton Pools and 25 at Earlswood on 26th. Worcs Singing males were reported from Lower Moor and Redditch and 66 locations provided sightings through the county. In January there were 65 at Arrow Lake, Barnett Brook (50), Bittell Reservoirs (50), Broadway (22), Hewell Grange (25), Stoke Bliss (30), Upton Warren (50) and Wilden Marsh (60). February saw 120 at Lenchford on the 17th with 50 at Fortunes Green, 30 at Martin Hussingtree and 60 at Upton Warren. Smaller groups were found in March with 50 at Bliss Gate, 38 at Upton Warren and 30 in the Wyre Forest. In the autumn, Bredon Hill had 40 in September, Hollywood had 100 on October 12th with 200 at Bittell Reservoirs on November 8th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Blithfield 60 – 1 – – – 2 – 100 – – – Chasewater – 2 7 – – – 2 – – 20 – 80 Dimmingsdale – – 22 – – – – – – 200 – 30 Hanchurch Woods 60 3 50 – – 3 14 – 400 80 100 20 The first winter period produced additional untabulated flocks in January of 25 at Henhurst Hill on 4th, 20 at Great Haywood on 8th, 19 at Penkridge on 11th, 40 at Westport on 16th, 20 at Tameside NR on 25th and also at Hatherton on 29th. The largest flocks in February were 41 at Beaudesert and 30 at Belvide and in March there were 30 at the Cadet Huts

210 (Cannock Chase) on 11th and Little Stoke on 13th. Reports of birds on garden feeders were received from Ingestre, Nurton and Perton. Breeding was confirmed at Hanchurch Woods (three pairs), Wyrley Hayes (one) and Tittesworth (one) and 50 at Threapwood in late July would suggest breeding probably took place in Dimmingsdale. Visual autumn migration commenced on September 8th until October 29th at Belvide, Berry Hill, Black Bank and totalling 704 birds, well up on 176 in 2010 and 76 in 2009. Second winter period flocks were however modest, with untabulated counts of 120 at Trentham Gardens on October 31st, 25 at Aqualate on November 14th, 25 at Belvide on December 6th, 22 at Tittesworth throughout December and 100 at Aqualate on 31st. W Mid An adult and juvenile seen at Dunstall Park June 29th before flying off were not thought to relate to a local breeding record. Up to ten birds were noted in Sutton Park in July and August. During the first winter period, good numbers of birds were noted at Marsh Lane NR, peaking at 70 on January 22nd, 100 on February 22nd and up to 65 on 23rd and 26th. A flock of about 40 birds in Smestow Valley from last December remained until early March. Also, 64 birds were counted at Blythe Valley CP on January 14th, with 70 at Castle Hills on 17th, 25 in Lutley Wedge on 20th, 24 in Elmdon Park on February 7th, 40 in Smestow Valley from 14th-16th and 25 at Meriden on 25th. Smaller numbers were noted at Fens Pools LNR, Halesowen, The Leasowes, , Meriden Park, Old Swinford, Olton Mere, Pedmore, Reedswood Park, Sandwell Valley, Shirley, Tilehouse Green, Westwood Heath, Wollescote and Woodgate Valley CP. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 156 birds were counted in 51:15 hours of observation over 35 days from September 17th to November 12th, with highest counts of 15 in 1:30 hours on both September 22nd and 24th. Other high counts in the latter part of the year were of 44 birds at Berkswell on September 19th, 71 over Lutley Wedge on 26th, 60 at Hollywood on October 12th and 27 in Longmoor Valley on October 8th and 30 on December 27th. Lower totals were noted in Bickenhill Plantation, Blythe Valley, Bournville, Dorridge, Elmdon, Elmdon Park, Fens Pools LNR, Grand Union Canal, Marsh Lane NR, Meriden, Monkspath, Old Swinford, Olton Mere, Pedmore, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Stourbridge and Westwood Heath.

2009 Addenda W Mid A flock of 45 birds was seen at Blythe Valley CP on January 30th.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina Very common resident and partial migrant, with fewer in winter. Warks

Monthly maxima at selected sites: Jan Feb Mar Sep Oct Noc Dec Dunchurch-Toft Farm 45 43 280 – – 200 80 Honington-Highfield Farm 170 210 80 – – 320 370 Kenilworth-Pleasance Farm – – 32 – – 4 90 Long Compton Estate 520 900 370 – – 230 200 Morton Bagot 1100 1200 350 150 500 200 500 Upton Estate 130 110 67 – – 200 360

The only breeding information received was for Brandon, where three/four pairs were present. In most areas across the whole county the species is still fairly abundant and in winter the presence of game and wild bird crops concentrates birds into some impressive flocks. In the first quarter flocks of 50 or more included maxima of 300 in game cover at Dunnington on

211 January 9th, 70 at Chesterton on 11th, 100 at Burton Hastings on February 4th, 50 in maize stubble at Northend on 20th, 70 on the Fenny Compton Hills on 27th and 105 at Salford Priors GP and 120 at Wishaw on April 3rd. Post-breeding flocks included site maxima of 90 in stubble at Chesterton on August 6th, 100 in bean stubble at Gaydon on 30th, 100 in flax at Weddington on 31st, 120 at Alvecote on September 8th, 200 in stubble near Wormleighton Res on 22nd, 100 at Barton (Bidford-on-Avon) on 28th, 100 at Crimscote on October 1st, 120 at Marston Fields and 240 in stubble at Church Hill, Wormleighton on 12th, 100 at Northend on 13th, 380 in stubble at Ilmington Downs on 22nd, 145 in stubble at Salford Priors GP and 100 at Tysoe on 23rd, 100 at Wishaw on November 18th, 170 in stubble on the Fenny Compton Hills on December 15th, 250 at Oxhouse Farm on 18th and 750 in game cover at Hodnell on 24th, the latter, part of a huge mixed finch and bunting flock. Worcs Four young fledged from a nest at Bodenham Arboretum and Linnet, Cannock Chase, Stuart Wright breeding was confirmed at Bricklehampton, Heightington, Hunthouse Wood, Mamble and Upton Warren. In January, both Lower Moor and Wick had flocks of 150 and Throckmorton Tip and Upton Warren had 120 each whilst there were 200 at Shenstone in both February and March. Ripple Pits held 75 in February and there were 300 at Stoulton on March 30th with 70 at Kempsey on April 1st. Kyre had 80 at the end of August. The largest flock of the year, 850 was found on Bredon Hill on September 22nd feeding on spilt rape seed and 400 were still here in October with 150 at Stoke Bliss on the 8th. Bredon Hill held 190 on November 9th with 120 at Upton Warren Flashes on the 19th and in December, there were 200 at Naunton Beauchamp on the 24th and 180 at Wick on the 27th. Reports through the year were received from 64 sites. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Belvide 96 95 – 6 – – 16 – 25 71 11 – Berry Hill – – 12 20 35 110 60 150 150 160 120 75 Blithfield 50 235 P P 2 – 7 150 P 800 240 75 Chasewater 80 80 160 40 – – – – – 40 40 50 Essington Quarry 20 40 50 50 2 – – – 34 100 – – Pool Hall – 40 – – – – – 15 – – 60 75 River Sow Meadows – – – – – 30 – – 6 45 125 96 Round Knowl Farm – – – – – – 4 30 100 – – – Silverdale CP – 18 30 45 35 P – – – – – – Sideway 14 6 6 4 6 30 6 80 30 20 20 –

Birds were reported from 77 locations as they continue to make a recovery although they remain red listed. Untabulated flocks in the first winter period included 25 at Ingestre and 20 at Bent Lane (Whitmore) in January. 40 were at Upper Hatton in March. In April 40 were

212 at Branston GP, 30 at the Clive Farm, 32 at Middleton Lakes RSPB, 20 at Swallow Moss and 25 at Uttoxeter Quarry. Breeding pairs and probable breeders were reported from 35 sites this year (33, 85, 75, 52 and 31 in previous five). The largest flocks in June were 20 at Foxley and 20 at Park Hall CP. Uttoxeter Quarry had 30 and Barton GP had 20 in July. In August 30 were at Battleshead Hill and 21 at Endon STW. Post breeding flocks continued to appear in September with 25 at The Clive Farm, 50 at Hixon Airfield and Cuckoo Bank and 60 at Musden Low. Visible migration counts over the period September 18th-November 29th are summarised below, with counts made at Belvide, Berry Hill and Black Bank and show a large increase over previous years.

Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 Migrants 43 355 496 1414

In October 33 were at Middleton Lakes RSPB, 22 at Sutton whilst 100 gathered at Swynnerton. In November 120 were at Bent Lane (Whitmore) and 20 at Teanford. In December there were 25 at Napley and 200 at Norbury. W Mid Breeding season records came from Aldridge, Blythe Valley CP, Bury Hill, Clayhanger Marsh, Dunstall Park, Marsh Lane NR (at least three pairs), Meriden, Pedmore, Rushall Canal, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park and Wollescote. Good numbers were noted in the crop fields at Marsh Lane NR from the start of the year until March 10th; totals fluctuated widely, but peaked with cold spells at 253 on January 22nd, 220 on February 16th and 180 on March 9th. Other high counts saw 50 birds along the Rushall Canal on January 19th and 40 at Catherine-de-Barnes on February 7th. The only other sightings involved a bird in a Kingswinford garden on February 25th and two at Wollescote on March 25th. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 376 birds were counted in 51:15 hours of observation over 35 days from September 17th to November 12th, with highest counts of 68 in 1:30 hours on September 24th and 74 in two hours on 25th. Bird returned to the Marsh Lane NR crop fields from September 16th and again numbers varied, but high counts included 220 on October 30th and up to 200 on November 19th-20th. Other high counts saw 100 plus birds in Lutley Wedge on August 2nd and 150 on September 16th, 100 plus at High Ash on August 29th, 70 at Dorridge on September 19th, 30 at Blythe Valley CP on November 13th, 50 plus at Clayhanger Marsh on December 3rd and 31st, 40 at Berkswell on 14th and 100 along the Rushall Canal on 29th. Elsewhere, up to 20 birds were present at Aldridge, Allesley Park, Dorridge, Fens Pools LNR, Knowle Locks, Meriden, Sandwell Valley, Shadowbrook and Sutton Park.

Twite Carduelis flavirostris Rare summer visitor to the North Staffs. Moors. Rare and much declined winter visitor (7/10). Staffs One flew over calling at Black Bank on October 2nd NDP.

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Uncommon or frequent breeding species, mainly in Staffs. Warks Flocks of up to ten were seen at several sites in the first quarter with increasing numbers coming to niger seed in gardens; for example up to six were on feeders in Fenny Compton including the almost totally white leucistic male reported at the end of 2010. This bird was present from January 1st-12th and again from 26th, being last seen on February 14th. Elsewhere a flock at Guys Cliffe in January and February peaked at 44, 21 were at

213 Earlswood on January 10th, there was a peak of 20, on January 16th, at Brandon and 16 were at Little Packington on February 2nd. Regular flocks in mid to late March at Ladywalk and Whitacre Heath peaked at 20 and 17 respectively. In spring there were six at Salford Priors GP on March 20th with four on 27th and the last was a single at Brandon on April 20th. One over Fenny Compton on September 12th was the first in autumn. Three flew south-west at Salford Priors GP on September 18th and four were at Lea Marston Pools on 27th. Small numbers were noted fairly regularly afterwards, but mainly in groups of ten or less. There was a south or south-westerly movement of 20 at Napton on October 14th and exceptional passage of 39 moved south-west at Salford Priors GP on 16th. Otherwise the best counts were 25 at Morton Bagot on October 16th (with reduced numbers there regularly in November), 18 at Baddesley Clinton on December 7th and 50 at Brandon from 11th-13th. Worcs In January, Grafton Flyford had 20 on the 1st and 4th and Lower Moor and Wick 32 on the 7th, Wyre Forest 60 on the 12th, Kyre 25 on the 14th, Lesser Redpoll, Neil Thorneycroft Trimpley Village 70 on the 22nd and Stourport 20 on the 30th whilst there were 15 at Throckmorton Lagoons during the month. Westwood Pool had 30 on February 1st, Shrawley Wood had 15 on the 17th, Stourport had 20 on the 20th, Upton Warren Education Reserve had 60 on the 24th with 50 in the Wyre Forest on the 25th. In March, Stourport had 15 on the 13th, Church Lench had 40 on the 23rd and there were 30 at the Knapp and Papermill on the 26th. In April there was a single bird at Upton Warren with small numbers reported from Bredon Hill (three) and the Wyre Forest (12) and display flights at Churchill, Woodwards Coppice and Fletchers Coppice on the 4th and five flew over Stoulton on the 28th. Two were found at Stoulton on August 31st and three were at Upton Warren on September 20th with a flock of 30 at Happy Valley (Malverns) on September 25th which built to 80 by mid October with 60 here on November 5th and 27 on December 3rd. Five were also at Finstall Park on September 29th. Notable fourth quarter flocks included Burlish Top (35), Castlemorton Common (40), Coldridge Wood (60), Greystones (50), Habberley Valley (25), Hartlebury (40), Hollywood (30), Shenstone (42), Upton Warren (37), Welland (26) and Wyre Forest (30). Reports were received from 50 locations in total. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Bateswood CP 50 80 – – – – – – – – – P Cannock Chase – 38 – – – – – – 200 299 200 100 Chasewater – 30 – – – – – – – 40 100 80 Dimmingsdale – – – – – – – – – 30 75 – Hanchurch Woods 40 4 30 30 – – – – 50 80 350 200 Tittesworth 20 12 8 10 10 10 – 5 25 5 18 7

214 Once again breeding was not confirmed although it was suspected at Swallow Moss, Drystone Edge, Swineholes, Tittesworth, Gun Hill west, Revidge and Park Hall CP. Away from the tabulated sites the only significant flocks in January were 20 at Branston GP and 15 at Sideway. In March there were 20 at Keele University and 15 at Madeley. Autumn visible migration commenced September 13th and ended on November 12th. A total of 484 birds were logged from Belvide, Berry Hill and Black Bank, significantly more than in previous years and reflected in flock sizes in the second winter period. In addition 299 birds were trapped and ringed on Cannock Chase on October 11th before flying south and 40 were at Bishop’s Wood on 23rd. In November 50 were at Maer Hills and 20 at Middleton Lakes. In December 30 were at Knypersley Res.

Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 Migrants 143 126 81 484

W Mid Fewer records involving smaller numbers of birds were received than even last year. The only breeding season records received probably related to late wintering or passage birds, with up to ten at Dunstall Park from April 2nd-9th, one in Lutley Wedge on April 19th and three at Fens Pools LNR on May 16th. High counts during the first winter period included ten birds in Smestow Valley on January 21st and February 7th, and 15 from March 2nd-3rd, and about 30 birds in Grange Farm Wood on January 22nd and March 10th. Less than ten birds were noted at Blythe Valley CP, Copt Heath, Dunstall Park, Fens Pools LNR, Lutley Wedge, Marsh Lane NR, Meriden, Ryders Mere, Saltwells LNR, Shirley, Sutton Park, Westwood Heath and Wollescote. During early morning visible migration skywatches in Smestow Valley, a cumulative total of 85 birds were counted in 51¼ hours of observation over 35 days from September 17th to November 12th, with highest counts of 18 in 1:30 hours on September 22nd and 13 in two hours on October 21st. As last year, more sightings were made during the second winter period. The maximum counts were of 20 birds at Marsh Lane NR on October 8th, 26 in Smestow Valley on 9th and 30 on November 9th, 30 at Hollywood (though the observer noted that the species is “no longer a common seasonal visitor to this area with a large decline over the past decade”) and 100 in Longmoor Valley on October 12th, 21 in Lutley Wedge and 20 plus at Clayhanger Marsh on 14th, up to 80 at Fens Pools LNR from November 9th-22nd and 46 on December 15th, 30 in Blythe Valley CP on November 20th and 20 at Pelsall North Common on December 15th. Up to 12 birds were also noted at Bournville, Coundon Wedge, Dunstall Park, Fens Pools, Meriden, Monkspath, Pedmore Fields, Sandwell Valley, Stirchley, Stourbridge Branch Canal, Wollaston and Wollescote. Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea Scarce winter visitor in fluctuating numbers. Warks A number of unsubstantiated records this year mostly reported to various blogs but with no descriptions forthcoming. A number of these were from Brandon where up to five were claimed in November and from Ladywalk. One at Brandon on January 5th-6th DKn, JTi. One at Kingsbury WP on February 9th and 12th ARD with another at Whitacre Heath on 17th SVa, two there on March 8th DHut et al and then a single until at least 19th. Worcs Two were found at Burlish Park Stourport on January 28th and stayed until March 13th GLa, CRe and a single was at Upton Warren Moors DWa on January 30th. One was trapped/ringed at the Knapp and Papermill FHe on March 5th and present until the 18th and a new bird was seen here on March 21st which was again trapped/ringed on the 26th FHe, AWa and identified as a islandica race.

215 Staffs One was photographed in the recorder’s garden at Cheadle on January 29th and remained until March 17th NTh; likewise another in the Westlands on March 1st WJL. A third bird was seen at Draycott-in-the-Clay on March 28th SRy.

Common Redpoll, Cheadle, Neil Thorneycroft

W Mid Two birds were seen with nine Lesser Redpoll at Blythe Valley CP on January 10th ARD and one was noted at Clayhanger on November 15th CMa.

Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Frequent, though variable, irruptive visitor. Rare and erratic breeding species. Warks After the first confirmed breeding last year numbers fell away and at the start of this year there were only odd birds at the usual sites. Numbers improved, as usual, with a post-breeding influx. 32 on June10th was the best count at Bentley Woods and then regularly encountered in June at nearby Hartshill Hayes and Monwode Lea (max.15) With the exception of at least ten in Oakley Wood on July 16th, for the rest of the month and into August it was mainly singles at Baddesley Clinton, Draycote Village, flying south-west at Keresley Newlands, Lighthorne Quarry and Wappenbury Wood. At Earlswood, two at Terry’s Green on October 22nd were the first in the area since 1909! Five were feeding in a small spruce plantation on Ilmington Downs on October 1st and two flew south-west there on 22nd. Singles flew over Morton Bagot on October 2nd and Compton Verney on 31st. The year closed with up to six at Hartshill Hayes and 10 at Bentley Woods in November/December. Worcs One was over Stourport on February 20th and 12 were found in the Wyre Forest on March 17th with two here on the 22nd and a single male on April 1st. Several were heard at Woodbury Hill on April 12th and in June, three were at Seckley Wood on the 2nd with seven over on the 11th. One was calling over Lower Moor on July 18th and 12 were on the Clent Hills on the 20th with three at Hewell Grange on the 22nd. Also in

216 July, there was one over Berrow Hill on the 22nd with three at the Knapp and Papermill and an impressive 18 between Egdon and Stoulton on the 30th plus one over Abberton on August 2nd. Bredon Hill had two on September 15th, 12 on the 28th, 15 on October 13th, 12 on the 18th and ten on November 6th/9th with nine still here on December 1st. Other October reports came from Eymore Wood (three) on the 2nd and (six) on the 20th, Lickey Hills (25) on the 3rd, Upton Warren/ (ten) on the 2ndand Clent Hills a female on the 12th. Ripple Pits had one on October 4th, Grimley Old Workings had six on the 16th with birds present at Stoke Bliss through the month. Coldridge Wood had ten on October 20th and 11 on December 2nd and there were four at Upper Bittell sailing club on October 16th. In November, Trimpley Reservoir had six on the 12th and one flew over Grimley Old Workings on the 20th and four were found in the Wyre Forest on December 31st. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: J F M A M J J A S O N D Cannock Chase – – – – – – 50 21 1 62 22 36 Hanchurch Woods 20 – 2 1 20 90 13 16 10 1 40 –

A single bird was at Keele on March 20th and four were there on April 18th. Another single bird was flushed from conifers at Blithfield on May 24th. This then heralded a period of light passage or dispersal throughout the summer months. Four were in the Churnet Valley on June 4th and one at Park Hall CP on the 5th when 30 were recorded on the Maer Hills. Park Hall CP had two on June 20th. Birds continued to be seen throughout July with a single at Knypersley Reservoir and a flyover at Blithfield. 16 birds at Chasewater on 9th were presumed to be a flock seen earlier at Hazelslade. Belvide claimed another on 14th, 13 were seen at Threapwood on 23rd, one was at Essington Quarry on the 24th and Blithfield’s run of records continued with four on the 31st. Visible migration throughout the autumn was monitored from September 2nd when two flew over Silverdale CP. Birds were then seen moving in southerly directions over Belvide, Berry Hill, Black Bank, Huntington and Uttoxeter Quarry until October 22nd. By this time an excellent total of 103 birds had been seen to move across the county, well in excess of usual totals. Meanwhile there were four at Compact Product Pools on October 5th, five at Trentham Gardens on 6th, three at Dimmingsdale on 13th and six at Keele on 14th. Dimmingsdale hosted the only sizeable flock away from the main sites in the final month when 50 were estimated on December 1st. W Mid Records received were of two birds in Sandwell Valley on June 10th and one on July 15th, one over Priest Park Wood on June 28th, ten at Meriden on July 4th and 11th, 18 in Sutton Park on 23rd, seven on 28th and four on August 18th, six in Lutley Wedge on 19th, seven on September 26th and 14 on October 14th, one in Bickenhill Plantation on September 1st and four over Smestow Valley on 19th and 14 on October 16th.

2009 Addendum W Mid A bird flew southwards over Blythe valley CP on August 3rd.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common resident. Warks Remains common in most areas. Breeding records included three pairs in Coleshill Park woods, at least six pairs at Moreton Morrell and two at Morton Bagot. Also bred in good numbers at Brandon and Shustoke. Largest parties were ten at Brandon in January, March

217 and October with 15 there on December 20th, eight at Whittleford Park, Nuneaton on January 2nd and 16 at Earlswood on 10th, ten at Lighthorne on August 27th, ten at Knightcote on December 16th and 16 feeding in a game cover crop with a huge finch flock at Hodnell on 24th. A partially leucistic male was seen at Earlswood on September 17th. Worcs Breeding was confirmed at Bittell Reservoirs, Catshill, Kemerton Lake NR, Little Comberton, Longdon Marsh (two pairs), Lower Moor, Throckmorton Lagoon (two pairs), Upton Warren (three pairs) and Wick (two pairs). Reports were received from 77 locations with the only double-figure count at Upton Warren Flashes with 13 at the feeders on January 3rd. Staffs A widespread bird with breeding confirmed or presumed at 35 sites. As with last year, there were good numbers reported and concentrations were particularly noted at Berry Hill with 12 in March, 16 in May, 12 in August, 15 in September and 12 in November; Chasewater with 23 in January and 12 in April; and Park Hall CP with 12 in January, 10 in February and 17 in June. In addition there were 10 at Cheadle and 11 at Hanchurch Woods in January; 10 at Knypersley, 16 at Lady Edge and 13 at Westport in February, 12 at Chasewater in April, 17 at Knypersley Reservoir and 14 at Silverdale CP in August, 12 at Belvide in November and 12 at Marquis Drive (Cannock Chase) and 18 in Cheadle in December. A disappointing year which could indicate a change in status with the caveat that observations may have reduced as the BTO Atlas fieldwork came to an end. The species is still red-listed. Bullfinches are more likely to be encountered in single-figure family groups but nevertheless there were fewer double figure counts this year. 11 were at Sideway and 12 at Marquis Drive (Cannock Chase) both on January 9th, 14 at Chasewater on 11th and 10 at Doxey Marshes on 12th. There were 11 at Park Hall CP on February 3rd. Fewer breeding records were submitted, but nevertheless confirmed at Berry Hill, Calf Heath, Cuckoo Bank, Chillington Lower Avenue, Hanchurch Woods, Silverdale CP, Trent Washlands and Westport Lake. Unconfirmed breeding reports came from a further seventeen sites. The only double- figure counts in the latter part of the year were 10 at Chasewater on October 12th, 13 at Berry Hill Fields on November 5th and 11 at Doxey Marshes on 20th. W Mid Five territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to three last year and a mean of three over the last 19 years. MacKinnon List Surveys of ten Black Country woodlands from April 20th to May 4th and June 1st-16th recorded maximum counts of 15 birds at Wren’s Nest NNR, nine at Saltwells Wood, eight at Rough Wood, four at Castle Hill, three at Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle and Moorcroft Wood, two at Hay Head Wood and Priory Woods, one at Alder Coppice, but none at Northycote Farm. Birds were also seen during the breeding season at 30 sites (cf. 31 last year) and at 24 other sites at other times (cf. 27 last year). The highest counts received were of nine birds at Blythe Valley CP on January 14th, ten at Marsh Lane NR on 26th, eleven at Castle Hills on January 17th, six in Sandwell Valley on 23rd, ten in Smestow Valley on February 22nd and 15 on October 13th, and seven in Lutley Wedge on 13th and Coundon Wedge on December 3rd.

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Scarce to uncommon, but declining, resident. Worcs Observers were fortunate this year that good views of this elusive species were possible for a longer period than normal. In the Wyre Forest, the small group (from one/nine birds) at Lodge Farm was present from January 1st to April 16th. Two were found at Chase End Hill on February 4th with one on November 13th and a small group here on several days in December. Bodenham Arboretum had two in August from the 17th to 21st with a single on September 1st. One found below the dam at Upper Bittell Reservoir on November 9th stayed in the area until December 1st.

218 Staffs One was seen at the Tackeroo Car Park near Penkridge Banks pm January 14th and was presumably the same bird as seen there last year in November GJM. W Mid A female was watched at Marsh Lane NR for nearly ten minutes on February 19th SHa.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn, and winter visitor. Warks A male was present at Salford Priors GP on November 6th JJB. In the last five years there have been nine individuals but one per year is typical recently. Worcs In the Malvern Hills, one was seen on North Hill SAv on November 9th and six were found on Worcestershire Beacon SAv on the 23rd. At least one of these stayed until November 28th when three new birds arrived at the same location WFP, SMW and one/two were here until December 8th.

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Very common to abundant, though declining, resident. Warks

Monthly maxima Jan Feb Mar Nov Dec Dunchurch – Toft Farm 134 110 57 64 60 Honington – Highfield Farm 32 27 12 33 29 Kenilworth – Pleasance Farm 71 30 45 39 55 Long Compton Estate 27 26 56 133 138 Upper Brailes – Aylesmore Farm 42 21 21 60 114 Upton Estate 150 111 110 82 60

Once again there were very few breeding territory counts. Summer counts, presumably of singing males were made at Alcester Heath (14), Kinwarton (eight) and Norton Lindsey (seven). Nine singing males were present at Salford Priors GP. Some excellent totals were attracted to game and wild bird crops and these are tabulated. Elsewhere, flocks during the first quarter included 32 at Knightcote on January 1st, 30 below Napton Hill on 6th, 85 at Chesterton on 11th, 50 at Shirne Hill, Wormleighton on February 7th, 60 at Ansley on 10th, Yellowhammer, Andy Holt

219 65 at Warners Hill, Chesterton on 11th (in a game cover crop), 25 at Morton Bagot on 13th, 38 at Weddington on 14th, 50 at Wormleighton Res throughout Jan-Feb and 50 at Crimscote in Feb-Mar. Later in the year a flock of 50-100 frequented two small unharvested wheat fields at Salford Priors GP from October-December, with a notable peak of 250 on December 4th. Flocks remained small (c.20) during this period, with maxima of 21 at Morton Bagot on November 19th, 40 at Whitnash on 20th, 30 at Balscote on 26th and 40 at Combrook on December 27th. Worcs Reports were received from a total of 63 locations including 38 during the breeding season. Double-figure counts in the first winter period came from Abberley Hill (50), Bredon Hill (20), Broome Lodge Farm (15), Catshill (30), Dayhouse Bank (ten), Longdon Marsh (ten), Ripple Pits (15), Shenstone (30), Wick (70) and Wyre Piddle (57). Notable numbers in the second half of the year included 35 in November at Bredon Hill, 60 on December 25th at Hanley Broadheath, 12 in August at Longdon Marsh, 25 in October at Stoke Bliss, 90 on December 27th at Wick and 20 in October at Wolverley. Staffs

Monthly maxima J F M A M J J A S O N D Essington Quarry Pool 3 3 2 7 5 5 2 2 2 3 15 22

Although reported from 92 localities the status of this species remains one of concern. Most reports were single figure counts. It is absent or unreported from much of the county but good numbers may still occur in the east. Six were present on January 1st at Brocton Field (Cannock Chase). Double figure counts were recorded on the 21st with 25 on Anslow Common, 20 at Bent Lane (Whitmore) on 23rd and 12 at Uttoxeter Quarry on 28th. 39 were at Whitemoor Haye on March 11th, nine were on Cannock Chase at the Shooting Butts on the 12th and nine were at Sutton on the 13th. Six were present at Alrewas on 21st and seven at Ellenhall on April 1st. Records were received from 61 sites during the breeding season, but breeding was only confirmed at Chillington, Foxley and Wrottesley Old Park (79 in 2010, 65 in 2009, 55 in 2008, 56 in 2007, 58 in 2006, 50 in 2005). Visible migration was very light and noted only from Black Bank on September 24th when a single flew south west, five over Adbaston on October 9th, two over Belvide on 14th and singles north over Black Bank on October 16th and 25th. Six were seen at Middleton Lakes RSPB on October 26th. Winter flocks included 25 at Millmeece on November 16th and 40 at Norbury on December 4th. W Mid Birds were noted during the breeding season at 16 localities with three at Marsh Lane NR. High counts during the first winter period involved 26 birds in fields to the east of Marsh Lane NR in January, 16 in Lutley Wedge on February 12th and 12 at Berkswell on March 18th. Up to seven birds were also noted at Allesley Park, Castle Hills, Clayhanger, Dorridge, Foxcote, Grand Union Canal, Hasbury, Knowle Locks, Merrions Wood, Norton, Park Lime Pits and Wollescote. During the second winter period, birds were again attracted to the Marsh Lane NR crop fields, especially during colder weather, with high counts of 42 on December 18th, 60 on 20th and up to 40 remaining until the end of the year. Up to four birds were noted at Aldridge, Allesley Park, Clayhanger Marsh, Dorridge, Meriden, Pedmore, Rushall Canal and Smestow Valley.

2009 Addendum W Mid An additional breeding season record involved two males at Castle Hills.

220 Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Common, though declining, resident. Warks

Monthly maxima Jan Feb Mar Nov Dec Dunchurch – Toft Farm 31 38 26 99 58 Kenilworth – Pleasance Farm 57 42 17 39 27

Counts of five or more breeding territories were made at: Brandon (13), Fenny Compton (six in the parish), Hartshill (five along River Anker), Hillmorton (at least 11 in area), Knightcote (ten), Lighthorne Quarry (eight), Napton Res (11 in area), Salford Priors GP (19), Wormleighton (12 along 3km of the Oxford Canal) and Wormleighton Res (five). During the first quarter 12 were at Little Packington on January 24th, up to 15 at Salford Priors GP in January, 30 in a game crop at Warners Hill, Chesterton on February 11th, 14 at Morton Bagot on 14th and 15 in a game crop near Wormleighton Res on 28th. In the last quarter a large flock frequented stubble and unharvested wheat at Salford Priors GP from September-November, with a peak of 90 on October 9th Reed Bunting, Whitacre Heath, Steve Valentine and November 6th. 25 were with a huge finch flock in a game cover crop at Hodnell on December 24th. Two farms at Dunchurch and Kenilworth attracted good numbers (see table) but elsewhere numbers were disappointing with flocks of ten or less at 15 other sites. Worcs Breeding was confirmed at Kemerton Lake NR (three pairs), Lower Moor (six pairs) and Upton Warren (25+ pairs) and birds were reported from 36 locations in the county. Notable numbers include Wick with 20 to 30 throughout January with an impressive 75 on the 23rd feeding on game crops. Longdon Marsh had 25 on February 12th, Wyre Piddle had 27 on January 12th with 20 on March 2nd and Avon Meadows Wetland had 12 on March 10th. There were 25+ territories at Upton Warren in the spring and Gwen Finch NR had 11 singing males on May 5th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites J F M A M J J A S O N D Doxey Marshes 9 19 18 30 23 26 10 11 18 25 19 11 Sideway 14 10 12 10 10 7 8 6 10 12 8 – Trent Washlands – 2 12 15 P P 8 – 5 – 6 6

Breeding territories were located at 90 sites, compared with 90, 93, 80, 92 and 72 in the previous five. Of these, 17 had confirmed breeders. Notable sites were Berry Hill with 30 territories (28, 27 and 24 in previous two) and Doxey with just 17 (43, 39, 41 and 50 in previous four). Other notable flocks in the first winter period in January were 15 at Bent

221 Lane (Whitmore), 10 at Uttoxeter Quarry and 20 at Anslow Common. In February 30 were at Belvide and 12 Katyn Memorial (Cannock Chase). In March 31 were at Berry Hill, 30 at Whitemoor Haye, 18 at Barton GP and 11 at the River Sow Meadows. An incredible 165 birds roosted at Belvide on October 30th when 96 were also ringed there. Visible migration by comparison was very light at both Belvide and Black Bank with just nine birds logged (39 in 2010). In November and December the largest untabulated flocks were eight at the River Sow Meadows, six at Silverdale CP and four at Ingestre. W Mid Birds were present in the breeding season at Berkswell Hall, Blythe Valley CP, College Farm, Dunstall Park, Fens Pools LNR, Lutley Wedge, Marsh Lane NR (minimum of 15 pairs), Meriden, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common, Rushall Canal, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park, Walsall Golf Course and Wollescote. High counts included up to 20 birds in crop fields at Marsh Lane NR during January and 18 roosting in a reedbed at Blythe Valley CP on February 9th. Birds were also noted at Castle Hills, Clayhanger Marsh and Ryders Mere. During the second winter period, 20 birds were recorded in the Marsh Lane NR crop fields on October 9th, but no more than that were seen through November and December until 30 were present in colder condition on 20th. One or two birds were also noted at Blythe Valley CP, Knowle Locks, Lutley Wedge, Meriden, Rushall Canal and Sandwell Valley.

2009 Addendum W Mid About six pairs bred at Blythe Valley CP.

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Fairly common, though much declined, resident. Warks Six males were singing at Crimscote on May 10th, with several of these mated. Five males were singing there on July 3rd and at least three females were seen carrying food to young. A bird was seen carrying food to a nest site at Clifton-on-Dunsmore on July 15th. Singles were occasionally heard at Bidford-on-Avon, Lawford Heath, Middleton and Wishaw but no evidence of breeding and no song heard at Salford Priors this year, a former breeding site. The large winter flock (60) at Bidford-on-Avon in 2010 was not relocated with just four there on March 1st. A single visited Morton Bagot on January 3rd. It must have been a good breeding season at Crimscote as a flock of 25 were present at the end of July; Numbers were not reported subsequently apart from four on October 1st and one on 22nd. Stubble fields at Salford Priors GP attracted singles on January 16th and May 8th, with up to two from October 16th-November 6th. At Marlcliff, two were present on September 8th, three on October 5th and six on 13th. Worcs The Shenstone/Stone/Summerfield area once again produced the most reports with a flock of 30/40 seen through the first winter period and 17 seen here on December 1st. There were 26 at Birlingham on January 30th and small numbers were reported from Bricklehampton (eight), Little Comberton,(two), Netherton (five), Whittington Common (four), Wick (eight), Woodrow (one) and Wyre Piddle (one). Cleeve Prior had 38 on overhead wires on October 19th and there were six over Nafford on November 30th. Brake Lane at Hagley had nine on December 22nd. Staffs

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 No. of 5km Squares 6 6 8 8 10 20 12 11 14 15 12 Max. Flock Size 17 44 6 30 38 25 56 35 80 48 7 Singing Males - - - - 19 25 17-23 22-27 28-40 28-32 29-31

222 Singing males were located 13 sites with breeding confirmed at just one. Vagrant birds were seen at Belvide in March and May and at Branston GP on April 10th. No reports were received from any location after September 4th. W Mid The only record received was of two birds at Pedmore on April 13th.

Appendix 1 This includes: • all records of species on the GB list in Categories A-C which have only been recorded in the region as known or suspected escapes. This would include sedentary introduced species such as Golden Pheasant which don’t have established populations in the region, and are unlikely to wander naturally to the area from these populations. • all records of species currently in Category D of the GB list. This would include such species as Marbled, Falcated and White-headed Ducks, Ross’s Goose, Saker and Red- headed Bunting.

Any record appearing in Appendix 1 is excluded from the main county lists.

Snow Goose Anser caerulescens Worcs Two “Blue” phases flew over Little Comberton with Pink-footed Geese on October 12th. Staffs One was at Essington Quarry Pool on March 18th, two at Tameside NR on May 21st and a hybrid type bird was at Middleton Lakes RSPB from December 1st-18th.

Ross’s Goose Anser rossii Warks One was seen at Abbots Salford on four occasions from February 11th-March 18th. Worcs One commuted between Chadbury Wetland/Gwen Finch NR/Lower Moor/Strensham from January 4th to March 19th and a bird with a gold ring appeared at Upton Warren Moors on May 2nd and 17th.

Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii Staffs One was at Westport Lake on May 11th.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Staffs The hybrid Ruddy/Cape Shelduck was seen at Middleton Lakes RSPB on January 22nd, thought to be its fourteenth year of escape from captivity. Elsewhere there was one at Tittesworth on February 24th, with two on May 29th and a single on September 10th-15th, two at Belvide on June 14th, one at Blithfield from June 24th-30th and one at Branston Gravel Pits on November 11th.

Ruddy Shelduck x Shelduck Worcs A pair traced as escapees from an Evesham collection were seen at Harvington Fishing Lakes, John Bennett NR, Kemerton Lake NR, Lower Moor and Ryall Pits from April 5th to November 2nd.

Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Staffs An escaped male was at Pretty Pigs Pool (Alvecote) all year.

223 Appendix 2 The following species all fall into Category E of the British List (BOU 1998), as being introductions, transportees or escapees from captivity and whose breeding populations are not thought to be self-sustaining. The sequence and the nomenclature used in this section follow Birds of the World – A Check List, 5th Edition J.F. Clements (2000). Black Swan Cygnus atratus Lakes in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, where introduced. Warks Singles appear regularly at Coton and Lea Marston. One was seen next to Hampton Wood on January 6th, 17th and February 9th. Another single was on the River Blythe at Maxstoke on February 23rd. Worcs One was on the near Mildenhall Mill on January 28th with another report on February 5th from Westwood Pool. A ringed bird was present on the River Avon at Lower Moor from February 25th to the end of the year. Staffs Single birds, perhaps relating to just one or two individuals, were seen at Shugborough on January 23rd, Blithfield on April 10th and 24th, Barton GP between May 28th and September 23rd and Croxall Lakes on June 25th. W Mid The female bird at Marsh Lane NR from 2010 remained throughout the year, pairing with a Mute Swan and raising two young, which remained till August 27th, with one seen sporadically to November 5th.

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus Breeds on the high plateaux in central and southern Asia and winters mainly in northern India and Burma. Worcs One was noted at Croome Landscape Park on October 28th and November 19th. Staffs One was at Uttoxeter Quarry on April 3rd, another at Belvide on April 20th.

Emperor Goose x Lesser White-fronted Goose Warks The long-staying hybrid continued to frequent Brandon Marsh during the year, being last recorded on September 11th.

Chinese Goose Worcs One was present at Lower Moor from March 31st–April 1st.

Cape/South African Shelduck Tadorna cana Karoo of southern Africa. Warks A male was at Brandon Marsh on September 15th.

Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides Australia and Tasmania Warks A male was at Abbots Salford on March 27th and a pair from April 3rd–May 1st. This pair was then present at Salford Priors GP on May 8th and 15th, and again here on November 27th.

Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata Lowlands of Mexico to NE Argentina and Brazil. Staffs One was at Branston Water Park from January until October and was seen at Branston Gravel Pits in December.

224 W Mid A bird at Walsall Arboretum from 2007 remained throughout the year, with a second present from September 16th. Five birds were seen at Mary Stevens Park on April 10th, with one at West Park from October 9th to November 12th. Wood Duck Aix sponsa Forested woodlands and Inland lakes of Canada, south to northern Mexico. Warks A male was seen at Abbots Salford on April 3rd, 7th and 15th. Worcs A male was on Lenchwick Pools on May 21st. Staffs A female was on the Hatherton Branch Canal near Calf Heath on January 29th, another at Fradley Junction on March 12th, a male was at Wolseley Bridge from April 6th- May 10th, an immature male was at Hales Hall Pool on August 12th and one was at Uttoxeter Quarry on September 18th. Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha Eastern Asia and India; winters Indochina and Philippines. Warks One of the Indian subspecies was at Salford Priors GP on November 27th. New Zealand Scaup Aythya novaeseelandiae Lagoons, lakes and ponds of New Zealand. Warks The male at Brandon Marsh from 2010 was seen occasionally up to May 7th and again from October 16th into 2012. Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Africa Warks At Draycote, there were reports of eight on March 23rd and 15 on November 23rd. Nine in Shuckburgh Park on July 9th. Worcs One was at Pirton Pool on July 22nd with two here on December 21st. W Mid Four birds were seen on a road verge at Hawkes End on August 10th. Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Africa, south of Sahara and SE Iran; Madagascar. Staffs One was seen at Tittesworth on August 3rd and was thought to be a well-travelled escape from Blackbrook Zoo. African Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus West and central Africa. Worcs One was at Throckmorton Lagoons on July 14th. W Mid A bird flew across Clayhanger Marsh on March 20th. Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo Eurasia. Worcs A probable was heard for 10 minutes calling from a dense cypress tree at Alvechurch on January 31st. Indian Eagle Owl Bubo bengalensis W Mid One bird was observed in a Clayhanger garden on October 4th. Island Canary Serinus canaria Warks A single at Brandon on March 20th.

225 Ringing Report

Andy Lawrence and Dave Emley

As in the previous year, ringing recoveries for 2011 have been made available by the BTO, via its Ringing Recoveries website at: http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/ringing/publications/online-ringing-reports where one may choose a year and a county and have not only any notable recoveries for the request but also have a list of the numbers of birds ringed within the county for the year of interest. We have selected and summarised below those recoveries which show aspects of longevity, age, site fidelity or otherwise and distance travelled. Our selection has excluded some other recoveries which are similar to, but did not quite match the distance travelled or longevity of those presented here and so we would again encourage readers to visit the website above for the “full picture”.

It used to be the case that you only knew two pieces of information for certain about a ringed bird; where it was ringed and where it was found dead or caught again by another ringer. The use of colour marking schemes, geolocators, transmitters and better optics and camera gear now allows us to piece together what happens between these two dates. And interesting reading it makes too. Take the Herring Gull that seemingly spent eight years in the Midlands only to take a trip to Norway before returning to Stubbers Green.

Mute Swans tend to be sedentary but are occasionally prone to wandering as was a bird that was hatched in Worcester but was seen in Llandudno a year later or the one that moved from Stratford to Wigan in three moths. The prize goes to the bird that hatched near Fladbury but was seen in Findhorn Bay (Grampian) six years later! The batch of recoveries of Wigeon are typical for this long-distance traveller though some of them show ages of 10 or more years. The Irish-ringed Eurasian Teal shot in Fazeley two years later was probably of Scandinavian or Icelandic origin rather than a local-bred bird.

The movements of Cormorants to and from our area are shown by the birds from Abberton Reservoir and Puffin Island but the one from Denmark is unusual in our area. That juvenile Kestrels can move some distance is shown by two birds; one moving from Warwickshire to Lincolnshire and the other even further, from Sussex to Worcestershire. The BTO’s Migration Atlas lists only 14 movements of Peregrines from Scandinavia to the UK so the one from Norway to Sutton Coldfield is in good company.

The origins of some of our Black-headed Gulls is well-known and is illustrated by sightings of birds from Germany and Poland. Of note though is the longevity of the bird ringed in West Midlands and found dead in Blackpool 25 years later. The eastern European origin of some of our Mediterranean Gulls is shown by the bird hatched in Poland and seen at Upton Warren five years later. Lesser Black-backed Gulls used to be wholly migratory in the winter; not so today. A number of our featured recoveries show just how mobile they can be.

Most people tend not to give Woodpigeons a second thought even though they do move in quite incredible numbers. However our featured bird managed to live for 10 years before getting shot which is quite a feat! We don’t tend to think of Blue Tits moving very far so the record of a bird from Cumbria being found at Chillington is noteworthy. The same can be

226 said of Coal Tits that are possibly even more sedentary, so the 29km moved by our example is also of note. It is surprising to find the Long-tailed Tits are capable of some long movements viz. the bird that moved 130km from Reading to Alchester and the one from the Wirral to Great Gate.

The two Blackcaps illustrate the rather rapid southwards migration; one taking 20 days to get to Sussex and the other taking under two months to reach Charante-Maritime in France while the Yugoslavian-ringed Lesser Whitethroat illustrates that species’ unusual migration route. Most of our Sedge Warbler recoveries illustrate their southerly exodus via the south coast but a bird moving from Grimley to Gwent in a day is intriguing. The reed Warbler recoveries too show their autumn journeys through Portugal, Spain and France. Grasshopper Warblers don’t get recovered very often. The movement of one from Brandon Marsh to Rutland Water in under a month is of note.

To catch a Waxwing is a dream for any ringer but to get one with a ring is fantastic. Our bird shows the movement from arrival on the East coast of Scotland, then southwards as the berries run out. Falls, sometimes large ones, of Robins occasionally occur on the east coast in autumn. Seen next to our resident birds, these continental Robins are distinctive but in isolation not so! It is nice therefore to get confirmation that they do indeed occur in our area from a Norwegian bird that was found in Stafford. The life expectancy of Robins is quite short therefore a five-year old one is a good age.

Greenfinches can move quite long distances, as shown by our two examples. With so many Goldfinches around throughout the winter these days we tend to forget that most of them used to migrate south. Our two recoveries in France remind us of this. Siskins are common nowadays in winter and the recoveries show their origins further north. However, many come in from Scandinavia and the one found in Denmark in April was probably on it way back there. Numbers of Lesser Redpolls in the winter have increased in recent years with particularly large flocks in some areas – like Cannock Chase. Ringing recoveries have shown the typical north – south pattern of movement with evidence of a return passage. There is also some evidence of site fidelity with one bird from Manchester returning to the same site in Light Oaks in several winters. We don’t think of Reed Buntings moving much but there are two movements of over 100km.

227 Selected List of Recoveries involving the WMBC Area Entries are arranged by species and, within species, by recovery date. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. This report includes recoveries for 2011 and previously unpublished recoveries for earlier years.

Key Age at ringing Sex Pull Pullus (Nestling) M Male Juv Juvenile (young able to fly) F Female 1Y Bird in its first year Manner of recovery 2Y Bird in its second year v Caught and released with ring Ad Adult (at least one year old) + Shot Fg Full grown (Age uncertain) x Found dead or dying vv ring read in the field ? manner of recovery unknown

Species Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place Movement

Mute Swan U4658 Pull 01-08-93 Drayton Manor Park, (Staffs) x 22-01-11 Alvecote Lake, (Warks) 7km

W27169 Fg 10-02-11 Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) vv 22-05-11 Platt Bridge, Wigan (Greater Manchester) 161km

W20166 1Y 06-07-06 Fladbury (Worcs) x 17-10-11 Findhorn Bay (Grampian Region) 622km

W25368 1Y 24-03-10 Worcester (Worcs) vv 10-02-11 Llandudno (Gwynedd) 167km

Wigeon FP00554 1Y M 28-02-98 Bredons Hardwick (Worcs) + 27-05-11 Lyuymas, (Yamal-Nts) Russia 4151km

FS31393 1Y M 18-02-01 Bredons Hardwick (Worcs) + 19-11-11 Lake Koisjärvi, Nummi-Pusula, Finland 1860km

FP39329 1Y F 31-12-03 Bredons Hardwick (Worcs) x 15-11-11 Nikolsky, Ust-Cuban area (Vologda) Russia 2716km

FS31393 1Y M 18-02-01 Bredons Hardwick (Worcs) x 19-11-11 Lake Koisjärvi, Nummi-Pusula, Finland 1860km

228 Eurasian Teal EW69415 1Y M 08-12-08 Mahee Island, Strangford Lough (Down) + 06-01-11 near Fazeley (Staffs) 334km

Cormorant G1425 Pull 14-05-11 Abberton Reservoir (Essex) vv 19-09-11 Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) 229km

2J7419 Pull 04-06-11 Pikkerholm, (Jylland) Denmark ? 16-11-11 Burton-Upon-Trent (Staffs) 935km

5248293 Pull 27-06-09 Puffin Island (Anglesey) vv 06-04-11 Olton Mere (WMids) 179km

Kestrel EJ44089 Pull 16-06-10 near Preston-on-Stour (Warks) x 09-04-11 Faldingworth (Lincs) 160km

EG52012 Pull 30-06-04 River Rother(Sussex) x 20-07-11 Horsham (Worcs) 249km

Peregrine 3015066 Pull M 30-06-04 Larvik, (Vestfold) Norway x 10-01-11 Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield (WMids) 988km

GC46021 Pull 20-05-10 Site Confidential, near Avon (Avon) vv 06-04-11 Malvern Hills (Worcs) 74km x 08-10-11 Kidderminster (Worcs) 104km

Coot GR25240 1Y 07-10-10 Westport Lake (Staffs) vv 25-01-11 Blackpool (Lancs) 101km

Black-headed Gull FN50324 Pull 07-07-07 Nowe Grochale, Leoncin (Warszawa) Poland vv 08-02-11 Knypersley Reservoir (Staffs) 1531km

EW57440 Pull 21-05-08 Kingsbury Water Park (Warks) vv 24-12-09 Doorly Park (Sligo) 486km vv 03-12-11 Doorly Park, Sligo Town (Sligo) 487km

EK56214 1Y 18-01-86 Major’s Green (WMids) x 14-03-11 Blackpool (Lancs) 176km

5506662 Pull 21-06-10 Baltrum – Ostdorf, Germany vv 12-01-11 Hasbury, Halesowen (Worcs) 646km

229 Mediterranean Gull FN16405 Pull M 17-06-06 Skoki Duze, Wloclawek (Plock) Poland vv 30-07-11 Upton Warren (Worcs) 1457km

Lesser Black-backed Gull GA18382 Pull 10-07-98 Tarnbrook Fell, Bowland (Lancs) vv 11-10-11 Silverdale CP (Staffs) 113km

GA33708 Pull 08-07-00 South Walney (Cumbria) vv 09-10-00 Pilsworth Landfill (Greater Manchester) 80km vv 22-05-01 Aviles (Avila) Spain 1180km vv 19-02-02 la Coruna Harbour (Coruna) Spain 1246km vv 09-01-03 Gloucester Landfill (Gloucs) 253km vv 04-03-05 Stubbers Green (WMids) 181km vv 21-07-08 Ainsdale Sands (Merseyside) 51km vv 06-01-11 Silverdale CP (Staffs) 130km

GA33708 Pull 08-07-00 South Walney, Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria) vv 06-01-11 Silverdale CP (Staffs) 130km

FP86501 Ad 03-02-07 near Hempsted (Gloucs) vv 25-08-11 Silverdale CP (Staffs) 130km

FP86847 1Y 20-10-07 near Hempsted (Gloucs) vv 05-09-11 Silverdale CP (Staffs) 130km

GA41281 Pull 13-07-02 South Walney (Cumbria) vv 20-02-11 Cudillero (Oviedo) Spain 1186km vv 22-11-11 Stubbers Green (WMids) 181km

GN21100 Pull 09-07-99 Bristol (Avon) vv 14-10-00 Le Portel (Pas-de-Calais) France 301km vv 13-05-01 Stretton Sugwas (Hereford & Worcester) 70km vv 10-10-03 Calne Sand Pits (Wiltshire) 42km vv 04-01-06 Gloucester Landfill Site (Gloucs) 48km vv 25-12-09 Cotswold Waterpark (Wiltshire) 50km vv 01-02-11 Throckmorton (Worcs) 85km vv 09-06-11 Gloucester Landfill Site (Gloucs) 48km

Herring Gull GN77253 Ad 21-01-04 Beaconsfield (Buckinghamshire) vv 07-01-08 Stoke Orchard Landfill, Cheltenham (Gloucs) 110km vv 16-12-10 Silverdale CP (Staffs) 195km

GC13373 Pull 26-06-07 Bristol (Avon) vv 04-10-10 Gloucester Landfill Site, Hempsted (Gloucs) 48km vv 18-10-11 Silverdale CP (Staffs) 176km

230 GN13625 1Y 12-11-03 Beaconsfield (Buckinghamshire) vv 15-01-04 Gloucester Landfill (Gloucs) 118km vv 19-01-05 Stoke Orchard Landfill (Gloucs) 110km vv 22-07-11 Vardo Harbour, (Finnmark) Norway 2653km vv 22-11-11 Stubbers Green (WMids) 144km

Woodpigeon FB01281 Ad 23-05-01 Iverley, Stourbridge (Staffs) + 16-08-11 Iverley, Stourbridge (Staffs)

Barn Owl GC91413 Pull 05-07-09 Ellastone(Derbyshire) x 02-05-11 Penkridge (Staffs) 33km

GC93215 Pull 13-10-09 Brandon Marsh(Warks) x 29-11-11 Brandon Marsh(Warks) 0km

GC77793 Pull 23-08-10 near Woodstock (Oxfordshire) x 05-01-11 Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour (Warks) 22km

GK91389 Pull F 01-07-11 Langley (Warks) v 29-12-11 Maidwell (Northamptonshire) 55km

Goldcrest DRK867 1Y M 14-02-11 Marston Sewage Farm, Grantham (Lincs) x 03-04-11 near Rudyard (Staffs) 96km

CXP140 1Y M 06-11-10 Ferndown (Dorset) x 01-03-11 Upper Welland (Worcs) 145km

Blue Tit V813057 Juv 23-07-08 Topthorn, Patton Bridge (Cumbria) v 25-03-11 Chillington Hall (Staffs) 194km

T187868 1Y F 26-12-04 Redditch (Worcs) x 23-03-11 Redditch (Worcs) 0km

Coal Tit V601988 Fg 17-04-09 Upper Colwall (Worcs) x 22-11-11 Hope Under Dinmore (Hereford) 29km

Long-tailed Tit ATT148 Juv 06-07-10 Hurst, Reading (Berkshire) x 08-02-11 Alchester Lanes End (WMids) 130km

CHP999 Fg 12-10-10 Bidston, Wirral (Merseyside) x 16-03-11 Great Gate (Staffs) 92km

231 Sand Martin Y023298 Ad M 29-05-11 Uttoxeter Sewage Works (Staffs) v 06-08-11 Pett Level (Sussex) 282km

L377565 Pull F 21-06-10 Rutland Water (Leics) v 29-05-11 Uttoxeter Sewage Works (Staffs) 84km

Swallow L853357 Pull 09-06-11 Martin Mere (Lancs) v 25-07-11 Betley Mere (Staffs) 75km

Blackcap L944788 1Y M 03-09-11 Old Storridge Common (Worcs) v 23-09-11 Pett Level (Sussex) 252km

L081798 1Y F 29-08-10 Grimley (Worcs) v 11-10-11 Plaisance, (Charente-Maritime) France 709km

Lesser Whitethroat BH41303 1Y 20-09-10 Vransko Lake, (Hrvatska) Yugoslavia v 11-05-11 Lower Broadheath (Worcs) 1610km

Chiffchaff EBV238 1Y 15-09-11 Belvide (Staffs) x 03-11-11 Faro (Algarve) Portugal 1798km

DTJ567 1Y 30-07-11 Castlemorton Common (Worcs) v 29-09-11 Durlston Country Park (Dorset) 165km

DJJ223 Juv F 24-07-11 Grimley (Worcs) v 28-10-11 Forninhos, Odemira, (Baixo Alentejo) Portugal 1705km

Sedge Warbler Y112418 Juv 14-07-11 Betley Mere (Staffs) v 02-08-11 Titchfield Haven (Hampshire) 257km

Y223110 1Y 23-07-11 Belvide (Staffs) v 18-08-11 Middleton Nature Reserve (Lancs) 156km

6582210 1Y M 30-08-10 Mars-Ouest (Loire-Atlantique) France v 05-06-11 Betley Mere (Staffs) 667km

X355187 1Y 19-08-11 Hams Hall (Warks) v 30-08-11 Cleve Marshes, Seasalter (Kent) 224km

X355155 1Y 03-08-11 Hams Hall (Warks) v 09-09-11 Titchfield Haven (Hampshire) 192km

232 X355086 1Y 24-06-11 Hams Hall (Warks) v 31-07-11 Marais de Balencon, (Pas-de-Calais) France 323km

L944670 1Y 28-08-11 Grimley (Worcs) v 29-08-11 Uskmouth, Newport (Gwent) 92km

Reed Warbler L140637 1Y 15-07-11 Chillington Hall (Staffs) v 03-08-11 Pylewell Lake (Hampshire) 217km

Y223023 1Y 13-07-11 Belvide (Staffs) v 28-08-11 Conchemarche (Charente-Maritime) France 807km

Y223122 1Y 23-07-11 Belvide (Staffs) v 22-08-11 Braud Et Saint Louis (Gironde) France 836km

N920724 Ad 11-08-09 Salburua-Betono, Vitoria (Alava) Spain v 09-06-11 Betley Mere (Staffs) 1130km

L449840 1Y 01-08-10 Oakley (Worcs) v 17-08-11 Colos, Odemira (Baixo Alentejo) Portugal 1707km

6565407 1Y M 12-08-10 Noyant, (Maine-et-Loire) France v 03-07-11 Grimley (Worcs) 535km

Grasshopper Warbler L897589 Ad M 10-06-11 Brandon Marsh (Warks) v 28-07-11 Rutland Water (Leics) 59km

Waxwing NW49407 1Y M 30-10-10 Ballater (Grampian Region) x 12-03-11 Norton, Stourbridge (WMids) 515km

Blackbird L352305 Ad F 03-11-10 Reddingbootpad (Vlieland) The Netherlands v 22-01-11 Claregate (WMids) 483km

CW10755 2Y F 27-05-05 Castlemorton Common (Worcs) x 17-05-11 Axminster (Devon) 157km

CW10755 2Y F 27-05-05 Castlemorton Common (Worcs) x 17-05-11 Boswold, Axminster (Devon) 157km

CW95790 1Y M 15-12-07 near Suckley (Worcs) x 23-03-11 Kildevangen, Ringe (Sjaelland) Denmark 913km

233 Robin 9E45841 1Y 21-09-10 Barstadvik, Orsta, Norway x 17-02-11 Stafford (Staffs) 1173km

T994051 1Y 23-10-06 Hams Hall (Warks) v 07-03-11 Market Drayton (Shropshire) 68km

Pied Flycatcher V749908 Ad F 09-06-08 Coombes Valley (Staffs) v 22-05-11 Bearda (Staffs) 12km

X152509 Pull F 06-06-08 Macclesfield Forest (Cheshire) v 22-05-11 Bearda (Staffs) 8km

X911190 Pull F 06-06-10 Hawkstone Park (Shropshire) vv 06-06-11 Tittesworth Reservoir (Staffs) 52km

Pied Wagtail V810913 1Y 08-10-09 Lytchett Bay (Dorset) x 24-08-11 Fairoak (Staffs) 240km

Brambling ED10493 Ad M 09-10-10 Halshaugen, Ovre Eiker (Buskerud) Norway x 20-03-11 Stratford-Upon-Avon (Warks) 1103km

Greenfinch TH73482 1Y F 20-12-06 Hayne Barton (Devon) x 25-06-11 Frankley, Birmingham (WMids) 207km

TS22964 1Y M 12-08-11 Daisy Bank, Walsall (WMids) v 29-10-11 Llangorse Lake (Powys) 116km

Goldfinch X087475 1Y M 27-08-08 Belvide (Staffs) v 28-10-11 Chillington Hall (Staffs) 4km

L730073 1Y F 06-11-10 Wolverton, near Stratford (Warks) vv 03-04-11 Deganwy (Gwynedd) 186km

X357000 1Y F 25-10-08 Hams Hall (Warks) v 10-12-10 Bassins Des 5 Tailles, la Neuville (Nord) France 397km

L452190 1Y F 17-10-10 Wolverton, near Stratford (Warks) x 15-01-11 Gif-Sur-Yvette (Seine-et-Oise & Seine) France 479km

234 Siskin R930736 1Y 31-03-09 near Kinver Edge (Staffs) x 01-02-11 Eliock, Sanquhar (Dumfries & Galloway) 338km

V810095 1Y F 25-02-08 Hednesford (Staffs) v 12-02-11 Chilworth (Surrey) 193km

V812361 1Y M 07-02-08 Brewood (Staffs) v 19-02-11 Llwynmawr (Clwyd) 72km

X616222 Juv M 23-07-10 Lagganbeg, Kilninver, Oban (Strathclyde) v 20-02-11 Wolverton, near Stratford (Warks) 515km

L765644 Ad M 06-03-11 Wyre Forest (Hereford & Worcester) v 18-03-11 Ringinglow, Sheffield (South Yorks) 121km

L729525 Ad M 27-02-11 Alfrick Pound (Worcs) v 01-04-11 Pandrup, Bronderslev (Jylland) Denmark 957km

Lesser Redpoll T559515 Ad M 22-10-05 Turf Lea, near Strines (Greater Manchester) v 26-12-09 Light Oaks (Staffs) 36km v 02-01-11 Light Oaks (Staffs) 36km

L186362 Fg M 20-02-10 Birches Valley Forestry (Staffs) v 12-02-11 Knowehead Cottage, Glen Isla (Tayside) 443km

L186389 Ad M 26-02-10 Birches Valley Forestry (Staffs) v 22-07-11 Corrie Cravie, Isle of Arran (Strathclyde) 371km

L977160 1Y 30-09-11 Whitehouse, Cannock Chase (Staffs) v 13-11-11 Dungeness (Kent) 286km

L977041 1Y M 29-09-11 Whitehouse, Cannock Chase (Staffs) v 01-11-11 Sandwich Bay Estate(Kent) 284km

L977168 1Y M 02-10-11 Whitehouse, Cannock Chase (Staffs) v 29-10-11 Pett Level (Sussex) 274km

R964541 1Y 12-04-09 Hams Hall, Whitacre Heath (Warks) v 01-04-11 Shotton Steel Works (Clwyd) 121km

L748792 1Y F 14-11-10 Castlemorton Common (Worcs) v 03-03-11 Wollescote (WMids) 47km

V820139 1Y 08-10-07 Bringsty Common (Worcs) v 07-01-11 Hamilton (Strathclyde) 412km

235 L002697 1Y 18-09-10 Easter Inch Moss, Blackburn (Lothian Region) x 14-02-11 Woodbank, Astley Burf (Worcs) 406km

X397354 1Y F 06-10-08 Hollesley (Suffolk) x 21-02-11 (Worcs) 254km

L109735 Fg 24-10-10 Beachy Head (Sussex) v 18-03-11 Alfrick Pound (Worcs) 241km

L950463 2Y M 02-06-11 Dobcross (Greater Manchester) v 09-11-11 Castlemorton Common (Worcs) 168km

Reed Bunting X572927 1Y M 17-10-09 Meadow Bank Farm, Broxton (Cheshire) vv 27-02-11 Tittesworth Reservoir (Staffs) 52km

X874359 Ad M 02-06-10 Betley Mere (Staffs) v 07-11-11 Newport (Shropshire) 28km

L752024 1Y M 12-12-10 Chelmarsh Reservoir (Shropshire) v 09-01-11 Betley Mere (Staffs) 60km

X567472 Ad M 21-09-10 Brandon Marsh (Warks) v 04-03-11 Corsham Lake (Wiltshire) 115km

L177346 1Y F 12-02-11 Bampton (Oxfordshire) x 16-07-11 Edgehill (Warks) 47km

V169838 1Y M 27-11-07 Blakedown(Worcs) v 19-08-11 Rutland Water (Leics) 103km

236 Articles

Roof-top nesting gull study: concerning the population of gulls that breed within the Birmingham boundary

Jim Winsper

Jim Winsper

Prior to the mid 1950s, Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus and Herring Gull Larus argentatus were regarded as very scarce passage migrants or rare visitors to this region (Harrison & Harrison 2005). During the period mid 1950s through to 1986 the regional status of both gulls changed. They were now associated as being resident birds of winter months with large roosts becoming established at major reservoirs; at the same time they were also being recognised as becoming increasingly more numerous on passage. Both species are still to be found in large numbers during the winter period, scavenging at land fill sites, feeding and loafing on farmland and recreation areas and continuing to roost at the region’s larger water expanses. As from 1986 the regional status of Lesser Black-backed Gull changed once again, now being regarded as an increasingly numerous breeding species (WMBC Checklist Emley 2011). Since 1999 the same breeding status also applies to Herring Gull, albeit in much smaller numbers than Lesser Black-backed Gull. The recent regional history of both species of gull is thoroughly documented in the West Midland Bird Club publication “The New Birds of the West Midlands” (Harrison & Harrison 2005).

Today, the sight of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and to a lesser extent Herring Gulls, wheeling above their rooftop breeding colonies during spring and summer months is commonplace in many areas within our region and especially so within the Birmingham boundary. My fascination with this relatively new phenomenon was initially fuelled in 1987 when, along with two colleagues, we came upon a roof-top nest located close to Birmingham city centre that contained two downy Lesser Black-backed Gull chicks. This proof of breeding is the first record to be documented at this location for this species. Prior to this in 1986, the breeding of Lesser Black-backed Gulls (two pairs) was proven in Worcester and this record is a regional first and the commencement of the bird’s current status category.

237 While my study may well be the first of its kind for this exact location, the study of urban roof-top nesting gulls is not new. Peter Rock has an on-going survey that covers the West Country, South Wales, Gloucestershire and parts of the midlands. This work monitors gull populations and studies their behaviour and the affect that this has on an urban environment. Findings from this study area, referred to as “The Severn Estuary Region” reveal connections with breeding gulls here in the Midlands.

A colour ringing programme is integral within this study and this in itself has provided evidence of a movement of birds between the West Country and this region. This is further supported by Harrison & Harrison (2005) who mention that colour ringed birds that originate from Bristol have been observed summering here in the midlands. These facts combine to indicate that the colonisation of the midlands by Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls as breeding birds is, in part, the result of an expansion to their breeding range that has seen them spread in a north- easterly direction from the West Country. This would certainly involve birds from the colonies in Bristol and perhaps Cardiff in South Wales. Both species have extended their breeding range by moving north-east through the Severn Estuary, colonising Gloucestershire and on from there into Worcestershire and elsewhere in the midlands to include this study area.

The trend toward urban breeding by these gulls has continued to gather momentum over the last half century and the following statistics reveal the continued national population increase. From these facts we can gather an understanding of the accelerated growth here in the midlands and place it in context with the national scene.

Somewhat surprisingly, the first reported roof-top nesting by Herring Gull is as recent as 1910 in Port Isaac, Cornwall (Brown & Grice 2005). Within a 100 year period from this report, the estimated total of roof-top nesting Herring Gulls in England has since risen to over 12,000 pairs (Seabird 2000 Mitchell et al. 2004). It is, however, Lesser Black-backed Gull that has made the greatest inroads into the midland region. During the 1960s it was reported that an increasingly large number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls had nested on the roofs of buildings in coastal towns and findings revealed a total of eight pairs in two coastal locations in 1969 (Cramp 1971). By 1994 at least 958 pairs had been recorded in 38 towns (Raven and Coulson 1997). Further results from Seabird 2000 (Mitchell et al. 2004) show figures of 6550 pairs in 69 colonies in both coastal and inland towns. The growth rate of urban nesting gulls continued at a rate of 17% per annum through the period 1976-1994 (Brown & Grice 2005). Most recently, based on results from the Severn Estuary Region over the period 1994-2004 it is estimated that increases on the current scale would see the national population of urban nesting gulls exceed one million pairs by 2014 (Rock 2005). These remarkable statistics reveal that the steady growth in the ever increasing population of urban nesting gulls shows every sign that it is set to continue.

Since the first record in 1987 in Birmingham, the sustained increase in the number of breeding gulls is an occurrence that has been evident for all to see. Summer time shoppers in Birmingham city centre are constantly accompanied by a cacophony of yelping gulls, a sound that was previously only associated with summer holidays and UK seaside resorts. The aim of this study is to establish the number of breeding pairs of gulls that form this population. In achieving this we can then place a value on any meaningful changes that occur against the figures that are presented at the completion of this four year study that spans the breeding seasons commencing in the spring of 2008 and concluding at the end of August 2011.

238 The recording area Figure 1 sets out the Birmingham boundary with random locations placed approximately for orientation purposes only.

My reasons for choosing this location are based simply on the fact that there is clearly an increasing population of breeding gulls in this area and the boundary itself forms a natural perimeter to work within. At the same time, the area has an extent that is ample enough for one person to cover.

The horizontal and vertical dissecting lines on this map give an Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference reading for Birmingham city centre as SP070870. While this city centre reference may not fall directly in line with popular opinion as being the accepted central position, it has allowed me to form a 1×1km city Figure 1. The recording area. centre recording zone that is incorporated within the British National Grid. Some local historians may well prefer the central position for Birmingham city centre as being in Victoria Square and I am not opposed to this. However, it would appear appropriate, given such circumstances, to move this location some 350 metres in an eastward direction to the southern boundary of St. Philips Cathedral Square and in doing so create a dedicated recording zone that is defined by an OS grid intersection. The city centre 1×1km recording zone is therefore defined here as having its centre as St Philips Cathedral Square with its geographical boundaries as:

North:– St Chad’s Queensway immediately east of St Chad’s Circus. South:– Junction of Hinckley Street and Theatre Approach. East:– Junction of Moor Street Queensway and Albert Street. West:– Junction of Paradise Circus and Great Charles Street.

Figure 2 shows how the 1×1km city centre nest recording zone is placed within the British National OS 1×1km grid. Since the recording of breeding gulls first began in Birmingham in 1987 there has been an uninterrupted reference to a city centre location. This annual practice must then dictate that this is an area of considerable historic importance and that we should endeavour to it in place as a recognisable feature with an exact position. From hereon all such records can be related Figure 2.

239 to this zone. All of those nests that are located within the 1×1km squares that immediately surround the city centre zone, as shown in figure 2 will from hereon be referred to as the central recording area.

Outside this city centre zone and the central location, colonies are scattered throughout the area in a variety of environments and building types. These sites range from light to heavy industrial factory premises that may be located in high or low density industrial areas, office apartments and retail and commercial business parks. Largely, and perhaps understandably, housing estates are not in common use as nest sites yet. The reason for this is that domestic dwellings in their standard forms of terraced, semi or detached properties are not the preferred choice while there are still plenty of suitable industrial premises that remain unused. There are, however, constructions that are positioned within housing estates, such as shopping centres, public service buildings and the like that are suitable to their requirements. In these instances such buildings may be used or there have been attempts to use them. Clearly these birds, particularly Lesser Black-backed Gull are not put off from their preferred nest location by man and man’s daily activities. The potential for both species of gull to increase their regional population and in doing so extend their breeding range in the area, is great. Having said this, there are a variety of reasons that may well thwart any expansion, none more so than the concern of building owners to large colonies of gulls nesting on their roof-tops. The entire population of breeding gulls in any city centre, urban or suburban environment is, to say the least, volatile.

The construction and type of buildings that are used for nest sites vary considerably. These range from low level single storey, through to high rise multi-storey buildings. However, the height of the building does not dictate their choice; it is the design of the roof that initially attracts the birds with flat or shallow pitched roofs being their preference. Low level to mid height buildings with a large expanse of shallow pitched roof construction that incorporate a series of valleys, hold some of the largest colonies.

Timing of the study The period chosen for the fieldwork, the breeding seasons 2008 through to 2011 inclusive, was designed to run alongside the new BTO atlas fieldwork 2007-2011 (BTO combined breeding and winter atlas). This allowed me to place all gull breeding records into atlas data as well as at region and county level.

Recording methods The aim of this study is uncomplicated. It is to provide a population figure that comprises of confirmed breeding pairs of roof-top nesting gulls from within this area. The criteria used to establish breeding status is that in current use by the British Trust for Ornithology in order to determine: non-breeding, possible breeder, probable breeding and confirmed breeding. This is a standard method used for all BTO breeding bird survey work.

My method to ensure that the area had adequate coverage was to divide it into a series of recording zones. These circular zones, four in all, emanate from the city centre zone. Achieving full coverage of each zone in each of the four years of the survey would go a long way to ensure that all colonies, or at least an extremely high percentage of all colonies, would be detected. As expected, the zones that form the city centre, central area and the inner two

240 of the four, held the highest density of birds. This equates to the fact that these areas contain the most suitable habitat. The perimeter zone, zone four, held the fewest. See figure 3.

Clearly those zones with the fewest birds were less demanding in terms of time spent in that particular area once all of the colonies had been located. As a result of this more time could be devoted to those areas that were densely populated. This assisted in my further effort to attain accuracy, in so much that part of my fieldwork strategy was to monitor the stability of each colony year on year. Across the entire survey area all colonies Figure 3. Fieldwork recording zones. Zone 1 remained reasonably stable (without includes city centre and central area. meaningful change) throughout the fieldwork period. A full collapse or even part failure in any of the larger colonies would obviously have a major effect upon the final results. When carrying out this annual check, colonies were prioritised in order of size.

Satellite mapping technology and GPS positioning simplified the task of route planning and plotting of the area. Another very useful aid, as a fieldwork companion while searching the area, is the De Luxe large format version of the Birmingham A-Z street guide. This atlas and most of the computerised mapping devices clearly depict the exact habitat, enabling me to identify and seek out those industrial and commercial areas that are the gulls’ preferred breeding sites. Once the zones had been thoroughly covered and the colonies plotted it was then a case of criss-crossing the area from site to site in order to establish the number of breeding pairs in each colony.

Results The results from this study form only part of the midland urban nesting gull scene. Other midland cities, towns and suitable areas also hold colonies; some of which border the Birmingham boundary, sites in West Bromwich and Solihull being examples. Immediately to the west and north-west of this study area lies a swathe of suitable breeding habitat that extends from Cannock in the north-west, through the Black Country to Wolverhampton in the west. To the south-west there are regular records of summering gulls from Worcester city centre and elsewhere in that county.

Having previously stated that my sole aim of this study is to provide numbers that form a benchmark for future studies, it would be impossible to carry out such a task without benefiting your knowledge of the species involved. In doing so, I am convinced that one feature of the pre-breeding behaviour of Lesser Black-backed Gull is worthy of mention should anyone wish to follow up this type of study. My findings relate to a particular detail that could have a bearing upon the accuracy of any final assessment of breeding pairs.

241 Behavioural Study – While some breeding sites can be used during the winter period as a roost, birds can begin to gather at their chosen breeding location early in the year, sometimes as early as late January when weather conditions appear right. From this point onward as the true season approaches, courtship activity increases. Such activity can involve a melee of birds, particularly at the larger sites, jostling for position, courtship display and chasing off rivals. All of the birds involved appear to be in full adult plumage, fourth year birds at least. It would be easy to assume that this gathering would eventually form the bulk of the colony population but this assumption may well be incorrect. There is clearly a hierarchy of birds within these groups, birds that are in excess of four years old and are experienced breeders. Other birds may just have reached breeding maturity and these beginners are eventually seen-off by their seniors, forming a subordinate group that exists at the periphery of the colony or become nomadic, taking no part in breeding. The counting of confirmed breeding pairs in a colony should not take place until this pre-breeding activity has been completed.

Clearly the number of gulls that summer in this area exceeds the number that actually breed, fuelling the theory that the population in its entirety has the potential to expand considerably and rapidly. As previously stated, a considerable proportion of these non-breeding birds are of an age that is close to, or has reached breeding maturity. These birds are liable to expand existing colonies where space is available or seek out new sites amongst the abundance of unused suitable habitat.

Results at the completion of fieldwork – end of August 2011. Given that the regional breeding status of Herring Gull is currently regarded as uncommon, I have included probable breeding birds in these results.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus– all colonies remained stable over the four year study period resulting in an area total of 555 confirmed breeding pairs.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus – the number of confirmed breeding pairs remained stable over the four year study period resulting in an area total of 31 confirmed breeding pairs together with four probable breeding pairs.

The adjacent map, figure 4 shows where the highest density of breeding gulls occur. This area spreads from the central zones in an easterly direction that follows the M6 – River Tame corridor. It is quite likely that this area, with its Figure 4. The nucleus of breeding birds

242 abundance of suitable but as yet unused breeding habitat, will continue to grow before birds colonise other areas. There are colonies that are detached from this core area but they are in an isolated position with regard to suitable habitat.

As with any survey of breeding birds the level of accuracy on which the final figures are based is subject to some tolerance. By focusing on placing a proof of breeding figure on the population of gulls that choose roof-top nest locations within this study area has allowed me to carry out the work without too much distraction from having to provide further statistics. The outcome of this is that I am comfortable with my final numbers, at the same time, I am perfectly happy in accepting that there will inevitably be a degree of inaccuracy in my findings. My reasoning for this acceptance is that not all nests are visible. It is impossible in many cases to gain a vantage point over roof-tops and in these instances my assessment of confirmed breeding is calculated entirely on the behaviour of adult birds and therefore subject to interpretation.

It is the intention that this work will provide a point of reference to any future study assessments concerning the roof-top nesting gull population that occurs within the Birmingham boundary. To this end I offer the following benchmark figures that incorporate an inaccuracy allowance of ± ≈ 10% of my findings. This figure of approximately 10% does not have any scientific value. My decision to use this percentage is based entirely on the lines that this survey area places before you a very difficult recording and monitoring environment for this particular study. Given these circumstances, it would seem reasonable to expect that somewhere in the order of 50 pairs, of the 555 recorded breeding pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, may not fall correctly within this category level. That is to say, they should have been categorised as probable or possible breeding birds or simply present in the area – non-breeding. On the other hand it would be equally reasonable to expect that the same figure of around 50 breeding pairs are likely to occur in the area but have not been recorded. Therefore, this figure of approximately 10% has been used simply as a gesture to accommodate any inaccuracies and in doing so provide final round-up figures with a high and low value.

Lesser Black-backed Gull chick, August 2009 and Lesser Black-backed Gull incubating eggs, May 2011. Central recording area. Jim Winsper

243 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus – Final benchmark figures. Figures at the completion of this study, end of August 2011, amount to a population not greater than 600 or less than 500 confirmed breeding pairs.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus – Final benchmark figures. Any meaningful population increase or decrease that provides evidence of change to the 31 confirmed breeding pairs and four probable breeding pairs that exist at the completion of this study – end of August 2011.

Tables 1 and 2 show the location of all colonies found in the area during the study period, the number of breeding pairs in each colony, a six figure OS grid reference and the British Trust for Ornithology tetrad code. Given that colonies have a tendency to relocate, albeit a minor move due to a variety of disturbance reasons or an expansion or reduction in numbers, the location together with the grid reference should enable us to locate the colony as it was at the time of study. The BTO tetrad code is the recording reference used for the location of species during the New Atlas fieldwork. It does, however, continue to provide a wider reference area in support of the other two procedures used in this study.

In the following two tables all locations are in BTO tetrad numerical and alphabetical order.

Table 1

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus. All records 2008-2011inclusive

Location Number OS BTO of pairs grid ref: tetrad code Longbridge works/Longbridge Lane 09 SP009768 SP07 D Wiggin St/Rotten Park St 07 SP048871 SP08 N Pitsford Street 02 SP058879 SP08 N Ledsam Street 03 SP052869 SP08 N Hockley Trading estate/Pitsford St.w. 08 SP056880 SP08 P Charles Henry St/Vaughton St 09 SP074856 SP08 S Lombard Street 03 SP078859 SP08 S Barford Street 02 SP074859 SP08 S Cliveland Street 11 SP071877 SP08 T Summer Lane (middle) 05 SP070879 SP08 T Constitution Hill 02 SP065877 SP08 T Northwood Street 02 SP062875 SP08 T Newhall Street 03 SP065872 SP08 T Wholesale Market area 05 SP075861 SP08 T Loveday Street/Price Street 05 SP072877 SP08 T Colmore Row 08 SP067869 SP08 T Council House-Victoria Square 06 SP066869 SP08 T Cornwall St/Edmund St 03 SP066870 SP08 T New Street west 01 SP068868 SP08 T New Street central 02 SP070868 SP08 T New Street east 02 SP071867 SP08 T

244 Location Number OS BTO of pairs grid ref: tetrad code Corporation Street 02 SP071868 SP08 T New Street Station 01 SP069867 SP08 T Temple Row 01 SP070869 SP08 T Wholesale Markets/main complex 81 SP074862 SP08 T Rea Street 02 SP076861 SP08 T Bull Ring Trading Estate 02 SP079862 SP08 T Bishop Street 04 SP073860 SP08 T New Town Row/New Town area 11 SP064882 SP08 U Evelyn Road 03 SP096838 SP08 W Armoury Road 24 SP096849 SP08 X Sydenham Rd/Golden Hillock Rd 14 SP095848 SP08 X Highgate Road 04 SP086845 SP08 X Windsor Street 06 SP080878 SP08 Y Fazeley Street 05 SP080868 SP08 Y Barn Street 04 SP080867 SP08 Y Upper Trinity Street 05 SP083861 SP08 Y Dollman St/Inkerman St 03 SP087874 SP08 Y Pennine Way 26 SP095885 SP08 Z Rupert Street 14 SP084884 SP08 Z Tame Road/Electric Avenue 26 SP086902 SP09 V Seeley’s Road 09 SP100841 SP18 C Redfern Road Parkway 11 SP114842 SP18 C Redfern Road/Kings Road 03 SP110844 SP18 C Speedwell Road/Amington Road 03 SP118847 SP18 C Warren Road 07 SP105889 SP18 E Common Lane 04 SP107888 SP18 E Watson Rd/Jarvis Rd 115 SP100894 SP18 E 38 SP101901 SP19 A Fort Parkway 17 SP125901 SP19 F Fort Parkway east 05 SP133908 SP19 F Erdington Industrial Park 07 SP136914 SP19 F

Total – confirmed breeding pairs 555

Table 2

Herring Gull Larus argentatus. All records 2008–2011 inclusive

Location Number OS BTO of pairs grid ref: tetrad code Colmore Row 02 SP067869 SP08 T New Street east – Probable B. 01 SP071867 SP08 T Wholesale Markets/main complex 02 SP074862 SP08 T

245 Location Number OS BTO of pairs grid ref: tetrad code Armoury Road 05 SP096849 SP08 X Fazeley Street – Probable B. 01 SP080868 SP08 Y Rupert Street 01 SP084884 SP08 Z Pennine Way 01 SP095885 SP08 Z Watson Road/Jarvis Road 16 SP100894 SP18 E Fort Parkway – Probable B. 02 SP125901 SP19 F Fort Parkway east 02 SP133908 SP19 F Erdington Industrial Park 02 SP136914 SP19 F

Total – confirmed breeding pairs 31 Probable breeding 4

Herring Gull incubating eggs, June 2011. Recording zone 1. Jim Winsper

Herring gulls that I have recorded as probable breeding birds refer to pairs that have summered in the area, in the immediate vicinity of active Lesser Black-backed Gull colonies. While all four pairs were involved in courtship behaviour, nothing more was revealed that offered absolute proof that breeding had actually taken place. However, it must be emphasized that viewing access to some of the roofs in these locations was severely restricted. It is also highly likely that the birds involved in these instances were first time breeders, lacking the necessary experience to complete their reproduction process. Breeding pairs of Herring Gulls form ≈ 5.3% of the total population of all recorded breeding gulls in this area and in the main choose to locate their nests in close proximity to, or within, Lesser Black-backed Gull colonies.

This species did not attain breeding status in this region until 1999 when a pair successfully raised three young in Worcester city, this being the first county and regional record. Following this, breeding success was confirmed in Birmingham city centre in 2001 when a pair raised three young. This record being the first for this location. (WMBC annual bird report).

246 Opportunism is a genetic trait that all bird species possess, on which their survival depends. It is characterised here by these two species of gull in its keenest form and especially so by Herring Gull, the archetypal seaside bird of the UK coast. During the 25 year period since breeding first took place in this region both birds have exploited what man has had to offer, a plentiful supply of food, through landfill sites in particular, safe roosting at the region’s larger water bodies together with a wide range of building constructions that satisfy their breeding habitat requirements. Having been the providers we, mankind, are also in the position to deprive these birds of some of these facilities, none more so than their breeding habitat. Their presence as urban breeding birds is not always welcome and the conflict between man and bird is prevalent in many areas throughout this region, as it is in other parts of the UK where these gulls have colonised an urban environment. However stringent our preventative methods may be, these two species of gull will not be easily put off from going about their breeding activities in their chosen urban location.

What is the likely impact of this emergent population of breeding gulls in this area? I would suggest that we look at this issue from two fronts. The first being, how will it affect us, the human population and second, the affect that this population might have on all other wildlife in the area? We can then add a third and combined component to these questions. What will be the effect in both instances if the gull population expands well beyond its present size? All of the usual problems associated with mass invasion by wildlife of public areas pop up again in this situation. The issues that are mostly linked to urban roof-top nesting gulls are noise, mess and aggression, prioritised in that order (Rock 2005).

Mess will certainly prove to be a problem. The city, having played host to winter Starling roosts containing many thousands of birds over an untold amount of decades, is testimony to this. However, the mess produced by nesting gulls goes further than just their excrement; their feeding habits and subsequent left-overs, together with frequent corpses of what is a large bird, plus their nesting material all generate a considerable amount of detritus. Nesting material itself is a problem, blocking roof-top waterway drain-off channels that can result in leaking roofs and internal flooding of buildings. In addition to this, these birds are naturally aggressive when it comes to protecting their nest site and defending their young. Those who enter their territory during these stages of their breeding cycle may well experience this trait.

Their presence in this area and the impact that this may have upon other urban wildlife does not, as yet, appear to have sounded any alarm bells. There are no other bird species competing directly with the gulls for their roof-top nest sites and their predatory instincts and activities appear to have a lot less impact on potential prey species than that of the resident corvid and raptor population. One bird species that may well suffer from the presence of breeding gulls is the urban dwelling Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. If the chosen nest site of the Kestrel happens to be favoured by the gulls as a suitable breeding location the Kestrel is soon ousted from its territory when gulls move in. This may not always be down to the action taken by the gulls and may well be a decision to move on by the Kestrel. The Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus is not affected by the presence of breeding gulls. Both species of gull and the Peregrine have a long association of breeding in close proximity to one another in coastal locations and their pact would also appear to apply in an urban environment too. Other noted species that may use the same building as the gulls to locate

247 their nests are Feral Pigeon Columba livia, Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris and House Sparrow Passer domesticus, none of which are deterred by the presence of gulls.

While predation by urban gulls is of a fairly low level in this area at present, it must still be recognised as an additional threat to that already posed by other species and we should perhaps look at the whole picture rather than a fragmented version of species by species when evaluating the situation. Further to this, an increase in this breeding population of gulls, particularly on a large scale, could possibly see some changes in characteristic to their feeding behaviour within this environment and this is quite likely to involve a tendency toward a higher rate of predation in their food gathering methods. In particular, such changes may well apply in the case of Herring Gull, which of the two species is the bird with considerably greater predatory instincts. My only evidence of true predation by gulls throughout the four year study period is the taking of a Mallard Anas platyrhynchos duckling on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal in Aston by a Lesser Black-backed Gull. It is quite likely that the duckling’s seven siblings may well have suffered the same fate. As things stand it would seem that the gulls preferred feeding method is that of scavenging and while this source of food supply is plentiful then other methods of gathering food may well remain opportunistic and thus infrequent while the population remains at or around the current level.

What will happen next remains to be seen but the regional status of these gulls over the coming years is highly likely to take some twists and turns, be they self imposed or inflicted by man. One certainty is that this population will continue to fascinate and be worthy of future study.

Lesser Black-backed Gull incubating eggs on a warm day, June 2011. Recording zone 1. Jim Winsper

Acknowledgements Many thanks go to Dr Stefan Bodnar for providing access to roof-tops in Birmingham city centre, Alan Dean for posting annual results of this survey on his website together with his

248 support and constructive prompts on this article, Graham and Janet Harrison for their constructive comments, Alicia Normand for overhauling this paper, my wife Lilian for her invaluable assistance during fieldwork and the preparation of this article and finally to the West Midland Bird Club and the British Trust for Ornithology for their support and encouragement in my undertaking of this project.

References Brown, A. and Grice, P. 2005. Birds in England. Poyser, London. Cramp, S. 1971. Gulls nesting on buildings in Britain and Ireland. British Birds 64:476-487. Emley, D.W. A Checklist of the birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands and Guide to Status and Record Submission. Third Edition 2011, West Midland Bird Club. Emley, D.W. et al. West Midland Bird Club Annual Bird Report 1986-2009. West Midland Bird Club. Harrison, G. & Harrison, J. 2005. The new Birds of the West Midlands. West Midland Bird Club. Mitchell, P.I., Newton, S.F., Ratcliffe, N. and Dunn, T.E. 2004. Seabird Populations of Britain and Ireland. Seabird 2000. Poyser, London Monaghan, P.E. & Coulson, J.C. 1977. Status of large gulls nesting on buildings. Bird Study 24:89-104. Raven, S.J. & Coulson, J.C. 1997. The distribution and abundance of Larus gulls nesting on buildings in Britain and Ireland. Bird Study 44:13-34. Rock, P. 2005. Urban gulls. British Birds 98:337-394

Alternative calls of Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita during spring 2011

Alan R. Dean

Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita is one of the earliest summer migrants and from mid-March its characteristic song is to be heard widely across the midlands. In this respect, spring 2011 was no exception. However, as well as song, intense bouts of calling were also encountered from Chiffchaffs arriving in 2011. More remarkably still, the call employed by a high percentage of individuals was not the familiar, rising and almost monosyllabic call (often transcribed as ‘huit’ or ‘hweet’) but an alternative, more-disyllabic call, with a distinctive and abrupt downward inflection (which could be transcribed as ‘sweeoo’).

This alternative call is regularly encountered in the late summer and autumn and is frequently associated with juveniles. It is occasionally heard from adults in spring, especially during pair formation, but is generally infrequent at that season and far outweighed by the traditional call. That a majority of adults in spring 2011 employed this alternative call and used it with unusual frequency was one of the notable events of the year.

Discussions on the internet confirmed that this phenomenon was widespread across the UK in 2011. Here in the West Midlands I first noted this alternative call on April 6th, from a Chiffchaff at Elmdon. By April 13th I recorded in my log-book that ‘sweeoo callers seem

249 especially numerous this spring’. On April 15th I encountered a total of 42 Chiffchaffs, of which 14 employed the downward inflected ‘sweeoo’ call and only 3 the traditional rising ‘hweet’. By the end of April I had logged 90+ individuals using the alternative call, which comprised around 75% of all individuals heard calling. There was nothing in their plumage to suggest that they were other than nominate collybita. Smaller numbers were still to be Chiffchaff “sweeoo-caller”, Meriden, April 2011. Alan Dean heard through May, into the post-migration period, confirming that some individuals were locally breeding birds.

In the West Midlands region in 2011, adult Chiffchaffs using the fulsome ‘sweeoo’ or a sharper ‘sweeu’ version of the call were heard in all months from March to July, after which juveniles (as expected) were also to be heard using this type of call. From late May, the total number of callers was reduced (presumably as passage came to a close) but from about mid- June, among this reduced population, the number of ‘hweet’ callers at last began to match or exceed the number of ‘sweeoo’ callers. Also, among ‘sweeoo’ callers, a higher incidence of the clipped ‘sweeu’ version was encountered. Some individuals swapped between a fulsome ‘sweeoo’ and a clipped ‘sweeu’. From late summer, a rather strident version of the ‘hweet’ call became commonplace. Throughout, with all these non-standard calls, prolonged bouts of persistent calling from Chiffchaffs were widespread and very prevalent, suggesting a relatively high ‘population density’.

During mid-April I sound-recorded several calls and produced sonograms to examine their structure. This revealed that there were two variants of the fulsome ‘sweeoo’ call. The most frequently used variant initially rose in frequency before an abrupt downward inflection, so that its shape in the sonogram is that of an inverted letter ‘V’ (Figure 1). The second variant had a more sinusoidal shape, comprising two juxtaposed rising components, weakly linked by a downward component, with the second rising section starting from a much lower frequency than the first. As the frequencies of the two rising components barely overlap, with the pitch of the second significantly lower, the sound overall has a downward inflection to the human ear (Figure 2). For comparison a sonogram of the traditional rising ‘hweet’ call is provided in Figure 3.

Although highly unusual, such predominance of an alternative call in spring is not unprecedented. Examination of the literature and internet sites reveals that, across Europe, such alternative calls become the dominant call of adults in spring, in some years, and in various countries, but with no overall synchronization (e.g. Hoffmann 2010, Lindholm 2009). In a study in Germany in 2008 and 2009, Hoffmann concluded that individuals using

250 the ‘sweeoo’ call did so consistently and it reflected a persistent individual disposition (in a given year or series of years) rather than a transient mood of the caller. So far, data on the incidence of ‘alternative’ calls in spring is limited but suggests that such instances are not synchronized Europe-wide but occur randomly in place and time. No real explanation for this periodic prevalence of an ‘alternative’ call has been forthcoming but, as it embraces a significant percentage of individuals in a given country or region when it does occur, it clearly has some substantive or cultural cause at the population level. Currently, the UK population of Chiffchaffs is relatively high and on an increasing trend (BTO data) and it is tempting to think that in some way this is a factor.

Further details and examples of ‘alternative’ calls in the West Midlands in spring 2011 can be found on the internet at: http://deanar.org.uk/general/articles/chiffchaffcalls.htm

References Hofmann, M. 2010. Nicht nur einsilbig und einfach: Entwicklungstendenzen und Fragestellungen zum Ruf des Zilpzalps Phylloscopus c. collybita. [Not only monosyllabic and simple: development trends and questions related to the call of Chiffchaff Phylloscopus c. collybita.] Die Vogelwelt 1/2010 www.vogelwelt.com/cms/red/iv/iv-2010/iv-2010-01.php. Lindholm, A. 2009. Variant Chiffchaff calls. www.elisanet.fi/antero.lindholm/Linnut/Phylloscopus/Phycolhily.html

251 County Lists

The following tables show all species in categories A to C of The British List that have been reliably recorded in the area covered by the current boundaries of the four counties of the Region since records were kept. The regional total as at December 31st 2011 was 342. The year shown is the latest in which the species has been observed in each county while nk refers to reliable, but undated, 19th century records. Subspecies or races are shown in italics and they, along with known escapes, are not included in the totals.

Details The Details column is used to indicate for which species a description or supporting details are required As the status of each species is not necessarily the same across the four counties, a description or supporting details may be required for some counties but not for others The level of detail required will, of course, vary with the species concerned; some requiring only a brief sentence while other, rarer species, more detailed notes However, if the bird you are claiming is unfamiliar to you, or you are unsure of its identity, then don’t be afraid to send in a description – even if it is not requested. The following abbreviations are used: BBRC A full description is required by British Birds Rarities Committee A A description or supporting details required for ALL counties St, Wa, Wo, WM A description or supporting details required for Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and West Midlands respectively

Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Mute Swan Cygnus olor 2011 2011 2011 2011 Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus All 2011 2011 2011 2011 Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Wa, Wo, WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Bean Goose Anser fabalis A 2004 2006 2008 2007 Tundra Bean Goose Anser fabilis rossicus A 2010 2011 2011 2007 Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabilis fabalis BBRC 0 2006 0 0 Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Wa, WM 2011 2011 2011 2010 White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons A 2011 2011 2011 2011 Greenland White-f Goose Anser albifrons flavirostris A 2009 0 2009 0 Greylag Goose Anser anser 2011 2011 2011 2011 Canada Goose Branta canadensis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Brent Goose Branta bernicla A 2011 2011 2011 2010 Pale-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota A 2005 2008 2008 0 Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Wa, WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 2011 2011 2011 2011 Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata 2011 2011 2011 2011 Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 2011 2011 2011 2011 American Wigeon Anas americana A 2002 2008 2006 0 Gadwall Anas strepera 2011 2011 2011 2011 Eurasian Teal Anas crecca 2011 2011 2011 2011 Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis A 2010 2004 2010 0 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2011 2011 2011 2011 Northern Pintail Anas acuta 2011 2011 2011 2011 Garganey Anas querquedula 2011 2011 2011 2011 Blue-winged Teal Anas discors BBRC 1989 1989 2001 0 Shoveler Anas clypeata 2011 2011 2011 2011 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina WM 2011 2011 2011 2009 Common Pochard Aythya ferina 2011 2011 2011 2011 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris A 2006 2005 2009 2001

252 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca A 2007 2006 2010 1998 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 2011 2011 2011 2011 Greater Scaup Aythya marila 2011 2011 2011 2010 Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis BBRC 2010 2006 2006 0 Common Eider Somateria mollissima A 1993 2011 2011 1993 Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis A 2008 2006 2009 2005 Common Scoter Melanitta nigra WM 2011 2010 2011 2011 Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata A 1986 2000 0 0 Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca A 2005 1985 2004 1994 Bufflehead Bucephala albeola BBRC 2004 0 2004 2004 Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 2011 2011 2011 2011 Smew Mergellus albellus Wo, WM 2011 2010 2011 2010 Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator A 2011 2011 2011 2011 Goosander Mergus merganser 2011 2011 2011 2011 Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Wo, Wa, WM 0 0 2011 1868 Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix A 0 1915 2009 1897 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 2011 2011 2011 2011 Grey Partridge Perdix perdix 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix A 2011 2011 2011 2007 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata A 2009 2011 2011 2001 Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica A 2011 1995 2009 2011 Great Northern Diver Gavia immer A 2011 2009 2011 2003 Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis A 2004 2000 2008 1996 Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea A 0 0 1971 0 Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus A 2011 2011 2011 2004 European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus A 1983 2003 1990 1970 Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa A 2010 2006 2010 2006 Northern Gannet Morus bassanus A 2011 2008 2010 2010 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2011 2011 2011 2011 Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis A 2011 2009 2011 2005 Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris A 2011 2011 2011 2011 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus BBRC 1981 1865 1901 <1836 Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax A 2011 1983 2010 2011 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides BBRC 0 2007 2004 0 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis A 2011 1993 2011 0 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 2011 2011 2011 2011 Great White Egret Ardea alba A 2011 2011 2011 2011 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 2011 2011 2011 2011 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea A 1990 2000 2005 0 Black Stork Ciconia nigra BBRC 0 1956 1985 0 White Stork Ciconia ciconia A 2005 2005 2011 2005 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus BBRC 2009 2010 2009 0 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia A 2011 2011 2011 2011 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena A 2010 2008 2011 2011 Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus A 2010 2010 2011 2010 Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Wa, Wo, WM 2011 2011 2011 2010 Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus A 2011 2008 2010 2008 Black Kite Milvus migrans A 0 1986 1991 2004 Red Kite Milvus milvus WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla A 1891 1945 1905 0 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Wo, Wa, WM 2011 2011 2011 2010 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus A 2011 2011 2011 2011 Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus A 2008 2009 2006 1951 Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis A 2011 2011 2011 2010 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 2011 2011 2011 2011 Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus A 2005 1979 2001 2010 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos A 0 0 nk 0

253 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Osprey Pandion haliaetus Wo, WM 2011 2011 2011 2010 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus A 2003 2001 2002 0 Merlin Falco columbarius WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Hobby Falco subbuteo 2011 2011 2011 2011 Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus BBRC 1852 0 <1844 0 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Spotted Crake Porzana porzana A 2011 2009 2011 2011 Little Crake Porzana parva BBRC 1974 0 0 0 Corn Crake Crex crex A 2005 1988 1988 1965 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Coot Fulica atra 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Crane Grus grus A 2011 2011 2011 2009 Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax BBRC 0 0 c1899 <1893 Great Bustard Otis tarda BBRC 0 c1825 0 0 Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus BBRC 1987 2006 1995 0 Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Wa, Wo, WM 2011 2011 2011 2009 Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus A 2001 2010 2006 2007 Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola BBRC 1996 1994 0 0 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 2011 2011 2011 2011 Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula 2011 2011 2011 2011 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus A 1993 1940 1995 0 Dotterel Charadrius morinellus A 2009 2010 2011 1978 American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica A 1991 0 0 0 European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria 2011 2011 2011 2011 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola WM 2011 2011 2011 2009 White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus BBRC 1975 0 0 0 Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Red Knot Calidris canutus WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Sanderling Calidris alba WM 2011 2011 2011 2009 Little Stint Calidris minuta WM 2011 2011 2011 2009 Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii A 2010 2008 2011 2005 Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla BBRC 2002 1988 2002 0 White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis A 0 1996 1989 0 Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii BBRC 1996 0 2005 0 Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos A 2011 2011 2011 2006 Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea WM 2011 2011 2011 2010 Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima A 2011 1988 2011 1985 Dunlin Calidris alpina 2011 2011 2011 2011 Broad-billed Sandpiper Calidris falcinellus BBRC 1985 0 2004 0 Buff-breasted Sandpiper Calidris subruficollis A 1995 0 1980 0 Ruff Calidris pugnax 2011 2011 2011 2011 Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 2011 2011 2011 2011 Great Snipe Gallinago media BBRC <1886 0 1954 1995 Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus BBRC 1983 2006 0 0 Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 2011 2011 2011 2011 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata 2011 2011 2011 2011 Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda BBRC 1851 0 0 0 Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Wa, Wo, WM 2011 2011 2011 2009 Common Redshank Tringa totanus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis BBRC 0 0 1974 0 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 2011 2011 2011 2011 Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes BBRC 0 0 2011 0 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Wo, WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 2011 2011 2011 2011

254 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius BBRC 2007 2011 2008 2004 Turnstone Arenaria interpres WM 2011 2011 2011 2010 Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor BBRC 1996 2007 0 0 Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus A 2011 2011 2011 1893 Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius A 2010 2011 2011 2011 Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus A 2011 1999 2009 1985 Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus A 2010 2010 2010 2000 Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus A 2003 1987 2004 1991 Great Skua Stercorarius skua A 2010 2010 2006 1994 Sabine’s Gull Xema sabini A 1989 2009 2011 0 Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 2011 2011 2011 2011 Bonaparte’s Gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia BBRC 1992 0 1996 0 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Laughing Gull Larus atricilla BBRC 0 2005 0 1997 Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan BBRC 2008 0 2010 0 Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Gull Larus canus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis A 1998 2010 2010 1996 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Herring Gull Larus argentatus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans A 2011 2011 2011 2011 Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides A 2011 2011 2011 2011 Kumlien’s Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni A 2009 2009 2009 2011 Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus A 2011 2011 2011 2010 Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata BBRC 0 0 1852 0 Little Tern Sternula albifrons A 2011 2011 2011 2009 Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica BBRC 2006 <1901 1989 1896 Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia BBRC 1993 1971 1999 1979 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida BBRC 2005 1994 2009 0 Black Tern Chlidonias niger 2011 2011 2011 2011 White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus A 2009 2000 2011 1977 Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Wa, Wo, WM 2011 2011 2011 2009 Common Tern Sterna hirundo 2011 2011 2011 2011 Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii A 2002 1999 2006 0 Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Guillemot Uria aalge A nk 0 1920 1980 Razorbill Alca torda A nk 1953 0 1912 Little Auk Alle alle A 2007 1998 2001 1999 Puffin Fratercula arctica A 1984 1963 1983 1999 Pallas’s Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus BBRC 1888 1888 1908 1888 Feral Pigeon Columba livia 2011 2011 2011 2011 Stock Dove Columba oenas 2011 2011 2011 2011 Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 2011 2011 2011 2011 Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur St, WM 2011 2011 2011 2007 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri A 2011 2011 2010 2011 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Barn Owl Tyto alba 2011 2011 2011 2011 Little Owl Athene noctua 2011 2011 2011 2011 Tawny Owl Strix aluco 2011 2011 2011 2011 Long-eared Owl Asio otus Wa, Wo, WM 2011 2011 2011 2010 Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus BBRC 0 1901 0 0 European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Wa, Wo, WM 2006 2005 2011 2005 White-throated Needle-tail Hirundapus caudacutus BBRC 0 0 1991 0 Common Swift Apus apus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Alpine Swift Apus melba A 2003 1997 1996 1988 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 2011 2011 2011 2011

255 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon BBRC 0 0 2005 0 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster A 2008 2007 2009 2008 European Roller Coracias garrulus BBRC 0 0 1908 0 Hoopoe Upupa epops A 2010 2011 2010 2011 Wryneck Jynx torquilla A 2008 2010 2011 2010 Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 2011 2011 2011 2011 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor 2011 2011 2011 2011 Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus A 2005 2000 2009 1990 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio A 2005 2008 2006 2003 Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor BBRC 0 1987 0 0 Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor A 2011 2011 2011 1998 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator A 2009 1893 2010 1999 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 2011 2011 2011 2011 Magpie Pica pica 2011 2011 2011 2011 Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes BBRC 0 0 1991 0 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax A 0 1826 0 0 Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula 2011 2011 2011 2011 Rook Corvus frugilegus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Carrion Crow Corvus corone 2011 2011 2011 2011 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix A 1987 1983 1994 1984 Common Raven Corvus corax 2011 2011 2011 2011 Goldcrest Regulus regulus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla A 2011 2011 2011 2010 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Great Tit Parus major 2011 2011 2011 2011 Coal Tit Periparus ater 2011 2011 2011 2011 Willow Tit Poecile montana Wo 2011 2011 2011 2011 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus A 2010 2004 2007 1993 Woodlark Lullula arborea A 2007 2010 2011 2009 Skylark Alauda arvensis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris A 1994 2008 2002 2006 Sand Martin Riparia riparia 2011 2011 2011 2011 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 2011 2011 2011 2011 House Martin Delichon urbicum 2011 2011 2011 2011 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica A 2004 2009 2006 0 Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Wo, St, WM 2011 2011 2011 2010 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis A 0 0 1993 0 Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus A 2001 1987 1970 0 Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus A 1996 2003 2010 2009 Hume’s Warbler Phylloscopus humei BBRC 0 0 1994 0 Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus BBRC 0 0 0 1996 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wa 2011 2011 2011 2010 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 2011 2011 2011 2011 Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus c. tristis A 2007 2006 2009 1994 Scandinavian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus c. abietinus A 2009 2009 2005 2011 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 2011 2011 2011 2011 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin 2011 2011 2011 2011 Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria A 1979 2011 0 0 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata A 1914 2010 2011 2009 Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia 2011 2011 2011 2011 River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis BBRC 0 0 1996 0 Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides A 2004 1999 1977 0 Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina A 1997 1942 1993 0 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta A 2000 0 1996 0 Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola A 2009 1983 0 0 Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus 2011 2011 2011 2011

256 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris A 2001 2005 1996 1982 Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus BBRC 2005 0 2007 0 Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus All 2011 2011 2011 2011 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea 2011 2011 2011 2011 Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris 2011 2011 2011 2011 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2011 2011 2011 2011 Rose-coloured Starling Pastor roseus A 2001 2005 2009 2004 Dipper Cinclus cinclus Wa, WM 1991 2011 2011 2006 Black-bellied Dipper Cinclus cinclus cinclus A 1996 0 0 0 White’s Thrush Zoothera dauma BBRC 1895 0 0 0 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Wa 2011 2011 2011 2011 Blackbird Turdus merula 2011 2011 2011 2011 Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni BBRC 0 1979 0 0 Black-throated Thrush Turdus albogularis BBRC 0 1996 1978 0 Fieldfare Turdus pilaris 2011 2011 2011 2011 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 2011 2011 2011 2011 Redwing Turdus iliacus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 2011 2011 2011 2011 Robin Erithacus rubecula 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Wa, St, WM 2011 2011 2009 1979 Bluethroat Luscinia svecica A 2011 2011 1994 1985 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros A 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 2011 2011 2011 2011 Stonechat Saxicola torquata 2011 2011 2011 2011 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 2011 2011 2011 2011 Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe o. leucorhoa A (autumn) 2011 2010 2011 2011 Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti BBRC 0 0 1996 0 Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva A 2008 0 0 0 Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Wa 2011 2011 2011 2011 Dunnock Prunella modularis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris BBRC nk 0 0 0 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava 2011 2011 2011 2011 Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava A 2011 2011 2011 2011 Spanish Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae A 0 1982 1993 0 Grey-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava thunbergi A 0 0 0 1996 Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola BBRC 1997 0 0 0 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 2011 2011 2011 2011 Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba 2011 2011 2011 2011 White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba All (autumn) 2011 2011 2011 2011 Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi A 2010 2007 2002 1994 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus A 1994 0 0 0 Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Scandinavian Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus littoralis A 2009 2008 2008 2006 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta A 2011 2010 2011 2005 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 2011 2011 2011 2011 Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 2011 2011 2011 2011 European Serin Serinus serinus A 2002 1981 2001 0 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 2011 2011 2011 2011 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2011 2011 2011 2011 Siskin Carduelis spinus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Linnet Carduelis cannabina 2011 2011 2011 2011 Twite Carduelis flavirostris A 2009 2009 2011 2003 Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea A 2011 2011 2011 2011

257 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni A 0 2002 1996 0 Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera BBRC 0 1838 1980 0 Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra WM 2011 2011 2011 2011 Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus A 2003 0 0 0 Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 2011 2011 2011 2011 Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes St, Wa, WM 2010 2011 2011 2011 Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis A 2011 2011 2009 1997 Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus A 1981 2010 2010 2005 Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos BBRC 0 2005 0 0 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella 2011 2011 2011 2011 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus A 1959 1983 1951 1950 Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica A 0 1987 0 0 Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla A 2009 2005 2005 2003 Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 2011 2011 2011 2011 Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala BBRC 2004 0 0 0 Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra 2011 2011 2011 2011 Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula BBRC 0 0 0 1968

Appendix 1 Great White Pelican Pelicanus onocrotalus A 1975 2001 1981 0 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber A 1962 1968 1988 1968 Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus A 1991 0 2007 2005 Snow Goose Anser caerulescens A 2010 2011 2011 2003 Ross’s Goose Anser rossii A 2011 2011 2006 1999 Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii A 2010 2000 2011 2005 Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis A 1973 2007 2009 0 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Wa, Wo, WM 2009 2010 2011 2008 Falcated Duck Anas falcata A 2005 1985 2008 0 Baikal Teal Anas formosa A 2005 0 0 0 Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris A 2008 0 1993 2001 Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus A 2010 0 2011 0 White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala A 0 0 2003 0 Saker Falco cherrug A 2009 1993 2002 0 Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus A 2007 2006 2006 1985 Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae A 2008 2002 0 0 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax A 2010 0 0 0 Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps A 1976 0 1977 0 Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea A 2006 0 0 0

Grand Total Region 342 County 309 303 314 271 Total in 2011 Region 228 County 206 201 216 169

The county totals exclude all subspecies and races and those species in Appendices 1 and 2 of the Regional List.

Note: The records of Red and Black Grouse on the West Midlands list refer to Sutton Park which, at the time of the records, was part of Warwickshire.

258 Gazetteer The following alphabetical list for each county gives the grid references (if known) of all localities mentioned in the Report.

Warwickshire Abbey Fields SP2872 Bridgetown Fields SP2153 Darlingscott SP2342 Abbots Salford Pool SP0749 Brinklow SP4379 DMC Kineton SP3651 Alcester SP0857 Brinklow GP SP4278 Dog Lane Fishery SP4760 Alcester Heath SP0659 Broadwater SP2285 Dordon SK2600 Alcester STW SP0956 Broadwell SP4565 Dosthill Lake SP2098 Alderham Pastures SP2762 Broom SP0953 Draycote Fish Ponds SP4469 Alderminster SP2348 Bubbenhall SP3672 Draycote Hill SP4468 Alvecote Pools SK2504 Bubbenhall GP SP3771 Draycote Water SP4669 Alvecote Wood SK2403 Burton Dassett SP3951 Drayton Bushes SP1655 Ansley SP2991 Burton Hastings SP4189 Dunchurch SP4871 Ansty SP3983 Bush Hill SP5063 Dunnington SP0653 Arbury Park SP3389 Dunn’s Lane Pool SK2700 Arley SP2890 Calcutt SP4664 Dunsmore Heath SP4372 Arley Wood SP2790 Caldecote SP3494 Dunton SP1893 Armscote SP2444 Camp Hill SP3393 Arrow SP0856 Cathiron SP4778 Earlswood Lakes SP1174 Ashorne SP3057 Cawston SP4773 Easenhall SP4679 SP1359 Cawston Woods SP4772 Eathorpe SP3969 Atherstone SP3097 Chadshunt SP3452 Edge Hill SP3747 Atherstone GC SP3096 Chapel Ascote SP4157 Edstone SP1761 Atherstone-on-Stour SP2051 Charlecote GP SP2657 Eggwell Wood SP1763 Attleborough Fields SP3890 Charlecote Park SP2656 Ennister Wood SP0754 Austrey SK2906 Chase Meadow Pool SP2673 Ensor’s Pool SP3490 Avon Dassett SP4149 Chelmscote SP3141 Ettington SP2649 Chesterton Pools SP3558 Ettington Park SP2447 Baddesley Clinton SP2071 Chesterton Wood SP3457 Exhall SP3485 Baddesley Common SP2797 Church Lawford SP4476 Baddesley Ensor SP2798 Churchover SP5180 Far Longdon SP2240 Baginton SP3474 Cliff SP2198 Farnborough SP4349 Baginton Airport SP3574 Clifford Chambers SP1952 Farnborough Hill SP4449 Barford SP2760 Clifton-upon-Dunsmore SP5376 Farnborough Park SP4249 Baxterley SP2797 Clowes Wood SP0973 Fenny Compton SP4152 Bearley SP1760 Cold Comfort Wood SP0658 Fenny Compton Hills SP4051 Bedworth SP3686 Coleshill SP2089 Fenny Compton – Bedworth Nook SP3486 Coleshill GP SP2090 Oxford Canal SP4352 Bedworth Slough SP3487 Coleshill Industrial Estate SP1990 Fillongley SP2887 Bentley Woods SP2895 Coleshill Park SP1888 Fisher’s Mill SP2099 Bermuda SP3589 Coleshill STW SP1991 Flecknoe SP5163 Bidford-on-Avon SP0951 Combrook SP3051 Forshaw Heath SP0873 Bidford Grange SP1152 Compton Scorpion SP2141 Frankton SP4270 Billesley SP1557 Compton Verney SP3152 Freasley SP2499 Bilton SP4873 Compton Wynyates SP3341 Friz Hill SP2953 Birchmoor SK2501 Coombe Abbey SP4079 Fulbrook SP2560 Birdingbury SP4368 Coombe Fields SP4180 Furnace End SP2491 Bishop’s Hill SP3958 Coombe Slade Pool SP3337 Bishop’s Itchington SP3857 Corley SP2985 Galley Common SP3192 Bishop’s Tachbrook SP3161 Corley Moor SP2885 Gaydon SP3654 Bishopton SP1856 Coton Pools SP2194 Gaydon Test Track SP3454 Bourton-on-Dunsmore SP4370 Coughton Fields SP0959 Gaydon Tip SP3655 Brailes SP3139 Coughton Park SP0660 George’s Elm Lane SP1053 Bramcote Hall SK2704 Crackley Wood SP2874 Goldicote SP2451 Brandon Hall SP4076 Crimscote SP2347 Grandborough SP4966 Brandon Marsh SP3875 Crimscote Downs SP2246 Grandborough Fields SP4865 Brandon Wood SP3976 Cubbington SP3468 Great Alne SP1159 Bretford SP4277 Curdworth SP1793 Grendon SP2799

259 Grendon Common SP2798 Ladbroke SP4158 Oakley Wood SP3059 Greys Mallory SP3061 Ladbrook Hall SP0971 Offchurch SP3565 Griff SP3588 Ladywalk SP2191 SP1166 Grove Park SP2465 Lapworth SP1671 Over Whitacre SP2590 Guy’s Cliffe SP2966 Lawford Heath Tip/GP SP4473 Overslade SP4973 Lea Marston Old GP SP2094 Oversley Green SP0956 Halford SP2645 Lea Marston Pools SP2093 Oversley Hill SP1256 Hampton Lucy SP2557 Leamington Hastings SP4467 Oversley Wood SP1056 Hampton Wood SP2559 Leamington Spa SP3165 Oxhill SP3145 Hams Hall SP2091 Leek Wootton SP2868 Oxhouse Farm SP3050 Harborough Magna SP4879 Legion’s Wood SP2898 Harbury SP3759 Lighthorne Heath SP3555 Packington Park SP2283 Harbury Spoilbank NR SP3859 Lighthorne Pools SP3356 Packington Tip SP2085 Hartshill SP3293 Lighthorne Quarry SP3456 Packwood SP1772 Hartshill Hayes SP3294 Lillington SP3267 SP4781 Hartshill Quarry SP3394 Little Packington SP2184 Pillerton Hersey SP3048 Hartshill STW SP3395 Long Compton SP2832 SP2947 Haseley SP2368 Long Itchington SP4165 Pleasance Farm SP2672 Haselor SP1257 Long Lawford SP4776 Polesworth SK2602 Hatton SP2367 Long Marston SP1548 Poolfields SP3253 Hatton Locks SP2466 Longbridge SP2662 SP1765 Hatton Rock SP2357 Longbridge STW SP2763 Preston-on-Stour SP2049 Hawkesbury SP3684 Lower Radbourn SP4457 Princethorpe SP4070 Hay Wood SP2171 Lower Shuckburgh SP4862 Priors Hardwick SP4756 Heathcote SP3063 Loxley SP2552 Priors Marston SP4957 Hemlingford Water SP2195 Luddington SP1652 Purley Park/Quarry SP3096 Henley-in-Arden SP1465 Henley GC SP1466 Mancetter SP3296 Radford Semele SP3464 Hillborough SP1251 Mancetter Quarry SP3095 Radway SP3748 Hillmorton SP5373 Manor Wood (Wroxall) SP2272 Ragley Park SP0755 Hoar Park Wood SP2693 Marlcliff SP0950 Ratley SP3847 Hodnell SP4256 Marston Fields GP SP2094 Rawn Hill SP3196 Hodnell Pool SP4256 Marston Jabbett SP3788 Ridge Lane SP2994 Honiley SP2472 Marton SP4068 Rookery Hall SP4374 Honington SP2642 Maxstoke SP2386 Rowington SP2069 Hunningham SP3768 Meon Hill SP1745 Rugby SP5175 Hurley SP2495 Merevale Park SP2997 Rugby Radio Station SP5574 Middleton SP1798 Ryton-on-Dunsmore SP3874 Ilmington SP2143 Middleton Hall SP1998 Ryton Pools CP SP3772 Ilmington Downs SP1942 SP1752 Ryton Wood SP3872 Itchington Holt SP3755 Monk’s Park Wood SP2996 Moreton Morrell SP3155 Salford Priors SP0751 Jephson Gardens SP3165 Morton Bagot SP1064 Salford Priors GP SP0752 Jubilee Pools SP3873 Myton SP3065 SP0561 Judkins Quarry SP3493 Sawbridge SP5065 Napton Fields SP4461 Seckington SP2607 Kenilworth SP2971 Napton Hill SP4561 Seeswood Pool SP3290 Keresley Newlands SP3284 Napton Res SP4662 Shawbury Wood SP2588 Kineton SP3351 Nelsons Quarry SP4464 Shelfield SP1262 Kingley Pool SP0854 Nether Whitacre SP2392 Sherbourne SP2661 Kingsbury SP2196 Netherwood Heath SP1973 Shipston-on-Stour SP2540 Kingsbury Colliery SP2398 New Close Wood SP4077 Shotteswell SP4245 Kingsbury Tip SP2198 New Fallings Coppice SP1074 Shrewley SP2167 Kingsbury Water Park SP2097 New Waters SP2863 Shuckburgh Hills Kingsbury Wood SP2397 Newbold Comyn SP3465 and Park SP4961 King’s Newnham SP4577 Newbold-on-Avon SP4877 Shustoke Res SP2291 Kingston SP3656 Newbold-on-Stour SP2446 Shuttington SK2505 Kingswood SP1870 Newdigate Colliery SP3387 SP2159 Kinwalsey SP2585 Newton SP5378 Snitterfield Airfield SP1959 Kinwarton SP1058 Northend SP3952 Snitterfield Bushes SP1960 Kites Hardwick SP4668 Norton Lindsey SP2263 Snowford SP3865 Knightcote SP4055 Nuneaton SP3691 Somers, The SP2282 Southam SP4161

260 SP0862 Umberslade SP1371 Whichford SP3134 St Nicholas Park SP2864 Upper Brailes SP3039 Whitacre Heath SP2192 Steetley Meadows CP SP3875 Upper Coal Spinney SP3095 Whitacre Heath NR SP2092 Stockingford SP3391 Upper Kingston SP3556 Whitestone SP3889 Stockton SP4365 Upper Radbourn SP4458 Whitnash SP3263 Stockton Res SP4264 Upper Shuckburgh SP4961 Whittleford Park SP3291 Stoneleigh SP3372 Upton Park SP3645 Wiggins Hill SP1793 Stoneleigh Abbey SP3171 Willey SP4984 Stoneton SP4654 Walcote (Grandborough) SP5069 Willoughby SP5167 Stratford Heath SP2253 Walsgrave Hill SP3980 Wills Pastures SP4355 Stratford-upon-Avon SP2055 Walton Hall SP2852 Wilmcote SP1657 Stretton Baskerville SP4291 Wappenbury Wood SP3770 Wimpstone SP2148 Stretton-on-Dunsmore SP4072 Warmington SP4147 Windmill Hill NR SP3493 Stretton-on-Fosse SP2238 Warton SK2803 Windmill Naps SP0972 Studley SP0763 Warwick SP2864 Wishaw SP1794 Sweet Knowle SP2048 Warwick Castle Park SP2863 Withycombe Wood SP1457 Swift Valley CP SP5078 Warwick Racecourse SP2764 SP0854 Wasperton SP2658 Wolfhamcote SP5265 Tanworth-in-Arden SP1170 Waste Hill SP2898 Wolston SP4175 SP1255 Water Orton SP1791 Wolston Heath SP4474 Temple Herdewyke SP3752 Water Orton GP SP1891 Wolverton SP2062 Terry’s Green SP1073 SP4255 Wolvey SP4387 Thurlaston SP4671 Waverley Wood SP3571 Wood End SP2498 Tiddington SP2255 Weddington SP3693 Woolscott SP4968 Toft Farm Lakes SP4868 Wedgnock Park SP2767 Wootton Pool SP1563 Tomlow SP4563 Weethley Wood SP0455 Wootton Wawen SP1563 Tredington SP2543 Welford-on-Avon SP1452 Wormleighton SP4454 Tysoe SP3444 Wellesbourne SP2755 Wormleighton Reservoir SP4451 Wellesbourne Wood SP2653 Wroxall SP2271 Ufton Fields SP3861 Weston-on-Avon SP1650 Ufton Hill/Tip SP3961 SP3044

Worcestershire Abberley SO7567 Belbroughton SO9277 Broadway SP0937 Abberton SO9953 Beoley SP0669 Bromsgrove SO9570 Acton SO8467 Berrow SO7933 Brookpatch Farm SO7551 Allesborough Hill SO9346 Besford SO9144 Broome SO9078 Alvechurch SP0272 Bevere Green SO8459 Broome Mill SO8878 Ankerdine Hill SO7356 Bevere Island SO8359 Broughton Hackett SO9254 Arley SO7680 Bewdley SO7875 Burlish Top SO8073 Arrow Lake SP0667 Birchen Coppice SO6463 Bushley Green SO8734 Arrow Valley SP0568 Birlingham SO9343 Ashmoor Common SO8446 Bishampton SO9951 Callow Hill SO7473 SO9938 Bittell Reservoirs SP0174 Camp Lane Pits SO8359 Ashton Wood SO9939 Blackstone SO7974 Captains Pool SO8474 Aston Mill SO9434 Blakedown SO8878 Carpenters Farm SO7733 Aston Somerville SP0438 Bliss Gate SO7472 Carrington Bridge SO8551 Astwood Bank SP0462 Bluntington SO8974 Castlemorton Common SO7839 Atch Lench SP0350 Bodenham Arboretum SO8081 Catshill SO9573 Avon Meadows SO9546 Boreley SO8165 Caunsall SO8581 Bournheath SO9474 Chadbury SP0246 Badgers Hill SP0048 Bow Wood SO9455 Chaddesley Corbett SO8973 Badsey SP0743 Box Trees SP17 Chaddesley Wood SO9173 Bank Street SO6461 Brakemill Farm SO8979 Chadwick Manor SO9776 Barnards Green SO7945 Bransford SO7953 Charlton SP0047 Barnett Brook SO8876 Bredon SO9236 Chase End Hill SO7635 Baughton SO8841 Bredon Hill SO9540 Chateau Impney SO9164 Bayton Common SO6973 Bredon’s Hardwick SO9035 Churchill SO8879 Beach Hay SO7174 Bredon’s Norton SO9339 Church Lench SP0251 Beaconwood SO9775 SP0943 Cinders SO5865 Beckford SO9735 Bricklehampton SO9842 Claines SO8558

261 Cleeve Prior SP0849 Frog End SO6463 Kinver Edge SO8382 Clent Hills SO9379 Froxmere SO9356 Knapp and Papermill SO7451 Clevelode SO8346 Knightwick SO7355 Clifton Pits SO8446 Gorst Hill SO7472 Knowles Bank SP0257 Clows Top SO7171 Grafton SO9837 Kyre SO6263 Cobhouse Farm SO7758 Grafton Flyford SO9656 Kyre Brook SO6167 Cofton Reservoir SP0075 Grafton Wood SO9756 Kyre Park SO6263 Coldridge Wood SO8082 Great Adams Wood SO72 Collington SO6460 Greenway SO7470 Ladies Pool SO8877 Comberton Quay SO9542 Greystones SO7977 Larford SO8169 Coney Meadow SO8762 Grimley SO8360 Lea End SP0475 Cookley SO8480 Grimley Old Workings SO8361 Leapgate CP SO8372 Cooks Green Farm SO7475 Guarlford SO8145 Leigh Sinton SO7750 Coombe Green Gwen Finch NR SO9341 Lenchford SO8164 Common SO7736 Lenchwick SP0347 Cother Wood SO7546 Habberley Valley SO8077 Lickey Hills SO9975 Cowsden SO9553 Hackmans Gate SO8978 Lickhill SO7972 Craycombe SO9947 Hagley SO9180 Lickmoor Wetlands SO8845 Croome Park SO8844 Hanley Broadheath SO6665 Lincomb Lock SO8269 Croome Perry Hanley Castle SO8442 Lindridge SO6769 Crossroads SO9046 Hanley Swan SO8142 Lineholt SO8266 Cropthorne SO9944 Harvington E SP0549 Little Comberton SO9643 Cropvale Farm SO9943 Harvington N SO8763 Longbank SO7674 Crossway Green SO8368 Hartlebury SO8470 Longdon Marsh SO8235 Crumpfields SP0165 Headley Heath SP0676 Lower Bittell SP0174 Cutnall Green SO8869 Heightington SO7770 Lowerfield House SO6460 Hewell Grange SP0169 Lower Illey SO9781 Danemoor SO7941 High Green Flash SO8745 Lower Moor SO9847 Dayhouse Bank SO9678 Hill Furze SO9948 Lower Park SP0470 Deansford Lane SO8777 Hindlip SO8758 Lower Rochford SO6268 Defford SO9143 Hipton Hill Orchards SP0348 Lower Sapey SO6960 Devil’s Spittleful SO8074 SO8577 Lulsley SO7455 Dick Brook SO7770 Hollybed Common SO7737 Lydiate Ash SO9775 Dines Green SO8255 Hollybush SO7536 Dobbins Oak SO9282 Hollywood SP0877 Madresfield SO8047 Dodford SO9373 Holt SO8262 Majors Green SP0977 Doverdale SO8667 Holt Heath SO8163 Malverns SO7640 Drayton Pool SO9076 Hoo Brook SO8374 Malvern Link SO7847 Droitwich SO8963 Hopton Court SO7552 Mamble SO6870 Ducton Coppice SO75 Hopwood SP0274 Martin Hussingtree SO8860 Dunley SO7869 Houghtons Pole Bridge SO6874 Martley SO7559 Hunthouse Farm SO7070 Mears Coppice SO98 Eckington SO9241 Hunthouse Wood SO7070 Mickleton SP0465 Egdon SO9051 Huntsbridge SO7738 Monkwood SO8060 Eldersfield Marshes SO8131 Huntsfield SO7779 Myles Hope Farm SO5764 Elmley Castle SO9841 Hurcott Pool SO8577 Mythe Bridge SO8933 Elmley Lovett SO8769 Hurtle Hill SO7770 Evesham SP0343 Nafford Lock SO9441 Eymore Wood SO7779 Ipsley Alders SP0767 Naunton Beauchamp SO9652 Island Pool SO8580 Netherton SO9940 Fairfield SO9475 Ismere SO8679 Newnham Bridge SO6469 Farmans Court SO7571 Iverley SO8781 Norchard SO8468 Feckenham SP0061 Norgrove Court SP0065 Feckenham Wylde Moor SP0160 Joans Hole SO7770 Norton SP0447 Finstall Park SO9769 John Bennett NR SO9442 Norton Grange SP04 Fladbury SO9946 Nubbins & Ashbed Fletchers Coppice SO7074 Kemerton Lake NR SO9336 Martley SO7560 Flyford Flavell SO9854 Kempsey SO8448 Forhill SP0575 Kersoe SO9840 Oakley Pool SO8960 Fortunes Green SO7074 Kidderminster SO8376 Offenham SP0546 Foxley Farm SO7070 Kingsford CP SO8382 Offerton Lane SO8857 Frankley SO9980 Kington SO9955 Oldfield SO8464 Frankley Beeches SO9979 Kinsham SO9335 Old Storridge Common SO7451

262 Oldwood SO5866 Sedgeberrow SP0238 Upper Bittell Reservoir SP0275 Old Yarr SP0162 Shadybank Common SO7639 Upton Snodsbury SO9454 Ounty SO8981 Shakenhurst SO6773 Upton upon Severn SO8540 SO9537 Shatterford SO7981 Upton Warren Flashes SO9366 Shelsley Beauchamp SO7362 Upton Warren Moors SO9367 Park Gate SO9371 Shenstone SO8673 Parsons Lane SO86 Sheriffs Lench SP0149 Vale Golf Club SP0050 Pebworth SP1347 Shotts Farm SO7930 Pedmore SO9182 Shrawley Wood SO8066 SO9047 Pendock SO7832 Sinton Green SO8160 Wagon Wheel Lane pits SO8360 Penny Hill SO7561 Smithmoor Common SO8741 Walton Hill SO9479 Pen Orchard Meadow SO9481 Smokey Lane SO9943 Waresley SO8470 Pensax SO7268 Sneachill SO9053 Wassell Grove SO9382 SO9444 SP0746 Wassell Wood SO7977 Pepper Wood SO9374 Spring Lane Ind Estate SO7847 Weatheroak Hill SP0574 Pepwell SO8468 Stakenbridge SO8879 Welland SO7940 Pershore SO9445 Stanford Bridge SO7165 West Hagley SO9080 Pinvin SO9548 Stockton on Teme SO7167 Westmancote SO9337 Pirton Pool SO8747 Stockwood Village SO9958 West Midlands Podmoor SO8672 Stoke Bliss SO6562 safari Park SO8075 Porchbrook SO7270 Stoke Prior SO9466 Westwood Pool SO8763 Porters Mill SO8660 Stonebow SO9349 SO9252 Pound Bank SO7373 Stoney hill SO97 Whittington Common SO8752 Pound Green SO7578 Stoulton SO9049 Wick SO9645 Powick SO8351 Stourport SO8073 Wilden Marsh SO8273 Pulley Farm SO8961 Strensham SO9139 Wilden Top SO8272 Summerfield SO8373 Wildmoor SO9575 Radford SP0055 Windmill Hill SO9149 Redditch SP0467 Tanwood SO9074 Windmill Pool SO8978 Redwood SO5765 Tardebigge SO9969 Wissetts Wood SO6772 Ribbesford West SO7874 Tardebigge Reservoir SO9868 Withy Wells SO8955 Ripple Pits SO8637 Tenbury Wells SO5968 Witley Court SO7664 Rock SO7371 Thorngrove SO8260 Witnells End SO7981 Romesley SO9679 Throckmorton Lagoons SO9848 Wolverley SO8279 Rose Cottage SP0669 Throckmorton Tip SO9748 Woodbury Hill SO7464 Rough Hill Orchard SO9244 Tiddesley Wood SO9245 Woodgate valley CP SP 08 Rous Lench SP0153 Timberhonger SO9269 Wood Norton SP0147 Rowney Green SP0471 Top Barn SO8261 Woodrow SO8875 Rushock SO8870 Torton SO8472 Woodwards Coppice SO7373 Ryall Pits SO8639 Trench Wood SO9258 Worcester SO8554 Trimpley SO7978 Worcester Woods CP SO8754 St Georges SO8456 Trimpley Lane Wychbold SO9265 St Michaels SO5865 Watchpoint SO7980 Wyre Forest SO7475 Saltway Estate SO7944 Trimpley Reservoir SO7778 Wyre Piddle SO9647 Salwarpe SO8761 Tunnertons Rough SO7070 Wythall SP0875 Sandbourne SO7974 Twiland Wood SO9780 Saul Jct SO7552 Yarhampton Cross SO7767 Seaford SO9552 Uckinghall SO8638 Seckley Wood SO7678 Upper Arley SO7680

Staffordshire Abbots Bromley SK0824 Aqualate SJ7720 Baswich SJ9422 Acton Trussell SJ9318 Astonfields Balanc. Bateswood CP SJ7947 Adbaston SJ7627 Lakes SJ9224 Bateswood Lake SJ7948 Adderley Green SJ7847 Back of Ecton SK1057 Battleshead Hill SK2021 Alder Carr SK0631 Baggeridge CP SO8992 Bearda SJ9664 Aldershaw Hall SK1007 Bagots Wood SK0727 Beaudesert SK0313 Amington Hall SK2304 Baldwins Gate SJ7940 Beech SJ8438 Anslow SK2125 Barton GP SK1916 Belgrave Lakes SK2402 Anslow Common SK2024 Barton Marina SK1918 Bellamour Lane SK0420 Anson’s Bank SJ9817 Basford SJ8546 Belvide Reservoir SJ8610

263 Bennettshitch SK0066 Cresswell Piece SJ9545 Hem Heath Wood SJ8840 Bent Lane (Whitmore) SJ8139 Crossplains SK1624 Highgate Common SO8490 Berry Hill SJ9046 Croxall Lakes SK1814 Hixon Airfield SJ9927 Betley Mere SJ7447 Croxden Quarry SK0341 Hockley SK2200 Biddulph SJ8856 Hopwas SK1704 Biddulph Grange CP SJ8959 Danebridge SJ9665 Hulme SJ9346 Biddulph Woodhouse SJ8958 Deep Hayes CP SJ9653 Huntington SJ9713 Black Bank SJ8147 Derrington SJ8922 Blackbrook Bird World SK0551 Dimmingsdale SK0543 Ilam SK1350 Blithfield Reservoir SK0523 Doley SJ7429 Ingestre SJ9724 Blore SK1349 Doxey SJ9023 Iverley SO8881 Blore Pipe SJ7631 Doxey Marshes SJ9024 Boarsgrove SK0462 Draycott in the Clay SK1429 JCB South Lake SK1038 Borrowpit Lake SK2004 Drointon SK0226 Bottom House SK0452 Drystone Edge SK0268 Keele University SJ8244 Bramshall SK0433 Dunstall SK1820 Kettlebrook Lakes SK2203 Brancote STW SJ9522 Dunwood SJ9455 Key Wood SK0445 Brankley Farm SK1621 Kidsgrove SJ8354 Branston Water Park SK2220 Eccleshall SJ8329 Kings Bromley SK1116 Brewood SJ8808 Edingale SK2112 Kingswood Pool SJ9908 Brindley Ford SJ8755 Eland Brook SK1426 Knightley SJ8125 Brinepit Bridge SJ9726 Elford North Pit SK1810 Knotbury SK0168 Britannia Stadium SJ8843 Ellerton Grange SJ7225 Knypersley Reservoir SJ8955 Brocton SJ9619 Endon SJ9252 Brocton Coppice SJ9819 Endon Bank SJ9353 Lady Edge SK0562 Bromstead SJ8016 Endon STW SJ9354 Lawnhead SJ8224 Burntwood SK0608 Enville Park SO8386 Little Aston SK0900 Burton-on-Trent SK2523 Essington Quarry Pool SJ9603 Little Bank Top Farm SJ9646 Butterton SJ8242 Little Stoke SJ9132 Butterton Moor SK0556 Fisherwick SK1709 LLL Plantation SK1342 Byrkley Park SK1623 Five Clouds SK0062 Longnor SK0864 Fleet Green SK0561 Lower Drayton SJ9315 Calf Heath Reservoir SJ9210 Foker Grange SJ9657 Lower Elkstone SK0758 Caltonmoor SK1148 Folly SK1425 Lower Ellastone SK1142 Calwich Pool SK1243 Ford SK0654 Lower Knightley SJ8223 Cambridge St Burton SK2422 Ford Green SJ8850 Lower Penn SO8695 Camp Farm SJ7324 Four Ashes SJ9108 Lower Stonnall SK0803 Casey Bank SK0550 Foxley SJ7953 Castern Hall SK1252 Fradley SK1613 Maer Woods SJ7839 Castle Clump SK0030 Fullmoor Wood SJ9311 Marquis Drive SK0015 Castle Mere SJ8229 Marshes Hill SJ9054 Caunsall SO8581 Gailey Reservoir SJ9310 Mayfield SK1545 Central Forest Park SJ8848 Gentleshaw Common SK0511 Meece Brook SJ8432 Chasewater Reservoir SK0307 Gib Torr SK0264 Meir SJ9341 Cheadle SK0142 Goldsitch Moss SK0164 Merelake SJ8153 Checkhill Bog SO8587 Gradbach SJ9965 Merryton Low SK0460 Cheddleton SJ9752 Great Wyrley SJ9907 Middle Hills SK0363 Chillington Lower Greenway Bank CP SJ8955 Middleton Lakes RSPB SK2000 Avenue SJ8807 Grindon Moor SK0655 Mill Green Park SJ9909 Church Eaton SJ8417 Gun Hill SJ9761 Milldale SK1354 Clarence St Burton SK2422 Millmeece SJ8333 Clay Mills SK2627 Hales Hall Pool SK0143 Mixon SK0357 Clive Farm, The SO8297 Hanchurch Woods SJ8239 Moat Hall SK1324 Codsall SJ8703 Handsacre Flash SK0916 Morridge Top SK0365 Coldmeece SJ8531 Harpers Marsh SJ9557 Mottey Meadows SJ8313 Coley Brook Marsh SJ7818 Hatherton Reservoir SJ9708 Musden Low SK1149 Comberford SK1807 Hawksmoor SK0344 Compact Products Pool SJ9944 Hazel Barrow SK0163 Napley SJ7137 Coombes Valley SK0052 Hazelslade SK0212 National Mem. Copmere SJ8029 Hazelstrine SJ9420 Arboretum SK1814 Coppice Hill SJ9719 Hazelton Clump SK1249 Nether Hay SK0060 Cotton Dell SK0545 Heaton SJ9561 Newcastle-under-Lyme SJ8446 Cowhay Wood SJ9656 Hednesford Hills SK0112 Norbroom Marsh SJ7519

264 Norbury SJ7823 Sandy Land Pool SK0441 Trentham Golf Course SJ8740 Norton Canes SK0107 Shareshill SJ9406 Turn Edge SK0167 Nurton SO8399 Sherbrook Valley SJ9818 Shoal Hill Common SJ9710 Upper Hatton SJ8337 Oakamoor SK0544 Shobnall SK2323 Upper Hulme SK0160 Oliver Hill SK0267 Shooting Butts SK0117 Upper Longdon SK0614 Onecote SK0355 Shredicote Hall Farm SJ8716 Uttoxeter Quarry SK0935 Onecote Grange SK0355 Shugborough SJ9922 Orchard Common SK0269 Sideway SJ8743 Walley’s Landfill SJ8245 Park Hall CP SJ9244 Silverdale CP SJ8146 Walton Bridge SJ9621 Pendeford Mill NR SJ8903 South Farley SK0643 Warslow SK0858 Penkridge SJ9213 Stableford SJ8138 Waterfall SK0951 Penkridge Banks SK0017 Stafford SJ9223 Weags Barn NR SK0953 Penn Common SO8994 Stafford Castle SJ9022 Wedgwood Visitor Pethills SK0365 Stapenhill SK2521 Centre SJ8839 Pipe Green SK1009 Stockton Brook SJ9151 West End SJ8744 Pool Hall SO8597 Stoke-on-Trent SJ8745 Weston Jones SJ7524 Pretty Pigs Pool SK2405 Stonydelph SK2302 Westport Lake SJ8550 Stretton SJ8811 Wetmore SK2524 Radford Meadows SJ9321 Sutton SJ7622 Wettonmill SK0955 Raikes, The SK1159 Sutton Bank SJ7621 White House SJ9916 Rangemore SK1822 Swallow Moss SK0660 Whitemoor Haye SK1813 Ranton SJ8524 Swineholes Wood SK0450 Wildwood SJ9421 Readyleach Green SK0268 Swinscoe SK1348 Wilnecote SK2201 Reapsmoor SK0861 Swynnerton SJ8436 Windy Harbour SK0648 Revidge SK0759 Swynnerton Landfill SJ8434 Winkhill SK0651 Rickerscote SJ9320 Winshill SK2623 Rising Brook SJ9221 Tameside NR SK2002 Wolf Edge SK0267 River Sow Meadows SJ9422 Tamworth Castle SK2003 Wolfscote Dale SK1357 Roach End SJ9964 Teanford SK0040 Wolseley Centre SK0220 Roach House Farm SJ9962 Thorncliffe SK0158 Woodleigh SJ8861 Roaches SK0063 Threapwood SK0342 Wootton SJ8227 Rocester SK1039 Tixall SJ9722 Wrottesley Old Park SJ8301 Round Knowl Farm SK0562 Tixall Wide SJ9722 Wyrley Common SK0206 Rugeley SK0417 Trent Vale SJ8644 Wyrley Hayes SK0205 Rugeley Quarry SK0018 Trent Valley Washlands SK2522 Trentham Gardens SJ8640 Yoxall SK1417

West Midlands Alder Coppice SO9194 Bilston SO9596 Brownhills SK0406 Aldridge SK0602 Bilston Cemetery SO9497 Brownhills Common SK0306 Aldridge Airport SK0301 Birmingham SP0987 Brownhills West SK0406 Aldridge Quarry SK0602 Birmingham Mainline Canal Brueton Park SP1377 Allesley Park SP2880 SP0487 to SP0686 Buckpool SO8986 Amblecote SO8985 Black Patch Park SP0388 Bumble Hole LNR SO9588 Ashmore Park SJ9602 Bloxwich SJ9902 Bury Hill SO9789 Blythe Valley SP1375 to SP2182 Burys Hill SO8981 Babb’s Mill SP1687 Blythe Valley CP SP1375 Babb’s Mill Park SP1687 Bordesley Green SP1086 SP0683 Balaam’s Wood SO9978 Bournville SP0481 Castle Hill SO9491 Balsall Common SP2477 Bournville Lane Wood SP0381 Castle Hills SP1782 Barr Beacon SP0696 Bournville Pool SP0380 Catherine-de-Barnes SP1780 Barr Common SP0599 Bowling Green SO9486 Centre of the Earth SP0488 Barrow Hill SO9189 Bowmans Harbour SO9399 Chadwick Manor SP0381 Barston SP2078 Box Trees SP1473 Chelmsley Wood SP1886 Barston Lake SP2179 Bracebridge SP0998 Clayhanger SK0304 Bartley Reservoir SP0081 Bradley SO9595 Clayhanger Marsh SK0304 Bentley SO9899 Bradmore SO8997 Clifford Park SP3880 Berkswell SP2378 Brandwood End SP0779 College Farm SP0399 Berkswell Hall SP2479 Brierley Hill SO9187 Colley Gate S09484 Bickenhill Plantation SP1884 S91390 Coppice Wood SP1875

265 Copt Heath SP1777 Keresley SP3183 Porter’s Croft Pit Wood Cornets End SP2380 King’s Heath SP0781 SP1476 Coseley SO9494 King’s Norton SP0479 Portway SO9788 Coundon Wedge SP3081 Kingshurst SP1687 Priest Park Wood SP2073 Coventry SP3379 Kingswinford SO8988 Priory Woods SP0291 Cradley SO9484 Knowle SP1876 Cradley Heath SO9585 Knowle Locks SP1876 Queen’s Park SP0284 Crestwood School SO8988 Quinton SO9884 Crook House SP0596 Ladymoor Pool SO9495 Cuckoo’s Nook SP0598 Lightwoods Park SP0185 Ravenshaw SP1779 Lime Pits Farm SK0301 Rea Valley SP0581 Daisy Bank SP0497 London Road Cemetery SP3477 Rednal SO9977 Darlaston SO9897 Longbridge SP0177 Reedswood Park SO9999 Dingles Recrn. Ground SP0980 Longmoor Valley SP0996 River Cole SP1084 to SP1287 Dorridge SP1574 Lower Eastern Green SP2879 River Rea SP0682 Dorridge Park SP1774 Lutley Wedge SO9483 Rocket Pool SP9694 Dudley SO9490 Rough Wood SJ9800 Dudley Wood SO9486 Marsh Lane NR SP2180 Rushall Canal SP0399 Dunstall Park SJ9000 Marston Green SP1785 Ryders Mere SK0304 Martineau Gardens SP0684 Earlsdon SP3278 Mary Stevens Park SO8983 SP0987 Edgbaston SP0584 Matthew Boulton Saltwells LNR SO9387 Edgbaston Pool SP0584 Community Garden SP0588 Saltwells Wood SO9387 Edgbaston Reservoir SP0486 Mears Coppice SO9284 Sandwell Valley SP0292 Elmdon SP1783 Mercote Mill SP2280 Sandwell Valley RSPB SP0392 Elmdon Manor SP1682 Meriden SP2482 Selly Oak SP0382 Elmdon Park SP1682 Meriden Park SP2481 Selly Park SP0582 Erdington SP1191 Meriden Quarries SP2382 Shadowbrook SP2182 Ettingshall SO9396 Merrions Wood SP0495 Sheepwash UP SO9791 Farndale SJ9000 Middle Bickenhill SP2083 Shelfield SK0302 Monkspath SP1476 Shirley SP1178 Fens Pools SO9188 Mons Hill SO9392 Siden Hill Wood SP2180 Fishley SK0004 Moor Green SP0682 Small Heath SP0985 Fort Dunlop SP1290 Moorcroft Wood SO9795 Smestow Valley LNR Fox Hill SP0381 SJ8900 to SO8697 Foxcote SO9383 Netherton SO9488 Sneyd SJ9702 Netherton Reservoir SO9387 Sneyd Pond SJ9801 Goscote Valley SK0101 New Invention SJ9701 Sneyd Reservoir SJ9802 Grand Union Canal Newbridge SO8999 Solihull SP1579 SP1876 to SP1973 Newton SP0393 Springfield SP0981 Grange Farm Wood SK0303 North Warwickshire GC SP2281 Steelpark Way SJ9505 Grapes Pool SO9497 Northfield SP0278 Stirchley SP0581 Northycote Farm SJ9303 Stockwell End SJ8800 Haden Hill Park SO9585 Norton SO8882 Stourbridge SO9084 Halesowen SO9683 Stourbridge Junction SO9083 Halesowen Abbey SO9782 Old Swinford SO9083 Streetly SP0899 Handsworth SP0390 Oldbury SO9889 Stubber’s Green SK0401 Harborne SP0284 Olton Mere SP1381 Sutton Coldfield SP1196 Harborne NR SP0385 Sutton Park SP0996 Hasbury SO9583 Park Farm Gravel Pits SP2380 Swan Pool SP0292 Hawne Park SO9585 Park Lime Pits SP0299 Hay Head Wood SP0499 Patrick Bridge SP2181 Temple Balsall SP2076 Heath Town SO9399 Patrick Farm SP2181 Ten Acres SP0581 High Ash SP2583 Pedmore SO9282 Tettenhall SJ8800 Highbury Park SP0682 Pedmore Fields SO9283 The Dingle SP0498 Highfields South landfill SK0402 Pelsall SK0203 The Leasowes SO9783 Highgate SP0885 Pelsall North Common SK0104 The Vale SP0584 Hillfield Park SP1477 Pendeford SJ8902 Thimblemill SP0086 Hobs Hole Lane SK0601 Pendigo Lake SP1983 Tilehouse Green SP1676 Hob’s Moat SP1482 Penn SO8996 Tipton SO9592 Hockley Heath SP1572 Pensnett SO9189 Titford Pools SO9887 Hollywood SP0877 Perry Barr SP0592 Tyseley SP1184 Perry Common SP0993

266 University of Birmingham Wednesfield SJ9400 Woodgate Valley CP SP0483 West Bromwich SP0091 SO9983 toSP0183 West Park SO9099 Wordsley SO8886 Valley Parkway SP0381 Westwood Heath SP2776 Wren’s Nest SO9391 Whitley SP3476 Wychbury Hill SO9281 Walmley SP1393 Willenhall SO9698 Wyken Slough SP3683 Walsall SP0198 Willenhall Memorial Park SO9599 Wyndley Pool SP1195 Walsall Arboretum SP0199 Windsor Fields SO8996 Wyrley & Essington Canal Walsall Golf Course SP0296 Witton Lakes SP0892 SK0101 to SO9399 Walsall Manor SP0098 Wollaston SO8884 Yardley Wood SP1080 Warley Woods SP0186 Wollescote SO9283 Warrens Hall LNR SO9588 Wolverhampton SO9198

Key to Contributors

The following observers and organisations have kindly provided information for the Systematic List. Our sincere apologies if we have omitted anyone. It would greatly help compilation if observers could give their full set of initials with their records, as this helps to identify them more uniquely and so cuts down the risk of confusion between similar names or sets of initials. The initials quoted below appear in the body of the report.

DJ Abbott D Baker C Bignell C Abell J Baker R Billingsley N Acheson R Baldock TM Binks TMB P Acors H Ball R Birch MJ Adkins M Ball K Birks JKL Allen JKLA S Banner W Birks L Allen R Barber N Blackburn S Allison SAl A Barker ABa R Blackmore JL Allton J Barker M Bladen P Allwright SRJ Barker A Bladon A Amery AAm N Barlow AC Bletchley E Anderton NP Barlow NPB SC Bletchley J Andrews H Barnard RM Blindell PM Andrews PMA S Barnett D Bloomfield S Andrews SAn A Barnsley S Bloomfield SBl S Ankers M Barstow J Bolton A Anscombe N Baskerville L Bolton P Anthony PAn P Bateman MJ Bonham C Appleton PW Bateman MD Boote MDB GF Appleton G Bates GBa J Booth AS Archer ASA H Batson M Booth M Archer S Batt G Border GJ Ariss GJA SC Baverstock SCB S Border G Armitt N Bayliss RM Borwick MA Arnold MD Baynes B Boswell NG Arnold C Baynton P Bottom PBo S Arnold VR Beaney M Bourne MBo J Arrowsmith JAr PG Beckhelling M Bowerman C Arthurton BT Beesley R Bowers RE Astbury S Bell H Bowler T Astill JT Belsey JJ Bowley JJB S Avery SAv P Benbow B Box R Berry M Box J S Berry D Bradford M Bailey J Bescoby J Bradley JBr R Bailey KA Best S Bradley EK Bainbridge EKB D Betts K Brannan

267 P Brassington S Clement AR Dean G Brereton GBre GA Clements T Dean G Briddock GBri KM Clements KMC DA Dennis S Briggs A Clerici GRJ Dent JH Brindle JHB S Clolse R Dickens T Brindley K Clowes A Dickie ADi RC Broadbent RCB A Coates J Dix C Brooks A Cobley JA Dix I Brown W Cockin S Dix SDi J Brown SR Cole D Dixon RM Brown S Collins T Dixon J Bryan A Cook I Dobson WJ Brydges C Cook CCo P Dobson G Bullen CJG Cook CJGC T Dodd G Bundy JL Coombes JLC T Doherty J Burgoine A Cooper M Doughty-Lee MD-L P Burman JA Cooper P Douglas DW Burns DWB M Cooper S Douglas PJ Burston T Cooper P Douthwaite AK Burton K Corbett A Drake P Burton G Corbett-Marshall Els Drijfhout R Burton G Corfield GCo J Drinkwater RM Burton H Cottam RE Duckhouse JR Butcher M Cottam W Dutton WDu D Butler D Cox DCo P Dykta I Butler J Cox A Butwell D Cragg B Eaton P Buxton S Creek M Eddowes MEd M Cresswell RJ Edginton T Caddell TCa P Croft S Edwards B Calder S Croft SCr WJ Egmont R Capewell LSM Crook JM Elliott KA Capps DA Cunliffe D Ellis R Carleton G Cunliffe A Elward N Carter M Curnow V Emery VEm P Carter A Curran ACu DW Emley SH Carter R Currier SM Emley P Cartlidge A Cuthbertson J Ensor B Cartwright A Evans C Carvill C Daelman CDa C Evans P Casey CJ Daelman D Evans PW Cashmore R Dale G Evans GEv SL Cawthray SLC D Daniel J Evans JEv M Chadwick M Dannatt JD Evans R Chadwick J Davenport M Evans A Chambers ACh C Davey P Evans N Chapman L David RJ Evans K Charity AE Davies T Evans S Chatwin Chris Davies A Everest J Chester Craig Davies Y Everitt JA Chidwick F Davies C Eyre C Cholerton G Davies T Eyre PK Chown J Davies B Church L Davies M Fairclough W Churchill RJ Davies R Fallows AJ Clark S Davies SDa C Farman F Clarke J Davis M Farman GE Clarke JF Davis D Farmer DFa J Clarke N Davis G Farmer G Clarkson R Dawson F Farrington RM Clay RMC C Day B Faulconbridge P Clayton M Day HE Feld K Clement AR Dean ARD G Fellows GFe

268 R Fellows RFe M Griffin MGr H Hewitt M Fennell JO Griffiths R Hewitt W Fenney MP Griffiths MPG C Heyes D Field P Grimmitt A Hill J Fincham KJ Groocock KJG C Hill M Fisher M Groom J Hill M Flack D Gruar R Hill J Flanders PJ Gruar S Hill H Fletcher A Grundy M Hille MHi P Fontana D Grundy RS Hind PA Forbes J Guarnaccio R Hinett L Foster I Guest TM Hinett TMH MA Foster AC Gutteridge J Hingley S Foster DM Gwilliams JD Hitchcock J Fotheringhame C Hobbins R Fowler Dr Hadfield E Hodge EJ Fox G Hadley PE Hodges HY Franklin A Hale T Hodkin A Freeman AG Hall M Hodson DL Freeman DLF D Hall DHal J Holian S Freeman J Hall JHal M Holley SN Freeman L Hall A Holliday AHo S French S Hall R Hollis RHo B Fullilove S Halsey E Homer M Furber J Halstead L Homer R Fussell A Hambury AHam R Hopkins L Hammersley A Horsley S Gale B Hammond J Hough J Galletley G Hampshire I Howard A Gallivan PD Hancox PDHa SK Howlett C Gammond A Hand E Hughes C Gater N Hand D Hull DHul BC George NA Hand PA Hulme M George L Hanson P Humby PHu S George RE Harbird REH M Humphries MHu S Gibson J Hardy G Hunt GHu DL Gifford S Hares SHa MS Hunt R Gilbert A Harler A Hurst A Giles AGi A Harley JVP Hutchins JVPH W Gill B Harley BHar D Hutton DHut A Glaisher PA Harper T Hutton THu B Glover B Harris PD Hyde PDHy C Godding J Harris JHar MF Godfrey S Harris R Ingleston W Goldstraw S Harrison MJ Inskip MJI D Goodwin M Hart JA Irving T Gordon A Hateley A Isham K Gould C Hawkridge M Ixer MIx A Grace SM Haynes SMH I Grant IGr IM Hayward A Jackson M Grant B Hazell BHaz C Jackson MG Grant M Hazleton D Jackson DJa I Gray D Helliwell I Jackson I Gray T Helme M Jackson G Greaves R Hemming N Jackson B Green J Hemmings P Jackson CJ Green F Henderson FHe T Jackson TJa GH Green GHG R Henderson WT Jackson M Green RW Henderson Z Jackson R Green RGr C Henry AF Jacobs S Greer AP Herbert O Jacques S Grevett D Hess DHe S Jacques FC Gribble FCG Y Heward M Jager

269 S Jaggs A Lawrence KA McGee P James D Lawrence A Mckie S James JA Lawrence D McKowan P Jameson ER Lea J McLaren JMcL M Jeeves C LeClare D McLaughlin DMcL DA Jennings DAJ C Lee CLe A McLean D Jeynes K Lee R McNally RMcN P Jeynes PJe L Lees C McShane A Johnson D Leese G Mee L Johnson P Legge PLeg N Melsom D Johnston M Lewis MJL M Metcalfe A Jones MJ Lewis MJL S Micklewright AR Jones NR Lewis NRL JE Middleton B Jones P Lewis PLew B Miller CM Jones S Lewis HJ Miller D Jones MJS Liley L Miller J Jones MC Lindop MCL R Moffatt K Jones KJo J Lindsey P Mollatt PMo P Jones PJo ME Lindsey MEL PE Mollatt T Jones TJo I Littlewood I Moore Tim Jones A Litvinoff JM Moore Tony Jones P Locker C Morgan Trevor Jones DI Long J Morgan P Jordan K Longshaw KJ Morgan KJM RT Joy K Longstaff D Morgan-Smith JFC Judge JFCJ WJ Low WJL G Morris A Jukes G Lowe P Morris T Lowe J Morton P Keith D Ludlow W Morton WMo LD Kelly S Lyndley N Mott R Kendall A Mountford I Kent A Machin R Moyle RMo J Kernohan JKe I Machin J Murray R Key S Machin JB Murray DH King P MacMillan H King HKi MT Maddox P Nash RJ King J Maiden R Nash BL Kington J Mallinson J Naven JNa G Kirby GKi R Mander S Neal MS Kirby MRS Mannering M Needham T Kirkland TKi AE Mansell D Nettell Freeman A Knapton GJ Mant GJM PAJ Newman PAJN D Knight DKn T Marlow TMa C Newton S Knight SKn B Marsh JA Newton RWS Knightbridge MG Marsh R Newton J Knights E Marshall T Norledge TNo A Kydd P Marshall S Nuttall SNut GR Martin G La Bouchardiere GLB N Martin J O’Dell G Laight GLa S Martin G O’Sheachnasaigh N Laing R Maskew RMas J Oakes B Lane A Mason D Oakley-Martin C Lane C Mason CMa J Oates CJ Lane P Masters S Oates M Langford K Mather KMa IE Oliver B Langham R Mather RMat J Oliver E Last A Maxwell D Orange D Lathbury G Maxwell D Orford P Lathbury NG May R Orton I Lavell ILa A Maybury RA Orton S Lavell SLa RC Mays RCM E Osbaldeston EOs T Laverick L Mcandrew C Osborne SJ Law R McCraight K Osborne

270 C Owen A Ramsell R Skeates S Ramsey J Skellam G Page P Randall D Skidmore DSk MW Painting J Rankin JRa N Skilbeck A Palmer ND Rawlings MB Skirrow K Parker P Reay PRe S Slack S Parker C Reed CRe C Slawson P Parkes C Reed M Smart P Parr K Reiling M Smiles P Parsons J Renowden J Smith K Patrick P Rhodes PRh JA Smith JAS J Patterson SA Richards SAR K Smith S Payne B Richardson M Smith M Peacock B Ricketts BRi MC Smith R Pearce JHW Ridley JHWR NJ Smith NJS B Pearson C Roberts P Smith K Pedley H Roberts RL Smith C Peel N Roberts S Smith GH Peplow GHP S Roberts T Smith TSm WF Peplow WFP RHC Robinson MJP Smyth DJ Perks DI Rogers P Sofley T Perrins K Rome M Southall MSo M Perryman SC Roper S Spacie S Petrek SPe C Round CRo PC Spinks C Phelps C Routledge R Spode AL Phillips ALP G Rowing-Parker PM Spokes E Phillips GP Rowling GPR J Spottiswood EG Phillips EGP JM Rushforth J Spruce K Phillips WJ Russell WJR IA Stachnicki M Phillips G Russon M Stainforth T Philp S Ryan SRy P Stanfield PSta S Phipps R Stanton DJ Pickles MJ Saffery D Steele A Pignatti G Sales MA Stephens MAS A Pitt MJ Sanderson A Stevens M Pittaway MPi D Sansome P Stewart PSte M Plant K Sargent KSa DA Stone ND Pomiankowski NDP P Satchwell T Stone D Pott S Savage JR Stonehouse CH Potter CHP DA Saxon A Stones D Powell DJ Scanlon DJS R Stott R Powell RPo JC Scattergood M Stout B Power BPo A Schalk BR Stretch BRS A Preece P Scoffield I Stretch G Prescott GPr A Scott ASc J Stretch L Price D Scott CR Stubbs CRS P Price FM Scott CH Sturgies TR Price S Seal SSe M Sulway R Priest A Shaw G Summers MS Prina V Shemilt M Sway CP Print CPP P Shenton R Swift RSw MC Print MCP G Shepherd C Pritchyard P Sherrington N Talbot NTa BG Prudden BGP M Short I Tanner RA Prudden RAP SE Shuttleworth P Tapley PTap G Pryce MG Silverman J Tavener JTa G Pullan D Simmonds C Taylor OJ Simms JP Taylor P Quinney A Simons ASi L Taylor P Sims P Taylor J Raby B Singleton J Thacker MP Radford MPR J Sirrett A Thomas ATh J Ralley JH Sirrett JHS CA Thomas

271 RJ Thomas RJT K Warmington D Wragg P Thompson A Warr AWa A Wright C Thomson CTh AD Warren D Wright N Thorneycroft NTh S Watchorn TJ Wright M Thorogood P Watson J Tibbets PT Watts M Yapp MYap C Tilley S Webster J Yardley P Timmins R Weedon JJ Yardley EJ Timms T Wells TWe K Yates KYa J Timms JTi S Wende A Yorke A Tomlinson J Wesson R Toon RToo C Weston CWe Aqualate Annual Report CP Townend G Weston GWe Belvide Log J Tromans JTr J Weston Blithfield Log NP Trotman N Weston Brandon Marsh Volunteer M Tubb S Weston ConservationTeam R Tuck B Westwood BTO Bird Track CE Tudge C Westwood Chasewater Log DA Tulley K Wheatley KWh Chasewater Wildlife Group A Turner O White Website M Turner M Whitebrook Clayhanger Marsh blog S Turner PF Whitehead Draycote Log G Twells A Whitehouse Essington Quarry Log SEE Twigger IC Whitehouse ICW Lutley Birder blog R Tyler SM Whitehouse SMW Middleton Lakes Log S Tyler V Whiteman Nuneaton and District J Tyndall J Whittle Birdwatchers’ Club JP Widgery RSPB Midland Office MA Ui Hawker H Wiggins Sandwell Valley blog P Underwood BT Wilcox Staffordshire Ecological Blog A Upton C Wilkinson Tame Valley Log G Upton D Wilkinson Tittesworth Log L Willett Warwickshire Museum S Valentine Sva GA Williams Warwickshire Wildlife Trust M Vaux-Harvey MV-H M Williams www.birdguides.com S Veevers PM Williams PMW MRS Vickers R Williams RWi S Vickers SVi CS Williamson CSW J Vincent HR Williamson P Williamson PWill O Wadsworth K Williamson-Smith P Wagner M Willmott MWi P Wain J Wilson R Wakelam RWak M Wilson M Wakeman MWa P Wilson P Walkden K Wimbush KWi B Walker AWH Wincott D Walker DWa JR Winsper JRW S Walker J Winter JWi DIM Wallace MG Woodhams P Walters A Woodhouse S Walters G Woodin D Wanklyn GT Woodin I Ward IWa H Woodman J Ward D Woodward N Ward G Woodward P Ward PWar MWC Woodward MWCW G Wardle GWa G Wookey R Wardle RWar P Wooldridge J Ware GA Worthington CJ Waring J Worthington M Waring P Worthy H Warmington AL Wragg

272 Index of Species

Avocet 81 Goldeneye, Common 48 Lapwing, Northern 87 Goldfinch 208 Linnet 211 Bittern, Eurasian 59 Goosander 50 Blackbird 179 Goose, Bar-headed 224 Magpie 145 Blackcap 164 Goose, Barnacle 27 Mallard 37 Bluethroat 186 Goose, Brent 28 Martin, House 158 Brambling 206 Goose, Cackling 223 Martin, Sand 155 Bullfinch 217 Goose, Canada 26 Merganser, Hooded 223 Bunting, Corn 222 Goose, Chinese 224 Merganser, Red-breasted 49 Bunting, Reed 221 Goose, Egyptian 29 Merlin 72 Bunting, Snow 219 Goose, Greylag 24 Moorhen 76 Buzzard, Common 70 Goose, Pink-footed 22 Goose, Ross’s 223 Nightingale, Common 186 Canary, Island 225 Goose, Snow 223 Nightjar, European 139 Chaffinch 204 Goose, Tundra Bean 22 Nuthatch, Eurasian 174 Chiffchaff, Common 161 Goose, White-fronted 23 Chiffchaff, Scandinavian 162 Goshawk, Northern 69 Osprey 71 Coot, Common 77 Grebe, Black-necked 67 Ouzel, Ring 178 Cormorant, Great 57 Grebe, Great Crested 65 Owl, Barn 136 Crake, Spotted 76 Grebe, Little 64 Owl, Eurasian Eagle 225 Crane, Common 79 Grebe, Red-necked 67 Owl, Indian Eagle 225 Crossbill, Common 216 Grebe, Slavonian 67 Owl, Little 137 Crow, Carrion 147 Greenfinch 207 Owl, Long-eared 138 Cuckoo, Common 135 Greenshank, Common 105 Owl, Short-eared 139 Curlew, Eurasian 102 Grouse, Red 53 Owl, Tawny 138 Guineafowl, Helmeted 225 Oystercatcher 79 Dipper 177 Gull, Black-headed 112 Diver, Black-throated 56 Gull, Caspian 123 Parakeet, Rose-ringed 135 Diver, Great Northern 56 Gull, Common 116 Parrot, African Grey 225 Diver, Red-throated 56 Gull, Glaucous 125 Partridge, Grey 53 Dotterel 85 Gull, Great Black-backed 125 Partridge, Red-legged 53 Dove, Collared 134 Gull, Herring 119 Phalarope, Grey 111 Dove, Stock 131 Gull, Iceland 124 Phalarope, Red-necked 111 Dove, Turtle 134 Gull, Kumlien’s 124 Pheasant, Common 55 Duck, Mandarin 31 Gull, Lesser Black-backed 117 Pigeon, Feral 131 Duck, Muscovy 224 Gull, Little 114 Pigeon, Wood 132 Duck, Ruddy 52 Gull, Mediterranean 115 Pintail, Northern 39 Duck, Spot-billed 225 Gull, Sabine’s 112 Pipit, Meadow 202 Duck, Tufted 44 Gull, Yellow-legged 121 Pipit, Rock 203 Duck, Wood 225 Pipit, Tree 201 Dunlin 93 Harrier, Hen 69 Pipit, Water 204 Dunnock 194 Harrier, Marsh 68 Plover, European Golden 85 Hawfinch 218 Plover, Grey 87 Egret, Cattle 60 Heron, Grey 62 Plover, Little Ringed 81 Egret, Great White 61 Heron, Night 59 Plover, Ringed 84 Egret, Little 60 Hobby 73 Pochard, Common 43 Eider, Common 47 Honey-buzzard 68 Pochard, Red-crested 42 Hoopoe 141 Falcon, Peregrine 74 Quail, Common 54 Fieldfare 179 Ibis, Sacred 225 Firecrest 149 Rail, Water 74 Flycatcher, Pied 193 Jackdaw, Western 146 Raven, Common 148 Flycatcher, Spotted 184 Jay, Eurasian 144 Redpoll, Common 215 Redpoll, Lesser 213 Gadwall 34 Kestrel, Common 72 Redshank, Common 103 Gannet, Northern 57 Kingfisher, Common 141 Redshank, Spotted 103 Garganey 40 Kite, Red 68 Redstart, Black 187 Godwit, Bar-tailed 100 Kittiwake 112 Redstart, Common 187 Godwit, Black-tailed 99 Knot, Red 90 Redwing 182 Goldcrest 149 Robin 185

273 Rook 147 Starling, Common 176 Wagtail, Pied 199 Ruff 94 Stint, Little 91 Wagtail, White 200 Stint, Temminck’s 91 Wagtail, Yellow 197 Sanderling 90 Stonechat 190 Warbler, Barred 166 Sandpiper, Common 109 Stork, White 63 Warbler, Cetti’s 159 Sandpiper, Curlew 92 Swallow, Barn 156 Warbler, Dartford 169 Sandpiper, Green 106 Swan, Bewick’s 20 Warbler, Garden 165 Sandpiper, Pectoral 92 Swan, Black 224 Warbler, Grasshopper 169 Sandpiper, Purple 93 Swan, Mute 13 Warbler, Reed 171 Sandpiper, Spotted 110 Swan, Whooper 21 Warbler, Sedge 170 Sandpiper, Wood 108 Swift, Common 140 Warbler, Willow 162 Scaup, Greater 46 Warbler, Wood 160 Scaup, New Zealand 225 Teal, Eurasian 35 Waxwing 171 Scoter, Common 47 Tern, Arctic 130 Wheatear, Greenland 193 Shag 58 Tern, Black 126 Wheatear, Northern 191 Shearwater, Manx 56 Tern, Common 127 Whimbrel 101 Shelduck, Australian 224 Tern, Little 126 Whinchat 189 Shelduck, Cape/South African Tern, Sandwich 127 Whitethroat, Common 167 224 Tern, White-winged Black 127 Whitethroat, Lesser 166 Shelduck, Common 30 Thrush, Mistle 183 Wigeon, Eurasian 32 Shelduck, Ruddy 223 Thrush, Song 181 Woodcock 98 Shoveler 41 Tit, Blue 150 Woodlark 154 Shrike, Great Grey 144 Tit, Coal 151 Woodpecker, Great Spotted 142 Siskin 209 Tit, Great 150 Woodpecker, Green 142 Skua, Pomarine 111 Tit, Long-tailed 159 Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Skylark 154 Tit, Marsh 152 143 Smew 49 Tit, Willow 151 Wren 176 Snipe, Common 96 Treecreeper, Eurasian 175 Wryneck 141 Snipe, Jack 95 Turnstone 110 Sparrow, House 195 Twite 213 Yellowhammer 219 Sparrow, Tree 196 Yellowlegs, Lesser 106 Sparrowhawk, Eurasian 70 Wagtail, Blue-headed 198 Spoonbill, Eurasian 63 Wagtail, Grey 199

274 Notes

275 Notes

276