Annual Report No 49 1982 Mist/e Thrush by M C Wilkes West Midland Bird Club

Annua! Report No 49 1982

Being the Annual Bird Report of the West Midland Bird Club on the birds in the counties of Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and West Midlands.

Contents

2 Officers and Committee

3 Recorder's Report

3 Birds in 1982

6 Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement

9 Secretary's Report

10 Membership Secretary's Report

10 Permit Secretary's Report

10 Field Meetings Secretary's Report

11 Research Committee's Report

11 Branch Reports

12 Bel vide Reserve

13 Ladywalk Reserve

14 A Profile of Blithfield Reservoir

24 1982 Bird Record Localities

27 Classified Notes

106 Ringing in 1982

116 Key to Contributors

118 Submission of Records

Price £2.00 2

Officers and Committee 1983

President C A Norris, Brookend House, Welland, Worcestershire Vice-President G C Lambourne, Melin Dan-y-rhiw, St. Davids, Dyfed Chairman and A J Richards, 1 Lansdowne Road, Studley, Warwickshire Secretary B80 7JG Deputy Chairman G M Lewis, 9a Plymouth Road, Barnt Green, Birmingham B45 8JE Treasurer J H W Ridley, 33 Blakedown Road, Halesowen, West Midlands Recorder G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton, Warwickshire CV35 7LA Membership Miss J M Nicholls, 296 Olton Boulevard West, Secretary Birmingham B11 3HH Field Meetings S H Young, 32 Carless Avenue, Harborne, Secretary Birmingham B17 9EL Permit Secretary Miss M Surman, 6 Lloyd Square, 12 Niall Close, Birmingham B15 3LX Ringing Secretary A E Coleman, 67 Park Lane, Bonehill, Tamworth, Staffordshire Bulletin Editor P K Dedicoat, 2 The Elms Paddock, Pattingham, Wolverhampton WV6 7DW Chairman of G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton, Research Warwickshire CV35 7LA Committee Staffs Branch D W Emley, 127 Harpfields Road, Stoke-on-Trent Secretary Solihull Branch Mrs D Dunstan, 4 Blossomfield Road, Solihull, Representative West Midlands Main Committee ARM Blake, P K Dedicoat, B Hutton, Mr & Mrs A F Jacobs, R Normand and K A Webb 3

Recorder's Report Now that The Birds of the West Midlands provides a comprehensive analysis of the Region's avifauna, the Annual Report can be used not just to record the birds of the year, but also to keep this analysis up-to-date. This will help provide early warning of significant changes in the regional bird-life, which in turn might have implications for conservation. To do this, though, we need all the records we can get, and I should like to thank everyone who has helped by sending in records for this Report. To help you judge whether your records are of interest, all members have been senM Checklist of the Birds of the West Midlands, which contains a guide to record submission—so now you know precisely what is needed. I should also like to thank my editorial team of Pete Dedicoat, Dave Smallshire and Steve Welch for their invaluable help in compiling this Report; and Rob Hume and Steve Cale for helping to bring the year's highlights to life through their excellent sketches. Rob's work is well known to everyone, but Steve is a newcomer whom I am very pleased to welcome to the team. In conclusion I must mention the last entry in the Classified Notes. This is an old 1968 record of a Northern Oriole that has only recently gained acceptance. Its main significance, however, is in being the first Nearctic passerine to be recorded in the Region. G R Harrison

Birds in 1982 With 213 species, 1982 produced a good variety of birds, yet no significant influx or movement. Apart from a bitterly cold January, the weather was not memorable. Spring was dry, but cold, and many migrants were again slow to arrive. Summer was cool and wet, and the prompt departure of many summer visitors was perhaps indicative of a poor breeding season. After the unprecedented freeze of December 1981, January began with a week of mild weather during which Great Northern Diver, Red-necked Grebe, two Bitterns, Velvet Scoter and two Firecrests were seen. There was a small, but unusual, influx of Oystercatchers on the second and third. Heavy snow then fell on the eighth, to be followed by a week of arctic weather during which overnight temperatures plummeted down to -20°C. The effect on resident passerines was catastrophic, whilst winter visitors like Redwing and Fieldfare virtually deserted the area altogether. Surprisingly, though, Siskin were abnormally abundant throughout the winter, while diving duck again reached record numbers in the Tame Valley. At this time over a third of the world's Pink-footed Geese had congregated in Lancashire, and large skeins of these passed through the Region on the ninth and sixteenth, with a party of 70 eventually settling at the end of the month to stay for most of February. 4

A party of White-fronted Geese also appeared on the ninth, to be followed by another Bittern and a Red-breasted Merganser the next day. Following a rapid thaw on the sixteenth, two Waxwings arrived—or at least were discovered. Mild, but dull weather then persisted through February. Birds were most active in the first week, with more White-fronted Geese on the first, four Whooper Swans arriving on the third. Great Grey Shrike on the sixth and a large herd of Bewick's Swans the next day. The rest of the month was quiet, but Firecrest, another Great Grey Shrike and three Ravens added spice to the usual reports of Iceland and Glaucous Gulls. Westerly airstreams brought unsettled weather for the first three weeks of March, during which time the most notable birds were Red-breasted Mergansers, Merlin, a flock of Crossbills and a record roost of 600 Curlews. Chiffchaffs were singing by mid-month, the first Wheatears arrived on the twenty-second and a pair of Ravens were calling to each other two days later. Warmer weather at the end of the month then brought the first Willow Warbler and Ring Ouzel, and inspired a Firecrest to sing. April brought sunshine and hopes of an early spring, but, though the weather was dry and settled, it remained cool and migrants were slow to arrive. A party of Knot passed through on the fourth; the middle of the month brought Black- throated Diver, Peregrine, Osprey, Hen Harrier and a strong passage of White Wagtails that persisted well into May; an early Golden Oriole appeared on the twenty-fifth and an Eider was present on the twenty-eighth. Cool, wintry weather from the northerly airstream continued for the first week of May, during which time there was a small passage of Sanderling and the fifth turned out to be a red-letter day, with both Osprey and Purple Heron. Then warmer weather arrived with a southerly airstream. This brought the best passage of spring, with three Marsh Harriers, a party of Black Terns, Temminck's Stint, a small movement of Turnstones, Corncrake and two Black-necked Grebes within eight days, culminating with another Black- necked Grebe, Spoonbill and Spotted Sandpiper on the eighteenth and Fulmar the next day. After a brief lull, hot, thundery weather returned at the end of May, accompanied by two more Spoonbills, another Temminck's Stint and more Black Terns. These conditions persisted into June, bringing Golden Oriole on the fifth, yet another Black-necked Grebe the next day and a Montagu's Harrier on the ninth. Thereafter, thunderstorms and depressions brought one of the wettest Junes on record. Another Temminck's Stint appeared on the twelfth, but more surprisingly an Arctic Skua was seen the same day.

Cormorants bred for the second consecutive year, and Common Sandpipers maintained their tenuous hold as a breeding species. Oystercatchers, Ringed Plovers and Common Terns continued their colonisation, despite unwelcome attention from egg-collectors, but it was a bad year for Hobbies. July began and finished cool, with humid weather in mid-month, during which a Quail was heard and another Spoonbill seen. A Bittern was seen on the most unusual date of July 25—perhaps it had been around since the winter— 5

several Kittiwakes passed through at the end of the month, and an Osprey arrived on the twenty-ninth. Westerly winds persisted for most of August, with warm weather at first, during which a Purple Sandpiper was seen on the seventh. Then the wind veered north-westerly and colder, windy weather at the end of the month brought three Shags, Peregrine, Merlin and Black-necked Grebe. Following a series of rapid depressions during the last few days, a Manx Shearwater was found dead on the thirty-first and another Black-necked Grebe was seen next day. This apart, early September was quiet, with light, westerly winds. A slight deterioration of weather in mid-month was accompanied by two Arctic Skuas on the twelfth, with another two days later; a Pectoral Sandpiper, which arrived on the fifteenth; and then Peregrine, White-winged Black Tern and Osprey on successive days from the seventeenth. Parties of Bar-tailed Godwits also appeared on the nineteenth and twenty-third, and amidst vigorous westerly gales at the end of the month both Shag and Grey Phalarope arrived on the twenty-eighth, a Sabine's Gull on the first of October and Slavonian Grebe, Red-breasted Merganser and Rough-legged Buzzard the next day. October was unsettled, but mostly mild and quiet. A Mediterranean Gull was found on the sixteenth. Long-tailed Duck and Great Grey Shrike both appeared on the twenty-fourth, and a small influx of Firecrests occurred on the thirtieth, on which day a Wood Sandpiper arrived to stay throughout the winter—an event perhaps unprecedented in Britain. Warm, southerly winds persisted for the first week of November, before cold north-westerlies again reasserted themselves. The change brought small passages of Sanderling and Dunlin on the fifth; Whooper Swans, Red-breasted Merganser and Hen Harrier the next day; and Red-breasted Merganser, Mediterranean Gull and a few Grey Plover on the seventh. Apart from a Skua on the thirteenth, the middle of the month was uneventful, but the last ten days saw two Long-tailed Ducks, both Great Northern and Red-throated Divers and a Snow Bunting. December's weather was like November's, with many wet and windy days, but average temperatures. Large numbers of diving duck again congregated in the Tame Valley, Lapwings were even more abundant than usual, a small gaggle of White-fronted Geese arrived on the third and four Eiders appeared on the fifth. Mid December brought Great Grey Shrike and Snow Bunting on the eleventh, and Grey Phalarope two days later. Finally, the year closed with an influx of Iceland Gulls over Christmas, a further Great Northern Diver on Boxing Day, another Snow Bunting on the twenty-eighth and another Eider on the thirtieth. G R Harrison 6

Treasurer's Report (year ending December 31, 1982) After the deficit of £1,213 sustained in 1981, the Club's financial reserves were partially restored in 1982 by the surplus on income and expenditure account of £566. The surplus arose primarily from a reduction of £998 in bulletin costs during the year. The accounts show that our major expenses still cannot be met by subscription income alone. The Belvide accounts showed a further excess of income over expenditure of £699, thanks to the continuing high level of support from members in purchasing permits. J H W Ridley

Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended December 31, 1982 1982 1981 Income £ E £ Subscriptions received for 1982 5,854 5,649 Sale of Reports 120 64 Building Society Interest/Bank Interest 840 1,039 Reservoirs (permit fees) 1,850 1,108 Gifts and Donations 46 8 Proceeds of Raffles — 56 Film Show Receipts — 16 Conservation Fair Receipts 32 19 Advertising Income 78 Sales of First Day Cover Stamps — 10 Commission on Sale of Books, Calendars and Badges 1 9

Total Income 8,821 7,978 Less Expenditure Donation to RSPB — 20 Tillington/Doxey Appeal 150 — Indoor Meetings 421 562 Reports 2,354 2,220 Bulletins 3,260 4,262 Printing. Stationery and Postage 1,030 872 Reservoirs, Permit Fees and Insurance 1,005 908 Subscriptions to Associates 15 4 Conservation Fair Expenses 4 — Sundry Expenses 16 — Purchase of Projector — 343

8,255 9,191

Surplus/IDeficit) for the Year £566 £11,213) 7

Belvide -Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ended December 31, 19B2

1982 1981 Income £ £ Permits 1,403 1,474 Interest Received 31 34 Field Meetings 8 33 Donations etc. 10 Grazing 115 115 Birds of Belvide 36 65

1,593 1,731

Less Expenditure Reserve Maintenance 68 Keys 78 53 Rent 602 602 Insurance 53 Car Park Rent 46 41 Printing 50 Postage and General Expenses 100 124

894 923

Surplus for the Year C690 £000 8

Balance Sheet at December 31, 1982

- 1982 1981 Surplus £ £ £ As at December 31, 1981 12,350 13,205 Add: Surplus/IDeficit) on main account 566 (1,213) Surplus on Belvide Account 699 808 F. Dale Bequest — (450) Birds of West Midlands Fund 6,690 10,416 7,955 As at December 31, 1982—General Fund 13,615 12,350 Birds of West Midlands Fund 6,690 10,416

£20,305 £22,766

Represented by: F. Dale Reserve 7,500 7,500

Current Assets Cash at Bank 18,216 21,379 Halifax Building Society 586 540 Debtor in respect of Belvide 210 152

26,512 29,571

Less: Current Liabilities Subscriptions in Advance 1,158 976 Permit Fees in Advance 858 1,714 Creditor in respect of Annual Report etc. 4,191 4,115

6,207 6.805

Total Net Assets £20,305 £22,766

Note: The balance of the Birds of West Midlands Fund includes interest free loans repayable in 4 years.

We have examined the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Accounts. In our opinion these accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the Club's affairs at December 31. 1982 and of the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on that date.

C L Dain & Co, Chartered Accountants St. Johns Court, Wiltell Road, Lichfield J H W Ridley 1982 Hon Treasurer 9

Secretary's Report Indoor Meetings — Birmingham During the year in question all the Parent Club indoor meetings were held in the Birmingham and Midland Institute. In 1982 we also obtained our own slide projector and our thanks are due to Charlie Brown, Tom Leach and Ken Webb, all of whom looked after projection arrangements at meetings throughout the 12 months. Speakers who came to talk to us were as follows:- January David Smallshire 'Belvide Bird Reserve and its Birds'. February Roy Blewitt 'A Bird Photographer's Year'. March AGM and Ken Webb 'The Gannet and other Birds'. April Frank Gribble, Joe Hardman, Phil Ireland and David Smallshire 'How to get more out of your Birdwatching'. May John Robinson 'If you go down in the Woods To-day'. October Barrie Taylor 'Some Indian Birds and other Wildlife'. November Dr Jim Fowler 'Birds, Oil and the Shetland Environment'. December Richard Porter 'The Protection of Birds at Home and Abroad'.

Indoor Meetings — Solihull All meetings were held in the Solihull Technical College Theatre. Speakers were as follows:- January Joe Hardman 'The River Avon and its Swans'. February Cancelled due to bad weather. March Mike Wilkes 'British Wildlife Spectacular'. October Graham Harrison 'The Birds of the West Midlands'. November Michael King 'Birdwatching in the Pyrenees'. Thanks are due to Mrs Daphne Dunstan for all the help and assistance in arranging the venue and administering the above functions.

Events During the course of the year the WMBC were involved and represented at RSPB film shows in the Town Hall, Birmingham, and Solihull Library, Solihull, and also at the Town and Country Festival, Stoneleigh. The Club is indebted to numerous helpers who gave of their time and energies at the above events.

The Birds of the West Midlands On Tuesday, May 4, 1982, the first copies of the above arrived from the printers. It was gratifying and pleasing that at the time of publication over 1000 orders had been received out of a total print run of 3000. It is important we record the fact that publication of this book was only made possible by generous interest-free loans and donations from members and societies. Notable amongst these were considerable loans from the Royal Society and the Foyle Trust. Additionally we must record our appreciation to Michael Warren who 10

painted the original for the dust jacket, which he donated to the Club. This was sold for a considerable sum of money. Also a signed, numbered, limited edition print of the dust jacket was also produced and sales of this also helped defray the considerable printing costs. Not least the Club owes considerable gratitude to Graham Harrison, the Editor, and his team of co-authors who spent many long hours over the compilation of this highly acclaimed avifauna of the West Midlands.

The Kidderminster Branch It is sad to record that 1982 was the last year that this Branch was operative. First of the Club's Branches to be formed (1948), it has provided meetings and activities for members in the Kidderminster area over the last 3Vi decades. In the latter years Les Bayes, Robin Jones and particularly Miss Badland, have been instrumental in keeping the Branch going. Especially we have to thank Miss Badland for her sterling efforts in running the Branch virtually single-handed in the final years of the Branch's life. A J Richards

Membership Secretary's Report The membership total at December 31,1982 was 1865. This consisted of 1791 adults and 74 juniors—34 less than at December 31, 1981. With everyone having to look more closely at which subscriptions they can afford to keep these days, an overall loss of 34 could have been much worse. The non-payers deleted in March were 291 compared with 215 in 1981 and 232 in 1980. The two months which gave the highest number of new members were April and December, each with 36.

Miss J M Nicholls

Permit Secretary's Report There was good support for permits again in 1982 and I would like to thank all members who applied early. Permits were issued as follows: Belvide 471, Blithfield 394 and Ladywalk 431. Miss M Surman

Field Meetings Secretary's Report The year started badly, with the cancellation of the Field Meeting to Slimbridge due to snow. After that the weather improved and successful trips to Eyebrook, Kingsbury Water Park and the Ouse Washes made up the count of wildfowl. The Devon weekend has become an established "must" on the programme, and was so much in demand that it had to be held on two weekends. Nearer to home, the spring venues were the Ludlow area, Wyre Forest and Brown Clee. 11

During the second half of the year, meetings ranged from the Dee Estuary to Cannock Chase, and Wyre Forest to Morecambe Bay, ending as it began in snow at Bittell. Many new members joined the meetings during the year, and on several the demand was sufficient to run two coaches. It was encouraging to see so many junior members among the regulars. I should like to thank all those who supported the Field Meetings, and especially to those who helped in so many ways to make them successful. S H Young

Research Committee's Report Following the passing of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, the Committee prepared an ornithological appraisal of both the existing Sites of Special Scientific Interest and unscheduled sites which meet SSSI criteria. Its report was welcomed by the Nature Conservancy Council as a valuable aid to the tasks of rescheduling all SSSIs and notifying the owners of which practices might damage conservation interests. This was the most important activity of the year, but the Committee also considered the arguments for and against ringing Herons at Gailey, and advised the Club on whether or not this should be allowed to continue. In conjunction with the BTO's representatives, it also continued to monitor progress on the Winter Atlas. G R Harrison

Staffordshire Branch Report 1982 will be remembered as the year when, after only 20 years as Branch Chairman, Eric Longman retired. Without doubt, the success of the Branch today is due largely to Eric's continued efforts and enthusiasm. However, Eric didn't get away that easily as he was elected to serve on the committee as an ordinary member. A presentation was made by Branch members to Eric and his wife at the first indoor meeting of the winter and, in recognition of his services to the Club, Eric was made an Honorary Member. Indoor meetings covered a wide range of topics including; Greenland White-fronted Geese, the Wildlife of the Dee, Birds of Shropshire, Birds of the West Midlands, BTO Waterways Survey and, on a more practical note, Frank Gribble and Dave Smallshire told us what we could do with our birdwatching; all in the best possible taste of course. In addition to field meetings to more regular haunts, we undertook a new venture. In conjunction with the Natural History department of the City Museum and Art Gallery we held a half-day seminar at the museum dealing with the identification of difficult species. We were able to look at mounted specimens and skins of species that often cause problems when records are sent to British Birds Rarities Committee or to the Club's Records Committee. All those who attended agreed that it was a very rewarding exercise. 12

Conservation matters were again in the forefront of the Committee's work. The Committee lobbied for the whole of the Leek Moors to be included in one large SSSI. It is pleasing to report that this is now underway though, because of the large numbers of owners that have to be notified, it will be some time yet before it is finalised. The NCC's review of all SSSIs prompted the Committee to examine all sites of ornithological importance in the county to see which ones came up to the standard required for designation as an SSSI. Our findings were passed on to the Club's Research Committee who, under the leadership of Graham Harrison, were doing a similar survey of sites in the rest of the Club's area. A proposal to develop and extend Trentham Gardens with a risk of damage to the Kings Wood SSSI prompted a flurry of letters. The results of our efforts are not yet known as the company concerned seem reluctant to outline their plans for the woodland and the Park. The Club received notification that the South Staffs Water Company intended to apply for a license to cull Cormorants at Blithfield in 1983/84. In order to counter this it was felt necessary to accumulate as much information as possible on Cormorant numbers and feeding activity throughout the winter. A team of volunteers agreed to do this on a one day a week basis and their travel expenses were covered by the John Ball Bursary. 1982 saw the formation of a Local Group of the RSPB in the Potteries. Initial fears of a detrimental effect on the Branch were perhaps a little hasty. It is hoped to work closely with the group by the formation of a liaison committee. Finally, following a suggestion from George Smith, the Doxey/Tillington reserve was entered for a Conservation Foundation Award. It is pleasing to record that it was runner-up in the Ecological Category. Bev Craddock was presented with a trophy and a cheque for £150 which will be added to the Doxey Marsh Fund. D W Emley

Belvide Reserve Permit sales appeared to flatten out somewhat after last year's peak, with a 1982 total of 471. Nevertheless, this was very satisfactory and permit fees were maintained at the 1977 level. The year was dominated by severe weather in January and February, when the reservoir remained predominantly frozen for long periods, and a very low water level after August. Both factors were detrimental to wildfowl, but the latter naturally attractive to waders. A good series of oddities and rarities ensured good observer coverage and the year's total of 160 species was very high. Highlight of the year came in May, when a Spotted Sandpiper coincided with a Spoonbill, probably Dutch-ringed. A second Spoonbill appeared later in May and other spring highlights included 12 Knot, a displaying pair of Black-necked Grebes, Marsh Harrier and Montagu's Harrier, the second 1982 addition to the reserve list. 13

The breeding season was generally disappointing mainly due to a rather low water level, although Shoveler were successful for the first time since 1973 and Shelduck bred in the vicinity. Little Ringed Plovers nested unsuccessfully, but Redshanks produced four broods, a Quail called briefly and a record five Reed Warblers sang. The previously spectacular moult gathering of waterfowl was relatively small, but a good autumn wader passage included up to 15 Black-tailed and eight Bar-tailed Godwits, 11 Knot, six Curlew Sandpipers and a record 80 Dunlin. An immature Peregrine remained in the area for several months from August and an Arctic Skua was followed by a storm-driven Sabine's Gull, the third 1982 addition to the list. Gulls also featured in November, with a roosting Mediterranean Gull and an unprecedented Little Gull passage, with up to 20 in a day. Wigeon, Tufted, Pochard, Goldeneye, Goosander and Ruddy were exceptionally scarce in the 1982-83 winter, although the low water level obviously improved fishing for many more Great Crested Grebes than usual. The latter were joined by a Red-throated Diver for three days. The mild December weather saw a long-staying Little Stint, one or two Blackcaps and up to 1000 Fieldfare and 500 Redwings. Other notable occurrences during the year included Scaup, Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Hobby, Grey Plover, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Turnstone, Kittiwake, Little Tern and Rock Pipit. Several other oddities, such as a Spoonbill in October, were reported in the log, but unfortunately substantiating details were not forthcoming.

A description of 1982 would be incomplete without mention of the exceptional butterfly season; the total of 18 species was particularly good for what is a generally impoverished area. The highlights were good numbers of Painted Ladies and an unidentified large Fritillary. D Smallshire

Ladywalk Reserve January saw a resumption of December's vicious arctic conditions and although early spring produced drier and more seasonal weather. May began with wintry showers which set the pattern for a cool wet summer. Ladywalk water-levels were still unusually high in August and, although improved by a dry beginning to autumn, this was too late for the main wader passage—had there been one. (Reports from coastal observatories mention "a non-eventful spring and a poor autumn."). With huge acreages of water now available to wildfowl just to the north of the reserve, it is gratifying to note that Ladywalk still holds its attractions for these species. Breeding success continues, and at timeis our comparatively small area of water acts as a refuge for the large flocks now wintering in the Tame Valley: e.g. 1200 Tufted Duck on January 20. 14

The hide A 'scrape' can be called a success on two counts: a Purple Sandpiper in August and regular chances to watch feeding Kingfishers, and it must be a form of poetic justice that woodpeckers are doing their best to take hide A apart. When conditions permit, it is intended to scrape off the vegetation up to ten metres back from the water's edge on the marsh to encourage the Little Ringed Plover to resume nesting, and it has been suggested that the provision of a raft-island on water in front of hide B could well prove a nesting stimulus for the Common Tern, which is now a regular summer visitor; it would certainly be a graceful addition to the reserve's breeding species. Being compiled in the main from entries in the hide A notebook, the records this year suffer somewhat from the lack of entries for the period January- April, which were removed by some mindless vandal. The wardens' own records, not necessarily entered in the hide-book, have helped to cover that unfortunate gap. The response to last year's suggestion that records of commoner passerine species should feature more frequently in the hide-book means that we can compare our observations with those of the BTO Common Bird Census in 1981 and 1982. Of the thirteen species listed by them as 'significantly down' we agree with ten: Reed Bunting, Wren, Skylark, Linnet, Redpoll, Robin, Song Thrush, Meadow Pipit, Yellowhammer and Great Tit. With Dunnock and Bullfinch we report no change and, in contrast to the BTO's findings, we note a marked increase in Blackbird. Of their four 'significantly increased' species, one we've never recorded (Nuthatch), Jay we agree with, and on Whitethroat and Blackcap we report no change. The Common Bird Census is carried out on 350 farmland and woodland plots, while Ladywalk can best be described as industrial margin and woodland, and this difference in habitat well accounts for any disparity in records. H T Lees

A Profile of Blithfield Reservoir

Introduction Blithfield Reservoir, a drinking-water reservoir owned by the South Staffordshire Waterworks Company (SSWC), is situated 6km north of Rugeley on the NE flank of the Trent Valley. The reservoir, which was filled in 1952, has a perimeter of 14km and covers an area of 320ha: it is thus the largest water in the region. Configured in the shape of a Y, the two northerly bays are fed by the River Blithe and the Tad Brook respectively. The water is effectively divided into a northerly and a southerly section by a central causeway, which carries the B5013 Rugeley-to-Uttoxeter road. 15

Apart from the main dam, which forms the southern boundary of the reservoir, the water has largely natural banks and is set amongst a mixed agricultural landscape at an altitude of some 110m. On the point of land between the two bays, and on the eastern shore of the Tad bay, are mature deciduous woodlands (with oak and sycamore dominant) while adjoining areas have been planted with spruce and larch (Harrison eta/, 1982). In the autumn (but rarely in the spring), falling water-levels expose sometimes— considerable mud flats at the ends of the two bays and, in good years, this creates by far the most extensive and important wader habitat in the region. Behind the bays, flanking the Blithe and Tad, are marshy areas of predominantly rush and reedgrass, with alders along the further reaches of the Blithe, and an increasing area of willow scrub. Recreational activity is limited to fly-fishing, yachting, bird-watching and occasional sub-aqua activities. A bird-watching permit scheme has been operated by the WMBC since 1967 and hides have been installed by the SSWC at strategic points around the reservoir.

The current status of the site Within a year or two of its creation, Blithfield had established itself as an important water, particularly for wildfowl and migrant waders. Regular wildfowl counts, as part of the Wildfowl Trust's monitoring scheme, revealed that by 1963 Blithfield was the third most important reservoir for wildfowl in the country (based both on total numbers and species mix). Despite the advent of massive new reservoirs such as Rutland Water (Leicestershire), Blithfield still ranks among the nation's half-dozen most significant waters. Of particular note are the wintering populations of Wigeon, Goosander and Ruddy Duck. Lord (1976) has shown that, on average, in excess of 2000 wildfowl are present from October to February inclusive, with approaching 3000 in November and December. To date, no less that 33 species of wildfowl have been recorded at the locality. The irregular shape of the reservoir, with .two long, relatively narrow and shallow bays at the northerly end, has regularly resulted in a considerable exposure of mud during the autumn; relatively moderate falls in water-level produce flats of mud (rather than the narrow muddy edges more commonly associated with reservoirs) and in exceptional seasons the combined area of mud may exceed 40ha. Up to 1982, the remarkable total of 36 species of wader had been recorded, while such impressive concentrations as 260 Dunlin (in November 1973) and 166 Ringed Plover (in August 1970) further emphasise the exceptional nature of the reservoir as an inland stop-over point for migrant waders. As a breeding site, Blithfield is less outstanding, but there is an important colony of Great Crested Grebes, which has averaged 40 young in recent years, while Little Grebe, Mallard and Tufted Duck are becoming increasingly productive. Over 80 species have bred at the site! 16

With such a diversity of resident species and seasonal visitors, and as a major inland wintering area for wildfowl, Blithfield has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Recent changes in habitat and usage As with any ecosystem, there has been considerable habitat succession at Blithfield over the years. Initially, the margins of the reservoir were relatively bare, with rank grassland surrounding almost the entire area. As the marshy areas at the ends of the two northerly arms have matured, however, increasingly dense and extensive zones of willow scrub have become established and, in the Blithe bay in particular, have now invaded the shallow water at the river inflow. With the onset of falling water-levels in early July, good wader habitat was originally produced immediately, but the encroachment of sallow scrub now effectively excludes waders (apart from a few Snipe and Green Sandpipers) and it is not until early August, or later, that the drop in water-level is sufficient to produce mud (and thus wader habitat) on the scale which made the site famous. In the Tad bay, an even more profuse growth of willows has developed but, thus far, this is concentrated on the east shore, rather than across the very head of the bay, and has not reduced the area of mud so significantly. The number of saplings around the rest of the bay, however, suggests that, within a few years, the willow growth here will also become a problem. In the Tad bay, in particular, the willow scrub has provided additional cover for breeding birds (particularly Great Crested Grebes) and a certain amount of such cover is therefore welcome. However, the signs are that, if left uncontrolled, the willow scrub will become far too extensive and eventually dominate the ends of the two bays to the exclusion of other habitats. As part of their management regime, the SSWC has also made major alterations to the habitat. In particular, much of the eastern shore north of the causeway has been converted to conifer plantation, which over much of its length, extends almost to the water's edge. If it were not for brashing and other forestry activity, this shore would now be virtually impenetrable. There has also been a decision to sell off much of the hardwood: a significant part of Stansley Wood has already been felled and replaced by conifer-dominated plantation and there are similar plans for Duckley Wood. Fly-fishing (both land-based and from boats) was introduced early in the life of the water and takes place over the entire reservoir. At present, and within the existing organisational framework, the number of rods is limited, and disturbance is within reasonable limits. Yachting began in 1972; it is confined to a designated area of the deeper, southern section of the reservoir and its effect on bird-life has therefore been small. The adjacent pasture is a favoured grazing area for Wigeon, however, with the water forming a temporary refuge in the event of disturbance, so the birds are now less secure in this area than hitherto. 17

The future of Blithfield as a site of ornithological importance Blithfield remains a site of prime ornithological importance, but there are indications that it is in danger of losing its unquestioned pre-eminence of a few years ago. The habitat changes outlined above (i.e. loss of wader habitat and removal of deciduous woodland) are reflected by a decline in records of associated species, while there has also been a decline in certain waterbirds. The reasons for the latter are probably complex, and may involve changes in the food supply resulting from factors such as water-quality and prolonged periods of drought. However, there has also been a significant, if small, increase in disturbance, resulting both from increased water-borne activities and an increasing amount of trespassing in sensitive areas. The lack of an official public-access area, and generally inadequate fencing contribute to the latter. At a water the size of Blithfield there is, of course, room for a range of recreational activities, but the time has now come, perhaps, when a reserve area should be established. At other popular ornithological sites in the region, such as Belvide and Kingsbury Water Park, nature reserves have been established and a degree of habitat management undertaken. In these respects Blithfield suffers by comparison and, for a reservoir of this significance, the lack of a reserve area, from which other activities are excluded, is something of an anachronism. Comparable sites nationally, such as Chew Valley Lake and Rutland Water, operate such schemes very successfully. The permit scheme organised by the WMBC is still well-patronised (with over 350 permits issued in 1982) but it is evident that the number.of visits per individual has declined in recent years. As it appears that further changes are imminent (such as the re-organisation of the fishing), it is clear that safeguards are required if the ornithological importance of the site is to be assured. Ideally, the bulk of the Tad bay should be designated a reserve and the northern boundary effectively fenced. Some management work will also be required. A R Dean

References Harrison, G R; Dean, A R; Richards, A J and Smallshire, D (1982) The Birds of the West Midlands. West Midland Bird Club. Lord, J (1965) Some Birds of Blithfield Reservoir. IVesf Midland Bird Report 31:8-15. Lord, J (1976) Duck Counts at Blithfield Reservoir. IVesr Midland Bird Report 42:11-12.

Checklist The following checklist covers the period from 1953 to the end of 1982, during which time a total of 219 official British species was recorded (while a few presumed escapes such as Flamingo and White Pelican also occurred). At least 82 species are known to have bred at the reservoir or in the 18

immediate environs. The status of each species is indicated under one or moro of the following headings: PS Principal status, designated by R = resident, S=summer visitor, W=winter visitor, P=passage migrant, V=vagrant (defined as less than ten records in total), or F=feral birds of erratic appearance. This category is intended to give a quick (but inevitably incomplete) idea of status and, for simplicity, only one code letter is shown per species. The code chosen is that which applies to the majority of records of each particular species and unavoidably involves a degree of compromise in some ii isldiiues. B Breeding strength. Average number of breeding pairs in recent years where known, otherwise c=common (more than 20 pairs), f=fairly common (6 to 20 pairs), s = scarce (1 to 5 pairs), or r=rare (less than annual). (Year) indicates year of isolated breeding, and [Year] the year of most recent breeding for irregular species. A Typical annual peak concentration. M Maximum ever recorded, with date. N Number of years (from a possible 30) which produced records, for selected transitory species. T Total number of records (birds) for vagrants and scarcer species, with date for single occurrences. Further details of many of the species, particularly the wildfowl, can be found in Harrison et a! (1982) and Lord (1965 and 1976).

SPECIES PS B A M N T

Red-throated Diver V 5 5(6) Black-throated Diver . V 6 6(7) Great Northern Diver V 7 8(9) Little Grebe R 4 25 90(Aug. 1955) Great Crested Grebe R 30 150 335(25.8.54) Red-necked Grebe V 9 10 Slavonian Grebe w 11 17 Black-necked Grebe P 3(18.11.61) 11 15(17) Fulmar V 20.8.81 Leach's Petrel V 4 5 Gannet V 2 Cormorant W 50 120(Dec. 1981) Shag P 8 14(17) Bittern V 2 Little Egret V 2 on 11.5.67 Grey Heron R 35 80(15.6.80) Spoonbill V 7 9(12) Mute Swan R 1 35 150(30.8.59) Bewick's Swan w 25 57(23.2.64) 25 Whooper Swan V 4(4.2.73) 5 5(12) Pink-footed Goose V 43(5.1.79) 7 9(91) White-fronted Goose W 150(18.1.77) 19 28(433) 19

SPECIES PS B A M N T Greylag Goose F 6(12.4.80) Snow Goose F 3(8.9.57) Canada GOOSE N 1 450 600(Dcc. 1080) Barnacle Goose F 7(30.9.78) Brent Goose V 5(26.10.69) 5 5(10) Egyptian Goose F 6 Shelduck p 12 29(3.1.76) 28 Mandarin F 4 Wigeon w 1000 1840(12.12.65) Gadwall P 4 7(30.8.70) Teal w 11972) 650 1400(17.12.61) Mallard R 12 1500 2550(15.1.67) Pintail W 9 36(30.12.54) Garganey P 4 26(18.8.68) 28 Shoveler w [1972] 50 230(7.10.72) Red-crested Pochard V 5 5 Pochard w 300 1200(Nov. 1976) Ring-necked Duck V 20/22.11.77 Tufted Duck w 6 100 600(7.1.62) Scaup w 10(Dec. 1979) 18 37(61) Eider V 2 Long-tailed Duck w 7 9(10) Common Scoter p 11(20.4.74) 22 50(124) Goldeneye w 50 90(Mar. 1981) Smew w 6(15.1.56) 17 27(42) Red-breasted Merganser w 12 19(21) Goosander w 100 148(Feb. 1976) Ruddy Duck w 400 630(18.1.81) Marsh Harrier V 3 5 Hen Harrier V 3 4 Sparrowhawk R 1 Buzzard p 2 since 1975 Osprey p 12 15(16) Kestrel R 3 Merlin W 11 16 Hobby P 9 11 Peregrine P 9 11 Red-legged Partridge R s Grey Partridge R f 28(11.11.67) Quail V 2 Pheasant R f Water Rail w (few recent reports) Spotted Crake V 8.10.66 Moorhen R 10 Coot R 50 500 1480(17.9.61) Crane V 1.10.71 Oystercatcher P 3 8(29.5.55 & 8.8.62) 29 Avocet V 18.6.70 Little Ringed Plover P 11982] 10 27(5.8.71) 26 Ringed Plover P 30 166(23.8.70) 29 Kentish Plover V • 11/16.9.70 Golden Plover w 68(30.1.72) Grey Plover p 13(21.9.75) 19 48(103) Lapwing R f 1000 6000(21.10.56) 20

SPECIES PS B A M N T

Knot P 2 11(19.8.62 & 26 17.8.67) Sanderling P 2 22(21.5.56) 25 Little Stint P 8 26(24.9.73) 28 Temminck's Stint V 5 7(8) • White-rumped Sandpiper V Nov. 10/12 & Dec. 8/11, 1979 Pectoral Sandpiper V 5 5(6) Curlew Sandpiper p 6 37(10.9.78) 25 Purple Sandpiper V 3 4 Dunlin p 30 260(4.11.73) 30 Buff-breasted Sandpiper V 7/22.9.80 Ruff p 15 33(14.8.77) 29 Jack Snipe W 3 9(15.10.72) Snipe p 100 300(Oct. 1972) Woodcock w r Black-tailed Godwit p 15(13.4.67) 26 53(97) Bar-tailed Godwit p 22(5.9.75) 24 46(120) Whimbrel p 2 23(1.9.74) 29 Curlew p 20 210(2.4.56) Spotted Redshank p 3 8(21.8.76 & 5.9.79) 27 Redshank p [1962] 10 25(5.8.65) 30 Greenshank p 10 26(Jul. 1976) 30 Lesser Yellowlegs V 15/30.9.79 Green Sandpiper p 6 23(29.7.56) 29 Wood Sandpiper p 2 8(19.9.54 & 20.9.62) 26 Common Sandpiper p 20 50(5.8.70) 30 Turnstone p 3 12(15.8.65) 25 Red-necked Phalarope V 3 3 Grey Phalarope V 8 8 Arctic Skua V 4 8(10) Great Skua V 5 5 Mediterranean Gull V 3 4 Little Gull p 15(4.5.74) 23 72(140) Sabine's Gull V 11.9.76 Black-headed Gull w 12000 19000(10.1.71) Common Gull w 50 150(3.11.63) Lesser Black-backed Gull w 2500 6000(5.11.72) Herring Gull w 2000 4000(30.1.72) Iceland Gull w 3(11.2.73) 11 (20) Glaucous Gull w 5(20.1.80) 16 (54) Great Black-backed Gull w 50 100(1.2.76) Kittiwake p 42(11.3.79) 18 40(126) Caspian Tern V 16.7.72 Sandwich Tern p 4(30.8.65 & 25.4.76) 13 17(27) Roseate Tern V 3 3 Common Tern p 15 20(2.7.72) 28 Arctic Tern p 10 23(19.4.81) 23 Little Tern p 8(6.9.82) 16 23(46) Whiskered Tern V 10.5.70 Black Tern p 20 120(3.6.63) 30 White-winged Black Tern V 3 3 Stock Dove R f 40 150(11.11.72) Woodpigeon R c 300 700(18.12.66) Collared Dove R s 21

SPECIES PS

Turtle Dove S Cuckoo S Barn Owl R (Not since 1374?) Linle Owl R Tawny Owl R Short-eared Owl P Nightjar V July 1963 Swift s- 1000 5000(10.6.78) Kingfisher R Breeds nearby Hoopoe V 28/29.4.68 Wryneck V 25.881 Green Woodpecker R 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker R 6 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker R 2 Skylark R f 260(19.1.58) Shore Lark V 11/12.11.72 Sand Martin P 500 3000(28.8.69) Swallow S 500 1000(9.8.72) House Martin S 500 1500(31.8.75 & 19.8.81) Richard's Pipit V 2(4) Tree Pipit P 25(6.4.67) Meadow Pipit P 50 200(5.11.67) Rock Pipit P 8(18.10.81) 24 (83) Water Pipit V 5 6(7) Yellow Wagtail S 80 250(27.8.72) p Blue-headed Wagtail 14 (26) Grey Wagtail W (1962) Pied Wagtail • R f 40 100(7.9.75 & 3.9.77) White Wagtail P 6(13.4.79) Waxwing V 4(11/19.1.75) 2(6) Wren R Dunnock R Robin R Black Redstart V Redstart S Whinchat P 10(31.8.75) Stonechat w 6(10.12.76) 16 (36) p Wheatear 12(Aug. 1970) Greenland Wheatear V Ring Ouzel V 12/15.10.72 Blackbird R Fieldfare W 500 1000(13.4.67) Song Thrush R Redwing W 250 400(10.12.66 & 24.3.74) Mistle Thrush R Grasshopper Warbler S (Few since 1979) Sedge Warbler S 20(May 1969) Reed Warbler S Lesser Whitethroat S Whitethroat S Garden Warbler S Blackcap S p Wood Warbler 22

SPECIES PS B A M N T

Chiffchaff S s Willow Warbler S c Goldcrest R f Firecrest V (One reliable bi unpublished, late 1980) Spotted Flycatcher S f Pied Flycatcher V 2 2 Bearded Tit V 27.11.66 Long-tailsd Tit R f 20 35(10,11,55) Marsh Tit R s Willow Tit R 1 Coal Tit R f Blue Tit R c 365(17.7.81) Great Tit R c 167(17.7.81) Nuthatch R f Treecreeper R f Golden Oriole V 29/30.5.77 Red-backed Shrike V 23.8.63 Great Grey Shrike V 3 5 Jay R f Magpie R f Jackdaw R f Rook R 70 Carrion Crow R f 190(11.10.74) Hooded Crow V 5.4.72 Starling R c House Sparrow R c Tree Sparrow R c 150 1500(14.1.62) Chaffinch R c 400(Dec. 1959) Brambling W 300(14.1.67) Greenfinch R . f 200(16.10.60 & 8.10.67) Goldfinch R s 80(early 1965) Siskin w 80(8.11.81) Linnet R f 600(17.10.75) Twite P 6(22.11.59 & 7.10.79) 9 14(31) Redpoll R s 80(25.11.79) Crossbill V 8(29.7.62) 3 3(11) Bullfinch R s 18(15.12.63) Hawfinch V 15.3.70 Snow Bunting w 7(27.11.77) 13 17(32) Yellowhammer R f 100(29.11.81) Reed Bunting R f Corn Bunting ? (Erratic in various seasons) 23 24

1982 Bird Record Localities The following alphabetical list tor each county gives the grid reference of all localities mentioned in the Report. The accompanying map shows every locality for which a record was submitted in 1982.

Warwickshire Admington SP2046 Hams Hall SP2092 Port way SP0872 Alcester SP0957 Harbury SP3759 Preston Bagot SP1765 Alcester Heath SP0758 Hartshill SP3294 Purley Park SP3096 Alvocote SK.2504 Hatton SP?367 Arley SP2890 Henley-in-Arden SP1565 Rugby SP5075 Arrow SP0856 Hunningham SP3768 Seeswood Pool SP3290 Baddesley Ensor SP2798 llmington SP2143 Sherbourne SP2661 Barford SP2760 Shrewley Common SP2167 Bascote Heath SP3962 Kingsbury Water Park SP2096 Shustoke SP2291 Bearley SP1760 Kingsbury Wood SP2397 Southam SP4161 Bedworth SP3587 Stoneleigh SP3372 Bentley Woods SP2895 Ladywalk SP2191 Stratford-on-Avon SP2055 Bermuda SP3589 Lea Marston SP2093 Studley SP0763 Bidford-on-Avon SP1051 Leamington Spa SP3165 Sych Wood SP2092 Binton SP1454 Little Wolford SP2635 Brandon Marsh SP3875 Long Itchington SP4165 Temple Grafton SP1254 Brinklow SP4379 Long Marston SP1548 Bubbenhall SP3672 Loxley SP2552 Ufton Fields SP3861 Chesford Bridge SP3069 Ufton Wood SP3862 Marlcliffe SP0950 Upper Coal Spinney SP3095 Chesterton SP3558 Marston SP2094 Church End SP2992 Middleton SP1898 Cliff SP2198 Walton SP2852 Coleshill SP2089 Wappenbury Wood SP3770 Nether Whitacre SP2392 Compton Verney SP3152 Warton SK2803 Newbold Comyn SP3365 Compton Wynyates SP3341 Warwick SP2864 Newbold Revel SP4580 Coombe Abbey SP4079 Wasperton SP2658 Newnham Paddox SP4884 Coton SP2194 Water Orton SP1791 Norton Lindsey SP2263 Crackley Woods SP3073 Wedgnock . SP2667 Nuneaton SP3691 Welcombe Hills SP2156 Dafferns Wood Whateley • ' SP2299 Draycote Water SP4669 Oldbury SP3095 Whichford Wood SP3034 Oxhouse Farm SP2950 Whitacre Heath SP2192 Earlswood SP1174 Willey SP4984 Edstone SP1862 Packington SP2284 Wolston SP4175

Worcestershire Abberton S09953 Bell End S09377 Broadwas S07555 Areley Kings S08070 Berrow Hill S09962 Arley S07680 Besford S09144 Calcot Hill S09478 Ashton-under-Hill S09937 Bittell SP0174 Callow Hill S07473 Aston Mill S09435 Blakedown S08878 Captains Pool S08474 Bockleton S05862 Chaddesley Wood S09173 Bayton S06973 Brakemill Pool S08979 Churchill S08779 Beckford S09735 Bredon S09136 Clent S09379 Belbroughton S09177 Bredon Hill S09539 Clifton-on-Teme S07161 25

Cofton Hackett SP0075 Holt Heath S08163 Seckley Woods S07678 Coldridge Wood S08082 Hopwood SP0375 Shernal Green S09161 Shrawley S08064 Deaths Dingle llley S09881 Sling S09477 Devil's Spittleful SO8074 Island Pool S08R80 Srnurpnrt S08171 Doverdale S08566 StniirvAle Dowery Dell Kemerton S09437 Strensham S09039 Dowles Brook S07676 Kidderminster S08376 Suckley S07251 Droitwich S08963 Kingsford S08281 Summerfield S08373 Knapp, The S07451 Eastham S06568 Knightsford S07356 Thicknall S09079 Eckington S09241 Kyre S06263 Thorngrove S08260 Ell Wood S09679 Tiddesley Wood S09245 Evesham SP0344 Larford S08169 Trench Wood S09258 Eymore Wood S07779 Lickey Hills S09975 Trimpley S07778 Little Comberton S09643 Twiland Wood S09780 Far Forest S07275 Longdon S08336 Twyning Green S09036 Feckenham SP0061 Long Saw Croft S09779 Fladbury S09946 Lower Moor S09847 Uffmoor Wood S09581 Fred Dale Reserve S07776 Lower Strensham S09040 Upper Strensham S09039 Upton-on-Severn SO8540 Goosehill Wood S09360 Madeley Heath S09577 Upton Warren S09367 Grafton Wood S09756 Malvern S07745 Great Witley S07566 Menith Wood S07069 Grimley S08360 Monkwood S08060 Walsgrove Hill S07465 Guarlford S08145 Mount Segg Walton Hill S09479 Weethley Wood SP0455 Habberley S08077 Nafford S09441 West Hagley S09080 Hallow S08258 Westwood Park S08763 Hanley Child S06565 Oakley S08960 Wilden. S08272 Hanley Dingle S06866 Old Hills S08248 Wissetts Wood S06772 Hartlebury Common S08270 Ombersley S08463 Witley Park S07764 Haws Hill S06065 Woodbury Hill S07464 Hewell Park SP0069 Pennyfields Worcester S08454 Hillditch Coppice S08270 Perry Wood Wyre Forest S07475 Himbleton S09458 Pirton S08747 Wythall SP0774 Hollywood SP0877 Holt S08262 Redditch SP0467 Yeald Wood SP0152

Staffordshire Abbots Bromley SK0824 Bolehall SK2103 Chesterfield SK1005 Alrewas SK1715 Bonehill SK1902 Chillington SJ8606 Amington SK2304 Branston SK2120 Churnet Valley SK0345 Aqualate SJ7720 Bridgtown SJ9708 Clay Mills SK2626 Aston SJ9131 Brocton SJ9719 Clifton Campville SK2510 Bromley SJ7734 Codsall SJ8603 Back Forest SJ9865 Burnt Wood SJ7434 Colwich SK0121 Baggeridge S08992 Burton-on-Trent SK2423 Consall SJ9848 Bagots Wood SK0727 Coombes Valley SK0052 Baldwins Gate SJ7939 Calton SK1050 Copmere SJ8029 Beaudesert Old Park SK0313 Cannock SJ9710 Belvide SJ8610 Cannock Chase SK0017 Dane Bridge SJ9665 Bishops Wood SJ7531 Chasetown SK0408 Deep Haye Pools SJ9653 Blackbrook Valley SK0064 Chasewater SK0307 Dosthill SK2100 Black Lake SJ8539 Cheddleton SJ9752 Doxey SJ9024 Blithfield SK0623 Cheslyn Hay SJ9707 Drayton Bassett SKI 900 26

Dunstal SK0726 Kettlebrook SK2103 Seabridge SJ8343 Kibblestone Seven Springs SK0020 Eccleshall SJ8329 Kings Bromley SK1216 Shenstone - SK1004 Elford SK1810 Kinver S08383 Sherbrook Valley SJ9818 Enville S08386 Knighton SJ7427 Shipley S08095 Knotbury SK0168 Shugborough SJ9922 Fisherwick SKI 709 Knypersley SJ8955 Soils Wood Flashbrook Grange SJ7425 Stafford SJ9223 Ford Green SJ8950 Leacroft SK0009 Stretton Hall SJ8811 Four Crosses SJ9509 Lichfield SK1109 Sutton SJ7622 Fradley SK1513 Little Wyrley . SK0105 Swallow Moss SK0660 Fradswell Heath SK0032 Longsdon SJ9554 Swythamley SK9764 Loxley SK0S31 Gailey SJ9310 Talke SJ8253 Garmelow SJ7927 Maer Hills SJ7739 Tam worth SK2003 Gib Torr SK0264 Marchington Woodlands Three Shires Head SK0168 Gnosall SJ8220 SK1128 Tillington SJ9024 Goldsitch SK0164 Moddershall SJ9236 Tittensor SJ8738 Gradbach SJ9965 Tittesworth SJ9959 Gratwich SK0231 Newcastle-under-Lyme Tixall SJ9722 Great Bridgeford SJ8827 SJ8445 Trentham SJ8540 Gun Hill SJ9761 Norton Canes SK0107 Trent Vale SJ8643 Trescott S08497 Hanch SK1013 Oldacre Valley SJ9718 Two Gates SK2101 Hanchurch SJ8441 Oliver Hill SK0267 Hanley SJ8747 Oxensitch Upper Tean Woods Hatherton SJ9510 Hawksmoor SK0344 Pattingham S08299 Wall Grange SJ9754 Hazel Barrow SK0163 Penkridge SJ9214 Water Eaton SJ9011 Hen Cloud SK0061 Penn Common S08994 Waterhouses SK0850 Highgate Common S08489 Perton S08598 Westlands SJ8344 High Offley SJ7826 Westport SJ8550 Himley S08891 Rickerscote SJ9320 Wheaton Aston SJ8512 Holden Lane SJ8950 Roaches, The SK0063 White Sitch SJ7912 Hollinhay Wood Rocester SK1139 Whittington SK1608 Hopwas SK1705 Rudyard SJ9459 Whittington SF S08582 Horsley SJ8127 Rugeley SK0418 Wimblebury SK0111

Keele • SJ8045 Sandon SJ9429 Yoxall SK1419

West Midlands - Aldridge SK0500 Cradley S09484 Hawkesley SP0477 Amblecote S09085 Hockley Heath SP1572 Ashen Coppice S09195 Edgbaston Park SP0584 Hydes Road Pool S09994 Edgbaston Reservoir SP0486 Barston SP2078 Elmdon SP1682 Kingstanding SP0794 Bartley SP0081 Erdington SP1191 Knowle SP1876 Birmingham City Centre SP0686 Fordhouses SJ9103 Laneslield Branlon Hill SK0700 S09295 S09784 Brierley Hill S09186 Great Barr SP0495 Leasowes, The Brownhills SK0405 Halesowen S09683 Meriden SP2482 Cannon Hill Park SP0683 Hall Green SP1081 Minworth SP1692 Castle Bromwich SP1489 Hampton-in-Arden SP2080 Monkspath SP1377 Coventry SP3379 Handsworth SP0490 Moseley SP0783 27

National Exhibition Centre St. Margaret's Hospital Trittiford Park SP0980 SP1983 SP0594 Nechells SP0989 Saltwells Wood S09387 Vale Hall SP0S84 New Invention SJ9601 Sandwell Valley SP0291 Northfield SP0279 Shirley SP1178 Solihull SP1579 Walsall SP0198 Spaghetti Junction SP0990 West Bromwich SP0091 Oxley SJ9002 Stonebridge SP2183 West'Park S09099 Streetly SP0898 Wightwick S08798 Stubbers Green SK0401 Willenhall S09698 Park Lime Pits SP0299 Sutton Coldfield SP1296 Witton SP0891 Pelsall SK0103 Sutton Park SP0997 Wolverhampton S09198 Penn S08995 Swan Pool SP0292 Wrens Nest S09391 Swanshurst Park SP0981 Wyken Slough SP3683

Rushall SK0201 Tettenhall SJ8700 Vardley Wood SP0979

Classified Notes The sequence followed is that of the "British Birds" List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1978) which follows Professor K H Voous' "List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species" (1977). The average arrival and departure dates given for migrants are based respectively on the first and last dates (excluding freaks) shown in the Annual Reports up to 1982. Figures in brackets denote the number of years on which the averages are based. In tables, — denotes no count available. See page 116 for key to contributors.

Red-throated Diver Staffs A confusing individual at Belvide from November 27 to 29, which at close range, and in good light, was clearly this species, but at a distance, resembled Black-throated DS, JJH, JB.

Black-throated Diver Staffs One at Chasewater on April 8 GE.

Great Northern Diver Warks A single bird stayed on at Draycote from 1981 until at Isast January 10 RCM. Worcs A bird stayed at Upper Bittell from November 22 to 27 GJM, KGC et al. Staffs One at Blithfield from December 26 until the end of the year ARD, JCE-D, MJE, JHWR et al.

Little Grebe Warks Breeding recorded at Alvecote, Brandon, Hartshill, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Oldbury Reservoir and Packington Park. An incredible number of 100 birds was reported from Kingsbury on October 14—equalling the regional record number at Draycote in 1976. 28

Wo res Bred at Bittell, Droitwich, Grimley, Holt, Oakley, Upton Warren and Wilden. - Staffs Breeding reported at Belvide, Ford Green, Himley, Holden Lane Pool, Hollinhay Wood, King's Bromley, Stretton Hall and Trentham Park. 19 were present at Belvide on August 8. W Mid Three pairs bred at Edgbaston Park, with breeding also noted at Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park.

1981 Addendum Staffs Maximum of 36 at Belvide on August 2.

Great Crested Grebe Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M J J A s O N •

Alvecole 3 11 21 22 18 25 33 28 24 13 8 Draycote 17 37 27 — — — — — 25 22 67 77 Kingsbury — B 17 20 20 50 40

Bittell 1 S 32 24 9 1 4 _ 3 1 5 Upton Warren — 3 8 5 4 — 6 8 4 3 — — Westwood — 2 12 — 10 — — 2 28 6 —

Aqualate 2 12 _ 18 _ _ 42 20 5 3 Belvide 1 6 9 14 14 21 19 17 16 30 45 16 Blithlield 8 00 126 — 102 96 140 139 67 46 66 63 Chasewater — 2 9 3 2 2 — — S 5 6 4 Kings Bromley 2 3 8 10 — — — — 22 18 24 24

Warks Bred at Alvecote, Brandon, Earlswood, Packington and Seeswood. 20 were recorded at Shustoke on September 25. Wo res Bred at Fladbury and Upton Warren. Staffs Only 17 young were noted at Blithfield, despite large numbers throughout the breeding season. Also bred at Belvide, Black Lake, Bridgtown, Brocton, Chasewater, Copmere, Fradley, Himley, Kings Bromley, Stretton Hall, Tixall, Trentham and Westport. W Mid Nested at Brierley Hill Pools, Edgbaston Park, Sutton Park, Vale Hall and Witton Lakes, with quite good success rates.

Red-necked Grebe Warks Presumably last year's bird was seen at Draycote on January 1 GJM. Staffs One at Branston on the River Trent on January 19 JCE-D, TC.

Slavonian Grebe Another poor year, with just one record. Warks One alternated between Kingsbury and Shustoke from October 2 to 30 JAA, SMH, BLK et al.

1980 Addendum Staffs The bird at Himley apparently remained until November 28 SRC. 29

Black-necked Grebe An unprecedented"spring passage, followed by an average autumn. Warks A summer plumaged bird was seen at Kingsbury from May 18 to June 5 JEF et at., and a single was also seen at Draycote on August 28 ARD. Worcs One at Wilden from September 1 to 11 SLH, MSS et a!. Staffs A displaying pair in full breeding plumage at Belvide on May 16 DS et a!., and another bird, again in full breeding plumage, was seen on June 6 AN, RN, DS et at.

Fulmar IWorcs One seen flying south at Grimley on May 19 SWW.

Manx Shearwater Staffs One was found dead in the road at Hanley on August 31 DTRC.

1981 Addendum Worcs The bird released at Bittell was believed to have been found at Bromsgrove.

Cormorant Warks Maximum of six at Draycote in October, with five at Alvecote on February 9 and the same number at Kingsbury during February. Records also from Brandon, Ladywalk, Packington, Seeswood Pool and Shustoke. Worcs 11 birds flew south over Areley Kings on January 10,10 were seen at Grimley on December 31, and eight were noted at Bittell on April 15. Recorded also at Holt Heath, Trimpley, Upton Warren and Wilden. Staffs Monthly maxima:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Aqualate 14 4 2 — — — — 4 8 11 3 Belvide 1 5 2 a 3 1 1 1 7 4 5 3 Bliihfield 22 25 32 20 20 11 10 12 25 40 45 74 Gailey 1 a 5 — — — — — — — 9 2 Kings Bromley 78 76 65 53 36 30 10 18 30 • 46 78 96

Once again, a pair nested successfully, rearing three young. 16 flew over Branston on February 16, and up to 15 roosted at Chillington in November. Scattered records received from Elford, Rudyard Lake, Tittesworth and Westport. 30

W Mid 10 flew over Sutton Park on May 10, a very large party of 23 flew over on October 3, and one was present from September to November. Singles were also recorded at Bartley, Park Lime Pits, and on two occasions in the Sandwell Valley.

Shag Warks Single immatures at Draycote on August 20 RCM and Lea Marston on August 22 Rt'H, SMH. Worcs One flew low over Nafford Lock on August 18 HSH-H. Staffs An immature at Blithfield from September 28 to October 3 JCE-D, ARD.

Bittern Usual sightings in hard weather, followed by only the second-ever July record. Warks One at Alvecote on January 3 JDA. Staffs Singles reported from Trentham Park on January 2 SH, Shugborough on January 10 MD and at Tixall on July 25 AC.

1981 Addendum Worcs One was seen in thick fog in a lane at Chaddesley Corbett on January 31 JHWR.

Grey Heron Warks No breeding records received. Maxima of note were 30 at Draycote on September 11, 19 at Kingsbury on July 13 and 17 at Ladywalk on August 2. Worcs 18 pairs nested in the Severn Valley area. 10 birds were present at Bittell on August 3. Staffs Once again numbers of nests rose, to at least 192, with 38 at Aqualate, 70 at Bagots Wood, seven at Chillington, 18 at Enville, 23 at Gailey, seven at Longsdon, one near Waterhouses and at least a further 28 in the south-east of the county. Maxima of 50 at Blithfield during June and 62 at Rudyard in September, with 11 at Belvide in July. W Mid A maximum of six in the Sandwell Valley on September 29, with scattered records also from Branton Hill Quarry, Erdington, Knowle, Park Lime Pits, Shirley and Sutton Park. 31

Purple Heron

Worcs An adult seen briefly at Upton Warren on May 5 SMW, JTB, AFJetal. constituted the first record for the county, and the fourth for the Region. Slightly smaller than Grey Heron, but with much slimmer snake-like neck. Longish, dagger-like bill, orangey-yellow in colour with a greyish tip. Iris was yellow, crown dark grey, with two thin black plumes extending from rear of crown, which was flat-topped. Black line from base of bill to rear of crown, white chin and throat and buff cheeks, tending to orange/buff down sides of neck, which had very obvious black streaks from below the throat to the thighs. Burgundy shoulder patch extended to the underside. Upper parts grey, with a slight gloss. Scapulars golden colour, with flight and tail feathers appearing dark.

Spoonbill Appeared for the fourth consecutive year. Warks One at Ladywalk on July 15 SLC. Staffs A colour-ringed bird at Belvide on May 18 KA, WJL etal., followed by an unringed bird (again an adult) on May 25 BS. Possibly the same bird was then seen at Blithfield from May 27 ARD, JCE-D, MJE, JJH to June 1, when two were present WJL

Mute Swan Details of 17 nests were received. 32

Monthly maxima at selected localities:

J F M A M J J A S • N 0

Alvecote 12 22 32 27 70 91 102 107 42 15 15 7

Qelvide 2 3 4 6 29 53 56 53 6 2 4 2 Blithfield — 1 2 — 4 10 14 22 5 — — — Chasewater 9 6 2 7 3 6 7 7 24 29 33 33 Westpori 15 16 24 20 32 25 22 18 13 13 17 13

INarks 129 birds were at Kingsbury on October 30. Worcs 15 were at Grimley on January 22, while 11 at Wilden on January 30 was an unusually high number. Staffs Maximum of 42 at Alrewas on November 27. W Mid 21 birds noted at Brierley Hill Pools in arctic weather on January 10.

Bewick's Swan Warks 13 flew over Alvecote on January 31, whilst on the same day there were two at Draycote. Further records at the latter locality were seven adults and three immatures on February 2 and four adults on March 14. 44 birds flew east over Brandon on February 7 and a single was seen there on November 7. A single was also seen at Alvecote on April 16, whilst five visited Draycote on December 3 and 12 flew over on December 29. Worcs 13 birds were at Grimley on January 3, with two staying on until January 22; then nine birds flew over on December 30. Five flew north over Strensham on January 31 and were later seen at Upton Warren, whilst seven were at Pirton Pool on February 4 and 12 at Larford on November 7. Staffs Present in the Blithfield area from January 10 to March 6, and again from November 4 to the year end, with a maximum of 17 in February and March. At Belvide, up to nine birds were present in February, while the autumn maximum was 13 on November 10. Reasonable numbers were present in the Trent Valley near Catton (Derbys) during January and February, with a maximum of 10 on January 30. A single was at Rickerscote on January 6, seven visited Tittesworth on November 10, and three Chasewater on December 4. W Mid The only record was of a single bird flying over Great Barr on November 24.

1981 Corrigendum Staffs Recorded at Blithfield from January 1 to March 1, not as previously stated.

Whooper Swan Worcs An immature paid a brief visit to Trimpley on January 27 BW. 33

Staffs Four birds were present at Chasewater from February 3 to 19 GE, GCW et at., with presumably the same party flying over Cannock Tip . on February 20 DB. Up to seven birds frequented the Longsdon area from the start of the year until March 21 PGB, tRM, ARD, and again in autumn from November 20 until the year end PGB et at. Two adults were also seen at Tittesworth on December 6 WJL. W Mid Two adults recorded at Bartley on November 6 CG.

Pink-footed Goose As in 1979, unusually high numbers were recorded in Staffordshire during the cold weather in January. At this time over a third of the world's population had gathered in Lancashire, and the Staffordshire birds were doubtless a small off-shoot from this concentration. Warks Singles were seen at Kingsbury on January 23 JEF, PDH and May 2 (probably feral) MSW, whilst one was at Packington during April MHK. One was present with a party of White-fronts at Draycote on December 3 RCM. Worcs Singles at Beckford on October 30 DVM and Fladbury on December 17 WFP. Staffs 70 were at Tittesworth on January 31, with 60 remaining until February 26. A party of eight then reappeared there on December 18 PGB. Hard weather movements in January brought a few reports of large skeins, with 150 flying east at Trent Vale and Westlands on January 9 DWE, WJL. 110 on the same day at Branston TC and 35 at Blithfield on January 10 JCE-D. However, these three records may have involved only one party. Up to 14 were also present at Aqualate from January 17 to April FCG et at. Later in the year singles were seen on Brocton Pool on June 3 NRW, Blithfield on December 13 WJL, and Branston on December 26 TC. Four briefly visited Belvide on December 2 DB. W Mid 120 flew north-east over Amblecote on January 16 MSS.

White-fronted Goose Warks One at Kingsbury on January 4, increasing to five on January 21. Another at Kingsbury from December 4 to the end of the year was considered to be feral many observers, as were singles at Ladywalk on February 7 and Packington from September 12 to the end of the year. At Draycote, a single was noted on January 3 MJt, GJM, seven flew NE on January 22, and 38 came in from the east on February 1, paused briefly and left to the west RCM. In autumn 10 were present on December 3 RCM and 17 on December 11 RCM, ARD, GRH, JVH et at. Worcs Singles were seen at Upton-on-Severn on January 26 and 27 AGA, and Grimley from December 24 to 29 RM, SWW. 34

Staffs Two were seen over Blithfield on October 28, four which flew south over Belvide on November 7 were possibly wild CR and a single was at Branston on December 17. W Mid 21 flew over Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley, and followed the M5 Motorway on January 9 per SKW. One at the National Exhibition Centre Lake on July 4 and 11 was presumably feral.

Greylag Goose Warks No birds were reared at Ladywalk for the first time in four years. 52 at Kingsbury on October 3, 54 at Packinqton on September 12 and 30 at Brandon on August 1. One or two were also seen at Draycote - and Seeswood. Worcs Three flew over Abberton on April 11. Staffs Maximum at Belvide was four on April 17. Birds were also noted at Alrewas, Aqualate, Blithfield, Chasewater, Kings Bromley and Tittesworth.

1981 Addendum Staffs One also reported from Stretton Hall.

Snow Goose Worcs One at Upton Warren on May 9, with possibly the same bird at Captains Pool and Wilden between August 3 and September 6.

Canada Goose Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Alvecote 24 4 55 116 Kingsbury 480 300 183 450 288 304

Bittell 72 44 16 - - - - 287 286 236 72 118

Aqualate 522 292 116 _ _ - — 56 556 343 15 Belvide 330 114 30 25 28 24 26 26 79 115 23 52 Blithfield 85 156 8 — 24 28 28 510 267 135 405 560 Kings Bromley 220 282 184 187 184 240 296 462 420 254 180 0

Warks 245 birds at Brandon on September 12, 229 at Packington on the same day and 117 at Newbold Revel on December 5. A few breeding records showed reasonable success. Worcs Maxima of 245 at Wilden on September 20, 156 at Fladbury in December and 110 at Grimley in January. Staffs Counts of note were 650 at Branston in December, 350 at Brocton on October 3, 140 at Copmere on October 24 and 200 at Hatherton Park on September 13. W Mid 200 at West Park on February 28, 128 in the Sandwell Valley on September 25 and 85 at the National Exhibition Centre on July 4. 35

Barnacle Goose Feral birds unless otherwise stated. Worcs Singles at Grimley on February 4, Captains Pool on March 3, Abberton from March 21 to 30 and May 5 to 19, Upton Warren on March 26 and Fladbury on December 17. Staffs Singles at Belvide in February and September, Kings Bromley in August and November, Blithfield in October and Rudyard on December 31, with two at Tittesworth in June. W Mid Up to three present in the Sandwell Valley from October 7, with one remaining to the end of the year The same birds were seen on occasions at Hydes Road Pool.

Egyptian Goose Staffs One at Branston on January 1. W Mid The resident Edgbaston Park-Vale Hall bird was again present throughout the year.

Shelduck Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N D

Alvecote 5 4 2 5 5 5 1 4 1 Brandon — 1 — 4 4 2 — — — 1 — — Kingsbury 1 11 9 11 7 9 — 3 — — 2 10 Ladywalk — 4 6 4

Upton Warren 5 - 1 2

Belvide 0 1 5 7 2 2 7 3 1 3 5 1 Bliihfield — 1 1 2 5 — • — 5' 12 7 4 S Chasewater 2

Warks Two pairs bred at Alvecote, but raised only one young in total, and four pairs bred at Kingsbury, with broods of 13, 12, seven and four. Singles at Draycote in September and December. Worcs One at Bittell on February 1, followed by two on February 3, a single on March 6, three on May 10 and another single on December 1 and 2. Singles were also at Wilden on February 20, April 3 and from August 9 to 15, with three there on August 18 and December 3. Staffs A pair bred at Stretton Hall, with a brood of eight. Four were at Aqualate on May 15, three at Westport on November 6 and pairs were noted at Branston from February 14 to May 5, Elford on May 7, Chasewater on October 4, Tittesworth on October 17 and Wheaton Aston on April 6. Singles were seen at Elford on August 11, Rudyard on October 2 and Tittesworth on October 25 and November 7. W Mid Singles at Bartley on January 27 and Wyndley Pool, Sutton Park, on February 1. 36

Mandarin Warks Single drakes at Studley on June 8 and Earlswood on September 19. Worcs Drakes at Brakemill Pool on January 20 and Kemerton Pool on November 23. Staffs A pair on the River Dove at Rocester on May 31.

Wigeon Average: August 24 (44) to May 3 (47) Last noted on May 22, at Kingsbury. Up to three were present at Belvide during July, but otherwise the first return reported was at Upton Warren on August 7. Monthly maxima at principal waters: j F M A A S O N D

Alvecote 35 34 30 4 _ 2 8 28 29 Brandon 34 25 7 1 1 1 1 B 22 Draycote 300 170 70 — — 6 30 60 250 Kingsbury 56 27 46 20 2 25 100 60 50 Ladywalk 98 178 110 60 — — 2 77 85

Aqualate 146 4 1B6 — — — 6 20 2 Belvide 36 33 40 3 2 2 4 6 5 Blithfield 1069 1069 403 150 — 21 59 167 738 Tittesworth 65 130 119 — — 3 134 164

Warks Maximum at Shustoke was 120 on February 24. Four at Seeswood Pool on December 1. Worcs Flooding in the Severn and Avon Valleys in January created prime habitat and 300 birds were seen at Longdon Marsh on January 3, 40 at Twyning Green on the same day and 100 at Grimley on January 22. Also noted at Beckford, Bittell, Fladbury, Upton Warren and Wilden. Staffs 52 were seen at Rickerscote on January 3, 44 were at Kings Bromley on January 24, and 232 were at Tittesworth on December 4. Small numbers were also seen at Chasewater, Copmere, Elford, Gailey, Himley, Knighton, Longsdon, Rudyard and Westport. W Mid Very few at Bartley this year, with a maximum of 12 on March 7. Six were present on Swan Pool on January 13 and smaller numbers occurred at Hydes Road Pool, Stubbers Green and Sutton Park. Gadwall Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M J J A s 0 N D

Brandon 7 13 3 3 2 2 5 2 3 3 Draycote 12 12 12 1 — — — — 2 5 21 15 Kingsbury 5 10 16 7 2 3 • — 5 35 38 65 68 Ladywalk 2 4 6 4 2 — 2 2 — — 1

Belvide 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 Blithfield 1 3 7 4 1 1 37

Warks Two pairs bred at Kingsbury, with the same number breeding at Ladywalk and producing nine young. Up to five were noted at Alvecote on March 30 and four were present at Middleton Hall on February 14. Worcs Most reported were 13 at Pirton Pool on December 31, eight at Westwood Park on December 8 and six at Fladbury on January 3. Also seen at Upton Warren from September 26 to the end of the year, with a maximum of four in November. Pairs were present at Bittell from February 20 until April 3 and again on November 5, Beckford on September 18 and Oakley Pool on November 20, while singles were noted at Holt Gravel Pit on February 28 and Oakley Pool on March 6. Staffs Occurred regularly at Chasewater, with a maximum of seven on November 10. The most recorded at Branston was three in March, and a single duck was at Tittesworth on November 27.

Teal Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Alvecote 42 18 8 _ 100 51 110 Brandon 200 200 109 127 — 1 18 105 229 300 325 200 Oraycote 220 50 25 — •— — — 10 10 30 104 75 Kingsbury 280 too 120 20 — — — 5 100 117 300 129 Ladywalk 237 110 100 38 — — — 8 40 70 170 240 Water Orton 16 128 79 — — — — — — — — —

Bittell 52 92 41 14 2 2 _ _ 11 47 100 Upton Warren 39 38 20 24 — 4 5 34 65 55 80 37

Aqualate 693 67 20 1 _ _ _ _ 22 5 10 Belvide 245 131 88 26 4 9 7 26 66 109 182 254 Blithfield 243 85 82 — 6 55 4 90 280 247 175 347

Warks Two pairs bred at Ladywalk. Records were also received from Hartshill, Middleton Hall, Nether Whitacre, Packington and Seeswood Pool. Worcs Interesting numbers at Grimley, with 200 present in January, November and December; also 100 at Longdon Marsh oh January 3 and 110 at Eckington on December 27. Also noted at Abberton, Aston Mill, Beckford, Fladbury, Holt, Oakley Pool, Strensham Pool and Wilden. Staffs 115 were at Rickerscote on January 3 and 79 in the Trent Valley area on December 15. Good numbers were also noted at Gailey, Kings Bromley, Little Wyrley, Longsdon Mill, Rudyard and Tittesworth, while 30 at Chasewater on January 2 was exceptional. Smaller numbers were reported from Copmere, Hanch, Knighton, Water Eaton and Westport. 38

W Mid 30 in the Sandwell Valley during November was down on recent yoarc. Alco notod at Bartley, Park Lime Pits, Stubbers Green and Sutton Park. 1981 Addendum Staffs Maximum at Tillington was 125 on February 15.

Mallard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A' M J J A S 0 N D

Alvecote 111 35 24 36 146 170 51 177 100 90 70 60 Brandon 63 93 46 29 48 102 — 9 74 75 85 58 Chesterton 300 32 65 190 115 48 Coombe Pool 450 140 85 — — — — — 225 357 665 564 Draycote 560 430 100 — — — 50 300 558 680 780 820 Earlswood 50 100 — — — — — — — — 150 150 Kingsbury 374 150 158 342 250 289 Ladywalk 520 350 52 460 102 150 120

Bittell 162 190 53 32 _ — 73 76 157 135 155 191 Upton Warren 120 72 20 40 133 147 128 268 289 241 228 211

Aqualate 2539 540 100 _ _ _ — 2150 1470 1189 200 Belvide 934 301 200 100 7 HQ 330 250 520 630 1380 858 970 Blithlield 1276 384 67 — 540 538 — — 1689 672 570 1802 Chillington — 39 29 — — — — — — — — — Kings Bromley 363 134 57 46 55 42 60 160 272 275 246 415

Sutton Park 206 130 130 145 92 146 142

Warks At Alvecote, 11 broods totalling 82 young were reported, and five broods were noted at Earlswood. Worcs 14 broods at Bittell signalled a good breeding year there. Breeding also took place at Abberton, Arley, Aston Mill, Beckford, Far Forest, Little Comberton, Upton Warren and Wilden. Maxima of 450 at Beckford on September 18 and 52 at Westwood in September. Staffs At Belvide 22 broods totalled 101 young and eight pairs bred at Blithfield. Breeding was also recorded at Fradley, Kings Bromley, Knighton, Lichfield, Little Wyrley and Tittesworth, where very good numbers were reared. 2539 at Aqualate was the largest count there since recording began in 1947, whilst 121 at Chasewater on November 13 was also a locality record. W Mid Breeding occurred at Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park, Swanshurst Park and Vale Hall.

Pintail Average: September 6 (38) to April 17 (43) Last noted at Brandon on April 28. Returned on July 28, to Kingsbury. 39

Warks Single birds were at Alvecote on September 18 and October 31. At Brandon two drakes were present on February 7, with one staying until March 12, another two drakes were present on April 28 and three flew over on November 7. A single drake was at Bidford on February 21, whilst three were present at Draycote on January 10 and a pair on November 6. The maximum at Kingsbury was nine during October, with three noted on January 23, two on March 7, September 9 and November 21 and one from March 10 to 14. Up to two were present at Ladywalk at the start of the year. Worcs Two were at Grimley on January 3 and Upton Warren on January 27, a pair visited Captains Pool on December 3 and a single drake was noted near Redditch on February 14. Staffs Maxima of seven at Aqualate on January 24, 18 at Belvide on January 23 (the highest count there since 1969) and 12 at Blithfield on September 11. Singles were noted at Chasewater from November 6 to the end of the year and Copmere on January 24. Monthly maxima were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Belvide 18 9 6 1 1 0 0 1 3 2 5 2 Blithlield I i 2 I 1 1 1 3 12 J 2 1

W Mid Two on Wyndley Pool, Sutton Park, on September 12, one of which remained until September 17, and a further bird from November 12 to 14.

1981 Addendum Staffs One at Chillington on August 30 and September 20.

1981 Corrigendum Worcs The bird at Abberton was on December 16 not December 6.

Garganey Average: March 31 (39) to September 28 (38) A pair at Little Wyrley on March 28 heralded a strong spring passage in April. A few reported during September, with the last at Kingsbury on October 30—the latest date on record. Warks A pair at Alvecote from April 18 to May 16, with a single noted on August 15. At Brandon a pair from April 6 to 21, when they were joined by another drake, and singles on August 27 and from September 15 to 23. At Draycote a male on April 5 was followed by a female on April 29. Birds were present in the Kingsbury area from April 11 to May 31, from July 27 to September 12, with a maximum of five from August 21 to 28, and finally on the late date of October 30. One or two were also seen regularly at Ladywalk from April into August, but there was no evidence of nesting, and in the north of the 40

county a pair held territory throughout the breeding season, but again with no cvidcncc of nesting. Worcs A pair at Holt on April 15 and a drake at Upton Warren from April 26 to 30. Staffs A pair at Little Wyrley from March 28 until May 23, where it appears that unsuccessful nesting took place. At Belvide four birds were present from June 26 to 30, with singles noted from May 25 to June 19 and July 4 to September 21. Birds were also present at Blithfield on April 18 and from July 25 to October 3, with a maximum of eight from August 22 to 30. Single drakes were also seen at Longsdon Mill on April 11 and 18, and Westport in April.

Shoveler Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N D

Alvecote 3 3 4 2 7 _ B 2 8 12 9 12 Brandon 5 16 16 7 — — — 22 90 22 27 5 Coombe — 2 23 48 65 55 Kingsbury 50 36 14 10 — — — 20 40 113 84 64 Ladywalk — 5 36 22 2 7 2 6 2 4 17 1

Upton Warren 3 11 7 5 2 4 6 - 89 84 75 22

Aqualate 1 4 4 3. 2 2 _ _ 54 83 122 3 Belvide 46 34 17 B 7 26 20 107 206 310 203 92 Blithfield 7 16 12 — 7 7 4 40 80 82 65 26

Warks No breeding records received this year. Maxima of 14 at Seeswood Pool on November 23,10 at Draycote on December 29 and up to four at Packington. Worcs Small numbers were noted at Beckford, Bittell, Captains Pool, Fladbury, Grimley, Oakley and Wilden. Staffs A pair nested at Belvide rearing seven young—the first breeding there since 1973. 20 were noted at Stretton Hall on November 14,12 at Gailey on January 18 and 10 or less at Chasewater, Clay Mills, Copmere, Fisherwick, Kings Bromley, Knighton, Little Wyrley, Tittesworth and Westport. W Mid Up to six at Sutton Park in September, with one or two birds at Brierley Hill Pools and Edgbaston Park.

Red-crested Pochard Warks At Draycote a male was present from April 10 to 13 RCM and a very tame female on December 8 RCM. Four drakes in eclipse plumage were at Kingsbury on September 1 RSA, SMH, with one still present the following day JMD, and two presumably different drakes then appeared on October 2 JAA, SMH, BLK, remaining until October 30 JAA, CBL. A duck which appeared at Ladywalk in the first week of September showed evidence of a pinioned left wing HTL. Worcs A drake at Beckford on April 22 DVM. 41

Pochard Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M J J A S o N D

Alvecote 875 155 83 16 7 16 15 4 6 66 109 159 Brandon B5 32 9 2 2 — — — 10 11 21 50 Draycote 150 16 5 — — — — 2 2 160 300 150 Kingsbury 2000 1300 680 20 3 14 15 35 20 772 1674 1750

Upton Warren 70 111 18 i — - 8 10 18 36 54 51 Westwood. 10 16 8 — — — — — 12 20 —

Belvide 81 80 55 9 14 65 58 71 70 30 67 67 Blithfield 49 186 2 — — 40 38 10 35 80 48 129 Chasewater 1. 16 6 — — — 1 — 10 39 33 53 Chillington — 48 27 — — — 12 — — — — — Gailey — 24 10 18 25 Himley 19 14 9 6 — — — — — — — — Westport 19 43 38 0 0 0 0 4 55 90 55 53

Hydes Road Pool 43 48 7 I — — — 7 20 46 60 41

Warks The January count at Kingsbury was a new regional record. Two pairs bred at Alvecote, with broods of four and two. Maxima of note were 1150 at Coton/lea Marston on January 17 and 800 at Ladywalk, which was the highest ever recorded there. . Worcs Once again there was no breeding at Oakley, although a pair was present throughout the nesting season. Noteworthy maxima were 71 at Bittell on February 20 and 72 at Fladbury on January 2. Staffs No breeding records received. Flocks of 126 at Kings Bromley on January 3 and 80 at Tittesworth on December 28 were worthy of note. W Mid The largest numbers noted were 60 at Hydes Road Pool in-. November and 38 in Sutton Park on March 1, otherwise numbers were very poor.

Ferruginous Duck Warks A bird in the Kingsbury area from December 27 into the new year was considered by many observers to be an immature drake, but the combination of near-adult iris colour and juvenile undertail coverts was regarded as curious by the original observer ARD et a/..

1981 Addendum Staffs Of particular interest was a male Ferruginous X Pochard hybrid, which was discovered at Belvide on July 12, when it was already in moult, and which remained until August 16. Other reports of hybridisation between these species merely serve to underline the extreme caution needed in identification. 42

Tufted Duck Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N D

Alvecote 305 136 150 118 58 37 67 67 39 95 149 128 Brandon 115 83 55 41 27 27 — — 12 25 36 60 Draycote 300 30 30 — — — 30 48 60 130 230 135 Kingsbury 1300 300 287 110 120 80 120 235 400 841 912 1514 Ladywalk 1200 75 107 60 — — — — 31 70 110 57 Shustoke 230 500 61 121 185 279 185

Bittell 22 142 61 18 — 6 30 52 75 74 74 95 Fladbury 64 16 24 5 5 12 23 30 30 61 67 59 Upton Warren 37 34 58 61 — — — 26 34 13 42 31

Aqualate 10 29 30 19 19 26 _ — 30 22 23 24 Belvide 161 200 140 180 200 138 330 300 300 52 60 105 Blithfield 39 49 70 50 56 53 166 160 52 9 80 20 Branston — 78 41 — — — — — — — — — Chasewater 140 157 158 75 7 1 3 — 222 305 600 393 Chillington — 44 51 — — — — — — — — — Gailey 60 72 100 — — — — — 2 12 19 34 Kings Bromley 164 69 56 97 34 16 20 26 30 31 47 82 Westport 85 91 70 45 7 1 0 2 28 56 100 94

Bartley 65 3 40 2 — 11 — 26 22 17 2 43 Sutton Park 35 37 46 22 42 30

Warks 305 at Alvecote on January 24 was a locality record, as was 1600 at Coton/Lea Marston on January 17. 12 broods at Alvecote totalled 52 young, at Kingsbury 10 broods produced 57 young and at Ladywalk four broods produced 25 young. Breeding was also noted at Packington. Worcs Five pairs bred at Upton Warren and four pairs bred at Grimley, with breeding also noted at Bell End, Fladbury, Holt and Oakley. Staffs At Belvide 10 broods produced 41 young, Blithfield eight broods produced 55 young and Branston five broods produced 30 young. Breeding also occurred at Bridgtown, Copmere, Deep Haye, Four Crosses and Kings Bromley. Maxima of note were 100 at Chillington on July 30 and 63 at Elford on February 27. W Mid Three broods at the National Exhibition Centre produced 28 young, and breeding was also noted in the Sandwell Valley. 71 birds were at Edgbaston Park on February 9, and 35 at Swan Pool on February 24.

Scaup Warks A male at Draycote from the start of the year until January 6, with another on September 21 RCM. Birds also present at Kingsbury from the start of the year until May 3 and from October 25 to the end of the year, with a maximum of four on January 31, February 27 and March 6 many observers. At Coton, two were present on January 17 BLK, KAL, followed by a single on October 30 increasing to a maximum of three on November 27 JAA, PDHetal. A single was at Ladywalk from 43

January 23 to 25 BLK, KAL and one was seen occasionally in January at Shustoke BLK, KAL. Staffs No winter records, but one or two in summer, with a drake at Belvide from July 4 to 18 DSetal., and an additional drake from July 13 to 16 DWE, PKJ. Yet another drake was at Blithfield on June 20 JCE-D, followed by a duck on the more typical date of November 6 ARMS. A pair occurred at Knypersley on October 2 PGB and singles were noted at Tittesworth on November 8 PGB, and Westport on October 26 and from November 21 to 29 PGB, GEt, WJL. W Mid A female at Castle Bromwich on January 22 BLK, KAL.

Eider

Warks Two ducks and an immature drake were at Draycote on December 5 MDH, SFLE, GET, then possibly the same drake from December 8 to the end of the year ARD, GRH, JVH, RCM et al. This was only the second occurrence of this species in the county. Staffs An adult drake was at the favoured locality of Chasewater on April 28 DS and an immature drake at Blithfield on December 5 ARD, JCE-D and December 30 IRM, NCM, JPM.

Long-tailed Duck Warks A winter female at Coton from October 24 to 25 JAA, FB, VAB et al. Worcs A female at Wilden from November 21 to 28 TCEL, BW. A single bird alternated between Upton Warren and Westwood from November 25 to the end of the year many observers. 44

Common Scoter Warks Most records from Draycote, where two ducks on January 3, a drake on March 24, two drakes on August 2 RCM and a duck from November 6 to 13 ARD, PDH. Another duck at Coton, also on November 6 JAA. Staffs A good year at Blithfield, with eight present (seven drakes and one duck) on July 10 ARD, a single drake from August 1 to September 12 many observers and four (three drakes and one duck) on September 19 AC, GS. A drake was noted amongst Coots at Chasewater on April 3 ARMD. Single drakco woro alco noted at Tittesworth nn June ?0 PGB and Westport Lake on July 7 PGB, with a duck at the latter locality on July 20 PGB, DWE, WJL. W Mid A duck was at Bartley on July 25 RAD, SH, MSS, with another bird there from August 11 to 19 many observers. An adult drake visited Powell's Pool, Sutton Park, on June 13 JEF, SMH, SIH, DJM.

Velvet Scoter Warks A drake at Draycote on January 6 JTB, RCM.

Goldeneye Average: September 26 (42) to May 6 (40) One or two stayed into early May, with the last at Chasewater on May 3. Returned early, with one at Draycote on August 21 and another at Blithfield from August 28. Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J f M A M J J A S O N 0

Draycote 60 37 27 _ _ _ 1 1 10 30 50 Kingsbury 71 78 68 7 14 30 13

Belvide 57 73 70 50 1 — — 7 28 16 Blithfield 27 31 46 30 8 — — 1 2 15 30 30 Chasewater 45 72 77 45 1 1 — — — 7 38 51

Warks Maxima of 32 at Shustoke on February 1 and 10 at Ladywalk on December 5, with smaller numbers noted at Alvecote, Brandon, Coton, Packington and Seeswood. Worcs Up to five present at Grimley on January 22 and Bittell in December, with seven at Westwood Park on December 24. Smaller numbers were also seen at Holt, Larford, Pirton, Trimpley, Upton Warren and Wilden. Staffs Maxima of note were 12 at Rudyard Lake on December 27, eight at Westport on November 27, six at Gailey on December 29 and five at Kings Bromley on February 14, Rickerscote on January 2 and Tittesworth from February to April. Smaller numbers were noted at Branston, Copmere, Knighton and Stretton Hall. 45

W Mid Two birds were present throughout the year at Bartley, where a maximum of nine was recorded on March 7. Two were in the Sandwell Valley from December 20 to 28 and a single was noted in Sutton Park on April 1.

1981 Corrigendum Staffs Belvide and Blithfield should be transposed in the table.

Smew All redheads unless otherwise stated. Warks Two were present at Draycote from January 1 to 3 GRH, JJH, JVH et at., with singles again on January 13 RCM, from January 30 to February 27, ARD, PDHetal. and December 18 to 30 ARD, PDHetai., plus a second bird on December 29 ARD. One was at Ladywalk on January 19 HTL, KAL. Staffs Singles noted at Blithfield from January 24 ARD, MJE, GS et al. to February 2 WJL, from November 14 to 21 ARD, MJE, PDH et at. and on December 29 MJE.

Red-breasted Merganser Warks A female or immature at Draycote on January 10 and 22 RCM, with another immature from November 6 to 20 ARD, GRH, JVH, PDH. Worcs A female at Larford on November 7 JJD, JWW. Staffs A female was at Belvide on March 13 DS et al. and an eclipse drake on October 2 DS et al. A female was noted on the River Trent at Branston on March 21 JCE-D.

Goosander Average: October 28 (38) to April 17 (35) Remained at Blithfield until May 8, the second-latest date ever. First of the autumn, also at Blithfield, on October 31—a typical date. Warks Present at Draycote until March 26, with maxima of 19 on January 2, 16 on January 10, eight in February and seven in March. One or two females were then present from October 26 until December 28. Singles were also noted at Alvecote on January 2 and February 7 to 8, Ladywalk on November 28 and Shustoke from January 23 to February 15 and on November 27. Worcs Single drakes were noted at Bittell on January 9 and during November, and single ducks at Grimley on February 4 and Upton Warren on February 6. Staffs Monthly maxima at Blithfield:

J F M A M O N 0

71 70 82 18 1 1 10 42 46

The demise continues at Belvide, with birds present from January 27 to April 11 but the maximum count no higher than 10, on March 7. 11 were at Branston on September 18 and a maximum of six at Tittesworth, on November 11, with birds also present in January, May and December. Numbers at Rudyard were much reduced, with three on January 3 and a single on December 11 being the only records. Four at Westport on January 2 were unusual as were three at Rickerscote on January 10. Singles were noted at Aqualate on February 13, Himley on January 3 and Knighton on January 27, while Tittesworth held up to four in November. W Mid A female was on Longmoor Pool, Sutton Park, on March 8.

Ruddy Duck Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M J j A S O N D

Alvecote 4 2 7 12 7 9 18 16 7 6 2 Brandon 2 — 3 3 6 8 — — — 1 — 2 Draycote 12 1 1 4 — — — 1 1 1 2 2 Kingsbury 2 — — — 1 — 5 5 2 20 — 1

Upton Warren — 1 10 10 3 4 • 7 7 11 8 6 Westwood — 1 2 1 4

Aqualate 0 1 13 25 18 _ 9 32 40 3 Belvide 85 208 210 119 37 i; 46 243 324 239 30 13 Blithfield 50 181 184 85 10 i 8 121 71 85 200 299 Copmere 1 — — 2 — 11 10 — — — 1

Warks Poor breeding season, with just four broods producing 14 young at Alvecote and two or three pairs at Packington. 48 were at Coton on January 24 and 30 at Lea Marston at about the same time. The maximum at Packington was 15 on March 14. Records were also received from Bedworth Slough, with seven birds on August 8, Seeswood, with a maximum of eight on September 28, Brandon, Earlswood, Ladywalk, Middleton and Shustoke. Worcs Single pairs bred at Oakley, raising four young, and Upton Warren, raising three young. A maximum of four was noted at Westwood Park on December 8, and one was at Bittell from September 13 to the end of the year. Staffs Just one brood at Belvide, which produced only one young. There was also one brood at Chillington and another at Copmere, which produced four young, while displaying birds were noted at Podmore in May. 11 was the maximum at Kings Bromley, from January 24 to February 1. Smaller numbers were also noted at Branston, Bridgtown, Brocton, Chasewater, Hatherton Park, Himley, Stretton Hall and Westport. W Mid Single broods produced three young at Stubbers Green and six young at Edgbaston Park. 10 were noted at Edgbaston Park on 47

November 9 and eight were present at Bartley on March 14. A pair was present in Sutton Park throughout the breeding season and singles were noted outside the breeding season at Barston, Olton Mere and Sandwell Valley. 1981 Corrigendum Staffs The August and September totals for Blithfield should be 18 and 35 respectively, not 300 and 315 as shown in the table. Marsh Harrier Worcs A female over Upton Warren on May 16 AFJ. Staffs An immature over Belvide on May 9 MJI, GJM, DS. W Mid An immature flew north-east over Erdington on May 13 TD. Hen Harrier Warks One flew SW through Draycote and down the Leam Valley on November 6 RCM. Staffs A female at Blithfield on April 18 ARD, JCE-D. 1981 Addenda Staffs A female at White Sitch from January 18 to February 8, with a male roosting at nearby Aqualate on January 17 per FCG. Montagu's Harrier Staffs A male at Belvide on June 9 SC, PT. The first definite record since 1973. Goshawk Reported from nine localities, involving three counties. At least two pairs bred.

Sparrowhawk Warks Recorded in the breeding season at Arley, Bentley, Draycote, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Packington and Welcombe Hills. Noted at 17 additional sites at other times of the year. Worcs Breeding season records from Bittell, Blakedown, Chaddesley Wood, Clent, Eckington, Eymore, Grafton Wood, Great Witley, Hollywood, Island Pool, Thicknall, Twiland Wood, Upton Warren, Walsgrove Hill, Wilden, Wyre Forest and Yeald Wood. Noted at another 29 sites outside the breeding season. Staffs Recorded in the breeding season at Belvide, Bishops Wood, Blithfield, Bromley, Cheddleton, Chillington, Churnet Valley, Codsall Wood, Himley, Keele, Longsdon, Newcastle, Tittensor, Trentham and Wheaton Aston. Also seen at a further 29 sites at other times of the year. W Mid Recorded in the breeding season at Minworth, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley, St. Margaret's Hospital and Sutton Park, with records from another 20 sites outside the breeding season. 48

Buzzard Warks One at Brandon from November 21 to December 18 was wearing jesses. Worcs Breeding reported from at least two localities, and many other scattered records, the most notable being four at Bockleton on April 3, three at Bayton on April 9, and two at Hanley Child on April 11. Records also received from another 19 localities. Staffs Three birds were present at a site in West Staffs, during the breeding season. Pairs were seen at Burton on July 17, Lichfield on September 22 and Trentham Gardens on August 2. Singles also reported from Blithfield, Chillington and Tittesworth. W Mid Singles at Moseley Bog on February 26 and Park Lime Pits on August 15.

Rough-legged Buzzard Staffs One at Gun Hill on October 2 DWY.

Osprey Warks Singles at Kingsbury on April 13 GCB, Arrow on September 12 DSa, RD and Kingsbury on September 19 SMH. Staffs Singles at Tittesworth on May 5 WJL and Chillington on July 29 EV, GV et at.

Kestrel Warks Breeding reported from only four localities, but continues to be widespread. Worcs Breeding reported at four localities. Staffs Only five breeding records received. W Mid Recorded at 21 localities, with between three and five pairs in the Sandwell Valley.

Merlin Warks A female seen at Draycote on January 13 and 21 RCM. Noted in the Kingsbury-Ladywalk area between January 2 and 23 GAA, MAA, JJH et at., and at Ladywalk again on December 18 HTL. Worcs Singles near Bartley (but within Worcs.) on January 2 MSS et al., at Churchill on February 20 BW and at Upton Warren on February 7 SFLE, AFJ, GET. Staffs Singles at Blithfield on February 7 (female) JPM, WJL and December 29 (male) WJL, Clay Mills on August 25 KJB, Keele University on March 12 DWE, Kettlebrook on January 20 GAA, MAA, RJT, North Staffs. Moors on May 23 and Westport Lake on October 6 WJL and November 7 PGB. 49

Hobby Average: April 28 (15) to September 30 (18) First noted at Upton Warren on April 18, but few seen before May. Widely reported in mid-summer, but judging from the poor breeding success these could have been failed breeders. Many September reports, with the last at Burton and in the Tame Valley on September 20. Warks No definite nesting records this year, although one pair returned briefly to their traditional site but then deserted perJAH. In all there were 34 records from the Kingsbury-Ladywalk area between May 8 and September 20, with three together in September EAH. Other records were of single birds at Alvecote on August 16 GAA, MAA, RJT, Baddesley Ensor on June 4 GAA, MAA, RJT, Draycote on May 8 and 15, and again on August 21 (all adults) RCM, Marlcliffe on September 13 MDH and Warton on June 2 and August 16 GAA, MAA, RJT. Worcs At least one pair bred successfully. Seen regularly at Upton Warren between April 18 and August 29 many observers and in the Holt- Grimley area during summer months RM, SWW. Three birds were seen at Chaddesley Woods on August 29 PGG and singles were recorded at Abberton on June 27 GHP, WFP, Bittell on September 6 KGC and September 7 MDH, Bredon on September 13 GHP, WFP, Hollywood on September 10 JRW and Tiddesley Wood on June 17 GE. Staffs Singles seen at Belvide on July 10 PDH, August 23 RCB, IDB, SJ, GP, August 27 RN, AN, BG and September 1 KA, Blithfield on May 31 ARD and June 1 WJL, Burton on May 15 and September 20 MJE and Whittington on August 8 DF, MSS. W Mid Singles over longstanding on August 7 SMH and Park Lime Pits on September 13 AKD.

1981 Addenda Worcs Two were seen at Abberton on August 30 and 31, and again on September 29 and October 2 GHP.

Peregrine Worcs One at Guarlford on April 11 GHCB. Staffs Immatures in the Belvide area between August 24 DB, RN et at. and November 26 EB and at Blithfield on September 17 KJB, WJL and November 7 per GRH.

Red Grouse Staffs The only breeding report comprised estimates for Swythamley Estate of 39, 35, 23, 25 and 26 pairs during 1978-82 respectively DWY. 11 were at Gib Torr on February 21. 50

Black Grouse Staffs A total of 33 males reported for the Moors per FCG, including 14 at Swallow Moss. Other observers noted 18 males at this site on May 20 and single males at Goldsitch and The Roaches. Two males remained at Gun Hill, despite reclamation work, and up to two pairs were noted at Gib Torr. A possible total of 37 pairs, therefore, compares badly with the estimate of 56 for 1973-75.

Red-legged Partridge Many coveys of 10-20 noted during January and September- December. Warks Coveys at Draycote totalled 28 on October 30 and 36 on December 18. At least one bird of eight at Little Wolford on January 26 had no speckling below the gorget, suggesting Rock Partridge or Chukar influence in introduced stock. Staffs On the Moors, where uncommon, up to four noted at Knotbury since first arriving there in early 1981. A covey of 21 near Wombourn on January 12. W Mid One seen perched on the roof of a semi-detached house at Fordhouses on January 17 and another feeding in the grounds of the East Birmingham Hospital on April 29.

Grey Partridge Coveys up to 20 noted frequently in autumn and winter. Worcs 25 at Grimley on August 8 and 30 at Holt on September 25. Staffs 24 at Fradley Junction on October 20. Two albino birds at Clifton Campville on November 25. W Mid At least one pair present in Sutton Park.

Quail Warks One called from wheat at Church End on July 11 and 13 JAA, JEF, SMH. Worcs One called on July 6 at Grimley, where a pair with three well-grown young were seen on July 21 SWW. One called from wheat at Bredon Hill on May 30 RM. Said to have frequented cereals near Larford throughout the 1981 and 1982 breeding seasons per JJD. Staffs One called from early June to early August at Sutton BEJ. A bird which called from barley at Wheaton Aston from June 3 to 10 PB, DS was perhaps that which called once later in the month at Belvide per DS. One called near Tamworth between June 3 and July 4 GAA.

Pheasant Worcs A considerable increase noted at Bittell with a restriction of shooting. An albino reported at Oakley on October 20. W Mid Retains a foothold in Sutton Park, with two birds calling in spring. 51

Water Rail Small numbers noted outside the breeding season at suitable wetland sites, with birds resorting to flowing water in many instances during the severe weather early in the year. Warks tight males held territory at Brandon, with up to five there in winter. One at Alvecote on April 20. Worcs Possibly bred at Oakley and one present at Wilden on April 14. One caught by a cat on a cottage lawn near Sling on November 10.

Corncrake

Staffs One called at Longsdon on May 13 IRM.

1981 Addendum Staffs One heard calling in the north-east of the county per NRW.

Moorhen Widespread, even in urban parks, but some indications of a reduction in breeding strength following the hard winter. Warks Birds at Newnham Paddox on January 31 easily evaded two foxes hunting on ice. Worcs Only 15 territories on 6km of the Birmingham-Worcester Canal at Hopwood, compared to 29 in 1981. 52

Coot Numbers were exceptionally low early in the year. Monthly maxima for selected sites:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N D

Alvecote 135 155 130 105 131 190 200 235 285 330 390 430 Brandon 23 66 54 40 43 34 — 50 76 67 54 63 Draycote — — — — — — — — — — 75 — Kingsbury 420 100 100 20 — — 50 — 200 793 737 501 Seeswood — — — — — — — — — — — 110 Shustoke 30 22 14 73 135 143 73

Oittoll 17 66 13 33 36 30 10 36 116 16B OS 106 Fladbury 75 47 18 20 67 93 Pirlon — 68 — — — — — — — — — 111 Wilden 97 106 — 61

Aqualate 10 94 67 • _ 79 10 41 42 Belvide 265 250 200 200 380 650 920 1125 400 30 34 37 Blithlield 125 226 202 — 64 — — 816 262 128 155 171 Chasewater 280 133 — 28 — 19 — — 233 271 400 400 Gailey 13 — — — — — — — 90 154 80 32 Kings Bromley 102 — — — — — — — — — — — Westport 110 81 57 34 — — — 70 83 103 157 190

Staffs A piebald bird noted at Stretton Hall on March 17. During icing early in the year, the Belvide flock resorted to nearby, snow-free pasture; the low summer water-level resulted in a poor breeding season (less than 40 broods) and a reduced moulting flock; a further drop in the water-level resulted in exceptionally small numbers after September. 230 were at Copmere on July 31.

Oystercatcher Three pairs attempted nesting in the east of the Region, but only one pair was successful. A marked influx on January 2 and 3. Warks Four at Brandon on May 29 and one on August 5. One at Draycote on January 2 and 3, with another in a field near Earlswood on the second date. Singles appeared at Ladywalk on June 3 and July 24. A pair made two unsuccessful nesting attempts in the Tame Valley. One was seen at Draycote on August 9, followed by two on 21. Worcs Seven noted standing on ice at Upton Warren on January 2, with subsequent singles on March 7 and 21, August 7 and 29, and at Bittell on August 14, 19 and 20. Staffs A pair seen feeding two young in the east of the county on August 11, but for the second year a nest at Branston was destroyed by a dragline. Two were present at Belvide on February 25 and May 16, one on August 24 and three on September 1. Three at Blithfield on April 20 and May 9 and 26, two on May 27 and 30, and singles on January 10, March 7, May 15, June 20, July 11, 17 and 27, August 20 and 21 and from September 14 to 24, with a final bird on October 9. Two seen at Tamworth on March 28 and flying west over Kings Bromley on April 24. Singles seen on ice at Westport on January 2, 53

at Chasewater the following day, Aqualate on March 13, Clay Mills on September 13 and Westport again on December 17. Singles also at Tittesworth on May 20 and August 9, with three on 24. W Mid Singles appeared in Sutton Park on March 1 and at Bartley on February 24, .June 6 and November 26.

1981 Addendum Staffs Apparently one pair bred successfully at Branston, where a nest with three eggs and later two young were seen.

Little Ringed Plover Average: March 24 (18) to October 4 (18) First arrival at Kingsbury on March 20, but not widely reported until early April. Only a few September records, the last of which was four at Blithfield on September 26. Breeding totals similar to last year. Warks Egg-collecting was suspected of reducing nesting success in the Tame Valley. None bred at Ladywalk, but six pairs were present in the Kingsbury area. A pair bred at Brandon, two pairs at Hartshill and one pair probably bred at Alvecote. Worcs Bred at Holt (two pairs), Upton Warren and, unsuccessfully, at Wilden. Staffs Bred at Branston, Rudyard (two pairs) and Tittesworth (at least three pairs), and single pairs were unsuccessful at Belvide, Blithfield and Tamworth. W Mid Bred at Sandwell Valley and pairs summered at Monkspath Industrial Park and Barston (two). Half-monthly maxima, at all sites, based on dated records:

M" A M J J A s 2 121212121212

Alvecote — — — 2 2 — — — 1 1 1 — — Brandon — 13322231— — — — Draycote " ______2 3 1 — Hartshill — - 5 3 3 — — — — — Kingsbury 1 68222181 1 — — — Ladywalk — — 4 — — 1 — — — — — — — Seeswood — — 3 — — 2 2 — — 3 1 — —

Becklord — — . — Bittell — — 1 33755752 — — Holt — 44 5 4 4 12 4 3 — — 1 — Upton Warren 1 5 5 444985232 — Wilden -

Belvide — 11 13548 10 9472 Blithfield — — 3322— 133654 Branston — — 7 12 — — — 12 — — — — — Chasewater — — 2 1 — — — — — 1- — — — Elford — — 1— 2 — — — 3 — — — — Rudyard ______5 5 10 8 4 2 — Tamworlh — — — 2 3 2 — — — — — — — Tittesworth — — — 234578 10 9 — —

Six other sites — 3 5 2 —1 54

Ringed Plover Four pairs summered in the Tame Valley, two of which bred successfully, one in Staffordshire and one in Warwickshire. Half- monthly maxima at all localities:

F M A M J J A S 0 N 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1

Atvccote — 1 1 Brandon 1 1 2 Draycote 3 9 - 2 2 — - Earlswood — 1 Kinqsbury — 1 5 7 3 3 3 — 2 2 — 1 15 Ladywalk — 1

Bittell 6 6 2 2 2 2 — — — Upton Warren — — 2 — 4 1 1 — — 4 14 1 1

Belvide w 4 7 2 3 1 1 3 23 20 11 7 3 2 1 Blithfield 7 10 7 — 1 1 4 7 1 9 3 I — 5 Branston 4 12 2 1 Chasewater o > 12 2 3 — 2 I i Hatherton 1 5 I Kings Bromley I 1 2 3 — Rudyard — 1 6 11 5 Tamworth - - 1 6 6 Tittesworth 8 10 5 — 1 2 - - Westport 1

Bartley 2 Sandwell Valley - - - - 2 3 - - - - — 6 2 2 —

Golden Plover Average: August 13 (35) to April 25 (36) Last noted on April 24 at Alvecote. Returned to Abberton on August 18, and noted at several localities by the end of the month. Monthly maxima at traditional and other sites:

J F M A M J- J A S 0 N D

Admington-Long Marston — _ 125 — _ 300 30 Alvecote area 200 — 750 600 20 200 Coventry-Rugby — 200 — — — — — — — — — 320 Drayton Bassett- 450 601 280 525 — — — lb 150 400 330 — Kingsbury-Middleton Nuneaton area 61 400 — — — — — — 60 400 — — Warwick area 52

Abberton-Besford area 120 25 - - - - - 1 - - 50 68

Aston 175 Belvide 1 1 5 7 71 21 Dunstal 86 10 — — — — — — — — 10 Fradley-Kings Bromley — — 300 350 — — — — 45 — 230 50 High Offley 300 — — — — — — — — — — 200 Moors — — 4 — — — — — — — — 89 Penkridge-New Invention 100 400 200 150 50 30 Perton-Trescott 135 70

Elmdon area 150 100 50 90 Hockley Heath — 93 93

24 other sites 151 4 3 6 30 10 84 55

1981 Corrigendum Worcs The record of seven standing on ice should have referred to Belvide (Staffs.) and not Bittell as stated.

Grey Plover Warks Single birds noted at Kingsbury on April 4, May 20 and November 7 (flying north-east), at Draycote on November 6 and 27 (flying west), and at Seeswood Pool from December 9 to 13. Worcs One at Bittell on May 13. Staffs Singles at Belvide on September 1, October 6 and November 13, with two from November 7 to 10. Singles at Blithfield on June 12 (first-summer plumage) and October 2, followed by two on October 3. Singles at Chasewater on October 9 (flying north-east) and November 13 (left to the east). One at Tittesworth on May 14 and one flew north-east over Branston on 31.

Lapwing The cold weather in early January kept numbers generally low, but a large return apparent in February. A very mild December allowed good numbers to remain in the Region. Warks A brief mild spell in early January saw a rapid return of flocks to arable land, but subsequently 1000 flew south in an hour prior to heavy snow on 8. On February 13 totals of 3000 noted at both Draycote and Kingsbury. Noted as especially numerous in the county in autumn GRH. Worcs 2800 at Fladbury-Lower Moor on December 26 and 3000 at Grimley on 29. A possible leucistic bird noted at Upton Warren in August, September and October. Staffs The Wet Meadows Survey revealed at least 229 pairs, with 69 along the Trent, 57 in the Blithfield area and 47 along the Sow, Meece Brook, Tillington and Tixall Wide.

Summated monthly maxima at all localities for the commoner wader species:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Lapwing 5481 13720 3602 62 45 11SO 4704 5381 5700 4414 1 3359 19410 Jack Snipe 12 10 16 14 — — — — 4 9 15 17 Snipe 105 243 288 42 5 3 8 Ill 305 351 334 367 Curlew 1 193 701 136 40 15 57 47 30 2 147 — Redshank 13 16 45 71 61 61 20 15 3 11 12 19 56

Knot Warks A juvenile present in the Kingsbury area from August 24 to 30, three on 31, two on September 1 and a later bird on October 30. Staffs A good year at Belvide, with 12 (which left to the east) on April 4 PT, singles on August 28, 31 (juvenile), and September 9, 11 on September 10 PKJ, four on 24, and singles on October 2 and . November 7 and 10. An unusual record of a bird in summer plumage at Blithfield on June 8, followed by one on August 31, four on September 21, and one on October 2 and 3. Singles at Tittesworth on August 5 and at Branston on September 23.

Sanderling Warks Singles at Kingsbury on May 19 and August 7. At Draycote five were seen on August 8 and 18 and one from August 15 to 21. Worcs One at Upton Warren on May 3 and August 8. Staffs Two occurred at Belvide on May 3, with singles on May 7, 14 to 16, and August 12 and 13. Two at Blithfield on May 1 and 3, one on May 12 and 15, two on May 25, one on 31 and two the following day. Two at Chasewater on May 3, one the following day and two on July 24. At Tittesworth there were three on May 3, one on 4, two on 28 and two on August 1. An unusual record of six which paid a brief call at Westport on November 5 before leaving to the south-east. W Mid In the Sandwell Valley two present on May 3 and 4, with three on 5.

Little Stint A poor year. Warks Singles at Kingsbury on August 15 and from October 30 to November 5, and at Draycote on October 29. Worcs One at Upton Warren on October 17. Staffs Two adults noted at Belvide on July 17 and an immature remained with Dunlin from November 10 to December 16. Two at Blithfield on September 26 and one on 28 and October 6. An early juvenile reported at Rudyard on August 6 and 7.

Temminck's Stint Warks One at Kingsbury on May 11 SMH and "\2JJHand another on May 29 JAA. Staffs One at Blithfield on June 12 and 13 ARD, JCE-D, GJM, GS was the first regional record for that month.

Pectoral Sandpiper Warks One at Kingsbury from September 15 to 29 BLK et al., representing the seventh county and nineteenth regional record. 57

Curlew Sandpiper Warks One at Draycote on October 3. Staffs Two immatures at Belvide on August 30 and 31 were joined by four more on the evening of 31; three were present on September 1 and 9, one on 13, two on October 2 and 3 and a final bird on 10. Three at Blithfield on September 11 and 12 increased to four from 14 to 19; a new bird then appeared on September 21 and a final bird was present on October 2 and 3. At least one at Rudyard on September 7, with two on September 11 and one on 13.

1981 Addenda All records were omitted in error. Warks Seen only at Kingsbury, where an immature present on August 30, two from September 8 to 20, a third bird on September 13, and finally one on October 18. Worcs One at Holt from September 13 to 16. Staffs Reported only from Blithfield, where present from September 6 to" 27, with a maximum of 12 on September 19 and 22.

Purple Sandpiper Warks A tame adult at Ladywalk on August 7 JAA, JEF, TEG.

Dunlin An influx in early May (especially on May 3). 80 at Belvide on November 5 was a record for the locality. Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

J F M A M J J A S (3 N D 1 2 12 12 12 12 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 12 12

Brandon — 1 2 1 Draycote 10 — 111 — — 2 ' 4 3 1 1 2 2 9 i 2 — Kingsbury 1 4 35 8 9 2 24 4 1 — 10 10 1 5 2 11 1 1 1 Ladywalk 1 1

Bittell.' . 1 2 1 — 3 — 5 3 2 — 1 — t- 1 — — —' 4 2 1 Griniley . — 1 — — 1 Holt Upton Warren — 1 1 — 1 1 1 2 1 2' 1 — — 1 Wilden 2 1 — "ll'll l Belvide 4 — =-111 1 3 3 1 2 5 14 14 3 4 6 24 80 20 15 7 Blithfield 2 1 — —. 1. 2 1 E 9 15 8 1 3 1

Branston 1 S 2 — Chasewater .1 9 3 1 — 1

Rudyard 5 1— 5 1 2 Tittesworth , 2 2 — — 2 4 1

Bartley I — 3 Sandwell Valley •_ — 1 9 — — — 2 2 — — — —

Seven other sites 1 — 1 - 2 3 - - 1 - — 31 — 58

Ruff A poor autumn. - - • - — Warks The severe weather early in the year apparently dispersed the small wintering flock in the Kingsbury area, where one seen on February 14 and two on 19, but none after the last autumn record there on November 27. Singles occurred at Draycote on January 1 and 31. Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

M A M J J A SON 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 12 12 12

Alvecote 1 1 — Brandon — — 2 1 Coleshill 1 — Draycote 5 2 Kingsbury 1 — 3 2 — 2 4 3 — 2 2 1 Ladywalk 1 1 1 Upton Warren — 2 - - 2 3

Belvide — 3 3 2 2 1 2 5 4 — — — — — Blithfield 1 — 1 1 1 3 2 6 1 — — — Chasewater — 1 1 — — — Rudyard

Banley — — — — 1 — — — — — — — Sandwell Valley — — — _____ — — — 1

Jack Snipe Average: September 29 (41) to April 19 (37) A notably poor year, with few in the severe weather early in the year. After several in early April the last was at Sutton Park on 28. The first return was an early bird at Belvide on September 13, followed by three other singles at the end of the month and a barely detectable passage in October-November. Warks Nine at Brandon on April 2 was the most reported. Worcs Eight at Upton Warren on March 21. Staffs Probably the worst year on record at Belvide, with only six records of singles in a year of severe icing and low water-levels. Singles at Blithfield and Rudyard in December, with two at Chasewater on December 29.

Snipe A reasonable early-spring passage after hard weather early in the year. The mild weather at the end of the year resulted in unusually good numbers in December. Warks Two or three pairs bred at Alvecote and one pair at Ladywalk, where 100 were present on February 3. On March 24 70 frequented a wet meadow at Hartshill, which was subsequently drained. Worcs Birds reported drumming at Aston Mill Pit, Feckenham Wylde Moor, Lower Strensham (two) and Wilden (three). 59

Staffs A total of 42 territories located at lowland wet meadow sites, with others on the Moors (five sites), an opencast site near Cheslyn Hay and at Chasewater (possibly two pairs). Up to 150 were at Blithfield in September and birds were unusually abundant at Belvide with low autumn water-levels, peaking at 107 on October 24. 77 left Ford Green at dusk on December 12. W Mid At least two drumming in Sutton Park.

Woodcock The usual widespread reports of small numbers during January- March and October-December. Roding birds noted as follows: Warks Earlswood (two) and Hartshill. Worcs Chaddesley Wood, Eymore Wood, Island Pool, Kingsford, Trench Wood, Weethley Wood (two), Wilden and Wyre Forest. A pair at Woodbury Hill on June 5, with one parent seen flying with a chick in its feet. Staffs Back Forest, Blithfield, Cannock Chase, Chillington, Churnet Valley, Kinver Edge (two), Longsdon (two), Pattingham, Perton and Whittington. No changes reported at the Fradley CBC. W Mid Sutton Park. Singles flushed from an Erdington garden on March 22 and flying over Shirley on January 1 and 4. Black-tailed Godwit Warks Two birds at Kingsbury on July 3, with-one present there from July 13 to 17. One at Draycote on October 21. Worcs One at Upton Warren on August 6. Staffs At Belvide, one on April 24, four which left to the south-west on August 11, two on August 17 increasing to 15 the next day, two again on August 19, 20 and 28, and a final bird on October 5. Two at Blithfield from August 13 to 17, with three next day and one on 21. One flew north-east at Branston on April 24 and one present at Tittesworth from May 12 to 17. Bar-tailed Godwit Warks A flock of 22 circled Draycote on September 19 before departing roughly east AJR, RCM. Staffs One at Belvide on May 3 and eight flying west on September 23. One at Tittesworth on May 17. At Blithfield, two from September 17 to 26, one of which remained until November 7, an exceptionally long stay. Whimbrel Warks One near Coleshill on May 8 and 9, with two birds apparently having been present for the previous fortnight. One at Brandon on May 13. Four flew over Alvecote on August 1 and singles were at Ladywalk on August 7 and 9. 26 flew south over Kingsbury on August 21 and two were heard at night there on 28. Singles noted at Draycote on August 5 and 7, and five flew west on August 12. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on April 28 and July 15. 60

Staffs At Belvide, pairs left to the east on April 15 and 24, singles.flew over on July 24 and 31, August 1, 3, 4,19 and 21, and two flew south-west on August 7. At Blithfield, singles flew north on April 14 and May 9, with two on May 8. One was seen on June 22, another flew west on July 17 and one was present on 31. Singles noted at Tittesworth on May 16 and July 10 and at Wimblebury on June 2.

Warks A decline noted in the Anker and Tame Valleys. Behaviour suggested two breeding pairs at Admington. 23, which were present at Coton on August 8 and 14, probably roosted at Ladywalk, where the maximum noted was 20 on September 3. Worcs Bred in the Goosehill-Trench Wood area (up to three pairs), near Doverdale and near Bredon. Three pairs were noted at Longdon Marsh on May 3 and display was also observed at Abberton. The maxima at Upton Warren were 12 on February 27 and 15 on May 25. Staffs Widely reported in the breeding season, with, a total of 14 pairs located in the Wet Meadows Survey. Unprecedented roost totals were noted at Longsdon Mill Pool: the first 12 on February 19 increased to 55 on 28, 365 on March 9 and a peak of more than 574 (possibly over 600) at dusk on March 13—the largest concentration ever seen in the Region PGB; numbers then dwindled to 96 on April 1 and 14 on May 12. At Whittington Sewage Farm there were 66 on February 26, 85 on March 5 and 145 on November 28. 36 were present at Tittesworth on February 28 and 30 flew over Knotbury on July 24.

1981 Addendum Staffs A pair also bred at Branston. 61

Spotted Redshank Warks Singles appeared at Alvecote on May 11 and September 26, and at Brandon on May 11 and 12 and September 3. At Kingsbury, one appeared on April 22, followed by two on May 12 and 13, with one on 15; later there were two on August / and 22, three On August 30, and one on September 3. One at Draycote from August 8 to 13. Worcs In September, singles noted at Holt on 1,3 and 5, Grimley on 4 and 5, flying north over Oakley on 12, and at Upton Warren on 5, with two there on 3. Staffs An unusually good year at Belvide, with singles on April 15 and 30, June 19, August 7 and 10 to 13; two then remained from August 19 to 28, with three on 21 and one to 31; four were present on September 1 and 7, one on 8 and 25, and a very late bird on November 29. By contrast, a poor year at Blithfield, the only records being singles on August 29 and October 6. One appeared at Rudyard on August 28.

Redshank Warks Bred at Coleshill, Kingsbury (two or three pairs), Ladywalk (two pairs), Whitacre Heath and probably Alvecote. Wintered in the Tame Valley, as usual, with 11 on January 30 and at least nine in December. In spring, 12 at Coleshill on March 11 and 16 at Kingsbury on April 4. . Worcs Bred at Aston Mill (two pairs), Eckington, Upton Warren (unsuccessfully) and Wilden (probably unsuccessfully). One at Bittell on December 30. Staffs The Wet Meadows Survey revealed at least 39 pairs, including 11 along the Trent, nine on the Tame/Mease, seven in the Sow/Meece/ Tixall/Tillington system, and four broods from six pairs at Belvide, where 15 birds were present on June 6 and one remained to winter. Singles were at Cheslyn Hay on January 15, and at Rudyard on January 24 and from November 28 to December 27.

1981 Addendum Staffs One or two pairs also bred at Branston.

Greenshank A poor autumn. Two late birds at Draycote on November 6 comprised the only record after September 26. Half-monthly maxima at all sites: 62

A M J J AS 2 12 12 12 12 12

Alvecote 2 1— 1 — Brandon — — 1 — — — 1 2 2 1 — Draycote — — — — — — — 2 3 — — Kingsbury 1 21 1 — 4222 — — Ladywalk — — — — — — — 1 3 — —

Bittell _____ i_ i___ Holt ______1__ i_ Upton Warren — — 1 — — — 1 2 2 1 1 Wilden ______2 i_

Belvide 1 33 — — 32332 — Blithlield 1 131—323223 Clay Mills ______2 2 — Rudyard — — — - 2 — 2 2 —

7 other sites — 1 1 — — — — 1 2 3 1

Green Sandpiper Spring and autumn peaks of eight at Kingsbury on March 28, and 22 at Upton Warren on August 4, respectively. Monthly maxima at all sites (dated records only):

J FMAM J JASOND

Alvecote — — — 3 — — 1 1 1 1 — — Brandon — — 1112774211 Kingsbury — 283 — — 5 10 3121 Packington — — — — — 1 1 2 1 — — — Ladywalk _____ i i 4 — — — — Shustoke — — — — — — — — — — 1 4

Aston Mill Pit — — — — — — 2 2 1 — — — Bittell 1 1 1 — — — — — 1 1 1 1 Grimley 2 2 — — — — 5 — — — — 1 Holi — i — ____ t i___ Upton Warren — 1 4 3 — 9 18 22 7 — — — Wilden 141 1 — — 143324

Belvide — — — — 2243411 — Blithlield _____ i 4 4 1— 1 — Branston — — 2 4 — — 5 5 — — — — Rudyard ______i 2 — 1 — — Tittesworth — — — - 1 2 — — — —

Sutton Coldfield 1 1 1 1 — — — — — — — 1 Sandwell Valley — 1 1 — — — — i__

18 other sites 4 — 3 5— 1— 8 5 — — 1

Wood Sandpiper Warks Only seen in the Kingsbury area, where there were three on May 30, one from August 7 to 10, three on 13, one on August 21 and 27, and an exceptional wintering bird which remained from October 30 well into 1983 .Z4/4 et at.—an event perhaps unprecedented in Britain. 63

Worcs Singles at Bittell on August 1 and 2, and at Holt on the latter date. Staffs Singles at Belvide on July 12 and from August 6 to 11, with two on 7. Singles at Tittesworth from May 13 to 15, and at Blithfield on June 1 and 10, and again on August 3 and 18. W Mid One at Sandwell Valley on September 23.

Common Sandpiper Average: April 7 (46) to October 20 (42) Spring passage began punctually with one at Kingsbury on April 7 and peaked at most sites on May 3. Autumn passage peaked around July 17, though up to four were still present at a few sites in October, as late as 24 (Blithfield). The severe weather early in the year resulted in a complete absence of the species, but the mild later months saw wintering birds at Chasewater and Rudyard staying into 1983 and singles at Blithfield in December, Kings Bromley on December 12 and 26 and Westport on December 23 and 30. At least two pairs bred at Tittesworth. Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

A M ! J A S 0 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Alvecote 1 1 _ 1 1 2 2 Brandon 1 2 1 — — — 2 — 1 — — — 1 — Draycote — — 4 — — — 7 12 15 3 1 2 3 3 Earlswood — 2 6 Kingsbury 2 . 3 14 1 3 1

Bittell - 2 11 3 - - 3 3 5 4 3 - - 1

Upton Warren 5 6 1 — 5 8 7 4 2 Wilden 2 1 1 — — — — — 4 1 — — — —

Belvide 3 3 17 2 _ 3 14 14 13 8 2 2 1 Blithfield 1 4 12 — — — 19 20 8 9 1 — 3 1 Chasewater — — 2 — — — — 24 — 1 1 1 2 1 Himley — 1 1 Rudyard — — 5 — — — 5 3 4 1 — — 1 1 Tittesworth — — 14 5 5 8 11 15 9 3 — — — — Westport 1 2 2 — — — — — — 2 1 — 4 —

Sandwell Valley 1 1 1 1 _ 2 — _ 2 1 1 1 Sutton Park — 1 6 1 1 —

20 other sites _ 5 10 1 — 7 1 1 _ 1 _ _ —

Spotted Sandpiper Staffs A bird in breeding plumage gave good views to many observers at Belvide on May 18 KA, JJH, WJL et at. This constitutes the first county and third regional record. 64

Turnstone Warks Single birds at Kingsbury from May 13 to 15, at Draycote on August 11 and at Brandon on August 20. Worcs One at Bittell on August 18. Staffs Singles at Belvide from May 13 to 15, on July 7, August 2 and 3 and September 20, with two on September 10. One at Blithfield on May 12, with three there on August 17. W Mid One at Sandwell Valley from May 17 to 19.

Grey Phalarope Warks One at Draycote from September 28 to October 4 ARD, REH, RCM. Staffs One at Blithfield from December 13 to 19 was the latest ever in the Region MJE, IRM, JPM et at.

Pomarine/Arctic Skua Warks An immature skua of robust proportions and broad-based wings (but with a slate-coloured base to the bill) visited Draycote briefly on November 13 before departing to the SE. Later the same day, what was probably the same bird appeared 45km to the SE, at Willen Lake (Bucks.), where it was observed closely and identified as a Pomarine ARD, PDH, JHWR.

Arctic Skua Staffs A light-phase bird observed over Trentham on June 12 GE and two dark-phase birds at Blithfield on June 22 WJL constituted the first-ever June records for the Region. An immature at Blithfield on September 12 ARD and a dark-phase bird at Belvide on September 14 per DS were more typical. Mediterranean Gull Warks A first-winter bird at Draycote on October 16 PDH. Staffs A first-winter bird roosted at Belvide on November 7 REH, DS. Little Gull Warks A first-summer bird at Kingsbury on May 11 SMH and probably the same bird seen at both Coton JAA and Kingsbury SCH on May 15. A juvenile at Kingsbury on August 10 JEF and from August 15 to 25 several observers and another juvenile at Hartshill Sewage Farm on September 29 MSW. A first-winter bird at Draycote on November 6 PDH, and an adult on November 24 RCM. Staffs An excellent year at Belvide, where single first-summer birds were seen on April 22 SJ, DS, May 1 and 2 PDH, GJM, MJI, DS and May 13 to 16 PKD, REH, PDH, DS, and two second-summer birds were also present from May 13 to 15 SJ, DS. Autumn passage then produced an immature on September 5 DB, five birds (two adults, two first-winters, one second-winter) on November 7 DS, and a total of 20 birds on November 13, which flew through to WSW in two parties 65

comprising four adults and eight first-winter birds JJH, DS and then, an hour later, four adults and four first-winter birds DS. At Blithfield there was a party of five on May 1, including one adult ARD, two juveniles on August 27 MJE, JCE-D, one on August 31 WJL and September 5 ARD, PDH, MJI, GJM, two first-winter birds from September 6 to 12 WJL, ARD, JCE-D, PDH, one from September 14 to October 6 WJL, ARD, MJE, ARMB, JCE-D and finally one on October 21 MJI. At Tittesworth a first-summer bird was seen on May 3 PGB. W Mid A first-summer bird at Bartley from April 29 JTB, MSS to May 14 DRR.

Sabine's Gull Staffs An immature bird at Belvide on October 1 MJ, PJ was the second county record and the fifth for the Region.

Black-headed Gull Warks Up to 15000 roosted at Draycote in November and December and an albinistic bird was noted there on October 30. Reported to have bred at Kingsbury for the first time, with three pairs rearing at least two young to the flying stage. This appears to be the first breeding record in the county for forty years. Two birds seen at Judkin's Quarry, Nuneaton, on January 7 had received their pink dye-markings at Enderby tip, Leicestershire, only a week or two previously. Worcs 2000 roosted on a flooded meadow near Nafford Lock on March 18 and the roost at Bittell built up to a maximum of 1700 at the end of the year. Although about 20 birds were present at Wilden in June, no confirmation of breeding was received. Staffs Although birds were displaying at Belvide in May, the only confirmed breeding was again at Elford, where about 50 pairs nested. Many of the nests at Elford were robbed, however, so breeding success was generally poor. 15000 roosted at Belvide in January, February and March; 12000 at Blithfield in December; 10000 at Chasewater in December and 10000 at Westport in January. 3000 were noted at Loxley tip in January and a similar number was reported from Leacroft tip in November. On the evening of January 19 400 were noted on the flat roof of a hypermarket at Talke (three miles NW of Westport). A leucistic bird frequented Chasewater in February and March. W Mid Maximum noted at the Bartley roost was 4500 on November 6. A pink-dyed bird which visited an Erdington garden in January was presumably one which had been marked at Enderby tip.

Common Gull Warks Maximum reported from Draycote was 2000 in February. 80 roosted at Kingsbury in January and 24 were noted following the plough at Little Wolford on January 26. 66

Worcs 100 at Longdon Marsh on January 3 after severe flooding and 15 at Broadwas on March 18. Otherwise the maximum reported was five at Bittell on December 15. Staffs 100 roosted at Blithfield on January 30 and 55 were at Westport on January 18. At Belvide 39 roosting on February 13 was the maximum reported. An injured bird was present at Blithfield through the summer. W Mid 12 at Wyken Slough on January 30. One visited an Erdington garden on January 3.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks 1150 roosted at Draycote on February 20. Worcs 400 at Longdon Marsh on January 3. Up to 650 at Worcester tip in December. Staffs Maxima reported from the main roosts were 4000 at Chasewater on November 27, 2500 at Blithfield on November 14, 600 at Belvide on October 1 and 475 at Westport on November 30. 1500 were noted at Leacroft tip in November and 500 at Loxley tip in January. Birds showing the characteristics of the Scandinavian race were at Chasewater in March and October, and Belvide in November. An albinistic bird at Blithfield on several dates in November and December was thought to be of this species. W Mid Maximum reported from Bartley was 800 on November 6.

Herring Gull Several colour-dyed birds reported, which are all thought to have been marked in Co. Durham. Warks 2000 roosted at Draycote on January 10. Single yellow-legged birds were noted at Judkin's Quarry, Nuneaton, on October 7 and November 9, whilst an immature bird there in January had been both colour-ringed and orange dye-marked MSW. Worcs Maximum reported from Bittell was 150 on January 23. Staffs Maximum reported from the main roosts were 2500 at Blithfield in January and December, 1100 at Chasewater in December, 1650 at Westport and 500 at Belvide, both in January. 2000 were reported from Loxley tip in January and 800 from Leacroft tip in December. Two yellow-legged birds were at Belvide on February 21 GJM and two were at Chasewater on November 20 RAH. An albino bird was seen at Leacroft tip and in the Chasewater roost on several dates in January, November and December, and possibly the same bird was at Blithfield on January 25. Leucistic birds were noted at Westport on February 12 and Chasewater on February 25. Colour-dyed birds were seen at Blithfield on January 30 and February 2, while a colour-ringed bird at Belvide on January 23 had been marked at Hartlepool in July 1979. 67

W Mid Maximum reported from Bartley was 160 on January 23. A colour- dyed bird noted there on January 30.

Iceland Gull Warks At Draycote, both a first-winter bird and a second-winter bird were present on January 30 GJM, MJI, with the first-winter seen again the following day ARD, PDH. At Kingsbury a second-year bird was seen from March 3 to 5 MAA, JEF, RJT. Worcs One which roosted at Upper Bittell on December 25 was probably a second-winter bird GJM. Staffs A first-winter bird at Leacroft tip on January 24 EGP, followed by numerous reports between February 14 JJH and March 22 GE, EGP et al. of first- and second-year birds at both Leacroft and the nearby Chasewater roost. It would seem that a total of five or six different birds were involved. Single second-winter birds also roosted at Westport on February 20 and 21 PGB and Blithfield on March 6 and 21 ARD. At Chasewater, an adult was seen on December 24 ARMB, RAH, EGP, a second-winter bird on December 26, 28 and 29 ARMB, EGPetal. and a first-winter on December 27 RAH, JJH. A first-winter bird was also seen at Leacroft tip on December 29 DS. W Mid A second-winter bird was at Bartley on January 25 JTB.

Glaucous Gull Warks At Draycote single first-winter birds roosted on several dates between January 2 GRH, JVH and February 14 JAA, with two reported on January 30 and 31 and February 6 ARD, PDH, GJM, MJI. An adult, which did not roost, was also seen on January 23 ARD. At Kingsbury a first-winter bird on February 6 several observers and an adult on February 13 CBL and at Judkin's Quarry, Nuneaton, a first-winter bird on February 9 MSW. Staffs At Blithfield an adult was present on January 25 WJL and first-winter birds were reported on January 30 ARD, February 7 (two) ARD, JPM, EGP and February 12 PDH, with another on February 14 several observers which may have been either a first- or second-winter. At Leacroft tip between January 24 and March 13 four different individuals are thought to have been seen EGP et al.—a first-winter, a second-winter and two third-winter birds. At Chasewater between January 23 and February 27 four individuals were also identified GE et al., but these were a first-winter, two second-winter and one a third-winter bird. On several dates in December an adult was also noted at Chasewater ARMB, GE, EGP and a first-winter bird was identified there on December 24 several observers. An adult or fourth-year was also seen at Leacroft tip on December 12 JJH, EGP, with probably the same bird again on December 18 EGP. 68

Glaucous/Iceland Gull Warks An adult bird seen in flight at Kingsbury on December 9 TEG. Staffs A probable first-winter Iceland Gull at Belvide on January 23 was seen only in very poor light and could not be positively identified DS. An adult bird at Dosthill tip on December 17 and 18 JEF.

Glaucous x Herring Gull Staffs A bird at Leacroft tip on February 6 had the size and jizz of a Glaucous Gull in first-winter plumage, but with the dark distal half of the bill showing no clear demarcation from the paler base the bird was thought to be a hybrid EGP.

Great Black-backed Gull Good numbers occurred again, particularly in Staffordshire. Warks Maxima reported were 45 at Kingsbury and 29 at Draycote in December, and six at Judkin's Quarry, Nuneaton, in January. Worcs Single birds noted at several sites during the winter months. Staffs Maxima reported were 167 at Blithfield on February 2, with 63 there on December 5; 120 at Chasewater on December 28; 95 at Leacroft tip on December 29; 20 at Loxley tip on January 7; 12 at Belvide on January 23; and 11 at Westport on January 16. W Mid Eight at Bartley on January 31.

Kittiwake Warks Adults at Draycote on February 12 MDH, February 13 (two) ARD, PDH, September 21 RCM, November 27 and December 29 ARD, with immature birds there on May 5 MJ! and July 27 to 30 RCM. A party of three adults and one immature visited the same locality on November 19 RCM. One seen at Kingsbury on February 24 JEF and four there on November 7 PDH. Worcs An adult flew south along the R Stour at Wilden on January 20 BW and a partly oiled bird was at Grimley on December 12 RM. Staffs At Belvide an adult bird was seen on March 13 SRC, two flew straight through westwards on April 11 DS, and an immature was noted on November 4 per DS. At Chasewater an adult was seen on January 10 RAC, MSS, a second-winter bird on March 8 GE, a first-winter bird on November 12 GE and two adults on December 19 GE, EGP, JHWR. A juvenile was noted at Rudyard on August 7 PGB, /RM and an adult seen there on December 15IRM. An adult was also seen at Blithfield on October 6 WJL, followed by a first-winter bird on November 14 ARD, PDH, while Westport produced a second-year bird on November 3 and an adult on November 24 WJL. W Mid An adult was seen briefly at Powell's Pool, Sutton Park, on April 12 SIH, DJM. 69

Sandwich Tern Warks Two at Ladywalk on August 31 flew over to north BLK. Staffs One at Blithfield on September 18 ARMB.

Common Fern Warks About 20 pairs bred at Kingsbury, raising over 30 young in spite of the fact that several nests were robbed by egg-collectors. A pair also summered at Ladywalk. Small numbers were noted on passage at Alvecote, Brandon, Draycote (maximum of 16 on August 29), Earlswood and Packington. Worcs Small numbers were seen on passage at Bittell, Trimpley, Upton Warren and Westwood. Staffs Two pairs reported from Branston in June. Passage birds noted at Aqualate (maximum 10 on June 5), Belvide (maximum 13 on August 29), Blithfield (maximum 13 on May 2), Chasewater, Kings Bromley, Knypersley, Rudyard, Tittesworth and Westport. W Mid Up to three seen in Sutton Park and single birds at Bartley.

Arctic Tern A very poor year. Warks Ones and twos at Alvecote, Draycote, Earlswood and Kingsbury. Worcs Two birds flying high over Wilden on May 3 were thought to be of this species. Staffs The most reported was seven at Westport on September 19. Other records came from Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater and Rudyard. W Mid One visited Bartley on April 30 and two Sandwell Valley on May 22.

Common/Arctic Tern Small numbers reported from several localities. Staffs A party of 15 flew SSW over Belvide on September 5. IV Mid 14 flew over Sandwell Valley on May 3.

Half-monthly summated totals of Common, Arctic and Black Terns at all localities

A M J J A S O 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Common 9 36 16 24 17 13 23 32 55 33 6 7 Arctic 286336—1 4 9 15 12 Black - 28 22 4 1 4 4 3 5 14 37 7

Note: Common Terns at Kingsbury and Branston have been excluded. 70

Little Tern

.. . ^

Warks Two adults were seen at Alvecote on June 19 GAA. Staffs Belvide produced two adults on May 14 KA, a further two which were seen to arrive the following afternoon and which were presumed to be different birds, and yet two more on June 6 DS. Two adults were also at Chasewater on May 3 SLH, EGP, with one the following day GE. One at Westport on June 10 DWE and eight at Blithfield on September 6 WJL—the second-largest party to be recorded in the Region. W Mid A late bird seen briefly at Swan Pool on October 7 JF, PAF.

Black Tern Another very poor year. Small numbers at several localities, but the only two parties to reach double figures were: Warks 12 at Marston on May 11. i Staffs 11 at Blithfield on May 30. White-winged Black Tern Warks A juvenile bird at Draycote on September 18 ARD, PJF.

Feral Pigeon No change in status reported. 71

Stock Dove No evidence received of any change in status. Worcs 200 at Abberton on December 1,100 at Haws Hill on December 3 and 100 at Upton Warren on November 14. Staffs At Blithfield there were 80 on March 21 and 70 on December 12.

Woodpigeon A problem on oilseed rape in severe weather in January. Largest flocks were: Warks 1500 in pasture near Brinklow on February 24 and 1650 at Hunningham the same day, with 1000 at Middleton on January 23. Worcs 600 at Bittell in the autumn. Staffs An estimated 2000 at Garmelow on January 15, 1200 near Lichfield and 700 near Belvide in January, and 600 near Gailey in November.

Collared Dove No change in status reported. Maxima were: Warks 70 at Wedgnock on January 1, 62 around a farmyard adjoining Draycote on February 20 and 50 at Hunningham on February 24. Worcs 103 at Little Comberton on October 7, 100 at Upper Strensham in January and 62 at Bittell on September 23. Staffs 50 at High Offley in February and December. W Mid Up to 50 in one tree in January at Shirley, where in the same month during severe weather a pair was reported to have bred and raised young.

Turtle Dove Average: April 25 (47) to September 25 (47) First noted on April 21, at Yeald Wood, with the main arrival in early May. Last reported on September 21 at Wheaton Aston. Widespread reports from Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire, but no changes in status indicated. W Mid 15 noted moving south over Minworth on August 15.

Cuckoo Average: April 11 (46) to September 5 (45) Earliest for ten years, with birds at Stour Hill on April 5 and near Stratford the next day, but not widespread until the end of the month. One or two reports of juveniles in August, and one at Bittell on September 29. Widespread reports, suggesting another generally good year for this species. Worcs A rufous phase female was reported from Mount Segg on July 29 BW. Staffs An albino noted at Tittesworth on June 2 WJL. 72

Barn Owl The decline in the number of records received, particularly from Staffordshire, must be the cause for some concern. Several members commented on the absence of birds from areas where they have regularly been seen in the past. Warks Records received from Alcester Heath, Bermuda, llmington, Ladywalk and Studley (one found dead in June). Worcs Reported from three different localities in the Belbroughton area, and from Abberton, Upton Warren and Wilden. Staffs Records received only from Enville, Gnosall, Himley, Perton and Wheaton Aston. W Mid Reported only from Hawkesley and Stonebridge.

Little Owl Warks Reported from 12 localities. Worcs Reports received from 31 localities. Five pairs recorded again at Abberton. Staffs Reported from 29 localities. W Mid Reported from only six localities. In January one killed a Fieldfare in a garden at Kingstanding, returning several times during the day to feed on it.

Tawny Owl

Numerous reports received, but no change in status indicated.

Warks Long-eared Owl Present at the same three sites in the north of the county as last year. At the first of these the bird present from 1981 stayed until January 16 and two birds were located on December 18, which remained into 1983. At the second site, one from January 2 to March 3 and again from December 26 into 1983. The third site held probably seven or even eight birds in January and February, at least five of which were Staffs still present in mid-March and two in early April. Reports suggested at least two pairs breeding in the north of the county, with two young birds seen at one site. One long-dead W Mid specimen was found in January at Back Forest. Five birds were reported to have been present for five weeks in the early part of the year at a site in the Solihull area. At another site, records of up to two in January and one on November 26 may have involved birds from a nearby roost in Warwickshire. Short-eared Owl Warks One at Brandon on May 12 and 13, with up to two birds there between October 30 and November 4. One at Draycote on January 29, followed by two between October 23 and 30. One at Kingsbury on January 9 and one at Ladywalk on April 2, followed by numerous 73

records from the Tame Valley between October 21 and the end of the year, suggesting at least two birds in the area. One at Long Marston airfield on November 3. Worcs One at Upton Warren from March 7 to 28 and again on November 4 and 28. Staffs Single birds reported from Aqualate on February 13, Belvide on November 2 and 13 and December 11 and 28, Branston on March 21 and October 18, Gib Torr on February 21 and December 6 (two) near The Roaches in November, in Sherbrook Valley on October 21 and at Wheaton Aston on November 25. W Mid The 1981 bird stayed in the Sandwell Valley until at least March 13. One was seen at Willenhall on February 6.

Nightjar Average: May 15 (42) to August 21 (33) None reported until May 29 (Springslade). Last reported on August 11 from Cannock Chase. Staffs Reported from usual areas of Cannock Chase, but no full survey carried out this year. Probably one pair on Kinver Edge.

Swift Average: April 23 (48) to September 24 (48) First birds seen on April 25, at Belvide and Wilden, with the main influx following in early May. Several reports until mid-September, and a late bird at Oakley on October 3. Warks About 25 seen feeding on Cabbage Stem Flea Beetles, which were flying from a trailer full of recently-harvested oilseed rape at Stoneleigh on July 23. A similar occurrence noted at Willey on July 26. Worcs Up to 450 were at Bittell in June.

Staffs 2000 estimated at Belvide on June 13 and also at Blithfield on June 22.

Kingfisher Fewer reports than in 1981, suggesting a decline in numbers following the severe winter. Warks Reported from eight localities. Breeding season records from Alvecote, Kingsbury, Ladywalk and Preston Bagot. Worcs Reported from 18 localities. Bred at Bittell and Hallow, and probably at Wilden. Staffs Reported from 18 localities. Bred at Coombes Valley, Gnosall and Tittesworth.

W Mid Reported from eight localities, but no breeding records received.

Green Woodpecker No change in status reported. Numerous records received from all four counties. 74

Great Spotted Woodpecker Numerous rccordo rcccivcd, with many birds visiting garden bird tables in winter.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Warks Noted at 19 sites, but breeding records only from Packington and Sych Wood. Worcs Reported from 16 sites, but breeding confirmed only at Bittell. Staffs Noted at 16 localities, with breeding at Blithfield, Coombes Valley and Seven Springs. W Mid Reported from only five localities, which surprisingly included both the Penn and Tettenhall districts of Wolverhampton.

Skylark No large flocks or cold weather movements reported this year. Warks At least 10 pairs bred at Alvecote, but only four pairs were at Willey compared to eight in 1981. Worcs 50 at Grimley in January and 45 there in December. Staffs Seven breeding pairs estimated on the Swythamley Estate compared to nine in 1981 and four in 1980. In January one joined other birds feeding on seed in a garden at Alrewas, where not previously recorded.

Sand Martin Average: March 23 (47) to October 9 (47) Prompt arrival, with the first on March 21 at Park Lime Pits and others at several localities by the end of the month. Earliest departure for 20 years, with none after September 30, at Bittell. Warks 150 at Brandon and at least 450 at Kingsbury in August. Worcs 100 breeding pairs estimated at Holt GP and 230 pairs at Grimley. A few pairs nested on the R Stour at Wilden. Staffs Up to 400 at Belvide in April, 500 at Chasewater in late July and 200 at Blithfield on August 30. 500 roosted at Two Gates on August 30. W Mid 40 nests estimated at Branton Hill Quarry. 100 birds at Witton Lakes in August.

Swallow Average: April 1 (48) to November 2 (48) First noted on April 3 at Lichfield, with the main arrival beginning about a week later. Widely noted until the third week of October, and last seen at Alrewas on November 4. Worcs Up to 1000 roosted at Grimley GP in September. 75

Staffs 10000 estimated to have roosted at Ford Green on several dates between August 15 and September 29, with perhaps 12000 on September 23. An albino bird was noted there on September 16 and a bird with totally dark underparts was at Blithfield on August 19. A gathering of 800 had been noted at Blithfield the previous day, at Westport 700 were present on September 27 and at Two Gates 500 roosted on August 30 and September 22.

House Martin Average: April 9 (48) to October 31 (48) Birds at Alvecote and Kingsbury on April 4 were the first of the year, with the main arrival beginning a fortnight later. Widely reported until mid-October and noted at Bittell, Droitwich, Maer and Trentham on November 1, with the last three days later at Chelmsley Wood. Warks 100 noted at Earlswood on April 28. Worcs 2500 estimated along the R Severn between Trimpley Reservoir and Arley on September 28, but only 500 remained by October 4. 70 at Upton Warren on July 6 and a similar number at Grimley on September 12. Staffs 1000 at Blithfield on August 18 and 100 at Belvide on June 19 and August 22. W Mid At least nine birds were seen collecting mud at Edgbaston Reservoir on June 11 and breeding was reported within 0.5km of West Bromwich town centre.

Tree Pipit Average: April 8 (45) to September 20 (43) First noted on April 11, at Highgate Common, Trentham and Upton Warren, but most reports of first birds were towards the end of the month. Most had left by the end of August, but September records came from Grimley on 4 and West Hagley on 13. Warks Singing birds reported from Bentley, Purley Park and Whichford Wood. Worcs Breeding season records from Blakedown, Chaddesley Wood, Devil's Spittleful, Ell Wood, Eymore Wood, Habberley Valley, Lickey Woods, Long Saw Croft, Malvern, Shrawley Wood, Strensham Sewage Works, Trench Wood, Uffmoor Wood, Walton Hill, Weethley Wood and Wyre Forest (at least three pairs in the Fred Dale Reserve and 12 singing birds noted in the Callow Hill area on May 10). Noted on passage at both Upton Warren and Wilden in April and September. One also seen at West Hagley on September 13. Staffs Breeding season records from several areas of Cannock Chase, Coombes Valley, Gib Torr, Gun Hill, Hawksmoor, Highgate Common, Hopwas Wood, Marchington Woodlands, Swythamley Estate (12 pairs compared to 9 in 1981), Three Shire Heads, Trentham Park and Wall Grange. Noted on passage at Belvide and Chasewater in August. 76

W Mid Two singing birds near Hockley Heath in early May and several reports from Sutton Pork. Ono in Handcworth Park in May and one flying high over Erdington in September.

Meadow Pipit Warks The most reported were 50 at Kingsbury on October 2 and 40 at Oldbury Reservoir on October 8. Breeding reported from Ladywalk. Worcs Breeding season records from Lower Strensham, Malvern Hills and Wilden. Flocks of 100 at Bredon Hill on October 8 and 50 at both Holt GP on October 26 and at Larford on December 3. Maximum at Bittell in the autumn was 43. Staffs 169 breeding pairs on the Swythamley Estate compared to 166 in 1981 and 84 in 1980. Parties of 100 at Tittesworth Reservoir on April 11, 50 at Lichfield on March 27 and 30 at Belvide on April 12. 20 were noted in a young conifer plantation at Beaudesert on December 27 and 28. W Mid Possible breeding reported from Sandwell Valley, and a displaying bird seen in Sutton Park in May.

Rock Pipit Warks Single birds were seen at Draycote on October 3 AJR, Kingsbury on November 27 JEF and December 11 JEF, TEG, and Ladywalk on October 30 ARMB. One or two birds were also present in the Coton/Lea Marston area on December 24 PDH. Worcs One at Wilden on February 26 RM. Staffs At Belvide up to three between October 3 and 29 per DS; at Blithfield one on February 24 MJE, two on October 10 and 24 several observers and single birds on November 7 ARD and 14 MJE and December 29 WJL; at Chasewater one on March 13 EGPand two the following day GE, EGP. One at Westport on November 3 WJL. W Mid One in Sandwell Valley on March 27 per SKW.

Water Pipits were reported as follows: Worcs At Wilden, birds were present from January through until April 10, with a maximum of six on February 6, and then again from October 18 until the end of the year, with a maximum of five on November 7 PGG, RM, BW. One at Upton Warren on April 10 and 11 several observers. 77

Yellow Wagtail Average: April 1 (46) to October 10 (46) First birds noted on April 4, at Blithfield, Tillington and Wilden, followed by a strong arrival in the next few days. Most departed during September, with the last at Holt on October 2 and Bittell the next day. Warks Four or five breeding pairs at Alvecote, where 27 birds were present on April 20. Breeding also reported from Ladywalk and Willey. Worcs Breeding season records from Beckford, Bittell, near Ell Wood, Grimley, Holt GP, Hopwood, Lower Strensham, Oakley Pool, Shernal Green, Stourvale Marsh, Strensham Sewage Works, Twiland Wood and Wilden. Largest parties were 40 at Upton Warren on April 28 and 50 at Grimley on April 29. Staffs About 70 breeding pairs were located during work on the BTO Waders of Wet Meadows Survey. 11 pairs at Blithfield, where passage maxima were 121 on May 3 and 90 on July 29. Elsewhere 50 at Belvide on May 6 and August 7, and 51 at Chasewater on April 24.

Birds showing the characteristics of other races of the Yellow Wagtail were noted as follows: Worcs At Wilden from May 9 until at least 28 a bird was again seen which had all the characteristics of Spanish Wagtail, M. f. iberiae. Several observers. Staffs A Blue-headed Wagtail at Dunstal on May 8 ARD.

Grey Wagtail Numbers reduced following the severe winter of 1981/82. Warks A breeding pair noted at Shrewley Common. Autumn and winter records from about six localities. Worcs Noted at 12 sites during the breeding season. A pair which raised three young on the Fred Dale Reserve was one of four along Dowles Brook. Staffs Four pairs bred at Coombes Valley. Noted outside the breeding season at about 10 sites. W Mid Reported from about a dozen sites in autumn and winter.

Pied Wagtail Warks Up to 50 roosted at Brandon in September. Worcs Up to 1000 roosted in reed-mace at Grimley GP in September and October. Staffs 200/300 roosted at Ford Green on October 24 and 100 were seen roosting in a single tree at Lichfield on August 27. 106 counted at Penn Common Sewage Works on December 31. 78

as follows: Warks Present in the Coton-Kingsbury area between April 4 and May 1, with a maximum of 14 on April 10 JEF. One at Brandon on April 12 BMCG. Worcs Present at Upton Warren between April 2 and May 3, with a maximum of four on the last date several observers. One at Kidderminster on April 9 BW, ones and twos at Wilden from April 9 to 16 BW, three at Holt on April 12 FtM and one at Grimley on April 29 RM. Staffs Up to five at Belvide between April 30 and May 6 several observers. At Blithfield up to six between April 14 and June 1 several observers; one at Westport on April 11 followed by up to three between April 29 and May 5; one at Keele University on April 16 and one at Ford Green on April 24 DWE, ones and twos at Chasewater from April 21 to May 4 GE, SLH. W Mid Maximum of 11 on April 13 in Sandwell Valley SKW and one at Bartley on April 27 DRR.

1981 Addendum Staffs One at Whittington SF on March 10 BW— an early date.

Waxwing Warks One reported from Sherbourne in late January per GRH. Staffs One reported at Stafford on January 20 and subsequently one about two miles away at Great Bridgeford per FCG. W Mid An immature bird at Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, from January 16 to February 6 attracted many observers as it fed on Sorbus sp. berries along the central reservation of the A449. 79

Dipper Worcs A survey of the county revealed 47 pairs, the majority on the Rivers Severn and Teme and their tributaries SWW. Outside the breeding season recorded at Eastham, Hartlebury, llley Mill and Sling Pool. Staffs Breeding season records from Back Forest (two pairs), Coombes Valley (three pairs). River Dane and River Dove. Outside the breeding season noted at Deep Haye, Himley, Kibblestone and Seabridge, where one was present from November 15 to the end of the year, with two on November 17. W Mid Noted at Halesowen in January and February.

1980 Addendum

Warks One seen at Stoneleigh on August 28, where most unusual.

Wren Noticeable decline following the severe winter. Warks Only four pairs on farmland CBC plot at Willey, which was half last year's number, and a similar decrease reported from Packington. Staffs 54 singing birds at Coombes Valley compared to 76 in 1981; six breeding pairs on the Swythamley Estate compared to 17 in 1981; and only 12 pairs at Fradley Wood, a 50% reduction from last year. Dunnock Another species that suffered from the hard winter. Warks A slight decrease of a quarter in breeding numbers at Willey, and a decline of a half at Packington. Staffs Breeding population in Coombes Valley reduced from 19 pairs in 1981 to only nine. A further reduction also noted at Fradley Wood, where the population was the lowest since surveys began in 1966.

Robin Reduced numbers following the winter freeze. Warks A 36% decrease noted in the breeding population at Willey and a 66% drop estimated at Packington. Staffs An increase noted at Coombes Valley, where birds returned to breed very late after having moved out in cold weather. 15 pairs at Fradley Wood represented a further, if slight, decline, but eight pairs on the Swythamley Estate was well down on previous years.

Nightingale Average: April 18 (48) to August 8 (12) First noted on April 22 at Trench Wood. Very few records in what appeared to be a poor year in the Region compared to other parts of the country. 80

Warks Six singing at Wappenbury Wood, one at Chesford Bridge and one at Ufton Wood. Worcs Singing birds reported from Fladbury, Goosehill Wood, Grafton Wood, Old Hills Common, Tiddesley, Trench Wood (10) and Yeald Wood.

1981 Addendum Staffs One seen and heard in the Churnet Valley on June 21 JSB: tfcie most northerly record since 1956.

Black Redstart Warks A pair bred at Coleshill Gas Works, where birds were present from June to October PAM, and two pairs were reported to have bred at Hams Hall Power Station HTL. One at Kingsbury on December 26 JAA. Staffs One at Hen Cloud on November 13 per DWY and a female at Blithfield on December 27 JJH. W Mid Breeding season records from Nechells Gas Works PAM, Windsor Street Gas Works PAM, Snow Hill Station DGA, REH and Cornwall Street, Birmingham GCB, CBL.

Redstart Average: April 10 (46) to September 22 (45) First seen at Brandon on April 10, but otherwise few reports before the last week of April, when the main arrival began. Most had left by mid-September, but a late bird was observed at Brandon on October 10. Warks Noted in spring at Brandon, Kingsbury and Marston and in autumn at Admington, Alvecote, Brandon and Kingsbury. The only breeding record came from Bentley Woods. Worcs Breeding season records from Ashton-under-Hill, Calcot Hill, Great Witley, Habberley Valley, Kingsford, Lickey Woods, Longdon Marsh, Seckley Wood, Walton Hill and Wyre Forest. Noted on passage at Abberton, Berrow Hill, Grimley, Island Pool and Upton Warren. Staffs Breeding season records from Back Forest, Burnt Wood, Cannock Chase, Churnet Valley, Coombes Valley (36 pairs). Hen Cloud, Hollinhay Wood, Longsdon, Manifold Valley, The Roaches (nine singing males), Rudyard, Seven Springs, Sherbrook Valley, Soils Wood and Trentham. A total of only five pairs estimated on the Swythamley Estate compared to 10 in 1981. Birds noted on passage at Belvide and Rudyard in July and August, and one in a garden near Eccleshall in August. W Mid Reported in the breeding season from Sutton Park and birds noted on passage at Erdington, Park Lime Pits, Penn and Sedgley Beacon. 81

Whinchat Average: April 24 (46) to October 5 (42) First arrivals on April 21, at Alvecote and Bittell, followed by the main influx a week or two later. One or two records through to the third week in September, and the last on October 4 at Wheaton Aston. Warks Two pairs reported to have bred at Ladywalk. Passage birds noted in spring at Kingsbury, and in both spring and autumn at Alvecote and Brandon. Worcs The only confirmed breeding record was from Stourvale Marsh, where three pairs were present. Spring passage birds noted at Abberton, Bittell, Eckington, Grimley and Upton Warren. Autumn records from Abberton, Holt, Oakley Pool, Upton Warren and Wilden. Staffs Breeding season records from Gib Torr, Goldsitch Moss, Knotbury, Oliver Hill, The Roaches (five singing males), Sherbrook Valley and Swallow Moss. Spring records from Belvide, Blithfield, Eccleshall, Tittesworth Reservoir and Wheaton Aston. Autumn passage birds noted at Belvide, Clay Mills, Westport and Wheaton Aston. W Mid Bred in Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park. Noted on passage at Park Lime Pits in August.

Stonechat Another very poor year. Warks Single birds at Alvecote and Brandon on March 7, followed by two at Kingsbury on March 10. Worcs Noted at Bittell (February), Grimley (two in August), Walton Hill (November) and near Worcester (November). Staffs A pair bred in Sherbrook Valley, where a maximum of seven birds was seen in September, up to three in November and one on December 4. The only other record was of one at Belvide in September. W Mid Reported from both Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park in March but no reports of breeding this year.

Wheatear Average: March 21 (45) to October 13 (46) First arrivals on March 22, at Bittell and Upton Warren, with birds on their breeding grounds a week later. Generally scarce, though, until early April. Most had departed by the first week in October, but a one-footed bird was still at Blithfield on November 7. Warks Reported from six localities in spring, with a maximum of seven at Ladywalk on May 8. Birds of the Greenland race were noted at Brandon (two males and three females trapped in early May) and 82

Coton (three males and a female on April 26). There were no autumn records, except for one at Draycote on August 9 and two from October 1 to 4. It is interesting to note that birds were recorded at Draycote on only 12 days, compared with 35 days last year and 31 days in 1980. Worcs Reported from six sites in spring and from eight in autumn. Staffs Spring records came from eight localities, with a maximum of four birds at Blithfield on April 25. In autumn, passage birds reported from nine sites. The only breeding season records came from the Moors, with four pairs on The Roaches. W Mid In spring, reports came from 10 localities, including a building site at Lanesfield, Wolverhampton, and a car park at the Ministry of Agriculture's headquarters at Tettenhall. Autumn passage birds noted in Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park.

Ring Ouzel Average: April 1 (26) to October 22 (20) A male at Goldsitch Moss on March 28 denoted an early return to the breeding grounds, though the main passage was in April as usual. One or two October records, with the last at Walton Hill on October 28. Worcs At Walton Hill, a male on April 8 PGG, two males and a female the following day and a female on October 28 BW. Staffs Many reports from The Roaches/Blackbrook Valley/Gradbach area, with 20 pairs reported by WJL, and a pair probably bred in the Knotbury area. Seven breeding-pairs estimated on the Swythamley Estate compared to six in 1981. W Mid A male near Moseley Bog on April 21 AR, a female in Sandwell Valley on April 17 SKW and two males and a female in a garden at Solihull in October per DD.

Blackbird Larger numbers than usual reported visiting gardens during the hard weather of January. Staffs 1000 estimated in a roost at Amington in November.

Fieldfare Average: October 2 (47) to May 1 (46) Widely reported throughout April and the first days of May, with the last at Ufton Fields on May 8. Latest arrival for over 20 years, with none until October 8 (Wheaton Aston), then the main influx in mid-month. 83

Reported to be very scarce in some areas during the severe weather of January. Warks No large winter flocks, but spring concentrations of 350 at Alvecote on March 10 and 500 at Willey on March 20, where good numbers remained until early April. In autumn 1000 were in the Cliff area on November 27 and 300 at Alvecote the next day. Worcs Many reports received of flocks up to 300. Winter maximum at Bittell, where up to 350 were noted in early January, and autumn maxima at Abberton, where numbers had built up to a similar level by the end of November, and Upton Warren, where 500 were estimated on December 12. Staffs Spring flocks of 350 at Little Wyrley on April 4 and 380 at Longnor on April 11. In autumn, 514 were counted at High Offley on December 11, 648 at Gratwich on December 18, 500 at Maer on December 25 and exceptional numbers at Belvide in December, which peaked at 1000 on 23. W Mid 400 at Bartley on January 31. Many reports of birds in gardens during the severe weather.

Song Thrush Staffs 14 singing birds at Coombes Valley compared to 38 in 1981. A slight decrease in breeding numbers also noted at Fradley Wood.

Redwing Average: September 27 (48) to April 17 (47) Most had departed by mid-April, but some were still present in a mixed roost at Gibbett Hill Road, Coventry, on May 6. First of the autumn at Park Lime Pits on the early date of September 13, with the main influx beginning around October 8. Reported to be very scarce in most areas during the severe weather of January. Warks Several hundreds noted at Newbold Comyn on January 7, but most had gone a few days later. Autumn peak of 235 at Brandon on October 10. Worcs No large winter flocks, but autumn gatherings of 350 at Walton Hill on November 24, 400 at Suckley on December 4 and 400 at Bittell on December 24. Staffs Again no large winter flocks. The autumn roost at Maer Hills regularly held over 2000 birds, with a peak of about 5000 towards the end of December. Up to 500 at Belvide also in December. W Mid Spring peak of 100 in Sandwell Valley on March 9. Many reports of birds in gardens and suburban streets in severe weather of January and February.

Mistle Thrush No change in status reported. 84

Grasshopper Warbler Average: April 19 (46) to August 23 (36) Typical arrival and departure, with the first on April 21 at Yeald Wood and the last on August 25 at Kingsbury. Another poor year, with about 45 birds reported in song from thirty localities. Warks A poor year at regular haunts like Brandon and Kingsbury, but said to have been heard regularly along country lanes around Bubbenhall. Worcs Fairly widespread (13 localities), but in small numbers, with a maximum of four in song at Monkwood. Noted for the first time in recent years at Little Comberton, but absent from some regular haunts like Upton Warren. Staffs Noted from a dozen, well-scattered localities, but no more than two in song at any one site. W Mid Singing birds heard in several areas of Sutton Park, with a maximum of five at Longmoor.

Sedge Warbler Average: April 16 (46) to September 27 (40) First arrival on April 6, at Brandon, but no further reports for nine days. Main influx began in late April. Many reports during September, with the last on 29, at Bittell. Warks Six-to-ten pairs bred at Alvecote and up to 23 were in song at Kingsbury, but no information on breeding strength was received from Brandon. One found dead on an allotment at llmington on May 31 may indicate attempted colonisation of a less-usual habitat. Worcs Counts of at least 20 pairs at Strensham, 20 in song at Upton Warren, 12 at Fladbury, 11 along a 3km stretch of the R Avon, and five at Nafford and Westwood were the most reported. Bred at Grimley and Oakley, but no information on numbers: also bred at Wilden, where one observer thought numbers very low. One at Island Pool on May 5 was a locality first—the species being almost absent north of Kidderminster. Staffs The survey of wet meadows revealed at least 53 singing males, including 24 along the Sow-Meece Brook-Tillington-Tixall Wide complex, 10 along the Anker, eight along the Trent, and five at Belvide, where one sang from a field of winter wheat. Four or five pairs also bred at Westport, five sang at Blithfield, and a passage bird visited a Trentham garden in August. W Mid One pair bred in the Sandwell Valley, and a male sang at Castle Bromwich until mid-July. One in Sutton Park on June 23 was the only record from that locality. 85

Average arrival: June 7 (32) Worcs First noted in the Avon Valley on May 28. In view of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel's comments in British Birds, readers will be pleased to know that the population is monitored annually. Altogether 45 singing males were located at 18 sites, which, allowing for under-estimates at some sites because of inclement weather, suggests a maximum number of 60-65 JJD. One song included snatches of Swallow, Nightingale, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Linnet, Blackbird and Sedge Warbler in its mimicry WFP. A nest with characteristic "basket handles" was discovered some 30km north of the main breeding area on January 15. It contained evidence of having been occupied in 1981 BW. W Mid One singing in Sandwell Valley on June 20 RN, EGP, SMH, JJH.

Reed Warbler Average: April 26 (42) to September 21 (36) First reported on April 23, at Oakley, followed by the main arrival in early May. Most had left by mid-September, with the last at Bittell on September 20, apart from a bird at Copmere on October 23—the latest date on record. Warks An estimated 50 pairs at Brandon, where the studied colony of 14 pairs raised 47 young. Six-to-eight pairs also present at Alvecote and about six pairs still at Ladywalk, but no more than three in song at Kingsbury, where decline continues. Fewer at Packington too, where some 15 pairs, but 10 in song at Lea Marston. 86

Worcs A survey of 3km of the Avon revealed 39 singing males, including many in bulrushes. Otherwise little data from main colonies at Ombersley, Thorngrove and the Droitwich Canal, but 12 in song at Oakley, five at Wilden and smaller numbers from several localities. Staffs Virtually no records away from Belvide and Copmere, but bred at Westport and present in breeding season (one pair) at Blithfield. Up to five in song at Belvide, where at least one pair bred in Glyceria maxima. At the Copmere colony, 91 birds were handled, including eight adults from previous years, 17 new adults and 66 juveniles. W Mid Two in song in Sutton Park, one singing from willow and rosebay willowherb at Oxley, and a bird in the Sandwell Valley from June 19 to July 18 were the only records.

Lesser Whitethroat Average: April 21 (46) to September 19 (46) First reported on April 25 at Abberton, but few arrived before early May. Most had departed by the end of August and the last was seen at Shernal Green on September 11. Warks Recorded from nine localities, with maxima of three pairs at both Alvecote and Kingsbury. Widely noted on passage in August. Worcs Said to have been less abundant than usual around Abberton and in the north of the county. A total of 45 singing males reported from 29 localities, including four at both Bittell and Longdon. Staffs Recorded from 11 localities, with maximum of three in song at Belvide. W Mid Breeding season records from Castle Bromwich (3 in song), Oxley (one singing). Park Lime Pits (defending territory), Penn (feeding young) and Sandwell Valley (two or three pairs). Four near Spaghetti Junction on September 11 were presumably on passage.

Whitethroat Average: April 14 (48) to September 25 (48) First arrivals on April 18, at Alvecote and Wilden, with main influx beginning some nine days later. Most left during August, but there were a few September records and one at Island Pool on October 4. Warks Reported from 23 localities, with up to three in song at several, six pairs at Kingsbury and at least eight at Ladywalk. No change in numbers on the CBC plot at Willey. Worcs At least 122 singing birds were reported from 35 well-scattered localities. Peak numbers were found on the heaths around Kidderminster and Malvern, with 12 at Devil's Spittleful and 18 at Old Hills. Other major concentrations were 11 in Wyre Forest and 10 at Stourvale. Staffs No change in numbers on the CBC plot at Fradley, but a small increase from three to four pairs at Coombes Valley. Otherwise reported from only 12 localities, with maxima of 10 along the 87

Churnet between Cheddleton and Consall, eight at Chasewater, and five each at Belvide and Hanchurch. W Mid Bred in Sandwell Valley (five pairs) and Sutton Park, where up to five sang in May, but probably only one pair took up residence. May also have bred at Castle Bromwich, Oxley, Park Lime Pits and Penn, but records from Cradley, Moseley and an Erdington garden in May and September probably referred to passage birds.

Garden Warbler Average: April 22 (45) to September 6 (44) Late arrival, with none until April 30 — at Belvide — but a swift influx in early May. Most left in August, but there were three September records — at Brandon on 5, Kingsbury on 19 and Belvide on 21. Warks No changes in status, with 31 singing males at 12 localities, including up to 10 in Packington Park, and three each at Kingsbury and Ladywalk. Ratio of 2:5 Blackcaps in Ufton Wood, where coppicing favours this species, compared to only 1:4 in Whichford Wood, which is not coppiced. Small passage noted in August. Worcs At least 74 singing males at 24 sites. Strong spring passage, with 12 in song at Chaddesley Wood on May 14 and six at Devil's Spittleful the previous day. The Wyre Forest held 14 singing birds, and Berrow Hill and Wilden five each. Ringing revealed good numbers at Monkwood, Shrawley and Trench Woods too. Staffs Very little information, but said to be increasing at the Fradley CBC plot, and 18 present at Coombes Valley compared to 15 last year. Six were singing at Blithfield in June, but in contrast noted on only six days at Belvide, so obviously none bred. W Mid Two pairs bred in Sandwell Valley and at least one pair probably in Sutton Park. Between July 31 and August 26 one or two were seen feeding on blackberries and elderberries in an Erdington garden.

Blackcap Average: April 4 (48) to October 6 (45) First of spring, excluding birds that may have wintered, occurred on April 2 at Westwood, and widely reported the following week. One or two in October, with the latest on 19 at Erdington, apart from potentially wintering individuals. Warks Winter records involved a male and two females at Harbury from the beginning of the year until March 21, and a male at Chesford from February 5 to 7. Strong spring passage, with 15 in song at Brandon on May 16. Noted as more numerous at Willey this year, with five pairs on the CBC plot, but breeding numbers at Packington said to be down by half. Late-autumn birds at Willey on November 14 (female), Seeswood on November 22, Brandon on November 4 and 28, and Binton also on November 28 (two females). 88

Worcs A pair frequented a Worcester garden throughout January and February, but there were no other winter rccords. More numerous than usual during the breeding season, and at least four pairs bred in 23ha of the Fred Dale Reserve. Singing maxima of 11 at Trench Wood, nine in the Wyre Forest and eight at Chaddesley and Westwood. Late birds at Knightsford on November 13, Hanley Dingle the next day (male), Upton Warren on November 13 and 20 (male and female respectively), Suckley on November 30 and Great Witley on December 19. Staffs Just one winter record—a male in a Lichfield garden on January 4. Virtually no breeding season data apart from usual numbers at Fradley Wood and a slight increase to nine pairs at Coombes Valley, though 11 males were at Blithfield on June 1. A late individual fed on honeysuckle at Horsley on November 9, one or two males could be seen eating dogwood and hawthorn berries at Belvide from November 9 to the end of the year, a male was at Seabridge on November 17 and a female at Westlands on December 24. W Mid As usual, several winter sightings from suburban gardens, with January records from Coventry, Erdington (two) and Halesowen involving two males and two pairs; and February records from the same gardens plus others at Hall Green, Moseley and Shirley (a total of six males and five females). Up to six in song at Sutton Park, 12 pairs in Sandwell Valley, and one at Moseley Bog. Two passage birds at Spaghetti Junction on September 11, and late individuals (all males) in Sandwell Valley on November 1, at Tettenhall on December 17 and at Meriden on December 28.

Wood Warbler Average: April 21 (46) to August 17 (36) Strong arrival began punctually on April 22, with birds at High Arcal Wood and Sutton Park. Last noted at Westwood on August 17. Warks Two passage birds in song at Welcombe Hills on May 2. Otherwise just single males singing and holding territory—at Bentley Woods and Earlswood, which was formerly a more regular haunt. Worcs At least 80 singing males at 12 localities, including 30 in the Wyre Forest and 10 in the Lickeys. All records were from woods in the north and west. A pair attempted to breed in a nest-box on the Fred Dale Reserve, but the nest was damaged. Two late birds were seen at Westwood on August 17. Staffs Slight reduction from 11 to nine pairs at Coombes Valley. Otherwise widely reported from the Moors, Churnet Valley, Cannock Chase, Burnt Wood, Copmere, Keele and Trentham. W Mid Two or three in song in Sutton Park. No other records. 89

Chiffchaff Average: March 16 (48) to October 15 (48) One at Yeald Wood on March 19, followed by a strong arrival from March 24-28. Widely reported until late September, and last seen on October 11, at Bittell and Westlands, apart from wintering birds. Warks Poor breeding numbers reported from Packington, where five to ten pairs. Otherwise small numbers widely reported during the breeding season. Autumn passage was evident during the first half of September, and late records came from Kingsbury on December 9 and Alvecote on November 20 and December 27, when a bird in reeds. Worcs Strong passage on April 6 through Bittell, where breeding numbers were normal. Elsewhere many reports of up to ten singing birds, and 12 in Trench Wood. Seven noted in song in the Wyre Forest compared with 61 Willow Warblers. Late birds were at Bittell and Wilden on December 5, and one or two lingered at Upton Warren through into 1983. Staffs Four pairs at Coombes Valley was a slight increase over 1981, but Fradley Wood numbers were the lowest for a decade, with just two pairs, and Belvide again had no breeding birds. Otherwise few reports, with none involving more than six birds. W Mid Numbers in a censused area of Sutton Park were only half those of 1981. Usual reports of passage birds from gardens during September, with one at Spaghetti Junction more unexpected. A late individual in song at Wrens Nest on October 27.

Willow Warbler Average: March 27 (48) to October 5 (48) First seen on March 28 at Belvide, with a strong arrival beginning on April 4. Last seen on October 3 at Bittell. Warks Numerous and well-distributed. No change in status at Packington, where 20-40 pairs, but a slight drop to six pairs on the CBC plot at Willey. 12 pairs at Ladywalk, and maxima of 30 at Brandon and 18 at Earlswood. Worcs Strong passage through Bittell around April 6, when at least 30 present. Otherwise maxima of 20 at Happy Valley, Malvern, 18 at Upton Warren, and 61 singing in the Wyre Forest, where at least six pairs bred in 23ha on the Fred Dale Reserve. Staffs High breeding numbers were maintained at Coombes Valley, with over 200 pairs; no change in status was reported from Fradley, where this remains the commonest species; and 57 territories estimated at Swythamley was the most in the past five years. Singing maxima of 56 in the Back Forest-Roaches area, 21 at Belvide, 20 at BlTthfield and 18 at Chasewater. Passage maxima of 35 at Rudyard and 27 at Westport, both in August. 90

W Mid Appeared in gardens on both spring and autumn passages, mostly in April, August and September. Maximum of 26 in song in an area of Sutton Park was twice the 1981 population.

Goldcrest Apparently less severely affected by the hard winter than might have been expected. Warks Only slightly reduced numbers reported from Packington. Up to eight at Brondon in Octobor, but otherwise no party exceeded civ Worcs No change in status at Bittell, but counts of 10 in Coldridge Wood and 10 singing males in the Wyre Forest were obviously well below normal. Largest flocks were 10, during the winter at Ell Wood, and 12, during November at Witley Park. Staffs No change in status at Fradley, and an increase from 10 to 12 pairs at Coombes Valley. Very few reports received, but largest parties were up to 10, at Blithfield during February and again throughout the autumn. W Mid Most reports concerned birds feeding in gardens, with up to three widely noted, mostly in January-February and October-November.

Firecrest A notable influx in late October. Warks A male was present at Dafferns Wood from at least November 30 until the end of the year SMH. Worcs A singing male was seen and heard in the Wyre Forest from March 28 to April 13, and a female was also seen from April 11 to 13, but there was no evidence of successful breeding Several obs. Another male was heard singing in a different part of the Forest on May 10 BW. Outside the breeding season, a male fed with a flock of tits in Eymore Wood from February 10 to 13 BW, and a bird was seen briefly at Upton Warren on October 30 REH. Staffs Two were again seen at a site in the west of the county on January 3 per GRH; a male and female were present at Baldwins Gate on October 30 (the latter being trapped and ringed) DWE, WJL; and one was seen feeding with Goldcrests in the Sherbrook Valley on October 31 GEt. W Mid One at Penn on October 30 SRC et al.

Spotted Flycatcher Average: May 1 (46) to September 25 (46) Late arriving, with no reports before May 9 (at Pattingham) and few before the third week of May. Strong passage in August, with a few later stragglers, the last of which was at Peopleton on September 24. 91

Warks Very few reports, but data points to a poor year with none seen at Ladywalk until the first week of July, and two at Alvecote on September 8 the only local record! Small autumn passage, with maximum of seven along the canal at Kingsbury on August 11. Worcs Scarce at Bittell, where only one pair seen. Five territories at Abberton, where one pair disputed nest-box occupation with Blackbirds: despite having laid eggs, the Blackbirds subsequently deserted. 15 were heard singing in the Wyre Forest, where one pair successfully reared five young despite being harassed by Redstarts. Another nest box with four young, though, was predated, probably by Jays or Magpies. Staffs One or two reports of successful breeding, but generally little information. Five pairs were present in Back Forest and 10 birds were at Blithfield on June 1. Noted on passage in August, with 15 at Belvide on August 12 and seven at Blithfield 10 days later. A brood at Horsley found peacock butterflies nutritious, and one made an unsuccessful sortie after a dragonfly. W Mid Successfully bred at Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley (two pairs) and a Wolverhampton cemetery, but the predated eggs of a pair at Hampton-in-Arden is an all-too-familiar story. Passage birds appeared in gardens during August and September, and two were seen at Spaghetti Junction on September 11.

Pied Flycatcher Average: April 21 (36) to September 6 (18) First seen on April 16 in the Wyre Forest, though most did not arrive until late in the month or early May. No information on departure from breeding sites, but a very poor autumn passage, with one at Shrewley Common on August 15 the sole record. Warks A female was seen defending a nest-hole at Coombe Abbey on May 3, but not subsequently. Another female visited a Shrewley Common garden on August 15. Worcs In the Wyre Forest, first noted on April 30 at Lynall's Coppice, where 21 young were subsequently reared and ringed in three nest-boxes; and three, possibly four, sang in the Fred Dale Reserve, where one pair definitely bred in a nest-box, raising seven young. Elsewhere, single males were in song at Eymore and Seckley Woods in May, and the Habberley Valley in May and June. Staffs Passage males visited Wheaton Aston on April 22 and Baggeridge on April 26. 10 pairs bred at Coombes Valley, and another pair in a nest-box at a central locality, whilst in the Churnet Valley a singing male defended his territory from Redstarts and tits and a second male was present at another site. A female was seen at Back Forest on May 28 and another at Kinver on July 31. W Mid Singing males were reported at Penn Hall Wood from May 16 to 22, and Sutton Park from May 1 to 14. 92

Bearded Tit No rccordo for the first time since 19G9.

Long-tailed Tit

g/fti

Warks Largest winter flock was 20, at Brandon in January. Several nests reported and post-breeding parties included 19 at Purley Park on July 6, 20 at Arley in October and up to 15 at several localities during the autumn. Worcs Most in winter were flocks up to 15 in an orchard at Eastham during January and February, and in deep snow at Bittell on January 15. The two pairs normally resident at Upton Warren failed to survive the winter, and none was seen here until late October. Bred successfully at many places, however, as evidenced by autumn parties of 24 at Ell Wood in November, and 26 and 40 at Bittell and Grimley, respectively, in December. Staffs Winter maxima of 40 at Hopwas and 20 at Blithfield, both on January 30. Said to have survived the winter well in the Fradley area, and at Coombes Valley, where nine pairs were only one less than in 1981. Numbers at Belvide, though, dropped to three pairs, but nevertheless the post-breeding party here of 20-30 birds was the largest reported. W Mid Maxima of 15 in winter, at Moseley Bog on January 13, and 10 in autumn, feeding on cheese in a garden at Knowle in late December.

Marsh Tit Reports from 41 localities in all. Warks Reported from eight localities, with a maximum of seven on the Welcombe Hills on February 25. 93

Worcs Noted at 20 localities throughout the county, with maxima of 10 in Wissetts Wood on February 14 and 12 in Hanley Dingle on November 14. Eight young were found in a Wyre Forest nest-box, but fledging success is unknown.- Staffs Seen at 10 localities, but in generally smaller numbers than the other counties. No change in breeding strength at Fradley, or at Coombes Valley, where seven pairs. At Belvide nested in a hole in hawthorn 0.5m above the ground. Scarce in southern districts. W Mid Noted at just three localities.

Willow Tit Reported from 54 localities. Many individuals looked to bird-tables to see them through the hard weather. Warks Noted at 11 localities, and said to be widespread in small numbers, especially in central and northern districts. Worcs Reports from 26 localities throughout the county, with a maximum of four pairs at Wilden. Staffs Seen at 15 localities, and said to be the third commonest tit in the area around Chasewater (SK00). W Mid Only two records received—from Ashen Coppice and Great Barr— and said to be generally scarce in Black Country districts.

Coal Tit Warks No change in status. Worcs At least four pairs bred in 23ha of the Fred Dale Reserve. 25 in Coldridge Wood on January 2 was the most reported. Staffs Breeding numbers were down at Fradley, but up at Coombes Valley, where 19 pairs. However this species tends to fluctuate. W Mid Usual reports of birds feeding in gardens.

Blue Tit Warks Breeding population at Willey was four pairs compared with five in 1981, and numbers at Ladywalk were noticeably reduced. Largest flock was 70, on the Welcombe Hills on September 12. Worcs Poor breeding numbers, with only one of 30 nest-boxes occupied at Lynall's Coppice and just three at Menith Wood. However, 18 boxes were occupied on the Fred Dale Reserve. Largest flock was 20, in Ell Wood in September. Staffs Population dropped slightly from 92 to 83 pairs at Coombes Valley, but remained stable at Fradley. Said to be fewer than usual around Tamworth, but in normal numbers around Lichfield. Largest count was 22 at Belvide in November. W Mid Five family parties were seen around Edgbaston Reservoir in June. 94

Great Tit Warks Small reduction from four to three territories at Willey. Despite reduced numbers, still the commonest tit at Ladywalk. Maximum of 20 at Earlswood in October. Worcs Occupied three nest-boxes in Lynall's Coppice and five at Menith Wood, with total production of over 55 young. Six boxes were also occupied on the Fred Dale Reserve. Maximum numbers in Dowery Dell, where up to 30 in both winter and autumn. Staffs A slight decline from 68 to 61 pairs at Coombes Valley, but no change in status at Fradley, or around Lichfield, though said to be fewer around Tamworth. A pair bred in a tubular steel support to the new hide at Belvide. W Mid No change in status.

Nuthatch Warks Noted at 20 localities—again all north of the Avon Valley, except for Ufton Wood. Unusual records concerned individuals in a tree-lined Leamington street, a juvenile at Brandon on July 4, and one at Draycote on November 19. Worcs Over 60 individuals reported from 24 well-distributed sites. Ignored nest-boxes at Lynall's Coppice and Menith Wood, but one pair reared eight young in a box on the Fred Dale Reserve. Ten were present in Death's Dingle in early December. Staffs Reported from only nine localities—a poor representation of its true status. Maximum of 10 in Churnet Valley in December. W Mid Seen at 14 localities, including several town parks. Said to be common in the oakwoods of Sutton Park.

Treecreeper Warks Seen at 15 localities, with a maximum of seven on the Welcombe Hills on April 19. One in Riversley Park, Nuneaton, during hard weather was unusual. Worcs Reported from 22 widespread localities, with a maximum of 12 in Wissetts Wood on February 14. Staffs Seen at 18 sites, mostly in central districts, with six at Blithfield and five at Moddershall, both in February, the most reported. W Mid Noted at just five sites, including Edgbaston Park and Saltwells Wood.

Golden Oriole Worcs One reported singing on June 5 at Upton Warren per AFJ. Staffs A male at Colwich on the early dates of April 25 and 26 per FCG. 95

Great Grey Shrike In contrast to the period 1966-78, this is now again a rare species, regular only on Cannock Chase. Worcs One seen on February 6 in the Wyre Forest CBL, GCB. Staffs One at Brocton Coppice on February 23 was the only winter sighting. In autumn one at Sherbrook Valley on October 24 FCG, then no further reports until December 11 and 17, when a bird seen in Oldacre Valley JSB and Brocton Gravel Pit AJD respectively.

Jay Loose gatherings up to 10 widely reported. Warks Reported as common in Bentley Park and Kingsbury Woods. Worcs No changes in status. Staffs No changes in status.

W Mid Frequently encountered in well-timbered suburbs.

Magpie Warks No change in status. Parties of 13 at Hartshill and 14 at Alvecote, both in October, and an incredible 61 in a single field at Portway on January 6 REH. At Draycote, 15 roosted in willows on January 23. Worcs Said to be increasing at Little Comberton and Bittell, where up to 24 regularly seen. A flock of 36 at nearby Cofton Hackett on January 29 was the largest reported. Staffs Increased numbers reported from Eccleshall. 138 recorded at seven sites in SK00, including a flock of 52 to the north of Chasewater on February 25. Up to 30 were at Wheaton Aston on March 9. W Mid Said to be very common in north Birmingham, where rarely seen twenty years ago, and present in large numbers in Sutton Park. A flock of 31 was seen near Brownhills on February 14, and 16 were at Aldridge on March 13. Jackdaw Warks Continues to be numerous in the north, with flocks up to 50 widely encountered around Nuneaton. One was an unexpected visitor to a Studley bird-table on January 8. Worcs Large gatherings widely reported, the biggest being 200 near Goosehill in January, 400 at Haws Hill in December, and up to 550 at Upton Warren in November. Staffs Largest gatherings in late autumn, with 250 leaving their roost and flying SSE across Tamworth in November, 230 in Upper Tean Woods in the same month, and 364 roosting with Rooks at Fradswell Heath on December 29. W Mid One was collecting wool from the Soay sheep pen at Birmingham Nature Centre in June. 96

Rook Warks Eight or nine pairs again nested on electricity pylons at Whateley, and 35 nests were tightly clustered into a single, isolated oak at Draycote. Largest flock was 350, at Hartshill in January. Roosts increased in size from November onwards, with that at Willey being 2000 strong by the end of the year. Worcs 650 nests were counted at eleven rookeries, but these figures suggest a bias towards the larger concentrations. The biggest reported flock was 240 at Abberton in November. Staffs The number of nests at Coombes Valley fell from 116 to 59. perhaps because the cold weather in April 1981 killed so many young. The rookery in the centre of Cannock now appears to be extinct. Winter flocks included 650 at Flashbrook Grange in January, and 500, 450 and 400 at Kings Bromley, Shenstone and Bonehill respectively, all in February. Most in autumn were 500 again at Kings Bromley in November and a similar number roosting at Fradswell Heath in December. W Mid At least 1000 were feeding in a field at Streetly on December 31.

Carrion Crow Warks No change in status, with up to 30 commonplace and a maximum of 57 at Portway on January 6. Worcs Usual large numbers at Bittell in autumn, with a maximum of 120 on December 5. 100 at Pennyfields on August 9. Staffs Over 100 were at Loxley tip in January, and 150 sat on the completely frozen lake at Chillington on January 3. Elsewhere over 40 were recorded at Belvide, Hanchurch and Rickerscote. A brown individual has been present in the Wheaton Aston area now for several years. W Mid Very common in Sutton Park.

Once again, no Hooded Crows were reported.

Raven Worcs One flew over Suckley calling on February 9 JJD, two did likewise at Eymore Wood on February 20 BW, and a pair was observed flying and calling over the Malverns on March 24 WFP.

Starling Warks No large roosts or flocks reported. Worcs December flocks of 1000 at Clifton-on-Teme and 2500 at Suckley, the latter feeding on windfall apples. 97

Staffs The breeding population at Coombes Valley was just seven pairs compared with 40 pairs in 1981. 5000 roosted at Kettlebrook Lakes on August 12 and numbers had increased to 10000 by late September. During September and October at least 2000 roosted at Bolehall, but after six to eight weeks this roost was dispersed by "bangers". W Mid At least 8130 were counted roosting on buildings and trees between Bull Street and the Town Hall, Birmingham, on June 13 WGT, JFT, whilst in December an estimated 18-20000 birds roosted in Corporation Street alone PGG. 3000 were seen feeding at Hockley Heath on February 20.

House Sparrow No change in status. W Mid Some interesting comparative counts showed 51 in Cannon Hill Park compared with 58 at the same time in 1975, and 28 in Swanshurst Park compared with 34 and 25 at similar times in 1975 WGT, JFT.

Tree Sparrow Warks No change in status, though large flocks are seldom encountered these days. 15 pairs bred in nest-boxes at Admington. Largest flocks were 75 at Kingsbury in February and 50 at Hartshill in April. Worcs Largest flocks were 110 at Grimley in January and 100 at Haws Hill in December. 50 or more were also seen at Bittell and Holt in September. Staffs Again nested in the straw of the gazebo hide at Belvide, where up to 100 were noted in September. Good numbers at Blithfield, with 100 in January increasing to 200 in February, and 130 again present in December. 50 or more at Hanchurch in February, Norton Canes in April and Hanch in December. W Mid One or two reports of birds visiting gardens, with up to 32 coming daily to an Erdington garden in January and February. Up to 24 were feeding in a potato field at Park Lime Pits during November and December.

Chaffinch Warks Slight reduction from 10 to eight pairs on the CBC plot at Willey. Largest flocks reported were 70 at Hatton in January and 50 at Norton Lindsey in November. Worcs At least three pairs bred in 23ha in the Fred Dale Reserve. Winter flocks of 300 at Grimley in January and 150 at Strensham Pool in February. Maxima in autumn were 300 at Lickey and 150 at Walton Hill in November. Up to 400 roosted at Great Witley during November and December. 98

Staffs Only eight or nine pairs at Fradley compared with the usual 13, but 33 pairs estimated at Swythamley as against 23 last year, and 59 males present in the Back Forest/Roaches area. Largest winter flocks were 220 at Moddershall and 150 at Shipley Heath in February, whilst in autumn up to 500 were at Maer in November and Himley in December. Little more than 100 roosted at Maer in December. W Mid Said to be increasing as a visitor to suburban gardens. Most reported were flocks of 100 near Ashen Coppice in January, and 90 at The Leasowes in December.

Brambling Average: October 10 (47) to April 14 (46) One or two reports in late April and a bird at Seven Springs on May 3 were typical of the delayed spring departure of recent years. Very few in autumn, with none before October 30 at Maer Hills—the latest arrival on record. Warks Scarce as usual, with no winter party exceeding four, except for a flock of 20 at Earlswood on February 27. Spring passage brought eight to Oxhouse Farm on April 12. Even fewer in autumn, with four at Brandon on November 7 the largest party. Worcs Relatively few in winter, with flocks of 30 at Summerfield, and 20 at Grimley (both in January) the largest. Up to 12 were quite widely reported. In spring around 100 gathered in larches in the Wyre Forest. Decidedly scarce in autumn, when, apart from a small flock of 20 in the Lickeys, during November, no more than one or two were to be found anywhere. Staffs Widespread in winter, but in very small numbers, with no more than 10 anywhere except Belvide, where up to 20, Wheaton Aston (50) and Hanchurch Pools, where 50 roosted in holly trees during January. More in spring, with 60 feeding near Chasewater on March 15 and over 100 feeding on birch buds at Highgate Common on April 11. An autumn flock of 25 at Danebridge on December 26 was quite unusual, as nowhere else were more than six seen. W Mid Several reports of small numbers visiting suburban gardens during hard weather, with an exceptional 26 at one Erdington address and 23 at Penn. Up to 20 were at Palmers Rough, Shirley, on February 27, 12 at Bartley on March 13 and the same number in Sutton Park on April 17. Just one autumn record—up to nine at Park Lime Pits in December.

1981 Corrigendum Staffs The bird at Chillington was the third summer record, not the first as stated. 99

Serin 1981 Addendum Worcs A male at Wilden on January 21 and again on April 1 BW was the second record for the county and the Region. First attracted by fast, jazzy, high-pitched jingle coming in short bursts from the top of an oak. Song was loud, with something of the quality of Corn Bunting and Goldfinch, only much faster. Bird was clearly a small finch, smaller than Redpoll or Siskin, with a very short, stubby bill which was pale horn coloured. Forehead, lores, chin and throat all bright yellow. Crown duller yellow, smudged olive-brown. Ear coverts noticeably darker, again dark-olive to brown. Upper breast yellow, streaked dark olive-brown, becoming paler but still streaked towards flanks. Mantle olive, streaked darker. Rump bright yellow—standing out like a beacon in flight. A less obvious flight feature was a pale yellow/cream wing bar formed by the edges of the greater coverts. Tail proportionately shorter than that of Goldfinch or Siskin, and uniformly dark brownish. Flight undulating and rather jerky, occasionally erratic, and with round-winged appearance.

Greenfinch Warks Increased from two to six pairs at Willey, but no other data on status. No reports of parties larger than ten. Worcs Largest winter flock was 30 at Longdon on January 24. More numerous and widespread in autumn, with a party of 100 on Bredon Hill in October, and December peaks of 150 at Grimley and 400 at Beckford. Staffs Very few reports, but no change in status. Just one flock notified—50 at Blithfield on September 25—and a maximum of 40 in the Maer roost on December 26. W Mid An individual with a peculiar rattling call was found to have a deformed bill.

Goldfinch Warks Little data. Bred in Riversley Park in the centre of Nuneaton. Noted as scarce in SP29 during winter months, but at Brandon 20 were present in early December. Worcs A party of 100 at Grimley on January 1 was exceptional, as the species was generally scarce in winter. Only one pair bred at Wilden, where normally four or five, yet by September 100 were feeding on meadowsweet and marsh thistles, with most remaining until early November. Up to 50 were also at Holt during the same period, with smaller numbers at several other localities. Staffs Conspicuously absent in winter months, and no data on breeding strength. Largest gatherings were 70 at Belvide in September and 50 at Aqualate in October. W Mid A usual nest-site in horse chestnuts at Kingstanding was deserted this year. Generally few reports, with none involving more than 15 birds. 100

Exceptional numbers in winter. Quite widespread until early April and last noted at Seven Springs on April 25, apart from summer records. The first of the autumn were at Shelsley Kings on October 3. Much scarcer in autumn. Warks Widely reported in winter months in flocks up to 25. Larger parties were 30 at Hartshill and Studley, 35 at Brandon, 40 at Earlswood and 120 at Preston Bagot—all during January. Fewer in autumn, when the only parties to reach 10 were at Upper Coal Spinney on October 27 and Shustoke on November 27, whilst 17 were at Oldbury on December 1. Worcs Winter records from 32 localities of parties up to 25. Larger flocks, all in January, at Grimley (40), Upton Warren (50), Lower Strensham (70), Malvern (80), The Knapp (100), Wilden (150) and Bittell (300). In the Wyre Forest numbers built up to 250 during late March, but then fell rapidly to around 120 by April 3. Courtship display was observed on April 19, and one or two also lingered into late April at Chaddesley, Eymore, Kingsford and Walton Hill. Less widespread in autumn, but some large flocks nonetheless with 70 in Eymore Wood from early October onwards and December maxima of 40 in the Wyre Forest, 125 at Hillditch Coppice and 140 at Bittell. Staffs Parties up to 25 reported in winter months from 25 localities. Larger flocks, again all in January, were 30 at Abbots Bromley, 50 at both Hanch and Himley, 80 at Westport and 100 at Aqualate. Compared to last year, very few were seen in spring on Cannock Chase, but one sang in a Trentham garden and another on The Roaches from May 5 to June 2. Fewer flocks in autumn, but 40 at Wheaton Aston and 50 at Blithfield during November, followed by December peaks of 25 at 101

Danebridge, 30 at Beaudesert and Wall Grange, 40 at Horsley and 80 along the canal at Longsdon. W Mid Small parties up to six widely reported feeding in gardens during winter. I argest flocks were 30 near Trittiford Park in February, up to 150 in Sutton Park during January and 40 at Northfield from January through to March. Only two autumn records, of five in Elmdon Park and 30 at Solihull, both in December.

Linnet Warks No change in breeding numbers at either Packington or Willey, but generally scarce everywhere outside the breeding season. Spring flocks of 150 at Hart.shill and 50 at Brandon, both in April, and autumn concentrations of 130 at Hartshill in September and 50 at Brandon in November were the largest reported. Worcs No data on breeding strength, but reportedly much scarcer in central and northern districts during late autumn. Winter maxima of 200 at Grimley and 125 at Wilden, both in January. Spring passage evidenced by 130 at Holt and 50 at Suckley during April, whilst autumn brought gatherings of 100 at Grimley in late August, 150 near Himbleton and 200 at Upton Warren during September, 100 at Holt in October and a December maximum of 30 at Grimley. Staffs No change in status at Fradley. Very few reports, with 100 at Branston on April 25, 40 at Tittesworth on August 29 and 50 at Chasetown on September 15 the only flocks noted. W Mid Reported only from the Aldridge, Rushall, Walsall area, with a maximum of 50 feeding in potato fields near Park Lime Pits during September and October.

Twite Warks One at Draycote on November 24 RCM. Staffs Moorland reports included one on The Roaches in the breeding season, up to 20 on Oliver Hill in July DWE, when 15 were also seen feeding with Linnets near Knotbury FCG; a flock of 100 feeding on thistles or perching on overhead wires at Oxensitch on August 28 PGB, DWE; 32 in the same place on September 11 PGB; and 40 to 50 feeding on ragwort seed-heads at Hazel Barrow on September 25 DWY. Only one report from Chasewater, where eight were seen on the causeway on October 23, but none thereafter ARMB.

Redpoll Warks Quite widely distributed, but numbers small with 30 at Ufton Fields on March 27 and Arley on October 10 the most reported apart from a wintering flock of 100 in Crackley Woods. May have bred in the centre of Nuneaton, and up to 20 were present throughout the winter in a garden at Hatton. 102

Worcs Largest winter flocks were 40 at Bittell in January, 45 at Holt in February and 100 in the Wyrc Forcot on March 20. Out; ui iwu breeding pairs widely reported. Autumn maxima of 50 at Stourvale in November, and 40 at Grimley and 70 in the Wilden area during December. Staffs No winter flocks reported, and breeding numbers at Fradley were reduced to one or two pairs. Autumn maxima of 30, at Blithfield, Maer and Westlands, all in November, 61 at Newcastle on November 15 and 125 in Oldacre Valley on December 11. W Mid Small numbers present in the suburbs, and a small flock in Sutton Park. Most reported was 38 feeding on birch seeds within a mile of the centre of Wolverhampton on December 21.

Once again, no Mealy Redpolls were reported.

Crossbill Worcs Reported from the Wyre Forest between January 23 (eight) AFJ and May 9 (one) EGP, with a maximum of 20 in late March EGP, JEF. Several reports of pairs during April, but no evidence of breeding. During autumn 14 flew south over Walton Hill on November 2 and two were seen in Scots pines at Kingsford on November 11 BW. Staffs Seen at Beaudesert between October 21 (nine) MJI, and December 28 (seven) ARD, with maxima of 26 on November 28 JEF and 21 on December 26 RAH. One flew over Maer Hills on October 30 DWE, WJL and another was seen there on December 12 WJL. One was also noted at Blithfield on December 7 WJL.

Bullfinch Warks Apart from a decline in the small population on the CBC plot at Willey, no comparative data, but said to be numerous on waste ground at Bermuda. 12 at Kingsbury in January was the only count to exceed six. Worcs Widespread and no reports of change in status. Largest parties were 12 at Wilden in January and 13 at both Lower Moor and Yeald Wood in November and December. Staffs Little data, but numbers at Fradley continue to fluctuate for no known reason. Maximum of 12 on Cannock Chase on December 12. W Mid Up to 10 at Moseley Bog during the winter.

Hawfinch Warks Up to three visited llmington in early March DSM and one or two were seen on the Welcombe Hills on April 12 and 19, and again on September 12 PP. 103

Worcs A female visited hornbeams in Hillditch Coppice on February 26 RM. In the Wyre Forest one or two were regularly seen between March 7 SMH and July 17 RM, with a maximum of 15 on April 8 JEF. A fledgling barely able to fly was being fed by both parents on June 12 EGP, and the following week a party of seven was apparently feeding on caterpillars of oak moth EGP. A pair was seen and heard at the Knapp on April 24 WFP, another pair was on Walsgrove Hill on June 5 RM, and two were feeding on hornbeams in Perry Wood on December 14 BW. Staffs Noted sporadically at Chillington from January 1, when 10 feeding on hornbeams DS, to April 9 DB, with a maximum of 10 also on March 20 EGP. A single bird was seen at the same locality in autumn, on November 27 JJH and December 29 AW. Elsewhere a male was seen at Yoxall Lodge on March 28 ARMB and one frequented the Beaudesert area from November 28 JEF into 1983. W Mid Five were seen at Wightwick on April 25 SJ, and it seems a small population may inhabit the Tettenhall ridge per DS.

Snow Bunting Warks One at Draycote on December 11 ARD, PDH, RCM was the only record for the year. Staffs Singles near Roach End on November 26 GH and at Cheeks Hill on December 28 GAC.

Yellowhammer Warks Largest flocks in winter were 100 at Kingsbury in January and 200 feeding in cereal stubble at Southam in February. Autumn maxima were 50 at Norton Lindsey in November, and 80 at Long Itchington and 150 at Kingsbury in December. Worcs Several winter flocks up to 50, and a huge concentration of 600 at Grimley on January 23 RM, which is the largest ever recorded in the Region. Up to 50 at several places again in autumn, with larger flocks of 150 at Abberton in November and 200 at Haws Hill in December. Staffs A further slight reduction in numbers breeding at Fradley. Few flocks reported, and none over 25 except for 100 at Blithfield on January 30 (declining to 40 by the next week) and 50 at Chesterfield on March 17. W Mid Numbers in Sutton Park thought to be only half those of 1981 HSQ. Flocks of 46 at Hockley Heath in February and 30 in Sandwell Valley in March.

Reed Bunting Warks No change in breeding numbers at Alvecote, but only one known pair at Ladywalk, where usually several, and said to be still declining at Brandon, where the maxima were 30 in February and 20 in October. Otherwise no more than 10 reported anywhere. 104

Worcs Numbers at Bittell said to be normal until the autumn, but strangely none overwintered Nn mnre than ones and twos reported, apart from 20 at Lower Moor in November. Staffs Again only isolated records of small numbers, making the gathering of 100 near the Katyn Memorial on Cannock Chase on December 12 quite exceptional. Maximum at Belvide was 12 in early April. W Mid One or two reports of birds feeding in gardens.

Corn Bunting Warks 10 birds, five in song, in hedges abutting 0.5km2 of oilseed rape and winter wheat near Long Itchington DS, but only one in song where usually four or five in another part of Long Itchington. In all reported from a dozen localities during the breeding season. Roosts were small, with winter peaks of 15 on January 28 at Brandon and 30 on February 6 at Kingsbury; and autumn peaks of 30 at Brandon on December 28 and 40 at Kingsbury on December 26. 20 were in a mixed flock feeding in stubble at Long Itchington on December 27. Worcs Breeding season records from 25 localities, and said to be common in parts of the Severn Valley. AtThicknall, though, three in song was only half the 1980 population. Outside the breeding season numbers at traditional roosts were small, with just five at Upton Warren in February and none during autumn. Some large flocks gathered, notably at Grimley, where 100 on January 1, declining to 35 by April 29, and up to 60 again in December. At Churchill up to 36 fed on corn scattered on a road during February and March. Staffs Noted at 18 localities during the breeding season. One or two seen in mixed flocks during winter, and a small roost of seven on February 23 at Chasewater, where 27 flew east presumably to roost on the late date of May 12. 35 were seen feeding in the same area on December 5, and 15 more at Wimblebury on September 8. W Mid Four frequented Sandwell Valley for the first time from January 9 to 11, and up to 30 roosted in Sutton Park during March. Singing birds reported only from the Pelsall area.

Northern Oriole 1968 Addendum W Mid A first-winter bird, which was found dead in Coventry on December 16, has just been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee as probably being a genuine vagrant AGS, KCD, CHP. This is the first regional record of any Nearctic passerine, and possibly the first inland record of this species in Britain. It is now a mounted specimen in the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry. 105

Exotica

Wood Duck Worcs Bred on the Fred Dale Reserve in the W.yre Forest, where 11 eggs were discovered in an owl-type nest-box. A female, presumably from this pair, was seen on the R Severn at Bewdley on May 2. Bahama Pintail Worcs One at Beckford on December 5. Australian Pochard Worcs A duck was present at Upton Warren on August 21 and 22. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Staffs The usual individual was seen standing on the ice at Chillington with about 150 Carrion Crows on January 3, and noted again roosting on the island on July 30. Budgerigar W Mid One was observed feeding with House Sparrows in a field of barley at Park Lime Pits between August 20 and 23. 106

Ringing in 1982

As is now the custom in the ringing section of the Annual Report, there follows a selected list of recoveries received in 1982 and a map showing the location of the foreign recoveries. There have been rather fewer recoveries reported this year, and this is reflected in the list and especially in the smaller number of dots on the map. It is difficult to know for certain the reason for this decrease, since Ringing Secretaries have never attempted to monitor the amount of ringing done within the Region, but it seems possible that at present rather fewer birds are being ringed (by fewer ringers) than was the case in recent years. Some traditional winter sites for thrushes and finches have not been used by the birds in the same numbers as previously, and these are species that often produce interesting recoveries. Winter gull ringing, the subject of a special study from 1976-80, is now much reduced and, although recoveries from these long-lived birds continue to be received, recoveries from the shorter-lived Starlings, caught incidentally during the study, have now largely ceased to be received. Also affecting the Starling recovery rate, several people who used to ring Starlings in their Birmingham back gardens have now left the area. Nevertheless, a lot of hard work was done by ringers in 1982 and many interesting recoveries were received during the year. The significance of certain recoveries is noted with the recovery details. I hope that anyone knowing of a recovery of over 100km that is not listed here will submit it to the Ringing Secretary, so that the Club's file of movements known within the area can be as comprehensive as possible. Non-ringers can be just as helpful in this respect, since recoveries of birds found in the West Midlands, but ringed elsewhere, are unlikely to reach the West Midland Bird Club unless we are notified by the finder. This is the last report that I shall be writing as Ringing Secretary, since at the AGM in March 1983 the post was taken over by Bert Coleman. It may be of interest to note that, although ringing of birds started in 1909 (and a nestling Heron is known to have been ringed in the West Midlands on 19.6.09), the WMBC didn't record ringing activities in the Annual Report until 1954, when Mr Maurice Arnold summarised the ringing recoveries for the Club's area published in British Birds during the period 1909-53. Further extracts were published until 1961, when Dr C D T Minton became the first Ringing Secretary. He was succeeded in 1970 by Mr E J Pratley, who handed over to myself at the end of 1975. One of the most interesting parts of my period as Ringing Secretary was the extraction of ringing data from old reports for The Birds of the West Midlands. A bye-product of this was the file of all known movements in the Region referred to above, and, in looking back at the ringing records between 1909 and 1979 to compile that file, one is struck by three things. Firstly, the sense of achievement there must have been in the early days of ringing, when almost any recovery broke new ground. These days most 107

species have to have moved more than 100km to be included in the WMBC Annual Report, yet eleven Dunnocks ringed at Malvern between 1927 and 1931 were found at the same place in 1928 to 1932 and this was published amongst many similar records. Of course, the significance was that not a single Malvern Dunnock went anywhere else, proving what we now know, that Dunnocks are a sedentary species. If these recoveries now seem mundane to us, imagine the excitement of being the Staffordshire ringer who, in 1911, was notified that a Teal ringed in Autumn 1910 had been found in Kopparberg, Sweden, or the Warwickshire ringer who had a Meadow Pipit reported from Lisbon, Portugal, in December 1911. Secondly, one is struck by the change in species of birds ringed over the years. The species ringed changes for two principal reasons; the interests of the ringers and technical developments in catching techniques, although the relative abundance of different species must also play a part. For many years ringers had to devise ingenious traps if they wanted to catch fully grown birds, and consequently a substantial proportion of birds ringed were ringed whilst still in the nest. These constraints mean that, for the first 45 years or so of ringing, the majority of birds ringed were British breeding species (biased to those whose nests are easier to find!) and those species which readily take to entering traps. In 1956 the development that changed all this was the introduction of mist nets. These fine nets, that can harmlessly catch a bird in flight, changed ringing habits, so that nowadays most birds ringed are caught in mist nets. Nestling ringing has consequently been much reduced, but species previously rarely ringed started to be ringed in larger numbers. Lest it be thought that the mist net provides a means by which all species can be caught, it should be pointed out that there are still many species where so few have been ringed that no recoveries have yet resulted. One of the other catching techniques currently used in the West Midlands is cannon nets (where a net is fired over birds at rest) for gulls, waders and ducks, while Geese and Swans can be caught during the period of the year when they are flightless by herding them into a pen. Thirdly, one notices how little we know about many species. Often there is either no information, or so few recoveries that any interpretation of the data is impossible. Whilst it is important that ringers continue to catch the species they have been doing in the past few years so that any changes can be monitored, it is also to be hoped that means will be found to fill the many gaps in our knowledge. P L Ireland Map of Ringing Recoveries All foreign recoveries except Black-headed GuTI

Key:— B Blackbird L Lapwing BR Brambling R Redwing RS Bewick's Swan RW Reed Warbler C Chaffinch S Starling F Fieldfare SM Sand Martin G Greenfinch SW Swallow H Heron W Wigeon 109

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 19F& and previously unpublished recoveries for earlier years. All foreign recoveries and movements of greater than 100 kilometres (62 miles) are included. Treatment of movements of less than 100 kilometres depends on the species involved.

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 or killed FG Full Grown (age uncertain) x Found dead or dying vv Ring read in field

Species Ringer Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place Movement Grey Heron 1095988 Pull 26.05.81 Gailey (Staffs) MRG + 16.07.81 Cheslyn Hay (Staffs) 8km SE Belgium K6888 Pull 28.03.81 Overmere, Belgium 51°03'N 3°57'E X • 20.09.81 Draycote (Warks) BRG 1042687 Pull 09.05.65 Gailey (Staffs) CDTM + 03.01.82 Doxey (Staffs) 14km NNW 1091312 Ad 25.04.76 Draycote BRG X 19.03.82 Felmersham (Beds) 55km ESE 1093299 Ad.F 17.07.82 Draycote BRG X 13.10.82 near Moreton-in-Marsh (Glos) 43km SW

Bewick's Swan ? FG.M 01.12.77 Slimbridge (Glos) 25.12.77 Welney (Norfolk) Uo 19.02.78 21.10.78 Hauke-Hain Koog, Schleswig-Holstein to 22.10.78 West Germany 29.11.78 Slimbridge to 30.01.79 / I01.04.8 1 Kingsbury Water Park (Warks) w Ito 03.04.81 This is the first known recovery for Bewick's Swan in the Region. 110

Mute Swan Recoveries showing movement of more than Bflkm arp given below; Z17871 •JL.IV 17.09.78 Warwick ARG vv 06.01.79 Ruislip (Greater London) 110km SE Z 38133 1Y.M 25.02.79 . Leamington Spa (Warks) ARG vv 12.05.79 Gailey (Staffs) 62km N Z17874 Juv 31.03.79 Walton (Warks) ARG vv 27.01.80 Tamworth (Staffs) 52km N Z17881 Pull 30.09.79 Leamington Spa (Warks) • ARG vv 17.02.80 Burton-on-Trent (Staffs) 59km N Z 38147 Pull 22.07.79 Alcester (Warks) ARG V 24.04.80 Wyken Slough (West Midlands) 35km NE X 23.02.82 Corby (Northamptonshire) 58km ENE Z13186 Pull 13.10.63 Rugeley Park (Staffs) CDTM X 20.01.82 Nottingham 51km ENE

Canada Goose 5076203 Ad 26.06.76 Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham CDTM V 17.01.82 Ellesmere (Shropshire) 83km NW 5057003 Juv 12.07.77 Edstone (Warks) ARG V 02.07.78 Beauly Firth (Highland) Scotland 600km NNW X 12.06.82 Harewood Park (West Yorks) 432km SSE 5076770 Ad 25.06.77 Solihull (West Midlands) CDTM V 12.07.78 Beauly Firth X 27.09.82 Henley-in-Arden (Warks)

Wigeon SS 95492 Ad.M 14.01.73 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM + 25.05.81 near Labytnangi, Yamal-Nenels, USSR 66°43'N 66°21

Mallard Nestlings ringed on 14.07.81 at Compton Wynyates (Warks) have been recovered as follows: GJ 00057 + 25.01.82 Cirencester (Glos) 54km SW GJ 00071 X 01.02.82 near Somerton (Oxon) 22km SE GJ 00075 + 04.09.82 Earls Barton (Northants) 58km ENE GJ 00070 + 12.10.82 Loxley (Warks) 15km NNW GJ 00064 + 21.12.82 Billing Aquadrome (Northants) 53km ENE

Kestrel EJ 17139 Pull 16.06.81 Yardley Wood, Birmingham MRG X (02.04.82) Mexborough (South Yorks) 125km NNE EH 31167 Pull 05.07.82 Wasperton (Warks) ARG + 27.08.82 Chelmsford (Essex) 145km ESE

Coot GP 09422 Ad 23.12.73 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM X 05.01.82 Ollerton (Notts) 72km NE

Lapwing DR 05909 Ad 23.08.79 Holt (Worcs) GHG -r 19.11.81 Prato-in-Toscana (Firenze) Italy 43°53'N 11°< DR 57012 Ad 15.07.78 Elford (Staffs) PU + (01.02.82) Port Talbot (W. Glamorgan) Wales 186km SW 111

Redshank Yellow X3 FG 24.09.81 Ythan Estuary (Grampian) Scotland vv 08.11.81 Marston/Coton Gravel Pits (Warks) This recovery illustrates just how much information can sometimes be established from a colour-ring sighting. It is only the fourth Redshank recovery on the WMBC files.

The previous recoveries relate to 1975, 1915 and 1912!

Black-headed Gull As in other recent years, the number of recoveries for this species prevents their details being listed individually. However all recoveries except those entirely within the Region are tabulated below. They follow the pattern established in other years. The recovery also given in full is the oldest bird recorded in the year. J F M A M J JASOND Total

Norway — — — — 1 — — — — — — — 1 Sweden — — — t- — 4 — — — — — — 4 Finland — — — —22 — — — — — — 4 Poland ______i_ i Denmark — — — — — 1 1 — — — — — 2 Netherlands — — 2 — — 1 — — — 1— 1 5 Britain up to 100km — 1 — — — 2 = — — — 1 4 101-209km 3 2 — — — — — 1 .— _ — 2 B

ED 18032 Pull 12.06.66 Caersws (Powys) Wales 16.01.82 Madeley Heath (Worcs) 95km E PL! Lesser Black-backed Gull GK 57427 Ad 23.07.79 West Kilbride (Strathclyde) Scotland X 18.09.80 Belvide (Staffs) DE GG 02050 Ad.F 28.06.81 Leigh (Greater Manchester) X 19.12.81 Blithfield (Staffs) DE GK 49595 Ad 24.02.79 Bearley (Warks) ARG X 06.06.82 Walney Island (Cumbria) 229km NNW GK 40163 Ad.F 26.01.80 Studley (Warks) ARG X 25.07.82 South Walney (Cumbria) 216km NNW Herring Gull YY 1556 Pull 12.07.78 Craigleith Island (Lothian) Scotland X 23.12.78 Chasewater (Staffs) GK 51853 2Y 18.02.78 Coleshill (Warks) PL! X 14.07.82 Great Harwood (Lanes) 156km NNW Barn Owl The first two recoveries relate to members of the same brood and are included to show how differently they fared. GK 80919 Pull 12.07.81 Temple Grafton (Warks) ARG + 23.10.81 Ml, near Leicester Forest East (Leics) 64km NE GK 80921 Pull 12.07.81 Temple Grafton ARG x 15.01.82 Evesham (Worcs) 8km SSW GJ 00096 Pull 10.07.82 Barford (Warks) ARG x 25.09.82 Moreton-in-Marsh (Glos) 36km ESE 112

Sand Martin A 922143 Juv 28.08.80 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG X (2b.U4.H2) I olqa, Algeria 2077km SSE B 093898 Juv 27.07.81 Chasewater (Staffs) MRG V 28.05.82 South Cerney (Glos) 111km S B 093983 Juv 27.07.81 Chasewater MRG V 03.06.82 Campbeltown (Strathclyde) Scotland 393km NW B 093811 Juv 19.07.81 Stubbers Green MRG V 09.06.82 Whalley (Lanes) 142km NW A 361406 Juv 12.08.80 Tamworth (Staffs) MRG V 11.07.82 Kings Lynn (Norfolk) 140km NE B 075494 Juv 29.07.81 Radwell (Beds) V 23.05.82 Holt (Worcs) 118km W WRG A 670804 Juv 05.07.80 Romsey (Hants) V 25.05.82 Hallow (Worcs) 115km NNW WRG B 402300 Juv 11.07.82 Ryemeads (Herts) v 10.08.82 Stubbers Green 160km NW MRG B 436589 Juv 10.07.82 Ochiltree (Strathclyde) Scotland V 18.08.82 Stubbers Green 356km SE MRG B 633818 Juv 28.07.82 Beauly (Highland) Scotland V 18.08.82 Stubbers Green 564km S MRG B 571102 Juv 11.07.82 Oban (Strathclyde) Scotland V 25.08.82 Stubbers Green 484km SSE MRG B 571201 Juv 11.07.82 Oban (Strathclyde) Scotland V 28.08.82 Stubbers Green 484km SSE MRG B 547643 Juv 19.07.82 Carlisle (Cumbria) V 01.09.82 Stubbers Green 260km S MRG

Swallow B 311352 Juv 24.08.81 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG X 09.05.82 near Missour, Morocco 2175km SE A 958527 Juv 02.09.80 Stubbers Green MRG X 12.05.82 Preston (Lanes) 158km NNW A 875551 Juv 01.09.81 Arrow (Warks) ARG X 07.06.82 Great Glen (Leics) 72km NE B 436261 Pull 24.06.82 Dunoon (Strathclyde) Scotland V 23.09.82 Stubbers Green 420km SE MRG

Wren OE 7857 Juv 04.10.81 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) MRG X 30.01.82 Reading (Berks) 136km SSE

Robin A 100627 Pull 05.05.80 Compton Wynyates (Warks) ARG X 12.06.82 Burton-on-Trent (Staffs) 74km N 113

Nightingale A 631179 Ad 08.05.80 Hardwick Wood (Northants) v 16.05.82 Droitwich (Worcs) 90km W WRG

Blackbird XJ 7625- 1 Y.F 15.02.81 Lightwater (Surrey) V 03.12.81 Stourport (Worcs) 154km NW WRG Helsinki A 515267 Pull 18.05.80 near Karkkila (Uusimaa) Finland V 31.12.81 Sutton Park (West Midlands) 1818km SSW MRG

Fieldfare XE 95236 1 Y.F 28.10.79 Brandon (Warks) BRG V 01.11.81 Comerzo-Maiano, Italy 46°11'N 13°04'E

Redwing BV 77366 Ad 27.10.79 Newcastle (Staffs) X 15.10.81 Opland, Norway 60°52'N 10°41'E NX 50104 Ad 08.03.80 Ufton (Warks) DRW X 23.12.81 Shrewsbury (Shropshire) lU3km WNW NX 5026- 1Y 13.01.80 Packington Park (Warks) DKC + 24.01.82 Viseu (Beira Alta) Portugal 40°40'N 7-55'W XJ 36349 Juv 28.11 81 Sandon (Staffs) MRG X 10.08.82 Kilkenny, Eire 348km W long dead Finland P 340069 1Y 12.04.81 near Dragsfjard (Turku-Pori) Finland 59°52'N 22°12'E X 18 01.82 Leamington Spa (Warks) ARG This last bird, found during the cold weather at the start of 1982, weighed just 35.5gm. A more normal January weight would be about double.

Sedge Warbler JK 61559 Juv 12.08.81 Selsey (Sussex) v 15.08.81 Copmere (Staffs) 250km NNW DE B 621017 Pull 17.06.82 Wigan (Greater Manchester) 03.08.82 Lea Marston (Warks) 127km S MRG

Reed Warbler KN 24240 Ad 07.07.78 Copmere (Staffs) DE v 05.07.80 Copmere X 03.09.80 Santa Cruz Beach, Portugal 39°08'N 9°23'W B 313635 Ad 27.07.82 Lea Marston (Warks) MRG X 18.09.82 Nonakchott, Mauritania 4020km SE B 145697 Juv.M 23.08.81 Rye Meads (Herts) . v 04.07.82 - Brandon (Warks) 118km WNW BRG 114

Blackcap A 647046 Ad 30.01.80 Hallow (Worcsl SWW X 25:02:82 Pinner (Creator London) 147km CGC A 481068 Ad.M 08.09.80 Wolston (Warks) BRG X 17.04.82 Witney (Oxon) 65km S B 013253 Juv.F 16.08.81 Brandon (Warks) BRG V 24.07.82 Gibraltar Point (Lines) 143km NE Note the winter dates for ringing and recovery of A 647046. It appears this bird managed to survive the worst of the 1981/2 winter.

Chiffchaff 8C 1287 Juv 29.09.81 Sandwich Bay (Kent) V 23.09.82 Hewell Grange (Worcs) 259km WNW CMG

Pied Flycatcher A 037397 Pull 24.06.79 Bewdley (Worcs) JRMo V 17.05.82 Parkend (Glos) 71km S

Long-tailed Tit 5C 6029 Juv 21.06.81 Packington Park (Warks) DKC & 5C 6030 V 14.02.82 Caldy (Wirral) Merseyside 142km NW & 5C 6031

Starling CH 53436 Ad 22.02.75 Birmingham GA X 15.08.77 Kovernino (Gorkiy) USSR 57°11'N 43°43'E XH 47511 1Y.F 24.01.82 Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) ARG X 01.05.82 Farnham (Surrey) 127km SSE XB 67442 Ad.M 20.01.79 Madeley Heath (Worcs) PU X 03.05.82 Chirk (Clwyd) Wales 96km NW XV 65272 1Y.M 01.11.74 Nottingham V 23.01.82 Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) 84km SSW ARG

Chaffinch Arnhem B 530338 1Y.M 17.10.81 Westenschouwen (Zeeland) Netherlands 51M1'N 3°43'E + 08.03.82 Bascote Heath (Warks)

Brambling Belgium 20V838 1 Y.F 19.10.81 Ekeren (Antwerpen) Belgium V 29.11.81 Stourport (Worcs) 477km WNW WRG B 230565 Ad.M 24.12.81 Shrewsbury (Shropshire) V 20.03.82 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) 65km E MRG Stavanger 8314506 Ad.M 16.05.80 Rindalsskogen (Rindal) Norway 63°06'N 9°19'E V 28.03.82 Compton Verney (Warks) ARG 115

Greenfinch NA 84651 1Y 23.02.81 Birmingham CMG x 04.02.82 Bray, Wicklow, Eire 293km WNW NE 35341 Ad.M 15.03.81 Packington Park (Warks) DRW 20.02.82 Hull (Humberside) 170km NNE

Siskin KB 09280 Ad.F 29.03.82 Quorn (Leics) 03.04.82 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) 45km W MRG B 040216 Ad.M 22.04.81 Godalming (Surrey) 02.05.82 Sutton Coldfield 175km NNW MRG

Linnet B 005501 Ad 01.11.80 Portland Bill (Dorset) 04.09.82 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) 234km N MRG

Redpoll A 936976 Ad.M 30.01.82 Virginia Water (Surrey) 30.05.82 Brandon (Warks) 124km NNW BRG 116

Key to Contributors

The following members and non-members have forwarded material for the Report.

J D Aldridge A J Digby P Hibberd A G Amphlett 1 J Dix R Higginbottom G Anderson R Dodd Mrs S Hiley D G Archer J M Dodgson J J Holian Mrs E F Arden A K Dolphin A J Hollick G A Arnold T Doyle Mrs J C A Hollick M A Arnold Mrs D Dunstan E A Hopkins N G Arnold G Howe J A Asbury M J Eccleshall R A Hume K Aslett S F L Edwards M D Humphreys R E Astbury 1 Ellis P D Hyde R S Atkins N Ellis W J Atkins D W Emley F H Ingram M J Austin G Etherington (GEt) M J Inskip E P Evans P L Ireland F Baldry G Evans Mrs V A Baldry J C Eyre-Dickinson P K Jackson P G Barratt A F Jacobs A D Barter Mrs J Forbes S Jaggs L R Bayes P A Forbes M James J T Belsey J E Fortey P James J S Bennett R J Jennett B Bentley N D Galloway Miss B E Jones D Bird P G Garner K H Jones ARM Blake T E Giles K J Bollington C Gladwin M H King Mrs J Booth G H Green R J King P B Brookes T Green K N Kingscott C P Brooking F C Gribble B L Kington G C Bruton C M Griffiths P Kirby R F E Butler Arden Ringing Group R Kirby G H C Byford Brandon Ringing Group Brandon Marsh C B Lee S R Cale Conservation Group TC E Link S L Cawthray Mercian Ringing Group E W Longman P J Chadder' Wychavon Ringing K A Loveridge D K Chesterman Group W J Low D T R Clarke M R Lucas K G Clifford P M Hackett T Cockburn C J Hall T M Mcllroy A E Coleman R E Harbird 1 R Machin Mrs P Copson S C Harrap G J Mant G A Coxon G R Harrison D V Mardle Mrs J V Harrison D S Marland P B Darch Dr K M Hay J P Martin H Darwen S L Haycox R Maskew K C Davies S M Haynes D Mather J J Day W R Hazel R C Mays A R Dean S 1 Hearne C D T Minton P G Deans H S Hemsley-Hall D J Mitford P K Dedicoat Mrs J M Heynes . J R Moore P A Moran J H W Ridley P Tipler N J Morgan D R Roberts Mrs J M Turner J R Mountford [JRMo) D H Rogers D T Underhill G K Nieholls D J Simkin S W Walker S C Nichols C J Small Miss Y M Way Mrs A Normand D Smallshire M S Weake R Normand R L Smallwood S K Welch D Smith (DSa) N R Went J J Oliver M S Smith D R West Dr R M Southam B Westwood G H Peplow D E Stainer S M Whitehouse W F Peplow A G Stringer Mrs F C Williams E G Phillips G Summers Dr F C Williams P Porter Miss M A Surman A Wiltshire J R Winsper H S Quiney Mrs J F Teagle A J Wood W G Teagle Mrs E M Woolrich A Remfry A D Thomas G C Wright A J Richards R J Thomas I N Rieketts Miss G E Timmins Dr D W Yalden 118

Submission of Records

All contributors are asked to refer to A Checklist of the Birds of the West Midlands and a Guide to Status and Record Submission for full guidance on the submission of records. A copy of this booklet has been sent to all members, but further copies can be obtained from the Secretary, price 30p plus a large, stamped-addressed envelope.

Records of the following species will not be published unless they are supported by adequate doccriptions.

A full description is not necessary for the less rare or difficult species, but enough to show how the species was identified. Such descriptions should be accompanied by brief details of the circumstances of the report and the observer's experience of the species and other, similar species. Lack of proper descriptions may lead to records being rejected. All national rarities. (Not published unless accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee). All out-of-season migrants Unusual races Divers Grebes, other than Great Crested or Little Petrels and Shearwaters Gannet and Shag Herons other than Grey Duck: Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, all spp. of Scoter, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Smew Geese, other than Canada and Greylag Whooper Swan Birds of Prey, except Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and-Buzzard Quail Crakes other than Water Rail Waders: Kentish Plover, Grey Plover, Dotterel, Wood Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Avocet, Phalaropes Skuas Gulls: Glaucous, Iceland, Mediterranean, Little, Sabine's, Kittiwake Terns: Roseate, Little, Sandwich Auks Long-eared Owl Hoopoe, Wryneck, Golden Oriole Woodlark, Shorelark Raven Bearded Tit Black Redstart Bluethroat Warblers: Marsh, Melodious, Icterine, Barred, Dartford, Yellow-browed 119

Red-breasted Flycatcher Rock/Water Pipit Waxwing Shrikes Hawfinch Twite away from breeding and regular wintering localities Buntings: Cirl, Ortolan, Lapland, Snow NOTES Printing: Charles Clarke (Haywards Heathj Ltd.