West Midland Bird Club Annual Report No. 72 2005 The Birds of , , and the 2005

Annual Report 72

Editor D.W. Emley

Published by West Midland Bird Club 2007 Published by West Midland Bird Club

© West Midland Bird Club

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission of the copyright owners.

The West Midland Bird Club is a registered charity No. 213311.

Website: http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/

ISSN 1476-2862

Printed by Healeys Printers Ltd., Unit 10, The Sterling Complex, Farthing Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5AP.

Price £9.00 The Birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands 2005

Annual Report 72

Contents

4 Editorial 5 Submission of Records 6 Birds and Weather in 2005 14 Systematic List 222 Ringing in 2005 228 Belted Kingfisher – a first for the Region 229 Aquatic Warbler in Warwickshire – a first for the county 230 The Farnborough Lesser Scaup – second record for the Region 232 County Lists 239 Gazetteer 247 List of Contributors 251 Index to Species

Front Cover Photograph: Waxwing at Coleshill, Steve Valentine

3 Editorial

A huge amount of work goes into the production of this Report so I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the production team for their sterling efforts in reducing the backlog to the extent that this year we have been able to publish two Reports – no mean task! It is encouraging to see the increase in the number of contributors (over 330), many of these now submitting records by BTO’s Birdtrack. This does have its problems though when it comes to compiling the list of contributors, especially when people have the same surname and initials. Please, therefore, could you supply your full name to the recorders when sending in your records. This year also saw the ability of WeBs recorders to submit their data electronically too, all of which should be accessible to the County Recorders. Increasingly the Club is receiving requests for bird-related data in connection with planning applications. Often these relate to areas that are not of direct interest to us but, sometimes, they are and in this context the importance of continual monitoring of bird populations cannot be over emphasised. In order to counter these applications, or at least mitigate any effects of the development, we need site-related data; not just records of rare species but, more importantly, of the common species. We need to know which species breed on a site and what use is made of the site by migrants and wintering birds. With the increasing pressures on our countryside, your records have never been more important – please send them in! If we don’t know what occurs on your favourite patch, we can’t help when the developers move in.

Tim Hextell has stepped down as Recorder for the West Midlands and I would like to thank him most sincerely for all his efforts in that post. It is a pleasure to welcome Kevin Clements as his replacement and, on behalf of the Club, wish him well in that role.

Acknowledgements I would like to thank all those who helped with this year’s report. I am especially grateful to all those who contributed records, especially those sending in valuable census data; to Jonathan Bowley and Roger Broadbent for their articles; to Bert Coleman for another fascinating Ringing Report and to artists and photographers Phil Jones, Dave Kelsall, Brian Kington, Andy Mabbett, Brian McGeough, Richard Newton, John Robinson, Steve Seal, Neil Stych, Steve Valentine and Andy Warr for making their work available; and above all to the County Recorders and their teams:

Warwickshire: Jonathan Bowley Worcestershire: Andy Warr, Terry Hinett, Brian Stretch and Dave Walker. Staffordshire: Nick Pomiankowski, Report Writers; Neil Carter, Martin Godfrey and Andy Lawrence, Rarities Committee; Eric Clare, Bernard Smith, Mark Sutton, Steve Turner and Steve Nuttall, Site Report Compilers; Steve Nuttall, Mike Boote and Ray Perry, Data Input; Mary Holley. West Midlands: Kevin Clements, Gareth Clements and John Oates.

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

David Emley

4 Submission of Records

All contributors are asked to follow the guidelines set out in the booklet A Checklist of the Birds of the West Midlands and a Guide to Status and Record Submission (second edition 1989). A copy of these can be found on our website http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com. All records should be sent to the relevant County Recorder as soon as possible after observation. Concise, though adequate, field descriptions (including how the species was identified, the circumstances of the sighting and the observer’s experience of the species) should accompany records of all species – marked as A in the Details column of the checklist. In addition, descriptions are required for all out-of-season migrants, unusual hybrids and scarce sub-species, including Scandinavian Rock Pipit, Blue-headed and other flava race wagtails, White Wagtail (autumn only), Black-bellied Dipper, Greenland Wheatear and Chiffchaff races. The lack of an acceptable description may lead to records being rejected.

Records should be sent to the appropriate County recorder:

Warwickshire JJ Bowley 17 Meadow Way, , , Warwickshire CV47 2WD [email protected]

Worcestershire A Warr 14 Bromsgrove St, Worcester, WR3 8AR [email protected]

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

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

Ringing Secretary All ringing recoveries should be sent to: A E Coleman, 67 Park Lane, Bonehill, Tamworth, Staffs, B78 3HZ.

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

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

5 Birds and Weather 2005

2005 saw a total of 242 species recorded in the Region; an improvement on 2004 when there were only 235. Among these Belted Kingfisher was new, giving a grand Regional total of 342. The latter of course a first for Staffordshire while Aquatic Warbler and Lesser Scaup were additions to the Warwickshire list (as was a recently accepted Least Sandpiper in 2002) and Dartford Warbler to that of the West Midlands. The latter species also bred for the first time in the Region since the 1870s – in Staffordshire. However, I suspect that the year will be best remembered for the unprecedented invasion of Waxwings with many three-figure flocks being reported and a few four-figure flocks too. January began rather unsettled with bands of rain and strong winds sweeping in from the west. Despite this it was rather mild, up to 12°C. The weather settled for a day or two with plenty of sunshine before another spell of wet and windy weather moved in on the 4th. Temperatures remained mild, even reaching 15°C. Birds remaining from 2004 included a flock of 17 Tundra Bean Geese at Whitemoor Haye, a male Smew at Draycote, Black Redstarts at the National Arboretum and Kings Bromley, a Cetti’s Warbler at Belvide, two Velvet Scoters at Draycote, Eurasian Bittern at Aqualate and and a Long-tailed Duck at Mars Lane. Of perhaps greatest interest though was the fact that some 2000 Waxwings were spread across the Region with the largest numbers being in the north. A male Smew remained at from the 1st to March 6th while a female remained at Drayton Bassett Pits from the 9th to 28th. Roost watchers managed to find a scattering of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls throughout the month while a Caspian Gull was found at Throckmorton on the 9th. The mild conditions suited the rarer Chiffchaffs with Kempsey hosting a Scandinavian Chiffchaff on the 2nd while Hams Hall had one on the 5th and a Siberian Chiffchaff on the 10th. A Great Grey Shrike was found at Croome Landscape Park on the 6th and Firecrests at Clayhanger on the 8th and in a garden near to Walsall Arboretum on the 9th. A Great Northern Diver at Draycote, also on the 9th, was one of only two divers in the Region in the first winter period. A flock of 24 Jack Snipe at Quarry on the 10th was a record count for Warwickshire. High pressure built from the south on the 13th, maintaining the high temperatures of the past week, but leading to some overnight frosts. On the 13th, a skein of 100 Pink-footed Geese passed westwards over Little Stoke, the precursor of things to come. Another Great Grey Shrike was found on the 14th, this time on Cannock Chase, while there was great excitement on the 15th when a male Pine Bunting was found in a game crop at New Farm. By this time the Waxwing numbers had reached 3500 with one flock alone reaching 900 in Stoke-on-Trent! The high pressure began to slip away eastwards on the 17th and a series of depressions with their associated fronts brought a period of unsettled weather, accompanied by high winds, which turned wintry in parts. High pressure in the west began to build on the 23rd bringing a return to more settled weather for our Region. However, a northerly airflow on the east coast brought wintry weather there with the result that exceptional numbers of Pink-footed Geese crossed the north of the Region. The passage began with 60 at Tittesworth on the 20th to be followed by 2000 across North Staffordshire on the 22nd, 4200 on the 23rd and 2400 on the 25th. More Great Grey Shrikes were found; this time on the 29th at Belvide and at Walton-on-Trent. Waxwings had reached their peak by the 29th at 5200 with a flock at Bilston numbering an incredible 1200 birds. A sub-adult Shag arrived at Napton Reservoir on the 30th and remained until February 22nd and an immature male Ring- necked Duck at ’s Hardwick on the 31st remained until February 20th.

6 High pressure in the west dominated the first few days of February, keeping it mainly dry and fairly mild. At the start of the month there were still some 3000 Waxwings in the Region with most divided between Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Another flock of Pink-footed Geese was seen on the 1st, this time at Bradnop, while Dosthill hosted the Region’s largest flock of Golden Plover – 1000 – on the 6th. That day also saw the discovery of three Little Buntings in a game crop at while an adult Ring-billed Gull at Lower Moor was also seen at Westwood Pools. An area of high pressure built from the east on the 7th bringing clear periods with some frosts. A spell of unsettled weather from the 9th brought some exceptionally mild air to parts. However, a cold front moved in from the north on the 12th dropping the temperatures considerably. A female Red- breasted Merganser was found at Draycote on the 12th and a Glaucous X Herring Gull hybrid was seen at Westport Lake on the 14th. A ridge of high pressure built from the 15th, raising the temperature before another cold front moved down on the 18th, temperatures reaching only just above freezing in the north of the Region on the 22nd and snow falling in many parts of the country, especially the east. The cold continued to the end of the month with further snowfall; some in parts of our Region. The 16th saw a male Hen Harrier at Marsh Lane NR while a herd of 15 Whooper Swans in the Tame Valley was a county record. Sewage works again proved their attraction for rarer Chiffchaff races with a Scandinavian Chiffchaff on the 23rd at Upton. The month ended with another rarity; this time the Region’s second Lesser Scaup at Farnborough Park on the 27th which remained until March 20th.

The cold weather continued into March and it was not until the 9th that temperatures started to reach normal. There were still 1000 Waxwings but these were now spread more evenly across the Region. The Region’s second Great Northern Diver of the winter was seen at JCB Rocester on the 2nd while 60 Pink-footed Geese over Keele on the 6th were the last of the winter. A Rough-legged Buzzard passed over Shustoke on the 5th and a Siberian Chiffchaff was found at STW on the 6th. A mild and damp Atlantic south-westerly airflow set in from the 14th bringing some wet weather. An area of high pressure then settled across the south of on the 18th bringing dry and sunny weather; temperatures reaching the dizzy heights of 16°C at Keele! This no doubt encouraged the return of the Eurasian Curlew to the north with 110 gathering at Tittesworth. On the 10th, four early Sanderling were seen at Kingsbury and the first Tree Pipits were noted at North Hill and Marsh Lane NR. A Grey Plover was found at Ryders Hayes Mere on the 11th while a Pale- bellied Brent Goose at Shustoke on the 16th was a second county record. The first Sand Martins arrived on the 16th with birds being seen across the Region while Iceland Gulls were reported from several waters mid-month. The first of the spring Ospreys passed over Burton Dassett on the 17th while early Marsh Harriers were seen at Brandon on the 17th and at Aqualate on the 26th and 29th. The latter part of the month saw a return to more unsettled weather. It generally remained mild, with winds blowing from the south or south- west. Rain or showers, some thundery, affected many areas, giving some places their first significant rainfall of the year. The first of the Common Redstarts, Ring Ouzels and Barn Swallows arrived on the 19th, with House Martins following on the 25th. A pair of Avocets that arrived at Upton Warren on the 22nd eventually bred and raised two young. Scandinavian Chiffchaffs were found at Alvecote on the 22nd and Silverdale on the 24th while the first Garganey was seen at Belvide and Firecrest at Seven Springs on the 25th followed by the first Yellow Wagtail at Whitemoor Haye on the 27th. Sandwich Terns passed through the Region on the 28th with birds being seen at Draycote and Tittesworth.

7 A ridge of high pressure across the southern half of the UK gave a dry spell to the start of April. There was plenty of sunshine and as a result it was warm with Keele weather station reporting 16.7°C on the 2nd. A weather front pushed south-eastwards on the 4th bringing frequent showers on the 5th and more isolated but heavier showers on the 6th as the front cleared away. Another weather front pushed eastwards on the 7th bringing a colder northerly airflow and a return to wintry conditions, Keele reporting a ground temperature of –5°C on the 9th. There were still 700 Waxwings across the Region but flock sizes were now mainly in double figures. April 1st is definitely not the day to find a mega rarity but, yes, a Belted Kingfisher really was found at Shugborough. One wonders how the finder went about getting anyone to believe him! Further Sandwich Terns were seen on the 3rd and 4th at Bredon’s Hardwick and Trimpley while two early Hobbies were seen at Hillmorton on the 3rd and at Aqualate on the 4th, on which date a small influx of Kittiwakes brought birds to Blithfield, Chasewater and Westport. A transition to more settled conditions occurred during the 10th as a ridge of high pressure extended eastwards across the southern half of the UK. However, a series of low pressures between the 13th and 17th brought unsettled weather with showers or longer periods of rain, some locally heavy and thundery. On the 12th a flock of 15 Black Terns was at Kinsham Lake and the first Grasshopper Warbler was seen at Apedale and Reed Warbler at Kingsbury. A Hoopoe was a nice find at Winyates Green on the 13th and another was found at on the 17th. Blithfield held an impressive 19 White Wagtails and a Blue-headed Wagtail on the 16th. A brief fine spell gave way to more showers, some heavy, on the 19th. Drier weather followed before another spell of wet weather moved northwards across the region. A fall of Northern Wheatears following a period of rain resulted in 24 at Berry Hill and 10 at Silverdale Colliery on the 21st. A Common Crane was found at Marsh Lane NR on the 22nd while an Arctic Skua accompanied 157 Arctic Terns at Draycote on the 25th. The month ended with spells of sunshine and temperatures reaching 18°C in North Staffs, albeit with thundery showers overnight on the 31st. A colour-ringed Spoonbill was found at Kingsbury on the 27th while the last 20 of the extraordinary Waxwing invasion were at Gates Estate on the 28th.

May began, as April ended, with a series of thundery showers working north-eastwards but temperatures remained high – even reaching 25.1°C! A small passage of Little Terns on the 1st resulted in birds being seen at Blithfield, Kingsbury, Upton Warren and Willow Marsh Pools. Thundery showers forced down 20 Northern Wheatears at Berry Hill and 13 at Crossplains. Avocets were seen at Kingsbury and Drayton Bassett on the 2nd and three Bar-tailed Godwits at Draycote on the 3rd. The 4th saw a flock of 54 Black- tailed Godwits at Belvide and a passage of Arctic Terns with 100 at Draycote and 190 at Shustoke. A small area of low pressure tracked south-east on the 7th bringing sunny spells and showers which continued for several days. The warm weather encouraged a flock of 2000 Common Swifts at Chasewater on the 5th and 2500 Barn Swallows on the 7th at Tittesworth. A Great Reed Warbler that took up residence at Brandon from the 6th to the 10th was the Region’s third. Pressure rose during the 10th and by 11th the high was established, bringing a couple of dry and largely sunny days but with night-time ground frosts. Further passage of waders was represented by five Whimbrel at Coldmeece Pools on the 8th, 22 Black-tailed Godwits at Fisher’s Mill GP and 11 at Alvecote on the 11th and a Temminck’s Stint at Grimley New Workings on the 12th, together with six more Whimbrel at Whitemoor Haye and four Wood Sandpipers at Marsh Lane NR. Further Temminck’s Stints were reported from Lower Moor on the 14th, Brandon on the 15th and

8 Marsh Lane NR and Ryall Pits on the 17th while six Turnstones dropped in at Chasewater on the 18th. Rain spread south on a cold front on the 16th with heavy showers developing from 21st – 23rd. An extraordinary group of four Whiskered Terns passed by Keele University on the 20th, having been reported leaving earlier that morning. Warm southerly winds on 27th gave a hot day to most parts. Keele recorded a record 23°C but in central London the temperature reached 31.9°C – the highest May temperature in the UK since 1947. A flock of 18 Common Crossbills over Blithfield on the 22nd were probably the vanguard of the mini invasion that spread through June and July. The month ended with a few showers following the arrival of a cold front. On the 30th a male Montagu’s Harrier was found at Ditchford Frary and a Spotted Sandpiper in fine summer plumage at Belvide – a second county record.

The start of June was dominated by a westerly airstream that brought rather unsettled conditions. Temperatures returned to a more realistic figure while cold fronts brought local heavy and thundery rain. Quail were scattered across the Region with reports coming from seven locations and Dartford Warblers bred on Cannock Chase for the first time since the 1870s. Flocks of 20-30 Common Crossbills were seen throughout the Region. The 4th saw a male Montagu’s Harrier at Wormleighton Reservoir and four Sanderling in Valley and eight at Blithfield on the 8th. High pressure developed from the 7th bringing largely fine and dry conditions with plenty of sunshine and temperatures reaching 20°C in parts. However, clear skies overnight led to some grass frosts. After the loss of Worcestershire’s breeding Marsh Warblers it was encouraging that one sang for several weeks at an undisclosed location from June 8th, while another was heard at Upton Warren on the 10th and Grimley New Workings on the 26th. By the 13th the high began to move away westwards, allowing a cold front to spread south to give a cool and showery northerly airstream. High pressure returned on the 17th, and south-easterly winds coming from a very warm continent brought the hottest spell of the summer so far; Keele recording 28.3°C on the 19th! However these high temperatures led to some torrential downpours and local flooding. A passage of Black-tailed Godwits at Doxey peaked at 38 on the 14th and there were two Bar-tailed Godwits on the 18th. On the 21st, the Azores high built across the south of the UK bringing more fine and largely dry conditions and many areas enjoyed plenty of very warm sunshine. As before, these high temperatures led to parts of the region having significant rain on the 25th. As well as the usual sites on Cannock Chase, churring European Nightjars were heard on Hanchurch Hills for the first time in almost 30 years while other reports came from Kingswood CP, Wood and a site in the West Midlands. The month ended with more heavy showers as a ridge of high pressure collapsed from the south. An adult Whiskered Tern was found at Alvecote on the 27th and a Wood Sandpiper at Coldmeece Pools on the 29th, while heavy rain forced a Sandwich Tern down at Lower Clopton on the 30th.

The start of July was dominated by a series of low pressure areas coming off the Atlantic and bringing unsettled conditions and heavy showers on the 5th and 6th. Sunshine and high temperatures then developed thanks to a ridge of high pressure that moved in from the west on the 7th and remained to the 17th. A Tree Sparrow at Marsh Lane NT on the 1st was interesting for having been ringed at Rutland. The influx of Common Crossbills peaked with 56 at Hanchurch on the 2nd, 45 at Callow Hill on the 4th and 60 at Bentley Woods on the 15th. A party of 20 Black-tailed Godwits was at Kingsbury on the 4th and seven Whimbrel at Whitemoor Haye on the 15th, while three Little Egrets were at Blithfield on

9 the 16th and up to four in the Barton/Whitemoor Haye area. A cold front pushed across the area on the 18th bringing a significant drop in temperature; Leek only managed 12.7°C on the 21st. A depression that crossed the south of the country during the 24th and 25th gave rise to heavy showers. The weather remained very unsettled for the end of the month with low pressure the dominating factor giving rise to further heavy showers on the 28th and 29th. Post-breeding flocks of Mistle Thrushes started to gather and 45 were seen at Packington and 39 at Woodhead on the 27th. The autumn waders at Blithfield included nine Red Knot on the 28th and 71 Dunlin on the 30th. A flock of 30 Goosander, all redheads, at Grimley New Workings on the 29th was quite early.

Scattered showers heralded the start of August, giving way to more persistent rain and drizzle on the 4th-5th. A flock of 1000 Common Swifts gathered over on the 1st in readiness for the journey south. An adult White-winged Black Tern was seen at Dosthill and Drayton Bassett on the 1st while six Sandwich Terns were noted over the at Tividale on the 2nd and one at Draycote on the 7th. A Wood Sandpiper lingered at Belvide from the 3rd to 7th. From the 7th high pressure dominated giving warmer weather but with quite chilly nights. An impressive count of 19 Tree Pipits was made on Moor on the 9th while 1200 House Martins gathered at Blithfield on the 13th. From the 10th a period of unsettled weather developed with showers or longer spells of rain, some thundery, at times, especially on the 13th. An immature Purple Heron was a nice find at Doxey on the 14th, especially as it remained until the 28th. Black Terns moved through the Region on the 18th with records from Belvide (13), Blithfield (seven) and Upper Bittell (14). High pressure then developed giving warm, sunny and dry weather again – at least until the 21st when a cold front moved in from the east bringing a few days of unsettled weather with some heavy showers. Spotted Redshanks at Kinsham Lake on the 18th and Upper Bittell on the 24th joined the continuing wader passage while two Golden Orioles found at Keresley on the 19th, remained there for several days. An unseasonably deep low pressure centre passed to the north of the UK on the 24th bringing heavy rain. A second White-winged Black Tern, an immature, was found with Black Terns at Draycote on the 24th while a Corn Crake, a rare find these days, was flushed from set-aside at on the 25th. It is not often that Little Grebes figure in this Review but 36 at Marsh Lane NR on the 26th was a site record, reflecting a good breeding season. Also that day, an excellent flock of 40 Red Knots visited Belvide. One of the year’s highlights was an Aquatic Warbler found in set-aside at Kites Hardwick on the 29th. South to south-east winds on the 30th and 31st brought high temperatures and it was very hot with Keele recording 25°C. The month ended with another passage of Black Terns with records from Belvide (17), Blithfield (30) and Chasewater (12).

The warm weather of August continued into September but a cold front moving north- eastwards on the 4th brought thundery rain before the warm weather returned on the 5th. The first Jack Snipe of the winter arrived at Brandon on the 4th while the autumn wader passage continued with a Temminck’s Stint at Kinsham Lake from 5th to 9th and an immature Pectoral Sandpiper at Draycote on the 7th. The first Wryneck of the autumn was found at Burlish Park on the 6th. A front moving away northwards brought more thundery downfalls, some torrential, on the 8th and 10th. A Grey Plover was found at Blithfield on the 8th and on the 10th a dark-phase Arctic Skua passed through Blithfield while Gailey hosted an creditable 62 Little Grebes. The bad weather was probably responsible for a fall of good birds at Berry Hill in North Staffordshire with a male Black

10 Redstart and a Wryneck plus an amazing 50 Northern Wheatears and 32 Whinchats, on the 11th. The same day a flock of eight Red Knot touched down at Upper Bittell Res while Spotted Redshanks were seen at Marsh Lane NR and Throckmorton. A build up of high pressure brought fine weather on the 12th before another front brought more showers on the 15th. The 12th saw a Baird’s Sandpiper at Chasewater, a Red-backed Shrike at Alvecote and a Wryneck at Blithfield. A skein of 16 Pink-footed Geese, the first of the winter, was seen over Hollybed Common on the 13th and a late Sandwich Tern at Blithfield on the 14th. A second-year Gannet moved north-west over Ingestre on the 17th while a Leach’s Petrel was seen at Draycote on the 18th. As the rain moved away a cool north-easterly airflow sparked a build up of high pressure with a consequent widespread ground frost on the 24th. A period of typical autumnal weather followed with strong westerly winds and a mixture of showers and drier periods before warm conditions returned on the 30th. A strong autumn passage of Ring Ouzels peaked at 21 on the Malverns on the 20th. A second Pectoral Sandpiper was seen on the 22nd, this time at Draycote while on the 24th a Dotterel flew over North Hill and a Caspian Gull was found at Belvide. A late flock of 25 Arctic Terns was seen at Kingsbury on the 25th while Whitemoor Haye was host to a flock of 150 Tree Sparrows. A count of eight Stonechats at the White House on Cannock Chase on the 29th, indicates to a successful breeding season there.

October began with showers and a cool north-west wind before a build up of pressure brought dry sunny conditions on the 2nd. The high moved away on the 3rd to be replaced by a south-westerly air flow and cloud. The first of an influx of Hawfinches from the Continent were seen at Grimley on the 2nd while an impressive 800 Meadow Pipits were counted in three hours at Black Bank, Silverdale. At the same time a Red-throated Diver was found at Blithfield and a Leach’s Petrel at Shustoke. A Spotted Crake was a good find at Wormleighton Reservoir on the 4th while an early winter skein of 300 Pink-footed Geese passed over Westport on the 5th. A band of rain moved south-east on the 8th leaving dry and warm conditions in its wake. However, a weather front moving eastwards on the 12th produced heavy rain, with 55mm being recorded in six hours in Birmingham while a tornado wreaked havoc there in the evening. Another Pectoral Sandpiper, found on the 13th at Belvide, was followed by a Common Crane there on the 15th. Meanwhile Doxey had a flock of 150 Sky Larks and Keele 200. A build up of pressure on the 14th brought more settled conditions before rain returned on the 18th. The 16th saw the first Glaucous Gull of the winter at Chasewater, a Red-necked Grebe at Blithfield and 42 Northern Pintail at Belvide – a site record. Two Brent Geese were seen at Draycote on the 18th while a skein of 300 Pink-footed Geese passed over Weston Coyney. A Red-necked Grebe was found at Draycote on the 20th while there were 20 Stonechats in the Katyn area of Cannock Chase. Two Twite at Draycote on the 22nd constitute a good find these days while a Red-throated Diver was seen at Gailey and a Yellow-browed Warbler remained at Blithfield until the 25th. The 25th saw more Hawfinches, this time at Alcester Heath and Belvide while Marsh Lane NR hosted 73 Gadwall – a site record. held an impressive flock of Sky Larks that had built up to 470 on the 23rd while a Snow Bunting was found at Lower Moor. Low pressure with its attendant unsettled conditions dominated until a warm front pushed northwards on the 26th introducing a warm southerly airflow. A record-breaking influx of Ring-necked Ducks resulted in a female at Westport on the 25th and two females and a male at Silverdale on the 26th while an immature male was found at Belvide on the 27th along with a Siberian Chiffchaff. A third immature Red-

11 throated Diver remained at Blithfield from the 26th to December 7th. More Hawfinches were found on the 29th, this time at Draycote and Winyates Green. Another front moved in on the 28th bringing unsettled but mild weather to the end of the month. A Grey Phalarope and a Red-breasted Merganser were seen at Blithfield on the 30th while a Twite was found with a Linnet flock at on the 31st along with a flock of 250 Sky Larks.

Mild south-westerly winds with a series of Atlantic depressions dominated the first weeks of November. They brought some quite wet weather but also some very mild conditions with a consequence that there were few frosts. Keele recorded its highest November temperature on the 2nd of 17.3°C . A Scandinavian Chiffchaff at Packington on the 1st was joined by another from the 15th-17th. Belvide had three more Hawfinches on the 2nd, Blithfield a Slavonian Grebe and Marsh Lane NR its first ever Whooper Swan. Meanwhile, Grey Phalaropes were seen at Shustoke on the 3rd and at Belvide from 4th to 13th. Slavonian Grebes reported from Draycote and Blithfield on the 2nd were the only records in the Region this year. Two first-winter Great Northern Divers arrived at Draycote on the 3rd to be joined by another from the 12th to the end of the year. An Arctic Skua arrived at Belvide on the 4th before moving to Chasewater on the 6th while another Ring-necked Duck was found on the 5th, this time at Chasewater. Up to eight Stonechats were found on Berry Hill on the 6th while two Dartford Warblers were seen on the Malverns on the 7th and, after a first sighting in late October, up to six were also seen at a site in the West Midlands on the 7th too. A Bearded Tit was found at Ladywalk on the 8th and a Grey Phalarope at Fens Pool. Marsh Lane NR hosted a record 496 Greylag Geese on the 9th while another Hawfinch was found – at Bredon Hill. A ring-tail Hen Harrier at Westport on the 12th was a very good record from this amazing urban site. The Azores high built on the 13th bringing a short spell of more settled weather with plenty of sunshine and some overnight frost and fog. An area of low pressure on the 11th brought cold, showery weather before pressure built again to bring a prolonged spell of settled weather that lasted until the 23rd. This resulted in periods of fog and also low temperatures with remaining below freezing all day on the 19th-20th. The first Great Grey Shrike of the winter was found on Gun Hill on the 13th and remained until the 17th. A herd of 17 Whooper Swans flew east over Tittesworth on the 13th while six Bewick’s Swans were seen at Blithfield on the 16th and eight at Draycote. Meanwhile Common Redpolls were recorded at Marsh Lane NR, Apedale and New Farm. Seventeen Whooper Swans flew eastwards over Tittesworth on the 13th while on the 18th four Red-breasted Mergansers, all redheads, visited Bredon’s Hardwick and a Scandinavian Chiffchaff was seen at Lower Moor STW. A skein of 65 Pink-footed Geese passed over Berry Hill on the 19th while a flock of 10 Waxwings at Ashmore Park were among the very few to be seen during this winter period. A male Ferruginous Duck found at Brookleys Lake on the 20th was subsequently seen at a number of other sites in the area. A male and an immature/female Hen Harrier were seen on Swallow Moss on the 20th and remained there until the end of the year. Two Bearded Tits arrived at Napton Res on the 21st for an extended stay into December. Three Hawfinches were found at Ingestre on the 22nd while a Lapland Bunting passed over Westport on the 23rd and an adult Caspian Gull was seen at Draycote. A marked change in the weather resulted from cold fronts that swept southwards on the 24th, introducing brisk northerly winds of Arctic origin followed by blustery showers, some wintry. The snow caused significant traffic disruption in the south. The cold wintry weather continued into the closing stages of the month, with sleet or snow showers

12 widely reported on the 28th. An adult Caspian Gull was seen at Throckmorton Tip from the 22nd to December 10th while a second-winter was in the Coton roost on the 24th. A Laughing Gull at Throckmorton Lagoons on the 25th was roosted at Westwood Pools. Further representatives of Hawfinch invasion were seen at Abbots Salford and Winyates Green on the 26th as was a Red-throated Diver at Blithfield while Westwood Pool was host to a second-winter Kumlien’s Gull from the 27th to December 1st. A warm front spreading in from the west on the 30th then introduced milder air but, with the cold temperatures, this caused a temporary spell of freezing rain.

The first week of December saw temperatures close to normal but with strong winds and bands of rain. An adult Caspian Gull joined the adult bird already at Throckmorton on the 1st. A pre-roost gathering of 96 Common Ravens at Swallow Moss on the 1st was amazing given that the species was relatively rare in the county just a few years ago. A second-winter Iceland Gull was in the Chasewater roost on the 2nd while on the 3rd there was one at Bartley and a ring-tailed Hen Harrier and an immature Great Northern Diver at Blithfield. A Red-necked Grebe made a welcome return to Worcestershire on the 3rd after a long absence. The 4th brought a Common Redpoll at Hanchurch, six Egyptian Geese at Aqualate, a female Ring-necked Duck at Coton and a Red-necked Grebe at Chasewater. Hawfinches were noted at Crabbe Tree farm and on the 5th while ten Waxwings were found at Lea Marston and singles at Newcastle and Ladywalk. A ridge of high pressure on the 7th introduced widespread frost and fog before heavy rain passed over on the 8th. High pressure on the 10th brought dry and quite mild conditions but fog lingered all day on the 11th. High pressure continued until a cold front brought some rain on the 16th. There was a scattering of Smew from mid-month with some birds remaining to the year’s end. On the 13th a Common Redpoll and a Firecrest visited Farnborough Park and a Caspian Gull, probably the bird seen at Coton on the 11th, was found at while 22 Hawfinches were seen at Croome Landscape Park and four at Draycote on the 14th. A skein of 100 Pink-footed Geese flew over Bradnop on the 14th. A warm front brought heavy rain on the 18th before dry and cloudy conditions set in with some rain in places. It was quite sunny and mild on the 23rd and pressure remained high over Christmas. A Great Grey Shrike was found at Doxey on the 18th while one at Walton-on-Trent on the 19th remained to the end of the year. Three Snow Buntings were noted on on the 20th while Staffordshire’s second Yellow-browed Warbler was found at Baswich on the 23rd. North-easterly winds developed on the 28th bringing wintry conditions, especially along the east coast, and severe frosts, many places remaining below freezing on the 29th. Keele recorded a ground temperature of –10°C. The month ended with rain, sleet and snow on the 30th giving way to milder conditions on the 31st. Three Merlins hunted at Aqualate on the 26th while an Iceland Gull was at Chasewater on the 28th, a Red Knot was seen on the ice at Westport on the 30th and a Glaucous Gull at Blithfield on the 31st. The year ended with the last of an exceptional series of Ring-necked Ducks in the Region – at Napton Reservoir.

Acknowledgements Monthly weather summary for 2005 from the Met Office web site at : http://www.metoffice.com/climate/uk/2005/ Keele University Weather Station David W. Emley

13 Systematic List

The sequence of species and the scientific names follow those of The British List (British Ornithologists’ Union, 2003) with amendments (British Birds Vol. 99:1). The English names are those published in British Birds (Vol. 86:1), with amendments (Vol. 97:1). Records of distinctive subspecies are listed separately immediately after the commonly occurring race, their commonly used English names appearing in italics. All records of species within Categories A-C of ‘The British List’ appear in the main section, even if suspected of being of captive origin, though the latter are not included in the totals. All other species appear under Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 (Exotica); these mainly refer to escapes from avicultural collections. In the case of hybrids, the species listed first is that deemed by the observer to have contributed the dominant characteristics. Records of National rarities are only published if they have been accepted by the BBRC, with the only exceptions being well-documented records which are still being assessed due to late submissions.

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

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

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

The following status categories have been used:

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

The following abbreviations have been used: CBC Common Bird Census NR Nature Reserve CES Constant Effort Site Res Reservoir CP Country Park SF Sewage Farm GC Golf Course STW Sewage Treatment Works GPs Gravel Pit(s) UP Urban Park NP Nature Park WP Water Park

14 Mute Swan Cygnus olor Fairly common and increasing resident. Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Coton –––––140188–––4245 Draycote ––4582827334842505 Kingsbury 55 – 50 – – 72 – 22 – 72 26 – Salford Priors GP –––86476101775 Shustoke 8546411–688615 Bredon’s Hardwick 69 – 41 39 –64–161928 Grimley New Workings –––2288867610 Gwen Finch ––22226––5–3 Kinsham Lake 222421244275 Pirton Pool 20 16 4 8 11 46 43 40 17 17 17 22 Upton Warren 922664445533 Westwood Pool 664343363931 Alrewas – – 15 – 20 22 48 21 8 140 – 42 Aqualate 4–1–––19362323816 Belvide 14 10 17 17 23 60 74 76 59 78 79 15 Blithfield –––––12315350–––– Borrowpit Lake – 47 48 – – 48 – – – 22 – – Chasewater 45 38 56 60 40 47 69 72 65 63 50 47 Doxey Marshes 110 7 8 12 10 10 6 19 15 19 14 13 Westport 161825221913121011645 Whitemoor Haye 120207–100–124100–––1 Marsh Lane NR 75 5 10 7 9 11 15 15 15 23 100 103 Netherton Reservoir222212111222 Sandwell Valley 27 31 30 30 28 33 37 33 37 45 39 31 Smestow Valley 22234222248– WeBS 2004 536 531 599 392 338 519 630 610 515 585 638 611 WeBS 2005 816 535 642 613 419 638 596 569 663 697 538 484 Warks A total of 45 reported breeding pairs (not all successful) was distributed as follows: Alvecote (three), Barford, Bidford-on-Avon, Brandon (three), Brownsover Mill, Clifton-on-Dunsmore, , Draycote, Earlswood, Farnborough Park, Fenny Compton, Fulready, Guy’s Cliffe, Hampton Lucy, Kingsbury, Ladywalk (two), Lighthorne Pools, Lower Radbourn, Napton Holt, Napton Res, Newbold Quarry, Priors Marston, Ryton Pools CP, Salford Priors GP, Seeswood Pool, Shustoke (two), Stoneton Moat, Sweet Knowle (three), Swift Valley CP, Temple Pool, Upton Park, Warwick (two, St Nicholas Park and Woodloes Park), , Whittleford Park, and Wormleighton Res. Away from tabulated sites there were maxima of 17 at Hodnell in January, 25 at Ladywalk in March, with 18 at Brandon and 30 at Alvecote, both in November. Also in that month counts of 13 on new pools at Longbridge and 12 at Wormleighton Res were both high for the waters involved. Worcs Breeding pairs were recorded at Vale Pool, Bittell Reservoir, Grimley New Workings, Ryall Pits, Lagoons, Upton Warren (three broods) and Westwood Pool. Notable counts made away from the tabulated localities were of 32 at Holt Prairies on February 20th, 129 on the at Worcester on December 15th and 24 adults with 15 juveniles at Fish Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn on 20th. Staffs The following reports of breeding were received (number of cygnets in brackets): Aqualate (six), Belvide (five), Castletown (five), Coldmeece (four), Copmere (three), Doxey Marshes (three, four and four) on the River Sow between Doxey and Stafford (four and five), Ingestre (four) two other pairs abandoned, Kettlebrook Lake (five, six and eight), Lawn Farm (four), River Dove (one, three, four and eight), Stafford (six), Westport (nine

15 fledged) and Woodmill (two). Possibly bred at Tamworth. Maximum counts not in the tabulated tables include 203 at Croxall in January, 163 in February and 62 in March, 170 at Catholme in January, 123 at Fisherwick in January, 50 at Elford in January and 96 in March, 74 at Barton in March, 61 at Hill Ridware in March, 60 at Lawn Farm (Tatenhill) in June and August and 52 at Tamworth in October. Smaller numbers were reported across the county. W Mid Pairs bred on the Birmingham Canal at Tividale, Dunstall Park Lake, Fens Mute Swans, Shustoke, Brian Kington Pools, Forge Mill Lake, Marsh Lane NR, Plantsbrook NR, Stubbers Green, Swan Pool and Trittiford Pool. Also noted in the breeding season at Res, Elmdon, Fens Pools, Park Lime Pits, Priory Fields, Saltwells LNR, Sutton Park, Walsall Arboretum and . Further reports came from Aldridge, Blythe Valley, Brandwood, Knowle, The Leasowes, Pelsall North Common, , Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley. A Polish morph adult was noted at Marsh Lane NR on January 15th and May 28th while 50 birds were counted at Witton Lakes on June 30th. The count of 103 at Marsh Lane NR in December was a site record, exceeding the previous high of 61 in the same month last year.

Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus Frequent, though declining winter visitor and passage migrant. Warks Reports continued at the low level of recent years. Draycote was, as usual the main venue, with four adults on the morning of January 9th and two more flying north-east there in the afternoon. Eight were there on November 16th. The only other record was of an juvenile at Abbots Salford on November 25th, a first for the site. Worcs A juvenile frequented Lower Moor River Flash from November 29th-December 16th while at Bredon’s Hardwick, two adults on December 10th were followed by three adults and two juveniles on 31st. Staffs A very poor year, being noted only at Aqualate, where there were four on the 2nd March, and at Blithfield in November when five adults and a juvenile were present on the 16th and two adults on the 20th. W Mid A pair flew southwards over Marsh Lane NR on October 7th, the second site record.

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Scarce or uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Also a recent feral visitor. Warks An excellent year began with a party of 15 adults (a county record) in the Tame Valley on February 16th BLK et al. Initially at Shustoke, they moved to Coton during the

16 afternoon but were seen to fly off north at 17.25 hrs and were reported five minutes later still pursuing this course high over Kingsbury WP. Another party of eight adults at Brandon on February 23rd BMCG, stayed only to 10.30 hrs before departing. At the end of the year, there was an adult at Draycote on November 15th MD, and then two adults at Worm- leighton Res from November 20th-December 16th JJB, JHC et al, which regularly fed in neighbouring fields during their stay. Staffs Two were occasionally seen at Catholme, Croxall, Alrewas and Whitemoor Haye from January 14th until March 17th but remained fairly elusive many obs. What were possibly the same birds were seen at Blithfield on 20th GS. Seven flew south over Croxall on March 22nd and were later seen at Elford Gravel Pits. In the second winter period, there were three at Blithfield on September 30th NJS, ESC, four flew south over Tittesworth RP, MP; six, and later 17, flew east over Tittesworth on November 13th JO, EP, SG while two were at Alrewas Junction Pit on 19th GJM with probably the same birds at Whitemoor Haye on December 29th SAR. W Mid An adult visited Marsh Lane NR briefly on November 2nd, being driven off by Mute Swans – the first record for the reserve.

Whooper Swan X Mute Swan Warks The long-staying adult at Alvecote was reported occasionally during the year. W Mid Two were noted at Brueton Park NR on February 23rd, with at least one seen at Marsh Lane NR on a number of occasions.

Bean Goose Anser fabalis Rare winter visitor (6/10). Staffs The 17 birds of the Tundra race rossica from the previous year continued their stay at Whitemoor Haye until January 16th when one was believed to have been shot. The remaining 16 were last seen on February 25th many obs.

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Frequent passage migrant and winter visitor to Staffs, but normally rare further south. Also a scarce feral visitor or escapee. Warks A party of nine was seen in flight over Coleshill on February 3rd SLC. Worcs A skein of 16 including three juveniles flew over Hollybed Common on September 13th SMW. Staffs A very good year with a substantial number of records being received, the data shows extremely well the mass movements of this species that take place from north Norfolk to the north-west of England with North Staffordshire being located under the southern edge of the flight path. Before the main movement, in January 100 were seen heading west over Little Stoke on the 13th and one was present at Blithfield on the 15th and 22nd. The main movement began on the 22nd, with all reports showing birds travelling in a west to northerly direction at approximately mid-morning, the following skeins were reported: Blithfield 100, Biddulph Moor 200, Cheadle 500, Keele University 250, 240, 185, 150 and 140 and finally Newpool with 120. The movement continued on the 23rd and took place between 11:35 and 14:30hrs with skeins as follows: Baldwins Gate 250, Brookleys Lake 500, Burslem 250, Cheadle 900 (in four skeins), Chebsey 200 and 75, Eccleshall 200 and 75, Keele University 120, 80 and 80, Knypersley Reservoir 500, 165, 90 and 75, Stoke Britannia Stadium 60, Talke 140 and Westport 410. No reports on the 24th but movement resumed on the 25th mostly again in a north-westerly direction

17 and this time afternoon to early evening: Apedale between 12:30 and 13:15hrs 400, 300, 230, 70 and early evening a further 125, Baddeley Edge 400, Burton-on-Trent 300, Clay Mills 300, Ingestre 100, Keele University 250 (heading south-west), Leek (heard calling in the dark at 22:30hrs), M6 junction 16 350 and Tittesworth 133 (heading south-west). Other January records included; Rudyard Lake three on the 26th, Churnet Valley two skeins of 180 and 70 flying north-west on 29th, one at Branston on the 30th and three at Doxey Marshes on the 31st. February 1st saw 100 flying north-west over Bradnop while 15 at Chasewater remained until the 3rd. On the 2nd 10 flew over Drayton Bassett, 50 were in flooded fields between Denstone and Rocester (these were still present next day) and 60 flew north-west over Westport. On the 4th four were at Dead Waters (Rocester) while eight arrived at Blithfield and remained until 13th. On the 18th two suspected feral birds were at Byrkley Park. The last skein of the early winter period was 60 flying west high over Keele University on the March 3rd; the only other March records were two presumed feral birds at Dunstall from the 8th to the 27th and another at Tittesworth on several dates. April had one at Blithfield on the 9th and a feral bird at Westport on the 24th which was seen until May 5th. Summering or feral birds were reported from Bromley Pool and Tittesworth in May. In September a skein of 17 flew over Blithfield on the 10th and Hixon on the 11th, after that a single bird at Blithfield on the 11th remained until October 15th. In October skeins of 160, 80 and 60 flew north-west over Westport on the 5th and one at Branston on the 6th. On the 14th 65 landed at Tittesworth and joined up with the Canada Goose flock. 300 flew west over Weston Coyney on the 18th, 60 over Tittesworth on 20th, one was at Byrkley Park on the 24th and 60 flew over Bradnop on the 31st. On November 19th 65 flew over Berry Hill and 150 flew west over Denstone. During December 100 flew south-east over Bradnop on the 14th, 400 flew north-west over Ingestre on the 25th and later that day north over Tittesworth. Finally, three were at Belvide on 31st. W Mid Four were recorded at Clayhanger on March 6th and 11th-12th GAC, KMC, CM, but they were reportedly present from February 28th to March 17th.

White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Also scarce feral visitor or escapee. Warks Five flew north-west over Lighthorne Quarry on December 9th JJB. Worcs Five adults were noted at Upton Warren on January 8th and presumably the same five adults returned to roost at Upton Warren on 28th and departed at dawn. On the 30th the same individuals were relocated at Portway Farm Pool, Kington, moved onto Bishampton Vale Pool from 31st-February 2nd, then returned to Portway Farm Pool from 4th-11th. After a short absence, all five birds were observed in the Craycombe Turn/Lower Moor area between 20th-March 12th, also visiting Throckmorton Lagoons on February 20th. During the second winter period an adult was noted at Bredon’s Hardwick on October 17th, 21st and 22nd and what was believed to be the same bird visited Beckford Lakes on November 5th. Throckmorton Lagoons held two adults and three first-winters on December 9th and eight flew south-east over the same locality on 10th. Staffs Seven birds joined the Tundra Bean Geese mentioned above at Whitemoor Haye on January 16th and remained there until March 22nd DJA et al, although only six were present from February 10th onwards and four from March 1st. They paid a brief visit to Croxall GP on February 2nd. One visited Belvide on February 19th SN. A feral bird was present at Gailey on June 18th SAR and it, or another, was at Blithfield on September 30th ESC and at one Byrkley Park on October 14th-17th DIMW.

18 Grey Geese sp. Warks A skein of around 20, which flew south high over Fenny Compton on October 31st, were thought to be probably White-fronteds.

Greylag Goose Anser anser Frequent feral resident, mainly to north Warks but increasing and spreading elsewhere. Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon 48 46 58 44 37 40 88 230 200 136 120 110 Bredon’s Hardwick 35 – 11 34 29 2 2 8 27 36 31 100 Kinsham Lake ––114148816–––– Lower Moor 23 – 14 18 8 24 24 64 59 42 5 8 Belvide 81551111–16439597957379 Blithfield – – 15 – – – 14 15 72 – 46 – Branston 1501182–––––90180–– Brookleys Lake 80–––20––92–––4 Byrkley Park 150 120 40 10 15 22 21 1 20 200 120 – Chillington 46 47 35 ––––––––– Westport 22–22–32282018–3– Whitemoor Haye –24–893–611–– Dunstall Park ––133––––1–– Fens Pools ––1152–––––– Marsh Lane NR 381 86 7 7 76 22 303 332 320 420 496 192 Sandwell Valley 1135–––––1–– WeBS 2004 155 134 61 65 96 238 219 275 350 422 301 156 WeBS 2005 409 185 166 99 135 223 234 158 352 332 222 293 Warks Broods were noted at Brandon (five), (four), Compton Verney, , Kingsbury, Seeswood Pool and Warwick Park. Outside the breeding season counts were not forthcoming from either Coombe Abbey or Packington, but in the Tame Valley maxima at Kingsbury comprised 150 on January 26th and 140 on December 6th. Up to 50 were at Ladywalk in September. Further south this species is rapidly increasing, with many reports of up to ten during the year from widespread locations, but particularly in central and western districts. Site maxima in this area included 25 at Hampton Lucy on February 14th, 97 at Edstone on Greylag Goose, Kingsbury, Steve Seal March 7th, 43 at Wootton Wawen on 14th, 67 at Great Alne on 15th and 46 at Charlecote GP on September 20th. Worcs Successful breeding pairs were recorded at Bredon’s Hardwick, Kinsham Lake and Lower Moor (two). The largest counts away from the three aforementioned tabulated localities were of eight at Bishampton Vale Pool in January, March and April, five at Holt Prairies on April 3rd and 11th, six at Westwood Pool on 20th and eight at Grimley New Workings on June 12th. A flock of 64 visited Throckmorton Lagoons on August 29th and

19 Ryall Pits held nine on September 9th and 25 on October 16th. Smaller numbers were also observed at Abberton, Bittell Reservoir, Craycombe Bank and Upton Warren. Staffs Bred at Brookleys Lake where three pairs produced 14 goslings, Byrkley Park seven adults and 15 goslings and Belvide with a total of 20 juveniles. Reported from a total of 29 sites with the largest maximum untabulated counts as follows; 95 at Denstone Hall in August and September, 72 at Rocester in February with 35 in March, 26 at Dunstall in March, 25 at Hales Pool in February and 22 at Kings Bromley in January, W Mid Three flew over on March 25th while single birds were noted at Windmill Lakes on January 16th, The Leasowes on 21st, on 30th, Sutton Park on February 15th, Trittiford Pool on 20th and 23rd and April 7th, Coundon Wedge occasionally from April 16th to July 7th, Stubbers Green on April 25th, May 11th and June 7th, and over Chelmsley Wood on November 13th. The count of 496 at Marsh Lane NR on November 9th was a site record, exceeding the previous high of 385 in October of last year.

Greylag Goose X Canada Goose Warks A single bird was present at Abbots Salford from April-September, with other singles noted at Walton Hall on August 10th and at Brandon on December 13th. Worcs Two were noted at Kinsham Lake on September 23rd. W Mid One was noted amongst a flock of Greater Canada Geese at Dunstall Park on August 27th.

Greylag X Bar-headed Goose Worcs Singles were observed at Bredon’s Hardwick on May 13th and 19th and at Kinsham Lake on August 23rd.

Greater Canada Goose Branta canadensis Common and increasing feral resident. Fairly common breeding species Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Abbots Salford – 12 130 105 77 47 150 200 400 – 100 210 Brandon 229 174 94 85 79 157 163 67 35 71 116 80 Draycote 25 30 85 16 – 140 110 145 300 169 235 166 Salford Priors GP – 40 8 16 75 – 254 540 360 110 12 100 Bittell Reservoir 11 29 – 22 25 – 84 288 – 25 78 24 Bredon’s Hardwick 362 12 63 73 – 121 16 3 9 1 127 92 Grimley New Workings – – – 36 48 76 98 178 300 240 12 420 Kinsham Lake 4 5 30 6 26 15 7 260 279 15 – – Pirton Pool 75876694486451242464 Upton Warren 80 25 21 24 14 26 19 178 600 420 50 – Westwood Pool 60 12 10 13 15 53 56 220 382 240 88 301 Alrewas – – 35 – 20 40 130 200 200 200 – – Aqualate 76 122 92 – – – 41 121 301 67 – 197 Barton GP 17782122––––––––– Belvide 280 233 250 10 86 236 206 514 300 425 250 280 Blithfield 118 – 50 – – – 54 30 – – 1 40 Borrowpit Lake – 84 73 – 31 – 136 – 82 73 – – Branston 103044––––45––26– Chasewater 182 117 44 18 30 46 44 260 425 148 45 213 Coldmeece ––––8––350580450–– Croxall GP 400 76 60 ––––––––– Dosthill 79 –––––65200––280–

20 JFMAMJ JASOND Doxey Marshes 528 586 214 177 157 402 264 480 539 594 500 643 Kings Bromley 275 434 205 ––––––––– River Sow, Baswich 58 42 25 22 16 – – – 20 75 88 34 Rudyard Lake 340 – 100 41 – – 75 75 –––– Stanley Pool 55 – 111 14 – – – 180 – – 125 – Tittesworth 171 164 147 62 45 364 260 40 – 50 93 135 Westport 124 145 129 93 120 236 237 114 64 90 96 127 Whitemoor Haye 368–40–93–189––––– Dunstall Park 54 5 50 39 10 16 – 239 170 41 53 2 60 33 2 – 22 – – 56 – 6 50 – Marsh Lane NR 1 17 7 12 11 13 10 87 30 3 40 2 Netherton Reservoir8610111371–––1217 Sandwell Valley 450 516 390 250 180 260 309 667 501 590 480 377 WeBS 2004 3284 2710 1648 1224 1003 2764 2871 4096 4871 4002 2658 3545 WeBS 2005 4771 4756 2996 1828 1598 4259 2801 3739 3176 3703 2447 2854

Warks Breeding was recorded in all areas of the county, as far south as , Ascott and . Counts of goslings in May-June included 23 (from six broods) at Brandon, 67 at Chesterton and 33 at Jubilee Pools. Outside the breeding season, Tame Valley counts were again sparse and uncoordinated, with site maxima in August of 280 at Kingsbury, 250 at Shustoke and 224 at Ladywalk, while 316 were at Dosthill in October; but this must seriously understate the present population in that area. The largest count from Alvecote was 470 on November 23rd. In the south of the county it was reported that around 700 had congregated on the River Avon in Stratford during January-February, but regular scare patrols by boat had reduced this total to 100 by September. Many of these must have moved further downstream to the Salfords area. Counts elsewhere included 170 at St. Nicholas Park, Warwick on January 17th, 165 at Greater Canada Geese, Ladywalk, Brian McGeough Walton Hall on August 10th and a peak of 300 by the below Napton Hill on September 12th. Counts of around 100-150 also came from the Charlecote/Hampton Lucy area, Chesterton, DMC , Earlswood Lakes and . Worcs A common breeding species at most wetlands across the county. Counts away from the tabulated localities were of 65 at Gwen Finch Wetland on January 15th, 180 at Lower Moor on July 31st and 295 during December. Staffs Breeding reported from (number of goslings in brackets) Apedale (four), Aston Farm (11), Belvide (43), Borrowpit Lake (nine), Byrkley Park (15), Coldmeece Pools (six), Doxey Marshes seven nests (72), Gailey five nests, Tamworth (five), Tittesworth (11) and Westport nine pairs hatched 37 of which 12 fledged, some nests were destroyed. Reported from 54 sites with significant maximum counts as follows, 343 at Lakes in August, 250 at Chapel Chorlton in October, 250 at Radford Meadows in November, 125 at Fisherwick in February, 107 at Tamworth in October, 80 at Foker Grange in October, 80 at Trentham Gardens in April, 60 at Berry Hill Fields in September and 60 at Weston Jones in September.

21 W Mid Breeding was noted along the Dudley No.2 Canal at Netherton (two pairs), Dunstall Park Lake (five pairs all hatched young, but none fledged – they were presumed to have been predated by Red Foxes Vulpes vulpes), Fens Pools, , Grapes Pool, Ladymoor Pool, Rocket Pool, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (29 goslings counted), Stubbers Green and Trittiford Pool. All prospecting pairs at Marsh Lane NR were discour- aged by Mute Swans. Other counts included 134 at Trittiford Pool on March 18th, 120 at Park Lime Pits on April 26th and October 26th and 126 on on November 12th.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Uncommon feral visitor or escapee. Warks There were no reports of breeding this year, but feral birds continue to be seen in several parts of the county. Brandon had single birds in every month, with two in April, May, October and December. Draycote had up to three fairly regularly from September 8th to the end of the year, with four on December 28th. Single birds were also reported from Seeswood Pool on March 22nd, Ladywalk on April 21st and May 19th, and Abbots Salford from June 3rd-25th. Worcs Small numbers were reported in most months of the year at Bredon’s Hardwick, with the exception of June and July, the best counts being ten from April 16th-25th and May 16th, 11 on September 7th and 10 on 8th. Singles were noted at Lower Moor between February 20th-March 5th and Westwood Pool on February 22nd, three at Holt Prairies on March 24th and 26th, then two on April 20th and a single on many dates at Grimley New Workings from August to December. One was at Kinsham Lake on August 23rd and 28th, two at Ryall Pits on September 9th, one at Upton Warren on 20th and one at Westwood Pool on 26th. Staffs No flocks recorded in the early winter period and therefore the records which were submitted were presumably all of feral birds. In January two were at Doxey Marshes on the 1st and 22nd, one at Kings Bromley and two at Whitemoor Haye on 16th, two at Croxall were seen with Greater Canada Geese on the 29th and 30th. On February 13th one was at Kings Bromley and two at Whitemoor Haye. During March one was at Perton Lakes on the 6th, one at Kings Bromley on the 13th and the two at Whitemoor Haye were seen again on the 13th, 17th and 22nd while one was at Trentham Gardens on the 25th. During the summer feral birds were at Belvide on May 15th and one at Perton Lake on the July 17th. In August a flock which fluctuated in size from 12 to 60 birds took up residence at Blithfield and remained until the September 6th. Elsewhere in August four were on the River Churnet at Denstone Hall and two were at Perton Lakes on the 21st. In September four at Branston GP on 6th, four at Doxey on the 11th-12th and also on 11th one at Perton Lake, Blithfield had one on the 12th and four were at Belvide on the 26th. In October four were at Belvide on the 13th, two flew over with Greater Canada Geese at Doxey on the 15th and four were also there on the 26th. In November one at Perton Lakes on the 12th and four at Doxey on 20th remained until the year’s end W Mid 19 were counted at on January 26th and February 8th. Also noted at Trittiford Pool on April 23rd and 25th.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Two records this year of the nominate dark-bellied race, both typically at Draycote: a single bird on January 11th SMH, and two flying south on October 18th JCo. Staffs A bird of the dark-bellied race was at Belvide from December 6th-9th SN.

22 Pale-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota Warks A single bird at Shustoke on March 16th BLK et al, was only the second county record for this race. The first was at Jubilee Pools on April 17th 1994.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus Rare feral visitor or escape (9/10). Warks There were reports of one at Alvecote on May 8th and 12th RLS, a party of five at Dosthill from September 29th-October 1st BLK et al, and a single bird at Ladywalk on December 2nd SLC. Worcs Singles were noted at Holt Prairies and Grimley wind-surfing lake on February 19th BS et al., Bredon’s Hardwick on April 30th SMW et al., Upton Warren on June 11th RAH, Bredon’s Hardwick on August 18th and 27th SMW and Kinsham Lake on 22nd RAP. Staffs One was seen at Doxey on January 6th-7th PD and again on 14th-15th JB. One at Byrkley Park on January 13th, February 3rd, 18th, 21st, 27th DIMW may have also visited Branston GP on February 13th KC and Blithfield on 23rd and 25th ESC. There was one at Dunstall on March 14th-19th ESC and two at Aqualate on May 12th MH with one again on July 24th and six on December 4th VS. One was at Belvide on October 9th-13th SN, FCG, 22nd and from November 26th-December 28th. W Mid What was presumably the same bird was noted at Marsh Lane NR on April 3rd and 23rd, May 1st, 3rd and 5th, and October 29th NPB, GPR.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Alvecote 28353110631––3714 Brandon 12412217–1–1 Dosthill/Kingsbury 44266754–134 Draycote –5–3–19–10–2–3 Ladywalk 245434–––1–4 The Salfords –2542232–––1 Bredon’s Hardwick 26761–––––14 Gwen Finch 4573–––––––1 Upton Warren 92432––11–31 Aqualate 2 – 10 13 2 – 10 ––––2 Belvide 32248–2125–11 Blithfield 2222277147843 Branston 1817124030––9–168 Croxall GP 225––6–––––– Drayton Bassett Pits46111323134––––1 Hill Ridware 8 5 13 –2––––––– Tittesworth 2–1–2––351–– Westport 11–2––––5––– Whitemoor Haye 666–365–––12 Marsh Lane NR 466442––2332 WeBS 2004 346474101542523541714 WeBS 2005 36516833401912660112

23 Warks A total of six broods was reported, with three at Alvecote, but only one young surviving; two in the Dosthill/Kingsbury area, with possibly six young fledging; and one at Lawford Heath, where a pair bred for the first time and all 11 young were reportedly reared. A female with six juveniles which visited Brandon during early August, possibly represented a seventh brood. Away from tabulated sites, very small numbers were also reported in the Tame Valley at Coton and Shustoke, while one was seen at Dordon on February 14th. In the south there was one at Ufton Fields on February 9th and two at DMC Kineton on April 17th. Worcs Reported during the breeding season at Bury End Flash (two pairs), Kinsham Lake, where a pair fledged six young, a pair fledged 10 young at Lickmoor Wetland and a pair also bred near Upton Warren, with two young birds observed on the Flash Pools in late May. Away from the tabulated sites, Westwood Pool held six on January 16th and three on April 19th, a pair was at Ryall Pits on February 6th and 7th, one at Grimley New Workings on 27th, then three on March 19th and a pair at Pirton Pool on March 6th and 12th. Pairs were observed at Portway Farm Fishing Pool on March 19th, Lower Moor from 26th-May 3rd and Clifton Pits on April 14th. In July a juvenile was noted at Grimley New Workings on 26th and two adults at Westwood Pool on 29th. During the second winter period singles were recorded at Upper Bittell Reservoir on October 4th and December 20th and Kinsham Lake on 28th. Staffs Breeding was reported from six sites; a good increase over previous years. At Aqualate a pair with 10 ducklings was noted at the start of July while one pair with five ducklings was Blithfield at the end of June. A brood of nine was at Branston GP in August and a brood of four at Croxall in early June while at Drayton Bassett there were 15 ducklings from a probable three pairs and at Whitemoor Haye, in mid-June, a brood of four. Reported from 28 sites with the maximum counts not in the table as follows; Chasewater 11 in April, Handsacre 11 in February and Barton GP nine in March. W Mid Two young were seen in Meriden Quarry on July 26th, with four fledged juveniles there on August 9th. Birds were again noted during the breeding season at Marsh Lane NR, but there was no indication of breeding. One flew over Edgbaston Reservoir on March 28th while two visited Forge Mill Lake on April 13th, Ryders Hayes Mere on April 15th and Dunstall Park Lake on May 7th.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata Uncommon, but increasing, feral resident and visitor. Warks The increase in records noted last year was maintained, suggesting that we may yet see another breeding record before too long. The year began with three males seen sporadically in the favoured Packington Park from January 4th into March, and then again during June. A male on the River Avon at St Nicholas Park, Warwick from at least January 7th-14th, was later seen downriver at Longbridge on April 9th. This was probably the bird reported from the same area in May 2004. A single bird was at Brandon on February 17th. During the autumn the pool at Abbots Salford did well, with up to four on various dates during September 4th-October 10th, and then two on November 13th and 18th. Worcs A pair bred successfully along the Dowles Brook, near Lodge Hill Farm and a drake was observed along the brook on May 5th, then two drakes and a duck on 20th. Lower Moor held a pair from March 30th, where two young were discovered on May 17th and the drake was last seen on June 11th. A pair bred successfully at Ashton-under-Hill and five juveniles seen along the River Severn at on July 24th, were probably birds hatched in the Wyre Forest? Grafton Reservoir held three on February 12th and a drake on

24 22nd, a pair was noted at Pool on 17th and a drake on May 2nd. Sightings during March were of a drake at Bredon’s Hardwick on 9th, three at Trimpley Reservoir on 12th and single pairs on the River Teme at and Ravenshill Pool on 26th. A pair was observed on the River Avon at Wood Norton on April 7th and a drake was at Woolas Hall on 20th. A drake visited Grimley New Workings on July 25th, August 30th, September 26th and 29th, a juveniles was noted at Grimley Old Workings on July 27th and August 1st and the River Severn at Upper Arley held four on 24th. The River Severn adjacent to Trimpley Reservoir produced counts of eight on September 24th, five on November 5th and 16 on December 23rd and 28th. A drake was noted at Grimley Old Workings on October 3rd, a female at Grimley New Workings on 22nd, six along the Dowles Brook on November 5th, three at Bredon’s Hardwick on 18th, a drake at Lower Moor on December 12th and eight at Beckford Lakes on 13th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Belvide ––2–22–––––– Dunstall –562––62––4– Knypersley 1111–1–––––– Whitmore 15–22114––8–––

Breeding was reported at the following sites, Quixhill – brood of four on June 12th, Hulme End – two ducklings with a female on the River Manifold on 18th and Upper Hatton where a juvenile was see on 26th. A pair was noted prospecting for breeding sites in the woods at Keele University. In March a male was at on the 8th, a male at Shugborough on the 14th, a single bird at Tixall on the 19th, two at Keele University and a male at Trentham Gardens on the 20th and a pair at Baldwins Gate STW on the 26th. In April three males and two females were in the Shugborough/Tixall/Baswich area on the 1st and 2nd, two at Trentham Gardens on the 3rd with one on the 21st and 23rd, two at Stableford and one at Lower Penn on the 4th, two at Keele University on the 11th, two at Swallow Moss on the 16th, Swynnerton had three males on tiny road-side pool on the 19th and two at Wetley Moor on the 21st. During May and June there were two at Belvide, two males and female at Beresford Dale, a male at Brookleys Lake, a male on the canal at Endon, a pair at Hanchurch Pools, a female at Upper Hatton and one at Norbury Manor. A single bird was at Lower Penn on the July 12th and one at Trentham Gardens on the August 24th. In September two females were at Stone on the 11th and a male at Brookleys Lake on the 13th. In October a drake was seen at Tittesworth on the 15th, three at Brookleys Lake on the 27th and a female at Copmere on the 30th. All November records came from Brookleys Lake with a single male on the 20th, two males on the 22nd, a male and three females on the 23rd and a male on the 28th. In December Tittesworth had a pair on the 5th and Brookleys Lake had three males on the 9th and four birds on the 16th. W Mid Presumably the same drake flew through Marsh Lane NR on April 19th and 21st.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Abbots Salford 400 260 240 15 –––114117125142 Alvecote 22024024060–––950100175140

25 JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon 20 2 15 4–––2382915221 Charlecote/Wasperton 160 128 117 –––––19173769 Dosthill/Kingsbury – – 250 ––––130130167171 Draycote 380350395––––126100330105 Ladywalk 40 27 17 3–––781230200250 Shustoke 981062507––––57140232 Bredon’s Hardwick 1124 815 580 30 –––157700650800 Bittell Reservoir – 21 –––––––111892 Grimley New Workings – – 22 –––––1051– Gwen Finch 80 60 84 3–––––5–3 Kinsham Lake 10050–––––124710– Upton Warren 26123–––231038 Westwood Pool 67 18 17 9––335321636 Alrewas 150 – 43 ––––––85–13 Aqualate 85 7 12 2––––2124026 Barton GP 405501524––––––––– Bateswood Lake 44 48 27 ––––––71510 Belvide 11814214740111395187133319 Blithfield 60 10 2000 –2217–––500 Chasewater 12 3 – 21 –––4625318155 Croxall GP 352 122 208 ––––––––– Dosthill 86 88 44 ––––1––75– Doxey Marshes 141–19––––471014 Elford 7013478––––––––– Kings Bromley 84 116 123 ––––––––– Tittesworth 206531––––10193057 Westport 11106––––4323 Whitemoor Haye 30020014130––––––150– Edgbaston Pool 30 –––––––2085140145 Fens Pools –––––––14652 Marsh Lane NR 281 331 344 14 ––13120240330222 Sandwell Valley 30 31 31 ––––127452413 WeBS 2004 5318 4417 1974 10 1 0 0 0 187 740 1359 2678 WeBS 2005 3701 3489 2200 47 2 3 1 22 456 1010 1228 1627

Warks Unusually there were no reported summering birds this year and the first return was at Dosthill on August 1st. Wintering flocks were well down at Draycote, where counts were only half the usual size, and in the Kingsbury area. At other sites however counts were fairly average, although the 400 at Abbots Salford on January 23rd was a site record. Away from tabulated sites there were sizeable count maxima of 50 at Hodnell and 26 at Lower Radbourn on January 9th, 50 at Coombe Abbey on November 9th, 85 at Coton on 25th, an impressive 150 at Swift Valley CP (Rugby) on 29th during the snow, and 25 at Salford Priors GP on December 11th. Small numbers of up to ten were also reported at a few other sites, including Chesterton, Earlswood, Napton Res, Seeswood Pool and Wormleighton Res. Worcs Away from the tabulated localities, the first winter period produced counts of 300 along Bourne Brook on January 3rd, seven at Pirton Pool on 16th, 157 at Chateau Impney on 24th followed by 160 on March 11th. Portway Farm Fishing Pool held 54 on January 30th, 56 on February 5th and 24 on March 19th and 10 were noted at Bishampton Vale Pool on February 6th. During the second winter period, Clifton Pits held seven on October 2nd, 50 on 22nd and 20 on December 26th and at Pirton Pool, 12 were noted on September 18th, 23 on October 2nd and four on December 4th. 25 visited the lakes at Boddenham Arboretum on November 11th, maximum counts at Chateau Impney were of 86 on 22nd, then 114 on December 30th, Oakley Pool held nine on November 23rd and at Lower Moor, 45 were present on December 12th.

26 Staffs Summering birds were reported from Belvide, where one present from June was joined by a second bird on August 3rd and a third on the 20th; from Blithfield where two males were present from June 21st-July 2nd with one on August 18th increasing to seven by the month’s end; from Chasewater where four were seen in August. Singles were at Drayton Bassett on July 30th and at Dosthill on August 1st. Reported from 41 sites, and maximum counts, not in the tabulated list, include; 200 at Barton-under-Needwood in January, 200 at Drayton Bassett Pits in September, 200 at Heaton in January and 131 in November, 165 at Doley Common in February, 92 at Okeover Mill in February, 70 at Foker Grange in March, 70 at Rudyard in December, 69 at Endon in December and 60 at Ingestre in January. W Mid A total of 220 was counted at Ryders Hayes Mere on March 11th. A female at Blythe Valley CP on September 12th and four flying over on October 27th were the first records for the site. At , one was noted on October 3rd, with two on November 21st. A drake was recorded at Sheepwash UP on November 19th. The count of 344 at Marsh Lane NR on March 8th was both a site and County record, exceeding the 272 there last December. A male at Marsh Lane NR on July 16th was the earliest returning bird for the site.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Alvecote –8–––––1852100458 Brandon 32 70 48 17 6 6 2 19 29 31 19 12 Coton ––––––––––8575 Dosthill/Kingsbury – – 42 35 26 33 15 25 69 89 66 86 Draycote 3–106–––1221301916 Ladywalk 35 9 30 – 18 19 – 61 74 68 105 100 Salford Priors GP 15271510583538211327 Shustoke 72262–––225879 Grimley New Workings – 45 –688151731283810 Kinsham Lake 23–24–––––763 Upton Warren 2–6435–22331 Westwood Pool 32 22 6572–3491426 Aqualate 8–5––6––33110 Belvide 74 70 40 59 56 71 29 117 90 107 100 82 Branston 38242020–––––8– Byrkley Park 20 15 3–––––4525 Chasewater 25521–––12318 Chillington 18 13 13 ––––––––– Dosthill 14 4 14 –––425––35– Elford 10–6–––––3––10 Edgbaston Pool ––––––––31034 Marsh Lane NR 45 56 25 12 7 6 5 21 36 73 17 20 Sandwell Valley 6685661311147115 WeBS 2004 284 289 172 132 99 94 37 178 246 223 199 262 WeBS 2005 242 223 200 144 88 89 44 245 259 292 309 312 Warks A good breeding season was evident, with broods noted at: Abbots Salford, Alvecote, Coton, Fisher’s Mill GP (two), Kingsbury and Ladywalk (two). Again numbers were high in autumn and early winter, with site record counts achieved at Alvecote, Salford Priors GP, Shustoke, and at Coombe Abbey, where up to 45 were reported in October/November. Away from the main localities lesser counts included five at Ryton

27 Pools CP on January 16th, six at Lighthorne Quarry on April 27th and a peak of 13 at Abbots Salford on September 17th. Birds were also noted at: Billesley, Compton Verney, Earlswood, Hodnell, Lower Radbourn, Napton Res, Temple Pool and Worm- leighton Res. Worcs Three broods were recorded at Grimley New Workings, plus another at Grimley Old Workings, being the same totals recorded in 2004. Away from the tabulated sites, the best counts during the first winter period were of five at Strensham Lagoons on February 6th, 60 at Grimley Old Workings on 7th, 13 at Throckmorton Lagoon on March 2nd and five at Kinsham Lake on 13th. Single pairs were observed at Kinsham Lake on April 10th, Lickmoor Wetland on 16th and Gwen Finch Wetland on June 26th. Bredon’s Hardwick attracted small numbers during the second winter period, including four on November 6th, 10 on December 5th and 13 on 29th. Staffs Bred at Aqualate where there were six ducklings on June 3rd, Belvide reported broods of eight, seven, four and two and at Drayton Bassett there was a brood of five in June. Maximum counts not in the tabulated list were, 30 at Drayton Bassett in May, 13 at Gailey in January, 11 at Barton in March and 10 at Croxall in January. Reported from a total of 24 sites. W Mid A pair bred at Sandwell Valley, with 11 young seen in July. Although no breeding took place at Marsh Lane NR, a female and three fledged juveniles were present on June 23rd. Away from tabulated sites, three were seen at Fens Pools on February 3rd, six at Ryders Hayes Mere on March 11th, a pair at Goscote Valley on 12th, a pair at Sheepwash UP on April 28th, with two birds there on September 7th and one on November 18th, and up to ten at Meriden Quarry from August 9th to the end of the year. The 73 at Marsh Lane NR on October 23rd constituted both a site and County record, exceeding the 56 there last January. Eurasian Teal Anas crecca Common winter visitor. Uncommon in summer, but a rare breeding species.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Alvecote 8090––––––85–70– Brandon 223 287 105 60 5 16 18 103 184 201 260 290 Draycote 5114177––16128140142100 Kingsbury – – 30 62432331615558 Ladywalk 30 40 56 –12416921546070 Salford Priors GP 250 200 65 31 2 – 3 53 87 315 320 365 Bredon’s Hardwick 19 24 33 –––––1215100 Bittell Reservoir 115 25 –4–––9–419106 Grimley New Workings –––2–222629323 Gwen Finch 210 65 69–––––25–64 Kinsham Lake 1530175–––20–102– Pirton Pool –410–––––3–2– Upton Warren 140 60 58 15 – 4 9 85 186 112 65 283 Westwood Pool 101 24 18 20 – – 1 18 72 153 58 136 Aqualate 95 –92–––––3937160 Barton GP 358239589––––––––– Belvide 238 112 84 39 5 10 26 187 592 500 588 857 Byrkley Park 80 15 8–––1162250404 Chasewater 9 11 9 23 ––––83385 Croxall GP 271 134 89 ––––––––– Dosthill 28 12 15 –––34––30– Doxey Marshes 198 153 137 62 4 7 6 32 64 138 209 133 River Sow, Baswich820164––––146830

28 JFMAMJ JASOND Rudyard Lake –––2–11–3898–– Tittesworth 38 21 21 15 4 5 13 11 22 74 115 97 Westport 5271–––341038 Goscote Valley 34 15 52–––––22215 Marsh Lane NR 74 80 18 14 – 3 2 20 33 82 23 62 Sandwell Valley 29 24 18 10 2 2 8 18 45 70 45 69 Sheepwash UP 10 16 10 2––1310201020 WeBS 2004 2996 2098 917 208 7 22 42 321 1094 1202 1561 1978 WeBS 2005 2048 1115 1236 312 5 27 21 441 1375 2086 1330 2442 Warks There was no confirmed breeding this year, although, as always with a duck as secretive as this, there may have been unobserved attempts. Away from tabulated waters breeding season records included a pair at a secluded pool at during April- May, and a party of five at Earlswood on July 11th. Wintering flocks remained fairly small in the Tame Valley, with the only count from Coton comprising 30 on November 25th. Draycote had very low numbers during the early months, due presumably to high water levels, while perhaps not coincidently more were present in the south than usual. Maxima during the year from some of these smaller waters include 50 on the R. Itchen below Knightcote on January 3rd, 40 at Newfield Pool on 9th, 37 at Ufton Hill on 24th, 85 at Lighthorne Quarry on 26th, 26 at Abbots Salford on February 12th, 51 at Wormleighton Res on 26th, and at the end of the year, 35 at Farnborough Park on December 21st. Parties of 10-20 were also reported from , , Chadshunt, Charlecote GP, Earlswood Lakes, Fenny Compton, , STW, Sweet Knowle and Swift Valley CP. Worcs All counts away from the tabulated sites referred to birds encountered during the first winter period. Strensham Lagoons held 30 on January 23rd and 25 on February 6th, good numbers frequented Lower Moor during this period, including counts of 60 on February 3rd, 85 on March 12th, 70 on 24th, 50 on April 3rd and 22 on 23rd. 30 were noted at Ryall Pits on February 7th, 152 at Beckford Lakes and 100 at Grafton Reservoir on 22nd, five at Kyre Pool on 24th and five at Lickmoor Wetland on April 16th. Staffs Said to be an “established breeder” at Tittesworth but no details were supplied. Reported from 49 sites with maximum counts not included in the table as follows, 125 at Coldmeece Pools in December, 100 at Upper Hatton in December, 90 at Stableford in January, 61 at Weston Jones in December, 40 at Doley Common in November and 40 at Hales Pool in February. W Mid Counts other than those tabulated included 85 at Clayhanger on February 6th, 17 at Pelsall North Common on March 9th and up to 40 at Meriden Quarry in the autumn/ early winter period. Up to 16 were seen outside of the breeding season at Bartley Reservoir, Edgbaston Pool, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools, Mushroom Green, Netherton Reservoir, Olton Mere, Smestow Valley, Stubbers Green and Sutton Park. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common resident and very common winter visitor. Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Abbots Salford 20 116 – 65 40 72 116 550 575 483 500 346 Brandon 58 44 42 28 62 77 131 221 208 73 34 58 Draycote 250 99 65 51 37 158 164 350 615 307 240 231 Earlswood 110 89 40 33 47 130 130 – 120 64 – 245 Ladywalk 100 38 43 – 30 41 27 155 90 198 104 127 Salford Priors GP 298 125 45 30 45 – 125 236 280 175 170 125 Shustoke 82 76 135 54 46 40 – 187 155 97 123 99

29 JFMAMJ JASOND Bittell Reservoir 94 26 – 18 17 – 142 80 – 101 79 147 Bredon’s Hardwick 148 65 60 22 – 53 68 45 49 29 59 40 Gwen Finch – – 12 11 9 28 17 – – 28 – 19 Grimley New Workings – – – 15 20 45 38 38 65 72 47 48 Kinsham Lake 251010101634502012262934 Pirton Pool 814121513355849106 – 9 Upton Warren 130 15 22 20 49 107 221 350 230 60 62 80 Westwood Pool 110 18 4 10 10 75 181 74 170 80 106 167 Alrewas ––––162532164030–– Aqualate 45 26 18 – – – 43 26 40 44 14 56 Astonfields Balancing Lakes 13 – 18 – 25 30 40 – – – 14 – Barton GP 245258246––––––––– Belvide 167 86 30 – 90 156 289 479 – – 342 345 Blithfield – 10 ––––30050–––100 Branston 302926––––35––50– Brookleys Lake 40036––9110––––375– Burton-on-Trent 30 20 – – – 16 14 – – 33 42 54 Chasewater 201 200 98 105 106 189 287 352 361 275 252 273 Copmere 45 69–––––71–13380 Dosthill 55 46 40 – – – 30 60 – – 40 – Doxey Marshes 348 106 74 34 39 139 122 147 236 510 360 193 Elford 10–10–––––42–2214 Hill Ridware 179 120 125 – 118 ––––––– Kettlebrook Lakes 126 172 163 –––––––159192 Kings Bromley 320 200 142 ––––––––– Baswich 202220––––––222624 Tittesworth 6781–8–––50––171– Westport 100 64 59 48 42 66 78 90 79 80 82 93 Marsh Lane NR 76 60 20 13 17 49 113 187 97 72 122 130 Sandwell Valley 176 156 153 138 125 119 139 119 119 109 117 102 Saltwells LNR 30 27 23 19 23 34 54 53 54 9 43 70 WeBS 2004 3893 2954 2108 1507 1958 2630 3439 4582 4816 3660 3756 3689 WeBS 2005 4208 2694 2274 1522 1355 2448 3379 3761 3568 3881 3746 3521

Warks Another good breeding season, with brood count minima including: six at Abbots Salford, 13 at Brandon, eight at Earlswood, 11 at Salford Priors GP and 12 at Shustoke. Also of interest were three broods on a very small pool at Coughton Court, and a very late brood at Sweet Knowle on November 5th. Away from the tabulated sites, maxima at localities where the 100 threshold was reached included: 180 at Hodnell Pool on January 9th, 150 at Cliff Pool, Kingsbury on July 3rd, 100 at Stirch Pools, Priors Marston on 20th, 180 at Lower Radbourn on October 16th, 200 at Dingle Pool, Adming-ton on November 7th, 125 at Napton Res on 21st and 250 at Alvecote on 23rd. At several of these sites, notably this year at Abbots Salford, autumn numbers are hugely influ-enced by the release of captive-bred birds Mallard in Birmingham City Centre, for shooting. Andy Mabbett

30 Worcs A common breeding species across the county, but the only records received were of 10 breeding females along a five mile stretch of the Dowles Brook and nine broods reared at Grimley New Workings. The only notable counts away from the tabulated localities were of 50 at Bishampton Vale Pool on November 24th and 50 at Throckmorton Lagoons on December 1st. Staffs Few breeding records were submitted this year, and of those, the following broods were recorded: Brookleys Lake (four, three, three and three), Doley Common (12, eight and four), Doxey (five broods of up to eight), River Dove, Norbury (six), Tittesworth (six) and Wombourne (one). Maximum counts away from sites in the tabulated list are, 164 at Croxall in March, 100 at Whitemoor Haye in January, 76 at Fisherwick in January, 71 at Rudyard in February, 60 at Orgreave in November, 57 at Perton Lakes in November and 50 at Greenway Bank CP in February. W Mid Broods were noted at Bickenhill, Coundon Wedge, Grapes Pool, Ladymoor Pool, Marsh Lane NR, Netherton Reservoir, Olton Mere, Rocket Pool, Smestow Valley, Sheepwash UP, Stubbers Green and Trittiford Pool. Other high counts included 155 at Walsall Arboretum on January 29th and 162 on September 26th, 70 at Edgbaston Reservoir on February 20th, 121 at Stubbers Green on April 27th, 74 at Elmdon on May 25th and 118 on November 3rd, 93 at Dunstall Park Lake on September 5th, 76 at Olton Mere on 19th and 76 at The Leasowes on December 15th.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Alvecote 11––––––––11 Brandon –93–––––11–1 Draycote 39––––––14–– Ladywalk 112–––––2213 The Salfords 1823––––1––1 Aqualate 13––––––11––1 Belvide 4 17 –41––2304251 Blithfield 26 34 12 1––1625281320 Chasewater –––3––––––3– Copmere –3–––––––3–– Doxey –3–––––––––3 Westport ––11––––––3––

Warks Slightly more were recorded this year, mainly due to a small influx around February 13th-14th. Other records in the Tame Valley included a male on the river west of Ladywalk in the Coleshill STW/Hams Hall area during most of January, a male at Coton on March 27th-29th, a pair there on December 28th, and a single bird at Shustoke in the same month. Elsewhere there were single males at both Compton Verney on February 5th and Charlecote GP on March 14th, with two at Coombe Abbey from at least December 12th-31st. Extreme dates were April 24th at Abbots Salford (two males) and September 13th at Ladywalk (also two birds). Worcs A poor year, with no large groups reported during both winter periods. First winter period sightings were of a pair at Grimley New and Old Workings on January 12th, Westwood Pool held six on 16th and two on February 16th and at Bredon’s Hardwick, six were observed on January 28th, 19 on February 12th, four on 15th, three on March 7th and 9th, six on 13th and singles on 23rd and 24th. Gwen Finch Wetland held a pair on January

31 31st, a drake from February 7th-25th and a female on March 24th, one was at Lower Moor on February 14th and 18th and four at Longdon Marsh on April 3rd. A pair discovered at Lickmoor Wetland on May 1st was also observed on 16th and was joined by a second drake on 17th. The female was not seen after the 17th, but the two drakes remained on site until the 24th. During the autumn and second winter period four were noted at Kinsham Lake on September 5th, 7th and 9th and Grimley New Workings held one on 6th, two on 7th, one on 8th, two on 10th, eight on 12th, one on 13th and 15th, three on 16th, one on 25th, 26th and October 6th, two on 19th and one on November 29th. Singles appeared at Upton Warren on September 20th, October 14th and 19th and at Westwood Pool, three were present on September 20th, one on 30th and October 1st, three on 4th, five on 12th, one on 30th, six on November 11th, one on 25th and 27th, 11 on December 12th and singles on 28th and 31st. A pair at Bredon’s Hardwick on September 24th were followed by one on October 17th and 22nd, three on November 12th, two on 25th, 29th and December 4th, four on 5th, two on 13th, three on 18th, eight on 23rd and one on 29th. Singles were also noted at Grimley Old Workings on October 3rd and Kinsham Lake on November 23rd. Staffs Regularly reported within the county but, although Blithfield and Belvide continue as the county’s main winter strongholds for the species, numbers fell slightly at Blithfield whilst at Belvide numbers have had an upward trend over the last three years. Peak counts occurred in October at both sites, with 42 on the 16th at Belvide being a new site record. The last regular report of the first winter period was on April 4th when three birds were at Chasewater and one at Blithfield. A female on May 22nd at Belvide was an unusual summer record but the first returning birds were at Blithfield where one was noted on July 31st and six were present on August 22nd followed on the 24th by two birds at Belvide. Away from the tabulated sites small numbers recorded from Alvecote Pools, Barton GP, Branston GP, Brookleys Lake, Foker Grange, Tittesworth and Whitemoor Haye. W Mid Singles females were noted at Marsh Lane NR on February 26th-27th, March 3rd, September 10th-25th and October 7th, the latter being seen thereafter at Meriden quarries. Single drakes visited Ryders Hayes Mere on March 6th and Marsh Lane NR on September 16th. A female was seen at Longmoor Pool on November 2nd, with two drakes at Bartley Reservoir on 22nd.

Garganey Anas querquedula Uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor, but rarely breeding. Very rare in winter. Average dates: April 2nd (62) to October 3rd (61). The first arrival was quite early, being seen at Belvide on 25th March while the last was a late bird at Doxey on October 26th. Warks During the spring there was a pair at Ladywalk on April 2nd, again on five dates during 17th-30th, followed by a single bird on May 14th and a pair again on 21st-22nd. There seems a strong possibility that the same pair was involved in all these records. Other spring records involved a female at Draycote on April 23rd, a male at Shustoke on 24th, a male at Kingsbury on May 21st and a pair at Alvecote on 27th. Autumn reports involved singles at Alvecote from September 6th-11th and at Salford Priors GP, also on September 11th. Worcs Three drakes were observed on spring passage at Bredon’s Hardwick on April 3rd, Grimley Old workings on May 18th and Upton Warren, where probably the same individual was noted on the 18th, 19th, 22nd-25th and 27th-30th. Late summer and autumn records were of a drake at Upton Warren on July 10th, followed by a female on 27th, an

32 immature/female from August 2nd-11th and another immature/female on 16th and September 3rd. An immature bird, which arrived at Grimley New Workings on August 17th, remained on site until September 13th and was joined by an adult female from August 22nd-September 13th with a new bird being noted on 15th. Singles were also reported from Gwen Finch Wetland from August 28th-September 7th, Grimley Old Workings on September 6th and 7th and Clifton Pits on 7th and 11th. Staffs No breeding attempts were reported in 2005. Spring passage was first noted on March 25th when a bird was present at Belvide. A pair appeared at Blithfield on April 3rd and stayed until 10th and single males were also noted at Drayton Bassett from May 19th- 21st and at Blithfield on May 27th. A single bird was present at Belvide between June 25th and July 4th then from July 30th the species was continually reported until September 17th, with up to two birds present between August 7th and September 1st. At Blithfield up to four birds were noted regularly between August 13th and September 30th with the maximum counts on August 28th and September 11th. Autumn birds were also noted at Doxey where there were two on August 2nd and 21st; at Branston GP with up to four birds between September 9th and 14th and a single on 23-24th; and at Chasewater (two on September 30th, singles on October 2nd and 22nd). Last seen at Doxey where there was a drake on October 26th W Mid A pair remained at Clayhanger from May 4th-9th at least. Single males visited Netherton Reservoir on April 2nd, Forge Mill Lake on May 1st, Marsh Lane NR on 19th and Sheepwash UP on August 6th.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Abbots Salford 81131––21328194 Alvecote ––––2211695702825 Brandon 80 60 82 22 2 7 6 50 92 54 56 24 Draycote ––56–––62394 Kingsbury 100 147 75 46 5 3 1 14 37 38 46 49 Ladywalk 120 151 150 –1––2220394030 Salford Priors GP 6––2–––31627114 Shustoke –––1–––592151 Bittell Reservoir 12 12 –2–––––257 Bredon’s Hardwick –2––––––25613 Grimley New Workings – – 24 ––2–4263632 Gwen Finch 6 40 13 523–4–12–7 Kinsham Lake 25141111–––2265312 Upton Warren 1133416222275057307 Westwood Pool 87 87 80 3–331439805484 Aqualate – 57 120 –––3503344– Barton GP 336––––––––60 Belvide –51395771082831864036 Blithfield 3 – 10 ––3322486 Chasewater 633––––13236 Copmere 4––––––––30810 Doxey 30 10 14 14 11 1 2 30 18 60 34 30 Westport –42–––––35211 Bartley Reservoir –––––––––274 Dunstall Park Lake ––24––––3–1– Edgbaston Pool 2–2––––––695 Fens Pools 2262––––2–22

33 JFMAMJ JASOND Marsh Lane NR 22 28 24 18 311538361953 Sandwell Valley 40 16 20 4334957793536 WeBS 2004 351 330 341 12 12 11 10 204 673 390 215 175 WeBS 2005 237 250 260 48 17 12 26 172 548 560 383 149

Warks Display in the breeding season was noted at several tabulated sites, while a pair was also at Seeswood Pool in May. Coombe Abbey again attracted over 100 during the autumn, but unfortunately there were no accurate counts this year. The best count at Coton was 42 on December 28th. In addition there were smaller counts of 13 at Seeswood Pool on December 26th and nine at Ryton Pools CP on 31st, while up to six were also noted at Baginton Lagoons, Chesterton, Earlswood, Farnborough Park, Lawford Heath, Napton Res and Wormleighton Res. Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, Throckmorton Lagoons held 16 on January 8th and eight on February 6th, six and seven were noted at Pirton Pool on January 16th and March 13th respectively, Beckford Lakes held seven on February 22nd and Lickmoor Wetland, eight on March 27th. A pair was observed at Ripple Marsh on April 30th and during the second winter period, Beckford Lakes held 13 on December 13th. Staffs Breeding reported at Drayton Bassett where a female and five young were noted on May 17th while two pairs were also present in the breeding season at Doxey. WeBS count data for several sites, including major sites at Aqualate and Blithfield, were unavailable, however the casual counts available provide a snapshot that suggests a good season for the species with the post-breeding numbers at Belvide being up Drake Shoveler, Steve Valentine slightly on the previous year. Reported from 19 other sites with double-figure counts of 12 at Coldmeece in February, 12 at Chillington and 22 at Dosthill in March and 10 at Whitemoor Haye in November. W Mid Although birds were present during the breeding season at Marsh Lane NR and Sandwell Valley, there was no indication of nesting. Noted at Sheepwash UP from January to April and September to December, where a count of 16 on January 22nd was site a record. Other sightings included two at Pelsall North Common on March 9th, three at Olton Mere on 21st and four on April 1st, 18 at West Park (Wolverhampton) on October 9th, 21 at Dartmouth Park on 27th and single females at Netherton Reservoir on November 14th and December 9th.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Scarce visitor, with most records probably of feral origin. Warks The only acceptable report concerned a female at Draycote from October 5th- 8th JJB et al. Worcs A drake was observed with Mallard along the River Avon at Wood Norton on

34 February 9th RAP and a second drake, this time a pinioned bird that was also seen along the River Avon at on 10th SMW. Staffs A male stayed all year at Ford Green NDP. A female was seen regularly at Belvide between January 23rd and April 14th KC, SN, RS et al with two on May 16th. A female was at Blithfield on July 8th-9th RJJ, one at Aqualate on September 25th PJor, a female at Branston GP on October 9th-10th while a female at Brookleys Lake from November 20th was joined by another on December 16th SJT.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Abbots Salford 43 55 55 1––2151005051 Brandon 20 16 19 6––138303032 Coton ––––––––––200150 Draycote 192012–––––8504025 Salford Priors GP 83303–1––––111919 Shustoke 217197100––––12177573 Bittell Reservoir 13 6–––––1–61541 Bredon’s Hardwick 21 46 13 ––––––194 Kinsham Lake 2131044441–325 Pirton Pool 2430251––––––22 Upton Warren 1159––1238389 Westwood Pool 87 87 27 4129221665743 Aqualate 622––––6–6102 Barton GP 935238––––––––– Belvide 103 110 55 3 1 5 12 17 77 137 173 100 Blithfield 121 137 75 –2544–14–36 Branston Gravel Pit3336–––––––––– Branston Water Park31304–––––––14– Brookleys Lake 151––––––––244 Chasewater 75 9 22 7––1–82312101 Coldmeece Pools 17 931–––––3219 Copmere 12 66 2–––––––1120 Croxall GP 54 23 15 ––––––––– Doxey 228––––1–123 Hill Ridware 29 32 3––––––––– Tittesworth 131211–––2–24416 Westport 2058501–5–22192342 Fens Pools 16 20 2––––––171314 Marsh Lane NR 40 28 24 11–1212222540 Sandwell Valley 79 55 27 11432816313731 Sheepwash UP 25 25 10 –––1–3152528 WeBS 2004 1017 645 133 5 8 6 27 39 82 383 438 412 WeBS 2005 932 958 425 43 4 10 30 42 92 254 407 437

Warks Odd birds were also seen during the summer months at Alvecote, Coombe Abbey, Farnborough Park, Hodnell, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Napton Res, Seeswood Pool and Wootton Wawen, but it is now seven years since a brood was last seen in the county and it seems likely that we have now lost this species as a regular breeding bird. Outside the breeding season it has also declined, and no more than a dozen were reported together from Alvecote, Kingsbury or Ladywalk, although it is presumably considerably under- recorded. The only other counts to reach double figures involved 20 at Hodnell Pool on January 9th, 18 at Coombe Abbey on February 1st and 11 at Compton Verney on 5th. Other

35 sites to attract this species in very small numbers included: Bermuda, Charlecote GP, Chesterton, DMC Kineton, Earlswood Lakes, Great Alne, Hartshill Quarry, Newbold Quarry, Ryton Pools CP and Wormleighton Res. Worcs Two pairs attempted to breed at Kinsham Lake, but probably only a single bird fledged. Away from the tabulated localities Bishampton Vale Pool produced maximum counts of 37 in January, 30 in February and 26 in December. Up to 25 were noted at Lower Moor on February 6th and at Grimley New Workings, 10 were observed on October 16th and 16 on November 6th. Staffs No reports of breeding were received in 2005. Continues to be widely reported from around the county as a wintering bird, with the January WeBS counts totalling 626 birds being considerably lower than the same count in January 2004. Numbers for the second half of the year appear to be higher than those for the same period in 2004 although data is unavailable for some sites. At Belvide the second winter period counts would suggest a substantial increase from 2004 with the site maximum count of 173 on November 2nd being almost double that of the highest number in the latter part of 2004. W Mid In the first winter period, birds were noted at Trittiford Park until March 13th. Other sightings included two at Sarehole Mill on January 19th, singles at Olton Mere on February 23rd, from March 1st-17th, Ryders Hayes Mere from 4th-26th and Blythe Valley CP on 28th, and two at Park Lime Pits on April 26th. One was at Witton Lakes (a former breeding site) on June 30th. In the second winter period, three were seen at Netherton Reservoir on November 14th, with one on December 9th, up to five at Dartmouth Park on November 18th and December 2nd-19th, three at Ryders Hayes Mere on 10th and two at Olton Mere on 30th.

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Rare vagrant (6/10). Warks In December, single females were seen at Coton on 4th TP et al, and Napton Res on 31st MJI. Worcs A first-winter drake frequented the sailing lake at Bredon’s Hardwick from

Ring-necked Ducks Female at Silverdale, Dave Kelsall; male at Bredon’s Hardwick,Andy Warr

January 31st-February 20th TMH et al, then after an absence of two weeks returned to the same locality from March 7th-24th. The same individual also visited Kinsham Lake on February 12th GHP et al and March 26th RAP et al. Staffs An incredible influx of birds into the county from late autumn was unmatched anywhere else in the country at the time. The first was a female at Westport Lake on October 25th WJL, followed by two first-year females and a first-year male at “The Void”,

36 Silverdale Colliery on 26th SJT, one of the females and the first-year male remaining until November 6th. The females here were considered different from the Westport bird. The day after the Silverdale birds (27th), an immature male arrived at Belvide SN for a one-day visit but probably relocated to Gailey where it was observed from October 29th-30th SAR. Next, another female appeared at Chasewater on November 5th GE for just a one-day visit. The long-staying female at Silverdale Colliery returned on November 16th and commuted regularly between here and Westport Lake until the 28th SJT, WJL. With just one previous record at Blithfield on November 20th 1977, the birds in 2005 represent the second to seventh county records! Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Scarce winter visitor, some probably being escapees or of feral origin (9/10). Worcs The escaped drake from 2003/4 was reported with Mallard at Oakley Pool on November 7th and along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal at Tallow Hill, Worcester on December 15th and 16th. Staffs The drake present at Brookleys Lake from December 29th 2004 was seen again on January 9th-17th and 23rd. Possibly the same bird was present at Blithfield on January 18th PDH. In the autumn, a drake at Brookleys Lake from November 20th-29th SJT moved to Tittesworth on December 4th MBu, Belvide 9th SN, Gailey 10th SAR Belvide 12th-14th, Chasewater 16th-18th GE, Belvide 20th-25th, Chasewater 26th and Gailey 27th-28th. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Common winter visitor and frequent breeding resident.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Abbots Salford 27 30 50 56 23 20 14 12 70 63 21 32 Brandon 45 41 45 39 40 32 29 12 13 25 32 29 Compton Verney 68656425–31––––31 Coton/Lea Marston –––––––1250 – – 800 500 Dosthill/Kingsbury – – – 135 115 163 175 151 65 103 90 148 Draycote 270 149 113 158 73 96 195 – 1450 1500 1010 664 Ladywalk 60 22 30 – 10 6 – 18 64 34 41 42 Napton Res 125 123 39 12 – – 8 13 11 21 53 81 Salford Priors GP 30 26 48 32 30 11 20 17 79 69 41 34 Shustoke 132 79 105 45 14 16 – 121 268 403 205 130 Bishampton Vale Pool 24 20 15 19 20 14 — 44 37 11 14 14 Bittell Reservoir 31 26 – 47 6 – 37 74 – 63 18 35 Bredon’s Hardwick 43 9 30 10 –2––11304860 Grimley New Workings – 55 91 28 25 43 74 18 50 65 35 36 Gwen Finch 157782–––––1 Kinsham Lake 12185026252631312221828 Pirton Pool 22 20 26 38 36 17 28 21 11 8 6 18 Upton Warren 1626284033323212810617 Westwood Pool 75 70 95 70 13 8 75 27 126 153 40 70 Alrewas – – 60 ––––301018–8 Aqualate 98 103 106 – – – 74 25 164 200 154 148 Barton GP 172166213––––––––– Belvide 146 161 132 208 186 – 109 224 323 207 120 74 Blithfield – 13 400 – – – 700 5–––20 Branston Gravel Pit –2445–––8––––– Branston Water Park633646–––––––150– Brookleys Lake 35 15 16 25 – 32 33 – 58 21 105 40 Chasewater 315 200 106 61 18 41 163 248 902 911 707 900 Coldmeece Pools 70 54 61 49 6 – 11 13 86 51 82 74

37 JFMAMJ JASOND Copmere 58 89 104 121 ––––88–7968 Croxall GP 79 66 86 ––––––––– Dosthill 44 88 54 – – – 30 60 – – 60 – Doxey 18 13 18 20 22 10 3 10 3 14 13 26 Kings Bromley 122 51 25 ––––––––– Silverdale Colliery – – – 19 8 8 31 20 46 33 16 – Tittesworth 61 30 25 16 8 4 13 2 7 7 10 26 Westport 6262606410841737298–68 Whitemoor Haye 506817–11––––––– Edgbaston Pool 20 17 21 14 –58–7248 Fens Pools 39 69 39 16 – – 11 2 – 45 70 79 Marsh Lane NR 24 28 46 55 45 37 33 39 15 13 19 50 Netherton Reservoir81410–2–1132126 Sandwell Valley 85 79 80 48 39 41 29 66 59 73 66 73 WeBS 2004 1845 1637 1448 1233 669 670 1492 1696 1874 1777 1385 1491 WeBS 2005 2034 1918 1733 1343 759 742 1254 1501 1647 1571 1443 1408

Warks Broods were noted at: Alvecote, Baginton Lagoons (three), Brandon (at least six), Coombe Slade Pool (Brailes), Dosthill Lake (two), Draycote, Fisher’s Mill GP, Kingsbury (three), Lighthorne Pools, Napton Res, Salford Priors GP (four), Stoneton Moat, Sutton-under-Brailes and Sweet Knowle. Outside the breeding season flock size has been rising in recent years at Draycote, and this year the peak was the highest since 1978. The best counts from untabulated waters included 120 at Hodnell Pool on January 9th and 70 at Alvecote on November 23rd. Other sites to hold maxima of over ten included: Baginton Lagoons (33), Camp Hill, (11), Charlecote GP (28), Coombe Abbey (20), Earlswood Lakes (12), Farnborough Park (20), Jubilee Pools (35), Lower Radbourn (27), Newbold Quarry (29), Packington Great Pool (26), Priors Marston (12), Seeswood Pool (17), Sweet Knowle (20), Temple Pool (11) and Wootton Wawen (16). Worcs Recorded as a breeding species at Bishampton Vale Pool, Grimley New Workings (seven broods), Kinsham Lake, Lower Moor, Pirton Pool, Ryall Pits, Strensham Lagoons, Throckmorton Lagoons, Upton Warren and Westwood Pool. Away from the tabulated sites, counts of 62 and 82 were made along the River Severn at Bevere Lock on February 9th and March 18th respectively. Staffs Breeding birds noted at Belvide (five broods), Blithfield, Branston GP (four), Byrkley Park (two), Copmere, Crossplains (two), Croxden Quarry pool, Drayton Bassett (15+), Kettlebrook Lake and Sugnall. The highest Autumn numbers in the county were again at Chasewater where 900 or more birds were counted on several occasions during the autumn and early winter, this being a slight increase from the previous year. A leucistic female was present at Copmere on April 3rd. Reported from a further 32 untabulated sites. W Mid Birds bred at Fens Pools (one pair), Marsh Lane NR (four broods totalling 23 ducklings counted on August 13th), Meriden Quarry (two pairs), Sheepwash UP (three pairs) and Witton Lakes (two pairs). Also present in the breeding season at Dunstall Park Lake, Elmdon Manor, Galton Valley, Ryders Hayes Mere, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Trittiford Pool and Walsall Arboretum. Other counts included up to 40 at in January and February, 46 at Stubbers Green on February 1st, 20 at Olton Mere on March 7th, up to 28 at Dartmouth Park during the second winter period. Smaller numbers also noted at Bartley Reservoir, Berkswell, Blythe Valley CP, Edgbaston Reservoir, Galton Valley, Handsworth Park, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common, Sheepwash Urban Park, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park and Walsall Arboretum.

38 Common Pochard X Tufted Duck Warks The usual male was back at Brandon for its sixth consecutive year from September 11th-November 16th. A male was also noted at Lea Marston on November 24th. Staffs One at Belvide on May 22nd. W Mid One was reported at Sandwell Valley during the year.

Greater Scaup Aythya marila Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Rare in summer. Warks At Draycote there was a first-winter male on January 3rd, two first-winter males and a female on 9th, a female on March 23rd, a pair on May 22nd, an eclipse male on July 14th and a female on November 5th. A male at Coton on March 9th was the only other record. Worcs A first-winter drake took up residence at Westwood Pool from December 3rd-25th and Clifton Pits held a first-winter female on December 26th. Staffs An average year and reported in every month except October. A series of reports of three birds (an immature male which moulted during its stay into adult plumage, an adult female and an immature female) came from Silverdale Colliery and Westport. The first-winter male originally reported on December 24th 2004 was regularly seen at both sites until March 31st at Silverdale and Westport April 1st. The adult female was noted at Westport on February 2nd, 9th and 10th and Silverdale on 8th and 11th-13th. The immature female was at Westport only on February 9th, 10th and 14th. A single male was present at Belvide on dates between April 2nd and May 11th and an unsexed bird at the same site on July 15th. At Blithfield, a male was in Blithe Bay on June 5th, two males arrived on the 25th and stayed until 27th being joined by another male on the 26th; a male hybrid was present on July 16th and another single male stayed briefly between the 30th and 31st and regularly between August 15th and September 11th. At Tittesworth a single was present on September 3rd, and a further singleton was at Belvide on November 10-11th. Chasewater hosted a male between November 18th and December 11th when another male arrived and both remained until the end of the year. At Blithfield a single male was present on November 27th and two birds, possibly a first-winter male and a female, were at the same site on December 2nd to 3rd; on the 11th and also the 16th.

Scaup X Tufted Duck Worcs A drake was at Bredon’s Hardwick from January 24th-March 13th.

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Very rare vagrant (0/10). Warks A first-winter (or perhaps second-winter) female was at Farn- borough Park from February 27th- March 20th JJB et al. Arriving during a cold spell with a small flock of Tufted Duck, the bird stayed long enough on the small ornamental pools for all who were interested to study it at close quarters. On a larger water like Draycote it may well have gone Lesser Scaup, Farnborough, Steve Seal

39 unnoticed! This was the first county and only the second regional record for this North American duck, following the famous Chasewater bird of 1987 which was the first for Europe. Remarkably, hot on the heels of this first record a second bird visited the county soon after. A male at Kingsbury WP on May 21st RED, SS et al was luckily photographed, as it had apparently departed by the following day. See page 230.

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Rare winter visitor with occasional summer records (7/10). Warks The female from December 2004 was seen again at Ladywalk on January 5th TP, before reappearing at Hemlingford Water (Kingsbury) on 29th SS, and then at Coton from February 4th-March 16th SMH et al. W Mid The immature female from last year was still at Marsh Lane NR on January 5th DJS, when it moved to Warwickshire.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor, principally in spring, late-summer and autumn. Warks Another good set of records, with Draycote holding its usual near-monopoly. A small spring passage there involved three (including two males) on March 31st-April 1st, two (one male) on 2nd, four (two males) on 3rd, with one female staying to 8th. These were followed by another female on May 26th, three (including one male) on June 20th, five (four males) on July 23rd, a male on September 6th, four (three males) on October 4th, one male on 6th, three female types on November 16th, with one female again on December 23rd-24th. Other records involved a party of five (of which four were males) at Alvecote on March 31st, a female at Brandon from August 4th-15th and a female at Shustoke November 8th. The Alvecote and Brandon records were the first at these sites since 1986. Worcs A good year recorded, with 16 individuals observed in the county. Drakes were located at Upper Bittell Reservoir on March 19th and Grimley Wind-surfing Pit on 31st, five drakes and five ducks visited Westwood Pool on April 1st, Upton Warren held a duck on May 4th and a drake on 5th and drakes were noted at Westwood Pool on July 23rd and Upton Warren on September 9th. Staffs Individual drakes, possibly the same bird, were reported from Croxall GP on March 13th and 22nd and from Alrewas Pits from the 20th to 23rd. A drake was at Tittesworth on March 31st, three drakes and a female arrived at Blithfield on April 1st and a single male was noted there on the 6th, the 9th and 10th this followed a day later by a female. A small influx of females on occurred on 17th with singles at Blithfield, Chasewater and Barton GP. May visits were recorded at Belvide on the 5th and Blithfield on the 30th, both females. A female was also at Belvide on June 20th whilst in July a male visited Tittesworth on the 7th. Blithfield hosted five birds on August 1st whilst at Chasewater a single male arrived on September 18th and three birds were present the following day. Single birds passed through the county in early October, males being noted at both Blithfield and Belvide on the 3rd and an immature at Tittesworth on the 4th. The final bird of the year was a drake present at Chasewater on December 3rd. W Mid At Bartley Reservoir, sightings involved single female on April 8th TMH, male on October 10th TMH, MJI and female/immature on November 16th-21st AD, TMH.

40 Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. (4/10) Warks The two immature males at Draycote in December 2004 were last seen there on January 1st many observers.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon 11–––––––114 Dosthill/Kingsbury 26 – 25 11111151120 Draycote 8241659–––1193748 Ladywalk 213–––––––22 Westwood Pool 9 15 16 13 –––––4511 Barton GP 131319––––––––8 Belvide 608177833––22252567 Blithfield 6 35 200 37 ––––1869 Chasewater 90 89 82 13 –––––1545119 Copmere 8 16 25 6––––––66 Croxall GP 33 19 40 16 –––––––12 Dosthill 12 8 10 –––––––5– Drayton Bassett Pits316356–––––––1116 Kings Bromley 7–9––––––––– Westport 139125–––––2710 Whitemoor Haye 16171–––––––420 Bartley Reservoir 129–––––––337 Fens Pools 2––––––––131 Sandwell Valley 3322–––––––3 WeBS 2004 24526417520223311772104 WeBS 2005 2242572524410031560152

Warks The apparently crippled male again summered at Kingsbury, while a very early female was present at Draycote from August 14th onwards. Wintering numbers again showed a decline at most sites. The best count at Coton was 11 on November 25th, while other sites in the north to hold one or two birds during the winter months included Alvecote, Seeswood Pool and Shustoke. Further south, singles were also noted at Earlswood Lakes on February 22nd, at Abbots Salford on 26th and March 17th, and at the end of the year at Earlswood again on November 14th and December 6th-9th, Coombe Abbey on 17th, and on a small pool at Great Alne on 20th, a new site for this species. Worcs Away from Westwood Pool the only first winter period sightings came from Grimley New Workings, where two noted on January 1st and one on 5th and from Throckmorton Lagoons were one was present from 1st-23rd. During the second winter period, Grimley New Workings held two on October 23rd and 31st, plus one on 29th, one was at Bredon’s Hardwick on 25th, followed by two on November 18th and one on December 3rd. Singles also reported from Kinsham Lake on November 24th and 26th and at Upper Bittell Reservoir on December 4th and 28th. Staffs Little change noted for this species at the main sites in the county with the highest count at Chasewater in December (119 on the 16th) being a little higher than that of the previous year and close to the previous five-year average of 123. Most birds had left for their breeding grounds by the end of April with the last count of more than one bird occurring on May 1st when three were at Belvide with the final bird there on 19th. Two birds appeared to summer at Belvide from August 9th but the first bird that was obviously

41 newly returned was at Gailey on September 3rd. Larger numbers were only noted from October 17th. Recorded from a further 16 untabulated sites within the county. W Mid One was seen at Marsh Lane NR on March 6th, with a male on November 18th and a female on December 13th. A female was seen on a small pool by Frankley Church on October 31st. One was at Edgbaston Reservoir on November 19th.

Smew Mergellus albellus Uncommon winter visitor. Very rare in summer. Warks It was a poor winter in our section (Dosthill/Kingsbury) of the Tame Valley, with not more than three present. Cliff Pool was the favoured locality, with all three (comprising an adult male, first-winter male and female) present fairly regularly from January 9th- March 19th, with the first-winter male last seen on 21st. At Draycote, the male present at the end of 2004 stayed until March 10th, and was joined briefly by a second male on January 16th and by two females on February 2nd. The only other record was of a redhead at Shustoke from February 2nd-4th. At the other end of the year, a female was back at Kingsbury on November 22nd but there were no subsequent records from here. Probably the same male was back at Draycote from December 11th-31st, while a redhead was at Seeswood Pool on December 14th. Staffs A male wintered at Chasewater from New Year’s Day until March 6th and a female took up residence at Drayton Bassett Pits from 3rd until 28th. Records from two adjacent sites at Croxton and Whitemoor Haye in the Trent valley probably refer to the same two birds moving between these sites. On any day no more than two birds (a drake and a redhead) were observed at these sites with the first record being of a pair at Whitemoor Haye on January 5th and the finally on March 17th. Croxall was first visited on January 22nd by a single male and the latest report there was of a pair on March 13th. This pair probably also visited Drayton Bassett Pits on a few occasions from February 27th until March 21st. In the second winter period the species was not noted until December 10th when a redhead was at Blithfield until the 13th. A male was present from December 14th until the end of the year at Chasewater, being joined by a second bird (sex not noted) on the 17th only. The Trent valley was first visited on December 23rd by a male bird at Drayton Bassett Pits, possibly relocating to Barton GP and on the river near Walton-on-Trent at Catholme on 29th. Drayton Bassett reported the male bird again on the final day of 2005. W Mid A redhead was noted at Fens Pools on December 2nd, with another at Ryders Hayes Mere on 27th, which was reportedly present until 31st.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Probably bred in Staffs in 1994. Warks A good year, with probably six different birds recorded. A female was present at Draycote from January 1st-9th ICW, MY et al, with presumably different birds there on 18th JJB, and February 12th PDH. In the autumn, a female was Female Red-breasted Merganser, found at Shustoke on October 3rd Shustoke, Brian McGeough

42 NPB et al, with a first-winter male there from October 25th-28th JH et al. A redhead was also present at Draycote on October 3rd SMH. Worcs A redhead visited Westwood Pool on October 25th WD et al and four redheads discovered on the main pit at Bredon’s Hardwick on November 18th AW et al, were thereafter seen almost daily up until 26th. Staffs An immature/female was at Chasewater on October 1st GE and a first-winter male at Blithfield on 30th GJM, ESC. Goosander Mergus merganser Fairly common winter visitor. Scarce in summer and rare breeding bird in Staffs and Worcs since 1990.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Alvecote 202691––––––1722 Draycote 3326212–––––32430 Earlswood 9 12 5–––––––314 Ladywalk 12 17 21 21–––––611 Shustoke 133183––––––13 Bittell Reservoir 27 16 33 –––––––1319 Barton GP 4418––––––––6 Belvide 16571–––––687 Blithfield 57 54 34 26 –1–11214350 Brookleys Lake 12161––––––19– Chasewater 24 10 71––––––26 Chillington 21 45––––––––– Copmere 41 11––––––––724 Doxey 2115121–1–––––727 Kings Bromley 3 1198–––––––– River Dove, Fauld 1493211216–– Tittesworth 208119––9––3818 Marsh Lane NR –631––––––11 Sandwell Valley 63 60 45 41––––61351 Sheepwash UP 35 17 28 4––––––714 WeBS 2004 195120782100 0 14154186 WeBS 2005 23721563103000031134 Warks Only moderate numbers were present at the main waters this year, presumably due to the mild weather conditions. Extreme dates were May 6th (a male staying at Ladywalk until this date) and October 20th (one at Draycote). During the late winter period there were also regular records of up to three birds in the north of the county from several sites in the Coleshill and Kingsbury areas, and also from Seeswood Pool. Further south records included a party of eight at Chesterton on February 14th, a male on the at Bury on 19th, two at Abbots Salford on March 4th-5th, a pair at Newbold Comyn on 20th, and single females at Brandon on 28th and Chesterton on April 16th. Late autumn records opened with an exceptional party of 29 which circled Lower Radbourn on November 5th before heading south. Seven were on the Great Pool in Packington Park on November 17th, followed by a pair at Seeswood Pool on 28th, and then one or two fairly regularly in December at both Abbots Salford and Coombe Abbey. Singles were also noted at Jubilee Pools on December 7th and Brandon on 12th, with two at Wormleighton Res on 22nd. Worcs A pair bred successfully along the Teme Valley, where a female and eight young, were noted at New Mill Bridge on May 1st. A female and a single juvenile were also observed along the River Teme at Stanford Bridge on July 4th. Other sightings of birds along the Rivers Teme or upper Severn between late March and early May included seven

43 redheads at Trimpley and seven redheads at on March 26th, seven at Stanford Bridge on April 1st, 13 at Trimpley on 16th and one at Upper Arley on May 1st. An impressive party of 36 redheads, including juvenile birds was noted at Grimley New Workings on July 29th. Away from Bittell Reservoirs sightings during the first winter period and early spring were of a pair at Ravenshill Pool on January 3rd, 18 at Kyre Pool on 18th, two at Throckmorton Lagoons on 21st, one at Upton Warren on 24th, a pair at Bridge on 25th, singles at Westwood Pool on 26th and 28th and eight at Upper Arley on 30th. Singles were noted at Bredon’s Hardwick on February 5th and 16th, three and two at Blake Mill Pool on 17th and 18th respectively, three at Stanford Bridge and seven at Upper Arley on March 3rd and two on the River Severn by Trimpley Reservoir on 12th. Lower Moor held a redhead on March 24th and 25th and a pair visited Upton Warren on 25th. During the second winter period Lower Moor held three on November 20th, one was at Grimley New Workings on 24th, two at Westwood Pool on 25th and 18 on the River Severn at Upper Arley on 27th. In December Westwood Pool held one on 19th and two on 31st, one was on the River Teme at Lower Rochford on 22nd, eight at Trimpley Reservoir on 23rd and 28th, 22 at Kyre Pool and six at Upper Arley on 24th and one in Pershore on 28th. Staffs Breeding confirmed on the River Dove at Fauld, where 16 ducklings were produced by one pair during May, at Okeover, and possibly also at Stanshope. Other potential breeding sites which held birds during the summer included the River Churnet at Crumpwood, the Dove at Blore and , and the River Hamps at Waterfall, these records hinting at an under-recorded breeding population in the north-east of the county. The winter population at Blithfield, the main wintering site in the county, was a little lower than in the previous year, the first-winter-period maximum numbers barely reaching half that of the 2004 maxima and (at 57 on January 2nd) being below the 2000-2004 all-winter average of 73. The species’ predilection for small areas of water was demonstrated at several locations including the pool at Gerrard’s Bromley where 48 birds were present on January 16th. Last dates are now difficult to determine but probably the two at Doxey on May 2nd, although a female was seen at Blithfield on June 1st. Single birds were noted widely throughout the summer and autumn with one at Blithfield on August 27th the first return, but the first date for larger numbers was October 3rd when six were present. The species was very widely reported with a further 39 untabulated sites also holding birds with double-figure counts 17 at Knypersley Reservoir on March 28th, and 12 at Turners Pool (north of Leek) on April 20th. W Mid Sightings from non-tabulated sites in the first winter period involved four at Clayhanger on January 9th and eight at Sutton Park on February 15th. In the second winter period, records concerned a single male at Bartley Reservoir on November 17th, female on December 5th and male on 6th; two at Dartmouth Park on November 18th, four on 24th and nine on December 2nd; and one at Sutton Park on November 27th and six on December 18th.

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Fairly common resident of feral origin.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Abbots Salford ––222–––5664 Brandon 1–1265342311 Coton –27–––––––259 Dosthill/Kingsbury –––––1481471217

44 JFMAMJ JASOND Draycote 5113––––1–31 Salford Priors GP –––334761163– Shustoke 6––––––31–17 Kinsham Lake –2272443242– Grimley New Workings –––––361112– Pirton Pool –12576615631– Upton Warren –2155243–––– Westwood Pool 22 32 40 23 6683312274 Aqualate 4––2––6––––– Belvide 12 29 40 28 13 2 11 10 28 46 18 10 Blithfield 94 30 150 6 – – 23 51 – 90 – 30 Chasewater 23 7336112733– Doxey ––2234332–11 Edgbaston Pool –27871–––––– Marsh Lane NR ––148896–133 Sandwell Valley ––1–222–1––3 WeBS 2004 164 197 121 67 40 68 65 138 171 28 41 57 WeBS 2005 468 191 62 38 27 23 44 79 32 21 25 10 Warks A good breeding season was noted, with broods at Alvecote, Baginton Lagoons, Dosthill Lake (three), Lower Radbourn and Salford Priors GP (two). Away from tabulated waters, other breeding season records included a pair at Napton Res on April 26th and up to four males at Seeswood Pool during April-August, but with only one female seen there on a single date in August. There were good-sized post-breeding counts of 12 at Baginton Lagoons on August 16th and 20 at Alvecote on September 24th. Among the very few other records received were two from the south of the county in localities where they have not been previously reported: two males at Edstone Ruddy Ducks, Brandon, Steve Seal on March 11th and a juvenile at Weston Park on July 30th. Worcs The only successful breeding pairs were reported from Kinsham Lake (one) and Pirton Pool (two). Three juveniles observed at Throckmorton Lagoons from July 30th- August 1st, were not reared on site. Away from the tabulated sites three were noted at Lower Moor on March 7th, one at Bredon’s Hardwick on September 18th and one at Upper Bittell Reservoir on December 4th. Staffs Breeding confirmed only at Doxey (one pair) and the only other site where breeding was suspected was at Almington. Reports from May-July are as per the table and also at Knypersley Reservoir, Dosthill, Hill Ridware and Perton Lakes. The post-breeding flock at Blithfield, a site where culling operations are regular, was 90 birds on October 18th, substantially less than that in 2004 and comparing poorly with the 2000-2004 autumn average of 175. The maximum count for the county was at Blithfield on March 5th. A further 17 sites reported single-figure counts with the highest untabulated number of birds being 12 at Dosthill Lake on November 25th.

45 W Mid Birds bred at Witton Lakes, where seven adults and seven young were counted on June 30th. Also noted in the breeding season at Clayhanger, Forge Mill Lake, Marsh Lane NR and Swan Pool. Other records included a drake at Sheepwash UP all year, a pair at Stubbers Green on March 24th and a male on April 1st, and three pairs at Meriden Quarry on July 26th.

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Uncommon and declining resident on the North Staffs Moors. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Knotbury, where a pair shepherded five young, and at Revidge where three pairs were seen with young. Probably also bred at Boarsgrove (two pairs), Flash, Gun Moor, Lum Edge, Middle Hills, Orchard Common (14 birds seen in April) and Roach End. In the first winter period, one or two birds were also seen at Back Forest, Five Clouds and Upper Hulme. In the second winter period, other sites to host birds were Back Forest (eight), Bennettshitch, Gib Torr, Goldsitch Moss and (11).

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Common resident. Warks There were 25 pairs on 120 ha of mixed farmland at Morton Bagot, an increase from the 15-18 of 2004, due to increased releases in the area. There were some high autumn counts this year from several of these sporting districts, and amongst these were 125 at Salford Priors GP and 98 at Abbots Salford, both on October 9th, 93 in two covies between Fenny Compton and Wormleighton on 12th, and 132 near Rushford on November 12th. By contrast, few covies outside the main release areas exceeded ten, with the largest comprising 22 near Seeswood Pool on February 23rd and 19 at Bramcote Hall on October 12th. Worcs No large groups reported this year, the only records received being three at Habberley Valley on January 9th, four at Timberhonger on 21st, six at Aston Mill Pits on 23rd, two at Rowney Green on March 23rd, two on Bredon Hill on April 16th, three pairs at Cropthorne on 17th and two at Chase on 21st. Staffs Three pairs bred at Crossplains and Doley Common while six pairs were present at Byrkley Park in May. Double-figure counts comprised 50 at Needwood House, 26 at Bushton and 15 at Bolingbroke Wood (no dates supplied); in January 20 at Byrkley Park; in October 30 at Crossplains and 23 at Gailey; in November 29 at Aqualate, 22 at Byrkley Park, 17 at Fradley Junction and 20 at Bent Lane; in December 16 at Hatton Bogs, 11 at River Sow Meadows and 25 at Bent Lane. Single-figure counts were received from an additional 45 sites. W Mid Up to four were regularly recorded at Hill Common, but 16 on December 25th was a good count. One was seen at Coundon Wedge on February 28th, with two on May 21st, and one on November 5th. One was noted at Marsh Lane NR on March 20th, with two on August 14th and two nearby on September 17th. Other sightings involved one at Knowle on March 20th, two in Smestow Valley on 26th, singles at Blythe Valley on April 5th and October 9th, two at the former Ocker Hill power station site on April 24th, and two at Aldridge from May 8th-23rd, six on September 18th and December 23rd, and three on 24th.

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Fairly common, but rapidly declining resident. Warks Breeding was proven at Bramcote Hall, Charlecote and Kites Hardwick, while one or two pairs were also found in the spring and summer at: Alcester, Attleborough

46 Fields, Beausale, Bermuda, Birchmoor, Broadwell, Dunnington, Farnborough, Fenny Compton, Gaydon, Kingsbury, Longbridge, Long Compton, Weston-on-Avon and Wishaw. A covey at Birchmoor during the autumn built up to a peak of 18 on November 9th, indicating successful breeding. Other records involved very small numbers, mainly outside the breeding season at: Chapel Ascote, Ensors Pool, Hillmorton, Mobbs Wood (four), Priors Hardwick (three), Salford Priors GP, Shustoke (seven), Stretton-on-Fosse (six) and Wellesbourne (four). A further reduction in recorded sites (27, cf. 29 in 2004, 35 in 2003) is extremely worrying, and it is vital that all future records are reported. Worcs Sightings during the first half of the year were of one at Larford on January 9th, two at Westwood Park on February 28th, one at Aston Mill Pits on March 28th and at Shenstone, two were present on April 29th, followed by three on 30th, two on May 1st and 21st and one on June 13th. Two were observed at and one on Bredon Hill on May 2nd and one at Eckington on June 5th. The only second winter period sightings came from Lineholt and were believed to be released birds. Fourteen were noted there on November 7th and two on December 10th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Berry Hill –––264––665– Cuckoo Bank 13 8 2 10 4 – – 10 10 40 20 16 Whitemoor Haye 205522––––201130

For the first time, no confirmed breeding records were received but presumably bred at the above sites. Additional breeding season sightings were received from Aqualate, Aston-by- Stone, Belvide, Brown Edge, Burntwood, Dunston Heath (two-three pairs), Field Head, Milford, The Clive Farm, Tixall and but in all cases other than Dunston Heath, only one or two birds were seen. High December counts of 16 at Branston GP and 20 at Bent Lane were presumably captive bred releases. Smaller numbers were reported from Baddeley Edge (March and November), Black Bank/Silverdale Colliery (five in January, one in October), Byrkley Park (January), Clay Mills STW (November), Drayton Bassett Pits (February), Enson (December), Gerrard’s Bromley (eight in January), Hanchurch Woods (April, December), Highgate Common (April), Hobbs Hole Golf Course (December), Ingestre (February), River Sow Meadows (April), Walton-on-the-Hill (April) and Woodhead (March). W Mid May have bred near Aldridge, with one or two regularly noted from April 22nd to May 28th and up to eight from October 18th to December 31st.

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Summer visitor in fluctuating numbers, but usually scarce. Very rare in winter. Average dates: May 13th (18) to August 29th (14). Warks A good year, with single males recorded calling at nine sites. The first two were heard at Morton Bagot JJB and Wishaw SLC, SMH on May 14th, the latter also seen. The next were heard calling at three widely separated sites around Long Compton ADW, namely near Long Compton Woods on May 31st, near Heath on June 3rd and on the county border on 5th. Further birds were calling (in oilseed rape) between Brinklow and Stretton-on-Dunsmore on June 1st CHP, at Wasperton (also in oilseed rape) on 17th ARD, but moving to barley by July 1st JJB, and at Weston-under- Wetherley on June 26th JJB and Weston-on-Avon on August 9th HJM.

47 Worcs A singing male was discovered on May 22nd at Throckmorton Tip GHP et al, where good views were also obtained of this bird. At Longdon Marsh one was singing on June 7th and 8th RAP et al, then two on 12th, one on 14th and 17th, two on 19th and 21st and one on 23rd and 26th. A singing male arrived at on June 13th TMH et al, two were heard on 14th and 15th, three from 16th-27th, two on July 3rd, one on 6th and two on 14th and 26th. Abberton held two singing males on June 23rd, then one on 24th GHP, WFP and at Woodrow, two were singing on July 26th and August 2nd and one on 4th NF, TMH et al. Staffs One at Belvide on June 1st SN, Bednall on 3rd SD, Whitemoor Haye on 18th-19th and one flushed at Lymes Road (Keele) on July 22nd MSu.

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Very common resident, mainly in rural areas. Warks There were 20 pairs on a 120 ha farm at Morton Bagot, double the 2004 total. During the autumn there were a few large congregations reported from the vicinity of sporting estates, including 300 on Downs on October 7th, 55 at Salford Priors GP on 9th, 100 at Chesterton on 17th and 51 at Abbots Salford on November 5th. Worcs The only record received was of a female with six young at Gwen Finch Wetland on June 8th. Staffs A hen with two juveniles was seen at Blithfield on July 2nd while predated eggs were noted at Wetley Moor in April and May. Double-figure counts comprised 12 at Alrewas (December), 25 at Consall Valley Cheddleton (June), 40 at Elford Gravel Pits (February), 10 at Hanchurch Woods (December), up to 15 all year at Lightwood, 10 at Sutton (December) and 10 at Weston Jones – Kemsey Manor (November). W Mid Two young were seen at Marsh Lane NR on May 2nd and a nest with four eggs was found on June 8th. A female and four young were noted at Sandwell Valley in June. Peak counts included 14 at Marsh Lane NR on January 20th, 16 on November 21st and 22 on December 22nd, 11 at Sandwell Valley on March 4th, 11 at Park Lime Pits on April 26th and nine at Chadwick End on June 9th. Up to four birds were noted occasionally at Coundon Wedge throughout the year, in the Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area until May and from November, and at Blythe Valley CP in April and July. One or two were seen at Elmdon between April 22nd and May 25th. Singles were also noted at Aldridge, Edgbaston Pool, Fens Pools, Knowle, Pebble Mill playing fields, Pelsall North Common, Sheepwash UP, Wall Heath and Windmill Lakes.

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata Rare winter visitor (6/10). Staffs A good year with three sightings, all juveniles. The first was found by visiting birders at Blithfield on October 2nd but flew off shortly after arriving MY, ICW, GJM; another was at Gailey from 22nd-23rd GJM and finally a long stayer was at Blithfield from November 26th-December 7th MY.

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer Rare winter visitor (9/10). Warks One flew over Draycote on January 9th AHa, RCM and what may have been the same bird was watched flying over Brownsover, Rugby on 15th JFCJ, SS during a Waxwing twitch! If it was the same bird, one wonders where it had been in the meantime.

48 In the autumn, Draycote had two first-winters from November 3rd-11th RBR, SS et al, increasing to three first-winters from November 12th-December 31st PDH et al. Staffs An immature at JCB lakes on March 2nd GP, another possibly the same at Chasewater on 7th-9th GE, PJe, IW et al and a juvenile at Blithfield on December 3rd SAR.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Fairly common resident.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Draycote 2414123––53651503342 Salford Priors GP 426666141835423313 Shustoke 11131062––2429211819 Grimley New Workings – – – 12 8 7 10 13 10 13 5 6 Kinsham Lake 42444271512865 Pirton Pool – 1 7 11 10 13 16 25 17 6 8 2 Upton Warren 223622266521 Westwood Pool –172137812662 Belvide –154––312143–– Brookleys Lake 853––––4–81110 Byrkley Park 04–4–467231– Chasewater 422211139764 Copmere 241–––5–––24 Kettlebrook Lakes 222–3––3–34– Silverdale Colliery –1366688542– Sugnall –3126–83––3– Marsh Lane NR 1 3 12 14 16 16 32 36 36 21 15 3 Netherton Reservoir332––––11–57 Sandwell Valley 112–––1221–2 Smestow Valley 41–––1211235 WeBS 2004 86 88 65 43 39 48 74 142 137 104 97 72 WeBS 2005 63 84 82 85 52 52 91 174 210 133 103 60

Warks A total of 49 breeding pairs located at 25 sites was an increase over 2004 (cf. 41 at 25 sites), the real change being at Salford Priors GP where improved feeding conditions attracted a number of new nesting pairs in during late summer. Pairs were located at: Alvecote (two), Ashorne, Baginton Lagoons (four), Brandon (two), Chadshunt, Charlecote GP (three), Coombe Slade Pool (two), Cryfield, DMC Kineton, Dosthill, Ensors Pool (Nuneaton), Fulready, , Ladywalk (three), Lighthorne (two), Lower Radbourn (two), Napton Res (three), Ryton Pools CP, Salford Priors GP (nine, cf. four in 2004), Shustoke, Stoneton Moat (three), Sutton-under-Brailes, Ufton Fields, Whittleford Park and Yarningale Common. Other post-breeding maxima included up to ten at Alvecote, 14 at Coton and 16 in the Dosthill area during November-December. Worcs Breeding pairs were reported from Grimley New Workings (four broods), Kinsham Lake, Pirton Pool, Ryall Pits (two pairs) and Upton Warren. Also present during the breeding season at Croome Landscape Park, Gwen Finch Wetland, Langdale Wood Pool, Stocking Pool and Westwood Pool. Away from the tabulated localities Broome Pool held 11 on January 26th and nine on March 10th and a single bird was at Strensham Lagoons on February 6th. An impressive count of 40 was made at Bishampton Vale Pool on August 18th, Upper Bittell Reservoir held one on December 4th and two were noted at Bredon’s Hardwick on 10th. Staffs Breeding was reported from the following sites: Byrkley Park where two or three pairs produced four broods of which five or six eventually fledged; Copmere on July 31st

49 where a pair with three young on small pool to the west of main lake were noted; Crossplains where there was a pair with three young on July 31st, Croxden Quarry where a pair with three young was seen on June 30th and Dunstall on the June 30th where a pair with two young was present. At Silverdale Colliery the species bred for the third year running with a female noted sitting in May and three pairs all produced broods of which two, one and zero fledglings survived. At Sugnall, in May, there was a pair with four young and at Woodmill, on the July 31st, a pair was seen with two young. Possibly bred at Aqualate too. Maximum counts not in the tabulated table were a remarkable 62 at Gailey on the September 10th while at Barton maximum counts comprised 19 in March, 14 in February and 13 in January; these the only counts in double figures not in the tabulated list. Reported in smaller numbers from other sites across the county. W Mid Birds bred at Bilston, Blythe Valley CP, Elmdon Manor, Fens Pools, Marsh Lane NR (estimated eight pairs, but only two were successful), Sandwell Valley and Sheepwash UP (four pairs). Others were present in the breeding season at Dunstall Park Lake and Handsworth Park. Also noted at Dartmouth Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Frankley Waterworks, Pelsall North Common, Ryders Hayes Mere, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash Urban Park and West Bromwich. The count of 32 at Marsh Lane NR on July 27th was a site record until 36 were noted on August 26th and September 17th. A total of 20 were recorded at Sheepwash UP on October 7th.

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

Monthly maxima from selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Draycote 142 45 59 61 65 55 58 86 135 215 180 106 Earlswood 20 26 26 20 22 31 16 – 14 8 – 8 Shustoke 44 50 54 38 30 32 46 61 55 36 41 24 Bredon’s Hardwick 8 1 12 6 – 7 12 88785 Kinsham Lake 4234442––––– Grimley New Workings –––––5–4442– Upper Bittell Reservoir 50 22 –62–36–10537 Upton Warren 26201714161076842 Westwood Pool 4 10 20 12 14 18 31 56 57 32 3 2 Alrewas 1–5––5262211–7 Aqualate 4 3 23 – – – 57 29 22 5 8 – Belvide 11 28 2 – 35 6 24 41 69 120 162 90 Blithfield 2 – 45 – – – 150 30 – – 37 200 Chasewater 22 15 20 18 11 24 25 32 24 18 19 31 Doxey Marshes 426748555551 Rudyard Lake 16 21 24 6 16 24 ––24–– Tittesworth 5 913118101412106 3 2 Trentham Gardens – 2 4 10 ––––2––– Westport 99554139834129 Edgbaston Reservoir 46664–414–31027 Marsh Lane NR 12334282256– Netherton Reservoir4610632224221 Sandwell Valley 14 14 987769121049 WeBS 2004 361 367 368 355 342 321 446 533 347 339 302 290 WeBS 2005 431 289 339 312 242 295 356 380 384 393 335 328

Warks Breeding pairs were reported from: Alvecote, Astley Pool, Brandon (two), Chesterton, Compton Verney (two), DMC Kineton, Earlswood (only two nests seen and no young), Kingsbury (two), Ladywalk, Lower Radbourn, Middleton Hall, Napton Res

50 (three), Packington Park (six), Seeswood Pool (three), Wootton Wawen (four) and Worm- leighton Res (three). Breeding success was as ever very low on some waters: only six young fledged at Packington, while at Wormleighton only one of seven young hatched ultimately flew. Away from the three tabulated sites, maxima included 13 at Abbots Salford on May 11th, 24 in the Dosthill/Kingsbury area on November 16th and a high 50 at Coton on December 4th. Worcs Observed during the summer at many water bodies across the county and successful breeding pairs were reported from Bishampton Vale Pool, Bittell Reservoir, Bredon’s Hardwick, Grimley New Workings, Kinsham Lake, Upton Warren and Westwood Pool. No large counts were received away from the tabulated sites. Staffs Breeding records this year came from Bateswood where a pair and four young were seen on the July 31st and from Doxey where a pair with one chick was seen on June 19th. A pair with two young was at Hollybush Lake on the June 8th and a pair fledged at least two young at Tittesworth. Breeding was also reported at Aqualate, Blithfield, Croxall and Gailey but no details supplied. At Westport breeding attempts by three pairs all failed; one bird sat from February to April on the model boat pond but no young were hatched while two nests on the main lake were destroyed by rowing boats in July and a bird with a fishing spinner down its neck was found dead two days later. Maximum counts not in the table include; 28 at Croxall in January and 18 in February, 24 at Barton GP in January, 16 at Chillington in February and March, 46 at Kings Bromley in January, 43 in February and 29 in March and 29 at Whitemoor Haye in July. Widely reported in smaller numbers from a number of sites across the county. W Mid Pairs bred at Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston Pool (reported to be a ‘poor breeding year’), Edgbaston Reservoir (at least six juveniles raised), Fens Pools, Marsh Lane NR, Netherton Reservoir, Rocket Pool, Sheepwash UP and Trittiford Pool. Up to 18 recorded at Olton Mere throughout the year, with a cold weather influx on 36 noted from February 28th to March 4th, and up to 15 recorded at Sheepwash UP throughout the year. Also noted at Bradnock’s Marsh, Dartmouth Park, Dunstall Park Lake, Elmdon, Ryders Hayes Mere, Sutton Park, Valley Parkway, Walsall Arboretum and Witton Lakes. One was found dead, entangled in fishing line, at Cannon Hill Park on January 15th.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Warks A single bird was at Draycote from October 20th- November 16th DTr, PTr et al. Worcs After an absence in the county of nine years, a first- winter bird discovered at the windsurfing lake at Bredon’s Hardwick on December 3rd was a welcome surprise. Finding this relatively small lake to its liking, it remained on site most the month, being last observed on 27th AW et al. Red-necked Grebe, Bredon’s Hardwick, Andy Warr

51 Staffs A long-staying juvenile visited Chasewater from October 7th-21st PJe, one was at Blithfield from 16th-17th MPR and a first-winter at Doxey on 25th MC. One seen briefly at Chasewater on December 4th was disturbed by power boats and did not linger IW.

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Warks The only record was of a bird at Draycote from at least November 3rd- 26th RBR et al. Another was reported to have been present here for some days during February, but un- fortunately there was no forthcoming documentation to substantiate it. Staffs Just one at Blithfield on November 2nd ESC. Slavonian Grebe, Draycote, Steve Seal

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor, which sporadic breeding. Rare in winter. Warks A very poor year. The only spring record was of a bird still in winter plumage at Abbots Salford Pool on March 28th REH, BGP. In the late autumn, a bird found at Shustoke on November 8th SLC, BLK, GJM, was relocated at Hemlingford Water, Kingsbury on 9th GJM, MPr. What may have been the same bird again was at Dosthill Lake from November 25th-December 31st ARD et al. Worcs Three individuals recorded this year and all frequented Westwood Pool. A splendid bird in full summer plumage was seen on May 18th WD et al., a juvenile arrived on July 10th and remained until 20th WD et al., and a second juvenile was present from August 5th-14th WD et al. Staffs An excellent series of records this year, complementing a successful breeding pair with two fledged young. At Belvide a superb spring passage of 14 or more birds commenced with two on April 20th-21st, then five from 26th-29th, four on May 8th, two on 10th, one on 12th, two on 16th rising to three the next day. On return passage, a juvenile, presumably the same one, was seen on July 31st, August 2nd, 6th, 8th and 12th, joined by an adult on the 14th, one remaining the next day, one on 22nd and an adult in winter plumage remaining from 29th until December 10th SN et al. Elsewhere, spring birds were seen at Blithfield on May 4th JJ, ESC and Aqualate on 27th. In autumn, one visited Westport on July 17th WJL. An adult and juvenile at Blithfield on 22nd-24th were joined by another adult and juvenile on 25th-31st. One adult left leaving the other three from August 1st-3rd, then a juvenile departed leaving two from 4th until 12th MPR et al. Late birds appeared at Dosthill on November 25th ARD, two at Chasewater on December 3rd PJe and one at Barton GP on 4th.

52 Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa Rare, wind-blown autumn vagrant (4/10). Warks Singles at Draycote on September 18th RCM et al and Shustoke on October 3rd BLK et al, were both very well watched during their short stays.

Northern Gannet Morus bassanus Rare passage migrant and storm-driven vagrant (8/10). Staffs A second-year bird Leach’s Storm-petrel, Draycote, Steve Valentine flew north-west over Ingestre on September 17th RCB.

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

Monthly maxima from selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon 75 19 16 8 19 8 10 18 10 16 22 25 Dosthill/Kingsbury 28 – – 17 13 13 18 17 30 33 36 28 Draycote 342114–124–20319583 Ladywalk – – 125 40 13 47 48 77 83 91 36 75 The Salfords 2937327111410362431 Bittell Reservoir 22 27 35 61––6–272837 Bredon’s Hardwick 31 38 21 12 –23272366 Upton Warren 5115413214418125 Westwood Pool 53 30 29 10 5 10 16 30 32 35 28 9 Aqualate 26 26 41 68 – – 35 29 11 26 15 38 Belvide 217–53–606521018227 Blithfield 13 18 35 – – – 31 15 – – – 20 Chasewater 14 4513–48514310 Doxey Marshes 43–123226478 Tittesworth 914251291692016101510 Marsh Lane NR 14 28 26 95881415122730 Sandwell Valley 22–2–––115–2 Smestow Valley ––1111–61351– Stubbers Green –––112––4141 WeBS 2004 559 554 382 193 175 193 164 234 388 354 487 255 WeBS 2005 431 349 272 163 181 226 276 252 233 558 258 346

Warks A total of 22 pairs bred at Coombe Abbey (cf. 18 in 2004). Counting was patchy in the Tame Valley this year, with 28 at Coton on November 25th the only notable record away from listed sites. The large January flock at Brandon was discovered roosting on East Marsh Pool at dawn. Away from the main sites, notable parties included nine at Earlswood Lakes on February 16th and ten there on June 22nd, seven on a small pool at Priors Marston on February 20th, 11 over Farnborough on March 2nd and eight over Napton Hill on October 20th.

53 Worcs Away from the tabulated localities Lower Moor held four on January 22nd, five were noted at Strensham Lagoons and eight at on February 6th and 37 roosted at Spetchley Park outer lake on 27th. Six were seen at Gwen Finch Wetland on November 5th and 19 visited Grimley New Workings on December 4th. Staffs Bred at a site in the west of county where 35 nests were recorded as occupied. Maximum numbers away from the tabulated sites comprised; 36 at Barton in January and 17 in February, 41 at Chillington in February with 27 in March, 17 at Copmere in January, 19 at Croxall in January, 16 at Dosthill in November and 56 at Kings Bromley in February with 37 in March and 31 in January. Reported in small numbers from various sites across the county. W Mid The count of 35 at Smestow Valley on October 20th was a site record and comprised flocks of ten, ten and 15 birds flying over. Single birds were noted on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal along Smestow Valley on August 5th-6th and September 1st, with probably the latter bird at nearby Dunstall Park Lake on 2nd and others there on October 12th and November 3rd. A count of 13 at Frankley Reservoir on July 13th was high for the time of year, whilst a colour-ringed bird on November 7th had been ringed at the tree-nesting colony at Rutland Water. Also recorded during most of the year at Sheepwash UP, peaking at ten on September 14th, and Sandwell Valley, peaking at five in October. Other maximum counts included three at Fens Pools in April, Frankley Reservoir in October and Edgbaston Reservoir in November, and four at Olton Mere in December. One or two were also seen at Chelmsley Wood, Condon Wedge, Knowle, Netherton Reservoir, Plantsbrook NR, Ryders Hayes Mere, Saltwells LNR, Scribers Wood, Solihull and Windmill Lakes.

2000 Addendum Warks It now appears that several nests were built in the Charlecote Park heronry in this year per AGr, but there was probably no successful breeding.

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Scarce visitor in all months, with occasional influxes in autumn and winter. Warks A sub-adult at Napton Res and the nearby marina from at least January 30th-February 22nd SMH et al, was said to have been present along the adjacent canal from early January. A juvenile was at Draycote from August 27th-31st SS et al. Staffs An immature was at Gailey on November 13th-14th SAR and another at Chasewater on 19th PJe. Shag, Draycote, Steve Seal

54 W Mid A first-winter bird was recorded on the in Birmingham on December 23rd AH, but was reportedly present from at least 22nd to 25th.

Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris Scarce winter visitor. Rare in summer. Warks It was a poor year by recent standards. The over-wintering bird at Brandon was noted on seven occasions during February 8th-March 16th and then on ten dates from October 30th to the end of the year BMCG. There were no sightings early in the year at Ladywalk, but one was seen here on October 14th BMc and 16th SLC, and again on three dates during November 17th-December 27th JH et al. Worcs The Moors Pool at Upton Warren attracted single birds during both winter periods, with regular observations made between January 1st-March 7th (bird from 2004) and October 14th-December 30th RW et al. Staffs Last year’s bird remained at Aqualate until February 4th many obs. Another was at Doxey from February 20th-March 6th PD, MDB. One at Aqualate on November 13th RF was seen regularly until the year end with two on December 30th PJor, suggesting two may have been present for some time. W Mid One flew over Marsh Lane NR on August 31st per NPB – the first record for the site.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta Uncommon and increasing visitor. Warks There were only three records before the now traditional mid-summer influx. The first was seen at Ladywalk on January 30th, with the other two (involving perhaps the same individual) at Brandon on May 4th and Kingsbury on 5th. Most of the later records emanated from Brandon, with three on June 24th, and then regular sightings of one or two from July 17th-September 21st. Up to two nearby at Steetley Meadows NR from August 24th-26th no doubt involved the same birds. The Tame Valley fared less well this year, with singles at Ladywalk on July 4th, 17th and 21st and at Kingsbury on 17th-18th and 22nd, with all records perhaps involving just one individual. Other late summer records included singles over Corley on July 14th, at both Longbridge and Wormleighton Res on 17th, Newbold Comyn on 22nd, Barford on August 2nd, on small pools in the Hopsford/Mobbs Wood area from 7th-24th, on the River Leam at Offchurch Bury on September 4th and at Salford Priors GP on 17th. Another egret seen briefly at both Astley and Seeswood Pools on August 4th may have been a Great White Egret, although this species is perhaps more likely. Later in the year a single bird was seen at Ladywalk on November 28th and again from December 10th-17th, with perhaps the same bird at Dosthill on December 11th. The year concluded with a bird at Draycote on December 27th. Worcs Three spring records of singles at Strensham Lagoons on April 23rd, Pershore on May 8th and Wilden Marsh on 15th. July and August again produced the bulk of sightings in the county, the first being single day birds at Gwen Finch Wetland on July 1st and Upton Warren on 2nd. A party of four arrived at Gwen Finch Wetland on 20th and all remained until 25th, when one departed and three were observed daily up to August 1st. Thereafter two were noted on 2nd, three on 5th, two on 6th, one on 7th and 8th and the count returned to four on 10th. The Grimley area hosted between one and three individuals from July 25th until August 28th. Almost daily sightings came from the new workings and down to the River Severn, plus occasionally from the old workings and the triangle pit. The Croome

55 Eurasian Bittern, Ladywalk, Brian McGeough

Little Egret, Brandon Marsh, Brian McGeough

56 River held one on August 2nd and two on 9th and singles were observed at Upton Warren on 8th and 10th, Upper Bittell Reservoir on 9th, 10th and 13th and Westwood Pool on 14th. Late autumn and second winter period sightings came from Upton Warren on September 22nd, Kinsham Lake on October 17th and finally Gwen Finch Wetland on 29th, 30th and between November 1st-12th. Staffs A bird seen at Blithfield on January 14th-16th was also seen on 22nd-23rd, February 12th, 20th, March 4th, 12th and 13th. One at Aqualate on May 28th and Tittesworth on June 26th preceded the annual post-breeding dispersal which commenced with one at Barton GP on July 12th, then three at Blithfield on 16th, after which one was seen occasionally there until September 12th. The Barton bird was joined by two more at Whitemoor Haye on 16th rising to four on 17th; these birds being seen thereafter at these sites along with Branston GP, Croxall GP and Elford GP, rising to five at Elford North Pit on August 21st then back to four, mainly at Whitemoor Haye well into December with three still there by year end. Three visited Silverdale Colliery on July 23rd, singles at Drayton Bassett Pits on 31st, Belvide August 7th, Tittesworth and Westport 10th, Doxey 14th, 17th and 26th, two at Tittesworth on 16th, Uttoxeter Quarry September 1st, Belvide 7th, Mavesyn Ridware October 4th and Stone on the 5th. W Mid Presumably the same juvenile was noted at Marsh Lane NR on July 15th and 17th and again on August 3rd, 4th and 9th GPR, DJS, whilst one on December 25th per NPB was unseasonable.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Fairly common resident.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon 10 10 9 10 6 9 14 13 15 14 6 8 Salford Priors GP 1213532–22261922177 Bredon’s Hardwick 11–5––––2–121 Grimley New Workings ––––––142121 Gwen Finch 1121112––2–– Kinsham Lake 112––11––11– Upton Warren 214223776763 Westwood Pool 3323522124431012 Aqualate 1 17 1 – 47 ––52224 Barton GP 17826––––––––– Belvide 2 – – 10 – – 11 9 2 14 22 20 Blithfield –32–3752–10–6 Chasewater 312222357433 Copmere 15 7––––––3––4 Doxey Marshes 1156841361419101110 River Sow Baswich 322352344353 Tittesworth 27334141053433 Marsh Lane NR 44847114910343 Smestow Valley 423535952222 Stubbers Green ––1––24142––

Warks The main heronry at Coombe Abbey was back up to the record level of 2003, with 61 nests. Other nest counts at regular breeding sites included just two at Baddesley Clinton, 21 at Charlecote Park, at least three in Chesterton Wood, seven at Middleton Hall, just six at Ragley Park, three at Sweet Knowle, and 13 (cf. nine in 2004) in Warwick Park.

57 A pair again bred at Wootton Wawen, while a pair (or possibly two) reared four young at a new site near Coleshill. Away from breeding stations, site maxima included 26 at Abbots Salford on August 17th and 11 at Ladywalk during December. Worcs Two heronry counts were received: 25 nesting pairs at Grimley and 28 at . Away from the tabulated sites Upper Bittell Reservoir held nine on January 24th and 10 on August 22nd, and there were 28 at Croome Landscape Park on July 29th. Staffs The nest count for the county this year was 445-449 with individual site counts as follows; Aldershaw (seven), Aqualate (47), Bagots Wood (51), Castle Mere (14), Chasewater (one), Checkhill Bog (four), Churnet Valley (9), Cowhay Nature Reserve (18), Enville (39), Gailey (40), Hazelstrine (27-30), Himley Hall (eight-nine), Norbury (24), Pendeford Mill NR (50), Tamworth (81), Trentham (25). On June 26th at Blithfield a black heron was noted as “smaller than three normal ones in the vicinity. Black/dark grey upperparts, dirty white underparts, similar to ‘dark type’ juvenile in BWP Vol 1 Plate 5”. W Mid Up to 19 nests were used at the Sandwell Valley heronry, six pairs bred at an apparently new heronry at Olton Mere, and others nested at Berkswell. Also noted throughout the year at Priory Fields, Saltwells LNR and Sheepwash UP (into double figures), Nine birds at Dunstall Park Lake on July 11th was a site record. At Marsh Lane NR, birds were seen to predate the young of both Little and Great Crested Grebes.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Rare vagrant (1/10). Staffs A first-winter bird was discovered at Doxey on August 14th MDB, PD and remained until the 28th. The Purple Heron, Doxey, Dave Kelsall fourth county record, the previous being at Wetmore in 1856, Branston in 1993 and Westport in 1994.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia Rare vagrant; escapes from collections occur (8/10). Warks The escaped Maxstoke bird from 2004 was seen again on March 11th BGs, before apparently spending several days along the canal near Earlswood (in West Midlands county) in early April, being seen flying east over the Lakes on 4th PAC . Possibly the same bird was on fields at Nuneaton on April 7th DHu, at Wishaw on 12th GAW, and then over Ladywalk and Whitacre Heath NR on 16th SLC et al. It was also reported around the same time at Kingsbury. Interestingly, two were seen in flight at Maxstoke on both May 8th and 27th RJK. Later in the year a bird watched flying slowly north over Abbots Salford Pool during late morning on September 17th was seen again an hour later circling over Salford

58 Priors GP REH. Presumably this was the bird from Throckmorton (Worcs) which had left an hour earlier. Worcs Birds of unknown origin were observed at Clifton Pits on April 23rd MAS, circling over Common on 3rd BMO and at Middle Littleton from 5th to at least June 9th TM. A yellow colour-ringed bird took up residence at Throckmorton Tip from August 3rd-September 17th RAP et al., and was also observed at on August 18th RAP and Lower Moor on September 3rd, 8th, 12 and 17th RAP. Staffs A bird of unknown origin visited Wetley Rocks from April 17th-20th MA. W Mid One ‘missing some White Stork, Throckmorton, Andy Warr secondaries’ flew northwards over Marsh Lane NR on March 28th JHS – apparently, it was a wandering escapee from Maxstoke that accounted for a number of records, over many months, in the locality NPB. A different bird with ‘wings intact’ flew over the same site on April 10th pc NPB and 22nd DJS, and was later seen in Worcestershire. One that flew low southwards over Swan Pool (Sandwell Valley) on April 16th MH, AB, before climbing and heading towards the north- east, was ‘missing some primaries and secondaries on the left wing’.

Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Rare summer visitor (8/10). Warks A colour-ringed immature at Kingsbury on April 27th SMH et al, eventually departed to the north-east.

Red Kite Milvus milvus Uncommon though increasing visitor, partly from released stock. Bred until the early 19th Century. Warks The year began with an adult at Ryton Pools CP on January 31st KHi, which flew off west. Spring passage involved singles at Bunkers Hill Wood on March 27th per WJR, over Dunsmore Heath on April 5th JFCJ and in Packington Park on 7th per NPB, while two flew west at Armscote on 14th BGs, and one was over Ladywalk on 25th JLA. On May 2nd one flew west over Hillmorton RWSK, and an adult hunted over meadows at Fenny Compton JJB, while on June 1st one flew south at Arrow GEC. A bird on the Burton Dassett Hills on June 11th JJB, was probably the bird seen at Fenny Compton on 18th JJB and again at Bishop’s Itchington on July 6th MLi. Finally, single birds were seen

59 at Bubbenhall on July 19th AJo, gliding south-east over Lighthorne Quarry on 30th JJB, and near Napton Hill on August 11th JJB. Worcs Two sighting during the first winter period, both being on January 16th at Bredon Hill DJ and North Hill DY. The majority of records came from the spring and early summer, all being single bird observations. Reports came from Hanley Heath on March 4th RM, Worcester on 24th MS, on 26th RGW and Bredon Hill on 27th, 28th RAP. During April, birds were noted at Bridge on 1st TN, North Hill on 2nd RMB, Bredon Hill on 13th RAP, Pershore on 17th MET, Clifton-on-Teme on 19th RG, Wyre Forest on 27th KJ and Broadway on 28th MET. Sightings dwindled in May, with singles at Bredon Hill on 2nd and 6th RAP, West Hagley on 4th RH and Lower Moor on 8th AMa. Other sighting came from between Pershore and Nafford on June 1st WFP, RWo and JB on 11th, Arley Wood (yellow wing tag) EGP and RH on 12th, Lower Wyche Road on 17th BMO and Sunny Bank on July 10th MSn. Just two autumn records, with one at Grimley on August 12th SMW and one at Lower Moor on 13th HB. Staffs Once again, a good year with many birds seen, all singles, the first at Needwood House on March 15th DIMW, Horton on 27th WJB, Blithfield on April 17th MJI and 23rd GJM, PDH, east over Weeford on May 12th JW, west over Chasewater on June 11th GE, Codsall on 26th IM, Aqualate on August 24th PJor, north-west over Blithfield on 27th NJS with possibly the same bird at Bagots Wood on the same day GJM, Blithfield on 29th WJB and Tittesworth on September 26th PF. W Mid Single birds were reported flying over Selly Oak on January 1st BRP, soaring above the Smestow Valley at Compton AG and eastwards over Marsh Lane NR HJM on March 19th, and flying towards the south-west over Wren’s Nest NNR on April 12th DH.

1996 Addendum Warks One at Spernall on May 30th per JO’D.

2004 Corrigendum W Mid The record for Marsh Lane NR in the 2004 report, published as an addendum for 2002, actually referred to 15th August 2004.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Scarce passage migrant. Warks A good spring passage began with an early female at Brandon on March 17th, with a male there on April 19th BMCG. A male then visited Ladywalk on April 21st per SLC, with single females at Birchmoor on 25th RLS, Gaydon on 27th JJB and at Draycote on May 1st RCM, with a final male at Brandon on 5th BMCG. After another interesting midsummer record, of a female at Kingsbury on June 19th SLC, there were three return passage records. These involved single females at Brandon on August 13th AJo, flying south-east over Baddesley Common on September 11th KWa, and passing through Draycote on 18th SMH. The latter bird had apparently earlier been seen at Lawford Heath Tip, although there was no subsequent confirmation. Finally, a female watched quartering a large stubble field at Chase Farm, on December 20th SRo, was the first ever winter record for the county. Worcs Four spring passage females reported from Bredon Hill on April 20th RAP, Upper Bittell Reservoir on 25th RW, Westwood Pool on 26th GG and Upton Warren on 28th BP. The only autumn record came from Clifton Pits on August 7th SMW.

60 Staffs Recorded at just two sites this year; at Aqualate, where records included a male on March 26th PJor and May 29th CM, a female/immature on August 16th GJM, SMH, 27th-29th KH, PJA and a female on August 30th and November 3rd PJor and at Belvide, where there was an immature/female on April 16th RS, SN, an adult female on May 16th and a female/immature on August 16th GJM, SN which was possibly the same bird as seen at Aqualate on the same day. W Mid One flew southwards over Fens Pools on April 3rd AP and a female flew northwards at Marsh Lane NR on September 10th GPR.

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred in Staffs in 1974-5 and 1979. Warks A total of six birds, continues the recent upward trend in sightings. Perhaps the big increase in set-aside fields, game crops and wide arable margins is making the county more attractive to this species? The first record involved a male quartering fields at Shipston-on-Stour on January 6th JJB, ADW, followed by a ringtail near Harborough Magna Male Hen Harrier, Phil Jones on March 26th HLa. In the autumn, regular sightings of an adult female came from the Dosthill/Kingsbury area from September 19th to the end of the year JH, BLK et al. It was thought likely that this was the same bird that had frequented the area during the previous two autumns. Elsewhere, a ringtail at on October 23rd SA, PD, departed south following the Edge Hill escarpment; while a male mobbed by crows at Alvecote on October 26th RLS departed to the north-west. Finally, a ringtail at Caldecote on November 10th, was again there on December 10th and 17th SCh. Worcs A ringtail spent the day hunting over the Flash Pools at Upton Warren on February 15th unknown et al and another ringtail discovered at Caunsall on February 16th unknown et al, was also observed here on March 4th, 5th and 6th SMW, BS et al. Finally a ringtail was noted at Crabbe Tree Farm on December 7th GJM. Staffs An excellent series of records this year. In the first winter period, a first-winter male was seen regularly at Aqualate, hunting and roosting, until February 26th many observers. At Swallow Moss, up to two males and a ringtail were observed flying to roost until January 17th WJB et al. At Caunsall, a ringtail was seen between March 3rd and 6th TMH, SW. A pair on the North Staffs Moors on July 8th was an unexpected find NU. A ringtail flew into the county from Danebower, over Cheeks Hill on September 8th NU while another arrived at Dosthill on 19th and remained there until the year end BLK, JH et al. A male circled the Roaches on October 26th and a ringtail flew over Westport on November 12th WJL while another flew over the Leek Road near Flash on the same date JS, AJG with possibly the same bird at Tittesworth the next day. One was seen at Blithfield

61 on December 3rd ICW. Swallow Moss again proved attractive in winter with a male and immature male/ringtail being seen there regularly between November 20th and the year end WJB et al. W Mid A male flew northwards over Marsh Lane NR on February 16th JM, the second site record.

2004 Addendum Staffs The ringtail seen at Drayton Bassett Pits on October 16th was first seen there the day before JHa and was also seen on the 17th hunting over Dosthill.

Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus Rare passage migrant (5/10). Warks Single adult males drifted north-north-east at Ditchford Frary on May 30th PCl and then south-east over Wormleighton Res on June 4th JJB. Although counted as two separate records (the eighth and ninth), there seems a strong possibility that the same bird was involved in both sightings.

Harrier sp. Warks A female harrier seen distantly at Birchmoor on April 8th RLS was probably a Marsh Harrier.

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Scarce to uncommon resident and visitor. Warks There were sightings of a female at Long Lawford on May 9th JFCJ, an immature in the Hopsford district from at least June-October KFo, and an immature in Packington Park on December 20th NPB. The Hopsford bird was thought to have escaped from a local falconer. Worcs As in 2004, no confirmed breeding records were received. Still a scarce bird in the county, with the majority of sightings being made during February and March. A female was observed over on February 9th PFW and at Eymore Wood a male was noted on 20th BS, followed by sightings of the male again on 27th AW, March 5th DW and 6th AW. Also reported from the Wyre Forest, with a male at Lodge Hill Farm on February 13th AS, a female feeding on a Wood Pigeon along Dowles Brook on March 7th MH, one at Callow Hill on 13th BS, a male at Dowles Brook on 28th and 30th GHP, WFP and a male at the arboretum on June 12th BS. A male flew over Caunsall on March 13th TMH and a pair was observed over Walton Hill on 31st NW. During the second half of the year, two were observed being mobbed by a Sparrowhawk over Worcestershire Beacon on August 4th BMO, one at Rushy Valley on November 12th TT and one at The Gullet on December 16th ID. Staffs Three pairs were confirmed breeding in the county with a fourth seen in the breeding season. Elsewhere, there was a female at Moat Hall on March 1st DIMW, a male at Hanbury Park on 2nd DIMW, a male at Caunsall on 21st TMH, JCo, a female at Hanchurch Woods on September 20th NDP and another at Westport on October 28th WJL. W Mid Singles flew over Smestow Valley on March 6th ARu and with two Common Ravens on 15th May AD – only the second and third records for the site.

62 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Fairly common resident. Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Abbots Salford, Alvecote, Brailes Hill, Brandon Wood, Chesterton Wood, Earlswood, Edge Hill (at Tysoe), Fenny Compton, Napton Hill, Ragley Park and Wormleighton Res. Four, including three males, were displaying together over Chesterton Wood on April 27th. Worcs Commonly recorded across the county, throughout the year, but no breeding data received from any specific locality. An adult and three juveniles were observed in a Malvern Link garden on August 22nd, then four juveniles on 27th. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Coombes Valley where two pairs bred and probably also at Knotbury. Records came from a further 18 sites during the breeding season. Recorded from 79 sites outside the breeding season, with a maximum of four at Chasewater in August. W Mid Recorded during the breeding season at Aldridge, Blythe Valley CP, Chelmsley Wood, Coundon Wedge, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon Manor, Hurst Hill Wood (one pair fledged two young), Marsh Lane NR (one pair fledged three young), Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory), Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits, Priory Fields, Reedswood Park, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (at least one pair), Smestow Valley (four pairs, at least two successful), Summerfield Park, Trittiford Pool and Wordsley. Also noted at Acocks Green, Bilston Cemetery, Compton, Deepfields, The Dingles, Fens Pools, Hall Green, Harborne NR, Kingswinford, Marston Green, Newtown, Pelsall North Common, Ridgacre, Scribers Wood, Sheldon, Solihull, Wall Heath, Warstock, West Bromwich and Whitley. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Frequent and increasing resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Numerous breeding records were received, including a pair which reared young in a tree at the bottom of a large rural garden close to Warwick. Double-figure counts included 13 at Charlecote and 16 at Priors Hardwick on March 14th, 20 at on 18th, 11 at Seeswood on April 12th, ten at Barford on 18th, 17 at Morton Bagot on June 5th, 13 at Northend on August 7th, ten at Ladywalk on 29th, 11 at Draycote on September 13th and 17th, ten at Wasperton on 20th, ten at Fenny Compton on 24th and finally, ten at Wormleighton Res on 28th. Worcs Good numbers were observed across the county during the breeding season, including three territories held along the Dowles Brook, two breeding pairs at Timberhonger and three breeding pairs at . The highest counts received were of 10 at Eymore wood on March 6th, 10 over the Happy valley on 18th, 10 at Trimpley Reservoir on 26th, eight at Lower Moor, 10 at Sheriff’s Lench and 10 over Bredon Hill on April 16th. Abberton held eight on 17th, five were noted at Chase End Hill on May 21st, 10 at Wood Norton on 30th, 12 at Kinsham Lake on September 12th, five at on October 16th and five at Wick on December 28th. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Belvide, Biddulph Moor, Big Wood, Blore, Burnt Wood, Byrkley Park (two pairs), Beaudesert, Coldmeece, Coombes Valley (five), Doley Common (two), Doveleys, Dydon Wood, Keele University, Maer Hills, Standon (two), Tyrley Locks, Weston Jones Mill, Wettonmill and Willow Farm (Uttoxeter). Migration was noted at Belvide and Doley Common on September 24th when 13 and 17 individuals respectively were counted. High counts elsewhere comprised 13 at Parr’s Warren (Cannock Chase) on April 4th, 12 at Belvide on September 12th, 10 at Blithfield in April and at Belvide on May 4th, nine at Doley Common on March 26th and October 1st, eight at Belvide on March 26th

63 and October 18th, Blithfield in August-September, Clifford’s Wood on January 2nd, Silverdale Colliery on April 2nd and Stonnall in September. An extremely pale individual, looking almost like an Osprey when at rest, was noted at Lower Hatton on April 3rd. W Mid Breeding season records came from Ackers, Aldridge, Balsall Common, Bicken- hill, Blythe Valley CP, Chadwick End, Coundon Wedge (including one seen carrying twigs on March 12th), Edgbaston Pool, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Goscote Valley, Harborne NR, Hurst Hill Wood, Kingswinford, Marsh Lane NR (two pairs), Merrion’s Wood, Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory), Park Lime Pits, Reedswood Park, Saltwells LNR (a pair present, but did not breed), Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley (one pair bred successfully), Wall Heath, Wordsley and Yardley Wood. Also noted at Acocks Green, Allesley, Barr Beacon, Berkswell, Black Patch Park, Burton Green, Chelmsley Wood, Cheswick Green, Cradley Heath, Fens Pools, Frankley Waterworks, Haden Hill Park, Handsworth, Hawne Park, Holly Bank, Knowle, The Leasowes, Marston Green, Monkspath, Moseley, Pelsall North Common LNR, , Ryders Hayes Mere, Sheepwash UP, Walsall Wood, West Bromwich, Westwood Heath, Whitley, Windmill Lakes and . High counts included 17 at Marsh Lane NR in April, eight at Aldridge on June 26th, at least six over Dorridge on October 4th and ten together over the Smestow Valley on November 9th.

Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor (4/10). Warks A first-winter bird at Shustoke on March 5th GEv, TEv, flew east low across the reservoir scattering the gulls. The last county record was of a bird at Ilmington Downs in October 1994.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Uncommon passage migrant. Warks Northward spring passage began with a bird over Burton Dassett Hills on March 17th SLC, the earliest ever. One flew over Camp Hill, Nuneaton on April 1st RDw, while another caught and ate a fish at Draycote on 5th JFCJ, LPr, PPr. Further singles were observed at Salford Priors GP on 20th JJB, Shustoke on 22nd BGs and Draycote on 26th DTr, PTr, where two birds were present, followed by another there on May 21st RCM. Further birds were seen at this site on return passage, with one on August 21st PJF and two on September 2nd LPr, PPr, with one again on 17th RCM, SS. A bird flew over Long Lawford on August 26th BGs, another flew south over Stockingford on September 13th DHu, and one fished along the River Avon at Stoneleigh Park on 19th and 21st KRo. Finally, a juvenile in Packington Park from September 6th-21st NPB et al and again on 26th NPB, SMH and 29th SMH, regularly commuted to Marsh Lane NR (West Mids). Worcs Spring passage migrants reported from Grimley New Workings on March 26th BS, Upton Warren on April 1st AFJ, Arrow Valley Lake on 2nd RB, Trimpley Reservoir on 3rd SM and Grimley New Workings on 5th BS. One seen briefly at Westwood Pool on 6th WD et al, was probably the Grimley individual from the previous day. It was seen to leave Westwood to the west and was soon relocated nearby at Woodland View Fishing Pool AW, where it caught a fish, flew south and was again relocated perched in a tree at Hadley GHP et al. This bird remained at Hadley up until 10th, where it chose the same tree as a feeding perch and fabulous views were obtained from a nearby public footpath. Presumably the same bird was also seen at Grimley Old Workings on 9th ST, PMA. The final spring record came from Upper Bittell Reservoir on May 4th SMW. During the autumn, one was at Grimley New Workings on September 2nd BS and another took up residence at Grove

64 Farm, Dowles Brook from October 23rd-November 4th MB and was also seen over on October 27th JC. Staffs The first arrivals were noted at Blithfield and Strawberry Hill on April 2nd with the next at Blithfield and Tittesworth on 4th. Further April sightings came from Aqualate, Belvide (two), Blithfield (two), Hanchurch Woods, Stramshall, Strawberry Hill, Warslow Hall, Westport and Whitemoor Haye. May sightings from Belvide (three), Chillington, Croxall GP and Milford. Late birds were seen at Aqualate and Mayfield on June 5th and one which arrived at Blith- field on May 30th was last seen on June 6th. The first returning bird, at Blithfield, stayed from July 21st until October 4th with possibly the same bird on October 9th. Two birds were seen there on September Osprey, Blithfield, Dave Kelsall 23rd. One passed through Tittes- worth on August 28th, then Chasewater September 11th, a long-stayer at Tittesworth from 17th-25th, Belvide 29th, Colton October 16th, Belvide 27th and finally a very late bird at Blithfield on November 6th. W Mid Singles flew over Marsh Lane NR on March 28th and April 7th and 10th, whilst a juvenile was seen most days from September 6th-25th, spending much of its time at nearby Packington Park (Warwickshire) per NPB.

2004 Addenda Worcs One few over Darby’s Hill on May 18th IW.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Fairly common resident. Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Alvecote, Baginton, Billesley, Brandon, Charle- cote, Farnborough, Fenny Compton (six in the 941 ha , cf. seven in 2002), Ilmington Downs, Kites Hardwick, Knightcote, Ladywalk, Priors Hardwick (three), Radford Semele, Salford Priors GP, Whichford and Wormleighton. Counts of five-seven together were frequent during the year from many sites, particularly in the Arrow, Avon and Tame Valleys, and from across the Feldon, and Cotswold Edge. Worcs A pair fledged two young at Little Comberton and probably two pairs bred at Timberhonger. Reported from many localities from across the county. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Belvide (pair with three young), Doley Common (pair with two young), Oulton Heath (a juvenile) and Silverdale Colliery (pair with two young), but widespread and reported from 119 sites throughout the county. Notable counts included five at Silverdale Colliery July 5th, four at Cuckoo Bank in April, Doley Common July 17th and Dosthill November 16th. W Mid Pairs bred at Dunstall Park (at least three young fledged), Marsh Lane NR (four young fledged after another was taken by a Common Buzzard), Marston Green, Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory), Sandwell Valley (two pairs) and .

65 Other breeding season records came from Aldridge, Barr Beacon, Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Castle Hill, Coundon Wedge, Cuckoo’s Nook, Edgbaston Pool, Elmdon, Fens Pools, Hayhead Wood, Kingswinford, Priory Fields, Reedswood Park, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park and Woodgate Valley. Also noted at Acocks Green, Cannon Hill Park, Hurst Hill Wood, Knowle, The Leasowes, Lutley Wedge, Netherton Hill, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common, Rotton Park, Scribers Wood, Selly Oak, Streetley, Trittiford Pool, Walsall, West Bromwich, Whitley and Windmill Lakes.

Merlin Falco columbarius Uncommon winter visitor. Rare breeding species on the northern moors. Warks There was a good scattering of wintering birds at both ends of the year. In Rugby district there was a female at Grandborough on January 3rd, with probably the same bird at Draycote on 14th, 20th-21st and 27th. A male was at Broadwell on January 18th, with single females at Lawford Heath on 28th, and at Hillmorton on 13th and February 19th. In the south, single males were noted at Lighthorne Quarry on January 10th, Fenny Compton on February 1st, Salford Priors GP on 13th, Barcheston on 18th and at Abbots Salford on 26th. In the north, there was a female at Wishaw on January 26th and February 25th, and a male at Corley on March 5th. Single males at Alvecote on April 2nd and Bramcote Hall on 10th, a female at Church End, Shustoke on 12th and a male at Birchmoor on 14th, were probably all on spring passage. There was yet again a very early return, with one at Moreton Morrell on August 11th and male photographed at Abbots Salford on 19th. In September one was reported at Draycote on 8th and a female was seen at Fenny Compton on 11th. Subsequently, Salford Priors GP was the best site with a female on October 9th and 23rd, and a male on October 23rd, November 13th and December 18th. Other records involved a male at Birch Coppice, Dordon on October 25th, a female at Draycote on November 4th and 16th, a male at Bretford on 8th, an unsexed bird at Birdingbury on 11th, single females at Weston-on- Avon on 16th, Wasperton on December 15th and Napton Holt on 17th; and finally an immature male at Wormleighton Res on 22nd and then at Fenny Compton on 27th. Worcs During the first winter period singles were noted at Throckmorton Tip on January 9th and February 2nd, New Farm on January 16th, a pair at Croome Landscape Park on 18th, plus one on 22nd and singles at Lower Moor on 19th, 25th, February 2nd, 11th and 24th. One was at Airfield on January 22nd and 24th, one at Caunsall on February 15th, singles at Grimley New Workings on 17th, March 17th and 23rd, Holt Prairies on February 19th and March 23rd, on March 19th, Malvern Link on 24th and Abberton on 26th. In April singles were noted at Grimley Old Workings on 9th, Bredon Hill on 10th, Throckmorton Tip on 14th and Westwood Park on 16th. Second winter period sightings were of singles at Woodrow on October 13th, 20th, 27th and November 7th (two birds), Lower Moor on October 14th, 26th, November 2nd, December 5th, 8th and 9th and Grimley Old Workings on October 16th, November 19th, 27th and December 31st (two birds). Singles were also noted at Grimley New Workings on October 22nd, Bredon Hill on 27th, Throckmorton Airfield on November 1st, 14th and 24th, Gwen Finch Wetland on November 5th, Ryall Pits on 9th and 13th (two birds), New Farm on 18th and Lineholt on 26th. December records were of singles at Holt Prairies on 9th, Upton- upon-Severn and on 13th and Broadway on 15th. Staffs One pair bred successfully with five chicks. In the first winter period a female was seen at Aqualate until February 13th and another at Whitemoor Haye on two occasions in January. Other records include singles at: Royal Cottage (female) on January 21st, Belvide on 24th, Sherbrook Valley (male) on the 25th, Swallow Moss on 27th, Belvide on

66 28th, Keele on February 1st, Cuckoo Bank on 5th, Blithfield (male) on 8th, Festival Park (Hanley) on March 2nd, Westport (female) on the same date, Croxall GP (female) on 5th, Whitemoor Haye on 12th, Byrkley Park on 14th, Gailey on 20th (female) with another at Drayton Bassett Pits on April 10th. In the second winter period a long-staying female/ immature that was at Whitemoor Haye from October 10th-December 11th was probably the same bird that was seen at Croxall on December 3rd (where one was also seen on August 28th). This bird was joined by a male from December 4th-11th. A male was occasionally seen at Swallow Moss in November and December, probably also visiting the Mermaid Inn on November 25th. Elsewhere, one was at Blithfield (female/immature) on September 11th, Westport (female) on 16th, Blithfield on 30th, Doxey (male) on October 26th, Cuckoo Bank and Chasewater on 27th, a female at Westport on 28th, a male unsuccessfully chasing finches at the Marquis Drive feeding station 31st, one at Belvide and a female at Gailey on November 5th, one at Festival Park on 10th, a female unsuccessfully chasing a starling at Doxey on 16th, a male at Blithfield on 20th, another catching a Meadow Pipit at Orchard Common on 20th, one at Swynnerton on 22nd, Blithfield on December 4th, a female at Doxey also on 4th, Belvide on 17th and 19th, a female at Drayton Bassett Pits on 22nd, Ingestre on 25th and an impressive three at Aqualate on 26th. W Mid A male was at Marsh Lane NR on April 11th GPR. Single females were seen at Marsh Lane NR on October 20th per NPB, Wiggins Hill on 30th BLK and Small Heath on November 25th AH, and a male was noted at Clayhanger on December 10th CM.

Hobby Falco subbuteo Uncommon, but increasing, summer resident and passage migrant. Average dates: April 22nd (38) to October 7th (41). The first bird was very early on April 3rd at Hillmorton with another at Aqualate on the 4th. The last was in keeping with the average on October 11th at Ladywalk. Warks Not such a good year as 2004, with 12 breeding pairs located across the county. Concentrations of summer records would suggest that at least 18 other pairs were also present. A pair in the north-east raised two young successfully in a crow’s nest situated on a pylon. Another very early spring bird was seen, at Hillmorton on April 3rd and (presumably the same) at Brandon on 4th. Otherwise it was present regularly in the county from April 18th-October 5th, with the last birds at Cock Bevington on October 9th and Ladywalk on 11th. Worcs A pair bred successfully in the north of the county and a displaying pair was reported near Horsham on May 27th. The first spring bird was observed at Grimley New Workings on April 16th and then singles, other than stated were noted at Ryall on 28th, Grimley New Workings on 30th, Bredon’s Norton, Croome and Upton Warren on May 1st, Eckington (two), Gwen Finch Wetland (two) and Upton Warren (two) on 2nd and Westwood Pool on 3rd. Singles or pairs also observed during May at Upton Warren on 4th and 31st, on 5th, Beckford on 6th, Kinsham Lake on 6th and 13th, Gwen Finch Wetland and Lower Moor on 11th, Westwood Pool on 11th, 17th and 18th, Upton-upon-Severn on 20th, Throckmorton Tip on 25th and Eckington on 29th. Reports of birds during June and July came from Barnett Brook, Evesham, Gwen Finch Wetland, Grimley New and Old Workings, , Little Comberton, Lower Moor, Longdon Marsh, Tanwood, Tardebigge Reservoir, Throckmorton, Tiddesley Wood and Westwood Pool. During late summer and autumn sightings increased and birds were reported from 23 localities. Single juveniles were observed at Abberton on August 21st and at Gwen Finch Wetland on September 21st and the final sighting for the year came from Kinsham Lake on October 7th.

67 Staffs The first returning bird was reported from Aqualate on the early date of April 4th, the next at Brocton on 9th and at Anslow and Knotbury on 20th. No confirmed breeding records were received but reports from 33 localities during June and July (cf. 26 in 2004) suggests some must surely have taken place. Counts of three birds were logged at Aqualate in May and September, Blithfield in August and Dosthill in September. The highest count came from Aqualate with four on September 8th. Autumn sightings were almost Hobby, Dosthill, Brian McGeough on a daily basis in September, the last birds being a juvenile at Blithfield on October 1st and an adult heading south over Aston Farm on 10th. W Mid Three pairs bred in the county: one raised two young at the second attempt following Police intervention after the birds had been initially been disturbed, a second was probably successful, but the third failed probably due to egg thieves. Sightings were irregular at Marsh Lane NR from April to August – after the first on April 22nd, four on 23rd, three on May 1st and two on June 24th were the only multiple sightings; birds were more regular through September, with two seen on several occasions until the last on 29th. Single birds (unless stated) were noted at Bradnock’s Marsh on April 24th; Fens Pools on April 28th and most dates August 2nd-11th; Goscote Valley on May 8th and September 19th; Smestow Valley on May 23rd, June 29th and August 7th; Bickenhill on May 25th; Dunstall Park on June 6th, July 3rd, 11th, 13th, 14th and 28th, and August 14th, 28th and 29th; Sandwell Valley on June 12th, August 12th and September 2nd and 10th; Sutton Park on June 22nd; Temple Balsall on July 15th; Stubbers Green on August 13th; Cheswick Green on 20th; Reedswood Park on 30th, Clayhanger on September 5th (two); and Blythe Valley CP on 16th.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Frequent winter visitor and passage migrant. Uncommon breeding species. Warks An excellent breeding season, with two pairs rearing at least three young in the north of the county; and pairs present at three further sites during the breeding season, again all in the north. In summary it was reported from a total of 47 sites across the county during the year including regular appearances at several southern sites during the breeding season, although these may come from breeding sites across the county boundaries. Most concerned one or two birds, but three were seen at both Ladywalk on February 27th and Salford Priors GP on December 27th, and there were five together at a breeding site on September 8th. Worcs Confirmed to have bred successfully at two localities west of the county and a pair continued to hold territory at Worcester Cathedral. Another pair spent the summer at a suitable nesting site west of the county, but no breeding attempt was made. Observed at 44 localities during the year, with the majority of records being in the winter months. Staffs Successfully bred at five sites this year with a total of 11 fledglings, although at

68 one site two chicks were stolen leaving just one to be successfully fledged. Birds were reported throughout the year with sightings from 60 localities, compared with 41 in 2004. The table below shows the total number of reports/total number of sites for each month, again with an upward trend compared with recent years.

JFMAMJ JASOND 2005 28/16 12/10 20/10 23/18 14/10 14/11 13/6 19/8 25/10 31/16 29/13 30/15 2004 16/11 19/8 26/10 12/7 8/7 8/3 7/5 19/8 28/8 14/8 10/7 27/13 2003 11/7 6/4 10/7 12/8 3/3 6/5 14/6 32/6 26/5 21/7 17/7 21/5 2000 8/5 7/4 6/4 7/5 2/2 1/1 1/1 15/5 22/6 10/3 5/4 4/2 Three were seen at Blithfield on November 27th and at Aqualate on December 19th attacking the starling roost. W Mid During the breeding season, a pair was again noted at the BT Tower in central Birmingham, with birds seen at several other locations within the county, but there was no news of any breeding success. At least three separate birds were noted at Marsh Lane NR, with singles on one date in February, two dates in March, one date in April, three dates in a week in mid May, one date in both June and September, two dates in November and three dates in December. At Sandwell Valley, a pair was seen on January 1st, followed by singles on January 23rd, August 20th and 27th, September 21st-22nd and October 5th. At Fens Pools, singles seen on January 3rd and February 2nd, with two on February 12th. Other sightings included a female flying over Dorridge on January 19th; a male caught and ate an immature Black-headed Gull at Dunstall Park on February 9th, with individuals on May 9th and October 20th and 26th; singles at Sheepwash UP on February 11th, March 22nd and September 3rd; a female at Small Heath on February 15th; one at Pelsall North Common on March 15 and November 12th; one at Castle Bromwich on March 22nd, a female on April 14th, a pair on 19th and a female again on 22nd, June 6th and July 11th; one over Earlswood on April 12th; one at West Bromwich on April 15th; a male over University of Birmingham on August 26th; a male at Clayhanger on October 19th; one seen to take a pigeon over Goscote Valley on December 5th; and one at Steelpark Way (Wednesfield) on December 23rd.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Frequent winter visitor and uncommon resident. Warks Probable breeding territories were reported from: Alvecote, Brandon (three broods seen), Napton Res (two) and Salford Priors GP. Other breeding season records came from Abbots Salford, Coombe Abbey, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Seeswood Pool and Whittleford Park. Outside the breeding season, records of up to four birds came from all the above sites as well as from: Billesley, Charlecote GP, Chesterton, Coton, Earlswood, Edstone, Farnborough Park, Fisher’s Mill GP, Guy’s Cliffe, Knightcote, Lighthorne Pools and Quarry, Lower Radbourn, Packington Park, Ufton Hill, Wasperton and Wormleighton Res. Larger counts included maxima of eight at Napton Res on February 2nd and at least ten there on December 14th; seven at Salford Priors GP on October 23rd; ten at Ladywalk on November 9th and 12th; and at least seven at Brandon on November 22nd. The highest numbers were again present in November. Worcs Reported during the breeding season at Gwen Finch Wetland (two juveniles noted), Oakley Pool, Strensham Lagoons, Upton Warren and Westwood Pool. During the first winter period and away from the tabulated sites, Lower Moor held a maximum of five birds and one was also discovered dead on a filter bed at the sewage works on January 3rd. Singles also recorded at Croome Landscape Park on January 19th, Ryall Pits on February

69 7th, Oakley Pool on 9th and Bishampton Vale Pool on 11th. Four were noted at Strensham Lagoons and one at Grimley Brick Pits on July 6th, one at Croome Landscape Park on September 1st and one at Kinsham Lake on 12th. Second winter period records were of two at Grimley New Workings on October 16th, a maximum of five birds at Lower Moor during November and December, one at Kyre Pool on November 20th, one at Grimley New Workings on December 4th, one at Castle- morton Common on 23rd and one at Abberton on 25th. Staffs Breeding was re- ported from Doxey (where 27 pairs were recorded; this match- ing the population present in 2004) and as possible at Belvide although records in May-August Water Rail, Ladywalk, Brian McGeough also came from Aqualate, Blithfield and Norbury Park on one date at each site. In the first winter period up to four birds were noted at Aqualate and up to five birds at both Belvide and Doxey. A maximum of 16 was reported in the second winter period at Aqualate on November 20th and significant numbers also at Doxey with a maximum of 13 noted there on December 28th. Other sites mentioned include Astonfields Balancing Lakes (six on November 26th), Branston Water Park, Consall CP, Copmere, Cuckoo Bank, Dosthill, Drakelow NR, Drayton Bassett, the Sherbrook Valley, Festival Park, the Staffordshire/Worcestershire canal at Gothersley, Mavesyn Ridware, Pelsall Common LNR, Rudyard Lake, Shugborough, Tittesworth, Tixall Canal, Westport, Whitemoor Haye and Wolseley Bridge. W Mid Two birds recorded at Marsh Lane NR on July 26th-27th and August 17th could possibly have bred. Other breeding season records concerned one at Park Lime Pits on April 26th and May 4th. In the first winter period, records involved at least four birds at Marsh Lane NR, two at both Blythe Valley CP and Forge Mill Lake, and singles at Fens Pools, Olton Mere, Pelsall North Common, Scribers Wood and Smestow Valley. In the second winter period, at least four birds were present at both Forge Mill Lake and Marsh Lane NR, with two at Fens Pools and individuals at Blythe Valley CP, Dunstall Park, Mushroom Green Marsh, Olton Mere and Smestow Valley. Also reported as a winter visitor in small numbers at Sheepwash UP.

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant and winter visitor (9/10). Has bred. Warks One seen at Wormleighton Res on October 4th JJB, was the third record at this site since 1996.

Corn Crake Crex crex Once bred but now very rare summer visitor (1/10). Warks A single bird was flushed several times near Kites Hardwick, while the

70 observer and his son were mowing a wet set-aside beside the River Leam on August 25th-26th WJR.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Very common resident.

Monthly maxima for selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Grimley New Workings – – – 21 18 17 36 27 30 41 4 8 Gwen Finch 6224217––1–10 Kinsham Lake 444646101210867 Pirton Pool 788771118292218168 Upton Warren 205 7131213123634152515 Westwood Pool 5 4 5 19 3 4 25 20 12 5 3 3 Bittell Reservoir 10 5–52–1020–10620 Barton GP 272820––––––––– Belvide ––10––––34–––– Blithfield –––––––4–––– Chasewater 4 11–––513–2731–– Doxey 23 12 34 26 32 31 16 47 27 28 28 30 Hill Ridware 18 25 26 ––––––––– Kettlebrook Lakes 21 19 18 12 ––––21––28 River Sow, Baswich5106–––––24111510 Rudyard Lake – 10 43––––2628–– Westport 101164711161116121520 Sandwell Valley 36 31 26 29 31 24 26 19 28 44 31 27

Warks Counts of breeding pairs included 13 at Farnborough Park and six at both Lighthorne Quarry and around Wormleighton Res. At least six broods were seen at Brandon, while a pair reared 20 young from three broods on a garden pond at Whitehall Farm, Dunchurch. There were again no large concentrations, with peaks at the various waters including: 30 at Farnborough Park and 17 on the River Avon from Marlcliff to Bidford in January; 21 at Lighthorne Pools in July; 16 at Whittleford Park in August; 30 at both Brandon and Farnborough Park, 25 at Charlecote GP, 24 at Alvecote, 23 at Ladywalk, 17 at Morton Bagot and 16 at Wormleighton Res, all in September; 18 at Chesterton Church Pool in November; and 25 at Cliff Pool (Kingsbury), 30 at and 31 at Draycote in December. A very striking leucistic individual was at Chesterton Church Pool from June 2nd until at least November 18th, with the plumage being a light blue-grey all over but shading to almost white on the wings, and with normal soft part colours. Worcs Six broods were recorded at Grimley New Workings and breeding confirmed at Gwen Finch Wetland, Kinsham Lake, Oakley Pool, Pirton Pool, Upton Warren and Westwood pool. Away from the tabulated sites, five were at Mill Pond on April 16th, four at Strensham Lagoons on 18th and at Bishampton Vale Pool, 17 were noted on November 24th and 22 on December 8th. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at seven locations including the well-surveyed site at Doxey where 28 pairs were present, a slight decrease from the 31 pairs present in 2004. A further 43 untabulated sites also reported birds. W Mid Breeding was confirmed at Coundon Wedge, Dudley No.2 Canal, Kingswinford, Ladymoor Pool, Marsh Lane NR (at least eight pairs), Netherton, Olton Mere (nesting in old Common Coot’s nest constructed inside an unused small boat), Rocket Pool, Sheep- wash UP, Smestow Valley and Steelpark Way (Wednesfield). Also noted at Berkswell, Bickenhill, Birmingham Canal, Blythe Valley, Bournville, Chadwick End The Dingles,

71 Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Fens Pools, Galton Valley, Grand Union Canal, Haden Hill Park, The Leasowes, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common, Rushall Canal, Sarehole Mill, Stubbers Green, Thimblemill Brook, Trittiford Pool and Walsall Arboretum. A maximum of 32 were counted at Marsh Lane NR on September 17th.

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

Monthly maxima for selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Dosthill/Kingsbury 400 ––––105195230465460575550 Draycote 356 210 155 71 45 146 352 – 993 1200 2200 1121 Napton Res 118 123 130 65 – – – 70 85 47 150 115 Salford Priors GP 49 30 28 14 12 – 48 73 90 110 100 90 Shustoke 106 100 95 18 22 20 – 382 770 800 1200 655 Bittell Reservoir 37 38 – 18 16 – 48 55 – 30 26 22 Bredon’s Hardwick 47 56 39 16 –7122252112 Kinsham Lake 131 56 65 36 28 63 94 122 110 92 94 97 Grimley New Workings – – – 34 38 80 174 189 150 104 96 64 Pirton Pool 219 109 96 54 39 171 203 211 100 69 73 117 Upton Warren 50 30 31 19 16 65 112 175 240 231 256 260 Westwood Pool 33 52 44 87 100 191 205 10 15 10 6 5 Alrewas 200 – 24 ––––2250200–30 Aqualate 21 16 29 – – – 105 386 454 506 494 261 Barton GP 212152133––––––––– Belvide 228 241 233 – 188 462 810 950 1112 1124 1165 1118 Blithfield – 80 2000 ––––––––20 Branston Gravel Pit479158––––––––– Branston Water Park563129––––12––60– Brookleys Lake 70359––––––276065 Chasewater 458 219 200 108 102 – 464 579 826 844 – – Chillington 77 80 90 ––––––––– Coldmeece Pools 141 72 63 21 13 – 48 85 91 116 87 205 Copmere 6 6 3 11 2 31 77 153 89 74 78 29 Croxall GP 80 61 93 ––––100–––– Dosthill 184 263 125 – – – 30 80 – – 310 – Doxey 17 25 34 19 22 18 21 24 30 24 34 31 Fisherwick/Elford North Pit 111318––––––––– Higher Lower Perton Lakes ––34––––17––33– Hill Ridware – 41 68 ––––––––– Kettlebrook Lakes 38 54 54 19 – – – 46 – – – 45 Kings Bromley 63 50 34 ––––––––– Tittesworth 36111014113––––– Westport 928744232244647567666264 Whitemoor Haye 39615283––––––––– Marsh Lane NR 100 83 66 52 35 52 101 133 152 169 157 136 Netherton Reservoir 44 34 27 18 20 14 28 31 45 42 54 67 Sandwell Valley 149 133 94 78 77 59 83 99 103 139 224 236 WeBS 2004 3180 2453 1650 1089 1141 2278 4258 5529 4297 2487 3363 2896 WeBS 2005 3872 3158 2137 1287 920 2141 3243 3972 3955 3471 3402 3457 Warks About 20 pairs were thought to have bred at Salford Priors GP, with many of these not arriving until July as the food supply increased. Other significant counts of nesting pairs came from: Alvecote (at least seven), Brandon (at least nine broods), Compton Verney (13), Coombe Slade Pool (four), Farnborough Park (seven), Lighthorne Quarry (five), Lower Radbourn (eight), Napton Res (13), Wootton Wawen (six) and

72 Wormleighton Res (seven). At Ufton Fields on May 15th a pair and two young were observed chasing a swimming Grass Snake across Horseshoe Pool. Outside the breeding season counts show a large influx during November, with the Draycote peak equalling the previous highest count there in October 1997. Away from tabulated sites, Brandon had a peak of 47 on February 1st, while late autumn counts included 200 at Alvecote on November 23rd, 500 at Coton on December 4th and 70 at Compton Verney on 5th. Worcs Fifteen broods were observed at Grimley New Workings and two pairs nested on pools at Bodenham Arboretum. Also reported to have bred at Bredon’s Hardwick, Kinsham Lake, Pirton Pool, Ryall Pits, Upton Warren and Westwood Pool. Away from the tabulated localities, Gwen Finch Wetland held 10 on April 10th and nine on May 8th and July 24th, six were at Mill Pond on April 16th and six at Strensham Lagoons on 18th and May 15th. Staffs Breeding reported at nine localities including Fernhill, Bateswood, Byrkley Park, Tittesworth and Woodmill. The census work at Doxey revealed 23 pairs, this a slight fall from the 28 pairs present in 2004. At Belvide, where the wintering flock was the largest in the county, the highest autumn count was of 1165 birds on November 17th, this being slightly higher than the 1010 birds counted in 2004 and compares well with the 2000-2004 average of exactly 1000 birds. Reported from a further 14 untabulated sites. W Mid Birds bred at Blythe Valley CP, Dunstall Park Lake, Dudley No.2 Canal, (four nests), Ladymoor Pool, Marsh Lane NR (at least 11 pairs), Netherton Reservoir, Rocket Pool, Sheepwash UP, Steelpark Way (Wednesfield) and Trittiford Pool. Maximum counts at other sites included 95 at Fens Pools in January and 100 at both Sheepwash UP on February 6th and Edgbaston Reservoir on August 29th.

Common Crane Grus grus Rare vagrant (5/10). Staffs One arrived mid evening at Belvide on October 15th RC, only the eighth county record. W Mid One circled over Marsh Lane NR on April 22nd and, after being harassed by Lapwings, flew off south over Bradnock’s Marsh per NJB – the first record for both sites.

2003 Addendum W Mid Six birds flew over Meriden Mill Farm (west of Meriden) at about 14.00 on September 6th per NJB – undoubtedly they were the same as those that flew eastwards over Belvide Reservoir (Staffordshire) at 08.45 the same day.

2004 Addendum Worcs An adult flew over Lower Moor on April 12th RAP.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon –142357––––– Dosthill/Kingsbury 16635543–––– Draycote 1–41––33–––– Ladywalk –1521232–––– Bredon’s Hardwick –2422–2––––– Grimley New Workings ––252810–––––

73 JFMAMJ JASOND Kinsham –2224444–––– Throckmorton Lagoons –––2–22––––– Upton Warren 114––––––––– Alrewas ––2––1–1–––– Aqualate ––12–––––––1 Barton GP –38–4––––––– Belvide Reservoir 148568711––– Blithfield Reservoir –4344107111––– Branston Gravel Pit 12361–61–––– Chasewater Reservoir –1112113–––– Coldmeece Pools –124225–1––– Croxall GP –384358––––– Doxey Marshes ––14252–––1– Drayton Bassett Pits–372444––––– Elford Gravel Pits –54455–––––– Kings Bromley ––76–5–––––– River Dove, Fauld ––2222–––––– Tittesworth Reservoir–––12132–––– Whitemoor Haye –553312––––– Marsh Lane NR –2244695–––– Warks Single pairs bred at Brandon (three young fledged), Kingsbury (one young) and Salford Priors GP (one young), with other lone pairs present regularly during the spring at both Abbots Salford and Packington. Other records came from: Alvecote, one on March 12th and 30th, two on April 13th and one on June 10th; Jubilee Pools, one on May 30th; Lea Marston, two on August 12th; and Shustoke, one on March 23rd. Worcs Breeding records comprised a pair at Bredon’s Hardwick, which fledged two, a pair at Grimley New Workings, which fledged one, and single pairs at Kinsham Lake and Upton Warren both fledged two. Away from tabulated sites, counts included singles at Lower Moor on April 1st, 2nd and May 9th, five at Holt on April 13th, and singles at Westwood Pool on May 10th and June 29th. Staffs Breeding pairs were seen at Belvide (two pairs, one with two chicks surviving out of three, the other had one chick but failed), Blithfield (two young), Croxall GP (two young), Drayton Bassett Pits (two young, one fledged) and Whitmore (at least one young fledged). Five birds displayed at Draycott-in-the-Clay in April. Small number occurred at other sites as follows: February: Westport; March: Branston Water Park, Knypersley, the National Memorial Arboretum, Parkside, Stableford and Tixall; April: Brookleys Lake, Cotes Heath, Doley Common (three), Keele University, River Sow Meadows, Shug- borough, Sugnall, Tixall and Westport Lake; May: Keele University and Knypersley; July: Dosthill (four); August: Dosthill (three), River Sow Meadows and Rudyard Lake (three); September: Bent Lane. W Mid Two pairs bred at Ryders Hayes Mere, with broods of four and two chicks noted on May 14th, and one pair bred at Marsh Lane NR, with two young noted from May 21st. One or two birds were occasionally noted at Forge Mill Lake from April 4th to July 6th, but there was no evidence of breeding. One was seen at Fens Pools on March 7th, with two on April 26th, and singles were at Dunstall Park Lake on March 22nd and Bartley Reservoir on 22nd November. The nine counted at Marsh Lane NR in July were present on 2nd.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Rare passage migrant and very rare breeder (8/10). Warks There were reports of three on Cliff Pool, Kingsbury on March 24th SLC, SMH,

74 BLK et al, and singles at Draycote on April 16th TM and at Kingsbury again on May 2nd THd. Worcs A pair arrived at Upton Warren on March 22nd and raised two young with the first chick hatching on May 26th. The two adults and two juveniles were still present on June 18th with three birds remaining until August 12th. Staffs One at Drayton Bassett Pits on May 2nd MJI, GJM.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Frequent summer resident and passage migrant. Average dates: March 20th (41) to October 3rd (41). First seen at Wiseman’s Scrape on March 16th with the last at Grimley New Workings on September 23rd; well ahead of the average.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon ––246321–––– Dosthill/Kingsbury ––16664––––– Draycote –––427453––– Ladywalk –––3316––––– Salford Priors GP ––758871–––– Bredon’s Hardwick ––22411––––– Grimley New Workings ––844411–1––– Lower Moor ––1222–––––– Ryall Pits ––3–4–6––––– Throckmorton Lagoons –––11–21–––– Upper Bittell Reservoir ––––––511––– Upton Warren ––51112121263–– Belvide Reservoir ––246112564––– Blithfield Reservoir ––1216151115––– Branston Gravel Pit –––33––1–––– Britannia Stadium –––48–4––––– Byrkley Park –––12332–––– Chasewater Reservoir ––142–1––––– Coldmeece Pools ––23354––––– Croxall GP ––23228––––– Doxey Marshes ––144543–––– Drayton Bassett Pits––25457–1––– Silverdale Colliery ––45451––––– Tittesworth Reservoir–––1–11052––– Uttoxeter Quarry –––4–41––––– Westport Lake ––22222––––– Whitemoor Haye ––344512––––– Dunstall Park ––2439 - ––––– Marsh Lane NR ––681517521––– Sandwell Valley ––1356611–––

Warks A good year with a minimum of 19 pairs reported, but as some sites were not covered it seems possible that there may have been around 25 pairs in the county this year. Breeding pairs (singles unless otherwise stated) were located at: Baginton Lagoons, Brandon, Coleshill GP, Dordon (four), Dosthill/Kingsbury area (three), Draycote, Lawford Heath, Longbridge (two), Morton Bagot and Salford Priors GP (four). The pair at Morton Bagot was in a new area and occupied a small farmland pool. Up to six were present here during May-July, with birds commuting to nearby Spernall STW. Another on a small farm pond at on May 29th was presumably also from here. At more traditional sites, one or two were regular at Baginton Airfield during the spring, while there was one at

75 Seeswood Pool on April 3rd, and two at Alvecote and one at Earlswood Lakes, both on July 23rd. Extreme dates were March 20th at Baginton and Salford Priors GP, and September 12th at Draycote, when two were present. Worcs Two pairs nested at Grimley New Workings fledging one, six chicks were noted in Droitwich at Wiseman’s Scrape on June 1st and at Upton Warren, three to four pairs were at the Flash Pools and one on the Moors Pool, but only a single clutch was hatched and a single chick fledged. Away from tabulated sites one was back at Wiseman’s Scrape on March 16th rising to eight by 23rd, while one was at Bordesley Park fishing pool on March 24th and two at Clifton Pits on 26th. In April seven were at Clifton Pits on 14th and four at Bury End Flash on 23rd, while three were there on May 20th. Two were at Lickmoor Wetland on July 17th and 20th, with three there on 26th and a single was at Grimley Old Workings on September 2nd. Staffs First arrival was at Doxey on March 19th and at the National Memorial Arboretum and Croxall GP on the 20th; the last at Blithfield on September 17th and Tittesworth on 18th. Breeding occurred at the Britannia Stadium (four pairs, one predated by Magpies on May 8th, at least two juveniles present), Byrkley Park (one pair sat but soon abandoned), Coldmeece (one pair, at least three juveniles fledged), Croxall GP (one pair, two juveniles), Croxden Quarry (one pair), Doxey (one or two pairs, two fledged young), Drayton Bassett Pits (one pair, failed), Silverdale Colliery (two pairs, one juvenile), Tittesworth (two pairs, at least three fledged), Uttoxeter Quarry (one pair, one juvenile) and Whitemoor Haye (two pairs, three fledged). An adult and juvenile arrived at Westport in July suggesting breeding nearby and a pair at Packington Moor may also have bred. Elsewhere, one at the National Memorial Arboretum, two at Essington Quarry Pool on April 3rd, two at Wombourne on 16th, Essington Quarry Pool on 23rd, Lordsley GP on June 11th, two at Alrewas on 18th, four at Dosthill on July 8th, Rudyard Lake on 16th, Stanley Pool on August 8th and Rudyard Lake on 22nd. W Mid Birds bred at Dunstall Park Lake, Marsh Lane NR (up to four pairs attempted, but only two ‘caged’ pairs were successful, fledging eight young between them) and Sheepwash UP. Two were seen at Steelpark Way (Wednesfield) on March 26th, with one at Great Bridge on June 11th.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon ––2274811––– Dosthill/Kingsbury –––22312–––– Draycote ––11111251–– Ladywalk –––2––1––––– Salford Priors GP ––2322111––– Grimley New Workings –––212–11––– Upton Warren ––11–2145––– Alrewas 112–––––2––– Barton GP –22––––––––– Belvide Reservoir 1–14611316157–1 Blithfield Reservoir –1––21037934222– Branston Gravel Pit –654––4–3––– Chasewater Reservoir –––21–––5––– Crossplains –––––––64––– Croxall GP 11522261––––

76 JFMAMJ JASOND Doxey Marshes ––12422––––– Drayton Bassett Pits––23722–1––– Tittesworth Reservoir––––112–3––– Whitemoor Haye –48109511––––– Marsh Lane NR –26887641––– Warks At least four breeding pairs were located: at Brandon (two, one brood of four fledged), Dordon (young seen) and Salford Priors GP (pair failed). In addition a pair was seen in suitable habitat at Lawford Heath Tip on June 6th, while there was an adult with two juveniles at Kingsbury on June 14th, although it is not clear which side of the county boundary they had been hatched. Passage numbers were little better than last year, with singles at Longbridge on May 14th, Earlswood Lakes on June 24th and two at Alvecote on July 23rd, the only others reported. The last autumn bird was at Draycote on October 13th. Worcs Spring records away form tabulated sites comprised singles at Lower Moor on March 15th, while in April singles were at Wiseman’s Scrape on 8th, Lower Moor on 15th, with three there on 23rd, Bredon’s Hardwick on 28th and 29th and three at Ryall Pits on 28th rising to nine the following day. During May two were at Ryall Pits on 1st, three on 10th and 13th, one on 18th and six on 19th, while five were at Bury End Flash on 19th and four on 22nd. Autumn passage involved two at Upper Bittell Reservoir on August 13th, one at Grimley Old Workings on 23rd and three at Throckmorton Lagoons on 25th. During September four were at Bredon’s Hardwick on 4th, eight at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 11th and one on 27th, two at Bishampton Vale Pool on 24th and Gwen Finch Wetland on from 27th-29th. Two were noted in October with singles at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 1st and Lower Moor on 21st. Staffs This year has seen a significant increase in breeding birds, two pairs being the most in the previous five years. These comprised; Croxall GP (one pair with four young), Drayton Bassett Pits (one pair, one juvenile) and Whitemoor Haye (three pairs, three young). Untabulated records comprised two at Westport on March 24th, singles at Coldmeece on April 3rd, 9th and May 19th, four near the Britannia Stadium and one at Westport on 20th, singles at Uttoxeter Quarry on June 5th, Dosthill on August 1st, Rudyard Lake on 11th, Silverdale Colliery 17th-19th and two at Rudyard Lake on September 19th. W Mid Two pairs attempted to breed at Marsh Lane NR, but only one nesting inside a cage was successful, fledging three young. One was recorded at Sheepwash UP on April 17th, two were at Forge Mill Lake on May 22nd, followed by individuals on August 6th and 28th, and two were at Meriden Quarry on July 26th.

Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Rare passage migrant, very rare in winter (6/10). Worcs A juvenile on September 24th flew over North Hill before landing on where it showed well for most of the day until it Dotterel, Table Hill, Andy Warr flew north SMW, MWCW et al.

77 European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Scarce, and declining breeding species on the North Staffs Moors. Average dates: August 14th (57) to April 30th (59). An early arrival at Throckmorton on July 31st with the last bird lingering at Birchmoor on May 8th.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Birchmoor 280460300501––––500300380 Dosthill/Kingsbury 1200 3000 –––––1–15020700 Draycote 2000 250 45 –––––12–38300 Fenny Compton 1500 300 300 70 ––––416570300 Longbridge 290 280 420 260 –––––130–– Lower Moor 1000 100 120 –––––17400290500 Belvide Reservoir 70 200 200 –––––33413105– Berry Hill – – 36 –––––1723–3 Black Bank 3301001501801–––22679– Blithfield Reservoir – – 25 –––131230–– Branston Gravel Pit –80050–––––10––– Britannia Stadium – – – 200 11––––––– Butterton ––14130–––––––– Coldmeece Pools 25 400 –––––––––– Crossplains 1 450 900 550 1–11–80250125 Croxall GP 1–1––––––––10 Cuckoo Bank –––602–––––3– Doxey Marshes 2742–––––––500220390 Drayton Bassett Pits 1000 2200 30 ––––––16300– Ellenhall – – – 12 –––––178– Ingestre 110 18 –––––––––5 Keele 139 160 55 200 –––––50418 Park Hall CP – 413 200 ––––––––115 Westport Lake –––100–––––500700– Whitemoor Haye 2860160––––––15010050 Marsh Lane NR 1000 200 20 6––––98100232600

Warks There were some impressive counts early in the year, with the flock of 3000 at Dosthill during February 6th-10th being the largest in the county since 1996. Away from the sites in the table, flocks of 100 or more during the late winter period also included 200 at Shipston-on-Stour on January 6th, 750 at Long Marston Airfield on 10th, 800 at Sherbourne on 13th, 150 at Warmington on 16th, 120 at Airfield on 22nd, 550 flying south over Wormleighton Res on 29th, 111 at Barcheston on February 18th, 150 at Northend on 25th, 200 at Kineton on March 11th and 750 at Kingsbury Rifle Ranges on April 5th. Birds remained at several sites into late April, with the last at Birchmoor on May 8th. An early bird flew over Dosthill Lake on August 15th, but most did not begin to reappear until after about September 20th. A flock of 500 at Bramcote Hall on September 25th was probably destined for Birchmoor. Other good-sized counts included 200 over Brandon on October 7th, 105 at Napton Fields on 14th, 124 over Lighthorne Quarry on 17th, 250 at Dordon on 26th, 400 at Northend on November 14th, 200 at Wellesbourne on 25th, 115 at Chesterton on December 9th, 600 at Charlecote on 15th and 145 at Wormleighton on 27th. Worcs January records comprised 67 at Kempsey Lower Ham on 2nd, 20 at Clerkenleap on 5th and 300 at Kempsey on 29th, while in February 150 were at Kinsham Lake on 1st, with 323 there on 7th, 70 on 12th and 21 on 13th, while elsewhere six were at Upton Warren on 2nd, 130 at Dunstall Common on 4th, 170 at Ashmoor Common and 20 at Grimley new

78 workings on 7th, 200 at and 200 at Croome Perry Crossroads on 14th, 100 at Bredon’s Hardwick on 15th with 16 there on 20th and 35 on Bredon Hill on 28th. In March 796 were at Croome Perry crossroads on 5th, 20 at Throckmorton lagoons on 20th, 20 on Bredon Hill on 27th, with 500 there the following day and 138 at Bredon’s Hardwick also on 28th. Records began to diminish during April with 84 on Bredon Hill on 3rd and 15 there on 16th, while 125 were at Ashmoor Common on 11th. Return birds were first noted in September with eight at Kinsham Lake on 7th, two at Court on 16th, eight at on 24th, with one over Table Hill the same day and 16 at Throckmorton lagoons on 25th. Records increased during October with six at Longdon Marsh on 4th, two at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 12th, 62 at Throckmorton Tip on 13th, five on Bredon Hill on 14th, 330 at Ryall Pits and six at Upton Warren on 16th, one at Grimley New Workings on 22nd and 330 at Wick on 30th. In November eight were at Ryall Pits on 1st, 800 in a field adjacent to the M42 between junctions 2 and 3 and ten at Upton-upon-Severn Ham on 12th, 40 at Bredon’s Hardwick and two at Little Comberton on 13th, 22 on Bredon Hill on 20th, 750 at Defford Airfield on 23rd and 363 at Croome Perry Crossroads on 26th. During December, 309 were at Defford Airfield on 1st, 17 at Wadborough also on 1st, with 200+ there on 5th and 15 on 7th, 16 at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 3rd, with 200 there the next day and 450 on 13th, 300 at Clerkenleap on 6th, 350 at Croome Landscape Park on 9th, 450 at Croome Perry Crossroads on 13th and 150 at Kempsey Common on 17th. Staffs May have bred at Knotbury where up to three were present throughout May and June. Untabulated double-figure counts came in January from Astonfields Balancing Lakes (200), Flash (42) and Muckley Corner, Brownhills (50); in February from Bateswood (26), Catholme (60) and Hales Pools (80); in March from Bateswood (50), Bolingbroke Wood (85), Gailey (165), Roddige Farm (23); in April from Bottom House (52) and Royal Cottage (23); in October from Pethillshead Farm (50), River Dove, Fauld (45) and Swynnerton (50); in November from Caltonmoor (11), Dosthill (15), Gliding Field (26), Stockley Vale (100) and Waterhouses (100) and in December from Crakemarsh Lake (1000), Four Ashes (400), Redgreet (15), Swynnerton (40), Talke (350) and Whitmore (70). W Mid In the first winter period, up to 200 were noted to the north of Earlswood on January 7th-8th, with 12 present on April 20th. A flock of 80 flew over Sheepwash UP on January 10th, one was at Dunstall Park on 30th, about 50 were to the north of Hockley Heath on February 28th, with two still present on April 24th, and 215 were noted at Blythe Valley CP on March 28th, where fewer remained until April 22nd. In the second winter period, up to 55 were noted in the Illshaw Heath/Hockley Heath area from September 23rd, until a major influx of 800 on November 14th, with 500 still present on December 11th. Other sightings included ten at Sheepwash UP on November 12th, two at Sandwell Valley on 20th and one on December 3rd, a flock of 240 in flight to the east of Chelmsley Wood on 12th, and a monthly maximum of 430 at Dunstall Park on 12th.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks There were two winter singletons at Draycote on January 22nd and December 31st, and an autumn bird at Salford Priors GP on October 23rd. Worcs One flew high over Gwen Finch Wetland calling on October 4th. Staffs Birds on autumn passage were seen at Blithfield on August 8th, a juvenile on October 2nd and one on 24th. At Belvide there was one on September 22nd and October 2nd and two on October 10th. W Mid One was seen at Ryders Hayes Mere on March 11th GE.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Abbots Salford 450 450 280 22 10 6 170 110 250 – – 106 Brandon 82 90 35 9 12 109 250 400 250 250 160 85 Dosthill/Kingsbury 1000 800 30 20 15 73 87 350 115 168 230 267 Draycote 2300 30 43 – – 4 21 – 400 400 350 1500 Fenny Compton 3700 1000 1300 6 6 200 670 85 350 800 120 100 Salford Priors GP 200 515 65 24 18 250 490 792 205 419 118 36 Bittell Reservoir – – – 2 – 7 72 – 150 90 270 Bredon’s Hardwick 81 68 26 – 56 278 4–––284– Grimley New Workings – – – 10 6 20 86 78 30 94 44 265 Kinsham Lake – 750 – 12 14 40 8 6 – 48 10 – Upton Warren 1000 800 500 15 10 12 10 13 15 40 43 650 Alrewas 50 – 1144781821–75 Aqualate 200 ––––––1–––120 Barton GP 400395165––––––––– Bateswood 95 – 8 10 222––––30 Bednall – – – 10 1 49 – – – 100 1 – Belvide Reservoir – 450 35 15 8 156 423 445 285 642 707 659 Berry Hill Fields ––66–––––325032 Blithfield Reservoir 500 370 450 – 3 32 500 300 – – – 210 Butterton –606012–––––––– Chasewater Reservoir 61 50 1146123040140105240 Coldmeece Pools – 260 23 41 22 4 140 160 250 43 225 110 Crakemarsh Lake 1000 ––––––––––500 Crossplains 635 375 200 10 13 14 210 240 1 110 100 – Croxall GP 540 108 70 444–––––– Denstone Hall 1 70 230 8–––38––17852 Doley Common – 69 – – 16 34 100 – – 10 20 250 Dosthill Pits 26 45 ––––880––150– Doxey Marshes 276 209 95 25 18 103 147 210 131 600 340 1245 Drayton Bassett Pits––––––––500––300 Elford Gravel Pits –400806––––100––– Flash 122495–––––––– Halfpenny Green – 50 50 2–––––––– Keele University 107 81 14 78––––––– Kings Bromley 173 169 8––––––––– Mucklestone ––250––––––350–– Norbury Manor –––11–3139–––– River Dove, Fauld 150 200 4–––7––60350– River Sow Meadows – 225 6 10 2 5 – 145 110 245 35 90 Rudyard Lake ––––––2092217––– Stableford 550 700 8 16 10 5 33 88 – – 200 320 Stockley Vale – – 160 1 – 60 300 240 – – 50 3 Tittesworth Reservoir 71 17 6 6 6 97 201 185 170 95 140 75 Trent Valley, East Bishton ––801–––––––40 Weston Jones Mill 27 191 141 5–––––––13 Westport Lake 15031733–––16010022 Whitemoor Haye 200–12–8–6–144––– Whitmore – Bent Lane 64 700 220 24 21 38 2–––95320 Dunstall Park 52 44 4 4 4 106 160 223 150 80 130 160 Marsh Lane NR 700 600 310 16 16 118 100 95 310 358 450 650 Sandwell Valley 52 100 85 40 32 28 63 76 75 81 50 41 Stubbers Green 15 28 17 5 3 – 105 79 110 5 102 116 Warks About 115 breeding pairs were located at 35 sites, slightly down on last years

80 total (cf. 122 at 36 sites). Pairs were present at the following sites: Abbots Salford (three), Alvecote, Beausale (11, but most failed due to high predation levels), Bidford-on-Avon, Bishop’s Itchington (two), Bramcote Hall (two), Brandon (six), , Chesterton (three), DMC Kineton (ten), Dordon (five), Farnborough (three), Fenny Compton (three), Gaydon, Heath (two), Kingsbury WP (seven), Ladywalk (four), Long Compton, Morton Bagot (five), Napton, Northend, Oldberrow, Packington (11-12 in area), Priors Hardwick (two), Radway, Salford Priors GP (12 in area), Spernall, Stretton-on-Fosse, Studley (three), Sweet Knowle (two), , Ufton, , Whatcote and Wormleighton (two). An increase was noted this year at DMC Kineton, where the May count of 22 was the highest since 1994. Some sizeable flocks were again present outside the breeding season, particularly in January. During the late winter period flocks of 200 or more also included 1250 at Long Marston Airfield on January 10th, 300 at Sherbourne on 13th, 300 at Longbridge on 26th, 200 at Ladywalk on 27th, 400 flying south at Worm- leighton Res on 29th, and 200 at Kineton on March 11th. Post-breeding flocks included 220 at Beausale on July 2nd, 350 at Wormleighton Res on September 6th, 650 at Napton Fields on October 14th, 300 at Gaydon on November 12th, 350 at Northend on 14th, 250 at Wellesbourne on 16th, 700 at Longbridge and 200 at Ladywalk on December 15th, and 220 at Charlecote on 23rd. Worcs Three pairs nested on Bredon Hill, three broods were noted on the Moors Pool at Upton Warren, but only two young fledged, three pairs nested on Longdon Marsh, a pair fledged two young at Lower Haresbrook, six pairs nested at Kinsham Lake, six were displaying at Romney Green on March 15th and three pairs were present at Weatheroak Hill on 23rd. Away from tabulated sites counts included 200 at Lower Moor on January 5th, 120 at Westwood Park on February 9th and 64 at Abberton on 10th. In August a leucistic bird was at Gwen Finch Wetland, while 240 were there on 5th. Bredon Hill held 29 birds on October 14th, while 304 were at Lower Moor on November 24th and 250 there on December 12th, with further December records comprising of 200 at Croome Perry Crossroads on 13th and 57 at Throckmorton Lagoons on 19th. Staffs From the records received, 284-302 pairs attempted breeding; no change from the 2004 figures. Full details as follows:

Abbot’s Bromley one pair Caltonmoor one pair Apedale CP six pairs displayed, five Cuckoo Bank at least seven pairs bred, at least two juveniles Cheddleton two pairs Aston-by-Stone three pairs Bateswood NR Coldmeece area 14 pairs of which at least five pairs, one chick 10 attempted. Four Bednall five pairs produced nine young. Beech area 13 pairs Cotes Heath three pairs Berry Hill three pairs Coven Lawn one pair Blackbrook one pair Crossplains Early attempts failed by Blithfield three pairs, four young farming disturbance. Late Bottom House two+ pairs breeding by seven pairs Brindley Ford area three pairs displayed, two produced seven juveniles in bred August. Britannia Stadium four pairs attempted, three Croxall GP three pairs, two failed to juveniles by two pairs predation Bromley Wood one pair failed because of Croxden Quarry one pair, one juvenile farming disturbance Denstone four pairs Brown Lees possibly six pairs Doley Common eight pairs, 18 young Burston three pairs Doxey 10-12 pairs, at least nine Butterton 13 pairs displayed, at least young six bred Drayton Bassett Pits one pair

81 Dunwood/Endon Brook two pairs, one failed Ranton Abbey two pairs Elkstone one pair River Dove, Fauld two pairs Ellenhall present throughout River Sow Meadows spring/summer but no Baswich five pairs, three young counts supplied River Trent, Enson two pairs King’s Bromley three pairs Flash at least two pairs Royal Cottage three-five pairs Fleet Green one pair Shirleywich Farm one pair, one juvenile Gospel Ash two pairs Shortwood Cotts two pairs Gradbach one pair Shugborough three pairs Great Haywood two pairs Silverdale Colliery three pairs, six juveniles Grindon one pair, one juvenile Stableford eight pairs, most failed by Grindon Moor four pairs farming disturbance, two Gun Hill one pair pairs with two juveniles Halfpenny Green one pair Stanley Pool two pairs Hanchurch Pools two pairs Sugnall two pairs with young Heaton one pair at Willot’s Hill Swallow Moss one pair Hints one pair Swynnerton “present” in the breeding Hollies Common four pairs season but no counts Keele area 12-14 pairs, at least three submitted failed, at least four young. Tittesworth two pairs north of the Knotbury “several” pairs conservation area Leyfields, Needwood one pair Trent Valley, Lordsley two pairs East Bishton one pair Lower Knightley two pairs Trysull one pair Loynton Moss one pair Upper Hulme four pairs Madeley one pair at Netherset Hay Uttoxeter Quarry one pair, two juveniles Meece Brook two pairs Weston Jones four pairs Morridge area nine pairs Wetley Moor three pairs Needwood two pairs Whitemoor Haye six pairs, at least three Newpool two pairs young Norbury Manor one pair, two juveniles Whitmore 14 pairs attempted, at least Norbury Park two pairs with six chicks five producing eight Okeover two pairs juveniles Orchard Common three pairs Whittimere six pairs Penkridge Airfield two pairs Windy Harbour one pair Pethills three pairs

Larger counts from untabulated sites in January came from Blythe Bridge (50), Draycott- in-the-Moors (30), Gospel Ash (50), Ingestre (100), M6 J11 (100), Pool Hall (30), Rocester (1500), Roddige Farm (80), Weston (150); in February from Cuckoo Bank (60), Forton (200), Hales Pools (350), The Clive Farm (50); in March from East Bishton (80), Moat Hall (55), Quixhill (72); in June from Audley (85); in July from Dunwood/Endon Bank (75); in August from Heaton (175), Stanley Pool (80); in September from Aston-by-Stone (45); in October from Gailey (75), Pethillshead Farm (250), Swynnerton (60); in November from Caltonmoor (60), Rickerscote (300), Royal Cottage (30), Tamworth Station (30), Waterhouses (150), Whittimere (50), Winkhill (200) and in December from Abbot’s Bromley (50), Blore (200), East Bishton (40), Eland Brook (80), Knighton (250) and Uttoxeter Quarry (80). A leucistic bird was recorded at Bent Lane from February 16th-18th. W Mid Birds bred at Dunstall Park Lake (two pairs, but only one young fledged), Marsh Lane NR (at least eight pairs, some double-brooded, fledged at least eight young) and Sandwell Valley (at least three chicks noted). Also present in the breeding season at Blythe Valley CP (at least eight pairs holding territory), Stonebridge and Stubbers Green. Peak counts of 55 at Sheepwash UP on January 22nd, 205 at Blythe Valley CP on February 6th, about 120 at Meriden Quarry between July 26th and August 3rd, and about 400 Windmill

82 Lakes on December 4th. Also noted at Frankley, Knowle, Pelsall North Common, Reedswood Park, Ryders Hayes Mere, Saltwells LNR and Smestow Valley.

Red Knot Calidris canutus Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Warks All records again came from Draycote, with two on May 1st, three on 21st and one on July 26th. Worcs A single bird was in a flooded field along Wagon Wheel Lane at Grimley on April 6th, while later in the year two at Upper Bittell Reservoir on August 27th, were followed by an excellent count of eight there on September 11th. Staffs This year produced an exceptional series of records, totalling 84 birds (cf. eight in 2003 and 23 in 2002). The first was at Whitemoor Haye on February 6th, followed by two at Blithfield on April 6th. In July, one was at Belvide on 7th, then three in summer plumage at Blithfield on 20th, two on 25th-26th, rising to three on 27th and nine on 28th. Also in July, one visited Barton GP on 25th. August saw one at Belvide on 25th followed by an incredible flock of 40 birds flying briefly around the reservoir on 26th before departing north-west. At Blithfield, singles on 3rd-4th, 14th and 24th with two from 27th until September 4th. Also in September three at Belvide on 10th, two on 17th, one on 22nd, a juvenile at Chasewater from 17th-19th, six at Blithfield on 17th with two remaining on 18th and two more on 27th. In October, one at Belvide on 1st, 19th-22nd and 29th, one at Blithfield on 2nd rising to two on 3rd and one remaining until 6th. Finally, an unseasonal bird was seen standing on an iced over Westport Lake on December 30th.

Sanderling Calidris alba Uncommon passage migrant. Rare in winter. Warks Four at Kingsbury on March 10th were unusually early. The only other spring records came from Salford Priors GP, with two on May 15th, one on 18th, and one on June 12th, which were the first for the site. The only return bird was an adult at Draycote from July 29th-31st. Worcs One that arrived at Grimley Old Workings on May 18th, moved to Grimley New Workings the following day and a single was also at Upton Warren on 19th, while singles were at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 20th and Bredon’s Hardwick on 25th. Staffs As with Red Knot, this was a particularly good year for sightings especially at Blithfield. The first two arrived here on April 30th, followed in May by two on 19th-20th, five on 22nd, two on 24th, one on 25th, three on 26th; in June two on 4th, eight on 5th and two on 14th. Return passage commenced with one on July 24th-25th, three on 28th, one on August 14th-17th, three on 26th, one on 27th, three on 28th, one on 29th-September 1st and finally one on 22nd. Elsewhere on spring passage, there was one at Whitemoor Haye on May 1st, two on 8th and four on 16th; one at Chasewater on 4th and 30th, one at Drayton Bassett Pits on 14th-15th and 21st and one at Belvide on 16th-17th, 20th-21st, 25th, two on June 13th-14th. Return passage comprised one at Belvide on July 7th, 23rd and August 5th, Tittesworth on August 3rd with two on 8th and one at Coldmeece on 20th. W Mid Four were seen at Sandwell Valley on June 4th.

Little Stint Calidris minuta Uncommon autumn passage migrant in variable numbers. Rare in spring and winter. Warks In spring there were singles at Draycote on May 8th and 15th, and on a flood- water pool at Lawford Heath Tip on June 19th. The only return records were of two

83 juveniles at Draycote on September 14th and one at Brandon on October 3rd. In addition, two stints flying over Alvecote on September 10th were probably of this species. Worcs Just one record during the year, when a juvenile visited Upper Bittell Reservoir on September 11th. Staffs Just one spring bird at Doxey on May 23rd. A good autumn passage of 13 birds commenced with one at Blithfield on July 26th, another on 29th-31st, one on August 24th, a juvenile on 31st-September 1st, one on 7th, one on 10th joined by another on 11th-14th with one remaining until 16th and another on 19th. One visited Belvide on August 28th. Also in September, a juvenile visited Croxden Quarry on 12th-13th. In October singles were seen at Whitemoor Haye on 8th-9th, Belvide 17th-22nd and Blithfield 22nd-26th.

Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii Scarce passage migrant, mainly in spring (8/10). Warks Two well-watched birds were at Brandon from May 15th-17th BMCG. Worcs In what was an excellent year for this species the first of a strong spring passage occurred at Grimley New Workings with a single present from May 12th-14th BS et al., while two were at Lower Moor on 14th RAP et al., and a single at Ryall Pits on 17th and 18th GHP et al. Remarkably, a juvenile was discovered at Kinsham Lake from September 5th-9th RAP et al., a rare autumnal record. W Mid One at Marsh Lane NR on May 17th remained for 15 minutes only per NPB.

Baird’s Sandpiper, Chasewater, Neil Stych

84 Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla 2002 Addendum Warks The Drayton Bassett bird has now been accepted by BBRC as having visited Fisher’s Mill GP on May 25th LJo, PJo et al. This was the first county record.

Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Very rare vagrant (1/10). Staffs One well-photographed bird was discovered at Chasewater on September 12th NSt, representing only the second county record of this rare American wader, the first being at Blithfield on November 2nd 1996.

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Warks Single juveniles were at Draycote on September 7th JJB et al and on 22nd-23rd MFm, CHe et al. The last autumn record in the county was in 1997, although a spring bird turned up in 2002. Staffs A disappointing year with just one juvenile at Belvide from October 13th-18th BS.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Uncommon autumn passage migrant in variable numbers. Rare in spring. Warks Draycote had the only records, with juveniles on August 31st, from September 5th-12th and on 16th. Worcs A juvenile at the Flashes, Upton Warren on October 6th and 7th was the sole record for the year. Staffs A superb series of records from Blithfield, where low water levels in the autumn attracted a significant passage:

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

1 4 7 3 6 9 2 5 8 29 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 12 15 18 23 26 29 11 14 17 20

August September October

Elsewhere, just one on spring passage at Branston Gravel Pits from April 25th-27th. The first return passage birds (two) appeared at Belvide on August 22nd-26th followed by one September 2nd and 26th-27th, Branston Gravel pits 11th-14th, Whitemoor Haye 18th, Belvide October 5th-13th and a juvenile at Whitemoor Haye 9th-16th.

85 Dunlin Calidris alpina Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon –2–3412––––– Dosthill/Kingsbury ––22613––181 Draycote ––1611561266– Ladywalk –––2––1––1–– Salford Priors GP ––1101–132–11 Shustoke –––––1115––– Bredon’s Hardwick – 14 11–––––––– Grimley New Workings ––213–1121–– Lower Moor ––122––––––1 Throckmorton Lagoons –––1––11–21– Upper Bittell Reservoir ––––––14253–– Upton Warren ––1552744421 Barton GP 314––––––––– Belvide Reservoir –1392621114211483 Blithfield Reservoir –––14371594447111 Branston Gravel Pit 43–88––2–––– Chasewater Reservoir –––121–1311– Coldmeece Pools ––––15–––––2– Croxall GP –––3––17–––– Doxey Marshes ––1461–––––– Drayton Bassett Pits–––1145211––– Tittesworth Reservoir––––221122––– Westport Lake 1–4–1–1–2––– Whitemoor Haye –52610216–3–– Marsh Lane NR ––3491521116– Sandwell Valley ––213–1–1–11

Warks Another pretty lean year, with maxima at the main sites of ten at Salford Priors GP on April 30th and 12 at Draycote on September 21st. Other records included two on a new pool at Longbridge on April 30th, and singles through at Wormleighton Res on May 8th and 28th. On return passage there were singles at Earlswood Lakes on July 23rd and September 16th, and Alvecote on October 6th. Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, spring passage involved singles in March at Kinsham Lake on 13th and Clifton Pits on 26th. In April two were at Kinsham Lake on 20th, two at Ryall Pits on 28th, with ten there on 30th and two at Wiseman’s Scrape on 29th, while in May, 14 were present at Ryall Pits on 1st, four on 10th, two on 13th, one on 24th and three on 25th. Also in May two were at Bury End Flash on 19th, three on 22nd, two on 24th and two on 29th. During return passage, three were at Bury End Flash on July 27th, singles at Gwen Finch Wetland on August 6th and 8th and Croome River on 30th, five at Kinsham Lake on September 5th and two there on 21st, one at Gwen Finch Wetland on 23rd and finally one at Bury End Flash on November 14th. Staffs The largest build-up of birds occurred at Blithfield during late July with 71 on 30th. Untabulated records came from Crossplains on February 27th and March 30th, Wombourne on May 1st, Britannia Stadium on 20th, Dunwood on 21st, Silverdale Colliery on 26th, Dunwood on June 2nd, Silverdale Colliery on July 28th, two at Rudyard Lake from August 9th-11th, Silverdale Colliery on 25th, seven at Alrewas on 28th and eight at Dosthill on November 14th. W Mid Records from non-tabulated sites involved one at Bartley Reservoir on May 16th-20th, two at Meriden Quarry on July 26th, one at Sutton Park on September 25th and

86 one at Fens Pools on October 18th. The 16 birds that visited Marsh Lane NR briefly on November 4th constituted a record total for the site.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax Frequent passage migrant, though in variable numbers. Scarce in winter. Warks The total of 14-15 was little better than last year. Reports came from just three sites, and all on return passage. The majority of records were from Draycote, with one or two there on 14 dates during August 8th-September 18th and a peak of three on September 7th. Kingsbury had singles on August 15th, September 12th and 25th; while Brandon had a juvenile on September 4th, an adult male on 17th and another juvenile on 18th. Worcs The first records of the year occurred in July with a male at Upton Warren on 8th, possibly the same aforementioned male was at Grimley New Workings on 10th being joined by a female the next day, while a male was also there on 16th. In August singles were at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 18th and Upton Warren on 30th, while in September singles were at Upton Warren from 3rd, 4th and 13th-15th, at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 18th which was joined by a second bird on 19th, with singles also there on 22nd and 23rd. Further September records were of two at Kinsham Lake from 4th-6th, with one remaining to 7th and two were also at Bredon’s Hardwick on 5th. Finally, one was at Upton Warren on October 9th and a juvenile male was at Lower Moor on 13th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Belvide ––––1–1245–1 Blithfield ––––––186–––

Untabulated records came from Tittesworth on New Years Day and Drayton Bassett Pits on March 21st. A juvenile at Rudyard Lake from August 9th-12th was joined by an adult on 13th while one at Branston Gravel Pits on 13th increased to three on 21st. W Mid Different individuals were seen at Marsh Lane NR on September 1st and 5th-6th.

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Frequent passage migrant and winter visitor. Average dates: September 26th (64) to April 21st (60). First seen at Brandon, two weeks ahead of the average, on September 4th; the last record coming from Lighthorne Quarry on April 17th.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon –––1––––11–3 Ladywalk 111–––––1111 Lighthorne Quarry 24 10 111–––––222 Priors Hardwick 1862–––––––– Salford Priors GP 452––––––1–– Wasperton 221––––––––– Abberton 538–––––––4– Common761––––––136 Gwen Finch Wetland –1–1–––––2–– Lower Moor 112–––––––3– Upton Warren 3–4––––––1––

87 JFMAMJ JASOND Belvide 1–1––––––341 Berry Hill –––––––––1–1 Black Bank/ Silverdale Colliery 224––––––1–– Blithfield Reservoir ––1––––1–––– Branston Water Park1–1––––––––– Chasewater Reservoir 5221–––––716 Croxall GP 211––––––1–3 Cuckoo Bank 1–12–––––122 Doxey Marshes 523356––––––1042 Hill Ridware 221––––––––– Whitemoor Haye ––11–––––––– Dunstall Park Lake 111––––––––2 Goscote Valley 2–3–––––––11 Marsh Lane NR –111–––––212 Sandwell Valley 533–––––––12

Warks A notable influx into the southern half of the county during the early months was not reflected in the north. The main site was Lighthorne Quarry, where the count of 24 on January 10th JJB was a new county record. They were all put up from just one small patch of marsh and were thought to have newly arrived. Other records during this period involved three at Middleton Hall Pool on January 5th, two at Snitterfield Airfield on 22nd, singles at Alvecote on 29th and February 13th, two in a small marsh at Fenny Compton from February 1st-6th and two at Earlswood Lakes from 9th-19th. The last was seen at Lighthorne Quarry on April 17th. Numbers were back to normal in the autumn, with early migrants at Brandon on September 4th and Ladywalk on 15th. Away from the main sites there was one at Alvecote Meadows NR on October 25th, two at Kingsbury on November 19th, and singles at Draycote on 23rd, Lea Marston Pools on December 3rd and Fenny Compton on 27th. Worcs Away from the tabulated localities, singles were at Grimley New Workings on January 2nd, Grimley Old Workings and Ashmoor Common on 10th, with one still at the latter site on 14th. In February singles were at on 6th, Ashmoor Common on 7th, Grimley Old Workings on 9th, on 20th and two at Kinsham Lake on 13th, while one was at Wood Norton Flash on March 21st. During the second winter period, singles were at Grimley New Workings on October 7th and Ryall Pits on 16th, while four were at Wilden Marsh on 23rd. Two were at Ryall Pits on November 9th, one was at Ashmoor Common on December 6th and two were at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 13th. Staffs Untabulated records from the first winter period comprised two at Apedale on January 25th and one at Tittesworth on March 5th. In the second winter period there were two at Dunstall on October 6th, one at Aqualate on 9th, four at Britannia Stadium and one at Eland Brook on 16th, singles at Denstone Hall on 19th, Croxden Quarry on 30th and Sherbrook Valley on December 5th and two at Clay Mills STW on 22nd. W Mid In addition to the tabulated sites, one was noted at Sheepwash UP on December 3rd.

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

88 Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon 3 20 10 5422612745 Dosthill/Kingsbury 7–531–13510718 Ladywalk 6 6 30 6––1510251110 Lighthorne Quarry 47 80 35 17 –––535711 Priors Hardwick 10 53 78 24 1––––––10 Salford Priors GP 45112––76411397 Abberton 8 8 15 6––––––6– Ashmoor Common1420–12–––––––22 Castlemorton Common1921176–––––5331 Grimley New Workings ––––––1345311 Gwen Finch 64 110 38 15 – – 5 11 30 45 35 60 Kinsham Lake 2210102–––31341 Ryall Pits – 200 –––––32–60– Bittell Reservoir 36 3–––––5–––5 Upton Warren 34166––128221366 Apedale CP 11111––––––82 Aqualate ––7–––––––68 Barton GP 3104–––1––––6 Belvide 201657–––2115222817 Berry Hill –––4––––5154311 Blackbank– Silverdale Colliery 21 24 32 6––––30799257 Blithfield 20 19 ––––31244–1– Branston Water Park–––––––––5110 Chasewater 22 6 10 –––11915125 Clay Mills STW ––––––––––4060 Coldmeece Pools – 3 20 1–––––134 Croxall GP 13 6 24 ––––––––6 Cuckoo Bank –925––––––2514 Denstone Hall 132––––––––3 Doley 1141–––114–0 Doxey 71643132825––27331455153125 Drayton Bassett Pits32––––183455 Hill Ridware 13 96––––––––– Ingestre – – 11––––––14–11 Kings Bromley 4 4 2 11–––––––– River Sow Meadows ––11–––33571 Rudyard Lake ––––––133116–– Stableford 35 14 41 21 –––––42016 Tittesworth Reservoir511946––5162285266 Dunstall Park 34 35 36 25 ––1322317289 Goscote Valley 1681–––13335 Marsh Lane NR 5 13 15 5–12510749 Sandwell Valley 44 38 54 10 21251826925 Warks Two drumming over a marsh at Little Alne in late March, and one drumming and displaying at Priors Hardwick on April 15th were the first records of breeding behaviour in the county since 1997. Unfortunately the latter site, a marshy neglected set-aside where birds had been present increasingly late into the spring in recent years, was ploughed up during the summer. Also of interest was a bird at Longbridge in May, followed by up to four there during July. As with Jack Snipe there was a marked influx in January across the south of the county, with several sites having their best ever counts. Maxima away from the tabulated sites included 15 at Middleton Hall Pool on January 5th, 60 at Chapel Ascote and 40 at Radway on 9th, 16 in Packington Park on 14th, 40 at Snitterfield Airfield on 22nd, 26 at Wormleighton Res on 29th, 22 by the River Itchen below Knightcote on February 7th, 40 in a marsh at Earlswood Lakes on 10th, 13 at Farnborough Park on 12th, 14 at Coleshill

89 STW on March 2nd and 20 at Wootton Wawen on 7th. Autumn maxima included 24 at Alvecote on September 23rd, 17 at Wasperton on December 15th and 12 at Fenny Compton on 27th. Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, two were at Westwood Pool on January 1st, five at Northwick Marsh and Holt Prairies on February 9th and 67 at Bushley on 20th, while one was at Grimley Old Workings on June 10th. During the second winter period one was at Bredon’s Hardwick on October 17th, seven at Holt Prairies on 22nd, six at Bredon’s Hardwick on November 5th and four at Throckmorton Lagoons on December 19th. Staffs Probably bred in suitable habitat on the North Staffs Moors, with breeding season sightings coming from Knotbury (two drumming), Revidge/Swallow Moss, Royal Cottage (six) and Upper Hulme. In April, one was chipping at Doxey on April 2nd but there were no further sightings. Likewise, one was at Wetley Moor on 11th. In the first winter period, untabulated records came from a further 15 sites including Milford (three), Radford Meadows (12) and Rickerscote (three). In the second winter period, records came from a further 27 sites including Alrewas (four), Bateswood (five), Warslow Brook (four), Waterhouses (six), Enson (four), Gun Hill (seven), Hope Marsh Alstonefield (five), Moss Carr (six) and Upper Elkstone (eight). W Mid A juvenile was reported at Sandwell Valley on May 15th, where adults were noted during the breeding season, so it may have been raised there. One was also reported at Clayhanger on 30th. A total of 20 were noted in the Blythe Valley on January 16th, with four on April 7th. “Very small numbers” were counted at Sheepwash UP until April and from September. One or two were occasionally seen during the first winter period at Burbury, Clayhanger, Fens Pools and Steelpark Way (Wednesfield), and similarly in the second winter period at Fens Pools, Netherton Hill and Smestow Valley. The count of 89 at Dunstall Park on December 23rd was a site record, strengthening its position as one of the county’s premier wintering sites.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Frequent or fairly common resident and winter visitor. Warks Up to four were roding again during the breeding season at Bentley Woods, but there were no such records from anywhere else. Wintering numbers appeared down on very recent years, with reports of one or two coming from just 26 sites. The best count was five, at Stoneton during the first week in January. Extreme dates of wintering birds were March 25th (at Birchmoor) and October 25th (at Alvecote). Worcs During May, three were roding at Dowles Brook, two or three territories were held along the southern , singles were at Park Brook in the Wyre Forest and Devil’s Spittleful on 23rd, while in June two were at Shatterford Wood on 17th, with four there the next day and four were also at Arley Wood on 18th. Records during the first winter period comprised singles at Lower Moor on January 3rd, Throckmorton Lagoons on 6th, Croome Landscape Park and Westwood Pool on 13th, two at Aston Mill Pit on 23rd and two at Abberton and one at Eymore Wood on 31st. Three were at Roundhill Wood on February 11th, four at Shatterford Wood on 19th, four at Wood on 26th and one on Bredon Hill on 28th, while in March singles were at Shatterford Wood on 6th, Hunthouse Wood on 7th, Westwood Pool on 7th and 14th, Dowles Brook on 12th, Abberton on 13th, two at Roundhill Wood on 14th and on at Castlemorton Common on 20th and April 3rd. Other April sightings were of one on on 2nd and a passage bird was flushes at Ryall Pits on 3rd. The second winter period produced one on Sugarloaf Hill on October 20th and two on Bredon Hill on 19th and in November three

90 were at the latter site on 13th, two at Castlemorton Common on 18th, then one on 28th and two at Kyre on 20th. December records comprised singles other that stated at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 3rd, Castlemorton Common (two) on 4th, Little Comberton on 5th, Throckmorton lagoons on 9th, Midsummer Hill and Hollybush on 11th and on 17th. Staffs Roding birds were recorded throughout Cannock Chase, the most counted being seven at Haywood Warren. Elsewhere, roding birds were seen at Gradbach and Swallow Moss, four were seen at Coombes Valley, six were recorded roding at Highgate Common, one at Maer Hills and they were seen frequently throughout the year near South Hillswood Farm in the south-west corner of Tittesworth. Winter records came from: in January Apedale CP (two), Byrkley Park, White House (Cannock Chase), Chasewater (four), Cuckoo Bank, Drayton Basset Pits, Hanchurch Woods, Knypersley Reservoir (two) and Tittesworth (two); in February from Apedale CP, Aqualate, Blake Brook, Chillington, Hen Cloud, Keele University (two), Knypersley Reservoir (three), Light Oaks and Strawberry Hill; in March from Brookleys Lake, Coppice Bank (two), Crumpwood, Cuckoo Bank, Knypersley Reservoir, Meir and Parkhouse, Newcastle-u-Lyme; in April from Doley Common; in September from Upper Elkstone; in October from Chasewater, Croxden Quarry and Keele University; in November from Aqualate, Berry Hill, Burntwood, Cannock Chase – Chase Road (two), Crumpwood, Gliding Field, Ravensclough Wood and Wetley Moor and in December from Apedale CP, Aqualate (three), Belvide, Chasewater, Cheshire Wood (two) and Westport. W Mid Present in the breeding season at Park Lime Pits, where one was flushed on May 8th, and Sutton Park, with one seen roding on June 21st, four roding in three locations on 22nd and at least one on 25th. Singles were noted at Blythe Valley CP on February 18th, Sandwell Valley on 20th and November 19th; Darley Mill Pool on February 21st; Smestow Valley on March 24th; Reedswood Park on September 5th; Sheepwash UP on October 29th and December 2nd; and Cheswick Green on November 20th.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Frequent passage migrant, rare in winter. Warks Another good year began with singles at Kingsbury from March 19th-23rd and April 7th, and at Brandon on 14th and May 10th. On May 11th a flock of 22 graced Fisher’s Mill GP, with another party of 11 at Alvecote on the same day. Two at Kingsbury on June 7th appears to be the last spring record. There was the now traditional high summer return passage, commencing with nine at Alvecote from June 22nd-24th. Kingsbury attracted the most, with one there on June 26th, four on 27th, three on 30th, a party of 20 on July 4th and then two on 18th. Other July records in the same area included singles at Fisher’s Mill GP on 4th and 14th, one at Coton on 13th and three flying south at Dosthill Lake on 22nd. Elsewhere in the county there was also one at Salford Priors GP on July 13th, five at Brandon on 21st and three on 26th, one at Earlswood Lakes on 29th, with seven at Draycote and two at Salford Priors GP on 31st. The bird at Earlswood was the first ever record from that site. There were no August records, and the last were two at Draycote on September 24th, and one at Brandon from September 25th-October 9th. Worcs Spring passage commenced with singles at Lower Moor and Upton Warren on March 15th and two at Bredon’s Hardwick on 25th. Four arrived at Grimley New Workings on April 11th, with two still present on 21st, one of which went onto linger until 30th, when it was joined by four brief staying birds with which it finally departed, while six were at Bredon’s Hardwick on 27th. There was a small movement during the first week of June

91 with singles at Grimley New Workings on 4th and 5th, over Abberton on 5th and at Bredon’s Hardwick on 7th, while three were at Upton Warren on 26th. Numbers increased during July with three were at Upton Warren on 3rd, four on 6th and 11 on 7th, which were seen to fly off south and were relocated flying south over Throckmorton Lagoons the same day. Upton Warren also hosted seven on 19th, with singles noted on 20th, 21st, 25th and 27th. Further July records comprised five at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 13th, two on 14th and 12 on 25th, while four flew over Grimley New Workings on 16th, with a single there from 26th-31st and two flew over Throckmorton Lagoons on 22nd and another eight flew over there the following day. The final records of the year occurred during August with four at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 5th and one at Upton Warren on 19th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Belvide ––––543820182–– Blithfield ––––11715211312–– Croxall GP –––1–69––––– Doxey ––12–38––––––

Some particularly large flocks were recorded this year, the largest being of 54 at Belvide on May 4th; others from Drayton Bassett Pits on May 11th (22), Doxey on June 4th (26), 14th (38), 15th (23) and 17th (23), Belvide on 7th (38), July 6th (20) and Blithfield on August 4th (21). Further untabulated records from Aqualate on February 6th, National Memorial Arboretum on April 16th, Westport on May 21st, two at Barton GP on 24th, Chasewater on June 7th, Dosthill on July 4th, five at Tittesworth on 6th-7th with two more on 16th, Chasewater on September 27th, Branston Gravel Pits on October 9th, two at Barton GP on December 13th, Whitemoor Haye on 22nd-31st and Branston GP on 29th. W Mid One was at Sandwell Valley on July 7th DAS. An adult in summer plumage was seen at Marsh Lane NR on 14th, followed by two birds on 20th and one circling before flying off north-east on August 4th. Two were at Dunstall Park Lake on July 28th GAC.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Uncommon passage migrant, rare in winter. Warks The only record was of three at Draycote on May 3rd. Staffs An average year with 15 birds reported, compared with 13 in 2004. On spring passage birds were reported from Belvide on May 1st, Barton GP on 2nd, Drayton Bassett Pits from 14th-15th and there were five at Doxey on 17th with two more on June 18th. On return passage, Chasewater on September 6th-13th with another on October 4th and one at Belvide also on 4th with two on November 6th.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Frequent passage migrant. Warks On spring passage two sites accounted for most of the records. The first report was of two at Draycote on April 17th, while singles there on 25th, 26th and 28th, were followed by parties of ten on May 7th and four on 8th. Brandon had a good spring with two on April 22nd and singles on 28th, May 1st, 11th and 22nd. Other spring records involved singles flying north over Kingsbury on April 22nd and Alvecote on 23rd, with four over Ensors Pool, Nuneaton on May 9th and another over Fisher’s Mill GP on 11th. The final spring report was of a bird heard over Kenilworth at night on May 26th. Return passage

92 commenced very early, with birds at Ladywalk on June 27th and Draycote on July 6th. Further singles then passed over Brandon on July 21st, Salford Priors GP on 24th, Draycote on August 23rd, Fenny Compton on 25th and both Fisher’s Mill GP and Kingsbury (but presumably involving the same individual) on 30th. Worcs The first record of the year concerned three flying over Clifton Pits on April 23rd, while singles were at Lower Moor on 28th, Grimley New Workings on 29th, Upton Warren and Ryall Pits on 30th and four were noted at Bredon’s Hardwick the same day. During May singles were at Upton Warren on 1st and 2nd, Grimley New Workings on 3rd, Wiseman’s Scrape and Cutnell Green, both on 12th, above on 14th and Upper Bittell Reservoir on 20th, while three were at Bredon’s Hardwick on 8th. Return passage was limited to two at Upton Warren on July 21st and one over on 29th. Staffs An average year: in spring 34 birds passed through (cf. 22 in 2004 and 44 in 2003) and in autumn, 10 (cf. 50 in 2004 and 11 in 2003). The first flew through Blithfield on April 23rd, then one over the Mermaid Inn on 27th, one at Chasewater and Branston Gravel Pits on 30th, three at Belvide on May 1st, singles at Whitemoor Haye on 2nd and Tittesworth on 6th, three at Belvide on 7th, five at Coldmeece on 8th and one over Drayton Bassett Pits on 11th. The three at Whitemoor Haye on 11th rose to six the next day, back to one on the 14th before rising to seven on the 15th with one remaining on 16th, then four on 17th and three on 19th. On return passage, one flew over Westport on July 20th, another over Tamworth College the next day, singles over Blithfield on 23rd and Barton on 25th, two over Blithfield on 27th, one on 30th with another at Belvide and finally one through Whitemoor Haye on August 15th. W Mid Singles were noted at Marsh Lane NR on May 2nd and 7th, and July 14th, and at Fens Pools on 22nd.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Ladywalk –375––1053–21 Upton Warren 27 45 42 16 2 29 53 98 54 45 40 28 Baddeley Edge ––1111–––––– Barton GP 12––––––––––17 Belvide –11222102–41–– Blithfield –1121–413––– Branston Gravel Pit 14 14 17 1 – – 15 15 20 19 – 10 Caltonmoor –––2661––––– Chasewater Reservoir ––1314–––1––– Coldmeece Pools –9221––––––– Doley – 15 15 ––––––––– Doxey ––12––––2––– Keele University ––2–31–––––– Knotbury –––215–––––– Silverdale Colliery ––321––––––– Tittesworth Reservoir–511030240212–––1

Warks Probable breeding pairs were located at: Brailes, Chelmscote, DMC Kineton, Griff, Morton Bagot, Oldberrow, Preston-on-Stour, Priors Hardwick, Spernall, Studley and Tysoe. Only one of these places is in the north of the county, and there was an ominous lack of sightings from such traditional sites as Maxstoke and . In the south, it

93 was reported to be absent from Whatcote for the first time in very many years. Away from breeding sites there were reports of very small numbers from a further 12 sites, covering most months of the year. Worcs A pair at Craycombe fledged three young and a pair at Lower Moor present from March to July attempted to breed but probably failed. Other records where pairs were present or displaying was observed occurred at Bredon’s Hardwick, Crows Top, Lower Strensham, , Nash End, , Stoke Bliss and Upton-upon-Severn Ham. Elsewhere records comprised singles at Grimley New Workings on April 10th, with two on June 26th, Kinsham Lake on February 5th, with two there on 13th and five on March 29th. Singles were also at Gwen Finch Wetland on May 18th, Arley Wood and Feckenham Wylde Moor on June 17th and Shatterford Wood on 18th. Staffs This year, 59-61 pairs were recorded calling or displaying (cf. 102 in 2004), predominantly on the North Staffs Moors. This drop is probably due to lower coverage rather than a significant decline, the 110 at Tittesworth in early March being no different from 2004. Breeding was confirmed at Lum Edge where a pair was seen with young and at Swallow Moss where three pairs produced at least two juveniles. Other records from Baddeley Edge, Bednall, Bottom House (two-three pairs), Burnt Wood, Calton, Caltonmoor (three), Cart Low, Cats Edge (two), Cotes Heath (two), Doley Common (three), Draycott-in-the-Clay, Dunwood (two), Enson, Flash (two), Gnosall (two), Goldsitch Moss (five), Grindon Moor, Gun Hill (two), Ipstones Edge, Keele, Knotbury (two-three), Loynton Moss, Middle Hills, Morridge, Offleymarsh, Orchard Common (three), Revidge (two), Royal Cottage, Standon CP, Stanley Pool, Stanton, Sugnall, Swinscoe Common, Waterhouses, Wetley Moor and Woodhead. May also have bred in the far south-west of the county (The Clive Farm – Highgate Common area) where up to 12 birds were present in the summer. Present in small numbers at Aqualate all year. Wintering/passage birds in the early months were recorded at 24 untabulated sites, with double-figure counts of 19 at Hales Pools on February 16th, 11 at Longsdon Mill Pool on March 13th and 21 at Foker Grange on March 15th. In the autumn/early winter period, recorded at just three other untabulated sites. W Mid An excellent series of records from Marsh Lane NR, with singles on March 5th and 9th, two on 10th, three on 11th, singles on 20th-21st and April 1st and 3rd, two 4th, and singles on 16th, May 12th, June 16th and 23rd, July 26th and unseasonably on December 10th. Singles were noted at Ryders Hayes Mere on March 11th and April 2nd, and flying over Dunstall Park on March 28th; three flew over Balsall Common on May 1st; two went over Forge Mill Lake on October 10th and one flew over Swan Pool on 18th.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Uncommon passage migrant, very rare in winter. Warks Single calling birds flew over Brandon on May 22nd and June 19th CHP. The only return bird was seen at Draycote on August 28th SS. Worcs Three brief-staying birds were reported with one at Kinsham Lake on August 18th, Upper Bittell Reservoir on 24th and Throckmorton Lagoons on September 11th Staffs Two juveniles at Belvide on September 17th-18th. W Mid A juvenile at Marsh Lane NR on September 11th was only the second record for the site.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Brandon ––58787––––– Dosthill/Kingsbury 1–242211––22 Draycote –––211113–1– Ladywalk ––2322–––––– Salford Priors GP ––4411–1–––– Grimley New Workings 115422211––– Gwen finch Wetland ––1428–1–––– Kinsham Lake ––42–1––1––– Upton Warren ––46431––––– Alrewas 436––––––3–2 Barton GP 41513–2––––––4 Belvide ––66232211–1 Blithfield ––1212114102–– Branston Gravel Pit 12353–––1––1 Chasewater –––3––2––––– Croxall 10511723–––––17 Doxey 1–121112851–2–0 Drayton Bassett Pits25584221––13 River Sow Meadows, Baswich ––152––––––– Tittesworth Reservoir––11–2––1––– Whitemoor Haye 876441–––7811 Marsh Lane NR –199895––––1 Warks As in 2004, just four breeding pairs were located: with two at Brandon, and two in the Tame Valley at Kingsbury and Ladywalk. In addition, a pair was present at Abbots Salford during the spring, with a juvenile reported there on July 31st. Away from the main sites very few were seen. In the Tame Valley it was a very poor year, with just one or two wintering at Coton, and one at Shustoke on July 1st. Two were seen at Alvecote on April 3rd and there was one there on December 30th. In the south-east, one flew over Avon Dassett on September 3rd. Worcs Bred at Grimley New Workings with two chicks present on July 8th and two pairs were displaying at Upton Warren, but no attempt was made to breed. Away from the tabulated sites singles were at Lower Moor on March 10th and 15th, with four there on 28th, singles at Bredon’s Hardwick on 12th and 26th, two at Ryall Pits on 20th and three at Croome Flash on 27th. During April one was at Lower Moor on 9th, with three there on 23rd and one on 26th, eight at Ryall Pits on 10th, six at Bury End Flash on 23rd and four at Bredon’s Hardwick on 27th, while in May four were at Saxon’s Lode on 17th, 11 at Bury End Flash on 18th with 8 still there on 29th and three at Croome Flash on 28th. Nine were at Bury End Flash on June 4th while one was at Bredon’s Hardwick on July 2nd, two at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 7th and one at Throckmorton lagoons on 28th. Eight were at Westwood Pool on August 25th, one at Upper Bittell Reservoir on October 7th, two at Lower Moor on November 5th and one at Throckmorton lagoons on 8th. Staffs A very poor breeding year with just one pair with a juvenile confirmed at Whitemoor Haye. A pair attempted but failed at Croxall GP. A pair at Belvide and up to four pairs at Doxey displayed/attempted but no chicks or juveniles were observed here either. Untabulated records came from Barton-under-Needwood on January 23rd, Dosthill and King’s Bromley GP on March 13th, Foker Grange on 17th, two at Tixall Wide on 20th, Silverdale Colliery on 24th, Burston on 26th, Coldmeece on April 3rd, King’s Bromley GP

95 on 8th, Beaconside (Stafford) on May 20th, Coldmeece on June 29th, six at Rudyard Lake on August 13th, Silverdale Colliery on September 7th, Burston on November 10th, Dosthill and Westport Lake on 16th, Branston Water Park on 19th and December 2nd with two there on 9th. W Mid A pair fledged two young at Marsh Lane NR, the first breeding record at the site since 1996. Singles there on February 17th and December 28th and 30th-31st were unusual. Singles were also noted at Dunstall Park Lake on March 18th, 20th and 27th, September 27th and 30th, October 1st and November 22nd; Fens Pools on March 18th; Forge Mill Lake on March 26th, April 23rd, July 5th and September 11th; Edgbaston Reservoir on April 5th and Bartley Reservoir on June 13th. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Frequent passage migrant, rare in winter. Warks An exceedingly poor year, with passage restricted to the main waters. The only spring reports involved singles at Kingsbury on May 2nd and at Brandon from May 12th- 26th, with two there on 14th. Return passage ran from July 2nd-October 1st. Most came from just three sites: Draycote, Ladywalk and Salford Priors GP, each of which had long runs of one or two birds during this period. The only other reports concerned singles on just three dates at both Brandon and Kingsbury, and on single dates at Alvecote, Coton and Dosthill. A late bird was at Draycote on October 17th. Worcs The first re- cords of the year occur- red at Grimley with a single commuting bet- ween floodwater by Wagon Wheel Lane and the Old and New Workings from April 4th, being joined a second 7th, with both birds remaining in the area until 10th. Further April records comprised singles at Upton Warren on 17th and Lower Moor on 19th, while in May singles were at Lickmoor Wetland on 1st and 2nd, Common Greenshank, Brandon, Steve Seal Upton Warren on 4th and four flew over the latter site on 12th. Return passage commenced with two at Grimley New Workings on July 9th, with another on 12th, while at Upper Bittell Reservoir five were present on 13th and singles on 23rd and 24th and one arrived at Gwen Finch Wetland on 24th, remaining until August 3rd. Further August records were of one over Grimley New Workings on 10th, one at Kinsham Lake from 18th-21st, being joined by a second bird from 22nd-27th, with one remaining until September 6th, while also in August two were at Bredon’s Hardwick on 21st and singles at Ryall Pits on 21st, 29th, 30th and on September 5th. Six flew over Upton Warren on September 10th, with singles there on 21st and 22nd and one was at Birtsmorton Pools on 13th.

96 Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Belvide Reservoir ––––––221––– Blithfield Reservoir –––1–19653–– Branston Gravel Pit –––11–––31–– Chasewater Reservoir ––––1––2–––– Doxey Marshes ––––1–11–––– Drayton Bassett Pits–––1––5––––– Tittesworth Reservoir––––––111––– Whitemoor Haye ––––1–112––– First seen at Drayton Bassett on April 14th and last seen at Blithfield on October 13th. Untabulated records from Stableford on May 5th, Croxall GP on 9th and 11th, Coldmeece on June 23rd, two at Rudyard Lake on July 16th, Dosthill on August 8th and Rugeley Power Station on September 29th. W Mid Two were noted at Marsh Lane NR on May 14th and July 2nd, with singles on 7th and 14th, and two on August 13th and 15th. One flew over Bilston calling, in the evening of August 8th, and one was at Bartley Reservoir on 31st.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Abbots Salford 6676––121121 Brandon –––114842–21 Dosthill/Kingsbury ––21–26311–1 Ladywalk 1–11–1331231 Lighthorne 3222––332111 Salford Priors GP 4432–2975523 Clifton Pits ––22––3842–– Grimley New Workings –211–243–412 Gwen Finch Wetland –––––117117––– Lickmoor Wetland ––––––1299––– Ryall Pits –2–1––36531– Throckmorton Lagoons 2333––653211 Upton Warren 3–13–51011721– Alrewas ––––––211––– Barton GP 111––––––––1 Belvide Reservoir 2121–355331– Blithfield Reservoir –––1–3431––– Branston Gravel Pit 2221––153155 Branston Water Park––––––––11–1 Coldmeece Pools ––11––1–1––– Croxall GP ––1–––11–1–– Doxey Marshes ––1–1–11––1– Drayton Bassett Pits1–65–14411–2 Ingestre 2–41–––––1–2 Tittesworth Reservoir–––––11–11–– Uttoxeter Quarry ––13–31–1––3 Whitemoor Haye 1–––1–3––––– Dunstall Park Lake ––––––1221–– Marsh Lane NR 1–11–23221–1 Warks It was undoubtedly not a vintage year for this species, with no double figure counts received for the first time since 1973. Notable however, was the presence of ten

97 over-wintering birds in the Salfords area during the late winter period. Away from tabulated sites, there were counts of five at Baginton Lagoons on August 16th and four at Coleshill STW on October 3rd. One or two were also reported from: Alvecote, Baginton Airfield, Barford, Coombe Slade Pool (Brailes), Coton, Draycote, Farnborough, Hampton Lucy, Hartshill STW, Knightcote, Lawford Heath, Longbridge, Morton Bagot, Seeswood Pool and Wormleighton Res. Worcs Away from the tabulated localities, first winter period records comprised singles at Croome River on January 13th and Lower Moor on February 21st and March 5th, 7th and 13th. Return passage comprised two at Upper Bittell Reservoir on July 27th, five at Croome River on August 26th and seven there on 30th, three at Grimley Brick Pits on 29th, with two there on September 4th and four on 17th and 29th, six at Croome River on 4th, one at Westwood Pool on 20th, and two at Birtsmorton Pool and one at Pirton Pool on 25th. In October one was at Grimley Old Workings on 2nd, with four there on 10th, one at Pirton Pool on 18th and one at Abberton on 28th, while in December singles were at Grimley Old Workings on 2nd and Defford Airfield on 18th. Staffs A good spread of untabulated records came from Norton Bridge on January 13th, Catholme on February 8th, Baldwins Gate on March 5th, Norton Bridge on 9th, Tixall on April 2nd, Stableford on 12th, Levedale on June 11th and 16th, Dosthill on 29th, Gratwich and Rudyard Lake on August 2nd, Baldwins Gate on 9th, Silverdale Colliery on 11th, Chasewater on September 10th, Mavesyn Ridware on 28th, Westport on October 7th, Clay Mills STW on November 9th, Knypersley on 21st, Dosthill and Bent Lane on December 27th. W Mid Two were seen at Forge Mill Lake on June 18th and 26th, with one on July 30th and August 6th and 15th. Singles were noted near Stonebridge on February 4th and at Sheepwash UP on October 15th and November 21st.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Uncommon passage migrant. Has over-wintered. Warks Single birds were reported from Kingsbury on April 26th, Brandon on July 22nd and on a muddy farm pool at Morton Bagot on September 16th, the second year in succession at the latter site. Worcs Records were confined to the autumn passage with singles at Upton Warren on July 29th, Clifton Pits from September 4th-7th and Gwen Finch Wetland from 9th-12th. Staffs Just seven birds this year compared with 20, eight and 15 in the previous three. The first was at Blithfield on April 26th followed by singles at Branston Gravel Pits on 30th-May 1st, Whitemoor Haye on 15th and Coldmeece on June 29th. A juvenile lingered at Belvide from August 3rd-7th and two visited Coldmeece on September 9th-10th. W Mid Four visited Marsh Lane NR on May 12th DJS.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Abbots Salford –––4111221–– Brandon –––22–211––– Dosthill/Kingsbury ––122–332––– Draycote –––32213756–– Ladywalk –––111122–1–

98 JFMAMJ JASOND Salford Priors GP –––241453111 Shustoke –––3––6341–– Bredon’s Hardwick –––41––131–– Grimley New Workings –––2–3211111 Kinsham Lake –––2––121––– Throckmorton Lagoons –––1–2421––– Bittell Reservoir –––1––4131–– Upton Warren –––3612331–– Barton GP ––––4–13–––– Belvide Reservoir ––154116631–– Blithfield Reservoir –––336201262–– Branston Gravel Pit –––11––23––– Chasewater Reservoir –––22–6251–– Coldmeece Pools –––4––1––––– Croxall GP –––1––3––––– Doxey Marshes –––11––1–––– Drayton Bassett Pits–––111441––– Gailey –––5––––1––– Rudyard Lake –––1––72–––– Silverdale Colliery –––31––––––– Tittesworth Reservoir–––37316421–– Uttoxeter Quarry ––––221––––– Westport Lake –––34–811––– Whitemoor Haye –––12–21–––– Wolseley Bridge 1112–––––––1 Dunstall Park –––1111022––– Fens Pools –––71–413––– Marsh Lane NR 11134–442211 Sandwell Valley –––535511–––

Warks A pair was displaying at Salford Priors GP during the second half of May, but with no subsequent signs of breeding. The first spring migrants appeared at Kingsbury on March 29th, at Draycote from April 4th and at Ladywalk from 6th. Return passage commenced from June 20th, and reached a peak of only 13 at Draycote on July 20th. Autumn birds remained at Draycote to October 11th and Shustoke to 12th, although a very late party of six was reported from Draycote on 17th. A bird stayed on to over-winter at Salford Priors GP, and this bird was seen at nearby Abbots Salford on November 12th. A bird at Ladywalk on November 27th was also presumably over-wintering along the River Tame. Away from tabulated sites, one or two were further reported from: Alvecote, Baginton Lagoons, Bidford-Marlcliff (River Avon), Charlecote GP, Compton Verney, DMC Kineton, Earlswood Lakes, Ensors Pool (Nuneaton), Guy’s Cliffe (River Avon), Lawford Heath, Lea Marston, Longbridge, Napton Res, Newbold Comyn, Seeswood Pool, Ufton Fields, Whittleford Park and Wormleighton Res. Worcs A pair on the River Severn two miles upstream of Upton-upon-Severn raised one or possibly two broods. Elsewhere and away from the tabulated sites, one was at Grimley along Wagon Wheel on April 6th and 7th, with two there on 8th, one at Ryall Pits on 10th and 16th, six at Westwood Pool on 16th, two at Lower Moor on 19th and one at Bishampton Vale Pool on 26th, while singles were at Hurcott Pool on May 2nd, Upper Arley on 5th and on the River Avon at Pershore on 15th. During July singles were at Lower Moor on 8th, Pirton Pool on 17th and 25th and Lickmoor Wetland on 26th, while three were at Westwood Pool on 4th two at Grimley Old Workings on 13th and three at Clifton Pits on 17th. Two were at Gwen Finch Wetland from August 8th-11th, one was at Grimley Old Workings on September 4th, two at Westwood Pool on 19th and three there on 20th.

99 Staffs Wolseley Bridge once again proved popular for a wintering bird from January 14th onwards with perhaps the same bird returning from December 12th. No breeding records received from Tittesworth and a pair at Uttoxeter Quarry might have bred but this was unconfirmed. Untabulated records comprised two at King’s Bromley GP on April 8th, Knypersley on 9th-11th and 21st, Ingestre on 14th, Wombourne on 16th, Aqualate 20th, Croxall on 30th, Aqualate on May 8th and 23rd, Knypersley on 16th, three at Brookleys Lake on July 3rd, Dunwood on 7th, Dosthill on 8th, Alrewas on 12th with two on 30th, two at Astonfields Balancing Lakes on 14th, five at Mere Hall on 23rd, three at Croxall on 30th, Dosthill on August 1st, Stanley Pool on 10th-12th, Rugeley Power Station on September 20th and Rocester on October 3rd. W Mid Untabulated spring passage sightings involved singles at Sheepwash UP on April 14th and 16th-17th; two at Ryders Hayes Mere on 17th and singles at Stubbers Green on 27th and Olton Mere on May 9th. Return passage records included singles at Ryders Hayes Mere on July 3rd and 22nd, Sheepwash UP on 9th, both Bartley and Frankley Reservoirs on 13th and five at Netherton Reservoir also on 13th. On the same date, ten at Dunstall Park Lake was a site record. One at Marsh Lane NR during both winter periods was probably the same bird that first over-wintered in 2002/03.

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Very rare vagrant (1/10). Staffs During a period when several were discovered nationally, a superb summer- plumaged bird drew appre- ciative crowds at Belvide on May 30th-31st SN et al. This is the second county bird, the first also at visiting Belvide, Spotted Sandpiper at Belvide, Phil Jones on May 18th 1982.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres Uncommon passage migrant, rare in winter. Warks A single bird at Draycote on April 29th was the only spring record. On return passage most reports were from Draycote, with two on August 26th-27th, one on 29th-30th, one on September 6th-7th, two from 8th-11th, two on 16th and an exceptionally late party of six on October 17th. Sightings of a single bird at both Ladywalk and Shustoke on September 12th, were Turnstone, Draycote, Steve Seal

100 thought to involve the same bird. Another at Earlswood Lakes on September 16th was the first for the site. Worcs Three were at Upper Bittell Reservoir on July 25th, with a juvenile there briefly on September 5th and a single bird spent 30 minutes at Grimley New Workings on 26th. Staffs A good total of 27 birds this year, compared with 50, 24 and 14 in the previous three. An unseasonal bird at Chasewater on January 29th was an unexpected find. The next was a fine summer-plumaged bird at Branston Gravel Pits on May 1st-2nd with another at Barton GP also on 2nd then six at Chasewater on 18th, with two staying until 20th, and one at Blithfield on 22nd with four on 30th. On return passage, Blithfield hosted two on July 24th, three on 28th, one August 6th and 28th and three on September 11th. There was one at Tittesworth on August 4th and finally singles at Chasewater on September 14th and 17th.

Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Rare passage migrant in autumn, often storm-driven. Very rare at other times (9/10). Warks A juvenile, moulting into first-winter plumage, was at Shustoke on November 3rd BLK, GJM et al. This is always a rare find in the county, with the last one at Kenilworth in October 2001. It was also the first confirmed record for the site. Staffs An adult was at Blithfield on October 30th ESC, GJM and a first-winter bird at Belvide from November 4th-13th SN et al. W Mid One was noted at Fens Pools on November 8th BC.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus Rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Very rare in winter (810). Warks A pale morph adult at Draycote on April 25th RCM, coincided with a large arrival of Arctic Terns and Little Gulls. A pale morph first-winter at Shustoke on November 9th JH, BLK et al, was only present from 11.05-11.15 hrs before leaving to the south-east. This bird was presumably the individual earlier seen in Staffs. Staffs A dark-phase bird, probably a juvenile, flew through Blithfield on September 10th GJM. Inland birds rarely linger so a long-staying juvenile duly attracted large crowds, initially visiting Belvide from November 4th-6th SN, then moving to Chasewater from 6th- 9th PJe where it was also seen on 12th and 13th.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks A poor showing compared to recent years, but this could partly be explained by less intensive watching of the gull roost at Draycote, the main site. During the late winter period the only reports from here involved single adults on January 18th, February 12th and 25th, with two adults in breeding plumage from March 21st-24th. Brandon had single birds on January 31st and February 12th. The first return record was of a juvenile in a field just north of Alcester on July 16th, with probably the same bird at Salford Priors GP on August 3rd and 7th. These were the first reports from the south-west of the county. A second-summer was seen at Alvecote on July 25th and another (age not stated) at Draycote on August 8th. Towards the end of the year Draycote had single adults on November 18th, December 11th, 12th, 23rd and 27th, with a first-winter there on November 29th. An adult was in the Coton roost, also on November 29th. Worcs Just a single adult reported before March, at Lower Moor on January 4th. March sightings were of an adult in full summer plumage at Westwood Pool on 5th and 6th, at

101 Throckmorton Tip also on 6th and at Kinsham Lake on 7th. Bredon’s Hardwick held an adult in partial summer plumage on 7th and 9th, plus a full summer plumaged adult from 12th-14th. In April an adult and second-winter bird were at Upton-upon-Severn Ham on 3rd and an adult at Bredon’s Hardwick on 4th. As usual a few juvenile birds appeared at gull roosts at Upton Warren and Westwood Pool from mid July to early September. At Upton Warren singles were observed on July 20th and 21st, two were noted on 22nd, singles on 24th, 28th and August 3rd, three on 5th, two on 6th and singles on 8th, 9th, 31st (a Belgian colour ringed bird), September 6th, 8th and 9th. Westwood pool held singles on August 5th, 7th, 31st, September 1st, 8th and 9th. A juvenile was also observed at Grimley New Workings on August 17th. During the second winter period all observations came from Westwood Pool, with a first-winter on November 5th, an adult on 7th, a second-winter on 14th, a new second-winter on 15th, an adult from 23rd-26th and a second-winter on 27th. Staffs The table below shows the total number of different birds seen during each month at the major localities.

JFMAMJ JASOND Belvide 011000136100 Blithfield 001000111000 Chasewater 111000102341

Four appeared together at Belvide on September 8th. Elsewhere, one at Drayton Bassett Pits on April 10th and a juvenile on July 20th, a 2nd summer at Westport on 21st, a juvenile through Croxall GP on 30th, a 2nd year at Essington Quarry Pool on September 19th, an adult roosted at Croxden Quarry on October 30th, an adult at Pool Hall Fisheries, Lower Penn on November 29th and an adult at Gailey on December 16th, 22nd, 24th-31st, which probably roosted at Chasewater. W Mid Sightings during the first winter period included an adult at Bartley Reservoir on January 23rd-24th ARD, two adults on February 26th AC and one on 28th TMH, whilst an adult was perched on a factory roof by Cronehills Linkway (West Bromwich) on February 15th. The only breeding season report was of a first-summer at Forge Mill Lake on May 28th-29th. Late summer sightings involved perhaps the same adult as at Forge Mill Lake from July 13th-27th and August 10th-22nd DAS; a first-summer perched on a factory roof by Cronehills Linkway on July 29th REH; three different moulting adults at Dunstall Park on August 8th, 17th and 18th GAC; and two first-winters at Marsh Lane NR on August 24th, with one, bearing a white ring on its left leg, again present on 25th and presumably the other bird again on 27th. The only record in the second winter period was of a second- winter at Bartley Reservoir on November 12th.

2002 Addendum W Mid An adult at Marsh Lane NR on February 28th was ringed in Antwerp as a third- year bird on July 1st 2001. It was subsequently seen in Aberystwyth in August 2002, Copt Point, Folkestone, in July 2003, Newport, Wales, in September 2003 and in Cotes d’Armor, France, between November 2005 and January 2006.

Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Very rare vagrant (2/10). Worcs An adult discovered at Throckmorton Lagoons on November 25th RAP et al, was observed on and off throughout the afternoon. It roosted at Westwood Pool that same evening

102 WD et al, and was seen early the following morning before leaving the roost. It was found again leaving the morning roost at Westwood Pool on 28th WD et al, and also returned to Throckmorton Tip that same day RAP. This record constitutes the second bird for the county, the previous being a first-winter at Upton Warren and Westwood Pool in 1996.

Little Gull Larus minutus Uncommon passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Warks The year opened with a winter record, of an adult at Draycote on January 21st. The first records of an exceptional spring passage involving perhaps 140-150 birds were of an adult at Seeswood Pool on March 29th and a first-winter at Draycote on April 8th. Draycote then attracted the following (mainly adults): three on April 19th, four on 20th, five on 21st, 21 on 22nd, seven on 24th, an exceptional 72 on 25th RCM (easily a county record) and 12 on May 6th. Brandon had single adults on April 18th and 26th. During the same period the Tame Valley also did well, with up to ten adults at Shustoke on both April 22nd and 24th, and two on 25th-26th. At Kingsbury, Bodymoor Heath Water attracted three adults on April 22nd, with three different birds there on 23rd (when two more were at nearby Coton) and two adults and a first-summer from 24th-26th. The first-summer bird moved to Cliff Pool on Apr 27th, and an adult was there on May 1st- 2nd. The final record involved a first-summer bird which stayed in the Fisher’s Mill GP and Kingsbury area from May 31st-June 6th. The only records in a sparse return passage concerned a juvenile at Earls- wood Lakes on August 16th- 17th, with two more at Alve- cote on 19th, single first- winters at Draycote on Septem- ber 6th-7th and 11th, and one at Brandon on October 15th. Worcs Bredon’s Hardwick held the first bird for the year, a first-summer on April 15th. Little Gulls, Kingsbury, Steve Seal Two adults frequented Upper Bittell Reservoir on 25th, a first-summer was at Westwood Pool on May 4th, another first- summer visited Upton Warren and Westwood Pool on 23rd and presumably this same individual returned to Upton Warren on 25th and remained onsite throughout the summer, being last observed on July 22nd. During the autumn, a juvenile roosted at Westwood Pool on August 17th and departed at 06.00 the following morning and a second juvenile roosted here in the evening. A juvenile was also at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 18th and two adults and the same juvenile were observed here on the 19th. First-winter birds were reported from Upper Bittell reservoir on September 6th, Westwood Pool from 16th-23rd and October 11th and Upton Warren on 21st. Staffs A good year for sightings, particularly at Blithfield where an adult and first- winter were seen on March 25th, an adult on April 3rd was joined by two more the next day, one on 6th, two on 9th-11th, 10 on 23rd (nine adults, one first winter) rising to 14 (12

103 adults, two first winters) the next day, an adult on July 31st, August 13th, then three juveniles on 20th, one remaining until 23rd, again on 27th, four first-winters on 29th-31st, another on September 5th and 12th and an adult on October 4th. Elsewhere, one at Chasewater on April 18th, three at Belvide 24th, two on May 4th, one on 30th, two at Chasewater on May 10th, one on 30th, a first-summer at Drayton Bassett Pits on 31st, a juvenile at Gailey on August 17th-22nd, a second-winter at Doxey on 23rd-31st (third site record), a juvenile at Chasewater on September 11th and a first-winter at Belvide from October 21st-November 3rd.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Bittell Reservoir 223 146 –1––48240–80285159 Throckmorton Tip 3700 2000 3000 40 15 20 – 6 40 350 1500 2500 Upton Warren 250 300 100 18 14 47 1000 600 2000 200 600 80 Westwood Pool 4000 3000 3000 14 14 6 60 1000 1000 1500 4500 5000 Alrewas 25 – 25 – 14 – – 40 22 47 – 18 Aqualate 200 100 45 – 24 – 24 62 – 35 26 14 Barton GP 395190240––––––––– Belvide Reservoir – – 27 – – – 267 850 –––– Blithfield Reservoir – 100 5000 450 – – 174 15 – – – 200 Branston Gravel Pit274307––––––––– Chasewater 1400010000 8500 70 7 17 1150 2200 4800 90001100011000 Croxall GP 23 75 61 ––––––––– Denstone Hall –––––––––2001000 300 Doley Common – – – 200 –––––200–– Dosthill 113 134 460 – – – 500 200 – – 80 – Doxey 201 107 205 3 3 10 186 245 114 130 135 217 Lower Perton Lakes ––––––3813880–143– Hill Ridware 81 785 9––––––––– Kettlebrook Lakes 63 14 5––––––7475– Kings Bromley 85 175 70 ––––––––– Marchington Tip 750 1000 2060 ––––––––– Quixhill – – 500 –––––––500– River Dove, Fauld 1000 100 75 50 – – – 20 – 500 600 – River Sow Meadows, Baswich 60801230––––160200250150 Rudyard Lake ––––––602515060–– Tittesworth Reservoir 300 27 14 – – 2 40 50 38 130 2500 2800 Dunstall Park 1000 900 450 1 2 60 250 520 480 450 550 450 Edgbaston Reservoir 400 400 100 3––8165–162300500 Marsh Lane NR 80 190 50 18 9 14 84 700 534 60 159 130 Netherton Reservoir 345 330 260 – 3 2 29 220 158 84 140 380 Sandwell Valley 690 800 900 700 90 100 600 650 775 870 400 600

Warks A total of 150 pairs were estimated to have bred at Kingsbury, and 231 pulli were ringed there. Breeding season counts included 500 there on June 25th and 750 on July 8th. Five pairs also nested at Brandon (cf. two in 2004), two of which reared a total of three young. Outside the breeding season the huge Draycote roost was estimated at about 50,000 on January 18th. Other counts here included 600 on July 18th and 3000 on September 7th. Elsewhere in the county late winter counts included 1000 at an apparently new roost at Brandon on January 1st, 3500 at Napton Res and 1000 at Grandborough Fields on 7th, 1500 at Farnborough on 21st, 2000 at Ufton Tip on 24th, 1500 at Radway on March 4th,

104 750 at Fenny Compton on 21st and 3500 on pasture at Calcutt on 22nd. Summer reports included 320 on floodwater at Longbridge on June 30th and 470 there on July 27th, and 295 at Salford Priors GP on August 3rd. In December, 4000 were counted in the Coton roost on 9th, 4000 in the Dosthill Lake roost on 16th, 1300 on Ufton Tip on 19th and 1000 in the Brandon roost on 22nd. Worcs Two pairs bred at the Moors Pool, Upton Warren, but fledged just a single chick. Counts made away from the tabulated sites were of 687 at Bredon’s Hardwick on January 19th, followed by 1500 on February 6th and 2800 on March 10th. Grimley New Workings held 74 on August 21st and 54 on October 16th. Staffs Twelve pairs bred at Aqualate Flight Pools. Other high counts came from Cliffe Vale and Hanley on March 1st where 500 pre-roosted/roosted at both sites, 200 at Branston Water Park on November 13th and 19th, 200 at Apedale CP on 17th with 1000 at Black Bank on the same date. W Mid Other January counts included 600 at Stubbers Green, 540 at Olton Mere, 400 at Fens Pools, 265 at Goscote Valley and 250 at Steelpark Way (Wednesfield). A count of 6,000 was made at Bartley Reservoir on February 7th. Other counts included up to 800 at Stubbers Green in October and 7,000 at Bartley Reservoir on November 16th. The count of 700 plus at Marsh Lane NR on August 30th was exceptional for the time of year there.

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Very rare vagrant (6/10). Worcs Lower Moor held an adult on February 6th GHP et al., the same individual roosted at Westwood Pool on 8th SMW, WD et al., and was also seen early the following morning and an adult roosted again at Westwood Pool on March 3rd and 7th WD et al. 2003 Addendum Staffs A first-winter bird was seen at Blithfield at 07.05 on February 15th before flying off five minutes later MPR. This is the fourth county record; the first two being at Westport in 1981 and 1987 and the last at Chasewater in 1999.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Throckmorton Tip 8 6 20 ––––––6812 Westwood Pool 7 4 7 50 –––115157 Bateswood Lake 19 117––––––––14 Belvide ––4––1–2–7–7 Blithfield 1 – 300 –––––1––4 Chasewater 25 48 20 7––2125751 Ranton –––––––––––30 Rudyard Lake 60 ––––––––––– Tittesworth 8030––––––––5073 Coundon Wedge 30 5 10 1–––––1105 Marsh Lane NR 37 13 60 2–––2–1092 Olton Mere 11117––––––––5 Warks Numbers in the east and south appeared higher than usual during the early months, with 10,000 estimated in the roost at Draycote on January 18th. Napton Res had peaks of 1500 on January 7th and 1200 on 17th, presumably staging from Draycote.

105 Maxima elsewhere included 300 at Radway on January 1st, 600 at on March 3rd, 550 at Priors Hardwick on 14th, 1700 on sheep pasture at Calcutt on 22nd, and 360 at Chesterton on 25th. The last in spring was seen at Morton Bagot May 14th; and apart from four at Brandon on June 30th, no more were seen until July 13th when there were four at Salford Priors GP. In December there were counts of 600 at Napton Res on 14th and 163 in the Coton roost on 28th, the latter being the largest from the north of the county all year. Worcs The majority of records came between mid February and early April, with passage birds particularly numerous at Bredon’s Hardwick. The sheep fields at this locality attracted counts of 50 on February 15th, 27th and March 7th, 60 on 12th, 85 on 13th, 250 on 26th, 500+ on 31st, 600+ on April 4th and 225 on 5th. 100 were noted on Bredon Hill on February 18th, Kinsham Lake held 16 on 20th, 58 on 27th and 125 on March 7th, 54 were at Eckington on April 2nd, 750 at Upton-upon-Severn Ham on 3rd and 10 at Grimley New Workings on 10th. From October, Upton Warren held four on 7th, four were at Grimley New Workings on 10th, five and six at Kinsham Lake on 25th and November 5th respectively and three at Upton-upon-Severn Ham on December 11th. Staffs Small numbers were reported from a few other sites in addition to those tabulated. W Mid Marsh Lane NR maintained its position as the county stronghold for this species; the year’s highest count consisted of two flocks each of at least 30 birds flying north- eastwards on March 17th. In the first winter period, up to three were noted at Goscote Valley on four dates until February 18th, Stubbers Green on three dates to February 5th, in both the Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area and at Trittiford Pool on four dates up to March 2nd and Sandwell Valley on five dates until April 10th. Eight were noted at The Dingles on January 22nd, with three at Nailcote on 29th and five at Bartley Reservoir on March 3rd. Late summer sightings involved one at Netherton Reservoir on August 2nd and four over Dunstall Park on 18th. In the second winter period, eight were noted at Bartley Reservoir on October 5th and 7th, and November 3rd and 13th, with up to five on five other dates till December 8th. One or two were seen at Sandwell Valley on eight dates from October 9th to December 20th, Dunstall Park on three dates from November 8th to December 6th, Fens Pools on November 11th and December 19th, and Sheepwash UP on 29th.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Bittell Reservoir 40 6–73–651–102612 Throckmorton Tip 2500 1500 1000 600 250 450 600 800 1000 1200 3000 2300 Westwood Pool 4000 2000 1600 10 9 8 2 500 700 1200 1500 6000 Aqualate 20 15–4––7–5418– Belvide –––3–––3–35– Blithfield – – 750 ––––––––17 Chasewater 290 1000 555 847 81 180 250 750 1750 1500 250 700 Coldmeece Pools ––––––––––750200 Dosthill Lake ––––––6345––450– Doxey Marshes 27 13 14 9 – 6 11 2 5 114 7 137 Marchington 100 300 800 ––––––––– Tittesworth 115–4––1–––14 Bartley Reservoir 1200 1050 375 ––––375–1450 2100 2000 Dunstall Park 35 15 11 15 23 17 9 103 59 56 76 28

106 JFMAMJ JASOND Edgbaston Reservoir 40 22 10 13 15 – – 92 – 40 64 25 Marsh Lane NR 3 3 36 16 84 8 35 14 13 16 39 6 Netherton Reservoir222847043232546107184200 Sandwell Valley 160 20 18 16 30 9 17 36 41 39 42 19

Warks Counts of the Draycote roost produced 1500 on January 18th and 3600 on November 27th. In addition, 200 there on May 27th was an unusual number for the time of year. Elsewhere most of the larger counts occurred during autumn and early winter, with 850 at Fenny Compton on August 30th, 365 at Wormleighton Res on September 1st, 600 over Fenny Compton on October 1st, 610 on ploughed land at Chesterton on 4th, 450 at Dosthill Lake during windy weather on November 8th, 196 at Shustoke on 12th, a peak of 409 in the Coton roost on December 6th and 700 at Ufton Tip on 19th. A colour-ringed adult, observed at Earlswood Lakes on June 3rd, had been ringed as a juvenile on the Ribble Estuary on June 24th 2000. Worcs At least three pairs bred successfully at Bredon’s Hardwick and an estimated 200 to 250 pairs bred in Worcester. Away from the tabulated sites, Bredon’s Hardwick produced counts of 65 on January 16th, 500+ on February 6th, 64 on April 10th, 23 on June 26th and 160 on November 6th. Kinsham Lake held 48 on January 16th, 55 on May 8th and 26 on August 21st. Staffs The only other high counts came from Pelsall North Common LNR with 50 on January 6th, 75 at Stanton Dale on September 3rd and 136 at Sutton on December 26th. W Mid Nine pairs attempted to breed in the centre of Birmingham, but only one was successful, fledging three young. Breeding was again believed to have taken place within Wolverhampton city centre. Ten were noted on the roof of the Land Rover works in Solihull on May 25th. The count of 92 at Edgbaston Reservoir on August 8th included 68 juveniles. Also noted during the breeding season at Aldridge, Blythe Valley CP, Bickenhill, Bournville, Elmdon, Fens Pools, Galton Valley, Kingswinford, The Leasowes, Portway, Priory Fields, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Trittiford Pool and Winson Green. Other high counts included 74 at Olton Mere in January, 95 in a cultivated field at Temple Balsall in September, 350 at Frankley Reservoir in October and 80 at Fens Pools in November.

‘Intermediate’ Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus intermedius Warks Adults considered to belong to this race were seen at Napton Res on February 22nd, Wormleighton Res on 26th and March 21st, with two there on September 1st; and at Alvecote on 12th. Worcs Small numbers were observed at Throckmorton Tip during December, with a maximum count of five. W Mid Three adults showing characteristics of this race were noted at Bartley Reservoir on January 12th, with nine birds at Frankley Reservoir on December 15th.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Bredon’s Hardwick 11 180 13 22 –2––––429 Throckmorton tip 1500 300 150 –––––12150350500 Westwood Pool 500 250 80 –91–1045060400 Belvide –––––––1––1–

107 JFMAMJ JASOND Blithfield 250 1 200 ––––––––4 Chasewater 1500 900 120 25 21–127200501500 Coldmeece Pools 80 15 ––––––––69 Dosthill Lake ––––––44––4– Doxey 11–1–1––5––22 Marchington Tip 10 175 15 ––––––––– Pelsall Nth Common LNR 80 –1––––––––– Tittesworth 1––1––––15––17 Dunstall Park 75 6315211–31112 Netherton Reservoir2210431––––2117 Sandwell Valley 11232–1722613

Warks There was only one count received from the large Draycote roost, comprising 3500 on January 18th. Other records involving Draycote birds included a peak of 750 on the morning flight-line over Fenny Compton on January 14th, which was the highest count there in ten years. Counts at Ufton Tip produced 600 on January 24th and 500 on December 19th. In the Tame Valley the best was 64 in the Coton roost on December 7th. Small numbers were reported from a number of sites during spring and summer, mainly in the north and west. There were ten at Earlswood Lakes on March 16th including four displaying pairs, while 21 were seen at Abbots Salford on April 14th. Worcs The breeding population in Worcester City Centre remains stable at around 20 to 25 pairs. Away from the tabulated sites, Kinsham Lake held 10 on January 6th, five on May 8th, two on June 26th, three on July 24th and four on August 21st. Four were noted at Upper Bittell Reservoir on January 16th and at Grimley New Workings three were present on April 10th and two on June 26th. Staffs A leucistic adult was seen at Blithfield on February 13th. Other double-figure counts came from Caltonmoor on September 5th when 10 were present and 20, 25 and 12 at Wall Heath on October 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. W Mid Two pairs attempted to breed in the centre of Birmingham, but only one was successful, fledging one young. At Bartley and Frankley Reservoirs, a total of 520 were counted on January 14th, whilst of 105 adults watched alighting at Frankley Reservoir on 17th, 21st and 26th, 84 (80%) had full white tip to p10 indicating high incidence of nominate argentatus. Present in small numbers throughout the year at Marsh Lane NR; a count of 15 flying over on January 30th was the highest ever for the site. Recorded at Sheepwash UP in all months in small numbers, with eight on May 20th being a good number for the time of the year. Other maxima included 80 at Pelsall North Common LNR on January 25th, 70 in Birmingham city centre on March 10th, 59 around Leighswood on August 16th, 25 around Wall Heath on October 2nd and 15 at Edgbaston Reservoir on November 26th. No more than 12 were noted at Fens Pools, Goscote Valley and Olton Mere during the year.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Coton/Dosthill ––––––22––33 Draycote 73–1––10161184 Throckmorton tip 3–––––322843 Westwood Pool 532–––––1634 Belvide 121––––11144

108 JFMAMJ JASOND Branston GP ––––––3–4––– Chasewater 1––––23212511 Bartley Reservoir 51––––121465 Warks Draycote had good numbers in late summer with a peak of 16 on August 3rd, comprising four adults, one fourth-year, three third-years, four second-years and four first- years. This equals the previous county record set here in January 1998. The Tame Valley data refer to the two main gull roosts, with the first returning bird in late summer occurring at Dosthill on July 1st. Other records in this area include an adult at Kingsbury on August 7th, three adults at Shustoke on 29th and another adult there on September 29th. Elsewhere in the county there were single adults at Alvecote on July 23rd, in a Napton field on September 22nd, and at Chesterton on October 4th. A second-winter at Salford Priors GP on October 9th was the first record from the south-west of the county. Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, just three birds reported during the first winter period, with an adult at Wildmoor Tip on January 5th, an adult at Blake Mill Pool on 18th and a sub-adult at Lower Moor on February 6th. In August, singles were noted at Clifton Pits on 21st and Upper Bittell Reservoir on 29th. Second winter period sightings were of singles at Upper Bittell Reservoir on November 5th, Kinsham Lake on 26th, Tip on 30th and Trimpley Reservoir on December 23rd and 28th. Staffs The records from other sites, adults unless otherwise stated, came from Drayton Bassett Pits on March 24th, Dosthill on July 8th, Uttoxeter Quarry on 22nd, three at Branston GP on 30th, Croxden Quarry on 31st, Silverdale Colliery on August 5th, a juvenile at Doxey on 19th-20th, Weaver Hills on October 13th, Silverdale Colliery on 21st- 22nd, Whitemoor Haye on 23rd, two at on Dosthill on November 8th, an adult and first- winter on River Dove at Fauld on 10th, Blithfield on 26th-28th with two on 27th and Coldmeece Pools on December 14th. W Mid An excellent series of records from Bartley Reservoir, starting in the first winter period with up to three adult and single first- and second-winters noted on nine dates till January 24th, and one adult on February 7th. Also in January, an adult was seen at Olton Mere on 7th, with another at Frankley Reservoir on 10th and a first-winter bird there on 26th, plus an un-aged bird at Fens Pools on 11th. An adult was noted at Frankley Reservoir on July 13th, 20th, 25th and 29th, with a third-summer bird also seen on 13th and 20th, and three adults on October 25th. One visited Fens Pools most days from July 16th until August 19th. Frankley’s third-summer bird was also seen at nearby Bartley Reservoir on July 20th, restarting the series of records there. However, the next sightings were not made until August 31st, and it was not until late October that records occurred in earnest. Birds were seen on 14 dates in November and 12 in December. Through the second half of the year, over 70% of sightings at Bartley were of adults, with no more than two immatures noted on any one day.

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans Rare winter visitor (6/10) Warks The only acceptable record from Draycote was of an adult on November 23rd TM, and although this bird was claimed on subsequent dates into December there was no further confirmation. The Coton roost attracted a second-winter bird on November 24th ARD, and a first-winter on December 11th ARD et al. The latter was rediscovered at Frankley Res (West Midlands) two days later. Worcs Throckmorton Tip and Lagoons held an adult between January 9th-11 GHP

109 et al, an adult was seen most days between November 22nd- December 10th RAP et al, being joined by a second adult on December 1st SMW. This first bird also roosted at Westwood Pool on November 29th WD et al, December 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th-10th. Staffs A first-winter bird roosted at Belvide from September 24th-27th SN. W Mid A first-winter bird, probably a female, photographed at Frankley Reservoir on December 13th ARD was the second record Caspian Gull, Throckmorton Tip, Andy Warr for both the site and the county; “on the basis of size, structure, plumage details and bill pattern and colour, it was the same individual” as seen at Coton (Warks) on 11th. Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor. Warks The only acceptable reports were of an adult at Draycote on January 20th-21st JFCJ, TM, and a first-winter at Brandon on March 28th JMR. Worcs Four individuals recorded during the first winter period. Throckmorton Tip held an adult on January 2nd and 3rd RAP et al, and this bird also roosted at Westwood Pool on 3rd WD et al. A summer-plumaged adult was noted at Throckmorton Tip on March 14th RAP et al, and was followed by a winter-plumaged adult from 15th-20th RAP et al. The same individual roosted at Westwood Pool on 15th, 16th and 17th SMW et al, and also visited Throckmorton Tip on 16th RAP, plus the latter locality held a first-summer bird on 20th and 29th GHP et al. Staffs A poor year again with perhaps just one adult bird present in the first winter period at Blithfield on January 12th ESC, 13th BS and 21st PJon, ESC, and at Chasewater on 25th IW and February 3rd-4th PJe. In the second winter period, there was a second- winter bird at Chasewater on December 2nd IW and an adult on 28th PJe. W Mid Three birds joined the Bartley Reservoir roost this year: first-winter on January 2nd AC, TMH, adult on March 13th AC and second-winter on December 3rd AC. Kumlein’s Gull Larus glaucoides kumleini Very rare winter visitor (3/10) Worcs A second-winter bird roosted at Westwood Pool from November 27th-December 1st SMW et al, and was also observed at Throckmorton Tip on November 28th RAP et al, and Hartlebury Tip on 30th SMW. This was the second county record. Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus Scarce winter visitor. Warks A first-winter in the Draycote roost from January 25th MD, TM et al, was joined by a second bird on 31st SMH, JFCJ, TM, with one or two seen regularly either there or at the Lawford Heath Tip until March 6th many obs. A first-winter bird was also stated to have been picked up freshly dead at Draycote on March 14th.

110 Worcs Four first-winter individuals were observed in the county during the first winter period. The first was discovered at Throckmorton Tip on January 2nd AW et al, and roosted at Westwood Pool on 9th, 10th and 12th GHP et al. A second bird frequented Throck- morton Tip on 23rd WFP et al, and the third was noted at Westwood Pool from 28th- February 2nd SMW et al. The third individual was observed at Throckmorton Tip on January 29th WFP et al, plus on fields at Bishampton that same day GHP et al, and remained at the later locality until February 2nd. It was also noted flying over Bishampton Vale Pool on January 19th and Abberton on 30th GHP, WFP. The final bird visited Throckmorton Tip on March 13th GHP et al. Staffs In the first winter period, a first-winter bird regularly roosted at Chasewater between January 4th-15th, 22nd-26th, 29th, February 7th-12th and March 13th-17th with two present on January 7th-9th, 13th and March 13th PJe et al. One of these birds probably roosted at Blithfield on January 20th MPR, 28th and February 2nd ESC and perhaps also visited Drayton Bassett Pits on March 18th JH, JM. In the second winter period, there was just one first-winter bird at Chasewater on October 16th GJM and a second-winter through Blithfield on December 31st MPR, BCG. W Mid A first-winter bird joined the pre-roost at Frankley Reservoir on January 10th and 14th ARD, and was seen in the Bartley Reservoir roost on 10th ARD and 15th AC; it was judged to be the same bird seen in late December 2004. A different, paler, first-winter bird roosted at Bartley Reservoir on January 21st and 22nd ARD, AC, with perhaps the first bird seen at Bartley and Frankley Reservoirs again between February 8th AC and 11th ARD.

Glaucous X Herring Gull Staffs A second-winter bird was identified at Westport on February 14th WJL.

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

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Throckmorton tip 40 31––––––213 Westwood Pool 20 22––––––128 Belvide 152–––––11116 Blithfield 22 – 125 –1––11111 Chasewater 332 42 15 25 111–1445400 Doxey Marshes –––2–––––––9 Marchington Tip 30 23 3––––––––– Pelsall Nth Common LNR 20 ––––––––––– Westport 4–1––––––––1

Warks Counts of the Draycote roost produced a high 450 on January 18th, dropping to 130 on 28th. 150 were there on November 29th. A peak of 43 on the morning flightline over Fenny Compton on January 14th was the highest in ten years, and numbers elsewhere in the south were higher than usual. The best count there later in the year was 17 on December 27th. Ufton Tip held 45 on January 24th and 30 on December 19th. By contrast numbers appeared to be low in the Tame Valley, with 28 at Dosthill on October 16th the best count. Extreme dates were of two at Earlswood Lakes on April 20th and two immatures at Brandon on August 11th, although few others were seen before September. There were also two summer records: one at Abbots Salford on June 3rd and four juveniles at Birchmoor on July 4th.

111 Worcs No nesting attempt was made at Bredon’s Hardwick this year. Away from the tabulated sites Lower Moor held one on January 29th and February 2nd, five on 6th, three on 9th, two on 22nd and December 5th and one on 18th and 19th. At Bredon’s Hardwick, four were noted on February 1st and 6th, one on 20th, two on March 13th, 26th, April 4th, 23rd and 24th and one on June 21st. A second-summer bird was observed at Grimley New Workings on May 29th. Staffs Other than those tabulated, maxima of no more than three birds were reported from eight other sites. At Belvide, the aggressive bird showing a taste for ducks returned on September 29th and between then and November 19th it killed and consumed three Ruddy Ducks and a Tufted Duck. W Mid Counts in the first winter period at Bartley Reservoir peaked at 18 on January 14th. Up to seven were seen at Fens Pools from January 1st-11th and one on February 10th. At Marsh Lane NR, two were seen on January 2nd, with singles on 18th and 30th and March 14th, three on 26th, one on April 1st, 2nd and 5th, two on 10th and one on May 1st. A count of 20 was made at Pelsall North Common on January 6th, with seven on 25th. Singles were also noted at Dunstall Park on January 2nd, Netherton Reservoir on 12th and Olton Mere on 13th, Swan Pool on February 12th, Stubbers Green on 5th and 17th, and Marsh Lane NR on April 1st. In the second winter period, sightings involved one at Swan Pool on October 28th, three at Dunstall Park on December 8th, a peak of nine at Bartley Reservoir on 21st, six at Stubbers Green on 23rd and one at Fens Pools on 31st.

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Uncommon passage migrant and storm-driven winter visitor. Warks Records during the first quarter included a first-winter at Napton Res on January 7th; an adult at Draycote on 18th, with a first-winter flying south-west there on February 12th; and finally an adult at Brandon on March 15th. Post-breeding records were of a bird in second-summer plumage at Salford Priors GP on July 24th, a juvenile at Shustoke on August 22nd, a first-winter flying west at Alvecote on September 9th, and another first- winter at Draycote on November 2nd, with an adult there on 18th. Worcs Adult birds were reported from Grimley New Workings on February 11th, at Lower Moor and from the roost Westwood Pool on March 7th, along the River Severn at Worcester on the 8th and a new bird roosted at Westwood Pool on 8th and 9th. Lower Moor held one adult on 9th, four adults were at Lower Moor and another two at Throckmorton Tip (six birds) on 10th. Yet another bird, this time a first-winter was at Lower Moor on 17th and adults were noted at Upton Warren on April 4th and Westwood Pool on May 7th. During the second winter period, Grimley New Workings attracted an adult on October 30th and two adults appeared at Throckmorton Tip on November 28th. Staffs A good improvement this year with 37 birds seen compared with 12 last year and 17 in 2002. Adults passed through Belvide on March 13th and 15th, two were at Chasewater 18th, one at Westport on 26th, then an influx on April 4th with four at Chasewater, one at Westport and 12 at Blithfield, singles at Chasewater on 12th, Westport from 12th-13th, Blithfield from 15th-16th, three at Chasewater and two at Westport on May 4th, singles at Belvide on July 2nd and Croxall GP on 27th, two adults and two juveniles at Doxey on August 6th and one Blithfield on October 23rd. W Mid An adult was noted at Swan Pool on March 10th. At Bartley Reservoir, five adults were present on April 4th and one adult was seen on October 23rd.

112 Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Uncommon passage migrant. Warks There were single birds at Draycote on March 28th LJo, PJo and August 7th DCx, RCM. One flew west low over the A46 at Lower Clopton (near Stratford) on June 30th during a shower JJB. Worcs One flew south over Bredon’s Hardwick on April 3rd BS, DW, one was noted at Trimpley Reservoir on 4th BW and Upper Bittell Reservoir held two on October 8th KW. Staffs A good year commenced with two very early birds at Tittesworth on March 28th WJB, EP followed by one at Blithfield on July 3rd GS, SAR, ESC, another on 10th NJS, GS, one at Tittesworth on September 5th and a juvenile at Blithfield on 14th GJM. W Mid Reports involved six flying along the Birmingham Canal at Tividale on August 2nd and two flying eastwards over Swan Pool on August 20th.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo Fairly common passage migrant. Uncommon or frequent as a breeding species, mainly in the Tame and Trent valleys. Average dates: April 12th (21) to October 9th (21). First seen at Earlswood nearly two weeks early on April 1st. The last was at Blithfield on October 2nd.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Bredon’s Hardwick ––––2242–––– Grimley New Workings ––––21092–––– Upton Warren –––2576134––– Westwood Pool –––1229121––– Alrewas ––––421212–––– Aqualate –––125104–––– Barton GP –––510––30–––– Belvide –––3173121916––– Blithfield – – – 16 6 8 17 50 21–– Branston Gravel Pit –––––––10–––– Branston Water Park–––11––1–––– Chasewater –––57612184––– Croxall GP ––––7421–––– Dosthill Lake ––––––1525–––– Doxey Marshes ––––1531–––– Drayton Bassett Pits––––––8–2––– Gailey –––4–––4–––– Tittesworth Reservoir–––––––11––– Uttoxeter Quarry –––––21––––– Westport –––––––52––– Whitemoor Haye –––610–8––––– Marsh Lane NR –––8105255–––– Olton Mere –––36–84–––– Sandwell Valley ––––1651–––– Stubbers Green ––––1223–––– Warks The Kingsbury ternery again held around 50 pairs (with 45 pulli ringed). At Brandon, there was a further small decrease, with six pairs (cf. nine in 2004, 11 in 2003) rearing up to 11 young. There was a very early spring arrival with the first singles at Earlswood on April 1st and Coton on 2nd, while on 3rd there were two at Seeswood Pool and singles back at both Brandon and Kingsbury. Away from the breeding sites maxima included 30 at Shustoke on April 25th, with 26 there on July 28th and 18 at Earlswood on

113 29th. In the south of the county it was less widespread this year, with up to six birds noted only at Abbots Salford, Longbridge, at several sites around Napton, and at Salford Priors GP. In addition, three flew over Arley on June 14th. Worcs A pair fledged two young at Bredon’s Hardwick, four pairs attempted to breed at Grimley New Workings, but only one fledged three young and four pairs nested at Upton Warren. Away from the tabulated sites, Kinsham Lake held singles on April 10 and 23rd and two on May 13th, two were observed at Grimley Old Workings on May 5th and two passage birds were noted at Arrow Valley Lake on 5th and 20th. One was at Lower Moor on June 22nd and 23rd, plus Common Tern at Kingsbury, Steve Seal two on July 11th, Throck- morton Lagoons held one on July 5th, two on 10th and 11th and one on 17th and at Upper Bittell Reservoir, one was present on July 12th, four on 14th, three on 26th, five on 30th, two on August 2nd, four on 9th, two on 24th, six on 31st and three on September 5th. Singles were observed at Gwen Finch Wetland on July 29th, 30th and August 25th and Kinsham Lake held two on August 22nd. Staffs First arrivals were on April 13th with four at Gailey and singles at Blithfield and Chasewater; last were birds at Trentham Garden Lakes and Blithfield on October 2nd. The only breeding record came from Belvide where a pair nested on the raft at the west end. Untabulated records came from Croxden Quarry, Draycott-in-the-Clay, Fazeley, King’s Bromley GP (six on June 28th), Milking Brook Valley, Rudyard Lake, Stanley Pool and Stone. W Mid Six pairs fledged at least ten young at Marsh Lane NR. One pair bred on the Albright and Wilson chemical pool (near Sheepwash UP), raising one young, and ‘several’ pairs bred at Ryders Hayes Mere. Birds were also present during the breeding season at Fens Pools, Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park, but there was no evidence of nesting. Late summer sightings included singles at Dunstall Park on four dates from June 15th-30th, up to six at Fens Pools from July 2nd to August 15th; one or two at Berkswell on July 7th, Netherton Reservoir on 11th and Meriden Quarry on August 2nd, and highs of three at Priory Fields on August 3rd and five at Bartley Reservoir on 31st. At Marsh Lane NR, the largest post-breeding flock of 25 was counted on July 13th.

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Frequent passage migrant in highly variable numbers. Warks There was an excellent spring passage, with the largest numbers recorded in the county since 1994. It began with two flying north over Brandon on April 10th and two at Kingsbury on 11th. Small numbers of up to six were then seen on many dates during the period from April 16th-May 6th at Draycote and on the larger waters in the Tame Valley. Larger counts included nine at Shustoke on April 18th; 157 at Draycote RCM, 40 at

114 Kingsbury and at least 13 at Shustoke on 25th; ten at Draycote on 28th; at least 190 through at Shustoke SMH, 60 over Coton and 100 at Draycote on May 4th; with 73 at Draycote on 6th and 18 there on 12th. Away from these two areas the only report was of three flying north over Earlswood Lakes on May 4th, while one at Shustoke on 16th was the final record. Two June reports from Draycote were unusual, with a single bird there on 3rd and five on 17th. Return passage began with single juveniles at Draycote on August 16th and 19th, and at Shustoke on 17th-18th. Four juveniles roosted at Dosthill on September 6th, with two continuing to do so until 9th. There were also two juveniles at Draycote on September 7th, with singles at Alvecote on 14th and Earlswood on 16th. The year concluded with an exceptionally large party for the season, of 15 at Kingsbury on September 25th. Worcs Singles reported during spring passage at Upton Warren on April 23rd and 24th, Upper Bittell Reservoir and Westwood Pool on 30th and the latter locality held a party of seven on May 4th, two on 5th and three on 6th. Late summer and autumn records were of two adults and a juvenile at Upton Warren on July 19th, two adults at Throckmorton Lagoons on 25th and Westwood Pool held a juvenile on August 1st, three adults on 7th, two adults on 8th and a juvenile on 16th. Upper Bittell Reservoir attracted a juvenile on August 9th and an adult on 10th and juveniles were at Grimley New Workings on 15th and Upton Warren on 17th. Records during September were of a juvenile at Grimley New Workings on 10th, a juvenile at Westwood Pool on 13th and 15th, plus two juveniles here on 16th and three juveniles on 30th. Two juveniles were at Grimley Windsurfing Pit also on 30th. Westwood Pool continued to attract birds during early October, with an adult and a juvenile present on 1st, the juvenile remained onsite until 6th and a new juvenile appeared on 8th. The final and unusually late sighting came from Bredon’s Hardwick, with a first-winter bird on the windsurfing lake on 29th. Staffs The first birds were at Aqualate on April 14th and Chasewater on 15th; the last at Chasewater on October 13th (a juvenile which had been present since 1st) and Belvide on November 1st. The peak of an extremely good spring passage occurred on May 4th when 55 birds were seen. In detail; spring passage in April continued with one at Chase- water 18th, 11 on 20th, one at Westport 20th, six at Blithfield 23rd, nine at Chasewater and two at Whitemoor Haye 24th, 11 at Chasewater and four on River Dove at Fauld on 25th, four at Aqualate, one at Barton GP, two at Chasewater and one at Whitemoor Haye on 30th. In May there two at Chasewater and 10 at Whitemoor Haye on 1st, six at Belvide, 17 at Blithfield, 31 at Chasewater and one at Gailey on 4th, seven at Chasewater on 5th, one at Belvide on 7th, seven at Chasewater on 16th, one at Handsacre on 19th, one at Westport on 20th, two at Blithfield and Whitemoor Haye on 21st and 17 at Chasewater on 25th. An equally good autumn passage commenced at Belvide with one on August 3rd, another on 10th, three on 11th, one on 12th, another 13th, four on 22nd, one at Aqualate on 21st and three at Blithfield on 22nd. In September there were three at Rudyard Lake on 3rd, one at Blithfield on 4th, one at Belvide on 9th with two juveniles on 10th; juveniles at Chasewater and Gailey on 11th, singles at Belvide and Chasewater and a juvenile at Westport 15th, one at Belvide on 16th, juveniles at Blithfield on 17th, one at Copmere on 18th while one at Belvide on 26th-29th was joined by another 30th with one staying until October 2nd then a different bird on 3rd. W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, one flew eastwards on April 23rd, four were present on 24th and a juvenile was seen briefly on October 8th. One was noted at Forge Mill Lake on July 31st.

115 Little Tern Sternula albifrons Scarce passage migrant. Warks There were three at Kingsbury on May 1st HJM et al and one at Shustoke on 15th SMH. Worcs Singles observed at Upton Warren BWi, KB et al, and Willow Marsh Fishing Pools BW on May 1st. Staffs One at Blithfield on May 1st-2nd MY, one at Belvide on 4th PN and another on 16th SN.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Very rare vagrant (0/10). Warks An adult visited Alvecote on June 27th JAS, RLS. This is the third county record, with the last at Kingsbury on May 18th 1987. Staffs On May 20th, a superb group of four birds flew over Keele University early in the morning MSu. These birds had roosted at Ashton’s Flash, Cheshire the previous day and were seen to fly off early the following morning, heading south. They constitute the third county record with the first at Belvide in 1969 and second at Blithfield in 1970.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger Frequent passage migrant. Warks Spring passage opened with a single bird at Shustoke on April 24th, three at Draycote on 25th and three at Kingsbury on 28th. There were subsequently five at Draycote on May 1st and one on 8th, before a small influx during 13th-15th brought in up to four at Draycote, two at Shustoke and singles at both Kingsbury and Seeswood Pool. The season ended with a good-sized party of 16 at Draycote on May 21st. Apart from a midsummer bird at Kingsbury on June 26th, there were no more reports until a sparse return passage began in late July. Records included a bird at Shustoke on July 28th, with two there on 30th and one on 31st; one at Draycote on August 8th, with three more on 23rd- 24th, and one on September 2nd; and four at Dosthill Lake on September 18th. Worcs During the spring passage two were noted at Grimley New Workings on April 24th, 15 at Kinsham Lake and five at Throckmorton Lagoons on 12th, three at Upton Warren on 13th and at Bredon’s Hardwick, five were present on 14th and nine on 15th. Upper Bittell Reservoir had a good run of birds throughout the autumn, with four observed on July 24th, 14 on August 18th, single juveniles on 19th, 20th, 22nd and 29th, two adults and a juvenile on 31st, a juvenile on September 1st, 8th and 10th and an adult on October 8th, 9th, 12th and 13th. Upton Warren held a juvenile on September 1st and one on 11th. Staffs In an excellent year all round for terns, 19 passed through in spring and at least 93 in the autumn. The first visited Barton GP on April 20th, followed by one at Tittesworth on 29th, another at Barton GP on 30th, one at Aqualate on May 11th, seven at Chasewater on 12th, three at Barton GP and Belvide on 15th, three at Blithfield on 16th and Chasewater on 18th-19th. Three early returning birds passed through Aqualate on July 22nd, then two at Gailey on August 17th, 13 at Belvide and seven at Blithfield on 18th with one remaining for a day at Belvide and two days at Blithfield; two at Belvide on 22nd and an adult-winter at Doxey on 23rd-29th. Then a major influx on 31st with 17 at Belvide, 30 at Blithfield and 12 at Chasewater, two, 17 and one respectively remaining on September 1st, 12 still at Blithfield on 2nd, 11 still on 4th and one still on 5th, four at Belvide 10th, one Aqualate on 10th-11th and finally a juvenile at Belvide on 20th.

116 White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Rare vagrant, usually in autumn (5/10). Warks A moulting adult at Dosthill Lake on August 1st ARD et al was also seen in Staffs. A juvenile was with the Black Terns at Draycote on August 24th GJM et al. Staffs One was located on the Warwickshire side of Dosthill Pits on August 1st, from there flying into Staffordshire ARD and later being relocated at Drayton Bassett Pits JH, after which it commuted between the two sites.

Feral Pigeon Columba livia Very common resident in urban areas. Warks A very under-recorded species. Easily the largest reported flock was one of 125 feeding around farm buildings at Bascote on November 28th. Other flocks included 25 at Guy’s Cliffe ruin on January 30th, 35 at Dosthill Lake on August 1st and a peak of 26 at the visitor centre feeders at Brandon on December 6th. Worcs No significant records received. Staffs 155 at Berry Hill on September 7th and 150 at Leyfields (Needwood) on October 23rd were the only records of note received. W Mid Counts of up to 80 at Aldridge and up to 33 at Coundon Wedge were made throughout the year. Small colonies were again present along the Smestow Valley.

Stock Dove Columba oenas Very common resident. Warks Breeding records included four pairs in 40 ha. of improved pasture at Oldberrow, and three pairs using nest boxes at Brandon. Flocks of up to 70 were widespread during the period January-May. Larger counts included a peak of 300 at Fenny Compton on January 1st, 150 at Shennington () on 30th, and 180 at Wishaw on May 14th. Autumn flocks were generally smaller but included 100 at Morton Bagot on September 27th, 110 at Fenny Compton on October 22nd, 70 at Chesterton on November 1st, 100 at Worm- leighton Res on December 22nd and 85 at Little Packington on 28th. From January-August there were single almost white leucistic birds at both Fenny Compton (as in 2004) and Lighthorne Quarry, both mated to birds of normal plumage. Worcs During the breeding season, three were singing at Stoke Bliss on March 9th, two or three singing males were noted along the Dowles Brook and one was singing at Kyre on May 20th and a pair bred successfully at Little Comberton. The best counts received were of 43 at Lower Moor on February 9th, 30 on Bredon Hill on 28th, 40 at on August 24th, 15 at Stoke Bliss on October 10th, 85 at Lower Moor on December 2nd and 20 at on 24th. Also reported from Hollybed Common, Longdon Marsh, Malvern Link, Ryall Pits and Upton Warren. Staffs Two pairs at Apedale CP and a pair at Kettlebrook Lakes were the only breeding records received – but recorded at 31 widespread sites in May and June. Larger counts included 15 at Chasewater in January, 15 at Pelsall North Common on 6th, 15 at Denstone Hall on February 1st, 22 at Whitemoor Haye on 19th, 60 at Weston Jones Mill on 27th, 25 at Coldmeece on April 16th, 22 at Blithfield on 16th, 45 at Crossplains on 21st, 30 at Ingestre on May 6th, 20 at Stockley Vale on October 24th, 35 at Belvide on 30th, 66 at Belvide on November 4th and 28 at Ingestre on December 21st. W Mid Six territories were recorded at the Mons Hill CBC plot – the same as last year but, nevertheless, a slight increase on the average of 5.3 over the last 13 years. Also noted in the breeding season at Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Coundon Wedge, The Dingles,

117 Elmdon, Fens Pools, Haden Hill Park, Kingswinford, Marsh Lane NR, Park Limepits, Priory Fields, Saltwells Wood, Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park and Trittiford Pool. Noted near Aldridge during both winter periods, with a maximum of about 40 on February 3rd. Up to 60 were counted in set-aside at Frankley in November and December. Also seen at Clayhanger, Dunstall Park, Knowle, The Leasowes, Lutley, Olton Mere, Pelsall North Common, Penn, Sandwell Valley, Sarehole Mill, Scribers Wood, Sheepwash UP, Streetley, Trittiford Mill Park and West Bromwich.

Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Abundant resident and winter visitor. Warks Breeding densities included 14 territories in 120 ha of farmland at Morton Bagot (cf. 16 in 2004), 16 in 74 ha at Kingsbury/Edge Hill Woods, and seven in 40 ha of farmland at Oldberrow. A freshly predated egg found at Ufton Hill on December 19th illustrates this species capability of breeding throughout the year. Flock size was fairly average during the year, with late winter counts being highest in March when counts included 550 at Shustoke on 1st, 850 at Priors Hardwick on 14th, 1000 at Billesley on 15th, and 650 at Worm- leighton Res on 21st. Post-breeding flocks were generally unremarkable until there was a large influx during the last week in October, with 1000 at Fenny Compton and 800 at Bishop’s Itchington on 22nd and many hundreds noted moving south down the Arrow valley on 23rd. Subsequent flocks included 450 in Chesterton Wood on November 1st, 450 at Ilmington Downs on 7th, 650 flying south at Brandon on 13th, 700 roosting near Snitterfield on 16th, 355 at Abbots Salford on 20th, with 500 at Draycote and 800 at Bramcote Hall on 29th. The largest flock was present in rape fields at Wormleighton Res, peaking at 1600 on December 22nd. Worcs Three large flocks reported during the first winter period, with 300 on Bredon Hill on February 28th, 350 at Abberton on March 13th and 1,000 at Lower Moor on 18th. A strong movement of birds took place during late October and early November. 3,000- 4,000 flew south over Malvern Link in one and a half hours and 10,000 flew east over Worcestershire Beacon in two hours on the morning of October 23rd, 2,300 flew south over Sugarloaf Hill between 07-45 and 08-55 on 26th, 1,500+ over Dowles Brook and 400 over Sugarloaf Hill on 29th, 500+ over Dowles Brook on 30th and 2,000-2,500 over Castle- morton Common on November 5th. 120 were noted at Little Comberton on October 27th and 50 at Happy Valley on November 7th. Staffs One pair bred at Doxey (cf. fourteen in 2004). In the first winter period flocks included 150 at River Sow Meadows (Baswich) in January; in February 150 at Chasewater, 200 Croxall GP and Elford GP, 1000 at Coldmeece; in March 150 at Baddeley Edge and 500 at Blithfield. A leucistic bird was seen at Berry Hill on June 5th. Visible migration in autumn is summarized below. 05-Oct Black Bank 1540 south 07.20 – 08.30 13-Oct Black Bank 2600 south 07.40 – 08.50 14-Oct Black Bank 1500 south 07.40 – 08.45 23-Oct Leyfields (Needwood) 1070 south 23-Oct Belvide 2800 south-west 08.00 – 10.00 26-Oct Black Bank 263 south in 1 hour early morning 27-Oct Belvide 205 south-west 29-Oct Belvide 1221 south-west 05-Nov Belvide 3173 south-west 07.00 – 11.00 07-Nov Black Bank 1200 south 07.20 – 08.40 09-Nov Black Bank 900 south 07.30 – 08.30 13-Nov Belvide 1176 south-west 07.30 – 09.00

118 Larger counts in the second winter period included: in August; 250 at Dosthill; in October 500 at Chasewater and 150 at Tittesworth; in November 1000 at Church Eaton/Goosemoor, 150 at Offley Marsh, 500 at River Sow Meadows; in December 150 at River Sow Meadows, 200 at The Clive Farm and 700 at Bent Lane. W Mid A total of 14 territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot – very similar to most of the last 13 years, apart from a high of over 20 in 1994-97, giving an overall average of 17. Counts included 800 at Marsh Lane NR on January 8th and up to 500 feeding on sunflowers and wheat in November, about 500 near Aldridge on October 4th, about 600 in set-aside at Elmdon Nature Park on November 3rd, at least 450 at Coundon Wedge on 5th and winter roosts of over 500 at Sheepwash UP. Migrants heading southwards included a record total of 1317 over Smestow Valley on November 9th, about 300 over Marsh Lane NR in 25 minutes around 09.00 hours on 13th and 338 over Dunstall on December 13th.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Very common resident. Warks Flocks were mainly small, with only five exceeding 20 in number. These were all in the autumn and early winter, and included 40 at Fenny Compton and 21 in Knightcote on September 25th, 35 near Beausale on October 8th, 26 at Chesterton on 17th, and the largest of 65 feeding on grain in an open barn at Weston-on-Avon on November 16th. Worcs No significant records received. Staffs Records include 35 at Prince Farms (King’s Bromley) on January 4th, 28 at Leawood on February 6th and 20 roosting at Keele University 15th. Up to 25 were at Big Wood on September 11th, 11 at Aston-by-Stone in October and 26 at Doley Common October 8th. A regular winter roost at Fenton Cemetery (Stoke) produced morning dispersal counts of 28 on November 19th, 33 on 26th and an impressive 72 on December 17th. W Mid Four territories were recorded at the Mons Hill CBC plot – down on last year’s five, but nevertheless a slight increase on the average of 3.4 over the last 13 years. Birds also bred Saltwells LNR, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley, where numbers were reportedly stable. A total of 22 were noted at Marsh Lane NR on September 3rd and maxima of 19 birds were counted at Forge Mill Farm in Sandwell Valley and 17 at Park Lime Pits.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Frequent or fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant, mainly to the southern parts of Warks and Worcs. Average dates: April 27th (70) to September 25th (70). Arrived on schedule with the first at Little Comberton on April 29th. Last seen, again on schedule, on September 25th at Lower Moor. Warks In the north of the county there were again two pairs during the breeding season in the Dosthill/Kingsbury area, but no young were seen. The only other reports were of singles at Birchmoor on July 2nd and Alvecote on 28th. In the south there was some improvement, with a total of 34 singing males located (cf. only 14 in 2004, but 51 in 2003). This kind of extreme fluctuation is typical of a species on the very edge of its range. Breeding or probable pairs were noted at: Abbots Salford, Bishop’s Hill, DMC Kineton (five), the Dunchurch/Woolscott area (three, cf. six in 2003), Fenny Compton (two), Salford Priors GP (two), Ufton Fields (three), Upper Kingston, Weston-on-Avon (three) and Winderton. Others were recorded during the breeding season at: Chesterton, Cubbing- ton Woods, Itchington Holt, Knightcote, Northend, Radway, Shipston-on-Stour, Stretton-

119 on-Fosse, Weethley, Welcombe Hills, Whatcote and Wormleighton Res. A post-breeding flock of 27 at Weston-on-Avon on August 19th ADW, was easily the largest in the county at this season for over 25 years. Extreme dates were April 30th at Draycote, and September 17th at Salford Priors GP. Worcs Breeding was confirmed at Little Comberton (two pairs) and Lower Moor, where three juveniles were observed. Singing males also reported from Abberton, Arley Wood, Coombegreen Common, Dowles Brook, , Grimley Old Workings (two), Grimley triangle, Hampton, Hollybed Common, Holt Church, Huntsbridge, Longdon Marsh, Middle Littleton, , Sheriff’s Lench, Strensham Lagoons, Throckmorton Tip (two +) and Wyre Piddle. The first spring arrival was observed at Little Comberton on April 29th. A spring passage bird was noted at Upton Warren on May 22nd and the best site counts were at Grimley Old Workings, with three on June 26th, four on 29th and three on July 5th, at Lower Moor, with six on June 29th and seven on September 4th and at Throckmorton Tip, with five on July 31st and three on August 5th and 21st. Singles were also noted at Upton Warren on July 19th, Grimley New Workings on 26th and August 21st, Aston Mill Pits on August 18th and Clifton Pits on September 11th. The final sighting for the year came from Lower Moor on September 25th. Staffs Four birds summered at Cannock Chase but breeding was unconfirmed. Up to three birds were present on the Staffs/Warks border at Drayton Bassett and Dosthill from May 2nd until June 8th, one at Lower Penn on May 31st and another at Denstone June 11th. No birds were recorded in the autumn.

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Scarce feral visitor which has bred. Warks An above-average year for sightings. A single bird at Ladywalk on February 8th JH, BLK and again on March 20th and December 20th JH, was presumably the same bird that has been seen in the area off and on for several years. Henley GC had a bird on March 18th, with two there on 21st and one again on April 3rd CEH. Other singles were in Packington Park on June 8th NPB and in a Kenilworth garden during the first week in July JDp. Worcs One flew over Malvern Link on September Rose-ringed Parakeet, Sandwell Valley, Steve Seal 20th MWCW. Staffs One at Doley Common on February 15th VS. W Mid A pair bred at Sandwell Valley, raising two young – after reports of one bird in January and three in February, one or two were regularly noted at the RSPB reserve from April until the end of the year, with the whole family present in May and June. Other reports included one at The Dingles on May 15th and two on 19th, two around the

120 University of Birmingham station on September 12th, one at Trittiford Pool on 27th and one at Coombeswood on November 2nd.

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Fairly common, but declining, summer visitor. Average dates: April 11th (69) to September 6th (68). First seen slightly early on April 5th at Radway while the last sighting was on the rather early date of August 11th at Coton. Warks It was generally a poor season, with numbers down at the top site of DMC Kineton, where ten on the May count (cf. 18 in 2004) was the equal lowest (with 1996) since counts began in 1987. Similarly, only two males were calling in the Morton Bagot area compared to six in 2004. There were remarks about increasing scarcity from several further widespread localities, indicating that this is a serious and continuing trend. In order that we can monitor the situation, we urgently request that all records of calling males should be reported in future. In all about 86 males were reported from 53 sites during the spring and summer, although some of these may have been just passing through. Away from DMC Kineton, the only reports of more than two calling males together were of four at Abbots Salford, three at Brandon, three at Broom, three at Kingsbury WP, three at Kingsbury Wood, four at Lighthorne and three at Napton. In addition at least eight were located in the Warwickshire section of SP23, containing Shipston-on-Stour. Despite the poor numbers, we actually had four confirmed breeding records this year; with single youngsters being raised by Reed Warblers at both Brandon and Wormleighton Res, and by Robins in a Stockingford garden. The most interesting record came from Abbots Salford, where a juvenile was raised by a pair of Sedge Warblers. Intensive watching revealed that this chick was also occasionally fed by Reed Warblers and Common Whitethroats! The first spring record came from Radway on April 5th, while the last juvenile was seen at Coton on August 17th. Worcs A juvenile was observed at Gwen Finch Wetland from June 25th-30th and on July 24th and was probably reared onsite. The first spring record came from Upton Warren, with two reported on April 14th. Other April sightings were of one at Lower Moor on 15th, singles at Hollybed Common on 16th, 24th, 26th and 30th, one at on 19th, one at Strensham Lagoons on 23rd, singles at Pershore and Stoke Bliss on 24th, one at Castlemorton Common on 26th and one at Bredon’s Hardwick on 30th. Ones or twos, other than stated, reported during the breeding season at Abberton, Ashmoor Common, Birtsmorton, Castlemorton Common (three) Clifton Pits, Eckington, , Grimley New Workings, Grimley Old Workings, , Hollybed Common (four), Knowles Coppice, Kyre, Langdale Wood, Little Comberton, Longdon Marsh, Lower Moor (three), Malvern Link, Malvern Wells, Midsummer Hill, Monkwood Green, Old Hills, Raggedstone Hill, Ryall Pits, Stoke Bliss, Strensham Lagoons, Swinyard Hill, Three Counties Show Ground, Upper Arley, Upton Warren, Wadborough and Westwood Pool. Staffs The first bird arrived on April 8th in the Sherbrook Valley, followed by Drayton Basset on 11th and Chasewater on 14th. Thereafter, reported almost daily until June 26th with the last birds, all juveniles, at Whitemoor Haye on July 17th, Stockley Vale on 25th, Dosthill on August 8th and Chasewater on 14th. The only confirmed nest site was at Haywood Warren, the host birds being a pair of Wrens, but late May-June sightings suggest attempted breeding at least at Apedale CP, Aqualate (two pairs), Belvide (two), Black Bank (two), Burnt Wood, Cannock Chase (c. nine), Chasewater, Crossplains, Fauld, Fleet Green, Goldsitch Moss, Gradbach, Highgate Common, Knotbury, The Roaches, Sugnall and

121 Swallow Moss. Five were seen in the Sherbrook Valley on April 16th, four at the Rifle Range May 29th, Strawberry Hill on June 3rd and Black Bank on June 6th. W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, one was noted on April 13th and 29th and regularly through May, with two on 15th and 21st. One was present at Park Lime Pits on May 4th, with two on 8th, and singles at Blythe Valley CP on 4th, Balsall Common on 5th, Hay Mills on 11th, Dorridge on 19th and the Swan Pool area from June 16th-18th.

Barn Owl Tyto alba Frequent, but much declined, resident. Warks The population continues to recover, with perhaps 70 territories occupied during the breeding season. Two pairs in the Kingsbury area each reared six young, while further breeding was proved or strongly suspected at: Bishop’s Itchington, Brailes, Cherington, Combrook (two), DMC Kineton, Dunchurch, Farnborough (two), Fenny Compton, Grandborough, Honiley, Hopsford, Idlicote, Morton Bagot, Napton, Priors Marston, Radway, Shuttington, Spernall, Stoneton, Ullenhall, Weston-on-Avon, Whatcote, Whichford and Wormleighton (two). As always with this species, several road casualties were reported. Worcs Successful breeding pairs reported from near (three young fledged), Grimley (two fledged), Lower Hook, Sheriff’s Lench (four fledged) and Blake- down (two fledged). Also reported during the breeding season at , Conderton, Cutnell Green, Fairy Glen, Fladbury, Hanley Swan, Lower Moor, Nunnery Wood, Oakley Pool, Spetchley Park, Upton Warren and Wyre Piddle. During the first winter period, singles observed at Eckington during January and February, Stanford-on-Teme on January 3rd, Throckmorton Airfield on 10th, Spetchley on 12th and 15th, Croome Perry Crossroad on February 5th, Stoke Hill on 7th, Kington on 13th, Evesham (roadside corpse) on 20th, Droitwich on 26th, Castlemorton on March 6th, Washford East on 8th and Droitwich on 29th. Throckmorton Airfield held singles on July 10th, August 27th and September 12th and other sighting during the late summer came from Upper Bittell Reservoir on July 24th, Hampton on August 17th, Feckenham on 19th and Birtsmorton Court on September 16th. During the second winter period singles reported from Throckmorton Airfield on October 1st, 27th, November 1st, 12th, 14th and December 9th, Abberton on October 2nd, Timberhonger on 5th and December 21st, Shenstone on October 6th and along the M5 at junction with the M42 on 16th. Singles also noted at Pensax on November 14th, Wadborough on 21st and 24th, Netherton on 23rd, on 30th, High Green on December 15th, Conderton on 18th, Hill Side on 29th and Stoke Bliss on 31st. Staffs Widespread in the county, with reports received from 62 different localities and with breeding confirmed at Drayton Bassett, Fairoak, Gnosall, Morridge (one juvenile fledged), Pershall, Tittesworth (two juveniles fledged), Upper Hatton and Weston Jones. Probably also bred at or near Aqualate, Ashwood, Byrkley Park, Dimmingsdale, Essex Bridge, North Staffs Moors (several sites) and Stansmore Hall Farm. Long-staying birds were reported from Bottom House (all summer), Consall CP (Jan-Mar), Ford (Aug-Dec), Westport (July 29th-November 3rd) and Yoxall Lodge (all year). W Mid Pairs bred at Fen End and Wishaw, with another seen at Catherine de Barnes in June. Singles were seen at the southern end of the Smestow Valley on January 25th and 28th, Pensnett on April 5th, Park Lime Pits on May 4th, Pelsall North Common on June 7th, Hampton on August 6th, Marsh Lane NR on 17th and 26th, and Barr Beacon on September 18th. A dead bird was found in the Sandwell Valley on May 28th.

122 Little Owl Athene noctua Fairly common resident. Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Alvecote, Attleborough Fields, Bodymoor Heath, Bramcote Hall, Dordon, Farnborough, Fenny Compton (two), Lighthorne, Maxstoke (three), Packington Park (at least three), Radway, Salford Priors GP, Stoneleigh Park, Sutton-under-Brailes and Whichford (two). The nest at Dordon was located in a hole under stones on the bank of a small balancing reservoir SMH. In total it was reported from 67 sites during the year, rather down from the 80 of 2004 but with no real change in population indicated. Worcs Believed to be a declining breeding species in the county. A pair bred at Bodenham Arboretum and at Grimley New Workings, plus recorded during the breeding season at Barnett Brook, Bransford Court, Clevelode, Coombegreen Common, Hollybed Common, Hollybush, Kempsey Common, Kempsey, Larford, Shenstone, Sweet Green, Tanwood, Timberhonger, Upper Hook, Wadborough, Welland, West Hagley and Westwood Park. First winter period sightings came from Hunts Bridge on January 1st, Churchill on 3rd, Kempsey on 27th, Rous Lench on 29th and Castlemorton Common on 30th. The only reports during the second winter period were of singles at Upper Bittell Reservoir on November 5th and December 4th and one at Kempsey on 15th. Staffs Widespread throughout the county, with breeding reported from Brindley Ford, Park Farm (Trysall) where two young were seen, Ingestre and Park Hall CP where two pairs bred. A pair was present all year at Keele University and one or two birds were seen regularly at Belvide, Knypersley, Tittesworth, Weston Jones and Whitemoor Haye. Recorded at 52 other sites. W Mid At least three pairs were present in the Sandwell Valley – one raised two young, but they were later found dead beneath the nest. Also bred at Marsh Lane NR, where a juvenile was seen on August 6th. Individuals were noted at Bromwich Wood on February 12th, Clayhanger on March 5th and May 12th, Aldridge on April 1st, May 11th and June 8th, Park Lime Pits on April 26th and May 4th, Cheswick Green on May 11th, Wiggins Hill on June 12th, Earlswood on 22nd, Bradnock’s Marsh on July 16th and 23rd, Coundon Wedge on 16th and Fulford Heath on September 12th.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco Fairly common resident. Warks Breeding pairs were reported from: Avon Dassett, Brandon, Fillongley, Idlicote, Kingsbury WP, Ladywalk, Middleton, Oakley Wood, Oldbury, Priors Marston, Radway, and in a Southam garden. It was reported from 58 sites during the year, spread fairly evenly across the county. Of interest was a bird watched feeding on a road-kill at Maxstoke on October 10th. Worcs A pair successfully fledged two young from a nest box at Bodenham Arboretum and young birds were reported from Arley Wood, Kyre Pool, , Shrawley Wood and Trench Wood. Reported as resident at Abberton, Bredon Hill, Lower Moor, Sheriff’s Lench, Stoke Bliss, Timberhonger and Wood Norton. Singles observed at Chaddesley Wood on February 10th, Eymore Wood on 27th, Bishampton on March 25th, and on June 8th and at Malvern Link on 13th, August 28th, September 8th and from November 26th-December 7th. One was reported from Upton Warren on June 30th, one at Welland on September 14th and one at on December 30th. Staffs Breeding confirmed at Apedale CP, Belvide (two pairs, two young each), Burnt Wood, Coombes Valley (two), Doley Common (two), Froghall, Hanchurch Woods (four),

123 Knypersley Reservoir and Mosslee Hall Farm. Breeding also suspected at Anslow, Ingestre and Swallow Moss. Reported from 50 other sites, with three at Marquis Drive July 2nd and Leyfields Needwood on 3rd, four at Tittesworth on October 29th and December 24th and five at Burnt Wood on September 9th. W Mid Noted in the breeding season at Bilston Cemetery, Blythe Valley CP, Earlswood, Edgbaston, Elmdon Park, Harborne, Mons Hill CBC plot, Park Lime Pits, Saltwells Wood, Smestow Valley (present throughout the year), Sutton Park (a total of 26 birds counted in at least nine family groups in late June) and University of Birmingham. Also noted at Aldridge, Cheswick Green, Clayhanger, Coundon Wedge, Dorridge, Hurst Hill Wood, Sandwell Valley, Warstock, Whitley and Wordsley.

Long-eared Owl Asio otus Uncommon and rather erratic winter visitor and scarce resident. Warks A pair reared three young at a traditional site in the Tame Valley, with birds present here from at least March to October several obs. Elsewhere there were late summer sightings at Brandon on July 10th and 16th BMCG, and at Draycote on 31st RCM. Two were seen at dusk at Brandon on December 30th CHP. Worcs The only record for the year came from Oakley Pool, with one present from January 1st-February 20th PH et al. Staffs In what appears to have been an excellent breeding year, three or four pairs had young on Cannock Chase and two pairs were successful at Park Hall. Elsewhere in the county seven other pairs attempted, of which two probably failed and the other five produced eight young (sites withheld). A pair was observed displaying at a further site and probably bred too. A winter roost of five birds was noted in the north of the county, one was seen regularly at Belvide from June 29th until October 4th, another at Doxey on October 10th and December 10th. W Mid Two pairs bred at the same site, with a brood of three young seen and heard on June 21st and another youngster heard calling at a different location on 21st-22nd.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Uncommon winter visitor in variable numbers. Scarce and erratic breeding species. Warks Following on from the 2004 autumn influx, around 33 were reported in the county during the first quarter. In the south of the county, there were roosts of up to ten in a rough field by the Grand Union Canal between Fleck- noe and Sawbridge, six at Hillmorton, four at Priors Hardwick, three at Farn- borough and three at Oxhill; with casual singles noted at Lighthorne Quarry on January 10th, Grandborough Fields on 21st, Draycote on 26th, and at Henley GC on March 21st. All of the southern birds had left by late March. In the north, the Tame Valley hosted two Short-eared Owl at Cuckoo Bank, Brian McGeough

124 wintering birds in the Kingsbury area up to March 27th, with one there on April 14th. Another was present at Coleshill GP from March 9th-31st when it was joined by another in display flight. A single bird was seen again there on April 21st, 30th and May 9th, while Ladywalk had one on April 1st. The Tame Valley again featured in the autumn, with singles in the Dosthill/Kingsbury area occasionally from August 30th onwards, increasing to two from December 15th and three from 21st-31st. A single bird at Ladywalk on November 9th was seen frequently both there and in the Coton, Lea Marston and Whitacre Heath area, from then until at least mid December, with two reported in the first week of that month. Elsewhere, a bird was flushed from a rough meadow at Knightcote on October 2nd, one flew west high over Ilmington Downs on November 7th and one was seen at Brandon on December 12th. Worcs Eckington Meadows held a maximum of three birds between January 1st and February 21st and one was noted at Throckmorton Airfield on February 2nd and 6th. A spring passage bird flew over Throckmorton Tip on May 9th and during the second winter period, one flew west over Clifton Pits on October 16th and one took up residence on and around Worcestershire Beacon from 27th to the year’s end. Other sightings during this period were of singles at Throckmorton Airfield on October 27th and November 22nd, Bredon Hill on November 7th, March Common on 26th and Defford Airfield on December 8th. Staffs

Monthly maxima: JFMAMJ JASOND Cuckoo Bank 67742–––––33

A pair may have bred but no juveniles were seen. Presumably, with good numbers of rodents present in the first winter period, many sites held long-staying birds especially at Cuckoo Bank (above). Up to three were at Aqualate until March 13th, two at Black Bank/Silverdale Colliery until April 24th, two at Croxall GP February 3rd-April 16th and three at the National Memorial Arboretum/Whitemoor Haye January 16th-April 16th. Elsewhere there were two at Chasewater on January 2nd and singles at Doxey on 16th- 18th, Drayton Bassett Pits on February 4th, King’s Bromley GP on 8th, Cannock on 9th, Alrewas on 13th, Sherbrook Valley on 21st, Hazel Barrow on March 1st, Merryton Low on 28th and Cotes Heath on April 4th. The second winter period produced a reasonable spread of birds with one at Swallow Moss on August 21st, Pethills on October 4th, Westport on 9th, Chasewater on 23rd and November on 1st, Gliding Field on 1st, two at Black Bank on 25th, four at Aqualate on December 4th, Mermaid Inn on 4th, Doxey on 11th and 27th, Chasewater on 17th and Whitemoor Haye on 28th-29th. W Mid Single birds were seen at Marsh Lane NR on April 13th and 16th (first site record), and being mobbed by crows at Bowmans Harbour on April 25th.

European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Uncommon to frequent, but very local summer resident, mainly on Cannock Chase. Rare passage migrant. Average dates: May 16th (62) to August 23rd (44). Worcs Two churring males observed on June 17th at Kingswood County Park SMW and Shatterford Wood GHP et al. Both were believed to be passage birds. Staffs First seen at Ranges Corner on May 6th, then Katyn on 10th and one at Chase- water on 10th-11th. After three years of searching, five churring birds were at last found at

125 Hanchurch Woods NDP, SJT and two birds churring at Brocton were the first for 30 years – hopefully a sign of range expansion and perhaps other suitable woodland with clear-fell will also be colonized in future years. A full survey of the Chase was not submitted but individual records suggest over 25 churring birds were present. Last seen at Pottal Pool (two) on July 12th and Marquis Drive (three) on 23rd. W Mid Birds were reported at a site with suitable habitat during the breeding season: singles heard on May 30th per SB and seen on 28th per SB and June 1st AM, SB, two seen and heard on 21st per SB and one heard on 22nd SB. Unfortunately, no descriptions or other supporting details were received for what would be the first county records since 1979.

Common Swift Apus apus Common summer resident and passage migrant. Average dates: April 23rd (71) to September 28th (71). Apart from a very early bird at Whittington on April 5th, the main arrival was in line with the average date. Other than a very late bird, thought to be this species, at Marsh Lane NR on October 29th, the last bird was at Eckington Bridge on September 13th. Warks The first spring report was of one at Draycote on April 20th, with small numbers at many waters over the next week including 100 at Draycote on 25th and 200 at Shustoke on 28th. On May 4th there were 300 at Shustoke and 100 at Earlswood, while 200 occurred at Abbots Salford on 9th. Draycote had particularly high numbers on overcast days during May, with maxima of 1000 on 7th, 2000 on 8th and 2000 again on 19th. On the latter date 1450 were estimated in the Tame Valley between the southern half of Kingsbury WP in the north and the Coleshill/Shustoke area to the south. 400 were present at Salford Priors GP on May 22nd. Between June and early August flocks of around 100-150 were noted at a number of sites, including Abbots Salford, Alcester, Beausale, the Dosthill/Kingsbury area, Fenny Compton, Hurley Common, Packington and Whichford Hill, with larger counts of 400 at Ladywalk on June 5th, 250 at Brandon on 13th and 200 at Wasperton on July 1st. Small numbers of migrants continued to pass through the county until August 28th, with the last birds seen at Brandon on September 4th, and at Draycote on 8th (two) and 11th. Worcs No breeding data received. The first spring record was of four at Grimley New Workings on April 24th, then four were noted at Gwen Finch Wetland and two at Kinsham Lake on 25th, two at Bittell Reservoir on 26th, four over Sugarloaf Hill on May 1st and two at Upper Arley on 3rd. A count of 400+ birds was made at Westwood Pool on May 18th, Defford held 16 on June 19th, 32 were along the High Street at Evesham on July 7th, 100 at Sheriff’s Lench on 16th and 30 at Little Comberton on 31st. Over 1,000 birds congregated over Bredon Hill on August 1st and during September, singles were observed at Kinsham Lake on 5th and Eckington Bridge on 13th. Staffs An early bird arrived at Whittington on April 5th, followed by six at Doxey, one at Chasewater and Gailey on 17th, Doley on 21st, 70 at Belvide on 27th, 160 at Chasewater and 100 Blithfield on 28th, 450 at Gailey and 700 Belvide on May 4th, 200 Aqualate and a massive 2000 Chasewater on 5th. Later counts consisted of 250 at Westport on 22nd, 150 at Chasewater in June and 150 Dosthill on July 8th. The only breeding record was of three pairs in the Victorian houses at The Villas (West End). Reported throughout August, with one at Doxey and three at Belvide on September 3rd and finally one over Milton on 10th. W Mid Birds bred at Aldridge (numbers being reportedly lower than in previous years) and at several locations adjacent to the Smestow Valley and Sheepwash UP. High counts included over 300 at Marsh Lane MR on May 8th, 1000 plus over Forge Mill Lake on 21st and 200 over Sheepwash UP on August 2nd. Also reported from Acocks Green, Balsall

126 Common, Bickenhill, Blythe Valley, Bournville, Cannon Hill Park, Chelmsley Wood, Coundon Wedge, Cuckoo’s Nook, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools, Galton Valley, Hall Green, Harborne NR, Hay Head Wood, Hay Mills, King’s Heath, The Leasowes, Leighswood, Monkspath, Netherton Reservoir, Olton Mere, Park Limepits, Portway, Priory Fields, Reedswood Park, Saltwells LNR, Shirley, Sneyd Reservoir, Sutton Park, Tillyard Croft, Trittiford Pool, Wall Heath, Walsall, Warstock, West Bromwich, Whitley, Winson Green, Woodgate Valley, Wordsley and Yardley Wood. An unseasonable bird, believed to be this species, was seen at Marsh Lane NR on October 29th.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Fairly common resident. Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Alvecote (two), Barford, Brandon (at least three broods reared in area), Broom, Charlecote Park, Guy’s Cliffe, Kenilworth and Stratford- upon-Avon. Also present in the breeding season at: Abbots Salford, Alcester (R.Arrow), Arley, Bidford-on-Avon, Butlers Marston, Caldecote, Combrook, Compton Verney, Draycote, Farnborough Park, Hampton Lucy, Kineton, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Lighthorne, Little Compton, Longbridge, Salford Priors, Seeswood, Tidmington, Wellesbourne, Weston Park, Whitacre Heath, Willington, Wootton Wawen and Wormleighton Res. Worcs Three breeding territories were held along the Dowles Brook and singles or pairs also observed during the breeding season at Abberton, Gwen Finch Wetland, Kinsham Lake, Kyre Pool, Lower Haresbrook, The Knapp and Papermill, Strensham Lagoons, Trimpley Reservoir, Upper Arley and Upton Warren. Reported during the winter period at Bittell Reservoirs, Croome River, Diglis Lock, Grimley New Workings, Kyre Pool, Lower Moor, Ryall Pits, Stanford Bridge, Trimpley Reservoir, Upton Warren and Westwood Pool. Staffs Breeding was confirmed only on the River Dove at Fauld, and suspected at Crumpwood, but reports during May and June also came from 16 other locations. Outside that period the species was reported, usually as single birds, from a total of 65 sites around the county with the largest counts being of three birds seen on the River Sow at Baswich, Chasewater, Doxey and on the canal at Tixall. W Mid Bred along the River Tame at Tividale, and may have done at The Dingles. Also seen in the breeding season at Coundon Wedge, Fens Pools, Lifford Lakes, Manor Farm Park, Marsh Lane NR, Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley, Stubbers Green and Trittiford Pool. Otherwise noted at Bournville, Edgbaston Reservoir, Haden Hill Park, Knowle, The Leasowes, Priory Fields, Sarehole Mill, Scribers Wood, Sheepwash UP, Whitley and Winson Green.

Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Very rare vagrant (0/10) Staffs Easily the highlight of the Belted Kingfisher at Shugborough, Andy Warr

127 year and an astonishing find, one at Tixall on April 1st later roosted at Shugborough Hall where it was admired by many observers RCB. This is only the fourth record for the UK, previous records coming from Cornwall in 1908 and 1979-80 and County Down, Northern Ireland in 1980. Given the time of year and the short stay, the bird was following its natural springtime instincts by migrating northwards, obviously raising the question of where had it been and for how long, prior to its arrival. A county and regional first. See page 228.

Hoopoe Upupa epops Rare passage migrant, very rare in winter (7/10). Warks A single bird was watched feeding on the roadside in Moat Farm Lane, Ullenhall on April 17th GTW. Worcs One flew low over a garden at Winyates Green on April 13th JTB, but unfortunately couldn’t be relocated in the area.

Wryneck Jynx torquilla Scarce passage migrant. Last bred in 1941. Worcs One appeared briefly along the edge of a small pool at Lickhill Quarry, Burlish Park on September 6th JR. Staffs One at Berry Hill on September 11th RT accompanied a large fall of Northern Weatears and Whinchats. Possibly the same bird was located at Blithfield the next day PR, SH, a great find for two new club members.

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Fairly common resident. Warks A common and very well distributed bird. A total of 15 logged on the May count at DMC Kineton was the best ever from there. Other counts included eight at Brandon on July 26th and seven flushed together off a grassy bank at Salford Priors GP on October 23rd, where one was killed by a Eurasian Sparrowhawk in July. Worcs A common resident and breeding species along the Dowles Brook and on the Malvern Hills and Commons. A pair nested successfully at Upper Arley and juveniles were observed at Malvern Link (two) on July 17th and in Chat Valley (two) on August 21st. Other breeding season sightings came from Hartlebury Common, Kings Norton Golf Club, Old Hills, Strensham Lagoons, Trimpley Reservoir, Upton Warren and Walton Hill. The best counts were of three at Huntsbridge on January 1st, four at Castlemorton Common on February 27th, three at Walton Hill on March 23rd, three at Trimpley Reservoir on April 23rd, four at Hollybed Common on August 28th, eight on North Hill on October 14th and five at Castlemorton Common on December 4th. Staffs Juveniles reported from Belvide, Brocton Coppice, Byrkley Park, Crossplains, Fauld, River Sow Meadows and Westport. Present throughout the year at Belvide, Chase- water, Cuckoo Bank, Elford GP and River Sow Meadows. One or two birds were logged at 88 sites, with three at Shugborough on April 27th. W Mid Birds bred at Elmdon Park, Fens Pools, Monkspath, Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory), Saltwells Wood, Sandwell Valley (up to six pairs), Smestow Valley and Tillyard Croft. Also recorded in the breeding season at Bilston Cemetery, Blythe Valley CP, Coundon Wedge, Dunstall Park, Great Barr, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, Hurst Hill Wood, Knowle, Marsh Lane NR, Marston Green, Park Lime Pits, Priory Fields, Sheepwash UP, Sutton Park, Trittiford Pool, Wordsley and Wylde Green. Also noted at

128 Aldridge, Berkswell, Edgbaston Reservoir, Hall Green, Harborne, Knowle, Pelsall North Common LNR, Perry Hall Park, Sandwell Valley Country Park, Warley Woods and Whitley.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Fairly common to common resident. Warks Numerous breeding records were received, with at least four pairs present in 72 ha. of woodland at Kingsbury/Edge Hill Woods, and four pairs breeding at both Brailes Hill (west side) and Oakley Wood. A total of 17 on the DMC Kineton May count was like the preceding species an all-time high. A juvenile was reported to have died after hitting a window in Maxstoke. Worcs A common and widespread resident in the county, with many breeding records received. Staffs Breeding confirmed at Apedale CP (six drumming birds), Aston-by-Stone, Baddeley Edge, Bagnall Wood, Belvide, Bishop’s Wood, Byrkley Park (three pairs), Doley Common, Doxey, Haywood Warren, Ingestre, Keele University, Lightwood, Loynton Moss, Sugnall, Tittesworth and Westport. Additionally, eight birds were recorded in Burnt Wood in June and logged at 57 other sites during the breeding season. The most unusual record was of a drumming bird at Trentham Garden Lakes on Christmas Eve. High counts consisted of five at Aqualate on March 27th, four at Crumpwood on April 12th, four at Ellastone on June 7th and four at Doxey on December 28th. W Mid Birds bred at Dunstall Park, Elmdon Manor, Hall Green, Marsh Lane NR area (two pairs), Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory), Olton Mere, Queens Park, Saltwells Wood, Sandwell Valley (three pairs) and Smestow Valley. Also noted in the breeding season at Aldridge, Bilston Cemetery, Blythe Valley CP, Castle Hill, Chadwick End, Cotwall End Valley, Coundon Wedge, Edgbaston Reservoir, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, Hurst Hill Wood, Kingswinford, Marston Green, Priory Fields, Reedswood Park, Sheepwash UP, Solihull, Sutton Park, Trittiford Pool, Warley Woods and Willenhall. Also noted at Acocks Green, Birmingham University, Brueton Park, Compton, Elmdon Park, Handsworth Park, Harborne NR, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common LNR, Ridgacre, Sarehole Mill, Scribers Wood, The Dingles, Warley Woods, West Bromwich and Whitehouse Common.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor Frequent to fairly common resident. Warks An excellent year with reports coming from a total of 47 sites, including probable or confirmed breeding pairs at Alvecote, Coldcomfort Wood (Alcester), Coombe Abbey (three), Crackley Wood, Farnborough Park (three) and Hopsford. It was also reported during the year from: Abbey Fields (Kenilworth), Abbots Salford, Alcester Heath, Arbury Park, Avon Dassett, Brandon, Broadwell, Burmington, Chapel Ascote, Charlecote, Cherington, Church Pool Covert (Lea Marston), Clopton, Clowes Wood, Coton/Lea Marston Pools, Cryfield, Earlswood Lakes, Fenny Compton, Forest of Arden GC, Guy’s Cliffe, Kingsbury Oil Depot, Ladywalk, Leamington , Lighthorne, Little Dassett, Longbridge, Long Lawford, Mobbs Wood, Morton Bagot, Oldberrow, Packington Park, Radway, Seeswood, Shustoke, Shuttington, The Somers, Three Oak Hill Wood, Ufton Hill, Whitacre Heath, Wishaw and Wormleighton Res. Worcs No records of definite breeding pairs were received, but reported from a few localities during the breeding season. First winter period sightings were of singles at Upton Warren on January 8th, 9th, 17th and 23rd, one at Westfield Farm on 9th, singles at

129 Croome Landscape Park on 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th and 22nd, Lodge Hill Farm on 22nd and February 26th and 27th, one at Chase End Hill on January 29th, then two on February 19th. One was calling at Birchen Coppice on January 30th and singles were noted at Nineveh and Walk Coppice on February 17th. March records were of singles along Wagon Wheel Lane, Grimley on 3rd, Westwood Pool on 9th and 20th and Dowles Brook on 13th and 28th. During the spring and summer, Arrow Valley Lake held a pair on April 2nd, singles were observed at Upton Warren on 2nd and May 17th, one along Wagon Wheel Lane, Grimley on April 3rd and 10th, plus two on 29th, one visited a bird feeder at Kings Norton Golf Club on 12th and one was at Clevelode on 22nd. Singles were recorded at Westwood Pool on May 15th, Hanley Swan on June 5th, Birchen Coppice on July 7th and Upton Warren on 17th and 18th. Autumn and second winter period sightings were of one at Grimley Brick Pits on September 17th, one at Trimpley Reservoir on 24th, one at Upton Warren on October 11th, one at Lodge Hill Farm on 13th and two at Grimley Brick Pits on 15th. held one on October 23rd, one was at Habberley Valley on November 16th and along Wagon Wheel Lane (Grimley) singles were observed on 29th, December 10th, 14th and 18th. Staffs No confirmed breeding but birds were heard drumming at Baggeridge (two), Chipnal Lees, Knypersley, Needwood House and Yoxall Park (two). Reported as no longer present at Coombes Valley but may have bred at or near Aqualate, (where it was recorded until March and in November/December), Byrkley Park and Jackson’s Bank. Reports from other sites comprise: in January at Lichfield (male) and Tixall; February at Blithfield, Keele University and Pipehill; March at Crumpwood, Seven Springs and Tittesworth; April at Himley Park, Norbury Manor (two), Pipe Green, Seven Springs, Shugborough and Tittesworth; May at Blithfield; June at Kettlebrook Lakes, Meerbrook, Rowley Hall Drive and Tyreley Locks; July at Burton-on-Trent; August at Burton-on-Trent (on a garden peanut feeder), Crumpwood and Oldacre Valley; September at Rudyard Lake; October at Essington Quarry Pool; November at Chasewater, Elford GP and Lichfield (Stowe Pool) and December at Wom Brook. W Mid A pair bred at Castlecroft, with one or two birds noted at Park Lime Pits from April 26th to May 19th at least. Singles noted at Smestow Valley on January 29th, February 8th and December 4th and 11th; Sandwell Valley on February 2nd and 20th; Edgbaston Pool on March 8th and April 12th; Wren’s Nest NNR on April 4th (first site record); a Finham garden on July 2nd; Netherton Hill on August 30th; and Marsh Lane NR on September 29th.

Wood Lark Lullula arborea Resident until 1960s, then a rare visitor and now an uncommon, but increasing breeding species Worcs One was flushed twice from Sugarloaf Hill, then Wood Lark, Crabbe Tree Farm, Andy Warr

130 flew off west on the morning of October 20th SMW and one frequented a game crop at Merrilands Farm/Crabbe Tree Farm, Wadborough from December 4th and was still present at the year’s end AW et al. Staffs An impressive total of 26 pairs held territories on Cannock Chase.

Sky Lark Alauda arvensis Abundant, though much declined, resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Census data points to a continuing recovery in the breeding population. The May count of 86 at DMC Kineton was marginally the highest on record; the next best was 84 back in 1990. On 120 ha of mixed farmland at Morton Bagot there were 16 territories (cf.12 in 2004), while 20 territories in set-aside at Birchmoor was double the norm. Other territory counts include six at Wishaw and 13 in set-aside at Wasperton. At least 60 moulting birds were flushed from a set-aside field at Kites Hardwick on August 29th. Easily the largest flock reported during the late winter period was present in a Birchmoor stubblefield, which peaked at 200 on February 14th. Other flocks of around 40-70 were reported during this period from DMC Kineton, Hillmorton, Radway, Salford Priors GP and Wasperton. Autumn passage over the southern hills ran from around September 13th- November 15th, beginning a week earlier and ending a week later than average. Some westerly passage recommencing during the last week of November and extending into mid December was probably cold weather related. Passage was fairly light on most days, with no heavy movements recorded. After the first major passage of 60 per hour south-west over Fenny Compton on September 24th, peak counts per hour (usually in late morning) involved just 100 south at Fenny Compton on October 4th, 80 west at Ilmington Downs on 7th, 200 south at Fenny Compton (in 75 minutes) on 15th, 80 south at Wormleighton Res on 16th, 130 south at Lighthorne Quarry on 17th, and 200 south at Draycote on November 9th. Feeding flocks during autumn and early winter were usually well below 100 in size. An exception was Salford Priors GP, where flocks in the adjacent fields built up to peaks of 450 on October 9th and 470 on 23rd. Another good-sized flock stayed in set-aside at Wasperton throughout the period, reaching 250 on October 31st. Elsewhere, counts included 115 at Ilmington Downs on October 7th, 170 in two flocks at Napton on 14th and 100 at Poolfields on 31st. Worcs Singing males reported during the breeding season at Bredon Field Farm, Bredon Hill (many), Blackstone (10+), Caunsall (10), Coopers Hill, Grimley New Workings, Hollybed Common (five), Hollywood, Holt Prairies (three), Nash End (two), North Hill (two), , Common (two), Rowney Green, Ryall Pits (three) and Timberhonger. Two singing males were noted at Bittell Reservoir on January 24th and a flock of 20 were at Holt Prairies on February 9th and 60 on Bredon Hill on 28th. Counts made during the autumn and second winter period included eight at Hollybed Common on September 2nd, 30 and 35 at Holt Prairies on 17th and October 22nd respectively and at Clifton Pits, 15 were present on September 25th, followed by 20 on October 2nd and 40 on 16th. 20 were at Ryall Pits on October 2nd, Bredon Hill held 40 on 14th, then 100+ on 22nd, Lower Smite Farm held 30 on 17th, Worcestershire Beacon 24 on 27th and Strensham 50+ on 29th. Eckington held 20 on November 6th, 15 were noted at Upton-upon-Severn Ham on 14th, 150 at Stoke Bliss on 19th, 30 at Lineholt on 26th, 50 at Longdon Marsh on December 6th, 55 at Stoke Bliss on 10th, 27 at Grimley on 11th, 40 at Kempsey Common on 15th and 30 over Church on 29th. Staffs This species is virtually ubiquitous in the county with just a gap in records to the

131 south and east of Stoke. First singing was recorded as early as January 1st, at Doley Common and Silverdale Colliery and the earliest possible breeding in February at the latter site on 2nd, a single pair at Weatley on the 8th and two pairs each at Gospel Ash and Halfpenny Green on the 10th. Breeding was reported from a further 39 sites scattered throughout the county, notable sites being Black Bank with 20 pairs, Bateswood with 20, Crossplains with 10 and Berry Hill with 16. Large, early season flocks, consisted of 50 at Cuckoo Bank in January, 37 at Crossplains in February and 110 at Black Bank in March. Visible migration noted at a number of sites from mid September until early November, the best being from Belvide with 36 west on September 24th, 46 south-west on October 2nd , 36 south-west on November 5th and 50 south-east at Doxey on October 15th. End of the year flocks into three figures were 200 seen at Keele on October 17th, 158 at Doxey on October 15th, 120 at Bolingbroke Wood on November 4th and 120 at Crossplains on November 16th. W Mid Breeding season records came from Aldridge, Balsall Common, Berkswell, Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP (at least five territories), Bowmans Harbour (three pairs), Chadwick End, Cole Valley, Elmdon, Marsh Lane NR (two pairs), Park Lime Pits, Portway, Sheepwash UP (a young bird was taken by a cat), Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Wall Heath and Wiggins Hill (five territories). In the first winter/spring period, up to 14 were present in the Swan Pool area, with six noted at Pelsall North Common on March 9th and one or two at Dunstall Park, Lutley, Netherton Hill and Smestow Valley. Autumn passage included 30 in the Blythe Valley on October 9th, counts of up to 20 flying over Marsh Lane NR from mid September to mid November, up to 14 moving through Smestow Valley and up to four at Fens Pools. One or two were also noted at Hampton Coppice, Netherton Hill, Penn, Stirchley, West Bromwich and Winson Green during the autumn/second winter period.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia Fairly common, though much declined, summer resident and passage migrant. Average dates: March 21st (70) to October 12th (70). Continuing the trend for early arrivals, the first were at Marsh Lane NR, Upton Warren and Aqualate on March 16th. The last, in line with the average, was at fens Pool on October 12th. Warks Breeding pairs were down about 50% this year at the main colony at Salford Priors GP, with around 90 nest holes occupied at various times, but with rather limited success due to quarrying activities. 300 were counted there on May 22nd. Active nest holes were also located at: Bubbenhall GP (at least ten); in storm tank drainage pipes at Coleshill STW (at least ten); and in a railway cutting at Mobbs Wood (seven at a traditional site, where numbers are stated to be far less than in previous years). Spring passage covered a similar time period as in 2004 but flocks were generally smaller. After the first singletons at Coton and Ladywalk on March 17th, a steady trickle came through daily from 20th. The highest numbers occurred at Shustoke, with a peak of 200 on April 8th, 20th, 25th and May 19th. Other maxima were on the low side and included 50 at Ladywalk on March 23rd, 90 at Coton on 27th, 80 at Brandon on April 4th-5th, 100 at Abbots Salford on 4th and 17th, 80 at Kingsbury on 6th, 25 at Packington Park on 8th, 100 at Draycote on 12th and 17th, 50 at Earlswood on 20th, and 30 at Alvecote on May 20th. On autumn passage, counts included 100 at Draycote on August 23rd, 20 at Coombe Slade Pool (Brailes) on September 9th, 90 moving south at Salford Priors GP on 11th, 20 at Brandon on 26th, with the last bird at Wormleighton Res on 28th.

132 Worcs Very few nesting records received this year, the only reports being 50 nesting pairs at Grimley New Workings, 26 pairs at Ryall Pits and many pairs were noted nesting along the banks of the River Severn at Upper Arley. The first spring arrivals were recorded at Upton Warren, with five present on March 16th. Grimley New Workings held two on 17th, 15 were at Upton Warren on 19th and five at Lower Moor on 22nd. The only large count received was of 70 at Westwood Pool on May 7th and the final sighting for the year came from Lower Moor, with one present on September 18th. Staffs The first record for the year was a single bird seen on March 16th at Aqualate. At first rather low, numbers began to pick up after the 20th, with 25 at Blithfield on that date, 27 at Whitemoor Haye on the 26th, 100 at Blithfield on the 27th with 75 at Aqualate and 50 at Whitemoor Haye. During April some large flocks were recorded, including 200 at Aqualate on 7th, 400 at Chasewater on the 8th and 300 at Blithfield on the 9th. This year Denstone Hall held the largest breeding colony, with some 30 holes with the River Dove at Fauld having the only other colony with double figures, at 22 holes. Other breeding sites were at Swynnerton (eight), Whitmore (eight), Blake Brook (two), Hulme End (five-six) and Ecton Hill (one-two). The recent trend for very low autumn flocks were repeated with a maximum of just three birds at Denstone Hall on September 3rd, one at Berry Hill on 4th and one or two at Belvide on 4th, 11th, 27th and 28th. The final record was a single bird seen at Belvide on October 1st. W Mid Birds bred in the vicinity of Marsh Lane NR, one or two pairs were suspected of breeding along the River Tame at Tividale, and up to 20 birds seen regularly near Aldridge from May to July may have bred locally. High counts at Marsh Lane NR included 80 in May and about 140 in July. Peak passage counts included 50 plus at Forge Mill Lake, 25 at Clayhanger, 20 at Stubbers Green, 16 at Fens Pools and 15 at Olton Mere. Up to three were occasionally noted at Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Netherton Hill, Netherton Reservoir, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Very common, though declined, summer resident and passage migrant. Average dates: April 1st (71) to November 5th (71). Apart from an extraordinary early bird at Moreton Morrell on February 5th, the first was at Ombersley on March 19th while the last was seen at on November 17th. These dates reflect the trend for earlier arrivals and later departures. Warks By all accounts it was a very poor breeding season. Two counted sites showed marked declines, with only eight nests at a colony in Idlicote (cf. 16-17 in 2003-4) and three at Morton Bagot (cf. ten in 2004). Other counts included six or seven pairs at Charlecote Park and at least eight pairs in two sets of farm buildings at Little Packington. An adult on a roadside wire at Moreton Morrell on February 5th EJB was the first county record for this month, having presumably wintered somewhere in southern England. The first true spring migrant appeared at Whittleford Park on March 25th, followed next day by one at Caldecote, two at Brandon and two in Warwick. Most of our main waters attracted a sprinkle of birds over the next few days, but the main arrival from about April 10th was somewhat later than usual. Passage peaked in May, with maxima of 200 at Draycote on May 7th, 200 at Earlswood Lakes on 13th (when “hundreds” were also at Seeswood Pool), and 150 at Alvecote on 20th. 80 still at Kingsbury on June 4th well illustrates how late the arrival was. Although fewer pairs arrived back in spring, they must have had a reasonably successful season as there was no decline in the size of the post- breeding and autumn passage flocks. Amongst the higher counts were 200 at Draycote on

133 August 23rd, 400 at Kingsbury on 31st, 300 circling Napton Hill on September 3rd, 500 at Coombe Slade Pool (Brailes) on 9th and 350 at Salford Priors GP during drizzle on 11th. After this date most records were of flocks on active passage, with 575 south in ninety minutes at Napton Hill on September 12th, 900 south in 90 minutes at Fenny Compton and 250 south in 30 mins at Chesterton on 13th, 350 (mostly this species) at Little Packington on 18th, 250 at Fenny Compton and 1000 moving south in an hour at Wasperton on 20th, 520 south at Wormleighton Res in an hour on 21st, 400 there in rain on 23rd and finally, 200 south over the Fenny Compton Hills in 45 minutes on 25th. Small parties continued to pass through until about October 10th, with the last birds at Hartshill on 14th and Whittle- ford Park (two) on 16th. Worcs A common breeding species in the county. One seen at Ombersley on March 19th was the first spring bird to be reported and no other sightings were made until 28th, when one was noted at Grimley, two at Gwen Finch Wetland, two at Upton Warren and one at Westwood Pool. By late April, numbers were high across the county. A post breeding flock of 40+ birds were noted at Hollybed Common on September 18th and small numbers lingered into October, with two at Westwood Pool on 6th, six at Bredon’s Hardwick and 20 at Ryall Pits on 7th, 17 at Grimley New Workings on 9th and one at Wyre Piddle on 22nd. Two November records, with singles at Ombersley on 7th and Alfrick on 17th. Staffs The spring migration was a rather slow, protracted, affair with the first bird at Belvide on March 21st. Small numbers were recorded for the next few weeks, maxima being 10 birds at Aqualate on March 27th, and 14 at Tittesworth on April 6th. The first small peak came on April 8th and 9th with 50 birds at Chasewater on the 8th, then 50 at Rudyard, 100 at Tittesworth and 150 at Blithfield on the 9th. The 15th saw 200 birds at Tittesworth with 150 on the 16th and 240 on the 24th. Tittesworth also had the only really large count for the spring with 2500 birds on May 7th. Apart from these the vast majority of records, throughout the county, were for less than 20 birds. This year summer flocks were also small, with no site getting out of double figures. Breeding was only confirmed for four locations: Brindley Ford with one pair, Blithfield with four pairs, Doley Common with three pairs and Denstone Hall with two. The first signs of return migration were quite early, with a flock of 300 at Tittesworth on August 13th. Migration continued well into October with notable counts of 400 at Trentham Gardens on August 24th, 150 at Tittesworth on September 7th, 300 south-east in an hour at Black Bank on the 21st, 183 south-east in 2.5 hours at Belvide on the 25th and a final large count of 250 south in one hour over Black Bank on October 2nd. Migration seems to have virtually finished by the 9th with odd birds being seen until the final record on the 25th at Aqualate. W Mid Family parties at Marsh Lane NR in July were presumed to have originated from nearby farms. Counts of passage birds peaked at 90 in Sandwell Valley, 80 moving through the Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area in a few minutes on August 5th and 54 at Marsh Lane NR in 80 minutes on September 21st. Smaller numbers were also recorded at Acocks Green, Aldridge, Balsall Common, Bickenhill, Blythe Valley, Chadwick End, Coundon Wedge, Cuckoo’s Nook, Dartmouth Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Fens Pools, Hayhead Wood, Hurst Hill Wood, Netherton Reservoir, Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits, Portway, Priory Fields, Reedswood Park, Saltwells LNR, Sheepwash UP, Shirley, Short Heath, Stubbers Green, , West Bromwich, Winson Green, Wordsley and Yew Tree.

134 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica Very rare vagrant (3/10). 2003 Addendum Staffs One was observed at Brookleys Lake on May 1st GP. This now becomes the first county record, with the two sightings in 2004 being the second and third.

2004 Addendum Staffs The finder of the bird at Gailey on April 29th-30th was JHollis, not as stated.

House Martin Delichon urbicum Common to very common summer resident and passage migrant. Average dates: April 7th (71) to November 2nd (71). The first was, like Barn Swallow, much earlier than the average on March 25th at Newbold Revel; the last leaving much earlier on October 13th at Upper Bittell. Warks Unlike the other two hirundines this species appears to have had a successful year. Counts of active nests included six-eight at Charlecote Park and at least eight successful at Packington Hall. Also at Packington, the large colony at the Forest of Arden Hotel was estimated to have consisted of 60-100 nests (cf. 50 in 2003). Eight on a farmhouse at Morton Bagot was double that of 2004. Apart from an early bird at Newbold Revel on March 25th, only a handful were seen before the second week of April and the main arrival was in mid-month. Spring passage peaked in May and included maxima of: 150 at Earlswood Lakes on April 28th, May 4th and 13th; 105 at Brandon on May 6th, 400 at Draycote on 7th and 19th, “hundreds” at Seeswood Pool on 13th, 250 at Shustoke on 19th, 100 at Alvecote on 20th, and 150 at Salford Priors GP on 22nd. Post-breeding and autumn passage flocks were very well reported, suggesting a good season. Amongst the better flocks were: 150 at Alcester on July 23rd, 225 at Lighthorne Pools during rain on 30th, 130 at Fenny Compton on August 9th, 170 at Charlecote GP on 10th, a flock of 300 moving south at Lea Marston on 12th, 200 at Lighthorne Quarry on 15th, 400 at Draycote in rain on 23rd, 500 at Dosthill in heavy rain on 24th and 139 at Salford Priors on 29th. In September there were over 300 at Fenny Compton and 100 at Packington on 1st, 200 at Lighthorne Pools on 2nd, 200 at Radway on 8th, 500 at Coombe Slade Pool (Brailes) on 9th, 450 at Salford Priors GP during drizzle on 11th, 150 moving south at Napton Hill on 12th, 350 at Fenny Compton and 200 again at Radway on 13th, 200 at Ladywalk on 17th, 400 at Fenny Compton and 650 moving south in an hour at Wasperton on 20th, 300 at Wormleighton Res on 23rd, a flock of 155 moving south at Farnborough Park on 25th, 785 south-west at Wormleighton Res in an hour on 28th, 100 at Fenny Compton and 150 again at Wormleighton on 30th, and about 70 per hour moving south-west all morning over Fenny Compton on October 1st. The last birds recorded were five at Fenny Compton on October 8th, one at Salford Priors GP and three at Abbots Salford on 9th and one at Avon Dassett on 10th. Worcs Nesting records received were of 12-15 pairs along Hewell Road, Barnts Green, two at Bodenham Arboretum, 12 at Grimley, 10 at Kings Norton Golf Club and six at Knightsford Bridge, where numbers are reported as declining. A pair was still feeding young at the nest at Bittell Reservoir on October 1st and a traditional colony at Ham Bridge, where numbers have decreased in recent years is now reported as extinct. Singles were noted at Hackman’s Gate on April 5th, Grimley New Workings on 6th and Kinsham Lake on 9th, Lower Moor held two on 13th and the only large spring flock reported was of 80 at Upper Bittell Reservoir on May 7th. Post breeding groups comprised 130 and 200 at

135 Upper Bittell Reservoir on August 13th and September 4th respectively, Hollybed Common held 75 on September 2nd, then 50 on 25th, 250 were at Kinsham Lake on 12th, 40 at Happy Valley on 22nd, 80 at Westwood Pool on 28th and 40 at Wilden on 29th. All sightings in October came from Upper Bittell Reservoir, with one present on 6th and 12th and three noted on 13th. Staffs The 2005 spring migration hardly deserves the name. The first bird was seen at Westport on March 27th but the first flock to make double figures did not arrive until April 15th with 10 birds at Belvide. The very low numbers continued until the 24th, when there were 50 at Doxey and the 26th with 100 at Belvide. The only other spring migration count over 100 birds was 160 birds at Westport on May 16th. The summer sightings continued this trend with just 150 at River Sow Meadows on June 2nd, 75 at Dosthill Lake on July 8th, and 150 on August 1st. There were only three sites with confirmed breeding, Keele with 12 pairs, noted as the first increase in many years, five pairs at Weston Jones and a pair still feeding young at Madeley on October 5th. Recorders are requested to submit other colony counts. Autumn migration seems to have started in mid August and continued until mid- October. Numbers were not as low as spring but were still well down on previous years. Notable counts included 1200 at Blithfield on August 13th, 500 at Belvide on August 24th, 300 at Westport on the 29th, 300 at Tittesworth on September 7th, 207 at Doxey on the 18th, 180 at Belvide on the 28th, 100 at Bent Lane 30th and 100 at Hanchurch Woods on October 4th. The last seven birds were recorded at Lichfield on October 12th. W Mid The only breeding records came from locations adjacent to Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley. At least 10 birds collected mud from around Dunstall Park Lake on May 30th. High counts included 250 plus at Forge Mill Lake on May 9th and over 150 on August 22nd; 100 at Sheepwash UP on May 21st and 200 on August 26th; and over 120 at Marsh Lane NR on September 10th. Also, 50 were seen at West Bromwich on August 31st, with 40 at Dartmouth Park on September 23rd, 25 at Selly Park on July 23rd, 50 at Olton Mere and 20 at Saltwells LNR on April 28th. Smaller totals were also noted at Aldridge (numbers seemingly down this year), Blythe Valley, Bournville, Chelmsley Wood, Druid’s Heath, Edgbaston Pool, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools, Ladywood, The Leasowes, Portway, Priory Fields, Scribers Wood, Sutton Park, Wall Heath, Warstock, Winson Green, Woodgate and Yew Tree.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Fairly common, though declining, summer resident and passage migrant, becoming increasingly restricted to the northern and western parts of the Region. Average dates: April 8th (68) to September 24th (66). The first was seen at Lighthorne Quarry on rather early date of March 24th closely followed by one in the Wyre Forest on the 28th. The last was very late; on October 22nd at Marsh Lane NR. Warks A good spring passage began with a very early calling bird flying north over Lighthorne Quarry on March 24th. Another flew north-west over Fenny Compton on April 12th, followed by one at Draycote on 13th, two at Wormleighton Res on 16th, and singles at Ilmington Downs on 21st, Priors Hardwick on 22nd, at Wormleighton Res again on 23rd, Draycote on 26th and Lighthorne Quarry on 27th. A male was in song at the latter site on May 16th, but not subsequently. In contrast, autumn passage almost never happened, with only three records reported. On September 1st, three flew over Birchmoor, and another was seen at Wormleighton Res on the same day. One was at Lighthorne Quarry on September 14th.

136 Worcs The first singing male was observed at Lodge Hill Farm, Wyre Forest on March 28th and thereafter reports of singing males from the Wyre were of three at Dowles Brook on April 17th, one at on May 3rd, 12 across the forest on 4th, four at Dowles Brook on 12th, two at Dowles Brook and one at Callow Hill on 23rd and four at Callow Hill on June 19th. Up to 24 singing male were recorded along the Malvern Hills, the usual in recent years being 10 to 15. Singing males included singles on North Hill on April 10th, Happy Valley and Tank Quarry on May 1st and Raggedstone Hill on June 9th. Singing males also recorded at Old Storridge Common on April 17th, on Walton Hill on 19th, at Shatterford Wood on 27th and two were singing along the northern slopes of Bredon Hill on July 8th. Post breeding sightings came from Chat Valley, with two present on August 21st and one on 29th and singles were observed at Grimley New Workings on 28th, Grimley Old workings on 29th, Kinsham Lake on September 8th, Upper Bittell Reservoir on 19th and finally Happy Valley on 22nd. Staffs The first bird of the year was seen at Strawberry Hill on April 2nd. The following day eight were present at the same location with 10 by the 13th. Numbers continued to build on the Chase with 12 birds recorded at Brocton Coppice on April 29th and 10 at Seven Springs on May 5th. Away from Cannock Chase the first records were for Highgate Common, where two birds were singing on April 7th building to six by May 21st. Apart from Cannock Chase the only other site with double figures was Gun Moor where 19 were found on August 9th. Other sites with small numbers during the breeding season were Baddeley Edge, Bishop’s Wood, Coombes Valley, Hanchurch Woods, Ipstones Edge, , Swallow Moss and Swineholes Wood. Outward passage birds were noted in August at Keele University (5th), Berry Hill (two on 7th), Silverdale Colliery (three on 19th), Black Bank (three on 24th) and Byrkley Park (30th). In September at Berry Hill (6th), Silverdale Colliery (10th) and Black Bank (15th). A late bird was seen at Black Bank on October 9th, relocating to Apedale CP on 10th. W Mid Birds were noted at Sutton Park in the breeding season. Spring passage sightings involved two at Marsh Lane NR on April 10th and singles at Sheepwash UP on 16th, Sandwell Valley on May 1st, Knowle on 15th and Priory Fields on 30th. In autumn, at least two were noted in Sandwell Valley on August 2nd and 30th and September 1st, with five on 11th, two at Priory Fields on August 2nd, and singles over Darby’s Hill on 11th and September 6th, in Smestow Valley on 21st and at Marsh Lane NR on October 22nd.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Common resident, though local in lowland districts. Widespread and common on passage, fairly common in winter. Warks At Lighthorne Quarry, the main breeding site, there was an increase to 30 pairs (cf. 23 in 2004) due to lighter grazing pressure; with seven other territories located elsewhere in the parish. Other sites to have breeding pairs included: Baginton Airport (several), Birchmoor (first time here), Dordon, Dosthill, Gaydon Tip (three), Kingsbury Link Industrial Estate (several), Longbridge (at least five), Priors Hardwick (two), Upper Kingston (three) and near Wormleighton Res. Singing males were also located in the breeding season at: Avon Dassett, Bermuda, Brailes Hill, Brandon, DMC Kineton, Kingsbury WP, Salford Priors GP and Tysoe. Wintering numbers during the first quarter remained exceptionally high, with peaks of 87 on January 22nd and 100 on February 19th, at Fenny Compton; 135 at Salford Priors GP on January 23rd; and 51 at Abbots Salford on 23rd and February 19th. Spring passage included 135 grounded by fog at Fenny Compton on March 19th, with 32 on the same day at Longbridge; 40 at Draycote on 20th, 70 at Lighthorne Quarry on 24th and 100 at Abbots

137 Salford on 27th. In April the best flock was 50 at Fenny Compton on 9th, with passage there continuing right to the end of the month and the very last migrant moving north as late as May 9th. A few autumn migrants were recorded moving from August 27th on the southern hills, but passage was at first generally very light. The first large movement involved 115 south through Salford Priors GP in two hours on September 11th, followed by 155 south at Napton Hill in two hours on 12th, 120 south in ninety minutes at Fenny Compton on 13th, 105 south-west in an hour at Wormleighton Res on 21st, with 80 south-east per hour over Napton Hill on 22nd and 80 south-west per hour at Fenny Compton on 24th. Subsequent counts per hour did not top 60 until October 23rd, when a total of at least 700 moved south down the Arrow Valley at Salford Priors GP in two hours. Passage continued into the first half of November. Amongst the largest grounded flocks during this period were 100 on Ilmington Downs on October 7th, 200 at Salford Priors GP on 9th, 100 at Dordon on 26th and 100 at Wasperton on 31st. A late passage flock of 250 were seen at Salford Priors GP on November 13th, but only 40 remained there into December. Other wintering flocks included 30 at Over Whitacre on November 29th, 32 at Dosthill on December 9th, 50 at Ufton Hill on 19th and 55 at Wasperton on 23rd. Worcs Five to six pairs believed to have bred on Bredon Hill and over 30 singing males were noted along the Malvern Hills and commons. During the first winter period 40 were noted at Bishampton on January 29th, 30 at Wyre Piddle on February 6th and 60 at Lower Moor on March 5th. A post breeding flock of 20 was observed at Chat Valley on August 21st and from mid September to mid October, birds appeared at many lowland sites. Ryall Pits held 20 on September 23rd, 40 on October 2nd and 70 on 5th, 15 were at Holt Prairies on September 29th, 26 and 75 at Clifton Pits on October 2nd and 16th respectively, 70 on the Hills on 3rd, 50 at Lower Moor on 8th and 60 at Throckmorton Lagoons on 8th. No large flocks reported during November, but December sightings included 60 at Ashmoor Common on 6th, 42 at Crabbe Tree Farm and 20 at Wyre Piddle on 18th. Staffs Park Farm (Trysull) held some significant early season numbers, with 53 on January 14th and 58 on February 7th whilst Silverdale Colliery had 130 birds on March 1st, Wetley Moor 70 on March 18th and Belvide 56 on March 19th. The only confirmed breeding site this year was for Wetley Moor, where a nest with five eggs was found on May 18th, with probable breeding at Baddeley Edge, Berry Hill, Brown Lees and Silverdale Colliery. The earliest visible migrants passed over Milton on September 9th, the last at Black Bank November 7th with peak movement between September 21st and October 14th. Some significant numbers heading south were 250 in one hour at Black Bank on September 21st, 97 Westport on September 24th, 118 in two hours Belvide on 25th, 100 in one hour Branston Gravel Pits on 29th, 800 birds in three hours at Black Bank on October 2nd, 250 in two hours on 9th and 140 in one hour on 14th. Larger counts of grounded birds during migration included 100 at Berry Hill on September 11th, 135 Black Bank 18th, 255 Berry Hill 24th, 100 Cuckoo Bank 25th, 130 Berry Hill October 2nd and 220 Black Bank 3rd. The only three figure winter flock of 120 was seen at Berry Hill on November 26th. W Mid Birds bred at Sheepwash UP, where young were seen on May 20th, whilst display flight was observed in Sandwell Valley on June 5th. Also noted in the breeding season at Aldridge, Bickenhill, Blythe Valley, Elmdon, Portway and Sutton Park. Up to five were seen at Lutley and Pelsall North Common in January. Spring passage included totals of over 200 in Sandwell Valley on March 19th, over 20 at Marsh Lane NR on 20th and 24th, and up to eight at Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir and Netherton Hill. In the autumn, return passage began in the Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area on August 23rd and peaked at 23. Passage through Marsh Lane NR started later, on September 12th, and peaked at 153

138 in 75 minutes on October 1st. Other autumn/second winter period counts included up to 30 at Coundon Wedge, Fens Pools, Blythe Valley, Hampton Coppice, Frankley and Sandwell Valley, with individuals at Park Lime Pits, Rotton Park and Walsall Arboretum.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Warks A reasonable year at Draycote, with spring singles there on March 14th, on five dates during 27th-April 1st, and on 13th and 21st. On return passage further singles occurred on September 16th and 27th; from October 4th-10th, with two on 8th; one on 21st, two on 22nd, and then one again on November 2nd and 7th. Elsewhere there were two at Shustoke on October 4th, a calling bird flew south at Fenny Compton on 15th, and at least five passed through Salford Priors GP on 23rd. Worcs Singles recorded at Upper Bittell Reservoir from October 6th-8th and on 12th and 13th, one was at Upton Warren on 6th and 7th, one at Clifton Pits on 16th and singles at Throckmorton Lagoons on 29th and November 5th. Staffs There were just two spring sightings; single birds on March 19th at Gailey and March 21st at Blithfield. In October there was a steady trickle of birds; singles at Blithfield on 6th, 20th and 23rd with three on 30th and two on 31st; at Belvide on 18th-22nd; Chasewater on 8th and 18th; Westport on 20th and 30th and Whitemoor Haye on 9th. W Mid At least two birds were at Marsh Lane NR on October 7th per NPB, one was feeding by Dunstall Park Lake island on 24th (second site record) AD and one was at Frankley Waterworks on October 25th JJB.

Scandinavian Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus littoralis Rare passage migrant (6/10) Staffs One at Drayton Bassett Pits from April 5th-8th JH. W Mid One at Marsh Lane NR on March 23rd was assigned to this race.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Average dates: October 27th (15) to April 18th (15). Warks A very well-watched bird was at Shustoke from January 3rd-March 28th SS et al. During its stay it kept very faithful to the east end of the reservoir where it fed on heaps of rotting weed. Another bird also appears to have spent part of the winter at Dosthill, where it was seen on February 22nd and April 4th JH, but other reports about this time need confirmation. The only autumn report was of a single at Salford Priors GP on October 23rd Water Pipit at Upton Warren, Andy Warr JJB.

139 Worcs One in almost full breeding plumage was discovered at Amy’s Marsh, Upton Warren on April 4th CBL et al. Staffs One at Blithfield from the New Year until March 21st many obs. From January 16th, up to three at Doxey until April 16th, then one in summer plumage on May 1st MDB. W Mid One was seen briefly at Marsh Lane NR on October 8th per NPB, before flying off high towards the north, calling.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Fairly common, but declining, summer resident and passage migrant. Average dates: April 3rd (69) to October 12th (69). First seen at Whitemoor Haye on March 27th with the last at Draycote on October 21st. Warks Numbers of this declining summer visitor seem to fluctuate from year to year in their main Feldon breeding range. The only regularly counted population, at Fenny Compton, contained 19 pairs (cf. 24 in 2004, 18 in 2003, 23 in 2002) and elsewhere numbers also seemed slightly down. Outside their main range breeding pairs were reported from a wide scatter of sites, including at: Beausale, Barcheston, Coombe Fields, Lawford Heath (several), Longbridge, Milcote, Salford Priors GP (four), Sherbourne, Shipston-on- Stour and Wishaw (several). The first spring migrants were noted at Abbots Salford on April 3rd and Draycote on 4th, but most sites did not see their first until mid-month. Counts of 10-15 were regular at Draycote during the second half of April, with a peak of 30 on 26th. Post-breeding flocks were much larger, with Salford Priors GP again holding a substantial roost and 115 were counted there early on August 28th. Other good counts during August included maxima of 32 at Dosthill Lake on 21st, 33 at Fenny Compton on 25th and 49 at Draycote on 27th. In September, counts included a peak of 37 at Fenny Compton on 13th and 25 on pasture below Napton Hill on 22nd. Birds were present at several sites until October 4th, with one at Salford Priors GP on 9th and then late singles at Napton Hill on 20th and Draycote on 21st. Worcs The only records of confirmed breeding pairs received came from Offerton (one) and Ryall Pits (three). Single males or pairs also noted during the breeding season at Bredon Field Farm, Grimley New Workings and Little Comberton. Two adults and a juvenile seen at Gwen Finch Wetland from July 2nd-31st, were probably a locally breeding pair, but between one and three juveniles observed at Grimley New Workings between August 5th-September 17th and an adult and three juveniles noted at Gwen Finch Wetland on August 7th, referred to passage birds. The first sightings of the year came from Grimley New Workings and Ryall Pits, with singles observed on April 3rd. No large spring movement recorded, with the best counts being just five at Bredon’s Hardwick on April 20th, three at Lower Moor on 26th, three at Grimley New Workings on 26th and 30th, four at Cakebole on 28th, three at Beckford on May 6th and five at Ryall Pits on 20th. Also reported from Clifton Pits, Monkwood Green, Throckmorton Lagoons, Upton Warren and Westwood Pool during spring passage. Totals a little higher during the autumn, with six noted at Clifton Pits on August 7th and 21st, Gwen Finch Wetland held five on 10th, seven on 12th and 11 on 13th, six were at Bredon’s Hardwick and six at British Camp on 18th, Lower Moor held 12 on 18th, 20 on 19th and 15 on 27th and 10 were observed at Ryall Pits on 29th and September 5th. Smaller numbers also recorded at Grimley New and Old Workings, Kinsham Lake, Lickhill Quarry, Little Comberton and Upton Warren during this period. The final bird of the year was observed at Clifton Pits on September 25th. Staffs Records for this species are rather scattered, the vast majority coming from Blithfield, whilst there is a distinct lack of sightings from the north-east of the county. The

140 first records of 2005 were of single birds seen at Whitemoor Haye on March 27th and 28th. The early year maximum at Blithfield was recorded on April 17th, with nine birds, but there was a steady trickle of records throughout April-August. Breeding was attempted at Crossplains, where the attempt failed due to farming, likewise for three pairs at Bent Lane. Fernhill held one pair as did Netherset Hey, whilst reports of probable breeding came from Enson, Hill Ridware, Keele University, Packington Moor, Stableford, Tixall and Trysull. Other possible breeding season sites for the species included Alrewas, Aqualate, Bednall, Belvide, Berry Hill, Branston Gravel Pits, Cuckoo Bank, Chasewater, Coldmeece Pools, Crossplains, Doxey, Weston Jones Mill and Whitemoor Haye. Towards the end of summer, small flocks were seen at Blithfield with up to 35 on August 27th, and 30 on the 31st and rather smaller numbers into September, the most being 10 on the 2nd, 15 on the 3rd and 10 on the 16th. In September, away from Blithfield, six were at Ingestre on 4th, two at Branston GP on 9th, four at Crossplains on 12th and two at Belvide on 13th plus a few other single records. The migration records ended in early October, with singles being seen at Blithfield on the 1st and Byrkley Park on the 9th. W Mid Spring sightings in Sandwell Valley involved singles on April 12th, 16th and 21st, two on 23rd-24th, three on May 8th-9th and one on 10th and 15th. Singles were noted at Marsh Lane NR on ten dates in April from 4th, with two on 5th and seven on 16th, and on seven dates in May, with two on 9th. Individuals were also seen at Blythe Valley CP on April 22nd and Dunstall Park on 27th and May 1st. In autumn, singles visited Dunstall Park on July 14th and August 17th and 19th. At Marsh Lane NR, all records were of birds flying over, with singles on August 19th and 20th, five on 30th and further singles on September 10th and 17th. Five were counted in Sandwell Valley on August 20th, with singles on September 1st and 11th.

Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava Rare passage migrant, mainly in spring (x/10). Warks A single male was at Draycote from April 22nd-26th JFCJ, RWSK, RCM et al. Worcs A male was noted at Cakebole on April 28th and 29th BW. Staffs A male bird was seen at Blithfield between April 16th and 24th GJM, PDH. W Mid A female showing characteristics of this race was present at Marsh Lane NR during the afternoon of June Blue-headed Wagtail, Draycote, Steve Seal 2nd per NPB.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Fairly common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Alcester (River Arrow), Baddesley Clinton, Barford, Brandon (River Avon), Compton Verney, Earlswood Lakes, Fenny Compton, Great Alne (two), Ladywalk, Lighthorne, Longbridge Packington Park, Salford Priors

141 (River Arrow), Sherbourne and Whichford. The Longbridge pair hatched five young from a nest situated in old sacking on a barn floor, well away from water GEC. Birds were also present in the breeding season at: Abbots Salford, Ascott, Bermuda, Broom, Chesterton, DMC Kineton, Draycote, Guy’s Cliffe, Kingsbury, Kingswood, Milcote, Morton Bagot, Nuneaton, Radway, Seeswood, Shustoke and Wormleighton Res. At other seasons the highest count was seven, recorded at Alcester STW on March 15th. Worcs Five pairs held territories along the Dowles Brook, one more than last year, a pair nested successfully in at nest box at Bodenham Arboretum, a pair nested at Grimley, a pair fledged two young at Nafford Lock and a pair fledged three young at . Pairs were also observed during the breeding season at Flints Dingle, Lower Sapey Mill, Nineveh, Trimpley Reservoir, Upper Arley and Upton Warren, plus singles at Dick Brook, Stoke Bliss and Strensham Lagoons. Winter period sightings came from Bredon’s Hardwick, Kinsham Lake, Kyre, Little Comberton, Lower Moor, Malvern Link, Pershore Bridge, Ryall Pits, Stanford Bridge, Throckmorton Lagoons, Tilesford, Upton- upon-Severn Sewage Works, Upton Warren, Westwood Pool and Wyre Piddle. Staffs Confirmed as breeding at 11 sites, predominantly in the Dove/Churnet river systems in the north of the county, but also “near” Westport (two pairs), Blithfield and Madeley STW. Excluding the breeding reports, a total of 103 sites throughout the entire county were reported to be holding the species, usually as single birds, although up to seven were noted at Belvide on August 23rd and September 17th and eight were on the River Sow Meadows on February 26th. W Mid Breeding season records came from Barston, Birmingham city centre, Chadwick End, Dunstall Park (two juveniles seen in August), Edgbaston Reservoir, Olton Mere, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley (three pairs, all successful), Stirchley, Sutton Park and Yew Tree. Also noted at Balsall Common, Bartley Reservoir, Black Patch Park, Brueton Park NR, Coundon Wedge, The Dingles, Haden Hill Park, Harborne NR, Hawne Park, Hurst Hill, Knowle, Langley, The Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR, Perry Hall Park, Priory Fields, Ridgacre, Reedswood Park, Ryders Green, Saltwells LNR, Scribers Wood, Thimblemill Brook, Trittiford Pool, Walsall Arboretum, West Park, Westwood Heath and Winson Green.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Common resident, summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Some good-sized flocks were recorded during the late winter period, with a peak of 125 at Abbots Salford Pool on January 2nd, 85 at Shipston STW on 6th, 100 in a turnip field at Upton on 9th, and 300 roosting at Shires Retail Park, Leamington Spa on 23rd. Post-breeding flocks were also higher suggesting a good breeding season. Counts included 100 in pasture at Fenny Compton on August 9th and September 13th, 78 at Dosthill Lake on August 21st, 74 roosting at Salford Priors GP on 24th and 83 there on September 18th, and 85 at Draycote on 27th. Later in the year 185 were counted in a flooded onion field at Salford Priors GP on November 13th and 125 were in a sheep field by Oakley Wood on December 4th. The latter were feeding on flies hatching from rotting turnips that had been put down as fodder. Worcs The only breeding data received was of three nesting pairs at Bodenham Arboretum. Notable flocks reported were of 30 at Wyre Piddle on February 6th, 25 at Kempsey Sewage Works on 11th, 20 at Strensham Lagoons on April 23rd and 100+ in a sheep field at Lower Strensham on July 6th. During the second winter period Clifton Pits held 30 on October 16th, 55 were at Ryall Pits on 25th, 40 at Bredon’s Hardwick on

142 December 16th, 40 at Kempsey Sewage Works on 17th, 60+ at Wyre Piddle on 18th and 60-80 roosted near Great Malvern Post Office from mid December to the years end. Staffs The Newcastle-under-Lyme roost managed only 174 birds on January 17th, well down on previous years, the only other roost count coming from Hanley with 250 by Lloyds Bank on December 30th. Bred at Blithfield, Coldmeece and Doxey. The only visible migration record was of 38 moving south over Black Bank on October 9th. Larger flocks comprised 100 at Bent Lane on February 16th, 75 south of Hanchurch Woods March 1st, 90 at Blithfield on August 4th and 200 Brancote STW on December 17th. W Mid Bred at Aldridge, Dunstall Park (one pair), Marsh Lane NR (the female resembled a White Wagtail), Marston Green and industrial estate adjacent to Saltwells LNR. Again, large numbers gathered at Dunstall Park in both winter periods, the most noted being 240 on January 29th, before flying off to roost in Wolverhampton city centre, where more than 500 were roosted in trees along Dudley Street on December 23rd. Over 100 were counted gathering in trees at an Aldridge supermarket car park in the evening of February 28th. In August, totals of 63 fed at Compton Park on 8th, 55 were counted at Forge Mill Lake and 15 passed through Balsall Common on 7th. Totals of 16 at West Bromwich on September 22nd and 17 moving southwards through Marsh Lane NR on October 1st represented peak counts for the respective locations.

2003 Addendum W Mid Well over 100 roosted on roof of the Martineau Place Shopping Centre, Birmingham, on October 26th.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in spring. Warks A rather thin spring passage began with one at Alvecote on March 28th and two at Seeswood Pool on 29th, with one still there on 30th. From April 2nd-30th another 19 passed through mainly at Draycote and Brandon, but with one-three also at Abbots Salford, Alvecote, Earlswood Lakes, Salford Priors GP and Seeswood Pool. Not more than two together were seen at any site. Late birds were seen at Draycote on May 7th, Fenny Compton on 9th and at Brandon on 16th-17th. There were more records than usual on return passage, with one at Salford Priors GP on August 28th, two in Packington Park on September 7th, one at Earlswood Lakes on 16th, two at Draycote on 18th, and then singles at Brandon from October 9th-18th, with two there on 10th. Worcs Small numbers of spring passage birds reported, the first being a male at Ryall Pits on April 3rd. At Grimley New Workings two were present on 11th, six on 16th, four on 18th, six on 20th, one on 27th, two on 28th and one on May 3rd and 8th. Singles reported from Upton Warren on April 12th, 13th and 19th, at Bredon’s Hardwick on 15th and 27th, at Wiseman’s Scrape on 16th, at Lower Moor on 19th and 23rd and at Caunsall on May 10th. Staffs An excellent year, with good numbers and records from many sites. Early birds arrived at Doxey on March 10th, Westport on 19th and Whitemoor Haye on 27th. These were followed by a large group of 12 at Chasewater on April 3rd. A good spring build up at Blithfield, commenced with one on April 7th, building up to four on 9th, 16 on 11th, 19 on 16th, then falling off to 15 on 17th, nine on 20th, five on 21st and one or two until May 1st. Other April sightings from Drayton Bassett pits on April 7th rising to two on 8th and three on 10th, Whitemoor Haye 9th, Branston GP, Chasewater, Cuckoo Bank and Uttoxeter Quarry on 10th, Westport 13th-15th, Crossplains 15th, two at Belvide and Doxey 16th, two at Tittesworth 17th, one or two at Doxey 21st-29th, Cuckoo Bank 23rd and Westport 26th.

143 The last on spring passage was at Silverdale Colliery on May 9th. A summering male was noted at Stableford from June 26th until July 2nd SJT and an autumn male at Blithfield on September 10th GJM. W Mid Singles were noted at Marsh Lane NR on March 18th and 29th, followed by a good run of April records between 4th and 14th, with up to two birds present on five dates; a female seen on a number of dates appeared to be paired with a Pied Wagtail. Individuals were seen at Forge Mill Lake on April 8th and May 10th, with two at Dunstall Park Lake on April 14th and one on 26th, and one at Sheepwash UP on 16th. The only autumn record was of one with three Pied Wagtails at Marsh Lane NR on October 7th per NPB.

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Erratic, and usually rare winter visitor, but occasionally numerous in invasion years (8/10).

2005 saw an unprecedented influx of Waxwings across the Region. At one stage there were over 4000 birds with two flocks in excess of 1000! The graph below shows how the numbers changed across the area, week by week. There appears to be two peaks, the first and largest in mid-January to early February, and the second, much smaller one, in mid- March. Staffordshire had the lion’s share, closely followed by West Midlands.

Waxwings in the West Midlands Region 3000

2500

2000 Staffs

1500 Warks Worcs 1000 WMids 500

0 01 08 15 22 29 05 12 19 26 05 12 19 26 02 09 16 23 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr Week Beginning

Warks A phenomenal year, with by far the largest influx of birds ever recorded in the county. After a handful appearing towards the end of 2004, the first flock of the invasion comprised 100 (itself easily beating the previous county record!) feeding with Fieldfares in a hawthorn hedge at Chadshunt on January 1st BJP. Subsequently, during January- February birds were reported from the following sites: Abbots Salford, six on January 14th BGP; Brandon, two on January 25th BMCG; Draycote, seven on January 22nd RCM; Gaydon, up to 30 from January 6th-9th BJP; Kenilworth, six from January 30th-February 1st CHe, DJS; Leamington Spa, one on January 21st BGs; Maxstoke, four on January 3rd BGs; Nuneaton, up to 16 from January 17th-21st NDBC; Rugby, up to five near the Dunchurch Road from January 2nd-9th DMo et al, 40 at Brownsover on 13th and up to ten on 14th-16th many observers, 13 at Ashlawn on 20th and 20 back at the Dunchurch Road on 21st, with four there on February 20th BGs; Southam, 15 on January 22nd JJB; Stratford-upon-Avon, 11 on January 13th-14th BGs; Warwick, 18 at Coten End on January 15th, six there on 16th, two by Priory Park on 19th, with one still present on February 2nd BGs. A new county record was set on February 23rd when a flock of about 300 flew high over Alvecote RLS. It may have been heading for Coleshill where a flock of 200 were

144 Waxwings, Hams Hall, Steve Seal feeding on berries in the Gorsey Lane/Station Road area on March 2nd-3rd many observers. From March 4th-9th the flock split between Coleshill and the nearby Hams Hall/Ladywalk area, but from 10th the whole flock was usually based in the latter area, with only small parties occasionally in Coleshill. Amongst the larger counts at Hams Hall/Ladywalk were: 170 on March 7th RES, a peak of 280 on 10th BLK et al, 159 on 11th SLC, SMH, BLK, SS, 150 on 12th GJM, 168 on 15th BLK and 18th GJM, 150 on 22nd BGs and 140 on 29th BLK. Subsequently this well-watched flock had dropped to 100 by April 3rd, 75 on 4th, 60 on 5th, and then up to 50 until the last sighting on 19th many observers. Other sites also had an increase in birds during this period suggesting that many were coming and going from the main roost at Hams Hall. Records were received from: Brandon, 24 on April 5th, 21 on 6th and up to 80 on 10th BMCG; Leamington Spa, 15 at Kingsway School on March 7th BGs; Lighthorne Quarry, 40 flew north-east on March 24th JJB; Nuneaton, six on March 2nd-3rd NDBC; Shustoke, up to 61 at the sailing club on April 15th BLK, SS et al, the first ever from here; Stratford-upon-Avon, ten in the town centre on March 15th ECl; and Warwick, 21 by the hospital on March 3rd-4th and 20 in West Street on April 22nd BGs. The final record from an extraordinary winter was a flock of 20 on the Warwick Gates Estate, Leamington Spa on April 27th-28th GHu. At the other end of the year a party of about ten flew over Lea Marston Pools on December 5th SLC, SMH, GJM and one flew over nearby Ladywalk on 7th per SLC. Worcs Birds which remained from the end of 2004 or arrived in January comprised three at Barnt Green on 1st GM, Station Road, Pershore held four on 1st AW et al, one on 2nd, 33 on 3rd, four on 6th, 15 on 7th and 8th, one on 9th, 27 on 26th and 42 on 30th. Malvern Link held 28 on 2nd RC, LB et al, 22 on 3rd, 24 on 4th, 28 on 5th and two on 6th, two were noted at St. Johns on 2nd MAS, four and six at Warndon on 6th and 7th respectively SMW and by the Prince Albert Pub, Bewdley Road, Kidderminster, 112 were discovered on 8th JK et al, then 110 were noted on 9th, 169 on 10th, 75 on 11th, 45 on

145 12th, 160 on 13th and 14th, 150 on 15th, 180 on 16th, 230 on 17th and 50 on 19th. At Droitwich, 18 were found along the A38 between Copcut Island and Westwood WD, 25 on Heritage Way HT et al, on 10th, 23 along the A38 on 11th, 33 on Heritage Way and 31 on Miller Street on 12th. Lodge Hill Farm held one on 12th TD, 45 on 18th and 30 on 21st JR, 17 were at Hartlebury on 14th TS and along Davis Road, Evesham, 12 were noted on 14th CG et al, 27 on 30th, 20 on February 8th, 66 on 11th and 30 on 20th. 20 were noted at Bewdley on January 16th, Defford held 13 on 18th AW and 10 on 23 TMH and at Broadway, Leamington Road held 66 on 19th MET, CET et al, 50 on 20th and 60 on 21st. 10 were observed at per GHP and 30 flew over Oakley Pool on 21st, 26 were at Hanley Swan DC and 30 at Stourport-on-Severn MHo on 22nd and Evesham Leisure Centre held counts of 25 on 23rd, 27 on 30th, 30 on February 3rd, 38 on 6th, 48 on 7th, 16 on 8th, four on 9th and 60+ on 26th. Ludlow Road, Kidderminster held 12 on January 23rd and 18 on 24th GM, Little Comberton 26 on 23rd and 12 on 24th PFW, HG, eight were at SR, JS, SS, 96 along Luffenham Road, Evesham RAP and two along Coombs Road, Worcester SB on 24th and 40 at Fairy Glen EP, 50 along Baldwin Road, Kidderminster MA and 28 along Loughmill Road RAP on 25th. 30+ flew over Hoo Farm Industrial Estate on 27th AS, St Peters held 49 on 28th and four on 29th DW et al, and a roost at Bishampton Vale Pool held 24 on 29th, 36 on February 2nd, 30 on 3rd and 19 on 10th WFP et al. Norton Barracks held 30 on January 29th DW and on 30th a flock of 246 birds were counted at Morrison’s in Droitwich AW, DW et al, a new county record. The flock soon dispersed and that same day 100+ was observed nearby at the Big Bear Island AW, DW et al, and 170 were found along Celvestone Drive AW, DW and was believed to be part of the original flock. 25 were by the Railway station at Evesham GHP, 15 along Kings road, Kidderminster, nine at St. Peters MW and five at Webs Garden Centre and Sailing Centre car park, Upton Warren also on 30th and the latter locality held 24 on February 15th and 23 on 16th. Flocks remained in Droitwich on 31st, with 95 along Shepherd’s Court and 35 at Westlands, plus 134 were at Blackpole, Worcester WFP et al, and 12 at Barnard’s Green DC et al. The Blackpole flock increased to 175 on February 1st, then dropped to 10 on the 2nd and at Barnard’s Green, four were noted on 1st, one on 4th, 33 on 5th and 20 from 9th-24th. Sightings increased around Evesham during February, with Queens Road holding flocks of 15 on 3rd, 60 on 9th, nine on 14th, 80 on 20th and 60 on 22nd CG et al, at Morrisons’ 40 were noted on 8th, 85 on 18th, 66 on 20th, 125 on 23rd and 110 on 24th CG, four Pools held 30 on 6th PFW, 38 at Evesham Collage on 6th CJD and 80 were along the high street on 17th CG. Still in Evesham 80+ were at the railway station on 17th PW, 26 along Bewdley Street on 20th CG, 20 along Elm Road AM and 48 at Lane RAP on 27th. Great Malvern held 33 on February 5th and 35 on 11th MWCW, six and five were at Berkeley, Worcester on 9th and March 12th respectively SMW and at Barnt Green, three were noted February 13 GM et al, six on 14th, 41 on 16th, 71 on 18th, 75 on 27th, 30 on 28th, 18 on March 3rd, 10 on 5th, 13 on 7th, 15 on 8th and 13th, 10 on 18th, seven on 19th, 19 on 20th and seven on 21st. Barnard’s Green held 20 on February 14th and 15th MWCW, 12 flew over Caunsall on 16th SN, 17 at Top Barn Business Park SMW et al, and 10 at Grimley OW on 19th, 60 at Old Wood Common on 21st SC and at , 25 were noted on 23rd, 36 on March 5th, 32 on 6th and nine on 7th NL et al. St Peters, Worcester produced counts of 58 on February 25th GHP et al, 14 on 26th, 58 on 28th, 60 on March 1st, 16 on 8th, 30 on 9th, 20 on 14th, 60 on 16th, 43 on 23rd, 64 on 24th, 20 on 26th and 27th, eight on April 3rd, 20 on 5th, 13 on 9th, 32 on 10th, 19 on 11th and 26 on 12th. Blackpole, Worcester held 41 on March 2nd AW et al, 20 on 7th, 18 on 8th and 9th, 45 on 10th, 23 on 11th and 36 on 12th, Habberley Estate held

146 30 on 3rd and 19 on 13th MC, one flew over Grimley OW and one was at Lower Bittell Reservoir KW on 5th, 50 at Stourport-on-Severn on 5th and 9th and at Winyates East, Redditch 10 were observed on 6th REH et al, then two on 21st, 15 on April 3rd, 38 on 4th, 30 on 5th and 45 on 26th. Twyford Garden Centre, Evesham held eight RAP and 63 were at Spennells TS on March 8th, Broadway held 10 on 10th, 26 on 15th and singles on 23rd and April 4th MET et al. Severn were noted at Beoley SD, 25 at Droitwich SD, 15 at Ladywood PB and 30 at SD on 11th, the latter sight also holding 40 on 17th, 50+ were at Bewdley on 13th BS, four at Lodge Hill Farm, 30 at Dines Green FH, 30 at Walshes Farm Caravan Park CR, and four at St. Johns OW on 14th. Celvestone Drive, Droitwich held 31 on 16th and 40 on 25th DW, 45 were along the A38 at Droitwich on 17th SMW, five at St. Mary’s Church, Kidderminster on 24th, 30 at Kempsey on 25th MAS, 40 at Wilden on 27th AG, 25 at Enigma Retail Park, Malvern AS and one at St. Johns OW on 30th. Witley Court held 10 PFW and 40 were at Winyates Green JTB on April 3rd and nine were observed at Lower Wick on 25th MS. Staffs A phenomenal first winter period saw huge numbers of these birds in the county, providing city centre entertainment to birders and non-birders alike. The Potteries/ Newcastle-under-Lyme area (sites denoted * below) attracted the largest flocks, peaking at 1000 at Basford Park Road, May Bank on January 18th and 19th. A weekly summary is tabulated below showing flock maxima during each seven day period.

Commencing: 1/1 8/1 15/1 22/1 29/1 5/2 12/2 19/2 Site *Basford/May Bank 3 300 1000 250 – – – – Baswich ––––297––– Burton-on-Trent 7 0 0 10 0 1 – – Cannock – 300 –––––– Cannock Chase 175 200 200 30 30 9 17 48 Chasewater/Brownhills ––––240––– Cheadle – – 8 13 150 150 – – *Chesterton –––––––50 Codsall 33 16 005117– Enville – – – 51 86 220 42 – *Etruria – 10 700 400 – – – – *Fenton/Longton – 35 0 60 350 – – – *Hanley ––––––25050 Leek 16 50 0 57 40 – – – Lichfield ––11015060– *Newcastle 30 210 60 420 25 200 250 250 Norton Canes – – 38 35 350 45 24 – Rugeley 400 50 ––––20– Stafford/Doxey–––35150720 *Stoke-on-Trent – 150 900 0 300 500 24 – Talke/Kidsgrove – 50 60 6 0 45 – – Uttoxeter 200100––––– *Westlands 350 500 0 300 0 350 50 –

All Sites (estimated) 1270 1200 2380 1470 1910 1480 830 490

Commencing: 26/2 5/3 12/3 19/3 26/3 2/4 9/4 16/4 23/4 Site *Basford/May Bank – 16 3 20 – – – – – Baswich – 12 0 13 – – – – – Burton-on-Trent – 50 40 – – – 30 9 – Cannock – – 60 0 31 36 – – – Cannock Chase – 48 21 19 80 – – – –

147 Commencing: 26/2 5/3 12/3 19/3 26/3 2/4 9/4 16/4 23/4 Chasewater/Brownhills – 8 – – 200 – – – – *Chesterton – – 40 – – 45 – – – *Clayton 7 1 – – – – – – 36 Codsall – – – – 21 39 39 10 *Fenton/Longton – – – – – – – – 22 *Hanley – – – – – – 130 40 – Leek 30 – – – – – – – – Lichfield – 40 20 0 10 6 8 – – *Newcastle – 85 62 72 30 – – – – Norton Canes – – – – – 10 – – – Stafford/Doxey 15 15 60 15 50 – – – – *Stoke-on-Trent 20 0 16 20 30 – – – – Talke/Kidsgrove – – – – – – – – 25 Uttoxeter – – – – – 35 – 17 – *Westport – – – 4 0 0 35 100 46 Wolseley Bridge – – – – – 60 25 – –

All Sites (estimated) 140 270 390 400 430 470 410 210 200

The last birds seen were at Westport (one) and The Broadway, Meir (50) on April 29th. The weekly totals show the major peak in numbers mid-late January, falling off sharply by the end of February but followed by a small increase into early April. In addition to Cannock Chase, birds presumed going to roost were noted at Bishop’s Wood (27) and Hanchurch Woods (20) on January 16th. A bird colour-ringed in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire on 25/11/2004 – a first year male, was observed at Parkhouse Industrial Estate, Newcastle on March 12th (see picture). Significant untabulated flocks were recorded at Armitage on January 2nd (250), Handsacre 5th (270), Burntwood 15th (150), Little Haywood 15th (200), Biddulph February 12th (70), Keele University 15th (110), Alrewas March 19th (200) and Tamworth April 11th (80). December produced just one bird at Newcastle Bus Depot on December 6th NSm and two at Astonfields Balancing Lakes on 9th AS. W Mid All substantiated sightings occurred during the first winter period, with the largest numbers noted in late January and mid March. The first were three seen at Wednesbury on January 6th HK. In the Buckpool/Fens Pools area, at least 60 were present on 8th, rising to about 180 by 26th, but thereafter no more than 37 were noted, with the last 20 on April 23rd KMC, BM et al. A flock of 17 was present at Park Village on January 9th GAC, KMC, with two in West Bromwich on 10th MY and at least 50 at Bilston on 10th and again on February 12th HK. About 100 were seen at Cradley Heath on January 12th AT, with 12 at Oldbury on 13th RB. In the Solihull area, a group of up to five on 14th-15th GF, GPR had increased to seven on 18th NW, with flocks of up to 30 seen on February 9th FB and 26th NW. Some 160 were present in Balsall Heath on January 15th NPB. Flocks of about 100, 30 and 20 were counted in the Sparkbrook area on 18th PR. A total of about 15 in Shirley on 19th rose to about 30 by February 26th NDG, GJM, with up to 20 seen from March 18th-20th EH, LH. In Sandwell Valley, at least 50 were counted on January 21st, with 23 on March 19th DAS. In the Smestow Valley area, one was found perched in a poplar Populus sp. next to the former Farndale Primary School on January 26th GAC, at least 60 were in trees and bushes at Aldersley on February 8th per AD and about 15 flew northwards over Newbridge on 12th KMC. About 20 were noted in Brierley Hill on January 26th JH. On 27th, about 40 were seen at Old Hill KMC and 26 were at Saltwells LNR KMC. Up to 150 were recorded at Sandwell Hospital on January 29th-31st DAS, with at least 80 in Willenhall on 29th-30th RB. On February 1st, at least 80 were seen at

148 Wednesfield HK and 70 were at West Bromwich RB, with three at Netherton on 2nd AT. At Marsh Lane NR, six were found on 5th, followed by at least two on 27th-28th and seven from March 27th-31st and April 14th-16th – the first records for the site; birds were seen to feed on Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus berries and in April also on Poplar Populus sp. buds and catkins per NPB, GJM, GPR, DJS. Ten were seen in Kingswinford on February 6th, with 30 on March 18th CSW. Up to 200 frequented the Aston area from February 8th-11th AH, with totals of about 80 at Streetley CJB and 23 at Ashmore Park JBM also on 8th, and a flock of 18 visited a Bentley Heath garden on 9th JR. In the Sheepwash UP area, 25 were noted on 11th, increasing to 50 through March and declining to 15 on April 24th AW, DW. At Olton Mere, 115 perched in trees on February 18th, with at least 80 still present the next day ARD. About 50 were seem at Northfield on 20th CL. A total of 46 fed on Guelder Rose berries at Blythe Valley Business Park on 28th and March 1st NW. Up to 80 remained in the Russell’s Hall area from February 26th to March 30th KMC et al. Up to 30 were seen in Minworth on 1st JT, with about 60 at Leamore on 9th GE, 23 in the Waxwing, Parkhouse Ind. Estate, Cronehills Linkway area of West Bromwich on Dave Kelsall 14th, 182 on 15th and the last 70 on April 1st REH. Other flocks consisted of 40 in a Longbridge garden on March 17th JTB, 15 at Aldridge on 25th RO and 40 over Elmdon on 29th ARD. Other April sightings involved about 40 flying over Wren’s Nest on 3rd DIH, about 70 in Solihull MJI and up to 30 in a Walsall garden on 4th LJS, ten in a Wordsley garden on 9th TW, 23 over Clayhanger on 17th CM and six at Marston Green on 20th GPR. Many others were also reported, but unfortunately no corroborative details were received. Sizeable flocks in the second half of January included a staggering 1200 in Bilston, 590 at Brownhills, 300 at Sparkbrook, 300 at Wednesfield, 270 at Cradley Heath, 200 at Brierley Hill, 180 at Kingswinford and 166 at Netherton. Totals of between 150 and 200 were also noted at Wordsley on February 1st-2nd, Castle Bromwich on 9th and Ashmore Park on March 9th-21st. Smaller numbers were reported at Bentley, Castle Vale, Chelmsley Wood, , Dudley, Dudley Port, Edgbaston, Erdington, Halesowen, Hall Green, Harborne, Kingstanding, Lower Gornal, Pelsall, Pensnett, Quarry Bank, Selly Oak, Stirchley, Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield and Wall Heath. The only report during the second winter period was of ten at Ashmore Park on November 19th.

Dipper Cinclus cinclus Frequent resident in north Staffs and north-west Worcs. Rare elsewhere. Worcs Resident along the Dowles Brook (Wyre Forest), where four territories were held during the breeding season. One was seen along Shakenhurst Brook on February 17th and was also noted carrying food here on March 13th. The , near held one on March 13th and a pair was observed along the River Teme at Lower Rochford on December 22nd.

149 Staffs Breeding birds were recorded at Bearda (one juvenile), Berrisford Dale (two juveniles), Coombes Valley (two pairs), Milldale and Wettonmill (one juvenile). The largest numbers were seen at Astonfields with five+ present and three at Dovedale. Other sites holding one or two birds were Beresford Dale, Biddulph Moor, Calton, Calwich Abbey, Danebridge, Dydon Wood, Ecton Bridge, Manifold Valley, Mayfield, Norbury, Okeover Mill, Pethills, Tittesworth and Wolfscote Dale.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Abundant resident. Warks Census work included 40 territories in 120 ha of mixed farmland at Morton Bagot, 24 in 40 ha at Oldberrow, and 33 in 72 ha of Kingsbury/Edge Hill Woods. 17 were counted around Earlswood Lakes on May 26th. Worcs No records received. Staffs This very common bird was recorded throughout the county and at all seasons of the year. Doley Common reported three breeding pairs this year and adults and young were recorded at Burton-on-Trent, Copmere and Belvide. Larger concentrations were 23 at Baddeley Edge in May and 37 and Doxey in January. W Mid The population at the Mons Hill CBC appears to be very stable, with 47 territories recorded this year, the same as in each of the previous two years, and an average of 46 over the last 13 years. A total of 14 were heard singing at Saltwells LNR on April 9th, whilst other counts included 16 in the Elmdon and Bickenhill area on 5th and 17 in Coundon Wedge on May 21st. No changes in status were noted at Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley.

Dunnock Prunella modularis Abundant resident. Warks Farmland census work produced a notable 52 territories in 120 ha of mixed farmland at Morton Bagot, while there were nine in 40 ha of improved pasture at Oldberrow. There were 20 at Earlswood Lakes on March 30th. Worcs No records received Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Bateswood and Doley Common, where there were at least four pairs and Doxey where two adults were seen to feed two young. Outside the breeding season there were notable concentrations at Alrewas, with 10 birds on October 22nd, Baddeley Edge with 20 on March 25th and Doxey with 18 on December 4th. W Mid The Mons Hill CBC plot held 12 territories, the same as last year and very comparable with the average of 12.4 over the last 13 years. At least eight territories were noted at Marsh Lane NR. Totals of about 15 were counted in the Elmdon and Bickenhill area on March 30th and April 5th, and 12 at Priory Fields on April 8th. No changes in status were noted at Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley. Also reported as a ‘common resident’ at Saltwells LNR, especially in the gorse on Netherton Hill.

Robin Erithacus rubecula Abundant resident. Warks Territory counts comprised 19 in 120 ha at Morton Bagot, 19 in 40 ha at Oldberrow and 36 in 72 ha at Kingsbury/Edge Hill Woods. 29 were counted around Earlswood Lakes on May 26th. Autumn counts included 13 in song at Alvecote on September 9th, 15 in one small area on Napton Hill on 11th which may have included passage migrants, 22 at Brandon on 18th, and 27 at Earlswood Lakes on October 14th.

150 Worcs The only breeding data received was of two pairs successfully reared young in nest boxes at Bodenham Arboretum. Ten, presumably autumn passage birds, were observed at Broad Down on September 24th. Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Bateswood, Croxall, Doley Common, Doxey and River Sow Meadows. Outside the breeding season there was a notable concentration of 30 birds at Biddulph Valley on February 5th and 22 birds at Baddeley Edge on October 4th. W Mid The Mons Hill CBC plot held 32 territories, down on both the 38 of last year and the average of 35 over the last 13 years. At least seven territories were noted at Marsh Lane NR, one was seen collecting nesting material at Amblecote on January 31st and 13 were heard singing at Saltwells LNR on April 14th. No changes in status were noted at Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley.

Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Uncommon and declining summer resident, increasingly confined to the southern parts of Warks and Worcs. Average dates: April 22nd (70) to July 29th (22). Warks Singing males were heard at DMC Kineton (two), Fenny Compton, Radway, Stretton-on-Fosse (four at two sites) and Sutton-under-Brailes. One heard croaking in woodland at a second site in the latter parish on June 9th was probably also breeding. The Fenny Compton bird was unmated and sang in scrub along the Oxford Canal from April 16th-June 4th, the first in that area for some years. Worcs Singing males returned to Strensham Lagoons, with one recorded on April 16th, three on 23rd, one on 28th, four on May 1st, three on 3rd, one on 15th and two on June 18th. Ripple Marsh and Upper Strensham Pool both held singing males on April 23rd, one was singing at Duffy Coppice, Drakes Broughton on 25th and at Langdale Wood, where birds were absent last year, one was singing on May 2nd and two were heard on 6th. Two males were heard at Defford Airfield during the breeding season and singles were noted at Upton-upon-Severn STW on May 18th and at Croome Landscape Park on 28th.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Scarce summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Only two reports this year, with an early juvenile at Fenny Compton on August 9th JJB, and a bird at Draycote on October 5th RCM. Worcs A spring passage female was discovered at the sailing centre car park at Upton Warren on April 2nd per PMA et al, and performed well for many visiting birders throughout the day. During the autumn and second winter period an adult male was at Westwood Park from October 9th-13th WD et al, a first-winter male by the summit tower on Bredon Hill on 14th Black Redstart, Upton Warren, Andy Warr RM, and an immature/female in Chat

151 Valley on November 5th SMW et al, was probably the same bird relocated nearby along Westminster Bank on 13th SMW. In December an immature/female was on Bredon Hill on 10th GHP and an adult male at Catterhall Farm House, on 31st BT. Staffs The female bird from last year remained at Princes Farm (King’s Bromley) until March 24th ESC et al, likewise the bird at the National Memorial Arboretum, a first-year male, remained until March 1st many obs. In the autumn a male was located at Berry Hill on September 11th and remained until October 10th RT et al. W Mid A male was seen in the vicinity of the BT tower in Birmingham city centre on May 8th PAJ and 29th PB, with a second male reported at the end of the month PB. Perhaps one or other of these birds sang from the dome of Birmingham Cathedral on May 13th JHS and at the Council House in Victoria Square on June 1st AM, LN. A male was singing in Birmingham city centre on June 9th-10th AM. Another male sang from buildings adjacent to West Bromwich ring road on May 13th CM.

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus A fairly common, though localised and much decreased, summer resident in Staffs and Worcs. Widespread on passage. Average dates: April 11th (69) to September 27th (68). Continuing the trend of early arrivals, the first was seen at Seven Springs on March 19th while the last was at Fenny Compton on October 1st. Warks In spring there were single males at Priors Hardwick on April 15th, and at both Brailes Hill and Salford Priors GP on 16th. Females were at Napton Res on April 26th, Priors Hardwick on 29th and Fenny Compton on May 9th. The only possible evidence of breeding was of a pair with two very spotty juveniles at Fenny Compton on July 23rd, which may have dispersed from a local nest site. Otherwise after the first return bird at Alvecote on July 13th good numbers appeared, with particularly long series of records from throughout the autumn at both Alvecote and Fenny Compton. Most involved from one-three birds per day, but with seven (all males) at Fenny Compton on August 25th. Further sites to hold one or two included Brailes Hill, Grandborough Fields, Kites Hardwick, Knightcote, Lighthorne Quarry, Napton Hill, Napton Res, Priors Hardwick and Wormleighton Res. The last bird was at Fenny Compton on October 1st. Worcs Bredon Hill held at least six breeding pairs, a pair nested by British Camp Reservoir, seven young fledged a nest box on and a few pairs occupied nest boxes on Midsummer Hill. Counts of singing males comprised singles on Bredon Hill on March 27th and 28th, then three on 31st and a maximum of nine during April, three at Round Hill on April 14th, three at Midsummer Hill on 15th and Dowles Brook held five on 17th, six on May 4th, four on 12th and at least three throughout the breeding season. Other singing males noted at Flint’s Dingle (two) on 20th and Park Brook, Wyre Forest (three) on 23rd. Other spring sightings were of a female at Wissetts Wood on March 20th, males on Walton Hill on April 12th and 19th, a male at Grimley New Workings from 16th- 18th, males at Happy Valley and North Quarry on May 1st, one on Raggedstone Hill and at on May 2nd and two males at Estate on 8th. During late summer and autumn the best counts comprised six on Bredon Hill on August 8th and four at Grimley on 7th. Smaller numbers of passage birds also observed throughout this period at Chat Valley, Grimley Church, Grimley New Workings, Gwen Finch Wetland, Hollybed Common, Happy Valley, Lower Moor, Arrow Valley, Rushy Valley, Ryall Pits, Upper Arley and Waseley Hills. The last sighting came on September 25th, where two were noted at Chat Valley.

152 Staffs A singing male at Seven Springs on March 19th was the first record of the year, followed by a male in a garden at Boley Park (Lichfield) on 26th-31st. Migrants began to trickle in throughout April, mostly to Cannock Chase, where a maximum of 13 was seen at Brocton Coppice on the 29th; other Chase sites included Brocton Field, Haywood Warren, the Punchbowl, Seven Springs, and Stepping Stones. Away from the Chase small numbers of spring passage birds were noted at Blake Brook, Blithfield, Britannia Stadium, Crumpwood, Dydon Wood, Flash, Keele University, Knypersley Reservoir, Morridge, Rudyard Lake, Swallow Moss and Wettonmill. The greatest breeding concentration was at Coombes Valley where 20-30 pairs bred. Breeding was also confirmed at Brocton Coppice, Cliffe Park/Rudyard Lake, Field Head, Grindon, Haywood Warren, Knypersley Reservoir, Seven Springs, Standon, Tittesworth and Waterfall, with probable breeding at Blore, Brown Edge, Bunkers Hill, Caltonmoor, Carder Low, Churnet Valley, Cowhay Nature Reserve, Gun Moor, Hamps Valley, Meerbrook, Knotbury and Sherbrook Valley. Return passage commenced with a juvenile at Black Bank on July 20th, adults at the Wedgwood Monument on 30th and Blithfield on 31st. August sightings came from Aqualate, Belvide, Berry Hill, Black Bank, Blithfield, Byrkley Park, Doxey, Foker Grange, Hollinsclough, Oldacre Valley and Uttoxeter Quarry, all ones or twos. In September, records of singles came from Black Bank and Ousley Cross on 2nd, Ilam on 3rd, Foker Grange on 5th and Westport on 11th. Berry Hill witnessed a late flurry with one on 5th-6th, two on 7th and 10th and three on 11th-12th. W Mid In spring, birds were noted in Sandwell Valley from April 11th to May 22nd, peaking at three on April 21st. In autumn, birds were seen in Sandwell Valley from August 15th to September 11th, peaking at five on August 20th. Individuals were noted at Smestow Valley on August 16th and 30th, Sheepwash UP on August 20th and 28th and September 1st, Marsh Lane NR on August 30th and a Penn garden on September 1st, with two at Pelsall North Common on 7th.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Uncommon or frequent, but much declined, summer resident, now mainly in north Staffs. Widespread on passage. Average dates: April 24th (69) to October 9th (65). The first was at Farley on April 19th and the last at Berry Hill on October 19th. Warks After the first male at Priors Hardwick on April 29th there was a concentrated passage of 11 during May 1st-10th, with one or two (totals in brackets) at: Birchmoor (four), Earlswood, Fenny Compton, Packington Park, Priors Hardwick and Seeswood Pool (three). A total of 35 were reported at 16 sites on autumn passage during July 31st- September 26th, with maxima of three at Birchmoor on August 3rd, three at Lighthorne Quarry on 27th, and seven at Tysoe on September 9th. In addition a late bird was at Brailes Hill on October 9th. Worcs Small numbers observed during spring passage, with Bredon’s Hardwick holding two and Westwood Park one on April 28th, singles were at Bredon’s Hardwick and Grimley New Workings on 30th and Grimley New Workings and Ryall Pits on May 1st. Upton Warren hosted two on 5th and a single remained on 6th and further singles were observed at Hollybed Common on 11th, Holt Prairies on 12th and Grimley New Workings on 22nd and 24th. There was a single summer record of one at Lower Moor on June 25th. A strong autumn passage recorded, with Hollybed Common holding one on August 17th, two on 22nd and one on September 7th, a juvenile was at Lower Bittell Reservoir on August 17th and 18th and at Abberton, two were noted on 18th, three on 29th, two on 30th

153 and three on September 3rd. At Grimley New Workings single juveniles other that stated were observed on August 20th (two), 21st (two), from 22nd-26th, September 3rd, 7th-9th (two), 10th-12th and 21st-23rd. Singles were recorded at Gwen Finch Wetland on August 21st, September 9th and 21st, Happy Valley held three juveniles on August 21st, then two on 23rd and 30th and one on September 15th and 17th, two were at Bishampton on August 30th and a juvenile at Bredon’s Hardwick on September 5th, was followed by two on 10th. Lower Smite Farm attracted three on September 5th and 7th, one on 8th, three on 12th and one on 20th and a good passage was observed at Tilesford, with four on 8th, seven on 9th, two on 10th, three on 11th, six on 12th, singles on 17th and 19th, four on 22nd and 24th and three on 25th. Singles were noted at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 19th, British Camp on 21st, Westwood Park on 24th and 25th, Bredon Hill on October 9th and 11th, Lower Moor from 9th-13th and Shenstone on 13th. Staffs The first spring migrant was seen on April 19th at Farley with scattered records of sightings in low numbers during April and May, the best of which were three birds seen at Berry Hill on May 7th and 8th. Other sites included Aqualate, Branston Gravel Pits, Chasewater, Crossplains, Croxall, Doxey, Keele, Morridge Top and Wetley Rocks. Records for June were very sparse, with single birds being seen at Knotbury, Boarsgrove and Highgate Common. Breeding was however confirmed for Boarsgrove with a pair seen feeding young at Lady’s Edge and probably also occurred at Knotbury too. There were no sightings at all in July, the first return bird being seen at Dosthill on August 19th and Berry Hill (four) and Katyn (one) on 20th. Other August sightings came from Black Bank (24th- 29th), Blithfield, Crossplains, Doxey, River Sow Meadows and Whitemoor Haye. During September Berry Hill saw some impressive numbers with 11 birds on the 4th, 12 on the 5th, 10 on the 6th and 8th, 11 on the 10th, a remarkable fall of 32 on the 11th (accompanying a Wryneck and Northern Wheatears), 15 on the 12th and up to four until 25th. Other September records came from Belvide, Black Bank (three), Blithfield, Crossplains, Thorncliffe and Tittesworth. The final record of the year was at Berry Hill on October 19th. W Mid Spring sightings began with one at Dunstall Park on April 30th and two on May 1st. Singles were noted at both Forge Mill Farm in Sandwell Valley and Marsh Lane NR from May 6th-9th (apparently the first spring record for the latter) and at Goscote Valley on 8th. Autumn sightings in Sandwell Valley were made on 14 dates between August 16th and September 23rd, with four on September 6th the most counted. Recorded at Marsh Lane NR on 11 dates from August 24th to September 30th, all singles apart from two on 13th. Also, one at Dunstall Park on September 5th, two in Goscote Valley on 8th and three at Ilshaw Heath and two in Smestow Valley on 12th.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Uncommon resident, but frequent passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks During late winter there were up to five on the development site at Longbridge, with pairs at Brandon, Coleshill STW, DMC Kineton, Hillmorton, Kingsbury and Salford Priors GP. Singles were also wintering at Draycote, Radway and Tysoe. Spring passage was noted from March 14th-31st, with further records from Birchmoor, Charlecote GP, Ladywalk, Maxstoke and Milcote. The first return migrants included a juvenile at Dosthill on Aug 12th, and singles at Ladywalk on September 4th and Abbots Salford on 12th. The main autumn passage ran from about September 20th-November 9th, with Ilmington Downs having most with a peak of four on October 7th. Other non-wintering sites to hold birds during this period included: Abbots Salford, Alcester Heath, Attleborough Fields, Bidford-on-Avon, Brailes Hill, Bramcote Hall, Charlecote GP, Draycote, Farnborough,

154 Fenny Compton, Hawkesbury, Ladywalk, Morton Bagot and Wormleighton Res. A further 30 were present on wintering territories during November/December, with birds at: Birchmoor (two), Brandon (three), DMC Kineton, Dosthill/Kings- bury area (four), Lea Marston (two), Lighthorne Quarry (three), Longbridge (five), Salford Priors GP (five), Ufton (two), Wasperton (two) and Weston-on- Avon. Worcs Twelve pairs bred (cf. ten in 2004 and six in 2003) on the Malvern Hills and Commons, including two pairs at Hollybed Common, which reared broods of five and three. A very spotted Juvenile was found at Tanwood on June 19th and may have fledge from the nearby Clent Hills. The best counts during the first winter period comprised maximum counts of three in January and seven in February at Lower Moor, maximums of five in January and six in February at Throck- morton Tip, three at Kempsey STW on January 2nd, five at Holt Prairies on Stonechat, Westport Lake, Dave Kelsall February 6th, three at Ryall Pits on 7th, three at Eckington on 8th, three at Upton Warren and three at Wassell Grove on March 15th. Singles or pairs were also recorded at Atch Lench, Ashmoor Common, Barnett Brook, Bredon’s Hardwick, Castlemorton Common, Croome Landscape Park, Craycombe, Defford Airfield, Grimley New Workings, Gwen Finch Wetland, Hollybed Common, Westwood Park, Wychbury Hill and Wyre Piddle. Reported from 37 localities during the autumn and second winter period, including seven at Castlemorton Common on August 10th and September 24th, seven and five at Hollybed Common on September 7th and October 5th respectively, four at Grimley New Workings on September 21st and 29th, four at Lower Smite Farm on 21st and a maximum of six on the North Malvern Hills from 22nd-November 17th. On Bredon Hill, counts comprised 12 on September 24th, 15 on October 11th, 10 on 15th, 12 on 17th and four on November 19th. Throckmorton Tip held maximums of five in October and six in November, five were at Castlemorton Common on November 1st and six at Tilesford on 6th. Staffs This species was seen throughout the county and throughout the year with particular concentrations on Cannock Chase and in the north-east. Breeding was con- firmed for the Sherbrook Valley (three pairs), Hednesford Hills and Reapsmoor, where adults were seen carrying food, with possible breeding at Burntwood, Goldsitch Moss, Highgate Common, the Rifle Range, the Roaches, Strawberry Hill and Swallow Moss. In the first winter period numbers were generally low with the greater concentration around Cannock Chase and at Cuckoo Bank where monthly maxima of only six for January, three for February and five for March were reported. Away from the Chase, the largest numbers were at Black Bank, with four birds between January 1st, and March 6th and Chasewater

155 with four in February. In the autumn and second winter period, the Chase again held the majority of birds, notable records include eight at The White House on September 29th, 20 at Katyn Memorial on October 20th, 14 at Brocton Field on the 29th and eight remaining into late Novem- ber. Elsewhere widespread, being seen at 31 sites, notable sightings being eight at Berry Hill on the 6th, nine on the 11th and 10 on 15th, with Doxey seeing eight on October 16th and Cuckoo Bank nine on December 11th. The map shows the breeding distribution (black dots – Highgate Common, Cannock Chase and the North Staffs Moors) against winter distribution (red dots), for the years 2003-2005, showing how much more widespread these birds are in winter. W Mid The only breeding season record was of a male at Sutton Park on June 21st. In the first winter period, a pair present at Blythe Valley CP from last November remained until January 3rd at least. Two were seen in Sandwell Valley throughout January, with one by Swan Pool on March 4th and four on 18th, and two at the RSPB reserve on 17th-18th. Two were noted at Bowmans Harbour during January and February, with singles at Bartley Reservoir on January 3rd, Goscote Valley from February 2nd to March 24th, Marsh Lane NR on March 13th-14th, Dunstall Park on 17th and Smestow Valley on 19th. Autumn/second winter sightings began at Blythe Valley C.P., with one on October 4th. In Sandwell Valley, birds were noted on six dates from October 5th to 31st, peaking at 11 plus in the Swan Pool area on 14th, with singles also present on November 5th and 17th, and December 8th and 16th. One was at Coundon Wedge on October 8th, with five on December 29th. One was at Dunstall Park on October 13th, and perhaps the same male was recorded on six dates from October 22nd to December 31st. A pair remained at Sheepwash UP from October to the year’s end, with one pair at Smestow Valley from November 9th until the end of the year and a second from December 18th-28th at least. At Marsh Lane NR, presumably the same male was noted most days from October 14th to November 6th, with a female also on October 18th. Three birds were present on November 12th, with another male on 20th and 26th and a pair on 28th. Yet another male was noted occasionally from December 10th-31st, with two females also present on 23rd. Six were noted at Sutton Park on November 7th, with two on 19th. Other sightings involved one or two at Goscote Valley from October 15th to November 7th; a female at Bartley Reservoir on October 27th and a pair on November 23rd; a female at Blythe Valley CP on October 3rd and 25th; two birds at Frankley on October 31st and one on December 6th; one at Pelsall North Common on November 12th; and two at Bowmans Harbour during December.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Frequent, but possibly declining, summer visitor, mainly to North Staffs. Fairly common and widespread on passage. One winter record. Average dates: March 20th (68) to October 19th (69).

156 An early bird at Doxey on March 10th, with the last at Draycote on the late date of November 9th. Warks Another excellent spring passage, with 143 birds recorded from 25 sites (cf. 160 at 22 sites in 2004), and extreme dates of March 18th at Kingsbury rifle-range and June 2nd at Beausale. The best sequence of records came from the development site at Longbridge (Warwick), where counts of three or above included: three on April 12th, 11 on 30th, four on May 1st, five on 2-3rd, three on 7th, six on 9th, and three on 10th. Other counts in this order comprised three at Radway on March 19th, three at Draycote on 21st, three at Priors Hardwick from April 22nd-24th, three at Dordon on 27th, eight at Stratford- upon-Avon on 30th, five on the Fenny Compton Hills on May 6th, four at Beausale on 7th- 8th, and nine at Priors Hardwick also on 8th. After an odd record of a juvenile at Draycote on July 2nd, return passage ran from August 15th-October 31st, with about 60 reported from 13 sites, somewhat down on the previous three years. As in the past at this season well-watched Draycote had the best tally, with a peak of three on October 4th, 6th, 11th and 13th. The only other counts of more than two involved four at Salford Priors GP on September 11th and four at Chesterton on 13th. The year ended with several late staying birds, with one at Dordon and two at Draycote on November 1st, and one of the latter remaining until 9th. Worcs One pair is thought to have bred at British Camp. The first spring passage birds to arrive were a party of six at Lower Habberley on March 17th. Thereafter a male was seen in Chat Valley and on North Hill on 19th, with the later locality holding a female on 25th and on 20th singles were observed at Caunsall, Walton Hill, Wassell Grove and Throckmorton Tip. One was at Holt Prairies on 21st and at Westwood Park, singles were observed on 23rd, 30th, 31st April 1st, 8th, 11th and 16th. Two were noted at Barnett Brook, two at Bordersley Park Farm Pool and one on Clent Hills on March 24th, two at Bredon’s Hardwick on 27th, singles at Upton Warren on April 1st and 16th and two and six at Wiseman’s Scrape on 1st and 16th respectively. Bredon Hill held small numbers throughout April and the first half of May, with the best counts being four on April 20th, five on 21st, four on 30th, five on May 2nd and two on 17th. At Throckmorton Tip, three were noted on April 7th, one on 9th, two on 23rd and one on 28th, Chat Valley held one on 10th and at Grimley New Workings, two on the 10th were followed by singles on 11th, 16th and 24th, two on 30th and three on May 1st. British Camp attracted one on April 11th, six on 22, one on 27th and a female was investigating a Rabbit hole on May 9th and at Hollybed Common, two were noted on April 16th, one on 24th, three males and three females on 30th and four on May 16th. Ryall Pits held one and Strensham three on April 16th, three were at Westwood Park on 30th, one at Upton Warren, two on Walton Hill, one at Wiseman’s Scrape and one on Worcestershire Beacon on May 1st, two at Caunsall, two at Ryall Pits and one at Wiseman’s Scrape on 2nd and one at Wassell Grove on 3rd. Lower Moor held singles on 10th and 13th and three were observed at Coomegreen Common on 24th. A young, but fully fledged juvenile was found at Holt prairies on June 21st. Autumn records comprised singles at Bredon’s Hardwick on August 1st and September 7th, one at Westwood Park on August 3rd, one at Mustow Green on 4th, singles at Upton Warren on 13th and September 4th and at Hollybed Common two were noted on August 14th and 15th, singles on 28th, 29th and September 4th and two on 7th and 9th. One was at Upper Bittell reservoir on August 14th, Grimley New Workings held singles on 25th, 28th, 30th, September 5th, 11th, October 1st and two on 29th. Singles were observed at Holt Prairies on August 28th, 30th and September 13th, two were at Throckmorton Tip on August 28th, singles at Ryall Pits on 30th,

157 September 5th and 10th, one at Barnett Brook on August 31st and Westwood Park held one on September 1st and 5th, two on 11th and one on 27th. Clifton Pits held one on 4th and two on 10th, Lower Smite Farm one on 4th and six on 12th and at Tilesford six were noted on 9th, four on 10th, five on 11th, one on 12th, five on 13th, singles on 19th and 22nd and three on 25th. Bredon Hill hosted six on 13th, seven on 21st and singles on 24th, October 2nd, 3rd, 11th and 14th, one was at Lower Moor on September 11th, followed by two on 15th and North Hill held singles on 11th and 25th. The Dingle held two on 12th and one on 22nd, eight were at British Camp and one at Kinsham Lake on 24th and singles at Longdon Marsh on October 4th, Worcestershire Beacon on 15th and North Hill on 19th and 20th. Staffs This species was recorded in small numbers throughout the county, between March and October with some larger flocks of passage migrants seen at well-watched migration sites. The first record of the year was a single bird at Doxey on March 10th followed by four at Chasewater on 18th then daily single-figure sightings throughout the remainder of the month and into April with significant flocks being recorded at Berry Hill and Silverdale Colliery. On April 21st the first two-figure flocks were seen, these included 24 at Berry Hill and 10 at Silverdale Colliery; with 14 at Berry Hill on the 23rd, 18 on the 27th and 12 on the 30th. Into May, Berry Hill continued to produce the best numbers with 20 on the 1st, 12 on the 3rd, 21 on the 7th and 19 on the 8th. In addition Crossplains produced 13 birds on May 1st, Whitemoor Haye 10 on the 1st, 15 on the 2nd and 12 on the 8th and Chasewater 12 on the 13th. The last passage bird visited Silverdale Colliery on 23rd. Breeding in small numbers was confirmed in the Hamps Valley, Knotbury, Roach Grange and Upper Hulme with possible breeding at Hangingstone, Musden Low and Wettonmill. Early returning birds were seen at Blithfield on July 11th and a juvenile at Silverdale Colliery on 25th. Small numbers arrived in August, with many sightings from Blithfield peaking at five on 28th. Significant return migration was not detected until September when, on the 10th, 26 birds were seen at Berry Hill followed by a major fall of at least 50 birds on the 11th. After this date, sightings were in low single figures, typically one or two birds at an additional 14 sites. The final record of the year was a single bird at Black Bank on October 31st, with the note “just one day shy of this site’s latest ever record”. W Mid One was seen at Steelpark Way (Wednesfield) on March 18th, with two on 19th. One at the southern end of Smestow Valley on 19th was followed by others at Dunstall Park on seven dates from 24th to May 12th, peaking at nine on April 26th. One or two were noted in Sandwell Valley on seven dates from March 19th to April 12th. Two were seen at Foxcote on March 19th, with five on 21st. Singles were seen at Sheepwash UP on March 19th and April 23rd, and at Marsh Lane NR on five dates from March 20th to April 1st, followed by at least one male on 27th and a pair on 30th. Other records involved two at Fens Pools on March 21st and singles on April 1st and 26th; single males at Blythe Valley CP on April 7th, 15th and 22nd, and a female on May 4th; two at Deepfields on April 16th; two males at Bickenhill and one at Darby’s Hill on 22nd; two at Park Lime Pits on 26th and one at Clayhanger on May 9th. In autumn, birds were noted at Dunstall Park on nine dates from August 20th to September 16th, with seven being the most on September 10th. Singles were seen in Sandwell Valley on four dates from August 30th to September 13th, with a female also at Marsh Lane NR on August 30th. Other sightings included one at Rotton Park on September 11th, ten at Ilshaw Heath on September 12th, with three still present on 16th, two at Netherton Hill also on 12th and a late bird on roofs of buildings in Small Heath on October 17th.

158 Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa Rare or scarce passage migrant (9/10). Worcs Records of birds showing strong characteristics of this race include a male at Upton Warren on April 24th TMH, four at Bredon’s Hardwick on 30th SMW, two females at Ryall on 30th and May 1st SMW, two at Westwood Park on April 30th SMW, a male at Grimley New Workings on May 1st BS, a male at Wassell Grove on 3rd TMH, a female at Wiseman’s Scrape on 5th RAP. A single bird was reported on Bredon Hill on October 14th RM. Staffs Male birds showing strong characteristics were present at Berry Hill on May 7th NDP and Black Bank on September 21st NDP, SJT. W Mid A male at Dunstall Park on April 30th and May 1st GAC, KMC was identified as this subspecies – the first site record. Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Scarce and declining, summer resident on the North Staffs Moors. Uncommon passage migrant. Very rare in winter. Average dates: March 31st (49) to October 28th (43). First seen at Himley on the early date of March 19th with the last being one at Berry Hill on November 6th, three at Bredon Hill on the 7th and one at Harbury on the 28th. Warks In the spring, a single bird was at Attleborough Fields from April 10th-12th NDBC. There were two autumn reports: a male at Abbots Salford on October 23rd REH and a first-winter at Harbury spoil bank on November 28th JJB. The latter bird was exceptionally late and was found shortly before a band of snow engulfed the area. Worcs The first spring passage migrant was observed on Walton Hill on March 20th. The north escarpment at Bredon Hill attracted the majority of spring birds, starting with a male on March 27th. Hereafter a female was noted on 31st, four on April 9th, two on 10th and 11th, six on 15th, three on 20th, two on 21st, three on 22nd and two on 24th. It was estimated 15 birds were recorded at this locality during the spring. Other county sightings were of a pair at Waseley Hills on 5th, Hagley Wood held a pair on 14th and a male on 16th and Adam’s Hill and Walton Hill both held males on 17th. Unusually no Ring Ouzel, Knotbury, John Harris birds were observed along the Malvern Hills during this period. The northern end of the Malvern Hill, including Happy Valley, North Hill, North Quarry, Rushy Valley and Table Hill did produce a strong autumn passage. Sightings here comprised one on September 14th, a juvenile on 22nd, a male and two juveniles on 24th, singles on 25th, October 3rd and 6th, 19 on 19th, 21 on 20th, 11 on 21st and 22nd, 10 on 23rd, five on 26th, one on 29th and 30th, eight on November 2nd and two on 3rd. Singles also observed in gardens at Malvern Link and Malvern Wells on October 19th. Up to 32 birds were believed to have been observed on Bredon Hill, where

159 two were present on October 15th, five on 17th, 11 on 19th, 14 on 21st, 11 on 22nd, five on 23rd, six on 27th, four on 31st, two on November 2nd, one on 6th and three on 7th Staffs Small numbers of birds were seen on passage during March and April, the first being a single bird at Himley Hall on March 19th then singles at Gailey on the 20th, and Three Shires Head on the 25th. In April, one was seen at Freda’s Grave on Cannock Chase on the 17th, one at Silverdale Colliery on the 19th-20th, and four at Knotbury from the 19th onwards. All of the May and June records were for Knotbury where breeding was confirmed for two pairs, both fledging at least one juvenile. An excellent autumn passage this year, improving greatly on the past four years which produced just two birds. The first was on October 6th at Berry Hill, then two flew through the Sherbrook Valley on 20th. The 22nd saw single birds at Gailey, Glacial Boulder (Cannock Chase) and Black Bank with the latter remaining until the 23rd. Berry Hill recorded a male on the 27th until November 1st with the final bird of the year, a female at Berry Hill on November 6th. W Mid One was seen at Fens Pools on April 14th.

Blackbird Turdus merula Abundant resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Territory counts comprised 27 in 120 ha of mixed farmland at Morton Bagot, 14 in 40 ha at Oldberrow and 32 in 72 ha of Kingsbury/Edge Hill Woods. 40 were counted around Earlswood Lakes on May 26th. The May count at DMC Kineton produced a total of 116, which although down from the last three years remains well above average. A notable winter count involved 31 at Draycote on January 22nd. As with the other migrant thrushes autumn migrants were late to arrive, but good numbers appeared in the county from mid- October. Amongst the larger flocks were 50 at Fenny Compton on October 22nd, with 60 there on 25th; 70 at Wormleighton Res on November 6th and 75 at Napton Res on 21st. Worcs The only breeding record received was of four nesting pairs at Bodenham Arboretum. During the first winter period maximum counts from a Malvern Link garden were of four in January, seven in February and 10+ in March. Small autumn migrant flocks were observed on October 19th, with 30 on Bredon Hill and 32 feeding on fallen apples at Lower Moor. A maximum of 15 were noted in a Malvern Link garden in December. Staffs This ubiquitous species was recorded from over 70 sites. A good winter count of 66 birds was made at Doxey on December 4th. W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, 25 territories were identified, less than both the 30 last year and the 32.1 average over the last 13 years, but the same as when records were first made in 1992-93. At least 12 territories were identified on or in the vicinity of Marsh Lane NR. Other counts included maxima of 36 at Saltwells LNR on February 2nd, 25 in the Elmdon/Bickenhill area on March 30th, 21 at Park Lime Pits on April 26th and May 4th, 25 at Holly Bank on 29th, 50 plus near Swan Pool in August, at least 20 in a Hall Green garden on December 18th and 23rd, 20 at West Bromwich on November 29th and at least 26 at The Dingles on December 9th. No changes in status were noted at Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred North Staffs. Moors 1974-77, 1980 and 1985. Average dates: October 2nd (70) to May 4th (69). First birds (five) were seen at Hopsford on September 20th; the last at Wormleighton Res on April 23rd.

160 Warks Following the huge influx noted in late 2004 it was well distributed during the early months in flocks of up to 350 strong, particularly in the south and east of the county. The largest numbers were noted at Fenny Compton, where monthly maxima of 1300 on January 5th, 1500 on February 19th and 2200 on March 13th, was higher than usual. Other substantial flocks included 650 in an orchard at Dunnington on January 23rd, 450 at Ufton Hill on 24th, 500 at Weethley on 30th, 450 roosting in a reedbed at Dordon and 450 at Hampton Lucy both on February 14th, 1350 at Priors Hardwick on 20th, 600 at Knightcote on 21st, 500 at Northend on 27th, 400 at Farnborough on March 12th and 550 at Worm- leighton Res on 21st. The last spring migrants involved ten at Priors Hardwick and one at Fenny Compton on April 22nd and a single bird at Wormleighton Res on 23rd. Autumn passage began early with five at Hopsford on September 20th and four at nearby Mobbs Wood on 24th. Few others appeared however until the main passage commenced from October 15th. The first big influx occurred on October 25th, when there were counts of 100 at Alvecote, 200 at Northend and 250 at Fenny Compton. Shustoke produced 150 on October 26th, increasing to 200 there by 31st; while other flocks around this time included 350 at Fenny Compton on October 30th, 300 at Northend and 200 at Wasperton on 31st, and 400 at Draycote on November 2nd. Numbers increased significantly during November, but not on the huge scale witnessed in 2004. Flocks of up to 350 were again widespread, with site maxima including 825 at Wormleighton Res on November 15th, 600 at Warton on 23rd, 415 at Napton Res on 24th, 470 at Birdingbury on 28th, 1000 at Fenny Compton on December 7th, 750 at Chesterton on 9th, 730 near Wormleighton village on 10th, and 448 at Dunnington on 28th. Worcs During the first winter period 300 were noted at Croome Landscape Park on January 9th, 100 at Westwood Park on 10th, 300 at Lower Quinton on 27th, 680 at Nash End on 30th, 75 at Strensham Lagoons on February 6th, 100 at Oakley Pool on 9th, 200 at Bredon’s Hardwick on 10th, 100 at on 24th, 400 at Stoke Bliss on 26th and 32 at Wick on March 30th. Very low numbers observed during the second winter period. The first returning bird was noted at Clifton Pits on October 16th and on the 17th 20 were at Lower Smite Farm and one at Little Comberton. Lower Moor held four on 18th, six were on Bredon Hill on 19th, one at Rushy Valley on 21st and five at Grimley New Workings on 22nd. Four were noted at Barbourne and 250 in the Happy Valley on 26th, 30+ at Castlemorton Common on 29th, 75 at Oakley Pool on November 23rd, 300+ on Bredon Hill on December 10th, 50 at Croome Landscape Park on 13th and 250 at Kyre on 24th. Staffs During the first part of the year this bird was present throughout the county until April 2nd with sightings dropping off until the last four at Chapel Chorton on 26th. Significant flocks were reported as follows – during January; 200 at Colton on the 3rd, 600 at Tittesworth on the 16th, 100 at Brereton on 18th, 320 at Fauld on the 23rd, 106 at Weston Jones Mill on 23rd, 100 at Rugeley SW on 24th, 150 on the 29th at Doxey and 400 at Blithfield on the 30th. During February; 900 at Lymes Lane (Keele) on the 1st, 420 at Prestwood and 130 at Stableford on the 5th, 300 at Blithfield on 12th rising to 750 on 13th, 119 at Doxey on the 20th, 280 at Crossplains on 21st, 170 at Bent Lane (Whitmore) on 22nd, with 400 on the 25th and 250 at Coldmeece Pools on the 26th. March started well with 427 at Prestwood on the 4th, then 160 at Bent Lane on the 7th, 150 at Newchurch on the 13th, 250 at Fauld on the 17th and Flash on the 19th, 200 at Weston Jones Mill on the 20th, 400 at Belvide on the 21st, 150 at Keele on the 25th, and 700 flying north-east over Yoxall on the 27th an uncommon sighting of return passage birds. In April 100 birds were seen at Bateswood Lake on the 1st. The autumn records started on September 28th, when four birds were seen at Blithfield with small numbers arriving throughout October. Visible

161 migration was particularly noticeable at Westport but first noted at Black Bank with 47 south on the 5th. Late month saw the major influx with 711 south-west in three hours at Westport on the 24th, 610 south-west in two hours on the 25th and 350 south-west at Crossplains on the same date, 172 south-west in two hours at Westport on 26th, 138 south- west at Belvide on 27th, 200 south-west in two hours at Westport on 28th and 150 south in one hour at Black Bank on 31st and finally 155 south-west in two hours at Westport on November 7th. Sizeable October flocks were 120 at Tittesworth on 23rd, 150 at Doxey on the 24th rising to 200 on 26th, 250 in the Weaver Hills on 27th and 100 at Whitemoor Haye on 27th. In November there were 100 at Fradley on 1st and 200 at Stableford and 250 at Whitmore on the 25th. December 3rd saw 200 at Anslow, 120 at Sturbridge on the 4th, 300 at Church Eaton on the 7th, 200 at Hanbury on the 10th, 150 at Stableford, 400 at Swynnerton Old Park and 120 at Ranton on the 11th, 250 at Endon on the 14th, 110 at Belvide on 20th, 220 at Bent Lane on the 26th and 127 at Ranton on the 27th. W Mid In the first winter period, the largest counts involved 200 seen in fields near Bickenhill on February 15th and 500 plus by Forge Mill Lake on March 11th. Totals of up to 80 were also noted occasionally at Aldridge, Dorridge, Dunstall Park, Knowle, Marsh Lane, Pelsall North Common, Sheepwash UP, Small Heath and Wordsley. Records in the second winter period commenced with a widespread movement on October 25th, with at least 200 at Fens Pools, 110 at Marsh Lane NR, 60 flying south-west over West Bromwich and 58 over Smestow Valley. A large passage was also noted in Sandwell Valley on 26th- 27th. Up to 100 or so continued to be noted at Marsh Lane NR until November 5th at least. Up to 50 were also counted at Aldridge, Birmingham city centre, Chelmsley Wood, Edgbaston Reservoir and Ladywood.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Much declined, though still abundant, resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Counts of breeding season territories included five in 120 ha of farmland at Morton Bagot, four at Whittleford Park and eight at Brandon, all three sites registering slight increases. 39 at DMC Kineton in May maintained the high numbers recorded there since 2002. A count of 36 at Weston-on-Avon on February 28th was high for the time of year and may have included outgoing passage migrants. Autumn migration was again late, with regular passage not beginning until about October 3rd in the Cotswold Edge hills. A large influx occurred from mid October, with counts of 85 at Lighthorne Quarry on October 17th, 30 at Salford Priors GP on 23rd, 40 at Fenny Compton on 25th, 35 at Weston-on-Avon on 31st, and 50 at Lighthorne Quarry on November 1st. Worcs Two pairs reported to have bred at Bodenham Arboretum and two singing males were at Hollybed Common on April 16th. Seven were seen together at Stoke Bliss on March 9th, five on Castlemorton Common on 20th and autumn passage birds were reported from Happy Valley, with 30 on September 24th and 20 on October 6th. Staffs This common species was recorded in small numbers from over 70 sites throughout the county. As with the Blackbird, breeding seems significantly under-recorded, however recorders at Apedale CP and Ingestre both noted an increase in breeding numbers/ singing over recent years. A fall of 14 birds was noted at Blank Bank on September 12th and nine flew south over on October 16th. The only double-figure counts came from Belvide in February with 10 on 15th and 12 on 26th. W Mid Four territories were recorded at Mons Hill CBC plot, the same as last year, but down on the average of five over the last 13 years. Birds were also noted in the breeding season at Aldridge, Balsall Common, Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Bournville, Castle Hill,

162 Chadwick End, Coundon Wedge, Dunstall Park, Elmdon, Fens Pools, Galton Valley, Haden Hill Park, Kingswinford, The Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR (at least five territories in the area), Marston Green, Netherton Hill (four were singing on April 30th), Park Lime Pits, Portway, Priory Fields, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (at least three pairs bred), Smestow Valley, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Thimblemill Brook, Trittiford Pool, Wall Heath, Walsall Arboretum, Warley Woods, Warstock and Yew Tree. At Marsh Lane NR, 11 counted on April 13th were probably continental birds, whilst autumn migrants were noted between September 21st and November 6th, with five seen feeding on Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus berries on October 8th and 12th.

Redwing Turdus iliacus Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Average dates: September 27th (71) to April 19th (70). The first birds were seen at Lower Moor on September 21st while the last to leave were seen on April 18th at Sherborne. Warks Numerous during the early months due to the mild weather, with many flocks of up to 150 reported. Maxima included 200 at Newbold-on-Stour on January 6th, 250 at Ufton Hill on 24th, 220 at Broom on February 6th, 300 at Umberslade on 18th, 400 at Fenny Compton on 19th, 400 at Priors Hardwick on 20th, 250 at Knightcote on 21st, 350 at Abbots Salford on 26th, 200 at Earlswood on 28th, 200 at Northend on March 8th and 350 at Great Alne on 15th. The only substantial flock reported in the north during this period was 150 in Packington Park on March 4th. The last migrant was seen at Priors Hardwick on April 15th, apart from a remarkably late bird at Sherbourne on May 18th RWi. Autumn passage began almost a week later than most recent years. The first migrants appeared on October 4th, when seven flew south over Fenny Compton and several were heard over Nuneaton. For the next ten days only a trickle passed through, with 30 moving south-west at Salford Priors GP on 9th and 55 south at Fenny Compton on 12th, the largest counts. The main influx began on October 14th when 100 were on Napton Hill; and 15th, when 250 flew south in 75 minutes over Fenny Compton during the morning, and a large nocturnal movement occurred over there and at Hartshill that evening, with smaller counts elsewhere. On October 16th there were 615 along the Oxford Canal between Fenny Compton and Wormleighton Res, with 110 near Alcester and 100 at Weston-under- Wetherley. Next day, counts included 380 at Lighthorne Quarry, 450 at Chesterton, 200 moving south at Fenny Compton and 150 at Ladywalk; with subsequent counts of 480 south-west at Napton Hill on 20th, 200 at Ladywalk on 21st and 700 at Fenny Compton on 22nd. The main push came during the last week of the month, with numerous flocks of up to 250 reported, and peaks of 1700 at Fenny Compton on 25th, 1200 at Wormleighton Res on 26th, an exceptional 3000 at Fenny Compton on 30th, and with 400 at Wasperton and 750-1000 at Weston-on-Avon on 31st. November counts remained moderately high for the first ten days, including 425 at Lighthorne Quarry on 1st, 155 at Abbots Salford on 5th, 450 at Wormleighton Res on 6th and 400 at Fenny Compton on 8th, but with most subsequently moving out. After mid-month, the only counts to reach three figures comprised 100 at Napton Res on November 24th and 200 at Haselor on December 20th. Worcs First winter period flocks comprised 150 at Upper Quinton on January 27th, 400 at Castlemorton Common and 205 at Nash End on 30th, 200 at Oakley Pool on February 9th and 200 at Stanford Bridge on March 3rd. Numbers dwindled thereafter, with 40 observed at Stoke Bliss on 9th, 14 at Happy Valley on 18th, 22 in the Wyre Forest on 30th, a few at Hallets Hill Coppice on April 19th, one over Winyates Green on 23rd and finally

163 one at Castlemorton Common on May 1st. During the autumn and second winter period Lower Moor held one on September 21st, 25 on October 3rd and 150 on 16th, three were at Kinsham Lake on September 24th, one at Swinyard Hill on 28th and Bredon Hill held one on 9th, 150 on October 15th and 22nd. Five were noted at Ryall Pits on October 2nd, eight at Little Comberton and one at Grimley New Workings on 5th, Happy Valley hosted 10 on 6th, six on 8th, 10 on 14th and 30+ on 19th and on the 16th, 1100 were noted at Clifton Pits, 100 flew over Lodge Hill Farm, 280 were at Mount Pleasant and several hundred descended on a apple orchard at Stoke Bliss. 575 were counted at Lower Smite Farm on 17th, Castlemorton Common held 250+ on 29th, 100 were at Oakley Pool on 31st and 50 at Kyre on December 24th. Staffs During the first half of the year this common winter migrant was present throughout the county until the end of April. Generally flock sizes were rather smaller than Fieldfare with significant sightings reported as follows: During January there were 150 at Apedale on 3rd, 100 at Penkridge Banks on 5th, 100 at Keele University on 8th, 600 at Tittesworth on the 16th, 100 at Wombourne on 21st and a further 300 at Apedale on the 21st. During February the only big flocks were 400 seen at Keele University on the 10th and 110 at Whitmore Bent Lane on the 25th, whilst in March there were 103 at Keele University and 130 at Denstone on the 5th, 100 at Stourton, 100 at Newchurch and 200 at Whitewood on the 13th. April had no significant flocks; indeed all records were in single figures with the last two birds at Westport on the 21st. The autumn records started with a few birds flying over Baddeley Edge and Tutbury on October 5th with numbers gradually picking up until notable visible migration counts as tabulated below, all travelling S/SW unless stated, with an excellent series of counts from Westport. A final group of 278 passed south through Belvide on November 5th.

Site 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 21st 23rd 24th 26th 27th 28th 29th Belvide ––280–––––––198–– Berry Hill 250W –––––––––––– Black Bank185–500–400––––257136–74 Doxey ––400–––––––––– Madeley 142W –––––––––––– Westport – 391 86 1340 640 298 412 444 1810 52 – 970 14 Grounded birds in October included 150 at Chasewater, 183 at Doxey on 16th, 175 at Byrkley Park on 22nd rising to 250 on 24th with 150 on 28th, 500 at Hoo Brook on 27th, 170 at Belvide on 29th and 200 at Morridge on 30th. November saw 100 at Tittesworth on 12th, 300 at Heaton on 21st and 190 at Fauld on 23rd. In December, 202 at Redgreet on 10th was the only flock of note. W Mid In the first winter period, sizeable flocks included 185 at Coundon Wedge and 150 at Sheepwash UP on February 5th, 150 at Handsworth Park on 8th, 100 at Black Patch Park on 13th, 400 by Forge Mill Lake on March 11th and 150 at Marsh Lane NR on 16th. Smaller flocks were noted at Acocks Green, Aldridge, Allesley, Bickenhill, Bradnock’s Marsh, The Dingles, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon Park, Fulford Heath, Haden Hill Park, Hall Green, Hawne Park, Hay Mills, Hurst Hill Wood, Knowle, Lightwoods Park, Olton Mere, Palmers’ Rough, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common, Priory Fields, Queen’s Park, Saltwells LNR, Sarehole Mill, Scribers Wood, Small Heath, Smestow Valley, Solihull, Sparkbrook, Streetley, Sutton Coldfield, Trittiford Pool, Warley Woods and Wordsley. A bird with its entire underparts and supercilium area deeply suffused with rufous-red was found amongst a flock of winter thrushes in fields at Fulford Heath on January 17th. Return migration began in October, with totals of at least 200 at Marsh Lane

164 on 18th and 22nd, and 150 at Sheepwash UP on 25th, 200 at Chelmsley Wood on 26th, and 200 at Hampton Coppice, 150 at Smestow Valley and 130 at Coundon Wedge on 29th; a ‘large movement’ was also noted in Sandwell Valley on 26th-27th. Counts of 247 were made at Smestow Valley on November 9th and 110 at Dartmouth Park on 23rd. Smaller numbers were recorded at Acocks Green, Aldridge, Birmingham City Centre, Blythe Valley CP, Chelmsley Wood, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools, Hall Green, Handsworth Park, Park Lime Pits, Penn, Priory Fields, Reedswood Park, Sandwell Valley CP, Saltwells LNR, Shirley, Small Heath, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall Arboretum, Widney Manor and Winson Green.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Common resident. Warks Four pairs bred at both Chadshunt and Compton Verney. Nine at DMC Kineton was the best figure obtained on the May count since 1995. A good number of post-breeding flocks were reported this year, with the larger counts comprising 21 at on July 23rd, 45 feeding on wild cherries in Packington Park on 27th, 20 at Alvecote on August 16th, 35 at Maxstoke Castle on September 1st, 35 at Guy’s Cliffe on 18th, and 20 at Astley Pool on October 26th. Worcs Ten pairs were believed to have bred on the Malvern Hills, two pairs at Boden- ham Arboretum and family parties of five and nine were noted at Little Comberton and respectively. Other sighting during the breeding season comprised three at Huntsbridge Common on March 6th, two on Hollybed Common on April 16th and four on the Old Hills on May 8th. Post-breeding groups reported from Grimley New Workings, with 15 present on July 7th, 30 at Lower Bittell Reservoir on August 30th and 11 on Holly- bed Common on September 18th. The later locality also held four birds on 25th. Staffs Recorded from 43 sites scattered throughout the county with breeding con- firmed at Berry Hill, Cold- meece Pools, Crumpwood, Doley Common, Doxey, Flash- brook Grange, River Sow Meadows and West End. Many more sites however recorded singing birds in the spring. There were some late season accumulations, the most signi- ficant being 39 at Woodhead on Mistle Thrush, Rugby, Steve Seal July 27th, 33 at Tittesworth on August 21st, 33 at Berry Hill on September 5th and 28 on Brocton Field, on October 4th. W Mid One territory was recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. two in each of the last two years and an average 2.3 over the last 13 years). Singing/breeding birds were noted at Birmingham City Centre, Cradley Heath, Deepfields, Handsworth Park, Harborne, Hurst Hill Wood, Marsh Lane NR, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley. Also present in the

165 breeding season at Aldridge, Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Bournville, Coundon Wedge, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Knowle, The Leasowes, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common, Portway, Priory Fields, Stirchley, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Trittiford Pool, Walsall Arboretum and Yardley. A total of 30 was counted by Swan Pool on March 11th. Post-breeding/autumnal flocks consisted of 25 at Bilston cemetery on July 15th, an impressive 42 at Dunstall Park on August 10th, 17 at Sandwell Valley Country Park on September 26th, 21 at Bartley Reservoir on October 3rd and 22 at Netherton Hill on November 7th.

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Scarce resident, breeding only since 1993. Warks A continued increase and spread within the county was very welcome, presumably fuelled by the booming population at Brandon where, of seven territories held during the year, six pairs probably bred BMCG. Single territories were again established at both Barford MRM and Coombe Abbey PEH, while a male singing along the River Avon north of the M40 near Longbridge in June and again on November 5th GEC, was close to the Barford territory. The best of all was the first breeding record in the Tame Valley, where there is plenty of suitable habitat for further expansion. A pair first noted at Ladywalk on March 7th subse- quently went on to rear four young, two of which were ringed. Birds remained here into December many obser- Cetti’s Warbler, Upton Warren, Andy Warr vers. Elsewhere there was a good scatter of pioneer birds, with one seen at Abbots Salford Pool on January 2nd and heard calling again there on February 6th REH, the first ever report in the south-west. A singing male at Chesterton Church Pool on October 17th JJB was also in a new area, as were two (one a singing male) at Napton Res from November 21st-December 31st JJB, SMH et al. In the Tame Valley, singles were located at Coton from November 15th-December 22nd ARD et al, and at Fisher’s Mill GP on December 9th and 12th JH. Worcs Six singing males were resident during the first half of the year, with four at the Moor Pools and singles at the Flash Pool/Hen Pool and Educational Reserve and two broods fledged seven young at the Moors Pool. The only other report of a singing male came from Hurcott Pool on January 28th, March 20th and throughout May and June AW et al. Staffs Last year’s bird at Belvide, although elusive, remained until April 2nd SN et al.

2004 Addendum Staffs The bird at Handsacre Flash was present until at least March 27th GM.

166 Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Frequent, but much declined, summer resident and passage migrant. Average dates: April 18th (69) to August 30th (59). First noted on April 12th at Apedale; the last being at Chasewater the late date of September 18th. Warks An excellent season with 21 reeling birds located at 13 sites during the summer (cf. 16 in 2004 and 11 in 2003). There were probable breeding territories at: Brailes Hill, Brandon (four), DMC Kineton, Fenny Compton, Hopsford, Kingsbury (three), Ladywalk, Lighthorne Quarry (four), Salford Priors GP, Upper Kingston, Walsgrave (near the Coventry eastern bypass), Whatcote and Whichford. On spring passage after the first at Kingsbury on April 19th, single migrants were also reeling at Wormleighton Res on April 25th and Priors Hardwick on 29th, with two reeling at Lighthorne Pools on May 1st. The last bird at a breeding site was reported on August 10th, while a migrant at Birchmoor on 23rd was the final report. Worcs Reports of reeling males came from Arrow Valley Lake, with two on April 19th and three on 23rd and on the 24th singles were heard at Abberton, Castlemorton Common, Lower Moor and the Old Hills, plus two at Upton Warren. Castlemorton Common also held two on 26th and May 1st, and then singles on June 6th and July 15th and at Upton Warren a single male was recorded between April 26th-June 10th, then again from July 6th-August 7th. Other reeling males reported from Strensham Lagoons on April 28th, Westwood Pool on 30th and May 1st, Bordesley Meadow on 4th, Wilden in mid-May, Oakley Pool held two from June 11th-21st and one was at Feckenham Wylde Moor on 15th. Staffs As can be seen from the table below, there has been a regular increase in the number of territories since 2000, demonstrating an upturn in fortunes for this bird. 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Breeding/reeling birds on territory 7 10 14 15 20 28 First noted on April 12th-13th at Apedale CP, this species was found at 22 sites in 2005, with a concentration in the Stoke area. Other sites for early migrants included Chasewater on April 13th, Silverdale Colliery on the 19th, Britannia Stadium, Branston Water Park and Berry Hill on the 21st and Doxey and Westport on the 24th. There was only one confirmed breeding site this year, at Silverdale Colliery (two reeling birds, one juvenile seen). Further sites holding reeling males included Berry Hill (two-four), Black Bank, Castle Ring (Cannock Chase), Chatterley, Cuckoo Bank, Doley Common, Doxey, Drayton Bassett Pits (two-four), Gentleshaw Common, Park Hall (two), Pool Dam, Swallow Moss, Three Shires Head and Westport. There were only three post-breeding records; at Berry Hill on August 7th and 20th (two) with the last bird of the year at Chasewater on September 18th. W Mid Individuals were noted near Elmdon Nature Park on April 20th, Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve on 21st and Bickenhill on 25th, and Blythe Valley CP on May 4th. At least seven birds were recorded at Sutton Park in June. Singles were at Priory Fields on August 3rd and Sandwell Valley on 9th.

Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola Very rare vagrant (0/10). Warks A juvenile was found in wet set-aside by the River Leam at Kites Hardwick on August 29th JJB. This was the first county and only second regional record, the first coming from Oakley Pool (Worcs) on August 19th 1983. See page 229.

167 Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Fairly common to common, though declining summer resident. Average dates: April 16th (69) to September 30th (63). An early arrival at Upton Warren on April 9th and a late departure on October 9th at Hopsford. Warks Breeding territories were reported from 33 localities. Counts in northern and central districts remained fairly similar to last year, but there was an increase in the lower reaches of the rivers Avon and Arrow, with 13 territories at Abbots Salford Pool, 12 along the river between Bidford and Marlcliff, and nine at Salford Priors GP. Conversely there was a further decline in the south-east from the recent peak year of 2002, with just one at Wormleighton Res and none at Fenny Compton compared to 14 in the same area in that year. Extreme dates were April 12th at Kingsbury and September 29th, two at Abbots Salford; apart from a late bird at Hopsford on October 9th. Worcs Singing males re- ported from Upton Warren, where one was present on April 9th and 10th, a count of six was made at Gwen Finch Wetland and singles were at Kinsham Lake and Westwood Pool on 19th, numbers in- creased to 10 at Gwen Finch Sedge Warbler, Doxey, Pete Dedicoat Wetland on 25th and May 15th and Strensham Lagoons held one on April 23rd, 12 on 28th and seven on May 1st. Two were singing at Ripple Marsh on April 30th and in June Ashmoor Common held seven on 3rd and Feckenham Wylde Moor 10 on 18th. The final three autumn sightings comprised singles observed at Lower Moor on September 11th, Grimley on 24th and Upton Warren on October 1st. Staffs Well recorded in 2005 with reports coming from some 35 sites. The first sighting was at Drayton Bassett Pits on April 14th with small peaks at Belvide on the 20th (four), 21st (six) and 22nd (11) and Doxey on the 24th (eight) and 24th (12). Breeding was confirmed at only two sites: Belvide where at least 15 pairs bred and Westport where at least one pair was successful. Birds on territory were also recorded at Alrewas, Aqualate, Aston Farm (two), Blithfield (one), Branston WP, Doxey (five), Dunwood (four), Handsacre Flash (two), Ingestre (three), Pool Dam (three), River Sow Meadows (15) and Tittesworth (two). The only post-breeding accumulation was a report of 13 birds at Doxey on August 21st with a scattering of sightings until the end of September when the last bird was seen at Belvide on the 24th. W Mid About six pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR, where a high of at least nine birds sang in May. One pair bred at Barston. Probably also bred at Blythe Valley CP, with four birds including a territorial pair noted from April 29th, and Sandwell Valley, with at least eight birds singing in May. Two were seen at Fens Pools on April 23rd, with singles on 26th and May 13th and 15th. Single birds were recorded at Stubbers Green on April 27th, Dunstall

168 Park and Winson Green on May 1st, Galton Valley on 22nd and Clayhanger on July 11th. Passage birds were noted at Sheepwash UP in April, August and September. An unusual record concerned one by the Lamp Tavern, Dudley, on June 15th. Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Rare passage migrant; no longer breeding (5/10). Worcs After the demise of the county’s small breeding population during the 1990s, amazingly three localities produced singing males. One was discovered in suitable breeding habitat north of the county on June 8th PT et al., was still singing up until at least 23rd. The second bird was seen and heard briefly along the Hen Pool at Upton Warren on 10th SMW and one sang occasionally throughout the day at Grimley Old Workings on 26th BS et al.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Fairly common summer resident. Average dates: April 24th (65) to September 29th (59). An early arrival at Kingsbury on April 12th with the last being seen at Aqualate on October 7th. Warks About 40 breeding sites were notified, with populations apparently fairly stable at most major sites. A total of 16 territories at Wormleighton Res however was the highest at that site for some years. The species seems to be well represented along the rivers Avon and Leam, while lesser sites to support breeding pairs included: Butlers Marston STW, Cherington, Ditchford Frary, Dordon, Fillongley, Griff, Hartshill Quarry, Hopsford, two sites at Lighthorne, Seeswood Pool, Sutton-under-Brailes, Weston Park and Whatcote. Two very early spring migrants were noted, at Kingsbury on April 12th and Napton Res on 13th, but it was a week later that most began to arrive. The last autumn report came from Ladywalk on September 21st. Worcs Maximum counts of singing male reported came from Feckenham Wylde Moor (three), Gwen Finch Wetland (18), Oakley Pool (four), Strensham Lagoons (three) and Upton Warren (14). Upton Warren held the first singing male of the spring on April 16th and two were noted here on 17th. The final autumn record came from Kinsham Lake on September 25th. Staffs Recorded from 23 sites in 2005, the first sighting was at Westport on April 13th. There were no large passage numbers reported during April, the highest being four at Belvide on the 29th and Doxey on the 30th with small numbers at Aqualate, Branston Water Park and Drayton Bassett Pits. Breeding was confirmed for Belvide, where there were 10-12 breeding and Westport, where at least three pairs bred, two successfully. Probable breeding was reported from Apedale CP (10 territories), Aqualate (two), Aston- fields Balancing Lakes (three), Chasewater, Copmere, Doxey (eight), Festival Park Hanley (four+), Ingestre (one), and Milford, (15 birds along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal), Pool Dam (two), River Sow Meadows (eight) and Sideway (one). There were no significant post-breeding records, small numbers being reported from the well-watched sites such as Aqualate, Belvide, Doxey and Westport into September the last of which at Belvide on 20th, followed by the final bird of the year quite late, on October 7th at Aqualate. W Mid Birds bred at Marsh Lane (at least 11 pairs cf. six pairs in 2004) and Sheepwash UP (four pairs). Probably also nested at Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve (four birds sang in May) and Blythe Valley CP (four sang in June). Other spring records involved one at

169 Goscote Valley from May 4th-11th, two at Clayhanger from 4th-30th, one at Saltwells LNR from 11th-22nd, with two on 19th, and one again on June 6th and July 8th, one at Fens Pools on May 14th-15th, and at least one at Sutton Park on June 2nd. Return passage sightings included one at Fens Pools on July 20th, two at Clayhanger on 22nd, and two at Sheepwash Urban Park on August 30th and one on September 18th.

Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Very rare vagrant (0/10). Warks A singing male at Brandon from May 6th-10th KIL, FGS, AWs et al was the third county and regional record. The previous two records, both concerning birds which were trapped and ringed, also came from this reserve: in June 1977 and June 1979.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Very common to abundant summer resident. Frequent and increasing winter visitor. Warks The total of 54 logged at DMC Kineton in May was the highest count ever from there, narrowly exceeding the previous best of 52 in 2002. Other breeding season counts from sites with five or more territories came from: Abbots Salford (eight), Alvecote (seven), Brandon (ten), Chadshunt (16), Charlecote (nine), Crackley Wood (six), Earls- wood Lakes (six), Fenny Compton (eight along the Oxford Canal), Kenilworth Common (five), Kingsbury WP (12), Kingsbury Wood (13 in 72 ha), Morton Bagot (five in 120 ha), Oldberrow (six in 40 ha) and Wormleighton Res (five). Only minor fluctuations are apparent at sites with repeated counts. During the early months a total of 13 wintering birds were reported, with records from: Alcester, Barford, Broom, Harbury, Kenilworth (two), Kingsbury (two), Lillington, Newbold Comyn (two), Radway and Warwick. The first spring migrants appeared at Coldcomfort Wood (Alcester) on March 24th and at Hartshill Hayes on 25th, with a significant influx during the next few days. In autumn, outgoing migrants dallied at several sites right to the end of October. During November-December these were replaced by incoming wintering birds, with 12 reported at: Alcester town and STW, Brandon, Draycote, Kenilworth (three), Ladywalk, Leamington Spa, Lillington, Nuneaton and Welford-on-Avon. Worcs Reported from many localities during the breeding season, the best counts of singing males being three at Kyre, seven at Langdale Wood, three at Lower Moor, 10 at the Old Hills and four at Upton Warren. Also noted as a common breeding species along the Dowles Brook. Birds observed during the first winter period at Berkeley, Droitwich, Huntsbridge and Upton-upon-Severn Sewage Works (two) on January 1st and the latter locality also held singles on 3rd and 6th, two on 16th and 22nd and singles on 23rd and February 5th. One was at Pershore on January 2nd, two at Claines and one at Fladbury on 3rd and singles were noted at Evesham on 10th, on 18th, New Farm from 19th- 23rd, Croome Perry on 23rd, Southcrest from 23rd-February 13th and Upton Warren on January 27th. A Kempsey garden held a male from 28th-March 8th and a female from March 1st-19th, one was at West Malvern on January 28th and February 22nd, one at Bengeworth on January 30th and a Malvern Link garden regularly attracted a pair between February 6th-27th, plus a male and two females on 28th, two males and a female from March 1st-3rd, two pairs on 5th and singles on 6th, 28th and April 2nd. Singles were also noted at Bickley on February 8th and Berkeley on 25th. Three records received of birds seen during September and October, with singles at Happy Valley on September 26th,

170 Swinyard Hill on 28th and Upper Bittell Reservoir on October 6th. During the second winter period birds began to arrive in early November, with three females and one male noted in a Lower Moor garden throughout the month, one at on 6th, one at Great Malvern on 7th and 9th, one at Little Comberton on 8th and 12th and a pair at Hallow on 12th. Upton-upon-Severn STW hosted a maximum of three birds between 12th and December 28th and a Malvern Link garden held a female on November 18th, a pair on 19th, a male on December 10th and 12th, a pair on 18th, a male and two females on 26th, two males and one female on 27th and two males on 28th. One was at Lower Moor STW on November 23rd, a pair in a Redditch Garden from 23rd-December 31st and at Winyates Green, one was present on November 26th, two on December 3rd and one on 10th. Singles were at Abberton and Lineholt on November 27th, Berkeley on 29th, December 7th and 9th, Claines on 4th and 27th, Nafford Lock and New Farm on 6th and Barbourne from 7th- 30th. Three were observed at Pershore on 15th, one at Little Comberton and Kempsey on 18th, the latter locality also holding a pair on 24th, one was at Evesham on 19th, two at Abberton on 25th, one at Stoke Bliss on 28th and 29th, one at Winyates Green on 29th and four females and three males were reported in a Lower Moor garden during December. Staffs This species was recorded in every month of the year and, whilst not easy to separate spring migrants from winter visitors, numbers started accumulating from March 19th (at Higher Lower Perton) onwards. The last summer bird was probably seen Black Bank on October 6th, birds being seen daily until then. After this, records at Chasewater on 23rd and Doxey on 31st probably signified the first winter arrivals. The main breeding season accumulations were at Apedale (28, cf. 16 in 2003), Belvide (15), Loynton Moss (12), Tittesworth (10) and Westport (15) with records of smaller numbers from many sites across the county. January birds were reported from Edingale, Newcastle, Stafford Castle and West End while in February records came from Lichfield, Stafford Castle and Wergs. November sightings came from Berry Hill, Blithfield and Westport; December from Baswich, Doxey, Lightwood, Little Haywood, Milton, Stafford, Stretton, Westport, Wom Brook and Yarnfield. W Mid Seven territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, the lowest since records began and compared to nine last year and an average 10.4 over the last 13 years. Breeding season records were received from Acocks Green, Bournville, Clayhanger, Coundon Wedge, Dartmouth Park, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon Park (nine territories), Fens Pools, Galton Valley, Hall Green, Harborne NR, Hayhead Wood, Hillfield, King’s Heath, Kingswinford, Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR (about five pairs), Marston Green, Olton Mere (four territories), Park Lime Pits, Portway, Priory Fields, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (at least seven pairs), Shirley, Small Heath, Smestow Valley (probably some 15 pairs), Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Trittiford Pool, Warley Woods, Warstock and Yew Tree. At least 30 birds were counted in the Swan Pool area in late August. During the first winter period, the only multiple sightings in gardens were: a male and two females in Monkspath from January 1st, with the male last noted on March 25th; and two males and a female in Wordsley from January 22nd, with one male remaining until April 2nd. Single males visited gardens in Acocks Green on January 2nd and 3rd, Solihull on 5th, Penn on 10th, Dorridge on 12th, 30th and March 6th and 17th, Pelsall on January 14th, Sheldon on February 15th and Bloxwich on March 5th. Along the Smestow Valley, different males were noted on January 3rd and February 6th and 7th, with a female on 12th and 13th. One was heard calling at Edgbaston Reservoir on January 25th. Second winter period sightings in gardens included up to four birds at Monkspath from November 22nd, a male at Harborne on November 22nd and December 7th, two birds at

171 Stourbridge and one at Warstock in December, two at Dorridge from 3rd, a male at Bloxwich on 6th, a male at Penn on 7th, a male and two females at Hall Green on 18th and 23rd, with a pair from 24th-29th, two males at Wordsley from 19th and a male at Compton on 25th. Single males were also noted at Priory Fields on November 4th and 29th, Smestow Valley on 15th, Edgbaston Reservoir on 26th and Westwood Heath 26th and 29th, whilst one bird was seen at Ashmore Lake on December 22nd.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Fairly common to common summer resident. Average dates: April 22nd (68) to September 15th (67). A very early arrival on April 8th at Himley with the last at Napton Hill on September 22nd. Warks Sites which held three or more territories included: Alvecote (nine), Bishop’s Hill (four), Brailes Hill (nine on the west side), Brandon (ten), Combrook (three along River Dene), DMC Kineton (17, cf. 10-12 there from 2002-04), Draycote (five), Fenny Compton (three along Oxford Canal), Kingsbury WP (eight), Ladywalk (four), Shustoke (three), Whitacre Heath NR (three), Whittleford Park (three) and Wormleighton Res (five). Apart from DMC Kineton, numbers were considerably down at most of the regularly counted sites. There was an early spring arrival, with singles appearing at Griff on April 12th, Nuneaton on 16th and Coleshill STW on 19th, before the main passage commenced on 22nd. The last autumn record refers to a bird seen on Napton Hill on September 22nd. Worcs Breeding pairs were reported from Birchen Coppice (two), Lower Moor (two), Nafford Island and Stoke Bliss. Records of singing males came from Dowles Brook, with one on April 17th, then three on May 4th and 12th, one and two at Hollybed Common on April 30th and May 22nd respectively, singles at Lower Moor and Westwood Pool on April 30th, one at Birchen Coppice, two at Castlemorton Common, five around North Hill, one at Upton Warren and one at West Malvern on May 1st and five at British Camp and six at the Old Hills on 2nd. Grimley Triangle held one and Pound Green two on 3rd, one was at Upper Arley on 5th, singles at Castlemorton Common and Upton Warren on 7th, two at the Old Hill on 8th and one at Nafford Island on 10th. From mid-May singing males were reported from Devil’s Spittleful, Fairy Glen (four), Kyre (three), Raggedstone Hill (two), Wilden and Yeald wood. Two migrants were observed at Lower Moor on July 8th, singles were noted at Grimley on 10th, 23rd and August 6th, one was at Upton Warren on July 17th and 18th and one at Hollybed Common on September 2nd. Staffs The first bird for 2005 was seen at Himley Plantation on April 8th. This was followed by a bit of a gap with a trickle of first records from Doxey on the 16th, Westport on the 23rd and Chasewater on the 26th. Breeding season territories were generally low, the best being Apedale (nine) then Baddeley Edge (two), Belvide (five), Bishop’s Wood (five), Branston WP (two), Byrkley Park (five birds), Crumpwood (two), Doxey (five), Park Hall (four birds), Tixall (four), Waterfall (four). Post-breeding records were rather few; they came in August from Alrewas, Belvide, Black Bank, Branston WP and Westport whilst September had just two records – Belvide on the 5th and Higher Lower Parton Lakes on the 11th – the last of the year. W Mid Two pairs probably bred at Marsh Lane NR, with a third male noted occa- sionally. Other singing birds were heard at Blythe Valley CP (three on May 4th), Elmdon, Fens Pools, Hall Green, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley (five singing by Forge Mill Lake on May 14th and eight across the area on 17th), Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley, Winson Green and Woodgate Valley. Recorded on autumn passage at Smestow Valley on August 15th and 20th and September 11th, with two at Marsh Lane NR on September 9th.

172 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Fairly common summer resident. Two winter records. Average dates: April 22nd (69) to September 24th (69). Again, an early arrival, the first being on April 13th at Draycott-in-the-Clay; and a late departure on October 9th at Byrkley Park. Warks Well-distributed in the south and east of the county, with the best concentrations of territories coming from DMC Kineton (12), Fenny Compton (12) and Lighthorne (11), all of which registered slight increases over 2004. Other good counts included four pairs at both Chadshunt and in the Cubbington Woods area, and six at Priors Hardwick. Three pairs at Alvecote was again the best concentration in the north of the county. The first spring migrant appeared at Coleshill STW on April 20th, after which birds appeared daily. The best post-breeding concentrations were of 12 on the Oxford Canal at Fenny Compton on August 8th, 14 at Wormleighton Res on 26th and 11 at Napton Hill on September 3rd. The last record was of two at Fenny Compton on Sept 24th. Worcs Singing males were reported from Clifton Pits on April 23rd, Hollybed Common on 24th and Bredon’s Hardwick on 24th, 25th and two on 30th. Castlemorton Common (two), Kinsham Lake, Nash End, Strensham Lagoons and Upton Warren all held singles other that stated on May 1st and singles were noted at the Old Hills on 2nd, Ashmoor Common and Little Comberton on 3rd, Upper Arley on 5th, Monkwood Green and Langdale Wood on 6th and Stoke Bliss on 7th. Two were singing at Coombegreen Common on 10th, two at Upton Warren on 11th, one at Grimley on 14th, singles at Hardwick Green and Hollybush on June 7th, one at Ashton-under-Hill on July 8th and one at Kings Green on 17th. Also recorded during the breeding season at Defford, Longdon Marsh, Lower Moor, Peopleton and Throckmorton Tip. Autumn sightings comprised one at Hollybed Common on August 14th, an adult was observed feeding newly fledged young at Upton Warren on 17th and Hollybed Common held five on 28th and September 2nd, two on 4th and one on 18th. Other September records were of one at Upton Warren on 10th, a juvenile in a Redditch garden on 17th and one at Stoke Bliss on 22nd. Staffs This species was recorded in very small numbers throughout the county, with just the extreme south missing the bird this year. Typically, records were of single birds with a maximum of just six at Doxey during the post-breeding season on August 21st. The first record for the year was on April 13th-15th at Draycott-in-the-Clay and this was followed by birds at Branston Water Park on the 21st, Wheaton Aston and Cuckoo Bank on the 23rd, Holt Hill on the 24th and fairly regularly thereafter. Breeding was confirmed at Doley Common, Hulme End, Leyfields and Waterfall, all with single pairs and up to three juveniles. Singing or summering birds were noted at 25 other sites. Post-breeding there was a good scattering of records during August with rather fewer in September, the latter from Alrewas, Belvide, Berry Hill, Black Bank, Gailey, Little Stoke and the last from Westport on 20th. A final sighting was of a single bird at Byrkley Park on October 9th. W Mid Singing birds/breeding season records came from Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Clayhanger, Dunstall Park, Fens Pools, Galton Valley, Goscote Valley (two territories), Marsh Lane NR, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley (at least four sang in May), Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley and Sutton Park. Noted in autumn at Buckpool and Coundon Wedge.

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Very common to abundant summer resident. Average dates: April 15th (71) to September 29th (71).

173 The first was two weeks ahead of the average on April 1st at Draycote; the last on October 4th at Fenny Compton. Warks At DMC Kineton, the total of 108 logged on the May count easily beats the previous high of 86 back in 1992. Few other territory counts were forthcoming for this abundant species, the best comprising ten at Abbots Salford, seven at Alvecote, 17 at Brandon, 11 in the Charlecote GP area, and 13 in 120 ha of farmland at Morton Bagot (cf. ten in 2004). Apart from an early bird at Draycote on April 1st, the first migrants were noted at Charlecote GP and Kingsbury on April 12th. Post-breeding counts included nine at Radford Semele on July 23rd and 17 at Lighthorne Quarry on August 27th. The last bird was seen at Fenny Compton on October 4th. Worcs Reported during the spring and breeding season from many localities, with the highest site counts being four at Hollybed Common on April 24th, followed by six on 30th and 15 on May 22nd, three around North Hill on May 1st, six at the Old Hills on 2nd, six at Ashmoor Common on 3rd and ten at Castlemorton Common on 7th. Strensham Lagoons held four on 15th and nine were counted at Devil’s Spittleful on 17th. Lower Moor held the first bird of the year on April 22nd and during the autumn Hollybed Common held counts of 10 on August 14th, eight on 20th, 20 on 28th, 15 on September 2nd, six on 4th and four on 18th. One was also observed at Lower Moor on September 1st. Staffs First noted at Himley Plantation on April 8th, this conspicuous warbler was recorded from nearly 70 sites throughout the county, with the surprising exception of Cannock Chase where the bird is normally frequently seen. Spring migration was quite sparse, with the main passage commencing on April 22nd and small peaks at Belvide on 22nd and 30th (four and six), Essington Quarry Pool on the 23rd (six) and Berry Hill on the 30th (four). Breeding season figures were rather better, the best sites being Apedale CP (21 up from 15 in 2003), Alrewas (12), Belvide (11), Berry Hill (17), Park Hall CP (10), and River Sow Meadows Baswich (12). Breeding records were quite good, confirmed also for Biddulph Moor (one pair), Caltonmoor (one), and Westport (four) and possible breeding from singing/summering birds at 43 other sites. There was a good scattering of records in August, most notably nine birds at Doxey on the 21st. September had rather fewer, with small peaks of six at Berry Hill on the 4th and four on the 11th. The last bird was at Cuckoo Bank on the 19th. W Mid Breeding season records came from Aldridge, Barston (five pairs), Blythe Valley CP, Brierley Hill, Chadwick End, Clayhanger, the Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area (at least 21 pairs), Elmdon (11 in the area in May), Fens Pools, Galton Valley (four singing), Hay Head Wood, The Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR (at least six pairs), Mons Hill CBC plot, Moor Green, Netherton Hill (two singing), Portway, Priory Fields, Rotton Park (two singing), Ryders Green, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (two pairs), Steelpark Way, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Ten Acres, Wednesfield, (three pairs) and Woodgate Valley (seven singing).

Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata Very rare winter visitor (7/10). Worcs Two first-winter males frequented North Valley on the Malvern Hills from November 7th-13th SMW et al. Staffs A pair bred on Cannock Chase, successfully producing two broods, evidence of the species’ range expansion nationally. The last record of breeding in the county occurred when a nest was “collected” in the late 19th Century! W Mid After one was reported at a site with typical habitat in late October, two were

174 seen on November 2nd, with at least six on 7th and one on 19th and December 11th and 12th GAC, KMC, AW, AGW, et al. These constitute the first records for the County. Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Very rare vagrant (6/10). Staffs One at Blithfield from October 22nd-25th ICW, MY was followed by another on the River Sow between Baswich and Weeping Cross RSw on December 23rd, which was later rediscovered in 2006. These comprise the fourth and fifth county records, all of which have appeared since 2001. Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Frequent, though declining, summer resident, now mainly confined to the north and west of the region. Average dates: April 23rd (69) to August 27th (56). Arrival on schedule on April 21st at Upton-upon-Severn STW; the last record came from Sandwell Valley on August 21st. Warks A poor year with just two reported. A singing male was found in King Edward’s Plantation, near the county border at Cock Bevington on May 1st REH, and a single bird on return passage was seen at Compton Verney on July 22nd JJB. Worcs Along the Dowles Brook one singing males was observed on April 24th and thereafter, three were noted on May 5th, two on 4th, just a single male again on 12th and one remained on territory throughout the breeding season, constituting a 90% fall in population in this area compared to the previous year. Fortunately the Callow Hill area of the Wyre Forest fared better, with 11 singing males recorded along the full length of Park Brook on May 23rd. Another male was singing in the Wyre at Pound Green on May 3rd. The only other sightings came from West Malvern and Rough Hill Wood on May 1st, with singing males observed at both localities. Staffs Records for this species were very thin on the ground in 2005. Two birds were heard singing at Seven Springs on April 27th and the majority of sightings came from there with up to seven birds present. Elsewhere on the Chase birds were noted at the Stepping Stones on May 1st, Brocton Coppice on May 18th, and Marquis Drive on July 2nd. Away from the Chase single passage birds were seen at Shugborough Park on April 27th, Belvide on May 1st, Knypersley on the 5th and Bath Pool on the 20th. Kinver Edge and Highgate Common both had two singing birds on May 21st, there was one at Gradbach on June 1st and two at Dydon Wood on 2nd, all of which were possible breeders. The only autumn passage bird was at Belvide on July 7th. W Mid Singles were seen by Forge Mill Lake on May 7th, Buckpool on 9th and Sandwell Valley on August 21st. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Very common summer resident and uncommon winter visitor. Warks Reported sites which held five or more breeding territories included: Alvecote (five), Brandon (12), DMC Kineton (35), Fenny Compton (eight, along the Oxford Canal), Kingsbury Wood (eight), Kingswood (nine, along the Grand Union Canal), Ladywalk (ten), Lighthorne (about 25 in the parish), Oldberrow (six in 40 ha) and Ryton Wood (seven). The figures from regularly counted sites suggest a slight reduction this year. During January-February wintering numbers were particularly high, with at least 26 recorded. A good proportion of this total was present along the south side of Hams Hall, particularly along the confluence of the River Tame and Plants Brook effluent channel

175 bordering Coleshill STW. Here a maximum of 12 were recorded on January 23rd (a county record for this season) and nine were trapped in just one day at the end of February. Other birds were located during this period at: Alcester STW (three), Brandon, Charlecote GP, Draycote, Longbridge STW (two), Milcote STW, Newbold Comyn, Shustoke (two) and Wormleighton Res (two). The first spring migrants began to appear from March 12th, with the main influx commencing on 17th. Post-breeding counts included 27 at Wormleighton Res on August 26th, 25 at Lighthorne Pools on September 2nd, 19 at Ladywalk on 5th, 40 at Napton Hill on 12th, 22 at Lighthorne Quarry on 14th, 25 at Wormleighton Res on 15th, and 24 at Napton Hill on 22nd. Good numbers remained in the county throughout October. Obviously over-wintering birds during November-December again totalled a high 26, with birds located at: Alcester STW, Brandon (two), Brownsover Mill, Chesterton, Coombe Abbey, Coton (two), the Dosthill/Kingsbury area (three), Draycote (three), Fenny Compton (two), Knightcote, the Ladywalk/Hams Hall/Coleshill STW area (four), Marlcliff, Napton Res, Salford Priors GP, and Wormleighton Res. Worcs Reported as a common breeding species along the Dowles Brook and along the Malvern Hills, though numbers were still good, figures fell dramatically to less than 60% of the total recorded in 2004. The highest counts received of singing males during the breeding season, were of nine at Castlemorton Common, six in Happy Valley, eight at Langdale wood, 20+ at Shatterford Wood, five at Trench Wood and four at Upton-upon- Severn STW. During the first winter period at Kempsey STW, a maximum of five birds were recorded between January 1st and February 11th and at Upton-upon-Severn STW counts of six or seven birds was not unusual throughout January and February and 13 birds had been ringed here by January 30th. Lower Moor STW also attracted small numbers during this winter period, with maximum counts of four on January 3rd, five on 28th and three on February 12th and March 5th. Very few records were received away from the sewage works, the only reports being singles at Throckmorton Tip on January 30th, Bredon’s Hardwick on 31st, Grimley on February 9th and Beckford Lakes on 22nd. The first spring migrants comprised single singing males at Happy Valley on March 15th, Whiteleaved Oak on 16th, Chase End Hill on 19th, Upton Warren on 24th, Hollybed Common on 28th and Kings Norton Golf Club on 31st. Autumn passage birds were reported from the Happy Valley, with 20 noted on September 24th, five on October 6th, three on 8th and one on 15th. Singles other than stated observed during October at Grimley on 4th and 8th, Westwood Pool on 4th and 9th, Upper Bittell Reservoir on 6th and 13th, Kempsey Church on 9th, Grimley New Workings (two) on 10th, Lodge Hill Farm on 13th and Lower Moor on 23rd. Second winter period sightings comprised one at Gwen Finch Wetland on November 1st and 3rd, one on Bredon Hill on 2nd, two at Happy Valley on 7th, one at Oakley Pool on 12th and 17th and Lower Moor STW held three on 13th, five on 17th, six on December 16th, 12 on 19th and nine on 29th. One was at Bredon’s Hardwick on November 14th, Upton Warren held singles on 16th, December 24th and 30th, two were at Kempsey STW on November 19th, then singles on December 11th, 17th and 28th, one at Throckmorton Tip on November 27th, one at Ashmoor Common on December 6th, one at Grimley on 11th and 12th and two at Malvern Wells on 17th. Upton-upon-Severn STW attracted two on 17th, five on 21st, three on 23rd and four on 28th, one was at Lenchwick on 24th, one at Clifton Pits on 26th and 28th and one at Westwood Pool on 29th. Staffs This very common warbler was seen in every month of the year throughout the county making spring and autumn migration difficult to spot. Birds in the first winter period were noted at Westport on January 1st-3rd and February 25th, Drayton Bassett Pits from January 3rd-March 7th, Doxey (one-three) from January 3rd-February 5th, Catholme

176 on February 8th, Alrewas on 11th, Stafford on 26th and Brancote STW (one-two) from February 26th-March 12th. A bird at Seven Springs on March 7th was thought to be a migrant and, if so, was probably the first returning bird. Birds became much more common from March 18th onwards and there were minor peaks thereafter; Belvide had nine birds on the 24th, 11 on the 25th and 10 on the 26th and Tittesworth 13 on the 26th. April records comprised 10 at Belvide on the 1st and 16 on the 3rd and 15 at Seven Springs on the 2nd. During the breeding season the best numbers were found at Apedale CP (18 territories, down from 28 in 2003), Belvide (seven), Byrkley Park (11), Chasewater (10), Park Farm, Trysull (12-14) and Shugborough (20). Breeding was confirmed for Cannock Chase (Horsepasture Pools) where juveniles were noted on June 12th. Smaller numbers of singing birds were reported all across the county during the breeding season. In the autumn there were couple of sharp peaks at Westport with 21 birds on August 6th and 31 on September 11th and at Belvide with 15 on 5th and 10 on 13th. November records were received from Belvide, Chasewater (three), Croxden Quarry (two), Doxey (two), Drayton Bassett Pits (two), Silverdale Colliery and Westport. December records from Blithfield, Brancote STW, Chasewater (two), Doxey (three), Drayton Bassett Pits (four), Ingestre and Madeley STW. Although the vast majority of birds were the nominate race, there were reports of a P. collybita/abietinus intergrade calling at Dosthill Lake on November 16th ARD and a similar bird at Madeley STW on November 18th and 19th SJT, NDP. W Mid Six territories were recorded at Mons Hill CBC plot, the same as last year and a slight increase on the average of 5.6 over the last 13 years. Also noted in the breeding season at Aldridge, Balsall Common, Bickenhill, Black Patch Park, Blythe Valley CP (four singing), Bournville, Castle Hill, Castle Vale, Clayhanger, Cotwall End Valley, Coundon Wedge, Dartmouth Park, Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area (about 20 pairs), Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon Park, Fens Pools, Galton Valley, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, Hay Head Wood, Hurst Hill Wood, King’s Heath, Kingswinford, Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR (at least four territories), Marston Green, Olton Mere (three singing), Park Lime Pits (15 birds counted on May 4th), Portway, Priory Fields, Rood End, Saltwells LNR (five territories), Sheepwash UP (two or three pairs), Shirley, Solihull Park, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Wall Heath, Warley Woods and West Bromwich. At least 12 birds were counted in Sandwell Valley in October. Birds in the first winter period included one at Ray Hall STW in Sandwell Valley on January 2nd, two on 9th and one on 30th and February 15th, and one at Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve on February 6th. In the second winter period, singles were seen in a Chelmsley Wood garden on November 8th, West Bromwich on 23rd-24th and December 8th, Smestow Valley on 2nd and Aldridge on 18th, with up to four at Sheepwash UP during December. Scandinavian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita abietinus Warks Singles at Hams Hall on January 5th, 8th and 12th JH, and at Alvecote on March 22nd RLS. One was at the Great Pool in Packington Park from at least November 1st-25th, with two from 15th-17th NPB. Worcs Singles were observed at Kempsey STW on January 2nd AW, Upton-upon- Severn STW on February 23rd SMW and Lower Moor on November 18th RAP. Staffs One was seen and heard at Silverdale Colliery on March 24th SJT. Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita tristis Warks Single birds apparently of this race were at the Hams Hall confluence on January 10th BLK, and at Alcester STW on March 6th REH and 15th JJB. Staffs One at Belvide from October 27th-29th SN.

177 Eastern type Chiffchaff Warks Single very grey birds, presumably belonging to the eastern population of abietinus or possibly to an intergrade population with tristis, were present in the Hams Hall/Coleshill STW area from January 2nd-March 12th PFo, KWi et al, and at Alcester STW on February 26th-27th REH, DJS. The Hams Hall bird was particularly well-studied and photographed, and was initially thought to be a pure tristis. Worcs Birds showing characteristics of eastern abietinus or tristis reported during the first winter period at Upton-upon-Severn STW, with one present on January 1st, two on 3rd and from 6th-23rd, plus three were observed on 10th, one on 29th and February 5th, two on 20th, three on 23rd and one on 27th SMW, AW et al. Kempsey STW held singles on January 1st, 2nd, 3rd and February 11th AW et al. During the second winter period one was at Upton- upon-Severn STW on November 17th SMW and from December 17th to the years end PH et al., and Lower Moor held one on December 12th, 16th, 17th and 24th RAP et al.

Common Chiffchaff and Eastern form of Scandinavian Chiffchaff, Hams Hall, Steve Seal

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Very common to abundant, but declining, summer resident. One winter record. Average dates: March 28th (71) to October 8th (71). First arrival a week early on March 20th at Upton-upon-Severn STW; the last on October 4th at Wormleighton Res. Warks Generally a very good season, with increases noted at many sites. The anomaly however was DMC Kineton where only 45 were logged (cf. 65 in 2004), but this was not reflected at other sites in the area. Actual substantial territory counts came only from: Alvecote (seven), Brandon (24, cf. 19 in 2004, 14 in 2003), Kingsbury/Edge Hill Woods (16), Lighthorne Quarry (ten), Ufton Fields (six) and Whittleford Park (nine, cf. six in 2004). The first spring migrant was at Draycote on March 23rd, followed by a small influx on 25th when there were at least five there, as well as birds at Abbots Salford, Brandon, Kingsbury and Longbridge. Notable spring counts included 35 along the Oxford Canal at Fenny Compton on April 16th and 20 at Draycote on 17th. Post-breeding counts included over 20 at both Lighthorne Pools on July 30th and Seeswood Pool on August 9th, while 11 at Wormleighton Res on 26th was the best at this site, with the last migrant of the autumn there on October 4th. Worcs A strong breeding population reported from the Malvern Hills and Commons, with Happy Valley holding three singing males on March 28th, 10+ on April 10th and 30

178 on May 1st, three were singing at Castlemorton Common on April 10th and five at Hollybed Common on 24th. Reported as reasonably common along the Dowles Brook, but totals somewhat down from 2004. Shatterford Wood held four singing males on March 28th and at the Old Hills, seven were reported on May 2nd and 20+ on 8th. Singles also heard at Upton-upon-Severn STW on March 20th, Grimley New Workings, Winyates Green and Upton Warren on 25th, Lower Moor on 26th and Langdale Wood on May 6th. The wintering bird at Upton-upon-Severn STW from 2004, remained onsite until February 27th and the final bird of the autumn was noted at Kinsham Lake on September 13th. Staffs Recorded from nearly 80 sites throughout the county although it seems to be rather less common than Chiffchaff. The first record was at Westport on March 24th. Migration peaked in earnest in April; notable figures being 20 at Chasewater on 10th, 16 at Wetley Moor on 16th, 30 at Tittesworth on the 21st and 23 at Apedale CP on the 27th. During the breeding season good numbers were reported, the best being Apedale CP (55 cf. 45 in 2003), Tittesworth (40), Chasewater (20), Wetley Moor (17), Baddeley Edge (13) and Park Hall CP and Rudyard Lake both with 12. Many other sites reported pairs/ territories in smaller numbers with breeding confirmed at Bateswood (four cf. seven in 2004), Belvide (five), Brocton Coppice (10), Doxey (one+) and Westport (one-two). Autumn migration figures were much lower than those in spring, with just one report in double figures – 17 seen at Doxey on August 21st. There was a trickle of low figure records throughout September with Doxey again recording the best numbers, seven on the 11th and five on the 18th. The year ended with two records for October; two birds at Doxey on the 2nd and one at Tittesworth on the 3rd. W Mid Recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, but no territories were confirmed, marking a continued decrease on the average of 2.1 over the last 13 years. Singing birds were also noted in the breeding season at Acocks Green, Blythe Valley CP, Chelmsley Wood, Clayhanger, Coundon Wedge, Cuckoo’s Nook, Dartmouth Park, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon Park, Fens Pools, Galton Valley, Kingswinford, Marsh Lane NR (three territories), Olton Mere, Priory Fields, Rotton Park, Saltwells LNR (three singing), Sandwell Valley (16 counted by Forge Mill Lake in April), Sheepwash UP (five pairs bred), Smestow Valley, Sparkhill, Stubbers Green (18 counted in April), Sutton Park, Trittiford Pool, Warstock, Winson Green and Yew Tree.

Chiffchaff x Willow Warbler Warks A bird with a song consisting of a mix of both these species was found on the county boundary near Winderton Warren on June 6th JJB. Such birds have been reported almost annually in recent years. Worcs Singles incorporating the song of both Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler reported from Abberton on June 5th, Trench Wood on 11th and 19th and Monk Wood on 26th. Staffs There is an interesting account of a bird singing a mixed Chiffchaff/Willow warbler song at Tittesworth on April 17th JAL.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus Very common resident and winter visitor. Warks No significant breeding data was submitted. On October 6th there was a large influx in the south-east, with 40 at Wormleighton Res and 50 in Farnborough Park, while 25 were at Ilmington Downs on 7th. Elsewhere the highest count was 18 at Brandon on October 30th. By December very high numbers were present in southern woodlands, with

179 at least 150 estimated in Oakley Wood on 4th, 65 at Farnborough Park on 13th and 130 along the south side of Oversley Wood on 20th. Worcs Reported as a very common breeding species in the Wyre Forest, particularly at Callow Hill and breed in good numbers along the Malvern Hills. Very few group counts received, the only records being 10 and 12 at Upton-upon-Severn STW on January 7th and 10th respectively, six ay Kempsey STW on February 11th and 12 at Callow Hill on 18th. Happy Valley held 12 on September 29th, 10 on October 29th and 12 on November 5th and seven were noted at Westwood Pool on October 24th. Staffs Well recorded throughout the county albeit with rather limited recorded breeding. Consall CP had one pair breed in a spruce tree whilst an adult with two Goldcrest, Westport Lake, Dave Kelsall juveniles was seen at West End. Nest building and singing was recorded at Belvide and Jackson’s Bank indicating probable breeding. The highest numbers of this species were recorded in the autumn with the best sites being Hanchurch Woods with 16 in November and 50 in December; Westport with 27 in October and 12 in November and Tittesworth with 12 in November. W Mid Four territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. three pairs last year, representing a continued increase on the average of 2.6 over the last 13 years). Birds were also noted in the breeding season at Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Fens Pools, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, Hurst Hill Wood, The Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR (one pair), Park Lime Pits, Saltwells Wood (three territories), Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park and Warstock. Outside of the breeding season, birds were noted at Aldridge, Bradnock’s Marsh, Coundon Wedge, Dorridge, Dunstall Park, Fens Pools, Hall Green, Harborne NR, Pelsall North Common, Priory Fields, Ridgacre, Sandwell Valley (including six in January and 15 plus in October), Sarehole Mill, Scribers Wood, Sheepwash UP, Shirley, Springfield, Trittiford Pool, Walsall, Wednesfield, West Bromwich, Winson Green and Yew Tree.

Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Rare breeding species. Warks In a large southern mixed woodland (a different site from the 2002 breeding record), a pair were discovered on May 13th, apparently nest-building. Singing males were subsequently found elsewhere in the wood with a peak count of three on May 25th, including the mated bird. Regular observations suggested that the first breeding attempt failed and the birds moved across the ride to a new spot. On June 27th song had ceased but both birds were watched apparently carrying food JJB et al. There were no further sightings. Outside the breeding season there were reports of a male at Hams Hall on January 19th and 22nd SLC, a male at Ladywalk on October 7th SLC, and a female or first year male at Farnborough Park on December 13th JJB.

180 Worcs A first-winter male was trapped at Round Hill Wood on January 2nd LN and one was seen briefly at Chat Valley on November 5th SMW. Staffs Just one this year on March 27th at Seven Springs, Cannock Chase ESC. W Mid One was noted at Clayhanger on January 8th CM and was reportedly still present during the next few days. Another regularly visited a garden opposite Walsall Arboretum from January 9th-23rd at least SM.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Fairly common, though much declined, summer resident. Average dates: May 3rd (69) to September 29th (69). The first was at Happy Valley on April 27th; the last at Dunstall Park on October 1st. Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Arbury Park, Baddesley Clinton, Bentley Woods, Bidford-on-Avon, Bromson Hill (two), Burton Dassett (three), Chadshunt (five), Charlecote Park, Cherington, Combrook, Compton Wynyates, Coombe Slade Pool (two), Coughton Court, Cubbington Woods (five), Dunchurch, Edge Hill, Farnborough Park (two), Fenny Compton (eight), Harbury Heath (two), Lighthorne (four), Lower Brailes (four), Middleton Hall, Moreton Morrell, Moreton Paddox (two), Morton Bagot, (three), Oakley Wood (six), Oldberrow (three), Packington Park (three), Priors Marston, Sutton-under-Brailes (two), Tysoe, Upton Park (two) and Whichford (two). It was generally an excellent year, with a big rise in woodland territories. Four located at DMC Kineton were the first on count day there since 2000, while the eight pairs at Fenny Compton was double the usual population. At Idlicote however, only one unmated male held territory compared to three breeding pairs in 2004. The first spring reports came from Draycote on April 29th and Fenny Compton on May 4th, while the last birds were noted at Packington on September 21st and Napton Hill (two) on 22nd. Worcs The Bredon Hill survey, though not so extensive as in previous years, reported 38 nests from 22 pairs, but clutch sizes were low and nest failure rate high. Two pairs bred successfully at Bodenham Arboretum, Hanbury Hall and Hanley Swan and a singing pair was at Stoke Bliss throughout the breeding season. Other sightings of pairs came from Kemerton on May 14th, Arley on 30th, Lower Sapey and Old Storridge on 31st, St Andrews Church, Pershore and High Green on June 2nd, Grafton Manor on 4th and 5th and a family party were seen at Stanford Bridge on July 14th. Happy Valley held the first bird of the year on April 27th and thereafter singles reported from Abberton, Devil’s Leap, Grimley Old Workings, Holt Castle, Horsham, Kempsey Common, Kyre, Langdale wood, Lower Haresbrook, Malvern Wells, Midsummer Hill, Raggedstone Hill, Trimpley Reservoir, Upton Warren, West Malvern and Westwood Pool. Post-breeding sightings

181 comprised four at Croome Landscape Park on July 29th and one on August 6th, Bredon Hill held four on August 1st, one on September 13th and two on 21st, five were at Lickmoor Wetland on August 2nd, five at Upton Warren on 6th and four at Clifton Pits on 7th. One was observed at Hanley Swan on 19th and 20th, Upper Arley held four on 21st and two on 24th, a few birds were noted at Birchen Coppice on 28th, one at Upton Warren on September 4th, one at Grafton Wood and Waseley Hills County Park on 14th and two at Nafford Lock on 21st. Staffs This species was widely reported throughout the county. The spring migration numbers were low, mostly ones and twos, but with rather large numbers post-breeding. First record of the year was a single bird at Belvide on May 1st-5th. Breeding reports were good, being confirmed for nine sites: Belvide, Blore, Crumpwood, Grindon, Hoar Cross, Newborough, River Sow (Baswich) where a pair second-brooded as late as August 29th, Standon and Waterhouses. Singing, courting or pairs were reported from Calton, Coombes Valley, Cowhay NR, Denstone, Field Head, Hulme End, Ingestre, Levedale, Parrot’s Drumble, Roach Grange, Stafford, Tixall and Waterfall. Another 16 sites recorded one or two birds during the breeding season. A number of the breeding records were quite early, for example May 18th at Tixall, May 21st at Parrot’s Drumble and May 25th at Crumpwood. Post-breeding there were a good number of records in August, and rather fewer in September. The most significant sightings being 10 birds at Belvide on August 5th, 12 on the 6th and seven on the 11th, seven at Blore on the 14th, six at Knypersley on the 17th, five at Byrkley Park on the 22nd. In September, numbers were lower, the best being five at Crossplains on the 12th, with the last bird being seen at Aqualate on the 20th. W Mid The only spring records were individuals at Frankley on May 5th, Edgbaston Reservoir on 8th and Sandwell Valley on June 3rd. Single birds were also noted at Berkswell on 27th and July 6th, with two on 26th and one on August 11th and 18th. One was seen at Coundon Wedge on July 30th, with five on August 20th. Birds were recorded in Sandwell Valley on 12 dates from August 15th to September 2nd, peaking at 11 on August 20th. At least three visited an Earlswood garden on August 17th, with singles at Saltwells LNR on 28th, Smestow Valley on 31st and September 13th-14th, and Dunstall Park on October 1st.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Frequent and increasing summer resident and passage migrant, though breeding regularly only in Staffs and Worcs. Average dates: April 20th (59) to September 11th (40). A very early arrival at Coombs Valley on April 4th and a late departure at Chasewater on September 21st. Warks Only two were reported: a male at Draycote on April 15th GJs, and a single at Alvecote on August 23rd RLS. Worcs As in 2004, another successful breeding season recorded along the southern Malvern Hills, where nine of 11 nest boxes occupied were successful and 57 young were fledged. Counts of males along the Dowles Brook seem encouraging after last year’s poor showing, with three observed on April 13th, one on 17th, six on May 4th and two on 12th. Two females were also noted on 4th, but after mid May only a single pair remained on territory. A single pair fledged seven young from a nest box in Chaddesley Wood and a pair was observed at Hartlebury Common on June 9th. A single spring passage female was reported at Upton Warren on May 13th. Staffs As in previous years the vast majority of records were for birds seen at the two

182 county strongholds of Coombes Valley and Cannock Chase, with the species being seen more sporadically at ten other sites. First bird for 2005 was a singleton at Coombes Valley on April 4th followed by one at Seven Springs on the 6th and Brocton Coppice on the 29th. Away from Coombes Valley and the Chase migrant birds were seen at Apedale CP on April 13th, Consall CP on the 16th, Knypersley Reservoir on the 25th and Bearda on May 3rd. The key breeding site was again Coombes Valley where a healthy 31 pairs bred but the situation on the Chase was not so good with pairs breeding at Brocton Coppice, Haywood Warren and Seven Springs and another probably at the Stepping Stones. It is good to note that a pair bred at Knypersley Reservoir and breeding activity was seen at Bearda and Barleighford (three pairs). There were very few post-breeding records. A juvenile was seen at Tittesworth on July 27th, a female on August 1st, then singles at Belvide on the 3rd and 5th and at Blithfield on the 10th. There were just two September records, a juvenile at Crossplains on the 12th and the final bird of the year at Chasewater on the 21st. W Mid A female was seen at Scribers Wood on September 5th.

Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus Rare winter visitor, much reduced since 1994 (5/10). Warks Birds arrived at two sites in November. At Ladywalk, a bird was seen briefly on November 8th JH and 9th SLC, GJM. A male and female (or immature bird) were in the extensive Typha swamp at Napton Res from November 21st-December 24th JJB et al, after which date only the male was seen, this bird staying into 2006.

2004 Addendum Staffs The bird at Aqualate was seen on December 5th and not 12th as stated.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Common to very common resident. Warks The population remains at a high level. The largest reported flocks comprised 40 at Ascott on June 16th, 37 at Salford Priors GP on October 9th, 38 at Earlswood Lakes on 14th, 40 at Ladywalk on December 17th and 40 in Oversley Wood on 20th. Smaller parties of around 20-30 were also noted at: Arbury Park, Brandon, Coombe Abbey, Draycote, Farnborough Park, Fenny Compton, Ilmington Downs, Kingsbury, Napton Res, Radway, Watergall and Wormleighton Res, mainly in autumn and winter months. Worcs No breeding data received. The largest parties reported were of 18 at Upton- upon-Severn STW on January 7th, 15 at Chase End Hill on February 19th, 20 at Ryall Pits on May 22nd, 40 at Hanley Swan on August 28th and 12 at Salwarpe Church on December 29th. Staffs Reported from 57 sites with the larger counts as follows: in January 30 at Belvide, 21 at Doxey and 30 at Tixall; in February 24 at River Sow Meadows; in July 21 at Doxey; in August 27 at Doxey; in September 30 at Chasewater and 23 at Doxey; in October 38 at Doxey; in November at 60 Chasewater (a site record) and 22 at Crumpwood; in December 22 at Belvide and at 22 River Sow Meadows. W Mid Three territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. four last year and an average 3.5 over the last 13 years). Other breeding season records cam from Blythe Valley CP, Bickenhill, Bournville, Castle Hill, Coundon Wedge, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Fens Pools, Galton Valley, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, The Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR (only two pairs noted, but probably under-recorded), Park Lime Pits, Portway, Priory Fields, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley (numbers apparently down again this year),

183 Sheepwash UP, Sheldon CP, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park, Trittiford Pool, Warstock and Yew Tree. Autumn/second winter period counts included parties of up 16 at Marsh Lane NR from August 15th till the end of the year, 15 in Smestow Valley on September 24th, with a total of 29 in the lower part of the Valley on October 19th, 15 at Priory Fields on 25th and 16 in Saltwells Wood on December 29th.

Marsh Tit Poecile palustris Fairly common resident. Warks Reported during the year from a total of 58 sites, mainly in southern and central districts. Breeding pairs were reported from: Ascott, Bromson Hill, Burton Dassett, Coldcomfort Wood, Compton Verney (several), Cubbington Woods (two), DMC Kineton, Edge Hill, Farnborough Park (three), Fenny Compton, Idlicote, Itchington Holt (two), Lighthorne (two), Long Compton Wood, Moreton Morrell, Oakley Wood (five), Oversley Wood, Priors Marston, Ryton Wood, Tysoe, Whichford Wood, Wolford Wood (several) and Wormleighton Res (two). In the north of the county, where it is rare, birds were reported from Bentley Woods and Hartshill Hayes during the breeding season, with winter records from Whittleford Park on January 13th and a Hartshill garden on November 17th. Worcs Up to six territories were held along the Dowles Brook, small numbers bred along the Malvern Hills and a pair bred in a nest box at Bodenham Arboretum. Also present during the breeding season on Bredon Hill, where reported as common, , Grimley, Kyre, Monk Wood, Pound Green, Shatterford Wood, Stoke Bliss, Trench Wood and Upper Arley. Singles observed during the first winter period at Kingswood on January 6th, Croome Landscape Park on 14th, New Farm on 19th and Trench Wood on 27th, four+ were at Round Hill Wood on February 11th, several at Arley Wood on 19th and two at on 20th. Send winter period sighting com- prised singles at Kingswood on September 28th and October 26th and five at Trench Wood on November 6th. Staffs Breeding confirmed from four sites this year: Hamps Valley (two pairs each with juveniles), Needwood House (one pair, two young), Thor’s Cave (two pairs) and Wettonmill (two pairs). Never- Marsh Tit, Coombe Abbey, Steve Seal theless, records came from all over the county with late spring/summer birds also seen at Alrewas (four), Aqualate, Belvide (one singing), Burnt Wood, Dovedale, Gnosall (pair), Keele University, Milldale (pair), Silverdale Colliery, Stanshope and Tixall. In the first winter period, regular at Apedale CP (one), Aqualate (four) and Brocton Field (two). There were singles at Chasewater on January 10th, Dydon Wood on 23rd, Chillington on 29th, Wergs on February 15th and 21st, two at Whitemoor Haye on 21st, two at Dunstall on 26th, one at Abbot’s Bromley on March 2nd, two at Brackenhurst Covert on 9th, one at Jackson’s Bank on 24th and two at Higher Lower Perton Lakes on 31st. In the second winter period regular

184 at Aqualate (four), Brocton Field (two) and Chasewater (one) with one at Byrkley Park on August 16th, four at Elford GP on 30th, singles at Warslow on September 24th, Tittesworth on 28th, Hanchurch Woods Water Tower on October 4th and 28th, Wolfscote Dale on 7th, two at Byrkley Park on 19th, singles at Branston WP and Enville on November 13th, Apedale CP on 15th and 28th, two at Doley Common throughout December, one at Ellenhall on 8th, two at Redgreet on 10th, singles at Hanchurch Water Tower on 11th, Baggeridge on 12th and Jackson’s Bank on 27th. W Mid One in Sandwell Valley from last year remained until March 23rd at least, being joined by a second from January 23rd; presumably one of these was also seen on April 19th, May 18th, October 2nd and December 15th. Two were recorded at Blythe Valley CP on April 29th.

Willow Tit Poecile montanus Fairly common resident. Warks The population continues to decline, although it remains fairly widespread in northern and eastern districts. Breeding season records (with numbers of pairs in brackets) were reported from: Alvecote (three), Ascott, Avon Dassett, Beausale, Bishop’s Hill, Brailes Hill, Brandon (two-three), Chadshunt, Coton, Cubbington, Draycote, Ensors Pool, Farnborough (three), Fenny Compton (four), Fillongley, Fisher’s Mill GP, Guy’s Cliffe, Itchington Holt, Kingsbury WP, Kites Hardwick, Knightcote, Ladywalk, Leek Wootton GC, Lower Radbourn, Napton Hill, Newbold Comyn, Nuneaton, Priors Marston, Shipston- on-Stour, Stoneton, Ufton Fields (two), Ufton Hill, Whichford, Whitacre Heath NR, Whittleford Park, Winderton, Windmill Hill NR and Wormleighton (five). Outside the breeding season the largest party was eight at Wormleighton Res during September. Very few were reported in the west of the county, but one was seen at Salford Priors GP on October 23rd. Worcs During the breeding season a pair attempted to breed at Hewell Grange, a male was singing at Clent Hills on March 27th, Walton Hill held a singing male on April 5th, 12th, 19th and May 5th, a male was at Eymore Wood on June 18th, a pair at Temple Dingle on July 4th and a male was singing at Uffmoor Wood throughout the summer. During the first winter period singles were at Sling Pool and Walton Hill in February, one was at Kyre on February 3rd and one at Knowles Coppice on 23rd. Autumn and second winter period sightings comprised two at Bittell Reservoir on August 18th, one at Cofton Water Works on 19th, one at Kyre Wood on September 20th, one at Trimpley Reservoir on 24th, singles at Westwood Pool on October 4th, 10th and November 18th, one at Cofton Water Works on December 13th and two at Kyre on 22nd. Staffs Breeding pairs confirmed at Aqualate, Belvide (where a family of five juveniles was seen), Burnt Wood, Churnet Valley, Park Hall CP (three pairs), River Sow Meadows and Westport Lake. Birds were also present in the breeding season at Byrkley Park, Chasewater, Crumpwood (three), Draycott-in-the-Clay, Highgate Common, Knypersley Reservoir (four), Lightwood, Shugborough and Stewpony. Up to four birds were seen throughout the year at Aqualate, two at Belvide, four at Chasewater, three at Knypersley, two at Lightwood, four at Park Hall CP, two at River Sow Meadows, three at Tittesworth and four at Westport. Up to four were regular at Doxey from mid-June until the year end and two at Apedale CP in the two winter periods. In the first winter period one or two were seen at Baggeridge CP, Bagnall North, Branston WP, Burntwood, Byrkley Park, Croxall GP, Crumpwood, National Memorial Arboretum, Milford, Okeover, Pelsall North Common LNR, Pipehill, Sherbrook Valley, Strawberry Hill, Tixall and the White House Hotel. In the

185 second winter period records came from Brackenhurst Covert, Brocton Coppice, Cliff Park (Rudyard), Croxall GP, Doley Common, Dosthill, Dydon Wood, Eland Brook, Horsley, Little Stoke, Meerbrook, Meir, Pepper Slade, Tixall and Weston Jones Mill W Mid Two territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. one pair last year and an average of 1.8 over the last 13 years). Also noted in the breeding season at Blythe Valley CP, Clayhanger (at least one pair), Netherton Hill (at least one pair), Sandwell Valley (at least two pairs), Smestow Valley (two pairs cf. approximately six pairs last year) and Woodgate Valley. Also seen at Dunstall Park, Fens Pools, Hill Hook, Marsh Lane NR, Pelsall North Common and Scribers Wood.

Coal Tit Periparus ater Common to very common resident and irruptive winter visitor. Warks No real change in status was apparent. The largest parties comprised 20 at Farnborough Park on October 12th and 30 in Oversley Wood on December 20th. Worcs Reported as a very common breeding species in the Wyre Forest and a reasonably common breeder on the Malvern Hills. Three pairs occupied nest boxes at Bodenham Arboretum. Counts received during both winter periods were of four at Chase End Hill on February 19th, seven at Shrawley Wood on 25th, six at Happy Valley on October 6th, three in a Malvern Link garden in November and 25 at Eymore Wood on December 5th. Staffs Counts of note include 19 at Marquis Drive on March 10th, nine at Bishop’s Wood on April 5th and 10 at Black Brook (Gradbach) on December 17th. W Mid One territory was recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. two pairs last year and an average of 1.9 over the last 13 years). Other breeding season records came from Bickenhill, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Hall Green (one pair), Harborne, Hurst Hill Wood, Lane Head, Saltwells Wood (at least one pair), Smestow Valley, Warley Woods and Warstock. Also noted at Acocks Green, Aldridge, Compton, Coombeswood, Coundon Wedge, The Dingles, Dorridge, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, Penn, Priory Fields, Sandwell Valley, Scribers Wood, Sheepwash UP, Streetley, Trittiford Park, Wall Heath, Walsall, West Bromwich, Whitley and Wordsley.

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Abundant resident. Warks Farmland territory counts included 17 in 120 ha at Morton Bagot (cf. 15 in 2004), and 17 in 40 ha at Oldberrow. 106 young fledged from 15 nest boxes at Brandon. Outside the breeding season flocks of 20-30 were reported widely, with the largest containing 40 at Napton Hill on September 22nd and 60 at Farnborough Park on October 12th. A leucistic bird visiting a Fenny Compton garden during January-February was mainly white, but with some light blue markings. Worcs 74 nest boxes were occupied along the southern Malvern Hills and at Bodenham Arboretum, 15 pairs occupied boxes, the average brood being seven or eight and 90 young fledged. Staffs Ten pairs bred at Doley Common. Larger flocks comprised 35 at Astonfields Lakes on January 9th and Biddulph Valley on February 8th, 40 at Greenway Bank CP on 16th with 26 there on April 21st, 33 at Byrkley Park on May 5th, 34 at Silverdale Colliery on August 1st–2nd, 23 at Higher Lower Perton Lakes on 21st, 25 at Knypersley Reservoir on November 26th and 31 at Doxey on December 4th. W Mid The Mons Hill CBC plot held 15 territories, down on both the 18 of last year and

186 the average of 17.8 over the last 13 years. No changes in status were noted at Saltwells LNR, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley. Maximum counts at feeding stations of 27 at Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve and 15 at Marsh Lane NR. Other maxima included circa 30 in the Elmdon & Bickenhill area on March 30th and 29 at The Dingles on December 9th.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Coundon Wedge 49 54 29 30 17 13 10 23 32 16 10 30

Great Tit Parus major Abundant resident. Warks Farmland census work produced 11 territories in 120 ha at Morton Bagot and six in 40 ha at Oldberrow. 100 young fledged from 22 nest boxes at Brandon. A brood reared in a Maxstoke garden used a somewhat unusual nest box, one which was converted from the Mother-in-Law’s ashes casket! A good number of moderately-sized flocks were reported during the year, including 22 at Earlswood Lakes and 30 at Farnborough Park in January; 31 at Ladywalk in March; 22 again at Earlswood, 35 at Farnborough Park and 20 in Napton churchyard (the latter feeding on yew berries) in October; 25 at Draycote in November; with 25 at Brandon and 20 at Kingsbury in December. A melanistic birdwas at the Ladywalk feeding station on February 23rd and up to two were there on March 14th-15th. Worcs Along the southern Malvern Hills 90 nest boxes were occupied and 12 pairs bred in boxes at Bodenham Arboretum, the average brood being five or six and 67 young fledged. Staffs Three pairs bred at Doxey, (cf. six in 2003 and 2004). Twenty were seen at Haywood Warren and 21 at Doxey on January 16th, 30 at Biddulph Valley on February 8th, 14 at Marquis Drive on March 10th, 18 at Doxey on April 10th, 17 at Greenway Bank on 21st, 20 at Fradley October on 19th, 18 at Park Hall on November 21st and 42 at Doxey on December 4th. W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, 23 territories were identified, an increase on both the 20 of last year and the average of 20.2 over the last 13 years. No changes in status were noted at Saltwells LNR, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley. Maximum counts included 15 at the Marsh Lane NR feeding station in January, 31 in the Elmdon & Bickenhill area on April 5th and 36 at The Dingles on December 9th.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Coundon Wedge 18 26 20 12 10 3 21 15 20 17 22 34

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea Fairly common to common resident. Warks Widely reported from most parts of the county, with fewest records from the north-east. Parties of seven were noted at Farnborough Park, Oversley Wood and Upton Park during the autumn and early winter. One or two at Alvecote in April and September were reported to be unusual there. Worcs 12 nest boxes were occupied along the southern Malvern Hills, two pairs bred in boxes at Bodenham Arboretum and a pair bred successfully at Stoke Bliss. The only other records received were of two at Chase End Hill on January 29th, then five here on February 19th and one at Romney Green on March 8th. Staffs A pair bred at Belvide (as in 2000-2004), Keele University and River Sow

187 Meadows. Six at Tixall on January 16th, seven at Chillington on April 3rd and six at Belvide on November 1st were the highest counts, otherwise reported from 83 other sites throughout the county. W Mid Two territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. one both last year and the average over the last 13 years). Other breeding season records were made at Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Cotwall End Valley, Coundon Wedge, Dartmouth Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Haden Hill Park, Hall Green, Hurst Hill Wood, The Leasowes, Lightwoods Park, Park Lime Pits, Queen’s Park, Sandwell Valley, Saltwells Wood, Smestow Valley, Solihull (a pair frequently visited a seed feeder at second floor flat), Sutton Park, Trittiford Pool, Warley Woods and Westwood Heath. Also noted at Berkswell, Birmingham University, Bradnock’s Marsh, Brueton Park, Compton, The Dingles, Dunstall Park, Hampton in Arden, Handsworth Park, Harborne, Kingswinford, Knowle, Marsh Lane NR, Marston Green, Nailcote, Sarehole Mill, Scribers Wood, Sheepwash UP, Shirley, Sneyd, Sutton Park, Warley Woods and Wordsley.

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Common resident. Warks Territory counts included seven at Chadshunt, five at Compton Verney, seven in Cubbington Woods and 14 in Oakley Wood. In addition there were four territories along 2.5 km of a wooded stream at Morton Bagot, and six along 2 km of the River Dene at Butlers Marston. Worcs A pair occupied at nest box at Bodenham Arboretum and reported as resident at Bredon Hill, Chase End Hill, Kinsham Lake and Lower Moor. Staffs Two pairs bred at Belvide (cf. three or four in the past four years), two at Apedale CP and one at Wom Brook. Pairs were also seen at Baggeridge CP and Hanchurch Water Tower in the breeding season. Five at Chillington Lower Avenue in March, four at Chapel Chorlton in July and four at Park Hall CP were the largest counts, otherwise one to three birds reported from 50 other sites throughout the county. W Mid Two territories were identified on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. one pair last year and the average of 1.5 over the last 13 years). Other breeding season records came from Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Coundon Wedge, Dartmouth Park, Dorridge (young bird found stunned by house window soon recovered and flew off), Elmdon, Hurst Hill Wood, Marsh Lane NR, Park Lime Pits, Priory Park, Sandwell Valley, Saltwells Wood, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park and Trittiford Pool. Also noted at Clayhanger (one on February 6th was only the second site record!), Cole Valley, The Dingles, Fens Pools, The Leasowes, Queen’s Park, Sarehole Mill, Scribers Wood, Solihull and Warley Woods.

Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Rare passage migrant (3/10). Warks Two birds, probably a female and juvenile, were present at Keresley from August 19th-21st ABr et al. Unfortunately news of these birds was not released until well after they had gone and so they were only enjoyed by a few locals.

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Rare passage migrant. Formerly bred (4/10). Warks A juvenile was at Alvecote on the evening of September 12th RLS. After having been watched for just five minutes in a bush on the county boundary at Laundry Lane, it flew off never to be seen again.

188 Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Rare or scarce passage migrant and winter visitor (9/10). Worcs A first-winter bird discovered at the northern corner of Croome Landscape Park on January 6th SBa, was eventually relocated at the southern end of the Park on 13th WFP et al., and was still present on 14th, 16th and 19th. On the 22nd, the same individual was found nearby at Dunstall Common BS et al., and remained onsite until February 3rd. During the second winter period, one spent the day at Defford Airfield on October 24th MS. Staffs An excellent series of sightings this year. One on January 14th was seen at both the Katyn Memorial and the White House on Cannock Chase PDH, ESC, followed by a long staying bird in the Walton-on-Trent area from January 29th until April 5th RJJ et al which often strayed over the county border into and back. Also on January 29th a first-winter bird visited Belvide SN and one was seen on the Rifle Range (Cannock Chase) on March 13th ICW, MJI. In the second winter period, one at Gun Hill from November 13th-17th JAL was followed by another at Doxey on December 18th JB, found initially in the observers garden! Finally, presumably the same bird from the start of the year returned to winter in the Walton-on-Trent/Catholme area from December 19th until the year end ESC et al.

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Fairly common to common resident. Warks The most notable breeding record was of three pairs in Oakley Wood. More parties were noted this year, with the best counts comprising 15 at Brandon on April 3rd and 12 at Oversley Wood on December 20th. Groups of six or seven were also noted at Charlecote, Chesterton, Combrook, Compton Verney, Earlswood, Fenny Compton Hills and Salford Priors GP, mainly in October. Worcs Six pairs were counted during the breeding season along the Malvern Hills, reported as a quite common breeding species in the Wyre Forest and other sightings during this period came from Kempsey Common, Monk Wood, Shatterford Wood and Trench Wood. Many records received during both winter periods, including four at Castlemorton Common on January 30th, 19 at Swinyard Hill on September 28th, nine at Hinton-on-the- Green on October 7th, 20 along Dowles Brook on 13th, 12 on Bredon Hill on 15th and four at Castlemorton Common on November 18th. Staffs No breeding records received but reported throughout the year with seven at Burley Pools/Miry Wood at Apedale CP in May, eight at the White House on Cannock Chase in September and eight at Keele University in November. The first county record of birds on migration came from Black Bank on October 9th when five were seen flying high and south over Black Bank SJT, NDP. Reported from 84 other sites. W Mid There was one territory on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. the same last year and the average of 1.5 over the last 13 years). Also recorded in the breeding season at Aldridge, Bickenhill, Birmingham Airport, Clayhanger (reported as declining), Coundon Wedge, Edgbaston, Elmdon, Garretts Green, Harborne NR, Marsh Lane NR, Marston Green, Park Lime Pits, Plantsbrook NR, Priory Fields, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Sheldon CP, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park and Trittiford Pool. Also noted at Acocks Green, Berkswell, Blythe Valley, Castle Bromwich, The Dingles, Dorridge, Edgbaston Reservoir, Haden Hill Park, Hall Green, Harborne, Hawne Park, Knowle, The Leasowes, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common, Scribers Wood, Shirley, Streetley, Wall Heath, Warley Woods, Whitley, Whitehouse Common and Winson Green. High counts included eight in Scribers

189 Wood on March 18th, seven at Priory Fields on 23rd, nine in the Elmdon and Bickenhill area on April 22nd and seven at Park Lime Pits on May 4th. Magpie Pica pica Very common resident. Warks The best counts were of 29 at Radford Semele on January 22nd, over 40 roosting in a thicket at Calcutt on February 2nd, 18 at Newbold Comyn on March 20th, 19 at Brandon on 26th, 30 at Earlswood on 30th, and 21 at Coton on November 25th. It was reported to be increasingly common at Maxstoke, where until a few years ago it was still quite scarce. Worcs A common resident and breeding species in the county. A maximum count of eight was made in a Malvern Link garden in January. Staffs Two pairs bred at Doley, three at Doxey (cf. six in 2004) and single pairs at Baddeley Edge and Wetley Moor. A dead bird was observed being consumed by a Hedge- hog at Bradnop on May 9th! Large flocks throughout the year at Berry Hill, peaked at 45 on October 15th while Doxey held 47 on March 6th and Radford Meadows 42 on March 10th. W Mid Seven territories on the Mons Hill CBC plot indicated stability, comparing favourably with the same total last year and the average of 7.2 over the last 13 years. No changes in status were noted at Saltwells LNR and Smestow Valley. Maximum counts included 76 in a pre-roost gathering at Olton Mere and 65 at Shirley both on January 7th, 51 at Coundon Wedge on February 19th and 70 at West Bromwich on November 8th. A leucistic bird at Amblecote on May 8th had been seen in the area for the previous four years, with another noted at Elmdon on September 20th and November 9th.

2001 Addendum W Mid Over 100 roosted in trees by Wyndley Pool, Sutton Park, on December 15th.

2003 Addendum W Mid At least 70 roosted in trees by Wyndley Pool, Sutton Park, on January 5th. Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula Very common resident. Warks The only significant breeding record received was of seven pairs in 40 ha of farmland and garden at Oldberrow. The largest counts came from a traditional roost at Fenny Compton, where 760 were counted on January 24th, and around 500 were present during the autumn and early winter. Other good-sized counts included 387 at Abbots Salford on July 31st and 375 in Farnborough Park on September 25th. Flocks of around 2- 300 were also noted during the year at: Calcutt, Charlecote, Chesterton, Knightcote, Moreton Morrell, Morton Bagot, Priors Hardwick, Salford Priors GP and Wormleighton. The pied bird was seen again at Fenny Compton on several occasions during the year, while a white-winged bird was at Charlecote GP on November 25th. Worcs Bredon Hill held a flock of 350 on February 28th, a pale-naped bird, resembling an eastern type bird was videoed on Walton Hill, on April 19th SMW, 70 were at Little Comberton on August 7th, 300 at Upper Bittell Reservoir on October 25th and 900 roosted in Oakley Wood on November 14th. Staffs A total of 100 pairs was reported breeding at Brocton Coppice. Under-reported but larger flock counts consisted of 250 at Swynnerton in January; 300 at Stableford in February; 150 at River Sow Meadows in April; 300 at Matthew’s Nursery (Woodhead) in

190 May; 200 (including many juveniles) at Blithfield and 170 at Dunwood in July; 500 at River Sow Meadows and 450 at Bent Lane in December. W Mid Breeding was reported only from Coundon Wedge, Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory – the same as both last year and the average over the last 13 years) and Smestow Valley (numbers ‘remained stable’). However, birds were also noted during the breeding season at Aldridge, Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Chadwick End, Druid’s Heath, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Fens Pools, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, Marsh Lane, Park Lime Pits, Priory Fields, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park and Yew Tree. Peak counts included some 1,355 heading north-eastwards over Smestow Valley in the evening of February 6th to join the large corvid roost at Wightwick, 157 at Marsh Lane NR on April 6th and over 300 on September 29th, 400 plus over Forge Mill Farm in Sandwell Valley on October 5th and 87 at Dunstall Park on November 23rd.

Rook Corvus frugilegus Very common or abundant resident. Warks Rookery counts included 92 at Idlicote (an increase), 95 at Priors Hardwick and 130 in Corn Ground Spinney, Wormleighton. Numerous flocks were reported during the year, showing the species to be thriving in most rural areas. Amongst the larger counts were: 725 roosting at Fenny Compton on January 24th, 500 at Dunnington on February 13th, 600 at Moreton Morrell on June 27th, 630 at Milcote on August 2nd, 600 at Bishop’s Tachbrook and 445 in Farnborough Park on September 25th, 500 at Morton Bagot on 27th, 520 at Knightcote on October 2nd, 800 at Ilmington Downs on November 7th, 600 at Abbots Salford on 13th, 450 at Chesterton on 18th, and 475 at Butlers Marston on December 16th. Other sites with flocks of around 200-400 included Charlecote, Draycote, Grandborough, Long Marston, Napton, Priors Hardwick, Ragley, Salford Priors GP, Shipston-on-Stour, Tysoe, Weston-on-Avon, and Wormleighton. Worcs Counts of nests at rookeries comprised four at Bengeworth, 12 at Droitwich and 32 at Feckenham. The 360 noted at Little Comberton on February 3rd, was the only large flock reported this year. Staffs Rookeries counted this year (nests in brackets) included; Belvide (three), Calton (11), Caltonmoor (10), Calwich (66), Castern Wood NR (22), Denstone (40), Ilam (44), Ipstones (20), Mayfield (10), Parkgate (six), Rocester Pools (10), Rudyard Lake (15), Swinscoe (17), Throwley Moor (12), Waterhouses (50), Weaver Hills (24), Wetley Moor (10) and Whitmore (41). Large flock counts recorded included; in January 300 at Pelsall North Common LNR; in February 112 at Belvide, 100 at Ingestre, 300 at Stableford; in March 144 at Belvide; in September and November 200 at River Sow Meadows, Baswich; in December 750 at River Sow Meadows, 450 at Bent Lane, 280 at Meerbrook, 150 at Belvide and 200 at The Clive Farm. W Mid Rookeries were reported from Aldridge (nine and eight nests at two locations along Bosty Lane cf. total of 15 in 2004), Dunstall Park (12 nests cf. 18 in 2004), Smestow Valley (two nests cf. six in 2004). Several hundred birds joined the large corvid roosts at Wightwick in both winter periods, with high counts of 300 plus at Pelsall North Common on January 25th, circa 200 at Sandwell Valley on February 7th, 35 at Marsh Lane NR on November 5th and 50 at Corley Moor on November 27th.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone Abundant resident. Warks 241 counted across DMC Kineton on May 24th eclipses the 202 in 2003, which

191 was the previous highest ever count. Other large counts included site maxima of 160 at Radford Semele on January 8th, 150 at Salford Priors GP on 23rd, 110 at Ufton Tip on 24th, 140 at Longbridge STW on 30th, 185 at Priors Hard- wick on February 20th, 82 at Forshaw Heath on May 9th, 75 at Arley STW on June 23rd, 150 at Moreton Morrell on 27th, 100 in a field by Cubbington Woods on July 30th, 215 at Abbots Salford on 31st, 95 at Charlecote GP on September 19th and 150 on Ilmington Downs on Novem- ber 7th. Worcs North Hill held 30+ Carrion Crow, Steve Valentine on May 1st and 39 were counted at Upper Bittell Reservoir on December 4th. Staffs Larger flocks included 450 at Brancote STW in February; 300 at Burston in March and 150 at River Sow Meadows in December. W Mid Three territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (the same as last year, but slightly down on the average of 3.4 over the last 13 years). Otherwise, little breeding information was received. High counts included 60 at Dunstall Park on January 2nd and 129 on November 23rd, circa 50 at Sutton Park on May 1st, 36 at Park Lime Pits on 4th, 65 at Chadwick End on 10th, 52 at Sheldon CP on June 4th, 350 at Barston on 23rd and at least 80 in Sandwell Valley in November.

Common Raven Corvus corax Frequent visitor and uncommon to frequent, but increasing, resident. Warks An increasingly common resident. A total of 20 confirmed or suspected breeding pairs were located in southern and central districts, with two more in the north. The latter included the regular Packington Park pair which reared two young; and a second pair which occupied a quarry between Nuneaton and . It was reported from more than 60 sites during the year from all parts of the county, but with very few coming from the under-watched north-east. The largest party comprised seven at Burmington on July 17th. Worcs At least three pairs bred in the Wyre Forest, four young were fledged at Tank Quarry, a pair and three young were observed at Chase End Hill on May 21st, a pair and three young were at Kidderminster on July 13th and singles or pairs other than stated also reported during the breeding season at Abberton, Arley Wood, Barnt Green, Common (three), Bredon’s Hardwick, Caunsall, Grafton Flyford, Grimley New Workings, Lenchwick, Longley Green, Lydiate Ash, Malvern Link, Nash End, Shelsley Walsh, The Knapp, Stoke Bliss, Throckmorton Tip, Timberhonger, Upper Arley, Wood Norton and Westwood Park. During the first winter period Holt Prairies held six on January 1st and 29 on 10th, three were at Westwood Park on 8th, one at Strensham and two at Wadborough on 23rd, two at Chase End Hill on 29th and February 19th, one at Atch Lench and two at Strensham Lagoons on 6th, two at Eymore Wood on 13th and one at Shakenhurst on 17th. Reported from 36 localities during the autumn and second winter period, with the best

192 counts being four at Upper Bittell Reservoir on August 9th, 23 and 40 on North Hill on September 20th and 26th respectively, 10 on Bredon Hill on 24th, 12 at British Camp on 27th, 19 on Worcestershire Beacon on October 2nd, 19 over Tank Quarry on November 15th and 11 at Wyche Cutting from December 5th-8th. Staffs This year 427 sightings came from 124 sites (cf. 283 from 97 sites in 2004) and eighteen breeding/displaying pairs (eight in 2004) were noted. Last year the largest flock was 10 birds; this year there were 10 at Perton on March 25th, 12 at Lum Edge on April 24th, 13 at Milldale on September 25th, 33 at Dove Valley (Sheen) on October 10th, 12 at Westport on November 16th and 26 feeding on a dead sheep at Troutsdale Farm (Tittes- worth) on November 20th. By far the largest count however came from Lum Edge/Swallow Moss in December where up to 96 were seen at a regular pre-roost gathering, the birds then flying off towards Longnor. W Mid This species continues to be recorded with increasing regularity: once again, most of the records came from the west of Wolverhampton and in the Meriden/Solihull area. Record numbers for the county were noted in the Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area: four birds flew over the Valley on January 1st; of 24 seen over sheep fields to the south on March 18th, 12 flew over Wightwick, whilst perhaps another went south-westwards over Dunstall Park; two flew north-eastwards over the Valley on April 1st; 16 flew together on 16th March; three went northwards on May 3rd; and two flew with a Northern Goshawk on 15th. In autumn, singles were noted over Smestow Valley on August 14th, September 4th, 26th and October 27th. Recorded at Marsh Lane NR on 29 dates in nine months (cf. 15 dates in seven months last year); most sightings involved one or two birds, but three flew over on July 26th, four on September 19th and October 7th, and three on December 23rd per. Three were noted at Frankley on February 11th. Singles flew over Knowle on March 9th and July 27th, and Netherton Hill on March 12th. One flew westwards over Blythe Valley CP on April 7th and two went eastwards on September 16th. Two were seen at Hillfield on April 24th. Singles were noted at Earlswood on June 29th and near Cheswick Green on August 6th and September 10th, with two on 11th and November 13th and one on December 3rd. Two were noted flying over Berkswell on August 19th and over Dorridge on September 27th. Two flew over Monkspath on August 20th and 23rd, September 20th and October 9th, with three on October 2nd. Singles were seen at Rowley Regis on September 19th and Saltwells LNR on October 5th, with two at Dorridge on October 25th.

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris Very common to abundant resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Eight pairs bred in 40 ha of farmland and garden at Oldberrow. Only 16 were logged on the May count at DMC Kineton, which equals the previous lowest total set in 1998. Outside the breeding season, feeding flocks of up to 300 were fairly numerous in pastoral areas. Larger counts during the late winter period included 600 at Draycote on January 22nd, 1800 at Fenny Compton on February 19th, 600 at Northend on 25th, 350 in Packington Park from March 4th-7th, 600 at Priors Hardwick on 14th and 500 at Calcutt on 22nd. Post-breeding counts included 500 at Longbridge on June 25th, 500 at Salford Priors GP on July 24th and 400 at Wormleighton on September 6th. Migrants began to arrive during October, when reedbed roost counts included 1000 at Fisher’s Mill GP on 18th and 800 at Brandon on 31st. Also on October 31st a total of 600 flew south at Wasperton in two hours, followed by flocks of 500 at Warton on November 23rd, 450 at Draycote on 27th and 1000 at Fenny Compton on December 3rd. In December, by far the largest roost to have

193 been reported for some years assembled by the railway at Alvecote, where a peak of 20,000 was estimated on 19th SMH. Several smaller reedbed roosts during the same month included 250 at Ladywalk, 200 at Napton Res and 500 at Wormleighton Res. Worcs The largest flocks reported during the first winter period comprised 1700, including a albino bird, roosting in the reedbeds at Gwen Finch Wetland on January 2nd, plus 1200+ were noted here on 8th and 10000 on 16th, 150 and 500 were at Croome Landscape Park on 9th and 15th respectively, 500 at Nash End on 30th, 200 at Stanford Bridge and 120 at Ayton’s Heath on March 3rd. Post-breeding flocks at Throckmorton Tip were of 2000 on July 22nd and 25th and 1200 on August 19th. During the second winter period, Upper Bittell Reservoir held 110 on October 1st, 500 were at Lower Moor on November 8th and 500 at Bredon’s Hardwick and 2000 at Longdon Marsh on 9th. Staffs Roost counts varied in size with 250 at Rising Brook in February/March, 550 at Fenton Industrial Estate on October 29th, 5000-10000 at Black Brook Bird World in November and December (noted as a significant increase over previous years), 2000 flying out from roost near West End on December 4th and 1500 at the Hamps Valley on 17th. The large roost at Aqualate, building up from late October, was estimated at 50-100000 in November and December. The largest post-breeding flock of 2100 birds was observed at Chasewater in June. Other high counts as follows: 2000 at Doxey on January 3rd and 1000 on October 25th, 1000 at Bradnop on November 4th, 300 at Reapsmoor on 27th and 1000 at Heaton on December 11th. Visible migration noted with 673 west at Belvide on October 29th, 1000 north-east over Aston Farm on November 10th and 1000 at North Hillswood Farm (Tittesworth) on December 22nd. W Mid Noted as a ‘common breeding species’ at Sheepwash UP, and continued to nest in housing estates at Highters Heath and adjacent to Saltwells LNR and Smestow Valley. High counts in the early part of the year included about 200 in fields near Bickenhill on February 15th, up to 160 at Leighswood on March 4th and at least 700 at Forge Mill Farm in Sandwell Valley on 11th. Post-breeding flocks peaked at 400 plus at Fens Pools on August 4th and at about 350 at Dunstall Park on 10th. Other high counts included 150 at Wall Heath on October 3rd, about 200 at Balsall Heath on 10th and 400 at Marsh Lane NR on November 11th. A white bird was noted at Fens Pools on May 24th.

Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus Very rare vagrant (4/10). Worcs An adult was present in a garden from May 8th-11th RD and seems likely to be the same individual observed in the county in 2002/03, and in the West Midlands in 2004.

2002 Addendum Staffs On June 12th a superb male was photographed in a garden in Highfield Road, Chasetown and was seen to fly over the gardens backing the Chasewater recording area near Crane Brook fields NS, RS et al. This is likely to be the same bird that was reported from the Shire Oak area on June 9th and Aldridge on the 20th and 21st. The 4th County record and 9th Regional record.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus Abundant, though declining, resident. Warks The only breeding data involved six pairs in farm buildings at Morton Bagot (cf.

194 ten in 2004), a decline caused by building work. Several sizeable post-breeding flocks indicated a successful season, with 150 in two flocks at Birchmoor on July 30th and assemblies of over 150 at Fenny Compton and 100 in Arbury Park during August. A peak of 80 fed in a Fenny Compton garden on October 19th, while flocks of around 40-50 were further noted at Bishop’s Itchington, Chesterton, Dunnington, Earlswood, Edge Hill and Radford Semele. Flocks of 20-30 were reported at a further ten sites. Local increases were reported from Cherington, Idlicote and Tysoe, all rural southern villages. A white-winged juvenile visited a Fenny Compton garden during June. Worcs Two pairs frequented nest boxes at Bodenham Arboretum. A feeding station in a Malvern Link garden attracted maximum counts of 20 in January and February. Twenty were noted at Bickley on February 8th and post-breeding flocks in a garden at Winyates Green were of 75 on July 23rd and 85 on September 1st and 40 at Lower Moor in September. Second winter period sightings comprised 50+ in gardens at West Malvern on November 10th, 85 at Winyates Green on 25th and 40 at Kyre on December 24th. Staffs

Monthly maxima (p = present): JFMAMJ JASOND Alrewas 20 ––49214424–23–10 Baddeley Edge – – 22 40 35 9–––101– Berry Hill ––––12––64060–16 Burton-on-Trent 30 50 35 25 13 31 26 35 – 26 16 26 Chasewater 20 20 pppppppppp Denstone 35 22 25 – – 10 ––––4552 Dosthill ––––––208––7– Doxey 432158–412201520 Higher Lower Perton Lakes –––2––––2325–19 River Sow Meadows, Baswich 61–22–––––204– Stonnall – – 27 – 31 ––––––– Weston Jones Mill –––––340––––– Woodhead – – 16 16 17 8–––20––

Records of this declining species received from 76 sites with the largest flocks of 85 at Brough Hall on August 28th and 70 at Branston Water Park on August 7th. W Mid Four territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, the same as last year, but again down on the average of 5.1 over the last 13 years. Breeding birds were also noted at Dunstall Park, Hall Green, Highters Heath, Sheepwash UP, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley and Smestow Valley. Counts of about 40 were made at Park Lime Pits in May, Portway in June, Aldridge in July and an Acocks Green garden in November, whilst 60 were noted in a Kingswinford garden on December 29th.

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Fairly common, though declining, resident. Warks The status of this species continues to improve. No change was noted in the Feldon heartland, e.g. there were again 35 pairs at Fenny Compton, but the range continues to consolidate further west. Morton Bagot in the far west had an increase to 15 pairs, while small breeding colonies were located as far south as Long Compton (where they are increasing) and in the Ascott/Whichford area. In the north of the county a colony of over 15 pairs was reported from Maxstoke, while smaller colonies of from one-five pairs were noted at Arley STW, Attleborough Fields, Coombe Fields, Coton, Hurley Common STW,

195 Lawford Heath, Seeswood, Shustoke, Whitacre Heath and Wishaw. Outside the breeding season there were numerous reports of flocks of up to 50 in the south of the county, with maxima of 100 at Morton Bagot on February 18th and 100 near Wormleighton Res on 28th. Flocks in the north were generally smaller, but included 40 at Bodymoor Heath on March 13th, 30 at Shustoke on August 16th, and an excellent 80 by the Oxford Canal at Mobbs Wood on 27th. The species is seldom reported from the immediate vicinity of Rugby, so up to ten frequenting a Hillmorton garden during December was especially notable. A male resident during the year in a House Sparrow colony at Fenny Compton was mated to a female of that species, although no hybrids subsequently ensued. Worcs Continues to decline in the county, though probably going undetected as a breeding species. Of particular concern was the demise of the wintering flock at Upton Warren, where not a single bird was noted in 2005. As in 2004 the only known breeding locality was at Wassell Grove Business Park, where just a single resident pair nested. Records received during the first half of the year were of a party of five at Retreat Farm, Grimley from January 1st-March 14th, New Farm held two from January 15th-23rd and three on 30th, March 13th and 21st, Besford held seven on January 24th, Bevere four on February 9th and Caunsall three on 13th. Four flew over Berkeley calling on March 10th and one was noted at Timberhonger on 20th. During the autumn and second winter period, one was at Grimley New Workings on August 20th and 27th, one at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 29th, seven at a feeding station at Lower Smite Farm on October 15th, one at Woodrow on 17th and five at Stoke Bliss on November 5th. 30+ were observed going to roost at Stanford Bridge on 9th and at Kyre Pool, at game crop attracted good numbers between 20th-December 31st, the maximum count made being 90 on December 11th. New Farm held singles on November 21st and December 6th, two were noted at Crabbe Tree Farm on 6th and three at Caunsall on 13th. Staffs It is encouraging to report that records were received from 43 5km squares, compared with 32 in 2004 and recorded in 65 squares from 2003-2005 and 36 squares in 2000-2002, with a marked increase in sightings from the north of the county. This suggests an improvement in fortunes for this bird but improved coverage has undoubtedly con- tributed as well. A good number of breeding records this year come from Chapel Chorlton (two pairs), Doley (two pairs, four broods), High Offley (four), Little Aston (“small colony”), Morridge–Peewit Hall (one), Preston Hill (four), River Sow Meadows (nesting in an oak tree), Seighford (nesting in an oak tree), Sturbridge (two+), Trent Valley East Bishton (one-two), Trysull, Waterfall (three), Weston Jones Mill (three, at least one pair doubled brooded) and Bent Lane (two).

Monthly maxima: JFMAMJ JASOND Alrewas 25245–3311–20–– Aqualate 20 ––––––15–––6 Aston Farm –––––––––50–– Belvide 5–6–1–501257011015 Blithfield ––2–3––810––– Chapel Chorlton –4–44–6–4––– Cuckoo Bank 8–93–––––––10 Chebsey (NW) – 40 –––––––––– Coley Mill 10 ––––––––10–– Ellenhall –––6111––6011 Little Stoke ––––––––15––18 Little Wyrley ––––––––30––– Norbury Manor –––21––––––7

196 JFMAMJ JASOND Offleymarsh 11––21–––1–– Waterfall –––––10–613––6 Weston Jones 4 118667110–227 Whitemoor Haye 751811524100–150––40 Whitmore 1108–752––––80

Treble-figure counts consisted of 150 at Whitemoor Haye on September 26th (the highest this millennium), 125 at Belvide on August 22nd, 100 at Whitemoor Haye on July 23rd and 100 at Belvide on August 26th. The last treble-figure count was 100 at Ashwood in March 2000. W Mid Birds bred at Barston (three pairs in nest boxes), near Minworth (Wishaw Lane), Fen End, near Marsh Lane NR (one pair) and Temple Balsall. Other breeding season records included one or two at the southern end of Smestow Valley until April; two at Balsall Common on 17th, with at least one on June 5th; up to three at Park Lime Pits on April 26th and May 4th and 8th; and one at Daisy Bank on 20th. Sightings during the first- winter period included seven in Sandwell Valley on February 13th and eight at Knowle on March 20th. One was seen near Aldridge on June 26th, with five on July 11th and one from November 13th to December 28th. Other records included one at Bradnock’s Marsh on July 23rd, 60 near Minworth (Wiggins Hill Road) on August 30th and at least one at Park Lime Pits on October 26th. At Marsh Lane NR, the highest count was of nine on September 11th, whilst a colour-ringed bird on July 1st had been ringed as a nestling at Rutland Water on May 25th 2001.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Abundant resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Warks Territory counts included 30 in 72 ha of Kingsbury/Edge Hill Woods, 45 in 120 ha of Morton Bagot (cf. 43 in 2004) and 23 in 40 ha at Oldberrow. The May count of 205 at DMC Kineton was the second highest there since the census began in 1987, only bettered by the extraordinary 265 in 2003. A nest found at Wormleighton Res had been built in an unusually exposed position on the brick ledge of a ruined canal bridge, but not surprisingly it was predated. Late winter flocks included 120 feeding around sheep pens at Fenny Compton on January 5th, 200 in a game cover crop at Morton Bagot on February 18th, 100 at Avon Dassett on March 2nd and 80 at Edstone on 7th. A late flock of 65 were feeding in a newly sown field at Ilmington Downs on April 21st. Visible autumn migration was not very prominent, although continuing from early October until mid November. The best count was 110 moving south in an hour over Fenny Compton on October 8th, although 140 left a roost in scrub on Napton Hill on 14th and also gradually dispersed to the south. Amongst the larger autumn and early winter flocks were: 100 on Ilmington Downs on October 7th and November 7th, 100 at Dunnington on November 13th, 150 at Northend on 14th, 375 in a game cover crop at Chesterton on 18th, 200 at Lawford Heath on 26th, 200 at Burton Dassett on December 13th, 140 at Salford Priors GP on 18th and 200 between Abbots Salford and Rushford on 28th. Worcs The only breeding data received was of five nesting pairs at Bodenham Arboretum. The largest flocks reported during the first winter period were of 40 at Croome Perry on January 23rd, 50 at Lower Quinton on 27th, 300+ and 75 at Nimmings on 30th and February 12th respectively, 60 at Caunsall on 13th, 40 at Callow Hill on 18th, 30 at Chase End Hill and 30 in a Malvern Link garden on 19th. Autumn passage birds reported through Happy Valley during October comprised 50 on 14th, 60 on 15th and 107 on 27th.

197 During the second winter period, New Farm game crop attracted 20 on November 13th and hereafter numbers increased, with totals reaching 60+ by the end of December. Other game crops at Crabbe Tree Farm held a maximum count of 75 on November 19th, Lineholt held 60+ on 26th, 80+ on 27th and 50 on December 4th and Longdon Marsh held 50 on 6th. 100+ were noted on Bredon Hill on December 10th, 100 at Hanley Child and 150 at Kyre on 24th and 30 in a Stoke Bliss garden on 29th. Staffs The second winter period in 2004 produced few large flocks and this continued into the first winter period of 2005. In January there were 60 at Apedale CP and 100 at Heaton, Marquis Drive and Princes Farm Kings Bromley; thereafter the largest flock recorded was just 26 at Woodhead in late March. An unusual sighting, several times during the year at Weston Jones, was of first a female then a male successfully feeding on a hanging peanut feeder. Visible migration peaked late October/early November but commenced on September 21st with 25 south in 30 minutes over Black Bank, then 33 in two hours October 2nd, 110 south-west in two hours at Belvide on 23rd, 26 south in one hour at Black Bank on 26th, 39 south-west at Belvide on 27th, 102 south-west on 29th, 40 south-west on November 2nd and 86 south-west on 5th in four hours. Larger flocks in the second winter period were 50 at Church Eaton on September 29th, 100 at Wootton October on 9th, 50 at Apedale CP on November 7th and 70 at Berry Hill on 13th. In early December a large flock of 200 birds at the borders of Hanchurch Woods moved mid-month to Bent Lane where they increased to an impressive 350 by the year’s end, accompanied by other finches feeding on game crop. W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, six territories were identified. Six or seven singing males at Marsh Lane NR appeared to be a slight improvement on 2004. A continued increase in sightings during the breeding period was reported at Saltwells LNR, but no changes in status were noted at Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP or Smestow Valley. High counts included circa 40 at Edgbaston Reservoir on February 20th, 50 at Forge Mill Farm in Sandwell Valley in September and 50 at Frankley on November 22nd. Visible migration included totals of up to 16 flying southwards over Marsh Lane NR daily from October 1st- 22nd and 38 heading generally southwards over Smestow Valley during an early morning ‘sky-watch’ on November 9th.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor, but in variable numbers. Average dates: October 11th (70) to April 20th (69). First seen at Marsh Lane NR on October 3rd; the last being at Westport on April 30th. Warks The almost complete absence of this species from the county at the end of 2004 continued into the New Year. Just five singles were reported: at Salford Priors GP on January 23rd, Warwick Priory Park on February 13th, Avon Dassett on March 2nd, Wormleighton Res on 21st and Draycote on April 2nd. After the first return migrant flew south-west over the Fenny Compton Hills on October 8th autumn records came from around 30 further sites in above-average numbers. Visible migration counts included 12 moving south-west at Napton Hill and 20 over Fillongley on October 20th, 12 over Ladywalk and nine south at Salford Priors GP on 23rd, eight over Alvecote on 29th, eight more over Brandon on 30th, 21 south at Lighthorne Quarry on November 1st, 17 west at Ilmington Downs on 7th and 40 south at Draycote on 9th. On the ground the largest feeding flock was 75 at Northend on October 31st, with 30 still present on November 1st. Smaller flocks included ten at Dosthill on November 1st, 15 at Gaydon on 5th and 20 between Abbots Salford and Rushford on 12th. Only very small numbers remained into December.

198 Worcs Small numbers were recorded during the first winter period, with Nimmings holding two on January 1st, six on 9th, three on 28th, 30th and 31st and two on February 12th. One visited a Stoke Bliss garden between January 19th-March 1st, 20 were noted at Callow Hill on February 4th, one at Lickey Wood on 12th, four on Bredon Hill on 18th, one at Lodge Hill Farm on 26th, New Parks held six on March 10th, four on 20th and 60 on 28th, one flew over Happy Valley on 19th and two were noted here on April 1st and one was in a Birchwood garden on 1st and 2nd. Many birds were encountered during the late autumn and second winter period, the first being observed over Grimley New Workings on October 8th and many westbound birds continued to pass over the new workings throughout October and November. Two were noted at Upper Bittell Reservoir on October 12th, one at Walton Hill on 14th and 31st, Happy Valley hosted 12 on 14th and 21st, 26 on 26th and 27th, 27 on Brambling, Cannock Chase, Dave Kelsall 28th, eight on 29th and five on November 5th and at Bredon’s Hardwick, two were present on October 14th, five on 23rd, four on 27th and November 7th and six on 19th. Clifton Pits held three on October 16th, three were at Throckmorton on 20th, two at Little Comberton on 22nd and 29th, Holt Heath held 15 on 22nd, five on December 9th and one on 26th and at Lower Moor, three were observed on October 23rd, followed by two on November 24th, five on December 5th and four on 19th. Two were at Westwood Pool on October 24th, then one was noted here on November 1st and 4th, Woodrow held three on October 25th, one was at Abberton on 28th, one at Berkeley on 29th, two at Castlemorton Common on November 1st, one and four at Lower Smite Farm on 1st and 29th respectively, one at Dowles Brook on 4th and one in a Redditch garden on 5th and 6th. Birds arrived at a game crop at Crabbe Tree Farm in early November, with six observed on 6th, three on 13th, 11 on 19th, 12 on 22nd, two on December 4th and 5th, 10 on 6th, 15 on 7th, 20 on 8th, six on 10th, 12 on 13th and from 16th-31st the flock remained stable at around 20 birds. The game crop at New Farm held 14 on November 13th, two on 18th, 30 on 23rd, 25 on 26th, 20 on December 1st, two on 4th and nine on 28th and impressive numbers visited a Stoke Bliss garden feeding station between November 13th and December 31st, with a maximum count of 120 made on December 29th. Game crops at Longdon Marsh attracted six birds on November 24th and Lineholt held 20 on 26th and 27th, 15 on 28th, 40 on December 4th, 15 on 14th and 10+ on 31st. Grimley Church held seven on November 26th and three on December 14th and also at Grimley village, 50 were reported on November 30th and December 1st, 35 on 2nd, 25 on 10th, three on 11th and 10 on 12th and 14th. A game crop at held a maximum count of 150 on December 4th, Caunsall held one on 13th and two on 15th, 25 were at Hanley Child on 24th, Kyre held 30 on November 20th and 300 on December 24th and one was noted at Welland on 30th.

199 Staffs There were some good-sized flocks in both winter periods. In the Heaton/ Rudyard area a flock built up to 30 birds in January, peaked at 100 during February and dropped to 30 in March with the last birds, 20, being seen on April 3rd. Small numbers at Hanchurch Woods from January peaked at 30 on April 9th with the last 23 seen there on April 23rd. These birds may also have accounted for up to 45 at Whitmore in February and 11 at Acton in March. Single-figure counts were regular at and around the Marquis Drive feeding station on Cannock Chase throughout January-March, with 16 on January 15th. Elsewhere there were 25 at Warslow on January 2nd, 30 at Wolseley Bridge on 15th, 100 at High Up Road (Leek) on February 5th and 30 at Stilecop on March 29th and another ten sites recorded up to three birds. The last bird was a female at Westport on April 30th. In the second winter period, the first returning birds passed over Black Bank on October 13th. Visible migration is summarized in the table below, with some excellent counts from Belvide.

October November 13th 16th 19th 23rd 24th 26th 27th 29th 30th 31st 2nd 5th Belvide– 3–77––7754–28146 Black Bank55––7103 11–– Westport– –1––––5––––

The largest flock, of 100 birds, visited the Sheepwalks/Enville area in mid-December; 50 in the Sherbrook Valley mid-October reduced to just nine at the nearby Marquis Drive feeding station in November but built up again to 25 in mid-December; one at Chasewater on October 30th increased to 30 birds by November 5th before decreasing to just one on 13th. Meanwhile there were 15 at Byrkley Park on October 27th, 20 at Ellenhall on November 2nd, 20 at Eccleshall on 4th, 10 at Wyrley and Essington Canal on 5th, 23 at Belvide on 13th, 10 at Hanchurch Woods on December 11th, 25 at Bent Lane on 22nd and single-figure counts from a further 20 sites. W Mid The only records in the first winter period were a male at Pelsall North Common LNR on January 6th and one in a Shirley garden on March 29th. At Marsh Lane NR, singles were noted on October 3rd, 18th and 22nd, with seven flying over on 28th. On November 5th, a flock of over 30 birds flew out of nearby Siden Wood and headed off southwards, 12 were at the feeding station and another three flew over. Two more went over on November 10th, with the last one on December 13th. Singles were seen at Dartmouth Park on October 14th, Sandwell Valley on 17th and 27th, in a Dorridge garden on 25th and one over there on November 15th. Seven were at Sheepwash UP on October 29th, with singles on November 26th and December 25th. A total of 16 flew generally southwards over Smestow Valley during an early morning ‘sky-watch’ on November 9th, and one was at Blythe Valley CP on 22nd.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Very common to abundant resident. Warks Farmland census results produced 21 territories in 120 ha at Morton Bagot (cf. 11 in 2004) and nine in 40 ha at Oldberrow. Flocks were mainly quite small during the first quarter, with a maximum of 80 at a pre-roost gathering at Black Hill, Snitterfield on February 14th. Autumn flocks, mainly frequenting set-aside and game cover crops, included maxima of: 100 at Northend on September 17th, 220 at Dunnington on October 9th, 100 at Wasperton on 31st, 150 at Chesterton on November 18th, 100 in a sunflower crop at Compton Verney on December 5th, and 100 on the Fenny Compton Hills on 13th.

200 Worcs Five pairs nested at Bodenham Arboretum and during the breeding season 50+ were noted at Welland on April 23rd and 15+ at the Old Hills on May 8th. The largest flock reported during the first winter period came from New Farm, with 300+ present from January 15th-23rd and 50 on 30th. A Stoke Bliss garden held 75 on January 19th, 50 were at Bickley on February 8th and 20+ at Chase End Wood on 19th. During the second winter period, a Maize crop at Hatfield attracted 175 on October 15th, 60 were at Devil’s Spittleful and 50 at Summerfield on 23rd, 18 flew over Happy Valley on 26th and Eckington held 100+ on November 6th. Game crops at New Farm attracted 200 on 13th and 300 on 23rd and 450 were at Crabbe Tree Farm on 19th. 40 were noted at Winyates East on December 3rd, 20 at Croome Landscape Park on 9th and 60 in a Stoke Bliss garden on 29th. Staffs In the first winter period, larger January flocks comprised a superb 400 at Princes Farm (Kings Bromley), 20 at Chasewater, 20 at Doley Common, 23 at Doxey, 200 at roost at Rising Brook, 25 at River Sow Meadows and 33 at Tittesworth. In February there were 20 at Park Farm (Trysull); in March 80 at Acton, 20 at Doxey, 24 at Stonnall and 20 roosting at Wetley Moor. Good-sized post-breeding flocks in August visited Ingestre (100) and Norbury Manor (121). Visible migration was noted in October at Black Bank when 14 flew west on 2nd and 92 south on 31st while at Belvide 22 flew south-west on 27th and 44 south-west on 29th. In the second winter period by far the largest flock was 200 at Cuckoo Bank in October; elsewhere in September, there were 20 at Berry Hill; in October there were 44 at Berry Hill, 20 at Byrkley Park and River Sow Meadows; in November 55 at Crossplains, 22 at Doxey and 32 roosting at Fenton Cemetery (Stoke) while in December 23 were roosting at Fenton Cemetery, 74 were at Doxey, 40 at Hobbs Hole GC and 20 at Lightwood. W Mid Three territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. six last year and an average of 2.9 over the last 13 years). Also noted in the breeding season at Acocks Green, Aldridge, Balsall Common, Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Bournville, Chadwick End, Chelmsley Wood, Coundon Wedge, Druid’s Heath, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Fens Pools, Galton Valley, Hall Green, Kingswinford, The Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR (two territories), Netherton Hill, Park Lime Pits, Portway, Priory Fields, Saltwells LNR, Sheep- wash UP (four pairs at least), Smestow Valley, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Trittiford Pool, Wall Heath, Walsall Arboretum, Warstock, Willenhall and Winson Green. First winter period counts included 30 at Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve on January 11th, 50 in stubble fields near Aldridge cricket ground on 15th, 20 at Marsh Lane NR on 21st, 25 at Walsall on 23rd, 130 at Birmingham airport on February 23rd and 100 there on March 7th. Later in the year, maximum counts included 43 at Aldridge on July 5th, 50 at Compton Park on August 30th, 30 at Frankley Waterworks on October 25th, up to 30 in a Wordsley garden through the month, 57 over Smestow Valley on November 9th, 61 over Dunstall Park on 13th, 100 at Marsh Lane NR on December 1st and 24 at The Dingles on 23rd.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Very common summer visitor and partial migrant; increasingly common in winter. Warks Farmland census results produced six territories on 120 ha at Morton Bagot (cf. only two in 2004), and six on 40 ha at Oldberrow. During the first quarter flocks of around 40-50 were noted feeding mainly on either alder or teasel seeds at Maxstoke in January, at Brandon and Wormleighton Res in February, and at Coleshill STW and Wootton Wawen in March. 50 at Gaydon on May 28th were feeding on seeding dandelions. Post-breeding counts began building up from the beginning of July, and from then until late December numerous flocks were reported. Amongst the largest were 110 at Weethley on August 19th,

201 79 at Salford Priors GP on 28th, an impressive 320 in the Wormleighton Res area on September 6th, 85 at Whatcote on 9th, 120 at Lighthorne Quarry on 14th, 85 at Priors Marston on 27th and lastly, 80 in a game crop at Chesterton on November 18th. Further flocks of around 40-70 were noted at Abbots Salford, Brandon, DMC Kineton, Draycote, Farnborough, Fenny Compton, Kingsbury, Knightcote, Ladywalk, Napton Hill, Priors Hardwick, Ufton Fields, Wasperton and Whichford. Worcs Groups reported during the first winter period comprised 40 at Huntsbridge on January 1st, 50 and 45 in a Stoke Bliss garden on 15th and 19th respectively, a Malvern Link garden hosted 10 on 22nd, nine on February 20th and 13 on March 19th, 20 were at Bockleton and 15 at Lower Quinton on January 27th, 25 at Eymore Wood on February 15th and 60 at Timberhonger on 23rd. 20+ were counted at Welland on April 23rd and numbers increased during the breeding season at Stoke Bliss, with up to 55 seen in a garden in July. Two other post-breeding flocks were reported, with 60 at Gwen Finch Wetland on July 27th and 48 at Highgrove Wood on August 23rd. During the second winter period, Ryall Pits held 20 on October 2nd, Clifton Pits held 30 on 2nd and 40 on 22nd, 80 were noted at Throckmorton Lagoons on 8th and 16th, 15 at Holt Heath on 22nd and a Malvern Link garden held five on November 21st and seven on December 18th. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Apedale CP 80 27 40 –3283727705125 Berry Hill –––––––1501602001622 Cuckoo Bank 50–––––––––2010 Denstone 18 32 8248–26102726 Doxey 402372–39123371201829 River Sow Meadows 30 14 18 ––––2530252812 Westport 20152524103127010013

Three pairs bred at Belvide, one at Croxall, two at Doley and three at West End. In the first winter period, the largest flock was 100 at Whitmore on March 15th with 40 at Aqualate, 30 at Elford GP and 35 at Lichfield, all in January. Visible migration counts comprised just 57 south at Black Bank on October 9th, 20 south-west at Belvide on 27th and 13 south-west on 29th. Some good numbers in the second winter period included: 50 at Drayton Bassett Pits in August; in September 100 at Alstonefield, 50 at Ecton Hill, 80 at Foker Grange, 60 at Hardings Booth, 40 at Higher Lower Perton Lakes, 40 at Meerbrook, 200 at Narrowdale, 100 at Tittesworth, 150 at Whitemoor Haye and 200 at Yoxall; in October 50 at Blithfield, 50 at Tittesworth and 30 at Stanton and in December 70 at Hanchurch Woods. W Mid Recorded in the breeding season at Acocks Green, Aldridge, Bickenhill, Birmingham (a pair nested in a Buddleia bush in St. Paul’s), Blythe Valley CP, Bournville, Cradley Heath, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Elmdon, Galton Valley, Hurst Hill Wood, Kingswinford, Lime Pits Farm, Marsh Lane NR, Mons Hill CBC plot, Portway, Priory Fields, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley, Stubbers Green, Trittiford Pool, Wall Heath, Warstock, Winson Green and Wordsley. A flock of 40 at Marsh Lane NR on January 22nd was the largest recorded in the first winter period. In autumn and the second winter period, maximum counts were 20 at Sheepwash UP from August till December, 60 plus at Dunstall Park on August 17th, 18 at Netherton Hill on 28th, 50 at Sandwell Valley CP on September 6th, 50 at Blythe Valley Business Park on October 9th, 140 at Marsh Lane NR on November 5th and about 20 at Winson Green on 21st.

202 Siskin Carduelis spinus Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Rare or scarce breeding species. Warks The late winter period was one of the worst for this species in decades, with an almost complete absence of birds over most of the county. Reports came from just six sites, with a few in a Goldfinch flock at Maxstoke on January 10th, five at Brandon on 23rd, and four on garden feeders at Avon Dassett on April 23rd, the only reports of more than one bird. Surprisingly despite the scarcity of wintering and spring passage birds, there were several breeding season records. These were presumably associated with the Crossbill invasion, and included a male at Whichford Wood on July 5th, a male singing in Bentley Woods on 15th, and a male on a Coleshill garden feeder on 18th. Happily one of the worst winters on record was succeeded by one of the best in recent years. The first migrants involved four flying south at Napton Hill on September 3rd and a further five south at Fenny Compton on 7th. Small flocks of up to a dozen became widespread from about September 12th, with flocks reaching maximum size in December particularly in stands of alder. Site maxima of 35 or more included: 35 at Charlecote on October 31st, 35 at Wootton Wawen on November 9th, 40 at Ufton Fields on 28th, 90 in Farnborough Park on December 13th, 100 at Shustoke on 15th, 60 in Packington Park on 16th, 50 at Tanworth- in-Arden on 18th, 110 at Brandon on 20th, 40 at Alvecote on 28th and 40 at Ladywalk on 31st. Flocks of around 20-30 were also noted at: Bentley Woods, Chesterton, Coombe Abbey, Coughton Court, Dosthill, Draycote, Earlswood, Guy’s Cliffe, Hampton Lucy, Kenilworth, Kingsbury, Maxstoke, Morton Bagot, Ryton Pools CP, Seeswood Pool and Ufton Hill. Worcs Two pairs were observed in the Wyre Forest during the breeding season, with a singing male seen displaying to a female at Callow Hill on June 19th and a pair feeding young at Knowles Mill on July 14th. Singing birds were also seen to fly over Kyre Pool on June 30th and Stoke Bliss on July 14th. Few reports were received during the first winter period, but Croome Landscape Park held two on January 14th and 12 on February 16th, 40 were at Stoke Bliss on January 22nd, Eymore Wood produced the best counts, with 80 noted on February 5th, 50 on 15th and 30 on 19th, 20 were at Bittell Reservoir on 13th and 32 at Callow Hill on 18th. Better numbers observed during the autumn and second winter period, with passage birds recorded at Wyche Cutting (one) on September 1st and 12th, one over Sugarloaf Hill on 13th and Happy Valley recorded 31 on September 18th, two on 24th, 14 on October 3rd, 45 on 11th, 40 on 19th, 23 on 20th, 24 on 27th, 35 on 31st and five on November 16th. Counts on Bredon Hill comprised 40 on September 28th, 30th and October 3rd, 45 on 11th, 40 on 19th, 35 on 31st and five on November 16th. Four were at Broadway on September 20th, several at Grimley Old Workings on 21st, Trimpley Reservoir held one on 24th, 12 on October 29th and 30 on November 6th, 25 and 20 were at Lodge Hill Farm on September 28th and October 13th respectively, two at Kinsham Lake and 10 at Little Comberton on September 29th and 30 at Huntshouse Wood and four at Ryall Pits on October 2nd. Lower Moor held two on 2nd and 3rd, seven on 10th, three on 29th, 10 on November 15th and three on December 8th and at Throckmorton Lagoons, one was noted on October 5th, 10 on 20th, three on December 5th and six on 10th. Three were at Grimley New Workings on October 8th, 10 at Grimley Brick Pits on 15th, two at Westwood Pool on 15th and 15 here on December 9th, seven at Clifton Pits on October 16th, eight at Gwen Finch Wetland on 18th and Castlemorton Common held 30+ on 29th and nine on December 23rd. 21 were observed along Dowles Brook on November 4th, a maximum of 60 were noted in a Stoke Bliss garden between 12th and December 31st, 12 at Oakley Pool on November 17th, three visited a Redditch garden between 17th-25th, five

203 were at Croome Landscape Park on 21st and December 14th, 35 at Abberton on November 27th and 30 at Captains Pool on 30th. Other December sightings comprised 35 at Winyates Green on 3rd, 73 at Bittell Reservoir on 4th, 150 at Grimley on 10th, 40 at Hanley Child on 12th and 30 at Holt Prairies on 26th. Staffs At least one pair fledged two young at Brund Hill and a female seen regularly at Hanchurch Woods may also have bred, but this was unconfirmed.

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Apedale CP –––––––––133513 Cannock Chase 20 50 55 5––1––2–2 Doxey ––––––––12121210 Hanchurch 20 80 50 – – 1 55 ––2–8 Tittesworth 361––––––4305033 Westport 01––––––36080150

In the first winter period, notably absent from regular haunts at Apedale and Westport but, in addition to the flocks at Cannock and Hanchurch above, there were in January; 20 at Cotton Dell, 55 at Crumpwood and 50 roosting at Greenhall Offices (Stafford); in February 30 at Ashwood and 43 at Bishop’s Wood and in March, 30 at Clayton. An influx in July seems to have coincided with Crossbill post-breeding dispersal and included one over Hopwas Hays Wood on June 26th and 15 at Maer Hills on July 9th. Visible migration was recorded sporadically from September 2nd at Black Bank until November 2nd and at Belvide but consisted mainly of single-figure counts totalling just 134 birds. Highest counts were from Belvide with 12 on September 8th, 18 on October 27th and 17 on 29th; Black Bank with 13 on October 13th, 11 on 16th and 12 on 26th. Also noted on passage at Berry Hill, Croxall and Woodhead. Untabulated second winter flocks in October included 25 at Belvide and 30 at Blithfield; in November 33 at Aqualate, 15 at Belvide, 30 at Byrkley Park and 23 at Knypersley and in December 47 at Aqualate, 45 at Bateswood, 26 at Belvide, 40 at Jackson’s Bank and 30 at Rawbones (Tixall). W Mid The most seen during the first winter period were seven at Forge Mill Farm in Sandwell Valley on January 15th, three at Fulford Heath on February 11th and six at Sheep- wash UP on March 13th. Otherwise, recorded just once at Marsh Lane NR, Reedswood Park, Smestow Valley, Trittiford Pool and Warley Woods. An early bird flew over Smestow Valley on July 17th. More were present in the second winter period, with maximum counts of 18 at Blythe Valley CP on October 6th, at least 30 at Priory Fields on November 29th, at least 25 at Fens Pools on 30th, 160 in two flocks at Marsh Lane NR on December 3rd, 16 at The Dingles on 9th, about 30 at Hayhead Wood on 18th and about 20 in the Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area on 28th. Flocks of up to 12 were also seen at Bradnock’s Marsh, Kingswinford, Lea Bank, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley and Small Heath.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina Very common resident and partial migrant, with fewer in winter. Warks Breeding reports included 25 pairs in scrub along 750m stretch of the Oxford Canal at Fenny Compton and 14 territories on 120 ha of farmland at Morton Bagot (cf. 17 in 2004). Late winter flocks of up to 80 were widely reported in game crops, set-aside and stubbles, and maxima included: 100 at DMC Kineton on January 2nd, 200 at Stratford- upon-Avon on February 6th, 130 at Great Packington on 15th, 90 at Longbridge on March 6th, 200 at Bodymoor Heath and 130 at Fenny Compton on 13th, 300 at Chesterton on 28th, and 100 at Farnborough Hill on April 9th. Autumn flocks were even more numerous

204 with many up to 100 strong reported. Maxima included 300 at Dunnington on August 28th, 200 at Charlecote on September 20th, 120 at Wishaw on October 8th, 150 at Wormleighton on 12th, 275 at Fenny Compton and 210 at Marlcliff on 22nd, 300 at Salford Priors GP on 23rd, 125 at Dordon on 26th, 330 at Wasperton on November 25th, and the largest of all an impressive flock of up to 1000 feeding in a mustard crop at Kinwalsey during December. Worcs The breeding population one the Malvern Hills continued to prosper and counts here included ten pairs around North Hill on April 10th, whilst at Hollybed Common, flocks of 75 and 80 were noted on 24th and 30th respectively, plus 20+ on May 11th and four family parties were observed on June 26th. The Old Hills held four singing males on May 8th. Counts during the first winter period comprised 120 at Wyre Piddle on February 6th, Caunsall held 200+ on 13th, 160 on 15th, 180 on 18th and 200 on 26th and 200 were noted at Barnett Brook on 16th. Post-breeding parties reported from Hollybed Common, with 30 on August 8th, 80 on 14th, 50 on 15th, 75 on 20th and 80 on September 25th, 30+, mostly juveniles were in Chat Valley August 21st and 60+ at Birtsmorton Court on September 16th. Second winter period sightings included counts of 200 at Caunsall on October 6th, a flock in a stubble field at Stoke Bliss from 10th-December 10th, produced a maximum count of 250 on November 5th, Ryall Pits held 75 on October 16th and Lower Moor produced maximum counts of 200 in October, 150 in November and 250 in December. 40 to 50 birds at Crabbe Tree Farm game crop between November 20th- December 21st, increased to 100+ by 28th, 150 and 250 were at Lineholt on November 27th and December 4th respectively, Longdon Marsh held 300 on 6th, 250 were at Hanley Child on 24th and 400 at Croome on 31st. Staffs Breeding pairs were reported from Apedale CP (four), Berry Hill (three), Black Bank (two), Byrkley Park (one with three juveniles), Coldmeece Pools (two), Croxall (one), Doley (one), Gun Hill (three), Handsacre (one), Ipstones Edge (two), Thorswood (five) and Wetley Moor (one) with records from a further 31 sites in the breeding season. No significant flocks in January but in February they were noted at Caunsall (50), National Memorial Arboretum/Whitemoor Haye (50), Pipehill (60) and Bent Lane (150); in March at Crossplains (120), Hollies Common (26) and Bent Lane (50); in April at Alrewas (35), Britannia Stadium (40 which included a leucistic bird), Crossplains (85), Cuckoo Bank (300), Denstone Hall Farm (60) and Essington Quarry Pool (40). The largest summer flocks were at Chasewater in May (30) and Crossplains on July 31st (35). Visible migration consisted of just 60 birds south at Westport on September 24th and 17 south at Black Bank October 9th. A huge flock of 500 birds built up at Cuckoo Bank in mid-September, remaining until mid October then reducing to 100 in November and December. Elsewhere in August flocks were seen at Barton GP (150), Crossplains (80), Croxall (250), Norbury Manor (160); in September at Blithfield (75), Chasewater (50), Weaver Hills (140) and Whitemoor Haye (150); in October at Aston Farm (200), Beech (90), Blithfield (150), and Little Aston (120). In November there were no significant counts but, in December, flocks were seen at Burston (200), Enville (100), Hanchurch Woods (70), Lea Heath (50) and Bent Lane (80). W Mid Breeding season reports were received from Blythe Valley CP, Elmdon, Marsh Lane NR (two pairs), Mons Hill CBC plot, Netherton Hill (up to ten in May), Portway, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley and Swan Pool. Maximum counts in the first winter period included 81 at Aldridge on February 10th, some 150 in fields near Bickenhill and 77 at Marsh Lane NR on 15th, and about 70 at Buckpool on 21st. In the latter part of the year there were at least 30 at Marsh Lane NR from September 25th till the end of the year, 28

205 at Sandwell Valley CP on September 23rd, ten at Sheepwash UP from September till December and 30 at Frankley Waterworks on October 25th. Smaller totals were noted at Dunstall Park in both winter periods.

Twite Carduelis flavirostris Scarce summer visitor to the North Staffs. Moors. Scarce and much declined winter visitor. Warks Two reports in October coincided with the arrival of good numbers of other “winter” finches. Two birds, an adult and first-winter were found at Draycote on October 22nd PJF, GIG, and a single bird was in company with a large Linnet flock in set-aside at Wasperton on 31st JJB. Staffs One at Blithfield on October 29th ICW was the only record this year.

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Uncommon or frequent breeding species, mainly in Staffs. Warks This species remained scarce during the first three months, with records from just ten localities. The only site to consistently host a flock during this period was Brandon, with a peak of 40 on February 4th and birds remaining until April 3rd. The only other reports of more than three birds involved 15 at Earlswood Lakes on January 6th, 15 in nearby Clowes Wood on 31st, 11 at Ladywalk on February 11th, seven at Alvecote on 13th, and seven at Fenny Compton on 26th. Spring passage migrants were noted (mainly on active northward migration) at Lighthorne Quarry on April 11th, Hartshill (four) on 12th, Fenny Compton on 20th and Oversley Wood on 22nd. The first autumn records involved one moving south at Napton Hill on September 12th and one trapped at Brandon on 18th. From September 25th onwards small parties of up to 15 were noted in most parts of the county, with much active migration noted during October. Site maxima during this period included 55 moving west at Earlswood on October 6th, 22 west at Packington on 12th, 22 at Brandon and 16 south at Salford Priors GP on 23rd, 30 at Wasperton on 31st, 20 at Draycote on November 9th, 20 at Abbots Salford on 12th, a flock of 65 feeding in a game crop at Chesterton on 18th, 20 by the Oxford Canal at Fenny Compton on December 1st, 17 at Kingsbury on 4th and 18 at Ladywalk on 5th. Worcs During the first winter period, numbers remained low, as they were in 2004. Apart from a flock of 40 at Huntsbridge on January 1st, no subsequent counts reached double figures. Throckmorton Lagoons held three on 3rd, three were at Lower Quinton on 27th and in February, Eymore Wood held seven on February 5th and one on 15th, seven were at Malvern Link on March 17th, one at Happy Valley on 18th, two at Upton Warren on 25th, two at The Knapp on April 12th and one or two males were heard singing at Point Coppice on 19th. In contrast, good numbers arrived in the county during the late autumn and second winter period, particularly after mid November. Passage birds were recorded at Happy Valley, with three noted on September 24th, 10 on October 6th, 18 on 8th, 33 on 14th, 25 on 19th, 28 on 26th and 16 on 27th. Grimley held one on September 25th, 10 on November 30th and December 1st and 20 on 18th, one was at Clifton Pits on September 25th and a further two on October 2nd, Bredon Hill held one on September 28th, nine on October 19th, 20+ between 22nd-November 12th and 10 on 13th and at Lodge Hill Farm, 30 were noted on September 28th, 200+ on October 10th and 130 on 13th. A few were at Coldridge Wood on September 29th, six at Ryall Pits on October 2nd, Upton Warren held 10 on 6th, 11 were at Grimley New Workings on 8th and Lower Moor produced counts of two on 12th, five on 19th, 32 on November 4th, 70 on 27th and 130 on December 19th.

206 One or two birds were noted at Throckmorton Lagoons between October 16th-December 13th, nine at Wilden on October 23rd, one in a Redditch garden on 31st, and Castlemorton Common held 30 on 31st, 50 on 29th, 12 on November 5th and six on 18th. 13 were observed along Dowles Brook on November 4th, 16 at Trimpley Reservoir on 6th, one at Kinsham Lake on 7th, 10 at Stanford Bridge on 9th, eight and five at Oakley Pool on 12th and 23rd respectively and New Farm game crop attracted four on 13th, 15 on 18th, 20 on 23rd, 30 on 26th and 50+ on December 4th. One flew over North Hill on November 14th, the game crop at Crabbe Tree Farm held 35 on 22nd, 40 on December 5th and 10th and between 50 and 60 from 13th-31st, Grimley Churchyard held 11 on November 26th, eight on December 10th and 10 on 14th, whilst at Lineholt, 80 were present on November 26th, 100+ on 27th, 75 on December 4th, 200 on 14th and 60 on 31st. Other December sightings came from a Malvern Link garden feeding station, with a maximum of five birds between 7th-30th, 50 were noted at Caunsall on 13th, 50+ at Wyre Piddle on 18th, 20 at Kyre on 24th, 15 at Holt Prairies on 26th, 30 at Upton Warren on 30th and 30 at Upton-upon-Severn Sewage works on 31st. Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites: JFMAMJ JASOND Apedale CP 18 18 30 000005233565 Belvide 202000002143015 Cannock Chase 60 100 75 120 00000120 Chasewater 500000000404540 Hanchurch Woods 1 20 9 200 000000030 Tittesworth 75––13435––1520– Westport 3016300000127126

Breeding/displaying birds were observed at Fauld (two), Gib Torr (one+), Gun Hill (ten) and The Roaches (one). Additionally, four at Park Hall CP, two at Rudyard and Swallow Moss were present in the breeding season. The map shows, for 2003-2005, breeding records (black dots) against all sightings (red dots), showing that breeding birds are now virtually confined to just the North Staffordshire Moors. In the first winter period, larger flock counts in January consisted of ten at Aqualate and 15 Cuckoo Bank; in February of ten at Bishop’s Wood and in March of 14 at Baddeley Edge and Burnt Wood, 20 at Knypersley. A marked influx in April (see table above) also saw 80 birds at Beech and 40 at Burnt Wood. In October small flocks of visible migrants passed south over Black Bank peaking at 20 on 14th. In the second in winter period 13 visited Chasewater in September while in October 14 were at Bednall and 20 at Doxey. In November there were 11 at Berry Hill, 100 at Byrkley Park and 15 at Knypersley while in December 12 were at Aqualate, 15 at Bateswood CP, ten at Branston GP, 17 at Coldmeece, 40 at Farley

207 and 15 at Bent Lane. Reported in smaller numbers from 20 other sites during the winter periods. W Mid High counts in the first winter period included 12 at Reedswood Park on January 5th, 30 at Marsh Lane NR on 30th, 14 at Olton Mere on February 28th, 26 at Knowle on March 20th, three at Elmdon on 30th and a maximum of 40 at Sheepwash UP. The first of the autumn was seen at Blythe Valley CP on September 16th, followed by up to 40 at Hampton Coppice in October, a high of 25 at Bruten Park conservation area on November 19th, 15 at The Leasowes on December 15th, up to five in a Monkspath garden during the month and maxima of 20 at Sheepwash UP and nine at Marsh Lane NR. Other records in both winter periods involved up to 15 in Sandwell Valley, up to ten in the Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area and up to four at Fens Pools.

Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea Rare or scarce winter visitor in fluctuating numbers (x/10). Warks In December, two accompanied a flock of Siskins at Farnborough Park on 13th JJB, and one was trapped and ringed at Ladywalk on 21st per SLC. Worcs Over a dozen birds were recorded amongst Lesser Redpoll flocks, the first being four at New Farm on November 18th AW et al. At this locality thereafter, one was noted on 23rd, two on 26th and December 1st, one on 4th, then three on 6th and 26th and half a mile down the road at Crabbe Tree Farm, one was observed on December 10th, two on 13th, 18th and 21st, four on 23rd, two on 28th and 31st. The Redpoll flock regularly commuted between New and Crabbe Tree Farms, so undoubtedly the same individuals were present at both localities. Elsewhere Lineholt held singles on November 26th and 27th, plus three on December 14th GHP et al., one was at Grimley Church from December 10th-14th BS et al., and at Holt Fishing Pools, one was observed on 26th and a second bird on 31st BS et al. Staffs A good number of sightings this year with singles at Baggeridge CP on January 21st KC, Abraham’s Valley on March 23rd-31st RCB, Belvide on October 30th-31st SN, Apedale CP from November 13th-18th SJT and Hanchurch Woods from December 4th-6th PJon. W Mid One was seen with a Lesser Redpoll at Marsh Lane NR on November 16th – the first record for the site per NPB.

Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Frequent, though variable, irruptive visitor. Rare and erratic breeding species. Warks The first report of a good-sized late summer influx was of two in Oakley Wood on June 2nd. Subsequently six were found in Bentley Woods on June 14th, with this well- watched flock gradually increasing in size to 19 by 18th, 22 on 20th, 30 on July 1st, 45 on 3rd, 50 on 10th and peaking at 60 on July 15th. Subsequently up to 30 remained here until about July 23rd, with the last bird noted on August 14th. With most eyes fixed on Bentley probably other suitable woodlands went unvisited, but there were the following reports: four flew south-west at Brandon on June 19th, 15 were on the Arbury Park estate on July 10th, seven flew north over Stockingford on 14th, three at Oakley Wood on 15th, 12 flew north over Farnborough on 16th, at least two were in Hartshill Hayes on 19th, nine flew south at Shustoke on 27th and one north-east over Wormleighton Res on August 8th. At the end of the year singles were seen over Kinwalsey on December 7th and at Draycote on 14th.

208 Worcs Two sightings during the first winter period, with two in the Wyre Forest on February 1st and six at Eymore Wood on 3rd. Eleven were noted at Arley Wood on May 30th and in the Wyre Forest at Callow Hill, one was present on June 11th, two on 18th, one on 19th, 45 on July 4th, one on 29th, 28 on August 8th and eight on 20th. Other reports during the late summer and autumn comprised 10 at Eymore Wood on July 3rd, one flew over Westwood Pool on 11th, nine at Clent Hills on 20th and 26th, four over Stoke Bliss on 20th and also heard here on August 4th, one over St. Johns on 4th, in the Wyre Forest, 20 were present on 6th and eight on 20th, 10 flew over Wyche Cutting on 14th and one over Abberton on 31st. Trimpley Reservoir held one on September 24th, two flew over Wilden on 29th and at the northern end of the Malvern Hills, six were reported on 29th, two on October 19th, three on 26th, one on November 5th, several on 7th and one on 12th. Bredon Hill held two on October 9th, five on 11th, one on 23rd, eight on 31st, two on November 2nd, three on 6th and 12 on 13th, whilst two were at Nimmings on October 31st, four at Dowles Brook and one over Worcester on November 4th, one over Stoke Bliss on 5th, 14 on Chase End Hill on December 18th and two over Kyre Pool on 24th. Staffs An extremely poor start to the year with just two at Strawberry Hill on January 30th, one in Abraham’s Valley on March 26th and four flying out early morning from Fenton Cemetery (Stoke) on April 24th. Eighteen flying west over Blithfield May 22nd was the first sign of an influx of post-breeding birds. These were followed by further fly- overs of 15 at Million Plantation on June 12th, one at Chasewater on 13th, 26 at Castle Ring and 10 Upper Longdon on 25th and eight at Beaudesert on 26th. Sightings were then regular in several conifer woods, as summarised below, from July until the year end with the largest flock being 56 at Hanchurch Woods on July 2nd.

Monthly maxima: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Burnt Wood15––––– Cannock Chase 24 8 10 12 30 16 Churnet Valley –––––2 Hanchurch Woods 56 21 5 14 – 12 Maer Hills – 30 1––– Tittesworth–––––5

Additional birds noted on passage comprised 20 at Brough Hall and five Croxden Quarry on July 3rd, one at Bednall on 8th, 10 west over Blithfield on 17th, three flying north over Milton on August 8th, two west over Keele University on 15th, four south over Black Bank on October 2nd, one at Wetley Moor on 16th, one at Chasewater on 18th, 19th and 21st, one at Milton 23rd, two south over Black Bank on 26th, 11 south-west over Belvide on November 5th and 14 at Highgate Common on December 23rd. W Mid A party of six birds, including at least two males, landed briefly at Blythe Valley CP before flying off towards the south-west on July 11th.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common resident. Warks Farmland census data show three pairs in 120 ha at Morton Bagot and five in 40 ha at Oldberrow. Only 15 (cf. 21 in 2004) logged on the DMC Kineton May count was the lowest for ten years, although there is no reason to suspect that numbers do not continue to remain stable there. Parties of up to a dozen were widely reported during the year, with larger counts including maxima of 14 feeding on Guelder-rose Viburnum opulus berries at Brandon on January 18th, 15 at Napton Hill on September 12th, 14 at Draycote on

209 November 26th and December 14th, 23 at Wormleighton Res on December 22nd and 17 by the Oxford Canal at Fenny Compton on 28th. Worcs Very few records were received, but reported as a fairly common breeding species on the Malvern Hills. Counts made were of eight in Happy Valley on September 11th, 10 at Castlemorton Common on October 29th, four in a Malvern Link garden on December 11th and five at Wick on 28th. Staffs A widespread bird but breeding only confirmed from Belvide (two), Biddulph Moor, Black Bank (two+), Byrkley Park, Churnet Valley, Doley Common and Westport (two+), despite records from a further 105 sites. The largest flocks consisted of 25 birds at the White House car-park on January 10th, 12 at Crumpwood on 20th, 10 at Chasewater on February 21st, 10 at Westport on March 13th, 10 at Park Hall CP on May 10th, 10 at Chasewater on November 1st, nine at Belvide on 6th, 13 at Black Bank on 8th, 10 at Marquis Drive on December 7th and finally 10 at Westport on 28th. W Mid Four territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, fewer than last year’s six, but still higher than the average of three over the last 13 years. Also recorded in the breeding season at Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Coundon Wedge, Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area (several pairs), Elmdon, Galton Valley, Hall Green, Handsworth Park, Harts Hill, Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR (at least two pairs), Monkspath (two pairs raised four broods between them), Park Lime Pits, Priory Fields, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (three pairs), Sutton Park and Trittiford Pool. Also noted at Aldridge golf course, Black Patch park, Blythe Valley Business Park, Burbury, The Dingles, Fens Pool, Haden Hill Park, Harborne, Hawne Park, Hayhead Wood, Knowle, Longbridge, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common, Queen’s Park, Sarehole Mill, Scribers Wood, West Bromwich and Windmill Lakes. Counts included 15 at Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve on January 11th, ten together at Marsh Lane NR on February 15th and 11 in a Hall Green garden on December 23rd and 24th.

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Scarce to uncommon, but declining, resident. A national influx of birds, probably of Continental origin, spread across the Region from around October 23rd, giving many a chance to catch up with this elusive species. Warks An exceptional ten were reported in the county following the UK autumn invasion of continental birds, but many more were possibly overlooked. The first bird was seen at Alcester Heath on October 23rd REH. The country park at Draycote then quickly became the main focus, with the first two (a male and female) seen on October 29th RWSK. Probably the same couple were then seen on a regular basis from November 22nd TBr et al, increasing to three from 27th onwards, with a peak of four on December 14th many observers. Birds were attracted to the site by the many berries and hornbeam seeds available, but the often excellent views on offer here probably prevented many observers looking for their own birds elsewhere in the county. Other reports around the county included two feeding on berries at Abbots Salford on November 26th BGs, one frequenting a garden in Temple Grafton from December 5th-31st AFJG, one near Coombe Abbey on 17th JJB, and one seen in the last week of the month at Shennington (Alderminster) ADW. Worcs A pair was reported at Bodenham Arboretum during the breeding season. Only observed at Lodge Hill Farm during February and March, with singles noted from 18th- 21st, on 23rd and 25th, then three on 26th, one on 27th, two on March 2nd, 6th and 10th, four on 12th, 13th and 20th and finally three on 27th and 28th. An influx of what were probably continental birds arrived in the county from mid-October, starting with two at

210 Hawfinch, Wyre Forest, John Robinson

Grimley on 22nd. One flew over Happy Valley on 27th, Winyates Green held one on 29th and November 26th, two on December 4th and one on 24th, one was on Bredon Hill on November 9th, one at New Farm on 18th and two at Bodenham Arboretum, plus singles at Sainsbury’s in Redditch and Winyate East on 19th. A single bird was observed on many dates between December 5th-28th at Crabbe Tree Farm and at Croome Landscape Park, four were noted on 8th and 9th, six on 10th, 15 on 13th, 22 on 14th, one on 17th, 14 on 18th, 10 on 21st, four on 22nd, five on 26th and 27th, one on 28th and 30th and five on 31st. Singles also observed at Chase End wood on 10th and 18th, Lodge Hill Farm on 14th, Matchborough West on 25th, Southcrest Wood on 27th, Rous Lench Churchyard on 29th and 30th and Salwarpe Churchyard on 29th and 30th, whilst three frequented Jubilee Gardens at Bewdley on 31st. Staffs A considerable influx of continental migrants in the late autumn resulted in a good series of sightings, commencing with four over Belvide on October 23rd and one on 25th, when another was seen at Codsall, two on 27th, three on November 2nd and one on 5th SN. Thereafter up to three were seen on and off at Ingestre from November 22nd until the year end RCB et al. W Mid Three flew south-westwards over Marsh Lane NR, perching briefly in trees in Siden Hill Wood, on November 5th – part of considerable migration that day and only the second record for the site per NPB.

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus Very rare vagrant (3/10). Staffs One flew over Westport on November 23rd WJL.

211 W Mid Of two buntings that flew over Marsh Lane NR on October 1st one was thought to this species and the other a Corn Bunting per NPB.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn, and winter visitor (x/10). Worcs A female was discovered at Lower Moor on October 23rd RAP and on the Malvern Hills, Worcestershire Beacon held one on November 12th IR, a first-winter male was on North Hill and another flew over calling on 13th SMW, two first-winters were on Worcestershire Beacon from 24th-27th WFP et al., and a first-winter male and two females were again on the beacon from December 20th to the years end TT et al.

Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos Very rare vagrant (1/10). Worcs A splendid winter-plumaged male was discovered in a game crop at New Farm on January 15th GHP et al and, through generally elusive, was enjoyed by hundreds of birders from around the county up until 24th. Over £1,800 was raised by donations, which went to the tsunami appeal and many thanks must go to Barry and Wendy at New Farm for allowing open access to their land and car-parking facilities. This record constituted the second for the county and for the Region, the last being at Bibbey’s Pine Bunting, Richard Newton Hollow in February 1996.

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Very common to abundant, though declining, resident. Warks A stable population was indicated at Morton Bagot, where 20 territories were present in 120 ha of farmland as in 2004. The May count of 58 at DMC Kineton was back up to the level of 2002. Late winter flocks of up to 50 strong were relatively numerous this year, with the largest of all being present in a Birchmoor stubble field where it peaked at 200 on January 25th. Other good-sized flocks included 100 at Maxstoke on January 3rd, 100 around sheep pens at Fenny Compton on 5th, 120 in stubble at Farnborough on February 5th, 59 in maize stubble between Abbots Salford and Rushford on 7th, 70 at Barcheston on 18th, 85 at Knightcote on 21st, 120 near Wormleighton Res on 28th, 55 at Bodymoor Heath on March 13th and 65 at Weston-on-Avon on 21st. Autumn and early winter flocks were generally smaller, with the largest comprising 70 at Weston-on-Avon on November 16th, 80 in game cover at Chesterton on 18th, and 62 between Abbots Salford and Rushford on December 28th. Flocks of around 40-50 were also noted during this period at: Charlecote, Fenny Compton Hills, Halford, Haselor, Marlcliff, Northend, Salford Priors GP and near Wormleighton Res. Worcs Two territories were held along Dowles Brook, a pair fledged three young at

212 Wilden Marsh, a few pairs nested at Little Comberton and reports of singing males comprised one at Hob Hill on March 10th, three at Welland on April 23rd, one at the Old Hills on May 8th, between four and five at Hollybed Common, two at Castlemorton Common and four at Timberhonger. Also reported as reasonably common during the breeding season in the south east of the county. The largest groups reported during the first winter period comprised 20+ at Crabbe Tree Farm game crop on January 15th, New Farm game crop held 100+ from 15th-23rd, plus 30 on March 13th, 20 at Eckington Meadows on February 8th, 20 at Abberton on 10th, 80 on Bredon Hill on 18th and 28th and 20 at Caunsall on March 4th. During the second winter period, Cofton Richards Farm held six and Westwood Park, five on October 12th, three were seen at Happy Valley on 14th, 15 at Clifton Pits on 16th, nine at Castlemorton Common on November 5th and New Farm held five on 13th and nine on 23rd. Crabbe Tree Farm produced counts of 20 on 15th, 13 on December 1st, nine on 4th and 40 on 7th, whilst Bredon Hill held 40 on November 20th, 20 were at Lineholt on December 4th, 60 at Kyre on 11th and at Caunsall, six were noted on 14th and 12 on 26th. Staffs Only one site had confirmed breeding birds but records were received from over 50 sites during the breeding season. Singing males were recorded at Aqualate (two), Brough Hall, Castle Hill (Ashley), Church Eaton, Fernhill, Gerrard’s Bromley (three), Hanchurch Pools, Hollies Common (two), Maer Hills, Myatt’s Pits, Netherset Hey, Perton, Prestwood, Ranton Green, Strawberry Hill, Wergs, Woodseaves and Weston Jones (seven) where two birds were seen carrying food into nests. Observers are encouraged to submit more information on singing and breeding birds due to its national decline. Records of larger flocks were noted as follows; in January at Anslow (15), Cuckoo Bank (40), Elford GP (30), Prestwood Level (30) and Whitmore (50); in February at Anslow (50), Belvide (15), National Memorial Arboretum (25) and Whitmore (18); in March at Anslow (30), Norbury Manor (30) and Whitmore (50); in April at Anslow (65 – this year’s largest flock), and Cuckoo Bank (35). Worryingly few records were submitted in August and September with 14 at Bednall the only double-figure count in October. In November records came from Ellenhall (14) and Offleymarsh (18); in December from Norbury Manor (51), Offleymarsh (15) and Whitmore (50). W Mid A pair bred in Sandwell Valley. Also recorded during the breeding season at Aldridge, Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Chadwick End, Elmdon, Marsh Lane NR, Park Lime Pits, Smestow Valley and Wall Heath. High counts in the first winter period included six at Pelsall North Common on January 6th, nine at Streetley on 9th, up to 20 in the Dorridge area on 18th and 28th, four at Goscote Valley on February 18th, two at Knowle on March 20th and up to eight near Marsh Lane NR during the month. In the second winter period, 30 were seen near Marsh Lane NR on November 22nd, with four in Goscote Valley on December 7th.

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Very rare vagrant (2/10). Worcs and Staffs A bright female was found visiting two game crops, one in Worcestershire the other in Staffordshire near Caunsall from February 6th BW et al., and whilst searching for this bird on 13th a male was discovered GHP et al. By the 15th it became apparent a third individual, a heavily streaked breasted female/immature was also present SMW et al. Apart from February 16th when it was seen in Staffs SN, the male was only ever reported from the Worcestershire game crop and the two female/immature birds favoured the crop on the Staffordshire side, though the brighter female did visited the

213 Worcestershire crop on the odd occasions, the streaked individual was never observed here and only ever entered Worcestershire, whilst seen twice in-flight over the field between the two crops. The male was last observed on March 13th, the remaining two were reported together up until 15th and the bright female was seen on 20th and finally the 28th. As with the Pine Bunting, thanks must go to the farm tenant and landowner for allowing access and over £130 was donated by visiting birders, which went to the local Air Ambulance. This record Little Bunting, Caunsall, Andy Warr constitutes the second, third and fourth birds for Worcestershire, the last being at Defford in May 1994 and the third, fourth and fifth for Staffordshire, the last being at Belvide in April 1995.

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Common, though declining, resident. Warks Counts of five or more singing males in the breeding season came from: Brandon (15), Charlecote GP (seven), Chesterton Church Pool (five), Ditchford Frary (five), DMC Kineton (11), Fenny Compton (11), Lighthorne Quarry (17), Longbridge (five), Napton Res (seven), Priors Hardwick (11), Salford Priors GP (seven), Upper Kingston (five), Wasperton (12) and Wormleighton Res (seven). Most repeats counts were similar to or slightly up on 2004, while the big increase at Lighthorne Quarry was a result of a taller vegetation sward due to less intensive grazing. Outside the breeding season small flocks of up to 20 were noted in several localities. The best counts included 40 in game crops at Morton Bagot on February 18th, 30 in set-aside at Priors Hardwick and 36 at Bodymoor Heath in March, 25 at Lighthorne Quarry on October 17th, and 40 at Salford Priors GP on November 13th. Worcs Singing males reported during the breeding season at Castlemorton Common, Feckenham Wylde Moor, Lower Moor, Oakley Pool (six), Ryall Pits (two), Strensham Lagoons (four), Upton Warren (15+) and Westwood Pool. Counts during the first winter period comprised nine at Gwen Finch Wetland on January 2nd, New Farm game crops held 150+ from 15th-23rd, and 100+ on March 13th, 10 were at Croome Landscape Park on January 21st, eight at Ashmoor Common and 10 at Ryall Pits on February 7th and 40+ at Caunsall from 13th-27th. Ryall Pits held eight on August 29th, six were at Holt Prairies on September 29th, 12 at Kinsham Lake on November 6th and 15 at New Farm on 23rd. Staffs Breeding territories were located at Apedale CP (three cf. five in 2003), Aqualate (two), Belvide (11), Berry Hill (four+), Bishton, Black Bank (four), Crossplains (two), Croxall (two-three), Doley (three), Doxey (six+), Dunwood (three), Eland Brook, Goldsitch Moss (three), Gun Moor, Pethills, Pool Dam (five), River Dove Fauld (three),

214 River Sow Meadows Baswich (nine), Rudyard Lake, Silverdale Colliery, Strawberry Hill, Tittesworth (six+ pairs, three juveniles), Waterfall, Wetley Moor (two) and 31 other sites during the breeding season. Double-figure flocks were seen in January at Elford Gravel Pits (20) and Whitmore (40); in February at Anslow (15), National Memorial Arboretum (40) and River Sow Meadows (12); in March at Anslow (20), Doxey (25) and Whitmore (40); in April at Doxey (33); in May at River Sow Meadows (22); in August at Doxey (11); in September at Berry Hill (50) and Doxey (11); in October at Berry Hill (30) and Doxey (26); in November at Berry Hill (15) and River Sow Meadows (11) and in December at Elford GP (30) and Bent Lane (20). W Mid Breeding season records were received from Barston (three pairs), Bickenhill, Blythe Valley CP, Dunstall Park (one pair), Elmdon, Fens Pools, Hayhead Wood, Marsh Lane NR (at least ten pairs), Saltwells LNR (two pairs), Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (two pairs, but ‘numbers decreasing’) and Smestow Valley (up to four pairs). Also noted at Aldridge, Coundon Wedge, Dorridge, Knowle, Park Lime Pits, Pelsall North Common, Priory Fields, Scribers Wood, Streetley and Sutton Park. Counts at Marsh Lane NR included peaks in the first winter period of 24 on March 11th and up to 50 on November 7th, though a total of 63 individuals were caught and ringed during autumn.

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Fairly common, though much declined, resident. Warks Singing males were heard in the breeding season at: Barford (two), Birchmoor (four), Charlecote (three), Coombe Fields, Dunton Island, Farnborough (two), Lawford Heath (four), Longbridge, (at least ten, but whole area not covered), Milcote (four), Wasperton (three), Whichford Hill and Wishaw (two). Outside this period there were a number of small flocks reported, with maxima of 25 at Wishaw on January 4th, 40 at Birchmoor on February 11th, ten at Weston-on-Avon on 28th, 32 in set-aside at Wasperton on March 11th, up to 17 near Hams Lane, Lea Marston from 14th-20th, and in autumn, ten at Coombe Fields on October 27th and 12 near Wormleighton Res on December 16th. Other out-of-season records of up to five birds came from: Abbots Salford, , Chapel Ascote, Marlcliff, Mobbs Wood, Rushford and Salford Priors GP. Worcs During the first winter period 11 were noted at Gwen Finch Wetland on January 2nd, six at Throckmorton Airfield on February 3rd and six at Lower Moor on 12th and 16th. Singing males observed on breeding territories reported from the / Cropthorne area, with two present on March 17th, two on April 1st, three on 18th and one on June 4th and 16th, Bury End Flash held one on April 23rd, two on May 2nd and 19th and three on 29th and Shenstone held two on April 26th, one on May 1st and 2nd, four on 21st, one on June 13th and four on July 30th. Singles also noted at Lower Moor on April 26th, Little Comberton on 26th, June 3rd and from July 6th-8th, Ryall Southern Pit on May 24th, Ripple on 27th, Stankyn on 30th and June 13th and Throckmorton Lagoons on 14th. During the autumn and second winter period, four were at Ryall Southern Pit on August 29th and singles were observed at Throckmorton Lagoons and Lower Moor on October 3rd, Bredon’s Hardwick on 7th, Bredon Hill on 22nd, Lower Moor on December 10th and Shenstone on 19th. Staffs Small numbers of singing males were reported from Alrewas, Bednall (one), High Offley (one), Leawood (one), Packington Moor (three), Trysull (six) and Whitemoor Haye (six). Whitemoor Haye remains the county stronghold and at the start of the year, they chose to reside principally at the National Memorial Arboretum where 38 were logged on February 23rd. The largest post-breeding flock count was 11 on July 17th, with 12 on

215 Corn Buntings, Hams Hall, Steve Seal

December 22nd. Elsewhere, up to four were recorded regularly at Bent Lane in December, 11 at Weston Jones Mill on January 16th, three at Blithfield August 12th and one on September 22nd. W Mid Just two singing birds were noted off Hillwood Common Road, Sutton Cold- field. Two birds were seen at the southern end of Smestow Valley on March 21st – only the second site record, the first being in April 1980. One was noted at Park Lime Pits on May 4th and 8th. Of two buntings that flew over Marsh Lane NR on October 1st, one was thought to this species and the other a Lapland Bunting.

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

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

Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus Staffs A feral bird visited Blithfield on September 30th-October 1st NJS, RCB and was later seen at Branston Gravel Pits on October 9th KC moving to Byrkley Park from 9th- 14th DIMW. W Mid One was seen at Fens Pools on November 11th.

Snow Goose Anser caerulescens Staffs A feral bird was at Croxall GP on December 19th GFB.

Lesser Canada Goose Branta hutchinsii Staffs One was at Blithfield on September 15th and another or the same at Belvide on October 6th and 19th. One at Belvide on May 15th and October 21st may have been a Cackling Canada Goose B. h. minima. W Mid A bird of the Cackling subspecies B. h. minima flew southwards over Dunstall Park in a skein of Greater Canada Geese on October 9th and was seen shortly afterwards at nearby West Park.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Warks There were reports of three at Draycote on August 15th BGs, one at Earlswood Lakes on September 8th JAC, and three (a male and two females) at Salford Priors GP on October 23rd JJB. Worcs Three arrived at Westwood Pool on October 3rd WD, but stayed for just 30 minutes and an adult male was on the river flash at Lower Moor from 29th-31st RAP et al. Staffs Three at Aqualate on June 25th PJor were later seen at Belvide on July 20th RS, then one was at Blithfield on July 31st and one at Belvide on August 6th RS. W Mid A juvenile bird was seen at Marsh Lane NR on October 30th.

Falcated Duck Anas falcata Warks A female at Alvecote on September 5th RLS, had probably escaped from the collection at Mancetter.

Baikal Teal Anas Formosa Warks A female at Alvecote on January 2nd RLS, was known to have escaped from Mancetter.

217 Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Warks An escaped male was at Alvecote fairly regularly throughout the year RLS et al, with a different male on the river at Polesworth in spring and summer RLS. Both were thought to originate from a collection at Mancetter.

Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus Warks A male was watched crossing a road at Stoneleigh on April 7th JMR. Worcs A male was at Nash End on April 3rd KB.

Appendix 2 The following species all fall into Category E of the British List (BOU 1998), as being introductions, transportees or escapees from captivity and whose breeding populations are not thought to be self-sustaining. The sequence and the nomenclature used in this section follow Birds of the World – A Check List, 5th Edition J.F. Clements (2000).

Black Swan Cygnus atratus Australia and Tasmania. Warks Up to three were around the Tame Valley area for most of the year, with two of these particularly favouring the pools at Coton. On November 5th a remarkable party of seven flew east-north-east over Idlicote Hill, with three moving south down the Stour valley between Halford and Tredington on 8th. Worcs Single adults were observed at Kinsham Lake on January 1st, Arrow Valley Lake on 18th and Bredon’s Hardwick from October 29th-December 18th. Staffs A pair bred at Dunstall, producing four chicks of which two survived while a pair raised two young at Hollybush Lake. Two at Brookleys Lake from January 9th-16th probably returned from November 20th-29th. One at Belvide on January 18th was joined by another bird on February 27th, two more joining on April 9th-28th, decreasing to three from 29th-May 16th, then two until August 10th and one until November 6th although one subsequently returned on December 31st. Three birds arrived at Barton GP on May 15th, moving to Whitemoor Haye the next day. One of these birds stayed to 17th, moved to Croxall on 18th then re-appeared at Whitemoor Haye on 29th. Three also arrived at Aqualate on June 17th, staying until September 9th, with two still there on 18th. One then re-appeared on October 16th. W Mid Two remained at Edgbaston Reservoir from July 16th to October 18th. Probably the same bird was noted at Marsh Lane NR on January 22nd, from March 1st to April 6th and from August 13th to December 24th at least.

Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator Western North America Staffs An adult and an immature were seen at Brookleys Lake on July 31st.

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus Central and southern Asia; winters India and Burma. Warks A pair was present at DMC Kineton from March-August, but again without breeding. A single bird remained there during October and November. Other records included two on the Avon meadows at Hampton Lucy on February 14th, one at Alvecote

218 on April 17th-18th, two by the canal south of Napton Hill on September 12th and 22nd, and a single bird at Draycote on 18th and 27th. Staffs One was at Doxey from January 21st-February 17th and two at Whitemoor Haye on November 6th. W Mid One was noted at Forge Mill Lake on June 12th and 14th.

Ross’s Goose X Barnacle Goose Staffs The hybrid was present all year at Madeley Pond.

Domestic Goose W Mid A total of 40, with four nests, were counted at Hillfield Park on March 20th. Nesting also occurred at Tudor Grange Park.

Cape/South African Shelduck Tadorna cana The Karoo of southern Africa Warks A female was at Chesterton Church Pool on November 18th. Staffs A female at Tittesworth Reservoir on June 8th, remained there until July 24th.

Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata Lowlands of Mexico to NE Argentina and Brazil. W Mid Two were recorded at Walsall Arboretum on January 29th, March 24th and June 22nd, with one on September 26th, whilst one was seen in Sandwell Valley on October 9th.

Wood Duck Aix sponsa Forested woodlands and inland lakes of Canada, south to northern Mexico. Warks A male at Alvecote during January, and again (in eclipse) on July 22nd and December 30th, was presumably the bird seen here in previous years. A male was at Lea Marston on January 4th. Worcs Drakes were at Porters Mill on March 11th and on the River Severn at Worcester on December 15th and 26th. Staffs A male was at Trentham Gardens Lake on April 21st.

Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis Colombia to Brazil Staffs Two were at Westport on September 27th with one on October 5th and 9th.

Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix Open wetlands in southern South America and the Falkland Islands. Worcs A drake was observed at Grimley New Workings on August 25th, 28th, 31st, September 6th, 22nd, 26th and October 2nd.

White-cheeked (Bahama) Pintail Anas bahamensis Locally in South America, the West Indies and Galapagos Islands. Warks One at Earlswood from November 30th until the end of the year, was probably the bird earlier seen at Olton Mere (West Mids). W Mid One was seen at Olton Mere on November 10th.

219 Red-billed (Teal) Duck Anas erythrorhyncha Eastern and southern Africa Staffs A pair was present at Knypersley Reservoir from August 27th until September 17th.

Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca Lowlands of South America. Worcs A drake was at Westwood Pool on October 1st. W Mid One was seen at Manor Farm Park on September 22nd.

Reeves’ Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii North-central China Staffs A young male or adult female appeared around a garden feeding station at Highfield, Rudyard on April 17th. W Mid Individuals were seen in at least three locations along Smestow Valley and in Merridale and Tettenhall in March, after two or three birds had escaped from Wergs Hall.

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus Forests and scrub of E Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. W Mid The male bird first recorded in Smestow Valley in 1999 was again noted between March and May. One was seen at Edgbaston Reservoir on July 16th.

Harris’s Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Semi-arid woodland and scrub in South and Central America, north to southern Texas and Arizona. W Mid One was frequently seen at Aldridge from October 17th to December 1st.

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Canada, the USA and south to Mexico. Warks A lost bird was at Lighthorne Quarry on August 15th. Falconers’ birds are known to be flown in this area. Worcs One was seen quartering a stubble field at Huddington on August 9th.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita New Guinea and adjacent islands to Australia and Tasmania. W Mid Apparently the same bird seen at Berkswell and Balsall Common in June and July 2004, roosted with corvids at Berkswell on August 28th – the corvids kept their distance!

Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Open habitats throughout inland Australia. Worcs Singles were seen at Upton Warren on April 12th and Lower Moor on September 21st. Staffs One was at Westport on July 21st. W Mid One was seen at Forge Mill Farm in Sandwell Valley on August 6th.

220 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus Domesticated forms of a species which, in the wild, occurs in Australia. Warks A yellow bird consorted with House Sparrows in Fenny Compton on January 13th. A green bird was at Alvecote on July 20th. W Mid A blue and white individual was seen at Clayhanger on March 11th.

Parakeet sp Staffs One, probably Rose-ringed, was seen flying over Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent on March 19th.

Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula alexandri Forests of northern India to south-east Asia, Andamans and Greater Sundas. Warks A single bird all year at Maxstoke, often visiting garden feeders.

Peach-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis Northern Tanzania. W Mid One was seen in the Swan Pool area on August 6th.

Yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala Tropical north Honduras; Panama to Bolivia, Amazonian Brazil. Warks One in a roadside tree at Friz Hill, Walton on July 10th.

Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo Eurasia. Staffs One was photographed early morning, eating a wood pigeon at Gaiafields Road, Lichfield on April 4th AW. The bird had no jesses or rings.

Black-breasted Thrush Turdus dissimilis Mountains of Assam to SW China; northern SE Asia Worcs A male was along Henwick Grove, St. Johns, Worcester on April 7th and 8th.

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis India, Iran, SE Asia; widely introduced. Warks One at Alvecote on October 15th.

Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio Africa; south of Sahara Warks An un-ringed adult male was photographed at a garden feeder in Lillington from October 17th-22nd. Although most probably of this species, the very similar Tristram’s Grackle could not be entirely eliminated.

Red Bishop Euplectes orix East and Central Africa. Worcs A male was observed in a Worcester garden on August 2nd.

221 Ringing in 2005

A.E.Coleman Ringing Secretary

Site fidelity is an aspect of ornithology exposed through ringing and this report highlights some startling examples of this phenomenon. Colour ringing in Mute Swans and other large species has already shown it to be a common occurrence and similar results are now being obtained for some of the smaller species. Ringing confers individuality on a bird so there can be no doubt that the Robins and Great Spotted Woodpecker wintering at Hams Hall, the Barn Swallows returning to Alfrick and the Chaffinch and Robin at Sandon are also examples of this phenomenon.

The Report also shows some truly remarkable longevity records. Generally speaking the bigger the bird the longer its lifespan and consequently we tend to express no surprise when Mute Swans are recorded at ages of between ten and fourteen years. However the eighteen and twenty year old Mute Swans recorded here are truly exceptional birds, and well worth a special note.

Corvids are noted for their longevity which means the eleven and a half year old Rook may not be as surprising as the thirteen and a half year old Black-headed Gull or the seven year old Common Coot.

Undoubtedly what we look for in our avian recoveries are the distances moved and in this respect Eurasian Wigeon never cease to excel – 30% of the records shown here are over a thousand kilometres. Most recoveries are for shot birds. Our Eurasian Wigeon mainly breed between Scandinavia and central Siberia and research has shown that males migrate before the females in the autumn, along a direct route from the breeding area. Females leave later with their fledged young. In spring both sexes take a more southerly route on the return journey.

The record of three Greater Canada Geese moving 128 kilometres from Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire to Llangorse Lake in Powys is not unusual. Over the years we have had similar examples of small groups moving together.

The Great Cormorant and all gull sightings are due to colour rings being read in the field and they illustrate how valuable this technique has become in tracking these large nomadic birds.

Warbler records continue to show migratory movements to and from the south coast and amongst our residents the 259 kilometre movement of the Robin from Great Malvern to North Yorkshire is exceptional.

Finally there is the bitter-sweet saga of the Blackbird ringed as a nestling in Nuneaton, Warwickshire on the 31st of May 1983. It fledged successfully but the following month was found injured and was taken into care. It recovered and was released and killed by a cat on the first of January 1986. Why was this record so late in appearing in the ringing notes ? – someone forgot to send it to the B.T.O. !!

222 I am most grateful to the Ringing Secretaries of the Mercian and Ringing Groups, Roger Clay, Dave Clifton, Alan Dean, Philip Ireland, Bill Low and David Neale for sending in the records on which these Ringing Notes are based.

Selected List of Recoveries involving the WMBC Area Entries are arranged by species and, within species, by recovery date. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. This report includes recoveries for 2005 and previously unpublished recoveries for earlier years. All foreign recoveries and movements of greater than 100 kilometres 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 the field ? manner of recovery unknown

Species Ringer/ Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place Movement

Mute Swan

Z58236 5 22-02-86 Tamworth, Staffs AEC x 01-01-05 Burton on Trent, Staffs 19 kms

Z66548 5F 15-01-89 Tamworth, Staffs AEC x 19-01-05 Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve, Notts 50 kms

Z51809 5F 15-05-85 Wyken, Coventry, W.Mids CHP x 13-06-05 Withymoor, W Mids 46 kms Greater Canada Goose

5200804 4 21-06-98 Sutton Park, W.Mids MRG x 10-05-05 Water Orton, Warks 11 kms

5234857 4 26-06-04 Kingsbury Water Park, Warks MRG v 03-07-05 Llangorse Lake, Powys 128 kms

5234872 4 26-06-04 Kingsbury Water Park, Warks MRG v 03-07-05 Llangorse Lake, Powys 128 kms

5234924 4 26-06-04 Kingsbury Water Park, Warks DJC v 03-07-05 Llangorse Lake, Powys 128 kms x 06-11-05 Morville, Bridgewater, Somerset 56 kms

223 Eurasian Wigeon FA96781 6M 06-01-01 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs MRG ? 04-01-05 Bogmoor, Nr Elgin, Grampian, Scotland 541 kms FP68012 5M 29-02-04 Bredons Hardwick, Hereford and Worcester WRG + 08-01-05 Nr Blakeney, Norfolk 236 kms FA86518 6M 27-01-96 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs MRG + 23-05-05 Podchere, Vuktylskiy,Komi Assr, U S S R 3648 kms FA88956 6M 28-02-98 Bredons Hardwick, Hereford and Worcester WRG + 21-08-05 Saarisenjarvi Ylikiiminki, Oulu, Finland 2159 kms FP00923 5M 27-02-99 Bredons Hardwick, Hereford and Worcester WRG + 05-10-05 Korgessaare, Hiiumaa, Estonia 1727 kms FA02868 6M 13-02-93 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs MRG + 08-10-05 Frodsham Marsh, Cheshire 77 kms FP68231 6M 05-03-05 Bredons Hardwick, Hereford and Worcester WRG x 15-10-05 Ribble Estuary, Lancs 196 kms FP39263 5M 16-02-03 Bredons Hardwick, Hereford and Worcester WRG + 09-11-05 Ringkobing Fjord, Denmark 860 kms FP39094 5F 16-02-03 Bredons Hardwick, Hereford and Worcester WRG + 25-11-05 Lough Neagh, Derrytrasna, Armagh, N Ireland 398 kms FP39480 5F 29-02-04 Bredons Hardwick, Hereford and Worcester WRG + 10-12-05 Longton Marsh, Preston, Lancs 197 kms FP39061 6F 08-02-03 Bredons Hardwick, Hereford and Worcester WRG ? 19-12-04 Karlstad, Varmland, Sweden 1276 kms FP68195 5M 13-02-05 Bredons Hardwick, Hereford and Worcester WRG + 28-12-05 Chetney Marshes, Kent 208 kms Great Cormorant Colour ring Pull 22-04-04 Rutland Water, Leics v v 11-06-04 Rutland Water, Leics v v 07-11-05 Frankley Reservoir, W.Mids ARD Water Rail

DR82240 3F 30-10-02 Hams Hall, Warks MRG v 10-01-05 Hams Hall, Warks 0 kms Common Coot

GF94636 Ad 13-10-97 Pennington Flash, Leigh, Greater Manchester LRG x 18-03-05 Sandyford, Tunstall, Stoke on Trent, Staffs 52 kms

224 Black-headed Gull 382499 Pull 14-06-91 Klaipeda, Lithuania WJL v v 07-12-02 Westport Lake, Stoke on Trent, Staffs 1537 kms v v 08-01-05 Westport Lake, Stoke on Trent, Staffs EH22151 Pull 14-06-05 Kingsbury Water Park, Warks MRG v v 22-07-05 River Dee, Chester 106 kms A3002 3rd Y 16-03-01 Hellerup Havn, Gentofte, Denmark v v 16-10-05 Stubbers Green, W Mids AA2752 1st Y 25-12-01 Hellerup Havn, Gentofte, Denmark v v 15-10-05 Stubbers Green, W Mids EL59494 Pull 14-06-05 Kingsbury Water Park, Warks MRG v v 13-12-05 Nimmo’s Pier, Galway, Eire 499 kms Lesser Black-backed Gull 422465 Ad 25-06-02 Karlsoy, Troms, Norway v v 20-09-05 Cannock, Staffs GA16403 Ad 14-05-99 Isle of May, Fife Region, Scotland IMBO v v 26-10-05 Cannock, Staffs 393 kms Barn Owl GJ21460 Pull 08-06-05 Tamworth/Elford area, Staffs MRG x 21-12-05 Tamworth/Elford area, Staffs 3 kms Great Spotted Woodpecker XK24607 3M 06-09-97 Hams Hall, Warks DC v 24-12-03 Hams Hall, Warks 0 kms v 21-12-05 Hams Hall, Warks 0 kms Sand Martin R211354 Ad M 29-06-03 Cornets End, W Mids PI v 07-07-05 Claydon Pike, Whelford, Glos 82 kms R713663 Juv 18-07-04 Cornets End, W Mids PI v 10-07-05 Cottam Power Station, Notts 116 kms R713513 Juv 13-07-04 Cornets End, W Mids PI v 06-08-04 Nr Horcott, Glos 82 kms Barn Swallow F774036 Ad 05-06-03 Alfrick, Hereford and Worcs WRG v 01-06-05 Alfrick, Hereford and Worcs 0 kms R203553 Ad F 05-08-03 Alfrick, Hereford and Worcs WRG x 06-09-05 Alfrick, Hereford and Worcs 0 kms

225 Pied Wagtail

R527275 Ad F 09-02-04 Sutton Park, W Mids MRG x 19-04-04 Long Eaton, Notts 53 kms

Robin

N693279 Juv 14-11-98 Sandon, Staffs MRG v 04-11-00 Sandon, Staffs v 27-11-04 Sandon, Staffs v 16-01-05 Sandon, Staffs

P188083 Juv 12-11-99 Hams Hall, Warks MRG v 22-11-05 Hams Hall, Warks

R600796 Ad 04-08-04 Old Storridge Common, Nr Gt Malvern, Worcs WRG v 12-08-05 Scarborough, N Yorkshire 269 kms

Blackbird

XK90896 Pull 31-05-83 Nuneaton, Warks AEC v 09-06-83 Nuneaton, Warks 0 kms x 01-01-86 Nuneaton, Warks 0 kms

Fieldfare

CF90296 Ad F 30-12-01 , Hereford and Worcs WRG + 10-07-05 Oslo, Norway 1185 kms

Cetti’s Warbler

R600573 Juv 03-06-04 Upton Warren, Droitwich, Worcs WRG v 02-10-05 Icklesham, Sussex 247 kms

R663168 Ad F 13-06-04 Nr Huntingdon, Cambs MW v 11-06-05 Hams Hall, Warks 106 kms

Reed Warbler

N527701 Juv 15-09-99 Dungeness, Kent DBO v 11-06-05 Hams Hall, Warks 253 kms

R903359 Ad 03-09-04 Icklesham, Sussex RBRG v 11-06-05 Hams Hall, warks 242 kms

P876916 Juv 30-08-03 Farham, Hamps. v 27-06-05 Hams Hall, Warks 192 kms

Blackcap

N597662 Juv 23-07-00 Old Hills, Hereford and Worcs WRG v 05-04-05 Portland Bill, Dorset 181 kms

226 Pied Flycatcher

P365778 Pull 11-06-01 Midsummer Hill, Hereford and Worcs WRG v 08-06-05 Wyre Forest, Hereford and Worcester 39 kms

P720031 Ad F 20-05-04 Midsummer Hill, Hereford and Worcs WRG v 21-05-05 Whitney Court, Hereford and Worcs 50 kms Rook

FC63410 Pull 23-04-94 Naunton Beauchamp, Hereford and Worcs WRG + 19-11-05 Peopleton, Pershore, Hereford and Worcs 3 kms Chaffinch

E740375 Juv M 13-09-03 Bjorndalen, Evje og Hornnes, Aust-Agder, Norway v 06-01-05 Walsall, W Mids 892 kms

N895565 Juv M 06-12-98 Sandon, Staffs MRG v 16-01-05 Sandon, Staffs 0 kms Greenfinch

TA41977 Juv F 15-01-05 Little Aston Sewage Farm, Staffs MRG x 24-11-05 Toomevara, Tipperary, Eire 419 kms

Key to Contributors to the Ringing Report

AEC A.E. Coleman ARD A.R. Dean CHP C. Potter DBO Dungeness Bird Observatory DJC D. Clifton GFA G. Appleton IMBO Isle of Man Bird Observatory LRG Leigh Ringing Group MRG Mercian Ringing Group MW M. Whitehouse PI P. Ireland RBRG Rye Bay Ringing Group WJL W.J. Low WRG Wychavon Ringing Group

227 Belted Kingfisher – a first for the Region

Roger Broadbent

Belted Kingfisher has been a special bird for our family since 2nd December 1979, since I took my son on his first ‘twitch’ to see a Belted Kingfisher in Cornwall,. Probably the most memorable thing of that day was the rattling call which often assisted in its relocation.

It was therefore with some incredulity that I heard that call again at Tixall in Stafford- shire, just after midday on April 1st 2005 adjacent to the River Sow and the Shug- borough Estate. Almost instantly the bird came into view with its familiar faltering Jay-like flight. The bluish grey and white appearance and long dagger like bill left me in no doubt - it was a Belted Kingfisher!

Identification and ageing Belted Kingfisher, Shugborough, The bird was sexed as a male, as female Nick Smith Belted Kingfishers have a second, chestnut breast band below the broader grey breast band. The breast band appeared blue-grey at a distance but did contain some chestnut tones, indicating a bird in very late 1st-winter/near adult plumage. There were some greyish markings on the flanks, which lacked the chestnut tones of the breast band (these markings would be chestnut on an earlier first-winter bird). The bird had white tips to just two of the visible innermost primaries, again indicating that the bird had not yet quite acquired full adult plumage.

Remarkably the same bird was relocated in Yorkshire 24 hours later and then again in Aberdeenshire on 4th April on my son’s local patch!

There have been just five previous records of Belted Kingfisher in the UK and Ireland, the last being in County Down and County Tipperary in October 1984 to March 1985; the only two English records were both at Sladesbridge, Cornwall, 71 years apart in 1908 and 1979/80. In addition, there have been four records in Iceland Belted Kingfisher, Phil Jones and one in the Netherlands.

228 Aquatic Warbler in Warwickshire – a first for the county

Jonathan Bowley

On August 29th 2005 at the kind invitation of the landowner, Mr Jim Russell, I visited a farm near Kites Hardwick hoping to see a Corn Crake that both he and his son Stewart had seen a few days previously. The bird had been frequenting a large wet set-aside field sloping down to the River Leam which was almost entirely covered by a fairly dense growth of metre high willowherb (mainly Epilobium ciliatum). Jim and Stewart had flushed the bird several times while mowing part of this field and were fairly confident that the bird was still present in the section that had remained uncut.

Realising that it would be almost impossible to flush the bird by chance, we got a long piece of rope from the barn and began to drag the field systematically by hand, knowing at that late date no nests would be disturbed. Now it is amazing what generally lurks unseen to a casual observer in an average field! From this one set-aside, apart from plenty of Pheasants and Brown Hares, we put up single broods of both Grey and Red-legged Partridges, several Turtle Doves and at least 60 moulting Sky Larks - but unfortunately no Corn Crake.

We had now covered most of the uncut section of the field, leaving only a broad strip of shorter willowherb about 0.5m high, parallel with but not immediately adjoining the river. Here we flushed a number of small passerines, chiefly Dunnocks, Wrens, Whitethroats, Reed and Sedge Warblers, and Reed Buntings, plus another bird which may have been a Grasshopper Warbler. As the rope put them up, almost all of these immediately flew off into the dense cover of reeds and willows which fringed the riverside. Amongst these however was a brighter yellowish-coloured warbler which suddenly flew up from a tuft of vegetation just as the rope passed over it. It flew on for a few metres and then dropped down into cover again. I marked the spot with my eye and then spent several minutes walking up and down over the area attempting to see the bird again, but to no avail. As soon as we dragged the rope over the spot, up it went again and back down a few metres further on! Suspecting now that it was something good (and due to the yellowish colour, Aquatic had sprung to mind), I repeated this process twice more but still without managing to see more than just fleeting views of the bird in flight. On the fourth go it finally had enough, and flew across into the riverside reeds, where I had good if frustratingly brief views of a juvenile Aquatic Warbler.

I took the following notes: Size and shape of Sedge Warbler, but much more yellow-buff upper parts and flanks with whitish unmarked belly. The rump was yellow-buff and streaked, with no hint of rufous. Prominent on the mantle were two pale yellow “tramlines” or braces which were outlined by heavy dark streaking. The head was also distinctive, with broad pale straw supercilium contrasting with a thin dark eye-stripe below and the broad black lateral crown-stripe above. On top of the head there was a prominent pale median crown-stripe. Throat whitish. Pale pink legs and dark bill, with paler flesh or straw-coloured lower mandible. The only call heard was a Sedge Warbler-like “tack”.

After two or three minutes of brief views in the reeds the bird disappeared and despite

229 sitting quietly for over half an hour I saw nothing more of it. I decided to go back to the farm to consult Jim Russell, who had returned somewhat earlier. As the bird was on private land, in a sensitive area and at that time with no real access, it was decided that only a few observers would be informed of its presence initially. That evening I returned to the farm with Mike Doughty and despite much searching along the river (where the bird would be almost impossible to relocate given the dense cover) and back in the original set-aside, it could not be refound. MD tried again early the next morning, but again without success.

As well as being the first for Warwickshire, it was only the second record for the club’s area; the first being trapped at Oakley, Worcestershire on August 19th 1983. Another was found (and this time well-watched) just 3.5 km from the Warwickshire border at Boddington Reservoir, Northants on September 16th 1999 indicating that due to its extreme skulking behaviour on passage it has almost certainly occurred unseen in the region on other occasions. The Boddington bird frequented tussocky wet grassland with just a few scattered small sallows, and it is in this sort of open habitat (which approximates to the breeding habitat in Eastern Europe of extensive tracts of low water-logged sedge) which observers should concentrate on if more are to be found in future. Traditionally many birds were trapped by ringers operating in south coast reed beds, but this habitat seems only to be used for night roosting or for taking refuge from predators. Relatively few tend to be discovered by chance. Although undoubtably declining as a passage migrant in the UK, it may not yet be as rare as recent records suggest.

The Farnborough Lesser Scaup – second record for the Region

Jonathan Bowley

Lesser Scaup at Farnborough, Steve Valentine and Steve Seal

On the morning of Sunday February 27th 2005 I decided to take my seven year old son and dog for a walk at one of my local patches, Farnborough Park, which is a National Trust property containing several small ornamental pools. I had not been there since a cold snap

230 had begun a week previously which had brought heavy frosts, snow showers and biting northerly winds. There had only been one or two Tufted Ducks there over the winter, so on arriving I was pleased to find there were about 20 present on the partly-frozen woodland pool alongside the road into the village, known as Sourland Pool. These had evidently arrived during the previous week. One of these, a female, was rather Scaup-like in appearance but it looked oddly smaller than the accompanying ducks. I only had binoculars with me and the bird was diving repeatedly on the far side of the pool, so under the circumstances (boy and dog!) I could not study it any closer.

I had to leave to take some relatives out for Sunday lunch, but I mulled over its identity in the pub. All other Scaup-like hybrids I had seen were noticeably larger, not smaller, than Tufted Duck. I considered Lesser Scaup as a possibility, which happily was in the fore- front of my mind as a paper on the subject had appeared in the most recent edition of British Birds.

After lunch I returned to the pool with my telescope, and thankfully the bird was where I had left it. After ‘scoping the bird for a few minutes I was convinced in my mind that what I had found was a female Lesser Scaup, a bird that I was relatively familiar with on trips to the USA. I noted that the black on the tip of the blue-grey bill was restricted to the nail, which seemed to rule out hybrid Aythya ducks; but more importantly for clinching the identification, I several times very briefly saw it flap its wings. This revealed that the wing bar was neatly divided by colour into grey (primaries) and white (secondaries). Underneath the wing, brilliant white underwing coverts contrasted with grey primaries and secondaries. I also determined that the bird was probably a first-winter female, judging by its dull brownish eye and creamy-white facial patch, which was divided into two halves by brown feathering immediately above the bill. This all needed confirmation however, so I ‘phoned a couple of friends to come and have a look. Mike Lewis, Steve Haynes and Graham Mant all saw the bird before dusk, although none seemed fully convinced of its identification, as they had little or no experience with females of this generally difficult species.

A small group of us, including John Judge and Steve Seal, assembled at the park on the following morning, but were dismayed to see that the bird had gone from Sourland Pool. However we soon relocated it on another pool below the hall, known as River Pool, which is usually the best one for wildfowl. Here JFCJ and SS managed many excellent photographs, after we had contacted the Holbech family and National Trust staff for permission to enter the grounds (which are usually closed at this time of year). The bird subsequently stayed at Farnborough until March 20th allowing hundreds of people to see it, either on River Pool or back at Sourland Pool depending on the presence or absence of ice. Indeed on March 4th and 5th when all the pools were almost entirely frozen the bird could not be located at all and was presumed gone. Photographs of the bird appeared in all the main bird magazines at this time and its identification debated and finally accepted by everyone. Although it was the first county (and only second regional) record, another bird (a male) turned up briefly at Kingsbury soon after in May. It is extremely likely that more will follow!

My thanks go to the Holbech family, to the head gardener Mr Richard White and his staff, and to the farmer Mr R Pick, for allowing us access and putting up with all the inconvenience in what is usually a quiet time of year, during the bird’s stay.

231 County Lists

The following tables show all species in categories A to C of The British List that have been reliably recorded in the area covered by the current boundaries of the four counties of the Region since records were kept. The regional total as at December 31st 2005 was 342. The year shown is the latest in which the species has been observed in each county while nk refers to reliable, but undated, 19th century records. Subspecies or races are shown in italics and they, along with known escapes, are not included in the totals.

Details The Details column is used to indicate for which species a description or supporting details are required As the status of each species is not necessarily the same across the four counties, a description or supporting details may be required for some counties but not for others The level of detail required will, of course, vary with the species concerned; some requiring only a brief sentence while other, rarer species, more detailed notes However, if the bird you are claiming is unfamiliar to you, or you are unsure of its identity, then don’t be afraid to send in a description – even if it is not requested.

The following abbreviations are used: BBRC A full description is required by British Birds Rarities Committee A A description or supporting details required for ALL counties St, Wa, Wo, WM A description or supporting details required for Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and West Midlands respectively

Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Mute Swan Cygnus olor 2005 2005 2005 2005 Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus St 2005 2005 2005 2005 Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Wa, Wo, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Bean Goose Anser fabalis A 2004 1999 2005 0 Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Wa, Wo, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons A 2005 2005 2005 2004 Greylag Goose Anser anser 2005 2005 2005 2005 Greater Canada Goose Branta canadensis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Brent Goose Branta bernicla A 2005 2000 2005 2003 Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Wa, Wo, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 2005 2005 2005 2005 Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata 2005 2005 2005 2005 Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 2005 2005 2005 2005 American Wigeon Anas americana A 2002 0 1998 0 Gadwall Anas strepera 2005 2005 2005 2005 Eurasian Teal Anas crecca 2005 2005 2005 2005 Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis A 2004 2004 2002 0 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2005 2005 2005 2005 Northern Pintail Anas acuta 2005 2005 2005 2005 Garganey Anas querquedula 2005 2005 2005 2005 Blue-winged Teal Anas discors BBRC 1989 1989 2001 0 Shoveler Anas clypeata 2005 2005 2005 2005 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina A 2005 2005 2005 2004 Common Pochard Aythya ferina 2005 2005 2005 2005 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris A 2005 2005 2005 2001 Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca A 2001 2002 2005 1998 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 2005 2005 2005 2005 Greater Scaup Aythya marila 2005 2005 2005 2003

232 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis BBRC 2005 0 1987 0 Common Eider Somateria mollissima A 1993 2001 2002 1993 Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis A 2005 2003 2004 2005 Common Scoter Melanitta nigra WM 2005 2004 2005 2005 Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata A 1986 2000 0 0 Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca A 2005 1985 2004 1994 Bufflehead Bucephala albeola BBRC 2004 0 2004 2004 Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 2005 2005 2005 2005 Smew Mergellus albellus Wo, WM 2005 2004 2005 2005 Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator A 2005 2005 2005 2001 Goosander Mergus merganser 2005 2005 2005 2005 Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Wo, Wa, WM 0 0 2005 1868 Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix A 0 1915 2003 1897 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 2005 2005 2005 2005 Grey Partridge Perdix perdix 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix A 2005 2005 2005 2004 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata A 2003 1997 2005 2001 Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica A 2002 1995 2000 1997 Great Northern Diver Gavia immer A 2005 2004 2005 2003 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena A 2005 2005 2005 1996 Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus A 2005 2002 2005 2003 Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Wa, Wo, WM 2005 2005 2005 2003 Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis A 2004 2000 1993 1996 Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea A 0 0 1971 0 Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus A 2004 2003 2004 2004 European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus A 1983 2003 1990 1970 Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa A 2005 1997 1989 2002 Northern Gannet Morus bassanus A 2004 2004 2005 1991 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2005 2005 2005 2005 Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis A 2005 2004 2005 2005 Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus BBRC 1981 1865 1901 <1836 Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax A 2001 1983 2000 2004 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides BBRC 0 0 2004 0 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis BBRC 1994 1993 1987 0 Little Egret Egretta garzetta WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Great White Egret Ardea alba A 2000 1999 2003 2002 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 2005 2005 2005 2005 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea A 1990 2000 2005 0 Black Stork Ciconia nigra BBRC 0 1956 1985 0 White Stork Ciconia ciconia A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus BBRC 0 0 1840 0 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia A 2005 2001 2003 2002 Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus A 2004 2004 2004 2004 Black Kite Milvus migrans A 0 1986 1991 2004 Red Kite Milvus milvus A 2005 2005 2005 2005 White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla A 1891 1945 1905 0 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus A 2005 1995 2000 1951 Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 2005 2005 2005 2005 Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus A 2005 1979 2001 1996 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos A 0 0 nk 0 Osprey Pandion haliaetus Wa, Wo, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 2005 2005 2005 2005 233 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus A 2003 2001 2002 0 Merlin Falco columbarius WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Hobby Falco subbuteo 2005 2005 2005 2005 Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus BBRC 1852 0 <1844 0 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Spotted Crake Porzana porzana A 2005 2002 2004 1998 Little Crake Porzana parva BBRC 1974 0 0 0 Corn Crake Crex crex A 2005 1988 1988 1965 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Coot Fulica atra 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Crane Grus grus A 2003 2004 2005 2005 Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax BBRC 0 0 c1899 <1893 Great Bustard Otis tarda BBRC 0 c1825 0 0 Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus BBRC 1987 1986 1995 0 Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta A 2005 2005 2005 1999 Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus A 2001 1996 1956 1991 Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola BBRC 1996 1994 0 0 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 2005 2005 2005 2005 Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula 2005 2005 2005 2005 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus A 1993 1940 1995 0 Dotterel Charadrius morinellus A 2002 2003 2005 1978 American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica A 1991 0 0 0 European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria 2005 2005 2005 2005 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus BBRC 1975 0 0 0 Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Red Knot Calidris canutus WM 2005 2005 2005 2004 Sanderling Calidris alba WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Little Stint Calidris minuta WM 2005 2005 2005 2004 Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii A 2005 2005 2003 2005 Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla BBRC 2002 1988 2002 0 White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis A 0 1996 1989 0 Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii BBRC 1996 0 2005 0 Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos A 2005 2003 2005 2003 Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea WM 2005 2005 2005 2002 Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima A 1993 1988 2000 1985 Dunlin Calidris alpina 2005 2005 2005 2005 Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus BBRC 1985 0 2004 0 Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis A 1995 0 1980 0 Ruff Philomachus pugnax 2005 2005 2005 2005 Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 2005 2005 2005 2005 Great Snipe Gallinago media BBRC <1886 0 1954 1995 Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus BBRC 1983 1990 0 0 Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 2005 2005 2005 2005 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica WM 2005 2004 2005 2003 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata 2005 2005 2005 2005 Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda BBRC 1851 0 0 0 Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Wa, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Redshank Tringa totanus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis BBRC 0 0 1974 0 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 2005 2005 2005 2005 Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes BBRC 0 0 1995 0 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Wo, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 2005 2005 2005 2005 Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius BBRC 1990 0 2005 2004 234 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Turnstone Arenaria interpres WM 2005 2005 2005 2004 Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor BBRC 1996 1985 0 0 Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus A 2000 1999 2004 1893 Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius A 2005 2004 2005 2005 Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus A 1997 1999 1991 1985 Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus A 2005 1996 2005 2000 Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus A 2003 1987 2004 1991 Great Skua Stercorarius skua A 2001 2000 2003 1994 Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan BBRC 2002 0 0 0 Laughing Gull Larus atricilla BBRC 0 2005 0 1997 Little Gull Larus minutus WM 2005 2005 2005 2004 Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini A 1989 1997 2001 0 Bonaparte’s Gull Larus philadelphia BBRC 1992 0 1996 0 Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis A 1998 2005 2003 1996 Common Gull Larus canus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Herring Gull Larus argentatus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Kumlien’s Gull Larus g. kumlieni A 2001 2005 1999 0 Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 2005 2005 2005 2005 Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica BBRC 1899 <1901 1989 1896 Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia BBRC 1993 1971 1999 1979 Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Wa, Wo, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii A 2002 1999 2002 0 Common Tern Sterna hirundo 2005 2005 2005 2005 Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea 2005 2005 2005 2005 Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata BBRC 0 0 1852 0 Little Tern Sternula albifrons A 2005 2005 2005 2000 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida BBRC 2005 1994 2005 0 Black Tern Chlidonias niger 2005 2005 2005 2004 White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus A 2005 2000 2005 1977 Common Guillemot Uria aalge A nk 0 1920 1980 Razorbill Alca torda A nk 1953 0 1912 Little Auk Alle alle A 2003 1998 2001 1999 Puffin Fratercula arctica A 1984 1963 1983 1999 Pallas’s Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus BBRC 1888 1888 1908 1888 Feral Pigeon Columba livia 2005 2005 2005 2005 Stock Dove Columba oenas 2005 2005 2005 2005 Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 2005 2005 2005 2005 Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur St 2005 2005 2005 2005 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Barn Owl Tyto alba 2005 2005 2005 2005 Little Owl Athene noctua 2005 2005 2005 2005 Tawny Owl Strix aluco 2005 2005 2005 2005 Long-eared Owl Asio otus Wa, Wo, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus BBRC 0 1901 0 0 European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Wa, Wo, WM 2004 2005 2005 2005 White-throated Needle-tail Hirundapus caudacutus BBRC 0 0 1991 0 Common Swift Apus apus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Alpine Swift Apus melba A 2003 1997 1996 1988 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon BBRC 0 0 2005 0 235 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid European Bee-eater Merops apiaster A 1886 1970 0 1955 European Roller Coracias garrulus BBRC 0 0 1908 0 Hoopoe Upupa epops A 2005 2005 2004 2002 Wryneck Jynx torquilla A 2003 2005 2005 2004 Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 2005 2005 2005 2005 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor 2005 2005 2005 2005 Wood Lark Lullula arborea A 2004 2005 2005 2004 Sky Lark Alauda arvensis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris A 1994 2003 2002 1997 Sand Martin Riparia riparia 2005 2005 2005 2005 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 2005 2005 2005 2005 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica A 2004 2001 2004 0 House Martin Delichon urbicum 2005 2005 2005 2005 Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi A 2001 1967 2002 1994 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus A 1994 0 0 0 Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus petrosus WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Scandinavian Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus littoralis A 2004 1997 2005 2005 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima 2005 2005 2005 2005 Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Spanish Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae A 0 1982 1993 0 Grey-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava thunbergi A 0 0 0 1996 Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola BBRC 1997 0 0 0 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 2005 2005 2005 2005 Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii 2005 2005 2005 2005 White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba All (autumn) 2005 2005 2005 2005 Waxwing Bombycilla garrulusWa, Wo, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Dipper Cinclus cinclus gularis Wa, WM 1991 2005 2005 2003 Black-bellied Dipper Cinclus cinclus cinclus A 1996 0 0 0 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 2005 2005 2005 2005 Dunnock Prunella modularis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris BBRC nk 0 0 0 Robin Erithacus rubecula 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos St, WM 2005 2005 1988 1979 Bluethroat Luscinia svecica A 1995 1981 1994 1985 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 2005 2005 2005 2005 Stonechat Saxicola torquata 2005 2005 2005 2005 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 2005 2005 2005 2005 Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe o. leucorrhoa A 2004 2005 2005 2005 Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka BBRC 0 2005 0 0 Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti BBRC 0 0 1996 0 White’s Thrush Zoothera dauma BBRC 1895 0 0 0 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Wa 2005 2005 2005 2005 Blackbird Turdus merula 2005 2005 2005 2005 Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni BBRC 0 1979 0 0 Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis BBRC 0 1996 1978 0 Fieldfare Turdus pilaris 2005 2005 2005 2005 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 2005 2005 2005 2005 Redwing Turdus iliacus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti A 2005 2005 2005 2001 Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia 2005 2005 2005 2005 River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis BBRC 0 0 1996 0 Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides A 2004 1999 1977 0 Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola A 2005 1983 0 0 Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus 2005 2005 2005 2005 236 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris A 2001 2005 1996 1982 Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus BBRC 2005 0 0 0 Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina A 1997 1942 1993 0 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta A 2000 0 1996 0 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 2005 2005 2005 2005 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin 2005 2005 2005 2005 Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria A 1979 0 0 0 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata A 1914 2005 2005 2005 Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis A 0 0 1993 0 Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus A 2001 1987 1970 0 Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus A 1996 2003 2005 1998 Hume’s Warbler Phylloscopus humei BBRC 0 0 1994 0 Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus BBRC 0 0 0 1996 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wa 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 2005 2005 2005 2005 Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus c. tristis A 2005 2002 2005 1994 Scandinavian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus c. abietinus A 2005 2005 2005 1991 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Goldcrest Regulus regulus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 2005 2005 2005 2005 Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva A 2004 0 0 0 Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Wa 2005 2005 2005 2005 Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus A 2005 2004 2004 1993 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Willow Tit Poecile montanus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Coal Tit Periparus ater 2005 2005 2005 2005 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Great Tit Parus major 2005 2005 2005 2005 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea 2005 2005 2005 2005 Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris 2005 2005 2005 2005 Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus A 2005 2000 1997 1990 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio A 2005 2000 1976 2003 Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor BBRC 0 1987 0 0 Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor A 2004 2005 2005 1998 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator A 0 1893 0 1999 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 2005 2005 2005 2005 Magpie Pica pica 2005 2005 2005 2005 Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes BBRC 0 0 1991 0 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax A 0 1826 0 0 Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula 2005 2005 2005 2005 Rook Corvus frugilegus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Carrion Crow Corvus corone 2005 2005 2005 2005 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix A 1987 1983 1994 1984 Common Raven Corvus corax 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2005 2005 2005 2005 Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus A 2001 2005 2001 2004 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 2005 2005 2005 2005 Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 2005 2005 2005 2005 European Serin Serinus serinus A 2002 1981 2001 0 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 2005 2005 2005 2005 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2005 2005 2005 2005 Siskin Carduelis spinus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Linnet Carduelis cannabina 2005 2005 2005 2005 Twite Carduelis flavirostris A 2005 2002 2005 2003 237 Details Warks Worcs Staffs W Mid Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea A 2005 2005 2005 2005 Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni A 0 2002 1996 0 Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera BBRC 0 1838 1980 0 Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Wa, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus A 2003 0 0 0 Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 2005 2005 2005 2005 Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes St, Wa, WM 2005 2005 2005 2005 Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus A 1981 0 2005 2005 Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis A 2004 2005 2004 1997 Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos BBRC 0 2005 0 0 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella 2005 2005 2005 2005 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus A 1959 1983 1951 1950 Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica A 0 1987 0 0 Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla A 1902 2005 2005 2003 Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 2005 2005 2005 2005 Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala BBRC 2004 0 0 0 Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra 2005 2005 2005 2005 Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula BBRC 0 0 0 1968

Grand Total Region 342 County 307 296 310 270 Total in 2005 Region 242 County 216 202 219 179

The county totals exclude escapes.

Note: The records of Red and Black Grouse on the West Midlands list refer to Sutton Park which, at the time of the records, was part of Warwickshire.

238 Gazetteer The following alphabetical list for each county gives the grid references (if known) of all localities mentioned in the Report.

Warwickshire Abbey Fields SP2872 Broom SP0953 Dunchurch SP4871 Abbots Salford Pool SP0749 Brownsover SP5176 Dunnington SP0653 SP2046 Bubbenhall SP3672 Dunsmore Heath SP4372 Alcester SP0857 Bubbenhall GP SP3771 Dunton SP1893 Alcester Heath SP0659 Bulkington SP3986 Alcester STW SP0956 Bunkers Hill Wood SP4869 Earlswood Lakes SP1174 Alderminster SP2348 Burmington SP2637 Eathorpe SP3969 Alvecote Pools SK2504 Burton Dassett SP3951 Edge Hill SP3747 Alveston SP2356 Butlers Marston SP3150 Edge Hill Wood Arbury Park SP3389 (Kingsbury) SP2398 Arley SP2890 Calcutt SP4763 Edstone SP1761 Arley STW SP2789 Caldecote SP3494 Ensors Pool SP3490 Armscote SP2444 Camp Hill SP3393 SP2649 Arrow SP0856 Chadshunt SP3452 Ascott SP3234 Chapel Ascote SP4157 Farnborough SP4349 Ashlawn SP5072 Charlecote GP SP2657 Farnborough Park SP4249 Ashorne SP3057 Charlecote Park SP2656 Fenny Compton SP4152 Astley SP3189 Chase Farm Fenny Compton Hills SP4051 SP1359 (Kenilworth) SP2673 Fenny Compton – Atherstone SP3097 Chelmscote SP3142 Oxford Canal SP4352 Attleborough Fields SP3890 Cherington SP2936 Fillongley SP2887 Avon Dassett SP4149 Chesterton Pools SP3558 Fisher’s Mill GP SP2099 Chesterton Wood SP3457 Flecknoe SP5163 Baddesley Clinton SP2071 Church End (Shustoke) SP2490 Forest of Arden Hotel SP2285 Baddesley Common SP2797 Church Pool Covert SP2092 Forshaw Heath SP0873 Baginton Airport SP3574 SP1964 Friz Hill SP2953 Baginton Lagoons SP3573 Clifton-upon-Dunsmore SP5376 Fulready SP2846 Bannam’s Wood SP1164 Clopton SP2056 Barcheston SP2639 Clowes Wood SP0973 Gaydon SP3654 Barford SP2760 Cock Bevington SP0552 Gaydon Tip SP3655 Bascote SP4063 Coldcomfort Wood SP0758 Grandborough SP4966 Beausale SP2470 Coleshill SP2089 Grandborough Fields SP4865 SP3686 Coleshill GP SP2090 Great Alne SP1159 Bentley SP2795 Coleshill STW SP1991 Great Wolford SP2434 Bentley Woods SP2895 Combrook SP3051 Grendon SP2799 Bermuda SP3589 Compton Verney SP3152 Griff SP3588 Bickmarsh SP1049 Compton Wynyates SP3341 Guy’s Cliffe SP2966 Bidford-on-Avon SP0951 Coombe Abbey SP4079 Billesley SP1456 Coombe Fields SP4281 Halford SP2645 Birch Coppice SK2600 Coombe Slade Pool SP3337 Hampton Lucy SP2557 Birchmoor SK2501 Corley SP2985 Hams Hall SP2091 Birdingbury SP4368 Corn Ground Spinney SP4354 Harborough Magna SP4879 Bishop’s Bowl Lakes SP3858 Coton Pools SP2194 Harbury SP3759 Bishop’s Hill SP3958 Coughton Court SP0860 Harbury Heath SP3758 Bishop’s Itchington SP3857 Crackley Wood SP2874 Harbury Spoilbank NR SP3859 Bishop’s Tachbrook SP3161 Cryfield SP2975 Hartshill SP3293 Black Hill SP2359 Cubbington SP3468 Hartshill Hayes SP3294 Bodymoor Heath SP2095 Cubbington Woods SP3568 Hartshill Quarry SP3394 Brailes SP3139 Curdworth SP1793 Hartshill STW SP3395 Brailes Hill SP2939 Haselor SP1257 Bramcote Hall SK2704 Dingle Pool SP2044 Hatton SP2367 Brandon Marsh SP3875 Ditchford Frary SP2337 Haunch Lane Flood SP2094 Bretford SP4277 DMC Kineton SP3651 Hawkesbury SP3685 Brinklow SP4379 Dordon SK2600 Henley-in-Arden SP1465 Broadwell SP4565 Dosthill Lake SP2098 Henley Golf Course SP1466 Bromson Hill SP3258 SP4669 Hillmorton SP5373

239 Hodnell Pool SP4256 Milcote SP1752 Shustoke Res SP2291 Honiley SP2472 Milcote STW SP1852 Shuttington SK2505 Hopsford SP4283 Mobbs Wood SP4282 Snitterfield SP2159 Hunningham SP3768 Moreton Morrell SP3155 Snitterfield Airfield SP1959 Hunscote SP2454 Moreton Paddox SP3054 Somers, The SP2282 Hurley Common SP2396 Morton Bagot SP1064 Southam SP4161 Spernall SP0862 Idlicote SP2844 Napton Hill SP4561 Spernall Park SP1062 Ilmington SP2143 Napton Holt SP4559 Spernall STW SP0862 Ilmington Downs SP1942 Napton Res SP4759 Steetley Meadows NR SP3874 Itchington Holt SP3755 Nelson’s Quarry SP4464 Stirch SP5055 Newbold Comyn SP3465 Stockingford SP3391 Jubilee Pools SP3873 Newbold-on-Stour SP2446 Stockton SP4365 Newbold Pacey SP2957 Stoneleigh SP3372 Kenilworth SP2971 Newbold Quarry SP2957 Stoneleigh Park SP3171 Kenilworth Common SP2972 Newbold Revel SP4580 Stoneton Moat SP4654 Keresley SP3285 Newfield Pool SP4554 Stratford-upon-Avon SP2055 Kineton SP3351 Northend SP3952 Stretton-on-Dunsmore SP4072 King Edward’s Nuneaton SP3691 Stretton-on-Fosse SP2238 Plantation SP0352 Studley SP0763 Kingsbury SP2196 Oakley Wood SP3059 Sutton-under-Brailes SP2937 Kingsbury Rifle-range SP2296 Offchurch SP3565 Sweet Knowle SP2048 Kingsbury Water Park SP2097 Oldberrow SP1166 Swift Valley CP SP5078 Kingsbury Wood SP2397 Oldbury SP3194 Kingswood SP1871 Old Milverton SP3067 Tanworth-in-Arden SP1170 Kinwalsey SP2585 Oversley Wood SP1056 Temple Grafton SP1254 Kites Hardwick SP4668 Over Whitacre SP2590 Temple Pool SP3744 Knightcote SP4055 Oxhill SP3145 Three Oak Hill Wood SP0658 Tidmington SP2638 Packington Park SP2283 Ladbroke SP4158 Tredington SP2543 Packwood SP1772 Ladywalk SP2191 Tysoe SP3444 SP3048 Lawford Heath Tip/GP SP4473 SP2947 Lea Marston Pools SP2093 Ufton Fields SP3861 Polesworth SK2602 Leamington Hastings SP4467 Ufton Hill SP3961 Poolfields SP3253 Leamington Spa SP3165 Ufton Tip SP3961 SP1765 Leek Wootton SP2868 Ullenhall SP1267 Preston-on-Stour SP2049 Lighthorne SP3355 Umberslade SP1371 Princethorpe SP4070 Lighthorne Pools SP3356 Upper Kingston SP3556 Priors Hardwick SP4756 Lighthorne Quarry SP3456 Upper Shuckburgh SP4961 Priors Marston SP4957 Lillington SP3367 Upton Park SP3645 Little Alne SP1461 Radford Semele SP3464 Little Compton SP2630 Radway SP3748 Walsgrave SP3880 Little Dassett SP3852 Ragley Park SP0755 Walton Hall SP2852 Little Packington SP2184 Ratley SP3847 Warmington SP4147 Little Wolford Heath SP2734 Rowington SP2069 Warton SK2803 Long Compton SP2832 Rugby SP5175 Warwick SP2864 Long Compton Woods SP2933 Rushford SP0551 Warwick Park SP2863 Long Itchington SP4165 Ryton-on-Dunsmore SP3874 Warwick Priory Park SP2865 Long Lawford SP4776 Ryton Pools CP SP3772 Wasperton SP2658 Long Marston SP1548 Ryton Wood SP3872 Watergall SP4255 Long Marston Airfield SP1749 Weethley SP0555 Longbridge\ SP2662 St Nicholas Park SP2964 Welcombe Hills SP2056 Lower Brailes SP3139 Salford Priors SP0751 Welford-on-Avon SP1452 Lower Clopton SP1957 Salford Priors GP SP0752 Wellesbourne SP2755 Lower Radbourn SP4457 Sawbridge SP5065 Weston-on-Avon SP1650 Lower Shuckburgh SP4862 Seckington SK2607 Weston Park SP2834 Seeswood Pool SP3290 Weston-under- Marlcliff SP0950 Shennington SP2450 Wetherley SP3669 Marston Doles SP4658 Sherbourne SP2661 Whatcote SP3044 Maxstoke SP2386 Shipston-on-Stour SP2540 Whichford SP3134 Meon Hill SP1745 Shipston STW SP2641 Whichford Hill SP3233 Middleton SP1798 Shuckburgh Hills and Whichford Wood SP3034 Middleton Hall SP1998 Park SP4961 Whitacre Heath SP2192

240 Whitacre Heath NR SP2092 Windmill Hill NR SP3493 Woolscott SP4967 Whitehall Farm SP4868 Wishaw SP1794 Wootton Wawen SP1563 Whittleford Park SP3291 Wixford SP0854 Wormleighton SP4454 Willington SP2639 Wolfhamcote SP5265 Wormleighton Wilmcote SP1657 Wolford Wood SP2333 Reservoir SP4451 Winderton SP3240 Wolverton SP2062 Winderton Warren SP3440 Woodloes Park SP2866 Yarningale Common SP1865

Worcestershire Abberley SO7567 Bricklehampton SO9842 Devil’s Spittleful SO8074 Abberton SO9953 British Camp SO7640 Diglis Lock SO8453 Adam’s Hill SO9279 British Camp Reservoir SO7639 Dines Green SO8255 Alfrick SO7453 Broadwas SO7656 Dingle, The SO7645 Alfrick Pound SO7452 Broadway SP0937 Dowles Brook SO7776 Arley Wood SO8082 Broome SO9078 Drakes Broughton SO9248 Arrow Valley Lake SP0567 Bury End Flash SO8639 Droitwich SO8962 Ashmoor Common SO8446 Bushley SO8734 Dunstall Common SO8843 Ashton-under-Hill SO9938 Dutty Coppice SO9148 Aston Mill Pits SO9434 Cakebole SO8772 Atch Lench SP0350 Callow End SO8349 Eckington SO9241 Ayton’s Heath SO6963 Callow Hill SO7473 Eckington Bridge SO9242 Captain’s Pool SO8474 Eckington Meadow SO9242 Barbourne SO8457 Castlemorton Common SO7839 Elmley Castle SO9841 SO7845 Caunsall SO8581 Enigma Retail Park SO7947 Barnett Brook SO8876 Chaddesley Corbett SO8873 Evesham SP0343 Barnt Green SP0073 Chaddesley Wood SO9173 Eymore Wood SO7779 Baughton SO8741 Chase End Hill SO7635 Bayton SO6973 Chase End wood SO9073 Fairy Glen SO8681 Beckford Lakes SO9836 Chat Valley SO7746 Feckenham SP0061 Bengeworth SP0443 Chateau Impney SO9164 Feckenham Wyld Beoley SP0669 Churchill SO8879 Moor SP0160 Berkeley SO8857 Claines SO8558 Fish Meadow SO8440 Besford SO9144 Clent Hills SO9379 Fladbury SO9946 Bevere SO8459 Clerkenleap SO8551 Flash Pools SO9366 Bevere Lock SO8359 Clevelode SO8346 Flint’s Dingle SO6363 Bewdley SO7875 Clifton Pits SO8445 Bickley SO6371 Clifton-on-Teme SO7161 Grafton Flyford SO9854 Birchen Coppice SO8073 SO7171 Grafton Manor SO9369 Birchwood SO8081 Cofton Richards Farm SP0175 Grafton Reservoir SO9936 Birtsmorton SO8035 Cofton Water Works SP0175 Grafton Wood SO9756 Birtsmorton Court SO8035 Coldridge Wood SO8082 Great Comberton SO9542 Birtsmorton Pools SO8035 Conderton SO9637 Great Malvern SO7846 Bishampton SO9951 Cookley SO8480 Great Witley SO7566 Bishampton Vale Pool SP0050 Coombegreen Grimley SO8360 Bittell Reservoir SP0174 Common SO7736 Grimley Brick Pits SO8361 Blackpole SO8657 Coopers Hill SP0072 Grimley Church SO8360 Blackstone SO7974 Copcut Island SO8861 Grimley New Workings SO8359 Blake Mill Pool SO8979 Crabbe Tree Farm SO9047 Grimley Old Workings SO8361 Blakedown SO8878 Craycombe Turn SO9947 Grimley triangle SO8260 Blakeshall Common SO8381 Croome SO8744 Grimley Wind-surfing Bockleton SO5862 Croome Landscape Pit SO8261 Bodenham Arboretum SO8081 Park SO8844 Grove Farm SO7776 Bordesley Meadow SP0370 Croome Perry Guarlford SO8145 Bordesley Park Crossroads SO9046 Gullet, The SO7638 Farm Pool SP0371 Croome River SO8844 Gwen Finch Wetland SO9341 Bourne Brook SO9042 Cropthorne SO9844 Bransford Bridge SO8053 Crossway Green SO8468 Habberley Estate SO8176 Bransford Court SO8152 Cutnell Green SO8868 Habberley Valley SO8077 Bredon Field Farm SO9038 Hackman’s Gate SO8977 Bredon Hill SO9139 Defford SO9143 Hadley SO8663 Bredon’s Norton SO9339 Defford Airfield SO9044 Hagley Wood SO8382 Bredon’s Hardwick SO9135 Devil’s Leap SO7556 Hallets Hill Coppice SO6850

241 Ham Bridge SO7361 Lickey Wood SO9975 Old Hills SO8248 Hampton SP0243 Lickhill Quarry SO7972 Old Storridge SO7451 Hanbury Hall SO9463 Lickmoor Wetland SO8845 Old Storridge Common SO7451 Hanley Child SO6565 Lineholt SO8266 Old Wood Common SO5866 Hanley Heath SO6665 Little Comberton SO9643 Ombersley SO8463 Hanley Swan SO8142 Lodge Hill Farm SO7576 Happy Valley SO7645 Longdon Marsh SO8235 Park Brook SO7576 Hardwick Green SO8132 Longley Green SO7350 Pensax SO7268 Hartlebury SO8470 Lower Bittell Reservoir SP0174 Peopleton SO9350 Hartlebury Common SO8270 Lower Habberley SO8077 Pershore SO9445 Hartlebury Tip SO8371 Lower Haresbrook SO5767 Pinvin SO9549 Hatfield SO8750 Lower Hook SO8139 Pirton Pool SO8747 High Green SO8645 Lower Moor SO9847 Point Coppice SO6949 Highgrove Wood SO7446 Lower Moor River Poolbrook Common SO7944 Hob Hill SP0671 Flash SO9746 Porters Mill SO8660 Hollybed Common SO7737 Lower Moor STW SO9746 Portway Farm Pool SO9054 Hollybush SO7636 Lower Quinton SO5761 Pound Green SO7478 Hollybush Hill SO7636 Lower Rochford SO6268 Powick Bridge SO8352 Hollywood SP0877 Lower Sapey SO6960 Holt SO8262 Lower Smite Farm SO8858 Raggedstone Hill SO7586 Holt Castle SO8262 Lower Strensham SO9040 Ravenshill Pool SO7453 Holt Church SO8286 Lower Wick SO8353 Redditch SP0467 Holt Fishing Pools SO8262 Lower Wyche Road SO7744 Retreat Farm SO8339 Holt Heath SO8163 Lydiate Ash SP9775 Ripple SO8738 Holt Prairies SO8262 Ripple Marsh SO8637 Hoo Farm Industrial Madresfield Estate SO8047 Rough Hill Wood SP0563 Estate SO8273 Malvern Hills SO7640 Roundhill Wood SO9281 Horsham SO7357 Malvern Link SO7847 Rous Lench SP0153 Huddington SO9457 Malvern Wells SO7742 Rowney Green SP0471 Hunthouse Wood SO7070 Malvern Wells Rowney Green SP0471 Huntsbridge SO7783 Common SO7742 Rushwick SO8253 Huntsbridge Common SO7738 Mamble SO6971 Rushy Valley SO7745 Hurcott Pool SO8577 Marsh Common SO8942 Ryall SO8640 Martley SO7559 Ryall Pits SO8639 Inkberrow SP0157 Matchborough West SP0766 Ryall Southern Pit SO8638 Merrilands Farm SO9047 Kemerton SO9436 Middle Littleton SP0746 Salwarpe SO8761 Kempsey SO8549 Midsummer Hill SO7637 Salwarpe Church SO8761 Kempsey Common SO8748 Mill Pond SO7737 Saxon’s Lode SO8638 Kempsey Lower Ham SO8449 Monk Wood SO8060 Severn Stoke SO8544 Kempsey STW SO8448 Monkwood Green SO8060 Shakenhurst SO6773 Kerswell Green SO8646 Moors Pool SO9367 Shakenhurst Brook SO6773 Kidderminster SO8376 Mount Pleasant SP0439 Shatterford Wood SO7980 King’s Green SO7760 Mustow Green SO8674 Shelsley Beauchamp SO7363 Kings Norton Golf Club SP0574 Shelsley Walsh SO7263 Kingswood SO7640 Nafford SO9441 Shenstone SO8673 Kingswood County Nafford Island SO9441 Sheriffs Lench SP0249 Park SO8281 Nafford Lock SO8441 Shrawley Wood SO8066 Kington SO9955 Nash End SO7781 Sling Pool SO9477 Kinsham Lake SO9836 New Farm SO9046 SP0746 Knapp, The SO7451 New Mill Bridge SO7262 Southcrest SP0366 Knightsford Bridge SO7356 Nimmings SO9380 Southcrest Wood SP0836 Knightwick SO7355 Nineveh SO6264 Spennells SO8474 Knowles Coppice SO7676 North Hill SO7646 Spetchley Park SO8953 Kyre SO6263 North Quarry SO7646 St Peters SO8552 Kyre Pool SO6364 North Valley SO7646 St. Johns SO8354 Kyre Wood SO6067 Northwick Marsh SO8357 Stanford Bridge SO7165 Norton Barracks SO8652 Stanford-on-Teme SO7065 Ladywood SO8761 Nunnery Wood SO8754 Stankyn SO8574 Langdale Wood SO7943 Stocking Pool SO6870 Larford SO8169 Oakley Pool SO8960 Stoke Bliss SO6562 Leigh Sinton SO7750 Oakley Wood SO9060 Stoke Hill SO6663 Lenchwick SP0347 Offerton SO8958 Stourport-on-Severn SO8171

242 Strensham Lagoons SO9139 Upper Hook SO8240 Westminster Bank SO7646 Sugar Loaf Hill SO7645 Upper Quinton SO5761 Westwood Park SO8763 Sweet Green SO6462 Upper Strensham Pool SO8939 Westwood Pool SO8763 Swinyard Hill SO7638 Upper Welland SO7740 Whiteleaved Oak SO7635 Upton Snodsbury SO9454 Wick SO9645 Table Hill SO7846 Upton Warren SO9367 Wilden SO8272 Tallow Hill SO8555 Upton-upon-Severn SO8540 Wilden Marsh SO8273 Tank Quarry SO7646 Upton-upon-Severn Wildmoor Tip SO9576 Tanwood SO9074 S. Ham SO8539 Willow Marsh Fishery SO8773 Tardebigge Reservoir SO9868 Upton-upon-Severn Winyates East SP0767 Temple Dingle SO7064 STW SO8440 Winyates Green SO0867 Three Counties Wiseman’s Scrape SO8865 Showground SO7842 Wadborough SO9047 Wissetts Wood SO6772 Throckmorton Airfield SO9649 Wagon Wheel Lane SO8360 Witley Court SO7664 Throckmorton Lagoons SO9748 Walk Coppice SO6773 Wood Norton SP0147 Throckmorton Tip SO9748 Walshes Farm Wood Norton Flash SP0147 Tiddesley Wood SO9245 Caravan Park SO8070 Woodland View Tilesford SO9650 Walton Hill SO9479 Fishing Pool SO8564 Timberhonger SO9170 Warndon SO8856 Woodrow SO8875 Top Barn Business Waseley Hills SO9777 Woolas Hall SO9440 Park SO8361 Wassell Grove SO9382 Worcester SO8454 Trench Wood SO9258 Wassell Grove Worcestershire Trimpley Reservoir SO7778 Business Park SO9382 Beacon SO7645 Twyford Garden Weatheroak Hill SP0574 Wychbury Hill SO9181 Centre SP0446 Webs Garden Centre SO9367 Wyche Cutting SO7643 Welland SO7940 Wyre Forest SO7475 Uffmoor Wood SO9581 West Hagley SO9080 Wyre Piddle SO9647 Upper Arley SO7680 West Malvern SO6746 Upper Bittell Reservoir SP0275 Westfield Farm SO8744 Yeald wood SP0152

Staffordshire Abraham’s Valley SK0020 Beaudesert SK0313 Brown Lees SJ8755 Aldershaw SK1007 Bednall SJ9517 Brownhills SK0306 Almington SJ7034 Belvide Reservoir SJ8610 Brund Hill SK0264 Alrewas SK1814 Bennettshitch SK0066 Burnt Wood SJ7335 Alrewas Junction Pit SK1815 Bent Lane SJ8139 Burntwood SK0608 Alstonefield SK1355 Beresford Dale SK1259 Burslem SJ8749 Anslow SK2125 Berry Hill SJ9046 Burston SJ9330 Apedale CP SJ8148 Biddulph Moor SJ9058 Burton-on-Trent SK2523 Aqualate SJ7720 Big Wood SJ8323 Butterton SJ8342 Ashley SJ7436 Bishop’s Wood SJ7431 Byrkley Park SK1623 Ashwood SO8688 Black Bank SJ8147 Aston Farm SJ9230 Blake Brook SK0761 Calton SK1050 Aston-by-Stone SJ9131 Blithfield Reservoir SK0523 Caltonmoor SK1148 Astonfields SJ9225 Blore SJ7235 Calwich Abbey SK1243 Audley SJ7950 Boarsgrove SK0462 Carder Low SK1262 Bolingbroke Wood SK1526 Castern Wood NR SK1152 Baddeley Edge SJ9150 Borrowpit Lake SK2004 Castle Mere SJ8229 Baggeridge SO8992 Bottom House SK0452 Castle Ring SK0412 Bagnall SJ9351 Brackenhurst Covert SK1423 Castletown SJ9123 Bagots Wood SK0727 Bradnop SK0156 Catholme SK1915 Baldwins Gate SJ7940 Brancote STW SJ9522 Caunsall SO8581 Baldwins Gate STW SJ8039 Branston Gravel Pit SK2120 Chapel Chorlton SJ8137 Barleighford SJ9463 Branston Water Park SK2220 Chatterley SJ8451 Barton GP SK2017 Brindley Ford SJ8854 Cheadle SK0143 Barton-under-Needwood Britannia Stadium SJ8843 Chebsey SJ8529 SK1818 Brocton SJ9619 Checkhill Bog SO8587 Baswich SJ9422 Bromley Pool SJ7735 Cheddleton SJ9753 Bateswood SJ7947 Bromley Wood SK1024 Cheshire Wood SJ8961 Bateswood Lake SJ7948 Brookleys Lake SK0943 Chesterton SJ8249 Beaconside SJ9226 Brough Hall SJ8322 Chillington SJ8506 Bearda SJ9664 Brown Edge SJ9053 Chipnal Lees SJ7432

243 Churnet Valley SK0545 Fisherwick SK1711 Katyn Memorial SJ9816 Clay Mills SK2626 Flash SK0267 Keele University SJ8244 Clay Mills STW SK2626 Flashbrook SJ7424 Kemsey Manor SJ7624 Cliffe Vale SJ8646 Fleet Green SK0561 Kettlebrook Lakes SK2203 Cliffords Wood SJ8337 Foker Grange SJ9657 Kings Bromley SK1116 Clive Farm SO8297 Ford SK0654 Kinver Edge SO8382 Codsall SJ8703 Ford Green SJ8850 Knotbury SK0168 Coldmeece Pools SJ8532 Forton SJ7521 Knypersley Reservoir SJ8955 Consall Valley SJ9948 Four Ashes SJ9108 Coombes Valley SK0052 Fradley Junction SK1414 Lady Edge SK0562 Copmere SJ8029 Freda’s Grave SJ9718 Lawn Farm SK2122 Cotes Heath SJ8335 Froghall SK0247 Lea Heath SK0225 Coven Lawn SJ9005 Leawood SJ7624 Cowhay Nature Gailey SJ9310 Leek SJ9856 Reserve SJ9656 Gentleshaw Common SK0511 Leyfields SK1625 Crakemarsh Lake SK0936 Gerrard’s Bromley SJ7835 Lichfield SK1109 Crossplains SK1624 Glacial Boulder SJ9818 Light Oaks SJ9250 Croxall SK1814 Gliding Field SK0360 Lightwood SJ9241 Croxden Quarry SK0341 Goldsitch Moss SK0164 Little Stoke SJ9133 Crumpwood SK0842 Gospel Ash SO8391 Longsdon Mill Pool SJ9555 Cuckoo Bank SK0310 Gothersley SO8687 Lordsley GP SJ7538 Great Haywood SJ9922 Lower Hatton SJ8236 Danebridge SJ9665 Greenway Bank CP SJ8955 Lower Knightley SJ8223 Dead Waters SK1040 Grindon SK0854 Lower Penn SO8695 Denstone SK0940 Grindon Moor SK0655 Loynton Moss SJ7824 Doley Common SJ8121 Gun Hill SJ9662 Lum Edge SK0659 Dosthill SP2099 Gun Moor SJ9661 Dovedale SK1452 Madeley SJ7744 Hales Pools SJ7232 Doveleys SK1141 Maer Hills SJ7739 Halfpenny Green SO8291 Doxey Marshes SJ9024 Manifold Valley SK1055 Hanbury SK1727 Drakelow NR SK2219 Marchington Tip SK1330 Hanbury Park SK1725 Draycott-in-the-Clay SK1429 Marquis Drive SK0015 Hanchurch Pools SJ8440 Drayton Bassett Pits SK1900 Mavesyn Ridware SK0817 Hanchurch Woods SJ8340 Dunstall SK0726 Mayfield SK1545 Handsacre SK0916 Dunston Heath SJ9117 Meece Brook SJ8432 Hardings Booth SK0664 Dunwood SJ9453 Meerbrook SJ9861 Hatton Bogs SJ8237 Dydon Wood SK1344 Meir SJ9340 Haywood Warren SJ9919 Mermaid Inn SK0360 Hazel Barrow SK0163 East Bishton SK0320 Merryton Low SK0460 Hazelstrine SJ9420 Eccleshall SJ8329 Middle Hills SK0363 Heaton SJ9561 Ecton Bridge SK0957 Milford SJ9721 Hednesford Hills SK0112 Ecton Hill SK0958 Milking Brook Valley SK0010 Hen Cloud SK0061 Edingale SK2112 Milldale SK1354 Higher Lower Perton SO8699 Eland Brook SK1426 Million Plantation SO8486 Highgate Common SO8389 Elford SK1910 Milton SJ9051 Hill Ridware SK0717 Elford Gravel Pits SK1810 Moat Hall SK1324 Himley Hall SO8891 Elkstone SK0658 Morridge SK0257 Hints SK1502 Ellenhall SJ8526 Morridge Top SK0365 Hixon SK0025 Endon SJ9253 Moss Carr SK0765 Hobbs Hole GC SK0701 Enson SJ9328 Mosslee Hall Farm SK0050 Hollies Common SJ8122 Enville SO8386 Mucklestone SJ7136 Hollinsclough SK0666 Essex Bridge SK0021 Myatt’s Pits SJ7723 Hollybush Lake SK1326 Essington Quarry SJ9603 Holt Hill SK1226 Etruria SJ8647 National Memorial Hoo Brook SK0855 Arboretum SK1814 Horton SJ9456 Fairoak SJ7832 Needwood House SK1825 Hulme End SK1059 Farley SK0644 Netherset Hey SJ7843 Fauld SK1828 Ilam SK1350 Newcastle-under-Lyme SJ8444 Fazeley SK2001 Ingestre SJ9724 Newpool SJ8756 Fenton Cemetery SJ8944 Ipstones SK0249 Norbury SJ7723 Fernhill SJ7522 Ipstones Edge SK0250 Norbury Manor SJ7923 Festival Park SJ8648 Norbury Park SJ8022 Field Head SK0861 Jackson’s Bank SK1322 Norton Canes SK0107

244 Offleymarsh SJ7928 Rocester SK1039 Tittesworth Reservoir SJ9960 Okeover SK1548 Rocester Pools SK1039 Tixall SJ9722 Okeover Mill SK1648 Roddige Farm SK1713 Trentham Gardens SJ8640 Oldacre Valley SJ9718 Rowley Hall SJ9121 Trysull SO8493 Orchard Common SK0269 Royal Cottage SK0263 Turners Pool SJ9763 Orgreave SK1415 Rudyard Lake SJ9459 Tyrley Locks SJ6932 Oulton Heath SJ9035 Rugeley Power Station SK0517 Upper Elkstone SK0559 Packington Moor SK1505 Upper Hatton SJ8337 Park Hall CP SJ9244 Sherbrook Valley SJ9818 Upper Hulme SK0160 Parkgate SK1044 Shirleywich Farm SJ9825 Uttoxeter Quarry SK0935 Parkhouse SJ8449 Shortwood Cotts SJ7836 Parkside SJ9929 Shugborough SJ9922 Wall Heath SO8790 Parr’s Warren SJ9916 Sideway SJ8743 Walton-on-the-Hill SJ9520 Parrot’s Drumble SJ8152 Silverdale Colliery SJ8146 Walton-on-Trent SK2118 Pelsall North Common Stableford SJ8138 Warslow SK0858 LNR SK0104 Stafford SJ9223 Warslow Brook SK0658 Pendeford Mill NR SJ8903 Stafford Castle SJ9022 Waterfall SK0851 Penkridge Airfield SJ9312 Standon SJ8134 Weaver Hills SK0946 Pethills SK0365 Stanley Pool SJ9351 Weeford SK1303 Pethillshead Farm SK0552 Stanshope SK1254 Weeping Cross SJ9421 Pipe Green SK1009 Stansmore Hall Farm SJ9643 Wergs SJ8600 Pipehill SK0908 Stanton Dale SK1048 West End SJ8744 Pool Dam SJ8346 Stepping Stones SJ9820 Westlands SJ8344 Pool Hall SO8597 Stilecop SK0315 Weston SJ9727 Pool Hall Fisheries SO8597 Stockley Vale SK2025 Weston Coyney SJ9343 Prestwood SK1042 Stonnall SK0603 Weston Jones SJ7524 Prestwood Level SK0941 Stowe Pool SK1210 Westport Lake SJ8550 Punchbowl SJ9820 Stramshall SK0735 Wetley Moor SJ9348 Strawberry Hill SK0019 Wetley Rocks SJ9649 Quixhill SK1041 Sturbridge SJ8430 Wettonmill SK0956 Sugnall SJ7930 White House SJ9916 Radford Meadows SJ9321 Sutton SJ7622 Whitemoor Haye SK1813 Radford Meadows SJ9321 Swallow Moss SK0660 Whitmore SJ8040 Ranton SJ8524 Swineholes Wood SK0450 Whittimere SO8292 Ranton Abbey SJ8323 Swinscoe SK1348 Windy Harbour SK0648 Ranton Green SJ8422 Swinscoe Common SK1247 Wolfscote Dale SK1357 Ravensclough Wood SJ9263 Swynnerton SJ8436 Wolseley Bridge SK0220 Reapsmoor SK0861 Wom Brook SO8792 Redgreet SJ7830 Talke SJ8253 Wombourne SO8692 Revidge SK0759 Tamworth SK2004 Woodhead SJ9249 Rickerscote SJ9320 Tatenhill SK2022 Woodmill SK1321 Rifle Range SJ9917 Thorncliffe SK0158 Wootton SK1044 River Sow Meadows SJ9522 Thor’s Cave SK0954 Roach Grange SJ9963 Three Shires Head SK0068 Yarnfield SJ8632 Roaches, The SK0063 Throwley Moor SK0952 Yoxall Lodge SK1522

West Midlands Ackers SP0984 Bilston Cemetery SO9497 Brueton Park NR SP1678 Acocks Green SP1183 Birmingham SP0686 Buckpool SO9087 Aldridge SK0500 Birmingham University SP0483 Burbury SP0983 Allesley SP2881 Black Patch SP0388 Burton Green SP2675 Ashmore Lake SJ9600 Blythe Valley SP1375 Ashmore Park SJ9602 Blythe Valley Business Cannon Hill Park SP0683 Park SP1375 Castle Bromwich SP1489 Balsall Common SP2477 Blythe Valley CP SP1475 Castle Hill SO9290 Barr Beacon SP0598 Bowmans Harbour SO9399 Castle Vale SP1491 Barston SP2078 Bournville SP0481 Castlecroft SO8797 Bartley Reservoir SP0081 Bradnock’s Marsh SP2179 Chadwick End SP2173 Berkswell Lake SP2479 Brandwood End SP0779 Chelmsley Wood SP1886 Bickenhill SP1682 Brierley Hill SO9288 Cheswick Green SP1275 Bilston SO9496 Brownhills SK0405 Clayhanger SK0404

245 Compton SO8898 Kingswinford SO8988 Rushall SK0300 Coombeswood SO9785 Knowle SP1877 Russells Hall SO9280 Cotwall End Valley SO9192 Ryders Green SO9891 Coundon Wedge SP3081 Ladymoor Pool SO9495 Ryders Hayes Mere SK0304 Ladywood SP0586 Darley Mill Pool SP1773 Lane Head SJ9700 Saltwells LNR SO9387 Deepfields SO9394 Langley SO9988 Sandwell Valley SP0291 Dingles, The SP0981 Leasowes SO9784 Sarehole Mill SP0981 Dorridge SP1675 Leighswood SK0602 Scribers Wood SP1080 Druid’s Heath SK0601 Lickey Hills SP0075 Selly Oak SP0382 Dudley SO9490 Lifford Lakes SP0579 Selly Park SP0682 Dunstall Park SJ9000 Longbridge SP0176 Sheepwash UP SO9791 Sheldon SP1583 Earlswood SP1174 Manor Park Farm SP0280 Shirley SP1279 Edgbaston Pool SP0584 Marsh Lane NR SP2180 Short Heath SJ9700 Edgbaston Reservoir SP0486 Marston Green SP1784 Small Heath SP0985 Elmdon Park SP1682 Meriden Quarry SP2281 Smestow Valley LNR SO8899 Fens Pools SO9188 Merrion’s Wood SP0396 Sneyd Reservoir SJ9702 Finham SP3375 Monkspath SP1476 Solihull SP1579 Forge Mill Lake SP0392 Mons Hill SO9392 Stirchley SP0581 Frankley Reservoir Moor Green SP0682 Stonebridge SP2182 (north) SP0080 Moseley SO0782 Stourbridge SO9084 Fulford Heath SO0874 Streetly SP0897 Nailcote SP2677 Stubbers Green SK0301 Galton Valley SP0289 Netherton Reservoir SO9387 Summerfield Park SP0487 Garretts Green SP1586 Newtown SP0688 Sutton Park SP0996 Gas Street Basin SO0586 Swan Pool SP0291 Goscote Valley SK0102 Ocker Hill SO9793 Grapes Pool SO9497 Olton Mere SP1382 Temple Balsall SP2075 Great Bridge SO9892 Ten Acres SP0681 Park Lime Pits SP0299 Tettenhall SJ8800 Haden Hill Park SO9585 Park Village SJ9200 Thimblemill Brook SP0088 Hall Green SP1081 Pebble Mill SP0682 Tillyard Croft SP0382 Hampton Coppice SP1682 Pelsall North Tividale SO9791 Handsworth Park SP0590 Common LNR SK0104 Trittiford Mill SP0979 Harborne SP0284 Penn SO8996 Trittiford Pool SP0980 Harborne NR SP0385 Pensnett SO9490 Hawne Park SO9585 Plantsbrook NR SP1492 University of Hayhead Wood SP0498 Portway SO9788 Birmingham SP0583 Hay Mills SP1185 Priory Fields SP0979 Highters Heath SP0979 Valley Parkway SP0381 Hillfield SP1577 Queens Park, Hill Hook SK1000 Harborne SP0284 Wall Heath SO8790 Hockley Heath SP1572 Walsall SP0198 Holly Bank SK0602 Reedswood Park SO9999 Walsall Wood SK0403 Hurst Hill SP9294 Ridgacre SP0184 Warley Woods SP0087 Hurst Hill Wood SO9293 Rocket Pool SO9694 Warstock SP0979 Rood End SP0088 Wednesbury SO9895 King’s Heath SP0781 Rotten Park SP0487 Wednesfield SJ9400

246 Key to Contributors The following observers and organisations have kindly provided information for the Classified Notes. Those also contributing the Ringing Report are mentioned under that report. Our sincere apologies if we have omitted anyone. It would greatly help compilation if observers could give their full set of initials with their records, as this helps to identify them more uniquely and so cuts down the risk of confusion between similar names or sets of initials.

AE Abbott G Birch L Burton DJ Abbott K Birchall (KBi) P Burton C Adams J Birk A Butcher M Adams RM Bishop D Adelson M Bissett D Cadman MJ Adkins RO Blackmore K Caine S Alcock RM Blindell N Calladine A Aldridge S Bloomfield (SBl) G Campbell JKL Allen MD Boote A Cantrell JL Allton LJ Booth K Capps M Andrews RM Borwick R Carleton PM Andrews P Bottom N Carter (Warks) SE Andrews CJ Bottrill N Carter (Staffs) A Anscomb G Bould S Carter Apedale CP Rangers Mrs Bowers GM Cartwright C Appleton H Bowler (HBo) A Casson Aqualate Log JJ Bowley R Castle (RCa) A Archer J Brabyn G Caswell M Archer D Bradford SL Cawthray MA Arnold EJ Bradford M Chadwick S Arnold (SA) J Bradley M Chalmers A Ashcroft Brandon Marsh N Chambers RE Astbury Conservation Group KG Charity JD Atkinson K Brannan N Charlesworth MC Brassington J Chatham (JCh) AR Bagnall G Brereton Chasewater Report K Ball B Bricknell S Chatwin (SCh) J Ballance S Bridgman M Cheney D Balmer T Brindley (TBr) J Chester Ornithological N Brittliff JA Chidwick Society J Broadbent E Clamp (ECl) D Banks RC Broadbent ES Clare DM Banks D Bromley GE Clarke S Barker D Brooke-Taylor R Clay NP Barlow T Broom G Clayton SM Barnes H Brown P Clayton (PCl) B Barwise L Brown GA Clements P Bateman N Brown KM Clements K Bates RM Brown BD Clews SC Baverstock A Brown (ABr) C Coates R Bayle J Bryan A Cobley N Beach WJ Brydges C Cocksey A Bell BTO Bird Track M Coleman S Bell BTO WeBS J Coleman (JCo) JT Belsey AB Buckel S Coney Belvide Annual Report FC Buckel Consall Rangers M Bennett GFW Bundy A Cook S Bennett N Buntain Coombes Valley RSPB R Best JF Burgoine G Cooper PF Betts D Burns J Corbett S Biggs DW Burns G Corbett-Marshall RW Billingsley AK Burton A Cornwell

247 J Cox FJ Farrell R Harding (RHg) D Cox (DCx) T Farrington S Hares B Craddock N Fellows J Harris (JH) JH Craik CT Fennell GR Harrison M Cresswell A Ferguson JV Harrison (JVH) R Crump R Findlay-Robinson M Harrison D Cunliffe PJ Findon P Harvey A Curran P Flackett WP Harvey PA Curry P Forbes (PFo) Mrs Hawker K Ford (KFo) D Hawkes B Daniels M Fortnum (MFm) SL Haycox CJ Davies B Fothergill SM Haynes M Davies M Foxall M Hayward R Davies C Francis J Heathcock RM Davies HY Franklin B Heaton S Davies A Freeman F Henderson M Davis R Frost S Henshall P Davis R Fussell TC Hextell T Davison C Heyworth (CHe) R Dawkins (RDw) S Gale K Higginson (KHi) A Dawson ND Galloway RC Higgs R Dawson M Gardiner S Higton AR Dean AFJ Gardner CE Hill PK Dedicoat HM Garwood DI Hill GRJ Dent BC George JE Hill KL Dewey B Gethyn P Hill K Dicken C Gibbons RA Hill A Dickie JC Gibbs W Hillier J Diggle A Giddings R Hinett S Dix GI Giles TM Hinett T Dixon A Glaisher LR Hobin P Dobson M Godfrey PE Hodges S Dodd WG Goldstraw J Hodson M Doughty (MD) D Goodwin M Holley P Douthwaite (PD) G Gould A Holliday Draycote Log A Grace (AGr) J Hollion S Driscoll M Grant P Holmes RE Duckhouse N Greatholder S Holmes I Duncan G Greaves JV Holtham (JVHo) J Dunlop (JDp) H Green E Homer R Durnall M Green L Homer P Dutt R Green M Hope (MHo) W Dutton A Gregory IJ Hopkins G Dyke R Gregory K Horseman P Dykta FC Gribble J Horton M Griffiths D Howdle D Eaton A Grove K Hughes RL Edwards AJF Grove E Hulme WJ Egmont C Grove R Hunt T Elseworth D Gruar G Hurst (GHu) V Emery P Guarnaccio R Husband (RHu) DW Emley D Hutton (DHu) SM Emley M Hadlington PD Hyde B Evans A Halfpenny MJ Inskip C Evans AG Hall G Evans (GEv) K Hall AG Jackson P Evans R Hall C Jackson RJ Evans EG Hallwell WT Jackson T Evans (TEv) SA Halsey AF Jacobs T Eyre P Hamilton R James SJ Falk P Hancox RMR James C Falshaw T Hansard (THd) PA Jeavons GA Farmer RE Harbird M Jeeves

248 RJ Jennett K Longshaw E Osbaldeston D Jennings C Lovering C Osborne J Jennings WJ Low TW Jesson D Lowe L Palmer D Jeynes (DJe) G Lowe NR Palmer P Jeynes V Lucking D Parker G Jilkes (GJs) KI Lydster R Parry A Johnson (AJo) G Lyons DE Parton C Johnson TB Parton P Johnson A Mabbett K Patrick L Johnson (LJo) MR Macfadyen W Patterson P Johnson (PJo) J Mackenzie A Pattison J Jones M MacLean S Payne P Jones B Mann JP Pearson PM Jordan GJ Mant GH Peplow JFC Judge A Mantle (AMa) WF Peplow A Jukes T Marlow G Pepper R Jukes P Marriott IR Perks C Jupp B Marsh T Perrins ET Jury R Maskew BR Perry C Mason M Perryman D Kearney R Massey A Phillips D Keeling GD Mawlam E Phillips J Keeling RC Mays EG Phillips D Kelsall B McGeough (BMc) M Pittaway R Kemp A McGraw ND Pomiankowski J Kendall JE Meek S Portugal D Kennedy A Mellor CH Potter M Kennedy G Menzies-Kitchin M Pouton T Kettle G Metcalf BJ Price RW Key S Micklewhite E Price D King G Middleton TR Price H King HJ Miller L Price (LPr) M King R Minors P Price (PPr) RJ King I Moore M Priest (MPr) J Kingsland D Morgan (DMo) A Pritchard BL Kington JNT Mott BG Prudden M Kirby A Murphy RA Prudden C Kirk T Murphy RJ Pyrah D Klemperer JB Murray RWS Knightbridge LM Murray MP Radford J Knights P Rainsbury K Knox L Nash A Ramsell J Kumaham J Neal RB Ratcliffe A Kydd PAJ Newman A Ravenscroft J Newton P Reay CJ Lane GK Nicholls J Renowden H Langhor (HLa) P Nickless F Rhodes SD Lawley D Nimmo J Rhodes A Lawlor T Norledge CE Richards JA Lawrence Nuneaton and District SA Richards T Lawton Birdwatchers’ Club A Richardson A Leak S Nuttall B Rickett CB Lee Mrs Rigby C Lee J O’Dell D Riley N Lee N Oakes M Riley L Lees PD Oakley K Robbins (KRo) MJ Lewis S Oates K Robbo J Liggins S O’Donnell AW Roberts D Lincoln C Oines A Roberts (ARo) M Lindsey (MLi) DF Oldham J Robinson J Lloyd BM Oleksy N Robinson P Lockyer RA Orton S Robinson

249 C Robson M Squire J Ward S Roper (SRo) Staffordshire Ecological Record R Wardle J Rose MA Stephens M Waring S Rosie A Stevens K Warmington (KWa) I Rowat I Stevenson AWarr GP Rowling FG Stokes AD Warren RSPB Midland Office A Stone Warwickshire Museum JM Rushforth JR Stonehouse S Watchorn M Rushton B Stretch K Wayman WJ Russell CR Stubbs T Webb A Russell (ARu) N Stych S Webster R Russon G Summers A Weekes (AWs) S Ryan M Sutton P Wells M Ryley R Sutton S Wende A Swift M West P Sale R Swift P Weston MJ Sanderson B Westwood AL Saunders B Tailer MJ Whalley DA Saunders P Tailer R Wheatcroft DJ Scanlan S Tailer PF Whitehead DA Scattergood J Taverner IC Whitehouse G Scott J Taylor SM Whitehouse J Scott V Taylor S Wilding RE Scott A Thomas M Wilkinson S Seal (SS) H Thomas AG Williams K Sharp R Thomas A Williams A Shaw K Thomson DM Williams P Shaw M Till GA Williams M Sheridan J Tilley N Williams T Sheridan Tittesworth Report RD Williams P Shires M Tomlin B Williams (BWi) M Shooter IM Tomlinson CS Williamson A Simons R Toon M Willmott N Simpson D Treadgold (DTr) A Wilson JH Sirrett P Treadgold (PTr) R Wilson (RWi) H Siviter T Trueman K Wimbush (KWi) D Skidmore ATuck JR Winsper S Slack CE Turner RG Witcomb GC Slawson J Turner WMBC Hotline BW Smith ME Turner D Wolton JA Smith P Turner K Wood K Smith SJ Turner R Woodcock (RWo) MC Smith B Tymons GT Woodin NJ Smith MWC Woodward RL Smith MA Ui Hawker Worcestershire Record SCH Smith N Unwin D Wragg S Smith J Wright V Smith L von Ebling www.birdguides.com M Smith (MSm) M Wykes GW Snell O Wadsworth S Wykes M Snookes (MSn) D Waite W Soar M Wakeman DW Yalden P Sofley RMW Waldron M Yapp DE Sollis D Walker B Young T Speake DIM Wallace D Young HM Spencer-Caple W Walters

250 Index to Species

Amazon, Yellow-crowned 221 Firecrest 180 Hoopoe 128 Avocet 74 Flycatcher, Pied 182 Flycatcher, Spotted 181 Jackdaw, Western 190 Bishop, Red 221 Jay, Eurasian 189 Bittern, Eurasian 55 Gadwall 27 Blackbird 160 Gannet, Northern 53 Kestrel, Common 65 Blackcap 170 Garganey 32 Kingfisher, Belted 127 Brambling 198 Godwit, Bar-tailed 92 Kingfisher, Common 127 Budgerigar 221 Godwit, Black-tailed 91 Kite, Red 59 Bullfinch 209 Goldcrest 179 Kittiwake 112 Bunting, Corn 215 Goldeneye, Common 41 Knot, Red 83 Bunting, Lapland 211 Goldfinch 201 Bunting, Little 213 Goosander 43 Lapwing, Northern 80 Bunting, Pine 212 Goose, Bar-headed 218 Lark, Sky 131 Bunting, Reed 214 Goose, Barnacle 22 Lark, Wood 130 Bunting, Snow 212 Goose, Bean 17 Linnet 204 Buzzard, Common 63 Goose, Brent 22 Lovebird, Peach-faced 221 Buzzard, Rough-legged 64 Goose, Domestic 219 Goose, Egyptian 23 Magpie 190 Chaffinch 197 Goose, Greater Canada 20 Mallard 29 Chiffchaff, Common 175 Goose, Greylag 19 Martin, House 135 Chiffchaff, Eastern type 178 Goose, Lesser Canada 217 Martin, Sand 132 Chiffchaff, Scandinavian 177 Goose, Lesser White- Merganser, Hooded 218 Chiffchaff, Siberian 177 fronted 217 Merganser, Red-breasted 42 Cockatiel 220 Goose, Pink-footed 17 Merlin 66 Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested 220 Goose, Snow 217 Moorhen 71 Coot, Common 72 Goose, White-fronted 18 Myna, Common 221 Cormorant, Great 53 Goshawk, Northern 62 Crake, Corn 70 Grebe, Black-necked 52 Nightingale, Common 151 Crake, Spotted 70 Grebe, Great Crested 50 Nightjar, European 125 Crane, Common 73 Grebe, Little 49 Nuthatch, Eurasian 187 Crossbill, Common 208 Grebe, Red-necked 51 Crow, Carrion 191 Grebe, Slavonian 52 Oriole, Golden 188 Cuckoo, Common 121 Greenfinch 200 Osprey 64 Curlew, Eurasian 93 Greenshank, Common 96 Ouzel, Ring 159 Grouse, Red 46 Owl, Barn 122 Dipper 149 Gull, Black-headed 104 Owl, Eurasian Eagle 221 Diver, Great Northern 48 Gull, Caspian 109 Owl, Little 123 Diver, Red-throated 48 Gull, Common 105 Owl, Long-eared 124 Dotterel 77 Gull, Glaucous 110 Owl, Short-eared 124 Dove, Collared 119 Gull, Great Black-backed 111 Owl, Tawny 123 Dove, Stock 117 Gull, Herring 107 Oystercatcher 73 Dove, Turtle 119 Gull, Iceland 110 Duck, Falcated 217 Gull, Kumlien’s 110 Parakeet, Alexandrine 221 Duck, Ferruginous 37 Gull, Laughing 102 Parakeet, Rose-ringed 120 Duck, Long-tailed 40 Gull, Lesser Black-backed 106 Parakeet, sp. 221 Duck, Mandarin 24 Gull, Little 103 Partridge, Grey 46 Duck, Muscovy 219 Gull, Mediterranean 101 Partridge, Red-legged 46 Duck, Red-billed 220 Gull, Ring-billed 105 Peafowl, Indian 220 Duck, Ring-necked 36 Gull, Yellow-legged 108 Phalarope, Grey 101 Duck, Ruddy 44 Pheasant, Common 48 Duck, Tufted 37 Harrier, Hen 61 Pheasant, Golden 218 Duck, Wood 219 Harrier, Marsh 60 Pheasant, Reeves’ 220 Dunlin 86 Harrier, Montagu’s 62 Pigeon, Feral 117 Dunnock 150 Hawfinch 210 Pigeon, Wood 118 Hawk, Harris’s 220 Pintail, Northern 31 Egret, Little 55 Hawk, Red-tailed 220 Pintail, White-cheeked 219 Heron, Grey 57 Pipit, Meadow 137 Falcon, Peregrine 68 Heron, Purple 58 Pipit, Rock 139 Fieldfare 160 Hobby 67 Pipit, Scandinavian Rock 139

251 Pipit, Tree 136 Shrike, Red-backed 188 Tit, Great 187 Pipit, Water 139 Siskin 203 Tit, Long-tailed 183 Plover, European Golden 78 Skua, Arctic 101 Tit, Marsh 184 Plover, Grey 79 Smew 42 Tit, Willow 185 Plover, Little Ringed 75 Snipe, Common 87 Treecreeper, Eurasian 188 Plover, Ringed 76 Snipe, Jack 87 Turnstone 100 Pochard, Common 35 Sparrow, House 194 Twite 206 Pochard, Red-crested 34 Sparrow, Tree 195 Pochard, Rosy-billed 220 Sparrowhawk, Eurasian 63 Wagtail, Blue-headed 141 Spoonbill, Eurasian 59 Wagtail, Grey 141 Quail, Common 47 Starling, Common 193 Wagtail, Pied 142 Starling, Red-winged 221 Wagtail, White 143 Rail, Water 69 Starling, Rose-coloured 193 Wagtail, Yellow 140 Raven, Common 192 Stint, Little 83 Warbler, Aquatic 167 Redpoll, Common 208 Stint, Temminck’s 84 Warbler, Cetti’s 166 Redpoll, Lesser 206 Stonechat 154 Warbler, Dartford 174 Redshank, Common 95 Stork, White 58 Warbler, Garden 172 Redshank, Spotted 94 Storm-petrel, Leach’s 53 Warbler, Grasshopper 167 Redstart, Black 151 Swallow, Barn 133 Warbler, Great Reed 170 Redstart, Common 152 Swallow, Red-rumped 135 Warbler, Marsh 169 Redwing 163 Swan, Bewick’s 16 Warbler, Reed 169 Robin 150 Swan, Black 218 Warbler, Sedge 168 Rook 191 Swan, Mute 15 Warbler, Willow 178 Ruff 87 Swan, Trumpeter 218 Warbler, Wood 175 Swan, Whooper 16 Warbler, Yellow-browed 175 Sanderling 83 Swift, Common 126 Waxwing 144 Sandpiper, Baird’s 85 Wheatear, Greenland 159 Sandpiper, Common 98 Teal, Baikal 217 Wheatear, Northern 156 Sandpiper, Curlew 85 Teal, Brazilian 219 Whimbrel 92 Sandpiper, Green 97 Teal, Eurasian 28 Whinchat 153 Sandpiper, Least 85 Tern, Arctic 114 Whitethroat, Common 173 Sandpiper, Pectoral 85 Tern, Black 116 Whitethroat, Lesser 173 Sandpiper, Spotted 100 Tern, Common 113 Wigeon, Chiloe 219 Sandpiper, Wood 98 Tern, Little 116 Wigeon, Eurasian 25 Scaup, Greater 39 Tern, Sandwich 113 Woodcock 90 Scaup, Lesser 39 Tern, Whiskered 116 Woodpecker, Scoter, Common 40 Tern, White-winged Great Spotted 129 Scoter, Velvet 41 Black 117 Woodpecker, Green 128 Shag 54 Thrush, Black-breasted 221 Woodpecker, Shelduck, Cape 219 Thrush, Mistle 165 Lesser Spotted 129 Shelduck, Common 23 Thrush, Song 162 Wren 150 Shelduck, Ruddy 217 Tit, Bearded 183 Wryneck 128 Shoveler 33 Tit, Blue 186 Yellowhammer 212 Shrike, Great Grey 189 Tit, Coal 186

252