BIRMINGHAM BIRD CLUB.

NINTH ANNUAL REPORT /

ON THE BIRDS OF WARWICKSHIRE, WORCESTERSHIRE

AND SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE, 1942.

Is. 6d. CONTENTS.

1. MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES.

2. EDITORIAL.

3. STATUS OF GEESE IN WORCESTERSHIRE. By. A. J. HARTHAN.

4. SANDMARTIN COLONIES IN WORCESTERSHIRE. By H. J. TOOBY AND A. J. HARTHAN.

5. MIGRANTS.

6. CLASSIFIED NOTES.-

7. FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

EDITORIAL.

As in recent years, this Report is produced under difficulties due to war conditions, which include cost, economy of material, and the scattering of active Members and Associates over various parts of the world. However, it is hoped that the few who are left to carry on the work of the Bird Club will have made this Report worthwhile, and of interest to our absent members. The Financial Statement shows that a considerable sum has accrued to the Reserve Fund from Associates subscriptions. This will be most useful when it is possible to effect the reconstitution of the Club, which was postponed by the outbreak of war. It is extreemly gratifying that so many Associates have continued to support the Club in these difficult times, but the allocation of 1/6 from each of their subscriptions, when added to the balance from the Members Account, will not cover the cost of this Report, and the deficiency will be met by voluntary contributions from Members in addition to their annual subscriptions of 10/-. Delay in issuing this Report is due to printer's staff being transferred to other work. A. J. HARTHAN. NOTES ON THE STATUS OF GEESE

IN WORCESTERSHIRE.

By A. J. HARTHAN.

The following notes are complementary to the paper on Geese in Warwickshire that was published in the Report for 1941.

The Grey Lag Goose was recorded by Hastings in 1834 as being " of frequent occurrence in the winter season on our various rivers and pools." Tomes repeats this statement in his Victoria County History of 1904, but adds nothing to it. Thus, the only definite record of the species is of six birds which frequented Upper Bittell reservoir from March 23—April 5, 1929.

The White Fronted Goose is found in large numbers near Berkeley in the Severn estuary during the winter months, and probably most of the grey geese that appear flying over Worcester- shire are of this species. White Fronted Geese were indentified at Bittell in January 1935 and 1939, in the Avon Valley in 1940, and flying over Sheriffs Lench near Evesham, on January 1st, 1941.

The Bean Goose was included in the V.C.H. Bird List by Tomes who saw specimens that had been shot, but he gives no dates. A single bird appeared at Bittell on March 27th, 1941. ,

Of the Pink Footed Goose, Tomes states that, like the Bean Goose, it " was formerly fairly common in the Severn district," and adds that he "has satisfactorily determined the species." The Barnacle is included in the 1834 bird list by Hastings, and Tomes - states that it is " a rare bird in the County." Nothing further can be added for either of these species. It is probable that the 10,000 acres of Longdon Marsh near Upton-on-Severn was a haunt of wild geese in mediaeval times. The remnants of this marsh was finally drained in 1870.

The Brent Goose is recorded by Tomes as appearing "in an erratic manner, and generally singly, during the winter." One frequented Upper Bittell from December 31, 1934 until January 15th, 1935. 1 Canada Goose. Some 6—8 pairs nest annually on the Lake at Hewel Grange, and one pair at Witley Court; birds from the former often frequent the Bittell reservoirs for short periods. It is probable that a few pairs of the species breed elsewhere in Worcestershire, and we shall be grateful to correspondents for information as to localities, if any. That a large number of Geese have passed through the County in recent years is evident from the following records of Geese seen flying over Sheriff's Lench near Evesham. It may be assumed that most of them were Whitefronts passing to and from their winter grounds in the Severn estuary. The very large numbers that were noted on Jan. 12, 1941, and March 1, 1942, were seen to be following the river Avon from its junction with the Severn at Tewkesbury to as far upstream as Stratford-on-Avon. If they continued along this line of flight, it is not unlikely that these Geese were on their way to the Wash on the east coast via the River Nene, which has its source within a mile of that of the river Avon.

1936. Nov. 5. 200. flying S.—N.E. 8-15 a.m. 1938. Jan. 5. 66. N.—S. 4-15 p.m. 12. 20. E.—S.W. 5-30 p.m. 1939. 15. 1. N.—S. 4-00 p.m. Nov. 30. 17. S.—N. 3-00 p.m. Dec. 15. 30. E—W. 12-5 p.m. 1940. Jan. 10. c.300. Whitefronts at Harvington. 21. 45. Whitefronts at Eckington. 1941. 1. 74. flying N.E.—S.E. 12-30 p.m. 12. c.500. S.W.— N.E. 12-30 p.m. 19. 68. N.E.—S.W. 3-00 p.m. Feb. 2. 54. W.—E. 12-5 p.m. 3. 5. W.—E. 9-00 a.m. 4. 5. E.—W. 9-00 a.m. 7. 34. E.—W. 1-00 p.m. 1942. Jan. 25. 50. W.—E. 11-00 a.m. March 1. c.500. S.W.—N.E. 12-5 p.m.

2 A SURVEY OF SANDMARTIN

COLONIES IN WORCESTERSHIRE.

By H. J. TOOBY AND A. J. HARTHAN.

In the 1941 Report it was suggested that Members and Associates might care to investigate the distribution of the Sandmartin in the area covered by this Report. A complete census of all the breeding colonies of this bird was not expected, and although, with one exception, the notes sent in by correspondants were extremely meagre, we feel that those from Worcestershire justify the publication of this paper. Roughly two thirds of Worcestershire was searched for Sand- martin colonies, but the area around Kidderminster was not examined, although many Sandmartins were observed in that district from a passing train. It may be stated that colonies of Sandmartins are exceedingly numerous in the outcrops of Red Sandstone rock around Bridgnorth on the river Severn. It may be assumed that this place is their chief local stronghold, as the numbers of Sand- martins are much fewer on the lower reaches of the Severn covered by this paper River Section Length Colonies Banks Pairs miles right left both min. max. Severn Upton to Worcester 10 6 2 3 1 21 33 (H.J.T.) Teme Mouth to Ham Br. 15 25 8 10 7 176 280 (H.J.T.) Avon Mouth to Warwicks/ 35 3 1 in gravel pit 8 9 (A.J.H.) boundary 2 in stone walls Bromsgrove District: Apesdale, Blackwell Sandpit 40 65 (A.J.M.) (C.K.J.) Belle View Farm, Marlbrook „ 2 (A.J.M.) Sandy Lane, Wildmoor ,, 15 (A.J.M.) Nine other Sandpits visited, including Rowney Green, but no birds seen (A.J. M.) Remarks. (1) Rivers Severn and Teme. The estimated number of pairs of Sandmartins breeding along each mile of the Teme is almost 18, whereas along the Severn there are only 3 pairs per mile. It would seem that the Teme is preferred because its banks, otherwise similar, are much less stable than those of the Severn; falls in the banks occur at many places along the Teme after the Winter floods, and provide attractive sites for Sandmartins. Rows of holes were 3 noted in many places where subsidences occured in earlier years, especially near existing colonies, from which it seems clear that sites are changed whenever they become unsuitable. The colonies on the Teme, (with one or two exceptions), &re therefore in much safer and more suitable sites than those on the Severn ; the latter may also have suffered from human interferance, as most certainly have those on the lower Teme. (Close to Powick bridge, 10 out of 11 drain pipes were occupied in 1942. The four lowest were flooded out in May, but the birds returned when the water subsided. The adjacemt site in the river bank, formerly the more important, was occupied by only one pair, and they were interferred with by boys and failed to breed.) This colony is the only one on the last 3 miles of the Teme; higher up the colonies are distributed very evenly at about half a mile apart. Many consist of small groups which tend to be some 100-200 yards apart, or on opposite banks. The main concentration lies on both sides of Knightford Bridge, with an estimated population of 105 pairs on some 3 miles, or 35 pairs per mile. This includes one colony of about 44 pairs, mostly along a 200 yard stretch of bank, and another of about 26 pairs in five separate groups spaced out over half a mile. The small colonies on the Severn are spaced about one mile apart. Particulars of colonies etc. on the Teme are as follow :

Pairs Colonies Groups 1—2 5 5 with an estimated total of 7 pairs

3—5 4 6 IS II 16 ,

6—10 7 13 II » >i 53 ,,

11—15 5 9 II II ii 66 ,,

16—20 nil nil II 1 1 >> nil „ 20—30 3 11 1! It .. 78 „

30 plus 1 4 II I* 44 ,,

Is 25 48 264 (2) The colonies of Sandmartins along the river Avon present a marked contrast to those of the Severn and Teme. Only 8 pairs were found breeding along 35 miles of the Avon, as against a minimum of 21 for the Severn and 179 for the Teme. Of the three colonies along the Avon, two were situated J mile from the river, one in a gravel pit and the other in drain pipes of a wall at Evesham G.W.R. station. The third colony, 2 pairs, was in a stone wall adjacent to the river The river Avon meanders sluggishly through heavy lias Clay, and not until the Warwick boundary is reached, do its banks exceed an average height of much more than six feet; moreover, until recent years, it was liable to frequent flooding in the early summer months. Until 20 years ago, a large colony of Sandmartins frequented a Sandpit in the centre of the town of Evesham ; perhaps those that now nest in drain pipes at the Railway station are the survivors of the former colony. (3) The colonies in Bromsgrove district totaling 68 pairs, are all in Sandpits. The largest at Apesdale, with about 40 pairs, is situated about one mile from the Bittell reservoirs. In general it may be stated that the Sandmartin in Worcestershire is normally found in close association with a river and especially so when its banks provide perpendicular sites with a dry and firm material for this bird to bore its nesting hole in. Space does not allow for a full discussion of aH the material that has been collected by the authors of this paper, but it is hoped that the above will encourage other correspondants to investigate the Sandmartin colonies in their district, so that the Survey may be continued at a later date.

SUMMER MIGRANTS.

Arrival. Departure. CHIFFCHAFF. Mar. 17. Randan (F.F.) Oct. 9. Randan (F.F.) ,, 24. Sheriffs Lench (A.J. H.) Sept. 22. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) ,, 26. Bransford (H.J.T.) „ 6. Droitwich (A.J.M.) SWALLOW, Apl. 6. Evesham (A.J.M.) Oct. 20. Bromsgrove (A.J.M.) „ 11. Water Orton (M.H.A.) „ 14. Bransford (H.J.T.) 1,,1 12. Tamworth (A.de-H.) „ 7. Sheriffs Lench (A.J. H.) SANDMARTIN. Mar. 26. Bromsgrove (A.J.M.) Sept. 3. Bromsgrove (A.J.M.) Apl. 6. Bransford (H.J.T.) Aug. 21. Eckington (A.J.H.) >„1 12. Harvington (A.J.H.) WILLOW WREN. Mar. 25. Tamworth (A.de-H.) Sept. 13. Randan (F.F.) Apl. 6. Randan (F.F.) „ 5. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) 11. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) ,, 1. Bromsgrove (A.J.M.) a Arrival. Departure. YELLOW WAGTAIL. Apl. 11. Upton Warren. (A.J. M.) Sept. 13. Kempsey (H.J.T.) „ 14. Alcester (A.J.H.) „ 9. Rotton Park (W.E.G.) „ 19. Powick (H.J.T.) „ 5. Eckington (A.J.H.) BLACKCAP. Apl. 6. Woodcote (F.F.) Sept. 21. Randan (F.F.) „ 10. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) „ 12. Westwood (A.J.M.) HOUSE MARTIN. Apl. 14. Upton Warren (A.J.M.) Oct. 27. Bromsgrove (A.J.M.) „ 25. Tamworth (A.de-H.) ,, 10. Tamworth (A.de-H.) ,, 28. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) „ 5. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) CUCKOO. Apl. 12. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) „ 19. Powick (H.J.T.) „ 21. Upton Warren (A.J.M.) NIGHTINGALE. Apl. 15. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) „ 16. Randan (F.F.) ,, 19. Evesham (F.C.H.) SEDGE WARBLER. Apl. 21. Upton Warren (A.J.M.) Sept. 13. Droitwich (A.J.M.) May 4. Curd worth (M.H.A.) TREE PIPIT. Apl. 11. Randan (F.F.) Oct. 11. Bredon (A.J.H.) ,, 17. Bransford (H.J.T.) Sept. 14. Randan (F.F.) WOOD WARBLER. Apl. 17. Randan (F.F.) July 21. Hanbury (A.J.M ) GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. Apl. 23. Randan (F.F.) May 2. Little Malvern (H.J.T.) SWIFT. Apl. 27. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Oct. 21. Tamworth (A.de-H.) May 7. Powick (H.J.T.) „ 3. Randan (F.F.) „ 10. Tamworth (A.de-H.) Aug. 13. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) WHITETHROAT. Apl. 18. Bellfields (C.K.J.) Sept. 14. Randan (F.F.) May 3. Bransford (H.J.T.) ,, 13. Powick (H.J.T.) „ 6. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) ,, 6. Upton Warren (A.J.M.) GARDEN WARBLER. May 1. Randan (F.F.) July 21. Hanbury (A.J. M.) „ 4. Tamworth (A.de-H.) Arrival. Departure. LESSER WHITETHROAT. Apl. 30. Bransford (H.J.T.) Sept. 12. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) May 1. Randan (F.F.) »» 1. Bromsgrove (A.J.M.) „ 2. Bittell (D.J.) Aug. 30. Woodcote (F.F.) REDSTART. Apl. 17. Bransford (H.J.T.) Aug. 29. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) „ 20. Randan (F.F.) 13. Upton Warren (A.J.M.) May 3. Eckington (A.J.H.) >» 5. Randan (F.F.) REED WARBLER. May 9. Droitwich (A.J.M.) Sept. 6. Droitwich (A.J.M.) WHINCHAT. Apl. 26. Eckington (A.J.H.) Sept. 13. Bromsgrove (A.J.M.) May 4. Curdworth (M.H.A.) TURTLE DOVE. May 1. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Sept. 13. Droitwich (A.J.M.)

„ 7. Lichfield (M.H.A.) >> 7. Bransford (H.J.T.) „ 13. Powick (H.J.T.) FLYCATCHER. May 6. Romsley (W.E.G.) Sept. 19. Bromsgrove (F.F.) „ 7. Lichfield (M.H.A.) Aug. 29. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) ,, 8. Tamworth (A.de-H.) CORNCRAKE. May 9. Eckington (A.J. H.) MARSH WARBLER. June 7. Avon (A.J.H.)

WINTER MIGRANTS.

Arrival. Departure. REDPOLL. Sept. 12. Randan (F.F.) Apr. 23. Randan (F.F.) SISKIN. Sept. 9. Lickey (W.E.G.) Apl. 2. Bittell (D.J.) „ 11. Barnt Green (D.J.) Feb. 28. Powick (H.J.T.) BRAMBLING. Oct. 13. Randan (F.F.) Apl. 3. Randan (F.F.) „ 27. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Mar. 24. Tamworth (A.de-H.) REDWING. Oct. 16. Sheriffs Lench (A.J. H.) Apl. 8. Randan (F.F.)

,, 18. Randan (F.F.) ft 2. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.)

Nov. 8. Powick (H.J.T.) 19 3. Tamworth (A.de-H.) WIGEON. Nov. 7. Upton Warren (A.J.M.) Mar. 29. Bittell (A.J.M.) CLASSIFIED NOTES.

I = Warwickshire. II = Worcestershire. Ill = Shropshire. Golden Oriole. II. A male at Crown East, near Worcester on 22nd June 1941. Mr. D. Asterley writes "on June 20th. I was struck by an unfamiliar flute like call coming from some high oaks close to the house. The call was interspersed with some soft harsh notes very like a Jay's when he is 'talking to himself,' and knowing the Jays almost infinite capabilities for mimicry, I thought this was an unusually gifted specimen. Two days later I heard it again, was sure that it was not a Jay, and so followed it up. For a long time I could get nothing but an occasional glimpse against the sky as the bird flew from one tree top to the next, but at last it dropped down to an orchard and I saw it in flight at a distance of about 60 yards, against a green background. The black wings and brilliant yellow of the rest left me in no doubt, though I had not seen an Oriole before, and I confirmed it with an immediate comparison with Thorburn's picture. I did not see it again, though the song was heard by various people at intervals for a week. Its flight was similar to that of a Mistle Thrush, strong but dipping. The song was short but of extra- ordinary mellowness, easily surpassing that of any Nightingale or Blackbird." Another male bird was seen and heard singing for an hour in the open parts of Randan wood on 26th May, 1942 (F.F.) Twite. II. A small flock at Cofton, 8.1., two identified 11.1. (C.K.J.). There are few records of this species in the Midlands. Crossbill. II- About twenty birds were seen feeding upon larch cones at Barnt Green, 8.9., and were noted in the Lickey neighbourhood until the end of the year (C.K.J., H.R.M. and others.) Seen in Randan Woods at the end of October and early November (F.F.) Snow Bunting". II. A single bird at Sheriffs Lench 23.11. (A.J.H.) Woodlark. II. Seen and heard singing near Frankley Beeches, 30.9. (A.J.H.) Tree Pipit. II. A single bird on Bredon Hill, 11.10. a late date (A.J.H.) 8 Yellow Wagtail. I. The partial draining of Rotton Park Reser- voir has been very attractive to these birds. They were present from 21.4. to 8.9. Several pairs bred and in July probably twenty (adults and young) could be seen on the ground. They formed a colony in the restricted area near the water. This is the first time that nesting has been recorded at this reservoir (W.E.G.) II. Breeds at Powick, Rushwick, Kempsey, Welland, Leigh and Upton-on-Severn (H.J.T.) Grey Wagtail. II. Nested again at Bittell (C.J.K.) A male seen at Romsley 10.7. where a pair was reported to be nesting (W.E.G.) White Wagtail. I. One at Curdworth 4.5. (M.H.A.) II. Erratum. For 7.2. read 25.4. in 1941 Report (H.G.A.) Waxwing. I. Three at "Kalamazoo" Works, Northfield, 20.2. (C.K.J.) Grasshopper Warbler. II. At least 6 pairs on Castlemorton Common in 1941. Only one bird heard ' reeling' in 1942. (H.J.T.) Reed Warbler. III. A single passage migrant was seen at Bellfields, 21.5. (C.K.J.) Sedge Warbler. II. " A migrant male singing on 13.5. is the first record I have for Bransford. This species is rare in the Teme valley, and less numerous along the Severn between Upton and Worcester than the Marsh Warbler." (J.H.T.) Whitethroat. Very late in arrival ana far less common in all districts, (numerous correspondents.) Wheatear. I. Seen at Rotton Park reservoir in May, August and September. Largest number 5, 8.9. (W.E.G.) II. 3 pairs on slopes of British Camp, Malvern, a nest found, 9.5. (H.J.T.) Whinchat. II. A notable increase along the banks of the Severn. At least 15 pairs on Castlemorton Common where none were seen in 1939. (H.J.T.) About 2 pairs per mile between Pershore and Tewkesbury in the river Avon meadows. (A.J.H.) Stonechat. II. None seen on Castlemorton Common where there were about 15 pairs in 1939. (H.J.T.) 9 Dipper. II. Nested at Romsley again. Adult birds and young seen on several occasions. Bird singing 3.9. (W.E.G., D.C.) Three seen at Belbrougton (A.J.M.) Heard singing near Bromsgrove 26.10. (F.F.) House Martin. I. Large numbers build their nests under the . wide eaves of the roof of a Power House at Minworth Sewage Works. This roof was rebuilt during the Spring and the Martins began their nests whilst the scaffold poles were still in position. Normally the old nests are all knocked down after use to prevent Sparrows taking possesion of them. On July 26th., 119 nests were counted on this one building which is some 60 by 40 feet in dimension. The nests are clustered so thickly that in places they overlap. (M.H.A.) II. J.H.T. counted 54 nests situated,around the buildings of the old water turbine Electricity Works near Powick Bridge, on June 10th. 22 of these nests were at the top of the chimney stack, which is about 90 feet high. Until 1937, 6 pairs used to nest inside the Turbine Room, but since then the windows they flew through have been kept shut. [We shall be glad to hear of other large colonies of Martins and the situation of their nests. Both the above colonies are adjacent to water.—Ed.] Sandmartin. I. Colony In Curdworth Village had 240 holes. Another in Sandpit behind the Beaufort Cinema, Ward End, had 50 nests. (M.H.A.) Nightjar. II. The only report of this species is of one heard 'churring' at Little Malvern. (H.J.T.) Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. II. A decided recovery in numbers tor the first time since winter of 1940. (H.J.T.) III. Appeared for first time in 25 years at Wigginton Lodge, Tamworth, 21.2. (A.de-H.) Wryneck. II. One seen and heard near the Rhydd 19 and 20.6. (H.J.T.) Cuckoo. II. A young bird was found in the nest of a Grey Wagtail near the Teme. (H.J.T.) Peregrine. II. One seen at Bittell, 20.8. and 22.11. (C.K.J., W.E.G., J.P.P.) III. Seen at Bellfields, 6.1. (C.K.J., D.J.) Killing Coot there, 15.12., and at same place, 31.10. (W.F.I.) 10 Hobby. II. A single bird was noted on five occasions in Worces- tershire in July, and a pair from mid-August until mid-September in the same locality. (H.J.T., C.K.J., A.J.H.) Merlin. II. A male at Sheriffs Lench, 23.2. (A.J.H.) Buzzard. II. A juvenile was shot at Church Lench, 31.10. Another observed in same district, 7.10. (A.J.H.) A pair were noted at Brockamin, Leigh, on several occasions during February. (H.J.T.) Cormorant. I. Single birds seen twice at Shustoke reservoir in August, also 13.9. and 11.10. (A.A.K.W.) II. Bittell. One 9.1. (J.P.P.), two 20.12. (A.J.M.) Whooper Swan. II. Six flying S.W.—N.E. at Eckington 23.3. (A.J.H.) Two at Bittell, 20.3. (C.K.J.) Canada Goose. II. Fourteen at Bittell, 6—26.12. (A.J.M.) Sheld-Duck. II. A female at Upton Warren, 19.5. (A.J.M.) Gad wall. III. Two drakes and two ducks standing on ice at Bellfields, 11.1., distinguished by their white rectangular wing bar. (W.F.I.) Teal. II. Fifty-seven at Upton Warren 5.12. This is the largest number that have been seen there. (A.J.M.) Garganey. III. Bellfields. One 25.7., two 23.8. (J.H.S.) Pintail. I. Edgbaston Park. One drake during the first week in January. (J.P.P.) II. Bittell. Two drakes 21.3., one drake 6.12. (C.K.J.) III. Bellfields. Six birds (three pairs) 12.12. (J.H.S.) Shoveller. I. A drake at Bartley 13.1. (J.P.P.) A pair at Curdworth 17.4. (W.E.G.) II. Thirty at Upton Warren 5.12. Varying number from February until first week in June. (A.J.M.) Two drakes at Westwood 9.5. (A.J.M.) Tufted Duck. II. Regular at Upton Warren from mid-March to mid-June, and August—October. (A.J.M.) I. A brood of seven at Edgbaston Park, 3.8. (J.P.P., W.E.G.) First record of breeding since 1935. (G.C.W.W.) A pair at Curdworth, 6.6. (A.A.K.W.) II. Six pairs on lake at Hanley Castle during nesting season but no proof of breeding. (H.J.T.) 11 Scaup. II. A duck at Bittell, 9.1. (J.P.P,, W.E.G.) Goldeneye. II. Bittell. Four, 2.1., one 14.3. (C.K.J.) I. Bartley. Four, 41.1. (J.P.P.) Edgbaston. A pair, 20.12. (J.P.P.) III. Bellfields. Last seen, 5.5. (3 birds), and returned 27.10. (W.F.I.) Goosander. III. Bellfields. Last seen 29.3. (3 birds.) Returned 28.11. (7 birds). Maximum number 65 on February 8th. (J.H.S.) Single male with 21 ducks on 29.3. (W.F.I.) Smew. III. Bellfields. Present in November (W.F.I.), January and February; maximum number four on 10.1. (J.H.S.) Four drakes and four ducks, 4.1. (W.F.I.) Jack Snipe. I. Two Rotton Park reservoir 2.1. and one 7.1. A first record for this locality. (W.E.G.) Ringed Plover. II. Bittell. Noted once in each month of August, September and October (C.K.J.) III. Bellfields. Once in May (W.F.I.), five times in August, three times in September and twice in October, the greatest number being fifteen 23.8. (J.H.S.) Golden Plover. III. J.H.S. writes : "The meadows round the Sewage Farm at Perton on the Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth Road always contain Golden Plover in the autumn and winter. On the 4th April (5 p.m.) there arrived a large number—approx- imately 300 in a field by themselves. They were somewhat bunched up, were not feeding, but occasionally flying round in small parties, and were restless. I think they were Northern Golden Plover, because : (a) all the birds that had wintered here had been gone some time, (b) their plumage was so striking. The black formed a solid and continuous mass from the belly right up to the bill, and was sharply bordered by a clearcut whitish-yellow border, (c) Their call-note was new to me—a peculiar thin grating pipe, which was often double, sounding not unlike a very feeble but rather rasping 'Cur-lee.' They remained for about 24 hours." Grey Plover. III. Bellfields. J.H.S. writes. "On June 22nd. at 6 p.m. on the edge of the grass of the promantory opposite I saw a bird with black and white head which at first I put down 12 as a lapwing. Then I saw that there were two birds and that they were much too pure black and pure white for that bird. Then one bird partly came out of cover and in the distance I thought » was a Golden Plover, as it had the correct jet black distribution for a Northern Golden Plover but when I saw how white the white was I realised that they were really Grey Plover. I walked carefully but they got up when I was about 75 yards away. As seen at this distance they had' a very striking white cap on the head, a black line continuous from beak to breast exactly like a Golden Plover, bordered by a very clear zone of pure white and a grey back. In flight the back and wings were a wonderful spangled black and white and grey and white upper tail coverts and tail. I did not look at the auxiliaries, as the back and wings were so utterly beautiful and also I was standing above the birds. The flight was very rapid and powerful but with noticeably slower wing beats than the Golden Plover." Ruff. I.I.I. Single bird at Bellfields 4.8. (J.H S.)

Dunlin. I. One at Rotton Park 25.7. (W.E.G.) II. Seen four times at Bittell in May and twice in October. (C.K.J.) III. Bellfields. Present in March and April and from August to end of the year, the greatest number being twenty-one on 6.10. (J.H.S., W.F.I.) Curlew Sandpiper. III. Bellfields Three 6-11.9. "distinguished by their white rumps and curved bills." (W.F.I.) Common Sandpiper. I. Generally present at Rotton Park Reservoir from end of April to end of August, the largest number being four seen on 8.7. (W.E.G.) III. Bellfields. Two 25.4. Present from mid July until October, greatest number thirteen on 30.7. (J.H S.) Wood Sandpiper. III. A single bird noted on 6 and 9.8. 'This bird is a grey brown, almost like a Greenshank and its spotted plumage is quite distinct at a considerable distance.' (W.F.I,) Green Sandpiper. II. Bittell. Two 30.11. and a single bird on two occasions in December. (C.K.J., J.P.P.) III. Bellfields. One to three birds present from end of July to October. (J.H.S., W.F.I.) 13 Greenshank. I. One at Curdworth 17.4. (W.E.G.) II. One at Bittell 11.9. (C.K J., D.J.) Curlew. I. Heard calling in field at Hillmorton, near Rugby 28.5. (J.P.Pj II. A flock often seen courting in a river meadow near Pershore 23.3. One nest found 3.5. (A.J.H.) Calling in field at Chaddesley Corbett 6.4. (A J.H.) Oyster Catcher. III. Two at Bellfields 26.7. (W.F.I.) Black-headed Gull. I. Present at Curdworth until 26.7., but did not breed. (M.H.A.) III. Bellfields. J.H.S. writes "During the winter the numbers are immense as the Reservoir is used as a Dormitory. Counts of large numbers are very difficult, but the following estimates probably do not err more than 30%—as the birds sometimes tend to roost in long lines not more than 10 birds thick, which aids individual counting. 5.1. 2,000 on the water, more on the banks and coming in from the fields. 8.3 Approximately 4,000, more rather than less. 22.3. 2,500. By mid-April the numbers had dropped to about 20. During the migration the immature birds are left behind. (On 28.3. I saw 150 in a field, the great majority of which were immature birds, the others being unmoulted adults. During the Spring there remain at the Reservoir a few adults which have failed to moult and these are in bad health—disinclined to fly, seeking shelter from the wind etc., and at this time one frequently finds dead Gulls on the banks. I have not been able to ascertain the cause of death but I suspect they are old birds whose pituitaries have become senile, and are unable to stand the endocrine strain of the moult. Curiously enough, in addition to these, 2 fully moulted adults remained at the Reservoir during the whole of June. The return begins in September and steadily increases till mid-winter. At the Reservoir they very frequently feed by diving, and some- times large parties may be seen hovering and diving over schools of water animals. On at least one occasion I have seen total submergence even of wing tips—the wings always remaining open." 14 It is interesting to compare the above wirh the following report from Bellfields for October, 1927—April, 1928, and published in ' B.B: "VJDI. XXII., p. 22. "A small number of Black-headed Gulls was almost always present and increased in numbers to about 50 at the end of December and in February ; with them were two Common Gulls on October 9." Herring Gull. III. Bellflelds. These gulls are certainly increasing in numbers year by year. Last seen on March 28. Returned on November 7, and by the 22nd there were 100. Maximum number at end of the year was about 250. They come in to roost much earlier than the Black-headed Gulls, and two hours before sunset there may be a solid mass of Herring Gulls at one place preening. They keep to themselves and roost in a separate body, and nearly all are adults, and in this also they differ from the Black-heads. They feed during the day at the Wolverhampton Refuse tip at the end of the Birmingham New Road. (J.H.S., W.F.I.) Great Black-backed Gull. I. One at Bartley, 19.8. (J.P.P.) One at Shustoke, 22.8. (A.A.K.W.) Kittiwake. II. One dead bird at Bittell, 6.12. (A.J.M.) Black Tern. I. Earlswood. Single bird 13 5. (A.A.K.W.) II. Bittell. Four, 11.5., one, 14-28.5. (C.K.J, F.F.) Upton Warren. Three, 26.8, and again 3.9, single bird, 6.9. (A.J.M.) III. Bellfields. Three birds, 23.8. (J.H.S, W F.I.) Artie Tern. II. Bittell. One, 10.4. (C.K.J.) III. At Bellfields the following birds of this or the Common Tern were noted, one 13.9, four, 19.9. ahd one, 11.10. (J.H.S.) Little Tern. I. Four at Bartley, 19.8. (J.P.P.) Great Crested Grebe. I. Twenty at Shustoke reservoirs 13.9. (A.A.K.W.) Bred at Edgbaston Park. Three young seen 7.6. (W.E.G.) Nested at Earlswood. Four young 29.7. (W.E.G, L.L.) II. Noted at Upton Warren from end of March to early June but did not breed. (A.J.M.) III. Bellfields. The decrease noted in 1941 continued through 1942. The maximum counts for 1940/41/42 were 61, 38, 27. After the ice had gone eight birds returned on 29.3., and 15

\ increased to eighteen on 8.6., then fluctuated from twelve to twenty-one till October. (42 on 27 10. W.F.I.) There was a sudden decrease to eighteen on 22.11., six on 28.11., and four 12.12. and 20.12. During the corresponding period of November and Deeember, 1940 they fluctuated between 28 and 61 (usually about 40). In December, 1941 they fluctuated between 17 and 30 and were reduced at the end of 1942 to four birds. The vast majority of these birds do not breed. (J.H.S.) One nest with two eggs, but no young hatched. (W.F.I.) Slavonian Grebe. III. One at Bellfields, 20.12. (W.F.I., J.H.S.) Little Grebe. II. Eighteen adults and young at Upton Warren, 15.7. (A.J.M.) Cornerake. II. A.J.H. saw a brood of young at Eckington, 27.6. Two heard at Kempsey, one at Powick, and one at Martley. (H.J.T.) Coot. Owing to the hard frost at the pool at Upton Warren was frozen over early in February, and for about a month 50 Coots roosted at night in a farm rick-yard. (A.J.M.) Five, on Avon at Eckington, 25.1. (A.J.H.) Two on Teme at Bransford, 17.1. (H.J.T.) Coots are not often seen on the rivers Avon, Severn or Teme.

Copies of this Report can be obtained from Messrs. Cornish Bros. Messrs. W. H. Smith e^ Son or the Hon. Sec. IV. E. Groves, 4, Lyttelton Road, Edgbaston.

16 MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES.

Members marked * Contributors to this Report marked +

* Alexander, H. G. Lambourne, G. C. tAsterley, Miss M. H. Lane, Mrs. A. B. Bannister, C. W. Lloyd, G. B. * Barlow, F. R. tMartin, A. J- Beale, E. P. Mashiter, Major E. Burton, Miss D. Morshead, P. E. A. Bromsgrove School. •Norris, C A. Butler, Mrs. E. Norris, Mrs. C. A. •Cadbury, Mrs. J. Palfrey, H. E. Cadbury, J. C. Price, Mrs. M. Ps Cadbury, Mrs. J. C. Prichard, Miss E. Carr, P. Procter. W. J. •Carter, Miss B. A. Pumphrey, Miss M. E. Dawson, G. Ratchffe, Dr. J. R. Edkins, W. J. Salter, R. G. Fox, J. P. "Sanderson, W. W. tFiftcher, F. Score, T. J. Frog£att, W. T. tSheldon, Dr. J. H. Gibbins, Miss M. Silvers, C. Owen. Gibbon, Mrs S. M. Stephens, J. S. Grove, Miss N. Taylor, C. L. *+Groves, W. E. tTooby, H. J. tHamel, Major A. de YVaine, R. J. •fHarthan, A. J. Wainwright, C. J. Heaton, G Howard. •Wallis, C. W. K. Hobson, A. Wallis, G. C. W. tlreland, W. F. Warwick, J. S. •fjames, Miss C. K. fWhitehouse, A. A. K. tjenkins, D. Whittle, E. . •Kenrick, W. E. •Wilkinson, G. H. •Kenrick, H. Williams, Mrs. A. F. •King, G. M. *Wood, I. D. Wright, Miss P. M.

Contributors to this Report not Members or Associates.

David Croft. Romsley. J. P. Paige. Birmingham. D. A. N. Asterley. Worcester. H. R. Munro. Lickeys. L. Layton. Earlswood. F. C. Hiden. Evesham. BIRMINGHAM BIRD CLUB.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDING NOVEMBER 1ST, 1942.

Receipts. MEMBERS ACCOUNT. F,xpe?iditure. 1940/41 1941/42 1940/41 1941/42 12 1 0 Subscriptions 5 0 0 10 0 Ornithological Trust . . 10 0 16 5 Printing, Stationery and Stamps 18 1 10 14 7 Balance transferred to Associates and Publication Account . 3 11 11

12 1 0 £f> 0 0 12 1 0 £5 0 0

ASSOCIATES AND PUBLICATION ACCOUNT. 1 7 Balance brought forward . 4 5 4 12 5 Printing Report . 11 18 11 4 7 Reserve 1939/40 4 7 6 1 19 Stationery Stamps and Sundries 18 4 Reserve 1940/41 9 18 6 Barclays Bank, Edgbaston : 10 14 Transfer from Members Account 3 11 11 4 7 Reserve 1939/40 4 7 6 14 1 Subscriptions paid during year 10 15 6 9 18 1940,41 9 18 6 1 5 Sale of Reports 2 7 3 1941/42 7 10 6 Sundries 10 9 3 16 9 Balance . 10 I Cash in hand 12 It

32 15 10 £35 16 9 32 15 10 £35 16 9

W. E. GROVES. Hon. Treasurer. PRINTED BY BIRBECK & SONS LTD. 165, GRBAT CHARLES STREET, BIRMINGHAM.