BIRD CLUB.

FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT

ON THE BIRDS OF WARWICKSHIRE,

AND SOUTH , 1938.

Is. 6d. RAILWAY COUNTY BOUNDARY MAP OF RIVER WARWICKSHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE and SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE

BRfJLES

*WHICHFORD

ON THE

BIRDS OF WARWICKSHIRE, WORCESTERSHIRE. AND

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE,

1938.

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION

OF THE BIRMINGHAM BIRD CLUB. 1. MAP.

2. EDITORIAL.

3. BITTELL RESERVOIRS. H. G. ALEXANDER

4. RECOVERIES OF RINGED BIRDS. J.D.W.

5. MIGRANT DATES. J.D.W.

6. SONG DATES. J.D.W.

7. CLASSIFIED NOTES. H.G.A.

8. LISTS OF MEMBERS, ASSOCIATES AND CORRESPONDENTS.

9. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. EDITORIAL.

HE year 1938 brought an unusual number of passing migrants, T rare or not so rare, to the Midlands. It is not clear how far this was due to weather conditions, or whether it was due mainly to the increased number of observers, and especially to the very systematic observations carried out by the Rev. G. B. Jackson at the Bittell reservoirs during the spring. The early months of the year were, indeed, unusually mild, so that there was no invasion of Grebes, etc., such as may follow a cold spell. Two Divers, however, a Great Northern and a Black-throated, were noted during these months in Staffs, and VVarickshire respectively. The warm March led to very early arrivals of the first summer migrants, as the migrant table shows. The later ones were delayed by cold winds. In early May, during a period of cold north east winds and grey skies, an exceptional number of waders and other water-birds appeared at Bittell, including a Dusky Redshank and a Little Gull in beautiful plumage. At the same time a Long-tailed Duck appeared at Earlswood. Later in the month, with quite different weather conditions, further unusual birds appeared, and Black Terns were recorded from Bittell no less than four times during the spring migration. Another interesting spring occurrence was a Fulmar Petrel near Evesham. The last few days of the year brought a series of excitements, probably directly connected with the severe weather that set in just before Christmas. Dunlins, which one does not expect to find in the Midlands in mid-winter, were present at two or three places in some numbers, and several other sea-coast birds were noted, including a Purple Sandpiper in the heart of Birmingham—the first record for Warwickshire. At the same time a small herd of Bewick's Swans appeared, part of a large number that came to when the Ijssel Meer in Holland was frozen over. It is gratifying to record that a stretch of country near the Bittell reservoirs, threatened with building by the proximity of the Austin 3 factories, has been secured by public subscription and placed under the National Trust; a neighbouring portion has also been secured against the builder. The first of these pieces of land was visited on Christmas Eve by two of the afore mentioned Dunlins, which found there a small patch of open, soft ground while all around the country was under several inches of snow. Bittell always figures largely in this report, partly because a good many Birmingham ornithologists, including the editors, often go there. So this year an attempt is made to give a full summary of our present knowledge of its avifauna. During the present year, and up to next March, special obser- vations are asked on the status of the Redshank. Not only its breeding-status, but also the numbers present during each month from August to March, are asked for by the British Trust for Ornithology, and the editors of this report will be glad to receive and forward reports from observers in our area. Such reports should be sent in on separate sheets of paper from other matter sent in for next year's report. Or special schedules can be sent to those who ask for them. One of the notable ornithological events of the year in the Midlands has been the completion of Mr. T. Smith's periodical contributions to the history of the Birds of Staffordshire, published in the Transactions of the North Staffs Field Club. Much of the information refers to North Staffs, which lies outside the scope of this report; but there are also many interesting records of South Staffs birds, including records from Cannock reservoir in days when its surroundings were more rural than they are to day. Last century the Dartford Warbler seems to have inhabited Cannock Chase, and one may have been seen in that area as recently as 1915. BITTELL RESERVOIRS. BY H. G. ALEXANDER.

The Bittell Reservoirs are canal-feeding reservoirs, situated ten miles south of the centre of Birmingham, just south of the English water-shed, where it separates the Trent from the Avon basin. Strictly speaking, there are only two Bittell Reservoirs, the Upper, which is the more northerly, and covers approximately 100 acres, and the Lower, covering 57 acres. Small parts of the latter are separated from the main water by roads. At a distance of about three-quarters of a mile there is a third sheet of water, of 11 acres, the Cofton reservoir, just under the ridge of the Hills. These hills separate the Avon valley from the Severn. The reservoirs are all fed by the head waters of the river Arrow. There are a number of large pools and reservoirs in the counties round Birmingham, and no doubt from time to time all these attract not only wintering duck, but other passing wildfowl. It may be that the main reason why Bittell has so many records of such birds is simply that it has been well watched. But there are other contributory reasons. Both reservoirs are surrounded by open country, and it seems that water birds mostly prefer such places to pools that are surrounded by trees. The immediate surround, on the other hand, is almost all pasture, with hardly any bare concrete, so that it forms good feeding-ground for Wigeon and other species, and after droughts there is sometimes a good extent of mud to attract passing waders. In spring, too, the reservoirs lie not far from the line of flight birds might be expected to take that were flying up the Severn or Avon valleys from the Bristol Channel. But there is no similar geographical feature to bring them in the direction of the reservoirs during the autumn passage. And on the whole the autumn passage does seem to be rather less pronounced than the spring At any rate in some recent years of "low tide", when considerable numbers of small waders have visited Upper Bittell reservoir in the spring, there has been no movement of corresponding proportions in the autumn. For some reason, Lower Bittell seems

5 at times to be more attractive than Upper in the autumn. This is the more surprising since, in addition to the larger size and larger extent of mud at Upper Bittell, it lies well away from traffic, whereas Lower Bittell has a good road with fairly constant traffic running along three sides. But as a rule the birds are indifferent to the traffic. Neither reservoir contains reed-beds or any tall cover ; so that Reed-warblers do not breed and there are no records of such cover- loving species as the Bittern, except an old record at Cofton, where there is a dense swamp. Great Crested Grebes, though constantly present, have difficulties in nesting, because the water is so open. It is unusual for any to nest on Upper Bittell at all. On Lower the first nesting-attempts nearly always end in failure, but when Polygonum plants grow to the surface of the water in June, the problem of attaching their floating nests without resting them on the ground, where they are liable to get flooded, is less difficult. These reservoirs have attracted the attention of ornithologists for many years past. Some of the rare birds in the Chase collection in the Birmingham museum are from Bittell. Rev. K. A. Deakin, for many years rector of , kept records covering the period from 1860 to 1910. Messrs. H. LI. Wilson and D. Grubb are among those who frequently visited the reservoirs in pre-war times. More recently they have received very regular weekly visits from Mr. E. St. G. Betts, and Miss C. K. James of has been an even more frequent visitor. A number of other observers go there more or less frequently. Even so, it cannot be doubted that many birds must pass unnoticed, especially in spring, when they are liable to pass on within a few hours or even minutes of their arrival. For a number of years now the birds have benefited by the protection provided by the Barnt Green fishing-club. There is no public access to Lower Bittell, nor can any self-respecting ornith- ologist wish it, since the birds can almost always be watched to excellent advantage from the public road. At Upper Bittell a public footpath runs along the north side, but there are now unclimbable locked gates to prevent access from the whole of the eastern shore. It has not been easy to decide which species to mention in what follows. As far as possible, the list is confined to water-birds, or to those species which are definitely attracted because of the waters of 6 the reservoirs, excluding such species as Warblers and Finches, which find the hedges and the banks round about very attractive at times because of the abundance of insects or seeds. Hooded Crow. Carrion Crows are regular visitors to the banks of the reservoirs, and sometimes seem to take dead fish or something from the surface. In the autumn of 1921 Hooded Crows visited Upper Bittell and behaved in a similar fashion. One also spent the winter, 1928 9. Water Pipit. Identified from time to time in autumn, Oct. Nov. and Dec. Also twice in March. Once in Jan. Usually keeps away from the Meadow Pipit, parties of which feed by the reservoir in autumn. Wagtails. Pied Wagtails frequent the edges of the reservoirs at all seasons. White Wagtails and Yellow Wagtails appear on the spring migration, in April and May, the former irregularly. Yellow Wagtails also appear in autumn, but at that season the White Wagtail is hardly identifiable. Grey Wagtails have nested from time to time on both reservoirs, but they are more often to be seen beside neighbouring streams rather than by the water's edge. Reed Warbler. Occasionally seen in May and June. Sedge.Warbler. Breeds in the willows and other bushes by both reservoirs. Dipper. One rather old record; another, Nov. 1933. Swallows and Swifts. In the spring the first Swallows and Sand Martins usually appear over the reservoirs in early April. House Martins appear towards the end of the month. At that time and in early May, especially in cool weather, there are often scores of Hirundines to be seen over the water. Swifts are often to be seen hawking over the water in large numbers in the later part of May, and throughout the summer till they depart. Kingfisher. Often to be seen hovering over the water and then plunging for fish. Peregrine. Has been seen in autumn several times in the last fifteen years. Meriin. One frequented Upper Bittell for some weeks in the autumn of 1929. Osprey. One was seen over Lower Bittell in April, 1883. 7 Heron. Almost always one or more at Upper Bittell. In late summer the largest numbers occur, sometimes up to 15 or 20. At Lower Bittell they are less frequent. Bittern. Rev. K. A. Deakin records one shot at Cofton reservoir, in the winter, 1866-7. Spoonbill. Rev. K. A. Deakin notes :—" Seen a few years ago at Upper Bittell": this seems to have been written in 1907. Whooper Swan. One record in March, one in May and one in Nov. Bewick's Swan. Twice in recent years : a herd of 14 in Feb. 1933, and six at the end of Dec. 1938. Mute Swans and Canada Geese are both semi-feral species. The former is resident, the latter a frequent visitor. Grey Lag Goose. Six in Mar. and Apr. 1929. White-fronted Goose. Fourteen at Lower Bittell, Jan.—Feb. 1935. Brent Goose. One at Upper Bittell, Dec. 1935—Jan. 1936. Shelduck. An occasional visitor, usually singly : noted in Feb., Mar., Ap., Aug., Sept. and Dec. Mallard. Resident, A few pairs breed. In winter sometimes several hundreds occur. Gadwall. Has been noted twice in Jan., once in Apr,, twice in Sept., once in Oct. Teal. Common in winter, sometimes as many as fifty or sixty; occasionally a pair or two remain through the breeding-season. Garganey. A few records in Mar., Apr., Sept. and Oct. Wigeon. A common winter visitor for the past twenty years or more. It is not mentioned by Rev. K. A. Deakin, but this was probably due to an oversight. One seen on May 21st, 1928. Pintail. Seen in Jan., Apr. (at least three times) and Sept. Shoveller. Regularly seen in spring (chiefly April): occasionally at other seasons. Breeding records for 1884 and 1898. Pochard. Regular winter visitor (Oct. to Apr.), sometimes as many as eighty or more. Rarely seen in the summer months. Tufted Duck. Chiefly a winter visitor, in varying numbers up to fifty or sixty. Usually a few occur in the summer months, but breeding has not been proved. 8 Scaup. Has been seen in Oct., Nov., Dec., Feb., Mar. and Apr., once for two months in the spring. This bird (a female) apparently came three years in succession. Golden-eye. Formerly occurred fairly regularly between early Nov. and March. It has become much less frequent since the building of Bartley reservoir, where it is a regular winter visitor. In 1938 four stayed till the beginning of May. Long-tailed Duck. A male at Lower Bittell, 22nd Oct. 1925. Common Scoter, Several records in April and May; also in July, Oct., Nov. (twice) and Dec. Velvet Scoter. A drake, with six Common Scoters, 1st May, 1920. Goosander. Occurs every winter, usually between middle of Dec. and end of Feb., sometimes up to a dozen, but usually staying only a few days at a time. One stayed till 17th May, 1928. Red-breasted Merganser- One, Jan. and Feb. 1937. Smew. Irregular in winter, and only seen in Dec., Jan. and Feb. Cormorant. An irregular visitor, which has been noted in most months. Shag. Occurred in Jan. and Oct., 1938, also one old record. Great Crested Grebe. Nearly always present, except after severe frosts. Much more frequent in mid-winter than ten years ago. The largest numbers, sometimes twenty-five or thirty, occur in late March or early April. Has bred since the I880's, but is not always successful in its efforts to do so. Red-necked Grebe. One, Dec. 1921. One, Oct. 1926. Two Jan to Mar. 1937. Slavonian Grebe. Half a dozen records between Oct. and Feb. Black-necked Grebe. About the same number of records as the last species, but including Sept. and April. Little Grebe. A breeding species on the Cofton reservoir, and sometimes on the section of Lower Bittell which is north of the Hopwood Road. Scarce on Upper Bittell. Great Northern Diver. One, Jan. 1932. Red-throated Diver. One, Nov. 1936. Two, Oct. to Dec. 1936. Grey Plover. Twice in Nov., once in Dec. 9 Golden Plover. Occasionally seen flying over or round the reservoirs in winter. Kinged Plover. Fairly regular as a bird of passage, March to June and Aug. to Oct. Lapwing. Breeds round the reservoirs, and sometimes occurs on the mud in hundreds in the early autumn. Turnstone. Occurred twice in May, 1929, and again (three birds) May to June, 1938. Oyster-Catcher. One at Lower Bittell, Aug. 1938. Ruff. Not infrequent autumn visitor, Aug. and Sept. Sanderling. Several occurrences in late May; a flock once in July ; and once in September. Dunlin. Has occurred in every month except Jan. and Feb., most frequent in late May when there is good mud. Curlew-Sandpiper. Several times noted in May, Aug. and Sept. Little Stint. Once in May, once each in Sept, Oct. and Nov. Temminck's Stint. One in the Chase Collection is probably from Bittell. Knot. One record for Aug., three for Sept., and one for Nov. Common Sandpiper. Frequent on passage, Apr., May, July, Aug. and Sept. Formerly nested, but has not done so for some years. Green Sandpiper. Irregular autumn visitor, usually in Aug., but sometimes occurring later, and staying till Nov. or Dec. Wood Sandpiper. One, Aug. 1926. Redshank. Usually a pair or two try to breed ; these arrive in March, and leave in July. Recently it has occurred much more frequently than formerly in late autumn and winter. Dusky Redshank. One, Sept 1926; one, May, 1938. Greenshank. One or two occur most years in autumn, Aug. and Sept. Also in spring, once in April, and three times in May. Bar-tailed Godwit. Two, May 1935. Black-tailed Godwit. Two, Aug. to Sept. 1937. Grey Phalarope. Once in Sept., once in Oct. Curlew. Seen flying over from time to time, especially in spring. Rarely settles, and when it does seems to prefer the pasture land to the mud. 10 Whimbrel. One record each for May, June and Aug. Snipe. A pair or two sometimes nest near the reservoir, but it is chiefly a winter visitor and sometimes plentiful on the autumn migration. Jack Snipe. Only finds suitable ground when the water is low; then occurs in small numbers from Oct. to Feb. Black Tern. Fairly frequent in spring, Apr. and May, and early June ; also in Aug. and Sept. White-winged Black Tern. A record for April 1886 lacks confirmatory detail. Sandwich Tern. Seen twice in April. Gull-billed Tern, One in Worcester museum is from Bittell, but there seem to be no details. Common Tern. Probably an annual visitor, but those that pass in spring stay for a day or two at most, often only an hour or two. Has occurred recently in all months from Apr. to Oct. Arctic Tern. Several identified in recent years in spring (May and June) and autumn (Sept. and Nov.). Little Tern. Four records, all in May. Little Gull. One, 3rd May, 1938. Black-headed Gull. Occurs in every month, but rarely stays for more than a few days, or, more often, hours at a time. It is not a regular winter visitor. Common Gull. Chiefly a bird of passage in spring, but some- times appears in autumn and rarely in mid winter. Herring Gull. Only four definite records, apart from possible immatures which are, of course, indistinguishable from the next species: in Mar., May, Oct. and Nov. Lesser Black-backed Gull. Occurs on the northward mig- ration practically every year in March, April or May, and more rarely in the summer and autumn. Kittiwake. Recorded about a dozen times in the last twenty years, especially during the last few years, when watching has been more systematic. It begins to look as if there may be a regular cross- country migration in Feb. and March; they have also been seen in May, Oct. and Dec. Only the December record was immediately after stormy weather. 11 Pomarine Skua. Three were seen flying over Upper Bittell on 21st October, 1936; only one was seen to have the twisted tail- feather diagnostic of this species, though all were in adult plumage; however, it seems likely that all were Pomarine. Water-rail. Frequently noted in winter by or near Cofton reservoir. Moorhen. Resident. Coot. A dozen or more pairs breed. In the winter flocks of a hundred or more sometimes occur. Guillemot. One seen about 1912.

12 MOVEMENTS OF THE BIRDS OF WARWICKSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE AS SHEWN BY THE RECOVERIES OF RINGED BIRDS. (CONCLUDED.)

The third instalment of records covers all species not dealt with in the reports for 1936 and 1937. The records are now complete up to, and including the year 1936 ; recoveries which have occurred subsequently will be published in a future number of this report. • House-Martin. 1 local recovery; 1 other. A nestling ringed near Leamington on 6.7.26 was found nesting nearby in the following summer. A nestling ringed at Bredon, Worcs., on 14.8.25 was recovered at St. Vincent de Paul, Gironde, France, on 28.9.25. Swift. 22 local recoveries ; 1 other. 21 adults and one nestling ringed near Leamington have been recovered where ringed in the following or subsequent summers. The longest recorded was ringed on 13.7.25 and recovered on 1.7.33, nearly 8 years after ringing. There is also a 7-year old bird and a 5-year old. All 3 were ringed as adults. An adult ringed near Leamington on 2.7.27 was recovered at Warnford, Hants in August, 1930. Wryneck. 1 local recovery. A nestling ringed near Malvern on 29.6,14 was recovered where ringed on 23.4.15. Tawny Owl. 4 local recoveries. A nestling stated to have been ringed at " Bewdley Salop," on 12.5.15 was recovered near the same place on 2.10.21, 6 years and 5 months after ringing. Barn Owl. 1 recovery. A nestling ringed near Coventry on 23.8.25 was recovered at Bulwell, Notts, on 24.10.25. 13 TO ILLUSTRATE MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS

(66 30N yl (1710 W

-50

(48*30 n 157 30 E EXPLANATION OF MAP.

X Ringed in Warwicks. or Worcs. Recovered here.

• ,, here. ,, in Warwicks. or Worcs.

SPECIES.

1. Wigeon. 9. Swift. 2. Shoveler. 10. Barn-Owl. 3. Pochard. 11. Kestrel. 4. Stock-Dove. 12. Heron. 5. Turtle-Dove. 13. Tufted Duck. 6. Lapwing. 14. Redshank. 7. Woodcock. 15. Snipe. 8. Moorhen.

15 Little Owl. 3 local recoveries; 1 other. A nestling ringed at Malvern on 3.6.31 was recovered at Earl's Oroome, Worcs., on 8.5.36, nearly -5 years after ringing. Another nestling ringed at Malvern on 3 6.26 was recovered in Batsford Park, Moreton-in-Marsh, on 22.3.27. Kestrel. 2 local recoveries; 2 others. An adult was caught by a bird-catcher at Dudley in March, 1914 and was bought by Mr. J. S. Elliott who ringed and released it on March 20. It was subsequently reported from Caldey Island, Pembs., on 19.7.16. A nestling ringed at Binley, near Coventry on 27.6.24 was found at , Staffs, on 19.4.25. Sparrow-Mawk. 6 local recoveries. Out of a brood of 6 ringed at on 3.7.11 no less than 4 were reported within a year and within 6 miles of Rubery. One of these which survived till the end of May, 1912, is the longest-lived specimen in our records. Heron. 4 recoveries. 4 Herons ringed as nestlings in the large heronry near Henley on- Thames, Bucks., have reached our area : Kinged on 6.4.28. Recovered at 4.3.29. 7.5.32. Stratford-on-Avon 17.1.33. 5.5.34. Coleshill, Warwicks. 9.12.34. 13.5.34. Hampton-in Arden, 22.12.34. Mallard. 2 local recoveries; 1 other. A duck ringed at Middleton Hall, Tamworth, on 2.6.15 was found nesting there the same year, and was shot there on 14,10.16. A young bird ringed at Rugby on 7.7.31 was recovered near Northampton on 10.12.31. Gadwall. 1 recovery. A young bird from pinioned parents ringed at Burton on-Trent on 1.8.33, was shot at Meriden in November of the same year. Wigeon, 3 recoveries. Date and place of ringing. Date and place of recovery. 27.10.15 (Ad.) Near Tamworth. 3.2.37 Lichfield, Staffs. 6.10.15 (Juv.) ,, „ 20.4.18 Uralsk, 280 miles north of Guriev on the Caspian Sea. 18. 6.27 (?Ad.) Husavic, Iceland. 8.3.29 Rugby. 16 Shoveller. 2 recoveries. 2 adults ringed at Middleton Hall, near Tamworth have been recovered : Ringed on 10.1.15 Recovered on 29.1.17 at Penrhyndeudraeth, Merioneth. ,, „ 16.1.15 ,, ,, 7.8.20 Nr. Logstor, Jylland, Denmark.

Pochard. 1 local recovery; 2 others. 3 Adults ringed at Middleton Hall, Tamworth have been recovered: Ringed in Nov. (?year) Recovered where ringed in the following 3 weeks. ,, on 19. 2.13 (female) ,, on 7.8.13 at Butzow, Mecklenburg. „ „ 1.11.19 „ „ 16.1.21 at Burton-on-Trent, Staffs.

Tufted Duck. 1 recovery. An adult ringed at Molesey, Surrey on 24.9 33 was recovered at , Birmingham, on 5.3.36.

Manx Shearwater. It is interesting to note that Manx Shear- waters caught at Skokholm, Pembs., and released experimentally in our area, have been caught again in their burrows at Skokholm. 1 released at Evesham on 14.7.36 was found at its burrow in the Spring of 1937. In 1937 2 birds were taken from one burrow (they had had an egg but it had proved rotten). One was released at Evesham on 13.7.37 and found in the burrow on 18.7.37, 5 days later; the other bird was released at Bartley Reservoir on the same date and was found with its companion on 3.8.37.

Wood Pigeon. 2 local recoveries. A nestling ringed at Hampton-in-Arden on 13.7.11 was recovered near Birmingham 5.3.14, an interval of 2 years and 8 months.

Stock-Dove. 1 local recovery ; 1 other. A nestling ringed at Bubbenhall, near Coventry on 16.7.12 was recovered at Coventry on 1.3.13. A nestling ringed at Evesham on 27.6.33 was recovered at Capbreton, Landes, France, on 7.12.33.

Turtle-Dove. 1 recovery. A young bird ringed at Malvern on 12.7,31 was recovered at Biarritz, Basses Pyrenees, France, on 12.9.31. 17 Lapwing. 9 recoveries. Date and place of ringing. Date and place of recovery. 22.6.11 (N) Hampton-in-Arden. 7. 1.14 Casablanca, Morocco. 2^.6.11 (N) ,, „ 3. 1.18 Valverde del Camino, Huelva, Spain. 11.5.14 (N) „ „ 16.12.20 Campoul, Finistere, France. 25.6.26 (N) Near Leamington. 9. 2.29 Templemore, Tipperary. 31.5.33 (N) Evesham. —.12.33 Badajoz, Spain. 30.4.33 (N) „ 15.12.33 Near Oporto, Portugal. And the following ringed outside our area: 15.6.33 (N) Egmund, Noord, Holland. 25.12.13 Knowle, Warwicks. 21.6.12 (N) East Cheshire Hills. —.11.14 Near Kidderminster. 22.5.32 (Juv.) Shap, Westmorland. 7. 8.32 Near Birmingham, Warwicks. Redshank. 2 recoveries. 15.5.12 (N) Bickenhall, Warwicks. Early Sep. 12 Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk. 22.5.14 (N) Hampton-in-Arden. 29.1.15 Llandulph, Hatt, Cornwall. Snipe. 1 local recovery; 1 other. A nestling ringed at Stonebridge on 28.5.29 was recovered near Birmingham on 26.9.29. An adult ringed at Malvern on 29.11.33 was recovered at Whitland, Carmarthenshire on 16.12.33. Woodcock. 1 recovery. A nestling ringed at Jonkoping, Sweden, on 25.5.25 was recovered near Birmingham in December, 1937. Moorhen. 1 local recovery; 1 other. An adult ringed on a lightship off Flushing on 16.3.28 was recovered on the Teme, near Worcester on 3.2.29. Coot. 1 local recovery. An adult ringed near Tamworth on 8.6.13 was recovered where ringed on 21.10.16.

18 BIRD SONG.

Greenfinch. Last Song : July 17 Stechford (M.H.A.). Bullfinch. First Song : Jan. 2 Randan Wood (F.F.). Last Song : July 31 Randan Wood (F.F.); F.F. also heard song on Aug. 13 and 14. Chaffinch. First Song: Jan. 31 Woodcote (F.F.); Feb. 2 Marston Green (M.H.A.); Feb. 6 Edgbaston (C.W.K.W.); Feb. 8 Randan Wood (F.F.); Feb. 19 (E.St.G.B.); Feb. 23 Randan Wood (regular song); Feb. 27 (G.M.K.). Last Song: June 14 Randan Wood (F.F.); July 17 Castle Bromwich (M.H.A.); F.F. also heard song on Sept. 19. Yellowhammer. First Song : Feb. 7 Hagley (G.M.K.); Mar. 4 Yorks Wood (M.H.A.); Mar. 5 Cofton Hackett (E.St.G.B.). Last Song: July 17 Castle Bromwich (M.H.A.). Skylark. First Song : Jan. 14 Edgbaston (C.W.K.W.); Feb. 2 Hagley (G.M.K.). Last Song: July 17 Stechford (M.H.A.); also Oct. 15 and Nov. 9 at Curdworth (M.H.A.). Tree-Pipit. Last Song : July 3 Earlswood (M.H.A.). Pied Wagtail. Heard singing at Yardley Oct. 15 and Castle Bromwich Oct. 29 (M.H.A.). Tree-Creeper. First Song: Jan. 2 Randan Wood (F.F.). Last Song: June 3 Randan Wood (F.F.). Also Oct. 23 Randan Wood (F.F.). Great Tit. First Song: Jan. 12 (but not regularly till Feb.), Stechford (M.H.A.); Jan. 22 Randan Wood (F.F.). Last Song: June 11 Randan Wood (F.F.). Also Sept. 19 and Dec. 14 at Randan Wood (F.F.). Blue Tit. First Song: Jan. 5 Randan Wood (F.F.); Jan. 12 (but not regularly till Jan. 24), Stechford (M.H.A.). Last Song: June 19 Randan Wood (F.F.). Also a little in July, Aug., Sept. and on Nov. 10, Dec. 8, 9, 30 at Randan Wood. Coal-Tit. First Song: Feb. 7 Randan Wood (F.F.). Last Song: July 22 Randan Wood (F.F.); also on Aug. 5, 13, 23, Sept. 11, 24 at Randan Wood. 19 Marsh-Tit. First Song: Mar. 2 Randan Wood (F.F.). Last Song: May 21 Randan Wood; also on June 16, 17, July 17, 20, Aug. 13 (F.F.). Willow-Tit. At Randan Wood heard as follows: Mar. 5 to Apr. 19 (regularly); May 12 to 16; June 12, 14, 20, 23 ; July 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 20: Aug. 13 and Sept. 19. Goldcrest. First Song: Mar. 10 Randan Wood (F.F.). Last Song: May 11 Randan Wood (F.F.); also June 14, 16, 27 Dodford (F.F.); and Dec. 14 Curdworth (M.H.A.). Chiffchaff. Last Song: July 21 (M.H. A); July 15 Randan Wood (F.F.). Also at Randan Wood from Aug. 5 to Oct. 1 with only a few odd days silence (F.F.), and one at Edgbaston Sept. 26 (C.W.K.W.). Willow-Wren. Last Song : July 17 Castle Bromwich (M.H.A.); Aug. 20 Randan Wood (F.F.). Also Sept. 3 and 7 Randan Wood (F.F.), and Sept. 13 Edgbaston (C.W.K.W.). Grasshopper-Warbler. Heard at Randan Wood as follows : Apr. 25, 26 : May 5 to 20; July 1 to 8 (F.F.). Sedge-Warbler. Last Song: July 17 Curdworth (M.H.A.). Garden-Warbler. Last Song: July 14 Randan Wood(F.F.). Blackcap. Last Song: July 3 Earlswood (M.H.A.); July 17 Randan Wood (F.F.). Whitethroat. Last Song : July 17 Castle Bromwich (M.H.A.); July 20 Randan Wood (F.F.); July 21 Bromsgrove (M.H.A.). Also Sept. 2 Randan Wood (F.F.). Lesser Whitethroat. Last Song: June 13 Randan Wood (F.F.). Also June 24, 25 ; July 7, 8, 9, 19 Randan Wood (F.F.). Mistle-Thrush. First Song: Jan. 5 Randan Wood (F.F.). Last Song : June 8 Randan Wood (F.F.). Autumn: Sept. 7, Oct. 28, Nov. 15, Dec. 9, 12 to 17, Randan Wood (F.F.); Dec. 14 Castle Bromwich (M.H.A.). Songr-Thrush, First Song: Jan. 7 Stechford (M.H.A.); Jan. 20 Randan Wood (F.F.). Last Song: July 17 Randan Wood (F.F.); July 17 Stechford (M.H.A.). Autumn: Oct. 1, 16, 17, 22, 27, Nov. 3, 20, Randan Wood (F.F.); Nov. 9 Minworth; Nov. 10 and frequently afterwards, Stechford (M.H.A.). 20 Blackbird. First Song: Feb. 6 (but not regularly till Mar.), Stechford (M.H.A.); Feb. 9 (but not again until Feb 17), Randan Wood (F.F.). Last Song: June 19 Randan Wood (F.F.); July 27 (Stechford (M.H.A ). Autumn : Sept. 26 (full but brief) Edgbaston (C.W.K.W.); Sept. Oct. and Nov. (sub-song) Randan (F.F.). Redstart. Last Song: June 14 Randan Wood (F.F.). Nightingale Last Song : June 8 Randan Wood (F.F.). Robin. At Randan regularly till June 29, infrequently in July, regular from Aug. 2 to Dec. 17 and then irregularly to the end of the year (F.F.). Hedge-Sparrow. At Randan from Jan. 1 to Aug. 8, and irregularly in Oct., Nov. and Dec. (F.F ). Wren. At Randan from Jan. 1 to Dec. 17 with no appreciable break; also Dec. 20 and 29 (F.F ). Nightjar. At Randan on May 12, May 22 to Aug. 2 and on Aug. 13 (F.F.). Green Woodpecker. Full, laughing cry: Feb. 3 to May 20 Randan Wood (F.F.), and occasionally in all other months. Great Spotted Woodpecker. First Drumming: Mar. 8 Randan Wood (F.F.). Last Drumming: June 16 Randan Wood (F.F.); also Sept. 15 Randan (M.H.A.). Cuckoo. Last Song: June 26 Randan (F.F.). Dabchick. Whinnying on Mar. 6 Coleshill Fool (M.H.A.). Wood-Pigeon. First Song: Feb. 25 Randan Wood (F-F.); Mar. 13 Hagley (G.M.K.). Last Song: Oct. 9 Randan Wood (F.F.). Stock-Dove. First Song: Jan. 23 Hagley (G.M.K.); Feb. 26 Woodcote (F.F.). Last Song : July 6 Woodcote (F.F.). Also at Woodcote on Aug. 9, 11, 12, 18 and Sept. 1. Turtle-Dove. Last Song: July 25 Randan Wood (F.F.). Woodcock. Roding in Randan: Mar. 8 and 9; Mar. 14; irregular in Apr. and May; regular June 5 to July 20. 21 MIGRANTS, 1938. (a) Summer Migrants : Arrival. WHEATEAR. SWALLOW. Mar. 12 Highgate (H.G.A.) Apr. 6 Earlswood (G.B.J.) Apr. 24 Average of 4 records. „ 9 Enville (M.H.A.) ,, 9 Bittell (C.K.J.) CHIFFCH AFF. „ 13 Dodford (F.F.) (M.E.P.) Mar. 13 Woodcote (M.H.A., F.F.) „ 16 „ 19 Tamworth (A.deH.) 13 Mill Scrub, Bittell (C.K.J.) 15 Rednal (H.G.A.) „ 20 (D. A. B. Seymour) 18 Penn (C. O. Silvers) „ 20 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) 18 Sheriffs Lench (AJ.H.) „ 25 Moreton (A.B.L.) 19 Bellfields (M.A.S.) 19 Arley (G.M.K.) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. 19 Forshaw Heath (M. Palmer) 20 Coleshill Bog (M.H.A.) Apr. 7 Randan (F.F.) 21 Moreton (A.B.L.) 9 Bittell (E.St.G.B.) 22 Edgbaston Park TREE-PIPIT. (C.W.K.W.) 23 Blakedown (G.M.K.) Apr. 10 Randan Wood (F.F.) 27 Patshull (G.M.K.) i, 21 Bartley (G.B.J.) 27 Hopwas Wood (A.dell.) > i 22 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Apr. 5 Alvechurch (M.E.P.) i» 23 Rednal (E.St.G.B.) , > 23 Moreton (A.B.L.) SAND-MARTIN. )» 26 Hagley (G.M.K.) May 12 Lea (M.H.A.) Mar. 19 Bellfields (M.A.S.) 27 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) COMMON SANDPIPER. Apr. 9 Bittell (C.K.J.) Apr. 11 Bellfields (M.A.S.) , > 23 Average of 3 records. WILLOW-WREN. CUCKOO. Hopwas Wood (M.II.A., 27 Apr. 11 Lickey (G.B.J.) A.deH.) 20 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Apr. 2 Bittell (E.St.G.B.) 25 Hagley (G.M.K.) Hopwood (H K.) 3 25 Alvechurch (M.E.P.) Moreton (A.B. L.) i, 3 26 Randan (F.F.) 5 Drayton (F.F.) , i 27 Inkberrow (C.W.K.W.) 6 Dowles (G.M.K.) ,, 28 Moreton (A.B.L.) 6 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) i, May 3 Tamworth (A.deH.) 7 Randan Wood (F.F.) 10 Barnt Green (C.K.J.) WHITETHROAT. Umberslade (M. Palmer) 13 Apr. 19 Randan Wood (F.F.) Chaddesley (W.E.G.) 14 ,, 20 Bittell (C.K.J., C.W.K.W.) Alvechurch (M.E.P.) 16 22 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) May 4 Moreton (A.B.L.) BLACKCAP. SEDGE-WARBLER. Mar. 27 Hopwas Wood (M.H.A., A.de.H.) Apr 20 Randan Wood (F.F.) Apr. 9 Average of 6 records. May 5 Average of 2 records. 22 REDSTART. GARDEN-WARBLER. Apr. 20 Randan Wood (F.F.) May 4 Sheriffs Lench (AJ.H.) ,, 23 Average of 3 records. „ 8 Average of 3 records. YELLOW WAGTAIL. Apr. 21 Bittell (C.K.J.) LESSER WHITETHROAT. ,, 25 Average of 2 records. May Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Randan Wood WOOD-WREN. (F.F.) Apr. 23 Moreton (A.B.L.) CORNCRAKE. May 16 Average of 3 records. GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER. May 4 Kinver (G.M.K.) Average of 2 records. Apr. 25 Randan Wood (F.F.) May 11 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) TURTLE-DOVE. NIGHTINGALE. May 6 Randan Wood (F.F.) Apr. 25 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) ,, 12 Average of 4 records. May 4 Randan Wood (F.F.) WHINCHAT. NIGHTJAR. Apr. 28 Rugby (H.G.A.) May 12 Randan Wood (FF.) May 9 Average of 5 records. ,, 24 Average of 2 records, HOUSE-MARTIN. Apr. 28 Earlswood (G.B.J.) SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. t» 28 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) May 13 Edgbaston Park (W.E.G.) »• 30 Alvechurch (M.E.P.) 13 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) May 9 Tamworth (A.deH.) »» 20 Harborne (H K.) 13 Randan (F.F.) 24 Tamworth (A.deH.) SWIFT. 29 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Apr. 30 Bittell (C.K.J.) 31 Woodcote (F.F.) May 1 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) ) > 5 Randan (F.F.) RED-BACKED SHRIKE. Edgbaston >) 10 (W.E.G.) May 17 Bittell (H.A.K.A.) i > 11 Stechford (M.H.A.) 14 Harborne (H.K.) it MARSH-WARBLER. t * 14 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) tt 15 Tamworth (A.deH.) May 29 Evesham (H.G.A.) > > 17 Hagley (G.M.K.) 30 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.)

(b) Winter Migrants: Departure. GOOSANDER. BRAMBLING. Mar. 12 Bittell (E.St.G.B) Apr. 23 (100) Sheriffs Lench SISKIN. (A.J.H.) „ 16 Randan Wood (F.F.) Apr. 10 Randan Wood (F.F.) 2 Bellfields (H.G.A.) „ 8 Lickey (H.G.A.) Mar. 27 Hopwas (M.H.A , A.deH.) Mar. 27 Hopwas (M.H.A., A.deH.) „ 2 Earlswood (E.St.G.B.) REDWING. FIELDFARE. Apr. 20 Gay Hill (G.B.J.) Mar. 28 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) May 4 Kinver (G.M.K.) 22 Randan Wood (F.F.) Apr. 29 Gay Hill (G.B.J.) i) 19 Yardley (M.H.A.) Mar. 25 Randan Wood (F.F.) a 18 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) a 21 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) 11 12 Harborne (H.K.) a 19 Yardley (M.H.A.) a 4 Tamworth (A.deH.) a 19 Bittell (H.G.A.) 23 WIGEON. POCHARD. May 12 Bellfields (H,G. A.) May 16 Westminster Farm pond 11 2 Westwood (H.G.A.) (G.B.J.) Apr. 21 Bartley (G.B.J.) Mar. 31 Bartley (G.B.J.) 11 9 Edgbaston Park (H.G.A.) »» 8 Bittell (H.G.A.) (c) Summer Migrants: Departure. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. WHITETHROAT. Jul. 18 Randan Wood (F.F.) Sept. 24 Lea (M.H.A.) 22 Sheriffs Lench (A.J. H.) NIGHTJAR. 19 Randan Wood (F.F.) Aug. 13 Randan Wood (F.F.) LESSER WHITETHROAT. TURTLE-DOVE. Sept. 25 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Aug. 20 Pedmore (G.M.K.) „ 7 Woodcote (F.F.) 7 Randan Wood (F.F.) NIGHTINGALE. YELLOW WAGTAIL. Aug. 28 Randan Wood (F.F.) Sept. 25 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) 18 Woodcote (F.F.) SWIFT. 14 Bittell (H.G.A.) Sept. 3 (one) Sheriffs Lench (A. J. H.) 5 Earlswood (W.E.G.) Aug. 27 Bromsgrove (F.F.) 20 Bittell (E.St.G.B ) BLACKCAP. 20 Hagley (G.M.K.) Sept. 25 Randan Wood (F.F.) 17 Hints (A.deH.) 15 Harborne (H.K.) WILLOW-WREN. Jul. 30 (bulk left) Sheriffs Lench Oct. 1 Olton (M.H.A.) (A.J.H.) Sept. 22 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) ,, 21 Tamworth (A.deH.) REDSTART. ,, 13 Bournville (H.G.A.) Sept. 10 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) „ 13 Edgbaston (C.W.K.W.) CUCKOO. ,, 7 Randan Wood (F.F.) Sept. Kidderminster (G.M.K.) Aug. Randan Wood (F.F.) WHEATEAR. Oct. 1 Bittell (E.St.G.B.) SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. Aug. 29 Randan Wood (F.F.) Sept, 19 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) 28 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) 18 Water Orton (M.H.A.) 12 Woodcote (F.F.) HOUSE MARTIN. 7 Hagley (G.M.K.) Oct. 16 Randan Wood (F.F.) 28 Tamworth (A.deH.) Aug. 8 Alvechurch (M.E. P.) GARDEN-WARBLER. „ 5 Hagley (G.M.K.) 5 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) Sept. 19 Randan Wood (F.F.) Tamworth (A.deH.) TREE-PIPIT. „ 3 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Sept. 19 Randan Wood (F.F.) .. * SWALLOW „ 14 Bittell (H.G.A.) Oct, 16 Alvechurch (M.E.P.) SEDGE-WARBLER. 8 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) Sept. 21 Curdworth (M.H.A.) 6 Tamworth (A.deH.) 6 Randan Wood (F.F.) SAND-MARTIN. 3 Hagley (G.M.K.) Sept. 23 Bittell (H.G.A. 3 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) 24 COMMON SANDPIPER. CHIFFCHAFF. Oct 23 Bittell (M.E.P.) Oct. 24 Randan Wood (F.F.) 6 Bellfields (H.G.A.) Sept. 29 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) 1 Bartley (H.K.) ,, 26 Edgbaston (C.W.K.W.) Sept. 14 Upton Warren (M.H. A. ,, 22 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) F.F.) ,, 21 Tamworth (A.deH.) ,, 5 Earlswood (W.E.G.)

(d) Winter Migrants; Arrival. BR AMBLING. FIELDFARE. Oct. 8 Sheriffs Lench (A.J. II.) Oct. 21 Randan Wood (F.F.) ,, 17 Randan Wood (F.F.) >1 27 (H.G.A.) ,, 21 Pedmore (G.M.K.) 1 1 30 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) ,, 27 Frankley (H.G.A.) »> 30 Hagley (G.M.K.) Nov. 1 Marston Green (M.H. A.) REDWING. 11 1 Alvechurch (M.E.P.) Oct. 16 Randan Wood (F.F.) »» 1 Moreton (A.B.L.) ,, 17 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) »» 3 .Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) ,, 17 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) > > 12 Bittell (E.St.G.B.) ,, 26 Solihull (M.H.A.) Nov. 1 Tamworth {A.deH.) JACK SNIPE. ,, 1 Alvechuich (M.E.P.) 3 Hagley (G.M.K.) Oct. 22 Bittell (E.St.G.B.)

SISKIN. WIGEON. Oct. 21 Randan Wood (F.F.) Nov. 19 Bittell (E.St.G.B.)

CLASSIFIED NOTES.

I = Warwickshire. II = Worcestershire. Ill = South Staffordshire. Jay. II. A.J.H. saw one at Sheriffs Lench kill and pluck a well- fledged Blackbird, 19.5. Goldfinch. I C.J.W. noted a flock of about 60 at Copt Heath, 24.2. Siskin. I. Noted at Selly Oak (up to 20) (H.G.A.) and Wootton Wawen (C.A.N.) in the early spring. II. J.S.E. records over 40 feeding on elms near Bewdley, 25.1. Crossbill. II. F.F. saw two at Dodford, 6.7. Water Pipit. II. One at Bittell, 3.11, two 8.12 (H.G.A.). III. Three watched at very close quarters on the dam of Bell- fields reservoir, by H.G.A. and W.F.I., 22.10. One or more of these birds was probably seen by C.K.J, a little later. 25 Meadow Pipit, I. H.G.A. notes the first migrants going north at Selly Oak on 5.3.; the last flying south on 6.11. White Wagtail. II. Noted on migration at Bittell reservoirs, 8.4, 4.5, 10.5. (H.G.A., E.St.G.B., G.B.7., H.A.K.A.). Wood Lark. II. One heard singing in the Lickey woods on 12.3, by F. F., apparently did not stay. Seen in several of its usual haunts, but only a single bird in the Lenches (A.J.H.). Willow Tit. II. F.F. observed one eating honeysuckle berries. Garden Warbler. II. A nest with eggs found by F.F. at Randan as late as 21.7. Willow Warbler. I. A nest from which the young were about to fly was observed by H.G.A. at Selly Oak, 18.7, in the top of a yew hedge, five feet from the ground. Marsh Warbler. 1939 seems to have been a good year for this species in the Midlands, and it is satisfactory to be able to give records from Warwickshire and Staffordshire, in neither of which counties is the species known to breed regularly. The Stafford- shire bird, however, was almost certainly not breeding, and the Warwickshire one is uncertain. I. Heard near by H.G.A. and C.A.N., 2.7. II. A.J.H. published a Viry interesting account of a colony nesting in a bean field, in British Birds (Vol. xxxii, p. 230). III. One heard at Whittington sewage-farm by H.G.A. and C.K.J., 16.7.; no sign of it on subsequent visits. Wryneck. Two records, both of passing birds, seem to be the only evidence of its presence in the district in 1938. I. One heard and seen at Stratford. 8.5. (C.A.N.). II. One at , north of Redditch, 24.4 (M.E.P.). Short-eared Owl. I. One seen in Sutton Park, 25.9. (C.J.W.). Buzzard. I. One seen soaring over Yorks Wood, 10.7. (M.B.). Sparrow Hawk. I. C.A.N, published an account of one capturing a Dabchick off the water, in British Birds, (Vol. 32, p. 307), Cormorant. II. One spent the first three weeks of April in a quarry at Evesham (A.J.H.); the same observer saw one flying south, 16.10. III. At Bellfields and Gailey, 12.5 and 3.6 (M.H.A. and H.G.A.) 26 Shag". II. Two visited Bittell reservoirs in late January, the first recorded there, at any rate for some years. They made the painful discovery that a fishing-club cannot tolerate Phalacrocorids on their fishing-pools. Another met the same fate in the autumn. Heron. I. C.A.N, reports 40 nests in 1938 at Combe Abbey; 6 only at Warwick, where two dead birds were found shot. This was once quite a large Heronry. At Wootton Wawen there was one nest. II. H.G.A. reports 36 nests at Westwood, where the number has been gradually increasing in recent years. Bittern. III. A male was brought to the Birmingham Museum, reported as having been found dead at Walsall Wood reservoir, 12.2 (per A.H.). Grey Geese. I. H.G.A. heard a very noisy gaggle of Geese flying over Selly Oak at 11-15 p.m., 13.11. II. A.J.H. saw 66 flying south at Sheriffs Lench, 4 15 p.m., 5.1. Next day, F.F. saw about 80 flying west or north-west over Randan. A.J.H. saw 20 flying s.w. at 5-30, 12.1. III. Two seen flying over Mitton, 17.12. (C.W.). White-fronted Goose. III. Two, Bellfields 2.1. (W.F.I.). Bewick's Swan. II. Six birds appeared on 28.12., at Lower Bittell, where they were first seen by E.St.G.B. and A.A.B. Three were adults and three in grey plumage. They remained for some weeks, and were usually very tame. Mute Swans seemed to tolerate them, though they made remarks when they came near the Bewick's. Some Canada Geese were also feeding on the same part of the reservoir at the time of the Swans' arrival. Shelduck. I. One at Bartley reservoir, 1.1.; one again, 8 and 18.2. and 2.3.; three, 9.3. (H.K.). One at Curdworth sewage farm in Feb. (M.H.A.). II. One at Upper Bittell reservoir, 24.12. (H.G.A.). III. One at Bellfields, 2.1. (W.F.I.). Mallard. I. C.A.N, estimated the number at Packington on 31.12 as between two and three thousand. II. G.M.K, records a brood of 5 ducklings as late as 23.10 at Hagley. Gadwall. I. One at Packington, 31.12. (C.A.N.). 27 Pintail. II. A pair at Upper Bittell, 6 and 8.5, (G.B.J., C.K.J.). III. Single drakes noted at Bellfields in Feb., Mar. and May, also in Sept and Dec. (H.G.A., A.W.B., C.K.J., G.M.K.). Shoveller. I. One or two pairs at Curdworth, Jan. to June (M.H.A.) a pair at Bartley, 13.3. (H.K.). II. First noted at Bittell, 12.3, (M.E.P.); one or two pairs from early April to early May (G.B.J.); also seen 16.5, (C.K.J.); thirteen, 22 and 29.12. (C.K.J., C.W.K.W.). III. Always some at Bellfields; 30 pairs at one time in April (W.F.I.). Teal. I. Over 100 at Curdworth, 31.12. (C.A.N.). II. G.B.J, noted that at Bittell there was a steady increase from 10 on 31.3 to 40 a month later. Most of these left in early May. the last pair remained till 14.5. Wlgeon. I. Still 15 in Edgbaston Park, 9.4. (H.G.A.). II. About 100 at Bittell, 17-12 (H.G.A.) seems to be the highest number recorded during the year. III. A pair remained at Bellfields till 21.5; at the end of the year very large numbers occurred there, estimated by several observers as well over 500 on 27.12. Pochard. I. C.A.N, noted 25 at Walton and 26 at Olton in Feb. II. More than usual in Blakedown area, early in the year and in Sept. (G.M.K.). About 60 at Bittell in Dec. III. Several noted at Bellfields in May and June, (M.H.A. A.W.B.) but no evidence of breeding. About 120 at Gailey, 6.10 (H.G.A.) Scaup. I. A drake in transitional plumage at Bartley, 5 and 8.2. W.E. and H.K.). One at Edgbaston Pool. 8 and 9.4 (G.W. and others) was very likely the same bird. One, Rotton Park reservoir, 31.12 (G.W., W.E.G.). One, 30 and 31.12, Olton (C.A.N.). These were both drakes. Tufted Duck. I. 16 regularly at Earlswood during April, the last being seen there on 5.5. (G.B.J.). II. G.B.J, noted varying numbers during April at Bittell, rising to 40 on the 30th. In early May they rapidly decreased, and only seven were left by the 9th, and these then left. Three were seen again on 1.6., all drakes. Drakes regularly outnumbered 28 Ducks all through the spring. G.M.K. has obtained satisfactory particulars of a brood hatched at Blakedown in 1936. This appears to be the first definite breeding record for the county. III. A.W.B. noted 110 at Gailey, 13.3. C.W. saw broods of 9 and 7 that had been hatched at Bellfields. Golden-eye. I. Noted at Rotton Park in Dec. (21, et seq) (W.E.G.); also at Olton, about the same time (C.A.N.). At Bartley the highest number noted was eleven during the spring (H.K.) II. Four appeared at Bittell late in April, possibly from Bartley, and stayed till 4.5. Single birds were noted earlier in the year. Single birds at Blakedown, 23.3 and 22.10 (G.M.K.). III. Nine in Feb. and ten in Nov. at Bellfields and Gailey are the largest numbers noted during the year. Long-tailed Duck. I. A drake was seen at Earlswood on 5.5. by G.B.J, and C.A.N, independently. It stayed till 11.5, and was watched by a number of people. G.B.J, writes: "When resting on the water with his bill tucked under a wing he rode buoyantly, exposing the white flanks with the tail sticking up at an angle of 45°. When he was feeding he was much lower in the water, no white being visible on the flanks, and the tail was depressed so that it was either lying on the surface of the water or was submerged, and was only visible as the bird dived. When he scratched his face he showed a leg which was dark—thought to be lead-grey. Five successive dives were timed as follows: 31 ii, 32„, 33„, 32„, and 26m." (Cf. British Birds, Vol. xxxii, p. 83.). Common Scoter. II. A pair at Upper Bittell, 3.5. (G.B.J.); one at the same place 16—23.7, female or possibly immature, (H.G.A. and E.St.G.B.). Goosander. I. One at Earlswood, Jan. and Feb. (C.A.N, and others), last seen, 7.3. (G.B.J.). One at Wootton Wawen, 8.1.; five on 29.1, two on 12.2; all brown-headed except for one drake on the last date (C.A.N.). One, brown head, Shustoke, 31.12 (C.A.N.). II. Various numbers, from one to eight, seen at Upper Bittell during Jan. and Feb. (E.St.G.B., C.K.J., H.G.A.), last on 12-3; 29 all brown heads except one of eight seen by E.St.G.B. on 18.1. and one in Feb. One, 7.12. and two, 24.12. (C.K.J., H.G.A.). III. About 40 at Gailey and Bellfields, between which they frequently fly to and fro, Jan. and Feb. and to 14.3, (41 counted on the latter date by W.F.I.). About 25 at end of December. Smew. II. Two brown-headed birds at Cofton and Bittell, 15.1— 23.1). A drake at Hewell, 25—29.12 (W.W.). Slavonian Grebe. I. One at Packington, 31.12 (C.A.N.). Black-throated Diver. I. One at Earlswood, 24.2 to 2.3 (C.A.N., H.G.A., C.K.J., E.St.G.B.). Great Northern Diver. III. One at Bellfields, 23.1—2.4 (A.W.B., W.F.I., etc.). Fulmar Petrel. II. One found dead near the Avon, not far from Evesham, 6.3 (A.J.H.). Grey Plover. II. One at Upper Bittell, 17.12 (C.K.J., H.G.A.). III. One at Bellfields, 10.8 (R.A.F., I.A.B.). Ringed Plover. I. One, 12.3, one 2.4, Bartley (H.K.); one 9.5, Olton (C.A.N.); one 31.8—2.9, Earlswood (C.A.N.). II. Single birds, or two, on various dates in early and late May at Bittell; larger numbers in autumn, between 6.8. and 10.10; the largest number was ten seen by E.St.G.B. on 24.9. III. Noted at Bellfields in May, July, Aug., Sept., and Oct.; thirteen on 12.9. (A.W.B.). Lapwing. II. E.St.G.B. notes their increase at Bittell in the autumn as follows: end of July, c.200; early August, 3 400; 10.9., c.1000. III. A.W.B. estimated that several thousands were at Bellfields on 12.9 ; but on 6.10 there were only a few score. Turnstone. II. One was seen by E.St.G.B. on 28.5 at Bittell, and by H.G.A. on the following day, On the 30th there were three, including the first bird, which was in much richer plumage than the other two. On the 31st there were still three; on 1 and 2.6 only one, and this was not the original bird : so apparently he went off with the last bird's partner. (B.B., xxxii, p. 122.). III. One at Bellfields, 12.5 (H.G.A.); one 19.12 (C.K.J.). Oyster-catcher. II. One at Lower Bittell, 18.8 (H.A.K.A.). 30 Dunlin. I. Two Rotton Park, 20.12, one 21.12 (G.W.). II. Considerable parties, up to 13. at various dates from 22.4 to 2.6 at Upper Bittell, ana one on 9.6; again on 4, 9, and 16.7, I.8 (a party of ten) and in Sept. and Oct Four stayed on into December, and about the 26th increased to 8 or 9. These stayed a few days and the last was seen on 31.12 (C.K.J., G.B.J., E.St.G.B., H.G.A., J.D.W.). III. Seen at Bellfields between 2.4 and 3.6 and in each month from July onwards; 25 on 19.12 (W.F.I., M.H.A., C.K.J., H.G.A.). Little Stint. II. One at Upper Bittell, 28.5 (E.St.G.B.). (£.£. xxxii, p. 122.). Purple Sandpiper. I. One at Rotton Park reservoir, 20.12 (W.E.G.). This bird, apparently the first record for Warwick- shire, was watched at very close quarters, but it only stayed for a few hours. It has already been recorded in British Birds, (Vol. xxxii, p. 308.). Knot. II. Five at Upper Bittell, 20.8 (E.St.G.B.); one, 21.8 (C.K.J.); one, 14.9 (H.G.A., J.D.W.). Ruff. II. Single birds at Upper Bittell, 16, 18, and 20.8 (C.K.J., E.St.G.B.); one, 10.9 (E.St.G.B.); two 14.9 (H.G A,, J.D.W.). III. Two at Bellfields, 22.8 (R.J.F,, I.A.B.); two, 12.9 (A.W.B.); one, 15.10 (W.F.I.). Green Sandpiper. I. Two at Wootton Wawen, 18.4; one, 3.7 (C.A.N.). II. Seen near Bromsgrove in Sept., Nov. and Dec. (F.F.). At Bittell from 20.9 to 24.11 or later. III. Seen at Bellfields in July, Aug. and Oct. Redshank. I. First seen at Curdworth 23.2 (M.H.A.); c.6 pairs were nesting there (C.A.N.). Dusky Redshank. II. One, first seen at Lower Bittell reservoir 3.5, by C.K.J. and II.G.A., was also seen by several other observers on that and the three succeeding days, usually at Upper Bittell. G.B.J. writes : " On the first two days it was keeping in close and constant company with a Greenshank (but only after it had moved to Upper Bittell): on the third day it was attended by a common Redshank which followed it regularly from one 31 side of the reservoir to another. On the 6th it appeared to be solitary. It had a peculiar liking for a muddy bay at the extreme N.E. corner of the reservoir. On the 6th it was flushed three times within an hour from this pool, jeturning each time as soon as the coast was clear. When in the pool it waded about in water so deep that it was sometimes a matter of doubt whether he was wading or swimming. At the first sign of alarm he went to the shore and stood bobbing his head like a common sandpiper. He was quick to take alarm, and readily took flight, usually uttering a loud "chew-ick". His flight was strong and swift, and on the wing he was noticeably bigger than the common redshank. The white lower back was conspicuous in flight." (B.B., Vol. xxxii, p. 122.). Greenshank. I. One at Earlswood, 31.8 and 1.9 (C.A.N., W.E.G.). II. One at Upper Bittell, 28.4—30.4; two, 1 and 2.5, one, 3, 4 and 5.5. Another, 10.5 and two 11.5; these last were seen by G.B.J. to rise high into the air and after circling round once or twice they left the reservoir in a northerly direction about 7 p.m. Black-tailed Godwit. I. One at Curdworth, 27 and 28.4 (W.E.G., C.A.N.). II. Two near Bromsgrove, 27.8 (F.F.). III. Three at Bellfields, 16.4 (R.J.F. and I.A.B.); one, 24.4 (W.F.I., M.A.S.). Whimbrel. II. One flying over Randan, 27.8 (F.F.). Jack Snipe. I. One at Napton, 6.3 (W.B.A.). II. One at Lower Bittell, 22.10 (E.St.G.B.); one at Upper Bittell, 3.11 (H.G.A.). III. One at Bellfields, 26.2 (H.G.A.). Common Tepn. II. Three at Upper Bittell, 30.5 (G.B.J., H.G.A.); four, 2.6 (not the same birds); three, 3.6 (G.B.J.); one, 10 to 15.10 (C.K.J., H.G.A., E.St.G.B.). Others, probably of this species, were seen on 3.5, 25 and 29.6 and 2.7. III. Two, probably Common, at Gailey, 10.7 (C.W.). Little Tern. II. One at Upper Bittell, 30.5 (G.B.J., H.G.A.). Black Tern. II. One, Upper Bittell, 23.4 (E.St.G.B.); two 5.5 (C.K.J., G.B.J.); two, 15.5 (H.G.A.); six, 4.6, all but one leaving the reservoir about noon (E.St.G.B., G.B.J., H.G.A.); three, 24.8 32 (C.K.J.) (B.B. xxxii, p. 123.). Seven, 17.9, increasing to nine, 19.9, and staying to 22.9, only one on the 24th (C.K.J., E.St.G.B., H.G.A.). III. Two, 23.9 and 15.10 (W.F.I.); only one on 6.10 (C.K.J., H.G.A.). Little Gull. II. One, in adult plumage, at Upper Bittell, for a few hours in the afternoon, 3.5 (H.G.A., C.K.J., F.R.B.) (B.B., xxxii, p. 123.). Common Gull. Although regular in winter in south Worcester- shire, its visits to the other parts of our area are still irregular. In 1939 it was recorded once at Bittell (12 on 4.5, G.B.J.) and twice in the autumn at Bellfields (H.G.A.). Herring Gull. II. A.J.H. noted the following at Sheriffs Lench; two flying west, 29.5; one flying south-west, 4.7; eight flying south-west, 17.7. C.K.J, saw six at Upper Bittell, 5.5; on 4.10, one. III. Some at Bellfields in Feb., Mar., and Dec. Lesser Black-Backed Gull. The usual spring passage was noted by several observers, and a few were seen on the return passage in the late summer. The earliest records were of one seen at Bellfields, 26.2, by H.G.A., and one at Bewdley 27.2, by J.S.E.; the next by A.J.H. at Sheriffs Lench, 26.3. In April a good many were seen, and a few in May, and one by A.J.H. on 10.6. He noted them again, going the other way, on 4 and 18.7, and H.G.A. saw one going south at Selly Oak on 18.10 and one passing Bellfields on 22.10. Greater Black-Backed Gull. II. A.J.H. saw two in meadows by the Avon, 8.10, and one two days later. III. One was seen by R.J.F. and A.I.B. at Bellfields, 10.8, and W.F.I, four days later; one seen there on 12.9 by A.W.B. was presumably a different bird. Kittivrake. I. One found dead near Stratford, 27.11 (C.A.N.). II. One at Lower Bittell, 18—21.2 (C.K.J., H.G.A., E.St.G.B.); one found dead at Upper Bittell, 26.3, can hardly have been the same bird. Quail. II. One heard at Cofton, 28.5 (E.St.G.B.), but not again. One was shot at Wishaw at the end of September (W. J. Edkins). 33 MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES.

MEMBERS MARKED *

"Alexander, H. G., 144, Oaktree Lane, Selly Oak, Birmingham. Asterley, Miss M. H., 124, Albeck Road, Stechford, Birmingham. Baguley, A. A , " Shanklin," Kendal End Road, Barnt Green, Worcs. Baker, Martin, 28, St. Paul's Square, Birmingham. Ball, J. F. A., Wittingbrook Cottage, , Bromsgrove. Bannister, C. W., Feddington, , Tewkesbury. Banton, F. C , 12, Tenbury Road, King's Heath, Birmingham. "Barlow, F. R., 26, Linden Road, Bourneville, Birmingham. Beale, E. P., 62, Wellington Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Butler, Mrs. E., 132, Redditch Road, King's Heath, Birmingham. "Cadbury, Mrs. J., 170, Oaktree Lane, Bourneville, Birmingham. Cadbury, J. C., Beaconwood, Rednal, Worcs. Cadbury, Mrs. J. C., ,, ,, ,, Carr, P., Ormond Lodge, Newbold-on-Stour, Stratford-on-Avon. "Carter, Miss B. A., Fir Tree Cottage, Chippenfield, Kings Langley, Herts. Conrady, Miss M. E., S. George's Court, Bourneville, Birmingham. Cooke, D. S., The Gables, Barnt Green, Worcs. Dawson, G., 4, Westfield Hall, Hagley Road, Kdgbaston, Birmingham. Edkins, W. J., Langley Grove, Walmley, Nr. Birmingham. Fox, J. P., 9, S. Augustine's Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Fincher, F., Randan Wood Poultry Farm, Woodcote, Bromsgrove. Francis, W. L., High Street, Repton, Derby. Froggatt, F. W., 64, Grafton Road, Handsworth, Birmingham. Gibbins, Miss M., Upwood, Barnt Green, Worcs. Grove, Miss N., 14, Hart Road, Erdington, Birmingham. "Groves, W. E.. 4, Lyttelton Koad, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Hamel, Capt. A. de, Wigginton Lodge, Tamworth, Staffs. Hancock, Malcolm, Packwood Hall, Hockley Heath, Warwicks. Harries, N. G., 31a, Colmore Row, Birmingham. "Harthan, A. J., Sheriffs Lench, Evesham. Hibbert, Mrs. G. K., 38, Weoley Park Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham. Hussey,J. K., Merecroft, Meadow Hill Road, King's Norton, Birmingham. Ireland, W. F. Jr., Wraysberry, Hanbury Crescent, Wolverhampton. •James, Miss C. K., Blake's Wood, Barnt Green, Worcs. Jeavons, P. M., 48, Reddings Road, , Birmingham. Kay, Miss M. L., Maple Bank, Church Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. "Kenrick, W. E., Westfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. "Kenrick, H., The Grove, Harborne Park Road, Birmingham. *King, G. M., Winds Point, Hagley, Nr. Stourbridge. Lane, Mrs. A. B., Blackdown, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos. Lane, J. D., Woodloes, Warwick. Lloyd, G. B.. 32, Meadow Hill Road, King's Norton, Birmingham. Lund, Miss M. H., " Haverbrack," Uackmans Gate, , Worcs. Mathews, Mrs. Lewis, 39, Westfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Mashiter, Major E., Lupton House, Bromsgrove Scoool, Worcs. Morshead. P. E. A., 2, The College, Malvern. "Norris, C. K., Grassholme, Stratford-on Avon. Palfrey, II. E., Everscote, Pedmore, Stourbridge. Palmer, Miss M., The Elms, Widney Lane, Solihull. , Miss D., The Uplands, Lordswood Road, Harborne, Birmingham. Pearce, Miss C. E., 56, Fountain Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

34 Price, Mrs. M. P., The Glebe, Twyning, Tewkesbury, Glos. Proctor, W. J., 76, Woodlands Road, Moseley, Birmingham. Pumphrey, Miss M. E., 8, Snakes Lane, Alvechurch, Worcs. Ratcliffe, Dr. J. R., " jjlmdon," Wake Green Road, Moseley, Birmingham. Reid, W. L., 172, Hamstead Koad, Handsworth, Birmingham. Richardson, G., 18, Grove Avenue, Moseley, Birmingham. Rushton Miss G., The Four Gables, Welford-on-Avon, Warwicks. Salter, R. G., 52, Willow Road, Bourneville, Birmingham. Sandeman, P. W., 528, Wilbraham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester. 'Sanderson, W. W., 32, Kensington Road, Selly Hill, Birmingham. Scare, T. J., 125, Colmore Row, Birmingham. Seggie, K., 5, Randle Street, Coventry. Silvers, C. Owen, Keepers Cottage, Orton Hills, Wolverhampnon. Smith, Dr. Langdale, 21, Victoria Road, Stechford, Birmingham. Stephens, J. S., 270, Hagley Road, Edgbaston Birmingham. Swann, M. A., 21, Barnard Road, . Wain, H. T., Dunelin, Beetby Lane, Burton-on-Trent. Wainwright, C. J., 172, Hamstead Road, Handsworth, Birmingham. * Wall is, C. W. K., 69, Fountain Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Wallis, G., S. John's College, Oxford. Warwick, J, S., "Goodrich," Grange Road, Dorridge, Warwicks. Whittle, E., 37, Victoria Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham. •Wilkinson, G. H., "The Hurst," Hartopp Road, Sutton Coldfield. Williams, Mrs. A. F., Thurston End Hall, Hawkedon, Bury St. Edmunds. Wilson, H. Lloyd, Clent Cottage, Clent, Nr. Bromsgrove. *Wood, J. D., Leighton Park School, Reading. Wright, Miss P. M., 13, Carless Avenue, Harborne, Birmingham.

CONTRIBUTORS

to this Report who are not Members or Associates. Alexander, W. B. Oxford. Auster, H. A. K. Barnt Green. Beddows, I. A. Rugby. Beeston, T. J. Cookley, Kidderminster. Betts, E. St. G. Birmingham. Boyd, A. W. Northwich. Bryan, B. Stoke-on-Trent. Elliott, J. S. Dowles, Bewdley. Foster, R. G. Ryton, Shifnal. Harland, A. Birmingham. lackson, Rev. G. B. Ceylon (Selly Oak, 1938). Mapleton-Bree, H. W. Coventry. Morley, Miss A. Oxford. Wilkinson, Miss W. Hewell, Redditch. Wilson, C. Coppenhall, Stafford.

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