The West Midland Bird Report

THE WEST MIDLAND BIRD REPORT

1969 No. 36 A nesting Woodcock photographed by R. J. C. Blewitt

Front cover—a Marsh Warbler at the nest photographed by S. C. Porter

Price Seven Shillings and Sixpence THE WEST MIDLAND BIRD REPORT

No. 36

BEING THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE WEST MIDLANDS BIRD CLUB FOR 1969 ON THE BIRDS OF WARWICKSHIRE, WORCESTERSHIRE AND STAFFORDSHIRE CONTENTS Page OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 3

EDITOR'S REPORT 3

SECRETARY'S REPORT 4

TREASURER'S REPORT 7

FIELD MEETINGS REPORT 8

RINGING SECRETARY'S REPORT 8

CANNOCK CHASE TIT NEST BOX STUDY . . 10

VERTEBRATE FOOD OF THE TAWNY OWL IN MIXED FARMLAND 13

MOVEMENTS OF THRUSHES TO AND FROM THE WEST MIDLANDS 15

CLASSIFIED NOTES 25

RECOVERIES IN 1969 OF BIRDS RINGED IN THE WMBC AREA 70 RECOVERIES IN WMBC AREA OF BIRDS RINGED ELSEWHERE 72

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF MIGRANTS 73

KEY TO CONTRIBUTORS 78

FINANCIAL STATEMENT . 80 OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE. 1970 President: THE LORD HURCOMB, G.C.B., K.B.E. Vicc-Presidents: A. J. HARTHAN, Dovers Cottage, Weston Subedge, Chipping Camden. C. A. NORRIS, Clent House, Clent, Worcester- shire. Chaimian: A. T. CLAY,' Ardenshaw,' Gentleman's Lane, UJIenhall, Warwickshire. Secretary: A. J. RICHARDS, 1 St. Asaph's Avenue, Studley, Warwickshire. Editor: J. LORD, ' Orduna,' 155 Tamworth Road, Sutton Cold- field. Treasurer: K. H. THOMAS, ' Beechcroft,' 34 Froxmere Close, Crowle, Worcester WR7 4AP. Field Meetings Secretary: A. F. JACOBS, 46 Bernard Road, Birmingham 17. Assistant Secretary: J. SEARS, 21 Lynbrook Close, Hollywood, Worcestershire. Ringing Secretary: E. J. PRATLEY, 54 Welford Road, Sutton Cold- field. Conservation Secretary: G. C. LAMBOURNE, Cottage Farm, Ipsley, Redditch. Branch Representatives: Kidderminster: L. R. BAYES, 23 Woodland Avenue, Sweet- pool Lane, West Hagley, Worcestershire. Stafford: F. C. GRIBBLE, 22 Rickerscote Avenue, Rickerscote, Staffordshire. Committee: A. R. M. Blake, R. J. C. Blewitt, G. H. Green, J. A. Hardman, G. R. Harrison, R. Maskew.

EDITOR'S REPORT The new reservoir at Draycote in Warwickshire continued to fill during the year and is now making a substantial contribution to the county bird records. Records of White-winged Black Terns at Alvecote and West- wood and of a Whiskered Tern at Belvide continued last year's visit of another scarce tern. The Westwood and Belvide records were first occurrences for Worcestershire and Staffordshire respectively. In addition a Common Tern nested at Bodymoor Heath, the first record for Warwickshire. Amongst other noteworthy occurrences were: Red-necked Grebes at Draycote and Belvide; Manx Shearwaters at Gailey (alive) and at Belvide (dead); Red-crested Pochard at Packington;

3 White-eyed Pochard at Sambourn; Long-tailed Ducks at Alvecotc and Blithfield, the former the first summer record for the Club; Velvet Scoter at Bodymoor Heath; 27 Shelducks at Cannock Reservoir, the largest party in the Club's records; Brent Geese at Brandon; a surprising visit of 110 Grey Plovers to Belvide; Purple Sandpiper at Cannock Reservoir; Avocet at Upton Warren; Arctic Skua at Bclvide; G.re.y Phalarope at Bodymoor Heath; and Water-pipits at Cannock Reservoir and Belvide. That the occurrence of two Woodlarks at Weeford was regarded as news illustrates the continued scarcity of this species in the region and there were no records of divers at any of the reservoirs. It was the best ever year for Curlew-Sandpipers and the worst ever for Whitethroats. The section on the Whitethroat makes aston- ishing reading and leads to speculation on the cause of the catas- trophe. The most bizarre breeding record was that of a Herring-Gull at Bromsgrove and two pairs of Black Redstarts nested in Birming- ham. The failure to clinch a breeding record of the Oystercatcher at Draycote was frustrating and the chance is unlikely to recur now the temporary islands are submerged. A Black-headed Gull colony discovered near Gnosall was a rare event for Staffordshire. With the publication of the Atlas of Breeding Birds of the West Midlands it is hoped members will be encouraged to fill in the gaps revealed in our knowledge of the distribution of breeding species. With our membership now in excess of 1,000 the resources are available for an increased coverage of the region. J. LORD. SECRETARY'S REPORT Indoor Meetings In 1969 eight indoor meetings were arranged and all these were held in the Art Gallery; once again we are indebted to the Museum authorities for the most excellent facilities made available to us. Our thanks are also due to Mr. Hanney, Keeper of The Natural History Department and his staff for their assistance in preparing displays and for the use of specimens from the museum collection. The Sub-Committee set up to arrange the year's meetings again provided a varied selection of entertaining and informative evenings which certainly found considerable favour with members, for, excepting the AGM of a year ago each meeting attracted between 200 and 400 members. I would like to remind members of the full programme which began in January with Mr. D. J. Munns whetting our appetites for far away places with a delightfully illustrated talk on the Galapagos Islands. At the February meeting we welcomed Geoffrey Boswell who with great humour and suitably accompanied by sound recordings dealt with the subject of bird language. ' Birds of a Reservoir' was the title of the April meeting when Mr.

4 S. C. Brown showed us some of bis magnificent photographic bird studies. In May Dr. E. A. R. Ennion was our visiting speaker who told us all about bird changes in Tenerife most ably supported with his own distinctive style of illustration. The R.S.P.B. films ' Sea Swallows,' ' Snowy Owls in Shetland ' and' Operation Osprey ' attracted a capacity audience at the October meeting and set the pattern for a most successful winter session. In excess of 300 members listened with keen interest to Mr. Peter Hope-Jones as he described the birds of the coasts, woods and moun- tains of North Wales at our November meeting and to complete a most successful year over 200 members braved the elements of early December not wishing to miss the opportunity to see some of Mr. S. C. Porter's outstanding coloured slides depicting the birds of Suffolk.

1,000th Member 1969 was a notable year for the Club in several ways and certainly an event of major importance was the enrolment of our 1,000th member. This year is also our fortieth anniversary and it is perhaps fitting we can mark the occasion with such an achievement. I certainly hope it does not take 40 years to enrol our next 1,000 members and I dare to suggest we may reach 2,000 long before our 50th anniversary.

Junior Membership At an extraordinary general meeting on Tuesday, 7th October, approval was given for a change in the rules which allowed junior members to be enrolled at.the age of 12 instead of 14. The question of junior membership has long been the concern of the committee and several meetings have dealt with what is a most difficult problem for, while it is our wish to encourage the younger member, the facilities and energy which must be devoted towards such an end are not readily available. The geography of our area also precludes the sort of activity which is basically needed to maintain interest at the minimum age group level, but bearing these things in mind a sub-committee set up to settle a policy on this matter recommended that the age at which junior members be accepted be reduced to 12. It is of interest to note that in recent years the number of junior members has hardly exceeded 5 % of the total membership which is an extremely low level. We hope, however, junior membership will increase and whether we will be able to encourage younger members to stay and become senior members, only time will tell.

Bulletins A further milestone in the Club's history was the publication of our 200th bulletin in November. It is twenty years since Mr.

5 C. A. Norris introduced the Club's first bulletin which has been issued at regular intervals .ever since. During 1969 bulletins were published in every month of the year except June, August and September and most ran to three pages and several to four. The number of contributors was up on last year (as is to be expected with increased membership) an average of 41 members sending in material for each issue. The main function of the bulletin remains unchanged in that it serves to inform members of club events and activities and of course keep members up-to-date with bird news in the three counties.

Blilhfiekl Reservoir The second full year of the birdwatching permit scheme at Blithfield supplied further evidence if any was needed that the arrangement introduced in 1967 was soundly based and with the continued help and co-operation of The South Staffordshire Water- works Company enabled 164 permit holders and a number of organised parties to enjoy the unrivalled facilities during 1969 at this most ornithologically important reservoir.

Belvide and Galley Reservoirs During the year under review over 100 permits were issued for birdwatching at Belvide and Gailey which was further demonstra- tion of the continued popularity of these waters. The future of Belvide and Gailey reservoirs as undisturbed haunts for wildfowl has been a matter of concern for some time with the pressures of yachting interests clouding their ornithological future. At the end of 1969 it was announced that boating was to commence at Gailey with the future of Belvide still to be decided. However, there is great hope that Belvide will remain a haven for birds and it is to be hoped at next year's AGM such a report can be made.

B.T.O. 10km. sq. Breeding Bird Survey The main organised field work of 1969 was the B.T.O. 10km. sq. Breeding Bird Survey. The many experienced organisers and their helpers who recently so ably completed our own 10km. sq. breeding survey began work on this national survey. 1969 is the second year of the B.T.O. survey and with only three more to go a considerable amount of time and energy will need to be expended to complete this task satisfactorily.

Wyre Forest Nest Box Scheme Kidderminster members have contributed to the Wyre Forest nest box scheme this year with the erection of 31 boxes, both open front and hole types, in 2\ acres of mixed woodland at Far Forest. The primary object of the scheme was to encourage the spread of Pied Flycatchers from the Dowles Brook Valley where the 6 species is now well established due largely to the Club's nest box efforts over the past few years. In this respect the work of the Kidderminster Branch was very successful. Three broods were successfully reared in boxes erected along a stream-side edge of the wood, the boxes being plugged against the too early occupancy of tits and opened up in time for the Pied Flycatchers to take them over. An estimated 18 young resulted from these broods, in an area where the species was not previously known. The scheme was also designed as an experiment in intensive nest box provision. The results of this are interesting. Five more species of birds occupied another 15 boxes with evidence of successful breeding. The biggest surprise was the occupation by a pair of Nuthatches of a box with a standard l£in. hole. The lid was so well plastered with mud that close inspection was not possible, but feeding activities in early June, and a subsequent empty nest, were evidence of success. Two pairs of Spotted Flycatchers occupied open fronted boxes; three pairs of Great Tits, one of Tree- Sparrows and eight of Blue Tits made up the complement of 18 occupants among 31 boxes. A further 10 boxes had been used either for roosting or for abortive nest building.

Stafford Branch Attendance at indoor meetings showed an increase over 1968 with the October film meeting producing the branch's largest audience to date of 175 to see the R.S.P.B. films ' Broadland Summer, Broadland Winter' and 'Snowy Owls of Shetland.' During the year, speakers included Mr. C. T. Mead on The Hert- fordshire Bird Atlas, Mr. J. Wilson on ' Birds of Morecambe Bay,' Mr. G. Atkinson Willes on ' The International Wildfowl Census,' Mr. M. J. Hudson on ' Conservation and the Birdwatcher ' and Mr. D. J. Munns on ' The Galapagos.' Of the year's programme five meetings were held in Stafford and five were held in Hanley. A new feature of indoor meetings during 1969 has been a three section display board on which ringing recoveries in the county have been illustrated and a collection of pellets has been shown. This display board has proved to be a focal point of interest and has further added to a series of successful meetings. The field meeting programme mainly included visits to areas of ornithological interest in the county, but other meetings were held in South Shropshire and to the Dee Estuary. A. J. RICHARDS.

TREASURER'S REPORT Excess of income over expenditure for 1969 was £69 4s. lOd. This was heartening; we managed to hold almost all costs at the previous year's level with the exception of printing, stationery and postages which increased by 20%. Covenanted subscriptions

7 enabled us to reclaim £59 10s. from the inland revenue. The surplus would have been about £25 less had we not received interest on the loans received from the ATLAS project. A conservation fund was established using funds derived only from the indoor film meeting and from field meetings. £96 2s. lOd. was invested in a Unit Trust specifically run for charities, no capital gams tax being payable on realisation. It is intended to add to this fund annually. THE ATLAS OF BREEDING BIRDS OF THE WEST MIDLANDS project was successfully launched. The Royal Society gave us a grant of £400 and an interest free loan of £350 to assist with the publication. A similar loan of £250 was given by the Charles Henry Foyle Trust. Membership rose from 891 to 1,029 — an unprecedented increase. 67 members resigned during the year and a further 60 failed to pay their subscriptions. K. H. THOMAS.

FIELD MEETINGS SECRETARY'S REPORT A total of 17 field meetings were held during the year. Venues for day trips were the local reservoirs, woods and heathlands, the north Staffordshire moors, the Ludlow area, Radnor Forest and Dee estuary. A week-end visit was made to the Norfolk coast, an extended week-end trip to the Solway Firth, and a 10-day expedition to the island of Majorca. The meetings were well attended and proved successful both in finding a good selection of birds for the participants, and as social events within the Club. A. F. JACOBS.

RINGING SECRETARY'S REPORT Bird ringing, like bird watching, is an absorbing hobby; one can be out in all weathers throughout the year; many winter evenings are spent perusing records, as no doubt, do bird watchers. Of more interest to the ringer are the recovery forms he receives from the British Trust for Ornithology, informing him that one of his birds has turned up somewhere, either being reported by a member of the public or caught and reported by another ringer. An increasing number of the latter category, " controls " as they are called, are appearing in ringing reports, and in the list of " Birds recovered in the W.M.B.C. area but ringed elsewhere," no less than thirteen of the twenty mentioned have been caught by other ringers. An exciting new study which began in December, 1968, at Blithfield Reservoir (see 1968 Report), when nearly 150 Wigeon were ringed, has produced in 1969 five interesting movements which stretch across the Baltic States and well into the U.S.S.R. a thousand miles beyond Moscow. It is early days yet, but an interesting picture of the origin of these Wigeon is emerging.

8 . The Mute Swan Study in Staffordshire continues, ringers and friends lending a hand when possible. The round-up of Canada Geese in July when they are in moult, occupies a whole week-end. Again, with the help of ringers and friends, nearly 1,000 birds were handled, many carried rings from previous years. As mentioned in earlier Reports, these birds do not generally move out of the Club's area but there are exceptions as the list of recoveries given later shows. The Pied Wagtail winter roost in the Sparkhill factory roof was again visited by ringers, and during the year, three distant northern recoveries were reported, one well north of the border, all three being ringed in 1968. Six birds from this large roost have now been reported from the northern counties of Britain, two in fact from Sutherland, and all during the breeding season. Others have been recovered locally at this time, so it appears that the roost is occupied by birds from widely different breeding areas. From the large number of Redpolls ringed al Temple Grafton during the winter, two have so far been controlled by another ringer near Nuneaton, in April. Caught on the same day, they were no doubt moving to their breeding habitat. The interesting movements of two Wood-Pigeon are worth mentioning, ringed as nestlings in Warwickshire, one moved to France, the other to Cornwall; one imagines this species to be rather sedentary. The Dunnock is another species which does not appear to move very far, but in the list of recoveries is one that moved from Alcester to Malton in Yorkshire, a distance of 140 miles, an unusual distance for an inland movement, although a few are reported annually from coastal observatories moving to or from the continent. Two Swallows ringed in Warwickshire have been reported from Africa, one from the traditional area for British birds, South Africa, the other from South West Africa, where only six birds from this country have previously been reported. In the nest boxes on Cannock Chase, 8 Blue Tits and 20 Great Tits were ringed, and in those in the Wyre Forest, 48 Pied Flycatchers were ringed, this now being part of the study of the Pied Flycatchers following the success of the nest box scheme. A number of the Club ringers continued the Acrocephalus warbler enquiry organised by the B.T.O. Others worked in the thrush and finch roosts in the winter, and the Sand-Martin colonies and hirundine roosts during the summer. One Handsworth Wood ringer who concentrates on his own garden birds (see " The Birds of a Suburban Garden "—1968 Report) was more than surprised to find a Woodcock in his mist-net one Sunday afternoon last October, thus adding one more species to his already impressive list (this garden happens to be on the Perry Barr migration route!!).

9 It is pleasing to report two birds which had lived through the severe winter of 1963 were still alive in December, 1969. A Tawny Owl ringed at Blithfield in January, 1962, was caught at the same place in December, 1969, and an adult Great Tit ringed in August, 1963, was caught again in December, 1969, where it had been ringed, on Bredon Hill. It has in fact, been re-caught no less than nine times since ringing. The list of recoveries appearing later in this Keporl includes all recoveries of birds which have moved 20 miles or more, except for Mute Swans and Canada Geese, where the movement is 50 miles or more. E. J. PRATLEY.

CANNOCK CHASE TIT NEST BOX STUDY Since 1962 the West Midland Bird Club has been co-operating with the Forestry Commission in a scheme designed to see if the provision of nesting boxes in the pine plantations on Cannock Chase will attract tits into the forest area to nest. Pine plantations are normally almost devoid of nesting species because of the lack of suitable nesting sites. The only tits which normally breed in the Cannock forest are Coal Tits which have adapted themselves to using nesting holes on the ground amongst the carpet of pine needles and the litter of fallen branches. Otherwise apart from a few Great Tits and Blue Tits feeding in the periphery of the forest, but nesting outside it, there are few tits present in the spring and early summer although there are plenty in the autumn and winter months. The reason for trying to increase the population of tits in the pine forests during the spring and early summer was to see if this would help control the population of the Pine Looper Moth (Bupalus piniarius). The caterpillars of this moth feed on pine needles and if severe infestation takes place this can result in the pine trees being killed. Normally this is not a regular occurrence in the British Isles, but in Cannock Chase in 1954 an extensive infestation took place which resulted in a large part of the Forestry Commission area having to be sprayed from the air with insecticide in order to kill the caterpillars. It was suggested to the Forestry Commission by the British Trust for Ornithology and others that the presence of tits, which normally feed extensively on caterpillars, could perhaps have a sufficient controlling effect to prevent a build up of the Looper Moth caterpillars to such a high concentration, thereby reducing the danger to the trees and also eliminating the need for expensive spraying. The exercise was divided into two parts. Initially the objective was to find out if it was possible to encourage tits to breed in the main part of the forest by providing suitable nesting sites, and in particular to determine the optimum box density and distribution. If the result of the first part of the exercise looked encouraging then

10 the proposal was that a larger part of the Chase should be provided with nest boxes and the effect of this on the Looper Moth population determined. The Looper population level can be measured by making counts of the pupae in the litter underneath the pine trees which is where the pupae spend the winter months. The Forestry Commission already carry out such routine counts and have a detailed history of the changes in population of the Pine Looper moth. They can now predict when epidemics are likely to occur. In the future they could compare the population in the areas which contained the nesting boxes with other areas where boxes had not been provided. This note summarises the result of the first part of the study, i.e. the occupation of boxes in the first five years. A total of 540 boxes were put up in four duplicate blocks, two blocks being in Corsican Pine and two in Scots Pine. In each block were four separate areas with boxes arranged in a square pattern at 22 yard intervals—equivalent to a density of 10 boxes per acre. Each block contained a square of 9 x 9 (81) boxes, 6x6 (36) boxes, and two lots of 3 x 3 (9) boxes. Although the same boxes in each block were in the same general area of the forest they were all suffi- ciently far apart for there to be no interaction. Boxes were visited at regular intervals between the middle of May and early July and the contents recorded on each occasion. In this way it was possible to determine the number of boxes occupied, the species present, the timing of the breeding season and the nesting success. It was found (Table I) that tits were encouraged to breed in the nesting boxes and there was a gradual build up in numbers over the first three years of the study after which the nest box population remained approximately constant. Although comprehensive box examination has not been carried out since 1966 selected counts have confirmed that box occupation has remained at about the 1965-66 levels. Comparatively few Coal Tits forsook their natural breeding sites for the artificial nest boxes and the numbers recorded remained low throughout the study. Blue Tits on the other hand gradually built up to 15-20 pairs. Great Tits showed the most marked attraction to the boxes, the total population building up to over 60 pairs in the last two years. Ad- ditionally after three years Redstarts found the boxes and in one year five pairs used the nesting boxes to breed in. The effect of the size of the area with boxes can best be illustrated by the fact that in the 3x3 areas there were usually two or three pairs of tits whereas in the 9x9 areas there were usually only ten pairs. The original layout of boxes at 22 yard intervals were designed to ensure that the box density was greater than could possibly be required. It would appear from the results of the study that the separation of boxes could be increased to at least 100 yards for optimum box utilisation.

11 One interesting problem thrown up by the study was that of multiple nest building. Because of the close proximity of boxes to each other and the lack of features in such a pine plantation many of the tits had obviously become confused since numerous pairs built nests or part nests, and sometimes even laid eggs, in several adjacent boxes. Such was the confusion caused that a number of eggs were even laid in boxes without nests in! The increase of distance between the boxes proposed for the second phase of the scheme should considerably reduce this confusion amongst the tits. Nesting success was generally quite good, except the one or two areas frequented by the public where human predation on nests and nest boxes were heavy. In 1965 a week of cold weather and heavy rain in early June caused considerable loss of nestlings, but otherwise a good proportion of those hatching eventually fledged. Many of the young in the nest boxes were ringed each year as well as a few of the adults and a total of 1,043 were ringed during the first five years of the study, and a few since (Table II). Three of the young Great Tits have subsequently been recaptured nesting in boxes in the Chase. Additionally three Great Tits originally ringed as adults there were found breeding again in subsequent years—one in its fifth and the other in its sixth breeding season! In most cases the birds were nesting in the same box as ringed or very close to it. There have also been six recoveries of birds away from Cannock Chase during the autumn and winter months including one Great Tit which went as far as Stoke-on-Trent and another which turned up at Bridgnorth in Shropshire. The conclusion therefore of the first part of the study is that it is possible to attract significant numbers of Great Tits and Blue Tits to nest inside the Cannock Chase forestry plantations by providing suitable nesting boxes. It is hoped that the next part of the study will now go ahead with the existing small sample areas being replaced by extensive areas of forest with boxes at the optimum box density. It will then take several years before it is apparent whether the tits are exerting any biological control on the population of the Pine Looper moth. The ornithological field work in this study was mainly carried out in the earlier years by members of the Research Committee of the West Midland Bird Club, and in later years by the Stafford Branch of the Club and by members of the Birmingham University ' Field Study of Birds' Extra Mural Classes from Handsworth Wood and Sutton Coldfield. C. D. T. MINTON.

12 Tnlile I. CANNOCK CHASE—NFSTBOX OCCUPATION 1962-1966

Year Great Tit Blue Tit Coal-Tit Redstart Tit-species Total not determined

1962 17 5 7 2 31 1963 23 11 13 — 3 50 J 964 46 19 9 2 7 83 1965 62 16 7 5 4 94 1966 63 18 6 2 4 93

Tabic IT. CANNOCK CHASE—RINGING TOTALS 1962-1969

Ringed as Adult Pullus Total

Great Tit 31 648 679 Blue Tit 6 245 251 Coal-Tit 1 151 152 Redstart — 14 14

38 1,058 1,096

VERTEBRATE FOOD OF THE TAWNY OWL IN MIXED FARMLAND Pellets for the present study were collected from the roosting site of a pair of Tawny Owls (Strix aluco) in mixed farmland on the south-west outskirts of Birmingham between December, 1968 and May, 1969. 17 whole and an estimated 17 fragmented pellets were handsorted twice for all crania, lower jaws and major bones of the appendicular skeleton; a sample of 12 whole pellets were weighed and measured beforehand, after a minumum of two weeks' air-drying. The results are given in Table I.

TABLE I. Analysis of weights and measurements of 12 pellets Range Mean Weight (Gms.) 3.36-6.95 4.86 Greatest length (rams.) 35.0-60.8 45.9 Greatest width (mms.) 20.0-28.3 23.5

The pellets themselves tend to be grey in colour and easily fragment. The largest recorded measured 60.8 x 28.3 mms. The average number of prey items per pellet was 1.9. Most of the small mammal remains were identified from the key to skull characters in Southern (Handbook of British Mammals,

13 1964). At the time of the survey, no means of separating the skele- tons of Wood Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) and Yellow)necked Mouse (A. flavicollis) was available, so that the results do not dis- tinguish between these species. Estimates of the numbers of such species were made using counts of femurs and lower jaws, since crania and pelvic girdles tended to fragment and their numbers never equalled or exceeded lite numbers of the former. Due to the weight differences of the species, a conversion factor (Southern. Ibis 96 (1954): 384-410), taking a 20 gram rodent as a standard prey unit was used to express the food value of each species to the owls. The results are given in Table II.

TABLE n Conients of 34 pellets of Tawny Owls Frequency % Conversion Prey % prey total factor units units Short-tailed Vole (Microlus agrestis) 35 55.7 1 35 58.5 Wood Mouse (Apodemus sp.) 9 14.3 1 9 15.0 Bank Vole (Cleihrionomys glareohis) 2 3.2 1 2 3.3 Common Shrew (Sorex araneus) 3 4.8 0.5 1.5 2.5 Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minulus) 2 3.2 0.2 0.4 0.7 Birds 12 19.0 1 12 20.0

Rodents comprised 76 % of the prey items identified, with birds, shrews and the remains of three Coleoptera making up the remainder. The percentage of each species taken reflects the population of the prey species only if the selectivity of the owl and the ease of capture are taken into account. These results suggested that the Tawny Owls preferred Short-tailed Voles or found them easier to catch. Both Glue (Bird Study 14 (1967): 169-183) and Wooller and Triggs (Bird Study 15 (1968): 164-166) have shown that Short-tailed Voles are taken more frequently by Barn and Long-eared Owls than is expected from trapping returns, and Glue that shrews are less commonly taken. The large number of birds taken may reflect the seasonal roosting of small Passerines in outbuildings in the area. Tentative identification of these remains suggested a Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), the limbs and sacrum of a Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), with the remainder probably sparrows (Passer sp.). Southern has shown that Tawny Owls take large numbers of earthworms, especially during August to October, and that their frequency in the diet is closely correlated with rainfall. No information regarding this source of food was derived from the present analysis.

14 It is hoped that future work will show the seasonal differences in the diet of the Tawny Owl and the differences due to the type of ground over which this species hunts. Our thanks are due to M. W. R. Edwards for location of the roosting site and for collection of the pellets used in this survey; to D. M. Hawker for correlation of the results and advice in drafting this paper. J. W. LEWIS. C. WORKMAN. D. A. HARBOUR. D. R. ALLDRICK.

MOVEMENTS OF THRUSHES TO AND FROM THE WEST MIDLANDS Introduction Considerable ringing of thrushes in the West Midlands has been carried out in the last ten years and the volume of data from recoveries and controls (birds ringed elsewhere) is now sufficient to permit an analysis. Much of the ringing has been at winter roosts but a limited number of nestling Song Thrushes and Blackbirds have also been marked. Although most of the data used is recent information generated by members of the West Midland Bird Club all relevant records which could be found by a search of the literature have been included (e.g. in ' Reports of the B.T.O. Ringing Scheme' and ' Reports of Foreign Ringed Birds ' published annually in " British Birds," and also the summaries by G. A. and M. A. Arnold in the 1953 and 1954 WMBC Annual Reports). The analysis is intended to indicate (a) the origin of winter visitors to the West Midlands (b) the origin and destination of migrants passing through the West Midlands (c) the constancy of wintering area of thrushes (d) the wintering area of thrushes bred or breeding in the West Midlands.

Method Each species is considered separately and all relevant records are plotted on maps (Figs. 1-4). For simplicity birds have been assumed to be in their breeding areas in the period April to Septem- ber and in their winter quarters from October to March. In practice some birds could have still been on passage when recovered in either period, especially in October, but these recoveries help to indicate the migration routes. Only those recoveries showing movements greater than 80 miles have been included.

15 Analysis of Results a) Redwing Of the 34 foreign recoveries seven were during the summer (Fig. I). These indicate that Redwings visiting the West Mid- lands in winter come from both the Scandinavian and Russian populations, i.e. from the whole of the western portion of the breeding range in Continental Europe. There are no ringing records indicating that the Icelandic subspecies visits the West Midlands. This agrees with the analysis carried out by Good- acre (Bird Study, Vol. 7, No. 2, p. 102—1960—) which showed Icelandic Redwings as being recovered only in N.W. Scotland and Northern Ireland. Six Redwings were recovered in the same winter as ringed (Fig. I) and these showed that some birds had passed through the West Midlands on their way to winter in Wales, S.W. England and Iberia. One however (not shown on map) was recovered in mid-Atlantic by a ship travelling from Greenland to Spain, only three days after ringing. This was an exceptional cold weather movement at the beginning of the severe 1963 cold spell and the bird was obviously drifted out to sea on easterly winds before coming aboard the ship, where it subsequently died. It is probable that the onward movement of Redwings coming to the West Midlands in autumn is largely governed by the severity of the winter and the size of the berry crop. If circumstances are favourable the majority will remain within Britain all winter, moving westwards as food runs out or the weather becomes colder. This suggestion is supported by the fact that half the recoveries which occurred in the same winter as ringing were in the British Isles (an even greater proportion if those of less than 80 miles are included). The recovery rate in Britain is much lower than it is in the southern half of Europe, where thrushes are extensively trapped and killed for food, and if the majority of Redwings had left the country one would have expected a higher proportion of foreign recoveries. Six Redwings were recovered in the same winter as ringed (Fig. I) and these showed that some birds had passed through the West Midlands on their way to winter in Wales, S.W. England and Iberia. One however (not shown on map) was recovered in mid-Atlantic by a ship travelling from Greenland to Spain, only three days after ringing. This was an exceptional cold weather movement at the beginning of the severe 1963 cold spell and the bird was obviously drifted out to sea on easterly winds before coming aboard the ship, where it subsequently died. Even stronger support for the above suggestion comes from the fact that the greatest number of Redwing recoveries abroad 16 REDWING in winter and recovered in:

• winters •.

in winter and ringed in: O winter •

SCALE STATUTE MILES

° 200 400 60,° 1 I I I_J I J BLACKBIRD Ringed in winter and recovered in: summer •

Same winter A subsequent winters. Recovered in winter and rinced in: . summer O same winter A previous winter •.

SCALE STATUTE MILES

6 ° 200 | 400 °° are in winters subsequent to that of ringing (Fig. 1). Many of these are in regions unlikely to have been reached after passage through the West Midlands (e.g. one on the Russian/Turkish border and four in Italy, including one on the 'toe')- It appears therefore that the Redwing is not strongly attached to a particular wintering area. Thus Redwings wintering in or passing through the West Midlands in one year could be almost anywhere else in the total Redwing wintering range from Iberia to Turkey in a subsequent year. The above conclusions are also supported by retrap data. It is uncommon to recapture a Redwing in a subsequent winter (probably only about five birds in 3,000 Redwings ringed). This contrasts with species which do return to the same area in subsequent winters (e.g. waders, geese) where between 10% and 60% have regularly been recaptured in following winters. The mobility of the Redwing population in winter is also indica- ted by the low recapture rate even in the same winter at regularly worked roosts. One often finds that, after a few weeks of catching a reasonable proportion of both the Blackbirds and Redwings present on each occasion, 10-50% of the Blackbirds at the roost may be retraps but only about 1 % of the Redwings.

Blackbird In contrast to the Redwing the continental Blackbirds wintering in the West Midlands come from only a limited part of their total breeding range, namely southern Scandinavia and the Low Countries (Fig. 2). There is also one breeding season recovery in central Germany. However, there is no indication that any of the Blackbirds breeding in Poland, the East Baltic States or Russia come to the West Midlands. It is particularly interesting that one Finnish-ringed bird has been recorded as the species only colonised there comparatively recently. The pattern of recoveries agrees with that given by Goodacre (Bird Study, Vol. 6, No. 2, p. 37—1959—), who showed that the breeding place on the Continent is directly related to the wintering place in the British Isles in that Black- birds breeding further north winter further north, etc. It appears from the number of recoveries on the north German coast and in Holland and Belgium during the migration season that many of the Blackbirds coming to the West Midlands pass along the south coast of the North Sea en route (Fig. 2). It is interesting to note that of the eleven foreign recoveries where the sex of the Blackbirds has been recorded ten were males. This lends support to the suggestion that the excess of males over females in the wintering Blackbird population in the West Midlands is due to the influx of predominately male winter visitors rather than an emigration of the female popula-

19 SONG THRUSH Ringed in winter and recovered in summer® same winter A subsequent winter!

Ringed in summer and recovered in winter'Ar Recovered in winter and ringed in summerO Recovered in summer and ringed in previous winter-ft

SCALE E3 STATUTE MILES 1*1 ° ZOO ,100 6°° I 1 I I I L_J tion (see Minton; West. Midland Bird Club Annual Report No. 32, page 8, 1965). Most of the recoveries which appear to indicate that some birds winter on the Continent in subsequent winters are mis- leading due to the arbitrary limits selected for the definition of winter and summer. These recoveries were mainly in October and early November or March—when birds still had time to come to the West Midlands for the winter or could already have been on their way back to their breeding grounds. The recovery in France is exceptional and is probably of a continental bird wintering further south in a subsequent winter. There is little evidence for any great passage of Blackbirds through the West Midlands to wintering areas further west or south. There have been no such recoveries showing movements of greater than 80 miles within the same winter. The bird ringed on autumn passage on the Isle af Man one year was found in the West Midlands in the middle of the following winter and thus had probably changed its wintering area. The bird in Devon in a subsequent winter had probably done likewise. The above pattern of recoveries and the high recapture rate at roosts would both seem to indicate that immigrant Black- birds are less mobile during the winter and more consistent in their wintering area from year to year than Redwings. The picture is partly confused however by the fact that many of the birds using the winter roosts are local resident birds which can- not of course be distinguished from the immigrant population. There are a small number of recoveries of British-bred Blackbirds showing winter movements within Britain between NW and SW to or from the West Midlands (Fig. 2). How- ever there are a large number of local recoveries and retraps and considering the large number of adult and nestling Black- birds ringed it would appear that the vast majority of West Midland breeding Blackbirds are residents. Thus although British Blackbirds are partial migrants the West Midlands appears to be on the fringe of the area where the Black- bird is close to being a full resident. There is no evidence that even severe winters induce any increased emigration of the local population in the form of cold weather movements.

Song Thrush Considerably fewer Song Thrushes than Redwings and Blackbirds have been ringed at the winter roosts due to the lower winter population (see Minton: West Midland Bird Club Annual Report No. 32, p. 8, 1965). On average for every Song Thrush ringed about 20 to 50 Blackbirds and 5 to 20 Redwings have been caught.

21 FIELDFARE Ringed in winter and recovered in

summer ©

subsequent winter K.

Recovered in winter and ringed M in spring on migration O N)

SCALE STATUTE MlttS 200 400 6®° There is only one recovery clearly indicating a Song Thrush of continental origin—ringed in mid-winter in the West Mid- lands and recovered the following March in Holland (Fig. 3). Based on Goodacre's analysis (Bird Study, Vol. 7, No. 2, p. 108 —1960—) this was most probably its breeding area. The seven recoveries of birds ringed in winter and subsequently recovered further to the west or south could have been birds of either continental or British origin. The two recovered in the same winter as ringed were both recovered in Spain—one only sixteen days later—probably a cold weather induced movement as it was recovered in January. With so little information available it is thus not possible to be certain of the precise situation regarding Song Thrushes of continental origin visiting the West Midlands. It seems most likely however, judging by the pattern of recoveries and the low mid-winter population, that the majority of Song Thrushes visiting the area are passage migrants on their way to milder areas further west and south. This agrees with Goodacre's (loc. cit) hypothesis that Scan- dinavian Song Thrushes are passage migrants through Britain and only the populations from the Low Countries are true winter immigrants. There are eleven recoveries of probable British-bred Song Thrushes showing winter movements of over 80 miles to or from the West Midlands—all but one being between west and south, including one to Spain and another to Portugal (Fig. 3). Considering that fewer nestling Song Thrushes than Blackbirds have been ringed (ratio probably about 1:5) it seems likely that a considerably larger proportion of the local Song Thrush population is therefore migratory. However some local bred or breeding Song Thrushes have been retrapped during the winter months indicating that not all the West Midland population moves. Thus the Song Thrush of the West Midlands is very much a partial migrant.

Fieldfare Fewer Fieldfares have been ringed in the West Midlands than any of the other thrushes—probably only about 300 in total. All six recoveries showing movement have been abroad, including two in the breeding season in Central Scandinavia (Fig. 4). It seems likely however that Russian Fieldfares also visit the West Midlands as a bird recovered in the Ukraine in a subsequent winter is rather unlikely to have originated from a population breeding to the west. The bird recovered in the West Midlands which had been ringed on Heligoland would indicate that Fieldfares may also tend to follow the North Sea coast on migration. Like Redwings they do not appear to be closely attached to a par-

23 ticular wintering area and there has only been one local recovery in a subsequent winter (recovered at Handsworth five years after ringing at Sutton Coldfield) compared with three foreign recoveries. These recoveries fit into the general pattern shown by Goodacre (Bird Study, Vol. 7, No. 2, p. 111—1960—) except thaL at that time there was no evidence of Russian Fieldfares visiting Britain.

Summary of main conclusions a) Redwings visiting the West Midlands in winter come from Scandinavia and Russia. Some pass on further south or west. They often winter in different areas in subsequent years. b) Blackbirds visiting the West Midlands in winter come from Scandinavia and the Low Countries. Few move on further and they appear to largely return to the same area in subsequent winters. A few West Midland Blackbirds move westwards, within Britain, in winter. c) Song Thrushes visiting the West Midlands in winter come from the Low Countries or Eastern England. Considerable through passage takes place to destinations further south or west. Many West Midland Song Thrushes move further south or west in winter. d) Fieldfares visiting the West Midlands in winter come from Scandinavia or Russia. They often winter in different areas in subsequent winters.

Acknowledgements This analysis would not have been possible without the considerable efforts of the large number of ringers and their helpers who have carried out the ringing work, particularly during the last ten years. Their co-operative field work and their subsequent efficient submission of details of recoveries to the Ringing Secretary are much appreciated. I am indebted to W. E. Merrill who compiled the maps with some re-styling by A. J. Richards.

C. D. T. MTNTON.

24 CLASSIFIED NOTES The number preceding the name of each bird refers to the Chcck-list of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland. I. Warwickshire. II. Worcestershire. III. Staffordshire. (See pages 76 for key to contributors). 1/4. Divers. The dearth of records continues and there were no occurrences this year. In the 10 years 1950/1959 there were 54 records in the area whereas in the following 10 years 1960/1969 there have been 25 with only three records, all in 1968, in the last four years.

5. Great Crested Grebe. Maxima at various waters were:— I. 39 on April 6th at Alvecote, where fish life is still at a low ebb, and two broods reared a total of three young (G.A.A.); 43 on April 3rd at Bodymoor Heath, where 12 pairs bred (E.A.H.); 12 at Brandon, including young, on September 26th (B.M.C.G.); 52 at Draycote on October 5th (J.I..); 24 at Bartley on March 28th (D.M.H.). At Coombe Abbey 28 pairs nested (C.H.P.). II. 50 at Bittell on March 6th (K.G.C., M.F.); 16 on April 2nd and 4th at Upton Warren where two pairs reared a total of two young (T.A.W.); nine at Westwood on March 6th (C.P.B.). III. 75 adults at Blithfield on July 20th (J.L.) where 10 broods were reared (B.R.D.); 30 on May 24th at Belvide where three pairs reared one young (D.S., M.W.); 17 at Rudyard Reservoir on March 20th (A.R.D.); 25 at Cannock Reservoir on March 24th (R.A.H.); 16 at Knypersley on April 8th (H.W.K.). Five pairs nested at Pool Hall, Lower Penn (I.D.).

6. Red-necked Grebe. I. One seen at Draycote from March 8th to 10th (J.C., W.A.M., R.B.R.). III. A bird present at Belvidc on January 19th (A.F.J., A.R.P., G.S., P.T.).

7. Slavonian Grebe. III. Single birds seen at Belvide on September 21st (P.T.B., D.C.) and at Blithfield from January 19th to 28th (B.C.G.) and from December 28th to the end of the year (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D.).

8. Black-necked Grebe. I. One noted at Draycote on March 9th (H.T.L., C.H.P.); at Alvecote two on September 21st (R.A.M.) and one from October 4th to November 16th (G.A.A.); one at Middleton Hall on December 14th (G.A.A.); and one on river Leam, Leamington Spa, from December 4th to end of year (E.J.B., W.G.B., E.E.G.). III. Single birds reported at Blithfield on September 14th (several observers) and from December 14th (B.C.G.) to 31st (A.R.D., B.R.D.). One at Belvide on December 31st (D.S.).

25 9. Little Grebe. Maxima reported from various waters were:— I. 40 at Draycote during October (per R.B.); 34 at Alvecote on March 9th (G.A.A.); 20 at Bodymoor Heath on October 26th (H.T.L.); 10 at Snitterfield on April 8th (J.M.). II. 16 at Bittell on August 20th (K.G.C.) and September 17th (M.A.B.); 10 on August 13th (B.R.D.) at Upton Warren where at least four hroods were reared (A.F.J., R.M., B.T.N.). III. 30 at Blithfield during August (A.R.D., B.R.D.); 12 at Belvide on September 20th (D.S.); 10 on Watling Street subsidence pools on August 22nd (R.A.H.); and seven at Cannock Reservoir on October 20th (D.D.).

16. Manx Shearwater. III. One at Calf Heath Pool, Gailey, on July 21st was feeding on small fish collected at surface of water (J.A.). A bird which had been dead for some months was found at Belvide on October 18th (D.S., M.W.).

28. Cormorant. Single birds reported from various waters in spring, autumn and winter. Larger numbers reported at waters listed below, these populations usually remaining from late August to mid-May. III. The maximum at Blithfield was 35 on November 3rd (B.C.G.); at Gailey 18 on January 19th (A.R.D.); at Belvide 17 on January 25th (A.R.M.B., D.S., M.W.) with one on March 22nd, showing southern race characteristics (D.S.); and 20 at Aqualate on . January 26th (A.S.).

30. Heron. I. At Coombe Abbey 22 occupied nests noted in June (C.H.P.). Bred successfully at Warwick Castle Park (R.Ba.). Bred at single nest heronry near Hunningham (per R.B.). II. 13 birds on August 23rd was the most seen at Bittell (M.J.I.) III. 61 occupied nests counted at Bagots Wood heronry—the largest total recorded there (T.W.F.); 38 at Gailey (S.C.B.); 52 at Aqualate (D.M.); and 15 at Enville (per F.C.G.). 25 birds seen at Blithfield on July 22nd (R.A.H.); 12 at Tittesworth Reservoir on August 17th (R.A.H.); and 11 at Wombourne on November 2nd (I.D.).

38. Bittern. I. One present at Arbury on December 18th (D.W.).

45. Mallard. Several reports of late broods presumably due to May flooding. Maximum numbers reported were:— I. 200 at Bodymoor Heath on September 6th (E.A.H.); 300 at Brandon on the 17th (B.M.C.G.); 2,000 at Coombe Abbey on October 12th (C.M.P.); 1,000 at Draycote on the 12th (C.M.P.); and 205 on December 21st at Alvecote where eight broods totalled 51 young (G.A.A.). 26 II. 125 at Upton Warren on August 2nd (R.M.); and 400 at BiUell on November 8th (M.A.B.). III. About 3,000 estimated at Belvide on January 25th (A.R.M.B., D.S.) where at least 25 broods reared about 100 young; 600 at Copmere on September 13th (N.R.W.); 1,300 at Blithfield on November 14th (T.W.F., L.S.); and 230 at Gailey on December 20th (B.R.D.). A nest at Highgate Common was 20 feet high in a tree and a quarter of a mile from the nearest small pond (I.D.).

46. Teal. Maximum numbers reported were:— I. 250 at Griff on January 12th (E.H.T.) ; 1,500 at Draycote on the 15th (C.H.P.); 120 at Alvecote on September 20th and November 2nd (G.A.A.); 100 at Bodymoor Heath on October 19th (E.A.H.); and 350 at Brandon on December 13th (B.M.C.G.). II. 80 at Bittell on October 28th (T.A.W.) and 130 at Upton Warren on December 22nd (M.A.B., T.A.W.). III. 600 at Dclvide on January 25th (D.S., M.W.); 550 at Blithfield on October 11th (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.); and 70 at Gailey on Decem- ber 24th (D.S.). Bred at Moseley Court (D.S.).

47. Garganey. I. One or two seen at Alvecote between July 19th and September 21st (G.A.A.). At Brandon one present on June 22nd and one or two from July 27th to September 7th (B.M.C.G.). At Draycote noted from June 19th to 24th, with seven on the 22nd; and one or two on a few occasions in July and August (per R.B.). The maximum at Bodymoor Heath was eight on August 20th (E.A.H.). A pair seen at Hampton Lucy on March 2nd (J.M.). II. Up to three noted at Upton Warren from April 26th (D.I.N.) through the summer. Autumn numbers reached a peak of 12 on August 21st (T.A.W.) and the last was one on October 11th (M.A.B.). One or two seen at Westwood from July 13th to Septem- ber 6th (C.P.B.) and at Bittell on August 13th and 18th (M.A.B., T.A.W.). III. No spring records. Noted at Belvide from July 19th (D.S.) until October 11th (G.I.G.) with a peak of 13 on August 21st (D.S.). Present at Blithfield from July 13th (A.R.M.B.) until September 5th (A.R.D.) with peak of seven on August 24th (E.S.C., M.J.I.). Two seen at Chillington on August 31st (G.I.G.) and up to four at Gailey on September 27th and October 6th (G.I.G., B.C.G.).

49. Gadwall. I. One or two reported in autumn and winter months from Brandon, Draycote, Coombe Abbey, Bodymoor Heath, Sutton Park and Hams Hall. Five noted at Draycote on Sep- tember 20th (J.L.) and eight at Sutton Park on December 28th 27 G.E.L.). One spring record of a bird at Brandon on May 4th A.J.R.). II. At Upton Warren one seen on June 16th (K.G.C., M.F.) and one or two from August 15th until November 2nd (T.A.W.). A few autumn and winter records from Bittell and Westwood. III. At Belvide one seen on January 4th, February 15th (D.S., M.W.) and March 2nd (A.S.). One or two between April 4th (M.W.) and May 11th (A.R.M.B.) and two on October 18th (D.S., M.W.). Up to six at Blithfield between August 24th and November 6th (B.C.G.) and at Tittesworth Reservoir between November 15th and 22nd (A.G.F.). One seen at Gailey on November 21st and two on the 26th (B.C.G.).

50. Wigcon. Maximum numbers reported were:— I. 76 at Bodymoor Heath on January 4th (E.A.H.); at least 1,000 at Draycote during February (per R.B.); 70 at Seeswood on March 9th (H.L., M.S.); 60 at Alvecote on December 28th (G. A. A.); and up to 100 at Brandon in winter months (B.M.C.G.). II. 88 at Upton Wawen on January 5th (R.M., B.T.N.); 50 at Bittell on the 27th (K.G.C.); and 73 at Westwood on December 28th (K.G.C.). III. 1,130 on January 11th (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.) at Blithfield where a bird was present during summer months (E.S.C.); 400 at Belvide on February 5th (B.A.D.).

52. Pintail. I. Numbers around 15 seen at Draycote on several occasions in winter and late autumn (per R.B.), with 40 reported on February 23rd and March 2nd (C.H.P.). 16 seen at Brandon on December 21st (B.M.C.G.), six at Bodymoor Heath from mid-November (E.A.H.). Small numbers noted at Alvecote (G.A.A.), Middleton Hall (K.S.), Bartley (P.J.), Tame Valley gravel pits (G.A.A.) and Wootton Warren (N.D.G.) in autumn, winter and early spring. II. Up to three noted at Upton Warren, mainly in March, early April, and December (several observers). Small numbers, up to four, reported at Bittell (several observers), Westwood (C.P.B., A.F.J.) and Dunhampsted (F.F.) on a few dates in autumn and winter. III. Small numbers occurred in spring, autumn and winter months at Blithfield, the maximum being 10 on January 10th (R.A.H.) and 11 on November 30th (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.). Similarly at Belvide where the most seen was 18 on January 4th (D.S.), 10 on January 25th (M.W.) and February 7th (J.C.) and eight on December 25th (K.S.). At Cannock Reservoir, where unusual, four noted on December 22nd (R.A.H.). Two seen at Aqualate on January 26th (A.S.) and one at Copmere on April 13th (N.R.W.).

28 53. Shoveler. The most recorded at different waters was:— I. 50 on September 7th at Brandon where two pairs resident (B.M.C.G.); 86 on September 23rd at Alvecote (G.A.A.); 200 on October 12th at Coombe Abbey where bred (C.H.P.); up to 25 in autumn at Draycote (J.L., C.H.P.); 24 at Middleton Hall on November 16th (G.A.A.); and 40 in Tame Valley on Novem- ber 23rd (H.T.L.). IT. 30 at Upton Warren on November 8th (M.A.B., T.A.W.); and 24 at Bittell on November 16th (K.G.C.). in. At Belvide where there were more than usual in late autumn about 225 recorded on October 29th (J.L.) and November 29th (D.S., M.W.) and four broods were noted with a total of about 13 young (D.S.). 60 present at Blithfield on August 17th (B.R.D.). 23 noted on December 17th at Stretton Hall where probably bred (D.S.).

[54. Red-crested Pochard. I. A tame bird at Packington on October 12th (K.S.) was probably an ' escape.']

55. Scaup. I. Four seen at Draycote on September I4th (C.H.P.) and one on October 5th (R.B.). One present at Leamington Spa Reservoir on December 14th (E.J.B.). II. A drake seen at Bittell on the unusual date of May 6th (K.G.C., M.F.) and three on September 27th (M.A.B., D.I.N., T.A.W.). III. Up to four noted at Cannock Reservoir between December 7th (A.R.M.B.) and 29th (D.D.).

56. Tufted Duck. I. Breeding recorded from Coombe Abbey (C.H.P.); Alvecote, where 12 broods totalled 85 young (G.A.A.); Draycote—three broods (per R.B.); Brandon—three or four broods (B.M.C.G.); Lea Marston (J.R.W.); Bodymoor Heath —where 10 broods reared 49 young (E.A.H.); Packington— four broods (K.S.); Chesterton Church Pool (E.J.B., W.G.B.); and Warwick New Waters (O.L.L., T.W.L.). Maximum numbers of birds reported were:— 168 at Alvecote on January 5th (G.A.A.); 200 at Coombe Abbey on March 2nd (C.H.P.); 100 at Packington on March 30th (K.S.); 175 at Draycote on December 14th (C.H.P.); and 100 at Bodymoor Heath on December 28th (E.A.H.). II. 50 on October 26th (T.A.W.) was maximum noted at Upton Warren where five broods reared about 22 young (several observers). At Bittell 120 present on October 19th (T.A.W.). III. Breeding reported from Blithfield—three broods (several observers); Black Lake—four broods totalling 18 young (A.R.P.); Enville Hall (D.S.); and Belvide, where 16 broods were estimated totalling 70 young (D.S.). Highest counts were:— 90 at Cannock Reservoir on February 22nd (D.D.); 85 at Copmere

29 Oil March 9th (N.R.W.); 300 at Blithfield on October 11th (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.); 270 at Belvide on December 6th (D.S.); and 250 at Gailey on December 24th (D.S.).

57. Pochard. Maximum numbers reported were:— I. 250 on March 9th at Alvecote where nine broods reared 30 young(G.A.A.); about 500 at Draycote on Maich 16th (C.H.P.); 150 at Coombe Abbey on October 12th (C.H.P.); 120 at Shustoke Reservoir on November 16th (D.T.U., M.J.U.); and 100 at Bodymoor Heath on December 21st (E.A.H.). Nested as usual at Chesterton Mill Pool but no young reared (E.J.B.). II. 90 at Westwood on February 1st (C.P.B.) and 110 at Upton Warren on the 2nd (M.A.B., T.A.W.). III. 156 at Belvide on January 16th and summer influx of 75 on June 28th (D.S.); 55 at Kings Bromley on March 2nd (M.J.A.); 94 at Clay Mills on March 2nd (E.S.C.) ; 56 at Westport on October 4th (H.W.K.); 170 at Blithfield on October 1 lth(T.W.F., J.L., L.S.); and 50 at Cannock Reservoir on December 1st (J .L.). Bred near Chartley where brood seen on July 13th (L.S.).

[Ruddy Duck. II. One or two seen at Westwood from June 28th to November 16th (C.P.B.). III. Up to three noted at Belvide in most months with maximum in late autumn and peak of 23 on November 15th and 23rd (D.S., M.W.). At Blithfield around 15 present in January and Feb- ruary with 18 on January 25th (A.R.M.B.). Late autumn numbers similar from November 21st (J.L.) and a maximum of 22 on December 14th (A.R.D., B.R.D.). One or two seen at Gailey in February (D.S.) and August (J.L.) and at Copmere in April; July (G.M.) and August (R.A.H.)]

58. White-eyed Pochard. I. A duck, a bird of a year, shot at Sam- bourn on November 20th (per A.J.H.).

60. Golden-Eye. Small numbers, up to four, at many waters. Other reports as follows:— I. 19 at Bodymoor Heath on March 24th (E.A.H.) and 10 at Draycote on November 22nd (J.L.). III. 60 at Blithfield on April 20th (A.R.D., B.R.D.); 55 at Belvide on December 6th (D.S.); 17 at Gailey on December 24th (D.S.); and nine at Copmere on December 29th (G.M.). Cannock Reservoir, where a drake spent the summer, had a maximum of 28 on January 10th (A.J.D.) and is becoming a favoured haunt. [Prior to 1965 the reservoir only attracted odd birds, the increase starting in that year with a maximum of nine. The reasons for this change are not known—Ed.].

30 61. Long-tailed Duck. T A drake in sunrmej plumage seen at Alvecote from June 28th to July 13th (G.A.A.) and was the first summer occurrence in the club's records. III. A duck noted at Blithfield from November 23rd (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D.) until end of year.

62. Velvet Scoter. I. One reported at Bodymoor Heath on March 8th (H.T.L.).

64. Common Scoter. I. One seen at Bartley on January 31st (B.B.D.). II. Seven noted at Westwood on September 14th (M.A.B., C.P.B., T.A.W.). III. At Cannock Reservoir, which had a good year, a mixed party of 20 seen on May 5th (D.D.); a drake on May 26th, July 31st, and August 1st (D.D.); four drakes on August 14th (D.D., R.A.H., J.L.); a duck on September 24th (R.A.H.); a drake on November 15th (D.D., A.F.J.) ; and a duck on December 6th (A.F.J.). At Blithfield two birds seen on June 29th (A..T.R.) and four on October 12th (E.S.C., A.S.).

67. Eider. III. A duck seen at Cannock Reservoir on January 9th (D.J.M.), February 8th and 9th (D.D., D.S.).

69. Red-breasted Merganser. III. A drake seen at Blithfield on Jan- uary 28th (B.C.G.).

70. Goosander. I. Seven noted at Bodymoor Heath on January 5th (E.A.H., H.T.L.); two at Leamington Spa Reservoir on January 12th (E.J.B.); two at Alvecote on November 8th and one on December 28th (G.A.A.); and three at Draycote on November 16th (C.H.P.). II. One seen at Upton Warren on January 20th (A.F.J.) and seven on December 4th (K.G.C., M.F.). III. 60 on January 26th was the maximum at Blithfield (F.C.G.); 110 at Aqualate on the same date (A.S.); nine at Kings Bromley on February 9th (M.J.A.); nine at Clay Mills on February 23rd and March 2nd (E.S.C.); 12 at Stretton Hall on March 10th (G.W.W.); six, on river, at Milford on November 30th (G.S.); eight at Copmere on March 17th (I.J.D.); three at Cannock Reservoir on December 22nd (D.D.); and 30 at Belvide on January 5th (B.C.).

71. Smew. I. One seen at Packington from March 9th to April 9th (K.S.). III. Two present at Blithfield on January 5th (several observers). 31 73. Sheld-Duck. I. Records from many waters, the most occurrences being in March, May and December. The most seen was:— eight on August 31st at Alvecote (G.A.A.) and 18 at Draycote (H.L.); and eight at Brandon on December 31st (B.M.C.G.). II. Single birds, occasionally two or three, noted at Upton Warren on dates in all months except May, August and September (several obsei vers). Small numbers seen at Bittell in autumn and winter, with six on December 26th (M.A.B.), and two at West- wood on March 29th (C.P.B.). III. Present at Blithfield between March 23rd (M.J.I.) and April 7th (W.E.M.), with nine on last date, one on June 29th (A.S.) and again from August 23rd (B.C.) until end of year with peak numbers in late October and early November with 18 on Novem- ber 3rd and 6th (B.C.G.). Four seen at Gailey on March 24th and two on December 29th (A.J.D.). Two present at Aqualate in January (G.B., G.Br.). At Belvide three on April 26th (D.S.) and present between August 30th (D.S.) and September 26th (J.L.) with six on the first date. At Cannock Reservoir six seen on April 4th (D.D.) and noted between September 4th (D.D.) and December 31st (B.R.D.) with a party of 27, arecoTd for the Club's area, which flew in from the east on November 29th (D.D.).

75. Grey Lag-Goose. Small numbers, often associated with Canada Geese, and probably feral birds seen mainly in spring and winter months, the most seen being (I) up to 17 at Packington, where at least five broods were reared (K.S.) and 14 at Draycote on March 1st and 4th (J.C., M.A.T.R.) and (III) 11 at Belvide between February 13th and 16th (several observers).

76. White-fronted Goose. I. Nine present at Draycote between January 6th and 15th (J.C., C.H.P.) and single birds at Packing- ton on March 1st and 4th (K.S.) and at Alvecote on December 20th and 21st (G.A.A.). II. Seven noted at Upton Warren on January 10th (G.E.). III. Around 30 birds present at Belvide from January 4th (D.S., M.W.) until early February with a final bird on April 13th (D.C.) and a peak of 38 on January 25th (several observers), the birds being identified as being of the Greenland race. Birds present on dates between October 8th (D.J.M.) and December 31st (D.S.) with 21 on December 10th (B.C.). Six seen at Blithfield on January 5th (several observers) and one at Aqualate on January 8th (G.B., G.Br.).

78. Pink-footed Goose. III. One circled low over Blithfield calling on January 26th (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D.). 32 75/78. Grey Geese. Largest numbers reported were:— I. 37 flying north-north-east over Leamington Spa on March 23rd and 127 going south-west on October 26th (E.J.B.). II. Seven at Upton Warren on November 30th (T.A.W.).

80. Brent Goose. I. Seven of the dark-breasted race seen at Brandon on December 21st (B.M.C.G.) and five of the light-breasted race on October 26th (B.C.G.).

81. Barnacle-Goose. Single birds, almost certainly feral, seen at several waters, often with Canada Geese, mainly in winter months but also in summer.

82. Canada Goose. I. Bred at Edgbaston (C.R.B.), Coombe Abbey (C.H.P.), Bodymoor Heath, where 10 pairs raised 29 goslings (E.A.H.), Packington (K.S.), Little Packington (B.L.K.) and Pettifer Bridge (E.A.E.). Largest numbers reported were:— 275 at Middleton Hall on August 27th (G.A.A.); about 550 at Bodymoor Heath on September 13th (E.A.H.); 97 at Breuton Park, Solihull, on December 1st (R.S.C.); and 62 at Seeswood Pool on December 28th (M.S.). II. Bred at Upton Warren (T.A.W.) and Westwood (C.P.B.). Maximum numbers were:— 52 at Wilden in early September (M.H.B.), 54 at Upton Warren on October 7th (T.A.W.) and 55 at Redditch on November 20th (J.R.H.). III. Bred at Belvide, Gailey, Stretton Hall, Moseley Court (D.S.) and Weston Park (J.L.). Largest flocks seen were 268 at Belvide on January 22nd and 25th (D.S., M.W.); 86 at Blithfield on December 28th (B.R.D.); and 127 at Gailey on January 7th (B.C.G.).

84. Mute Swan. I. 123 reported at Alvecote on July 19th (G.A.A.). III. No late summer concentration noted at Blithfield, 35 in July being the most seen (B.R.D.). 62 present at Cannock Reservoir on December 6th (G.E.).

86. Bewick's Swan. I. Numbers up to 20 reported from various waters mainly in January, March, November and December, the largest herds being 18 at Bedworth on January 11th (M.S.), 16 at Alvecote on March 4th and 5th (G.A.A.) and 21 at Bartley on November 27th (A.H., D.M.H., K.H.T.). II. 13 reported at Hollywood on November 30th (D.M.T.) and one at Westwood on December 11th (C.P.B.). III. Recorded at Blithfield on a few dates from January 5th to 26th with 27 on the first date (E.S.C., A.R.D., M.J.I.), 16 on March 16th (A.S.) and 15 on the 23rd (A.R.M.B., E.S.C., A.R.D., M.J.I.), and from November 2nd (E.S.C., M.J.I.) until December

33 28th (several observers) with 17 on December 6th (A.F.J., J.L., L.S.). Noted at Belvide from January 1st (D.S.) until March 23rd (A.R.M.B.) with a peak of 28 on March 8th (D.D., D.S.) and small numbers in November (D.S., M.W.). Up to four or five reported from Cannock Reservoir between January 3rd (R.A.D.. D.G.E.) and February 25th (D.D.) and again from November 29th to December 6th (D.D., A.F.J.). Five flew to north-west at Clayton on March 14th (A.R.P.). 16 seen at Audley on March 4th (J.F.B.) and four at Tittesworth on Decem- ber 7th (A.R.P.).

91. Buzzard. I. Records of single birds, occasionally two, from various localities mainly in autumn months. II. Pairs seen in spring and summer at Wyre Forest (several observers), Kyre (M.J.I.) and Martley (M.L.D.W.). III. Present at Enville throughout the year (A.F.J.). Many records of single birds from various localities mainly in autumn months.

93. Sparrow-Hawk. Many more sightings from Staffordshire than from other counties with the least from Warwickshire. I. Seen throughout the year at Walmley (M.H.B., J.P.E.) and Newbold Pacy (G.G.C.). Spring and summer reports from Ashhorne (R.B.), Kingshurst (B.L.K), Leek Wootton (E.J.B.) and Arbury (R.H., M.S.). II. Pair present at Belbroughton throughout the year (L.A.C.). Spring and summer reports from Kyre (M.J.I), Wyre Forest (M.A.B., T.A.W.), Tardebigge (K.G.C., M.F.), Westwood (C.P.B.), Upton Warren (K.G.C., M.F.), Malvern Hills (G.S.) and Woodcote (F.F.). III. Nested in Coombes Valley (F.C.G.) and near Leek (G.L.). Spring and summer records from Hawksmoor, Tittensor (F.C.G.), Cannock Chase (A.F.J.), Little Hay (A.R.M.B.), River Dane (A.F.J.), Dimmingsdale (A.F.J.), Kinver (A.F.J.), Brewood, Rugeley, Bromley Hayes, Hatherton Hall (B.C.G.).

100. Hen-Harrier. II. One seen at Upton Warren on December 29th (M.A.B., T.A.W.). III. A cock seen on Cannock Chase on October 27th (M.W.). The birds seen on Goldsitch Moss, north Staffordshire moors, on November 26th (R.J.).

102. Montagu's Harrier. II. One seen near Droitwich on May 2nd (F.F.).

103. Osprey. I. Single birds seen over lakes at Compton Verney on September 21st (R.A., J.M.) and at Walton Hall on October 24th (B.H.). 34 1969 ANNUAL RTPORT - CORRIGENDUM BRENT GOOSE: The record on October 26th was at Blithfield not Trandon. HEN HARRIER: The record from Goldsitch Moss concerned txvo birds. HOBBY: Snitterfield is in Warwickshire. WHITETHROAT: In the Warwickshire section 'Southern Area' should read 'Southam Area1. 104. Hobby. Summer records continue to increase, in Warwickshire and Worcestershire. I. At Draycote one seen on June 19th (R.P. W.), June 22nd (S.A.A.) and July 26th (R.B.), a family party of four on September 20th (J.L.) and one on September 27th (J.L., L.S.). Single birds seen at Ryton-on-Dunsmere on May 17th (C.H.P.), Warwick on May 25th (O.L.L., T.W.L.), Leamington Spa during summer (E.J.B.), Hurley on June 29th (E.A.H.), Priors Hardwick on • July 21st and 24th (M.A.), Coventry on August 13th (O.L.L., T.W.L.), Brandon on August 17th (B.M.C.G.), Alvecote from September 15th to 25th (G.A.A.) and Dunchurch on September 21st (A.J.R.). Three birds seen on October 5th in locality in south Warwickshire where believed to have bred (per E.J.B.). II. Seen near Droitwich for short period in mid-May (C.P.B.) and at Snitterfield several times in same month (N.J.). One near Hanbury on June 6th (R.M.) and single birds present at Upton Warren on several dates between July 31st (R.M.) and September 17th (A.F.J.). One reported at Westwood on August 4th (C.P.B.). III. One seen near Quarnford on May 3rd feeding on a swallow (A.M.) and one near Wolverhampton on October 8th (D.S.). 105. Peregrine Falcon. I. One seen flying north on April 4th at Castle Bromwich (H.T.L.). III. A bird noted at Belvide on November 15th (D.S., M.W.). 107. Merlin. II. One seen near Bromsgrove on August 29th (B.C.G.). III. Single birds occurred at Belvide on January 30th (J.B.D.), north Staffordshire moors on March 30th and July 6th (A.M.), Brownhills on October 11th (D.D.) and at Cannock Reservoir on November 22nd (D.D.), December 7th (A.R.M.B.) and 17th (R.A.H.).

110. Kestrel. No changes in distribution reported. Several cases reported of breeding on buildings in industrial areas. I. Six pairs bred in Hams Hall/Drayton area (E.A.H.). III. Nesting site on north Staffordshire moors used continuously since at least 1955 (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.).

111. Red Grouse. Usual reports from north Staffordshire moors. 113. Black Grouse. III. Reported from various parts of north Stafford- shire moors, e.g. Blackbrook, Swallow Moss, Elkstones, Gold- sitch Moors, Roach End and Green Gutter Head.

115. Red-legged Partridge. Coveys and birds reported were:— I. Eight at Packington (B.L.K.) and nine at Draycote (J.L.). II. Several birds near Feckenham (F.F.).

35 III. Nine at Burntwood (R.A.H.); 14 at Essington (D.S.); 17 at Belvide (D.S.); seven at Brownhills (D.D.); and 25 at Whitting- ton Sewage Farm on December 14th (D.S., M.W.). A bird noted on April 27th at Black Moor, Ipstones, where unusual (F.C.G.).

116. Partridge. Numbers reported were:— I. Nine at Draycote (J.L.); 10 at llmington (G.R.H.); six at Henley-in-Arden (D.M.T.); 16 at Alvecote (G.A.A., M.A.A.); 22 at Stratford-upon-Avon (J.M.). II. 12 near Cookley (F.F.). III. 10 at Essington (D.S.); 35 (three coveys) at Brownhills (D.G.E.); 10 at Knighton Reservoir (R.A.H.); 15 at Burntwood (R.A.H.); 12 at Lichfield (F.A.D.); 16 at Clayhanger (D.D.); 23 (two coveys) at Hatherton (D.D.); 20 at Berryhill (H.W.K.).

117. Quail. I. One heard at Waddington on August 13th (T.A.W.K.). II. Heard on June 25th near Belbroughton (L.A.C.) and a few times in the summer near Rochford (per W.N.A.T.). III. Nest with 12 eggs disturbed at Hamstall Ridware in July and eggs broken (per F.C.G.).

120. Water-Rail. Autumn, winter and early spring records from many waters. I. One present at Brandon in summer months (B.M.C.G.) and three or four at Coombe Abbey (C.H.P.). II. At Upton Warren at least six present throughout the winter (A.F.J., T.A.W.) and one noted during summer (R.M.).

125. Corncrake. I. A pair and two young seen near Chesterton on August 29th (per E.J.B.). II. At least two birds heard near Pershore from mid-May to mid- June (per A.W.C.). One caught and released near Rubery on September 19th (F.F.). A bird present in cornfields at Cofton Richards for a week up to September 22nd (J.M.H.). III. Present at Abbots Bromley throughout summer and also in 1968 (per F.C.G.).

126. Moorhen. I. 100 birds counted at Griffon January 12th (E.H.T.). 50 nests located at Coombe Abbey in June (C.H.P.).

127. Coot. Maximum numbers noted were:— I. 112 at Brandon on October 1st (B.M.C.G.); 350 on October 5th (J.L.) at Draycote where 27 nests located in summer (per R.B.); 900 on November 2nd at Alvecote where 12 broods reared (G.A.A.); 550 at Tame Valley gravel pits on November 16th (E.A.H.); and 216 at Seeswood Pool on December 28th (M.S.).

36 II. 300 at Westwood on January 12th (C.P.B.); 200 at Upton Warren on February 16th (J.L.); and 100 at Bittell on Decem- ber 20th (A.R.D., B.R.D.). III. 880 at Blithfield on January 11th (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.); 650 on January 25th at Bclvide where on June 14th 32 nests contained 182 eggs (D.S., M.W.); 350 at Gailey on December 9th (B.C.G.); 210 at Cannock Reservoir on February 9th (D.S.); 172 at Hatherton on October 4th (D.D.); and 210 at Swinfen on Novem- ber 16th (M.J.A.).

131. Oystercatcher. Small influx noted in mid-May. I. At Draycote one or two present from March 24th (J.C.) throughout the summer and from behaviour almost certainly bred. Four seen on July 25th and two on August 14th (per R.B.). Two seen at Brandon on March 2nd (B.M.C.G.) and single birds at Old Milverton on May 16th and 18th (R.Ba., P.D., D.M.), Southam on August 11th (R.B.) and Ufton Fields on November 2nd (D.M.B.). II. Two present at Bittell on May 4th (R.M., B.T.N., T.A.W.) and August 27th (K.G.C., M.F.) and one at Upton Warren on May 16th (T.A.W.). III. At Belvide single birds seen on January 16th (D.S.), from March 5th (J.B.D.) to 15th (B.C., M.W.), on May 17th (D.D., D.S.), July 19th (A.F.J., D.S.) and three on August 16th (D.S.). At Cannock Reservoir single birds noted on March 23rd, April 4th, December 24th and 29th (D.D.) and at Blithfield on January 5th (several observers), March 15th (B.C.), June 19th (P.L.), July 26th (G.M.), and three on August 17th (B.C.). One noted at Rickerscote on March 16th (F.C.G.), at Lichfield on May 15th (F.E.P.), Hatherton Hall on January 30th (B.C.G.), and at Tittesworth on March 16th (J.F.B.). 133. Lapwing. I. 800 present at Kingsbury on August 5th (H.T.L.); 500 at Gaydon on September 20th (R.A.H.); 4,000 at Bodymoor Heath on November 23rd (E.A.H.); 1,500 at Newbold Pacey on December 6th (G.G.C.); and 750 at Alvecote on December 21st (G.A.A., M.A.A.). II. 1,500 estimated at Upton Warren on February 8th (D.I.N., T.A.W.); 800 at Bittell on December 27th (T.A.W.); and 1,400 moved south along Malvern Hills on December 29th near Castlemorton (D.I.N.). III. 3,000 noted at Belvide on January 22nd (D.S.); 2,000 at Rickers- cote on January 24th (F.C.G.); 1,200 at Stafford on March 5th (D.S.); 2,000 at Uttoxeter on March 9th (D.S.); 1,000 at Drayton Bassett on March 22nd (J.R.W.); 5,000 at Tittensor on August 6th (M.T.); 1,000 at Blithfield on October 26th (B.R.D.); and at Cannock Reservoir on December 29th 350 flew south-west in 25 minutes (D.D.).

37 134. Ringed Plover. Small numbers at many waters. Continuous j-pmrrls were:— I. One at Alvecote on March 23rd and 30th and oft dates between August 2nd and October 10th (G.A.A.). Up to three seen at Brandon between April 6th and May 17th and one on dates between July 18th and September 21st (B.M.C.G.). At Body- moor Heath one present on April 19th and around four on dates between August 10th and November 23rd with eight on October 12th (E.A.H.). One seen at Draycote on May 4th and up to four from August 20th to September 25th, with seven on August 20th (per R.B.). IT. Small numbers occurred at Upton Warren from March 25th (A.R.D.) until May 23rd (K.G.C.) with seven on April 26th (D.I.N., T.A.W.) and again from August 3rd (A.F.J.) until September 29th (A.F.J.) with four on August 17th (T.A.W.). Up to four seen at Bittell between July 28th (R.M.) and Septem- ber 18th (M.A.B.). At Kidderminster pool up to three seen between April 27th and May 11th and up to five between August 3rd and September 16th (R.M., B.T.N.). III. One or two seen at Belvide from April 7th (D.C.) until May 3rd (A.F.J., D.S., M.W.), one on June 7th (D.S.), and then from August 3rd (M.J.I.) until October 9th (A.J.D.) with a peak in late August and 30 on September 2nd (A.J.D.). No spring records at Blithfield where noted from July 19th (J.D.) until November 9th (several observers) with a peak in late August and 50 on August 22nd (G.S.). One seen at Cannock Reservoir on April 16th (D.D.) and one or two on a few dates from August 13th (R.A.H.) until the 27th (D.D.).

135. Little Ringed Plover. I. Only six pairs known to have bred in Bodymoor Heath/Hams Hall/Packington area where rising water affected nesting success (H.T.L.). Two, possibly three, pairs bred successfully at Brandon (B.M.C.G.). Bred at Hart- shill (H.L.). Three pairs believed to have bred at Draycote where up to 10 birds seen in summer months (per R.B.). II. Still no breeding record for the county. One or two on passage seen at Upton Warren from April 10th (D.M.T.) until May 3rd (D.I.N., T.A.W.) and from June 27th (A.F.J.) until August 5th (M.A.B., A.F.J., R.M.) and at Bittell on July 31st (D.I.N.) and August 13th (several observers). Single birds seen at Kid- derminster pool on May 11th and between July 13th and Septem- ber 19th (M.H.B., R.M., B.T.N.). III. Bred at Clay Mills, where six birds seen on June 11th (E.S.C.), and probably at Cannock Reservoir (D.D.). Noted at Blithfield from July 13th (A.R.D., B.R.D.) until August 15th (J.L.) the maximum being six on August 13th (A.R.D., B.R.D.). Small numbers occurred at Belvide from April 2nd (R.B.H.) until the

41 27th (A.R.M.B., E.S.C.) and again from June 19th (J.L.) until September 17th (F.C.G, J.L., D.S.) with a maximum of eight OJI September 12th (A.J.D.). Small numbers occurred at other localities.

139. Grey Plover. I. Two seen at Bodymoor Heath on May 12th and one on the 22nd (E.A.H.), one at Bartley on November 22nd (A.F.J.) and one at Brandon on December 21st (B.M.C.G.). III. A party of 110 flew into Belvide from the east on August 12th (D.S.) close enough for identification and constituted the largest number ever recorded in the club's area. One seen at Belvide on October 18th (D.S.).

140. Golden Plover. I. 150 present at Fulbrook on January 16th (J.A.H.) ; 100 at Idlecote, where unusual, on March 27th (D.S.M.); 350 at Nuneaton Fields on April 13th (D.J.K.); 100 at Claverdon on April 13th (R.A.); and 400 at Bodymoor Heath on October 26th (E.A.H., H.T.L.). II. 14 seen near Droitwich on January 2nd (C.P.B.); 15 at Tarde- bigge on March 5th (J.R.H.); and 49 at Naunton on March 9th (D.I.N.). III. 300 noted at Drayton Bassett on January 5th and April 7th, with many of northern race distinguishable on latter date (L.S.), and a similar number on December 24th (J.R.W.); 100 at Fradley Aerodrome on January 19th (F.E.P.); 200 at Gailey on March 5th (D.S.); 70 at Alrewas on March 22nd (E.S.C.) with many of northern race; 325 at Essington on March 27th, with some of northern race present (D.S.); 135 at Brownhills on April 20th with many of northern race (D.D.); 100 at Cannock Reservoir on November 1st (D.D.); 175 at Coven Heath on November 22nd (D.S., M.W.); 250 at Penkridge on April 2nd (B.C.); 200 at Lichfield on October 31st (A.J.D.); 450 at Wetley Com- mon on October 11th (H.W.K.); and 100 at Draycott on March 27th (A.K.P.). Seen on north Staffordshire moors in summer and breeding established (F.C.G.).

143. Turnstone. I. At Bodymoor Heath one seen on May 22nd (E.A.H.), four on August 3rd, two on the 5th and one on the 10th (H.T.L.). At Draycote up to three present on a few dates from August 10th (A.J.R.) to September (per R.B.). III. One or two seen at Belvide on April 26th (A.F.J., D.S.) and 27th (several observers), July 28th (B.C.), August 30th and September 2nd (A.J.D., D.S.). Single birds reported at Blithfield on several dates between July 20th (A.R.D., B.R.D., M.J.I.) and August 25th (M.T.), with four on August 22nd (G.S.), and two present on November 3rd (B.C.G.). One occurred at Cannock Reservoir on August 13th (D.D.).

39 145. Common Snipe. Largest concentrations noted were:— I. 100 at Griff on January 19th (H.L.); 78 at Oldbury, Nuneaton, on January 26th (M.S.) ; 100 at Brandon on March 1st (B.M.C.G.); 50 at Hampton Lucy on March 22nd (R.A.); 50 at Alvecote on March 29th (G.A.A.); 50 at Hams Hall on September 6th (H.T.L.); 75 at Leamington Spa in autumn (E.J.B., W.G.B.); 90 at Solihull Sewage Works on November 30th (J.R.W.). IT. 45 at Bittell on January 10th (K.G.C., M.F.); 45 at Westwood on January 25th (T.A.W.); 55 at Upton Warren on January 26th (R.M.); and 50 on September 27th at Kidderminster -pool (M.H.B., R.M.) where a pair bred. Iir. 100 at Landywood on January 14th (D.S.); 120 at Blithfield on September 21st (R.A.H.) ; 45 at Belvide on November 12th (D.S.); and 250 at Whittington Sewage Farm on December 14th (D.S., M.W.). Plentiful in spring on north Staffordshire moors (F.C.G.).

147. Jack Snipe. Many records of single birds. Four present at Solihull Sewage Works on February 23rd I. (J.R.W.); five at Brandon on March 31st (B.M.C.G.); and four at Bodymoor Heath on November 9th (E.A.H., H.T.L.). IT. At JJpton Warren up to four noted in winter months with five on March 2nd (R.M., B.T.N.); four at Castlemorton Common on February 15th (D.I.N.); and eight at Bittell on December 23rd (M.A.B., T.A.W.). III. Four noted at Blithfield on October 11th (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.) and November 23rd (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D.), 12 at Ford Green Hall on October 26th (H.W.K.) and two at Whittington Sewage Farm on September 28th (R.M., B.T.N.).

148. Woodcock. Autumn, winter and early spring records from a number of areas. Breeding season records, often with roding, listed as follows:— I. Haywood (D.T.U., M.J.U.), Rosecoombe Wood (C.H.P.), Austy Wood (D.M.T.), Packington (K.S.), Coleshill (B.L.K.). About 60 were flushed during a shoot at Bentley on January 27th (D.L.). II. Eyemore Wood (R.M., B.T.N.), Randan Wood (F.F.). III. Hawksmoor (F.C.G.), Brereton Hayes, Fradley Wood, Weeford, Hopwas Wood (M.J.A.), Kinver Edge (R.M.), Highgate Com- mon (I.D.), Cannock Chase (G.S.), Brownhills (D.D.), Whitting- ton Sewage Farm (R.M., B.T.N.). Nest found at Aqualate on May 11th (G.Br.). 150. Curlew. Many records of small numbers on passage. Breeding distribution unchanged. I. 11 flew west at Snitterfield on August 23rd (R.A., J.M.) and 10

40 seen at Bodymoor lleath on September 1st (E.A.H.). Winter records of single birds were from Tame Valley on January 5th (G.A.A.), Bodymoor Heath on January 18th (E.A.H.) and Draycote on December 14th (C.H.P.). II. 30 seen at Upton Warren at dusk on March 25th (R.M.). Win- ter records of single birds were from Upton Warrren on January 15th (A.F.J.) and 25th (M.A.B., D.I.N., T.A.W.). III. 27 arrived at Blithfield at dusk on October 26th (E.S.C.). At Whittington Sewage Farm 150 noted on September 28th (R.M., B.T.N.) and 63 on December 14th (D.S., M.W.) represented the only wintering flock in the club's area. Winter reports of single birds from Latherford on January 31st (A.J.D.) and from Norton on December 9th (H.W.K.).

151. Whimbrel. I. Three reported from Draycote on April 22nd and one or two during May (per R.B.). One occurred at Stud ley on July 30th (A.J.R.), six at Brandon on August 3rd (B.M.C.G.) and one at Alvecote on August 2nd and September 21st (G.A.A.). II. Single birds seen at Upton Warren on May 1st (K.G.C., M.F.) and 21st (R.M.). III. Single birds seen at Blithfield on July 13th (A.R.D., B.R.D.) and August 5th (E.S.C.), two on August 31st (B.R.D.), three on September 5th (A.R.D.) and one on September 14th (A.R.M.B,. E.S.C.). At Belvide two present on April 26th (A.F.J., D.S.) and August 12th (D.S.) and one on July 28th (B.C.) and August 13th (B.R.D.). One seen at Clay Mills on July 20th (E.S.C.) and at Westport Lake on May 9th (A.S.)..

154. Black-tailed Godwit. I. At Brandon one seen on April 25th and one or two present on most dates between July 26th and Septem- ber 3rd (B.M.C.G.). II. Three noted at Upton Warren on July 8th (A.F.J.), one at Bittell on August 15th (M.A.B.) and one at.Kidderminster pool during period August 8th (R.M.) to 20th (M.H.B.). III. At Belvide one seen on April 26th (D.S.) and June 14th (M.W.). \ 155. Bar-tailed Godwit. II. One noted at Upton Warren on March 21st (A.F.J., T.A.W.), April 27th (R.M., B.T.N.) and May 3rd (T.A.W.), two on August 3rd (A.F.J.) and one on October 2nd ^ (K.G.C., M.F.). \ III. Four present at Blithfield on July 19th (J.D.) and one on Septem- \ ber 13th (M.A.B., A.F.J., T.A.W.). i.. 15,6. Green Sandpiper. Winter records seem to be increasing and were received from three counties. Several spring records from Warwickshire, one from Worcestershire and none from Stafford-

41 shire. Reports of single birds from many waters. Highest numbers on autumn passage were:— I. Up to 10 at Brandon (B.M.C.G.), up to seven in August at Draycote (per R.B.) and six at Hams Hall on August 7th (H.T.L.). Three wintered m the Tame Valley (E.A.H., H.T.L.). II. Up to five at Upton Warren (R.M.) and up to four at Kiddermin- ster pool (R.M.). III. A maximum nf five at Blithfield on July 27th (G.B.). 157. Wood-Sandpiper. I. At Brandon one seen on May 31st, the only spring record for the county, and one or two from August 2nd to 17th (B.M.C.G.). Single birds reported from Alvecote on August 7th (G.A.A.), Hartshill Sewage Farm on August 9th (D.E.J.) and September 2nd (H.L.), Draycote on August 31st (A.J.R.) and Packington on September 21st (J.R.W.). Three seen at Hams Hall on August 7th and two on the 12th (H.T.L.). II. Spring records of single birds from Cookley on April 9th (B.T.N.) and on May 3rd (D.I.N., T.A.W.) from Upton Warren where one also seen on August 15th (K-GC-. M.F.). At Kidderminster pool one seen on August 11th (R.M.) and 20th (M.H.B.) and from September 21st to 29th (M.H.B., R.M., B.T.N.). TIT. Up to three seen at Blithfield on dates between July 19th (I.D.) and September 2nd (several observers). Single birds occurred at Clay Mills on June 6th (E.S.C.) and at Rushall on August 19th (A.E.C.). 159. Common Sandpiper. I. Present all summer at Leamington Spa Reservoir (E.J.B.). At Brandon up to three between April 20th and May 6th, and up to four from July 4th to October 31st (B.M.C.G.). Single birds seen at Alvecote from April 24th to May 4th and up to three between June 29th and September 27th (G.A.A.). Single birds at Draycote on May 8th and 9th and in autumn present from July 1st to October 5th with up to 20 in late July and early August (per R.B.). Seven noted at Lea Marston on July 13th (J.R.W.), eight at Hartshill Sewage Farm on August 9th (D.E.J.) and 25 at Bodymoor Heath on August 14th (E.A.H.). II. At Upton Warren up to three noted from April 14th (M.A.B., D.I.N., R.M.) until May 4th (M.A.B.) and usually up to four from June 19th (K.G.C., M.F.) until September 27th (M.A.B.) with a maximum of seven on August 10th (several observers). Single birds seen at Bittell between April 14th (K.G.C.) and May 17th (M.A.B.) and from July 17th (D.I.N.) until September 30th' (K.G.C.) with maximum of 10 on July 23rd (K.G.C.) and a late birdr on November 23rd (T.A.W.). Up to three present at Kidder- minster pool from April 27th to May 25th (R.M.) and noted from September 20th (R.M.) to October 1st with 20 on August 14th (M.H.B., B.T.N.).

42 nr. One at Blithfield on April 20th (A.R.D., B.R.D.) and then occurred from June 22nd (E.S.C.) until November 23rd (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D., A.S.) with a peak of about 40 on August 24th (B.C.G.). Up to four seen at Belvide from April 16th (D.S.) until May 5th (A.R.M.B.) and then from June 25th (A.R.D.) until October 4th (D.D.) with a maximum of 16 on August 10th (D.S.)—same peak as at Blithfield. At Cannock Reservoir one present on May 26th (D.D.) and then small numbers from July 12th (D.D.) until September 19th (R.A.H.) with a maximum of six on August 14th (D.D.).

.161. Redshank. Several winter records from each county. No changes reported in breeding distribution. Largest numbers reported were:— I. Eight at Bodymoor Heath on March 27th (E.A.H.) and 15 at Draycote on August 2nd (per R.B.). II. Six at Upton Warren during April (several observers) and on Tuly 18th (K.G.C.). TIT. Seven at Rickerscote on March 16th (F.C.G.); 12 at Drayton Bassett on March 22nd (J.R.W.); 20 on July 20th (D.C.) at Belvide, where four pairs reared at least 10 young (D.S., M.W.); and eight at Blithfield on September 2nd (G.S.). At least three pairs nested in a marshy field near Four Ashes (D.J.M.). 162. Spotted Redshank. I. At Brandon one present on May 24th and one or two between August 23rd and September 18th (B.M.C.G.). Two seen at Alvecote on June 22nd and one from September 15th to 28th (G.A.A.). Single birds occurred at Draycote from August 21st to October 1st (per R.B.) with two on September 27th (J.L., L.S.). One at Ufton Fislds on.Octo- ber 10th (E.J.R.) and at Tame Valley gravel pits on the 12th (G.A.A.). II. One or two reported from Upton Warren between August 16th (M.A.B., T.A.W.) and November 13th (A.F.J.) apart from three on August 18th (K.G.C., A.R.D., M.F.). III. At Blithfield one or two present from September 2nd (G.S.) until September 21st (E.S.C., M.J.I., A.S.) and a late bird on November 1st (E.M.R.). Three seen at Belvide on August 30th (F.G.C.), one on September 4th (D.S., M.W.) and three on the 7th (A.R.M.B.). One present at Trentside, Stoke-on-Trent on September 8th (H.W.K.).

165. Greenshank. I. At Draycote three or four seen between May 3rd (C.H.P.) and 25th (per R.B.) and around five between July 18th (per R.B.) and October 5th (J.L.) with 10 on September 14th (per R.B.). Four seen at Brandon on May 24th and up to three from July 7th to October 18th (B.M.C.G.). Up to four present

43 at Bodymoor Heath from August 11th to September 9th (E.A.H.) and one or two at Alvecote on June 8th and from July 27th to September 17th (G.A.A.). Many isolated records, up to four birds, from other waters. II. At Upton Warren one seen on April 25th (K.G.C., M.F.) and up to three from July 20th (K.G.C., M.F.) until August 25th (A.F.J.) with one on November 4th (A.F.J.). One or two reported from Kidderminster pool from August 15th (R.M.) to September 2nd (M.H.B.). III. Numbers fewer than usual at Blithfield where not more than four seen between July 19th (J.D., A.F.J.) and October 29th (J.L.). Similarly at Belvide where only single birds recorded between August 10th (A.R.D., B.R.D.) and September 13th (D.S., M.W.). Three at Tittesworth Reservoir on August 16th and four on September 14th (H.W.K.).

169. Knot. I. One seen at Draycote on September 2nd (R.P.W.). II. Single birds reported at Upton Warren on September 19th and 21st (A.F.J.). ITT. Up to five occurred at Blithfield between August 27th (E.S.C.) and September 14th (several observers) with two later on Novem- ber 2nd (E.S.C.) and 9th (several observers) and one on Decem- ber 14th (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D.). One seen in summer plumage at Belvide on July 30th (I.D.). One present at Lather- ford on April 2nd (A.J.D.).

170. Purple Sandpiper. III. One seen at close range at Cannock Reservoir on September 16th and 17th (R.A.H.).

171. Little Stint. I. Single birds reported at Brandon on July 30th (B.M.C.G.), at Draycote on August 14th (R.B.) and September 27th (J.L., L.S.), at Alvecote on September 20th and 21st (G.A.A.) and at Packington on September 28th (J.R.W.). II. Three seen at Bittell on September 17th (M.A.B.). III. Occurred at Blithfield, usually up to three, between September 11th (F.C.G.) and 28th (several observers) apart from six on the 14th (A.R.D., B.R.D.). One seen at Belvide on September 20th (D.S., M.W.).

178. Dunlin. Isolated records on passage from many waters. Con- tinuous records were as follows:— I. Up to three seen at Draycote from March 4th until May and in autumn noted from July 18th to December 14th with a maximum of eight on October 11th, (per R.B.). Three seen at Alvecote on March 20th, one on April 27th and then up to four between August 30th and December 14th (G.A.A.).

44 II. At Kidderminster pool five occurred on April 27th (R.M.) and then from July 5th (R.M.) until October 10th (M.H.B.) with seven on October 7th (R.M.). Noted at Upton Warren from February 14th until May 16th (T.A.W.), usually up to four, but with a peak in late April and 31 on April 27th (several observers). Autumn passage occurred from July 7th (A.R.D.) up to December 18th (A.F.J.) with a maximum of 12 on October 27th (A.F.J.). At Bittell one present on March 25th (K.G.C., A.R.D., M.F.) and up to three from July 23rd until October 13th (K.G.C., M.F.). III. 15 seen at Perry Barr Park, Birmingham, on March 20th (per J.P.). Single birds seen at Blithfield on a few dates between March 23rd (E.S.C., M.J.I.) and April 27th (A.R.D., B.R.D.), and then occurred from July 20th to end of year with around 20 from late August to early September and from late September until mid-December and peaks of 26 on August 23rd (L.S.), 38 on October 5th (E.S.C., M.J.I.) and 53 on November 9th (several observers). At Belvide present from March 22nd (A.F.J., D.S.) and May 18th (R.S.C.) with at least 40 on April 26th (A.F.J., D.S.) and return passage noted from June 28th (D.S.) until December 29th (A.J.D.), usually less than 10, but with peaks of 30 on August 2nd (A.F.J.) and 26 on November 15th (D.S., M.W.). Small numbers up to four seen at Cannock Reservoir on a few dates from January 4th (D.G.E.) until March 29th (R.A.H.) and again from August 26th until the end of the year (D.D.).

179. Curlew-Sandpiper. More records than any previous year. I. Two seen at Alvecote from September 1st to 9th with four on the 11th (G.A. A.). Up to three present at Draycote from August 31st (A.J.R.) until September 9th (R.P.W.). Single birds noted at Bodymoor Heath on September 1st and 13th (E.A.H.), Packington on September 14th (J.R.W;) and 17th (B.L.K.), and two at Brandon from September 13th to 17th (B.M.C.G.). III. Occurred at Blithfield, usually up to five, from August 17th (E.S.C.) until September 21st (E.S.C., R.A.H., M.J.I., A.S.) with a peak in late August and early September when numbers reached 18 on August 31st and September 1st (several observers). Up to five seen at Belvide from August 30th (D.D., F.C.G.) until September 14th (M.W.).

181. Sanderling. I. One seen at Draycote on May 25th (S.A.A.) and two on July 19th (A.J.R.). II. A single bird occurred at Bittell on July 20th (M.A.B., T.A.W.). III. Single birds seen at Blithfield on August 17th (E.S.C.) and at Belvide on September 2nd (D.S.), 13th (several observers) and 14th (D.S.). 45 184. Ruff. I. At AJvecote single birds seen between August 2nd and September 25th, with two on September 21st (G.A.A.). Up to four occurred at Brandon between July 30th and October 5th (B.M.C.G.). Seen at Draycote between July 18th and October 29th with a maximum of seven in September (per R.B.). At Bodymoor Heath noted from August 3rd (E.A.H., H.T.L.) until September 17th (H.T.L.) with 11 on the first date. One or two seen at Packington between August 17th and September 14th (J.R.W.) and five at Hams Hall on September 6th (H.T.L.). II. At Upton Warren single birds seen on March 5th (A.F. J., T.A.W.) and from April 24th to 29th (K.G.C., M.F.) and then up to three from July 15th (T.A.W.) until September 23rd (A.F.J.). One or two noted at Kidderminster pool between August 16th and September 19th (M.H.B.) and £Lt Bittell from September 14th (K.G.C.) until the 20th (R.M.). III. Seen at Blithfield from July 19th (A.F.J.) until November 9th (several observers), usually up to three, but with 12 on Septem- ber 2nd (T.E.C.P.). One noted at Belvide on June 7th (D.S.) and up to three from July 25th (B.C.) until August 17th (A.R.D., B.R.D.). One at Cannock Reservoir on August 15th (D.D.) and single birds at Trentside, Stoke-on-Trent, on September 8th and 15th (H.W.K.).

185. Avocet. II. A bird seen at Upton Warren on July 29th (A.F.J., A.J.R.).

187. Grey Phalarope. I. One seen at Bodymoor Heath on November 2nd (E.A.H., H.T.L.).

193. Arctic Skua. III. An immature dark-phase bird occurred at Belvide on October 25th (D.C., A.F.J.).

198. Greater Black-backed Gull. Small numbers reported from various waters mainly m January, February and December.

199. Lesser Black-backed Gull. 1. 500 noted at Packington on July 9th (H.T.L.), 1,000 at Bodymoor Heath on September 8th (H.T.L.), and 1,000 on November 16th (per R.B.) at Draycote where bird of Scandinavian race seen on September 20th (J.L.) 111. Largest number seen at roost at Belvide was 1,000 on September 11th (D.S.), where occasional birds noted with white wing- patches (D.S.), and also at Cannock Reservoir (R.A.H.). A few Scandinavian race birds seen at both these roosts. 600 noted at Wednesfield rubbish dump on November 19th (D.S.) and about 2,000 at Blithfield on December 14th (B.R.D.).

46 200. Herring-Gull. II. Nested on a large rubbish dump at Bromsgrove, where nest with 2 eggs seen on June 13th (F.F.), the first record for the club's area. 111. 3,000 reported at roost at Blithfield on January 19th (A.R.M.B.), 1,000 at Belvide on February 22nd (F.C.G.) and 400 at Wednes- field rubbish-dump on December 30th (D.S.).

201. Common Gull. Rather more occurrences than usual but total numbers small with most records in March, November and December.

202. Glaucous Gull. I. One present at Packington on March 29th (K.S.). II. A bird seen at Bittell on April 20th (J.M.H.). III. Single birds noted at Belvide on January 26th (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D.), March 8th (E.S.C., D.S.), March 9th (A.R.D., M.J.I.) and October 11th (D.S.). At Blithfield single birds present on March 9th (E.S.C., A.R.D.), December 7th and 28th (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D., R.A.H.).

203. Iceland Gull. III. One seen at Belvide on January 22nd (D.S.).

207. Little Gull. I. One seen at Draycote on August 13th (R.B.). III. One present at Belvide on August 19th (D.S.), September 20th (A.R.M.B., D.S., M.W.) and two on September 27th (D.S., M.W.). At Blithfield single birds seen on April'27th (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D.), May 18th (A.R.D., B.R.D.) and four on August 16th (R.A.H.); and two at Cannock Reservoir on August 12th (R.A.H.).

208. Black-headed Gull. 1. 400 noted at rubbish-tip at Bermuda on February 16th (M.L.), 1,250 at Alvecote on'August 31st (G.A.A.) and 2,000 at Bodymoor Heath on September 8th (H.T.L.). II. 750 seen at Bittell roost in winter (T.A.W.). III. About 60 pairs nested in a colony in marshy meadows near Gnosall. 12,000 estimated at Blithfield roost on January 19th (A.R.M.B.), 1,000 at Rickerscote on January 22nd (F.C.G.), 7,400 at Belvide on November 5th (D.S.), 500 at Essington on November 23rd (D.S.), 5,000 at Cannock Reservoir on November 20th (M.T.) and 400 at Wednesfield on December 30th (D.S.).

211. Kittiwake. I. One seen at Coventry on December 16th (C.H.P.). II. An oiled bird present at Upton Warren on March 16th (R.M., B.T.N.). III. At Cannock Reservoir two seen on March 24th and 29th(R. A.H.), August 1st and 16th (D.D.), October 25th (D.D.) and December 28th (R.M., B.T.N.). One seen at Belvide on February 22nd

47 (D.S.). At Blithfield one noted on May 11th (A.R.D., B.R.D.) and an immature from August 10th (A.R.D., B.R.D., M.J.I.) until the 17th (B.C., E.S.C.).

212. Black Tern. Influx at end of July in Warwickshire and Worcester- shire. I. At Bodymoor Heath three seen on May 4th (J.R.W.), two on June 8th (E.A.H.), 16 on the 11th (E.A.H.) and two on the 28th (J.R.W.). Two present at Brandon on July 28th and seven on the 29th (B.M.C.G.) and single birds at Alvecote on May 5th and August 3rd (G.A.A.). At Draycote up to four present between May 25th and September 14th apart from 25 on July 28th and 11 on August 4th (per R.B.). II. Single birds seen at Upton Warren between April 21st (K.G.C., M.F.) and May 25th (A.F.J., R.M., T.A.W.), apart from seven on May 2nd (K.G.C., M.F.), and then 11 on July 28th (R.M.) and one on August 5th (M.A.B.). Four seen at Bittell on May 4th (M.A.B., G.A.O., T.A.W.) and up to six between July 29th (R.M.) and August 14th (M.A.B., T.A.W.). At Westwood eight on July 29th (C.P.B.), one on August 1st, nine on the 4th (D.I.N.) and two or three between September 14th and 24th (C.P.B., M.A.B., T.A.W.). One at Kidderminster pool on August 4th (R.M.). III. One at Blithfield on May 11th (A.R.D., B.R.D.) was the only spring record in the county. Seen at Blithfield from July 22nd (R.A.H.) until September 14th (E.S.C.) with peak of 14 on August 10th (A.R.M.B., L.S.). One or two present at Belvide on June 7th and 8th (E.S.C., D.S.) and noted from September 28th (B.C.) until September 17th (F.C.G., J.L., D.S.) with peak of 18 on August 13th (A.R.D., B.R.D.). Nine seen at Cannock Reservoir on August 12th (R.A.H.), three on the 14th (J.L.) and one on September 8th (R.A.H.). Three at Aqualate on August 3rd (T.E.C.P.); three at Copmere on September 14th (G.M.) and one on the 21st (T.W.B.); 12 at Gailey on June 11th (J.S.C.R.); one at Bromley on May 3rd (E.W.L.); and two at Tittesworth Reservoir on August 2nd and one on September 14th (H.W.K.).

213. White-Winged Black Tern. I. One on July 12th at Alvecote was seen at close range when white forewings very noticeable (G.A.A.), the first record for the county since 1927. II. One occurred at Westwood on May 14th (G.H.G.) and was the first record for the county.

214. Whiskered Tern. III. A bird noted at Belvide on April 27th when dipping flight, slate grey mantle and wings, black cap, white cheeks and deep red bill noted (A.R.M.B.)—a first record for the county. r.

48 217. Common Tern. Occasional occurrences from many waters. Regular records as follows:— I. At Alvecote one seen on April 26lh, four on July 12th and singles on July 13th, September 1st and 2nd (G.A.A.). Bred on island at Bodymoor Heath nest being on old motor-cycle mud-guard, the first record for the county. One brood of two reared and family party of four last seen on September 7th (E.A.H., H.T.L.). It. Single birds recorded at Bittell between July 22nd (M.A.B.) and October 12th (M.A.B., T.A.W.) and at Upton Warren on May 4th and 5th (MA.B., T.A.W.), June 14th—three (M.A.B.), July 29th—two (R.M.) and August 31st (R.M., B.T.N.). III. Noted at Belvide usually about three from April 26th (A.F.J., D.S.) until September 14th (D.S., M.W.) with nine on August 2nd (D.D.). Two occurred at Blithfield on April 27th (A.R.D., B.R.D.) and six on May 25th (B.R.D.) and then present between July 20th (A.R.D., B.R.D., M.J.I.) and September 6th (L.S.) with seven on the last date. Seen at Cannock Reservoir, up to three, from July 29th to September 18th (D.D.).

218. Arctic Tern. I. Three reported at Draycote on July 28th (R. P. W.) and one at Alvecote on August 31st (G.A.A.). II. One seen at Bittell on August 31st (R.M., B.T.N.) and two on September 2nd (K.G.C.). A bird present at Upton Warren on August 12th (A.J.R.). III. Single birds noted at Blithfield between August 3rd (A.R.M.B.) and October 5th (M.J.I.) apart from six on August 23rd (L.S.). One or two seen at Cannock Reservoir between August 13th (D.D.) and September 12th (R.A.H.) apart from four on August 26th (D.D.). At Belvide 16 seen on May 4th (A.R.M.B., D.S., M.W.), one on the 9th (D.S.), and four on the 31st (D.D.) and then one or two between August 30th and September 15th (D.S.).

219. Roseate Tern. I. One present at Draycote on May 4th (J.C.) and two seen flying south at Bodymoor Heath on May 31st (H.T.L.).

222. Little Tern. I. A bird seen at Brandon on September 16th (B.M.C.G.). 223. Sandwich Tern. Small influx in mid-September. I. At Draycote two seen on July 18th (N.S.) and one on August 28th and September 14th (R.B.). II. At Bittell three seen on May 6th (K.G.C., M.F.) and five on September 15th (M.A.B.). Two seen at Upton Warren on August 12th (A.F.J.) and at Westwood on September 14th (M.A.B., T.A.W.). III. At Cannock Reservoir one noted on September 16th and three on the 19th (R.A.H.). A bird seen at Blithfield on August 13th (A.R.D., B.R.D.). 49 232. Stock-Dove. I. About 25 seen at Bartley on March 7th (D.M.H.). Flocks of up to 50 noted at Draycote in December and one of 100 on the 20th (J.L.). II. Flocks of 10 seen near Malvern on March 22nd and of 40 at Naunton on September 14th (D.I.N.). TIL Flocks reported of 20 at Kinver Edge on March 16th (D.S.); 15 at Belvide on March 22nd (D.S.); 13 at Brownhills on Septem- ber 6th (D.D.); 30 at Bhthfield on October 29th (J.L.); and 12 at Copmere on November 7th (G.M.). Bird seen to settle for several seconds in centre of reservoir at Belvide on August 3rd (B.R.D.). [See 1957 Report for similar occurrence. Ed.].

234. Wood-Pigeon. Largest flocks reported were:— II. 400 near Malvern on March 11th (D.I.N.). HI. 300 at Rugeley on January 3rd (R.A.H.); 300 at Chorley on January 4th (R.A.H.); 300 at Brownhills on January 26th and February 1st (D.D.); 1,000 at Gailey on February 2nd (D.S.); 900 at Belvide on April 16th (D.S.); 600 at Essington on April 18th (D.S.); 750 at Whittington Sewage Farm on December 14th (D.S., M.W.).

235. Turtle-Dove. II. One seen near Bromsgrove on April 7th (J.Sc.), an early date which may be connected with recent reports of wintering.

in. 32 present at Belvide on September 21st (F.C.G.).

Collared Dove. Reported from:— I. Alvecote (G.A.A.); Coventry (R.B.) where roost of up to 60 noted near Cathedral; Hall Green, Birmingham (R.L.S., D.M.T.); Olton (R.S.C.), where a common breeder; Leaming- ton, where widespread (E.J.B.); Sutton Coldfield (J.L.), where 24 seen in Sutton Park on November 24th (K.S.). IT. West Hagley (M.T.); Kidderminster, where has increased appreciably and up to 20 visited one garden (L.R.B.); Stourport, Crowle and Worcester (F.F.); Droitwich (C.P.B.); Upper Bentley (J.R.M.)—the first noted there; Bewdley and Crossway Green (D.S.); Malvern and Upton Warren (D.I.N., T.A.W.); and Stourbridge (B.A.D.). III. Hamstall Ridware (R.R.); Belvide, Coven, Wednesfield, Ford- houses, Tettenliall (D.S.), Hatherton—where 50 on September 28th (A.J.D.), Chapel Chorlton and Essington—where colony of 100 seen on September 17th (D.S.); Brownhills, where increased, Cannock, Gailey, and Hammerwick (D.D.); Lich- field—where 30 on October 5th (A.J.D.); Blithfield and Stafford (G.S.); Copmere (G.M.); Bumtw.ood—where first seen and 12 present on September 26th (R.A.H.); Weston Park, where roost 50 of about 100 reported (per F.C.G.); Albrighton—about 60 on October 19th (D.T.R.C.); Madeley (P.Do.); Walk Mill (I.J.D.); and Woodseaves (T.W.B.).

237. Cuckoo. Reports of fewer birds than in 1968 from I. Earlswood area (J.D.M.W.). II. north Worcestershire (L.R.B.) and HI south Staffordshire (D.S.). 241. Barn-Owl. Birds reported from:— I. Compton Verney (R.A., J.M.), Sutton Coldfield (J.L.), Hutton (J.V.H., G.R.H.), Wilnecote, Alvecote (G.A.A.), Packington (G.S.), Shelford (H.L.), Chesterton Church (E.J.B.), Edstone (E.E.G.), Wootton Wawen (E.A.E.), Leamington Spa (G.H.K.). II. Bittell (K.G.C.), Crowle (K.H.T.), Cofton Richards (J.M.H.), Hanbury (R.M.). III. Blithfield (several observers), Belvide (D.S.), Little Wyrley (D.D.), Whittington Sewage Farm (R.M., B.T.N.), Hanchurch Common (G.M.), Wheaton Aston (per F.C.G.), Knightley, Woodseaves (T.W.B.), Gnosall (G.Be.), Fradley Wood (A.J.D.), Kings Brom- ley (B.C.G.), Tittensor (A.R.P.), Pipe Ridware (L.T.), Garmelow (N.R.W.). 246. Little Owl. Reports from:— I. Broad we II (R.B.), Stratford-upon-Avon (R.L.S.) Wilnecote, Alvecote (G.A.A., M.A.A.), Hall Green, Birmingham (D.M.H.), King's Heath, Birmingham (J.D.M.W.), Snitterfield (R.A.), Salford Priors—four birds on August 27th (R.A.), Wootton Wawen (J.V.H., G.R.H.), Packington (K.S.), Maxstoke (K.S.). Widespread in mid-Warwickshire (E.J.B.). II. Eckington (J.L.), Hollywood (D.M.T.), Tardebigge (J.R.R), Droitwich (M.J.I.), Castlemorton (D.I.N., T.A.W.), Cofton Richards (J.M.H.), Kidderminster (R.M.), Bewdley, Salwarpe, Clowes Top (J.R.M.). Said to be the commonest owl in Malvern area (D.I.N.). III. Lichfield, Canwell (M.J.A.), Aldridge, Church Eaton (T.E.C.P.), Draycott (A.K.P.), Haughton (E.O.), Norton (H.W.K.), Yoxall (B.C.G.), Wilbrighton (G.Be.), Burntwood—five in September (R.A.H.), Blithford (A.R.M.B.), Betley (J.F.B.), Woodseaves (T.W.B.), Stretton—pair with young (A.J.D.), Clayhanger (D.D.), Blake Brook, Bagots Park (F.C.G.). A male at Barton- under-Needwood had two females nesting in different holes in the same tree, two young being reared in each nest (F.C.G.).

247. Tawny Owl. No changes in status reported. 248. Long-eared Owl. No records. Information on status required— Enville, Cannock Chase and north Staffordshire moors having been the only places where located in recent years.

51 249. Sliorl-earcd Owl. 1. Single birds occurred at Kingsbury on November 9th (H.T.L.); Draycote on December 13th (J.L.); and Shustoke Reservoir on December 15th (D.T.U., M.J.U.). III. Present on north Staffordshire moors in summer, probably two pairs (F.C.G.). Single birds seen at Cannock Reservoir on January 12th (J.R.W.), February 25th (D.D.) and September 27th (D.G.E.). One m Bagots Park on February 2nd (J.L.), Blith- field on January 5th (B.C., J.Tr.), Yoxall on January 29th (B.C.G.) and at Tittensor on November 30th (A.R.P.)

252. Nightjar. III. Reported from various areas of Cannock Chase (several observers) and from Hanchurch Hills (G.M., A.R.P.).

255. Swift. I. Appreciable passage noted at Alvecote on July 21st and 22nd, 200 moving to west in 45 minutes on the 21st (G.A.A., M.A.A.). 300 passed over Nuneaton on August 6th (E.H.T.) and the same number moved southerly at Lea Marston (J.R.W.). II. Young bird successfully reared at Droitwich after being found on ground and fed for a fortnight (per F.F.). HI. Peak numbers at Belvide were about 2,000 on July 2nd and 5th when many greenfly about (D.S.).

258. Kingfisher. Reported from various areas outside breeding season. Breeding season records received from:— I. Stratford-upon-Avon, Preston-on-Stow (J.M.), Lea Marston (J.R.W.), Coombe Abbey (C.H.P.), Hatton (J.V.H., G.R.H.), Tame Valley/Hams Hall/Drayton Bassett area (E.A.H.), Southam/Marton area, Stockton (R.B.), Offchurch Bury (R.G., S.G.) and Brandon where three broods reared by one pair (B.M.C.G.). Increasing in mid-Warwickshire (E.J.B.) and seen at Southam for first time m six years (R.B.). II. Pershore (A.W.C.), Dowles Brook (several observers), Bittell (K.G.C.). III. Drayton Bassett, Fazeley/Hopwas area (G.A.A.), Colton (R.R.), Gailey (A.F.J.), Fisherwick Wood area (A.R.M.B.), Hopwas Wood area (A.R.M.B.), near Churnett (S.H.S.), Acton Trussell (H.G.), Grindon (per F.G.C.), Aqualate (D.H.), Betley (J.F.B.), Yoxhall (B.C.G.) and Penkridge (G.W.W.).

261. Hoopoe. I. One at Bromwich Wood on May 15th was seen entering holes in the rotting trees (K.H.T.).

262. Green Woodpecker. Breeding season records from:— I. Coombe Abbey (C.H.P.), Combrooke, Stratford-upon-Avon (J.M.), Griff (E.H.T.), Hartshill Wood (H.L.), Chapel End (H.L.), Packington (K.S.).

52 II. Upton Warren (K.G.C.), Wood Norton—but very uncommon in Avon Valley (A.W.C.), Devil's Spittleful (R.M.), Dowles Brook (H.L., R.M.), Habberley Valley (L.R.B.), Malvern Hills— where about 10 noted on September 6th, Castlemorton, Mathon, Old Hills (D.I.N.), Lickeys (J.M.H.), Bittell (K.G.C., M.K), Sheriff's Lench—the first breeding record since 1962/3 winter (T.C.S.). III. Kinver Edge (R.M.), Fradley (Wood (M.J.A.), Swynnerton (G.M.).

263. Greater Spotted Woodpecker. No changes in distribution reported.

264. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Breeding season records from:— I. Ansty Wood, Wootton Wawen (D.M.T.), Earlswood (D.M.H.), Hartshill Wood (H.L.), Packington (K.S.), Leamington Spa (E.J.B.). II. Belbroughton (L.A.C.), Rowney Green (M.J.I.), Lickeys (D.I.N.), Sale Green (K.H.T.), Westwood Park (C.P.B.), Bittell (several observers), Wyre Forest (E.J.H.), Bewdley (J.R.M.). nr. Fradlev Wood (M.J.A.), Belvide (D.S.), Blithfield (G.M.), Enville (B.R.D.), Betley (J.F.B.), Maer (G.M.).

265. Wryneck. I. Single birds seen at Nuneaton on September 19th (E.H.T.) and at Brandon on the 22nd (B.M.C.G.).

271. Woodlark. III. Two noted on stubble near Weeford on March 9th flew off to south-west (A.R.M.B.).

272. Skylark. I. Seven or eight pairs bred on 200 acres of farmland at Wilnecote compared with about 12 pairs normally (G.A.A., M.A.A.). Passage noted over Hall Green, Birmingham, from October 5th to 29th (D.M.H.). Flock of about 50 seen at Bartley on November 26th (D.M.H.). II. Flocks noted were 150 at Great Witley on February 10th (B.T.N.); 200 at Upton Warren on February 16th (R.M., B.T.N.); and 80 at Tardebigge on March 16th and 18th (J.R.H.). III. Fewer breeding birds than normal present at Belvide where 250 moved south-west on February 15th (D.S.). 80 seen at Brown- hills on March 1st (D.D.) and 220 at Burntwood during mid- December (R.A.H.).

274. Swallow. I. Roost at Bedworth built up from last week in August and had around 5,000 birds by second week in September (M.S.). Roost at Lea Marston had about 5,000 birds on September 3rd (J.R.W.). Maximum at Alvecote roost in reed- mace was 2,000 on September 11th (G.A.A.). III. About 2,000 roosted at Ford Green Hall on August 7th (H.W.K.).

53 276. I-Touse-Martin. I. Increase reported from Hall Green, Birming- ham area (R.L.S.). At Alvecote largest autumn numbers were noted on September 15th (G.A.A., M.A.A.). Colonised new houses under erection at Hatton (J.V.H., G.R.H.). II. At least 1,000 birds moved south along the Line of the Malvern Hills on September 7th (D.I.N.). III. Said to have increased in recent years around Wombourne (I.D.). At Blithfield the highest spring numbers were about 200 on May 18th (B.R.D.) and a marked autumn concentration of at least 1,000 birds was noted on September 13th (T.W.F., J.L.) and 14th (A.R.M.B.) with a complete albino on the last date (E.S.C., R.A.H.).

277. Sand-Martin. I. Largest autumn concentration at Alvecote was on August 3rd (G.A.A.). II. 500 estimated at Kidderminster pool on August 30th (M.H.B., R.M.). III. Autumn peaks were 500 at Cannock Reservoir on August 18th (R.A.H.), 1,000 at Belvide on the 21st (D.S.) and around 3,000 at Blithfield on the 28th (R.A.H.). A new colony new Brown- hills contained 120 nests (R.A.H.) and a new one at Draycott three nests (A.K.P.).

278. Golden Oriole. II. One seen for a few days around July 4th near Bewdley (per C.G.T.).

279. Raven. II. Two seen on Malvern Hills on February 17th (K.H.T.) and October 27th (M.A.B., D.I.N., T.A.W.); one at Walton Hill on March 8th (L.A.C.); a pair at Great Witley on March 10th (C.R.L.R.); one at Stourport on March 16th (J.R.M.); and four on April 20th at Kyre (M.J.I.). III. A pair present in Wolfscotedale area from February to April 5th (J.B.W.).

280. Carrion-Crow. I. 500 seen at gravel pit in the Tame Valley on July 9th (H.T.L.). II. Seen taking young birds from Mistle-Thrush nest in Randan Wood on May 23rd (F.F.). III. 150 seen on Cannock Chase on February 1st (M.W.) and flock of 70 at Belvide on September 27th (D.S.). 281. Hooded Crow. I. One shot at Bentley on February 1st (per D.L.). Noted at Draycote from January 25th (C.H.P.) to March 31st (J.C.), usually singles, but with three on first date and four on March 2nd (C.H.P.).

282. Rook. I. Fewer large autumn flocks reported at Alvecote compared with five to 10 years ago (G.A.A., M.A.A.).

54 28.1. Jackdaw. No changes in status reported,

284. Magpie. I. Party of 12 seen at Pype Hayes Park, Birmingham, on December 2nd (F.A.D.). HI. Increase reported in Great Barr area (T.E.C.P). Common in Wombourne area where flocks of over 20 regular (I.D.).

286. Jay. No changes in status reported.

288. Great Tit. II. 17 out of 22 nest boxes in mixed deciduous woodland at Wood Norton were occupied roughly equally by Great and Blue Tits (A.W.C.). Of 31 boxes erected in acres of mixed woodland at Far Forest, Wyre Forest, three were occupied by Great Tits and eight by Blue Tits (L.R.B.).

289. Blue Tit. No changes in status reported.

290. Coal-Tit. Reported as a regular visitor at some bird tables and

peanut feeders.

292. Marsh-Tit. No changes in status reported.

293. Willow-Tit. III. Reported as much commoner than Marsh-Tit in Brownhills area (D.D.). 294. Long-Tailed Tit. Parties recorded were:— I. 13 at Packington on January 5th (K.S.) and 26 at Alvecote on July 24th (G.A.A.). II. 10 at Naunton on March 2nd (D.I.N.). III. 14 at Wood Eaton on February 6th (G.Be.), 18 at Bishops Wood on August 24th (R.A.H.), 15 at Brewood on August 30th (D.S.), about 25 at Tixall on October 26th (A.E.C.), and parties of up to 25 at Belvide in autumn and winter months (D.S.).

296. Nuthatch. I. Seen frequently during autumn in Edgbaston Park, Birmingham (R.L.S.). Many records from mid-Warwickshire (E.J.B.). II. No birds located by observer in Avon Valley (A.W.C.). Five noted in the Lickeys on February 16th (R.M., B.T.N.) and six along the Malvern Hills on the 17th (D.I.N.). III. One seen feeding young near Black Brook, north Staffordshire moors, where very unusual (F.C.G.). Two in Great Barr garden on September 12th (T.E.C.P.) were first seen there by observer.

298. Tree-Creeper. No changes in status reported.

299. Wren. No changes in status reported. 55 300. Dipper. I. Bird seen on river Alne near Wootton Wawen, where unusual, on April 4th (D.M.T.) and again on December 3rd (E.E.G.). IT. Bird seen at Bittell on January 1st (D.M.H.), joined by another on February 2nd (M.A.B.) and birds last seen on May 12th (M.A.B., D.M.H., T.A.W.). One seen at Chaddesley Corbett from March 5th to 20th (F.F.). Seven pairs noted on Duwles Brook on March 9th (R.M., B.T.N.). One occurred at Arley on March 30th (R.M.) and nest seen near Ombersley on June 19th (C.P.B.). 111. Noted on River Dane (T.E.C.P.). Three seen on river Manifold on October 10th (A.H.). Building at Knypersley on April 12th (H.W.K.).

301. Mistle-Thrush. I. A tame bird at Nuneaton could be lifted off its nest for inspection but on May 18th its mate attacked observer pecking him vigorously on the head (C.H.M.). Has increased in recent years in Hams Hall district where 10 breeding birds known in Tame Valley area (E.A.H.). Flock of 38 noted at Hams Hall on October 15th feeding on yew berries (E.A.H.). II. Flocks seen of 30 at Barnt Green on August 31st (M.A.B.) and of 19 at Tardebigge on the 29th (J.R.H.). III. 15 noted at Belvide on September 27th (D.S.) and 17 at Clay- hanger on October 26th (D.D.).

302. Fieldfare. Flocks of around 100 commonly reported in January, February, March and early April. Larger flocks were:— I. 200 at Griff on January 26th (W.G.L.); 300 at Solihull on February 23rd (J.R.W.); and 300 at Coleshill on April 13th (J.R.W.). II. 200 at Stourport on January 18th (M.H.B.); 200 at Redditch on January 19th (K.G.C.); 200 at Upton Warren on March 25th (R.M., T.A.W.); a roost of about 500 near Alvechurch on April 6th (M.J.I.). Heard calling overhead at night at Hollywood on November 22nd (D.M.T.). III. 400 at Acton Trussell on March 6th (P.T.); 300 at Essington on March 23rd (D.S.); 250 at Bunkers Hill on April 6th (R.M., B.T.N.); 300 at Haughton on April 13th (E.O.); 250 at Gayton on April 19th (A.J.); 300 at Bickford on April 20th (A.J.D.); 280 flying north-east in 25 minutes on April 21st at Brownhills (D.D.); 400 at Leigh on November 24th (J.B.R.); 550 at Belvide on December 6th (D.S.); 500 at Ball Green on December 6th (H.W.K.); 500 at Stafford on December 18th (P.T.); and 350 at Huddlesford on December 22nd (A.J.D.).

303. Song-Thrush. No changes in status reported. 56 304. Redwing. Numbers fewer than Fieldfaies. I. Much scarcer than Fieldfares at Alvecote (G.A.A., M.A.A.). 100 noted at Griff on January 26th (W.G.L.). II. Outnumbered by Fieldfares at Tardebigge on March 8th which was unusual for district (J.R.H.). Considerably less common in Randan Wood area than usual and, unlike most years, fewer than Fieldfares (F.F.). Outnumbered by Fieldfares in ratio ten to one at Sheriffs Lench in mid-December (T.C.S.). Flock of 80 noted on Malvern Hills on October 27th (M.A.B.). III. Flocks noted of 100 at Bunkers Hill on April 6th (R.M., B.T.N.); 100 at Norton on October 13th (H.W.K.); 200 at Clayhanger on October 19th (D.D.); 100 at Yoxall on November 22nd (B.C.G.); and 100 at Elmshurst on December 25th (M.J.A.). 320 flew south at Belvide on December 20th (D.S.).

307. Ring-Ouzel. II. One noted on passage at Upton Warren on March 22nd (M.A.B.) and up to four on Malvern Hills between September 6th and November 2nd (D.I.N.). III. Several pairs bred on north Staffordshire moors (several observers). Two seen at Berry Hill on March 19th (H.W.K.). Party of 12 feeding on bilberries at Roach End on August 23rd (D.W.Y.).

308. Blackbird. I. 18 pairs bred on 200 acres of agricultural land at Wilnecote compared with three pairs of Song-Thrushes (G.A.A., M.A.A.). Pronounced influx noted in Bedworth area on October 24th (M.S.). III. Small influx reported at Blithfield on July 13th when about 50, mainly juveniles, were noted (B.R.D.). About 200 roosted from October to end of year at Stafford Castle (P.T.).

311. Wheatear. Many reports of small numbers on passage. I. Five seen at Fort Dunlop, Erdington, Birmingham on September 15th (C.N.H.) and 20 at Leamington Spa Reservoir on Septem- ber 21st (E.J.B.). Up to five seen at Draycote in late September (per R.B.). II. Three or four pairs bred on Malvern Hills where eight seen on passage on August 30th (D.I.N.). IIT. Two resident pairs seen at Blackbrook, north Staffordshire moors, on May 10th (T.E.C.P.). Up to nine at Sneyd, Essing- ton, in August (M.W.), 13 present at Cannock Reservoir on August 16th (D.D.) and 20 at Norton on April 17th (H.W.K.).

317. Stonechat. No breeding records but reports on passage continue to increase. I. Noted, up to three, at Brandon between January 12th and March 30th and again from October 18th to November 23rd (B.M.C.G.).

57 Seen at Draycote, up to about four, between January 6th (J.C.) and March 9th (C.H.P.). One present in Sutton Park on January 26th (G.E.L.) and one or two between October 12th and Novem- ber 30th (G.E.L., K.S.). One or two reported at Bodymoor Heath from November 2nd to December 31st (E.A.H., H.T.L.). Single birds seen at Waverley Wood on January 4th and 5th (several observers) and at Chesterton Church Pool on September 14th (E.J.B., W.G.B.). II. One or two reported from Upton Warren between January 11th and March 5th (T.A.W.) and from July 23rd (A.F.J., R.M.) until October 25th (M.A.B., T.A.W.). Seen at Kidderminster pool, one or two, between January 5th and February 9th and from November 1st to December 31st (M.H.B., R.M., B.T.N.). One or two noted on Malvern Hills between October 30th and December 12th (D.I.N.). One reported near Hanbury on Feb- ruary 23rd (F.F.); a pair on Hartlebury Common on March 5th (F.F.); three at Castlemorton Common on October 9th (W.N.A.T.) and one on the 15th (D.I.N.); one at Stourport on November 8th; and one at Bittell on December 30th (M.A.B.). III. One or two seen at Belvide between January 4th and March 5th (D.S., M.W.); at Blithfield between January 5th (A.R.D., M.J.I.) and March 9th (D.S.) and again from November 16th to Decem- ber 21st (A.R.D., B.R.D.); and at Cannock Reservoir from January 1st (D.D.) to March 22nd (A-F.J.) and on December 13th (D.D.) and 28th (R.A.H.). One or two reported outside breeding season at Kinver Edge (D.S.); Landywood (D.S.); Gentleshaw (R.A.H.); Cannock Chase (M.J.I., M.W.); Essing- ton (D.S.); Banky Brook; Park Hall; Norton Colliery; Westport (H.W.K.); Tittesworth (J.F.B.); Fradley (B.C.G.); and Haughton (E.O.).

3.1.8. Whinchat. I. Bredding reported from Alvecote (G.A.A.); Old- bury Hills (R.B.); Packington (K.S.); and Ufton Fields (I.K.D.). Six seen on passage at Chesterton Church Pool on September 15th (E.A.E., E.E.G.). II. Bred at Castlemorton (D.I.N.) and Kidderminster (R.M.). The maximum on spring passage at Upton Warren was eight on May 3rd (D.I.N., T.A.W.) and, in autumn, nine on September 4th (K.G.C., M.F.). TIT. Bredding reported from Weston Park (J.L.); Blithfield (J.L.); Bradwell Wood (A.S.); Cannock Reservoir—five pairs (R.A.H.); Brownhills (D.D.); and different areas of north Staffordshire moors—at least four pairs in Morridge area (F.C.G.).

320. Redstart. I. Six singing birds located in Sutton Park in areas north and east of railway line (A.R.M.B.).

58 II. Breeding reported from Bredon Hill (R.M.), Walton Hill (L.A.C.), Malvern Hills—several pairs (D.I.N.), Mathon (D.I.N.), Old Hills (D.I.N.), Dodderhill Common (T.A.W.)—where three singing birds on June 9th (F.F.). About 10 singing birds present at Dowles Brook on May 18th (H.L.), four at Abberley Hills on May 25th and seven in Lickeys on June 1st (R.M., B.T.N.). III. Breeding reports from Enville (D.S.) and Swynnerton Old Park (D.S.).

321. Black Redstart. I. A bird present at Draycote from January 15th to February 19th (J.C.). Two pairs bred in Birmingham City Centre, three young being reared from one nest (C.R.B.) and two from the other (R.S.C.). [The remarkably low clutch size of Birmingham birds is noteworthy. The normal number is five or six (Bannister) but of the four cases where it has been possible to check clutches in Birm- ingham these have been four, three, two and two. Ed.].

322. Nightingale. I. Singing birds reported from Austy Wood (D.M.T.), Fosseway (R.A.), Marton (R.B.), Meriden (P.W.), Wellesbourne (per E.J.B.), Radford Lock (R.G., S.G.), Waverley Wood (P.D.), Spernall Park (per E.J.B.), Hutton Lock (R.A., S.G.A.), Knowenhill Wood (R.A., S.G.A.), Combrooke (I.K.D.) and Priors Hardwick (M.A.). II. Singing birds reported from Westwood Park (A.F.J.), Goosehill Wood (A.R.M.B., A.F.J.), Crowle/Upton Snodbury area—five localities (K.M.T.), Wood Norton (A.W.C.), Alvechurch (M.J.T.).

325. Robin. III. A bird heard at Belvide in October and November with aberrant song (D.S.). A partial albino seen in autumn at Burntwood (R.A.H.).

327. Grasshopper-Warbler. Heard in breeding season at:— I. Packington (K.S.), Sutton Park (A.R.M.B., K.S.), Stockton (R.B.), Napton (R.B.), Oversley Wood (F.F.), Wootton Wawen (J.R.W.), Alvecote (G.A.A.), Glascote (G.A.A.), Earlswood D.M.H.), Bartley Green (D.M.H.), Brandon (B.M.C.G.), Rad- ford Semele (R.G., S.G., A.W.). Said to be increasing in mid- Warwickshire. II. Goosehill Wood—four birds (R.M.), Upton Warren (R.M.), Bredon Hill—three birds (R.M.), Eyemore Wood (R.M.), Devil's Spittleful (R.M.), Castlemorton Common—eight birds (D.I.N.), Trench Wood (F.F.), Old Hills (D.I.N.), Wood Norton (A.W.C.), Bittell—six birds (T.A.W.), Cradley (S.F.L.E.), Franche—four birds (G.E.), Cofton Richards (J.M.H.), Kenil- worth (C.E.V-S.).

59 HI. Clayton (A.R.P.), Trentham Park (A.R.P), Manley (A.R.M.B.), Cannock Chase (A.R.M.B.), Blithfield—up to six birds (several observers), Swynnerton (A.K.P.), Bagots Park—three birds (J.L.), Brownhills—five birds (D.D.), Cannock Reservoir— three birds (D.D.), Swallow Moss (R.A.H.). Belvide (D.S.), Aqualate (D.H.), Betley (J.F.B.), Copmere (E.W.L.), Holden Pools, Consall (H.W.K.).

333. Reed-Warbler. I. At least 10 pairs nested at Brandon (B.M.C.G.), II. Reported as increasing at Upton Warren (R.M.). III. Bred at Cannock Reservoir, where unusual (R.A.H.).

334. Marsh-Warbler. II. Breeding records from river Avon sites. [Some evidence that estimate in Atlas of Breeding Birds of the West Midlands that breeding population in the Club's area was not more than 20 pairs was too low and figure may be around 40 to 50. Ed.].

337. Sedge-Warbler. I. At least 12 breeding pairs present at Alvecote (G.A.A.). II. Again nested in young Scots pine plantation at Crowle (K.H.T.). 10 birds in song at Upton Warren on June 23rd (A.R.D.). III. Up to 20 singing birds during May at Blithfield where late nest with eggs and young found on August 31st (E.S.C., A.R.D.. B.R.D, M.J.I.). 343. Blackcap. Wintering records from all three counties. I. A cock and a hen seen at Hull Green, Birmingham, suburban garden on January 9th (D.M.T.), at Wylde Green, Sutton Cold- field, from March 1st to 9th (M.H.B.) and on December 12th (E.J.B.) at Leamington, where hen bird also seen in early Feb- ruary (R.Sh.). TT. An aggressive cock bird was resident around a bird table in West Hayley garden from January 9th to 19th (L.R.B.), a hen seen at Alvechurch on March 12th (M.A.B.), and a cock present m Worcester garden on March 1st and 2nd (C.P.B.). Estimated to outnumber Garden-Warblers in Malvern Hills area by eight to one (D.I.N.). 14 singing at Dowles Brook on June 8th (R.M., B.T.N.). ITT. A cock bird seen at Baswick, Stafford, in mid-December (E.D.P.) and one at Rickerscote on December 22nd (F.C.G.). 10 singing birds heard at Belvide on May 4th (D.S.).

346. Garden-Warbler. II. Six singing in Abberley Hills on May 25th (R.M.) and 10 at Dowles Brook on June 8th (R.M., B.T.N.) and 16th (A.R.D.). III. More than usual reported at Belvide where six were singing on May 17th (D.S.). 60 347. Whitctliroat. Widespread reports of scarcity. I. Very scarce around South Coventry where normally common (R.W.M.L.). Very few remained to breed at Alvecote after moderate arrival numbers (GA.A., M.A.A.). Very few seen in county by observers (A.R.M.B., J.R.W.). Not seen in Edg- baston Park, Birmingham, for first time for many years (R.L.S.). A noticeable decline reported in Tame Valley (E.A.H.). Only one nest located in Nuneaton area compared with six in 1968 and five in 1967 (C.H.M.). Very scarce in Southern area where seen less often than Lesser Whitethroat (R.B.). Much scarcer this year in mid-Warwickshire with fewer than Lesser Whitethroats (E.J.B.). II. None seen in late summer in area of 300 acres at Sheriffs Lench where usually 12 pairs breed (T.C.S.). Very scarce in Bel- broughton area (L.A.C.) where outnumbered by Lesser White- throat. Only two pairs recorded in Wyre Forest on June 16th compared with 10 Garden-Warblers and eight Blackcaps (A.R.D.). Much reduced in Malvern areas except at Old Hills where still common (D.I.N.). Very scarce in Avon Valley, Pershore (A.W.C.). Scarce this year in Randan Woods area (F.F.). III. Normal on passage at Blithfield but very scarce in breeding season (B.R.D.). A very pronounced decrease in breeding numbers at Fradley Wood to one pair from 16 in 1968 (M.J.A.). Scarce around Lichfield (M.J.A.) and very few reported in north Staf- fordshire (F.C.G.). Only heard once at Rushall where recorded commonly for last 22 years (A.E.C.). Drastic reduction in numbers at Essington and Belvide where outnumbered in both • localities by Lesser Whitethroat (D.S.). None seen at one area near Colton where normally 12 pairs present (R.R.). Reduced at one Stafford district from usual four pairs to one and at Seigh- fordfromaboutsixto two (G.S.). Fewerthan lastyear atSwynner- ton (G.M.). Population at Muckley Corner reduced to a quarter of normal (T.E.C.P.). A bird on September 15th was the only record by observer at Cannock Reservoir where normally frequent on passage (R.A.H.).

348. Lesser Whitethroat. No changes in breeding distribution reported apart from note of an increase in mid-Warwickshire. Several observers found the species more in evidence than the Common Whitethroat. III. Many more records than usual for autumn passage at Cannock Reservoir (R.A.H.).

354. Willow-Warbler. I. Normal breeding numbers reported at Alve- cote, Wilnecote and Tamworth districts (G.A.A., M.A.A.). 50 estimated singing at Hartshill Wood on April 20th (H.L.).

61 III. 50 singing birds counted on May 24th in area of two square kilometres at Brownhills compared with two ChilTchaffs (D.D.). 25 singing at Belvide on May 3rd compared with one Chiffchaff (D.S.]. About 30 singing at Blithfield in April and May where they outnumbered Chiffchaffs by five to one (B.R.D.). Late song common and eight heard in different areas of Blithfield on August 10th (L.S.).

356. Chiffchaff. I. 50 estimated singing in Hartshill Wood on April 20th, the same number as Willow-Warblers (H.L.). Late bird seen at Leamingtom on November 2nd (E.J.B.). II. 20 in song on May 25th on Abberley Hills (R.M.). One at Westwood on the 23rd (C.P.B.).

357. Wood-Warbler. Breeding season records from:— I. Earlswood (D.M.H., D.M.T.) and Sutton Park (L.S.). II. Bewdley (J.L.); DodderhiII Common (T.A.W.); Lickeys—20 in song on May 18th (H.L.); Wyre Forest—15 heard on May 16th (T.A.W.); Abberley Hills—five on May 25th (R.M.); Kidder- minster (R.M.); Eyemore Wood (R.M.); Chaddersley Woods— at least three pairs (L.A.C.); Malvern Hills (D.I.N.); Trimpley (L.R.B.). III. Danebridge (T.E.C.P.); Cannock Chase (N.A.J.W.); Oakamoor area—about six singing (T.W.F.); Dimmingsdale—about six in song (T.W.F.); Black Lake (A.R.P.); Little Aston (K.S.); Alstonfield (J.F.B.); Woodseaves (T.W.B.); Consall (H.W.); Copmere (E.W.L.). One in song at Hopwas Wood on May 9th was first heard there by observer since 1964 (G.A.A.). Two singing birds noted at Belvide on May 3rd where unusual (D.S., M.W.).

364. Goldcrest. I. Said to be increasing in mid-Warwickshire (E.J.B.). II. Eight singing birds noted at Dowles Brook on June 8th (R.M., B.T.N.). III. Winter concentrations were 100 at Kinver Edge on November 2nd (R.M., B.T.N.) and about 50 in Sherbrooke Valley, Cannock Chase (D.S., M.W.).

366. Spotted Flycatchcr. II. More than usual reported in breeding season at Sheriffs Lench (T.C.S.). 10 noted on passage at M'alvern on August 30th and eight on Malvern Hills on Septem- ber 2nd (D.I.N.). III. Up to 13 on passage at Essington in early August (D.S.).

368. Pied Flycatcher. II. Usual records from Wyre Forest whereabout 10 singing birds noted on May 18th (H.L.).

62 III. Bred at Maer (E.W.L.) and single birds seen at Shoal Hall, Cannock Chase, on September 9th (B.C.G.) and at Coombe Valley on May 4th (N.R.W.).

371. Hedge-Sparrow. No changes in status reported.

373. Meadow-Pipit. I. About 100 present at Solihull Sewage Works in January (J.R.W.) and 50 on March 9th at Leamington, where bred (E.J.B.). Usual autumn movement in small numbers noted over Hall Green, Birmingham, between September 24th and October 10th (D.M.H.). II. 50 seen at Upton Warren on March 24th (R.M.). Bred commonly on Malvern Hills where 30 seen in song-flight on March 30th and on autumn passage parties totalling 250 noted on September 2nd (D.I.N.). III. Peak autumn numbers at Cannock Reservoir were about 300 on September 18th (R.A.H.) and a late concentration at Blith- field was 150 on October 19th (A.R.D., B.R.D.). Autumn passage, mainly to south-east, noted at Belvide from September 6th to October 11th with maximum of 100 on last date (D.S.). At Wednesfield movement noted from September 28th to Novem- ber 6th (D.S.). 85 present at Whittington Sewage Farm on December 14th (D.S, M.W.).

376. Tree-Pipit. II. Small numbers noted on passage at Upton Warren in last week of April (A.F.J.). III. Recorded on passage at Belvide from April 16th to 26th with a maximum of 15 on the 19th and again from September 13th to 30th, with at least 15 on the 13th (D.S.).

379. Rock-Pipit. I. One occurred at Brandon on October 26th (B.M.C.G.). One seen at Draycote on March 26th (J.C.) and two on October 12th (C.H.P.). II. A single bird noted at Bittell on October 19th and 20th (M.A.B, T.A.W.). III. Single birds seen at Cannock Reservoir on March 26th (R.A.H.) and April 29th (D.S.) and between October 20th and November 8th (D.D.). Four noted at Belvide on October 8th (D.J.M.) and single birds up to November 15th (D.S, M.W.). At Blithfield up to three occurred between October 4th (D.J.M.) and Novem- ber 23rd (A.S.). Water-Pipit. III. Single birds identified at Cannock Reservoir from March 9th (A.R.M.B.) to 26th (R.A.H.) and between December 13th (A.R.M.B, D.D, A.F.J.) and the 31st (R.A.H.), with two on the 25th (R.A.H.). Single birds noted at Belvide on March 23rd (A.R.M.B.) and between November 22nd and December 6th (D.S, M.W.).

63 380. Pied Wagtail. I. Roost of about 60 at Packington in early November (K.S.). 100 present at Hartshill Sewage Farm on November 7th (L.G.). II. 40 present at Westwood on January 25th (D.I.N., T.A.W.), 60 at Kidderminster on July 8th (R.M.) and 50 at Cofton Richards on October 30th (J.M.H.). III. 50 noted at Blithfield on August 31st (A.R.D., B.R.D.), 75 at roost at Clayhanger on November 26th (D.G.E.) and 60 at Whittington Sewage Farm on December 14th (D.S.). White Wagtail. I. Up to four seen at Brandon between April 13th (B.M.C.G.) and 30th (J.L.). II. Noted at Upton Warren from April 8th (several observers) to May 9th (T.A.W.), usually singles, but with six on April 14th (R.M.). Single birds noted in spring at Kidderminster pool (R.M.) and on Malvern Hills on April 11th (M.A.B., D.I.N.). III. Up to four seen at Cannock Reservoir between April 3rd and 18th (D.D.) and at Blithfield between April 6th and 27th (A.R.D., B.R.D.). One or two reported at Brownhills on April 11th and 17th (D.D.); at Landywood on April 18th (D.S.); Belvide on April 20th (F.C.G.) and May 3rd (D.S.); Rickerscote on April 28th (F.C.G.); and Whittmgton Sewage Farm on May 4th (B.T.N.). 381. Grey Wagtail. Autumn, winter and early spring records from many areas, usually single birds. Several records from industrial sites. I. Nesting suspected at Leamington Spa Reservoir (E.J.B.) and adult and juvenile seen at Henley-in-Arden on June 30th (E.A.E.). One seen several times at the Nook, Bedworth, during June (M.S.). II. A bird seen on stream at Mathon on May 14th (D.I.N.). Noted in breeding season as usual at Dowles Brook (several observers). III. Bred in Dovedale and on the Manifold (J.B.W.). One seen at Gradbach on March 30th (G.M.), one at Bishops Offley on April 6th (G.M.), one at Betley on May 11th (J.F.B.) and two at Danebridge on May 10th (T.E.C.P.). Much more frequent visitor this autumn to Stowe Pool, Lichfield, with up to three between September 19th and November 7th (F.E.P.). 382. Yellow Wagtail. I. 100 present in Tame Valley on April 30th feeding in water meadows (E.A.H.). Roost of about 60 noted at Alvecote on August 19th (R.A.H.). II. About 30 roosted at Upton Warren on April 26th (D.I.N.) and about 40 noted there on passage on August 21st (T.A.W.). III. The most seen at Belvide was 100 on April 13th (D.C.). About 40 noted on passage at Blithfield on April 20th and also on August 31st (B.R.D.) and September 13th (M.A.B.). Bred at Darlaston Sewage Farm (J.P.).

64 Blue-headed Wagtail. Birds showing the characteristics of this race were reported from (I) Tame Valley on April 30th (E.A.H.) and (III) from Belvide on April 20th (F.C.G.), May 17th (D.D.) and July 5th (D.S.).

384. Great Grey Shrike. I. A bird seen at Earlswood on January 4th (R.L.S.). One present at Brandon between January 4th and February 16th and again from October 24th to November 2nd (B.M.C.G.). II. One reported near Kidderminster on November 5th (M.H.B.). III. A bird seen at Blithfield on November 30th (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D., M.J.I.), December 28th (E.S.C., A.R.D., B.R.D.) and 30th (G.M.) was heard to give brief snatches of song on the earlier date, a Dunlin-like note being especially noticeable. One present at Cannock Reservoir between February 8th (A.F.J., D.D.) and April 5th (R.A.H.) and from October 25th (A.T.M.B., D.D.) to December 13th (D.D.). Single birds seen at Brownhills between January 26th and February 25th (D.D.) on Cannock Chase on January 12th (B.C.), at Manley on February 9th (A.R.M.B.), at Lichfield on October 22nd,fat Pillaton on October 26th (A.J.D.) and at Walsall Wood on November 12th (D.D.).

389. Starling. I. Numbers at a roost at Monks Kirby were estimated on November 8th to be at least 250,000 (R.K.S.). II. A large roost again formed at Hay Head near Walsall (T.E.C.P.). A complete albino seen at Wednesfield on January 19th (D.S., M.W.). III. Roosts of about 20,000 birds noted at Stafford Castle (P.T.) and Cocknage Wood (H.W.K.) in November and December.

391. Hawfinch. No Warwickshire or Worcestershire reports received. III. Bird seen at bird-table at Needwood, near Burton-upon-Trent, in January and February and pair present in same area in April (per T.W.F.). Four noted at Weston Park on April 13th (J.L.) and at Enville a pair seen on June 8th (A.F.T.) and one on the 15th (D.S.).

392. Greenfinch. Numerous reports of increasing numbers in gardens in summer and at bird-tables in winter . I. A nest, subsequently unused, was completed at Hall Green, Birmingham, by the.early date of February 23rd (D.M.H.). II. Flock of 50 seen at Upton Warren on April 17th (T.A.W.) and about 200 present at Stafford Castle on September 20th (P.T.).

393. Goldfinch. Largest flocks reported were:— I. 50 at Lea Marston on May 4th (J.R.W.).

65 IT. 30 at Sheriffs Lench in August (T.C.S.); 60 at Upton Warren on September 14th (R.M., B.T.N.); and about 300 feeding on thistles around Kidderminster pool on September 21st (M.H.B.). III. 20 at Milford on January 5th (G.S.); 50 at Whittington Sewage Farm on January 7th (S.F.L.E.); 35 at Copmere on January 29th (G.F.); 20 at Brownhills on May 5th (D.D.); lOOatSnevd in August (M.W.); 60 at Belvide on September 17th (D.S*); and 150 at Gailey on October 15th (B.C.G.).

394. Siskin. Fewest reports from Warwickshire. Largest flocks reported were:— I. 25 at Earlswood on December 25th (R.L.S.). II. 40 at Upton Warren on February 16th (R.M., B.T.N.); 40 at Dowles Brook on March 9th (R.M., B.T.N.); 40 at Westwood on November 15th (C.P.B.); 20 at Cookley on November 29th (R.M.); and 75 at Bittell on December 30th (K.G.C.). A bird was seen in Wyre Forest on the late date of May 19th (A.R.M.B.). ITT. 50 seen at Consall Wood on January 4th (H.W.K.); 25 at Gailey on February 15th (A.F.J.); 60 at Hopwas on March 20th and April 2nd (A.J.D.); 100 at Kinver Edge and 40 at Enville on April 7th (R.M., B.T.N.); 60 at Cannock Chase on April 8th (A.R.M.B.); and 40 at Weston Park on April 13th (J.L.).

395. Linnet. Largest flocks reported were:— I. 100 at Packington on March 30th (K.S.); 200 at Lea Marston quarry on September 21st (R.A.H.); 700, in two flocks, at Dray- cote on September 27th (J.L., L.S.); 50 at Alvecote on November 2nd (G.A.A., M.A.A.). II. 60 at Malvern on January 26th (D.I.N.); 200 at Upton Warren on July 19th (T.A.W.); and 50 at Kidderminster on October 5th (R.M.). III. 100 at Brownhills from April 9th to May 3rd (D.D.); 150 at Bagnall on September 28th (H.W.K.); 100 at Belvide on October 4th (D.S.); 400 in two flocks at Clayhanger on October 12th (D.D.); 200 at Stafford Castle area on October 14th (P.T.) and 100 at Blithfield on October 26th (A.R.D., B.R.D.).

396. Twite. III. Three nests located on north Staffordshire moors on June 21st and at least six pairs present (F.C.G.). A pair seen near Swineholes Wood on April 27th (F.C.G.). Three seen at Blithfield on March 9th (D.J.M.) and single birds on May 4th (B.R.D.) and November 26th (D.J.M.). One reported at Belvide on March 22nd (A.F.J.) and three on August 30th (D.S.). Noted at Cannock Reservoir from January 25th (A.F.J.) until April 2nd (R.A.H.) with about 70 on March 31st (R.A.H.) and then again from October 11th (D.D.) until end of year with parties totalling up to 80 in December (R.A.H.).

66 397. Redpoll. I. Breeding established at Hams Hall and Middleton (H.T.L.) and summer records from Packington (J.R.W.), Lea Marston (J.R.W.), and Sutton Park (A.R.M.B.). Largest flocks reported were:— 40 at Earlswood on January 4th (R.L.S.); 40 at Hams Hall in winter months (E.A.H.); 50 at Shirley on March 24th (R.S.C.); and 80 in Sutton Park on April 27th (A.R.M.B.). Birds in October at Hall Green, Birmingham, were first records there by observer in 20 years (D.M.H.). More plentiful and widespread in Tame Valley than previous years (H.T.L.). II. Breeding season records from Abberley Hills, Eyemore Wood, Kidderminster, Malvern and Devil's Spittleful (R.M.). Largest flocks reported were:— 75 in Habberley Valley on March 8th (B.T.N.); 150 in Lickeys on April 17th (T.A.W.); and 50 at Devil's Spittleful on October 25th (R.M.). III. Bred at Blithfield (E.S.C, M.J.I, G.S.), Bagots Park (J.L.) and Rrownhills (D,D,) and present in breeding season at Belvide, Landywood and Enville (D.S.); Cannock Reservoir (R.A.H.); Weston Park (J.L.); north Staffordshire moors—where plentiful (F.C.G.); and Fradley Wood (M.J.A.). Largest flocks reported were:— 60 at Cannock Reservoir on January 1st (D.D.); 50 at Consall Valley on January 4th (H.W.K.); 275 at Kinver Edge on January 26th (D.S.); 100 at Brownhills on January 26th and in early April (D.D.); 70 at Hopwas on January 14th (A.J.D.); 40 at Draycott on April 7th (A.K.P.); 100 at Cannock Chase (A.F.J.) and at Norton East (D.D.) on May 3rd; 130 at Weeford on May 10th (A.R.M.B.); and 100 at Pillaton on October 26th (A.J.D.). 401. Bullfinch. Fewer reports than usual but no comments on any decrease. II. 15 seen at Hartlebury Common on February 6th (R.M.) and 13 at Tardebigge on March 15th (J.R.H.). III. 10 noted at Belvide on January 18th (D.S.), 12 at Brownhills on October 21st (D.D.) and 17 in Brewood/Belvide area on Novem- ber 26th (D.S.). 407. Chaffinch. I. Said to be becoming scarce as breeding bird in Exhall district (N.B.E.). Flocks of 30 seen at Hartshill on January 16th (D.R.) and of 40 at Draycote on December 20th (J.L.). II. 100 reported at Bittell on April 1st and in Lickeys on the 17th (T.A.W.). III. 100 seen at Essington on February 25th (D.S.) and 230, more than usual for the area, at Burnt wood on March 27th (R.A.H.). 190 flew east in 20 minutes at Walsall Wood on March 21st (D.D.). 408. Brambling. Many reports of birds visiting gardens. Most records in winter and early spring. Largest flocks reported were:— 67 T. 20 at Earlswood on January 4th (R.L.S.); 12 at Compton Verney on January 5th (R.A.); up to 200 in beech woods at Oscott College, Sutton Coldfield, January 12th to mid-February (J.P.); 10 at Brandon on January 12th (B.M.C.G.); 15 at Stone- leigh Park on February 13th (E.J.B.). One on February 15th was first record by observer in Hall Green, Birmingham (D.M.H.). TT. 100 in Lickeys on February 14th (M.A.B.); 25 at Malvern on February 17th (D.I.N., T.A.W.); 25 at Bittell on April 2nd (K.G.C., A.R.D.); 23 at Sheriffs Lench on December 13th (T.C.S.). ITT. 200 at Gailey on January 7th (A.J.D.); 150 at Brocton on February 2nd (J.W.H.); 50 at Essington on February 25th (D.S.); 20 at Shoal Hill, Cannock, on March 2nd (F.C.G.); 150 at Stafford on March 14th (D.E.J.C.); 20 at Kinver Edge on April 7th (R.M., B.T.N.); 20 at Brownhills on April 9th (D.D.); 150 at Whittington on December 23rd (S.F.L.E.); 50 at Milford on February 2nd (J.W.H.); and 40 at Stafford on February 9th (G.S.). 409. Yellow Hammer. I. Three or four pairs bred on 200 acres of farmland at Wilnecote (G.A.A., M.A.A.). At least 32 around Bartley Reservoir on March 21st where usually two or three (D.M.H.). II. Flocks of 25 seen at Malvern on January 28th (D.I.N.) and at Castlemorton Common on February 15th (D.I.N.). in. Largest flocks reported were 40 near Blakeshall on January 9th (R.M.); 30 at Brownhills on January 19th (D.D.); 60 at Worn- bourne on February 17th (I.D.); 30 at Shoal Hill, Cannock, on March 2nd (F.C.G.); 20 at Belvide on March 6th (A.R.D.); 24 at Clayhanger on September 21st (D.D.); 40 at West Brom- wich on November 3rd (R.J.E.); 50 at Essington on November 23rd (D.S.). 410. Corn-Bunting. I. Birds, usually in song, reported from Alvecote on February 15th and June 22nd (G.A.A.); Blackdown on April 16th (J.V.H., G.R.H.); Nuneaton Fields on April 25th (D.J.K.); Draycote—up to three—from May to December (per R.B.); Glascote on May 17th (G.A.A.); Kenilworth in May (J.V.H., G.R.H.); Little Packington on June 11th (B.L.K.); Wolston on August 5th (H.L.); and Bramcote—three—on August 17th (H.L.). U. Seen at Upton Snodsbury on April 5th and breeding proved later (K.H.T.). A pair seen at Westwood on May 4th (C.P.B., R.S.C.); up to three birds at Broome from May to July (S.F.L.E.); seen at Naunton on June 1st (D.I.N.) and at West Hagley on June 11th (S.F.L.E.); several at Holt Fleet on July 30th (F.F.); noted at Bittell on September 14th (K.G.C.) and at Churchill on August 11th (B.T.N.). Also reported in breeding season from

68 Belbroughton (L.A.C.), Franqhe, Devil's Spittleful, GrimleY and Ball Mill (R.M.). 111. Ten years ago the Report contained no records from Stafford- shire. Reports now received in breeding season from Burnt- wood/Hammerwick area—15 birds—on April 4th (R.A.H.); Brownhills (D.D.); Drayton Bassett (G.A.A.); Sutton Coldfield (F.E.P.); Bradley/Mitton area (G.S.); Adbaston (T.W.B.); Audley (J.F.B.); Penkridge (B.C.); Cannock (B.C.); Handsacre (B.C.G.); Kings Bromley (B.C.G.). Records outside breeding season from Yoxall (B.C.G.); Cannock Reservoir (D.S.); Blithfield (E.S.C., A.R.D., M.J.I.). 415. Cirl Bunting. II. Two singing males noted at Malvern in breeding season (M.A.B., A.F.J., D.I.N., T.A.W.). 421. Reed-Bunting. I. About 12 pairs bred at Alvecote (G.A.A.). Partial albino seen on May 17th at Preston Bagot (R.A.). II. Has bred for some years at Sheriffs Lench in soft fruit plantations (T.C.S.). 25 singing birds estimated at Upton Warren in spring (T.A.W.). III. 30 seen at Latherford on January 31st (A.J.D.), 75 on February 8th, on Cannock Chase (A. J.D.), and 20 at Clayhanger on Decem- ber 23rd (D.D.). 423. Snow-Bunting. I. Single birds seen Draycote on February 23rd (S.D.B.B.), March 2nd (C.H.P.), March 14th (R.P.W.) and December 13th (J.L.). II. One at Cofton Richards on April 4th and 12th (J.M.H.). III. One seen at Cannock Reservoir on February 8th (D.D., A.F.J., D.S.) and 9th (J.L., D.S.). 424. House-Sparrow. No changes in status reported. 425. Tree-Sparrow. I. Flock of 400 at Draycote on December 20th (J.L.). II. Of 31 boxes in 2£ acres of mixed woodland at Far Forest (Wyre Forest) one occupied by Tree-Sparrow after ousting Blue Tit (L.R.B.) and at Cofton Richards nested in four boxes after successful nesting of tits (J.M.H.). Flock of 250 noted at Upton Warren on November 16th (R.M.). III. Many of the Heron's nests at Gailey had Tree-Sparrows nesting as sub-tenants (S.C.B.). Largest flo.cks reported were: — 75 at Blithfield on April 6th (R.A.H.); 200 at Stafford Castle fields on October 2nd (P.T.); 250 at Lichfield on October 5th (A.J.D.); 60 on December 13th at Belvide, where three broods reared in the gazebo (D.S.); 125 at Whittington Sewage Farm on December 14th (D.S., M.W.); 75 at Essington on December 16th (D.S.); and 300 near Whittington Inn on December 23rd (S.F.L.E.). ERRATUM 1968 REPORT Under Goosander on page 20 delete ' Four seen at Bartley on January 14th (R.M., B.T.N.).' 69 RECOVERIES IN 1969 OF BIRDS RINGED IN THE WMBC AREA RINGED RECOVERY Species Age Date Place Date Place Movement Ringer •Heron (P) 4.5.68 Gailey, Staffs. 23.3.69 Grassington, Yorks. 95 m. N. C.D.T.M. Heron (P) 4.5.68 Gailey, Staffs. 24.2.69 Dolwyddelan, Caern. 75 m. W.N.W. C.D.T.M. Heron CP) 9.5.68 Gailey, Staffs. 26.2.69 Towyn, Denbighshire 75 m. W.N.W. C.D.T.M. Wigeon (A) 7.12.68 Blithfield Reservoir, 23.5.69 Khanly-Mansiysk C.D.T.M. Staffs. (Tumen), U.S.S.R. Wigeon (A) 7.12.68 Blithfield Reservoir, 13.9.69 Near Tallin, Estonian C.D.T.M. Staffs. S.S.R. Wigeon (A) 7.12.68 Blithfield Reservoir, 18.10.69 Liyepaya, Latvian S.S.R. C.D.T.M. Staffs. Wigeon (A) 14.12.68 Blithfield Reservoir, 24.8.69 Lake Ilmen, Novgorod, C.D.T.M. Staffs. U.S.S.R. Wigeon (A) 14.12.68 Blithfield Reservoir, 22.9.69 Seden Strand, Nr. Odense, C.D.T.M. Staffs. Denmark •Canada Goose (2) (A) 6.7.68 Branston, Burton-onl Trent, Staffs. 1 June Harewood Park, Leeds, 75 m. N. C.D.T.M. •Canada Goose (2) (P) 6.7.68 Branston, Burton-on ^•and July Yorks. Trent, Staffs. 1 1969 •Canada Goose (4) ff) 6.7.68 Gailey, Staffs. J1 Mute Swan CP) 22.10.66 Polesworth, Warks. 9.10.69 Moore, Runcorn, 70 m. N.W. C.D.T.M. Cheshire •Mute Swan CP) 26.8.67 Stafford, Staffs. 14.7.69 Barrow-in-Furness, 100 m. N.N.W. C.D.T.M. Lanes. Kestrel CP) 30.6.69 Temple Grafton, 19.9.69 Elsfield, Oxford. 35 m. S.E. J.A.H. Warks. Wood Pigeon CP) 3.9.68 Stourton, Warks. 20.10.69 Valence d'Albigeois J.A.H. CTarn), France Wood Pigeon CP) 10.8.69 Red Hill, Alcester, 29.11.69 Flushing, Falmouth, 210 m. S.W. J.A.H. Warks. Cornwall Barn Owl CP) 12.7.64 Arbury, Nuneaton, 30.9.69 Cannock, Staffs. 23 m. W.N.W. H.L. Warks. •Swift (J) 7.8.66 Mancetter. Atherstone, 19.6.69 Coven, nr. Wolver- 26 m. W.N W. H.L./P.G.D. Warks. hampton, Staffs. Gt. Spotted Woodpecker CPJ) 15.4.67 Hopwas, Staffs. 2.5.69 Alcester, Warks. 30 m. S. P.W.C. Swallow (J). 17.8.66 Bedworth, Nuneaton 12.11.68 Mount Carmel, Cape H.L. Warks. Province, S. Africa Swallow CP) 26.6.68 Halford, Warks. 5.2.69 Walvis Bay, S. W. Africa J.A.H. •Sand-Martin CPJ) 15.7.68 Barford, Warks. 27.7.69 Tingrith, Beds. 47 m. J.A.H. •Sand-Martin (J) 20.8.68 Brewood, Staffs. 9.7.69 Woodhill, Guildford, 116 m. S.E. P.G.D. Surrey Song Thrush CFG) 10.10.65 Sutton Coldfield, Feb. 1969 Stackpole, Pembroke, 145 m. W.S.W. D.S. Warks. Pembs. Song Thrush CPJ) 6.3.66 Barford, Warks. 7.1 69 •Song Thrush (PJ) 8.7.66 Coleshill, Warks. w.iz.w uancry, co. r.irc JJU iu. »>. Redwing era) 24.11.68 . Temple Grafton, 20.1.69 Aviles (Oviedo), Spain J.A.H. Warks. Redwing (FG) 26.11.66 Sandon, Staffs. 12.10.69 Les Savinieres (Loire et W.E.M. Atlantique), France Blackbird (PJ) 15.11.67 Great Barr, 24.2.69 Landevielle, Vendee, E.L.W. Birmingham France Willow Warbler (PJ) 10.8.69 Outhill, Studley, 26.10.69 SPAIN (awaiting details) E.L.W. Warks. Dunnock CPJ) 10.12.67 Red Hill, Alcester, 19.4.68 Hovingham, Malton, 140 m. N.N.E. J.A.H. Warks. Yorks. •Pied Wagtail (PJ) July, 68 Sutton Coldfield, Oct., 1968 Bayonne, S. France D.S. Warks *Pied Wagtail (PJ) 20.1.68 Sparkhill, Birmingham 16.8.69 nr. Windermere, 140 m. N.N.W. E.L.W. Westmoreland Pied Wagtail (PJ) 20.1.68 Sparkhill, Birmingham 30.6.69 Kirkconnel, Sanquhar, 215 m. N.N.W. E.L.W. Dumfries. Pied Wagtail (PJ) 20.1.68 Sparkhill, Birmingham 4.5.69 Newcastle-upon-Tyne 170 m. N. E.L.W. Starling (FG) 28.1.65 Sandon, Staffs. 17.5.69 Monninkyla, Askola, P.W.C. Finland Starling (FG) 1.2.64 nr. Lichfield, Staffs. 20.8.69 Kuusankoski, Kouvola, P.G.D. Kymi, Finland Starling (1st W) 26.10.67 Monks Kirby, Rugby, 10.4.69 Osbyholm, nr. Hornby, H.L. Warks. (iMalmohus), Sweden Starling (J) 3.8.68 Handsworth Wood, 13.12.69 St. Albans, Hens. 100 m. S.E. T.E. Birmingham Starling (J) 25.8.69 Penn, Wolverhampton. 3.11.69 Rhyl, Flint 75 m. N.W. B.J.C. Staffs. Greenfinch (FG) 11.2.67 Hopwas, Staffs. 10.2.69 Chedworth, Glos. 55 m. S. W.E.M. Greenfinch (A) 4.3.68 While Sitch, Staffs. 3.7.69 NewhamBridge, Tenbury 28 m. S.S.W. P.G.D. Wells, Worcs. •Greenfinch (FG) 15.2.69 Bloxwich, Walsall, 8.4.69 Kippax, Leeds, Yorks. 85 m. N.N.E. W.E.M. Staffs. Greenfinch (A) 8.12.68 Temple Grafton, 16.4.69 Tytherington, Cheshire 80 m. N.N.W. J.A.H. Warks. Greenfinch (A) 9.12.67 Hopwas, Staffs. 12.2.69 Rowington, Warks. 22 m. S. W.E.M. •Redpoll (PJ) 8.12.68 Temple Grafton, 30.4.69 Hartshill, Nuneaton, 30 m. N.N.E. J.A.H. Warks. Warks. •Redpoll (PJ) 19.1.69 Temple Grafton, 30.4.69 Hartshill, Nuneaton, 30 m. N.N.E. J.A.H. Warks. Warks. Chaffinch (FG) 9.12.67 Hopwas, Staffs. 2.5.69 Hodva, Fister (Rogaland) CD.T.M. Norway •Chaffinch (FG) 18.2.68 Malvern Link, Worcs. 10.2.69 Ardooie, (West Flanders), G.H.G. Belgium Chaffinch (FG) 3.3.68 Great Barr, 2.11.69 Birmingham Antwerp, Belgium T.E. •Brambling (FG) 9.11.68 Hopwas, Staffs. 22.3.69 Overstone Park, N'hants. 45 m. S.E. W.E.M. RECOVERIES IN WMBC AREA OF BIRDS RINGED ELSEWHERE RINGED RECOVERY Species Age Date Place Date Place Movement Recoverer Cormorant (P) 28.6.69 Puffin Island, 13.12.69 Blithfield, Staffs. 95 m. E.S.E. C.D.T.M. Anglesey Heron (P) 24.5.68 Denver, Norfolk - 20.1.69 Blithfield, Staffs. 95 m. W. C.D.T.M. •Mute Swan (P) 4.9.68 Crawley, Witney, 23.4.69 Goring, Oxon 23 m. S.S.E. Oxon. 26.7.69 Stratford-on-Avon, 50 m. N.N W. J.A.H. Warwicks. •Canada Goose (A) 28.6.69 Kedelston Hall, 4.11.69 43 m. S. C.D.T.M. Derbyshire Lesser Black- backed Gull (P) 6.7.65 Walney Island, Lanes. 12.10.69 Belvide, Staffs. 165 m. S.E. S.Br. Herring Gull (P) 22.6.68 Walney Island, Lanes. 12.4.69 Castle Park, Warwick 140 m. E.S.E. J.A.H. Black-headed Gull (P) 16.6.68 Mariager Fjord, 2.3.69 Blithfield Res., Staffs. W.M.B.C. Jylland, Denmark Swift (FG) 23.7.63 Hackenthorpe, 20.6.69 62 m. S.W. P.G.D. Sheffield. Yorks. ton, Staffs. •Swallow (P) 20.6.69 Overton, Glos. 15.8.69 Ufton, Warwicks. 40 m. N.E. J.A.H. •Sand Martin (A) 6.6.68 Horton Heath, 24.6.69 Brewood, Staffs. 120 m. N.N.W. P.W.C. Eastleigh, Hants. •Sand Martin (J) 10.7.67 Lydd, Kent 9.7.69 Brewood, Staffs. 175 m. N.W. P.W.C. •Blackbird (FG) 22.10.67 Lagskar, Lemland 24.2.69 Combroke, Warwicks. J.A.H. (Aland), Finland •Reed Warbler (PJ) 11.5.69 Ecton, Northants. 24.5.69 Branston, Staffs. 50 m. N.W. W.E.M. •Starling (1st W.) 16.12.67 Lincoln, Lines. 6.12.69 Handsworth Wood, 110 m. S.W. T.E. Birmingham Starling (1st W.) 15.2.68 ' S ' Gravenhage (Zuid 0.2.69 Codsall Wood, nr. P.G.D. Holland), Netherlands Wolverhampton, Staffs •Greenfinch (FG) 12.2.66 Denaby, Doncaster, 22.12.69 Hopwas, Staffs. '"65 m. S.S.W. P.W.C. Yorks. •Redpoll (PJ) 19.4.69 Ringshall, Ashbridge, 4.5.69 Branston, Burton-on- 80 m. N.W. A.J.C. Herts. Trent, Staffs. •Redpoll (PJ) 8.11.69 Stretton, Burton-on- 21.12.69 Temple Grafton, 42 m. S.S.W. J.A.H. Trent, Staffs, Warwicks. Bullfinch (A) 15.6.67 Bloxham, Banbury, 15.3.69 Draycote, Rugby, 21m. N. J.A.H. Oxon. Warwicks. •Chaffinch (1st Y) 10.12.67 Plymouth, Devon 25.1.69 Little Comberton, 150 m. N.N.3. C.H.G. Worcs. KEY: A—Adult P—Pullus (unfledged young) J—Juvenile FG—Full-grown (age not certain) 1st W—First winter 1st Y—First Year PJ—Post-juvenile *—Recovered alive (remainder found dead, killed, etc.) MIGRANTS The average arrival or departure date given below after the name oT each bird is based respectively on the first and last dates given in the Annual Reports up to 1969. The figure in brackets is the number of years on which the average is based.

ARRIVALS DEPARTURES Chiffchaff. Av. = March 18 (35) Av.=October 8 (35) March 15 Kenilworth (D.G.L.) November 23 Westwood (C.P.B.) 21 Chesterton (E.E.G.) 2 Leamington (E.J.B.) 23 Hams Hall (E.A.H.) October 15 Bittell (K.G.C.) 23 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) 14 Droitwich (C.P.B.)

Sand-Martin. Av. = March 25 (34) Av. = October 1 (35) March 8 Lea Marslon (H.T.L.) October 19 Yoxall (B.C.G.) 30 Shelfield (D.D.) September 28 Alvecote (G.A.A.) April 4 Westwood (N.P.B.) 28 Cannock (R.S.) 4 Upton Warren (K.G.C.) 28 Bodymoor Heath 5 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) (E.A.H.)

Whcntcor. Av. - M arch 2 5 (32) Av.=September 30 (33) March 18 Chesterton (R.T.) October 29 Draycote (per R.B.) 21 Fradley (B.C.G.) 14 Biddulph (W.J.B.) 22 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) 14 Cofton Richards 22 Solihull (D.M.H.) (J.M.H.) 22 Bagnall (H.W.K.) 12 Loggerheads ([.J.D.)

Willow-Warbler. Av. = March 28 (35) Av. = September 27 (35) March 19 Leamington (EJ.B.) October 15 Newcastle-u-Lyme April 7 Alvecote (G.A.A.) (C.P.) 7 Upton Warren (T.A.W.) September 9 Belvide (A.J.D.) 7 Bodymoor Heath 29 Bittell (D.M.H.) (E.A.H.) 28 Yoxall (B.C.G.) 28 Hams Hall (H.T.L.) Ring-Ouzel. March 16 Shenstone (A.E.C.) November 2 Malvern Hills (D.I.N.) 19 Berry Hill (H.W.K.) October 6 Roaches (A.G.F.) 22 Upton Warren (M.A.B.)

Swallow. Av.=April 3 (35) Av.= October 25 (35) April 3 Belvide (M.W.) November 6 Wednesfield (D.S.) 4 Drayton (J.A.H.) 2 Yoxall (B.C.G.) 7 Brownhills (D.D.) 2 Chesterton (S.G.) 2 Leamington (D.M.)

Little Ringed Plover. Av. = April 2 (5) Av.=September 22 (5) March 15 Hams Hall (H.T.L.) September 21 Packington (J.R.W.) April 4 Brandon (J.W.) 19 Kidderminster 6 Bodymoor Heath (M.H.B.) (E.A.H.) 17 Belvide (D.S.) 8 Weeford (E.S.C.)

Blackcap. Av.= April 6 (35) Av.=September 21 (32) March 2 Worcester (C.P.B.) October 4 Belvide (D.S.) (Wintering) September 20 Brownhills (D.D.) 24 Solihull 16 Trentside (H.W.K.) April 8 Aqualate (G.B.) 9 Norton Canes (D.G.E.) 11 Hartshill (D.J.K.)

73 ARRIVALS DEPARTURES

Gnrganey. Av. = April 8 (27) A v.= September 11 (26) March 2 Hampton Lucy (J.M.) October 19 Upton Warren 23 Upton Warren (T.A.W.) (J.H.W.R.) April 27 Bodymoor Heath October 11 Belvide (G.I.G.) (E.A.H.) 6 Gailey (B.C.G.)

Yellow Wngtnil. Av.-April 8 (33) Av.=October 3 (32) April 4 Keele (A.R.P.) October 11 Solihull (B.C.G.) 3 Haughton (E.O.) 5 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) 6 Rugeley (P.B.B.) 5 Bittell (T.A.W.) 5 Draycote (per R.B.)

Tree-Pipit. Av. = April 10 (32) Av. =Septcmber 13 (31) April 1 Hams Hall (E.A.H.) October 13 Chesterton (per E.J.B.) 7 Yoxall (B.C.G.) 11 Brownhills (D.D.) 10 Cannock (R.S.) September 30 Wednesfield (D.S.) 13 Blithfield (A.R.M.B.) 20 Malvern Hills (D.I.N.)

Mouse-Martin. Av. = April II (35)- Av.=October 25 (35) April 16 Bitlell (D.I.N.) November 13 Stafford (D.E.J.C.) 17 Wightwick (R.S.T.) 1 Leamington (E.J.B.) 19 (Several records) October 25 Southam (R.B.) 24 Hednesford (B.C.G.)

Common Sandpiper. Av.=April 12 (33) Av.=October 11 (30) April 9 Belvide (R.C.B.) November 23 Blithfield (A.R.D.) 12 Drayton Bassett 23 Bittell (T.A.W.) (J.R.W.) 13 Packington (K.S.) 13 Bodymoor Heath October 31 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) (E.A.H.) 13 Clay Mills (E.S.C.)

Redstart. Av. = April 12 (33) Av. = September 12(32) April 8 Upton Warren (R.M.) Seplembcr 20 Clayhanger (D.D.) 10 Malvern Hills (M.A.B.) 20 Penkridge (G.W.W.) 10 Cannock Chase (A.J.) 18 Bittell (M.A.B.)

Cuckoo. Av.=April 14 (33) Av.=September 16 (31) April 18 Bentley (E.A.H.) September 8 Cannock Res. (R.A.H.) 19 Wye Forest (L.R.B.) August 20 Bodymoor Heath 19 Tittesworth (A.G.F.) (E.A.H.) 18 Upton Warren (T.A.W.)

Whitethroat. Av.=April 17 (35) Av.=September 20 (35) April 16 Belvide (D.S.) Scplcmber 28 Hams Hall (H.T.L.) 17 Moreton Wood (G.Be.) 28 Bodymoor Heath 22 Leamington (E.J.B.) (E.A.H.) 26 Bittell (J.M.H.)

Sedge-Warbler. Av.=ApriM9 (33) Av.= September 22 (26) April 13 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) Oclobcr 14 Bodymoor Heath 21 Upton Warren (K.G.C.) (E.A.H.) 26 Holden Pools (H.W.K.) 4 Pettifer Bridge 26 Alvecote (G.A.A.) (E.A.E.) 2 Brandon (B.M.C.G.)

74 ARRIVALS DEPARTURES Nightingale. Av.=April 21 (33) April 22 Meriden (P.W.) 24 Spernall Park (per E.J.B.)

Grasshopper-Warbler. Av. = April 21 (33) Av.= August 18 (18) April 4 Bittell (J.M.K.) August 19 Hclvidc (D.S.) 17 Austy Wood (D.M.T.) 18 Billell (T.A.W.) 20 Old Hill (D.I.N.) 10 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) 20 Franche (G.E.)

Wood-Warbler. Av.= April 23 (33) Av. = August 11 (23) . April 16 Black Lake (A.R.P.) August 31 West Hagley (M.T.) 28 Packington (K.S.) 7 Blithfield (B.C.G.) 28 Earlswood (D.M.H.) 2 Belvide (D.D.) 30 Sutton Park (J.L.)

Lesser Whitetliroat. Av. = April 23 (33) Av. = September 13 (33) May I Crowle (F.F.) SciMember 27 Delvidc (D.S.) I Upton Warren (D.M.) 23 Kidderminster (R.M.) 4 Bodymoor Heath 20 .Brownhills (D.D.) (E.A.H.)

Pied Flycatcher. Av. = April 23 (22) April 24 Biddulph (W.J.B.) September 9 Ginnock Chase 27 Hob Hill (M.J.I.) CB.C.G.) 30 Wye Forest (J.H.W.R.)

Swift. Av.= April 24(35) Av. = September 8 (35) April 20 Kingsbury (H.T.L.) September 21 Leamington (E.J.B.) 20 Old Hills (D.I.N.) 17 Coven (B.C.) 20 Bodymoor Heath 14 (M;iny records) (E.A.H.) 23 Upton Warren (T.A.W,)

Garden-Warbler. Av.=April 25 (32) Av. = An gust 26 (31) April 24 Cannock Chase September 9 Cannock Chase (.B.C.G.) (B.C.G.) 27 Bittell (D.M.H.) 7 Leamington (E.J.B.) 28 Kinver Edge (S.F.L.E.) 2 Bitlell (M.A.B.)

Whinchnt. Av. = April 25 (33) Av.=September 25 (30) April 16 Lightoaks (A.G.F.) 27 Upton Warren (R.M.) October 18 Belvide (D.S.) 27 .Blithfield (A.R.D.) I Kidderminster 27 Landywood (D.S.) (M.H.B.) 27 Drayton Bassett September 30 Old Milverton (E.E.G.) (J.R.W.) 27 Upton Warren (R.M.)

Corncrake September 22 Cofton Richards (J.M.H.) 19 Chad wick Grange (F.F.) August 29 Kingston (R.T.)

75 ARRIVALS DEPARTURES

Turtle-Dove. Av. = April 30 (34) Av.= September 17 (34) April 7 Bromsgrove (J.Sc.) September 27 Belvide (D.S.) 16 Shelfield Green (D.T.U.) 23 Yoxall (B.C.G.) 20 Sutton Park (A.R.M.B.) 14 Alvecote (G.A.A.) May 1 (Several records) 14 Brandon (J.W.)

Recd'Wiirbler. Av. = April ju (29) Av. = September 15 (21) April 24 Upton Warren (K.G.C.) October 5 Weslwood (C.P.B.) 27 Copmere (G.M.) September 30 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) 27 Salwarfe (J.R.M.) 27 Droitwich (I.R.M.) 27 Branston (W.E.M.)

Spotted Flycatcher. Av. = May5(32) Av. = September 21 (32) April 27 Upton Warren (T.A.W.) October 4 Upton Warren (R.M.) 30 Hams Hall (E.A.H.) September 23 Biltell (J.M.H.) May 4 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 21 Milwich (G.B.) 21 Leamington (E.I.B.)

Nightjar. Av.=May 16 (29) Av. = August 15 (18) May 6 BreretonHayes(M.J.A.) August 7 Hanchurch (G.M.) 17 Hanchurch (A.R.P.)

Marsh-Warbler. Av.=June 3 (21) No records

Golden Plover. Av.=September 3 (24) Av.= April 9 (24) August 10 Bodymoor Heath May 1 Essington (D.S.) (H.T.L.) April 20 Nuneaton (D.J.K.) 14 Belvide (D.S.) 20 Brownhills (D.D.) 27 Drayton Bassett 13 Claverdon (R.A.) (G.A.A.)

Wigeon. Av.=September 8 (31) Av.=April 26 (35) August 4 Upton Warren (D.I.N.) May 18 Draycote (C.H.P.) Sept. 2 Draycote (per R.B.) April 20 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) 6 Bittell (D.M.H.) 19 Belvide (D.S.) 7 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 19 Coombe (C.H.P.) 7 Brandon (B.M.C.G.)

Redwing. Av.=October 3 (35) Av. = April 11 (35) Sept. 6 Bittell (D.M.H.) April 20 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) 21 Bodymoor Heath 20 Rudyard Lake (C.P.) (E.A.H.) 20 Wolston (J.W.) 28 Alvecote (G.A.A.)

Pintail. Av.=October 6 (23) Av. = April 10 (29) August 21 Belvide (D.S.) April 9 Alvecotc (G.A.A) 25 Upton Warren (A.F.J.) 8 Upton Warren Sept. 21 Blithfield (R.A.H.) (K..G.C.) October 5 Draycote (J.L.) 6 Brandon (B.M.C.G.)

Jack Snipe. Av.=October II (28) Av.= April 1 (25) Sept. 20 Draycote (J.L.) April 28 Brandon (J.W.) 20 Upton Warren (T.A.W.) 19 Belvide (D.D.) 21 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) 18 Packington (K.S.) 76 ARRIVALS DEPARTURES

Urambling. Av. = October 13 (35) Av.= April 6 (34) Octobcr 5 Brandon (B.M.C.G.) April 20 Lickeys (T.A.W.) 18 Wombourne (I D.) 14 Hall Green (D.M.H.) 18 Warwick (R.Ba.) 12 Sutton Park 21 Brownhills (D.D.) (A.R.M.B;) 12 Streetley (D.J.M.)

Fieldfare. Av.=October 13 (34) Av.= April 27 (34) Sept. 17 Bittell (K.G.C.) May 10 Cocknage Wood(G.B.) Octobcr 3 Kings Bromley (B.C.G.) 5 Upton Warren 6 Milton (A.G.F.) (K.G.C.) 6 Cradley (S.F.L.E.) 5 Hanchurch (E.W.L.) 5 Haughton (E.O.)

Goldcncyc. Av.=October 18 (31) Av.=April 25 (32) Sept. 21 Bodymoor Heath May 6 Bodymoor Heath (E.A.H.) (E.A.H.) Oct. 9 Belvide (A.S.) 5 Belvide (A.R.M.B.) 11 Blithfield (G.I.G.) 4 Draycote (per R.B.) 4 Blithfield (G.Br.)

Siskin. Av.=October 20 (32) Av.=April 4 (33) Oct. 19 Bittell (K.G.C.) May 19 Wyre Forest 19 Lowsonford (E.A.E.) (A.R.M.B.) 19 Upton Warren (R.M.) April 20 Lickeys (T.A.W.) 7 Kinver Edge (R.M.) 7 Enville (R.M.) Goosander. Av. = November 14 (30) Av. = March 31 (30) Oct. 26 Blithfield (B.C.G.) April 13 Copmere (N.R.W.) Nov. 8 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 6 Blithfield (K.G.C.) 16 Draycote (per R.B.) 6 Belvide (A.R.D.) 18 Bittell (K.G.C.) March 23 Tittesworth (A.G.F.)

Smew. Av. =December 16 (25) Av. = March 3 (23) January 5 Blithfield (E.S.C.) April 9 Packington (K.S.)

77 KEY TO CONTRIBUTORS (The following members and non-members have forwarded material for the Report) Miss J. Ablill A. E. Coles R. B. Haliinglon fM. Adklns fG. G. Cooke J. A. Hardman S. A. Airey D. E. J. Court A. J. Harfan R. Armfield B. Craddock G. R. Harrison G. A. Arnold . R. S. Cropper Mrs. J. V. Harrison M. A. Arnold B. J. Cross C. N. Hartley W. J. Adkins A. W. Cundall A. Hatfield tMrs. R. Austen D. M. Hawker tS. G. Austen j. Daffem G. W. Henlon M. J. Austin tP. Davenport •Mrs. N. Hepburn J. B. Davies tB. Hewins P. T. Bache B. A. Davis A. Hewit C. R. Bagshaw Miss G. Davis Mrs. J. M. Hey lies R. Bailey tl. K. Dawson *R. Higginbotham T. W. Bailey B. B. Daykin *E. J. Hill J. G. Baker F. A. Daysh J. W. Holt J. F. Ball A. J. Dean D. Hope F. R. Barlow A. R. Dean E. A. Hopkins N. P. Barlow B. R. Dean *D. Howe tR. Barnes (R.Ba.) P. G. Deans R. A. Hume L. R. Bayes D. Diskin J. R. Hulchings G. Beech (G.Be.) I. J. Dix G. Bell P. Downing (P.Do.) M. J. Inskip Mis. P. B. Best I. Draycolt S. Bingham N. Jackson A. R. M. Blake tMiss E. A. Eattell A. F. Jacobs tMrs. D. M. Boss R. J. Ebrey R. Jardine fR. H. Boss N. B. Edmonds *D. E. Jebbeit W. Bowman S. F. L. Edwards A. Jennings M. H. Box T. Edwards tP. C. Jinman M. H. Bourne G. Emery J. A. Johnson S. D. B. Boyes D. G. Evans *A. Jones tE. J. Bradford tMrs. I. M. Evans P. Jones tMrs. W. G. Bradford J. P. Ewins M. A. Brazil H. W. Key G. Brian (G.Br.) F. Fincher *D. J. Kightley R. C. Broadbent A. G. Finikin B. L. Kington C. P. Brooking T. W. Ford *T. A. W. Kirk T. Broomhall G. Fowler tG. H. Knight S. Brown (S.Br.) M. Fuszard S. C. Brown tMrs. O. L. Lancaster R. Brownsword Brandon Marsh T. W. Lancaster J. F. W. Bruhn Conservation Group R. A. Langston W. D. Brydges (B.M.C.G.) *D. Lapworih B. C. George *H. Lapworth Mrs. L. A. Cadbury R. Gillibrand P. Lees D. Cashniore L. Goodyer R. W. M. Lee P. W. Challinor G. H. Green H. T. Lees J. Chapman F. C. Gribble D. G. Lewis E. S. Clare Mrs. H. Gribble G. E. Lewis A. J. Clarke G. I. Griffiths E. W. Longman D. T. R. Clarke tR. Griffiths (R.Gr.) J. Lord E. H. Clark tS. Griffiths G. Lovenbury K. G. Clifford fMiss E. E. Gulch tJ. H. Lowe T. Cockburn Miss N. D. Gulch *W. G. Luton 78 D. S. Marland R. B. RatclilTe R. S. Thomas R. Maskew C. R. L. Reece W. N. A. Thompson A. Mason A. J. Richards P. Till W. A. Mason J. H. W. Ridley M. Townsend *C. H. Matthews M. A. T. Rivington J. Tranter J. Matthews J. S. C. Robinson *E. H. Tunniclill'e tT. K. Meredith J. B. Robertson W. E. Merrill R. Rooke tD. T. Underhill A. J. Millward Miss E. M. Rose tMrs. M. J. Underhill C. D. T. Minton fD. Mirecki S. H. Savage *M. Moreton J. Scott (J.Sc.) •J. Wagstaffe (J.Wa.) G. Moss A. Sherlock Mrs. M. L. D. Walker J. R. Mouniford Mrs. R. Shrive (R.Sr.) T. A. Walsh D. J. Munns N. Sills J. Walton T. Simcock G. W. Ward *R. Neep K. Simmons E. L. Watlerson B. T. Nicholls D. Smallshire *D. Watts D. I. North R. L. Smallwood Miss Y. M. Way •Miss M. Nutting L. Smith Mrs. L. M. Wearing *R. K. Smith K. A. Webb *Miss A. Oat way T. C. Smout A. Went G. A. Osborn B. Somerfield N. R. Went Miss E. Owen J. Stacey D. R. West V. T. Oxford D. Stanyard M. Whitehouse Miss C. E. Vine-Stevens P. Whelch T. E. C. Parker *M. Stew N. A. J. Wilde A. K. Pearce G. Summers H. Wiley F. E. Peach R. Sutton J. R. Wilson A. R. Plant i J. B. Wood C. Plant C. G. Tangye tC. Wood ruffe E. D. Ponting |J. Taylor J. D. M. Wright C. H. Potter Mrs. L. Taylor M. Wright (M.Wr.) J . Prat ley tR. Taylor R. P. Wright D. M. Thomas *D. Ralcliffe K. H. Thomas D. W. Yalden

^Nuneaton Bird Watchers' tWai wick Natural History S

79 WEST MIDLAND BIRD CLUB INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 1969 1968 £ £ INCOME £ s. d. £ s. d. 787 Subscriptions received for 1969 799 18 10 6 Sales of Reports 3 17 0 3 Sales—" Birds of Staffordshire " 4 2 6 23 Field Meetings 45 17 0 Collection—Indoor Meeting 45 n n 5 Building Society Interest 34 2 0 17 Reservoir (Permit Fees) 242 15 6 Atlas Fund Grant from Royal Society 400 0 0' Sundry Receipts— 10 For Sale of Aliases 228 13 6 628 IS 6

£851 £1,804 8 4 Less: EXPENDITURE 36 Indoor Meetings 68 9 0 239 Reports 237 14 8 370 Bulletins 336 5 8 99 Printing, Stationery, etc. 111 14 0 Reservoir Permit Fees and Insur 25 ances 242 13 10 13 Subscriptions to Associates 13 8 0 19 Bird Boxes Atlas Expenditure to date 166 7 9 £801 - 1,176 12 11 EXCESS OF INCOME OVER £50 EXPENDITURE £627 15 5

BALANCE SHEET as at 31sr DECEMBER, 1969 As at January, 1969 413 12 5 Add: Surplus for the year 627 15 5 413 1,041 148 Subscriptions in advance . 225 Loan—Royal Society (interest free) 350 Loan—Foyle Trust (interest free) 250

£561 £1,866 17 4

Represented by:— 404 Cash at Bank and in Hand 389 14 4 Investment in Leicester Permanent Building 157 Society 1,321 10 2 Conservation Fund (83, Scot Exempt Growth Units—at cost) 96 2 10 Inland Revenue—Tax on Covenants 59 10 0

£561 £1,866 17 4

Wc have examined (he above Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st December, 1969, and Balance Sheet at that date and we certify that, in our opinion, the said Income and Expenditure Account gives a true and fair view of the Club's Excess of Income over Expendi- ture for 1969 and the Balance Sheet gives a true and fair view of the state of the Club's affairs as at 31st December, 1969, in accordance with books, vouchers and information given to us. K. H. THOMAS, Hon. Treasurer. WALL & TANFIELD, Chartered A ccouttlanta, Hon, Auditors.