West Midland Bird Club VJiP^

Annual Report No 51 1984 Little Ringed Plover by M C Wilkes West Midland Bird Club Annual Report No 51 1984

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

Contents

2 Officers and Committee

3 Recorder's Report

3 Birds in 1984

6 Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement

9 Secretary's Report

9 Membership Secretary's Report

10 Field Meetings Secretary's Report

10 Research Committee's Report

11 Staffordshire Branch Report

11 Ladywalk Reserve

14 The Dipper in Worcestershire

23 Bird Populations of the Roaches Estate, 1978-84

29 1984 Bird Record Localities

32 Classified Notes

116 Ringing in 1984

121 Key to Contributors

123 Submission of Records

Price £2.50 2

Officers and Committee 1985

President C A Norris, Brookend House, Welland, Worcestershire Vice-President G C Lambourne, Melin Dan-y-rhiw, St. Davids, Dyfed Chairman A J Richards, 1 Lansdowne Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7JG Deputy Chairman G M Lewis, 9a Plymouth Road, Barnt Green, B45 8JE Secretary A I Whatley, 8 Bowstoke Road, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 5EA Treasurer K Webb, 8 Vernon Close,', West Midlands B74 4EA Recorder and G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton, Research Warwickshire CV35 7LA Committee Chairman Membership D S Evans, 49 Inglewood Grove, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield Secretary B74 3LN Field Meetings S H Young, 32 Carless Avenue, Harborne, Secretary Birmingham B17 9EL Miss M Surman, 6 Lloyd Square, 12 Niall Close, Permit Secretary Birmingham B15 3LX A E Coleman, 67 Park Lane, Bonehill, Tamworth, Ringing Secretary Staffordshire P K Dedicoat, 2 The Elms Paddock, Pattingham, Bulletin Editor WV6 7DW Staffs Branch D W Emley, 127 Harpfields Road, Stoke-on-Trent Chairman Branch M Hewitt, 33 Hurdis Road, Shirley, Solihull, Chairman West Midlands Main Committee S C Brown, T E Giles, J Holden, T B Hutton, H McGregor and R M Normand Records Committee G R Harrison (Chairman), A R Dean, D W Emley, G Evans, S K Welch and S M Whitehouse 3

Recorder's Report More records than ever were submitted this year and I should like to thank everyone for their contributions. Nothing was received from some hitherto regular contributors, however, and this has left some important gaps, notably at Brandon and Draycote. Indeed, coverage for Warwickshire is generally poor away from Alvecote and the Tame Valley. I should like to thank Maurice Eccleshall and Brett Westwood again for their illustrations; Dave Emley, Graham Evans, Steve Welch and Steve Whitehouse for their help in compiling the Classified Notes; and the Records Committee for assessing over 500 sightings of Category A species. In this respect, the Committee was pleased to see a great improvement in the standard of descriptions this year — it made the task of assessment much easier and all contributors are thanked for their co-operation. Finally, I must draw attention to a belated 1983 record of Long-billed Dowitcher — a new addition to the regional avifauna. G R Harrison Birds in 1984 1984 was an average year, with 211 species. Winter was again generally mild, spring was sunny but cool, summer dry, warm and sunny, and autumn typically unsettled. The year began wet and windy. Both Great Northern Diver and Hoopoe remained from 1983 — the latter staying until April at least. Bittern and Firecrest were discovered on New Year's Day, a Bearded Tit on the sixth and another Great Northern Diver on the seventh. An especially vigorous depression on the thirteenth brought a marked passage of Kittiwakes over the next few days. Associated with this movement were two Whooper Swans and a Little Auk on the fourteenth, and Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, Purple Sandpiper and Snow Bunting the next day. A Cetti's Warbler, discovered in mid-month, stayed until March and two Smew and a Peregrine were new on the twenty-first. A strong passage of thrushes and plovers preceded a blizzard in northern on the twenty-second, after which three Brent Geese appeared and quite unexpectedly a Wood I ark was seen. The next weekend five Shags, seven Whooper Swans, a further Brent Goose, Great Grey Shrike and Snow Bunting were present — no doubt an aftermath of the hard-weather movement. February began with Hooded Crow on the third, then strong westerly winds on the fifth brought a herd of 22 Bewick's Swans. A Bittern was discovered on the same day, followed by another and a Shag on the tenth. The previous day a Mealy Redpoll was reported. The rest of the month was cold, calm and largely uneventful. It was an outstanding winter for Iceland Gulls, with at least 17 different birds, but Glaucous Gulls were scarcer. A little flurry of activity late in February saw another Whooper Swan on the twenty-fourth, a Mediterranean Gull on the twenty-sixth, another Hoopoe on the twenty-eighth and a large movement of Pink-footed Geese the next day. 4

March brought Bittern on the second and good movements of Bewick's Swans on the fourth and tenth. Cold northerlies or easterlies persisted for most of the month. However, a strong southerly wind and heavy overnight rain on the twenty-fourth brought an influx of seven Avocets, which were part of a nationally widespread displacement, followed by the first Ring Ouzel, Chiffchaff and Wheatear. The month closed with two Waxwings on the twenty-eighth and further Mealy Redpolls the day after and on April 7. April began dry, but cool. Warmer westerlies in mid-month brought two Firecrests and a small influx of White Wagtails around the fifteenth. Not until the last ten days, however, did conditions really encourage migration. Then, from ihe twentieth unwards, many summer visitors began to arrive in small numbers. Among the less usual, a Shag and two Little Terns appeared on the twenty-first, a harrier was seen on the twenty-fourth, 31 Bar-tailed Godwits paused overnight on the twenty-sixth and a White Stork was seen next day. Six Ruffs stayed for a few days during which time they were observed lekking, and a Quail and yet another Hoopoe appeared on the twenty-eighth. The month closed with a good passage of Black Terns, Wryneck on the thirtieth and a very strong movement of Little Gulls that peaked with a flock of 27 on May 1. The same day another Avocet was seen and a party of seven drake Velvet Scoters passed through. Easterly and southerly winds for the next week brought Red-breasted Merganser on the third, Sandwich Tern on the sixth and a few Arctic Terns on the eighth. An anticyclone then developed, but declined in mid-month to be replaced by unsettled weather on a series of fronts. Such conditions promised much of interest. In the event the best birds were Wryneck on the twelfth; another Red-breasted Merganser on the sixteenth; Osprey, Temminck's Stint and Golden Oriole on the nineteenth; Sandwich Tern and a pair of Black-necked Grebes the next day; another Temminck's Stint on the twenty-first; two Little Terns on the twenty-fifth; and another Osprey on the twenty-sixth. A strong passage of Common Terns occurred during cool, unsettled weather in the first week of June. Thereafter it was dry, but cool at times. Another pair of Black-necked Grebes enlivened the seventh, a Ring- tailed Harrier was seen on the eleventh and the first Quail were heard in mid- month. Hotter weather between the sixteenth and twentieth brought a Spoonbill on the latter date. The month then closed with yet another Hoopoe, this time regrettably dead, more Quail and a scattering of Little Terns. The most unexpected bird of the spring, however, was a Pectoral Sandpiper on the twenty-seventh. Insects were abundant in the warm, dry summer, so the breeding season was generally good. Common Terns and Oystercatchers both did well, and both Black Grouse and Common Sandpipers were found to have healthier populations than previously feared. On the other hand, Sand Martins and Macsh Warblers were down, the former by 70%, and it was a very poor year for Grasshopper Warblers. Most exciting, yet paradoxically most disappointing, however, was the unsuccessful breeding attempt by a pair of Black-necked Grebes. Successive anticyclones led to a sunny, dry July and August. With no 5

inclement weather there were few surprises. However, exceptional numbers of White-rumped Sandpipers appeared in Britain — one of them in north Staffordshire on July 7. Later in the month a Golden Oriole was found on the twenty-third and an unseasonal Kittiwake appeared five days later. Three Peregrines and a Black-necked Grebe were seen in August, as well as a Little Tern on the third, two Arctic Skuas the next day, and a large passage of Shelduck on the twenty-second. Settled weather continued for the first week of September, during which two more Peregrines appeared and yet another Black-necked Grebe was seen on the seventh. The same day also brought the first of three Pectoral Sandpipers (the others appearing on the fifteenth) and the eighth saw yet another Peregrine arrive — completing an excellent year for both species. A few Knot came in on the eleventh. Low pressure over the North Sea on the fifteenth and twentieth coincided with the arrival of Manx Shearwater, Red-necked Grebes on the fifteenth and nineteenth. Wryneck on the sixteenth, Mediterranean Gull on the eighteenth and another Manx Shearwater on the twenty-second. Unsettled westerly weather continued into October. Hirundines and many other summer visitors left unusually early and the month was generally quiet. Three days of easterly winds did bring a Grey Phalarope and the only Curlew Sandpiper of the year on the sixth, but otherwise there was little of note for the first three weeks. A second Grey Phalarope on the twentieth was then followed by Hen Harriers on the twenty-first and twenty-eighth, a Red-breasted Merganser on the latter date and a few late Black Terns thereafter.

A procession of fronts during November, with strong westerly winds late in the month, brought more variety. With bad weather over the North Sea, Kittiwakes passed through on the third, three Little Auks and a Snow Bunting appeared during the next few days and a Red-necked Grebe was seen on the seventh. These were followed by four Brent Geese, Red-breasted Merganser and a late Arctic Tern on the tenth; twenty Scoter, Hen Harrier, Firecrest and Great Grey Shrike on the eleventh and another Little Auk on the thirteenth. Next came further Snow Buntings, a Bittern on the eighteenth, Great Northern Diver on the twenty-fourth, Slavonian Grebe and five Whooper Swans the next day, and then an intriguing influx of Barnacle Geese and another Peregrine. Finally, further Hen Harriers were seen on the thirtieth, and on the fourth of December, which began with a week of unsettled, westerly weather. Dull, settled weather then brought a few White-fronted Geese and a Brent Goose on the fourteenth. Westerlies then returned and with them came Peregrine on the twenty-first. Red-breasted Merganser next day and Firecrest the day after. During the month large flocks of Pochard and Tufted Duck again gathered in the Tame Valley. Their interest was surpassed, however, by the record numbers of Bewick's Swans and waders, plus an attendant Peregrine, found in the Avon Valley along the Worcestershire-Gloucestershire border. The year finally closed with an exceptionally late Garganey on December 29.

G R Harrison 6

Treasurer's Report (year ending December 31, 1984)

There was unfortunately, and for the first time, a deficit on the Belvide Account, which was entirely due to the substantial increase in rent payable to British Waterways following the signing of a new lease. The main account also showed a small deficit despite a substantial surplus on the open day, and it is clear that a modest increase in subscriptions will be necessary if the Club's financial position is not to deteriorate unduly. The Balance Sheet, however, still shows a strong financial position, and it is pleasing to note that The Birds of the West Midlands fund has continued to increase due to continuing sales of the book. K Webb

Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended December 31, 1984 1984 1983 Income £ £ Subscriptions received (or 1984 7.548 7,182 Sale of Reports 54 105 Building Society Interest/Bank Interest 754 582 Reservoirs (permit fees) 1,590 1,588 Gifts and Donations 84 7 Sale of Checklists 27 11 Conservation Fair Receipts — 43 Advertising Income 308 71 Legacies — 100 Open Day 1.253 — Commission on Sale of Books, Calendars, etc. 61 51

Total Income 11,679 9,740 Less Expenditure Solihull Branch 150 — Donation to RSPB — 10 Tiliington/Doxey Appeal — 38 Indoor Meetings 442 614 Reports 3,601 2,890 Bulletins 3,922 3.618 Printing. Stationery and Postage 1.413 1.142 Reservoirs. Permit Fees and Insurance 1,220 1.184 Subscriptions to Associates 18 18 Conservation Fair Expenses 5 — Sundry Expenses 45 32 Open Day Expenses 1,069 20

11.885 9,566

(Deficit)/Surplus for the Year £(206) £174 7

Belvide—Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ended December 31, 1984

1984 198? Income £ £ Permits 1,413 1,358 Interest Received . 23 16 Field Meetings '.,.' 64 26 Grazing 250 284 Birds of Belvide 12 18

1,762 1,702

Less Expenditure Reserve Maintenance 596 186 Keys — 138 Rent (including £498 re 1983) 1,598 602 Car Park Rent 53 50 Postage and General Expenses — 17

2,247 993

Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year £(485) £709 8

Balance Shoot at Pecnmhor 31. 1984

1984 1983 Surplus £ £ As at December 31,1983 14,498 13,615 Add: Surplus/(Deficit) on Main Account (206) 174 Surplus/(Delicit) on Belvide Account (485) 709 Birds of West Midlands Fund 6,461 4,937

£20,268 £19,435

As at December 31, 1984 General Fund 13,807 14,498 Birds of West Midlands Fund 6,461 4,937

£20,268 • £19.435

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

Current Assets Cash at Bank 20,234 17,442 Halifax Building Society 664 623 Debtor in respect of Belvide etc. 125 330

£28.523 £25,895

Less Current Liabilities Subscriptions in Advance 1,395 1,520 Permit Fees in Advance 1,316 1,403 Creditor in respect of Annual Report etc. 5,544 3,537

8.255 6,460

Total Net Assets £20.268 £19,435

Note: The balance of the Birds of West Midlands Fund includes interest free loans repayable in 4 years from 1981.

We have examined the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Accounts In our opinion these accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the Club's affairs at December 31, 1984 and of the excess of expenditure over income for the year ended on that date.

C L Dain & Co. Chartered Accountants St. Johns Court, Wiltell Road. Lichfield K Webb 1985 Hon Treasurer 9

Secretary's Report Indoor Meetings — Birmingham Meetings held in the Birmingham and Midland Institute during the year were as follows:- January Mark Beaman 'Egypt, its Birds'. February Peter Harrison 'Seabirds'. March Annual General Meeting. April Valerie McFarland 'Alaska'. May Barrie Taylor Galapagos, its Wildlife'. October Dr Hilary Dow 'Getting to know the Goldeneye'. November Mark Beaman 'Birding in China'. December John Hancock Wetland Birds'. Our thanks again to Charles Brown, Roy Galloway, Tom Leach and Ken Webb who looked after the projection arrangements.

Indoor Meetings — Solihull The following meetings were held in the Solihull Technical College Lecture Theatre:- January Tony Hamblin 'A Season of Wildlife'. February Ken Webb 'A Natural History Miscellany'. March Gerry Griffiths 'Birdwatching in Europe'. October Mike Wilkes 'A Season of Birds'. November Rosemary Bashford 'Work of the WWF'. December Charlie Brown 'Birds of East Africa'. An RSPB Film Show with the Solihull Branch was also held on November 23.

Events During the year we were represented at the Sutton Coldfield Fair. Once again we are indebted to Mrs Daphne Dunstan for her assistance.

Special Event Together with the RSPB and the BTO an open day entitled 'Birdwatching, The Pleasure and the Purpose' took place at the Birmingham and Midland Institute, incorporating displays and various talks. During the evening Mr W E Oddie gave a talk on 'The Birds of Papua New Guinea'. Our thanks to all those who gave assistance at this event. A I Whatley

Membership Secretary's Report The membership at December 31, 1984 stood at 1854. This comprised 1795 adults and 59 juniors — 22 more overall than at December 31, 1983, but with 10

considerably fewer juniors. 246 non-payers were deleted in March, compared to 281 in 1983 and 291 in 1982. Miss J M Nicholls

Field Meetings Secretary's Report The year started with a trip to Slimbridge and was followed by a visit to the Ouse Washes, both needing two coaches. Once again we made our annual weekend trips to South Devon to coincide with the arrival of spring migrants. Both weekends were successful, but very different. In the late spring we visited the Ludlow area, Wyre Forest and Brown Clee — the latter being somewhat curtailed due to the drought conditions and the consequent fire danger. The first half of the year ended with a trip for Nightingales and Red Kite in the Elan Valley. The autumn season began with a visit to the Dee Estuary, which produced a greater variety of waders than for several years, followed by an interesting day at Rutland Water. Southport produced its usual variety of birds (but does it always rain here?) followed by Merlin, Short-eared Owl and Sparrowhawk at Martin Mere. Two local trips to the Wyre Forest and Bittell concluded the programme. The numbers attending Field Meetings trips remains high, and two coaches are normally required, which to some extent restricts the areas we can visit. I should once again like to thank all those who have helped in making the Field Meetings so successful. S H Young

Research Committee's Report During the year the Committee was involved with several conservation issues. Two of these have now been taken up by higher authorities: the BTO is studying Cormorants and their effect on fisheries, whilst the Government is looking into lead poisoning in Mute Swans. At the local level, representations were made to try and reduce disturbance to Black Grouse at their lek, and to gulls and wildfowl at Bartley, Blithfield and Draycote. Bert Coleman and Frank Gribble also arranged for Barn Owl nest-boxes supplied by the World Wildlife Fund to be erected at suitable sites: it is hoped their efforts will be rewarded by some nesting birds. G R Harrison 11

Staffordshire Branch Report Because of a block booking by a disco, we were unable to use the Guild Hall in Newcastle for our indoor meetings and so we moved to the Brampton Arts Centre in Pitfield House. Indoor meetings included talks on the Wash Wader Ringing Group (Phil Ireland), Ringing in Mallorca (David Emley), Walney Island (Tim Dean), Waders (Dave Smallshire), Birds in Captivity and the Law (Bob Bell), Florida (Roy Ingleston), the Scillies (Dr Raines) and Alaska (Val McFarland). Our field meetings took us to Himley, Sandbach, Brown Clee, Kingsbury Water Park, Wyre Forest, Copmere, Norfolk, Stone, Morecambe Bay and Leighton Moss. The North Staffs Moors figured prominently in the work of the Committee. The scheduling of the moorland SSSI seemed all the more urgent when the sale of the Harper-Crewe estate, including Swallow Moss, was announced. It was feared that the Ministry of Defence might buy it, but in the event it was announced that the Peak Park were to purchase the estate. No doubt the MOD would have been looking to some access arrangement over parts of it. The completion of the new camp at Blackshaw Moor has already resulted in an increase in army activity around areas like Swallow Moss. In dealings with the NCC over the SSSI, our interests have been looked after by Frank Gribble and David James. The NCC now has someone working full-time on this; an indication of the magnitude of the task. The plight of the Black Grouse also came to our notice. Disturbance of lekking birds had reached an unacceptable level in view of the extremely low level to which the population had sunk. Frank Gribble and David Emley sent a letter to British Birds and to RSPB Local Groups in an effort to reduce the number of bird-watchers visiting lekking sites and to encourage those that did come to restrict their watching to the roadside. We were asked to comment on plans to extract gravel from the centre of Maer Hills. However, as the area concerned was planted with close-canopy conifers, we felt that we could not object to their removal on ornithological grounds. At the AGM, John Holian was elected to serve on the Committee in place of Pete Dedicoat, who retired. Later in the year, Terry Bailey resigned from the Committee as he left the area to take up a job with the Lincolnshire Nature Conservation Trust. In response to the talk on the Greenland White-fronted Goose Study, the Committee agreed to adopt 8 geese; the money going towards the financing of further research. Money was provided from the Doxey Fund for the purchase of young hawthorns.

D W Emley

Ladywalk Reserve The year began on a wet and windy note, with severe westerly gales in mid- January and snowstorms later. Duck numbers were poor, though Teal reached 12

3?0 in icy weather on the twenty-ninth. Two Woodcock were found on the twenty-eighth. February was mainly cold and gloomy but Curlews and tihelduCk re-appeared from the coast. March was mainly dull and cold after a mild start, during which the first Coltsfoot was noted in flower on the fifth. Three Pintail on the twelfth, a male Stonechat on seventeenth-eighteenth, and a Black-tailed Godwit reported on the twenty-first suggested some movement. April started cold, with some very sharp frosts. Summer visitors were late, with Willow Warbler, Little Ringed Plover an'd Chiffchaff on the eighth. Blackcap singing in the Covert on the sixteenth and a male Wheatear on the ash hills on the twenty-first. This species is now rare at Ladywalk with only two records all year. The second half of April was settled and very sunny, though nights were cool. Redstart was reported on the twenty-fifth and the first Turtle Dove flew through. Two Garden Warblers and two Oystercatchers appeared on the twenty-seventh and the first Greenshank on the thirtieth. May proved to be cooler and duller, though mainly dry. Drake Garganey on the second and Short-eared Owl on the third were pleasant surprises. The first real rain for 25 days fell on the tenth, a Hobby flew through on the twelfth and a wet spell on the twenty-first-twenty-second brought down at least 10 Ringed Plovers and five Dunlins. Duck had a poor breeding season, with no broods of Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal or Garganey recorded. There was no summer flood for a change, but broods of the commoner wildfowl were disappointing. Only one Tufted duckling was seen on the Reserve proper. Great Crested Grebes did quite well and Redshanks reared at least one brood. Black Redstarts were successful as were Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Only one Red-legged Partridge chick was seen, but the Grey species did better with eight flying juveniles noted. Sedge Warblers and Blackcaps sang and bred well into August, which was unbearably hot and humid at times. Heavy rain about once a fortnight seems to have created ideal conditions for passerines, and very good numbers of young tits and Willow Warblers were seen. It was ironical that some of the species which would have thrived on a good summer failed to arrive for the first time in the Reserve's history, or turned up in very poor numbers. Swallows passed through in quite good numbers in spring, but autumn totals were disappointing bearing in mind the excellent summer weather. The adult Spoonbill of June 20-27 was the gem of the summer. At the same time over 100 Bee Orchids and a second pair of Black Redstarts were found, making Ladywalk a very good day out indeed for naturalists. Two pairs of Little Ringed Plovers were also present and a clutch was seen but no young. A Spotted Redshank in July and two Black-tailed Godwits in September were noteworthy. The first winter visitors arrived on a north-west wind on October 6 and 7, and Redwings, Fieldfares, Stonechats, Water Rails and Short-eared Owl were all seen in the area. By November there were probably 10 Water Rails on the Reserve. November was a very wet, mild month, which produced two new species for Ladywalk, taking the ongoing total to 168. The bird of the autumn 13

was undoubtedly a ring-tailed Hen Harrier, which flew over on November 8. On the tenth a Ring-necked Parakeet was seen. After the first week of October few waders were seen, though wind and rain produced a tired Knot in the Lagoon on November 24, a day of much flooding in the valley. The lack of disturbance on the marsh helped duck numbers, with 450 Teal on December 16 equalling the record of December 1973. One feature of the autumn was the frequent sighting of Sparrowhawks, which now seem commoner than Kestrels in the area. On December 27 Water Rail, Woodcock and Bittern were all reported. To sum up, it was a good year for variety, but changes in climate in central Africa and Western Europe have clearly affected some of the common summer visitors of yesteryear. In the course of the year various management tasks were also planned or carried out. The ternraft was launched near Hide A, with Heron, Common Sandpiper and Black-headed Gull seen on it to date, repairs were made to both hides and a new staircase was erected at Hide A. Plans were drawn up to join the scrape to the main pool, and to deepen it to prevent drying out in the summer, and to clear a large area of vegetation on the marsh for the benefit of Little Ringed Plovers. We are grateful to the CEGB for undertaking this work on our behalf. B L Kington

1983 Corrigendum Fifty-years of Bird-watching Tony Blake has asked me to point out that he referred to the "three kids" and not the "three lads" in his contribution. I apologise for this error. G R Harrison 14

The Dipper in Worcestershire Introduction Between 1979-1981 Wychavon Ringing Group members spent considerable time walking the Dick, Leigh and Sapey Brooks searching for Dipper nests to ring nestlings. It was soon realised that more pairs were present than had generally been supposed. The only previous population estimate for Worcestershire was, "probably not more than 30 pairs" (Harthan, 1946). This motivated the launch of a full county census in 1982. The main objectives of the survey were to establish the number of breeding pairs, distribution, density and nesting success of Dippers in Worcestershire and to relate these to habitat requirements in an area which is physiographically marginal for this species. Topography In Worcestershire, suitable watercourses are mainly confined to the north and west particularly in the Teme Valley. These areas are on hard, resistant rocks such as Old Red Sandstone and Carboniferous Coal Measures. The watercourses are typically rejuvenated streams, with steep gradients, rocky shallows and well developed riffle systems. Most central and southern parts of Worcestershire lie on Keuper Marls and Lower Lias Clays. These give rise to a gently undulating landscape, where very few streams have steep gradients or well developed riffle systems so Dippers are mainly excluded by lack of suitable habitat. Methods Fieldwork consisted of one or two observers quietly walking a watercourse, entering all relevant information on to large scale Ordnance Survey maps. This included physical features such as waterfalls, shallows, river cliffs etc.; artefacts such as walls, bridges, weirs; adjoining habitats; availability of nest sites and observations of Dipper activity. 300km of watercourse were surveyed, including all suitable rivers and streams west of the River Severn. East of the Severn coverage was less thorough. Here all likely streams were identified, but mostly only known or probable locations were investigated due to problems of access in a more populated area. Many watercourses form the county boundary and in 1982 15 occupied Dipper territories (31 %) included an administrative boundary. Only pairs with the nest or majority of territory inside Worcestershire are included in the results. Some just outside are, however, plotted on the distribution map. Dippers are fairly easy to census. Identification is unmistakable, song and call notes are distinctive, nests are relatively easy to locate and their presence is often betrayed by many droppings on midstream rocks. Successive generations of Dippers are often faithful to a nest side. A site at Sapey Bridge which was occupied in 1856 (Lees) still held a pair in 1982, some 126 years laterl A literature search was undertaken, with WMBC Annual Reports providing the bulk of information. Requests for information in the WMBC Bulletin and 15

Worcestershire Nature Conservation Trust (WNCT) Newsletter provided additional records. A territory was counted as occupied using the following criteria: An occupied nest located; Adult carrying food items, faecal sacs or nest material, or both adults seen where there were many droppings on rocks. An unoccupied territory was identified either by an old nest found (some can last for years in a sheltered position) or a genuine, previous record of breeding. Breeding densities were calculated and related to influencing factors and physical features for all watercourses. The necessary features which combine to make a watercourse suitable for a Dipper territory are listed. The gradient of each territory and its relationship to the width of watercourse is demonstrated. All nests found in the years 1979-84, including those just outside Worcestershire, were written up on BTO Nest Record Cards and the outcome followed-up where possible. Information extracted included nest sites, clutch and brood size and breeding success. Results a) Numbers, Density and Distribution Using the above criteria 48 breeding pairs were located in 1982 (fig. 1), with 36 occupied nests discovered. Table 1 shows the distribution, density and influencing factors. The highest breeding density of 1 pair/km occurs on Pipers Brook, which flows through a steep wooded dingle over extensive tufa deposits which create a series of waterfalls. High densities also occur on Dowles Brook.

Figure 1: 1982 Distribution Map.

• Occupied Territory o Unoccupied Territory Table 1: Numbers, Densities and influencing Factors

Average Average Nest Feeding Density Maximum Occupied Unoccupied Watercourse Length Gradient Width Site Shallows Geology 1982 Density Territories Territories (km) Im/km) (m) Frequency Frequency (prs/IOkm) (prs/tOkm) 1982 1982

Arley Brook 2.1 34.6 2 Occ. Freq. CCM 4.7 4.7 1 Bradleys Brook 1.9 21.2 2.5 Occ. Ab. ORS 5.2 5.2 1 Cadmore Brook 8.2 15.0 2.5 Rare Occ. ORS 1.2 1.2 1 Cheaton Brook 3.8 14.0 2 Rare Occ. ORS 0 2.6 1 Corn Brook 3 8.3 2.5 Occ. Ab. ORS 3.3 3.3 1 Dick Brook 11 11.6 5 Occ. Freq. CCM/KS 3.6 5.4 4 2 Dowles Brook 8 6.7 4 Freq. Ab. CCM 7.5 10 6 2 Dumbleton Brook 5 33.5 2 Rare Freq. ORS/CCM 2 2 1 Elmley Brook 25.6 S.6 3.5 Rare Occ. KS 0.4 0.4 1 Eymore Brook 2.3 42.0 2 Rare Freq. CCM 0 8 7 2 Gladder Brook 7.9 17.1 2 Rare Ab. ORS/CCM 2.5 2 5 2 Hartlebury Brook 3.4 4.4 2 Rare Freq. KS 2.3 2.3 1 Hermitage Brook 1.1 100.2 1 Rare Freq. ORS 0 9.1 1 Hoo Brook 14:0 8.9 3 Occ. Freq, KS 1.4 2.1 2 1 llley Brook 7.2 16.8 3 Rare Occ. CCM 0 1.3 1 River Isbourne 7 2.5 3.5 Rare Freq. LL 0 1.4 1 Kyre Brook 11 4.3 • 4.5 Rare Freq. ORS 3 6 3 3 Leigh Brook 10 3 6 .5 Rare Freq. Sil/KM 2 5 2 3 Lem Brook 5.8 24.0 2 Rare Ab. CCM 0 1.7 1 Mill Brook 4.5 24.3 2.5 Rare Ab. ORS 2.2 4.4 1 1 Ombersley Brook 0.7 21.4 1.5 Rare Freq. KS 0 1 Orleton Brook 3.3 50.4 2 Occ. Ab. ORS 6.1 6.1 2 Overbury Brook 2.0 49.9 1 Rare Freq. UL 0 5 1 Pensax Brook 4.8 27.6 2.5 Rare Freq. ORS/CCM 2.1 2.1 1 Pipers Brook 3 46.7 2 Rare Ab. ORS 10 10 3 Pound Green Brook 3.5 28.4 2 Rare Freq. CCM 2.8 2.8 1 13 2.7 12 Occ. Freq. CCM/ORS 2.3 38 3 2 Sapey Brook 11 17.4 3.5 Freq. Ab. ORS 4.5 6.3 5 2 Shrawley Brook 5.4 10.8 2 Occ. Freq. KS 0 3.7 2 River Teme 61 2.9 20 Rare Occ. KM/ORS 1.0 1.8 6 11 Total 48 38

Key ons = Old Red Sandstone LL = Lower Lias Clays KM = Keuper Marl CCM = Carboniferous Coal Measures Sil = Silurian KS = Keuper Sandstone UL = Upper Lias Clays 17

Figure 2: River Teme main channel territories.

Density 0 95prs/lOkm 2-6prs/l0km 4-6 prs/ 10km

Gradient l 2 m/km 3 2m/km 4 3m/kn

4 KEUPER MARL- OLD RED SANDSTONE in !i in 20 30 40

f

Occasional Irregular- Occupied in 1982

Figure 3: Distribution of Dipper Figure 4: Relationship between territories in relation to size/' density and gradient of gradient of watercourses. watercourses.

£40 J*

T

Gradient m/km 18

Density and distribution in the main channel of the River Teme is illustrated in fig. 2. Nest frequency is rare, as there are few remaining artefacts (4 weirs have been washed away), natural sites are very restricted, rock outcrops with suitable ledges are uncommon, and regular bank maintenance by the Water Authorities has obvious adverse effects on other natural sites. The relationship betvyeen watercourse gradient and density is plotted in fig. 4. b) Territories All territories found contained the following features: i) Extensive areas of suitable feeding shallows. ii) At least one suitable nesting site near to feeding area. iii) Unpolluted water with healthy invertebrate population (All streams and rivers had water-quality grade 1 B according to the Severn-Trent Water Authority's classification). iv) The presence of a tributary on larger watercourses. v) A watercourse with an average width exceeding 1,5m. Gradient of territory varied with the width of watercourse in which it was found and the relationship" is plotted in fig. 3. c) Nest Sites During the years 1979-84, 127 Dipper nests were found and 31 pairs reused a nest site at least once during this period. Of the 127 nests, 58.1% were built on man-made sites, mostly under bridges or in walls. The most frequently used natural sites were in overhanging banks or close behind waterfalls. The most unusual nest was built on a rock in the open beside the stream.

Table 2: Dipper Nest Sites

Man-made Sites No. % Natural Sites No. %

Bridge (i) in cavity 8 6.2 Rock ledge 12 9.4 (ii) on ledge 27 21.2 Overhanging bank 22 17.3 In wall 28 22.0 Behind waterfall 17 13.4 On sluice gate 1 0.9 Cleft of tree 1 0.9 Behind weir, Knapp 5 3.9 On rock in open 1 0.9 In pipe or culvert 5 3.9

Total 74 58.1 53 41.9

96 nests frequently exhibited the following features: No. % i) Fairly inaccessible to ground predators 80 83 >>) Free from excessive human disturbance 84 87 iii) Situated in a sheltered, shady position 79 82 iv) Unrestricted drop into water 84 87 v) At least 500mm above normal spring water level 87 91 19

d) Clutch and Brood size Clutch size was determined from 41 nesting attempts, the spread of which can be seen in Table 3. The mean clutch size was 4.7.

Table 3: Clutch Size

1 2 3 4 5 6

No. Nests (41) 0 0 1 10 29 1 % Nests 0 0 2.4 24.5 70.7 2.4

Brood size was determined from 40 nesting attempts and was taken to be at the age of ringing, which varied from 10 to 15 days after hatching. The spread of brood size can be seen in Table 4. The mean brood size was 3.75. Double brooding was recorded only once, but this does not reflect the true incidence due to under-recording as the season progressed.

Table 4: Brood Size

1 2 3 4 5 6

No. Nests (40) 2 2 13 10 13 0 % Nests 5.0 5.0 32.5 25.0 32.5 0

e) Breeding Success 79 nests had a known outcome, and from these 51 (64%) successfully reared young and 28 (36%) failed. Of the 51 successful nests, 49 (96%) had 4 or 5 of the features detailed previously, whereas 13 out of 28 failed nests (46%) had only 1 -3 of these features. Success rates between man-made and natural sites are compared in Table 5.

Table 5: Success rates between Man-made and Natural nest sites

Man-made Natural Nests Success Failure Success Failure

No. 30 19 21 9 % 62 38 70 30 20

28 nests had known causes of failure, which are detailed in Table 6. Table 6: Causes of Nesting Failure

Cause of Failure No. Nests % Nests

Removal of eggs by Humans 10 36 Flooding 6 21 Predation (non-human) 6 21 Desertion of (I) eggs 4 14 (ii) young 1 4 Nest Collapse 1 4

Total 28 100

Discussion The survey was carried out after the severe 1981/2 winter, when we expected the Dipper population to be slightly depressed. Winter mortality in the very extreme and prolonged winter of 1962/3 resulted in "a small decrease" according to the 1964 National survey (Dobinson and Richards, 1964), whereas other riparian species were greatly reduced, such as Grey Wagtail by 95% and Kingfisher by over 95%. The 1981/2 BTO Waterbirds Survey (Taylor and Marchant, 1983) showed a 6% decline for Dippers nationally. A selected number of streams in Worcestershire were surveyed in 1981, 1983 and 1984, when the numbers were only slightly higher than those found in the full survey of 1982 and this confirms that numbers did not fall to any great extent. This also accords with the 1982/3 BTO Waterbirds Survey (Taylor and Marchant, 1984), which showed only a 4.5% increase. Most Dipper feeding sites are fast-flowing shallows, which rarely freeze, and this, in conjunction with their unique underwater feeding technique, enables access to prey items such as Caddis Trichoptera, Stonefly Plecoptera and Mayfly Ephemeroptera larvae throughout the winter. This invertebrate biomass steadily increases as winter progresses (Hynes, 1970) and it is an unusual phenomenon for the food supply of a British passerine to increase during this period. 48 occupied and 38 unoccupied territories were found in 1982, totalling 86 territories (fig. 1). However, in view of the fact that Dipper numbers do not fluctuate greatly from year to year, we would suggest that an absolute maximum of 60 pairs is probably never attained, even after a succession of good breeding seasons. Many of the unoccupied territories remain so in most years, and are sub-optimal either with regard to nest sites or because they are isolated from other suitable Dipper streams. In late summer and autumn a marked downstream migration takes place and a survey of the River Teme carried out by WNCT (Day, 1979) in August/September 1979 recorded 29 adults, of which some must have arrived from upstream or from tributaries, as only 6 pairs regularly breed. As winter approaches, adults often remain on 21

territory, but juveniles wander and later compete for vacant territories. Vacant territories on isolated tributaries can take years to re-occupy and are often on the edge of the distribution range. In Britain Dippers are found over a wide range of gradients where suitable sub- strata occur. From our data there is a general trend for density to increase with gradient (fig. 4) and this relationship is significant (0.05>pX).01). However, within this trend there is considerable variation, and only iust under 30% of the variance in density is explained by stream gradient (r =0.294). We would suggest that density is only indirectly related to gradient, through the effect this has on other factors such as availability of feeding shallows and nesting sites. In Worcestershire, the only watercourse with a high density on a relatively shallow gradient is Dowles Brook. This has a stoney bed and almost continuous shallows throughout its course. If Dowles Brook is excluded from the regression analysis, 47% of the variance in density is explained by stream gradient (r2=0.469). The exact size of Worcestershire territories was not determined, so they were taken as 1km around nest sites. Shooter (1970) found that "territory size is principally controlled by the area of shallow water in which Dippers prefer to obtain their food." From our data this area is related to the stream width plotted against the gradient of each individual territory, as the frequency of shallows tends to increase with gradient. From the distribution in fig. 3, it can be seen that Worcestershire territories on a small watercourse (1-3m wide) occur on stretches where gradients are in excess of 10m/km and that territories on wider sections had progressively shallower gradients. Da Prato (1980) found that large spates can seriously affect Dipper feeding activity. All territories in the main channel of the larger watercourses (Rivers Teme and Rea) incorporated a tributary. Spates do occur frequently, even in March and April (Dr T R Wood STWA pers comm) when the breeding season is in full swing, We suggest, therefore, that the tributaries provide an optional feeding area as they are often relatively unaffected when the main channel is in spate. Nationally, the average ratio of nests on artefacts to natural sites is about 50 : 50 (Shaw, 1978). The Worcestershire figures (58 : 41) suggest (0.05>p>0.02) a shift from the national pattern. This may indicate a lack of suitable natural nest sites, forcing the birds to nest on man-made structures. From our results, a number of features are common to most Dipper nest sites, but the prime sites (with 4 or 5 of these features) proved to have a higher success rate. We suggest that when the population is high, all the prime habitat with good nest sites will be occupied first, forcing the remaining pairs into sub-optimal sites where breeding is more likely to fail. Breeding success was compared between natural and man-made sites (see Table 5). From our data it appears that natural sites are more successful, although a larger sample size is required for confirmation. We suggest the main reason for this difference is that man-made sites are more vulnerable to human disturbance. Indeed 7 out of 10 nesting failures attributed to human disturbance were on man-made sites. 22

Our mean clutch size of 4.73 is above the national average of 4.42 (Shaw, 1978) and is apparently higher than anywhere in the UK with the exception of the Southern Wye and Monnow (S J Tyler and S J Ormerod, pers comm). This is interesting, because it appears to be an exception to the general trend, both in Europe and the UK, for clutch size to increase with northwards progression. Our data showed a mean brood size of 3.75, which is also above the national average of 3.55 (Shaw, 1978), but lower than the Southern Wye and Monnow (S J Tyler and S J Ormerod, pers comm). The reasons for this are unclear. The most common cause of nesting failure was removal of eggs by humans (36%) and this is particularly a problem on Dowles Brook (Robinson, 1978). Flooding and predation both accounted for 21% of failures, which is marginally higher than the national figures. Mink are a recent addition to the county's fauna and are now common along most watercourses (WBRC). They are agile climbers and excellent swimmers and this has placed many formerly inaccessible nest sites within range of potential exploitation by a voracious ground predator. Summary In 1982 a full survey of all the suitable watercourses in Worcestershire revealed 48 breeding pairs of Dippers. Mortality after the 1981/2 winter was proved to be low. Density was found to increase with gradient. Tributaries to larger watercourses were used as optional feeding areas in response to water levels in the main channel. The proportion of nests on man-made sites was above the national average and reflected a lack of natural sites. Breeding success was assessed and was not significantly different from the national average, but both clutch size (x = 4.73) and brood size (x = 3.75) were higher. Prime nest sites were more successful than secondary sites. Acknowledgements Many thanks to all those who helped with the fieldwork, the WMBC and WNCT members who contributed much valuable information, to all landowners and to S J Ormerod who criticized an earlier draft of this paper.

S W Walker J J Day

References Da Prato S, 1981. The effect of spates on the feeding behaviour of dippers. Bird Study 28:60-62. Day J J, 1979. Birds of the River Teme. WNCT report. Dobinson H M and A J Richards. 1964. The effects of the severe winter of 1962/63 on birds in Britain British Birds 57:373. Harthan A J, 1946. The Birds of Worcestershire. 42. Hynes H B N, 1970. The Ecology of running waters. Liverpool. Robinson J, 1979. The Dipper and Grey Wagtail on Dowles Brook. NCC Report. Shaw G, 1978. The Breeding Biology of the Dipper. Bird Study 25:149-160. Shooter P. 1970. The Dipper population of Derbyshire. British Birds 63:158-163. Taylor K and J Marchant, 1983. Population changes for waterbirds 1981 -82. Bird Study 30:121-12. Taylor K and J Marchant, 1984. Waterways Bird Survey 1982/83 BTO News: 8-9. Worcester Biological Records Centre. Mammal Survey, in litt. 23

Bird Populations of The Roaches Estate, 1978-84 Introduction In the breakup of the former Swythamley Estate in October 1977, the major moorland areas of Gun Hill, Back Forest and The Roaches were bought for sheep grazing by various farmers. Fearful of the changes in bird populations which this change of land use was likely to cause, a base-line census was undertaken in 1978 (Yalden, 1979). The combination of severe winter weather in February 1979, with accompanying mortality of sheep and other animals, severe grazing and browsing pressure, and increased concern from naturalists, ramblers and climbers, resulted eventually in most of the principal moorland (Back Forest and The Roaches) being sold to the Peak District National Park in March 1980. Subsequently, sheep grazing has been much more limited in numbers and extent. In place of 800-1300 sheep grazing all the year throughout the Estate, some 300 sheep now graze The Roaches area only, and then only from May to October. Back Forest is grazed only by "trespassers" (up to 20 in winter), and The Roaches likewise, in winter, has only 10-30 trespassers on it. The Western Fields (of Yalden 1979) are now not managed with the moorland, and they are being improved to provide better pasture. With this background of changing management patterns, bird censuses have been continued, albeit less intensively than in 1978, in an effort to determine whether changes have occurred either in the spectrum of species present, or in the population of any of the more important moorland and moorland-edge species. Methods The number of census visits made in each year has been a little erratic, due to other commitments. Ideally, a pattern of one visit in March to survey the Red Grouse, followed by two further visits in mid-May and early June for the other species, especially summer visitors, has been intended. An extra visit in April for residents settling to breed would have been useful, but could not be fitted into the programme. Since 1980, the Grouse counts in March have been assisted by a labrador; this month is well ahead of any species settling to breed. Results The simplified results of the censuses are given in Table 1. This presents, for each species, the highest estimate each year, from any one visit, of the number of territories (e.g. singing males) or pairs. It combines Back Forest and The Roaches. The pattern of occurrence of different species has not materially altered since 1978, and the table in Yalden (1979) gives more detail on this point. The species in the table can usefully be considered in five groups (1) moorland regulars, (2) scrub or woodland edge regulars, (3) woodland regulars, (4) moorland irregulars, (5) woodland irregulars, depending on habitat requirements and the regularity with which species have been recorded from year-to-year. 24

Table 1: Bird Territories recorded on The Roaches Estate, 1978-85

1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985

No. of visits 13 a 4 5 a 6 6 6 Mallard 1 2 1 Sparrowhawk 1 1 1 Kestrel 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 Red Grouse 39 35 23 25 25 27 35 38 Grey Partridge 2 2 1 2 1 Pheasant 1 1 3 1 2 l.anwing 1 2 (3)3 1 1 (10)1 (7)— (2)1 Snipe 1 1 (1) Woodcock 1 3 1 1 Curlew (4)3 (2)2 (4)2 (3)1 (4)4 (2)6 (3)5 (2)2 Stock Dove 2 1 1 Feral Pi9eon 1 3 1 Woodpigeon 11 11 2 2 1 4 4 Cuckoo 3 4 2 4 2 3 3 Tawny Owl 1 2 1 2 S.E. Owl 1 N.E. Owl 1 1 1 1 Green Woodpecker 1 1 1 (1) Skylark 10 12 3 8 7 5 7 8 Swallow 1 Tree Pipit 8 7 1 4 12 14 14 13 Meadow Pipit 86 119 78+ 166 169 176 191 124 Pied Wagtail 1 1 Dipper 2 Wren 20 6 11 . 11 6 20 20 19 Dunnock 4 4 4 4 2 5 3 2 Robin 13 12 13 15 8 16 9 11 Redsiari 9 13 4 6 5 9 6 6 Whinchat 3 1 1 Wheatear (D 1 3 (1)1 (3) (1) Ring Ouzel — 2 6 6 8 6 3 (2)4 Blackbird 9 14 12 7 13 6 14 14 Song Thrush 2 2 2 2 1 1 Mistle Thrush 3 3 3 1 1 4 2 1 Wood Warbler 1 3 3 Willow Warbler 35 50 35 42 57 SS 51 63 Blackcap 2 1 1 Goldcrest 3 3 1 1 1 5 8 2 Spotted Flycatcher 1 1 5 1 Long-tailed Tit 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 Coal Tit 2 3 3 5 4 10 4 2 Blue Tit 2 5 5 2 2 3 3 4 Great Tit 1 4 1 1 2 3 5 Treecreeper 1 Jay 2 1 2 1 1 1 Magpie 1 1 1 Jackdaw (25)4 (22)12 8 4 (30)25 7 (40)10 (31)23 Carrion Crow 1 3 — 1 (1) 1 2 Starling 1 2 4 — 1 1 Chaffinch 11 16 13 21 33 42 41 40 Goldfinch 1 1 Linnet 4 7 4 4 9 4 Redpoll 1 1 2 Yellowhammer 2 1 Reed Bunting 1 1

Note: Figures in brackets are "extra" territories recorded on nearby land. That part of the former Swythamley Estate not bought by the Peak Park in 1960 is included in these figures. Although not part of the analysis, figures for 1985 have been included for completeness. 25

Moorland Regulars. Four characteristic species. Red Grouse, Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Ring Ouzel belong in this group. From 39 territories in 1978, the Red Grouse population declined in the wake of heavy sheep grazing to only 23 territories in 1980. Recovery to virtually its former level has taken five years, a very slow rate and particularly disheartening in view of the efforts made to improve the habitat. There is some suggestion that shooting has been rather heavy in some years, but bag figures are not available to substantiate this. However, the moor is much more isolated now than formerly, so the chances of the population being boosted by immigration are negligible. Recovery on the bulk of the moor also contrasts with the situation on the 25 ha of heather below the road, which was not bought by the Peak Park. Over the eight years 1978- 1985, the population there has been 9, 5, 3, 4, 4, 4, 2, and 2 pairs. Meadow Pipits have increased steadily over the period (they were not censused fully in 1980), and are now apparently double their 1978 population. No such trend is apparent from Common Bird Census (CBC) figures, so this is presumably a local effect reflecting the management of the moor. Skylarks, by contrast, show no clear pattern of variation, though the population nationally (CBC) was down 30% and 20% in 1982 and 1983 respectively, which might be reflected in these figures. Even more puzzling has been the Ring Ouzel population; from none actually on this study area in 1978, the population increased to 8 pairs in 1982, but declined to 3 pairs in 1984. As one of the moorland specialities, it would be nice to think that this species, too, has benefited from new management, but we know little about which factors control its population. Scrub Regulars. Two important summer visitors. Tree Pipit and Willow Warbler, belong in this group. Both characteristically occur in birch scrub or very open woodland where it abuts the moor. Tree Pipit numbers have fluctuated somewhat irregularly, but the recent level of 14 pairs is higher than in 1978. During this period the CBC index has been very steady, but there is no indication from the sites of the "extra" territories that changes in management are responsible for the local increase. There has been a substantial increase in the Willow Warbler population, from 35 to over 50 pairs, which may well reflect the 25% increase suggested by the CBC. Woodland Regulars. Most of the species in this group are widespread and their presence and population levels at The Roaches are not particularly significant from a conservation standpoint. Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest, the tits and Chaffinch belong here. For Wrens the close match between the local results and the CBC may be noted; they reflect the severity of the intervening winters 1978/79 and 1981/82, but the close parallel gives some support to the reliability of the local figures. The substantial increase in Chaffinches is not part of a national trend, so far as can be seen from the CBC, but neither can it be explained readily by local changes. One important species in this group is the Redstart, a bird characteristic of the areas of mature deciduous trees. Nationally, the species more than doubled from 1978-1981, but has since declined. Locally, it seems to have fluctuated irregularly between 4 and 13 pairs. 26

Moorland Irregulars. Species in this and the next group are present in relatively small numbers, and fluctuations from year-to-year are unlikely to be significant in any statistical sense. Collectively, however, many of these are species characteristic of this area, and the complete loss of any of them would be a serious loss to the natural history interest of the area. The most regular is Curlew, whose use of the Estate always seems capricious. Nests are frequently located on the Estate's moorland, but most feeding, and much territorial activity, takes place on and over the surrounding rough pastures. Whether birds are censused within the Estate is therefore a matter of chance. Probably there has been no change in the population over the period. This may also be true of Lapwing, which are, however, much more strictly confined, to surrounding rushy pastures. The only territories within the Estate have been either on the fields between Hen Cloud and The Roaches (1978 only), or on the Western Fields. Wheatear, Snipe, Grey Partridge, and perhaps Whinchat are also birds with peripheral distributions. The Linnet is a genuine moorland species, but one difficult to census reliably. There have been no indications since 1978 of Twite attempting to breed. Though listed for one year, there is no evidence that Short- eared Owls actually bred on the Estate. Kestrels however, are regularly present and Mallard may nest more regularly on the heather areas than current knowledge suggests. Woodland Irregulars. Included here are several species which are rare or secretive enough to be quite likely overlooked even when present. Sparrowhawk, Pheasant, Woodcock, Tawny Owl, Green Woodpecker, Wood Warbler, Blackcap, Jay, Redpoll and Goldfinch are among these. Most of these are not particularly significant from the viewpoint of local conservation, but the Long-eared Owl certainly is. Probably one pair has been present every year and successful breeding, at least past hatching, has been proved in at least five years. The Cuckoo, an important and characteristic species, probably has three territories each year. Others. Three species which do not fit in the above categories deserve mention. The Jackdaw is a regular and characteristic inhabitant, particularly of the climbing cliffs of The Roaches and Five Clouds. The main colony, however, is just off the Estate, in a cliff on the R Dane. The total population is probably 30- 40 pairs, but a colonial species such as this is difficult to census properly. There is no clear evidence of any real change. The most notable feature is its tolerance of intense climbing activity on the cliffs around its nest site — a tolerance shared by the Starlings which are sometimes present and, since 1983, by Feral Pigeons as well. Discussion The major objective of this study is to evaluate the success, or otherwise, of the Peak Park's management of the Estate as far as birds are concerned. It is the characteristic moorland and upland woodland species which command attention. Most significantly, the Red Grouse population has recovered to its 1978 level, though no further increase has taken place. Presumably this, and the doubling of the Meadow Pipit population, reflect the efforts to burn and cut the heather. 27 to break up the old stands and to provide nutritious new growth. The significant populations of both Tree Pipit and Willow Warbler are notable in the local context; I suspect that nowhere in the Peak District moorlands has populations as large. Populations of other characteristic birds — Redstart, Curlew, Cuckoo and Long-eared Owl — seem also to have been maintained. Certainly there is no evidence that any of these characteristic species has suffered as a consequence of changes in management and, especially, changes in public access. There are, however, areas of potential concern. The characteristic species, for which this area is well known among ornithologists, is the Ring Ouzel. We can explain neither the apparent increase to 8 territories, nor the subsequent decline to 3. Hence we cannot suggest appropriate management. Peripheral grassland species — Lapwing, Snipe and Grey Partridge in particular — could easily be lost as the use and management of pastures, including the Western Fields, changes. Finally, one major failure should be recorded. The hope was that Black Grouse would return to use the area. There have been no sightings at all in the breeding season since 1978, and only a handful of sightings in autumn and winter. On 37 visits to the area between 1969 and 1972, Black Grouse were seen on 24 occasions, and approximately 159 bird-sightings made. Comparable figures for 1978-84 were 96 visits, 8 successful, 14 sightings. Though this is part of a marked decline in the status of the species locally (from around 56 cocks lo about 20), it had been hoped that appropriate management, particularly of the scrub edge, would help to stem this decline (Lovenbury et at. 1978 and Yalden in prep.). The recovery of the Red Grouse is also rather disappointing. In the early 1970s the population sustained bags of 174-366 annually, and must have been about double the size of the current population. The little strip of moor above Five Clouds regularly held 5 territories then, whereas there have only been two pairs in recent years. In summary, one might conclude that:— 1. Management of the moorland parts of the Estate has been successful in allowing a recovery of Red Grouse and an increase in Meadow Pipits. 2. The deciduous woodland and moorland edge species have mostly maintained their populations, except that Black Grouse have not returned. 3. The coniferous woodland has perhaps the least important component, but the provision of safe nesting sites for certain of the rarer species is an important contribution from this habitat. It might be further improved by the addition of some nest boxes for smaller species, such as Redstart or even Pied Flycatcher which used to be present here, or in the long term by the addition of a deciduous tree fringe along the river, including Alder.

Dr D W Yalden

References Lovenbury, G A, Waterhouse. M & Yalden, D W, 1978. The status of Black Grouse in the Peak District. Naturalist 103: 3-14. Peak National Park. 1981. The Roaches Estate: Management Plan (Peak National Park, Bakewell). Yalden, D W. 1979. Birds of the Swythamley Estate Wesr Midland Bird Club Report 45:14-22. Yalden, D W in prep. Black Grouse in the Peak District, 1975-1985. 28 29

1984 Bird Record Localities The following alphabetical list for each county gives the grid reference of all localities mentioned in the Report. The accompanying map shows every locality for which a record was submitted in 1984.

Warwickshire Alcester SP0957 Hampton Wood SP2559 Packington SP2284 Alvecote SK2504 Hams Hall SP2092 Pailton SP4781 Ansty SP4083 Harbury SP3759 Polesworth SK2602 Arbury SP3389 Hartshill SP3294 Preston Bagot SP1765 Ardens Graflon SP1154 Hanon SP2367 Purley Park SP3096 Astley SP3189 Hoar Park Wood SP2693 Honington SP2642 Radford Semele SP3464 Bentley Park SP2895 Howe Green SP3188 Roundhill Wood Bermuda SP3589 Hunningham SP3768 Rugby SP5075 Binley Woods SP3977 Hurley SP2495 Ryton SP3772 Bishops Itchington SP3857 Bodymoor Heath SP1996 llmington SP2143 Seeswood Pool SP3290 Brandon Marsh SP3875 Shawbury SP2588 Bubbenhall SP3672 Kingsbury Water Park SP2096 Sherbourne SP2661 Bunsons Wood SP3184 Kingsbury Wood SP2397 Shrewley SP2167 Kites Hardwirk SP4768 Shustoke SP2291 Chesterton SP3b58 Snitterfield SP2159 Church Lawford SP4476 Somers. The SP2282 Ladywalk SP2191 Church Wood Studley SP0763 Lea Marston SP2093 Clifford Chambers SP1952 Leamington Spa SP3165 Coleshill SP2089 Ufton Fields SP3861 Lillington SP3267 Coombe Abbey SP4079 Ullenhall SP1267 Long Itchington SP4165 Coton SP2194 Crimscote SP2347 Wainbody Wood SP3174 Cubbington SP3468 Merevale SP2997 Walton SP2852 Middleton Hall SP1898 Wappenbury SP3770 Daw Mill SP2589 Warwick SP2864 Draycote Water SP4669 Nether Whitacre SP2392 Water Orton SP1791 Dunton SP1893 Newbold Comyn SP3365 Waverley Wood SP3571 Newnham Paddox SP4884 Welford SP1452 Earlswood SP1174 Nuneaton SP3691 Wellesbourne SP2755 Nursery Wood SP2963 Whateley SP2299 Five Ways SP2270 Whitacre Heath SP2192 Freasley SP2499 Offchurch SP3565 Wixford SP0854 Old Arley SP2890 Woodloes Park SP2866 Gilson SP1890 Over Whitacre SP2591 Wootton Wawen SP1563

Worcestershire Abberton S09953 Besford S09144 Bredon Hill S09539 Ankerdine Hill S07356 Bewdley S07875 Bredons Hardwick S09135 Arley S07680 Bishampton S098S1 Bredons Norton S09339 Ashmoor Common S08546 Bittell SP0174 Broadway SP0937 Astley S07867 Blackpole S08657 Bromsgrove S09570 Aston Mill S09435 Blackstone Rock S07974 Brookfield Atch Lench SP0350 Blakedown S08878 Brotheridge Green S08241 Bordesley SP0469 Bushley S08734 Beckford S09735 Bradley Green S09861 Beoley SP0669 Bredon S09136 Calcot Hill S09478 30

Callow Hill S07473 Holt S08262 Rushwick S08253 Castlemorton Common S07839 Hornhill Wood S09558 Ryall S08640 Caunsall S08581 Horsham S07357 Chaddesley Wood S09173 Shell S09559 Churchill S08779 Island Pool S08580 Shelsley Walsh S07262 Church Lench SP0251 Shenstone S08573 Clent S09379 Kemerton S09437 Shrawley S08064 Cotton Hacketl SP0075 Kempsey S08549 Sling S09477 Coldridge Wood S08082 Knapp, The S07451 Spring Coppice S08081 Collins Green S07457 Stanford Bridge S07065 Cookhill SP0558 Larford S08169 Stanklyn S08574 Cookloy S08480 l.enrhes. The SP0251 Starts Green S08083 Cowsden S09453 Lenchwick SP0347 Stoke Heath S09468 Croome S08844 Lickey S09975 Stone S08575 Crowle S09256 Little Comberton S09643 Stour Hill S08373 Little Welland S08038 Stourport S08171 Deblins Green S08149 Little Witley S07863 Stourvale Marsh S08277 Defford S09143 Longdon S08336 Strensham S09039 Devils Spittleful S08074 Lower Moor S09847 Suckley S07251 Dowery Dell S09780 Lower Sapey S06960 Summerfield S08373 Dowles Brook S07676 Lower Strensham S09040 Droitwich S08963 Lynalls Coppice S07375 Thicknall S09079 Dunhampstead S09159 Thrift Wood S09155 Malvern S07745 Throckmorton S09849 Eckington S09241 Menith Wood S07069 Trench Wood S09258 Ell Wood S09679 Monkwood S08060 Trimpley S07778 Elmbridge S08967 Mount Segg S08675 Twiland Wood S09780 Eymore Wood S07779 Ufnell Bridge Naunton S08645 S09347 Upper Mitton S08172 Far Forest S07275 Upton Snodsbury S09454 Fladbury S09946 Oakley S08960 Upton Warren S09367 Fred Dale Reserve S07776 Old Hills S08248 Oldington S08173 Walton Hill S09479 Gadbury Bank S07931 Washford SP0765 Paddock Wood S09781 Gallows Green S09362 Weethley Wood SP0455 Pennylields S09779 Great Witley S07566 West Hagley S09080 Peopleton S09350 Grimley S08360 Westwood Park S08763 Pershore S09445 Weymans Wood S07261 Pirton Hadzor S09162 S08747 Wilden S08272 Pod more S08671 Hallow S08258 Winterfold S08773 Hanbury S09663 Wolverley S08279 Hartlebury S08470 Redditch SP0467 Worcester S08454 Harvington SP0548 Ribbesford S07873 Wychbury S09181 Hay Wood Ripple S08738 Wyre Forest S07475 Hill and Moor S09848 Romers Wood S05962 Wyre Piddle S09647 Hindlip S08758 Roundhill Wood S09858 Hipton Hill SP0348 Rous Lench SP0153 Yeald Wood SP0152

Staffordshire Abbots Bromley SK0824 Ashwood S08688 Barlaston SJ8938 Acton Trussel SJ9318 Aston SJ9131 Bathpool Alrewas SK1715 Astonefields SJ9225 Beech SJ8538 Alton Towers SK0742 Beeston Tor SK1054 Amington SK2304 Back Forest SJ9865 Belvide SJ8610 Ansons Bank SJ9817 Baggeridge S08992 Bendeys Wood Aqualate SJ7720 Bagots Wood SK0727 Betley Mere SJ7548 31

Bignall End SJ8051 Garmelow SJ7927 Park Hall SJ9345 Blackbrook Valley SK0064 German Cemetery SJ9815 Pasturefields SJ9825 Black Lake SJ8539 Gib Torr SK0264 Patshull SJ8000 Blithbury SK0820 Gnosall SJ8220 Pendeford SJ8903 blithtieid SK0623 Gothersley S08G80 Penkiidye GJ9214 Borrowpit Lakes SK2103 Gradbach SJ9965 Perton S08598 Boscobel SJ8307 Great Haywood SJ9922 Pool Hall S08597 Branston SK2120 Gun Hill SJ9761 Porthill SJ8548 B re wood SJ8808 Brindley Heath SK0015 Hales Rickerscote SJ9320 Brocton SJ9719 Hammerwich SK0607 Ridware Hall SK0816 Brookhay Wood SK1611 • Hamstall Ridware SK1019 Roach End SJ9964 Bursnip Opencast SJ9703 Hanchurch SJ8441 Roaches, The SK0063 Burton SK2423 Hanley SJ8747 Rocester SK1139 Butt Lane SJ8254 Healey Castle Roundhill Heath Hayes SK0110 Rowes Wood SJ8926 Cannock SJ9710 Hen Cloud SK0061 Rowley Cannock Chase SK0017 High Offley SJ7826 Royal Cottage SK0263 Cannock Tip SK0009 Hill Ridware SK0817 Rudyard SJ9459 Canwell SKI 400 Himley SOB891 Rugeley SK0418 Chasewater SK0307 Hints SK1502 Cheddleton SJ9752 Hixon SK0025 Saredon SJ9407 Chillington SJ8606 Hollies Farm Seisdon S08394 Clay Mills SK2626 Hopwas SK1705 Seven Springs SK0020 Codsall SJ8603 Horsley SJ8127 Sherbrook Valley SJ9818 Consall SJ9848 Shugborough SJ9922 SJ7930 Coombes Valley SK0052 Jacksons Coppice Sneyd SJ8949 Copmere SJ8029 Springslade SJ9616 Keele SJ8045 Crakemarsh SK0936 Stafford SJ9223 Kettlebrook Lakes SK2103 Croxall SKI 913 Stanley SJ9352 Kings Bromley SKI 216 Stanley Pool SJ9351 Kingswood SK0008 Danebridge SJ9665 Stretton Hall SJ8811 Kinver S08383 Deep Haye SJ9653 Swallow Moss SK0660 Knighton SJ7427 Denford SJ9553 Swindon S08690 Knotbury SK0168 Dosthill SK2100 Swinfen SK1306 Knypersley Pool SJ8955 Doveleys SK1141 Swynnerton SJ8535 Ooxey SJ9024 Leacroft SJ9909 Drayton Bassen SKI 900 Lea Heath Tamworth SK2003 Drayton Manor SKI 901 Little Wyrley SK0105 Tittensor SJ8738 Dry Stones SK0268 Longnor SK0864 Tittesworth SJ9959 Dunstal SK0726 Longsdon SJ9554 Tixall SJ9722 Loxley SK0531 Trentham SJ8640 Eccleshall SJ8329 Loynton Moss SJ7824 Trysull S08594 Elford SK1810 Endon SJ9253 Madeley SJ7744 Uttoxeter SK0933 Enville S08386 Maer SJ7938 Marchington SKI 330 Werrington SJ9447 Fatholme SK2017 Westlands SJ8344 Fazeley SK2001 Newborough SK1325 Weston-upon-Trent SJ9727 Featherstone SJ9405 Newcastle SJ8445 Westport SJ8550 Fisherwick SKI 709 Newchurch SKI 423 Wheaton Aston SJ8512 Ford Green SJ8950 Newford Whitmore SJ8141 Four Ashes SJ9208 Norton Canes SK0107 Whinington SK1608 Fradley SK1513 Norton Colliery Whittington SF S08582 Fradswell SJ9931 Wilnecote SK2201 Oldacre Valley SJ9718 Wombourne S08692 Gailey SJ9310 Oliver Hill SK0267 Wootton Lake SK0944 32

West Midlands Aldersley SJ9001 Gornal Wood S09190 Salford Bridge SP0990 SK0500 Great Barr SP0495 Saltwells Wood S09387 Alum Rock SP1287 Valley SP0291 Ashmore Park SJ9601 Hampstead SP0492 S09193 Harborne SP0284 Selly Park SP0582 Balsall SP2376 Hawthorn Wood SJ8900 Shirley SP1178 Barr Beacon SP0697 Hearsall Common SP3178 Sneyd Pool SJ9802 Barr Common SP0599 Hydes Road Pool S09994 Solihull SP1579 Bartley SP0081 Stoke Floods SP3779 Berkswell SP2479 Kings Heath SP0781 SO908A Bickenhill SP1882 Kings Norton SP0478 Street ly SP0898 Birmingham City Centre Stubbers Green SK0401 SP0686 Marston Green SP1785 Sutton Coldfield SP1296 Bradnocks Marsh SP2179 Meriden SP2482 Sutton Park SP0997 S09186 Minworth SP1692 Swan Pool SP0292 SP1289 Monkspath SP1475 Bromwich Wood S09981 Mushroom Green S09386 Tilehill Wood SP2779 SP0991 Tividale S09790 SK0405 National Exhibition Centre Tocil Wood SP3075 Bushbury SJ9202 SP1983 Trittiford Park SP0980 Netherton S09388 Turners Hill S09688 Cotwall End S09193 New Invention SJ9601 Coundon Wedge SP3081 Vale Hall SP0584 SP3379 Ocker Hill S09793 ,Wall Heath S08889 S09797 Park Lime Pits SP0299 SP0198 Dorridge Park SP1675 Pedmore S09182 Warley SP0086 S09490 Pelsall SK0103 SP0091 Penn S08995 S09698 Edgbaston Park SP0584 Pensnett S09188 Wollaston S08884 SP0486 Perry Barr SP0791 Wolverhampton S09198 SP1191 Woodgate Valley SP0083 Russells Hall S09290 Wordsley S08886 Four Oaks SP1198 Ryton End SP2179 Wyken Slough SP3683

Classified Notes The sequence followed is that of the "British Birds " List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1978) which follows Professor K H Voous' "List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species" (1977). The average arrival and departure dates given for migrants are based respectively on the first and last dates (excluding freaks) shown in the Annual Reports up to 1984. Figures in brackets denote the number of years on which the averages are based. In tables, — denotes no count available. See page 121 for key to contributors.

Red-throated Diver Staffs One at Kettlebrook Lake from January 15 to 17 JAA. BWJ.

Black-throated Diver Staffs One at Himley on January 15 ICW. 33

1983 Corrigendum Staffs The individual at Chasewater during February was in fact the thirteenth occurrence at this locality since 1948 GE.

Great Northern Diver Warks An immature at Draycote from November 24 to December 2 AC, ARD et al. Staffs The 1983 bird stayed on at Blithfield until January 16 many observers and an immature was present at Chasewater from January 8 to 15 JJH et al. W Mid An immature at Bartley on January 7 and 8 GRH, JVH, INR, JS et al. appears to have moved to Chasewater, and then to Sutton Park from January 16 to 20 DJM, BWJ et al., finally returning to Bartley on January 20 and staying until February 2 AHT, KHT et al.

Little Grebe Warks Five broods at Alvecote totalled 12 young. Also bred at Hartshill. Counts of note were 35 at Alvecote on November 4 and 21 at Kingsbury on January 15, Worcs Good breeding numbers, with two pairs at Bittell, a pair at Larford with two young, three pairs at Oakley, three pairs at Pirton with 11 young, a pair at Upton Warren with three young, a pair at Westwood with two young, and two pairs at Wilden. Staffs A pair at Belvide raised two young as did pairs at Borrowpit, Dosthill, Doxey and Tamworth. Also bred at Keele. Maximum counts were 31 at Chasewater on September 20 and 15 at Belvide on September 5. W Mid Three pairs bred at Edgbaston Park, and single pairs raised two young at Minworth, two young at Sandwell Valley and one young at StUbbers Green. A count of 19 at Wyken Slough on September 6 is notable.

Great Crested Grebe Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote B 14 37 34 24 25 22 23 24 35 26 25 Draycole 150 130 50 17 50 — — — — — — — Earlswood 7 7 20 30 30 26 25 — 16 12 20 10 Kingsbury 17 19 70 43 — — — — 37 42 33 31 Packington B IB 18 0 19 20 17 16 4 12 2 5

Bittell 13 12 14 20 12 18 1B 12 8 11 4 Upton Warren 4 13 28 23 7 6 E 2 4 4 7 6 Westwood 4 — 10 12 6 — — — 3 — — 1

Aqualate 3 20 14 _ _ _ 6 5 2 5 Belvide 59 33 107 55 30 25 36 25 34 41 36 7 Blithfield 77 50 — 50 — 104 103 75 69 29 100 85 Chasewater 15 14 17 24 15 4 19 ie 15 22 14 21 34

Warks Bred at Alvecote. Draycote. Earlswood. Ladywalk, Middleton and Seeswood. A count of 38 at Shustoke on December 28 was exceptional. Worcs Breeding noted at Bittell, Little Witley, Lower Moor and Upton Warren. Staffs Bred at Chasewater, Chillington, Himley, Kings Bromley and Trentham, but low water levels prevented breeding at several regular haunts. W Mid Breeding noted at Brookvale Park, Edgbaston Park, Pensnett, Sandwell Valley, Sneyd and Sutton Park. Counts of note were 31 at Bartley on February 18, 23 in Sandwell Valley during September and 22 at Brookvale Park on April 11.

Red-necked Grebe Worcs Adult at Bittell from September 15 to 18 many observers. Staffs An adult in transitional plumage arrived at Chasewater on September 19 GE et a!., staying until November 11 GE et at. when it had attained winter plumage. A winter-plumaged bird stayed at Blithfield from November 7 -to 13 JCE-D et at.

Slavonian Grebe Warks One at Draycote on November 25 ARD, GIG.

Black-necked Grebe Good numbers once again, with three pairs during the spring and attempted breeding for the first time since 1954. Warks A pair attempted breeding in early June per GRH. Worcs One at Westwood from September 7 to 16 SMW, RRH et at. Staffs Belvide once again provided the bulk of records, with two pairs in breeding plumage, firstly on May 20 JKH, RAB et at. and then on June 7 many observers, and a single on August 12 SRC et at.

Manx Shearwater Occurred for the fourth successive year. Warks One at Draycote on September 22 REH, MJI. Worcs One found dead at Porters Mill on September 15 is now at the Knapp reserve per JJD.

1982 Addendum Staffs One ringed at Skomer on September 3 was found dead at Needwood just seven days later.

Cormorant Warks Maxima of 22 at Kingsbury in December, 13 over Alvecote on April 15 and 13 over Coton in September. Smaller numbers noted at Chesterton, Draycote, Ladywalk and Shustoke. 35

Worcs Largest counts were 17 passing down river at Eymore Wood on January 6 and seven over Bushley, with small numbers, some noted regularly, at Bittell, Bredons Hardwick, Crowle, Grimley, Holt, Larford, Pirton, Ripple, Tiimpley, Upton Warren and Westwood. Staffs Monthly maxima:

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

Aqualate 9 22 9 3 9 9 23 32 Belvide 10 17 23 19 2 1 0 4 17 10 11 5 Blithfield 75 48 47 31 6 10 12 62 61 60 52 40 Chillington 11 17 13 3 — — — 10 29 13 14 Kings Bromley 111 1 19 49 31 — — — 18 32 40 45

Also recorded at Alrewas, Baggeridge, Branston, Chasewater, Clay Mills, Doxey, Elford, Ridware Hall and Westport. W Mid Small numbers noted at Aldersley, Alum Rock, Bartley, Edgbaston Reservoir, National Exhibition Centre, Sandwell Valley and Tividale.

Shag Notable influx in late January. Warks Two immatures at Draycote from January 28 AC, RHH, JKH, PDH until February 2 MSW, then one until March 24 ARD. Worcs An adult at Bittell on February 10 KGC. MJI, GJM and 11 REH, CBL. Staffs Two adults at Blithfield on January 28 and 29 ARD, MJI, GJM et at., with one still present on February 5 ARD, JCE-D, followed by an adult and an immature on April 21 and 22 AC, ARD. An immature at Rugeley Power Station on January 30 JPM. One at Gailey on April 16 RCB.

Bittern Worcs Singles at Westwood on January 1 GL and Wilden on November 18 REH, MJI, RM. Staffs Singles in the west of the county on February 5 and 12, and at Chasewater on February 10 and 11 JJH, FRD, PD — the latter with a BTO ring. One stayed at Doxey from March 2 MCto 11 DRB, SRC, JHK. One at Cannock on November 5 DW-J.

Grey Heron Warks 23 nests at Coombe, from 18 of which 36 young were hatched. At least 20 nests in the south-east of the county from which 30 young fledged. Counts of note were 27 at Ladywalk on August 9, 13 at Coton on August 23 and 10 at Kingsbury on August 25 and December 10. Worcs Two heronries held 23 and 18 nests. Maxima of note were 12 at Bittell on July 7, 11 at Upton Warren on September 8 and nine at Westwood on September 7. Staffs 222 nests occupied this year — the highest number since regular counts started in 1950 — with 42 at Aqualate, 73 at Bagots Wood, eight at Chillington, 11 at Enville, 32 at Gailey, 26 at Longsdon Wood 36

and 30 in the south-east of the county. Notable counts were 60 at Blithfield on June 23, 25 at Rudyard on July 8 and 10 at Btslvide on September 6. W Mid Seven during November and December was the maximum in the Sandwell Valley. Also reported from Aldersley, Aldridge, Edgbaston Reservoir, Erdington, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall Common, Sutton Park and Willenhall.

White Stork Worcs One flew over Crowle on April 27 AHI. I he first county record arid only the second this century in the Region. An extremely large bird with long neck, and broad rectangular wings showing the same pattern as a Grey Heron but in black and white. Soaring flight, with splayed black wing-tips and occasional wing-beats; wings held in shallow curve with 'fingers' held up. Underparts were whitish, except for black flight feathers: neck was thick and white, extended but held slightly down from body; straight, reddish beak seemed to dwarf head as it had a large base. Dull legs extended beyond tail.

Spoonbill . Warks An adult alternated between Coton and Ladywalk from June 20 to 27 DJC, 8LK, SMH et at. Worcs An adult in the Grimley-Holt area from September 1 to 9 RM, SWW— the first county record since 1900.

Mute Swan Breeding reported from 20 sites, with quite good success rates. Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 9 12 6 10 40 95 113 96 52 23 10 9 Kingsbury 11 5 11 45 36 23 25

Belvide 2 3 2 2 21 35 39 29 20 4 1 4 Blilhlield — 5 2 2 2 43 43 45 6 3 4 3 Chasewater 13 10 9 14 11 IB 20 15 25 27 22 IB Westport 30 30 23 26 29 9 10 10 12. 11 17 15

Wyken Slough 21 17 20 20 21 - - - . 2 2 2 2

Warks Three pairs at Alvecote failed to hatch any young. Worcs 11 at Pirton on February 4. Staffs 29 at Alrewas on January 8 and 12 at Aqualate in September and October.

W Mid 16 in the Sandwell Valley during November.

Bewick's Swan Warks An injured immature was at Kingsbury on March 3 and 4. At Draycote there were 19 adults on March 10, five on November 3, a single adult on December 15 and 16 and four adults on December 29 and 30. 37

Worcs January 1 saw 13 fly over Upton Warren. Good numbers gathered on the Avon flood-meadows in late autumn, with two adults and four immatures near Bredon on November 26 building up to a maximum of 40 at Bredons Hardwick on December 31. 28 flew over Eckington on December 23. Staffs There were no records from the north of the county. Present at Blithfield from the start of the year until March 4, with a maximum of 12 on February 22. Elsewhere in winter, six at Clay Mills from January 14 to 28, 22 over Chasewater on February 5 and four at Elford on February 11. In autumn, seven returned to Blithfield on November 10, 18 were at Aqualate on November 18 and one was at Belvide on December 10. W Mid Approximately 40 flew over Sandwell Valley on March 4, six over Sutton Park on March 20 and two adults were at Bartley on November 13.

1982 Addendum Staffs Three adults at Longsdon on November 28.

1981 Corrigendum Staffs The bird at Westport was present on October 24, not October 22.

Whooper Swan Warks At Draycote seven adults on January 28 AC, REH, PDH and two adults and three juveniles on November 25 ARD, GIG. Staffs Two adults at Longsdon, Rudyard or Tittesworth between January 7 and 22 PGB, then none seen until February 4, when one reappeared to remain until March 4 PGB. An adult was at Doveleys on March 30 NR. On December 8 two adults and two first-winter birds returned to Longsdon and two adults and one first-winter bird to Rudyard: all seven were at Rudyard the next day, with two adults and one first- winter bird remaining here or at Tittesworth until December 23 PGB.

1983 Addendum Warks The two at Wootton Pool were still present on April 20 JAN.

Pink-footed Goose Warks One at Seeswood Pool on February 3 MSW was joined by another on February 17 MSW, staying until at least March 24 SMH. Two at Kingsbury from March 4 to 15 TEG. Staffs 146 flew south-east over Rudyard on February 29 JPM, whilst on the same day 70 fed on pasture land at Loxley Bank JB, AJD. Two flew over Blithfield on January 22 ARD, PDH, JHWR and one remained at Tittesworth from January 8 to April 14 PGB. 38

1983 Corrigendum Staffs The skein over Rudyard on November 20 was flying south-east, not south-west.

White-fronted Goose Worcs One associated with Canada Geese at a central locality from January to March and again in December GHP, AHT, KHT, SMW. An immature on flood meadows at Bredons Hardwick on December 1 GHP, SMW was much more likely to have been a wild bird. Staffs Seven remained near Wheaton Aston from December 10 into 1985 and two visited Belvide on December 15 JKH, JJH. Two adults and two immatures were also at Blithfield on December 15 ARD and three of these were still present on December 24 ARD. W Mid Two adults circled Bartley on December 8 before leaving to SW JHWR.

Greylag Goose Warks Maxima of 46 at Ladywalk on September 1 and 40 at Kingsbury during November and December. Singles noted at Alvecote and Seeswood. Worcs One at Upton Warren on March 21 and three over Crowle on October 2. Staffs Maximum of five at Tittesworth, with smaller numbers at Aqualate, Belvide, Blithfield, Elford, Horsley and Rocester.

Snow Goose All feral birds. Warks One at Kingsbury on November 11. Worcs One at Upton Warren on March 4, two at Wilden on April 11 and a white-phase bird from June to the end of the year at Holt, Little Witley and Westwood. Staffs Present at Blithfield for six months of the year, with a maximum of six on September 29. Seven over Chillington on May 13 and one at Horsley on November 4.

A Snow x Canada hybrid, with a white ring on its right leg, was regularly seen at Belvide.

Canada Goose Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Chesterton 310 _ 184 88 320 288 291 Kingsbury 350 302 180 252 230 300 285 Seeswood 76 70 — — — — 12 32 53 60 115 116

Bittell 115 86 32 6 11 4 11 350 345 177 95 135 Upton Warren 42 23 43 22 31 51 62 78 19 85 45 39

J FMAMJJASOND

Aqualate 417 433 271 110 — — — — 293 618 314 337 BRlvirtn 145 211 25 10 45 48 56 50 141 33 213 225 Blithfield 680 ISO — 9 — 13 90 300 270 500 450 548 Titteswonh 50 26 28 22 30 42 42 43 56 65 60 136

Warks 203 at Ladywalk on September 22 was a locality record. Breeding reported only at Kingsbury, Ladywalk and Middleton. Worcs Maxima of 130 at Westwood on December 15, 111 at Grimley on December 4, 110 at Pirton on July 4 and 105 at Holt on December 22. Bred at Abberton, Lower Moor, Upton Warren and Westwood. Staffs 379 at Kings Bromley on February 19 and 232 at Brocton Pool on September 22 were exceptional. Breeding noted at Doxey where three broods totalled 14 young, Elford where 57 young were counted, and Little Wyrley. W Mid 220 in the Sandwell Valley on January 25. Bred at Aldridge, Brookvale Park, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park.

Barnacle Goose All presumed feral, unless otherwise stated. An unprecedented and intriguing influx of over 70 on November 26 and 27. Warks Five at Draycote on March 23, with singles at Packington from January 15 to May 13, Brandon on April 17, Ladywalk on May 29 and June 8, and Earlswood on September 17. Worcs The 29 birds at Bittell from 1983 stayed until February 16; up to three were then noted in August and 29 returned again on November 26, building up to 46 by the end of the year. Three were at Upton Warren from April 14 to 22 and one from May 24 to 27. Singles were also noted at Abberton from March 14 to late July, Fladbury on September 30, Holt on December 26, Pirton on November 11 and December 22, Redditch from June 17 to 23 and Wilden on August 29. Staffs Two which flew over Rudyard on January 29 JPM with Pink-footed Geese were most probably wild. At Doxey, two were present on February 5 and 14 flew over on September 25. 30 were then at Belvide from November 26 to 28, whilst 15 remained at Blithfield from November 27 to December 9. Singles were also noted at Aqualate on September 16 and December 16, Belvide from November 10 to December 16, Blithfield from September 9 to 16, Brocton on September 22, Chillington on October 28, Elford on June 3, Horsley on November 4, Rocester on March 30 and Tittesworth on April 14.

1983 Addendum Warks One at Harbury Quarry on March 18.

Canada x Barnacle hybrids were noted at Little Witley and Westwood in June and at Blithfield from August 5 to the end of the year. 40

Brent Goose A marked increase in records coincident with an increasing population. Warks Two at Draycote on January 22 GIG. Staffs Four of the dark-bellied race bemicla at Tittesworth on November 10 PGB. One at Belvide on December 14 and 15 DB, JKH, JJH was of the pale-bellied race hrota. W Mid An individual of the dark-bellied race bemicla was present in the Sandwell Valley from January 22 SGA, TCH et at. to February 19 MHM, being joined by another on January 28 MHM.

Egyptian Goose Staffs Singles noted at Blithfield on January 28 and Newborough on February 26. W Mid One again present in the Edgbaston area throughout the year.

Shelduck

Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 2 3 B 5 6 3 1 1 3 Brandon — 1 2 1 2 — — — • 1 — - Draycote — 4 1 — — — — — 1 1 2 Kingsbury B 6 B 3 6 4 10 13 3 0 0 1

Bittell 7 - 2 - - 2 - - - Upton Warren 1 — 1 — 1 41

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

Belvide 9 3 1 S 8 8 4 3 6 9 3 13 Blithlield 2 9 2 2 It 0 0 8 13 15 28 0 Chasewater — 3 5 1 — — — — — 7 — —

Warks Five broods at Kingsbury produced 18 young. Four birds at Earlswood on November 7, up to four at Ladywalk and up to two at Middleton. Worcs A pair at Bredons Hardwick on May 1.48 flew over Little Comberton on August 22 and two immatures were at Westwood on the same day. One at Wilden on December 12. Staffs Two pairs raised 12 young at Branston and a pair raised four young at Stretton Hall. Notable counts were five at Elford on April 8, six at Rudyard during August and seven at Doxey on October 7. W Mid At Bartley, one on January 23 and up to three on February 10. Singles at Stubbers Green on February 25, Sandwell Valley on April 9 and Bartley again on November 5.

Mandarin Warks A pair at Coombe Abbey on April 20, and singles at Ladywalk on November 12 and Draycote from December 16 into 1985. Worcs Pairs at Eckington on February 18 and Wyre Forest during the breeding season. A duck at Beckford was apparently "clipped". Staffs Singles at Westport on March 25 — which proved to be "clipped" — and Drayton Manor Park on April 22.

Wigeon Average: August 23 (46) to May 4 (49) Two still at Kingsbury on May 27 with singles remaining at Blithfield until June 3 and Belvide to June 22. Returning birds first noted on August 18 at Bittell and at many waters later in the month. Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A A s 0 N 0

Alvecote 41 45 4b 9 6 6 12 29 Draycote 350 300 200 140 — — 3 — 350 Kingsbury 5 35 38 — — 17 16 20 59 Ladywalk 92 120 90 8 1 3 2 45 70

Aqualaie 9 5 3 2 4 31 55 Belvide 14 52 40 40 7 32 12 19 47 Bliihlield 1600 1500 700 400 6 30 100 320 600 Tittesworth 200 173 304 150 0 3 3 151 176

Warks 70 flew over Shustoke in March. Small numbers noted at Brandon, Coleshill, Hartshill and Seeswood. Worcs 250 near Ripple on January 3. Small numbers noted at Bittell, Bredons Hardwick, Church Lenich, Pirton, Upton Warren and Westwood. 42

Staffs Winter numbers at Blithfield were the highest since 1972. 139 at Kings Bromley on February 26 was exceptional and b2 at Ridware Hall on January 15 was also notable. Also noted at Cannock Tip, Chasewater, Copmere, Doxey, Longsdon Mill, Rudyard, Westlands and Westport. W Mid 62 at Bartley on March 12. Also reported from Brierley Hill, Edgbaston Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Minworth, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park.

Gadwall Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Draycote 14 4 2 10 Kingsbury 26 30 13 10 4 4 — 5 24 20 21 13

Pirlon 27 22 25 30 Westwood 12 5 7 2 — — — 6 4 — 4 3

Belvide 3 3 8 1 4 1 2 1 6 Blithfield 3 2 3 4 2 2 1 — — 1 2 Warks No breeding reported. Noted in small numbers at Alvecote, Brandon, Earlswood, Ladywalk and Seeswood. Worcs Regular reports of small numbers from Bittell, Grimley, Oakley and Upton Warren. Staffs Up to 12 noted at Elford on January 8. Also recorded at Aqualate, Branston (where up to four pairs bred), Chasewater, Clay Mills, Rudyard and Trentham. W Mid Singles in the Sandwell Valley on January 8 and from April 1 to 8 constituted only the third and fourth records for the area.

Teal Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 95 80 102 50 12 1 1 100 180 279 214 136 Brandon 175 106 235 150 2 2 — — 221 211 250 170 Kingsbury 170 145 44 40 3 2 2 15 88 62 54 242 Ladywalk 314 300 45 49 — — — 28 70 135 350 450

Bittell 49 49 49 32 1 1 8 5 4 27 27 Upton Warren 30 45 13 30 — 3 4 36 27 22 74 55

Aqualate 39 65 7 4 25 120 2 Belvide 212 107 40 80 1 3 5 40 20 27 120 70 Blithfield 323 568 50 50 15 20 11 200 291 350 860 700 Doxey 85 95 28 10 4 2 — 13 110 26 100 200 Rudyard 47 18 20 IB — — 2 8 49 71 131 32

Sandwell Valley 60 55 35 8 - - - - 5 24 20 60 43

Warks 51 at Old Arley on January 8 and regularly noted at Hartshill, Middleton and Seeswood. Worcs Maxima of 200 near Ripple on March 26, 60 at Grimley on September 22, 54 at Westwood on October 27 and 70 at Holt on November 24. Other records from Abberton, Aston Mill, Lower Moor and Oakley. Staffs Maxima of 100 at Fradswell on January 18, 99 at Tittesworth on November 20 and 137 at Astonefields on December 26. Also noted at Chasewater, Elford, Hanchurch, Hill Ridware, Himley, Kings Bromley, Longsdon Mill, Patshull, Trentham, Werrington and Westport. W Mid Maxima of 36 at Tividale in January and 99 at Minworth on November 18. Small numbers seen at Brierley Hill, Edgbaston Reservoir, Stoke Floods and Sutton Park.

Mallard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 90 68 81 38 89 116 75 185 260 200 175 100 Draycote 425 350 260 — — — — — — — — — Kingsbury 138 183 83 98 118 190 232 Ladywalk 200 200 40 — — — — — 400 360 300 250 Packington 37 64 20 44 46 75 92 76 34 42 40 70

Becklord 290 202 Bittell 140 148 118 45 35 35 45 220 145 85 85 85 Upton Warren 80 90 12 25 52 62 78 353 275 221 139 140

Westwood — — 6 10 — - — 270 250 6 8 7

Aqualate 1070 825 80 50 _ 619 1294 363 608 Belvide 1250 500 120 100 170 192 260 500 562 720 1275 555 Blithlield 1000 989 300 300 250 620 600 500 689 1570 1841 1200 Chasewater 49 39 9 9 25 — 25 23 108 132 120 94 Doxey 70 56 32 22 30 30 30 20 74 80 90 128 Kings Bromley 382 375 115 64 — — — — 103 184 231 260 Trentham 290 120 90 61 — — — 176 230 280 290

Edgbaston Reservoir 30 40 18 51 56 98 126 Sulton Park 158 102 95 128 138 184 210

Warks Poor breeding numbers at Alvecote, with only seven broods producing 40 young, and at Ladywalk. 105 at Warwick Castle Park in January and up to 380 in September and October. Worcs Reasonable breeding numbers, with 12 broods at Bittell, seven at Larford, five at Lower Moor and two at Crowle and Wilden. Also bred at Upton Warren. A maximum of 200 at Larford on September 23. Staffs Low water levels hampered late breeding. 18 broods at Belvide totalled 112 young of which 76 fledged, 15 broods at Doxey, six at Blithfield, four at Himley and two at Chasewater. Maxima of note were 173 at Copmere on January 28, a locality record of 132 at Chasewater on October 5, and 214 at Brocton on October 23. 44

W Mid Seven broods at Edgbaston Reservoir produced only four reared young. Also bred at Bartley, Park Lime Pits and Sandwell Valley. 79 was the maximum at Stubbers Green on January 21.

Pintail Average: September 5 (40) to April 19 (45) Last noted on May 26 at Alvecote, apart from June records at Kingsbury, Belvide and Blithfield which may have referred to summering birds. One at Blithfield on July 11 marked the start of return passage. Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Kingsbury - 5 - - 1 - - 3 1 2 - Ladywalk 3

Belvide 1 2 4 1 1 7 4 Blithfield 2 E 1 2 1 1 12 5 5 5 S Tittesworth 5 4 5 4

Warks A duck at Alvecote on January 8 followed by a drake on May 26, a drake at Draycote on January 28 followed by a duck from February 9 to March 3, and three at Brandon on January 29. Worcs A drake at Bittell on January 30 and 31; a duck at Pirton on September 2; a duck at Westwood from September 8 to 15, followed by drakes on September 30 and November 4; and two at Upton Warren on September 16, followed by one from December 2 to 16. Staffs One at Chillington on January 1, followed by two ducks on November 25; six near Marchington on February 4; a drake at Westport on February 15, followed by a duck on September 15 building up to three ducks on September 25. A good series at Chasewater, with a drake from February 17 to 25 joined briefly by another drake on February 19, three drakes and two ducks on March 24, with a pair remaining until April 7, and finally a drake on November 6. A female at Belvide on May 6 and two eclipse birds at Rudyard in September, followed by a pair on November 20.

Garganey Average: April 2 (41) to September 27 (40) First noted on April 23 at Belvide and last seen on September 29 at the same locality, apart from the exceptional record of one at Upton Warren on December 29. Warks A drake at Coton and Ladywalk on May 2, a pair at Brandon on May 27, with the drake still present on May 31, and a juvenile at Kingsbury on August 25. 45

Worcs Once again there were no spring records, but this was still an excellent year culminating in the exceptional record of a duck at Upton Warren on December 29 JTB, JS, SMW. Three at Upton Warren on July 1, followed by a duck on July 13 and another duck from August 17 to 21. One at Westwood on August 14, building up to a peak of five on September 2 with two still present on September 13. A duck at Bittell from August 16 to September 1. A drake at Wilden on August 22 was closely followed by a duck from August 23 to 28. Staffs At Belvide drakes from April 23 to May 15 and from August 21 to September 29, the latter being joined by two female/immatures on August 22 and a duck on August 30. A pair at Blithfield on April 28, followed by a drake on June 24. W Mid A drake in Sandwell Valley on May 4 was the first record for the area.

Shoveler Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 2 2 1 1 _ 11 77 32 12 3 Brandon — I 17 - - 2 — — 3 — 7 4 Kingsbury 19 25 50 35 ' 3 — 60 42 16 47 32 Ladywalk 40 59 45 37 — 1 — 11 40 7 3 8

Upton Warren 15 41 40 2 - - 23 62 101 46 14

Aqualate 1 2 12 5 _ 95 50 11 11 Belvide 161 7 B 17 14 10 11 52 36 115 113 49 Blithfield 5 11 4 8 4 4 6 17 26 13 10 10

Warks No breeding records received. Occurred regularly at Middleton and Seeswood and also noted at Astley, Draycote and Warwick Castle Park. Worcs Present throughout the breeding season at Oakley. Maxima of note were 33 at Westwood on August 17 and 40 at Oakley on August 26. Also seen in smaller numbers at Bittell, Bredons Hardwick, Lower Moor and Pirton. Staffs Regularly noted at Chasewater, Doxey, Elford, Hill Ridware and Westport, with a single record from Tittesworth. W Mid Maximum of 30 at Minworth on November 18. Also seen at Bartley, Sandwell Valley, Stoke Floods, Stubbers Green and Sutton Park.

Red-crested Pochard Staffs An eclipse drake at Blithfield from June 13 to July 19 NR, JCE-Detal.

Red-crested Pochard x Pochard Hybrid Staffs A female/immature at Belvide from July 12 to 15 did not show pale cheeks and full crest. 46

Pochard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 273 142 108 24 6 2B 10 2 8 17 B5 331 Kingsbury 990 950 362 - — — — 33 511 893 1350 Packington 120 147 14 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 10 19

Bitten 14 71 37 2 4 5 3 14 29 16 Upton Warren 56 55 • 40 6 1 15 13 26 55 6B 55

Belvide 62 21 137 16 13 34 37 21 14 29 57 75 Blithfield 50 50 10 3 1 20 15 33 30 60 88 332 Chasewater 51 24 13 1 — — 1 — 11 16 23 20 Tittesworth 17 11 23 115 227 Westport 74 111 110 19 5 3 1 4 7 42 80 73

Hydes Road Pool 17 41 27 11 - - - - 1 13 17 14 Sandwell Valley 70 42 15 20 37 44 120

Warks Two broods at Alvecote produced 10 young. 326 at Draycote on January 15 and 120 at Shustoke on January 19. Large numbers again in the Tame Valley during winter and autumn. Worcs No breeding reported. A maximum of 55 at Wilden on January 29. Staffs No definite breeding. Maximum of 62 at Kings Bromley on February 12. W Mid Maximum counts of 45, at Brierley Hill on February 26 and Brookvale Park on February 28.

Several Pochard hybrids were again reported from the Kingsbury/Lea Marston area. A Pochard x Tufted was at Pirton on September 2.

Ferruginous Duck No records of pure birds. Worcs The bird at Wilden in 1983 was present until January 13 PGG, BW, RM. Staffs An individual at Belvide on March 11 JKH, AJWwas thought to be too large, and with too much black on the bill tip, to have been pure bred.

Tufted Duck Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 146 128 147 92 33 29 32 15 55 110 103 104 Kingsbury 836 542 412 — — — — — 1147 1156 1316 1417 Ladywalk 250 115 102 105 — 50 — 20 4 12 12 15 Packington 31 53 19 33 41 31 24 10 6 4 23 18 Shustoke 220 52 17 46 15 78 82

Bittell 130 96 70 42 40 14 52 150 12 ios 95 65 Upton Warren 31 35 24 21 7 11 28 5 45 40 18 25 47

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

Aqualate 57 66 105 40 — _ _ _ • 52 18 41 51 Belvide 49 33 156 124 100 51 200 173 158 201 175 162 Blith field 10B 68 30 79 40 102 130 110 100 40 44 50 Chasewater 535 218 164 140 15 1 9 13 337 386 397 424 Westport 189 154 88 62 5 4 4 21 55 44 55 100

Sutton Park 68 60 72 18 40 70 54

Warks Three broods at Alvecote totalled 14 young, three at Kingsbury totalled 13, and two at Ladywalk totalled nine. Maxima of 300 at Draycote on January 15 and 105 at Ryton Pool on December 4. Good numbers in the Tame Valley again during winter and autumn. Worcs No breeding at Upton Warren. Elsewhere, two broods at Grimley totalled 10 young, one at Holt six young, three at Oakley 24 young and four at Pirton 13 young. Also bred at Church Lench and Lower Moor. Staffs Four broods at Belvide, one of nine at Blithfield, one of seven at Chasewater and three broods at Doxey and Pool Hall. Also bred at Kings Bromley, Little Wyrley and Tamworth. Maxima of 125 at Gailey on February 12, 168 at Kings Bromley on February 26 and 178 at Tittesworth on December 16. W Mid Bred at Minworth and Sandwell Valley. Maximum of 130 at Sandwell Valley on January 19.

Scaup All records are of immatures. Warks At Kingsbury, a drake from October 6 to 28 JAA, PDH, then a drake and two ducks on November 24 JAA, TEG, BLK increasing to three drakes and three ducks on December 8 JAA, PDH, BLK, and one duck still present on December 26 JAA, PDH. At Coton, a drake on November 4 TEG and a duck on November 18 TEG, and at Lea Marston a duck on November 18 JAA. Staffs Five at Blithfield from October 21 ARD, MJE et al. to November 4 ARD, GIG, MJI. At Chasewater, one from October 22 to November 24 GE, ARMB et al., with a second bird present on November 3 and 4 DRB. W Mid A pair in the Sandwell Valley during December SVFNC, and two at Bartley on March 12 RRH.

1981 Addendum Staffs An immature drake at Chasewater on December 31 GE.

Common Scoter Once again very good numbers noted. Warks The bird at Kingsbury in 1983 remained until at least January 7 JAA and a drake was on the R Leam near Radford Semele on January 5 JAN. At Draycote, a drake was present from January 14 to 16 GRH, 48

JVH, PDH, four drakes and a duck on March 24 ARD, REH, three drakes on April 7 ARD and single ducks on July 15 ARD, November 24 and 25 AC, GIG, REH, PDH and December 15 into 1985 PDH. Worcs A duck at Westwood from November 25 MJI, GJM, JS to 27 GHP SMW. Staffs Two drakes at Gailey on April 8 RJC-S, JMP; three drakes and a duck at Westport on June 6 PGB; and five drakes at Belvide on June 16 JKH, JJH. At Blithfield, a drake on March 13 JCE-D, two drakes on August 4 REH, MJI, GJM, another two on September 16 many observers, nine female/immatures on November 7 JCE-D, and a duck on December 16 ARD. For the second year running a large flock occurred — this time 20 immatures or females which flew into Chasewater on November 11 GE, TEG. W Mid A drake at Bartley on April 8 JS. Two ducks on Swan Pool on October 17 PAF, PMH, TCH et at. — the first record for the area.

1983 Corrigendum Staffs The drake at Belvide on July 2, remained until July 5. The two drakes at Tittesworth on May 8 were also accompanied by a duck, bringing the annual total to 100. The flock of 23 on November 12 was at Rudyard, not Tittesworth.

Velvet Scoter Warks Seven drakes at Draycote on May 1 ARD was the largest party ever in the Region.

Goldeneye Average: September 20 (44) to May 6 (42) Regularly reported until late April and last seen on May 6 at Blithfield. Returned early, with one at Kingsbury on August 3 and another at Blithfield on August 12. Main arrival occurred in mid-October. Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Draycote 45 70 58 15 1 15 50 Kingsbury 39 65 62 15 — 1 — 1 2 4 16 22

Biltell 3 8 11 5 - - - - - 1 6 6

Belvide 37 18 37 13 3 _ 3 25 17 Blithfield 40 20 15 24 1 0 0 2 2 3 8 12 Chasewater 88 90 B3 61 0 0 0 0 0 10 B9 74 Westport 11 12 14 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 6

Warks Up to six at Shustoke, with smaller numbers at Alvecote, Brandon, Hartshill, Ladywalk and Seeswood. Worcs Small numbers noted at Holt, Trimpley, Upton Warren, Westwood and Wilden. 49

Staffs Small numbers at Aqualate, Borrowpit, Clay Mills, Copmere, Hill Ridware, Kings Bromley, Rudyard, Rugeley Power Station, Tittesworth and Westport. W Mid Regular records from Bartley and Sandwell Valley, and sporadically noted at Edgbaston Reservoir and Stubbers Green.

Smew A poor year. Warks Two redheads at Draycote from January 21 ARD, PDH et al. to February 16 MJI.

Red-breasted Merganser Warks A duck at Draycote from December 22 into 1985 REH, PDH, GIG, JHWR. Worcs Four pairs flew upstream along the Severn at Eymore Wood on March -25 BW— the largest party ever recorded. Staffs A drake at Blithfield from May 3 to 8 MJI JCE-D, followed by one on October 28 ARD and November 10 ARD, MJE et al. Ducks at Tittesworth on May 13 PGB and Chasewater on May 16 per GE.

1979 Addendum Warks A duck at Draycote on November 7 SMW.

Goosander Average: October 27 (40) to April 17 (37) Two pairs at Blithfield on May 19 were the last of the spring. Returned early in autumn, with two at Blithfield on September 9, although most wintering birds did not arrive until November. Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M S 0 N D

Draycote 3 _ 1 _ _ 2 Kingsbury 1 3 — — — — 2

Belvide 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 6 Blithfield 70 81 69 34 4 3 2 24 31 Doxey 8 10 4 0 0 0 0 0 10

Warks A drake at Alvecote on February 18 and 19, an unseasonal duck at Kingsbury on July 22 and a sub-adult drake at Shustoke from November 26 to 28, followed by single ducks on December 5 and 21. Worcs A duck at Arrow Valley Lake, Redditch, on April 4 and a drake at Bredons Hardwick on December 1. Staffs Once again, very poor numbers at Belvide, but good numbers elsewhere. A drake at Chasewater on February 3 and 18; one at Newchurch on February 5; drakes at Tittesworth on February 11, November 17 and December 1; a drake at Rudyard on February 11 50

(probably the same bird as at Tittesworth) and a duck on December 6; single ducks at Aqualate on February 12 and November 10; a drake and two ducks at Copmere on February 18; two on the R Trent near Burton on March 25, followed by seven on April 8; and finally, at Westport, a duck on November 10 and December 1, with a drake on November 15.

Ruddy Duck Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 3 4 4 24 34 11 16 23 17 4 5 Brandon — 1 5 2 3 — — — — — — Kingsbury 3 4 4 2 — — — 3 8 10 7 Packington 31 44 41 0 6 3 4 6 8 9 18 14

Bittell _ 3 3 4 5 6 6 15 6 2 Upton Warren 1 1 4 11 11 — 3 7 16 16 4 2 Westwood — 1 5 7 — — 12 25 — — -

Aqualate 3 25 145 13 _ 1 6 16 Belvide 200 242 220 78 40 12 25 115 186 248 58 140 Blithlield 350 200 100 65 50 2 6 ISO 190 280 424 430

Warks A brood of seven at Earlswood, three broods at Middleton, three at Seeswood totalling 14 young and a pair at Brandon. A maximum of 21 at Middleton in October, with smaller numbers at Chesterton, Draycote, Ladywalk and Warwick Castle Park. Worcs Bred at Church Lench producing four young, Oakley with three broods totalling 15, Pirton, Upton Warren with two young, and Westwood. Other records from Holt and Wilden. Staffs Bred at Copmere, Doxey with three broods, and a first record at Westport where two young fledged. Also noted at Betley Mere, Brocton, Chasewater, Clay Mills, Gailey, Kings Bromley, Knighton and Little Wyrley. W Mid Bred at Edgbaston Park with two broods. Other records from Brierley Hill, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park.

1982 Addendum Red Kite Staffs One ringed in Central Wales was recaught and released at Stafford on August 7.

Marsh Harrier For the first time in ten years there were no positive records.

Harrier sp. Worcs One at Bittell on April 24 was not seen well enough for specific identification JS. 51

Staffs A male Hen/Montagu's flew north over Cannock Chase on June 11 GCB.

Hen Harrier Warks A ring-tail was seen at Kingsbury on October 28, several observers, with presumably the same bird at Ladywalk on November 8 KAL. A male visited Brandon on December 4 SV. Staffs A male flew WSW over Blithfield on October 21 ARD, and ring-tails were seen at Doxey on November 11 MDB; Cannock Chase on November 30 JPM and December 23 PMH, PAF; and Beech on December 27 RH.

1983 Addendum Worcs One seen on Bredon Hill on October 23 SWW.

Goshawk Warks A pair noted at a central locality during June, with at least one bird still present in September HD. Worcs Reports from two northern localities during January SFLE and February BW, and from one northern, one central and one southern locality during the breeding season, with at least three birds at one site. Staffs Singles noted at two northern localities during January JPM and April RH.

Sparrowhawk Widespread in all counties. Warks Breeding season records from 12 localities, with at least two pairs at Packington. Noted at a further 13 localities outside the breeding season. Scarcer than in other counties and fewer than last year. Worcs Noted at 26 localities during the breeding season and at a further 38 outside it. Staffs Breeding season reports from 20 localities. Outside the breeding season seen at a further 40 localities. Fewer reports than last year. W Mid Breeding season records from 13 localities. At other times reported from a further 23 localities.

Buzzard Another good year, although post-breeding movement was less than in 1983. Warks Reports from six localities, including a single bird in suitable breeding habitat in the west of the county in mid-June per SMW. Monthly distribution of other records was: January (three), February (one) and March (two, including a pair). 52

Worcs Reports from at least 12 localities, mostly in the west of the county. At least six pairs are thought to have bred in the Teme Valley and birds were present in the breeding season at a further four localities, so it seems the population is now higher than that suggested in The Birds of the West Midlands. Noted regularly around Shelsley Walsh, with seven in the air at once on May 19 BW. while two were soaring together with five unidentified raptors at Beckford on October 12 PFW. Apart from resident or breeding birds, monthly distribution of records was: January (one), April (three), August (one) and October (four). Staffs Noted at six localities, with a pair present throughout the year in the west of the county. Monthly distribution, excluding breeding or resident birds, was: March (two), April.(one), July (one), August (three), September (two) and October (two). W Mid Noted at six localities, with four sightings in January; one each in May, July and August; two in September and one in November. Two or three reports of birds soaring over the urban area.

Osprey A poor year, with just two records. Warks One over Kingsbury on May 19 SMH. Staffs One flew east over Belvide on May 26 ADB, JJO.

Kestrel Status remains unchanged. Worcs Two pairs bred within 100m of a Sparrowhawk's nest near Upton Warren. Said to be less evident in the south of the county in 1983 and 1984 PFW. W Mid One observed feeding on craneflies at Monkspath on September 15 NDG.

Merlin Warks Female or immature birds were seen at Warwick on January 15 JAN, Kites Hardwick on January 22 JAN and Church Lawford on February 18 PDH — the latter two sightings probably being the same individual which was also seen at Draycote around this time GRH. A male was also at Draycote on January 31 GRH, JVH, another passed through Shrewley on March 15 HD, one was at Coton on the same day TEG and an immature was seen near Radford Semele on May 6 RL. The sole autumn record was a female at Coton on November 10 PDH. Worcs A female was noted at Bittell on February 21 GJM, and males at Grimley on November 17 GHP and near Ripple on December 28 RM. Staffs A male at Great Haywood on January 15 JPK was followed by one at Fradley the next day JCE-D, then females at Belvide on February 2 RM, Hammerwich on eight dates between February 4 and April 6 RH and Hints on February 24 ARMB. In autumn, a female or immature visited 53

Chasewater on August 25 and September 12 per GE, a male was at Little Wyrley on October 23 GE and possibly the same bird was then picked up dead in a Codsall garden five days later per ICW, SJ. Finally, one was seen briefly at Acton Trussel on November 30 and a female was at Swallow Moss on December 28 JPM. W Mid A female was seen in the Sandwell Valley on April 1 per SKW and another bird, thought to have been a female, was seen there on November 16 PAF. However, on the latter date a male was also seen flying south at Edgbaston Reservoir PVI.

1983 Addendum Warks A female near Ufton on December 11 JAN.

Hobby Average: April 28 (17) to September 30 (20) First seen at Belvide on April 30 and last noted at Blithfield and Doxey on September 30. About 80 sightings, which was well below last year's record total. Warks A pair raised three young again at a traditional site in the south of the county RMS. Frequently reported from the Tame Valley, with sightings on May 12 and 17, and on 11 occasions between July 7 and September 16 many observers. Otherwise, reported only from Arley (June and September) SMH, Draycote (two on September 2) REH and Walton on July 29 AGG, MG. Clearly under-reported. Worcs Two pairs bred at central localities, one raising at least two young. Noted as usual at Upton Warren on several dates between April 30 and August 19 many observers. Elsewhere noted in spring at Bittell KGC, Castlemorton (two) REH, Shrawley GHG and Stoke Heath MJI; and between July 2 and September 24 at Abberton (one or two on seven dates) GHP, Bittell AFJ, Bredon Hill GHP, Bredons Norton JJD, Churchill (Redditch) JAA, Droitwich RM, Grimley SWW, SEC, The Lenches RM, Malvern MJI. REH, GJM, Thicknall BW, Trench Wood AFJ, Westwood GL and Wilden RM. Staffs Singles in spring at Belvide on two dates DS, ICW and Blithfield on May 19 and 20 many observers. Noted between July 13 and September 30 at Belvide (four dates) DRB, JKH, Blithfield ARD, JCE-D, TEG, Chasewater GE, Doxey (five dates) MC, IJD, Gib Torr JPM, Rowes Wood MDB and Sherbrook Valley FCG. W Mid One at Pelsall on May 8 per GE and singles between July 16 and August 31 at Edgbaston Reservoir PVI, Erdington TD, Gornal Wood MJH, near Heath Town JKH, and Minworth KAL.

1983 Addendum Warks Two over Warwick Castle Park on May 10 JAN. W Mid One over Park Lime Pits on August 20 AKD. 54

Another excellent showing, although some records could refer to the same individuals. Worcs An immature female was seen being mobbed by two Hobbies at Malvern on September 8 MJI, GJM and an adult female was seen at the same place on September 18 REH. One at Grimley on November 28 was seen to stoop at a Redshank, a juvenile at Horsham on December 23 and one on the Avon Floods near Tewkesbury on December 28 RM. Staffs A juvenile was reported from Blithfield on January 21 NR. Belvide then produced one (probably female) on August 3 DRB and two (an adult and an immature) on August 18 DRB, FCG, JJO, ADB. Meanwhile, at Blithfield an immature from August 17 RCB to 31 was joined by two more immatures on September 1 (two males and a female). Two of these were still present on September 16 and one remained until at least December 24 many observers. These birds, which were believed to have been a Derbyshire brood, effectively emptied the reservoir of waders. Finally, one was seen at Rudyard on December 21 PGB.

Red Grouse Staffs Census results revealed probably 14 territories at Back Forest and 21 (including three triples) at The Roaches DWY. Surprisingly, several still survive at Gun Hill, where 15 were noted on October 6. Four at Swallow Moss in March, two or three-calling at Knotbury in April and six at Gradbach on December 26. In view of the marked decline elsewhere in Britain, more information from other tracts of moorland would be welcome. 55

Black Grouse Staffs Now believed to be perhaps 15 males left. Over half of these are at the main lek, with just ones and twos at three other localities per DWY. However, a local gamekeeper estimates no more than 20 birds in total. The future of this fragile population remains precarious as agricultural improvements, army exercises and public pressure all intensify.

Red-legged Partridge Warks Remains widespread, but said to have had poor breeding success. Certainly only three coveys of 10 of more birds were reported — 18 at Astley in October, 10 at Daw Mill Colliery in November and 12 at Arley in December. Worcs Definitely outnumbers Grey Partridge in north-eastern districts RM. Largest winter covey was 17 at Wilden in January. In autumn, 11 coveys of 10 or more birds were reported, with the largest being 38 or more feeding amongst a root crop (probably turnips) at Grimley in November and 25 which exploded from a field of sprouts at Bredons Hardwick in December. Five in a covey of 19 at Podmore from January to March showed all the characteristics of Chukar, including call BW. Staffs Largest winter coveys were 47 at Perton and 20 at Fradley during January. In autumn, 10 or more were reported on only three occasions, with 24 at Trysull in December the most noted. W Mid Small numbers noted well inside the urban area, particularly on wasteland. Autumn coveys of seven at Tividale and 15 at Minworth.

Grey Partridge Warks Winter maxima of 18 at Draycote and 17 at Alvecote in January. Autumn maxima of 15 at Draycote in November, and 34 at Alvecote in December. Worcs Only winter covey to be reported was 12 near Lenchwick in January. In autumn, nine reports of 10 or more birds, with the largest covey being 14 at Holt in November. Staffs Winter maxima of 21 at Fradley and 15 at both Brookhay Wood and the Dove Valley, all in January. In autumn, 10 or more birds were noted on six occasions, with a maximum of 25 at Doxey in November. W Mid Less inclined than Red-legged Partridge to inhabit wasteland, but can still be found on farmland in the Sandwell and Woodgate Valleys, with 15 at the latter locality during December. Very few elsewhere.

Quail Worcs One heard calling from Lucerne at Thicknall on June 18 BW. Staffs One called from barley at Baggeridge during early June MB, up to two were heard at Leacroft between June 13 and 18 GE, and at least four were calling at High Offley between June 29 FCG and July 2, during which time two females were seen JKH. 56

W Mid Two seen in flight in the Sandwell Valley on April 28 PAF, PMH, TCH and one heard in flight at 2.00 am on the morning of June 20 over Harborne EJMV!

1983 Addendum Warks One calling at Pailton on June 27 DLS. JAN.

Pheasant Few reports, but no change in status evident. Worcs Due to interbreeding with Silver Pheasants, there is now a population of hybrids and a few almost pure Silver Pheasants living wild around Crowle. In the same area, two tail feathers that were found corresponded exactly in length to those of Reeve's Pheasant AHT.

Water Rail Warks Singles noted in winter at Alvecote, Arley, Brandon, Draycote, Earlswood and Ladywalk. No breeding season records were submitted, but autumn sightings at Alvecote (up to two), Brandon (one or two), Kingsbury, Middleton and Ladywalk, which enjoyed a bumper year with probably at least 10 present in November and December BLK. Worcs A pair successfully raised two broods at Upton Warren and one was heard at Oakley during the breeding season. Noted at Bittell, Broadway, Oakley (two), R Salwarpe, Sling, Upton Warren (six or more), Westwood and Wilden (two) during winter; at Bittell, Upton Warren (six or more), Westwood and Wilden (three) in autumn; and at Droitwich, Grimley, Holt, Lower Moor, Ripple (several) and Stourvale (three) on unspecified dates outside the breeding season. Staffs Singing birds at Chasewater, where probably bred, and Little Wyrley. Winter records from Baggeridge (two or three). Black Lake, Blithfield, Blythe Valley, Chasewater, Doxey (two), Jacksons Coppice, Little Wyrley, Perton and Wootton Lake (two). In autumn seen at Belvide, Chasewater, Doxey (two), Elford (two) and Ford Green. W Mid Winter reports from Brierley Hill Pools and Tividale (up to three). In autumn reported from Ashmore Park (a female in moult), Sandwell Valley (two or three) and Tividale.

1983 Addendum

Warks Two calling simultaneously at Ufton Fields on December 11.

Moorhen Warks Maxima of 56 at Astley (January) and 36 at Alvecote (September). Worcs Maximum reported was 38, at Beckford in December. Staffs 14 pairs bred at Doxey, where maxima were 56 in January and 45 in October. W Mid 51 noted around the Sandwell Balancing Lake in January. 57

Coot Monthly maxima for selected sites:

J F M A M J J A s 0 N n

Alvecote 610 370 265 180 180 225 280 340 470 530 530 360 Draycote 314 140 106 Kingsbury 659 411 265 — — — — — 585 527 680 683 Packington 143 174 89 5B 36 89 84 6B 54 50 68 46 Seeswood 77 83 66 38 40 22 — 22 31 51 72 103 Shustoke 68 19 19 — — - — — 113 86 118 111 The Somers 52 17 22 23 6 29 57 66 99 143 138 48

Bittell 69 72 42 21 20 32 37 170 160 180 85 58 Pirton — 120 30 — — 200 200 165 — 130 —

Aqualate 30 60 80 40 _ 1012 646 1020 583 Belvide 290 400 — too 350 324 800 200 387 420 — 500 Blithfield 429 — — — — — — 66 60 82 239 Chasewater 533 300 220 85 53 23 43 85 292 318 398 481 Chillington 100 100 80 135 130 30 27 Trentham 55 43 21 — — — — — 182 150 135 180 Westport 249 230 82 57 36 53 93 110 119 121 143 141

Wyken Slough 107 81 53 — — — — — 31 47 75 79

Warks 12 pairs bred at Alvecote. Staffs 25 nests at Belvide and 12 pairs at Ooxey. Maximum of 285 at Elford in October.

Oystercatcher Warks Singles in spring at Earlswood on March 18, Coton on March 20, Whitacre Heath on April 8 and Kingsbury-Coton on April 15 and 20, followed by two at Ladywalk on April 26 and two at Bodymoor Heath on May 7. One or two remained in the Kingsbury-Coton area until late June, but there was no evidence of attempted breeding this year. One at Kingsbury on August 25 was the sole autumn record. Worcs Two at Upton Warren on August 4 and one flying upstream at Fladbury on September 14. Staffs Singles at Blithfield on February 12 and Belvide on March 4, following which birds were noted regularly at breeding sites in the east of the county. Ultimately three pairs took up residence at two sites, one pair eventually being seen with a single chick and another pair with two chicks. Main spring passage in May, with singles at Doxey on May 5, Tittesworth on May 11, Stanley Pool on May 15 and Blithfield on May 7, 9, 16, 20 and 26, with two on May 19. Return passage began with two at Blithfield on June 24, followed by singles at Blithfield on June 30, Belvide on July 16 and Blithfield again on July 19 and 25. Six at Blithfield on August 4 was the peak in a generally poor year and the same locality produced further singles on August 9 and October 17. A late bird was at Chasewater on December 21. Mid In spring, singles at Bradnocks Marsh on April 7. Bartley on April ?S and calling over Erdington at 11.45 pm on the same date. Four returning birds flew high over the Sandwell Valley on July 22 and one was seen at Bartley on the same date.

Avocet srks One at Coton on May 1 and 2 SLC. ores One flying south at Strensham Lock on May 3 DJM could well have been the bird at Coton Ori the previous two days. sffs An unprecedented passage on March 24, when one at Belvide PKD et al. and an exceptional flock of six at Westport WJL.

1983 Addendum sffs Two at Branston on April 28 GB.

Little Ringed Plover Average: March 23 (20) to October 3 (20) First noted on March 20 at Blithfield, but not widely reported until the second week of April. Many reports until mid-September and last reported on October 3, when two at Ladywalk. Half-monthly maxima at all localities:

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

Alvecote 3 3 3 4 4 1 11 7 7 6

Brandon 3 1 1 2 4 2 3 - Coton — 1 2 4 6 2 2 3 3 3 Kingsbury 4 1 3 2 3 3 2 1 Ladywalk 1 1 4 4 2 4 2 — Seeswood 3 3 2 2 1 2 2 1

Holt 2 2 2

Larford 7 7 4 4 2 - - - — 1 Uplon Warren 3 6 5 5 4 6 9 6 4 1 - Wilden 1 2 1

Asionefields 2 4 11 Belvide — 1 3 10 6 6 7 4 4 1 1 1 Blithfield — 1 2 4 6 6 6 12 31 39 27 15 2 1 I Chasewater 1 2 3 1 1 1 5 2 3 1 I Doxey 1 1 1 1 I I I I I Elford — 1 2 1 1 7 4 I I I I Rudyard 1 1 2 4 8 14 12 14 2 2 I I I I Titteswonh 2 4 8 9 12 16 15 15 9 4 I

Bartley - 5 2 2 2 2 1 Sandwell Valley — 1 6 6 2 2 8 2 2 — _ 2 _ _ _

13 oiher sites 1 _ 3 _ 8 13 2 1 2 _ _ _

BTO census revealed at least 57 pairs at 34 sites as follows — a considerable increase since the 1973 census: 59

Warks Alvecote (one or two), Brandon (two), Coton (one), Hartshill (two which raised three and four young respectively), Ladywalk (one which failed) and Seeswood (one). No reports from Kingsbury. Worcs Aston Mill (one), Bredons Hardwick (two successful). Holt (two pairs, but site destroyed), Larford (two) and Upton Warren (two pairs, both unsuccessful). Staffs Astonefields (one successful), Belvide (three, one successful), Blithfield (two, one successful), Branston (three or four), Bursnip Opencast (one), Chasewater (one, probably successful), Croxall (two), Elford (two pairs successful), Fatholme (two). Four Ashes (one pair failed), Kings Bromley (one), Kingswood (one), Newford (one), Norton Colliery (one unsuccessful), Rudyard (four or five, only one successful), Stanley Pool (one) and Tittesworth (seven, four successful). W Mid Bartley (one failed), Dudley (one successful), Monkspath (one), Ryton End (one), Sandwell Valley (one unsuccessful) and Tividale (one successful).

Ringed Plover A good spring passage, especially in late May, but an abysmal autumn, apart from 22 at Blithfield on August 16 ARMB. Bred at four sites in the Tame and Trent Valleys, with at least four out of five pairs successfully hatching chicks. Also bred at a site in the Avon Valley, where three young fledged. Half-monthly maxima at all localities:

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

Alvecote 2 1 2 Coton 2 2 7 6 2 1 1 Draycote 1 Kingsbury 2 - 2 - 1 6 - 1 " - - - Ladywalk — 10 2 Seeswood 2 — 1

Bittell 1 1 2 2 1 Larford — 9 Upton Warren 1 — 2 3 6 12 5 1 — 3

Belvide 1 2 2 4 9 4 1

Blithfield — 2 - 1 3 7 9 2 5 5 10 22 13 7 2 3 1 — Chasewater 1 1 — 1 3 7 8 2 2 1 1 1 Rudyard

Tittesworth - - - - 1 4 1 1 - - 1 1 - - - - -

Bartley 1 1 — Sandwell Valley 1 — 3 Tividale 2

Seven other sites — I - 1 — 1 1 - 1 - 1 — - - 1 —

Worcs At least 10 were seen on flood meadows just on the Gloucestershire side of the county boundary near Bredon on December 27. 60

Golden Plover Average: August 12 (37) to April 25 (38) Last noted on April 22, when 20 northern race birds were at Coton. One returned to Blithfield on the early date of July 22, with others following more typically in August. Some large hard-weather movements, along with Lapwings and thrushes, in late January. Monthly maxima at traditional and other sites:

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

Alvecote area 20 1 25 40 1 30 100 Coventry-Rugby 300 BOO 600 — — — — — — 200 150 1000 Draylon Bassett- 420 232 450 20 — — — 32 230 ISO 200 100 Kingsbury area Nuneaton area 380 165 225 200 1 — Warwick area 210

Abberton-Besford 155 200 150 250 294 415 Bredon area 535 BOO Bushley-Longdon 400

Aston 38 Belvide — 17 — — — — 2 — 150 21 Blithlield 60 1 2 — 1 6 70 Fradley-Kings Bromley — 121 High Offley 50 Hixon 8 — 450 235 12 Moors — — — — 5 — — — — — — 70 Penkridge-New Invention 300 300 300 — — — — — 50 —

Ashmore Park 400 Bartley 93 — — — — —

20 other sites 91 36 ' 8 1 44 29 ' 3 111

Worcs Up to 2000 were present in late December just on the Gloucestershire side of the county boundary near Bredon. Staffs Only two breeding pairs located on the Moors per FCG.

Grey Plover A good year. Warks One circled over Kingsbury on March 24 TEG. Worcs Singles at Holt on April 28 and Bittell on December 16. Staffs Singles at Blithfield on April 15 and Belvide on May 2 and 3. An unusual number of late summer records, with singles at Blithfield on June 13, July 13 and 14 and July 31. More typically, one visited Blithfield again on August 14, Chasewater held two from September 10 to 19 and one on September 21 and 28, one was seen at Blithfield again on October 27, nine flew west through Belvide on November 3 and two flew around Westport on December 1. 61

Lapwing Several reports of large numbers flying west ahead of hard weather on January 22. Warks Largest winter flocks were 2000 at Kingsbury and 1000 near Alcester, both in February. The Tame Valley also held large numbers in autumn, with 1000 at Kingsbury in August increasing to over 8000 at Coton- Kingsbury in November, then declining to 6000 in December. 1000 also at Alvecote in November. Worcs 1000 at Bredons Hardwick in January was the largest winter gathering, but this was dwarfed by the autumn flocks which again settled into the same area in late November. Some 4000 were on the Worcestershire side of the R Avon alone and by the end of the year over 6000 were in the area. Good numbers elsewhere too, with 2000 at Upton Warren in August, 1000 near Upton Snodsbury in October and November, and 1000 at Cowsden and 3000 in the Holt-Grimley area in December. Staffs Largest winter flocks were 1250 at Marchington and 1000 at Newchurch, both in February. About 1400 had assembled again at Blithfield by July, whilst at Belvide some 5000 were present in October. Over 1000 were also at Doxey during November and December. W Mid 300 in the Sandwell Valley during the autumn was the sole record.

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

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

Lapwing 6703 4348 628 126 84 523 63B5 8240 4798 7771 20059 19450 Jack Snipe 19 19 27 22 3 — — — 8 9 10 12 Snipe 369 907 76 97 39 27 22 83 152 252 484 411 Curlew 136 88 431 95 18 33 43 190 185 21 11 104 Redshank 18 33 47 98 82 68 57 25 4 11 18 14

Knot A good year, with twice the average number of birds. Warks One, in summer-plumage, at Coton and Kingsbury on July 15. Another, in winter-plumage, at Ladywalk on November 24. Worcs One in first-winter plumage at Grimley on September 7. Staffs A winter-plumaged bird at Belvide on May 1, followed by a summer- plumaged one on May 14. On return passage, recorded at Blithfield, where summer-plumaged adults on July 15 and August 26 and 30, immatures on August 8, 9 (two), 28 (10) and September 8 and 9 (two); Chasewater, where two on August 29 and 30, a moulting adult and an immature on September 9 and 10, eight the next day and then two immatures from September 12 to 15; Belvide, where one in winter plumage on September 9 and two on September 11 and 12; and 62

Rudyard, where one on September 12. Finally, a late bird at Chasewater from December 14 to 17, which was joined by another on the latter date. W Mid An immature at Edgbaston Reservoir on September 17.

Sanderling An average showing. Warks Two at Coton on May 3, followed at Kingsbury by one on May 17, and two on May 20 and 21. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on April 22 (winter-plumaged) and May 3, and two at Larford on May 18. Recorded on return passage only at Bittell, where one in summer plumage on July 31, and another on September 15. Staffs Singles at Belvide on April 9 and 10 (winter-plumaged), and Westport on April 25, with two at Blithfield on April 28. Further records then from Chasewater, singles on May 4 and 8; Blithfield, two on May 10, one on May 16 and three on May 19; Belvide, one on May 19 and 21; Chasewater, one on May 4, two on May 22 and one on May 25; Tittesworth, singles on May 23 and June 1; Westport, singles on May 25 and June 1; Blithfield, one on May 26; and Belvide, one on June 2. On return passage, singles at Blithfield from July 18 to 22 and on July 31 and August 15; and two at Chasewater on September 3, one of which stayed until September 10. W Mid Four at Bartley on April 20, followed by singles in the Sandwell Valley on May 19 and at Bartley on July 18.

1983 Addendum Staffs One at Blithfield on June 10.

Little Stint Another poor showing, with only half the annual average. . Worcs An adult at Bittell on July 31, an adult and an immature at Upton Warren from August 18 to 25, and an immature at Bittell on October 15. Staffs At Blithfield, one on June 30 and July 1; two on August 8; one from August 15 to 18; two on September 22, increasing to three next day, two of which remained untfl September 29; and singles on October 20, 21 and 30 and November 4. Singles at Chasewater on August 31 and from October 6 to 9.

Temminck's Stint Staffs One at Blithfield on May 19 several observers. W Mid One in the Sandwell Valley on May 21 PMH. 63

White-rumped Sandpiper Staffs A juvenile at Tittesworth on July 7 PGB, RAM, AS, possibly also on the previous day. The second county and regional record. Markedly smaller and less tall than accompanying Common Sandpiper, with siim. elongated appearance and horizontal stance. Differed from Dunlin in having flat back, slim belly and wing-tips clearly extending beyond tail. Legs appeared short, as did the bill which was also straight. Generally pale greyish-brown appearance. Head, crown, nape and hind- neck pale brown finely streaked grey-brown. Whitish supercilium, most noticeable in front of eye but not very prominent. Mantle brown with heavy black striations, narrow distinct upper braces and wider more merging lower ones, buffish-white in colour. Rump completely white right across, tail black. Underparts white, with fine grey-brown striations ending abruptly in centre of breast, but becoming bolder on flanks and extending further back. Legs, bill and eye all appeared black.

Pectoral Sandpiper

A record year. Warks Juveniles at Brandon from September 7 or 8 to 16 BMCG and at Coton, where two on September 15 and 16, one of which remained until September 29 many observers. Worcs An adult at Upton Warren on the unusual date of June 27 many observers. W Mid An immature at Sandwell Valley from September 27 to 30 many observers.

Curlew Sandpiper A very poor year. Staffs One in summer plumage at Chasewater on October 6 was the only report received.

Purple Sandpiper Staffs One at Blithfield on January 15 JCE-D, SMH, REH, WJL. 64

Dunlin - — " -- Half-monthly maxima at al 1 sites:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N D 12 12 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 12 12 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Alvecote 3 3 3 Brandon

Coton 5 — 2 9 14 15 9 16 3 2 1 — 2 3—1 2 3 1 — 22 8 - Draycote Kingsbury 4 112 7 4 — 6 1 5 11 1 1 1 — 1 — 1 arlywallr Seeswood 3 — 1 Whitacre Heath — 5 — 12

Bittell 1 — 1 2 13 2 — 1 — 3 1 18 — 3 - Bredons Hardwick — 4 larford Upton Warren 1 2 1 6 3 1 7 3 — — 13 1 1 4 1 - - 1 1 -

Belvide 4 3 1030 2 4 4 2 7 3 — 4 1 6 — 19 — Blithfield 1 2 112 2 - 3 3 14 13 34 21 25 8 7 10 7 18 10 1 1 Chasewater 1 2 5 — 2 2 2 23 30 16 10 3 20 1 1 3 Rudyard — 2 1 2 2 4 1 - Tittesworth 5 9 10 3 2 7 5 5 — 4 — Westpon 1 1 — _ 2

Bariley 1 5 — 1 - Sandwell Valley 1 — 2 6 1 _

Seven other sites — 1 1 — 1 1 — 1 — 1 1 - 1

Worcs Numbers on the Gloucestershire side of the county boundary near Bredon built up to an estimated 1000 in late December. 186 of these were seen flying into Worcestershire on December 23 JHWR. Staffs Display noted at Tittesworth.

Ruff Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

MAMJJASO 1212121212121212

Alvecote ------1 2 — - - Brandon Colon __ i_ i ______2 Kingsbury — — 1 1 1 — — — — — 1 9 7 1 — —

Holl 6 Upton Warren — 1— 6 6 — — — — — 1 2 — — — — 1 1 1 1 1

Belvide 1 5 2 1 11 1 1 1 1 Blilhlield 1 1 - 11 1 — 3 1 1 1 —

Chasewater N » 1 1 1 1 1 1

Elford 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rudyard -* l 1

Bradnocks Marsh ______2

Five other sites 1 2 1 — 1 - - 65

Warks Failed to appear at Ladywalk for the first time since the reserve opened in 1971. Worcs Four males and two females at Upton Warren from April 27 to May 3, during which time lekking took place. Present throughout December on the Bredon floods, with a maximum of four on December 23. Staffs Late individuals at Doxey on November 25 and Chasewater on December 10 and 16.

Jack Snipe Average: September 29 (43) to April 19 (39) Extreme dates were May 10, at Ford Green, and September 23, at Blithfield and Upton Warren. Warks One at Coton on November 4 and 18, but no other records. Worcs Present at Upton Warren until April 13, with a maximum of four in March. Returned on the early date of September 23: thereafter up to three were present until the end of the year. Also recorded regularly at Grimley, with up to six in winter and three in autumn. Other winter records from Abberton, Bittell, Larford and Oakley in January; Abberton and Holt in February; and Oakley and Wilden in March. Small influx in late September, when two at Larford and three at Wilden, but none thereafter until late October, when singles at Ashmoor Common and Wilden again. Staffs Seen regularly in winter and autumn at Belvide, Blithfield (up to two in both periods), Chasewater (maxima of six on April 14 and two in October) and Kettlebrook (maximum of two in March). Good winter numbers at Doxey, with nine on February 10, but none reported in autumn; and a strong spring passage at Ford Green, where up to seven were noted between April 2 and May 10. Elsewhere singles at Crakemarsh in January and Stafford in February, with two at Dosthill in November. W Mid Reported from Sandwell Valley during both winter and autumn periods, with maxima of seven in March and four in December. One or two also noted in both periods at Brierley Hill Pools and Tividale.

1983 Addendum Warks Two at Harbury on March 18.

Snipe Exceptional numbers in February. Warks Two or three pairs bred at Alvecote, where one was seen to be taken by a Kestrel during December. Probably bred at Kingsbury and Ladywalk too, and heard singing at Packington. Maximum numbers in the Tame Valley, with 150 at Coton in February and again in November. Up to 50 at Leamington during January and 60 at Alvecote in October. 66

Worcs Bred near Eckington and pairs present during the breeding season at Abberton, Hallow, Rous Lench, Wilden and Wolverley. Maximum in winter was 230 at Grimley on February 19 RM — a county record. Other notable concentrations were 78 at Stourvale in January and 50 at Upton Warren in February. Autumn peaks of 100 at Upton Warren in late November and early December, and 50 at Grimley in December. Staffs Breeding reported from Doxey (11 pairs) and probably Chasewater, where singing heard. Drumming birds were also noted at Little Wyrley, Pasturefields (two) and Rickerscote, whilst three pairs were seen displaying at Longsdon. A pair was aiso seen along the R Tame on the unusual date of June 13. Winter maximum at Doxey was 200 in February. Autumn peaks were 80 at Belvide in October and 60 at Blithfield in December. No other count exceeded 50, but 40 feeding like Lapwings on open grass at Newchurch in February was interesting. W Mid Drumming birds in Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park (two), and also noted in the breeding season at Pelsall. Up to 50 were seen in the Sandwell Valley during spring, with similar numbers at Tividale in November and Bentley in December.

1983 Addendum Long-billed Dowitcher Warks One at Draycote on November 10 RCM was the first regional record of this transatlantic vagrant. Size similar to Redshank, but plumper with appearance of Snipe. Sloping forehead, flat crown and thick neck. Uniformly grey-brown with darker crown and pale supercilium, widest between eye and bill and kinked over eye. Very finely streaked on ear coverts and darker eye-stripe which accentuated supercilium. Fine streaking on well-built chest, turning to bars on upper flanks, which became thicker and developed into definite chevrons on sides of undertail. Wings and back a little darker than head, but still pale grey-brown, with dark primaries. Tail with thick grey-brown bars and thin white ones. Bill long, nearly twice head length, dark with slight yellowish tinge to base. Legs longish, grey-green. Fed with probing action similar to Jack Snipe. In flight showed a white rump and vent and double white wing bar. Calls a soft gutteral note and 'keek keek' with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Woodcock Usual reports from many, widely-scattered localities during January-March and October-December. Noted in the breeding season as follows: Warks Bentley Park Wood, Earlswood, Packirigton (bred), Roundhill Wood, Wappenbury Wood and Wellesbourne Wood. Worcs Fred Dale Reserve, The Lenches, Mount Segg, Ribbesford, Trench Wood (six roding), Weethley Wood (two roding) and Wyre Forest. Staffs Cannock Chase (three roding) and Kinver (one roding). Outside the breeding season one was seen at Betley Mere on February 12 — the first in 14 years observations — and one was flushed from the dam at Chasewater on April 4. W Mid Sandwell Valley (one pair bred). 67

Black-tailed Godwit Warks Only one spring record — one at Ladywalk on March 21. Return passage in the Tame Valley began with one in summer plumage at Coton from July 12 to 15 and a party of five, also in summer plumage, which flew through Kingsbury on July 14. One of these was still present the following day. A juvenile then frequented the Coton- Kingsbury area from August 24 to 28; singles were at Kingsbury and Ladywalk on September 4, Coton and Ladywalk on September 18 and Coton and Kingsbury the next day. Finally two were at Kingsbury on October 5. Elsewhere reported only from Draycote, where two on July 28. Worcs Two at Upton Warren on April 28 and 29 was the sole spring record. Return passage brought three to Upton Warren on July 4, with two remaining the next day; a single at the same locality on July 28 and one at Bittell on August 2. Staffs Spring records from Belvide, where singles on April 8 and from April 29 to May 1; and Blithfield, where two from May 1 to 3. Return passage at Blithfield began with two on the early date of June 28: these were followed by one on July 9, two on July 24 and 25, seven adults on July 29, and five on August 2. Up to four were then present between August 22 and 30, followed by up to three between September 2 and 9. Elsewhere reported only from Belvide, where two on July 29. These, and possibly others around this time, showed characteristics of the Icelandic race ARD.

Bar-tailed Godwit Warks Recorded only in spring, when one in winter plumage remained at Kingsbury from April 18 to 23, being joined on April 19 by one in summer plumage, and a single was at Draycote on May 1. Worcs An unusual record of 18 flying SW over Trench Wood on January 22 RRH. Otherwise one on Bredon floods between November 26 and at least December 1 was the sole record. Staffs One at Fisherwick on February 24. A good spring passage began on April 26 with a party of 31, which paused briefly at Belvide during the evening before leaving to the east PKJ. Next day the same party flew over Blithfield NR, and one was seen at Belvide. April 28 brought four to Tittesworth, where up to three were subsequently reported until May 2; and three to Belvide, which increased to five next day, of which four remained until May 1. One was at Chasewater on April 29, three at Blithfield on April 30 and one at Belvide on May 3 and 5, increasing to five on May 6. Finally one was at Tittesworth on May 13. Return passage brought singles to Rudyard on July 1 and 2, and Blithfield on July 3, followed by two at the latter locality on July 15. A late bird was at Chasewater on December 1 7. W Mid Six at Bartley on April 2 and one in transitional plumage in the Sandwell Valley on April 28 — the first record for the locality. 68

Whimbrel Warks Three at Coton on April 23, two at Draycote on July 15 and seven flying south over Coton on August 25. Worcs Noted in spring at Upton Warren, where singles on April 19 and 23, two on April 28 and 29 and one on May 4; and Larford, where two on May 17. Return passage noted at Malvern, where birds heard overhead at 04.00 hrs on July 26 and again on August 9. Staffs Early spring passage, with singles at Belvide on April 13 and 15, three on April 21 and further singles on April 23 and 24 and May 18; and singles at Blithfield on April 15 and 21 and May 5. A party of nine flew over Norton Canes on May 1 towards Chasewater, where one was also seen, and singles were noted at Tittesworth on May 2, 5, 1 2 to 14 and June 6. Return passage mainly at Blithfield, where singles on July 8, 9, 13 and 14, three on July 15 and singles again on August 4, 5, 12, 24 and 26. Singles also at Tittesworth and Rudyard on August 4, flying north over Gib Torr on August 5, and at Belvide on August 9 and 25.

Curlew Warks Breeding season records from Crimscote, Nether Whitacre and Shustoke. Usual concentration in the Tame Valley during spring and autumn, with maxima of 23 and 25 respectively at Coton. Very few records from elsewhere, but 10 flew over Alvecote on August 10. Worcs Breeding season records from Abberton, Arley, Bradley Green, Brotheridge Green, Coldridge Wood (two pairs). Eckington, Hadzor, Old Hills, Ripple (two pairs), Romers Wood and Trench Wood. Peak counts at other seasons were 44 at Upton Warren on March 18, with 40 there on September 6, and 21 at Holt on September 1. Staffs The Longsdon roost held 106 on March 3, increasing to 307 by March 17, then declining to 95 by the end of the month. Good numbers were also present at Tittesworth throughout early spring, with a maximum of 95 on March 24. Widely reported during the breeding season from the Moors, where a flock of 73 flew over Knotbury on August 12. Elsewhere, four pairs at Aqualate and two or three at Garmelow. Probably bred near Belvide, too. Peak counts at Whittington SF were 123 on January 2 and 99 on December 7. W Mid Nine at Bartley on January 18. Otherwise only singles reported, though one at Salford Bridge on June 30 was noteworthy.

Spotted Redshank Warks Spring singles at Brandon on April 30 and May 18, the latter in full breeding plumage. Return passage brought singles to Coton on June 23, from July 21 to August 12, and on August 26. The latter two were also seen at Kingsbury and perhaps Ladywalk, where one on July 23. One also seen at Draycote on August 11,18 and 25. Worcs Spring records from Upton Warren on May 13 and Larford on June 10, both in breeding plumage. In autumn, two at Grimley on August 20, 69

one at Westwood on August 21 and one at Bittell the next day. These were followed by another at Westwood from August 31 to September 7 and what is believed to have been the same individual frequenting both Bittell and Upton Warren between September 2 and 6. Finally, one was at Grimley on September 9. iffs Two at Blithfield on April 28 and one at Belvide from the same day until May 3 were the only spring records. Return passage brought singles to Belvide from June 28 to July 3, with a second bird present on July 2; August 13, 14 and 19; and September 15. A poor year at Blithfield, with just one noted on August 21, 26 and September 1. Redshank irks Bred at Coleshill, Coton, Kingsbury and Ladywalk, and probably at Alvecote, Brandon and Water Orton. Must surely breed outside the Tame Valley too? Maxima of 19 at Kingsbury on February 17 and seven at Brandon on April 19. jrcs Bred successfully at Eckington, Larford and Stone, unsuccessfully at Upton Warren (two pairs), and present during the breeding season at Aston Mill (two pairs) and near Ripple. None at Wilden this year. Maxima of eight at Larford in April and six at both Bittell and Upton Warren in July. Otherwise only ones and twos, except for a maximum of nine on the Gloucestershire/Worcestershire border near Bredon on November 26. Singles at Larford in November and December, and Grimley in November were also noteworthy. iffs Bred at Belvide (two pairs out of seven successful), Doxey, Elford (one pair out of three successful), Pasturefields (two out of four pairs successful) and Tittesworth. May have bred at Astonefields and present during the breeding season at Branston (five pairs) and Dosthill (two pairs). Spring maxima of 15 at Belvide on April 23 and six at Blithfield on May 20. Post-breeding peaks of 12 in July at Astonefields (where up to four remained until December) and 10 at Belvide on August 8. Smaller numbers widely reported. Mid Reported from the Sandwell Valley in January, April, May and August. Two at Wyken Slough on March 22, one at Bartley on April 20 and one at Tividale on July 17. Greenshank Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

A M J J A S O N 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Alvecote 1 1 — — — —15 1 — Brandon — — — 2 Coton — 223 5 2 — 2 — Draycote 5 — Kingsbury 1 1 1 — — 1 1 1 Ladywalk 1 — Middlelon Seeswood

Continued overleaf 70

AMJJASON 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 7. 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Bittell 1 1 2 5 1 Grimley — - 1 — — — — — — 1 3 — — — — — Holt — 1 1 1 1 Upton Warren — 1 3 3 a 1 Westwood — — — — — — — — — 2 1 — — — — —

Belvide 2 3 2 _ _ 1 6 3 1 Blithfield — 2 2 1 1 — 2 7 19 16 6 2 — — — — Chasewater 1 3 1 3 — 1 — _ — bllord — — — — — _ _ — — 3 1 — Rudyard 3 3 1 1 — - — — Tirtesworth — — 2 1 — — 1 — 2 1 1 — — — — —

Bariley 3 5 Tividale — — — — — — — — 2 2 — — — — — —

Nine other sites 1 1 3 4 2

Warks 10 flew over Ladywalk on August 25 — a reserve maximum. Staffs One on floodwater at Doxey on the late date of November 24.

Green Sandpiper Monthly maxima at all sites:

JFMAMJJASOND

Alvecote — — 1 1 2 — 1 23 — — — Brandon ______a 7 4 — — — Coton - 1 — — 4 10 4 i__ Kingsbury 1 1 — 2 — 3 B IS 18 1 1 6 Ladywalk __i i _ 2 1 271 1 —

Bittell 12 — — — — 2— 1122 Grimley ______3 8 6 — 1 1 Larford — 2 — — — 1 — — 2 — Upton Warren — — 2 3 — 9 19 23 7 1— 1 Westwood ______3 2 — — — Wilden 11111113222 —

Belvide — — 221— 121— — — Blithfield — — — — — 1621 12 — Clay Mills 1 1 1 1 — — — 1 1 i_i Ooxey __i 1 — — 1 3 2 — — — Elford — 321— 2 — — — 121 Rudyard ______1 2 1 — — —

Sandwell Valley 1— 1 — _ _ _ — 1 — _ 1

19 other sites 21 — 51 1363115

Wood Sandpiper Warks Singles at Alvecote on April 14 and 15. and again on June 3; at Seeswood on May 9; and at Draycote on August 11 and 18. Worcs Singles at Larford on April 29, Upton Warren from May 21 to 23, Westwood on September 3 and 4, and Bittell on October 7. 71

Staffs Singles at Doxey on May 9, Saredon on July 5, Blithfield on July 7 and 8. and Astonefields on August 17. Two at Doxey on August 19, then one at Belvide from September 15 to 23.

Common Sandpiper Average: April 7 (48) to October 20 (44) Singles at Blithfield from 1983 until January 8, Kettlebrook on January 15 and Upton Warren on February 21. First spring record on April 7, at Upton Warren, then quite widespread by mid-month. Bred successfully at Tittesworth (four pairs), Rudyard and possibly Doxey. Also seen in the breeding season at Danebridge. Last noted at Blithfield on November 4 and Trimpley on December 8. Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

A M J J A s 0 N 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 12 12

Alvecote 1 1 1 1 1 3 4 5 9 1 1 - - - Coton — 1 1 1 — 1 — — Oraycote — — — 1 — — — 4 — 8 8 — — _ — — Kingsbury — — 1 2 1 — 2 S 4 5 2 Ladywalk 1 4 4

Seeswood — 1 1 — — 2 — 1 2 1 — — — — —

Bittell 2 5 4 1 3 3 3 3 9 2 Larford — 6 1 1 — — 6 1 2 1 2 1 _ _ _ — Upton Warren 2 3 3 2 1 1 5 a 13 S 5 Westwood — — — — — — — 2 4 _ _ — — Wilden 1 1 — — — — 1 i 2 3 2

Belvide 4 7 7 2 3 8 7 7 6 3 Blithfield 4 6 5 1 — 5 16 17 16 12 5 1 111 — Chasewater — 1 2 3 — 1 2 3 6 6 5 2 11 — — Rudyard — 1 1 4 1 1 7 3 2 1 Tittesworth - 6 9 10 9 14 24 16 10 6 1 Wesiport 1 2 1 2 1 1

Bartley 4 S 1 1 11 3 1 4 1 1 Edgbaston Reservoir — 2 2 1 Sutton Park - 3 3 1 Tividale 2 2 2 — — — 3 4 3 7 2

21 other sites 3 6 2 5 - - 3 3 9 10 6 1 - - - -

Turnstone Warks Two at Coton on May 2 and 4, then presumably the same birds at Kingsbury on May 5, but a different individual on May 6 and 7. None in autumn. Worcs Recorded at Bittell on July 15, 26, 29 and August 4. Staffs Excellent spring began with two at Belvide on April 23, one of which remained until 26. Singles followed at Blithfield and Tittesworth on April 26, Blithfield again on May 1, Chasewater on May 8, Blithfield on May 13, Tittesworth on May 13 and 14 and Belvide on May 18. Three 72

then appeared at both Chasewater and Tittesworth on June 1, with one of the latter remaining until June 7, on which date one was also at Belvide. Finally two were at Blithfield on June 12. Return passage began with one at Blithfield on August 3, followed by eight on the next five days. One was then seen at Westport on August 31, two at Blithfield on September 5 and one at Belvide on September 9. 1/1/ Mid One at Bartley on August 17.

Grey Phalarope Warks One on the R Leam at Leamington on October 6 RL. Staffs One at Westport on October 20 DWE.

Arctic Skua

Worcs Two adult dark-phase birds flew south-west at Bittell on August 4 REH, MJI, GJM.

Mediterranean Gull Warks An adult at Draycote on February 26 and 29 was considered to be the same bird as in November and December 1983 ARD, MJI. Staffs One at Belvide on September 18 SRC, most probably a second-winter bird.

Little Gull An exceptional passage in late April and early May involved well over 50 birds, including a regional record flock of 27 at Chasewater. Warks At Draycote, a first-winter bird was present on February 9 MJI, an adult on May 1 ARD and a first-summer bird on May 12 REH. At Kingsbury a first-summer bird occurred on April 25 PDH and two 73

adults the next day PDH. Seven adults were at Earlswood on April 30 PS and two at Marston on May 1 SMH. Worcs Single juveniles were at Wilden on August 15 BW, and Upton Warren on August 31, September 1 REH, AFJ and December 16 AFJ. Staffs Single first-winter birds were at Westport on January 6 MRG and Aqualate on February 12 HG. At Blithfield, four adults were present on April 25 MJE, PDH, one the next day PDH, two on April 30, eight adults and three first-winter birds on May 1 JCE-D and a first-summer bird on June 3 JJH. At Belvide, an adult was recorded on April 26 KA and four on April 30 JJH. Chasewater experienced a strong spring passage, with eight (six adults, one second-summer and one first-year bird) on April 28 ARMB, GE and 27 on May 1 (26 adults and one first-year bird), with one adult staying until May 3 GE, ICW. Autumn passage started with a second-summer bird at Belvide on July 15 JPM and another at Chasewater the following day GE. Juveniles then appeared at Belvide on August 9 JJH, Rudyard (two) on August 14 PGB, and Belvide again, with two from August 20 to 22 JJH, SJ and one on September 1 JKH. At Blithfield, a juvenile was present on August 5 several observers, three on August 7 JCE-D, four on August 8 and 10 MJE, and two on August 11 and 12 several observers. A juvenile and a second-winter bird were then present on August 18 and 19 several observers, one juvenile on August 21 JCE-D, two on August 22 MJI and 24 MJE, and three the next day ARD. A juvenile was also recorded from September 10 to 12 JCE-D, MJE, PDH and 15 ARD, PDH. Finally, an immature was at Belvide on November 3 JKH and an adult and two first-winter birds roosted at Chasewater on November 18 GE.

Black-headed Gull Warks The roost at Shustoke held 15000 on January 15 and 6000 on December 28. 900 were noted at Ladywalk on July 28 and 1050 roosted at Alvecote on August 11. No counts were received from Draycote. Worcs The only sizeable concentrations were 1400 at Westwood on January 8 and up to 3250 at Bittell on January 21. At Upton Warren, 300 juveniles gathered on August 30. Staffs On January 22, 7810 were counted at Westport, mostly flying north- west to roost in Cheshire. 12000 roosted at Blithfield on January 28, 2000 were on the Dove Valley floods at Marchington on February 4 and 500 roosted at Aqualate on February 12. A breeding colony in the Tame Valley held at least 150 adults and 30 downy young on June 16. The autumn build-up of numbers started in July and over 1000 were roosting at Chasewater by the end of the month, over 3000 by August 5 and 7000 on October 26. Up to 5000 roosted at Belvide on September 23 and 15000 at Blithfield on December 28. W Mid Up to 6000 roosted at Edgbaston Reservoir in February, where an albino bird was present on November 21 and December 4. 74

Common Gull Warks Three single birds at Kingsbury, up to seven on many dates at Seeswood and four at Ryton on December 4 were the only records received. Worcs A regular spring passage to the north-east occurs in the south of the county PFW. A flock of 70 were noted near Bushley on March 26, 44 at Bredon Hill on April 1 and flocks of 32 and 195 at Broadway on April 2. Otherwise very small numbers were noted at several localities in all months except January and May, with most records in July. Seven on February 22 was the largest party at Bittell. Staffs Records from all months, with most in February but very few in autumn. Only very small numbers were recorded in the south, with five the most seen at Chasewater and only singles noted at Belvide. In the north however, there were 28 at Tittesworth and 170 between Tittesworth and Roach End on February 5, 35 near The Roaches on February 14 and 46 at Westport in February — the latter apparently roosting in Cheshire. 100 roosted at Blithfield on March 4. W Mid Up to three were noted in the Sandwell Valley, and 15 roosted at Edgbaston Reservoir in February. Quite numerous around Coventry, with 28 at Wyken Slough and 38 at Stoke Heath in winter, and 23 at Coundon Wedge in autumn.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks Very little information was received. Parties of 70 at Nuneaton in March and June and 50 at Kingsbury on March 17 were the largest reported. Worcs Small numbers reported at several localities. 454 roosted at Bittell on January 22 and 350 fed at Hill and Moor tip on October 28. At Upton Warren, 39 roosted on August 15. Staffs Maxima were 566 at Westport in January, 2200 at Blithfield on January 14, 670 on the Dove Valley floods at Marchington on February 4, 1550 at Chasewater on October 26, 2000 at Blithfield on November 10, 500 at Tittesworth on December 21 and 2000 at Belvide on December 26. W Mid Up to 18 at Edgbaston Reservoir in September, 53 at Bartley on October 11 and 70 flying NNW over Great Barr on October 26.

Birds showing characteristics of L f fuscus were noted at Upton Warren on July 19 (two) JTB and Chasewater on October 24 (two) GE.

Herring Gull Warks No record of over 10 birds received. Worcs Said to be very scarce this year. The maxima reported were 350 at Bittell on January 21 and 150 at Hill and Moor tip on December 10. 75

Staffs 700 at Chasewater on January 4 was a low count due to the holiday closure of Cannock tip. 1200 roosted at Blithfield on January 29 and 428 was the highest January count at Westport. Cannock tip held over 1UUO on February 4 and over 800 on December 9. 1000 roosted at Blithfield on December 28. A white bird was at Chasewater on January 22 and again, for its fifth winter, on November 30 and December 16. A leucistic, or possibly hybrid Herring x Glaucous, bird was at Cannock tip on February 11 and 18 SCH. W Mid Up to 25 roosted at Edgbaston Reservoir.

Birds showing all the characteristics of one of the southern or 'cachinnans'group of Herring Gulls were: one at Blithfield on April 14 (probably a third-summer bird) ARD; an adult at Chasewater on October 24, November 17 and 30; and a third-winter bird at Chasewater on December 9 and 16. Possibly the same adult bird was also seen at Cannock tip on October 26 and at Walsall on November 14 GE.

Iceland Gull Birds continue to be attracted by the easy feeding at Cannock tip and the roost sites of Blithfield and Chasewater, ten and two and a half miles away respectively. Better descriptions of each individual would be needed to be sure of the total involved, but it seems that at least 19 birds were recorded in the Region between January and April. Up to 12 individuals were identified at Chasewater during this period, with four together, accompanied by three Glaucous Gulls, from February 8 to 10. Warks At Draycote, a third-winter bird roosted on February 26 AC, ARD, REH and March 3 ARD, PDH; a first-winter bird on February 29 MJI and March 3 ARD, PDH; and an immature on December 11 GIG. A first- winter bird was present in the Coton-Lea Marston area on March 24 TEG, REH. Worcs Single first-winter and second-winter birds roosted at Bittell on February 27 GJM. Staffs First-year birds were recorded at Belvide on February 4 SRC; Chasewater from February 7 to 11 several observers, March 14 MJI to April 17 G£andApril4and8 GE; Cannock tip on February 4 AC and 11 SCH, MJI and April 8 GE; and Blithfield on February 5 AC, ARD, March 3 MJE and April 8 ARD, with a different individual on April 10 JCE-D. Second-year birds were at Chasewater on January 23 and 24 JJH, February 3 to 10 several observers, February 6 to 10 GE, SCH, JJH, February 6 to 11 several observers, February 28 and 29 GE, JJH, February 28 to March 1 GE, JJH, March 6 (three) GE, JJH and 25 PDH; at Blithfield on January 28 ARD, 29 PDH, February 4, 5 and 12 (two) AC, ARD, GIG, March 3 JHWR, 9 GIG, 11 ARD and 17 PDH; and at Cannock tip on January 24 ICW, February 4 AC, RAH, 5 AC, JJH, GJM, 7 (three) ICW, 10 (two) JSB, 11 SCH, 12 SRC, 29 ICW and March 7 76

JSB, 8 RMD and 21 MJI. A third- or fourth-year bird roosted at Blithfield on March 11 ARD and an adult on February 5 JHWR, 11 ARD and 12 MJE. One, thought to be first-winter at Blithfield on December 25 ARD, was almost certainly that thought to be second-winter at Cannock tip on 31 JJH, SPT, emphasising how difficult certain individuals are to age.

Glaucous Gull Warks First-winter birds roosted at Draycote on January 14 PDH, 15 ARD, JHWR and February 12 PDH. A fourth-winter bird was present on January 15 ARD, JHWR and 21 MJI. In autumn, a first-winter bird was seen on December 1 JHWR. Staffs About nine birds were recorded in the county between January 4 and February 19, with site maxima of three at Chasewater on February 9 and 10 GE, JJH and four at Cannock tip on February 11 SCH. First- winter birds roosted at Blithfield on January 28 ARD, MJI, GJM, and February 4, 5, 18 ARD, 19 (two) GIG, JHWR and 25 NR, whilst a third- winter bird was present on January 29 ARD and another first-year bird on April 18 JCE-D. At Cannock tip, two first-year birds were noted on February 4 AC, RAH, 5 AC, GJM and 11 SCH, MJI, with one on February 17 ICWand 18 SCH; a fourth-winter bird was then noted on February 4 RAH and 11 SCH, MJI and an adult on February 5 AC, GJM, 11 SCH and 1 5 AC. At Chasewater, first-winter birds roosted on many dates between January 7 and February 18 (probably two individuals) several observers; a first- or second-year bird occurred on April 6 GE; a fourth-year bird on February 14 JJH; and adults on January 4 GE, JKH, 21 ARMB and from February 1 GEto 11 AC, SCH, JJH, GJM. A first- winter bird roosted at Westport on February 19 PGB. In autumn, a second- or third-winter bird was at Blithfield on December 28 ARD and at Cannock tip the next day JJH. W Mid A first-winter bird at Bartley on January 21 GRH, JVH and an adult at Edgbaston Reservoir on February 11 PVI.

Great Black-backed Gull Warks At Shustoke, 45 roosted in January. 25 were at Kingsbury on February 11, 35 at Draycote on December 24 and 46 at Shustoke on December 28. Worcs Reported at Bittell in January, February, November and December, with eight on February 22. One at Upton Warren on January 22. Staffs At Blithfield, 173 were counted on January 15 and 120 on December 28. Good numbers also roosted at Chasewater; unfortunately no counts were made, but one was still present on May 11.10 were at Marchington on February 4 and Belvide held 48 on December 3. W Mid Two in the Sandwell Valley on January 15 and one on February 20. Two or three at Edgbaston Reservoir during the winter. 77

Kittiwake Several records, including a few corpses, in the wake of a vigorous depression on January 13. Warks At Draycote, four adults and two first-winter birds were present on January 14 PDH, three adults the next day ARD, JHWR, one on January 29 MJI, GJM and four on February 2 MSW; single adults were then seen on February 4 PDH and 9 MJI, and March 11 REH and 24 ARD. Elsewhere, an adult was at Hartshill on January 17 MSW, two adults were at Coton on February 5 MSW, two more at Shustoke on February 11 JAA and singles occurred at Coton on March 17 ARMB, PDH and November 4 REH. Worcs An adult was at Hartlebury on January 14 BW, a second-winter bird at Bittell on February 8, 13, 14 and 15 MJI, GJM, KGC and a juvenile at Bittell on March 2 KGC. Staffs At Belvide, single adults occurred on January 19 ICW, 20 MDJ and 29 KA, followed by two from February 4 JJO to 7 KA, four the next day, then three on February 9, a sick bird on 10 JKH, three on April 7 ADB, JJH and one the next day PKD, FCG, JJH. At Blithfield an adult on January 16 ICW, four on 17 JCE-D, then single adults on January 20 ARMB, 22 ARD and 29 PDH, February 11 MJE and 12 ARD, and May 26 ARD, with seven on November 3 ARD; while first-winter birds were noted on January 21 NR and November 4 ARD. At Chasewater, adults were present on January 14 TEG, 15 (two) PDH, February 7 JPM, ICW, April 6 (three) GE, and November 3 (two) ARMB and 29 ICW; while a first-winter bird was present on January 5 GE, ICW. Single adults were also at Westport on January 15 MRG and April 7 PGB, and a juvenile was at Knypersley Pool on July 28 and 29 PGB. W Mid Adults were found dead in Sutton Park on January 18 BF, Brookvale Park on February 2 and 10, and Salford Park on February 3 TEG; single adults were seen in Sandwell Valley on January 30 PMH and 31 SKW, Brookvale Park from February 1 to 9 and April 20 TEG, and Edgbaston Reservoir on February 10 JHWR. Ah immature was seen in Sandwell Valley on the unusual date of June 3 PG and one was at Brierley Hill Pools on November 28 ICW.

1983 Addendum Staffs At Blithfield, an adult was present on February 3 GEt and a second- winter bird was found dead on February 23 GEt.

1983 Corrigendum Staffs The adult at Tittesworth on February 5 was found dead.

Sandwich Tern Warks Single adults at Draycote on April 15 SMH, and Kingsbury and later Coton on June 23 JAA. ARD. 78

Worcs Two adults were noted at Bittell on July 14 MJI. Staffs Singles were reported at Blithfield on April 1 JCE-D — the earliest ever in the Region — Chasewater on May 6 MJH and 20 GE, MJH, and Belvide on August 22 DRB, JKH.

Common Tern First noted on April 20 at Edgbaston Reservoir and last seen on September 29 with two at Trimpley and Edgbaston Reservoir. Warks At least 15 pairs bred at Kingsbury, producing about 43 young of which 37 were ringed: 80 there in early August probably included several on passage. Birds, probably from Kingsbury, were frequently noted at Ladywalk, with a maximum of nine on August 12. Noted at Alvecote on many dates from June to September, with a maximum of 11 on July 20. One or two also recorded at Brandon, Oraycote, Earlswood and Seeswood. Worcs Very small numbers recorded at Bittell (maximum of four on August 18), Bredons Hardwick, Crowle, Larford, Trimpley, Upton Warren and Westwood. Staffs One pair bred and raised two young in the Tame Valley and a pair nested in the Trent Valley, but no young were seen. A strong passage occurred in early June, with 13 at Belvide and 20 at Chasewater on June 1, 31 at Blithfield on June 3 and 16 and Stanley Pool on June 5. Smaller numbers were reported from Clay Mills, Doxey, Rocester, Sneyd, Tittesworth and Westport. W Mid Singles noted at Bartley, Netherton and Sandwell Valley. Six on April 20 at Edgbaston Reservoir.

Arctic Tern First recorded on April 16 at Chasewater and last seen at Belvide on the very late date of November 10. A poor year. Warks One at Coton on April 22 was the only record received. Worcs Only recorded at Bittell, where six on April 25 was the largest party. Staffs The largest parties numbered 12 at Aqualate on April 28 and 29 at Belvide on May 8. Groups of seven or less were also recorded at Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater, Rocester and Westport. W Mid Two at Edgbaston Reservoir on May 2 and one in the Sandwell Valley on May 22.

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

A M J J A S 0 N 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 12 12

Common - 32 56 23 102 10 25 34 45 15 24 6 Arctic — 24 60 6 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 1 111 — Black — 124 17 9 11 2 0 0 14 16 4 16 3 4 1-

Note: All Tame Valley Common Terns have been excluded. 79

Little Tern Worcs Two adults at Upton Warren on June 21 MJI et al. and one at Bittell on June 28 KGC. Staffs Two were noted at Belvide on April 21 PKD, JKH, with one the next day ICW. Two were at Chasewater on May 25 and August 3 per GE, one at Blithfield on June 25 JCE-D and two at Westport on June 26 WJL. One at Tittesworth on June 29 JPM.

1983 Addendum W Mid One in Sutton Park on May 3 DJM.

Black Tern First recorded on April 21 at Blithfield. The last bird was at Perry Barr Park on the extremely late dates of October 30 to November 5. A rather poor year, except for a strong passage in late April. Warks Only recorded at Kingsbury, where eight on May 1 was the maximum, and Ryton Pool, where two on May 28. Worcs Recorded at Bittell (up to two), Upton Warren (maximum of six on April 27), Westwood (four on April 29) and Wilden (three on October 28). Staffs Spring passage peaked on April 26, when there were 26 at Blithfield and 12 at Chasewater, and on April 28, with 10 at Aqualate and probably a different 26 at Blithfield. Autumn passage was much smaller, with maxima of five at Belvide on August 3 and 25, seven at Blithfield on August 14 and seven at Chasewater on September 29. Singles were also noted at Rudyard, Sneyd and Westport. W Mid Sandwell Valley produced three on April 26 and four on April 28, and Bartley one on April 27 and two on May 6. Autumn passage consisted of two adults at Edgbaston Reservoir on September 19, one in the Sandwell Valley on September 29 and the late bird at Perry Barr Park.

Little Auk Warks One 'dropped like a stone from the sky' at a farmer's feet at Bodymoor Heath on November 7. It was taken to Drayton Manor zoo and released at Draycote on November 9 GRH, JVH. Staffs A bird found in a Tittensor garden on January 14 was ringed and released at Blithfield the next day DWE, MRG. One was found at Blithfield on November 6 JCE-D and another at Amington on November 13, which was later released at Alvecote per GAA, MAA. W Mid One was found dying under an electricity pylon at Bromford on November 5 PAM.

Feral Pigeon Worcs Over 40 at Defford on August 26. Staffs Small numbers during the summer on Hen Cloud. 80

Stock Dove Warks Reported as very uncommon this year in the Alvecote area. 40 at Warwick on January 17 and 150 at Hartshill on February 7, with 50 there in December, were the largest flocks reported. Worcs 50 near Wolverley on January 2, 200 near Ripple on January 3, 300 at Thicknall on February 5, over 20 at Abberton on September 29 and 150 on Bredon Hill on October 26 imply a good population in most areas. In Far Forest one pair raised three broods in an owl nest box. Staffs Highest counts were 19 at High Offley on January 21, 92 in the Fisherwick area on January 28, 30 at Hanchurch on February 19 and 70 at Blithfield in October and November. W Mid Up to 23 at Minworth in December and also reported from Aldridge, Dorridge Park, Edgbaston Park, Ocker Hill, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley and Solihull.

Wood Pigeon The largest numbers reported were: Warks 1000 at Astley on January 8 and 531 around Chesterton on January 31. Worcs 450 at Bittell in February and December. Staffs 1060 counted in six hours in SK10 and over 2000 at Belvide on February 11. W Mid 900 near Walsall on January 28. Said to be increasing in Sutton Park, where several flocks of over 100 were seen leaving roosts during winter and autumn.

Collared Dove Warks 50 at Whateley on February 20. Worcs 30 roosted at Crowle in February, 88 at Ryall and 50 at Little Welland on November 11. Staffs 30 at Blithbury on January 20, 100 at Hanchurch and 56 near Seighford on October 6, and 45 at Blithfield on October 21. W Mid Said to be very common in the Streetly-Four Oaks area.

Turtle Dove Average: April 25 (49) to September 24 (49) First noted at Bittell on April 22, with the main arrival beginning a week later. Most had left by early September, with the last seen on September 15 at Belvide. Generally scarce. Warks Two or three pairs bred at Alvecote. Worcs Several heard in The Lenches and two pairs at Bittell, but otherwise reported to be a poor year. Staffs Fewer than usual in the Gnosall area and only one noted on autumn passage at Chasewater. Up to five were resident at Belvide from late April to September. 81

Ring-necked Parakeet Five of the nine sightings in the past two years have been in August. Warks One at Coleshill on August 14 and 18, and one at Ladywalk on November 10. Worcs One at Bittell on August 25. Staffs A male flew over Belvide on March 10 and one flew west at Blithfield on August 2.

1983 Addendum Warks One flew over Hampton Wood on August 23.

Cuckoo Average: April 11 (48) to September 5 (47) The first bird was at Cubbington on April 12, with the main arrival beginning some eight days later. The last immature bird was at Coton on September 8. Warks On May 6 seven were present in a small area at Kingsbury, and four were at Ladywalk on May 14. Fairly good breeding numbers at Alvecote. Worcs A hepatic female was seen on May 28 at Crowle, where there were good breeding numbers. Staffs Seven in the Blackbrook Valley on May 19. W Mid Records from Aldersley, Bartley, Penn and Sutton Park.

Barn Owl No positive breeding information received. Warks One, probably unmated, at Wellesbourne from January to September was the only record received. Worcs Breeding season records from Bransford (a pair which probably bred), Cookley and Larford. Present in winter at Brookfield and The Lenches, and in late autumn at Little Comberton, Stourvale Marsh and Wilden. Staffs Reported in spring or summer at Aqualate, Belvide, Bignall End, Little Wyrley and Pendeford, but none at the usual sites in the Eccleshall and Perton areas. Winter records from near Abbots Bromley, Aqualate, Hamstall Ridware and Rudyard. Autumn sightings at Belvide. Doxey, near Longsdon, south Stafford and near Swynnerton.

1983 Addendum W Mid One flying between Brownhills Common and Chasewater one night during the summer.

Little Owl Warks Recorded at 23 localities, 14 of which are in the northern half of the county, with a particular concentration in the Arley-Nether Whitacre- Coleshill area. In the south, reported to be very common at Walton Hall and at least three were noted in the Chesterton area in September. 82

Worcs Records from at least 34 localities spread throughout the county, except the extreme west. Heard during the breeding season at many sites around Droitwich and The Lenches, and up to five pairs at Abberton. Two pairs bred at Upton Warren. Staffs Records from at least 34 localities. Several were present throughout the year in the High Offley-Eccleshall area, six were noted at Bignall End, and four were at Blithfield on September 9. Common south of Cannock, where at Leacroft a family of five was on one telegraph pole on July 2. W Mid Keported from Aldersley, near Balsall, Bartley, Bickenhill, Coundon Wedge, near Meriden and Penn, but not at Park Lime Pits this year.

Tawny Owl Warks Only recorded from Cubbington, Earlswood, Newbold Common (a roost of four), Kingsbury, Ryton Wood and Walton, where said to be fairly common. Worcs Reported from 22 well distributed localities. Staffs Reported from 22 localities, mainly concentrated in the south. The only records north of Doxey and Blithfield were at Back Forest, Coombes Valley and Healey Castle. W Mid Records from Bushbury, Darlaston, Erdington, Hearsall Common, Penn, Pensnett, Sandwell Valley (two pairs), Tividale and Willenhall.

Long-eared Owl Warks At one site a single bird roosted from the start of the year until January 22 and again from December 26 to the end of the year. At another regular site a bird roosted from January 7 to February 11. Staffs Six roosted at a site in the north of the county on February 27, with birds remaining until the spring. Breeding was reported from at least one site on Cannock Chase. W Mid One roosted at Brierley Hill Pools on December 12 ICW and 16 SLH.

Short-eared Owl North Staffordshire produced nearly half the records this year. Warks Two at Coton on January 1, one on January 15, and one at Ladywalk on January 22. Up to two were then seen at Coton and Kingsbury from February 19 to April 7. In the autumn, one was at Ladywalk on October 6 and 7, and Kingsbury from October 12 to 15. Worcs Up to three in the Lenches from January 27 to March 11 and one near Ripple on April 15. One at Upton Warren on September 11. Staffs Two at Gib Torr on January 8 and singles near Stanley Pool on February 1, Back Forest on March 10 and Gib Torr on March 16. Up to three at a site on the Moors in April and May, and singles at Doxey from April 16 to May 15 and Ford Green on May 4 and 7. Pellets were found at Park Hall Country Park on April 28. In the autumn, singles were noted at Belvide on September 13 and 14; Doxey from September 83

22 to October 1, and again from November 5 to December 30; near Swallow Moss on November 10; near Longnor on November 11; and at Cannock Chase on November 24. W Mid Singles in the Sandwell Valley on April 28 and in December, and at Bartley on November 4.

1983 Addendum Staffs One flew over the causeway at Blithfield on May 8.

Nightjar Average: May 15 (44) to August 21 (33) First noted near Sherbrook Valley on May 17, but no records after late July. Staffs Churring birds heard in the Sherbrook Valley, Springslade and German Cemetery areas, plus two on Brindley Heath. One pair on Kinver Edge.

Swift Average: April 23 (50) to September 24 (50) First recorded on April 21 at Alvecote, but the main arrival was not until the first week of May. Most had departed by mid-August, the last being seen at Dudley on September 24, apart from an exceptionally late individual at Blithfield on November 13 JCE-D. Warks 1000 estimated at Kingsbury on May 18, and several hundred feeding ahead of storm clouds and a weather front on June 22 at Walton. Staffs Numbers at Belvide peaked on May 21, when 3000 were estimated to be present.

Kingfisher Warks Breeding season records from Alvecote, Brandon, Coton, Draycote, Earlswood, Hatton, near Hunningham, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Middleton Hall, Preston Bagot, near Radford Semele, Sherbourne, Shustoke, Walton and Welford. Confirmed breeding at only two or three of these sites. Worcs Records from 32 sites, with breeding season records from Bittell, Blackstone Rock, Cookley, Dowles Brook, Grimley, Holt, The Knapp, Lower Moor, Oakley, Pershore, Ribbesford, Ripple, Stanford Bridge, Strensham Lock, Upton Warren, Westwood, Wilden and Wyre Piddle. Confirmed breeding at four of these sites. Staffs Reported from 36 localities throughout the county, but breeding season records only from Belvide, Blithfield, Bonehill, Chillington, Doxey, Gnosall, near Great Haywood, Sherbrook Valley, Tittesworth and Westport. Confirmed breeding at only three of these sites. W Mid Breeding season records from Edgbaston Park, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley and Walmley. Other records from Aldersley, Brownhills, Cotwall End (four), Coundon Wedge, Selly Park, Sutton Park and Wyken Slough. 84

Hoopoe

Warks Last year's bird was believed to have stayed in the Honington area until late May, although the only records received were for March and April GIG, GRH, JVH, SMW. A different bird was at Stratford on May 1, with presumably the same one found dead at Clifford Chambers on June 26. This is now in the collection of the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry per GRH, AW. Staffs One at Blithfield on April 28 and 29 several observers. W Mid One seen in a Kings Norton garden on February 28 and March 14 SRG.

Wryneck Worcs One in an Evesham garden on September 16 ECF. Staffs Singles were reported from a garden in Burton on April 30 per FCG and at Fisherwick on May 12 ARMB.

Green Woodpecker Fewer records were received this year, but there were no reports of any decline in numbers. Warks Reported from 20 sites. Worcs Reported from 19 sites. Staffs Recorded at 29 localities, with far fewer reports from Cannock Chase this year. One in August at Belvide, where it is a rarity. W Mid Recorded at Elmdon, Park Lime Pits, Penn, Sandwell Valley, Stourbridge and Sutton Park (up to three pairs).

Great Spotted Woodpecker Warks Reported from 19 localities. Worcs Only reported from 20 localities this year. 85

Staffs Recorded at 35 localities, with only three of these being on Cannock Chase. W Mid Noted at 15 localities.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Warks Recorded at only 10 sites, with breeding season records at Arley, Bentley Woods, Clowes Wood, Honington, Leamington Spa and Purley Park. Worcs Recorded at 26 localities, with breeding season records from 18 of them, its range is thought to be contracting in the north of the county BW. Staffs Recorded at 20 localities, with breeding season records at nine sites. W Mid Reported at 10 sites, with breeding season records at Bushbury, Edgbaston Park, Vale Hall, Sandwell Valley and Wordsley.

Woodlark

Staffs One on the west shore of Chasewater on January 22 JKH, JJH et al.

Skylark Warks Up to 10 breeding pairs at Alvecote. Largest numbers reported were 109 at Hartshill on January 22, 40 at Kingsbury on October 3, 45 at Alvecote on October 26 and 60 near Church Lawford on November 17. Worcs 200 near Wolverley on January 2, 53 at Cofton Hackett and 50 on Hipton Hill on January 15, and 50 at Summerfield and 100 at Upper Mitton on February 4. Autumn movements were first recorded on September 19, when at least 60 flew north-west at Holt, where 250 were present on October 14 and 100 into December. 150 near Upton Snodsbury on October 31, 80 at Grimley on November 24 and 50 at Bittell on December 16. Staffs The only winter flock reported was of 48 at Dunstal on January 31. In the autumn over 75 passed through Doxey on October 7 and up to 300 were at Hixon on October 27. A decline in numbers noted in the Tamworth area. W Mid A decline in numbers noted in the last two years in the Aldridge area, but very common in Sutton Park until the autumn. Sand Martin Average: March 23 (49) to October 9 (49) First seen at Belvide and Westwood on March 23, but not widely reported until the second week of April. Most had left by September 9, and last seen at Bittell on September 24 — the earliest departure since 1946. Low numbers at all the reservoirs pointed to a catastrophic drop in the population. Indeed, BTO figures indicated a drop of 70%, a figure reflected in the numbers at the major colonies. 86

Warks 'Very few' reported from Alvecote; six at Kingsbury on April 6 were the first records for Warwickshire. A large movement was noted at Kingsbury on August 6 and late birds were seen there on September 5 and 14. Worcs Dramatic reductions reported from breeding colonies, with only 15 at Holt, 20 at Grimley, 20 at Beckford where there were previously 250, and five or six at Stanford Bridge where there were 40 unoccupied holes. 50 were flying around an active sand pit north of Stourport on August 6,80 were at Westwood on August 7 and five on September 9. Staffs Up to 20 birds were seen at Fisherwick-Elford, but no holes were occupied. There were 40 nests at Fatholme and 100 nests at Saredon quarry. Maxima at Belvide were 40 in spring and 120 in the autumn, on September 14. The largest count at Chasewater was 420 on August 22, most of which came from the nearby Hammerwich colony where 50 pairs bred. 100 were at Blithfield on September 9.

Swallow Average: April 1 (50) to November 2 (50) First noted on March 31, at Belvide, Fisherwick and Kingsbury, with the main arrival beginning about April 10. Most had left by the end of September and last seen at Whittington on October 24 — the earliest departure since 1950. Warks A spring maximum of 65 at Alvecote on May 6 and an autumn roost of 500 at Ladywalk. Worcs Maxima were 40 at Upton Warren and 25 at Westwood on April 16, 100 at Grimley on September 16 and 150 at Malvern on September 22. Staffs The largest spring concentration was 150 at Belvide in May 1. In autumn, the Ford Green roost was estimated at 30000 — the largest number for many years. Up to 1000 were seen at Westport in September, prior to roosting at Ford Green, while the Doxey roost held up to 1000 birds on September 7. W Mid 500 roosted at Minworth SF in the autumn.

House Martin Average: April 9 (50) to October 31 (50) An early bird at Alvecote on April 3, but no further reports for a week, after which the main arrival began. Widely reported until mid-October and last seen at Alrewas and Clent on October 27 — the earliest departure since 1959. Warks 65 were seen at Alvecote on June 3, while the largest autumn counts were 100 at Kingsbury on September 14 and 200 at Alvecote on September 21. Worcs The highest spring count was 120 at Upton Warren on May 26, while the autumn maxima were 150 at Westwood on September 9 and 130 87

at Malvern on October 14. As in 1983, there were between 120 and 150 nests on the M50 bridge at Ripple. 20 late birds were seen over Clent Hills on October 27. Staffs Spring counts of 110 at Chasewater on May 2 and 300 at Belvide on May 28. Autumn maxima of 1000 at Belvide on August 7 and September 9, 2000 at Blithfield on September 8 and 200 at Chasewater on September 15. 30 nests were counted on Hanchurch water tower.

Tree Pipit Average: April 8 (47) to September 20 (45) None until April 14, when birds at Lower Moor, Sandwell Valley and Wilden marked the start of the main influx. Last seen at Church Lench on September 9 — the earliest departure for twenty years. Warks Spring birds were reported from Bentley Park (seven). Hoar Park, Purley (two), Shawbury, Wappenbury, Waverley Woods, and Wootton Wawen (four). Worcs 25 to 30 were reported from Wyre Forest and other singing birds were noted at Atch Lench (eight), Broadway Hill (two), Chaddesley Wood (one), Redditch (two). Trench Wood (one), Walton Hill (three) and Wychbury (one). Staffs Passage birds noted at Belvide in spring and Keele, Tittesworth and Westlands in autumn. Singing birds reported from Back Forest (one), Baggeridge (one), Blithfield (one), Brindley Valley (three), Doxey (one), Gib Torr (four). Hen Cloud (four), Hopwas Wood (one) and Maer (10). W Mid Spring and autumn passage birds noted at Bartley and Sandwell Valley. Breeding birds reported from Sutton Park.

Meadow Pipit Warks Spring passage noted at Kingsbury where 60 on March 31, Nether Whitacre where 100 on April 5, and Draycote where 60 next day. Autumn maxima of 30 at Alvecote on September 14. Probably breeds in quarries around Hartshill and Nuneaton. Worcs Spring concentrations of 109 at Bittell on March 22, 200 at Crowle on March 30, 120 at Bredon Hill on April 1 and 175 at Wilden on April 5. Following strong NW winds, 240 per hour were reported flying over Abberton on September 15 GHP. 300 were seen at Rous Lench on September 22, 200 at Peopleton on September 23 and 112 at Eckington on October 13. Staffs Spring counts of 100 at Belvide, 40 at Blithfield, 60 at Chasewater and 50 at Doxey. Breeding season counts of 191 territories on The Roaches estate and 12 pairs at Doxey. Autumn counts of 60 at Chasewater on September 8 and 40 on October 6. W Mid At least 50 in Sutton Park on April 11. Autumn passage noted at Edgbaston Reservoir, where 223 flew south between September 18 88

and October 21 PVI. 20 were at Tividale on August 24 and 50 in Sandwell Valley on October 7, while up to 30 wintered at Bartley and 20 at Penn.

Rock Pipit Warks Two at Draycote on September 10 and one on November 25 GIG. One at Lea Marston on February 19 JAA. Worcs Three at Bittell on October 24 MJI. Staffs Singles at Kettlebrook on April 1 GAA; and Chasewater on April 8 GE, April 11 ADB, and June 28 ADB, JJH, JJU, followed by two from October 6 to 19 and one from November 25 to the year end GE, SMW. Singles also at Westport on March 28 PGB, and September 27 JPM; at Blithfield on September 23, then up to two from October 17 to 21 ARD, REH, GIG; with one again on November 13 JCE-D; and at Belvide on September 26 JKH, with two on October 14 DS and 15 DRB. W Mid One in the Sandwell Valley on October 10 SKW et al., and one at Edgbaston Reservoir on October 21 PVI, followed by two on November 27 NDG.

Water Pipit An outstanding year. Warks Up to four at Draycote between January 1 and March 24 ARD, JAA, PDH, ARMB, and two or three at Coton between January 1 and April 14, with a peak of five in early April TEG. Singles at Coton and Kingsbury on October 14 BLK, TEG and Kingsbury again on November 3 CBL. Worcs The monthly maxima roosting at Wilden were as follows: 10 on January 24, 12 on February 12, 12 on March 28 and 10 on April 1, with the last record being six on April 10. Returning birds were first seen on October 27, after which monthly maxima were five in November and seven in December BW, PGG. One was seen at Holt PGG and one was at Upton Warren on November 4 RRH. Staffs Singles were seen at Doxey on February 2 MB and Blithfield on March 25, April 15 and October 27 and 28 ARD. Two were seen at Dosthill on November 11 JAA.

Yellow Wagtail Average: April 1 (48) to October 10 (48) None until April 10, when birds at Blithfield and Kingsbury marked the beginning of a strong influx. Earliest exodus for forty years, with none after September 29 at Blithfield. Warks The only concentrations reported were 60 at Draycote on April 15 and 14 at Coton on April 23. Four or five pairs bred at Alvecote. Autumn maximum was 50 at Draycote on August 17. Worcs 43 reported from Upton Warren on April 18 and 24 at Grimley on September 15. 89

Staffs Spring concentrations of 78 at Blithfield on April 17, 40 at Belvide and 20 at Chasewater on May 11. Four pairs bred at Chasewater and four at Great Haywood, where two have bred in the past two years. Autumn counts of 75 at Chasewater on August 24 and 30 at Blithfield on September 9. The Doxey roost peaked at 50 on September 7. W Mid Two pairs bred at Tividale, where the roost peaked at 20 on August 27. Also bred at Bartley and Sandwell Valley.

Birds exhibiting features of the Blue-headed race were reported as follows: Worcs One at Upton Warren on May 11 WFP, RRH. Staffs One at Blithfield from April 14 to 17 JCE-D. ARMB. ARD, MJE, NR. 1983 Addendum Warks One at Wootton Wawen on April 20 JAN.

Grey Wagtail Warks Recorded from three sites during the breeding season. 18 were reported from 12 sites during winter and autumn, with five at Shustoke on September 22. Worcs 11 pairs reported from five sites, while winter and autumn records came from 23 sites. Staffs Breeding records from four sites, and winter and autumn records from 20 sites. W Mid Bred in Sutton Park and Sandwell Valley and noted at 18 sites during winter and autumn. One visited an Erdington garden in August.

Pied Wagtail Warks 269 birds roosted at the Shire Hall, Warwick, on February 9 and up to 300 in November and December. Worcs Up to 25 at Upton Warren in the spring and 900 roosting in reed mace at Grimley in autumn. Staffs 34 in SK03 (Uttoxeter) on January 15, 40 at Rugeley Sewage Farm on January 30, 67 feeding in a field near Blithfield on February 11 and 200 at Rudyard on September 9. Roost counts of 300 at Doxey in November and 100 at Roundhill. W Mid Roosts of 100 at the Goodyear Factory, Wolverhampton, 100 to 150 at Hampstead station, and 500 at Tividale compared with 160 in 1983.

White Wagtails were reported as follows: Warks Two at Kingsbury on April 1 REH, one at Draycote on April 15 GIG and a maximum of five at Coton on April 18 TEG. Worcs One at Wilden on April 14 RM; four at Upton Warren on April 15 MJI, GJM. ICW, with one remaining for two days RRH; seven at Holt on April 19 RM; two at Larford on April 23 GHP; one at Upton Warren from April 24 to May 1, with a second on April 26 SMW, RRH; and one at Trimpley on April 25 TEG. 90

Staffs Up to four at Blithfield between April 11 and 22 ARD et al.; up to five at Chasewater between April 15 and 18 GE. /CWwith one on May 2 ADB, JJO; and singles at Belvide on April 14, 15 ADB, and 19 DRB, Tittesworth on April 23 PGB and 26 RH, Rudyard on April 14 PGB and Westport between April 13 and 27 PGB. W Mid Singles at Bartley on April 7 MJI, Sneyd Pool ADB, JJO. and Edgbaston Reservoir on April 20 PVI.

Waxwing Warks Two were seen from the window of a lorry whilst passing through Ullenhall on March 28 JJH.

Dipper Worcs A total of 27 nests were found on tributaries of the Severn, Teme and Rea SWW. Noted at eight sites outside the breeding season. Staffs Breeding season records from Back Forest (one), Coombes Valley (two), Manifold Valley (three) and Danebridge (two). Records outside the breeding season from Baggeridge, Endon, Himley Hall and Wombourne canal.

Wren Warks Three or four pairs at Alvecote. Staffs Up to 11 in Back Forest in December, 24 in April at Baggeridge Country Park and three pairs on the CBC plot at Doxey. W Mid 14 pairs in Woodgate Valley.

Dunnock Warks Six pairs at Alvecote.

Staffs 12 pairs in Baggeridge Country Park and 10 pairs on Doxey CBC plot.

Robin

Staffs 23 pairs in Baggeridge Country Park.

Nightingale Average: April 18 (50) to August 8 (13) First heard on April 20, at Yeald Wood. Warks Singing birds heard at Ufton village. Bishops Itchington and Wappenbury. Worcs Singing birds noted at Atch Lench (one), Pirton (two). Trench Wood (eight), Ufnell Bridge (one) and Yeald Wood (one). Black Redstart Warks One pair at Ladywalk BLK. Worcs A male at Bittell on May 3 GJM. Staffs One at Doxey on April 13 MC and one in Newcastle on November 19 and 20 WJL, JPM. 91

W Mid In the centre of Birmingham, a male at Gas Street Basin BLKand a pair bred at Snow Hill Station MJI rearing three young. An unpaired male sang for several weeks near Wolverhampton SRC. One at Tividale on November 18 and 19 GW.

1983 Addendum W Mid One seen and heard at Brasshouse Passage, Birmingham, between May 18 and July 11 YMW.

Redstart Average: April 10 (48) to September 23 (47) Typical first and last dates, with one at Cubbington on April 11 and one at Sandwell Valley on September 25. Warks Two pairs in Bentley Park Wood and a passage male at Ufton Fields on April 15. One at Purley on August 27. Worcs Singing birds noted at Bredon Hill (eight), Dowles Brook (four), Eymore Wood (three) and Walton/Calcot Hills (one compared with four in 1983 and six in 1982). Passage birds noted at Abberton, Bittell and Upton Warren. Staffs Singing birds noted at Back Forest (two), Coombes Valley (five), Danebridge (five). Gun Hill (one), Hen Cloud (two), Hopwas (one), Longsdon (two), Maer (one), Rudyard, Sherbrook Valley (two) and Trentham. Passage birds seen at Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater and Stanley Pool. W Mid Two pairs in Sutton Park in May. Passage birds at Penn and the Sandwell Valley, with two at Coundon Wedge on September 7. One in an Erdington garden on August 10 and 11.

Whinchat

Average: April 23 (48) to October 5 (44) 92

First noted at Cannock tip on April 15 with the main passage beginning a week later. Last seen on September 23 at Brandon and Grimley apart from late individuals at Larford on November 24 SWand Doxey until December 19 MC. Judging from the number of records received this is becoming a scarce breeding bird in the Region. Warks Noted on passage at Astley, Brandon, Draycote, Dunton, Hartshill, Hurley, Ladywalk, Middleton, Shustoke and Water Orton. Bred at Kingsbury. Worcs Passage birds seen at Bittell, Crowle, Grimley, Holt, Malvern, Shelsley Walsh and Upton Warren. Bred successfully near Rushwick. Singing birds heard at Stourvale and Wilden Marshes. A late bird was at Larford on November 24 BW. Staffs Noted in the breeding season at only three sites — all on the Moors. Passage birds seen at Belvide, Blithfield, Cannock tip. Chasewater, Doxey and Keele. W Mid Bred at Tividale and passage birds seen at Bartley, Brierley Hill, Sandwell Valley (five), Wolverhampton Racecourse and Wyken Slough

Stonechat A good breeding season resulted in a total of 43 being seen in the Region during the autumn. Warks In spring, a male at Ladywalk on March 17 and 18, and Kingsbury on March 21. In autumn, a pair at Ladywalk from November 18 to 25, a female at Kingsbury on November 25, and a male at Ladywalk and Lea Marston on December 2. Elsewhere, one at Brandon on September 23 and a male at Nether Whitacre on October 7. Worcs Birds reported outside the breeding season at Abberton (one), Bredon Hill (one), Castlemorton Common (five). Holt (one), Malvern (seven), Stourport (two), Strensham (one), Upton Warren (one) and Wilden (two). At Malvern, bred successfully at British Camp, but unsuccessfully on North Hill. Staffs Reported outside the breeding season at Belvide (one), Blithfield (one), Chasewater (one), Cannock Chase (one), Doxey (four), Fazeley (one), Gun Hill (one), Perton (two) and Roundhill Sewage Farm (one). W Mid Wintering records from Park Lime Pits (one), Pelsall North Common (one), Penn Common (one), Sandwell Valley (seven), Sutton Park (one) and Tividale (six).

Wheatear Average: March 20 (47) to October 14 (48) Late arrival, with the first birds at Belvide and Castlemorton on March 26, followed by several more during the next week. Most had left by mid-September, but one was at Blithfield on October 19. Warks Noted in spring at nine sites and in autumn at Draycote and Ladywalk. 93

Worcs Spring records from seven sites and seen at Bittell, Malvern and Holt in autumn. Staffs Spring records from seven sites and autumn records from seven sites. The only breeding records were from the Moors, with three territories near The Roaches but none on the estate itself. W Mid Spring passage noted at 10 sites, with up to 10 birds on Wolverhampton Racecourse and seven in the Sandwell Valley. Autumn birds were seen at four sites and a pair bred successfully at Turners Hill.

Birds showing characteristics of the Greenland race were reported as follows: Warks Two at Woodloes Park on May 18 SV. Worcs A male at Upton Warren on June 6 JTB.

Ring Ouzel Average: April 1 (28) to October 21 (22) First noted at Hen Cloud on March 22 and last seen at Malvern Hills on October 27. Warks A male was at Arley on April 14 and another at Arbury on April 20. Worcs A male at Walton Hill on April 12 and a female on April 14, followed at Malvern by three females on May 6 and one on May 12. Two males and three females were at Happy Valley, Malvern, on September 29 and a male on October 27. Staffs A male was at Park Hall on April 28. Breeding season records came, as usual, from the Moors, where the number of territories on The Roaches estate was down to three compared to six last year DWY. W Mid Females at Brierley Hill Pools on April 14 and Penn Common on April 16, with a male at Park Lime Pits on April 28.

Blackbird No change in status. Staffs 32 roosted at Westport on January 22 and 50 at Fradswell on January 18. 25 pairs bred on the CBC plot at Doxey.

Fieldfare Average: October 2 (49) to May 1 (48) Widespread until mid-April and last seen on May 15 at Stanley. Autumn passage began with six at Chasewater on October 6, followed by a small but widespread influx over the next few days. Late arriving in any numbers. The low numbers of November and December 1983 increased during January and February: A large-scale movement of Fieldfare, and to a lesser extent Redwing, occurred throughout the Region on January 22, ahead of a cold front. 94

Warks Winter flocks at Alvecote of 350 on January 6, 750 on January 22 and 250 on January 28. 250 flew over Kingsbury on January 22 and 500 were seen at Bodymoor Heath on February 5. Autumn flocks of 25 at Kingsbury in early December, 350 at Alvecote on November 29, 300 at Whateley on December 19 and 200 at Middleton Hall on December 20. Worcs On January 22, 350 flew south at Trimpley, 2000 flew south over Bittell and a heavy passage was noted at Upton Warren. 300 were at Bordesley on February 2, 1500 at Winterford and 500 at Abberton on February 4, 4000 to 5000 at Crowle on March 1 and 800 in The Lenches on March 20. Flocks of between 200 and 300 were also reported from Elmbridge, Grimley, Oakley and Wilden. Autumn flocks of between 100 and 300 were noted at Ankerdine Hill, Bredon, Bittell, Grimley, Kempsey Common and Ripple. Staffs The weather-movement of January 22 was noted at Belvide {1000 SW), Blithfield (200), Doxey (1000), Betley Mere and the Westlands (125 SE). The largest winter flocks were 650 at Stanley Head on January 9, 350 at Hales on January 22, 350 at Rowley on March 1, 250 at Consall on March 7 and 300 at Tamworth on April 8. Autumn birds were late arriving and the only large flocks reported were 500 at Blithfield on November 18, 300 at Belvide on December 19, 370 at Longsdon on December 25 and 420 at Doxey on December 26. W Mid 109 were at Willenhall on January 1 and 200 at Woodgate Valley on February 5. A flock of 150 at Aldersley was the largest reported in the autumn.

# Song Thrush No change in status.

Redwing Average: September 27 (50) to April 18 (49) Widely reported until mid-April and last seen on May 9 at Upton Warren. First autumn report from Park Lime Pits on September 26, followed by others within the next few days, but autumn numbers were generally low. Warks Flocks of between 100 and 250 were seen at Alvecote, Arley, Bodymoor Heath, Gilson, Howe Green and Studley. Only one flock of 250 was reported — from Alvecote on October 7 — but there was a scattering of flocks of less than 100. Worcs 1100 were counted flying to roost at Broadway on January 31. 1100 flew south at Trimpley and 400 were at Upton Warren on January 22, while 350 were at Wilden on January 29, 3000 at Crowle on March 1 and 300 at Upton Warren on March 22. Largest autumn flocks were 450 at Crowle on October 6, 200 at Trimpley on October 26, 500 at Lower Moor on November 25, 200 at Bittell on December 21, 400 at Ankerdine Hill on December 23 and 250 at Kempsey Common on December 27. 95

Staffs 532 were counted in SK03 (Uttoxeter) on January 15, 200 flew over Doxey on January 22, 320 were seen at Featherstone on February 23 and 200 at Himley on February 11. Birds were scarce in the autumn, with the only concentrations being in the Longsdon-Deep Haye area in December. 100 were seen at Chasewater on October 6, 200 at Doxey on December 26 and 100 at Boscobel on December 31. W Mid Largest winter flocks were 100 at Aldridge on January 7, 105 at Pensnett on January 1, 100 at Bartley on January 22 and 250 at Solihull on February 26. Apart from a flock of 600 at Aldersley in December, the largest autumn concentration reported was 97 flying over Edgbaston Reservoir on October 10.

Mistle Thrush Warks 32 at Ladywalk on August 15, 20 at Alvecote on October 28 and 12 at Middleton Hall on November 3. Worcs A flock of 14 frequented Bittell for most of the winter, and a flock of 30 was seen on Fladbury Golf Course on September 20. W Mid 20 were on Sutton Park Golf Course on August 20. Up to 14 were at Edgbaston Reservoir on September 9, including a leucistic bird on which the brown areas were cream PVI.

Cetti's Warbler Worcs A bird was seen at a site in the county between January 18 and April 8 RM et al. — the fourth county record.

Grasshopper Warbler Average: April 19 (48) to August 24 (38) First noted on April 20, at Chillington and Welford, and last seen on August 31, in The Lenches. Now becoming a very scarce bird. Many observers reported not seeing birds in previously favoured areas and only 28 individuals were reported from some 20 localities — a further decline in numbers and distribution. Warks Not seen at Ladywalk for the first time since 1970 BLK. Reeling birds were heard at Arley, Kingsbury, Ufton Fields, Welford, Wellesbourne Wood (two), Whitacre Heath and Woodloes Park. Worcs None seen at Oakley, where there are usually three pairs, and none at Monkwood, where there are usually six pairs. Reeling birds heard at Abberton, Atch Lench, Bittell (two), Longdon Marsh, Roundhill Wood, Rous Lench (two), Trench Wood (three) and Wilden (one). Five were also reported from an un-named site in The Lenches. Staffs Singing birds were heard at Chillington, Horsley, Rudyard, R Anker near Tamworth, and Little Wyrley. One was seen at Westport on July 25. W Mid One in the Sandwell Valley was the only record received. 96

Sedge Warbler Average: April 16 (48) to September 28 (42) Birds at Abberton and Kingsbury on April 20 heralded a strong arrival over the next few days. Few reported after mid-September, and last seen at Kingsbury on September 20, except for a very late bird at Chasewater on October 21. Warks Singing birds at Alvecote (eight pairs), Hartshill, Kingsbury (12 pairs), Ladywalk (eight pairs) and Middleton Hall (one). Worcs Singing birds at Abberton (four or five pairs), Bittell (one), Croome (one), Ecklngion (five). Lower Muui (six), Oakley (one), Upton Worrcn (four) and Wilden (10). Five were recorded from about one mile of the R Avon at Eckington, but none were found at Stourvale Marsh which held four last year. Staffs With 29 pairs on the reserve and 35 on the SSSI, Doxey Is a stronghold for this species within the Region. Other records came from Belvide (three), Blithfield (one), Chasewater (three pairs), Fisherwick (one), Longsdon (two) and Westport (five pairs). A late bird was noted at Chasewater on October 21. W Mid Singles in song at Aldersley, Brierley Hill and Brookvale Park. Two pairs at Sandwell Valley and three or four pairs at Tividale. One sang in an Erdington garden for four hours on June 20.

Marsh Warbler Average arrival: June 1 (34) Worcs First noted in the main breeding area on May 29 and last seen on August 26. A survey for the Worcestershire Nature Conservation Trust revealed a total of 37 singing males and 22 to 27 pairs at 15 sites. In addition, a male was singing at a new site JJD.

Reed Warbler Average: April 26 (44) to September 22 (38) One at Oakley on April 22 began a strong arrival over the next few days. Typical departure, with the last on September 25 at Brandon. Warks Six to eight pairs at Alvecote, two in song at Kingsbury, three or four pairs at Ladywalk, one heard at Middleton Hall and a few at Warwick Castle Park. Worcs 15 recorded along 1.25 miles of the R Avon at Eckington compared with five Sedge Warblers. Singing birds noted at Abberton (two), Bittell (one), Lower Moor (three or four pairs), Malvern (one), Oakley (three), Upton Warren (three), Westwood (two) and Wilden (one). Once again, no information from some major localities. Staffs Noted at Aqualate (six), Betley Mere, Belvide (one pair), Copmere. Doxey (seven pairs), Fisherwick (one), Loynton Moss (one), Tixall (three) and Westport (one). A juvenile at Gib Torr on August 12 was unusual WJL. 97

W Mid Two singing and two passage birds at Brierley Hill Pools, a pair in the Sandwell Valley, two birds at Stubbers Green on June 3 and two or three singing at Tividale. One in allotments in Birmingham 14 MJI.

Lesser Whitethroat Average: April 21 (48) to September 19 (48) First noted at Dunhampstead on April 20, with a strong arrival during the next few days. Last reported on September 23, on Bredon Hill. Warks Breeding reported from eight sites, with nine at Kingsbury on May 5. A total of 14 were recorded from six localities along the R Tame and four were in song at Hartshill. Very numerous in the north of the county. Worcs Reported from 17 scattered localities in the county, with four pairs at Upton Warren, six at Abberton, and six heard singing on the NW side of Bredon Hill. Staffs 11 heard singing at seven sites. A passage bird was at Westport on September 3. W Mid Singing birds noted at eight sites and passage birds seen at Seven Cornfields, Penn, on August 10 and Coundon Wedge in September.

Whitethroat Average: April 14 (50) to September 25 (50) One at Upton Warren on April 17, but generally late arriving and not widespread for another week. Last noted in the Sandwell Valley on September 26. Warks Numbers as last year, with 10 pairs at Ladywalk, seven at Kingsbury, a total of 14 at five sites along the R Tame and three along half-a-mile at Wixford. Worcs 56 singing birds reported from 14 localities, with 12 at Wilden (18 in 1983), six at Old Hills Common (15 in 1983) and three at Devils Spittleful (11 in 1983). Staffs 21 singing at 10 localities, with six between Denford and Cheddleton and five pairs at Chasewater. W Mid 23 singing at 10 localities, with four at Saltwells Wood, five at Sandwell Valley, five at Tividale and three at Brierley Hill Pools.

Garden Warbler Average: April 22 (47) to September 7 (46) One at Upton Warren on April 20, then none until April 28, when birds at several localities marked the beginning of the main influx. Most had left by late August, with the last on September 23 at Chillington apart from one which was ringed at Gadbury Bank on November 1. Warks 23 singing birds noted at 12 localities. In addition, 12 were reported from four sites along the R Tame. More numerous than usual in northern districts. 98

Worcs 58 singing birds noted at 16 sites, with 18 in the Wyre Forest, seven at Wilden, eight at Weymans Wood and five at Harvington. Staffs 31 singing birds were reported from 14 sites, with six at Baggeridge, four at Maer and three at Blithfield. W Mid Reported from Aldersley (two), Brierley Hill Pools (two), Edgbaston Reservoir, Park Lime Pits, Saltwells Wood and Sandwell Valley. One in an Erdington garden from July 30 to September 9.

Blackcap Average: April 4 (50) to October 7 (47) Late arriving, with none until April 13 at Trittiford Park after which there was a steady arrival. One or two reported throughout October, with the last migrant probably at Sandwell Valley on November 3. Warks Breeding birds noted at eight sites, with seven at Kingsbury, seven at Ladywalk and 22 at six sites along the R Tame. Worcs 78 singing birds were reported from 18 sites, with 10 at Old Hills Common, nine at Wilden, seven in the Wyre Forest and five or six from each of seven other sites. Wintering birds were seen at Bromsgrove (four up to March), Gadbury Bank on November 11 and December 6, Wilden on November 18 and Crowle on December 12. Staffs A total of 62 singing birds at 17 sites, with 10 at Aqualate, eight at Longsdon, eight near Tamworth and six at Chasewater. Noted on passage at Westport. Wintering birds at Amington from January 12 to February 18, Trentham on February 28 and December 13, Rudyard on December 22 and Whitmore on December 31. W Mid 32 were found at 11 sites, with eight in the Sandwell Valley, seven in Saltwells Wood, five at Edgbaston Reservoir, four in Sutton Park and three at Mushroom Green. Wintering records from Woodgate Valley from January to March, Erdington from January to April, Wollaston on January 10, Solihull on March 9, Walsall on November 8, Minworth on November 18 and Edgbaston Reservoir on December 12.

Wood Warbler Average: April 21 (48) to August 17 (37) The main arrival began with birds at Bittell, Sandwell Valley and Wyre Forest on April 23. Last reported from Gadbury Bank on August 22 and Upton Warren on August 29. Warks Three reported from Earlswood and singles in song at Seeswood and Wootton Wawen. Worcs Singing birds noted at Bittell, Chaddesley Wood (two), Eymore Wood (three), Malvern (where there were 11 territories on the east side of the hills from End Hill to Wych Cutting), Podmore, Sling Pool, Wilden (two), Wychbury Wood (two) and Wyre Forest (16). 99

Staffs 117 singing birds were reported during the BTO survey as follows: S088 10 SJ95 1 S089 12 SJ96 22 SJ80 1 SKO'I 1 SJ83 6 SK02 2 SJ84 1 SK04 54 SJ85 4 SK05 5 SJ90 2 SK12 3 SJ91 15 SK14 1 SJ93 5 SK15 13 SJ94 11 Passage birds were noted at Stanley Pool on May 1, Belvide on April 24 and Chasewater on April 28, the latter being quite exceptional. W Mid Singing birds at Sandwell Valley (two), Sutton Park (two) and Tilehill Wood (one).

1983 Addendum W Mid A singing bird was heard at Palmers Rough, Shirley, on May 20.

Chiffchaff Average: March 16 (50) to October 15 (50) First reported at Belvide on March 24, but not widespread until the second week of April. Last noted on October 23 at Willenhall, except for potentially wintering individuals. Reported by a number of observers as being scarce or less common than in 1983. Warks Singing birds heard at Alvecote (three), Coombe Abbey, Earlswood (two), Ladywalk (two) and Ufton Fields (three). Worcs Singing birds at Westwood (two), Wilden (two) and Wyre Forest (six compared with 39 Willow Warblers). 20 were in riverside bushes at Crowle on August 29. Wintering birds noted at Bittell on November 24, Larford on December 8, Holt from December 9 to December 30. Wilden on December 20, Great Witley on December 23 and Upton Warren on December 30. Staffs 24 singing birds were reported from 14 sites, with six at Aqualate, four at Keele and two at Maer. Noted on passage at Doxey, Westlands and Westport, with a late bird at Chasewater on October 14. One at Chillington on December 12. W Mid Wintering birds at West Bromwich on February 2 and Gornal Wood (four) on February 12. Singing birds heard at Brierley Hill Pools, Edgbaston Reservoir (four), Saltwells Wood (three), Sutton Park (three) and Walsall Arboretum. Late autumn birds at Minworth from November 18 to December 15, Stubbers Green on December 2, Saltwells Wood on December 9, Sandwell Valley (two) at the end of the year, and Brierley Hill Pools (two) on December 30. 100

Willow Warbler Average: March 27 (50) to October 5 (50) First noted on March 31 at Belvide, with the main arrival beginning a week later. Widely reported until late September and last seen at Brocton on October 7. A strong passage in mid-April resulted in large numbers at many sites and a good breeding season gave rise to high autumn counts. Warks Singing maxima were 13 at Alvecote, 20 at Earlswood and 30 at Kingsbury. Worcs Passage counts of 3 / at Bittell and 25 at Lower Moor. Breeding counts of 20 at Devils Spittleful, eight at Lower Moor and 39 in the Wyre Forest. Staffs Spring passage maxima of 26 at Westport and 52 at Chasewater. Breeding season counts of 12 at Aqualate, 14 at Doxey, nine at Hanchurch, two at Keele, 29 at Maer, eight at Stanley Pool and nine at Westport. Autumn concentrations of 30 at Belvide, 85 at Chasewater, 19 at Gib Torr and 60 at Westport. W Mid 30 to 70 daily at Edgbaston Reservoir between April 16 and April 24 PVI, 25 at Brierley Hill Pools, 20 on the east side of Sandwell Valley, four at Park Lime Pits and one at Stourbridge. Noted regularly in an Erdington garden from late July until mid-September.

Goldcrest Warks Noted at Alvecote throughout the year and at Shrewley and Ufton Fields in the breeding season. No other records. Worcs Breeding suspected at Croome, West Hagley and Wyre Forest. 50 in Coldridge Wood on January 8, and parties of 10 at Bittell, Ell Wood and Great Witley in winter. Staffs Very few summer records. Maxima of 151 on Ansons Bank on October 7 MDB and 34 at Back Forest on December 28. Elsewhere up to 12 recorded in autumn and winter. W Mid Present in Sutton Park all year round. Up to five in autumn at Edgbaston Reservoir, Erdington, Hawthorn Wood, Shirley and Tilehill.

Firecrest Another reasonable showing, with five individuals. Warks One at Pooley Fields on January 1 HM was the first ever seen at Alvecote. A singing male was located at Honington on April 15 GHP. Worcs One was trapped at Great Witley on November 11 SWW, SEC et al., and another, unringed, individual was seen at the same locality on December 23 REH, SMW. Staffs One was noted in a Hammerwich garden on April 16 RH. 101

Spotted Flycatcher

Average: May 1 (48) to September 26 (48) First seen at Abberton and Blithfield on April 29, but many did not arrive until the third week of May. Steady departure through September, with the last at Blithfield and Erdington on September 29 apart from the November record detailed below. Warks Much scarcer than in 1983. Several pairs bred successfully at Middleton. Elsewhere, recorded at Brandon, Church Wood, Coombe Abbey, Kingsbury, Merevale, Wainbody Wood and Wootton Wawen. Worcs Fewer records this year. Breeding confirmed at Abberton (three pairs), Bittell and Bromsgrove (two pairs), and noted in the summer at Ribbesford and Wyre Forest. 15-20 were estimated along Bow Brook at the end of August. Staffs Breeding records from Belvide, Blithfield, Coombes Valley and Stafford. Seen also at Amington, Back Forest, Dosthill, Doxey, Tamworth and Westport during the summer months. W Mid A fairly successful breeding season, with records from Aldersley, Aldridge, Bartley, Edgbaston (two pairs), Erdington, Saltwells Wood (two to three pairs), Willenhall (three pairs) and Woodgate Valley. 11 were counted at Coundon Wedge on September 12, and late September birds were noted at Aldridge, Penn and Wolverhampton. One at Sandwell Valley in early November PAF, PMH was the latest ever in the Region.

Pied Flycatcher Average: April 21 (38) to September 7 (20) A male at Alton Towers on April 15 heralded a scattering of incoming birds. Most left in late July or early August, but one was at Belvide on September 13. 102

Warks A male at Freasley on April 19 and a female at Bentley Park from May 12 to 19 were the only records. Worcs One at Lower Sapey on April 22 and two at Upton Warren on April 29. In the Wyre Forest, about 20 young fledged from four occupied nest- boxes at Lynalls Coppice, two or three pairs were present along Dowles Brook and birds were said to be fairly common at Knowles Coppice during May. Elsewhere, up to two pairs bred in nest-boxes in Romers Wood and breeding was also confirmed on the Malverns and near Ribbesford. Staffs Single males were found at Uack Forest and Beech in late April, two were at Stanley Pool on May 1 and one at Danebridge on May 4. Up to eight singing males were present at Coombes Valley. Other individuals were at Rudyard village on May 29, in song at Black Lake on June 14 and at Weston-upon-Trent (a female) in early June. Later a female was at Baggeridge on July 23, while Belvide produced migrants on August 5 and September 13. W Mid Spring migrants comprised two males at Willenhall on April 18 and 19, and a female at Sandwell Valley on April 28.

1983 Addendum Staffs A female at Hanchurch Pools on April 27.

Bearded Tit Worcs A female or immature was located going to roost at Westwood Park on January 6 GHP.

Long-tailed Tit Numerous reports of parties up to 20. Warks Breeding recorded at Alvecote, Ufton Fields and Wootton Wawen. A flock of 25 at Earlswood on November 21 and smaller flocks at Arley, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Shrewley and Seeswood. Worcs Breeding reported at Dowery Dell. Late autumn parties included 32 at Bittell, 50 in Coldridge Wood on December 9 and 30 in Ell Wood on November 25. Staffs No breeding information received. The largest flocks were 30 at Belvide on October 28 and 20 at Blithfield on January 22. W Mid Breeding suspected in Sutton Park. Elsewhere, parties less than 20 were seen in winter and autumn.

Marsh Tit Reported from 36 localities. Warks One or two pairs bred at Alvecote and Kingsbury. Also reported from Bentley Park, Ladywalk, Over Whitacre and Shrewley. Worcs The best county for this species, with 30 in Coldridge Wood on January 8, eight singing on Bredon Hill in May, and records from 20 other localities, with breeding suspected at several. 103

Staffs 10 were at Belvide on July 21. Otherwise recorded at Bendeys Wood, Blithfield, Chillington, Consall Wood, Kings Bromley and Shugborough. W Mid The only report involved two at Saridwell Valley on May 20.

Willow Tit Reported from 39 sites. Warks Two or three pairs estimated at Alvecote, where three or four young fledged. Probably bred at Ladywalk and also seen at Arley, Hartshill Hayes, Middleton Hall and Whateley. Worcs Four family parties located in Spring Coppice on July 22. Elsewhere breeding season reports from Atch Lench, Bittell, Crowle, Hay Wood, Lower Sapey, Stourvale, Westwood and Wilden. Staffs Two pairs at Belvide in April, otherwise noted at 11 sites, mainly in winter. W Mid Bred at Brierley Hill Pools. Seen throughout the year at Minworth and Saltwells Wood. Reported from several other sites in the winter to spring period.

Coal Tit As in 1983, reported from only 17 localities. Warks One pair reared four plus flying young at Middleton Hall in June. Also seen at Alvecote and Hartshill Hayes. Worcs Seen at Callow Hill in June, and in small numbers at Bittell, Ell Wood and Paddock Wood in winter. 300 in Coldridge Wood on January 8 was part of a huge mixed tit and Carduelis finch flock. Staffs Noted in the breeding season at Baggeridge, Coombes Valley and Hen Cloud. Also seen at Belvide, only once, Bathpool and Tittensor Chase. W Mid Reported as quite common throughout the year in Sutton Park. Other sightings were received from Marston Green, Pelsall and Willenhall.

Blue Tit No changes in status reported. Warks Four or five breeding pairs at Alvecote, with small parties noted there and at Middleton Hall during the autumn. Worcs At Lynalls Coppice, only three nest-boxes were used, with just one successful brood of 11. A better story from Menith Wood, where 16 boxes were used and six broods totalling 46 young were observed. Maximum of 100 on January 8 in the Coldridge Wood tit flock. Staffs Five pairs bred at Doxey and good numbers present at Baggeridge throughout the year. 31 were at Tittensor Chase on January 17 and 40 at Westport on November 12. 104

W Mid Two pairs laid in next-boxes near Sutton Park, but both failed, and only one family party was observed in the Park proper. No other records were received.

Great Tit No changes in status reported. Warks Little information received. Three breeding pairs at Alvecote. Worcs At Lynalls Coppice 29 young fledged from four occupied nest-boxes and an estimated 14 fledged from two others. From three occupied boxes at Menith Wood, one pair was unsuccessful, but the other two produced nine young. Staffs Four pairs bred at Doxey. Elsewhere breeding was suspected at Baggeridge, Coombes Valley and Hen Cloud. 11 at Back Forest on December 9 was the largest party. W Mid Still common in Sutton Park, although breeding was not confirmed this year.

Nuthatch Warks Recorded from only 12 sites. Bred at Kingsbury Wood, Middleton Hall and Over Whitacre. Suspected breeding from Arley, Nursery Wood and Walton. Worcs Noted at 24 localities, with breeding confirmed at Bittell, Broadway, Lynalls Coppice, Menith Wood and Sling. Summer records from Callow Hill, Crowle, Dowery Dell, Dowles Brook, Droitwich, Hornhill Wood, Lickey Woods, Spring Coppice, Stour Hill, Trench Wood, Westwood and Yeald Wood. Staffs Noted in early spring at Baggeridge, Belvide, Horsley and Stafford, while two pairs successfully nested at Chillington. W Mid Bred at Bushbury Wood, heard in song at Bromwich Wood, Sutton Park and Warley Woods and noted at nine other sites, including several urban locations.

Treecreeper Warks Bred at Coombe Abbey and Earlswood, and recorded at five other sites. One watched creeping up a wall at Honington on April 23. Worcs Reported from only nine sites, with breeding at Bittell and summer records from Callow Hill, Defford, Dowles Brook, Upton Warren and Westwood. Staffs Noted only at Back Forest, Bathpool, Belvide, Chillington and Tittensor. W Mid Winter records from 10 localities, with a maximum of four at Pedmore.

Golden Oriole Warks A male watched for a short time at Coleshill Wood on May 19 SLC. Staffs A male near Eccleshall from July 23 to 29 per FCG. 105

Great Grey Shrike Staffs The Cannock Chase individual was in the Brocton-Sherbrook Valley area from January 28 MJI, GJM to February 5 JJH, MJE. One was at Doxey on November 11 MDB.

1981 and 1982 Addenda Warks One was seen on several occasions at Newbold Comyn between November 21. 1981 and January 23, 1982 RL.

1983 Addendum Warks The Newbold Comyn individual was seen again on November 14 and 21 JAN.

Jay Widespread in small numbers following the autumn influx of 1983. Warks Two pairs bred at Alvecote and two or three frequently seen at Ladywalk and Kingsbury. Worcs 12 together in the Wyre Forest on February 5 and more often seen at Bittell this year. One penetrated gardens at West Hagley during winter. Staffs 10 at Stanley Pool on April 9 was the largest party. More than usual in summer at Belvide. and three in a year at Westport was exceptional. W Mid 12 at Coundon Wedge on February 10 and common in Sutton Park, with parties up to 12 seen outside the breeding season. One or two at several suburban localities were the first records for many years.

Magpie Increasing in many areas throughout the Region. Warks At least 25 roosted in willows at Draycote for much of the autumn and 24 were at Hartshill in December. Worcs Very common at Bittell, where a maximum of 40 roosted on November 3. Other maxima were 26 at Upton Warren on March 22, and 23 at Walton Hill on May 24. Staffs 88 were counted in SK03 (Uttoxeter) on January 15 and the winter roost at Westport peaked at 54 in February. Parties of about 25 were reported from Chasewater, Garmelow and Tittesworth in spring and summer. IV Mid Very numerous in Sutton Park, where nest building commenced on February 22. Maxima were 35 roosting near Netherton Hill on January 6 and 38 at Minworth on August 31.

Jackdaw Warks 23 at Alvecote on September 3 was the largest flock reported. Worcs No change in status reported. 106

Staffs Up to 40 on The Roaches estate thrnnghnnt thp breeding season and 44 on Beeston Tor on February 11. Over 1000 estimated in the Chillington roost throughout the winter. W Mid Five at Stubbers Green, where unusual, but no other records received.

Rook Warks 80 nests at Freasley and 34 in two rookeries at Whateley, plus eight in two nearby electricity pylons. Largest flocks were 250, at Ardens Grafton on February 11 and Alvecote on September 3. Worcs 58 nests at Abberton and normal numbers at Beoley. A survey of 27 scattered rookeries totalled 1036 nests — an increase of 117 on 1983 — with the largest Bishampton 122 nests, Hindlip Park 95, Stanklyn 95, Throckmorton 125 and Westwood 106. The largest flock was 170 at Cookhill on February 18. Staffs No information on breeding. Over 1000 were estimated in the corvid roost at Chillington during the winter, 1300 were at Hopwas Hayes on February 7 and 775 near Kings Bromley on February 12. W Mid 460 flew south over Park Lime Pits on December 26.

Carrion Crow Warks Three or four pairs bred at Alvecote and one cheeky individual tweaked a Cormorant's tail at Ladywalk on December 9, but otherwise little information received. Worcs Maxima of 150 feeding around the shoreline at Bittell on November 10 and at Stourport tip in the winter. No breeding information received. Staffs Widely reported in the north of the county, with a maximum of 360 in the Hanley Central Forest Park area on July 24. About 500 roosted at Chillington during the winter. W Mid Almost as numerous as Magpies in Sutton Park and flocks of 50 seen at Turners Hill and Willenhall during the winter.

Hooded Crow W Mid One identified amongst an influx of crows at Turners Hill on February 3 ICW.

Corvids W Mid A mixed flock of 2000 Jackdaws, Rooks and Carrion Crows fed in a newly ploughed field at Barr Beacon during November and December.

Raven Worcs One over Bittell on May 27 KGC; two at Happy Valley, Malvern, on September 3 MJI and again on September 18 and 19 REH, SMW. 107

Starling Warks No roosts reported and the largest flocks were 200 plus, which were regularly noted around Alvecote. Worcs The Washford roost was estimated at 30000 in February and March, but had dropped dramatically to 700 by mid-April, by November 21 it had increased again to 5000 RFEB. The summer roost at Oakley totalled 4000 on July 20. Staffs Largest flock was 1000 at Belvide on June 14. Roost maxima were 10000 at Branston on April 4 and 4000 at Aqualate on December 16. W Mid Using sample counts for different unit sized buildings and multiplying by the amount of units in the sampling area, 56000 were estimated to be roosting in Birmingham City Centre on November 19 PGG.

House Sparrow No change in status reported. Staffs 250 at Chasewater on September 8 was the most reported. W Mid A large flock of about 1000 fed in stubble at Barr Common on September 8.

Tree Sparrow Warks Four breeding pairs at Alvecote again this year. The largest flocks were 300 at Arley on January 8 and 150 at Hartshill on January 21. Worcs No breeding reports, but reasonable autumn numbers, with flocks of around 100 at Peopleton on September 23, near Summerfield on October 28, Wilden on November 22 and Holt on December 2, plus 150 at Shenstone on December 15. Small numbers at Bittell throughout the year. Staffs Bred at Wilnecote and Doxey, where a flock of 100 or so on January 22 was the largest to be reported. Smaller flocks up to 40 were at Belvide, Blithfield, Canwell, Kettlebrook, Stanley Pool and Whittington. W Mid Largest flocks were 193 at Minworth on November 18, and 75 at Park Lime Pits on December 31. Smaller flocks noted at Penn, Russells Hall and Wyken Slough.

Chaffinch Warks 60 at Draycote on January 1, 50 at Arley on January 8 and 100 at Hartshill on November 15 were the only flocks reported. Worcs Winter flocks of 350 at Gallows Green and 300 at Upper Mitton on January 29. During autumn up to 300 were estimated in Lickey Woods and 200 were on Bredon Hill on December 17. Staffs Seven pairs bred at Doxey, where a flock of 125 was seen on January 15. Other winter flocks included 90 at Chasewater on January 6 and 108

232 in the Canwell area on February 24, while 50 were at Belvide on April 6. The only autumn flock was an estimated 300 plus in the Sherbrook Valley on October 7. W Mid The largest flock was 140 at Edgbaston Reservoir on December 2. Lesser totals included 40 at Minworth on November 18 and 50 at Park Lime Pits in mid-December.

Brambling Average: Oclubei 10 (49) tu April 15 (40) Steady passage through spring, with the last on April 29 at Doxey. Late arriving and very scarce in autumn, with none before October 26, on Bredon Hill. Warks Remains scarce, with records confined to the north of the county. Winter flocks of 50 at Arley on January 8 and up to 29 near Hartshill from January to April. Spring passage began with one at Bermuda on March 16, followed by three at Lea Marston from March 10 to 18, 60 at Kingsbury on April 7 and finally 16 at Astley on April 9. None reported in autumn. Worcs Winter records included a large gathering at Caunsall which peaked at 200 on January 7, 50 at Stourvale Marsh on January 4. 70 at Upper Mitton on January 29 and 50 at both Thicknall on February 5 and Hartlebury grain store on March 25. During this period also 22 were at Gallows Green and parties up to 10 were seen at Blakedown, Bittell, Holt and Upton Warren. Very scarce during autumn, when noted at only six localities with 10 at Stourvale on November 18 the largest party. Staffs In winter small parties up to 10 were recorded from 20 different sites and the larger flocks were 97 near Brewood and 50 at Whittington on January 2, 40 at Blithfield on January 4, 200 plus at Chillington on January 22 and a peak of 60 on February 26 at Doxey, where a flock was present from January until late April. Birds also fed on seeds in a Westlands garden between February and early May, with 26 present on March 17. Spring passage brought a peak of 30 to Chasewater on April 8, while a male was in full song on Cannock Chase on April 21. Very scarce in autumn, with one or two at Doxey, Hanchurch, Longsdon and Maer the only records. W Mid Several records of up to 10 during winter and spring at Park Lime Pits, Russells Hall, Saltwells Wood, Shirley, Stubbers Green, Willenhall and (Wolverhampton. Larger resident flocks peaked at 76 at Tividale on February 12 and 60 at Sandwell Valley on March 20. The only autumn records were singles at Edgbaston Reservoir on October 23 and December 8.

1983 Addendum Staffs 25 were still at Trentham Park on April 20. 109

Greenfinch Very little information received, but no apparent change in breeding status. Warks Four or five breeding pairs at Alvecote, with a flock of 25 there on November 11. 60 at Draycote on January 1. Worcs No large winter flocks, but a roost of 120 at Crowle on February 28. Autumn flocks of 120 at Bittell on August 7, 200 on Bredon Hill on October 26 and about 250 near Eckington on December 28. Staffs Four pairs bred at Doxey. Largest flocks were 100 at Brewood on March 10 and 65 at Madeley on March 15. Up to 30 at Rudyard and Tittesworth were the most seen during autumn. W Mid Very few records, but small parties at Aldridge, Hawthorn Wood and Streetly indicate a fairly small urban population.

Goldfinch Warks Three breeding pairs again at Alvecote, with up to 30 at other times. Elsewhere small numbers at Hartshill, Kingsbury and Lillington. Worcs Five singing in the Wolverley-Caunsall area on May 11 and two singing at Old Hills Common during spring. Flocks of 50, at Caunsall on January 2, Oldington SF on March 25, Lower Strensham on September 8 and Dowery Dell on September 14; 70 at Wilden on September 29; and 75 at Holt on October 14. Staffs Good numbers at both Doxey and Belvide^ with respective maxima of 55 on April 12 and 70 on October 5. Parties of 25 were also recorded at Danebridge and Fisherwick in the winter, and 35 gathered at Westport on November 29. W Mid A few pairs breed in Birmingham City Centre and parties up to 60 are noted at many suburban localities. Larger flocks were 200 at Sandwell Valley in September and 80 at Willenhall in December.

Siskin Average: October 4 (47) to April 14 (45) Last migrants were seen at Droitwich and Sedgley on April 13, but birds were seen in May on both Cannock Chase and in the Wyre Forest. First noted in autumn on September 25, at Broadway, but few records before mid-October. Quite widespread and numerous in winter, but scarce in autumn. Warks Largest winter flocks were 40 at Arley on January 8, 35 at Kingsbury in January and near Alvecote on February 9, 50 at Binley Woods on February 26 and 39 near Bubbenhall on February 18, with smaller parties at eight localities. 1 2 at Earlswood on November 18 was the only autumn record. 110

Worcs Three in the Wyre Forest on May 19, including one carrying nest material. The large and widespread winter flocks included a county record of 400 at Caunsall on January 2 RM. 120 in alders at Trimpley on January 8 and 200 in larches at Coldridge Wood on February 11. January also saw flocks of 50 to 80 reported from Arley Wood, Bittell, Dowles Brook, Upton Warren and Wilden, with smaller numbers at four other sites. Comparatively poor autumn, with 50 at Grimley and 30 at Bittell in late December the only double-figure counts. Staffs A male in song at a locality on Cannock Chase on May 6 and 14, Largest winter flocks were 57 at Copmere on January 2, 75 at Barlaston and 80 at Lea Heath on January 4, 130 at Aqualate on January 16, 109 in Sherbrook Valley on February 5, 60 at Himley on February 11, at least 80 at Doxey on February 26, and 69 at Hanchurch on March 11, with between 25 and 50 at nine other localities and smaller numbers at a further 15 or so localities. Fewer in autumn, but some sizeable flocks in northern districts, with 70 in Oldacre Valley on October 7, 178 at Rudyard on November 20, 20 to 30 at both Belvide and Maer in December and 120 on Hanchurch Hills at the end of the year. By comparison, only a handful were at Chillington at this time and records from the south were scarce. W Mid Small parties up to 14 fed in parks and gardens at 15 localities during winter and spring, while in January and February 30 were present at Park Lime Pits and in both Bromwich and Saltwells Wood. Autumn brought very small numbers to Edgbaston, Sutton Park, Tocil Wood and Willenhall.

Linnet Warks Apart from 50 at Draycote on February 15, scarce during the winter. Small spring flocks at Coton and Kingsbury in April, and 100 on April 29 at Alvecote, where three or four pairs subsequently bred. 50 at Hartshill on September 5 was the only autumn count to exceed 10. Worcs Four singing males at Old Hills Common during the summer. 100 near Naunton on April 15 was the only spring flock reported. In autumn the largest flocks were 300 at Droitwich on September 20, 200 at Holt in early October and gatherings of 100 at Upton Snodsbury and Bittell at the end of the month, with up to 90 of the latter remaining till the end of the year. Staffs Six pairs bred at Doxey and at least one pair at Hen Cloud. Scarce in Winter Atlas counts, with small groups up to 20 at Hanchurch, Hollies Farm and Whittington during January and February. Flocks started to form in August, when 50 were at Belvide; peaked in September, with 200 at Blithfield, 250 at Chasewater and 90 near Eccleshall; then decreased at most places during October and November, so that 50 at Doxey on December 28 was the only double-figure count at the end of the year. 111

W Mid Bred at Aldridge, Barr Beacon, Tividale and Woodgate Valley. The largest winter flock was 90 at Turners Hill on February 3. but smaller numbers were at Brierley Hill Pools, Saltwells Wood and Tividale. In autumn, 80 were at Stoke Floods on September 21, 100 at Tividale in late September, 150 feeding at Wolverhampton Racecourse on October 20, and up to 50 at five other localities.

Twite Warks One seen at Draycote on February 26 ARD, REH. Three flew over Coton calling on November 3 SLC. Worcs At Holt GP, two were present on October 7 RM, and singles on November 11 MJI. REH, RM and December 29 GHP and 30 SMW. Staffs Up to si* at Chasewater from January 6 to 27 MJI, ARMB et al. On the Moors, very small numbers on Oliver Hill in both April and July DWE, FCG, with a pair at Royal Cottage on May 19 JCE-D. A male was at Sandwell Valley on February 1 per SVFNC. W Mid

Redpoll Bred at Hams Hall and Ladywalk, with up to 25 at the latter locality and Warks at Alvecote in spring. Two at Kingsbury Wood on June 11, while small numbers were noted at Bentley Park Wood, Bunsons Wood, Kingsbury and Nuneaton during winter and spring. Very scarce in autumn. Breeding season reports from Atch Lench, Bittell, Devils Spittleful, Worcs Droitwich, Hay Wood, Lickeys, Ripple and Wilden. The highest winter count was 28 at Bittell on February 12, but in late March 20 were at Eckington, 55 in The Lenches and 50 at Wilden. Scarce again in autumn, with maxima of 30 at Atch Lench on November 25 and unexpectedly, 120 in Coldridge Wood on December 9. Staffs Bred at Chasewater (one or two pairs), Gib Torr and Westport. Winter flocks up to 40 were noted at 20 localities, with larger gatherings of 44 at Baggeridge and 70 at Westport in February. Generally scarce in autumn, but 40 at Chasewater on September 29, a huge flock of about 500 in Oldacre Valley on December 2 JB, AD, 60 at Maer on December 23 and 25 at Back Forest on December 28. W Mid Three pairs bred at Aldersley, several juveniles noted at Willenhall and seen at Marston Green during the summer. Winter flocks around 20 were at Solihull in January and Sandwell Valley in February, with smaller numbers at 10 other localities. The only sizeable autumn flock was 87 at Willenhall on December 15.

Mealy Redpoll were reported as follows: Worcs Singles in company with Redpolls in The Lenches on March 29 RM and at Larford on April 7 BW. Staffs One in a mixed finch flock at Whittington on February 9 JPM. 112

Worcs Up to 29 at Eymore Wood in January and 44 in Coldridge Wood in February BW. Probably bred in Eymore Wood, where last seen on April 24. In the Wyre Forest, six on January 18 MJI, after which flocks of various sizes were seen regularly throughout late winter and spring, with a maximum of 55 on March 4 RM: adults were then watched feeding juveniles on April 23 SMW, about 35 were still present on May 5 MJI and the last sighting was two on May 30 WFP. One flew over Wilden on March 11 RM and a pair at Starts Green on April 1 were in courtship display and may have bred RM. Staffs Two males were at Seven Springs on April 23 ARD.

Bullfinch Warks Three or four breeding pairs at Alvecote, where nine were seen together on November 4. Worcs No breeding information received. 10 were seen together at Pennyfields on December 17. Staffs One pair bred at Westport, where eight were often seen in autumn and winter. W Mid Two pairs bred at Woodgate Valley. Elsewhere small numbers were reported throughout the year. 113

Hawfinch Warks Up to five noted at llmington on March 17 and 18 DSM. Worcs One heard in Coldridge Wood on March 3, a male near Stourport on April 7 fllVand a pair at Collins Green on April 20 RM. Small numbers in the Wyre Forest throughout April, with a maximum of 20 feeding in beeches on April 10 GHP. Staffs Regularly noted at Chillington from January 1 into spring, with a maximum of 20 on January 12 KS: a pair was then seen collecting nest material on May 17 KA and a female on June 21 KA. Finally, 24 were at the Upper Avenue on December 29 JJH, SPT et al. One seen at Boscobel on December 31 FCG.

1983 Addendum Warks Two observed at Offchurch on November 19 JAN.

Snow Bunting Warks Single males were seen at Draycote on January 28 AC, PDH, REH and November 25 ARD, GIG. Worcs An adult male seen feeding at a pheasant feeder in The Lenches on January 15 RM, a female or immature at Holywell, Malvern, on November 5 per SMWand one amongst Skylarks at Holt on November 18 MJI, REH, RM. Staffs A female or immature at Chasewater on November 15 ICW and 16 JJH, SMW et al.

Yellowhammer Warks Winter maximum of 133 at Newnham Paddox on January 31. Six breeding pairs at Alvecote, where the largest flock was 70 on October 4. Regular at Kingsbury, where the largest flocks were 150 on April 7 and 70 on November 25. Worcs At Old Hills Common, only seven singing males compared with 12 in 1983. Largest winter flocks were 150 at Grimley on January 16 and 100 at Hartlebury on March 25, with smaller groups of about 30 at Bittell and Paddock Wood. Autumn flocks too were quite large, with 100 at Pirton on October 31, 50 at Cookley on November 1, 80 plus at Abberton in November and 100 at Grimley at the end of the year. Staffs Winter Atlas counts of 74 in SK03 and 35 in SK10, and winter flocks of 55 at Blithfield on January 20 and around 30 at Chasewater, Fradley and Hixon. Elsewhere only a handful of birds were seen, with 20 at Blithfield on October 21 the only reasonable autumn total. W Mid Three pairs bred at Aldridge and Woodgate Valley. The largest winter flock was 45 at Aldridge, with parties up to 20 at half-a-dozen sites. 114

Reed Bunting Warks Eight pairs bred at Alvecote and the largest count was aboui 100 al Kingsbury on April 7. Worcs Noted at Twiland Wood in the summer. Most in winter was 70 at Wilden on January 29, and in autumn 20 at Grimley on December 30. Staffs Usual spring influx in early April, with over 100 at Belvide and small numbers at Chasewater and Elford. A very healthy 38 pairs bred at Doxey, where the autumn maximum was 70 on December 23. W Mid A few pairs bred both at Bartley and the Woodgate Valley, and noted throughout the year at Aldersley, Sandwell Valley and 3ullon Park. The largest flock was 25 at Park Lime Pits on December 27. During winter one or two were again noted in urban parks and gardens.

Corn Bunting Warks Singing males reported from Cubbington, Hartshill, Hunningham, Long Itchington, Middleton, Newbold Comyn, Radford Semele (two), Snitterfield and Welford (two). Small numbers at Alvecote, Ansty, Bermuda and Kingsbury during winter and autumn, and a maximum of 37 at Hartshill on February 7. Worcs At least 32 singing males at 20 localities throughout the county. Noted at 13 sites during winter and autumn, with the largest flocks 120 near Hartlebury on February 12, 50 at Holt in November and 60 at Grimley in December. 42 roosted near Rous Lench on April 1, but the Upton Warren roost was used only once — with three birds counted on February 15. Staffs Singing males reported from near Blithfield (two), Heath Hayes, High Offley (three), Seisdon, Swindon and Trysull. Flocks of 30, at High Offley on January 21 and Gothersley on February 19, and up to 12 at half-a-dozen localities. The Chasewater roost peaked at 11 on February 9. W Mid Recorded only from Sandwell Valley, where at least 20 from January to April and a peak of 70 in February and March: several males were still singing in late April. A few reappeared in December, but struggled to make double figures by the end of the year.

Exotica

Chilean Flamingo Staffs One at Blithfield on March 21.

Bar-headed Goose Staffs Two at Doxey on June 10.

Australian Wood Duck Staffs One at Blithfield from November 25 to December 16. 115

Wood Duck Worcs One pair bred at Broadway, where a female and chick were seen on June 18. A pinioned pair at Beckford on December 10 and an adult male at Hedditch from November 28 to December 23.

Bahama Pintail Warks One at Ladywalk on October 2. Staffs The male from 1983 was still at Belvide on January 2. Later a male stayed at Blithfield from July 20 to August 21.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Staffs The Chillington bird is still present after eight years and favours the company of corvids.

Cockatiel W Mid One at Sandwell Valley on March 5.

Budgerigar Warks One with House Sparrows at Hartshill on September 26. Rose-ringed Parakeet Warks A male flew over Ladywalk on November 10.

Monk Parakeet Staffs Four plus seen at Porthill, where one also heard calling from inside a nest on February 16.

Parakeet sp. W Mid Unidentified birds at Ashmore Park on April 26 and Willenhall on September 29.

Scarlet Macaw W Mid One periodically seen at Darlaston from the start of the year to at least September 16. 116

Ringing in 1984

The contribution which the British Ringing Scheme has made to our understanding of birds must be truly enormous and Midland ringers have made a considerable contribution to the national ornithological data bank at Tring. Ringing birds produces information on movements, migration routes, longevity and causes of death, as well as a whole host of miscellaneous incidental knowledge.

Hinging activities in the West Midlands during 1984 have followed the same basic pattern as in previous years, with roost netting figuring very prominently in ringing programmes. In addition, the annual round-ups of geese and swans during their flightless period and the ringing of Heron and Mute Swan pulli have continued. The South Staffordshire Swan Study is now in its 25th year and is becoming increasingly important, not only for monitoring population fluctuations within the area, but also as a comparison for other areas of the country.

Recovery forms received during 1984 have not only kept members of the Club informed of long distance movements like the Wigeon and Black-headed Gull to the USSR, but have also demonstrated 'hidden movements' like that of the Swift ringed in Wolverhampton as an adult and recovered 5 years later where ringed, the form making no reference to the fact that the bird had made the journey to South Africa and back six times. They have also provided information on the moult migration of Canada Geese from this area to the Beauly Firth, near Inverness, and the parochial habits of some individuals like the Pied Flycatchers of the Bewdley/Wyre Forest area, some of whom return from their migration to nest in the same nest-box in which they were hatched. There are also the bizarre incidents iike the Nuthatch drowned by a rival in a territorial dispute and the Pied Wagtail suffocated by fumes in a workshop in Yeovil.

They have, in short, provided not only scientific information, but a rich source of copy for the monthly Bulletin. May I thank them all for their support throughout 1984. Without their help there would be no report.

A E Coleman Key — W = Wigeon, BH = Black-headed Gull. LB = Lesser Black-backed Gull. S = Sand Martin, B = Blackbird, C = Chaffinch. ' * 118

Selected List of Recoveries Involving the Region Entries are arranged by species and, within species, by recovery date. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. This report includes recoveries for 1984 and previously unpublished recoveries for earlier years. All foreign recoveries and movements of greater than 100 kilometres (62 miles) are included. Treatment of movements of less than 100 kilometres depends on the species involved.

Key Age at ringing: Sex: Pull Pullus (nestling) M Male Juv Juvenile (young able to fly) F Female 1Y Bird in its first year Manner of Recovery: 2Y Bird in its second year V Caught and released with ring Ad Adult (at least one year old) + Shot or killed FG Full Grown (age uncertain) X Found dead or dying vv Ring read in field ? Manner of recovery unknown

Species Ringer Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place Movement Manx Shearwater FR 47296 Pull 03.09.82 Skomer (Dyfed) X 10.09.82 Needwood (Staffs)

Grey Heron 1194350 Pull 19.05.84 Gailey (Staffs) MRG X 02 10.84 Durham 206km

Mute Swan Z 40503 Ad 02.01.78 Tamworth (Staffs) AEC w 18.01.84 Pershore (Worcs) 60km Z 47492 Pull 11.09.83 Rugby (Warks) CHP V 28.07.84 Alvecote (Warks) 35km

Canada Goose 5057669 Pull 29.06.74 Gailey (Staffs) CDTM V 07.07.84 Beauly Firth (Highland) Scotland 550km 5082126 Ad.F 26.06.77 Burton (Staffs) CDTM V 07.07.84 Beauly Firth (Highland) Scotland 549km L 00014 Pull 27.06.73 Swinfen Hall (Staffs) CDTM V 07.07.84 Beauly Firth (Highland) Scotland 559km 5121632 Pull 05.07.83 Leeds (West Yorks) YRG V 17.07.84 Kempsey (Worcs) 203km 5114855 Ad 10.07.83 Worksop (Notts) JMM V 17.07 84 Kempsey (Worcs) 149km 5114962 Ad 13 07.83 Attenborough (Notts) JMM V 17 07.84 Kempsey (Worcs) 108km 119

Wigeon FS 76320 Ad.M 19.01.75 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM + 20.05.84 Khanty-Mansi, USSR 3821 Km

Red Kite HW 83325 Pull 07.06.82 Central Wales 07.08.82 Stafford 127km

Kestrel EK 74909 Pull 21.06.84 Bromsgrove (Worcs) WRG X 17.10.84 Stourport (Worcs) 12km EK 74904 Pull 21.06.84 Bromsgrove (Worcs) WRG X 02.11.84 Tamworth (Staffs) 46km

Knot XS 56317 1Y 2808.82 Lea Marston (Warks) MRG 10.08.83 Wainfleet (Lines) 149km

Black-headed Gull EH 12509 FG 13 11.76 Worcester CMH X 26.04.84 Latviya, USSR 1770km EJ 4556 Pull 11.07.81 Elford (Staffs) MRG X 23.07.84 Paignton (Devon) 282km EF 82824 2Y 01.01.73 Cannock (Staffs) CDTM + 15.10.84 Conway (Gwynedd) Wales 138km

Lesser Black-backed Gull 461805 Pull 05.07.83 Karmoy (Rogaland) Norway X 03.07.84 Blithfield (Staffs) 849km

Swift SA 48075 FG 01.07.79 Wolverhampton (W Mid) CMH X 30.07.84 Wolverhampton (W Mid) Okm

Green Woodpecker DA 20309 Ad 11.01.78 Upton Warren (Worcs) CMH X 23.12.83 Hanbury (Worcs) 3km

Sand Martin P 42581 1Y.M 07.10.82 Alicante, Spain V 31 07 83 Meriden (W Mid) 1586km V 15.07.84 Meriden (W Mid) A 533180 Juv.F 03.08.83 Beckford (Worcs) WRG V 11.06.84 Thrapston (Northerns) 111km B 956172 Juv.F 17.07.83 Scorton (North Yorks) v 24.06.84 Meriden (W Mid) 219km B 699065 Juv.M 30.06.83 Hermitage (Berks) V 15.07.84 Meriden (W Mid) 114km

Swallow B 300283 1Y.F 20.09.81 Hallow (Worcs) WRG v 19.10.83 Portland Bill (Dorset) 193km B 507960 Juv 16.08.84 Brandon (Warks) BRG 12.09.84 Shoreham-by-Sea (Sussex) 188km 120

Pied Wagtail B958701 1Y.F 19.10.83 Hallow (Worcs) WRG X 21.01.84 Yeovil (Somerset) 147km B 728466 Ad.M 23.10.83 Hallow (Worcs) WRG X 03.09.84 Highland Region, Scotland 536km Blackbird XC 07948 Ad.M 23.10.77 Coombe Abbey (Warks) BRG X 04.01 84 Galbally, Eire 465km XH 20123 Juv.M 01.10.83 Oungeness (Kent) V 23.10.83 Brandon (Warks) 233km XH 00856 2Y.F 18.02.70 Button Coldficld (W Mid) J ami H V 05.11.84 N. Frisian Islands, Denmark 737km Sedge Warbler B 925623 Ad.M 21.08.83 Southampton (Hants) V 20.05.84 Brandon (Warks) 161km B970749 1Y 29.07.84 Langtoft (Lines) V 12 08.84 Oroitwich (Worcs) 131km Reed Warbler B 507109 Juv 14.08.83 Brandon (Warks) BRG V 17.06.84 Somerford Keynes (Glos) 89km B 505196 Juv.F 23.07.83 Linleton Pits (Avon) V 21.07.84 Droitwich (Worcs) 79km B 564969 1Y 21.07.84 Brecon (Powys) Wales V 18.08.84 Droitwich (Worcs) 84km Pied Flycatcher B 867308 Pull 08 0683 Bewdley (Worcs) JRM V 2605.84 Nr. Bewdley (Worcs) Okm Blue Tit B 936756 1Y 24.09.83 Leebotwood () PGD V 26.11.83 Suckley (Worcs) 53km Great Tit NA 48359 Pull 04.06.83 Kemerton (Worcs) RH V 22.09 84 Dorchester (Oxon) 78km Nuthatch NH 79659 Ad.M 05.02.84 Berkswell (W Mid) PU X 06.10.84 Meriden Pool (W Mid) 2km (Taken by conspecific, drowned in fight) Chaffinch B 536783 1Y.M 14.11.82 Stourport (Worcs) WRG V 26 10 83 Brecht (Antwerp) Belgium 490km 8 610380 Ad.F 3010.83 Wassenaar (Zuid-Holland) Netherlands V 13.11.83 Stourport (Worcs) 455km B 143463 Ad.F 17.03.84 Leamington (Warks) BRG X 26.04.84 Grantham (Lines) 95km Greenfinch NS 37610 2Y.F 07.02.83 Malvern (Worcs) WRG V 18.03.84 Lancaster University (Lanes) 213km NA 84653 Ad.M 01.03.81 Birmingham (W Mid) CMH V 12 04.84 Gamlingay Cinques (Cambs) 122km NK5422- 1Y.M 27.12.82 Stourport (Worcs) WRG V 28.04.84 Colchester (Essex) 222km 121

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

R Allinson P Conder P M Hackett G Andrews C Cooper A Hancock G A Arnold Mrs P Copson (PCo) R Hancox (RHa) M A Arnold M L Cresswell R E Harbird N G Arnold A Curran S C Harrap J A Asbury G R Harrison K Aslett H Darwen Mrs J V Harrison M J Austin J J Day M Harrison A R Dean S L Haycox Miss E Baker P G Deans G M Haynes F Baldry P K Dedicoat S M Haynes - Mrs V A Baldry H Dennant (HDe) A W P Hearn P G Barratt F R Dickson C M Hemmings A D Baner A J Digby S G A Hextell M Bates I J Dix T C Hextell R A Batley R M Dixon R Higgins (RHi) L R Bayes A K Dolphin J K Higginson J T Belsey P Downing D W Hildred J S Bennett T Doyle D J Hobday C Bird R Hodcon 0 R Bird M J Eccleshall D Holds ARM Blake J M Eden J J Holian R E Blatchford S F L Edwards M J Hollis M D Boote D W Emley E A Hopkins A Booth G Etherington {GEt) R R Howl Miss G M Bowers (GMBo) B M Evans R A Hume M D Box (MDBo) G Evans P D Hyde G M Broadbent J C Eyre-Dickinson 1 D Broadbent R Ingleston R C Broadbent Dr B Fookes M J Inskip G Broadhurst P A Forbes P L Ireland P B Brookes Mrs J M Forbes P V Irving R A Brown (RABr) E C Franklin G C Bruton P K Jackson R F E Butler N D Galloway A F Jacobs G H C Byford P G Garner S Jaggs G I Giles M D James Mrs L A Cadbury T E Giles B W Jones S R Cale S R Goddard D A Jones S Cartwright P Gosling S L Cawthray G H Green M H King P J Chadder (PJCh) M R Green (MRGi) R J King J D Chambers F C Gribble B L Kington P J Chapman S R Grice (SflGr) J P Kirkby S E Chester A G Griffin K G Clifford Brandon Ringing Group G Laight Sandwell Valley Field Mercian Ringing Group C B Lee Naturalist Club Severn Vale Ringing T C E Link Young Ornithologists Group R Linlewood Club Wychavon Ringing E W Longman A E Coleman Group K A Loveridge R J Colin-Stokes Yorkshire C G Group W J Low 122

H M McGregor M Perryman D Taylor J McGi'cgcr C G Phillips K Taylor J M McMeeking J M Posnett M Taylor D J Manns (DJMa) C H Potter S P Taylor G J Mant J Poyner A H Thomas D S Marland G B Prescott K H Thomas J P Martin R J Thomas R Maskew H S Quiney P Tipler C Mason Mrs J M Turner F Mason N Ratcliffe H J-Mason J Ravenscroft (JRa) D T Underhill D Mothor J Reece R A Matthews A J Richards S Valentine D Mayer (DMa) I N Rickens Mrs C Valentine H J Miller (HJMi) J H W Ridley E J M Veling C D T Minton S P Roberts F Vickers D J Miriord G W Russon Mrs R Moore (RMo) M D Walker P A Moran D Saunders (DSa) S W Walker N J Morgan 0 L Shaw Miss Y M Way H Morrall J H Sirrett M S Weake J R Mountford D B Skidmore S K Welch M H Mountford 0 Smallshire N R Went E F Smith B Westwood P P Newell F D J Smith J Whitehead B J Newsome M J Smith P F Whitehead G K Nicholls M S Smith I C Whitehouse J A Norton N A Smith S M Whitehouse R K Southall S O Whitehouse J J Oliver Dr R M Southam G Williams T Spry A J Wood G Palmer M Squire A Wright D Parr P Stainton D Wynne-Jones G H Peplow K Stone W F Peplow G Summers Or D W Yalden 123

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

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

A full description is not necessary for the less rare or difficult species, but enough to show how the species was identified. Such descriptions should be accompanied by brief details of the circumstances of the report and the observer's experience of the species and other, similar species. Lack of proper descriptions may lead to records being rejected.

All national rarities. (Not published unless accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee). All out-of-season miyianls Unusual races Oivers Grebes, other than Great Crested or Little Petrels and Shearwaters Gannet and Shag Herons other than Grey Storks and Spoonbill Whooper Swan Geese, other than Canada, Greylag and feral Snow and Barnacle Ducks: Ruddy Shelduck, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Eider, Long-tailed Duck, all Scoter spp except Common, Smew, Red-breasted Merganser Birds of Prey, except Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel and Hobby Quail and Golden Pheasant Crakes other than Water Rail Waders: Avocet, Stone-curlew, Kentish Plover, Dotterel, Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Phalaropes Skuas Gulls: Mediterranean, Sabine's, Iceland and Glaucous Terns: Sandwich, Roseate, Little Auks Ring-necked Parakeet Long-eared Owl (summer only) Hoopoe, Wryneck Woodlark, Shorelark 124

Pipits: Richard's, Tawny and Water Wagtails: Blue-headed, White (autumn only) Waxwing Bluethroat, Black Redstart Warblers: Cetti's, Savi's, Marsh, Icterine, Melodious, Dartford, Barred, Yellow- browed Firecrest Red-breasted Flycatcher Golden Oriole Shrikes Chough, Hooded Crow, Raven Finches: Serin, Twite, Mealy Redpoll Buntings: Lapland, Snow, Cirl and Ortolan Printing: Charles Clarke Printers Limited (0444) 417455